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The boy, Simon Petrus, is a grade 12 student (equivalent of SHS 3) at the Abraham Iyambo Secondary School in the Ohangwena Region of the country.

According to a local news website, he put together the parts from an old television and a telephone and says the invention only uses the radio system. It also has an electric light bulb, a fan and a socket for its charger, attached to the large box it is housed.
There are already signs of the end to come. The seventh season is made up of only seven episodes instead of the traditional 10 episodes and will be released in the summer of 2017.

According to Bloys, the number of episodes for the final season, which will be broadcast in 2018, is not yet known.

We will take as many as the [producers if the show] will give us  he said.

The TV series is based on George Martins best-selling book series A song of Ice and Fire. The first of the books was titled A Game of Thrones.

The critic website Shmoop simplifies the plot as several noble houses fight a civil war over who should be king, while an exiled princess tries to find her place in the world, and the kingdom is threatened by some rising supernatural threat. The Iron Throne is on offer for the winner.

It is shot primarily in a studio in Northern Ireland, however some scenes have been shot across the world in countries such as Iceland, Morocco and Spain. The series and its actors has won numerous awards including the Emmy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards.

Many of its characters such as Arya and Sansa Stark, Jon Snow, Tyrion, Cersei and Jamie Lannister have cult following around the world.
The announcement was made by Raindolf Owusu, the founder of Oasis Websoft, developers of BISA.

After many months of discussions, we have signed an MOU to collaborate with the United Nations International Labour Organization to use our technology product BISA to provide information and advice on labour rights and HIV for young people in Ghana and beyond.

Under this collaboration Bisa will be used to target young persons and provide the necessary health information at the click of a button, including options for accessing HIV counselling and testing services, treatment for STDs and HIV- related illnesses.

Bisa which means ask in the Akan language, is an app that allows users to seek medical advice without physical interaction with health professionals. Basically, it provides consultancy with a doctor over your smartphone.

According to the ILOs director for Anglophone West Africa, mobile technology has transformed communication among young people across Africa. Its application to healthcare can be a game changer in [the fight against HIV].

The ILOs partnership with Oasis Websoft offers a huge potential and a unique opportunity to increase access toinformation through a channel young people use daily.

According to the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), the virus is the second leading cause of death among teenagers with girls being the most vulnerable. 65 percent of all new infections worldwide are also among adolescents.
Some Ministers and bigwigs in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have signed the petition book which seeks to solicit for signatories to be presented to the president for a presidential pardon for the trio.

The three contemnors Alistair Nelson, Godwin Ako Gunn members of NDC and Salifu Maase alias Mugabe were on Wednesday July 27, sentenced to a four- months jail term by the Supreme Court.

The trio were found guilty of scandalizing the court, defying and lowering the authority of the Supreme Court and bringing it into disrepute.

But Occupy Ghana in a statement said We respectfully urge the President to disregard this facade, and rebuke any minister or member of his executive who has signed or signs that petition.

Read More:Montie FM Saga Street hawkers engage in heated argument over court ruling on panellists

This power is not to be exercised upon a whim or a fancy or upon contrived circumstances, but only exceptionally, where the situation really and truly deserves it. Critically, this power should not be exercised in a way that represents a fundamental undermining of the independence of the judiciary and an interference with their functions, as well as an attack on the constitutional concept of separation of powers.

Read full statement below

OCCUPYGHANA ON THE PRESIDENTS PRERROGATIVE OF MERCY PETITION FOR MONTIE 3

OccupyGhana has noted with considerable interest, news reports of petitions presented to the President by counsel for Salifu Mugabe Maase, Ako Gunn and Alistair Nelson seeking their pardon. This is after they were convicted (on their own guilty pleas) for contempt of court, and sentenced to 4 months imprisonment each, by the Supreme Court.

We have also noted with concern, a petition signed by persons that regrettably include certain ministers and deputy ministers of state and members of the Presidents staff, also urging the President to pardon these individuals.

We recognise the power of the President, in the exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy under article 72 of the Constitution, to commute death sentences, change mode of execution, pardon offenders or reduce punishments. This is a grave and weighty power vested in the President, as the repository of the executive authority of the state under article 58 of the Constitution.

This power is not to be exercised upon a whim or a fancy or upon contrived circumstances, but only exceptionally, where the situation really and truly deserves it. Critically, this power should not be exercised in a way that represents a fundamental undermining of the independence of the judiciary and an interference with their functions, as well as an attack on the constitutional concept of separation of powers.

We therefore find it incongruous and bizarre, that members of the Presidents own executive take part in a petition to the President, urging him to exercise this grave authority in favour of these Convicts. For them to do so suggests they are outsiders looking in, when they are actually part of the executive. It is deeply misleading to the public and certainly looks contrived.

We respectfully urge the President to disregard this facade, and rebuke any minister or member of his executive who has signed or signs that petition.

Further, and as the preamble of the Constitution provides, all powers of Government [including executive power] spring from the Sovereign Will of the People. Thus in the exercise of the Prerogative of Mercy, the President must act, not just in the interest of a section of society, but in the broader interest of Ghana as a whole.

We also note that the Prerogative of Mercy is a discretionary power vested in the President. That power is not absolute, and is subject to judicial review under article 296, if the President exercises the power unfairly, in a manner that is biased, not candid, or not in accordance with due process of law. If the President grants these petitions, such an exercise of his discretion may be challenged as unconstitutional before the Supreme Court, and this could lead to a major and needless constitutional crisis.

The acts of contempt that the Convicts committed (and confessed to before the court) were extremely grave. What they did also amounted to threats of harm or of death and statutory contempt of court, which are crimes under our Criminal Offences Act.

These rank among the most serious examples of contempt involving a media organisation that we have seen, according to our research. It does not appear to us that the Ghana Police Service was interested in investigating this at all. The Bureau of National Investigations, which claimed to have invited and interviewed the Convicts, rather issued an unsatisfactory press statement claiming that checks by the BNI have however established that the suspects were incapable of carrying out pronouncements but did so in a show of needless bravado. What is worse, the Attorney-General, who has the sole power to initiate the prosecution of crimes, chose not to do so.

This grave inertia appears to us, to have left the judiciary with no option than to invoke their powers to punish contempt by summoning the Convicts and requiring of them to show cause why they should not be convicted for contempt. The Convicts had every opportunity to defend themselves in court but chose to plead that they were liable. We believe that the Supreme Court took all of these into consideration in arriving at a unanimous decision on the sentences to be imposed.

It would therefore be a slap in the face of the judiciary, if upon imposing the sentence, the Office of the President is receiving, entertaining and considering contrived petitions to either pardon the Convicts or reduce their punishment

The key lesson that we all should learn, flowing from the contempt proceedings during the hearing of the Election Petition and from the instant case, that freedom of expression and the repeal of criminal libel laws do not constitute not an excuse to engage in improper and other criminal conduct.

The same Constitution that guarantees fundamental human rights, requires us to respect public order, and not engage in acts that exhibit or encourage disrespect to the nation or incite hatred against members of the community  this includes our courts and the judges. A separate and critical aspect of the Constitution is that it requires respect for administration of justice.

It is on these bases that we respectfully urge the President to reject the petitions, and rebuke all ministers and members of the executive who have taken part in the preparing and signing any of the petitions.

Justice has been served and the decision of the Supreme Court should not be interfered with.
Their action denied many Muslims access to the Central Mosque to offer the Friday prayers (Jumah). The youths claim the Mosque has been no maintenance plan since it was built.

Led by Fuseini Osmanu, Ibrahim Tom, Alhaji Balla and Abubakari Saddique , the group went to lock up the place in the early hours of Friday causing inconvenience to hundreds of muslims who use the facility

In an interview with journalists, one of the leaders, Osmanu explained that "the Mosque was built for us by some missionaries from Saudi Arabia about 15 years ago but has since not undergone any renovation".

"The Inside of the Mosque, place for Ablution (Place for cleansing), the urinary and the general environment of the facility is in a very sorry state".

According to them, the Mosque raises at least one hundred cedis every week and part of that money could have been used to maintain the facility
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Abubakar was reacting to recent criticism she got after posting on her Instagram that she is a virgin looking forward to having children.

In an interview with Punch News on Saturday, July 20, 2016, the "Men In Love" actress disclosed that she just doesn't care about what critics say.

People always comment on most of my posts. You know Nigerians like to criticise whether they understand the language or not."

"I just want to believe that they just want to talk. I dont want to talk about my post where I said that I was a virgin and couldnt wait to have children. I posted what I wanted and that was it."

"I have been getting negative comments from people for over 13 years; I think my body is used to it by now."

"Negative comments do not move me at all and I do not even have emotional feelings towards such."

The actress maintained that she will rather keep her cards close to her chest when it concerns her love life.

According to her, the media might twist her words to imply what she did not intend to say.

She disclosed that she will reveal such matters at the appropriate time.

"I do not like talking about my love life because of the way the media twists words. When the time comes, people would know about my love life."
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!
In two to three days, over $100,000 was raised via a GoFundMe page while about N30M was believed to have been deposited into her local bank account.

But things turned sour when popular actress and drama queen Toyin Aimahku, who once spearheaded the cause to save Mayowa, later turned against it, claiming it was a scam.

And popular blogger Linda Ikeji, alleged that the family had absconded from their home, a post that's no longer available on her site.

As far as I'm concerned, the issue here's not if #savemayowa is a scam or not, but the inadequacy of the Nigerian medical system.

This young woman was bounced from one hospital to another for over a year and none of them could correctly diagnose what was wrong with her? It's a shame, a big shame.

About 70,000 people are diagnosed with cancer yearly in Nigeria, yet LASUTH and LUTH, both of which are teaching hospitals cannot correctly diagnose cancer.

What then are they teaching? What sort of doctors are they churning out yearly? Medical science has advanced past the treatment of malaria, which seems to be the specialty of most of our doctors.

As Mayowas family said in a statement it released we have been misled by the so called top hospitals in Nigeria and have only helped to make the matter worse, and this includes the acclaimed Reddington hospital which also treated her for ulcer.

Common sense tells you that if you misdiagnose a patient or your patient is not responding well to treatment, even after changing their medication, that your diagnosis could be wrong.

Does not correct medical practice dictate that when you have a situation you do not understand, you refer your patient to a specialist?

Yet they went from treating this young woman for ulcer, to managing her symptoms, in other words they were making her as comfortable as they could while they awaited her death.

At the foundation of this rot in our medical houses, is our archaic educational system. Graduating doctors are being taught systems and techniques no longer relevant and long forgotten by their western counterparts.

It took only a few minutes for foreign trained Nigerian doctor to detect that this poor woman was misdiagnosed and prescribed drugs that immediately gave her some relief. This shows we need a complete overhaul of the medical institutions in Nigeria.

The government needs to send our doctors out for special courses in western worlds or even India, to learn what their counterparts around the world are doing.

They need to learn what the new techniques are, the latest machines, current advancements and researches being carried out.

They will then bring back and share this knowledge with their colleagues back home.

If the government does this regularly and equips our hospitals, the current medical tourism which Nigerians embark on yearly will reduce drastically.

President Buhari will no longer have to go to London whenever he has an ear infection, but will rather call on one of these well trained doctors.

It's also time for doctors and nurses in Nigeria to be held accountable for their errors. They should no longer be allowed to act with impunity.

If Mayowa was diagnosed correctly from the get go, the cancer would have been curbed and not have spread to her other organs.
According to reports, the security agency stormed the Green Chambers and locked the secretariat of the appropriation committee.

The lawyers stand was also expressed by the House minority leader, Leo Ogor, in an interview with Premium Times.

Falana also said the DSS lacks the moral and legal right to probe the budget padding scandal in the House of Reps.

He said the National Security Agencies Act limits the DSS to investigate crimes against the internal security of Nigeria.

Falana, in a statement said: "It was reported last week that the Nigeria Police Force had commenced investigations into the criminal allegation of the padding of the national budget by some members of the House of Representatives.

Some civil society organisations have also requested the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission to wade into the matter. Curiously, the State Security Service (Department of State Service) is alleged to have usurped the statutory duties of the police and the anti graft agencies by taking over the investigation of the padding of the budget.

Based on the illegal decision to take over the investigation the DSS is reported to have sealed off the office of the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee of the House of Representatives.

Having regard to the recent activities of the SSS and the clear provisions of the relevant laws on investigation of corruption and other economic and financial crimes the DSS lacks the moral right and legal powers to interfere in the investigation of the criminal allegation of padding of the budget in any manner whatsoever.

More importantly, by virtue of the provisions of the National Security Agencies Act the powers of the SSS are strictly limited to the preservation and detection within Nigeria of any crime against the internal security of Nigeria.

Since the padding of the national budget is a straight forward case of economic crime which is not concerned with the internal security of the nation the SSS should not play into the soiled hands of the criminal suspects in the House of Representatives as they may later turn round to challenge the legal validity of any criminal charge arising from a faulty investigation report.

The SSS should be called to order as the nation cannot afford to bungle the investigation of the highly placed politically exposed persons involved in the padding of the budget.

In the light of the foregoing, the Police and the anti graft agencies should be allowed to get to the root of the criminality of budget padding in the National Assembly.

There are reports that President Buhari gave the DSS and police the go ahead to investigate the budget padding scandal.
According to Premium Times, the guest house is located at Vistula Close, along Panama Crescent, Maitama in Abuja.

Allegations and counter-allegations have been making the rounds since the budget padding scandal came to the fore.

Jibrin also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest the House Speaker.

Several groups including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Dogara to step down.
It was reported that the DSS stormed the Green Chambers following a formal report made by the former chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin.

Jibrin also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest the House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.

Speaking further on the reported closure of the appropriation committees secretariat, Dawaki said All records are also intact and safe both hardware and software. In addition, our archival setup is properly kept and in order.

Furthermore, no member of staff in the Secretariat of the committee has been subjected to any form of threat, intimidation or harassment from any quarter whatever.

Following the report that the DSS locked the House committees secretariat, the Reps minority leader, Leo Ogor said the security agency has no business meddling into legislative matters.

Lagos lawyer, undefinedto investigate crimes against the internal security of Nigeria, and not issues like the budget padding scandal.
The latest among them is the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), who has called on the House Speaker, Yakubu Dogara to step down.

SERAP said Dogara should give way for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to properly investigate the allegations of budget padding.

The group, in a letter to the Speaker, asked him to ensure that those mentioned in the allegation, all step down.

An excerpt of the letter obtained from Punch reads: Following confirmation received by SERAP from the EFCC that it has taken up and looking into SERAPs petition to the body on the allegations that the leadership of the House of Representatives padded the 2016 budget to the tune of N481 billion, SERAP is now writing to request you to immediately step aside from your position as Speaker of the House of Representatives pending the outcome of the investigation.

We also urge you to ensure that other principal officers of the House suspected to be involved in the alleged padding step aside from their positions to allow for the investigation by the EFCC and other agencies to go ahead unhindered.

SERAP has also reviewed several documents circulating on the internet on the alleged budget padding and we believe that these documents establish a prima-facie case of corruption, which deserves a thorough, transparent, independent and effective investigation by the EFCC and other agencies.

In the circumstances, SERAP calls on you to demonstrate your often-expressed commitment to transparency, accountability, constitutionalism, democratic governance and the rule of law in Nigeria by now stepping aside from your position as Speaker and to ensure that other principal officers suspected to be involved in the budget padding do the same, pending the outcome of the investigation already by the EFCC.

SERAPs call is entirely consistent with the constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended). As the supreme law of the land, all organs of government including the National Assembly are obliged to perform their functions in accordance with the constitution and other enabling laws.

The Department of State Services has reportedly locked the secretariat of the House of Representatives committee on appropriation.
The North-East region of Nigeria has been devastated by constant attacks from the terror group, Boko-Haram.

This was disclosed by the Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Mallam Auwal Ibrahim Musa.

Musa, who also spoke to the Katsina state Governor, Aminu Bello Masari on the report, said the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has made available N820m to tackle malnutrition in the state.

He also said UNICEF has made N820 million available for this project.All that is required for the state to access the fund is for the state to pay its own N120 million counterpart funding.

Musa said Globally,25,000 under 5 children die daily and 45% of cause of death is attributed to malnutrition.Nigeria is one of the 20 countries responsible for 80%of global child malnutrition ,which accounts for one tenth of the global total.

Nigeria currently has 2.1million malnourished children.Nearly one thousand Nigerian Children die of malnutrition-related causes everydaya total of 361,000 child death each year.

The 2016 Global Nutrition Report shows Nigeria is second position in the ranking of global prevalence of stunting and wasting after India.The report shows that Katsina has second highest prevalence rate of stunting and wasting after Jigawa.

Katsina state is among the states with less than 10% exclusive breastfeeding practice in Nigeria.

Pulse recently obtained a video of malnourished children in a camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno state.

Despite reports that the Borno state Government received cash donations of N345m for the upkeep of the IDPs, the sight of the dying children was heart breaking.
The incident was confirmed to Punch by the spokesman of the Sokoto state police command

Sani said  The deceased was suspected to have been killed by gunmen who are right now at large.

 The incident was said to have occurred on Thursday at his residence in Yauri flats, Sokoto, and it was reported to the Gwiwa Police Station on the same day.

 We are suspecting that the assailants were armed robbers as his Toyota car is still missing.
Recently, with the Federal Government.

The groups are the Reformed Egbesu Boys of the Niger Delta, Egbesu Red Water Lions and Egbesu Mightier Fraternity.

Vanguard reports that the government might release Charles and Henry Okah, the brothers who allegedly masterminded the Independence Day bombing in October 2010.

Also MEND has asked that Tompolos case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), be suspended.

Reports also say another condition tabled by MEND for a ceasefire in the Niger Delta, is the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

MEND spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, in a statement, said The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is the only militant group from the Niger Delta region who are presently engaged in a dialogue with the Federal Government of Nigeria  through oil companies and security agencies -with a view to resolving the current Niger Delta crisis.

Thus far, the deliberations have been fruitful, various concessions and guarantees have already been secured. Some of which include, but are not limited to: Release of Henry Okah, Charles Okah and Obi Nwabueze; Review of the life sentence handed to Mr. Edmund Ebiware based on a proposal put forward by the Aaron Team representative for Abia and Imo states, Senator Adolphus Wabara.

Also, conditional release of IPOB leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu and others if they renounce their agitation for a Biafra Republic.

To this end, both parties agreed that the Special Forces of the Nigerian Army should commence the purely routine but strategic military exercise code-named Operation Crocodile Tears; while MEND would commence a meet-the Government-Actors-and-People tour of the Niger Delta region code-named Operation Moses.
Dan-Alli, in the company of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin and other officers, said he was in Bayelsa state to determine the capability of the military to contain any form of aggression.

The minister also paid a courtesy visit to the Bayelsa Governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha Jonah.

Punch reports that Dan-Alli said One of the cardinal objectives that brought us here is to look for peace. But we are also preparing in case the peace and negotiations are not favourable.

We are also on our own side making all the necessary security arrangements so that there will be peace in the Niger Delta.

He also said We are not saying that we are going to war; we are doing internal security work and internal security work is not war, so you cannot start claiming collateral damage.

We know our rules of engagement. We cannot use force without any mandate. So, collateral damage does not come in here. As far as I am concerned, we are just trying to stop criminality in this general area.

Three Niger Delta militant groups - the Reformed Egbesu Boys of the Niger Delta, Egbesu Red Water Lions and Egbesu Mightier Fraternity, have agreed to dialogue with the Federal Government.
He also called on people of the state not to vote for the PDP in the upcoming governorship elections.

Oshiomhole said the party misused the resources of Edo state, adding that The people who bled the treasury are now coming to tell you, the victims, that rice is now expensive, naira has suffered devaluation. If one man took over N2 billion, in Edo alone, what they have confessed to EFCC to have taken is over N5 billion.

He also said If they took so much dollars meant for defense to protect Christians against attacks from Boko Haram, to protect mosques from Boko Haram attack, these people took the money in dollars, converted it to naira, depleted our dollar reserves, shared it into their pockets, their generals dug soak-away pits and put dollars inside. The whole dollars from the Central Bank was taken and from a reserve of over $50 billion, PDP bled the reserves and today it is down to about $20 billion.

The Edo Governor also praise the administration of President Buhari, adding that he is blocking the leakages in the economy.

When a man comes to your house, burgled your store where you kept your food and in the morning you find the store burgled, can you immediately feed your children? What President Buhari is doing now, when he found that PDP broke into the treasury and emptied it, he has started rebuilding of the door of the treasury to resecure it, and the ones they have taken he is recovering them one after the other.

The way PDP put fire on our economy, to rebuild it cannot be overnight. Today, my confidence about the future of our country is that Buhari is blocking all the leakages in our economy, he said.
The caretaker committee led by Ahmed Makarfi and the embattled chairman of the party, Ali Modu Sheriff have not been able to make a compromise for the sake of the party, despite holding peace talks.

They also called on the National Judicial Commission (NJC), to probe Justice Okon Abang, following a recent judgement declaring the PDP convention slated to hold in August 2016, illegal.

The PDP youth also alleged that Justice Abangs judgement goes in favour of the one who has the money to pay.

The National Coordinator of the group, Austin Okai, in a statement said The judiciary must not be a place were anyone runs into and hide his misdeed, it is now clear that Justice Okon Abang has turn his own arm of judiciary to be a rubber stamp for anyone who can afford the bid.

We ask all concerned to wave into this judicial rascality exhibited by Justice Okon Abang before it eats deep into the marrows of our democracy. He is not only a threat to democracy but also a threat to human rights and stain to the bench.

PDP is a family and each time it has internal misunderstanding, the said Justice Okon Abang dives in to set fire on a fresh wood. It is alarming how much interest he picks on matters that concerns the PDP.

The manner and mode in which judgements are obtained from Justice Okon Abang is an abuse to constitutional rights, cases brought before him are not studied, neither are they carefully listened to. He gives judgement contradicting same judgement from court of the same competent jurisdiction, High court over ruling High court judgement, and to this we find it absurd for an arm as the one he controls finding solace in misinforming the people, it is very unfuturnate. He did the same thing in the Abia state governornorship election case that has placed the duo of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah in a tight conner.

He is doing same is on this matter. We totally say no to this act of using his office to stain the countrys judiciary and making it a laughing stock.

We therefore call on the National Judicial Council to as a matter of urgency remove Justice Okon Abang and further probe his ill judicial rascality and constitutional doctoratings to save our judiciary, as well as our democracy.

Senator Buruji Kashamu has also said undefinedthe ongoing crisis rocking the party.
Okorocha said I encourage Imo workers to find additional things to do to support their families because of the economic situation we are facing in Nigeria.

We are considering to reduce the working days from five to three in Imo, so that workers will use the rest of the days to work and support their families.

The Governor also said workers in the earn the highest among the South-Eastern states, adding that Directors in these other South-Eastern states receive something a little above N90, 000 while in Imo they receive more than N100, 000.

We intend to clear salary arrears up to July by next week. After that, we will consider downward review of salary to workers to be at par with other states of South-East.
The Senator said Nigeria, just like Algeria, has been able to defeat terrorism. Algeria, as the first country in Africa to experience the worst form of terror and they were able to defeat it.

Also, Nigeria is the first country in the Sub-Saharan Africa, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, to be able to defeat and degrade terrorism. There is a lot to learn and there is a lot for the two countries to get along with.

On Thursday, July 28, 2016, a undefinedby suspected jihadists.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has also promised to restore full peace to the troubled North-East region of Nigeria.
This is coming on the heels of reports that the secretariat of the House committee on appropriation was locked by officers of the DSS.

He also dismissed allegations levelled against him by the former chairman of the appropriation committee of the House, Abdulmumin Jibrin.

Jibrin had earlier levelled several allegations of fraud against the Hose Speaker, Yakubu Dogara.

Allegations and counter allegations have been making the headlines, but the former committee chairman insists that the Speaker should resign, adding that he has proof to back all he has said.

Jibrin also mentioned that Ogor was part of the people who manipulated figures of various projects in the 2016 budget.

Speaking to Premium Times on the allegations, the House minority leader said The internal security of the nation is the function of the SSS. This is clearly the work of the Nigeria Police. EFCC can also investigate the matter."

Ogor also said he is commenting on the budget padding scandal because his name was mentioned.

He also frowned at a comment by Jibrin that he is living above his means as a legislator.

The lawmaker said it is very insulting for anybody to tell me Im living above my means because I live in Apo Legislative Quarters for 14 years.

Is it because Im not living in Maitama or Asokoro?

Adding that The president said I wont sign until I see the details.

So, the question youre supposed to ask yourself is, why did the president refuse to sign the budget? Because the budget was mutilated.

When the president returned the budget back, the budget was now referred to the National Assembly. The National Assembly set up an ad hoc committee to now restore the budget from that mutilated nature.

Do I have access to appropriation? For Christ's sake, let all of us grow up.

Somebody is busy lying there and everybody has accepted, Ogor said.

The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has said the party chairman, John Odigie Oyegun is not capable of handling the affairs of the ruling party, following the fall-out in the House of Representatives.
Dokpesi is in the race to become the chairman of the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The AIT boss, in a meeting with members of the party in Ekiti state, said he will not step down for Chief Bode George.

According to the AIT boss media team, High Chief Dokpesi is busy meeting the delegates and outlining his programmes for the reformation and rebuilding of the PDP. He is not considering stepping down for anyone as he is widely accepted by delegates across the country. He remains the candidate to beat.

 As at noon of Saturday, 30th July, we have visited all the states in the Southern region, except Ekiti, which we are heading to now. We will be meeting delegates from the Northern region as from Sunday so High Chief Dokpesi is committed to the campaign and he is confident that he will win by the grace of God and the support of the delegates.
It was a brand new starting line for Quad-City Times Bix runners Saturday as they squeezed in between downtown Davenport storefronts that after years of sitting dark and empty  one as long as four decades  have come back to life.

Millions of dollars in redevelopment has taken shape or been kicked off in the past year in just a three-block stretch at the foot of Brady Street hill. The projects are among $98 million in investments under construction throughout the downtown since last year's race.

"For folks who only come here once a year, they can see tangible progress," said Kyle Carter, the executive director of the Downtown Davenport Partnership.

Just near the starting line, these projects occurred: Wells Fargo Bank moved into newly remodeled space at Restoration St. Louis' City Square; Analog Arcade opened in the long shuttered Schneff's Jewelers; Daytrotter, a music venue and recording studio, now occupies the ground floor of the renovated Renwick Building; and a new housing project with a civil rights interpretive center is under construction at 5th and Brady streets.

"For the first time in at least 30 years, the Brady Street corridor is completely open," Carter said of activity surrounding the starting line. Of the near $100 million in downtown construction, he said "Of course, most of that is City Square."

Restoration St. Louis, owned by Amy and Amrit Gill, is redeveloping half a city block along 2nd Street into the $60 million City Square. The project kicked off with Wells Fargo's move this spring into the former Parker Building. Construction crews now are renovating the center building that connects the Parker and Putnam Building. Interior demolition has begun in the Putnam.

"Since we started working in Davenport, that entire stretch of Brady from the Renwick, Forrest Block and the Parker Building have all been rehabbed," said Amy Gill, whose development company first made its mark here with the Hotel Blackhawk's historic renovation.

The Brady Street revival has been rounded out for a few years by the new Union Arcade Apartments and Democrat Lofts, both former office buildings converted into lofts. In addition, the Starting Line bar is back to that name, Carter said.

He said only the future Scott Community Colleges' urban campus and the Hiberian Hall remain dark in that stretch of Brady. "But Hiberian Hall is in transition into housing and retail," he said of the project by Quad-City developers Manisha and Manoji Baheti.

Likewise, plans also are moving forward to convert two former bank buildings on 3rd Street between Brady and Main streets into a new college campus.

"They have bought the buildings and now the next phase is construction financing," Carter said. "That really is the next domino to fall. The school is the most important project beyond City Square."

According to Carter, another $112 million of projects are in the pipeline for downtown, which has seen $400 million in investments since 2000.

"Instead of standing along a bunch of dark, vacant buildings, now the runners are standing next to all these buildings that have been completely re-done and have new businesses in them," Gill said. "It's a whole new impression of Davenport."

One of the most notable and celebrated changes of the last year actually is missing from the landscape  the former Howard Johnson hotel at River Drive and 3rd Street. Located near the Bix finish line, the eyesore met the wrecking ball back in November after being vacant six years.

In its place, a $20 million Riverwatch Place office building is planned.

Developer John Ruhl said Riverwatch LLC since has closed on the property and plans are advancing. "We are working on the final architecture design work and the building now is five stories vs. six," he said, adding "We have adequate occupancy to proceed."

He could not yet disclose the tenants, but said a ground-breaking is expected in the next 90 days.

"We've made good progress and are excited to proceed with the project and have space for other tenants," he said. "We'll definitely be under construction and completed by next Bix."
SPRINGFIELD  When talking about state workers, Gov. Bruce Rauner occasionally mentions wanting to find ways to reward them for ideas that help government agencies operate more efficiently and save money for taxpayers.

Id love to give people 5 percent of every dollar they save with an idea, the Republican former venture capitalist said earlier this year at an Illinois Chamber of Commerce event in Springfield. That could be a lot. And, boy, do our state employees have good ideas for saving money. Theyve got a ton.

In fact, Illinois has had a system in place since the mid-1980s thats designed to reward employees for cost-saving ideas. Through a body now called the State Government Suggestion Award Board, Illinois has received ideas that have saved more than $566,000 since 1993, according to the boards annual reports.

But since at least 2008, when the board began taking suggestions from the public as well as state workers, it hasn't given out a cent. Whats more, the board has been inactive for more than three years following the retirement of its last chairman, former state Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield.

The Rauner administration said its looking to revitalize the board and create new programs that will reward state workers for finding ways to save money, drawing on a concept more widely used in the private sector.

One such program was announced last week at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

Department head Bryan Schneider told employees in a memo Wednesday that they will qualify for bonuses if they can save the state money while maintaining or improving service. The pilot program will pay eligible employees 25 percent of the money saved, according to the memo.

Each division will have performance targets that must be achieved to ensure that we arent saving money by compromising on quality, Schneider wrote. I would like to emphasize that this will be a group effort: performance targets will be group goals and savings will be measured on an agency-wide basis.

The bonuses, which wont count toward employees pensions, will be distributed evenly to all eligible employees based on the percentage of performance targets that are met. For example, if the department cuts spending by $1 million and meets all targets, $250,000 would be divvied out. If half of the targets are met, $125,000 would be available for bonuses.

The catch is that the eligibility of many employees is contingent on agreement from their unions, and the Rauner administration has yet to reach deals with either the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees or the Illinois Federation of Public Employees, both of which represent workers at Financial and Professional Regulation.

AFSCME has been engaged in a heated contract dispute with the administration for more than a year, and an administrative law judge for the Illinois Labor Relations Board is weighing whether talks have reached an impasse. A decision isnt expected until November.

Anders Lindall, a spokesman for AFSCME Council 31, which represents 36,000 state workers, said the union cant consider the so-called gainsharing programs or anything else until the administration returns to the bargaining table.

The union is somewhat skeptical of the concept, however, Lindall said.

Our union believes, as a general matter, that the best and the fairest way for workers and for the public interest alike is to distribute any pay increases fairly across the entire workforce, he said.

Given the varied and complex tasks assigned to employees with 800 job titles across nearly two dozen state agencies, coming up with fair ways to quantify performance could prove challenging, Lindall said.

Its difficult to image how you would do that when it comes to investigating child abuse and keeping kids safe or working as a correctional officer in a state prison or answering 911 calls for the state police, he said.

A report to the Minnesota Legislature last year from Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Frans on similar programs in that state and nearly 20 others reached a similar conclusion.

Measuring gains is at times an imperfect exercise that could lead to inequitable results and rewards or, at the very least, could open the door to unnecessary employee disputes or appeals of rewards in which the employee feels entitled to a greater share of the gain, Frans wrote. Programs within the state agencies vary greatly in terms of size, scope, structure, purpose and performance measurements. A uniform method to document savings across dissimilar programs is challenging.

The Rauner administration says it aims to tailor programs to individual agencies and to distribute awards equally to groups of employees.
The hundreds of people wandering through Davenport's Vander Veer Botanical Park playing Pokemon Go would do well to lift their eyes off their phones.

Spaced along the grand alle, from conservatory to fountain, are six colorful mosaics mounted on black metal frames, beautiful art work interspersed with beautiful plants.

Look closely at any of the pictures  a wolf, tiger, panther, bear, snake and monkey  and you'll see that they are made primarily of broken dishes, with a few glass pebbles and mirror shards in between.

They were created by Stacey Houk, an art teacher at Davenport's Jackson Elementary School. Instead of buying neatly cut, uniformly colored pieces of tile to create her mosaics, she constantly shops second-hand stores for dishes with "beautiful glazes and textures" to make into tiles by breaking them. The look of fur and striping in the tail of the wolf, for example, was created by the pattern in a dish.

Houk worked on the mosaics off and on for most of the past school year. When her students were finished with their class work and had "choice time," some elected to help her by breaking the dishes.

She outfitted the students with eye protection, then stationed them in a designated area where they could drop the dishes to the floor. They really enjoyed this "forbidden" activity, Houk said.

The shards were then swept up and collected. Houk breaks the shards into smaller pieces by setting them on a brick and striking them with a hammer.

The animals in the mosaics are from "The Jungle Book," the theme of this summer's learning activity at the park. Parks employees and a representative of the Friends of Vander Veer, a nonprofit organization that financially supports programming at the park, thought the theme would draw people in because of this summer's re-release of the movie by Disney.

The mosaics began with Houk's son, David, an art teacher at Davenport's Monroe Elementary School, drawing the animal figures on cement board affixed to plywood.

Then Stacey drew in the surrounding plant life and, to create the mosaic, picked up a piece of broken dish, applied an adhesive the consistency of cake frosting to the back, and pressed it into the board. Any frosting that oozed out was quickly cleaned up. This process was repeated until she had a picture, then she covered it all with grout.

When the grout hardened, she cleaned each colored piece individually. "I liken it to a dental hygienist cleaning teeth. Each pieces has to be that good. If it's not, then it's not good craftsmanship."

She figures each picture took about 40 hours, or 240 hours total, not counting prep time.

For those unfamiliar with "The Jungle Book," a story by Rudyard Kipling, the synopsis is this: Raised by a family of wolves since birth, Mowgli (the "man cub") must leave the only home he's ever known when a fearsome tiger threatens his life. Guided by a panther and a bear, the boy meets an array of jungle animals, including a snake and a monkey, and learns valuable life lessons on his journey to self-discovery. He also comes to realize that his place really is among humans.

"The Jungle Book" theme ties into horticulture because each mosaic is accompanied by text explaining a kind of plant that can help Mowgli (the "man cub") survive on his own in the jungle, such as bamboo for shelter and oranges to quench his thirst. The plant is not named in the text; children must figure this out on their own. If they figure out all the plants, they get a prize.

The project was financed by in-kind contributions from the parks department (employees developed the educational component and made the metal frames, for example), a $5,000 Arts Dollar$ grant from Quad-City Arts and support from the Friends group. Overall, Friends donates $25,000 annually to Vander Veer, and the money is used as needed.

Regardless of your age or what you're doing at the park, the mosaics are worth a look. In addition to being pretty, they might inspire the artist in you, the artist in each of us.
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

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Yes, Mrs. Trump, I lifted that line from someone else.

Maybe no other literary opening best describes the stories told the past two weeks in Cleveland and Philadelphia. Donald Trump's Republican Party weaves a tale of a failing power, overrun with minorities. Polls show it feeds on white anger, fear of change fostered every time you hear someone speaking Spanish in a grocery store. It's cloaked in economic anxiety. It truly lives in racial angst in rural America's need for a simple scapegoat that explains away the complex decline of industry, family farming, century-long urbanization and white cultural dominance.

Let's be honest. It's no coincidence that Trump's rise follows the first black president.

The story told by Hillary Clinton's Democrats is substantially cheerful. Delegates were buried in positive messages about inclusion and multiculturalism. President Barack Obama reminded them of the economic turnaround he navigated. The stock market remains strong. And, thanks to Sen. Bernie Sanders's leftist insurgency, the plight of those rural Americans from whom Trump feeds wasn't this time forgotten.

Maybe the paradigm applied to free trade should shift, Clinton conceded in her speech Thursday night. Big money in politics is undermining one-citizen, one-vote democracy, she admitted.

Trump Thursday afternoon in Davenport regurgitated his standard bullet points. Fantastic deals will be made, offering this gem about Japan, "When I'm president, they'll want your beef." He'd have single-handedly dictated terms during the Iran nuclear pact negotiations, Trump said, while completely neglecting to mention that a half-dozen U.S. allies sat at the table, too. He made light of foreign affairs. He stoked fear of radical Islamists. He chided NATO allies for not paying their fair share. But, then, contradicted himself by demanding the need for U.S. military dominance. He again reiterated his schoolyard crush with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, saying we should be "friends" with Europe's most threatening antagonist.

Many words. Nothing said. Trust me, his narrative goes, I know how to cut a deal. Leave the details for later. That's Trump. That's dangerous. But boy, the man sure can rev up a room.

For Clinton, Thursday was the biggest moment of her career. A sitting president and former president had set the stage, talking policy and attempting to humanize her. The rest was up to Clinton. And, for at least the second half of her speech, she was up to the task.

Compared to Trump's rhetoric I heard hours earlier at Adler Theater, Clinton, finally, painted a clear, realistic vision. She built a convincing argument for the progress made over the past half-century, bold support for the very social evolution that so riles Trump's most devoted disciples. She talked with nuance about real-world foreign policy, not some mythical universe where one not-so-studied man can bully the rest of the planet into compliance. And Clinton did it all without falling into the everything-is-wonderful trap that had, for much of the week, dominated the DNC.

Clinton outlined real policy. She crafted a road map for its legislative survival. She displayed chops honed for decades in the public sphere. It's not sexy. It doesn't capture a crowd at a visceral level. It's government. It should give solace to those like me, who might otherwise support Clinton solely out of distaste for Trumpian rage.

No, the U.S. isn't perfect. My hometown in upstate New York, a region Trump mentioned Thursday in Davenport, is bleeding its youth, who strike out in search of work. Nothing is made there anymore. But the country isn't failing, either. The normalization of white, male dominance should be celebrated. It's a continuation of the very constitutional principles that empowers everyone, regardless of color, creed or gender.

On Thursday, I watched two very different pitches from two very different would-be presidents. One thinks we're frightened weaklings, incapable of grappling with the risks inherent to every free society. The other embraced that freedom, defended its merits and, in the process, offered real-world solutions for the troubles ahead.
PHILADELPHIA  The countrys top Democrats spent four days in the nations birthplace celebrating a historic moment while also working on two key objectives they hope will help keep their party in control of the White House.

Time will tell whether those efforts were successful, but the objectives were clear: At last weeks Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Democrats attempted to coalesce support from primary voters who had backed Bernie Sanders and to paint a personal picture of nominee Hillary Clinton for undecided voters at home.

All the while, Democrats celebrated the first woman candidate for a major political party in the nations 240-year history.

Early in her campaign, Clinton downplayed the significance of the possibility of breaking the countrys presidential glass ceiling, but recently, she has embraced it, to the delight of her supporters.

I cant believe we just put the biggest crack in that glass ceiling yet, Clinton said on Tuesday, the night she officially was named the partys nominee. If there are any little girls out there who stayed up late to watch, let me just say I may become the first woman president, but one of you is next.

The Hillary I know

Clinton made history by becoming the first woman nominee on a major party ticket, but she also has historically low favorability ratings among the public.

In fact, Clinton trails only her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, in having the highest unfavorable ratings of any major party presidential candidate in the nations history. Clinton also has poor ratings in polling questions about her trustworthiness.

Democrats spent the week in Philadelphia trying to chip away at those numbers.

Its up to people that know Hillary Clinton. We need to make sure we get out and tell the story of Hillary, said Tom Vilsack, the U.S. agriculture secretary and former Iowa governor who has long been a friend and political ally of Clinton. 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.  Im confident that over time were going to continue to see growing support.

Two of Hillary Clintons immediate family members  husband and former two-term President Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea Clinton  used their prime-time speeches to give a personal glimpse at her.

In introducing her mother for Thursday nights acceptance speech, Chelsea Clinton described Hillary as a mother and a grandmother, calling her wonderful, thoughtful, hilarious.

My earliest memory is my mom picking me up after I had fallen down, giving me a big hug and reading me Goodnight Moon, Chelsea Clinton said. From that moment, to this one, every single memory I have of my mom is that regardless of what was happening in her life, she was always, always there for me.

Even Hillary Clinton herself acknowledged the gap she must bridge, saying early in her acceptance speech, I get it that some people just dont know what to make of me.

Swaying Sanders supporters

Another challenge facing Hillary Clintons campaign is persuading primary voters who were passionate supporters of runner-up Bernie Sanders, the self-described socialist Democrat and U.S. senator from Vermont.

Sanders was not a traditional Democratic candidate  he has served as an independent in the U.S. Senate, registered as a Democrat for the campaign and said recently he plans to return to serving as an independent  and his supporters were not traditional Democratic activists.

Many elected officials who supported Sanders have now endorsed Clinton, as has Sanders himself. At the grassroots level, many who voted for Sanders said they will support Clinton  90 percent in a recent Pew Research Center survey. But other voters remain skeptical and a few more outright adamantly opposed to Clinton.

Clinton and her supporters spent the week in Philadelphia making the case to those swayable Sanders supporters.

Tom Harkin, the former Democratic U.S. senator from Iowa, and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey both shared stories of how a lack of unity among Democrats can have troublesome electoral results for the party. Harkin used the 1968 presidential election won by Richard Nixon; Booker said low turnout helped pave the way for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christies election.

Imagine what our country would have been like without eight years of Richard Nixon, Harkin said. So, I say to you (Sanders supporters), 'Look, weve got to come together. The other side is way too scary.'
NATION

McConnell likely to seek another term

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is signaling that his long political career may stretch well into the next decade. The Kentucky Republican said there's a "great likelihood" he'll seek a seventh Senate term in 2020.

McConnell, appearing on WKYT-TV's "Kentucky Newsmakers" program that aired Sunday, said he's "at the top of my game" and has been effective in representing Kentucky.

McConnell is the longest-serving senator in Kentucky's history. If McConnell won another term in 2020, it would put him on course to serve well into his 80s.

Obama to cite progress on vets issues

In a valedictory address to veterans set for today, President Barack Obama will argue that getting ex-military members the health care and benefits they've earned is a national promise that "can't be broken." And he'll tout administration progress on reducing homelessness among veterans.

Obama will also announce that the administration is halfway toward building a massive database on veterans' health when he addresses the annual convention of the Disabled American Veterans service organization Monday in Atlanta.

The president leaves office in January, and he plans to use this appearance to recap how he has tried to help former military members, moving beyond headline-grabbing scandals over lengthy wait-times for veterans seeking medical care. Outrage over those delays led to the resignation of Obama's first Veterans Affairs secretary, retired Army Gen. Eric Shinseki.

Care for America's veterans is a top issue in the presidential campaign, with the nearly 21 million veterans in the U.S. making up a critical voting bloc that Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump are vying for in November's election. Both Trump and Clinton spoke at the recent Veterans of Foreign Wars convention.

WORLD

Syrian rebels launch attack

Syrian rebels launched an offensive aimed at breaking the government's siege of eastern Aleppo on Sunday, where the U.N. estimates some 300,000 people are trapped with dwindling food and medical supplies.

As the powerful, ultraconservative Ahrar al-Sham faction announced the rebels' campaign, residents in the northern city's besieged opposition quarters burned tires to reduce visibility for fighter jets flying overhead, according to local activist Wissam Zarqa.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which gathers information from a network of local informants, said rebels and pro-government forces were clashing along several fronts on the outskirts of the divided city. Aleppo was Syria's largest city and its commercial capital before the war.

Presumed Russian or government jets bombed neighborhoods in the eastern side, the Observatory reported. Earlier in the day, helicopters dropped unguided barrel bombs on the opposition-controlled neighborhood of Bustan al-Basha, it said.

Pope: Believe in new humanity

Pope Francis encouraged hundreds of thousands of young people at a global gathering Sunday to "believe in a new humanity" that is stronger than evil and refuses to see borders as barriers.

His appeal came at the end of World Youth Day, a weeklong event held in southern Poland this year that draws young Catholics from around the world every two to three years to a different country for a spiritual pep rally.

The youth gathering was Francis' main focus during his pilgrimage to Poland, but over five days in this deeply Catholic nation he also prayed in silence at the former Nazi Auschwitz death camp and implored God to keep away a devastating wave of terrorism now hitting the world. He also met with Poland's political and church leaders.

For the second straight day, a huge crowd filled a vast field Sunday in the gentle countryside outside the city of Krakow to see Francis, who was visiting central and eastern Europe for the first time.

Security was very tight throughout the pope's five-day visit, but he encountered huge crowds day after day without incident and headed home to Rome late Sunday on a Polish plane.

Spain rescues 74 migrants

Spain's maritime rescue service on Sunday saved 74 migrants crammed into three small boats attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea.

The rescue service said it collected 25 migrants before dawn from one boat, followed hours later by the rescue of 19 others from a second craft, and then a third operation reached a boat bearing 30 more migrants. No casualties were reported.

Captains of passing ships had reported the vessels carrying the migrants as they approached Spain's southeast coast.

The Spanish Red Cross said those aboard the first two boats were examined at the port of Almeria and were unhurt. The 30 migrants from the third craft were being brought to the port of Cartagena, north of Almeria.
Hunter and Jenn Harlans shared love for antiques and antiquing will be on display Monday when their new antique shop, Younique Finds at 901 Mount Rushmore Road opens for business.

Younique Finds motto is Where new, meets old, meets local, said Jenn, who lived in Nashville, Tenn., for 11 years before returning to her hometown of Rapid City with her husband, Hunter, a full-time Rapid City firefighter.

Just looking at the items that have such rich history that you cant find anymore, the well-made products, the beauty of the way things were made back in the day, Jenn said.

Their itch for collecting naturally led to the idea of opening an antique store that also focuses on local artists.

We really wanted to give them an outlet to share their gifts as well, Jenn said.

Younique Finds will feature an eclectic selection of their own finds and items from consigners, including vintage furniture, old toys and railroad memorabilia from a local collector in the renovated 2,200-square-foot shop that was the home of Piece of Cake.

Jenn said they wanted to have something for everyone in the shop.

We want the mother to be able to come in and find a gift for a granddaughter, but we want the husband to come in and not be bored, she said.

Were very excited about the things that were finding that we can bring back to share with people so they can enjoy them, Jenn said.

See Younique Finds on Facebook or call 605-381-6092 for more information.

Pillen Optical moves

Pillen Optical has moved from 501 Kansas City St. to a larger location about a half-block to the east at 409 Kansas City St.

This marks Pillens third location near that downtown corner of Fifth and Kansas City streets since 1974, but you cant exactly say the business has bounced around.

Owner Jake Smith said he was originally located on the east side of Fifth Street in Mid-Town Plaza for 12 years before moving to the other side of the street in 1986.

Weve been on that corner, if you count the other side, for more than 40 years, he said.

Pillen was closed on Saturday, July 23, and the following Monday before opening last Tuesday in the new location, most recently a law office and the earlier location of Western Mailers.

Smith said Pillen had outgrown the old building.

Were getting too big for it to satisfy what we want to do, he said.

The search for a new location had taken about a year. Staying close to where a majority of their patients were located was a priority, he said.

The new space has allowed Pillen to add a second optometrist and puts offices, exam rooms, sales area and the optical lab all on one level, also a luxury, Smith said.

We were constantly running up and down steps, which is great exercise, but it is nice now since everything is one floor. If we need to get to the lab, we can get there quick, he said.

Smith plans to remain in its new location for another 30 years.

Thats the hope, he said. Weve always had good loyal customers and it helps that weve been around a while that people recognize the name. We do our best.
Ellsworth Air Force Base is preparing to send B-1 bombers and airmen to Guam. Ellsworth public affairs staff on Saturday said the timing of the deployment and numbers involved were not being released at this time.

The online Air Force Times news service reported late last week that the Ellsworth contingent will deploy to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam to maintain a U.S. bomber presence in the Pacific. Ellsworth B-1s were last reported in that region in 2006. A U.S. Air Force news release said the deploying Ellsworth group will replace B-52s and crews from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota.

Ellsworth's 34th and 37th bomb squadrons in 2005-2006 flew B-1B Lancer bombers on training missions in several countries and demonstrated an American presence in the western Pacific while in Guam, according to Rapid City Journal archives.

Air Force officials said B-1s returned to the United States in January for maintenance upgrades after being actively involved a bombing campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
Four core values of the Lakota oyati (people) are wisdom, respect, bravery and generosity.

South Dakota National Guard comrades say Master Sergeant James Bad Wound of Rapid City displayed those principles in spearheading many projects to help build relationships between the Guard and Native American communities in South Dakota.

Most recently, MSgt Bad Wound, a member of Joint Force Headquarters at Camp Rapid, served as chairman of the Guards Diversity Council subcommittee in charge of programs celebrating the contributions and legacy of Native American military code talkers.

Lakota soldiers were among Native American speaking their native language to foil enemy radio monitors during World War I and WWII. Their contributions gained congressional honors.

Bad Wounds committee focused on making sure the Lakota chapter of the code talkers story was told again and again across South Dakota. The ceremonies enlisted the help of family members who spoke of their akicita (defender-warrior) relative.

He led the committee as it formed, created and put on four ceremonies honoring code talker veterans from the nine Native American tribes located in South Dakota, said 1st Lt. Carstin Jerzak, the state Guards equal employment manager. He devoted his personal time and many hours to ensuring the celebrations depicted the history of the code talker legacy and honored veterans.

For his contributions dedicated to honoring the historic culture, which blends with the Guards mission and Department of Defense standards, Bad Wound recently won the Military Meritorious Service Award from the Society of American Indian Government Employees.

It has been an honor to serve in the South Dakota National Guard for the past 29 years, said Bad Wound, who retired on April 30. I have had many proud moments. The South Dakota National Guard helped me succeed in being able to serve my country and my family. I look forward to assisting Native American youth in joining the South Dakota National Guard and furthering their education.

Chief Warrant Officer 4 William White and Master Sergeant Edith Clemmons were finalists for the SAIGE Military Meritorious Service Award.

"These three individuals worked countless hours to personally ensure the veterans, tribes and code talker legacy was honored in a manner that was respectful and highlighted the duty, honor and selfless service of the code talker legacy, heritage and language," Jerzak said. "Their dedication to their heritage and families was evident in the respectful manner they displayed towards all personnel whom attended and they are to be commended for bringing forth awareness of this heroic and important part of heritage, not just for Native American people, but for all Americans."

Cancer fighter thanks community supporters

Fellow students, some strangers, and his schools janitor shaved their heads while others ran to help raise money to support Sam Seeley.

The support extended beyond West Middle School to places like Dakota Seafood Co., which pitched in a portion of every sale for a month.

The network of care fanned across the web, where online fundraising hoped to generate $10,000. The gifts from 162 people more than doubled that to $20,582 in just 11 months.

Whats a boy, just barely a teen, to think? Especially while facing bone cancer. More than a year after hearing the scary news about what was making him sick, then losing his hair to the medical treatments fighting Ewings Sarcoma, Sam just wanted to say thanks.

With the help of nonprofit Make-A-Wish South Dakota, which in turn got help from wish-granting partner Assurant, Sam thanked supporters with a meal, music and games last weekend.

The result of the personal investments in giving? The hairs coming back, the cancers gone away and Sams thumbs are up at prospects of being a Rapid City Stevens freshman this fall.
Nov. 29, 2017, update: Bieber has been arrested.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Emerson Louren Bieber, 32, charging him with grand theft, petty theft and driving under suspension.

Bieber is 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

He was last known to be in the Rapid City area.

Authorities are asking people who have information on Bieber's whereabouts to contact the Pennington County Sheriffs Office at 605-394-6117, the Rapid City Police Department at 605-394-4131 or the nearest law enforcement agency.
RILEY PASS | Up on the scenic tablelands of the North Cave Hills in northwestern South Dakota, the 16 people doing the digging, hauling and grading on a major land clean-up project this summer form a veritable cavalry that has arrived mounted on trucks, excavators and bulldozers.

Theyre reclaiming the land, 51 years after a uranium mining company used it, abandoned it, and then left contaminants to blow in the wind and wash into streams.

Its really rewarding work, said Mary Beth Marks, because you get to make a difference on the ground.

Marks is the on-scene coordinator for the U.S. Forest Service, which manages the site as part of the Sioux Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest located about 135 miles almost due north of Rapid City.

She visits every few weeks to monitor the work of private contractors, including the main one, North Wind Construction Services, of Kellogg, Idaho. The company has a $2.27 million contract, funded by a massive settlement agreement, to reclaim parts of three buttes.

That work began June 6 and is scheduled to finish Sept. 30, but its only a fraction of the overall job that needs to be done. In the coming years, more multimillion-dollar contracts will be awarded to reclaim six more buttes, all to undo the damage done five decades ago by uranium mining. Right now, there is no firm total cost for the cleanup, which will be done in stages and be paid for from a larger $194 million settlement received by the federal government.

Butte-tops scraped away

The sites contamination dates to the 1950s and '60s, when the U.S. government subsidized mining across the West to amass a stockpile of uranium, the primary ingredient in Cold War nuclear weapons.

Among the 20 square miles of flat-topped buttes, pine-forested slopes and sandstone outcrops that comprise the North Cave Hills, the worst mining damage was done by the Kermac Nuclear Fuels Corporation in a 250-acre concentration of buttes that is accessible via Riley Pass. The pass is part of an old wagon route about 25 miles northwest of the small town of Buffalo and eight miles west of the hamlet of Ludlow.

During the mining era, scrapers were used to peel off the tops of buttes and uncover seams of uranium-bearing lignite coal. The earth that was scraped away  the spoils in mining terminology  was pushed over the sides of the buttes, and the ore that was unearthed atop the buttes was left exposed after the uranium was extracted.

The mining unearthed a toxic and radioactive mix of chemical elements, including arsenic, molybdenum, selenium, uranium, radium and thorium. But the mining permits that were issued by the federal government did not require any cleanup, and no significant reclamation efforts were undertaken when mining ended in 1964. Streams in the area were left vulnerable to sediment in runoff that spilled over the butte tops and channeled through the spoils.

Cattle and people exposed

Out on the surrounding plains, according to Ludlow-area rancher Tom Kalisiak, cattle drank from the polluted streams and suffered weakened immune systems. Routine illnesses became fatal, and cow fertility declined.

Ranchers tried for years to counteract the pollutants by administering mineral supplements to their cattle, with limited success. Finally, Kalisiak and others got help from state government to drill deep wells and build pipelines, so cattle could drink clean well water instead of polluted stream water.

Kalisiak said he now has about 36,000 feet of pipelines under his pastures. Hes gotten some funding from state government but has also spent his own money.

He and some other ranchers once hired a lawyer to press for compensation from mining companies, but nothing came of it. Kalisiak recalled $850,000 as the figure his lawyer determined he was probably owed for the pipeline costs and other damages.

Besides the effects on their cattle, ranching families have been exposed to elevated cancer risks from breathing windblown contaminants and eating the meat of cattle that consumed contaminated water.

A 2006 risk assessment commissioned by the Forest Service determined that the lifetime cancer risk to some people in the North Cave Hills area could be as high as 3 in 1,000, which is 30 times higher than the threshold of 1 in 10,000 that the Environmental Protection Agency considers concerning.

Kalisiak said he suspects a link between the mining pollution and some health problems suffered by residents in the sparsely populated area. But he acknowledged the difficulty of proving a connection, given the hereditary and behavioral factors that can also contribute to the development of diseases.

As Kalisiak looked across the plains toward the reclamation project on a recent summer day, he viewed the work with a mix of appreciation and aggravation.

Its a good deal, he said. Its just 50 years too late.

Huge settlement enables work

Though Kalisiak and other ranching families who live near the North Cave Hills have gotten no compensation from mining companies, the federal government won a huge settlement for itself and some states and a tribe in 2014.

The settlement resulted from litigation against the Kerr-McGee Corporation and its historical components, including the Kermac Nuclear Fuels Corporation that operated in the North Cave Hills.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Kerr-McGee and its numerous mining, processing and manufacturing businesses left environmental contaminants across the nation. Kerr-McGee executives viewed the contamination as a potential liability, so in 2002 and 2005, they transferred the assets of their main oil-and-gas business to a new corporate entity and left the environmental liabilities behind in the old company, which then declared bankruptcy in 2009.

The bankruptcy proceedings produced an initial settlement that included $7.3 million for cleanup at the Riley Pass site, and some limited reclamation work began.

Meanwhile, a bankruptcy judge found that Kerr-McGees actions constituted a fraudulent effort to avoid liability. The federal government sued the company as a result of that finding, and the case was settled in 2014 when Kerr-McGee agreed to pay $5.15 billion, most of which was earmarked for environmental cleanup.

Three sites managed by the U.S. Forest Service were allocated a combined $194 million from the settlement, and the largest of those three is the Riley Pass site. In 2015, money from the settlement was used to improve roads at the site; install a temporary office trailer, storage building and outhouse; and complete engineering designs for the reclamation of three buttes.

'As natural as possible'

This summer, the reclamation work has begun in a big way.

Heavy machinery is crawling up and down steep grades as operators scoop up contaminated dirt and soil, dump it atop one of the shaved-off buttes, and cover it with clean soil scraped from the nearby plains. By the time the initial three buttes are reclaimed, a total of 65,000 cubic yards of dirt will have been moved, an amount equivalent to about 5,000 standard dump-truck loads.

As the spoils are scraped away from the sides of the buttes, their crowning rimrock is re-emerging for the first time since being covered by spoils in the 1960s. The sides of the buttes are being re-graded to a natural-looking condition, while displaced boulders and large rocks are being replaced in what seem like natural locations, and native grasses are being planted. In a couple of years, after vegetation has thoroughly sprouted, the captivating buttes could look like their old, natural selves again.

Beyond the three buttes receiving work this year, the six additional buttes that need reclamation vary widely in their size and the extent of their contamination. The Forest Service estimates it could take 15 to 20 years to completely reclaim the area.

Parts of the North Cave Hills are closed to the public while the work progresses, cutting off access to some beautiful spots.

The area's pine-and-grass-covered slopes are rimmed by rocky cliffs that stand as high as 150 feet. Erosion has worked innumerable holes and small caves into abundant sandstone formations, and generations of people have made carvings on the rocks. The flat tops of the steep-sided buttes afford breathtakingly panoramic views of the surrounding plains, which are populated mostly by cattle and antelope.

The view is enjoyed every weekday by members of the reclamation crew. Some are locals, and some are transplants living for the summer in Bowman, N.D., about 30 miles north of Riley Pass.

Marks, whose Forest Service office is nearly 450 miles away in Bozeman, Mont., also stays in Bowman during her visits. Although the reclamation has been a long time coming, shes excited about having the funding and the opportunity to do the job and do it well.

Its the right thing to do, she said. My goal is to return this site to as natural as possible.
PIERRE | Voter registration data from the past six months show a Republican surge and a Democratic decline in South Dakota.

In county after county, Republicans posted gains, while Democrats found more pain.

From Dec. 2, 2015, through June 1, 2016, Republican registration rose 4,855. Democratic registration meanwhile fell 939. This is how Republicans keep winning elections and Democrats keep losing them in South Dakota.

The Secretary of States elections office tracks the numbers. They use a slightly different breakout now for independents than they did last year. But the broader result remains.

What well describe as the third column  independents, no party affiliation, Constitution Party members and the all-purpose other  increased 3,140.

Butte, Custer, Fall River and Meade counties remain Republican strongholds but now have more third-column registered voters than they have registered Democrats.

Two other Republican counties, Pennington and Union, are at the edge of having more third-column voters than Democrats. Lawrence and Lincoln counties would be next.

This marks the second major shift in voter allegiances in South Dakota during the past several decades.

The first came in the James River valley, where Republicans replaced Democrats as the predominant political party. The valleys regional population centers of Brown, Beadle, Davison and Yankton counties are now solidly Republican.

Most impressive, if youre a Republican, and most disappointing if youre a Democrat, is the Republicans quiet surge during the past six months in so many rural counties.

Republican registration increased in nearly all of the 66 counties. The only setbacks came in Brown (down 25), Hyde (down 12) and Mellette (down one). Douglas stayed even.

Democratic registration decreased in at least 47 counties, including Brown and Mellette where the Democratic losses were worse than the Republican losses.

Third-column registration climbed in 59 counties.

By now you get the picture.

Skeptics can say Democrats re-registered as Republicans for the June primary elections. Some did re-register.

But the Republican and third-column gains outpaced the Democratic declines. The data is there in county after county.

Its possible some Republicans re-registered, too, so they could vote in Democratic primaries that decided their districts legislators. But those were few.

The two big trends weve been talking about the past several years continue to hold true. The Democrats are slipping, badly, and new voters are choosing between being Republicans or third-column.

Statewide, on Dec. 2, there were 169,135 Democratic registered voters. On June 1, there were 168,196.

By comparison, there were 238,642 Republicans on Dec. 2 and 243,497 on June 1.

In the third-column ranks, the totals were 109,443 on Dec. 2 and 112,623 on June 1.

Its unlikely we will see any change in those trends. Democrats made their giant gains during the 1970s as the voting age went from 18 to 21.

Now something else is happening. We would need a concerted attempt by some group to visit courthouses and track down voters who are newly registered or re-registered.

This would be simpler in rural counties with small populations. Such work would be exhausting in counties that have larger populations and more flow.

It would be good to know, if just for the sake of knowing.
Hillary Clinton frequently will acknowledge that she's not really the kind of campaigner who gets the adrenaline pumping. Instead, her pitch uses words like "steady," "experienced" and "competent," as compared with that bigoted, simple-minded, fraudulent madman on the other side.

The problem is that the madman she describes has already rolled over all the steady, experienced, competent Republican operatives and candidates. Donald Trump is the party's nominee to be president of the United States.

Hillary's spiel is that she is the one who can govern effectively, even if she doesn't excel at all the electioneering buffoonery. We all repeatedly quote Mario Cuomo, who said campaigning is "poetry," governing is "prose." Well that's one way to put it, but it's far too elegant. More accurately, campaigning is a freak show; governing is drudgery.

What's essential to realize, however, is that you can't run the country unless you win the election, and freak shows, uh, trump substance in today's social-media world of hateful superficiality. To put it another way, Donald Trump can win this thing if Hillary Clinton and her people don't pull their act together. Emphasizing her qualifications traps her in the hated status quo.

In that regard, while few question the credentials of Clinton's vice-presidential pick and very few haven't been charmed by his aw-shucks personality, Timothy Kaine is another Hillary. The dogmatic lefties in the party, the millions in the Bernie brigade, who are now infuriated with the hacked emails showing that the Democratic Party rigged the primaries for Hillary, certainly aren't happy with Kaine. They believe he's just another Clinton-style sellout, another establishment puppet. He's definitely not a dogmatic liberal, but rather one who believes that civilized dealing is the only way to get anything done. But these are not civilized times. People are angry in our country.

Not that Mike Pence is much different. He, too, is described with terms like "low-key," etc. Is it too harsh to suggest that's a synonym for boring? Maybe so, but there is no problem on his side when you consider who his No. 1 is. Donald Trump, as so many have observed, doesn't need a shameless attack dog. With his hateful hucksterism, he has been able to reach the visceral darkest instincts of millions of people all by himself. Where the Trumpster spews poison, Mike Pence dollops pablum. And that's OK.

It's important for Hillary Clinton, Tim Kaine and the Democrats to realize that the soft sell just doesn't sell. While we all talk about longing for a substantive discussion of the issues, that's platitude and phony. Hillary and her people need to abandon the methodical routine and show that she can be a little bit crazy.

If not crazy, at least angry, or some sort of emotional. The campaign thus far has demonstrated that we the people are bitter. For good reason. Somehow she and Tim Kaine must better capture everyone's imagination. For motivation they should imagine Donald Trump as president.
Tuesday night's full-throated roar from the left  U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders all on the same evening, really?  should have convinced any doubters in the Democratic Party that boring is just the ticket (or at least the bottom half of the ticket).

So Hillary Clinton's choice of U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia as her running mate is one of those that won't make anybody unhappy. Really now, who hates vanilla ice cream? And the guy is thoroughly likable.

A devout Catholic, he joined an African-American Church in Richmond, did missionary work in Honduras where he learned to speak Spanish fluently, oh and he topped all that off with a Harvard Law School degree.

And with all that on his resume he still runs no risk of overshadowing the presidential candidate herself. Imagine just for one crazy moment a Clinton-Warren ticket. And then take that one step beyond and imagine Warren walking into the Oval Office on a regular basis to take the president's pulse.

We surely have our differences with the former secretary, but frankly we wouldn't wish that on anyone.

So yes, Tim Kaine  former mayor, governor, now a senator with some foreign policy credentials by virtue of his committee assignments  is a solid choice who even wins some kind words from fellow Republicans like U.S. Rep. Tom Davis of Virginia, who called him a "thoroughly honest and decent man."

In a wild and woolly election season, honest, decent and even boring could work. And maybe Kaine was right when he said in a recent "Meet the Press" appearance, "I am boring. Boring is the fastest-growing demographic in this country."

One thing is certain, that Kaine-Mike Pence vice presidential debate will be a good night to catch something on Netflix.
Susie Mittelstadt tells visitors at Prairie Berry Winery a story about a wine adventure as she pours them a sample of Red Ass Rhubarb wine.

Prairie Berrys best-seller, she says, was created by accident when a vintner used rhubarb instead of another fruit. The mistake went on to become an award-winning favorite. As she talks, a man visiting from New York listens, takes a sip, and quickly proclaims it the best wine hes sampled that day. Minutes later, with several bottles of Red Ass Rhubarb in hand, the man and his girlfriend happily head for the cash register.

Mittelstadt is one of the tasting room associates at Prairie Berry in Hill City. Part foodie, part wine connisseur, part storyteller, part fact-finder, the tasting room associates offer visitors samples of wine and help people discover favorites theyll love for years to come. If it sounds like the best job in the world, tasting room associates say it is.

Tasting room associates range from retirees to college students, and they bring a wealth of interests and experiences to their jobs. Creativity, liking to laugh and being willing to learn are essentials for new associates; knowledge about wine is not. Prairie Berry offers on-the-job training, said Chris Burger, human resources manager.

One of South Dakotas few certified sommeliers, Kate Hayes is on staff at Prairie Berry. She trains new associates about Prairie Berry products, Burger said. Every tasting room associate takes an Introduction to Wine class and learns the five Ss of wine tasting  see, swirl, sniff, sip and savor.

Every sense in your body is involved, tasting associate Leanna Maxson said. Before (working here), I didnt realize there was that much to tasting and appreciating wine.

The story behind the wine

Associates also learn about Prairie Berrys history, the on-site wine-making process, and the stories about each wines origins. It seems intimidating when youre first hired. Theres a lot of information, said tasting associate Joel Johnson, who moved to Rapid City and started working at Prairie Berry less than a year ago. You can pick it up pretty quickly, and you put your own spin on stories (about the wine) and how you describe wines.  You dont have to be a sommelier. You learn quickly with a good support team.

Training is completed in stages, tasting associate Sarah Rea said. Two weeks into their jobs, associates test and develop their new skills in a Guiding Your Guests course.

Its an in-depth class about how to guide a customer to the kind of wine they would like, and how to compare wine, Rea said, explaining that other wines from local grocery stores are brought in for the class. Associates experience other wines in comparison to Prairie Berrys, and learn how to explain the differences to visitors.

It even comes down to why wine glasses are designed the way they are so the aroma is getting right into your nose. (Learning) grows your appreciate for wine itself, Johnson said.

I went from knowing nothing to my parents calling me a wine snob, chuckled Rea, who is featured in one of Prairie Berrys recruiting videos. While visiting her parents after theyd moved to Rapid City, Rea went to Prairie Berry Winery for a wine tasting and was hooked. She was soon working at the winery.

Tasting room associates are encouraged to bring their own tastes and personalities to their jobs. Rea, Maxson, Johnson and Mittelstadt agree they learn from each another and from trying the wines off the job.

Visitors who stop by Johnsons station, for example, might hear stories about his mothers relatives, who years ago made moonshine in Iowa and sold it in the South to earn money. That family history, Johnson said, inspires me to want to learn about wine and the stories behind it. The stories are a lot of fun to tell. It inspires people to appreciate what it took to make the wine.

At each station where wine can be sampled or purchased, passports offer food-and-wine pairing suggestions that associates can share with visitors.

We do a lot of cheese pairings, guiding guests through tasting wine and tasting cheese and tasting wine again. Its amazing what a difference food can make (to flavor of wine), Mittelstadt said.

'I'm here for the fun'

Associates love to tell visitors about their own favorite food-and-wine pairings, too. Rea might share with guests how much she loves a glass of Lawrence Elk wine with chocolate, especially chocolate chip cookies hot out of the oven. Maxson recommends spicy guacamole with Red Ass Rhubarb.

Maxson, a Rapid City native who is in nursing school, particularly enjoys introducing wine to people who previously havent liked it. We have good beginner wine-drinker wines here, Maxson said. One of my favorite experiences is that look on someones face when they love it.

The demands of the job can be intense. Last summer, when roughly one million people descended on Sturgis for the 75th Sturgis motorcycle rally, the winery had about 2,000 people a day visiting for several days. On a typical summer day, between 800 and 1,000 people visit, the tasting room associates said.

Although the eight-hour shifts can be physically demanding, time goes quickly. Six people come up to the bar for a tasting, and the next thing I know, three hours have gone by, Mittelstadt said.

Being a tasting room associate is the perfect semi-retirement life for Mittelstadt, who spent 44 years working in health care. She lives in Keystone and works at Prairie Berry during the summer, and also travels several months of the year. When friends and family visit the Black Hills, Mittelstadt likes to cook and introduce her guests to Prairie Berry wines. You become a wino working here, she joked.

Shell celebrate her fourth anniversary with Prairie Berry this summer. I had my career. Im not here for the money. Im here for the fun, she said.

That kind of enthusiasm, even more than knowledge about wine, is what makes great tasting associates, according to Burger and Burleson. When hiring tasting associates, theyre looking for people who create unique, memorable experiences that inspire visitors to return again and again.

One of the primary things we look for is that they have the customer service skills  thats a foundational thing  but more importantly were looking for passion and a good culture fit, Burger said. Were looking for someone who connects with what quality means, who is really authentic.

Prairie Berrys employees share the winerys desire to preserve the environment, and to share the story of the winerys humble beginnings with visitors, Burger and Burleson said.

But perhaps above all, they all have a contagious sense of fun, said Burger, who hires people who enjoy fun and laughter every day and who can make wine tasting a pleasure for anyone and everyone who walks through the door.

One of the things we try to do is make wine tasting approachable, Burger said. When people come in here and have never been to a winery before, they get a little nervous. We make it approachable. We get a lot of comments on Yelp and TripAdvisor about that.

The tasting room associates clearly love sharing their passion for Prairie Berry, on and off the job.

This job lets me meet people from all over the world. You learn so much from people who come through the door. Its wonderful to build that connection  and share my passion for wine, Maxson said.

Wine is like food  it brings people together, and I just like being part of that.
RAPID CITY | George A. Kick, 81, died Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at Rapid City Regional Hospital after a short illness.

George A. Kick was born Feb. 21, 1935, in Lead to Andrew and Anna (Bauernfeind) Kick. After a family move, he spent most of his younger years on a ranch east of Rapid City.

George served in the United States Army and United States Air Force. During his military career, he served in South Korea, Vietnam, Libia, Turkey, France and other US bases. After retiring from the armed services, he spent 10 years volunteering for the Red Cross at the Ellsworth Air Force Base Hospital. He lived out his later years in Rapid City until his death. He loved people, enjoyed visiting and conversing with friends. George was a gentle caring person and will be missed by many.

Survivors include his three sisters: Mary Reinart of Rapid City, Irene (Bert) Elis of Hubbard, TX, and Mildred (Roger) Weber of Ogilvie, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

George was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 520 Cathedral Drive, with Christian Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at the church, led by Rev. Jonathan Dillon. Burial will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Arrangements are with Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home and an online register book may be signed at the funeral home website.
The first week in August is World Breastfeeding Week, and the Ravalli County Office of Women, Infants and Children is hosting an event on the lawn of the Bitterroot Public Library from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3.

The Hamilton event promotes community awareness that breastfeeding moms need support.

Linda Seed, a WIC breastfeeding peer counselor, promotes breastfeeding and is a mother and grandmother. She said her role at WIC is to encourage breastfeeding moms and refer them to experts if they have questions that are more challenging.

The theme for this years World Breastfeeding Week is breastfeeding: a key to sustainable development.

Breastfeeding is sustainable, Seed said. It is free, good for environment and promotes better health. Studies have shown that the risk of chronic diseases, like diabetes, obesity and cancers, are reduced for the mom when she breastfeeds and for the child for a lifetime. It is healthy, sustainable - it lowers the cost of care when a mom breastfeeds - and there is the opportunity to have a strong bond created between herself and her baby.

Seed said breastfeeding promotes closeness, security and good emotional health.

It is the beginning of social interaction to the baby, with eye contact and physical contact, moms are more observant of their baby and babies have better intellectual growth if they are breastfed, she said.

Seed said the goal of the celebration is to show that there are community supports for breastfeeding moms.

Wednesdays events will begin with baby and toddler story time at 10:30 a.m. At 11 a.m. outside water play will be offered and the breastfeeding event will be on the library lawn on the other side of the ditch.

Childrens librarian Sally Blevins said the library supports the event.

The Bitterroot Public Library is happy to provide a beautiful venue for this years Breastfeeding Week event, Blevins said. Breastfeeding is economical, healthy for baby and mom, and is good for the planet. Our baby and toddler story time that day will include sand and water play outside, so everyone is welcome to come over and get wet.

Other participating organizations are Ravalli County WIC, the Ravalli County Public Health Department, Bitterroot Breastfeeding Coalition, SAFE in the Bitterroot, and Ravalli County Head Start and Early Head Start.

The health department will have information about car seats. The Bitterroot Breastfeeding Coalition will display their baby bungalow, a private place where mothers can breastfeed. The coalition has had it at the fair and at some of the Hamilton farmers markets.

Montana has a law that says a woman has a right to breastfeed her baby no matter where, Seed said. The World Health Organization has goals of a higher level of breastfeeding and one way to do that is to make breastfeeding moms feel accepted in their community. If they feel comfortable to breastfeed in their community it is easier for them to do it.
If Dajuan Harris Jr. is underrated, its not by those at Kansas
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Seguin, TX (78155)

Today

Showers and a possible thunderstorm during the morning will give way to partly cloudy skies this afternoon. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 76F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies. Low near 55F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph.
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."


Believing, as his wife does, that all the problems of the world can be solved with social media, Kanye West weighed in on Twitter on what are said to be some "choppy" negotiations, as Vulture puts it, between Apple and the Jay-Z-founded subscription streaming music service Tidal. Kanye tweeted on Saturday, "This Tidal Apple beef is fucking up the music game," and "I need Tim Cook Jay Z Dez Jimmy Larry me and Drake Scooter on the phone or in a room this week!!!" Also, apparently trying to throw some shade Tim Cook's way, he says, "Apple give Jay his check for Tidal now and stop trying to act like you Steve."

So yes, West, who admitted earlier this year (on Twitter) to being $53 million in debt, wants Apple to hurry up and fork over some cash for Tidal, in which he is said to own a small share.

We learned earlier this month about Apple's talks with Tidal, in a move that seemed design to strengthen Apple Music's position in the streaming market against major competitor Spotify by adding Tidal's roster of high-profile artists, which includes Jay Z, West, Beyonce, and Taylor Swift. Meanwhile, though, West and Beyonce caved to market pressure and ultimately made their newest albums available on Spotify  this after West initially pledged only to make Life of Pablo available on Tidal, only to reneg on that within days and make the album available on Apple Music and elsewhere.

Apple Music currently has 15 million paid subscribers while Spotify has 30 million, according to CNet. Tidal, which costs about twice as much ($20 a month) has attracted only 3 million subscribers.

This Tidal Apple beef is fucking up the music game.  KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) July 30, 2016 I need Tim Cook Jay Z Dez Jimmy Larry me and Drake Scooter on the phone or in a room this week!!!  KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) July 30, 2016 Fuck all this dick swinging contest. We all gon be dead in 100 Years. Let the kids have the music.  KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) July 30, 2016 Apple give Jay his check for Tidal now and stop trying to act like you Steve.  KANYE WEST (@kanyewest) July 30, 2016

Previously: Kanye West Announces New Tour Dates, Oakland Appearance
125 YEARS AGO

NEW BEAT: Policeman Ellsworth has been stationed permanently at the corner of Fourth and Pierce streets to keep people out of the way of street cars entering there, and to hold the moultoneers (bicyclists) in check.

CHAMP IN TOWN: Bob Fitzsimmons, his wife and child registered at the Garretson Friday, from St. Paul. The conquerer of (Jack) Dempsey this past January told a Journal reporter he was on his way to San Francisco for a bout. The first place he visited was Moore's pharmacy, where Bob took an ice cream soda, with not a wink. "It doesn't pay to drink in my business anyhow," he said. Few know that the greatest living middleweight champion was in the city.

GRAVE ROBBER: Marie Barber, an old German lady who lives on the West Side, has been arrested on the charge of petty larceny. The sexton at Floyd cemetery accuses Mrs. Barber of stealing flowers from the graves and private lots on cemetery grounds

100 YEARS AGO

HIDDEN IN HAY: Police arrested two men for the illegal transportation of liquor as they drove on Military road from Jefferson, S.D. Police seized 264 quarts of beer, which were hidden in a wagon under a quantity of hay and oats.

OFF TO THE BORDER: A total of 977 soldiers who comprise the Fourth regiment of the South Dakota national guard. passed through Sioux City on their way to San Benito, near Brownsville, Texas, near the Mexican border. Many of the soldier boys' relatives waited at the yards railroad office at 22nd street to bid them a last farewell and gave them boxes of home-made food.

STILL ALIVE: After being hit by three bullets from a policeman's revolver, Henry Williams of St. Paul, Minn., rolled over a bluff at the foot of 17th street near the Omaha roundhouse and fell 40 feet into a ravine. Williams, 24, along with two others, were caught stealing brass from the Omaha railroad. He was taken to St. Vincent hospital, where his condition was not critical.

50 YEARS AGO

MOURNING MUSICAL REX: Rex, the canine drum major for the University of South Dakota marching band for the last 10 years, is dead. The famed floppy-eared part Collie-part Labrador, was put to sleep by a veterinarian due to old age. Rex had an affinity for marching music and would prance with it, following the heels of the drum major, barking his appreciation. He never missed a game, parade or rehearsal.

VIET NAM NEWS: Pfc. Ronald H. Kaiser, 20, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chester Kaiser, 3103 48th St., was killed in action in Viet Nam Monday. Kaiser, who served in the Army paratroopers division, died as a result of shrapnel wounds. He was a 1964 graduate of Leeds High School. ...Hospitalman 3.C. Melvin Cook, son of Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Cook, 312 Market St., received the Purple Heart medal after being wounded in battle in Chu Lai province. He is a 1964 graduate of Central High School.

MAKING NEWS: Rabbi Albert Gordon has been elected president of the Sioux City Human Resources Development Agency, Inc. ...The Iowa Gladiolus Society Show will be held this weekend at the Municipal Auditorium. Approximately 2,500 spikes will be on exhibit from five states.

25 YEARS AGO

BPI COMING: Eldon Roth, a native of Parkston, S.D., and his wife, Regina, owners of Beef Products Inc., are relocating the corporate headquarters of their Austin, Texas-based processing company to Dakota Dunes. The Roths also plan to build the firm's fourth plant in the Siouxland area.

HOGAN WINNER: Jeff Woodland won the Ben Hogan Dakota Dunes Open title with one remarkable final round. Woodland, 34-year-old Australian, streaked a 12-under par 60, breaking the course record by two shots and putting up a 20-under tournament total that nobody could catch. He earned $25,000 and a Rolex watch from Gunderson's.

PEOPLE IN NEWS: Kevin Pape has been named as the new ranger at Stone State Park. He came from the A.A. Call State Park in Algona, Iowa. ...Ryan Ludvigson of Cushing, Iowa, received a Gold Award from the American Simmental Association, which includes a $500 stipend to be used for post-secondary education. ...Sioux Cityan Julie Behan, named Mrs. Iowa USA in March, leaves Friday for the national Mrs. USA Pageant in Plano, Texas.

These items were published in The Journal July 31-Aug. 6, 1891, 1916, 1966 and 1991.
SIOUX CITY | Dr. Julie and Chris Lohr are set to chair the Mercy Medical Center Foundation Fall Gala on Nov. 5 at the Marina Inn.

Since its inception, the Gala has raised $3,500,000 to improve healthcare for Siouxlanders. This year's proceeds will be directed to Mercy's Child Advocacy Center.

Dr. Julie Lohr is a 2000 graduate of Bishop Heelan High School and a 2004 graduate of Briar Cliff University with a bachelor's degree in biology. She graduated with her DDS in 2008 from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She completed a general practice residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in 2009 and practiced public health dentistry at Primary Health Care in Marshalltown, Iowa. Since her return to Sioux City, she purchased the established dental practice of Dr. Tom Tiedeman in 2012 and Dr. Fred Rizk in 2014.

Chris Lohr is a 1998 graduate of Bishop Heelan and 2003 graduate of Briar Cliff University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He is currently the business manager at Lohr Family Dentistry.

Chris and Julie have four children: Jackson, Savannah, Landon and Charlotte.

To purchase tickets to the gala, call 712-279-2223.
NEW YORK | On-demand apps make life easier: A few taps on my phone and I can get a cab in minutes or groceries delivered to my door.

The hard part? Figuring how much -- or if -- I should tip the people who drive me around or pick out my cheese at the supermarket.

Part of the confusion arises from the companies themselves. Some don't allow tipping through their apps, even though they say tipping is allowed. And the policies posted on their websites can be unclear.

Just like other service professionals, we should tip these types of workers, says Sharon Schweitzer, etiquette consultant and founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide. Many of them have to reach into their own pockets to pay for gas, bike repairs or other costs, and a tip can help them make ends meet, Schweitzer says.

"The apps are designed for us to evolve to a cashless society," she says, "however that doesn't mean we become heartless in the process."

Indeed, cash is best if you have it. Some companies, like FreshDirect, will deduct processing fees that credit card companies charge before paying the driver, so they won't get the full amount of your tip. Below, some additional tipping suggestions, according to etiquette experts:

Cab-hailing apps

Uber doesn't allow users to tip through its app because it wants to keep the ride cashless. You can tip if you want to reward good service, however, and drivers can accept  Uber clarified its policy to say so after recently settling two lawsuits filed by drivers  just remember to bring cash. Rival service Lyft lets customers tip through its app within 24 hours of the ride.

Forgot the cash? At least give their driver a good review on the app, Schweitzer says.

TIP: 20 percent of the cost of ride.

Grocery delivery

Workers for Instacart, Postmates and other grocery-delivery services often need to wait on long lines and carry heavy items. When calculating a tip, base it only on the cost of the food, says Callista Gould, and etiquette instructor and founder of the Culture and Manners Institute. You might want to tip at a higher percentage if they're carrying your goods up several flights of stairs or if the weather is bad.

TIP: 20 to 25 percent of grocery costs.

Restaurant delivery

Seamless, Grubhub, Eat24 and most other restaurant delivery companies allow tipping through their apps and websites, but give them cash if you have it. Bigger orders, such as for an office party, should get a higher tip percentage.

TIP: 20 to 25 percent of food order.

Home rentals

Just because you skip the hotel and rent a place through Airbnb or HomeAway, you shouldn't skip tipping the housekeeper. Often, owners of the property hire people for clean up, Schweitzer says. To ensure the money gets to the right person, Schweitzer says she leaves tips in an envelope addressed to housekeeping under a pillow or near the dirty towels. (No, you don't have to tip the host.)

TIP: $3 to $5

Laundry delivery

Apps that send someone to pick up dirty laundry and return it clean have been popping up in big cities around the United States. One of those companies, Rinse, tells its workers not to accept tips. It says that not thinking about tips improves the experience for the customer. Competitor Washio says on its website that "there is no need to tip." But Schweitzer says you should try anyway if the cleaned laundry is delivered to you and not left with a concierge or doorman.

TIP: 10 to 15 percent of laundry bill.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.  For a few hours Tuesday, a 6-year-old boy reminded us to find joy when even the simplest of wishes comes true.

Ethan Dean, who has battled cystic fibrosis since birth, took over Sacramento as he was escorted around the city in a garbage truck. The adventure fulfilled Ethans dream of becoming a garbage man and was the work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Randle Communications and Waste Management.

As thousands cheered, chanted and waved signs, Ethan and his driver collected trash and recyclables around town, ending their march on the west steps of the Capitol as music blared. Those steps had been the site of unrest and ugliness in recent weeks. But not on this day.

The world sometimes is kind of tough and rough, and you reminded us just how beautiful the world is and how good people can be, Mayor-elect Darrell Steinberg told Ethan during a ceremony at the end of his route. Thank you for making us feel so good, little guy.

Ethans dream to be a garbage man dates back to when he could barely walk and would scurry to the upstairs of his familys Rancho Cordova, California, home to watch trucks pick up the garbage outside.

Asked what his favorite part of Tuesday was, he simply answered: Being a garbage man.

His day started outside his school, Sunrise Elementary, where Ethan was surprised by a garbage truck with his name emblazoned on the side. As Ethan ran toward the truck, bursting through a banner, Ethans parents said they had to fight back tears.

Weve taken things day-by-day with him, said his mom, Erin Dean. The challenging things come up from time to time. But theyre overwhelmed a lot by the good moments.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that causes severe damage to the lungs. There is no cure for the disease, and many of its patients die before they reach the age of 40.

Ethan starts his days by breathing mist through a nebulizer. He then wears a special vest for 20 minutes that vibrates, trying to break up the mucus in his lungs. He has to eat enzymes with his meals to help his digestive system and visits a team of doctors every few months for shots, breathing tests and bloodwork.

Erin said her son went through his usual routine on Tuesday.

We can forget today what hes going through, she said.

Ethan and his driver were escorted by the Sacramento Sheriffs Department, the Sacramento Police Department and officers from the Rancho Cordova Police Department.

His first stop was at VSPs headquarters in Rancho Cordova. From there, Ethan and his crew headed to midtown, where they collected old paper from a loading dock at The Sacramento Bee.

The next stop was Fire Station No. 2 on I Street downtown, where Ethan hopped into a fire truck, got some swag from Sacramento Republic FC and met Fire Chief Walt White.

Ethan said the next stop was his favorite: the high-rise headquarters of the California Environmental Protection Agency on I Street, where his father, Ken, works. A crowd of about 500 people greeted Ethan and chanted his name as he helped dump large bins of paper into dumpsters.

He just warmed my heart, said Allyson Williams, holding a sign she made that read Worlds Greatest Garbageman.

After swinging by Frank Fats restaurant downtown, Ethan arrived at the Capitol. Cheerleaders, workers on their lunch breaks and dignitaries including Kings President Chris Granger greeted him.

A staff member for Gov. Jerry Brown read a letter to the crowd. She said Brown, who was in Philadelphia for the Democratic National Convention, was sad to miss the day. Another person hung a sign out of a second-story window of the Capitol that read: Ethan is my hero.

I commend him for choosing a job that makes the world a cleaner, better place, the governor wrote.
FREEMAN, S.D. | Among a chorus of cicadas and songbirds in the tallgrass prairie, barn swallows swoop down around 14 head of bison. Their thick tufts of fur make the best nest.

Once they see the poky, four-door farm truck bouncing along the wheel-worn path in the pasture, the herd runs away. The bison are best left alone. Wild. And free as can be on 40 acres, where theyll live and die.

Last year, Nate and Jessica Preheim welcomed their first herd of grass-fed bison from the Santee Sioux Tribe, north of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and officially formed Windstone Buffalo Company, selling steaks, roasts, briskets and grind.

Before becoming bison ranchers, they lived in Colorado, Hawaii and Florida, following employment opportunities. They had cushy, white-collar jobs. He worked in the tech industry. She was a nutritionist. And a vegan.

When she started showing symptoms of adrenal fatigue, her doctor prescribed more protein. The suggestion seemed absurd. Shed been a vegan for six years, but in her weakened state, she obliged.

Bison was the first meat that she started eating again, which led to whisperings of raising buffalo. And he knew of just the place.

While his father entered the mental health field and moved to the greater Denver area, his fathers twin brother stayed on the fourth-generation family farm in Freeman, less than a mile down the road from the Mennonite church with its stained glass steeple.

His uncle, whos in his 70s, still lives in the farmhouse. The intrepid entrepreneurs live in a camper.

Instead of saying that, which sounds kind of depressing, why dont we just say we live in a tiny house? he said. Its got hot water and air conditioning. Theres electricity but no Wi-Fi. Its about making sacrifices for your dreams.

Nate, 33, and Jessica, 30, imagine building a cabin or a yurt  or maybe a real tiny house  on the property at some point, but for now, they can take comfort in knowing they have warm winter retreat.

They bought a beach house in Ormond, Florida, before they quit their jobs. They rent it out over the summer and return in the winter, taking their bison meat with them to sell at farmers markets down south where theres no competition.

Jessicas experience in the fitness and nutrition industry gets put to use developing recipes and informing curious customers about the benefits of bison meat. She goes to the farmers market in Vermillion, South Dakota, on Thursday evenings. Nate wakes up at 3:45 a.m. every Saturday to make it to the Sioux City Farmers Market on time.

Most people think were kind of crazy. But I think not, he said. Theres just a really strong demand for good, healthy, lean meat.

Americans eat less than one pound of bison meat each year, compared to 54 pounds of beef and 106 pounds of poultry, according to the USDA.

Despite these statistics, the National Bison Association says bison is one of the fastest growing sectors in the United States meat industry, and consumers are embracing it as a low-fat, high-protein alternative to beef.

Theres another big difference between bison and beef. At Windstone, the field is the kill floor.

Each buffalo is humanely harvested in the pasture with a state inspector present. Throughout the summer, a single shot from a rifle barrel brings down these majestic creatures one by one. Theyre quickly killed and bled in the field.

The carcass goes to Renner Corner Locker, just north of Sioux Falls, for processing.

Nate learned the harvesting technique from the Sustainable Harvest Alliance on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in southwest South Dakota. The organization strives to help small bison producers, especially those on reservations, bring their meat to market in a humane, environmentally-friendly, culturally-acceptable way.

This year, the Preheims started out with 19 bison, and at last count, they had harvested five. Within two years, theyd like to start a breeding herd and raise the bison from calves.

That means making more fences out of salvaged power poles.

Even though she didnt want to live on a farm at first, Jessicas taken a liking to the work.

We chose to do this to pay our bills for the lifestyle, she said. We could still have the jobs that we had before, and I can guarantee you, wed be living a lot more comfortably, but Im happier than Ive ever been in my life. And I think he is, too.
ASHTON, Iowa | A George, Iowa, man was killed Saturday morning in a single-vehicle rollover crash about three miles southwest of Ashton.

According to a report by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, deputies responded to a report of a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am in the ditch on Nest Avenue south of 250th Street. The driver, James Otto Bruns, 32, of George, was pronounced dead at the scene, the report said. He had not been wearing a seat belt.

After investigation, authorities determined Bruns had been traveling south on Nest Avenue when he lost control of the car. The car then rolled into the east ditch and landed on its wheels. The car was totaled.

Assisting at the scene were the Lyon County Sheriff's Office, Ashton Ambulance, Sibley Ambulance and the Ashton Fire Department.
SHELDON, Iowa | A Sheldon woman was killed Saturday in an all-terrain vehicle crash that also injured an Ashton, Iowa, man.

The incident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. on a farm approximately 2 miles north of Sheldon.

According to a news release from the O'Brien County Sheriff's Office, 26-year-old Garrett Crowl, of Ashton, was driving an ATV on a gravel road near a pond at 3066 McKinley Ave. with passenger Shaleah Donavon, 25, of Sheldon.

The report said the ATV was traveling at a fairly high rate of speed, and as the ATV rounded a curve in the road, Crowl lost control. The vehicle slid sideways, rolled and struck a tree. Neither Crowl nor Donavon were wearing helmets, the report said.

Crowl and Donavon were both transported by Sheldon Ambulance to Sanford Medical Center in Sheldon. Donavon was pronounced dead at the hospital. Crowl was later airlifted to Sanford Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

The O'Brien County Sheriff's Office and Iowa State Patrol are continuing to investigate the crash.
SIOUX CITY | Uber will not start offering rides in Sioux City until at least early 2017, a company spokesman said Thursday.

In March, Uber told the Journal the ride-hailing service was looking to start up in Iowa's fourth-largest city by the end of this summer. A new state law put a hold on the move, spokesman Leor Reef said.

In May, Gov. Terry Branstad signed a bill that would require ride-hailing companies to be permitted through the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each driver -- for a taxi company and companies like Uber and Lyft -- must undergo background checks and carry $1 million in liability insurance. Companies will also have a $5,000 fee that will go toward Iowas Road Use Tax Fund.

The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2017.

Reef said Uber is waiting for the new state regulations to be enforced until expanding any further in Iowa. He could not pinpoint a specific targeted startup date in Sioux City.

"We heard from riders and drivers in Sioux City and how they would like us to come," Reef said, adding he feels "optimistic" about the move happening.

Uber, based in San Francisco, operates in the Quad-Cities, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Des Moines and Ames, and is governed by local ordinances in the five Iowa cities.

"With this (new regulation) Uber will be able to move more consistently into a new set of markets in the state, because they will know there is a new set of rules that are statewide," said Mark Lowe, director of the motor vehicle division for the Iowa DOT.

Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft use an internet-based application to pair people looking for a ride with drivers who are independently contracted by the service.

All requests are blindly matched based on the closest available driver-partner. Also, people using Uber can use a phone map to see where the car is proceeding to get them. After the trip, both riders and drivers rate each other on a 1-to-5 scale so Uber officials can monitor the experience.

Reef said that for the service to get going, they will activate Sioux City as an Uber city and drivers would be allowed to register through the state DOT on their own.

The Sioux City Council can still pass additional regulations if it chooses when Uber decides to come to town.

City Councilwomen Rhonda Capron said she has not heard any talk of pending Uber-related regulation. Capron added she wished the service had been here years earlier.

"I want it to get going. So I was hoping we would have it already this summer," she said.

For 19 years, Capron was the owner/operator of a local bar, Rhonda's Speak Easy. She said in that time, she had to deal with a lot of cab companies calling in cars for intoxicated patrons. "Every cab that I have ever dealt with, they take their phone off the hook, and they wouldn't answer until they had cabs available, and it would seem like forever."

"I would have loved to have Uber around at that time."

According to the clerk's office, Sioux City has 140 licensed drivers employed by seven licensed taxi companies. Prospective drivers are required to obtain a taxi permit and undergo a background check conducted by the police department. The city also is named on their insurance policies, "so if we cancel anything like that they get notified," E Z Cabs owner Scott Schroeder said.

Schroeder doesn't think Uber drivers are aware of how much it costs to keep up with maintenance of transporting people.

"There's no way they can transport people any cheaper than what the companies already here do," Schroeder said. "The market here is so saturated with (cab companies) now, that it's hard for anybody in this day in age to survive."

Reef said there are no minimum or maximum hours drivers can work for Uber. Rates vary depending on the city, and fluctuate depending on the supply of drivers logged in to the app at that time and demand. Uber also notifies users on the mobile app for the price before they get into the car. All transactions are done on a credit card.

Drivers are allowed to use their personal cars if it meets Uber's criteria -- an inspection from a certified auto body shop and that the vehicle is newer than a certain year determined by Uber.

Derek Foster, of Sioux City, has made the 200-mile roundtrip trip to Omaha every weekend for the last five months to drive for Uber.

"It started off as a part-time gig. I was going down there the nights I had available, and I would drive down there trying to make a little extra money and it kind of turned into a full-time gig," Foster, 26, said.

On the busy parts of the week -- Friday, Saturday and sometimes Sunday -- he works 10 to 12 hours a day for Uber. You are able to write off the gas on your taxes, he said. "On the busy nights if there are more attractions going on -- Olympic trials, College World Series, concerts -- it's going to be bang, bang, bang, bang for 10 straight hours. It is just non-stop business."

"It's all about how much you want to make, and how much you want to drive," Foster said.

Schroeder added that he hopes if Uber comes, it doesn't hurt taxi businesses in town.

"I just hope they don't disrupt things enough here where they cause current companies to close for not making any profit. And then all of the sudden they decide to pull out of here as well," he said. "I'm just concerned they will cause reasonably decent service to be lost here."
Margaret Sanger: A Concise Introduction

The American Eugenics Society

The American Birth Control League

Sanger Exposed

Considering that Hillary Clinton, from the recently concluded email investigation, is charged with gross negligence, dereliction of duty, was recommended that she lose her security clearance, while pathologically lying to congress, the press and the American People; and even though she was not referred for indictment because she is a Clinton: Will you? 11.84% Vote for Hillary 78.78% Vote for The Donald 9.39% Vote for none of the above 245 total vote(s) Voting has Ended!

Jimmy Carter knew exactly what he was doing when, in 1979, he established the Department of Education, creating an iron link, permanently fusing the federal government to the United States public education system. The teachers tasked with enlightening our children, our future leaders, are students themselves of Saul Alinsky and other radicals from that era.As a result, our children are indoctrinated, not with truth, but with radicalized socialism. Many events that should be covered, events vital to America and American history, are kept far away from students. Kids who graduate from college are more likely to be radicalized because they simply don't know honest history and they have no defense against this severe indoctrination.One topic that's very relevant now, more so than ever before, and one that rarely gets accurate coverage, involves Hillary Clinton, her admiration of Margaret Sanger and Sanger's vision , and her unyielding support for Planned Parenthood. In order for me to paint an accurate picture, one that readers will appreciate, I must explain why Clinton's admiration for Sanger is bad, and why her support for Planned Parenthood is misplaced at best, intentionally corrupt at worse.Margaret Sanger was born in 1879 in Corning, New York. She was one of eleven children born to a Father who was atheist and a Mother who died young. Right away we notice two influential elements of her life that could help explain her radical views regarding abortion and minorities, views that will be addressed shortly.Sanger was very active within her community, but most of her energy was spent on her memberships in the American Eugenics Society, operated today under the name, and the, which is known today as the, or simplyWhile most scientists and activists working in the science of eugenics kept their true intentions undercover, Sanger was open about her vision for the future. It's worth noting, also, that most honest corporations have no need to change their name several times. It's when a name becomes permanently attached to a taboo-of-culture that it must be changed. There is a pattern of this happening within the Left, and more specifically, within socialist establishments in American history.On the surface these organizations were presented as having nothing but the best intentions for the women and children of America. On the surface these establishments claimed to support the rights of the poor and uneducated of our society. Unfortunately, the surface was an illusion. It remains an illusion today, and that illusion lives on through the various organizations that carry on behind closed doors. Margaret Sanger, so involved, knew precisely what was happening behind the scenes as she indoctrinated more and more vulnerable women with her warped and disgusting ideology.For a better understanding of the history of this woman Hillary Clinton admires so greatly, let us dig deeper into the organizations of which she was a member, and the ideals that she regurgitated and spewed over and over, day after day.In 1904, due to increasing international interest in eugenics, the Carnegie Institution in Washington established the. The station was housed at thein Cold Spring Harbor, New York.Charles Davenport was partially responsible for the creation of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, as well as the establishment of the, another department of the Carnegie Institution of Washington. The Eugenics Record Office was involved in the study of eugenics, but was more focused on the subsection of human heredity research.In 1906, thewas founded in Battle Creek, Michigan. The RBF sponsored several conferences in the early 20century, all revolving around eugenics and the "improvement" of the various races around the world.Out of these conferences came the Eugenics Registry in 1928, which allowed for the stocking of family biological records, and the, financed by theThe Galton Society was mainly concerned with racial anthropology and was heavily involved in theout of London England. The Eugenics Education Society played a major role in creating the, out of which came thein London.As we close in on the creation of the AES, it's vital to understand the roots that have been covered hitherto. It's especially crucial to grasp the importance of the First International Congress on Eugenics, the Eugenics Record Office in Cold Spring Harbor, and the funding from the Rockefeller family and the American Museum of Natural History, for it is out of these organizations that the Second International Congress of Eugenics is born, and from this conference in New York, New York, the American Eugenics Society makes its appearance on the world stage.On November 11, 1921, at Hotel Plaza in New York, Margaret Sanger organized thefor an audience of notables and activists alike. Among other sponsors in attendance were Winston Churchill, as well as Theodore Dreiser.The speakers that night discussed birth control, as well as its potential to alleviate "major social ills" worldwide.The conference was cut short when Sanger and a fellow activist were arrested on charges of disorderly conduct. The charges were dropped, however, and Sanger was able to give her speech "The Morality of Birth Control" five days later.With the help of some very notable sponsors, Sanger created the American Birth Control League, or ABCL, with the stated intention of promoting birth control through "education and lobbying." Another goal, stated by Sanger herself, was the "banishment" of all disease, misery, poverty, delinquency, and crime. She was sure that birth control would accomplish this end.Today, the American Eugenics Society operates as the, and theis now know as Planned Parenthood.In 1942, thewas established, carrying Sanger's radical visions worldwide.Hitherto, we've only discussed the formal history of these organizations. If this were the sum of it all, I'd have no case for corruption, I'd have no reason to point out Hillary's admiration for Sanger as something negative.Margaret Sanger wrote an article in 1921 and had it published in. In the article, Sanger wrote thatAt the first Birth Control League conference of the same year, the Chairman, Edith Houghton Hooker, addressed the attendees with her opening remarks, in which she stated "...the people of all the world must realize that the most important problem on earth is the problem of population...and the purpose of this conference, as I take it, is to discuss ways and means of bringing reason into the realm of reproduction."We start to see a picture emerging of a grand scheme to control population, specifically population containing "undesirables." The overall theme of these early conferences and speeches was sterilization.Sterilization as an option isn't inherently bad. Several of the points raised by Sanger in her paperare not wrong. Sanger points out the importance of a strong family structure at home in the developmental stages of a child's life. She references several studies that show how vital it is for a child to be raised in a sound environment.The problem comes when the members of these organizations get tired of waiting for society to get on board. By default, these people believe that they know what's best. We see it in our public schools everyday where teachers take the role of parents. Our federal government honestly believes that it can raise our children much better than we can.At some point, Sanger and her colleagues became impatient. Talks began and plans were drawn up to force sterilize whole communities. Since Sanger's main targets were the mentally disabled, poor, and minority communities, logic has it that the organizations today still target those groups. There's two places that you find a whole host of these types of people: prisons and psychiatric facilities.The beauty of targeting prisoners and people housed in psychiatric facilities is that you can control what they eat, drink, and do on a daily basis. And I'm not just rattling off theories.In 2013 the Center for Investigative Reporting broke the story of "dozens of female inmates" being illegally sterilized within California's prison system. As reported by Kathryn Krase, this issue is oftentimes viewed as a "tragic-but-past occurrence..." The truth, however, is that it happens everyday in America. And since the organizations behind these covert tacticsworldwide, it would be a safe bet to say that this isworldwide.There's multiple stories that follow the same script. Moreover, women are oftentimes deceived into consenting, or coerced into opting into a sterilization program. We see misdirection and misinformation from the mainstream media every single day concerning a variety of topics. Therefore it makes sense that the mainstream media would ignore these instances, especially if they're directed to do so by state and federal government entities.To be completely honest, I have a hard time believing that this wasn't Sanger's vision from the beginning. She certainly didn't say anything to convince me otherwise.- "The most merciful thing that the large family does to one of its infant members is to kill it."A direct quote from Sanger in her piece- "[We should] apply a stern and rigid policy of sterilization and segregation to that grade of population whose progeny is tainted, or whose inheritance is such that objectionable traits may be transmitted to offspring."Sanger in her article- "Article 1. The purpose of the American Baby Code shall be to provide for a better distribution of babies... and to protect society against the propagation and increase of the unfit."- "Article 4. No woman shall have the legal right to bear a child, and no man shall have the right to become a father, without a permit[...]"- "Article 6. No permit for parenthood shall be valid for more than one birth."Sanger's vision for America, as explained in her articleAgain, some of her remarks weren't necessarily evil, but even a broken clock is right twice a day. Any length of prolonged reading of Sanger's work quickly reminds you that the woman was not rooted in reality at all.Professor John Galloway,as follows: "Whatever the motives and methods used to realize them - persuasion, education, coercion, sterilization, segregation, euthanasia and more - eugenics has stemmed from the belief that a population, 'race', or even the species, is 'degenerating' and in urgent need of improvement and revitalization."It should be clear to anyone paying attention that our federal government believes that it has the right to "fix" things, even if things don't need to be fixed. In reality, government creates the problem in the left hand and offers the solution in the right.Sanger believed that those with " bad genes " should be given a choice to either be segregated or sterilized. She believed that birth control would lead to a "cleaner race..." When it came to race, Sanger was dead set in her ways.In 1939, Sanger wrote a letter to Dr. Clarence Gamble in which she explained: "We should hire three or four colored ministers, preferably with social-service backgrounds, and with engaging personalities. The most successful educational approach to the Negro is through a religious appeal.Sanger was one of the most racist people I've ever researched and she was even more dangerous. She was a huge threat to the black community due to her popularity and her ability to convince whole audiences that her intentions were pure, when in reality, they were anything but. Her vision was instilled into every organization that she established or had a hand on. Her vision is still put into practice today and is done so internationally.The undercover videos released in 2015 prove that Planned Parenthood is anything but pure. I highly doubt that the procurement and selling of infant body parts is the only tragedy happening within this most corrupt organizationHillary Clinton, for all of her faults and corrupt practices, is an intelligent woman. She knows Sanger's work in and out. Just like her college thesis on Saul Alinsky , her words on Sanger prove her corrupted character.Sanger laid out the path for Clinton, and Hillary followed, and continues to follow it to this day. She champions women's rights, as did Sanger, and as Sanger did, Clinton labels women as single issue voters. Instead of advancing their independence, she has done everything in her power to take rights away from them. This continues to be done through forced sterilization and by overriding a woman's most basic right to have a family. The tactics have been, and continue to be based on faulty science.Unfortunately, our traditional sources of media have let us down greatly. If it were not for the internet and the dedication of true patriots researching and spreading truth, we'd know nothing of the insidious tactics employed even today.
WASHINGTON -- "The best darn change-maker I ever met in my entire life." So said Bill Clinton in making the case for his wife at the Democratic National Convention. Considering that Bernie Sanders ran as the author of a political revolution and Donald Trump as the man who would "kick over the table" (to quote Newt Gingrich) in Washington, "change-maker" does not exactly make the heart race.

Which is the fundamental problem with the Clinton campaign. What precisely is it about? Why is she running in the first place?

Like most dynastic candidates (most famously Ted Kennedy in 1979), she really doesn't know. She seeks the office because, well, it's the next -- the final -- step on the ladder.

Her campaign's premise is that we're doing OK but we can do better. There are holes to patch in the nanny-state safety net. She's the one to do it.

It amounts to Sanders lite. Or the short-lived Bush slogan: "Jeb can fix it." We know where that went.

The one man who could have given the campaign a theme, who could have created a plausible Hillaryism was Bill Clinton. Rather than do that -- the way in Cleveland Gingrich shaped Trump's various barstool eruptions into a semi-coherent program of national populism -- Bill gave a long chronological account of a passionate liberal's social activism. It was an attempt, I suppose, to humanize her.

Well, yes. Perhaps, after all, somewhere in there is a real person. But what a waste of Bill's talents. It wasn't exactly Clint Eastwood speaking to an empty chair, but at the end you had to ask: Is that all there is?

He grandly concluded with this: "The reason you should elect her is that in the greatest country on earth we have always been about tomorrow." Is there a rhetorical device more banal?

Trump's acceptance speech was roundly criticized for offering a dark, dystopian vision of America. For all of its exaggeration, however, it reflected well the view from Fishtown, the fictional white working-class town created statistically by social scientist Charles Murray in his 2012 study "Coming Apart." It chronicled the economic, social and spiritual disintegration of those left behind by globalization and economic transformation. Trump's capture of the resultant feelings of anxiety and abandonment explains why he enjoys an astonishing 39-point advantage over Clinton among whites without a college degree.

His solution is to beat up on foreigners for "stealing" our jobs. But while trade is a factor in the loss of manufacturing jobs, even more important, by a large margin, is the emergence of an information economy in which education, knowledge and various kinds of literacy are the coin of the realm. For all the factory jobs lost to Third World competitors, far more are lost to robots.

Hard to run against higher productivity. Easier to run against cunning foreigners.

In either case, Clinton has found no counter. If she has a theme, it's about expanding opportunity, shattering ceilings. But the universe of discriminated-against minorities -- so vast 50 years ago -- is rapidly shrinking. When the burning civil rights issue of the day is bathroom choice for the transgendered, a flummoxed Fishtown understandably asks, "What about us?" Telling coal miners she was going to close their mines and kill their jobs only reinforced white working-class alienation from Clinton.

As for the chaos abroad, the Democrats are in see-no-evil denial. The first night in Philadelphia, there were 61 speeches. Not one mentioned the Islamic State or even terrorism. Later references were few, far between and highly defensive. After all, what can the Democrats say? Clinton's calling card is experience. Yet as secretary of state she left a trail of policy failures from Libya to Syria, from the Russian reset to the Iraqi withdrawal to the rise of the Islamic State.

Clinton had a strong second half of the convention as the Sanders revolt faded and as President Obama endorsed her with one of the finer speeches of his career. Yet Trump's convention bounce of up to 10 points has given him a slight lead in the polls. She badly needs one of her own.

She still enjoys the Democrats' built-in Electoral College advantage. But she remains highly vulnerable to both outside events and internal revelations. Another major terror attack, another email drop -- and everything changes.

In this crazy election year, there are no straight-line projections. As Clinton leaves Philadelphia, her lifelong drive for the ultimate prize is perilously close to a coin flip.
CHEROKEE, Iowa | A 21-year-old Sergeant Bluff man who served on the city's volunteer fire department was killed Saturday in a single-vehicle rollover crash north of Cherokee.

The crash took place around 6:45 p.m. near the intersection of 470th Street and High Country Road in rural Cherokee County.

According to a news release from the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, a pickup truck driven by 21-year-old Casey Herron, of Quimby, Iowa, was traveling east on 470th Street when he lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle then rolled over.

Vitali Zhylka, one of three passengers, was transported to Cherokee Regional Medical Center, where he died of his injuries, the release said. The driver and the vehicle's two other passengers suffered minor injuries.

Sergeant Bluff Fire Chief Anthony Gaul said Zhylka had been a volunteer with the Sergeant Bluff Fire Department for approximately four years. Gaul said Zhylka kept a positive attitude and frequently lent a hand to others both inside and outside of the fire station.

"He was a kid that just made everybody smile," Gaul said. "It didn't matter what happened when he came in, he was one that would make you laugh. He tried to always have a positive outlook."

The accident remains under investigation by the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office and the Iowa State Patrol.
PHILADELPHIA | Oh, the irony.

It was Donald Trump who provided the inspiration for a pop-up business venture that is helping one Iowa delegate to the Democratic National Convention pay his way to Philadelphia and his sisters way to Italy.

We had a stroke of insight when we heard the comment from Donald Trump and Hillary Clintons response, Zach Wahls of Iowa City said about The Woman Cards.

That comment was Trumps accusation that Clinton was playing the woman card.

Wahls, 25, and his sister, Zebby, 21, decided to capitalize on it and came up with a deck of playing cards featuring 13 American women plus two jokers. Clinton is the face on the aces to represent one. Other women portrayed in the deck include Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, suffragette Susan B. Anthony, athlete Wilma Rudolph, artist Mary Cassatt, aviator Amelia Earhart, Beyonce and civil rights activist Rosa Parks.

Zebby, who is working toward a bachelor of fine arts in painting at the University of Iowa, did the art work, which also is available in 18x24 inch prints. Zach is handling sales, including out of his backpack at the Democratic convention last week in Philadelphia. He also displayed his cards at a table in a concourse where many Democratic Party affiliates were set up through the week.

Its been brisk, said Wahls. Theres a lot of looking, but online sales have shot up this week. It hasnt hurt that the Wahls Woman Cards have received a lot of media attention.

He hears compliments on Zebbys artwork and Democrats like the idea the cards are made in America.

The brother-sister dynamic also resonates with many people who buy the cards, he said.

It inadvertently plays into the theme of the convention  stronger together, Wahls said.

Working with my sister to make this happen has been hands-down the best part of this, Wahls said.

Hes using his share of the revenue to pay for his convention trip. Zebby plans to use hers to help finance her study abroad trip to Florence, Italy.

The siblings have had 12,500 decks printed and although they have been encouraged to create more merchandising, Wahls doesnt see that as likely. One suggestion is a second deck feature 54 individual women.

Thats four times the work for Zebby, Wahls said. Im headed to graduate school and Zebby is headed to Florence. Wahls, a UI graduate, plans to get a masters in public affairs at Princeton.
LAGUNA WOODS, Calif. -- Selma Bukstein has spent a good part of her 90 years trying to make a difference. To that end, she has been teaching about tolerance at elementary schools from Missouri to Alabama to California for nearly 60 years.

"High school is too late to start these kids thinking about compassion and other people," says the diminutive Bukstein, her blue eyes sparkling.

Her tools? Six finely sculpted 12-inch dolls, fashioned into likenesses of famous humanitarians: Abraham Lincoln, George Washington Carver, Helen Keller, Albert Einstein, Mother Cabrini and Juliette Low. A seventh doll, Martin Luther King, was later added.

Similar handcrafted dolls have been used for decades by hundreds of "doll ladies" nationally to fight intolerance and prejudice.

The "Dolls for Democracy" program was developed by B'nai B'rith (now called Jewish Women International) and was offered free to grade schools and other groups of children. But interest in the program has waned in recent years, says Bukstein, and she believes she is one of the only "doll ladies" still active.

On June 14 at Clubhouse Seven, Bukstein gave her final adult presentation of the program she re-named "Heroes of Democracy." We sat down with Bukstein to find out more about the program and her hopes for its future.

Q: What has been your most memorable experience?

A: There was a blind kid, must have been in fourth or fifth grade. I was talking about Helen Keller and I had a book with braille in it. The teacher said, "We have a child who cannot see, can he read?" He walked up to the front, took the book and he started to read. The children were spellbound. When he walked back to his seat he was like 9 feet tall. I was so proud for that child. The expression on that child's face, it was just wonderful. Out of all these years, that was the best thing that has happened.

Q: What has been your greatest challenge?

A: The last four years the public schools have not been open to my giving the program. They say they are too busy with testing, even though I showed them letters of commendations from other principals of the past. I've done it so many times here, but I've never done a big outreach. I wrote to universities, thinking maybe they could send a representative to see what activities they can do to stimulate the children. I wrote to the superintendent of schools. I sent a DVD we had made and the teachers' workbook to 12 grade schools. I followed up with calls but not one would return my call.

I think with being able to have it on a DVD they can play it at their leisure and then play it in the classroom (but) I think having a live person doing it and asking questions is more effective.

Q: Do you think the dolls are relevant in today's digital age?

A: I think so. I changed the name from Dolls for Democracy to Heroes of Democracy because it's more appropriate. I think anything that's physical, that these kids can see. I want them to visualize. It matters how well-read these kids are. If they're well-read they'll know who the dolls are. If they're not well-read they don't partake. I'd rather have them participate, that's the idea.

Do they remember it after the classroom? I don't know, but I hope when I make them say "Emancipation Proclamation" that someday they'll say 'I heard that before!'

Q: From your perspective, how have intolerance and prejudice changed in 60 years?

A: I think we're talking more about it. The young people, as you can see with what's happening, they don't see differences because they're growing up with these children. And yet you see on television only beating up and whatnot. You don't see the people that are working to make this a better world.

I think (prejudice) is more evident and it's come out of the backwoods from behind closed doors. But that doesn't mean you can't stop it.

Q: What do you think the future holds for Heroes of Democracy?

A: The future is rather bleak. When I started in 1956, there were hundreds of doll ladies nationally. Now I am the last one in the country doing it. I want to interest people to make this part of their volunteer life. ... to stimulate interest in being a "doll lady." If anybody is interested, let's make a group, sign up, come here and meet in my house and we'll talk about it. I have scripts from the year one. Or they can make their own.

I was never a public speaker. I was always a mother, but I saw the need. It is my passion, and I will continue giving the Heroes of Democracy to any school or group of children.
When Sean Meyers was in a car accident on a November evening three years ago, he was flown by air ambulance to the emergency department at Inova Fairfax Hospital, in Northern Virginia. With his arm broken in four places, a busted knee and severe bruising to his upper body, Meyers, 29, was admitted to the hospital. While badly hurt, his injuries didn't seem life-threatening.

When his car went off the road, Meyers had been on his way to visit his parents, who live nearby in Sterling. They rushed to the hospital that night to wait for news and to be available if Sean or the hospital staff needed anything. But beyond the barest details, no one from the hospital talked with them about their son's condition or care, not that night nor during the next 10 days while he was hospitalized.

"All the time he was there, the hospital staff was very curt with us," said Sam Meyers, Sean's dad. "We couldn't understand why we were being ignored."

After leaving the hospital, Sean moved into his parents' spare bedroom temporarily to continue his recovery. About a week later, he was in their kitchen one evening with his girlfriend when suddenly he collapsed. He was rushed to the nearest hospital, where he died. An autopsy revealed that he had several blood clots as well as an enlarged heart.

For Sean's parents, the results were particularly wrenching because there's a history of blood clots on his mother's side of the family. How much did the hospital staff know?

"It might have saved his life if they'd talked to us," Sam Meyers said.

A spokeswoman for Inova Fairfax said, "We cannot comment on specific patients or cases." But she noted that information about a patient's care can be shared in a number of circumstances.

These days, when people think about patient privacy problems, it's usually because someone's medical record has been breached and information has been released without their consent. But issues can also arise when patient information isn't shared with family and friends, either because medical staff decide to withhold it or patients themselves choose to restrict who can receive information about their care.

The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) established rules to protect the privacy of patients' health information while setting standards for hospitals, doctors, insurers and others sharing health care information.

Stepped-up enforcement in recent years and increased penalties for improper disclosure of patient information under HIPAA may lead hospitals and others to err on the side of caution, said Jane Hyatt Thorpe, an associate professor at George Washington University's department of health policy and an expert on patient privacy.

"For a provider who's uncertain about what information a provider may or may not be able to share, the easiest and safest route is to say no," she said.

However, the law is actually quite permissive about providers disclosing information to family members and others who are involved in a patient's care, said Thorpe.

"If the physician thinks it's in [the] patient's best interest to share information with mom or dad or whatever, they may do so," she said.

They may also decide not to share information, however.

Generally, if a patient is unconscious and unable to give permission to discuss his medical information, a doctor may share details about his health with family and friends. But even if the patient is alert and able to make a choice, a health care provider can use discretion in deciding how much to tell family and friends.

Dr. Wanda Filer, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, recalled a patient who was an HIV-positive sex worker who didn't want his family to know about his health, even as he was dying. She honored his wishes. "The family was left in the dark," she said.

State laws may be more restrictive than HIPAA, requiring patient permission to disclose information to others, said Elizabeth Gray, a research scientist at George Washington University's department of health policy. However, Virginia law generally follows HIPAA on disclosures, said Gray.

In Sean Meyers' case, there are unanswered questions. For example, "we don't know what the patient actually said to the providers," said Filer.

"HIPAA does allow information to be shared with family or friends based on the patient's wishes or, if the patient cannot make his/her wishes known, then based on the family member's or friend's involvement in the patient's care," the spokeswoman for Inova said. The health system's privacy policy states that it may disclose a patient's medical information to a friend or family member as permitted under HIPAA and provides details about how to request a form to restrict such disclosures.

There's no surefire way to avoid lapses in communication or ensure that providers get all the relevant information about a patient's health. Most smartphones today allow people to store health care information that can be accessed by emergency personnel, said Joy Pritts, a privacy consultant who is a former chief privacy officer in the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology at the federal Department of Health and Human Resources. In addition to listing allergies and other health concerns, people could state their wishes about disclosing their health information.

In the case of adult children, it may be useful for the child to carry a signed document that authorizes health care providers to disclose and discuss health care information with the parents for a set period of time, said Pritts.

It's no guarantee, but if a provider is on the fence about disclosing information, "it might help," said Thorpe.
WILSON, N.C. -- At 80, Camilla Jean Woodard resolved to fight her way through algebra class, learn to operate a computer mouse, crack the thickest book she had ever lifted and finally bring home the prize that had escaped her since age 17: a high school diploma.

She'd been waffling for years, inventing excuses to skip lessons, coming so close to quitting that at one point she hollered to her teacher, "I guess I'm just dumb!" She wasn't, of course. Math has changed in the last six decades.

So Woodard doubled down. She took twice the courses, sitting in class eight hours a day. She whipped Windows. She fought off word problems. And in May, she set a green mortarboard on her head, pulled a silver ring on her finger and accepted the sheet of parchment that called her a graduate  a bit late, but twice as worthy. Woodard had the distinction of being oldest in her class of eight, though her close friend Mary Frederick took a close second place.

"It was a hard road, but we made it," said Frederick, 78. "We walked across that stage together and she said, 'I'm going to be praising the Lord so high.' I said, 'Don't you embarrass me in front of all these people and your family. You're likely to get a tear in your eye and fall down. Wait until you cross the stage to pray.'"

In 1953, when Woodard dropped out after the 11th grade, only about a quarter of the adults in North Carolina finished high school compared to 84 percent today. People married younger. At that time, nearly a third of the state's population lived on a farm.

Woodard called herself an eager student as a teen. She enjoyed biology and thought about becoming a nurse. At 17, she even married the young man who drove the bus to Speight School in Stantonsburg, N.C., one of the few places in Wilson County where black children could take high school classes. But like so many others of her time, she felt a powerful tug to help her husband's family grow tobacco and cotton.

"His family didn't want me to stop," she said, "but I just felt guilty."

Mostly, life rolled on fine without a diploma. She and David Woodard later moved to Wilson, where she found work in a nursing home and then a retirement center, working her way to supervisor on the overnight shift. They raised three children together: Travis, who became a sheriff's deputy; Belinda, who also worked in health care; and Corey, who served in the Army at Fort Bragg.

But then, as a widow in her 70s, Woodard found herself retired idle. She thought to herself, "I don't have anything to do but sit here, and I don't want to sit here." So she started taking classes at Wilson Community College, on and off for six years.

She might have aimed for a GED or another high school equivalency, which generally take less time. But she chose the tougher road for a chance at the real diploma on paper -- grinding through classes, credits and all.

Statewide, nearly 5,000 students worked at completing adult high school over the last year, and roughly a quarter of them graduated. On its website, Wilson County's adult high school program warns that students must complete 25 courses to graduate: math, science, social studies, English and electives. Classes run from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday or 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and the duration depends on the student. Tuition and books are free, but a diploma costs $5.

And while 80 may seem too distant an age for a graduate, a Virginia woman earned her diploma two years ago at 111. Four years ago, a 106-year-old man accomplished the same in Massachusetts. Woodard enrolled carrying eight decades of wisdom, but the last time she'd stepped in a classroom, Dwight Eisenhower was president and astronauts were 15 years from walking on the moon.

Woodard tried to be reasonable. She recalled telling one teacher, "Listen, I'm not hard to catch on. Show me one time, and I promise I can do it."

The teacher declined. So Woodard tried again.

"Just show me," she said. "I'm not hard to catch on."

After a third rejection, Woodard shouted, "Well, I guess I'm just dumb then!"

"Get out," said the teacher, banishing Woodard from class like she'd been caught chewing gum.

Alone in the break room, crying to herself, Woodard wished privately for a way to proceed without this obstacle of an instructor. She composed herself and got back to work, her nemesis firmly in place. But three weeks later, as if by answered prayer, the teacher announced she would be moving out of the class.

"In my mind," Woodard said, "I said, 'Lord, I thank you.'"

Woodard didn't want an easy ride. She didn't ask for adult education with kid gloves, and she didn't get it. Another teacher told her, "Don't come in here with your head down. You've got a brain like anybody else." And when he handed her a novel with the thickness of a telephone book, she complained, "It'll be 2020 before I finish this book."

Months later, Woodard can't even recall the title of this tome. But she slogged through it. And when she burst into class, triumphant, announcing she'd finally reached the last page, the teacher said, "No, you haven't. Somebody told me it would be 2020 when she finished. It's still 2016."
Mickey Mouse is not the top cheese when it comes to headwear sales at Walt Disney World. Hes not even in the runner-up slot.

Those honors go to products based on Minnie Mouse. The top-seller is a headband with the famed round black ears separated by Minnies trademark red-and-white polka dot bowl, said Steven Miller, merchandise communications manager.

The No. 2 best-seller is the Minnie design, only shinier. Its made of sequins.

Thats probably the most startling fact I learned during a recent walk with Miller through the mammoth World of Disney store at Disney Springs. I asked to chat with him because I had a theory that Disney was creating more and more varieties of specialty ear hats.

Just five years ago, I wrote a story about the company expanding beyond the basic black styling of the ear hats, which have roots back to the original Mickey Mouse Club of the 1950s. Since then, there have been all manner of ear hats, including ones based on Star Wars droid BB-8 and Frozen snowman Olaf, which, begrudgingly, I would put in the category of annoyingly cute.

Recently I noticed an ear hat with a 2016 design on it. Im the kind of shopper who looks at the dated merchandise and imagines myself not wanting to wear that in, oh, 2017. Its so last year.

I might be in the minority.

Our dated program is huge, Miller said. People want to commemorate that moment in time  and thats when it becomes that souvenir mentality.

Other recent ear-hat introduction include a mohawk Mickey (with short, colorful hair running between the ears) and a new version of the Made with Magic ears, which light up during key parts of theme-park shows and other attractions. The updates feature characters in a metallic finish.

We also put some of the different new mechanics in here, trying to make it a bit lighter and fit a bit better, Miller said.

Coming this year are ear hats marking the 45th anniversary of Walt Disney World. Theyll be joining a crowd. Disney World sells about 580 different kinds of headwear, including caps, headbands, visors, ear hats and the like, Miller said.

Obviously, guests can find a lot of different Disney character product all over, Miller said. We want to offer things that are unique to the Disney parks experience.

For instance, theres now a line of T-shirts that mashes up Star Wars themes with theme-park attractions such as Haunted Mansion and Jungle Cruise.

Its a fun play for guests who love Disney heritage, Miller said. Youre probably going to see more of that when it comes to creating parks product.

Theres already an upscale selection of Ts from the 28th and Main line tied to elements of Disney Springs. I have my eye on the Jock Lindsays Hangar Bar one, but theres also a Springs Bottling Co. shirt.

But I digress from my head games. What do you think this popularity of headbands means?

Coming this fall, were going to do a lot more headbands, Miller said. Look for different colors and incarnations of Minnies bow.

Weve found that purple is a color thats very popular, he said. You saw it with MagicBands.  You saw it with color in general.

The look will continue to get shiny options and a leopard look in coming weeks. Designs are already getting more elaborate with flowers and such attached.

Next up headband land: Embroidery. It has been a challenge, Miller said, to stitch onto the ears because of the thickness. Disney has created a work-around with a style where each ear is really two sides Velcroed together. They can be split apart to sew in lettering on both sides.
A second hand shop is often times one of the more talked about in a community.

For some, its a curiosity, an alternative to more traditional retail outlets. In other cases, it could be the local thrift store. But in almost every case, these second hand shops are known as places to get great deals!

And a place like that can quickly leave its mark. Second hand shops of all types often have loyal customers who like to tell their friends about some secret store where theyre scoring great products without breaking their budget.

So, opening a second hand shop of some type in your community could be a great business idea. Here are 10 things you should consider wen your launching and then running your business.

Things to Consider When Opening a Second Hand Shop

Choose the Kind of Store You Want to Run

There are second hand shops with a special niche  records shops, bookstores, clothing stores, furniture studios. Then there are second hand stores that will sell just about anything.

Youll need to figure out what type of second hand business youre thinking of starting. That decision could be based on a variety of factors, including availability of merchandise, shop location and your overall knowledge of a product. Consider your market, too. A college town, for example, may not be the best location for an antique shop but a used furniture shop or used bookstore could be a big hit.

Have a Plan for Sourcing Your Merchandise

You may be sitting on what you think is a lot of merchandise ripe for a quality second hand shop. And that may be true.

But what happens if you have a mad rush of customers one day and your shelves and racks are left bare? Whats the plan to get more merchandise in a hurry.

Closeouts and liquidation sales may be one source, as are auctions. Check local auction listings. There are events near you for almost every type of merchandise  from restaurant liquidations to wholesale food products to an entire garage of tools  that could fill your shelves quickly.

Be Sure to Get the Proper Business Licenses

When starting any business, especially a local brick-and-mortar operation, its critical that you comply with all local laws and acquire all appropriate licenses. If you plan to buy merchandise from private citizens, its also important to ensure all procedures are in place to prevent buying stolen goods and that you work with authorities if hot merchandise does come through your doors.

Hire a Mr. or Mrs. Fix-It

If youre running a second hand furniture or appliance shop, there may come a time when you buy something  with the intent of selling it  that needs a little work. Youll be far too consumed with running other aspects of your business to have the time to devote to handiwork.

Find a few reliable people locally who can do repairs at a negotiable cost and help you out on an on-call basis. This could include people with sewing skills or electrical skills or even someone as specific as an air conditioner repairman.

Run It Like a Modern Business

Just because a lot of your merchandise is second hand doesnt mean your operation should be second rate. Your customers will expect you to effectively use technology and create a positive shopping experience. Consider a point-of-sale system that has some portability. Adopt a customer loyalty program thats easy to track. Keep a clean, well-lit location.

Dont Be a Square, Keep Up with Trends

You may assume running a second hand store means accepting just about anything people bring in for resale or anything you can buy at an auction. Well, youd be wrong. Not all second hand merchandise is created equally. So take a good long look at which of your products seem to sell best with your customers. Stay up on the latest trends. Mix the old with the new and give your customers a truly unique experience.

Forget Firm Pricing and Learn to Negotiate

Few, if any, second hand shops have firm prices on their merchandise. And your goal running a second hand shop should be to move merchandise in an effort to bring in new stuff as quickly as possible. To do this, youre going to have to learn how to make deals that keep you in the black and let your customers feel like theyre getting a good deal.

Being able to satisfy customers in this fashion can really go a long way in building a loyal customer base.

No Matter What Your Niche, Diversify Your Stock

Its great if you want to stick to a niche market but theres nothing wrong with drawing in as many potential customers as you can. Using the record store as an example again  your shelves should be lined with vintage vinyl but to make the shop inviting to more people, consider adding products for people without a turntable but are related to your specialty.

Also, listen to your customers. If theyre asking you for certain kinds of products, do your best to get them in as soon as possible. Again, this is another way of developing loyal customers.

See Also: 15 Ways to Ensure Your Customers Open Your Emails

Promote Where Your Customers Are

Second hand stores have vibrant social media followings and you should work toward getting your posts  on Facebook and similar social media  out to as many people as possible. Using each networks best practices for promoting a business, let customers know about new products you just got in. Run special promotions for your followers too.

Remember, Second Hand Neednt Be Second Rate

In some places, theres a stigma that follows second hand stores of any kind. Of course, as noted earlier, these are the same stores that are often beloved  when theyre good  in the community. So be sure to connect with the community in which you operate early and often.

Work hard to get a feel for exactly what your community needs and the kind of experience customers are expecting.

Then do whatever it takes to fill those needs and create that experience.

Dont wall yourself off from the rest of the community. Become part of it, instead.

What qualities about your favorite local second hand shop do you appreciate the most? What keeps you going back and what drew you there in the first place. Leave your answers in the comments below.
According to police, a car laden with explosives hit the gates of the CID headquarters, clearing entry for fighters who stormed in after the vehicle exploded, Reuters reports.

Another bomb attack today in #Mogadishu. Heavy bomb and attack ongoing at the CID HQ. pic.twitter.com/dbOcaLnR8p  M.Mubarak (@somalianalyst) July 31, 2016

A radical Islamist group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming that there is intense fighting inside the headquarters.

Breaking: Alshabab hit Somali police criminal investigation Department in #Mogadishu.  Ahmed Abdihadi (@AhmadAlhaadi) July 31, 2016

Law enforcement, howver, is unable to give precise information on the death toll.

"It is too early to tell the number of casualties," Reuters quoted a police officer as saying.

Less than a week al-Shabaab took responsibility for two suicide attacks on checkpoints near Mogadishu's International Airport, which killed at least 13 people.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The Islamist militant group al-Shabaab took responsibility for the double car suicide bombing, targeting police station in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, which killed five civilians and one police officer, Somali Minister of Internal Security Abdirizak Mohamed said Sunday.

"7 AS [al-Shabaab] attackers of CID [Criminal Investigative Police Division] were killed by our brave forces; final casualties are, 5 civilian &1 police died in the attack & 5 others injured," Mohamed wrote on his official Twitter account.

On June 26, at least a dozen people were killed when two vehicles exploded on the way to a base for African Union peacekeepers near Mogadishu International Airport.
The most recent Gallup poll , conducted from July 18-25, found that 58% of voters had an unfavorable opinion of both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton with only 37% of voters saying they support either candidate  historically negative figures worse than ever reported for any candidate for the US presidency and a glaring red flag for American democracy.

It begs the question of how in a Democratic society can a candidate opposed by more than 50% of the public can oppose the candidate  either one  who will ultimately take office as a representative of the people. This inexplicable reality faced by American voters, millions of whom according to a separate poll by Public Policy Polling (PPP) would choose a giant meteor crashing into earth rather than selecting either of the candidates, in fact has an explanation as was learned by the DNC leaks.

Donald Trump called it on May 4, 2016 when he posted on Twitter that "I would rather run against Crooked Hillary Clinton than Bernie Sanders and that will happen because the books are cooked against Bernie!" The candidate whose selling point is actually that he knows the rigged system better than anybody else because he used to be a part of it, turned out not so surprisingly to be correct.
Stephen F. Cohen, professor emeritus of Russian studies at NYU and Princeton, suggested on CNNs Smerconish Saturday morning show that Donald Trump wants to prevent a New Cold War and that the American Media fails to grasp the nuance of the bombastic billionaire real estate tycoon turned presidential candidates sophisticated diplomatic maneuver.

Of course, the danger of attempting to rationalize an action by the impulsive former reality television star and all-time king of ratings with existing models of academic analysis is that nobody can be all too certain that there is a rhyme or reason to his words that so often seem to be blurted out the second they cross his mind.

Cohen believes, however, that the mainstream media is doing a disservice to the American people by ignoring the substance of Trumps arguments about NATO and Russia which may be the most refreshing coherent and consistent position of his unconventional presidential campaign. He also went on to blast the Clinton campaigns "simplistic" smear that Trump is a Russian "Manchurian candidate."
Last weeks Fritz fire may have been his baptism by fire, but Brad Shoemaker has emerged unsinged from that significant early test in his new job as the countys director of disaster and emergency services.

The key to success in such a large, cooperative effort to save lives and property, he said this week, is getting everyone to operate toward the same goal, and in this case, I think all the agencies did an excellent job doing that.

Shoemaker, 29, began work April 1 after previous stints with the U.S. Forest Service, the National Park Service and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. He said he had an idea last winter that the current fire season would be a challenge after taking a look at the area snowpack. That suspicion was confirmed in May, when we started looking at fuel numbers and how things were trending, that wed have an above-average year," he said.

He began meeting with fire chiefs around the county so wed all be on the same page and so we could do some preseason preparation.

Others charged with protecting the public in Yellowstone County say they appreciate Shoemakers openness and proactive approach, as well as his ability to communicate  both among fire and law enforcement agencies and with the public.

The Fritz Fire was a pretty big deal here in Yellowstone County, and for him to be able to make the call for graders and dozers and other county resources and to work with the DNRC to start mobilizing equipment from surrounding counties, that sure took a lot of the load off me, said Rick Cortez, chief of the 20-member Blue Creek Volunteer Fire Department and the incident commander for the fire west of Billings. That freed me up to concentrate on the incident at hand.

He is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to, said Yellowstone County Sheriff Mike Linder. Hes proactive, which doesnt surprise me based on the experience hes had from previous positions. Hes enthusiastic about the job, and from what Ive seen, I think he will work out very well.

He is engaged, especially as a public information officer, said Billings Fire Chief Paul Dextras. That makes a real difference when all kinds of people are calling him at once or hes dealing with the media. His job is to let people know theres a plan in place and the progress that's being made, and from that aspect hes doing a stellar job. Its more than a full-time job, but he seems to be managing and prioritizing things well.

Shoemaker earned his undergraduate degree in forestry from Virginia Tech University and a masters degree in emergency management from Anna Maria College in Paxton, Mass. He and his wife have a 15-month-old daughter. During the weekend of the Fritz fire July 22-24, he got home once, for five hours, which he spent, understandably, sleeping.

Were used to the summer busy season, so we do our traveling around Thanksgiving and Christmas, he said.

Everything in its place

Even an initial glance at his third-story office in the Yellowstone County Courthouse proves Shoemaker prefers order over chaos. The office is full of thick three-ring binders and maps  even a couple white boards with columns of what Shoemaker refers to as my half-baked ideas"  but not turnout gear or self-contained breathing apparatuses.

Theres a reason for that, he said.

Credit for the actual responsibility of saving all those homes goes to the guys in the engines, trucks and helicopters who are doing the hard work, he said. My job is to coordinate it and get it moving in the same direction.

The list of agencies involved in the Fritz fire response is extensive, including nearly every fire district in the county, the sheriffs office, Montana Highway Patrol, DNRC fire and air personnel, private aircraft providers, Red Cross, contract U.S. Forest Service firefighters  even the Yellowstone County Extension Service, which helped gather and protect livestock, among other duties.

What I try to do is fit together individuals and groups with different skill sets, he said. I did very little of the actual work of dousing the Fritz fire, he said. They get all the credit for getting the work done.

Where Shoemaker can take credit, fire chiefs and law enforcement officials say, is in upgrading the county's disaster planning.

The plan itself is important, but it has to be written in a flexible way, Shoemaker said. You cant predict every input.

Hes worked to involve all the fire agencies and districts as well as law enforcement in the planning process.

They have to have face-to-face interaction, and a prior relationship, he said, to ensure that an element of trust has been developed. A lot can be taken care of just bringing in the right people, and thats my job.

Once the fire season winds down, emergency and disaster managers in the West typically turn to planning. Shoemaker said hes already working on communications systems among the countys various responders to improve both fire and ambulance response. He hopes to be successful writing grants to purchase about $600,000 in radio system upgrades, since grants will pay for up to 75 percent of the cost.

I hope we can finish that over three years, with the upgrades occurring in stages, he said.

The quick way to go is to ask for money and then spend it out your ears if you want to, he said. But a better route is to develop a long-term communications plan thats well thought-out and well written, stretched out over a timeline. There are federal and state funds to get that paid for out of other pockets. I want to pursue those grants to be as responsible as we can be.

Another key communications component  between his office and the public  will also be improved, once a software upgrade can be purchased to allow text blasts to be effectively sent to smart phones in Yellowstone County in times of emergency.

Then there are longer-term projects, including the modernization of the countys emergency operations center, now in the basement of Fire Station No. 1 in Billings. That will also be mostly grant-funded, he said.

All the while, Shoemaker said a review of the countys emergency operations plan continues to move forward.

If we stopped our monthly meetings every time we have an incident, Id never make any progress, he said, adding that the potential for spring floods and potential disasters at the countys three refineries and extensive pipeline system are year-round items.

Even after the Fritz fire, I still came to work for the rest of the week, because there was still stuff to do, he said. I went home and slept for those five hours  and those were five really good hours.
YEREVAN (Sputnik)  The self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic's (NKR) and Azerbaijan's Defense Ministries exchanged mutual accusations of multiple ceasefire violations on the line of contact overnight into Sunday.

"Overnight July 30 into July 31, the Azerbaijan's armed forces violated ceasefire regime 46 times along the line of contact, firing over 600 shots of various caliber toward Armenian positions," the NKR Defense Ministry said, adding that one soldier sustained injuries.

According to Baku, the Azerbaijani positions were shelled six times overnight.
We cant rule out the possibility that those who regularly gather there go on to become terrorists and suicide bombers. Thats why its absolutely imperative for us to ban this organization, Pistorius told Sputnik.

When answering a question about how successful police and security forces had been monitoring the potential terrorists activities, Boris Pistorius said that they had been closely watching those who pose potential threat.

However, in Wurzburg and Ansbach we saw that [the terrorists] turned out to be people who had never been suspected before. There is heightened threat of terrorism now existing in Germany where a lone attacker or a group of terrorists can strike out any time. Ansbach and Wurzburg showed how fast such an attack can happen, he noted.

The Interior Minister of Mecklenburg-Upper Pomerania recently said that in the event of a terrorist threat he would be ready to send in an army battalion. His Bavarian colleague said he was even ready to change the Constitution.

Theoretically, our laws allow the use of the armed forces in such situations, but what exactly the Bundeswehr is going to do and exactly which armed services our colleagues have in mind? The Bavarian minister wants to give the military a complete freedom of hand at home. But would this have changed the course of things in Ansbach and Wurzburg? Im surprised to hear such proposals coming from these two ministers after what happened in Ansbach and Wurzburg."

According to Boris Pistorius it is a big priority for Germany to move quickly to deport potentially dangerous people.Germany has recently seen a rash of deadly terrorists attacks carried out by migrants.

An 18-year-old German-Iranian gunman killed nine people in a shopping mall in Munich on June 22 injuring dozens more.

A 27-year-old Syrian man, who was denied asylum in Germany a year ago, blew himself up on July 24 outside a music festival in Ansbach, southern Germany, injuring 12 people in the country's fourth violent attack on members of the public in less than a week.

Also on June 24, a 21-year-old Syrian refugee was arrested after killing a pregnant woman and wounding two people with a machete in the southwestern city of Reutlingen, near Stuttgart.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  According to Deutsche Welle, the German Federal Constitutional Court upheld the decision of the Munster court declaring that broadcasting of the presidential speech from abroad running contrary to the German legislation.

Up to 30,000 people are expected to partake in demonstrations against the putschists while Erdogan's opponents are likely to hold their own rally, the broadcaster added.

On July 15, a faction in Turkish armed forces attempted a coup which was thwarted the next day.
PRAGUE (Sputnik)  His remarks came after a series of deadly attacks that rocked Europe earlier in July.

"The solution [in combating terrorism in Europe] is, I believe, in deportation of all those who were denied asylum in the country they applied for. Those are in majority, as we know," Zeman said in an interview with the video channel of the Blesk newspaper.

Zeman noted that jihadists come to Europe under the guise of peaceful refugees from conflict zones in the Middle East, urging to expel radical Muslim preachers who incite hatred in mosques.
PRAGUE (Sputnik)  The president added that those in possession of guns would have to get used to protecting themselves instead of keeping weapons at home.

"Earlier I spoke against possession of large amounts of weapon [by the citizens]. After those [terrorist] attacks, I do not think so any more," Zeman said in an interview with the Czech Blesk newspaper.

Europe has been pushed to urgently and extensively boost its safety and security measures over the past months amid a wave of deadly attacks that has occurred in Europe, including a truck running over a crowd in France's Nice and a suicide bombing near an open-air music festival in German Ansbach.
LONDON (Sputnik)  Earlier in the day, Metropolitan Police chief Bernard Hogan-Howe told to the Daily Mail newspaper that the terrorist threat remained at "severe" level and an attack was highly likely to happen.

"There's four or five cases where there is a sense of a plot, where they are planning and plotting and intending to commit an act of terrorism rather than just being extremists," the official told the Sunday Times newspaper.

Europe has been pushed to urgently and extensively boost its safety and security measures over the past two weeks amid a wave of deadly attacks that has occurred in Europe, including a truck running over a crowd in France's Nice and a suicide bombing near an open-air music festival in Ansbach, a city in the German state of Bavaria.
According to Rahr, the most likely candidates to replace Merkel could be members of her own CDU party. Among potential candidates, he mentioned Germany's Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen, head of the Christian Social Union, Horst Seehofer and Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble.

"But all this does not mean that there will be a fundamental change in German policy, with the exception of Horst Seehofer, who is able to do things that the current politicians cannot  tighten legislation and move away from some liberal rules to stabilize the situation," the expert said.

The European Union and particularly Germany have 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.

Merkel repeatedly said that Germany was able to cope with the migrant crisis and terrorism, saying: "We can still do this. We can manage this historic challenge." However, recent attacks in Germany have raised doubts and concerns among the German population.
The RT-23 had a liftoff weight of 105 tons, which made its use on railway cars a problem  the missile was too heavy to carry. Moreover, its range was only 10,000 kilometers, which is way less than what the Chinese say their DF-41 will be able to fly to, he added.

Severe underfunding, the high degree of official corruption and security lapses allowed the Chinese to obtain much-desired knowhow and eventually build their own version of the Soviet-designed RD-120 liquid-fuel space rocket engine.

During the 1990s many Chinese nationals were arrested while trying to obtain technical documentation from Yuzhmash but they were all set free shortly after.

The almost defunct Yuzhmash and Yuzhnoye design bureau still offer a wealth of missile-related documentation many countries working on their own missile programs will be only too happy to obtain, Vasily Kashin said in conclusion.

The THAAD system is designed to intercept short, medium and intermediate ballistic missiles at the terminal incoming stage. The system's potential deployment on the Korean Peninsula has caused concern in North Korea, as well as China and Russia.
On July 18, a 17-year-old youth who had sought asylum in Germany was shot dead by police after wounding five people with an axe on a train near Wuerzburg, also in Bavaria. Police found a hand-painted Daesh  also known as ISIL  flag in his flat. Later, on July 24, a 21-year-old Syrian refugee was arrested after killing a pregnant woman and wounding two people with a machete in the southwestern city of Reutlingen, near Stuttgart.

In Rahr's opinion, the series of terrorist attacks involving migrants may lead to the increased popularity of right-wing parties.

"Because of the atmosphere that we currently have here, right-wing parties will score points. At local elections in Berlin on September 18, right-wing populist party Alternative for Germany could rank third. In one year there is also federal election. Alternative for Germany can take third place in these elections without a hitch too," the expert said.
Earlier on Sunday, local media reported that the German Federal Constitutional Court banned broadcasting of Erdogan's speech at the rally to be held in Cologne, saying that broadcasting of the presidential speech from abroad runs contrary to the German legislation.

On July 15, an attempted coup took place in Turkey, and was suppressed by the following day. Over 240 people were killed during the coup attempt and an estimated 2,000 were wounded. The Turkish authorities have arrested over 13,000 people following the coup attempt, 10,000 of whom were members of the Turkish military.
There is no first name or initial on Hogans stone marker in Lincolns old cemetery, but he might well have known J. Egelson, as both died in 1869.

Beneath the lodgepole and ponderosa pines, the Douglas firs, native grasses, and huckleberry and tobacco brush are some 200 graves that include 30 to 40 pioneer graves on 1 acres, according to a survey by the State Historic Preservation Office.

Aging wooden picket fences, weathered to a somber gray, surround some of the graves. Black iron or ordinary metal fencing adorns others graves in this cemetery that was established in 1867.

Some graves are unmarked, while the stones at others may contain perhaps only a name. More recent graves of men and women who wore the uniform of military service are also found within the old cemetery.

The cemetery was within view of Lincolns historic townsite before the forest reclaimed the community that was born through the promise of gold and perished when the wealth played out.

Over time, the historic portion of the cemetery and its more modern section became a part of national forest lands.

The towns Lions Club managed the cemetery for a time, said Jerry Burns a former Forest Service lawman who is a lifelong Lincoln resident.

Lincolns Veteran of Foreign Wars post managed the cemetery after the Lions Club through an arrangement with the Forest Service, he said.

However, the Forest Service learned in the mid-1970s that special-use permits wouldnt allow for burials on forest lands.

Some burials occurred anyway at the towns old cemetery, and discussions among the Forest Service and Lincoln residents and Lewis and Clark County officials sought a solution.

Talks between the county and Forest Service began in earnest about five years ago, said Eric Bryson, the countys chief administrative officer.

On July 14, those discussions concluded with $3,600 (the appraised value) from the county to purchase 4.77 acres of cemetery land from the Forest Service. The plat for the site now calls it Lincoln Gulch Cemetery.

Were really pleased to be able to provide that to the Lincoln community, said Bill Avey, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest supervisor.

The Forest Service lacked legal authority to allow new burials in the cemetery, Avey said, explaining this left the Forest Service in a difficult position because it couldnt meet the communitys needs.

The Forest Service also lacked a simple way to transfer the cemetery out of the forest, he added.

Often, authorization to transfer a cemetery from forest lands ends up as a matter for congressional approval, Avey said.

This process didnt involve all of Congress but it did become an issue for Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said county commission Chairman Mike Murray.

Without the assistance of Sen. Tester, I dont think it would have happened, Murray said.

I know the senator got somebodys attention at the national level, he added while also expressing his appreciation for the support received from national and local Forest Service officials.

The county commission plans to create a cemetery district and appoint trustees to manage it, Murray said, adding this will happen as soon as possible.

A five-person board would likely be created for the cemeterys management, Bryson said.

After the board is in place, it would determine the costs for the cemeterys annual operation and maintenance, he said, and added he expected the board would then consider seeking a levy or assessment to pay those costs.

People in Lincoln have encouraged the county commission to return control of the cemetery to their town, Murray said, noting that residents have waited long enough for the transfer to occur.

I think its incredibly important to the community, Bryson said. Its their ancestral heritage thats buried there.

Bonnie Shown is among Lincoln residents who are pleased to have the cemetery under local control.

Im just thrilled, she said.

She moved to Lincoln in 1974 with her daughter to be closer to her parents who eventually retired there after building a cabin outside of town in 1951.

For perhaps 40 years or longer she and others in town have cared for the old cemetery, Shown said.

After the local VFW post closed and its membership merged with the East Helena post, a group of Lincoln residents that may number 20 gather at the cemetery on the Saturday before Memorial Day for the annual cleanup.

Many of her friends are buried there, said Shown, who inherited the cemeterys books about 10 years ago.

It brings back a lot of good memories.

American Legion Post 9 places American flags at veterans graves for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, Shown said, adding, They do a good job for us. It keeps our cemetery looking sharp.

The community intends to preserve the historical character of the old cemetery, said Shown and Bryson.

The townsite and cemetery qualify for listing on the National Register of Historical Places, and community residents want to preserve the cemeterys historic nature, Shown said.

Work is ongoing to prepare the paperwork needed to seek a National Register listing for the townsite and cemetery, said Burns who initially wanted the cemetery to remain under Forest Service control until it could be listed.

Even still, hes said hes pleased the cemetery is under the countys control, as this will allow for its use by town residents.

Its been a long time in the making, Burns said.

Shown too has waited for a resolution to the cemeterys status. She too has a plot at the cemetery, next to that of her parents, where her ashes will be interred.

Shown worked part-time jobs as a bartender and bookkeeper among others after she moved there. Building a house there in 1981 made the town her home.

Being a resident of Lincoln has allowed her to volunteer over the years to assist various groups such as the rodeo club, snowmobile club, VFW and the community hall that will mark its 100th year in 2018.

For her, the attraction of this town set amid the forest and far from urban areas is its way of life.

I find that I love the quietness of Lincoln, she said.

Im not a big-city girl. Im a Lincoln girl.
"Twenty terrorists have been arrested. The territory of the police station has been liberated", the security service said in a statement.

The special anti-terrorist operation was conducted on July 30-31.

Earlier on Sunday, the group said it was going to surrender.
The head of the local Muslim community and the imam of one of the mosques, Mohammed Karabila, said they don't want "to taint Islam with this person".

The priest aged 85, who was described as always being kind to his parishioners, modest and dedicated to religion, was brutally killed by Kermiche and another attacker in a Normandy church during the morning service.

"We're not going to taint Islam with this person," Karabila told French newspaper Le Parisien, cited by Sky News. "We won't participate in preparing the body or the burial."
The expert also added that some journalists and civil servants, for instance, were suspended from their jobs, although they had no connections with the coup or any other illegal activities. He also called the trend of constant persecutions and violations of freedom of speech and other human rights "quite worrying".

On the other side, according to Stephenson, despite reports about the difficult situation in the country, many people were against the coup and are glad that the coup was unsuccessful.

"Military coups have never ever been popular with the people of Turkey," the expert said.

On July 15, an attempt to overthrow the government took place in Turkey and it was suppressed the following day. Over 240 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured during the failed coup excluding the victims among the plotters, according to the country's authorities.

Since the failed coup, Turkey has jailed more than 10,000 people and suspended more than 50,000 judges, civil servants, and educators under a state of emergency in which expressing ideas similar to those of Gulen is considered a crime.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  French authorities have submitted a request via Eurojust, the European Unions judicial cooperation unit, asking to share information on migrants travelling through Greece, the source told the Kathimerini newspaper.

The French side is looking to get access to the Greek police electronic database in order to find out whether those migrants who entered Europe through Greece have any links to Daesh, the daily said.

In July, two terror attacks took place in France, the responsibility for which has been claimed by the Islamic State terrorist group, outlawed in many countries worldwide including Russia. On July 14, a truck rammed into a large crowd celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, killing at least 84. On July 26, two armed men took five people hostage at the Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray church in Normandy, killing a priest.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On July 26, two armed men took five people hostage at the Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray church in Normandy, killing a priest.

"We particularly welcome this morning our Muslim friends. They have expressed a desire to pay us a visit this morning. Thank you on behalf of all Christians. You affirm in such a way that you refuse the deaths and violence in the name of God. As we have heard from you this is not Islam," Archbishop of Rouen Dominique Lebrun told BFMTV broadcaster following the mass reportedly attended by about 2,000 individuals.

Earlier in July, the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) called on Muslims to demonstrate solidarity and compassion over the murder.
MEXICO CITY (Sputnik)  The attackers, armed with assault rifles and hand guns, broke into two houses belonging to one family before killing five adults, one six year old girl and a 14 year old boy, Heredia told reporters on Saturday.

A two year old baby survived the attack, while four more children were able to escape to a nearby dumping ground and also survived.

The Guerrero state has one of Mexico's highest crime rates. Forty three students disappeared in Mexicos Guerrero state in September, 2014. They were abducted and killed after participating in a protest against discriminatory hiring and funding practices in the city of Iguala.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The Russian center for Syrian reconciliation at the Hmeymim airbase registered a total of seven violations of the ceasefire regime in Syria in the last 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday

"The ceasefire has been observed in most provinces of the Syrian Arab Republic. Within last 24 hours, 7 ceasefire violations have been registered in the Damascus (5) and Latakia (2) provinces," the ministry said in a daily bulletin posted on its website.

The ministry said that Jaysh al-Islam formation claiming to belong to the opposition performed mortar shelling of Nashabiyah, Arbil, Duma, Jaubar, Haush al-Farah, Harasta cities in the Damascus province.
Local media has focused on the base after the failed coup in Turkey occurred the night of July 15. Although the main scenes of the events were Istanbul and Ankara, Incirlik was shut down for a time by local authorities shortly after the putsch, and several Turkish soldiers from the base were deemed by Turkish officials to be involved in the overthrow attempt.

The lockdown at Incirlik follows a massive wave of protests on Thursday when pro-Erdogan nationalists took to the streets yelling "death to the US" and called for the immediate closure of the Incirlik base. Security personnel dispersed the protesters before they were able to make it to the base.

Syria Ceasefire (@Syria_Ceasefire) July 30, 2016

The massive presence of armed police supported by heavy vehicles calls into question the Turkish government's official line that the lock down at the Incirlik base is merely a "safety inspection."

Levent Tekin (@Levent_Tekin) July 30, 2016

The situation continues to develop in front of NATO's Incirlik Air Base as more heavy trucks have been dispatched to surround and block access to the critical military facility that is at the heart of the defense alliance's air campaign to combat terror in Syria.

Turkish European Affairs Minister took to Twitter to once again assert that there was a "general security check" at Incirlik Air Base and that "nothing is wrong" there.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The personnel, including one officer, died when Houthi rebels and forces loyal to the countrys ex-President Ali Abdullah Saleh tried crossing the Yemeni-Saudi Arabian border, the Al Ekhbariya channel reported on Saturday, citing the coalition's command.

Earlier, coalition forces carried out airstrikes against Houthis near the southern Saudi town of Najran, killing several dozen rebels when they tried crossing the border into Saudi Arabia.

Since 2014, Yemen has been engulfed in a military conflict between forces loyal to President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and the Houthis, also known as the Ansar Allah movement, which is the countrys main opposition force.
Russia has also prepared 14 tons of humanitarian cargo for those fleeing the militants, with 2.5 tons of food and essentials already supplied, he added.

According to the civilians who managed to reach safety, living under militants is horrible.

"We left with our remaining children. May God punish the rebels. They did not allow us to leave, they deprived us of gas, water, electricity and bread. We were not allowed to leave. There were no medicines. They used to tell us you live with us or die with us," one of escaped women said.

"We suffered and walked a lot, may God curse the rebels. They did not leave food or medicine and by the time we left it was not easy," another resident added.

Russian-Syrian humanitarian operation in Aleppo began on Thursday when three humanitarian corridors were opened in the city.
A red flag warning is in effect Sunday for most of southeastern and south central Montana as sweltering temperatures continue in the region.

The National Weather Service issued the warning beginning at noon Sunday and ending at midnight. High temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds will create hazardous fire weather in the areas where the warning is in effect.

The NWS forecasts sunny skies and a high temperature of about 97 in Billings Sunday. Southwest winds up to 16 mph are expected to shift to the northwest in the afternoon.

There is a 20 percent chance of isolated thunderstorms until about midnight. Partly cloudy skies are expected as temperatures fall to a low of about 60. Northwest winds up to 17 mph are possible.

Sunny skies will resume Monday, but temperatures will be slightly cooler with a high of about 89 expected. West winds up to 7 mph will shift to the east in the afternoon.

Monday nights skies will be mostly clear as temperatures fall to a low of about 59. East northeast winds up to 8 mph will shift to the north northwest after midnight.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Russia delivered more than six metric tons of humanitarian aid to Syrias provinces of Aleppo and Latakia, a daily bulletin on the Russian Defense Ministry website said on Saturday.

"Mi-8 helicopters have dropped humanitarian cargos (500 food kits) in the regions of the Aleppo city controlled by armed formations. Low-income families of Bodj-Islam (Latakia province) have received 6 tons of humanitarian cargos with flour, rice, canned meat and fish," the bulletin said.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups. On February 27, a US-Russia brokered ceasefire came into force in Syria. Terrorist groups such as Islamic State (ISIL, also known as Daesh), as well as Jabhat al-Nusra (al-Nusra Front), both outlawed in Russia and a range of other states, are not part of the deal.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On Saturday, Yemen's Houthi rebels and the General People's Congress (GPC) of ex-President Ali Abdullah Saleh nearly pulled out of UN-backed peace talks with Hadi government representatives before agreeing to extend talks for another week due to what was reportedly a last-ditch effort to pursue peace negotiations by Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, the UN special envoy for Yemen.

The agreement proposed by the UN envoy includes clauses on both the Houthis and Saleh forces laying down arms, withdrawing for the Yemeni capital Sana, as well as the cities of Taiz and Hudaydah, and creating a military committee responsible for overseeing the process, the Sky News Arabia channel reported.

The Hadi government delegation has reportedly told Ahmed that its side would sign the document in case the Houthi side does likewise before August 7. However, the Houthis refused approving the proposal and have insisted on forming a national unity government, according to the media outlet.
The Syrian armed forces are now poised to continue their advance to liberate more populated areas in the Syrian desert, the main stretches of which a strategic oil pipeline runs through.

Backed by the Russian Aerospace Forces, the Syrian Army has made significant advances towards the Daesh-held city of Raqqa, killing scores of terrorists.

Meanwhile, in northern Syria, government forces have cut off all supply routes into the eastern, rebel-held part of Aleppo, which has been under siege since July 11.
Al-Nusra Front formally split from al-Qaeda and changed its name on July 28. Demidenko noted that al-Nusra Front's rebranding will not alter the balance of power on the Syrian battlefield. Moreover, it will not affect how Russia and the United States view the organization that has been designated as a terrorist group by Moscow, Washington and the UN.

This is precisely why al-Nusra Front has tried to rebrand itself, Vladimir Sazhin, a senior expert at the Russian Academy of Sciences' Institute of Middle Eastern Studies, told RIA Novosti.

The militants who have been trying to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and establish a caliphate in the war-torn country "simply don't want to be the target of the Russian and US-led counterterrorist campaigns," he explained.

Moscow and Washington have recently intensified joint efforts aimed at tackling al-Nusra Front.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  No extremist group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

"In the morning, an armed group assaulted the gas compressor station AB in Bajuwan [some 15 miles from the city of Kirkuk]. The gunmen killed four employees of North Oil company working at the station," a police source told Alsumaria broadcaster, adding that the security forces regained control over the station.

Nearly half of the Iraqi national oil reserves are located in the province of Kirkuk.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Earlier in July, media published a report based on Iranian secret documents claiming that major restrictions against Iranian nuclear program would be eased in 11-13 years. This would allow Tehran to update over 5,000 centrifuges and to obtain a nuclear bomb, if needed, in six months.

Kamalvandi did not specify which countries were allegedly implicated in the leaks, adding that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) denied its involvement.

"We objected to unveiling parts of the IAEA document. The IAEA itself has some concerns as well," the IAEO official said, as quoted by ISNA.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  In February, Iraq sentenced 40 out of 47 men to be be executed by hanging over the June 2014 massacre, when Daesh killed over 1,600 Shia Iraqi Air Force cadets in an attack on Camp Speicher in Tikrit. The Iraqi government blamed the massacre on both Daesh, outlawed in Russia and many countries, and members of the Iraqi wing of the Arab Socialist Baath Party, which is banned in the country.

"The decision [to uphold executions], taken earlier by the Central Criminal Court has been approved," a spokesperson for the court system was quoted as saying by the Alsumaria broadcaster.

In February, the sentence was criticized by the Amnesty International watchdog, that noted that the vast majority of such trials have been "grossly unfair".
WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  US Republican Party presidential candidate Donald Trump expressed hope on Sunday that Russia would help the Unites States defeat Daesh.

"If we can have a good relationship with Russia, and if Russia would help us get rid of ISIS [Daesh], frankly, as far as I'm concerned, you're talkin' about tremendous amounts of money and lives and everything else. That would be a positive thing, not a negative," Trump told ABC News in an interview.

Daesh, which is a militant jihadist group outlawed in many countries, including Russia, seized large parts of Syria and Iraq in 2014, putting up to 10 million people under their control, according to various estimates.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Daesh commanders are fleeing the Iraqi city of Mosul with their families to the Syrian territory amid an army campaign to liberate the Nineveh province from the terrorists, Iraqi Defense Minister Khaled Obeidi said Sunday.

"A large number of IS [Daesh] officers and the families sold their property and headed toward Syria, while some attempted to enter the region [of Iraqi Kurdistan]," the minister told the Al Iraqiya television channel.

Obeidi added that he had received such information from his own sources and from intelligence agencies.
The prosecutors claims were alluded to in part by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who said Friday in response to criticism by US CENTCOM Commander four-star General Joseph Votel, "My people know who is behind this scheme they know who the superior intelligence behind it is, and with these statements [condemning the post-coup purge] you are revealing yourselves, you are giving yourselves away." The statement was interpreted as an accusation against US intelligence agencies.

On Saturday, the Turkish President continued the theme of subtle accusations calling US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen "a pawn" backed by a "mastermind" which has also been interpreted as suggesting that the US agencies supported the failed putsch.

US military and intelligence officials have been the target of scorn and accusation from Turkish leaders in the wake of the failed coup starting with the countrys Labor Minister who said on July 16 in an interview with HaberTurk that "the United States is behind the coup."
Why does the First Amendment guarantee freedom of the press, along with freedom of religion, speech, assembly and the right to petition the government?

Our nations founders certainly didnt agree with everything printed in the newspapers of their time.

Benjamin Franklin observed: If all printers were determined to not to print anything till it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed.

Today more than ever, Americans are warring over words  printed, spoken, recorded, posted, tweeted. Messengers are blamed for the messages they carry. Many readers and viewers want only messages that confirm what they already believe. Some dont bother with the facts and nuances of complex issues. The 24-hour news cycle demands new information constantly. Accuracy and fairness can fall by the wayside in races to be fast and first.

What Stephen Colbert calls truthiness has reached a crescendo in this election year. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has taken the usual blame-the-media strategy to new depths: mocking a New York Times journalists disability, targeting a female Fox News anchor with his misogynist insults, banning journalists and news organizations he dislikes from his press events. Last week, the Trump campaign hit a new low in its efforts to muzzle a free press. Not only was a Washington Post reporter denied press credentials, Jose DelReal was barred from entering a Trump rally with the general public. First Trump security guards told DelReal he couldnt enter with a cellphone  even though other members of the public were being allowed in with their cellphones. So DelReal went back to his car, locked up his cellphone and stood in the security line again. Security personnel patted him down, and then ordered him to leave again.

Lets consider the implications when one of two major party candidates for president of the United States bans a journalist from an established news organization from a public campaign event. Why not just screen out everyone Trump doesnt like?

Trump frequently says that his critics are liars. Thats truthiness. Trumps liars arent spreading falsehoods about him; they simply arent saying what Trump wants them to say.

Trump, Hillary Clinton and virtually all politicians exaggerate the good that they do or promise to do. Politicians overstate their opponents flaws. In recent years, partisan candidates and elected officials have become so polarized that its news when a member of one party says something good about a member of the other party.

It is the job of journalists to help readers and viewers sort through the partisan rhetoric. A free press has the duty and ability to hold those in power accountable.

In a recent Pew Research Center survey, 75 percent of Americans polled said they think news organizations keep political leaders in line  preventing them from doing things they shouldnt do. Survey respondents agreed that the press is effective in that role, even though 74 percent perceived the media as biased. Most of those surveyed said they get their news from television.

In the newspaper business, we say that we write the first draft of history. Its often a rough draft, but consider the alternatives: Let the Democratic and Republican parties tell you everything you will be permitted to know. Depend solely on the government at federal, state and local levels to tell you what they are doing with your money.

Authoritarian regimes never permit press freedom; they control information so they can control all the people. Communist leaders in China censor the internet. After staving off a coup attempt this month, Turkeys strongman, Tayyip Erdogan, quickly cracked down on the media.

Press freedom means not only that journalists can write and report, but that all Americans can choose diverse sources of news  independent of government  for information that affects their lives, their country and their world. Thats why Americas founders enshrined freedom of the press in the First Amendment 225 years ago.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  The Saudi-led coalition will continue its operation in Yemen till the end of the insurgency against the countrys legitimate government, Saudi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Ahmed Asiri said Sunday.

"Campaign on Saudi borders has no military goal. Arab Coalition [in Yemen] will continue until the militias working against legitimacy [of the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbu Mansour Hadi] end in Yemen," Asiri was quoted as saying by the Al Arabiya news channel.

He accused the Yemeni Houthi Shia rebels of violations of the Saudi border, adding that the kingdom would not accept any border violations.
ANKARA (Sputnik)  Turkey's security forces have arrested eight military personnel suspected of being involved in an airstrike on a hotel in Turkey's southwestern Marmaris where Turkish President Recep Tayyip stayed during mid-July's attempted coup, local media said Monday.

The arrests were carried out in Marmaris after local residents discovered a suspicious group of people in a corn field, the Anadolu news agency reported.

Earlier, seven members of the military were arrested in southwestern Turkey's Mugla province.
The attack, claimed by the Daesh militant group, was the deadliest suicide bombing attack since the US-led toppling of Saddam Hussein 13 years ago.

In the initial days after attack, the reported death toll was more than 100 people. In a month after the attack, the number of casualties tripled.

According to Iraqi Minister of Health Adela Hmoud, the death toll can rise even further, as forensic teams are still working to identify bodies.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Islamic State (Daesh) and al-Nusra Front terrorist groups shelled inhabited areas in the Syrian provinces of Aleppo and Damascus, a daily bulletin on the Russian Defense Ministry website said on Sunday.

"Within last 24 hours, terrorists have shelled the trade centre "Kostello", as well as al-Khalidiyah, Leramon, and al-Asad quarters as well as al-Nayrab airport in the Aleppo city with improvised MLRS [multiple launch rocket systems] and mortars. Terrorists have also shelled following inhabited areas: Duma, Arbil, Haush al-Farah, Bahariyah, Huteita al-Jarash, and Abd Beinuri in the Damascus province," the bulletin said.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups. On February 27, a US-Russia brokered ceasefire came into force in Syria. Terrorist groups such as Islamic State (ISIL, also known as Daesh), as well as Jabhat al-Nusra (al-Nusra Front), both outlawed in Russia and a range of other states, are not part of the deal.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  According to Vitko, the Admiral Grigorovich, the lead warship of its class, arrived at the navy base in Sevastopol in 2016.

"The Admiral Essen ship which has already passed tests is scheduled to arrive in fall, after participating in parade on the Russian Navy day it will leave the Baltic Fleet for the Black Sea Fleet. By the end of the year the project's third Admiral Makarov ship is expected to arrive in Sevastopol," Vitko said.

A total of six Project 11356 frigates were planned to be delivered to the Black Sea Fleet by 2020, however construction of three warships was suspended after Ukraine's refusal to supply gas turbines.
"The Montenegrin party has repeatedly signalized it was important to it that Poland, the NATO [Warsaw] summit host and the state, which really supports the accession of the country to the alliance, would be one of the first country-members to ratify the protocol," the office said in a statement, quoted by the Polish PAP news agency.

On May 19, the foreign ministers of NATO member states signed an accession protocol for Montenegro, providing the Balkan country with an observer status at the Alliance's meetings. Montenegro will be granted membership to the Alliance once the protocol is ratified by all 28 NATO member states.
The expert compared Armata's defensive capabilities with technical characteristics of two TOW variants, 2A and 2B. The first uses a wire-guidance system that allows the operator to correct the course of the missile while it is in the air.

"The wire-guidance system has the advantage of being immune to most forms of jamming. However, it requires the firer to remain in place, aiming the missile for its entire flight time until it hits the target. Countermeasures that make the target hard to see  such as plain old-fashioned smoke  can mess up the firer's aim," he explained.
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Borei submarines are equipped with the Bulava (NATO SS-N-30) submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

"These missiles provide an adequate response to any missile defense system, wherever it is. Regardless of which ocean, [they] would try to lock us, 'Borei' will break through this defense," Rogozin told the Russian Channel One in an interview dedicated to the Russian Navy Day.

By 2020, the Russian Navy plans to operate a total of eight submarines of this type. The Borei-class nuclear-powered subs are to become the mainstay of the naval component of the countrys strategic nuclear deterrent.
MURMANSK (Sputnik)  According to Vice-Adm. Nikolai Evmenov, the detachment will be composed mainly of the Kola Flotilla, whose crews are experienced in high-altitude sailing.

"Atomflot icebreakers, with which we have had successful cooperation, will help the detachment in the passage of difficult ice sections," Evmenov told reporters.
MURMANSK (Sputnik)  The construction works at the Russian Northern Fleet's administrative and residential compounds on Kotelny Island and Alexandra Land in the Arctic region are nearing completion, fleets Chief of Staff Vice Adm. Nikolai Evmenov said Sunday.

"Unique residential complexes 'Arctic Trefoil' and 'Northern Shamrock,' are being built on the Kotelny and Alexandra Land islands. The decree of their readiness is reaching 100 percent," Evmenov said, noting that the Arctic region is one of priorities for the Northern Fleet.

The construction of modern stationing system of the fleet is underway, he added, stressing that it was very important to preserve the unique northern nature when building the fleet's units.
The development of the idea has also been precipitated by a growing air defense capability gap for Americas top Pacific ally  Japan. Tokyo has long clamored to get its hands on the F-22 in order to beat back what it views as growing regional threats from China and North Korea.

The cost overrun and abysmal performance of the once vaunted F-35 has also led Congress to consider their alternatives. The F-35 program has already cost US taxpayers in excess of $1.5 trillion by some estimates effectively stunting much needed overhauls in the rest of the American war machine.

The F-35, which is set to be declared combat ready in the coming weeks, still suffers from a number of technical flaws including a software glitch that causes the aircraft to spontaneously shutdown midflight and ejection seats that have been deemed likely to snap the neck of or decapitate pilots weighing under 135 pounds (61.3kg) with airmen weighing under 160 pounds (72.6kg) also facing an enhanced risk.
66% of British voters believe Prime Minister Theresa May was right to provide an unequivocal "yes" when asked whether she would personally launch a retaliatory nuclear strike that would kill as many as 100,000 civilians according to a recent YouGov poll. 59% of British voters also said that they would push the button themselves if they had the chance.

The British Prime Minister May told Parliament that she would employ the UKs nuclear arsenal in response to a nuclear attack by a foreign nation as she was promoting the renewal of the Trident missile system, a bone of contention for Scottish secessionists who have vowed to discontinue the program on the basis of health, environmental, and ethical concerns should a referendum to leave the UK prove successful.

Theresa May argued before Parliament that both Russia and North Korea "remain very real threats" to the UKs safety and security. Prior to coming into office, the British Prime Minister has said that she fancies herself in the image of "The Iron Lady" Margaret Thatcher.
Tension around the facility has been followed by unrest throughout the country with mass anti-American and anti-NATO protests and with a massive fire near another major base in Izmir with Turkeys T24 news reporting that officials suspected "anti-US sabotage."

The anger towards the United States with a particular focus on the Incirlik Air Base in the recent week is palpable, but if Turkish officials are worried about the situation unravelling to the point where a loose nuke situation could unfold, they are hardly doing anything to calm the public.

On Sunday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that arch-nemesis Fethullah Gulen was "only a pawn" used by some more powerful mastermind which appears to be a direct reference to the United States in light of other recent comments. Earlier this week, Erdogan suggested that there was a "superior intelligence behind [the coup]" and told the US CENTCOM commander that the US is "revealing yourselves, you are giving yourselves away" by taking a critical stance on the post-coup attempt purge.
It is believed to be too late for the local deer population because anthrax kills the animals within three days of infecting them, according to biology professor Vladimir Bogdanov of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Local authorities are now puzzled as to the best way to dispose of the dead, anthrax infected reindeer. The usual method of burning the carcass possesses substantial risks this season with much of Siberia already engulfed in wildfires.

Anthrax carries a mortality rate of 25% to 80% depending on the virulence of the particular strain.

Russian officials say that due to the remote location of the outbreak and its tendency to kill its host before they can spread the infection to others that the outbreak has been contained.
On Sunday, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told German daily newspaper Frankfurther Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) that "if there is no visa liberalization, we will be forced to distance ourselves from the (migrant) readmission agreement."

The Minister also required the European Union to provide a set time for visa-free entry saying that "it can be the beginning or the middle of October, but we expect a firm date."

The agreement for Turkey to take in as many as 1 million additional Syrian refugees in return for substantial financial compensation and a fast-track approach to the countrys accession into the European Union has long rested on the issue of Visa-Free travel for Turkish citizens.
Chinese nationalists have not taken to this outward exertion of pressure for the country to relinquish control over the valuable South China Sea waters and islands, through which some $5.3 trillion or 30% of the worlds maritime trade passes through and under which lies some of the worlds largest underwater oil deposits  the loss of which would represent a major setback for Beijings ambitions.

The Global Times struck back calling Australia a "country with an inglorious history" that was "first an offshore prison of the UK" and was "established through uncivilized means, in a process filled with the tears of the aboriginals."

The paper also blasted Australias vocal position in opposition to Beijing on the South China Sea dispute as a blatant attempt to curry favor with the United States saying that Canberra "intends to suppress China so as to gain a bargaining chip for economic interests."
TOLOnews reports that Afghan security forces have cordoned off the area around the North Gate Hotel.

There is still no word from officials on the total number of casualties from the terrorist attack, who was responsible for the strike, or what their motives were.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the North Gate hotel attack in the Afghan capital, local media said Monday.

Alireza Muradi (@AlirezaMuradi) July 31, 2016

Earlier, a truck bomb explosion hit the Northgate guesthouse, located on Jalalabad Road in the Pul-e-Chakri area and frequented by foreigners. Several militants attacked the building after the blast.

"It was a place of luxury for foreigners and hotel was far from civilian homes," the Taliban said, as quoted by the TOLOnews channel.

Afghan security forces have now cordoned off the area, with sounds of gunfire no longer audible.

The attack occurred at Camp North Gate, a hotel that caters to mostly US military contractors serving in Afghanistan. The facility has diplomatic status. It was the target of a similar terror strike at the hands of Taliban militants in 2013.

John Sjoholm (@JohnSjoholmLC) July 31, 2016

It said by local reporters that there have been dozens of casualties although no official figure has been offered.

MORE TO COME.
"This is somebodys sick sense of humor. Its a cruel joke. They obviously want to make him look like some kind of ogre," said Karen Bernal, a Bernie Sanders delegate from California.

The sole piece of Bernie Sanders memorabilia for sale at the Democratic National Convention presents the insurgent progressive candidates face distorted to look like a rat harkening back to anti-Semitic imagery employed during the reign of Nazi Germany.

Bernie Sanders supporters who saw the T-shirt reportedly responded with profanity with many believing that the DNC and Hillarys campaign sought to portray Clintons Democratic Primary opponent in as unflattering a way as they possibly could  whether or not the imagery was rooted in anti-Semitism.
The online newspaper pointed to the fact that Turkish authorities closed the country's only official border crossing with the rebel-held province of Idlib, Bab al-Hawa, after the botched coup as evidence of a foreign policy U-turn.

The media outlet further noted that this decision could be interpreted as Ankara having closed its border with the neighboring war-torn country, something that the international community has long called for.

Radical groups, including Daesh, al-Nusra Front and the like have used Turkey's porous border with Syria to smuggle fighters, weapons and supplies in and out of the battlefield. But it appears to have become increasingly hard to do so.
YALTA (Sputnik)  Voisin arrived in Crimea with a three-day visit on Friday as a part of the French delegation headed by Member of the French parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee Thierry Mariani.

"I will report at the next meeting that I have seen stable, secure and sovereign Crimea. People look happy and feel save. I will tell you even more, I feel here as safe and secure as in France," Voisin said while walking along the Yalta promenade and talking to locals and tourists.

The first visit of the French delegation headed by former French Transport Minister Mariani took place in July 2015.
Indeed, both countries are on course to normalize ties that were severely damaged after a Turkish F-16 fighter jet shot down a Russian Su-24 bomber over Syria on November 24, 2015. So much so that Erdogan is scheduled to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 9.

"The meeting comes at an opportune time for Putin. Turkey is a key geopolitical player in the Black Sea region. But its Western orientation is now coming under stress," Jones observed.

The journalist further explained that "Ankara's ties with nearly all of its western allies are now strained amid suspicions of complicity in the unsuccessful July 15 putsch and growing criticism by both the United States and European Union over Erdogan's escalating crackdown in the coup-attempt aftermath."
At the same time, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other CDU members look at the situation differently. For instance, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen proposed to amend the German constitution in order to fully legalize military involvement during anti-terror operations. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which was actively involved in the preparation of the legislation, strongly opposed such amendments and managed to defend its position.

It is worth mentioning that the current version of the German constitution still allows the use the military within the country in some exceptional cases. According to Article 35, local authorities can ask for the help of the army "to assist in the event of a disaster or a particularly severe accident," which had repeatedly happened during floods when soldiers were involved in building dams and evacuating residents.

Another article of the constitution (87-a) allows the use of the army to assist the police "in protecting civilian property and combating organized and located militant armed groups" when it is necessary "to reflect the danger that threatens the existence or the free democratic basic order" in the country.

In 2012, the German Constitutional Court ruled that the terrorist attack, in principle, can be classified as "a particularly severe accident" which may potentially involve the army, but did not specify what the scale of the attack should be to classify it as such.

The debate over the use of armed forces within the country intensified following a series of attacks that took place in Germany over the last two weeks.
SEVASTOPOL (Sputnik)  On Friday, a group of 11 French lawmakers headed by Mariani started its three-day trip to Crimea, the second visit since last July.

"We all face the elections next year, and I strongly hope I will be reelected and will come back to Crimea with a larger delegation," Mariani told journalists.

He added, that every lawmaker from the delegation will tell the voters, that "Crimea is Russian and it will never change". Western media report other stances, but that is because people with these views have never been to Crimea, he noted.
DAMASCUS (Sputnik)  Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem confirmed Damascus readiness to participate in the intra-Syrian peace talks in the end of August, the deputy special envoy of the UN secretary-general for Syria, Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy, said Sunday.

"Minister confirmed the intention of the Syrian government to participate in these talks once they are held [in late August]," Ramzy told journalists after he arrived to Damascus earlier in the day and held talks with the Syrian minister.

Ramzy's visit came around against the background of a large-scale joint Russian-Syrian humanitarian operation in the east of Aleppo. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the establishment, together with the Syrian authorities, of three humanitarian corridors "to help civilians who find themselves held hostage by terrorists and insurgents who are wishing to lay down their arms."
MOSCOW (Sputnik)  US Republican Party Presidential candidate Donald Trump said Sunday that the people of Crimea prefer to be with Russia.

"The people of Crimea, from what I've heard, would rather be with Russia than where they were [Ukraine]," Trump told ABC News in an interview.

The tycoon said he was "going to take a look at" the option of recognizing Crimea as part of Russia.
ANKARA (Sputnik)  Earlier in the day, the German Constitutional Court imposed a ban on broadcasting of Erdogan's speech at the Cologne rally in support of the Turkish government after a recent coup attempt. Up to 30,000 people are expected to take part in the rally.

"The fact that the Germany Constitutional Court banned broadcasting of President Erdogan's speech in a video conference format to the participants of a rally in support of democracy and against the coup in Cologne, which hosts lot of political parties, and a large number of Turkish and German citizens is unacceptable," Kalin was quoted as saying by the Anadolu news agency.
This was the spirit during Vladimir Putin's Saturday visit to the Alpine country.

Putin praised the Slovenian people for their "caring attitude towards our shared history," adding that the country has always extended "a very warm welcome" to Russian guests. For his part, Slovenian President Borut Pahor said that "we are doing our best to preserve Russian-Slovenian friendship" and thanked Putin for the opportunity to discuss "new ways of developing the bilateral relations."

On July 30, the Russian leader took part in the centenary commemoration of a Russian chapel built near the Vrsic Pass and the unveiling of a monument to Russian and Soviet soldiers who fell in Slovenia during both world wars.

Unveiling of a monument to Russian and Soviet soldiers who fell in Slovenia https://t.co/HCZA1RDkOU pic.twitter.com/iTXeE8MGO3  President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) 30  2016 .

"Keep in mind that many European countries are trying to remove monuments to Soviet soldiers. Slovenia on the other hand has recently unveiled a similar landmark. This is a bold step," Pilko observed.

Russian Duma Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Alexei Pushkov echoed these sentiments, saying that "not every Eastern European nation has been infected with the virus of Russophobia. Monuments to Russian soldiers have been destroyed in Poland. Slovenia has just erected one."

   .  .       ,       .    (@Alexey_Pushkov) 29  2016 .

The St. Vladimir church was built near the city of Kranjska Gor a century ago to honor more than 300 Russian soldiers who died in an avalanche during World War I while building a road for the Austro-Hungarian military in 1916.
PRAGUE (Sputnik)  He noted that the post-coup purges must have been planned in advance. At the same time, however, he refused to comment on the speculations that the coup scenario had been conceived by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to launch subsequent crackdown on the military.

"I am against that [Turkey] will be granted it [right for the visa-free regime with the European Union], especially after the recent events," Zeman was quoted as saying by the Blesk newspaper.

Zeman added that there was a chance that Turkey would start sending refugees to the 28-member block if it did not receive the right for a visa-free regime.
In an interview with Slate Magazine , Glenn Greenwald let a rip on the mainstream medias coverage of the rise of Donald Trump and feckless attempts to discredit the Republican standard-bearer by associating him with Moscow and flat out accusing him of being a Russian agent, Manchurian candidate, or a Putin puppet.

"The US media is essentially 100% united vehemently against Trump and are preventing him from being elected president," said Greenwald. "I dont have an actual problem with that because I share the premises on which it is based about why he poses such extreme dangers."

What concerns Greenwald is the rampant fabrications and false narratives spun against Trump solely in the name of impacting the presidential "horse race" which he views as akin to the death of journalism.
SEVASTOPOL (Sputnik)  Over 20 warships, 10 support vessels and around 30 pieces of the Black Sea Fleet coastal forces' equipment performed during the parade to commemorate the victories of Russian sailors.

"During Vladimir Putin's presidency, there was an increase in military spendings, so we see today that the Russian Navy is back. The are only a few oceanic navies in the world: the French, the British and the Russian," Dhuicq said, adding that he was impressed by the new Admiral Grigorovich frigate demonstrated at the parade.

According to the French lawmaker, the parade highlighted the role of the Navy in the Russian people's history, especially for Crimea.
STANTON  One of the oldest coal-fired power plants in North Dakota has been evolving since the first day it opened for business back in the mid-60s.

For the men who raised the sheets of steel at Stanton Station, learned how to operate it 50 years ago and made running it their lifes work, the evolution into oblivion is the hardest of all.

To see that plant shut down, and if they decide to remove it, that will be heartbreaking, said Marvin Leer, of Stanton, who was there the first day of operations in 1966 and stayed on for 29 years.

The plant just outside Stanton on the Missouri River will cease operations in nine months. The announcement by owner Great River Energy was one of those surprises that wasnt really a surprise, given that the plant had been on standby status for the past several months.

But standby operations are one thing  the plant operated intermittently with a full complement of employees  decommissioning is quite another. The employees will go and so, eventually, will the plant itself after so many years of humming faithfully and sending power out on the wire.

GRE says it cant pencil out the improvements the plant would need going forward and made the hard decision three weeks ago in its board room, announcing it to the public the next day.

A hard fought history

Leer said the news hit him hard.

They hired all the young people from around the area and trained them on the job. We started that rascal up and it wasnt easy. There was turmoil, upheaval and difficulty. But that group of guys out there was just unbeatable, he said.

The plant was among the first to run on lignite coal and Leer remembers continual problems with ash slagging, turbine issues and design faults that had to be constantly corrected and modified.

We never could maintain a full load though we tried desperately. It was extremely complicated to begin with and that made it extremely tough to operate. We knew we could make it work, we just had to prove that we could, he said.

It wasnt until nearly 20 years later, when then-owner United Power Association added a second boiler, that sufficient steam could be generated to spin the turbine at full efficiency. The plants capacity rating was increased to 192 megawatts and there was a solid two-year run when the turbine spun coal-fired steam into electricity without a single hitch.

A workplace family

Leer became the plant superintendent in 1974 and retired in that position 20 years later. He said the workers jelled into a family, were committed to the team and many raised families together in Stanton. They were golden years of purpose and middle-class prosperity for these lignite pioneers.

One was Glen Sailer, who first worked construction on the Minutemen missile silos and then operated a crane during Stanton Station construction. He moved a trailer to Stanton in 1963 and eventually became a plant operator after the plant was built.

The crap we went through, he said, shaking his head in the manner of a person who cant quite believe what all happened. Because theyd borrowed the money from the REA we had to produce electricity by New Years Eve 1966. We went online to produce a few megawatts to satisfy the REA and then we shut it down to finish the job."

He loved the work and he loved his co-op employer until the day he retired.

I never worked for a better company. They treated us like we were made out of gold and we worked hard for them, he said.

Like Leer, Sailer said he really hates to see the old plant go.

For sure, Stanton isnt going to grow; all the businesses are hurt when something like that goes out of business, he said.

Leer is 84 now and his wife, Katie Leer, just a smidgen older. She was one who stood by him, waking him the middle of the night when the phone rang and the guys needed help out at the plant. She prepared steak dinners or breakfast in the plants kitchen because her husband wouldnt stand for his men going without a meal on his watch, especially those whod dropped everything to come and fix a problem. The Leers were a team and those were the times they remember.

I thought that plant would outlive us, Katie Leer said.

Turning out the lights

Today there are 65 employees who depend on the plant for a livelihood and GRE says it will take special care to ease that transition as much as possible over the next nine months.

John Weeda is GREs director of generation in North Dakota. Closing the Stanton Station will be his job primarily, though hes gathering a team to guide the process. It isnt going to be easy for many reasons.

We approach this with a significant degree of sadness. The Stanton Station had a great history, one of the first to burn low-ranked coals. We overcame a lot of difficulties with very dedicated employees, he said.

He said the plant will need employees up until the very last day on or about May 1, but if workers leave for other employment, well try to deal with a smaller staff or bring in temporary resources.

In the meantime, a to-do list gains its own head of steam: matching the coal supply and commodities like lime for the scrubber to the remaining days of operation, planning for how to drain equipment and preserve it with the proper lubricants and chemicals and determine whats salable, perhaps even internationally.

Weeda said GRE will have the plant demolished by a specialized company that will separate what can be resold and recycled from what will go into a landfill. The plant was constructed before much regulatory authority was in place and there is no specific condition to remove the building and reclaim the site, either with the Health Department or the Public Service Commission.

PSC Commissioner Randy Christmann said he is sure GRE will do the right thing with the property.

But I dont intend to sit there waiting for the price of scrap metal to go up. It needs to be cleaned up. But it was built before siting laws, so they can do what they want down there, he said.

Weeda said the plant will be gone, but there is no certain timeline yet.

We are committed to that; we would not want the Stanton Station to become an unwelcome eyesore, Weeda said.

GRE has two solid waste permits and will have to submit a plan to permanently close landfills where it has buried its fly ash and bottom ash, said Scott Radig, manager of the state Health Departments solid waste disposal program. The plant produces about 25,000 tons of fly and bottom ash for disposal each year in the former Glenharold Mine area to the south. The disposal landfills will have to be monitored for 30 years after they are closed, longer if problems are detected, Radig said.

On the air quality front, the closure of Stanton Station will not greatly reduce the overall amount of carbon dioxide emitted from coal plants in North Dakota. The Health Departments air quality chief Terry OClair said the plant accounts for about 4 percent of the total carbon dioxide plant emissions from all eight plants in the state.

The industry is facing a federal mandate to reduce coal-related carbon by 45 percent, though the requirement is stalled for now in a federal court review.

Its not a big number, but every little bit pushes it toward the goal, OClair said.

Stanton Station also adds about $7,500 a month in tax revenue to Mercer County, shared among the schools, cities and the county. GRE says it will continue to pay that post-closure, in an amount declining by 20 percent each year over the next five years until its gone.
In keeping with President Vladimir Putins decree, Navy Day is annually marked in Russia on July 31.

On Sunday, the Mariinsky Theaters symphony orchestra, led by Valery Gergiev, performed a concert of music by Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Shostakovich and Mussorgsky on board the guided missile cruiser Vrayag in Vladivostok as part of the nationwide celebrations.

The sailors and guests also enjoyed performances by world-acclaimed Japanese violinist Akiko Suwanai.

The Navy took an active part in Russias antiterrorist operation in Syria, led by the Moskva missile-carrying cruiser and the Caspian Flotilla.

On October 7 and then on November 20 of last year, warships of the Caspian Flotilla fired salvos of Kalibr cruise missiles from the Caspian Sea and successfully hit targets from a distance of 2,500 km.

On December 8, Russia conducted its first submerged combat launch of a Kalibr long-range cruise missile. Missiles were launched by the Rostov-on-Don submarine, successfully hitting all designated terrorist targets thousands of kilometers away.

Russia has conducted an "unprecedented" reinforcement of its Navy as the number of its vessels in the world's oceans has surpassed 100.

In recent years Russia has commissioned ballistic missile submarines Vladimir Monomakh and Alexander Nevsky, Varshavyanka-class Novorossiysk, Rostov-on-Don and Stary Oskol subs as well as small-size missile ships.
Looped from the gate and forced into brutal fractions of :25.2 and :52.1  in the slop, no less  Racing Hill showed his talent and heart when he drew away from the field late and captured Saturdays $400,000 final of the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids at The Meadows in a career-best 1:48.4.

The pocket-sitting Check Six could not improve his position in the lane and finished second, two and a quarter lengths back, while Fernando Hanover was a ground-saving third.

Racing Hill entered the 50th edition of the Adios with the flashiest credentials, including his victory in the $500,000 Hempt Memorial final and second-place finishes in the finals of the North America Cup and the Meadowlands Pace  each a $1 million event. But if his rivals didnt appear up to the task of beating Racing Hill, it seemed that weather and trip might do him in.

Rain punctuated by storms  the skies cleared shortly before the Adios went off  created a surface that proved tiring to some early leaders throughout the card. And Racing Hill, the 2-5 favourite, couldnt wrest the lead from Check Six until just before the three-eighths.

The race was not going the way I wanted it to go, said winning driver Brett Miller. I was expecting a few more people to leave and kind of shooting for the three-hole. When that didnt happen, I said to myself, were in trouble.

Miller had an even stronger reaction when he realized how fast Racing Hill was going.

When I saw the time flash up, he said, I wanted to throw up. I didnt think there was any way he could keep going. He goes to the half in :52.1 and keeps going. Horses dont do that.

Once he thwarted the first-over challenge of longshot Another Daily Copy, the son of Roll With Joe-Chasing Ideals opened up and had only the timer to beat. The win pushed his career bankroll over the million-dollar mark.

Tony Alagna, who trains Racing Hill for owner/breeder Tom Hill of Hamilton, Ont., said he expected a swift opening half if only because his colt was facing five foes from the powerful Ron Burke stable.

I didnt think they would let us get to the half in :55, Alagna said. I knew they would make us earn it.

Im a big believer in watching drivers body language. I was watching Brett in the bike, and he was telling me that he felt he had something left.

Alagna said he plans to give Racing Hill two weeks off before his next engagement, the Battle of the Brandywine.

Manhattan Beach took fourth and More Dragon fifth, meaning that Burke, who entered six horses in Adios 50 and saw five advance to the final, finished 2-3-4-5. Did he find that frustrating or satisfying?

Definitely satisfying, Burke said. My horses raced well. Racing Hill was unbelievable.

ADIOS NOTES: Miller entered Adios 50 as the leading money-winner in the history of the event among drivers who had never won an Adios final. With the victory, he vaulted to eighth on the all-time Adios earnings list with $562,286... Although the track was sloppy, Racing Hill matched the time of last years winner, Dudes The Man. Theyre tied for the fourth-fastest Adios final... James Witherite, race caller at Tioga Downs and an accomplished jazz organist, showed off another dimension of his talent, entertaining fans as the Adios Day bugler. He included some subtle touches, such as playing the old Billy Joel hit Shes Always a Woman to introduce the Adioo Volo  a stake for three-year-old fillies.

Newborn Sassy opened a sizable lead, but needed to find another gear late to preserve her victory in Saturdays $110,950 Quinton Patterson Adioo Volo for three-year-old filly pacers at The Meadows. The Grand Circuit stake was the sub-feature on the card headlined by the $400,000 final of the Delvin Miller Adios Pace for the Orchids.

With victories in a Lynch elimination and a Pennsylvania Sires Stakes leg on her resume, Newborn Sassy was the most accomplished in the field of seven and was hammered down to 1-2 in the wagering. She drew off to a one and a half-length lead at the top of the stretch and figured to jog home the winner.

But the sloppy track proved tiring for the daughter of Western Ideal-Sass Newton, and Tim Tetrick had to remind her emphatically that her work was not done. She responded to his urging and held off Shezarealdeal by a neck in 1:51.1, with Heels On The Beach third.

Jim King Jr., husband of winning trainer Jo Ann Looney-King, said the gritty effort was representative of Newborn Sassys heart.

Shes a winner, he said. Theres no doubt shes a winner. She loves what she does. She was just here last week. When I took her off the trailer this week, she was like, are you sure we want to do this again? Shes a fighter. If you dont give up, she wont.

Jo Ann Looney-King and CC Racing own Newborn Sassy, who soared over $400,000 in lifetime earnings. The filly will be pointed to the next PASS leg.

Saturdays card at The Meadows also featured four other Arden Downs Stakes.

$56,418 Ned McCarr  Three-Year-Old Filly Trotters

Glidinthruparadise lost her duel for the early lead and had to slink back to third, a disappointment that would frustrate many young trotters. But the daughter of Yankee Glide-Chowda wasnt discouraged at all, moving first over to put away the leader, Hot Curry, and score for Brian Zendt in a career-best 1:55, matching the stake record of Upfrontluckycarol.

Shes a little headstrong leaving the gate, and she was going forward no matter what, Zendt reported. I didnt want to sit third, but they were going enough that she had more trot than any of them late.

Ameliosi finished second, one and three-quarter lengths back, while Moots completed the ticket. Lisa Dunn trains Glidinthruparadise, who was won six of her 11 starts this year, and owns with Leslie Dunn Zendt.

Keystone Taylor took the other Ned McCarr split for Dave Palone, trainer Jenny Melander and owner Steve Organ.

$76,764 Gov. David L. Lawrence  Two-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Pacers

The fastest two-year-old of 2016, Fear The Dragon, again put in a huge mile, overcoming both the sloppy surface and a determined late bid by Donttellmeagain to win in 1:52.4.

The son of Dragon Again, trained by Brian Brown for the Emerald Highlands Farm, went a mile that might have been as impressive as the 1:50.3 mile he went here on July 20 to make him the fastest freshman so far, regardless of track size. Hall of Famer David Miller whooshed the precocious baby to the lead from fourth coming on the first turn, with Donttellmeagain, undefeated in three previous starts, relinquishing the lead going into turn two. From there, it was basically a two-horse contest, and Donttellmeagain did himself great credit by cutting into the leaders margin steadily. In the end, Fear The Dragon held his tough rival off by a neck with a :27.4 kicker. Cinnabar Dragon finished third.

The very next race on the card was another division of the Lawrence, and fans could be forgiven at headstretch if they thought they were watching a replay: the first race went in splits of :27.4, :56.1 and 1:25.1 with the pocket horse second choice moving out to challenge the favourite, while the second division featured fractions of :27.3, :56.1, and 1:25.1 with the second choice two-holer moving to challenge.

The difference was that Every Way Out, the pocket horse, proved the better late over front-stepping Normandy Beach, gaining into a :27.2 last quarter to win by a length in 1:52.3 to tie his mark. Southwind Yukon completed the ticket.

The son of If I Can Dream is a New Jersey Sire Stakes champion and undefeated in four starts for driver Tim Tetrick, trainer Dylan Davis and owners Howard Taylor, Abraham Basen, Ed Gold and Thomas Lazzaro.

Tetrick indicated he had little to lose by vacating the pocket early.

I wanted to give my horse a chance, he said. From the middle of the turn on, hes supposed to be able to pace with that horse. I thought I would win or be second either way. For a two-year-old, hes pretty seasoned  and hell get better, too.

When 1-5 favourite Downbytheseaside broke his overcheck going to the gate and caused a recall, it may have been an omen that it wouldnt be his day. Indeed, after being sixth by eight and a half lengths just before the last half of :55.1, he could only rally for third, as second-choice Filibuster Hanover came out of the pocket in the :27 last quarter to catch front-stepping Bettors Western by a head. The time of 1:52, the fastest divisional clocking and only two ticks off the stake record, was also a personal-best for the Somebeachsomewhere colt. Yannick Gingras drove for trainer Ron Burke and the ownership of Burke Racing Stable LLC, JT45, Joseph DiScala Jr., and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.

The first three divisions produced a favourite and two second choices as winners, but in the last division, the longest shot on the board, 39-1 Bellows Binge, followed Eddard Hanover around the final turn, then caught that rival in the last couple steps. He posted a nose victory in 1:53, lowering his mark five seconds for trainer Dirk Simpson and owners Desyllas Racing LLC, William Beck and Carol Rieken. Driver Dan Rawlings guided the son of Bettors Delight.

$58,466 James Manderino  Three-Year-Old Colt & Gelding Trotters

Truemass Volo shot the Lightning Lane and triumphed in 1:56.2 for Matt Kakaley, trainer Doug Hamilton and owners Jon Erdner and Martin Garey. Meadowbranch Memo rallied for place, three-quarters of a length back, with Mac Deeno third.

Truemass Volo was parked the first quarter, but when Kakaley released Mac Deeno to the lead, Truemass Volo gained valuable cover.

Hamilton said that after facing tough competition in the Beal and the Stanley Dancer, the Muscle Massive-Tresbien Volo gelding was able to show he belongs with his divisions elite.

I dont think he can beat them on a consistent basis, but hes one of the top ones, Hamilton said. He just hasnt showed it yet. Hes had a lot of bad luck, and weve been going through an educational process with him.

Truemass Volo extended his career bankroll to $187,255.

Roccos Tacos overcame post eight to capture the other Manderino split in 1:56.4 for Zendt, Melander and owners John DeVito and Rocco Manniello.

$62,965 Mary Lib Miller  Two-Year-Old Filly Pacers

Pittstop Danika, benefiting from a first-quarter break by favoured Watch What You Say, made every pole a winning one in posting a three and a quarter length victory over Dangerous Woman in the first division. The daughter of Yankee Cruiser took a maiden mark of 1:55 in the off going, with Matt Kakaley handling the lines for trainer Ron Burke (who got cheques with each of his three entrants in the division) and the partnership of Burke Racing Stable LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and M1 Stable. Watch What You Say, who went into the infield to get squared away, made a fine recovery and survived an inquiry to be third.

This was a little bit easier spot for her, Kakaley said. Outside posts against Sires Stakes horses are real tough. Shes been racing good. She has a good attitude, and she has a good future.

Burke came right back in the second division with Make Mine Mocha, a Bettors Delight filly who visited Victory Lane for the first time after drawing off to a two and a quarter length victory in 1:54, with the track upgraded to 'good' for the last two Miller cuts. Mike Wilder quarter-moved with Make Mine Mocha, and the pair was not in doubt thereafter while winning for Burke Racing Stable LLC, Phil Collura, Michelle Yanek and Weaver Bruscemi LLC.

The final division produced an impressive winner in another daughter of Yankee Cruiser, Keystone Rampage, who moved to the lead in front of the stands, then scooted home in :28 to trip the timer in 1:53, two ticks off the stake record. Dave Palone was in the sulky behind the victorious filly, who took a new mark for trainer Kevin Lare and owner Frank Chick.

(With files from The Meadows)
After challenging Heartland Eclipse in their elimination heat of the Manitoba Great Western Fair Stake to no avail, Baylor Out later defeated that foe in the final on Saturday (July 30) at Killarney.

Baylor Out finished third in the afternoon's second $2,996 elimination heat after moving first over from third to challenge the front-stepping Heartland Eclipse, who went on to win by two lengths in a career-best time of 2:01.4. Luvn The Life edged out Baylor Out for second-place honours from the pocket.

However, Baylor Out came out on top in the $3,662 final, which was contested three races later featuring the top-four finishers from each of the elimination races. Owned, trained and driven by Marc Fillion, the Armbro Baylor-Alcars Xit colt advanced from the backfield despite interference from an outside breaker and overtook the favoured Heartland Eclipse on the lead by the third quarter mark en route to the 2:06.1 victory. Heartland Eclipse finished one and a half lengths behind in second for Roland Rey while Borrowed Bucks and Don Anness came on for third over Heartland Burt, who had won the first elimination heat in wire-to-wire fashion in 2:06.2 for Richard Remillard. Luvn The Life, driven by Dean Rey, was the best of the rest after the interference.

Remillard completed a driving triple on the day aboard his own trainee Wild Chic, who rebounded in the $1,700 Fillies & Mares Open Pace after making a break last weekend to win by five and a half lengths in 2:01.1.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Killarney.
Rubis Prescott yielded for a pocket trip behind last week's winner, De Valeria, in front of the grandstand the first time, but then overpowered that rival the second time around to prevail in Georgian Downs' $10,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred 2 Pace featured on Saturday night (July 30).

Rubis Prescott came through between horses off the gate to establish the early lead from post three before 6-5 favourite De Valeria swept from third to first after the :26.4 opening quarter. De Valeria remained in control through fractions of :55.4 and 1:24.4 while Ryan Holliday pulled Rubis Prescott from the pocket at that third quarter mark. Down the stretch, Rubis Prescott charged past De Valeria (Aaron Byron) to win by one length in 1:53.1. Whistys Paradise (Jason Ryan) edged out Duncs Diamond (Scott Young) back in third.

Moving off the WEG Circuit for the first time since 2013, Rubis Prescott paid $7.10 to win as the 5-2 second choice on the toteboard. Dean Nixon trains the six-year-old daughter of Mach Three, who has hit the board in 14 of her 27 seasonal starts while banking close to $70,000.

Lifetime, she has won 15 races and $287,610 in purse money for Icr Racing of Pefferlaw, Ont.

To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Georgian Downs.
It's Election season and our editor's mailbox is overflowing. Who do your neighbors support? Read about it here.
On the fourth and final day of the Cowlitz County Fair, hundreds of people poured through the fairs Seventh Avenue gates, eager to begin a day full of gaming, fair rides and fried food.

Welcome to the fair, would you like a guide? asked Susie Mathes.

Mathes, an assistant manager at Castle Rocks Red Canoe branch, volunteered to pass out fair guides to attendees Saturday afternoon and help promote the Red Canoe Fill the Canoe school supply drive. Tia McGreevy and Russ Peters, also Red Canoe employees, could not hand out guides fast enough as excited children tugged parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles through the gates.

I would say a couple hundred people have already come through since we opened an hour ago, Peters said Saturday afternoon.

Though fair officials won't have official attendance counts until later this week, Saturday was estimated to be the event's busiest day. Reserve tickets for Saturday evening's Thunder Mountain Pro Rodeo sold out by 1 p.m. that afternoon, and general tickets were gone by around 6 p.m.

Inside, fairgoers flocked to the food stands and gaming booths that lined the entrance.

Go Kayden, climb like a monkey! shouted Sieara Howard as her brother scaled a 20-foot rock climbing wall. Kayden and Siearas younger brother, Tyler, waited impatiently inside the fence surrounding the wall, harness on his hips. Though the fair had only been open an hour, both brothers bore full face paint, completed at a nearby tent.

Inside the dairy barn, cattle owners awaited judging nervously.

Were doing toplines, said Hannah Ireton, 13, as she took clippers to her milking shorthorn cow, Scarlett. Hannah and her sister Bailey, 11, are members of the Krafty Kritters 4-H group in Lewis county.

On dairy cows, they have to clip the whole body, Hannahs mother, Kaylee Ireton, explained. If your cow doesnt have a perfectly straight line [of hair on its back] you can fake it by filling in the gaps.

Hannah looked to her mother for approval as she continued trimming.

Theyve only been doing this for 3 years, so theyre still learning, Kaylee said.

Among the rows of cattle, a young woman wearing a sash and tiara stood out from onlookers. Alicia Smaciarz, 18, of Raymond, was there as this years Washington State Dairy Ambassador. A recent graduate of Willapa Valley High School, Smaciarz has been visiting schools and attending county fairs as a representative of the Dairy Farmers of Washington.

In order to be chosen, you have to have experience in the dairy industry, Smaciarz explained. For me, I was born and raised on a dairy farm.

Other duties as dairy ambassador include informing the urban population in Washington State about the dairy industry in Washington State as a contemporary business important to local economies.

The Iretons hoped for recognition for their meticulously groomed dairy cows. Like many other animal owners showing at the fair, the Iretons hauled into the barns on Tuesday, and wont leave with their livestock until Sunday morning. Showing and caring for livestock at the fair means long days spent cleaning stalls and meeting with fairgoers  starting before 8 a.m. and ending well after 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, families with younger children flocked to the shade offered near the Cowlitz County Historical Museums Bush Cabin. There, volunteers took turns showing kids how to use the cabins water hand pump, walking on stilts, and setting up coloring stations.

Maggie Watson, a volunteer with the museum for the past four years, showed visitors how to use the water pump near the cabins entrance.

Imagine every time you turned on the faucet you had to do this, Watson said to children watching. You want to try?

Eight-year-old Harley Rossman eagerly jumped in.

She can do that all day, said mother Catherine Rossman. Shell be all worn out tonight!

Rossmans elder daughter, Shelby, 15, wandered on a set of stilts nearby.

This is their favorite part. Every year they ask if were going to the cabin, Rossman said.
LEXINGTON, S.C.  Sisters Anna, Emily, Grace and Mary Claire Mathias are similar in that theyre all sassy, giggly and sharp, which is in contrast to how they initially gained notoriety. Well, with the exception of the giggly part.

The Lexington girls make up a set of identical quadruplets, one of only about 70 sets in the world and even rarer in the fact that they were conceived naturally.

The rising high school juniors turned 16 in February and have the wonders and woes of their late teen years to look forward to, from driving to figuring out career pathways and college.

The quadruplets, or quads, spent a week at camp in June, and it seemed every day someone would, perhaps not organically, find the famous video of the girls sprawled across their mother, Allison, while they belly laughed in unison at their fathers antics.

Mary Claire said at camp she had a girl tap her on her shoulder out of the blue and ask if shes a quadruplet. Shes hardly the only one, as the quads face questions all the time.

You want to write a sign that says, Yes, there are three more of me, she said.

Getting recognized

You might have seen them in that laughing video winning the quarter-million dollar grand prize on Americas Funniest Home Videos, or perhaps on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Late Night with Jay Leno, the documentary Super Quads or even a series of holiday Target commercials.

Emily said people will recognize them about once a week, though sometimes people theyre around frequently, including at school, are just figuring out they are quadruplets rather than one person or a set of twins.

Emily cut her hair into a pixie cut in recent years while the other girls have shoulder-length hair. Because shes a quadruplet, she find she has to justify it.

They want some reason, maybe that I wanted to be different from my sisters, she said. I just wanted to cut my hair.

Closet qualms

The biggest obstacle facing harmony among the quads seems to be one plaguing any household with sisters close in age: clothes.

Grace said the quads raid each others closets constantly, causing typical sisterly discord.

People will ask, Do you fight? If so, what do you fight about? she said. Clothes. Thats it. And who gets the last piece of pizza.

Allison said she has given up on her girls bickering over clothes.

I just let them fight like junkyard dogs, she said.

Garment-oriented madness ensues notably when the girls are getting dressed for church.

We can prove that theres a devil, because hes here on Sunday mornings, Allison remarked as the girls giggled. You know he doesnt want you to go to church.

The sisters said they have similar styles and sometimes buy the same thing, including each having the same green jacket, which Grace admitted probably isnt necessary.

Allison manages to keep her closet to herself through a limiting reagent.

Were too short, Grace said. Shes got long arms. We dont have long arms. Were short and stubby,

The girls range in height from 4-feet 9-inches to right under 5 feet.

Though it was cute when they were younger, Mary Claire said the girl do not dress alike. At least not on purpose.

We dont do it recreationally, she said.   We dont do it for fun.

Driving in cars ... and boys

None of the quadruplets have reached the milestone that many pine for when they turn 16: getting a drivers license.

They dont see it as a necessity quite yet because they usually travel as a pack.

Emily said that time will come eventually, though it happen sporadically among the girls like popcorn.

Grace admits she has driven in parking lots before and knows the basics, but shes too lazy to do it.

I need to go to classes and get my learners permit, she said. I want to drive. Im not opposed to driving. Its nice to go places without having someone take you.

Anna, on the other hand, wants no part of it.

It terrifies me  but Im the one who needs to drive the most because Im starting to do more stuff, like orchestra (rehearsals), she said.

Driving is one thing, but dating is something half of the quads arent afraid to dabble in.

Their father, Steve, said in an interview with The State in 2010 that he didnt want to think about when they started dating.

Mary Claire and Emily said they dont want boyfriends now but will have the occasional crush.

Grace joked that her boyfriend is everyones boyfriend, though she later clarified that hes more like a brother to the others.

This is not an episode of Sister Wives, Allison chimed in.

Gigs and appearances

Now that theyre older, the girls seldom do gigs, as they made their last public appearance, with the exception of interviews with local media outlets, in American Girl Magazine when they were 10.

Verizon reached out to the quads recently about possibly appearing in a commercial, though they ended up not getting the part. But no ones left heartbroken.

One sister liked the idea of leaving town for a few days, while another despised the idea.

Besides, they already have quite the resume.

The girls agreed their favorite experience when they were younger was filming the documentary.

They were five at the time, and Grace said they thought the crew from London was the coolest because of their accents.

With her focus on the future, Mary Claire said she often forgets the adventures of her childhood.

Thats not something I go about thinking about every day, Oh yeah, I was on this show,  she said. Unless somebody brings it up, I forget that it happened.

Emily remembers the simpler things from an appearance on Oprah.

I was really excited to go back to the green room and get one of the jelly donuts they had sitting on a tray, she said. I dont remember anything else, just the jelly doughnut.

College-bound quads

Other than their physical features, the quads are similar in that they share an interest in the arts and humanities. This is something they keep in mind as they start to consider where to attend college in two short years.

Grace and Anna are leaning toward the University of South Carolina, where Grace is considering learning photography and Anna music education.

I dont really want to go out of state, she said. I know what I want to do. Im not quite settled on my college yet, because getting into college is going to be a deal on its own.

Though she readily admits she hasnt a clue what she wants to do for a career, Emily, who said she enjoys drawing and music, is considering USC.

I really dont know what I want to do, but Im sure Ill find it soon, she said. I definitely thought about (going to USC) because there are so many options.

Ever the lover of art, specifically drawing, Mary Claire said she has considered Savannah College of Art and Design but says shes a homebody and might not want to stray too far.

I dont know if I want to go that far from home, because Im really attached to home, she said.

If, somehow, the quadruplets ended up going to four different colleges, Grace said they would be fine, though it would take some getting used to.

Itd be hard to adjust not having them around all the time at the same place, but I think wed be all right, she said.   Were all pretty independent, but we enjoy having each other.
Cowlitz County commissioner candidate Kevin Hunter said corrections officers at the county jail are overworked, understaffed and have no confidence in their leadership  and he wants to see the sheriff run the jail once again.

Its been nearly 30 years since the Cowlitz County Jail was under management of the sheriff, an elected official. But now Hunter and fellow county commissioner candidate Curtis Hart say thats the best way to hold the jail accountable for problems.

The Cowlitz jail is one of only six in the state not managed by a sheriffs department. Commissioners Mike Karnofski and Dennis Weber, who are both running for re-election, support the current system, in which the corrections director reports to the commssioners.

Hunter said corrections officers are overworked and disgruntled, which he thinks then transfers over to any new employees the jail hires.

Its really, really difficult to get out of the cycle when you get into it, and in most cases it requires a new form of leadership from the top, Hunter said.

The jail has had a recent history of trouble, including a lawsuit that involves a former inmate filed in January 2015. Roddy Avery, an inmate at the jail in 2012, filed a civil case against the county, Corrections Department Director Marin Fox Hight, two captains, a sergeant and eight corrections officers, on grounds of negligence and violating his Eighth Amendment protection against cruel and unusual punishment. He is seeking $820,000 in damages. The case is now in the U.S. District Court in Tacoma but is not yet scheduled for trial.

Avery was allegedly attacked by two inmates with whom he shared a cell. He was lying in a pool of his own blood before a non-staff member pushed an emergency call button, said his attorney, Zach Walker. Averys injuries were so severe that he was rushed to the Oregon Health and Sciences University trauma care. He was left with 13 screws in his skull to fix the fractures to his eye socket and cheekbones, according to court documents.

Walker said understaffing plays a role in all these types of cases, but that the county hasnt indicated it being a problem.

I think the issue more is that the policies and practices of the surveillance of inmates when theyre locked in needs to change, he said. Certainly the jail has not accepted any responsibility whatsoever.

The lawsuit follows the deaths of five inmates while in custody between May 2013 and July 2015. Four of the deaths led to lawsuits against the county and Conmed Health Care Management, which provided the inmates care at the time. Records obtained by The Daily News showed the jail adopted few policy changes or inmate handling procedures following the deaths. (One change involved cellphone use by staff, and some new guidelines were adopted for releasing inmates on good behavior.)

The cause of death for the five inmates varied but included severe dehydration, untreated pneumonia and suicide. One likely was suffering from a septic infection before she entered the jail. Four of them were ages 22-31, and the fifth was 55.

There is no accountability for those deaths that I know of or that the public knows of. If we had an elected official, we could hold someone accountable, said Chris Bornstedt, a caregiver who has been helping with Harts campaign. I believe that Sheriff (Mark) Nelson would do a better job of managing that money and managing that staff.

Hunter said the corrections officers work environment directly relates to the safety of the inmates.

Justine Evans, a former inmate at the jail who was vocal on the Cowlitz County News Facebook page, said she thought an unhealthy work environment for the corrections officers contributed to their mistreatment of inmates.

Its really an issue that needs to be addressed, and its needed to be addressed for a long time, Evans said. Nothing has been done about it.

Officer challenges

Currently, corrections officers can work up to 18-hour shifts  a practice that is especially draining when officers arent expecting that shift, said Joe Mazza, corrections officer and president of the Cowlitz County Corrections Officers Guild.

The county and the union negotiated a new contract that was approved in June. The previous contract in December 2013. That meant corrections officers had to pay hundreds more in health care for 31 months.

When people know they should be compensated and theyre not being compensated, stress increases and morale decreases, not only in their work environment but also their home life, Mazza said. But Mazza said he didnt have a comment on whether the jail would be better run under the sheriffs office.

Jim Zdilar, the countys director of human resources, said negotiations just took a long time.

We wish it wouldve gotten resolved a lot sooner, Zdilar said.

Currently the jail has 40 corrections officers and six sergeants. Last years overtime expenses for jail workers were about $330,000  30 percent higher than the year before, but about the same as two years ago.

Marin Fox Hight, director of the Corrections Department, said three officers resigned at that time to join law enforcement agencies, and typically resignations cause overtime to run high. Fox Hight said all county jails face the same hiring and turnover challenges.

At the end of 2010, the jail had 47 corrections officers and seven sergeants. By 2011 two vacant corrections officer positions had been eliminated. In December 2013, the county shut down the work release program and jail operations on the third floor of the Hall of Justice, laying off five corrections officers. Currently the new jail  which officials have touted as more efficient and needing less staffing than the old one  still has about 260 inmates daily.

Fox Hight said the jails staffing issues are not unique. She said the jail is trying to hire two more mental health staffers, though the hiring process has been slow.

Its a common frustration. I think a lot of agencies are struggling to hire right now, she said. Its a stressful place to work and we acknowledge that. We continue to make it better and will continue to make it better.

Fox Hight said she doesnt see how these troubles would be solved if the jail operations were placed in the sheriffs hands. She said staff in the Corrections Department are specifically trained to work in the jail.

This is what we do, all of us, Fox Hight said. We know jails. Thats our area of expertise. Thats not necessarily true for the sheriffs office.

A sheriffs legacy

Sheriff Mark Nelson isnt closed to the idea of taking over jail administration, but hes not eager to do so. He said hes concerned about how he would handle the additional responsibilities, especially after hearing from other sheriffs who oversee their county jails.

Most (sheriffs) tell you that 75-80 percent of their time is spent on jail-related issues, Nelson said. If I added another 70 or 80 percent of time, then Id be operating at 180 percent.

Nelsons late father, Les Nelson, ran the jail as sheriff 30 years ago. Sheriff Les Nelson loved the jail, his son said, and every Sunday he would smoke his pipe, drink a cup of coffee and visit with the jailers.

He was pretty amazing, said Shawn Nyman, who was a corrections officer back when Les Nelson ran the jail. She was the first female sergeant in Cowlitz County. Nyman is also running for District 2 commissioner against Hunter and Weber. There was a lot of respect for him ... It just trickled down to the rest of us. Inmates knew him, we just all adored him.

Mark Nelson, however, said he wouldnt advocate such a change. He said there are many differences now in how corrections officers are trained and how facilities are run.

Commissioner Dennis Weber, who is running for re-election, said the current managers are doing a good job addressing challenges that jails commonly face.

We have a management team that is very much aware of the challenges that are posed and the strategies that need to be followed, Weber said.

Nelson said he hopes such decisions would be made not for political purposes but in the interest of whats best for the county.

This kind of a discussion really has to transcend the whole political arena and it has to be a discussion that evaluates the best service for our citizens, Nelson said. If its good for the jail and its good for the citizens, obviously its something we need to give some serious consideration to.
tech2 News Staff

With the election fever picking up in the US, Apple CEO Tim Cook is planning to host a fundraiser event for Presidential nominee Hillary Clinton to help with her presidential campaign.

According to an invitation received by Buzzfeed, the fundraiser will take place on 24 August. It will be undertaken by Cook and another private citizen.

Cook had also hosted a fundraiser for Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan earlier this year, thereby indicating support for both parties. However, he hasn't made a similar gesture towards Donald Trump who had called for the boycott of Apple products after Apple refused to hand over phone details of the San Bernandino killer.

According to The Verge, Apple employees have made donations to both the Republican and Democratic campaign committees in 2016, but the Democratic donations are much higher.

Apple employees have collectively donated over $150,00 to both the Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders campaigns. The highest donations received by Republican candidates is to Ted Cruz, somewhere in the region of $9000.

The invitation for the Cook-Clinton fundraiser lists three different contribution levels: $50,000, $10,000, and $2,700.
tech2 News Staff

Google has decided to mark the 136th birth anniversary of famous Hindi short story writer Munshi Premchand via a Google Doodle. The Doodle represents elements from rural India, something that was the basis for most of Premchand's work.

His last and most famous novel, Godaan (1936), inspired todays doodle, which shows Premchand (sometimes referred to as Upanyas Samrat, or, emperor among novelists) bringing his signature working-class characters to life. On what would have been his 136th birthday, the illustration pays tribute to the multitude of important stories he told, said Google about the doodle.

Munshi Premchand was the pen name of Dhanpat Rai, who was born on 31 July, 1880 at Lamhi village in Uttar Pradesh. Premchand, who started writing at the ripe age of 13, has nearly 300 short stories, essays and novels to his credit. Some of his popular works include short stories such as Idgaah and Juloos, novels such as the multi-volume Mansarovar and Godaan.

Premchand was a teacher who later left his job to take part in the non-cooperation movement in 1920s.
CMCH staff stabbed dead

A worker of Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) was stabbed to death allegedly by his fellow on Sunday morning. The deceased was identified as Farhadul Islam,26, son of Nurul Alam, a resident of Matarbari village in Moheshkhali upazila of Coxs Bazar district. Sub-inspector Jahirul Islam, in-charge of CMCH police camp, said Masud, worker of CMCHs canteen, attacked Farhadul at about 6am. At one stage, he stabbed Farhadul indiscriminately with sharp weapon, leaving him severely injured. Farhadul was admitted to CMCH where he succumbed to his injures later. The reason behind the killing could not be known immediately, the SI added. -- Chittagong, Jul 31 (UNB)
7 hurt in Ctg BCL infighting

Chittagong, July 31 (UNB) - Seven activists of Chittagong College unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) were injured, including three with bullets, in a factional clash over establishing supremacy on the campus on Sunday. Witnesses said Jubo League leader Nurul Mostafa Tinu and city unit BCL Vice-president Nurul Azim Rony had long been at loggerheads. As a sequel of the enmity, their groups attacked each other on the campus. They also exchanged bullets during the melee, leaving seven people injured from the both sides. The supporters of Tinu blocked the road in front of the college, disrupting traffic for several hours. On information, police rushed in and dispersed them charging baton on them. The situation returned to normalcy around 3 pm, said Abdul Aziz, officer-in-charge of Chwakbazar Police Station. Bullet-hit Bappi, Jibon and Imam were taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital, said Pankaj Barua, assistant sub-inspector of CMCH police camp.
GAIBANDHA: Houses are totally submerged at Singriya area in Fulchhari Upazila as breaches have been developed in Brahmanputra Embankment. This picture was taken on Saturday.
Copyright  2021 New Nation. All Rights Reserved by thedailynewnation.com
The 6-second CV

Life Desk :

Does yours pass the test?

How much time do you think a recruiter spends analysing your resume? Ten minutes? Five?

Actually, it's just six measly seconds found a study by online jobmatching service TheLadders. The findings of the study which were released last week used a scientific technique called "eye tracking" to analyse how long 30 professional recruiters reviewed candidate profiles and resumes.

Professionally written resume, which have a clear visual hierarchy and present relevant information where recruiters expect it, quickly guide recruiters to a yes/ no decision. The study found that the "gaze trace" of recruiters was erratic when they reviewed a poorly organised resume, and recruiters experienced high levels of cognitive load (total mental activity), which increased the level of effort to make a decision. Professional resumes had less data, were evenly formatted and were described as "clearer." Mirror spoke to HR executives and recruiters in the city for pointers on to write the perfect resume.

Easy reading

Your first conversation with your organisation, employers believe, happens when they read your resume and not during the interview.

Would you want to sound incoherent during this conversation? Regardless of the position you seek to fill, HR executives look for communication skills through your CV. Ensure that there are no grammatical or spelling errors in them and that the language is simple.

For flow of information, you could choose between chronology or function. In the latter, events need not be in sync with the years but should give the recruiter what they are looking for at the beginning -for instance if you have worked on a project which is close to the profile you are applying for now, let that be on top. Freshers can also leave out their mission statement and awards won in college since your career slate will be starting from a blank.

Most recruiters even bother with resumes of veterans in their fields, says Sandra Sawant. A simple cover letter with two paragraphs; which position they are looking at and the number of years spent in the industry are enough.

Size matters

How many pages should your CV run into? A general rule of thumb says if you have worked for less than five years, one page should suffice. Any more, and it could run into two.

Freshers, especially, should stick to a page, says Neeta Suri, proprietor at Mira Road-based StreamHr. "There is no need to go on about extra curricular activities in college. Work experience, even if it is an internship or an event you helped out with, should be on top," she says. Marks come second in the hierarchy unless you graduated from a top school. Over the years, educational columns should grow smaller and less detailed. A senior executive must focus on the most recent work experience and can limit educational details to post gradua tion and graduation.

Go monochrome

Stick to the black and white format unless you are applying for a creative post. "Writers are asked to attach work samples, visual arts pro fessionals like graphic designers are the only people who are allowed to use colourful fonts since it acts like a sam ple of their work," ex plains Tanver Alam-Azmi, MD of FutureGenz, an HR consultancy in Jogeshwari.

No hobbies please

Scaled Mt Everest on your last summer trip, can play Bach's cello concerto from memory? Leave out the hobbies says Alam-Azmi. While most career counsellors will tell you that companies are looking for a well-rounded personality who has diverse interests, it rarely works on the resume. "If you are applying for a sales job, it might even work against you. Employers are looking for focus," he explains.

Keep your hobbies in mind for when you are called in for an interview. It makes for good conversation, says Suri.

Be honest

The importance of this can't be stressed enough. Look at newly appointed HRD Minister Smriti Irani, currently in the soup over discrepancies in her poll affidavits.

In 2011, IT firm IBM fired nearly 700 employees in India after an internal review committee found their resumes to be fraudulent.

"There are no big and small lies when it comes to fudging on your resume," says Sawant. "If I find that you have lied about one aspect, I'm given to think there is more you may be lying about," she adds.

While it's true that companies are looking for stability, don't try to hide if you have had numerous jumps. "If you are called for an interview, be prepared to answer questions regarding why you left an organisation," offers Suri. But whatever you say, it's a bad idea to badmouth a previous employer.

Number crunch

Quantify your success. The last time power words like 'highly-motivated' and 'result-oriented' found their way on a CV, capri pants were still in fashion. Sawant's advice is to use numbers to convey comparison while remaining truthful. A smart play with numbers can tell the recruiter that you stood 5th in a class of 100 instead of simply telling them you scored 80 per cent. Show off their work milestones by talking profit margins and cost saving. Be specific about the team strength, especially if you were heading it.

Source: Medindia
Information Commission plans to implement RTI Act



The Information Commission is planning to implement the Right to Information Act (RTI) to pave the way for getting benefits of the law by all the people of the country, said a commission press release here on Sunday.

To this end, the commission held a view of exchange meeting today with its partner and associate bodies including representatives from non-government organizations at its conference room here in the run up to the International Right to Know (RTK) Day on September 28.

Chaired by Chief Information Commissioner Dr M Golam Rahman, the meeting also was attended, among others, by Information Commissioner Nepal Chandra Sarker, Information Commissioner Dr Khurshida Begum Sayeed, Director M Muhibul Hossain and other officials of the commission.

The meeting discussed raising awareness of the people about the RTI through celebrating the International Right to Know Day.
Globalisation failing to provide inputs for equal growth

Stephen S. Roach :

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. And it also underpins the increasingly virulent anti-China backlash now sweeping the world. Those who worship at the altar of free trade - including me - must come to grips with this glaring disconnect.

Truth be known, there is no rigorous theory of globalization. The best that economists can offer is David Ricardo's early nineteenth-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 liberalization - the elixir of globalization - promises benefits for all.

That promise arguably holds in the long run, but a far tougher reality check invariably occurs in the short run. Brexit - the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union - is just the latest case in point.

Voters in the UK objected to several of the key premises of regional integration: free labor mobility and seemingly open-ended immigration, regulation by supranational authorities in Brussels, 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 liberalization - principles that are falling on deaf ears in the political arena.

In the US, Trump's ascendancy and the political traction gained by Senator Bernie Sanders's primary campaign reflect many of the same sentiments that led to Brexit. From immigration to trade liberalization, economic pressures on a beleaguered middle class contradict the core promises of globalization. As is often the case - and particularly in a presidential election year - America's politicians resort to the blame game in confronting these tough issues. Trump has singled out China and Mexico, and Sanders's opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership - the proposed trade deal between the US and 11 Pacific Rim countries - has pushed Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party's nominee, to adopt a similar stance.

In short, globalization has lost its political support - unsurprising in a world that bears little resemblance to the one inhabited by Ricardo two centuries ago. Ricardo's arguments, couched in terms of England's and Portugal's comparative advantages in cloth and wine, respectively, hardly seem relevant for today's hyper-connected, knowledge-based world. The Nobel laureate 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 disruptive low-wage technology imitator like China could turn the theory of comparative advantage inside out.

Nor is it 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 the volume of world trade has averaged just 3% over the 2009-2016 period - half the 6% rate from 1980 to 2008. This reflects not only the Great Recession, but also an unusually anemic recovery. With world trade shifting to a decidedly lower trajectory, political resistance to globalization has only intensified.

Of course, this isn't the first time that globalization has run into trouble. Globalization 1.0 - the surge in global trade and international capital flows that occurred in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries - met its demise between World War I and the Great Depression. Global trade fell by some 60% from 1929 to 1932, as major economies turned inward and embraced protectionist trade policies, such as America's infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930.

But the stakes may be greater if today's more powerful globalization were to meet a similar fate. In contrast to Globalization 1.0, which was largely confined to the cross-border exchange of tangible (manufactured) goods, the scope of Globalization 2.0 is far broader, including growing trade in many so-called intangibles - once nontradable services.

Similarly, the means of Globalization 2.0 are far more sophisticated than those of its antecedent. The connectivity of Globalization 1.0 occurred via ships and eventually railroads and motor vehicles. Today, these transportation systems are far more advanced - augmented by the Internet and its enhancement of global supply chains. The Internet has also enabled instantaneous cross-border dissemination of knowledge-based services such as software programming, engineering and design, medical screening, and accounting, legal, and consulting work. The sharpest contrast between the two waves of globalization is in the speed of technology absorption and disruption. New information technologies have been adopted at an unusually rapid rate. It took only five years for 50 million US households to begin surfing the Internet, whereas it took 38 years for a similar number to gain access to radios.

Sadly, the economics profession has failed to grasp the inherent problems with globalization. In fixating on an antiquated theory, they have all but ignored the here and now of a mounting worker backlash. Yet the breadth and speed of Globalization 2.0 demand new approaches to cushion the blows of this disruption.

Unfortunately, safety-net programs to help trade-displaced or trade-pressured workers are just as obsolete as theories of comparative advantage. America's Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, for example, was enacted in 1962 for the manufacturing-based economy of yesteryear. According to a report published by the Peterson Institute, only two million US workers have benefited from TAA since 1974.

The design of more enlightened policies must account for the powerful pressures now bearing down on a much broader array of workers. The hyper-speed of Globalization 2.0 suggests the need for quicker triggers and wider coverage for worker retraining, relocation allowances, job-search assistance, wage insurance for older workers, and longer-duration unemployment benefits.

As history cautions, the alternative - whether it is Brexit or America's new isolationism - is an accident waiting to happen. It is up to those of us who defend free trade and globalization to prevent that, by offering concrete solutions that address the very real problems that now afflict so many workers.

(Stephen S. Roach, former Chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia and the firm's chief economist, is a senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute of Global Affairs and a senior lecturer at Yale's School of Management. He is the author of Unbalanced: The Codependency of America and China).

Courtesy: Project Syndicate
7 injured in Ctg BCL infighting

The two rival groups of Chittagong College BCL factions locked in clashes over establishing supremacy in an anti-militancy meeting held on the campus on Sunday leaving seven injured including three bullet-hit. Law enforcers also seen on alert.

UNB, Chittagong :Seven activists of Chittagong College unit of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) were injured, including three with bullets, in a factional clash over establishing supremacy on the campus on Sunday.Witnesses said, Jubo League leader Nurul Mostafa Tinu and city unit BCL Vice-president Nurul Azim Rony had long been at loggerheads. As a sequel of the enmity, their groups attacked each other on the campus.They also exchanged bullets during the melee, leaving seven people injured from the both sides. The supporters of Tinu blocked the road in front of the college, disrupting traffic for several hours.On information, police rushed in and dispersed them charging baton on them.The situation returned to normalcy at around 3 pm, said Abdul Aziz, Officer-in-Charge of Chwakbazar Police Station. Bullet-hit Bappi, Jibon and Imam were taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital, said Pankaj Barua, assistant sub-inspector of CMCH police camp.
Merkel joins Munich memorial service

The Irish Times :German chancellor Angela Merkel is attending a memorial service in Munich on Sunday for the victims of the violent attacks in Germany in recent days, including the shootings last week in the Bavarian capital.Ahead of Sunday's ceremony, the father of the Munich teenager who shot dead nine people said his son hid that he was bullied in school and was taking anti-depressant medication "I'm not doing well, we are getting murder threats," Mr Masoud Sonboly, owner of a Munich taxi company, told the Bild am Sonntag newspaper. "My wife has been crying for a week. Our life in Munich is finished."Shortly before 6pm on July 22nd, Ali Sonboly, who lately went by the name David, opened fire in a fast food restaurant north of the city centre, continuing his shopping spree opposite in Munich's Olympia Shopping Centre. After killing nine people, he hid for two hours in the car park and was eventually cornered by police in a dead-end street and shot himself.Early on the morning of July 23rd, police raided the gunman's home in Munich's Dachauerstrasse and discovered information showing an obsession with mass shootings.In recent days, police have questioned the gunman's parents - but his father said today he was able to tell them very little about his son's life of late.Mr Sonboly said he had no idea his son had visited a school in Winnenden where, in 2009, a 17 year-old student shot dead 15 people. A postmortem revealed traces of anti-depressants in Sonboly's blood. "I want to know it all, including the medication my son had taken," Masoud Sonboly told the German tabloid.He only found out that his son was being bullied in school four years ago by accident, when a classmate - not teachers - told him. "I took Ali out of the school and spoke to the teachers, I filed charges against some of the bullying students," he said. The Sonboly family, originally from Iran, eventually moved to a better part of the city, where Munich-born Ali Sonboly began playing online shooting games, such as Counter Strike.Friends report that he legally changed his name to David and told them he was proud to share his birthday - April 20th - with Adolf Hitler.Around two years ago, police suspect, he purchased the murder weapon - a modified Glock pistol - online."I knew nothing of the weapon,"his father told Bild.Today's ceremony at Munich's Church of our Lady will remember the victims of the recent attcks, and will also be attended by German president Joachim Gauck, Bavarian state premier Horst Seehofer and other political and religious leaders.
Female militants now active

Md Joynal Abedin Khan :Hundreds of female militants have connections with the banned radical outfits like the Jamaatul Mujahidin Bangladesh (JMB) and Hijb-ut-Tahrir for carrying subversive activities, police sources said. About 1500 females are more active than their male counterparts, as they can carry arms and explosives as well as literatures easily by dodging law enforces' surveillance, they said. The female militants operate their activities under the cover of religious meetings in small groups in the rural and urban areas, the sources said. They have also formed 20 suicide squads. Nearly 150 females, who had been picked up on account of their suspected terror link, confessed their involvement in militancy, Intelligence sources said. In view of this, female hostels and messes are under surveillance. Meanwhile, five female students of Government Eden Women College and three female students of Comilla Victoria College were held in this connection recently. Besides, three suspected female members of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) were held from Kalihati of Tangail on July 5, four from Sirajganj, one each from Narsingdi and Jhenaidah were also picked up a few weeks ago, they said. In a separate raid, 11 female Jamaat activists were detained from Laxmipur when they were holding a secret meeting and plotting for creating violence.Earlier on April 24, police arrested 21 women in connection with the Hijb-ut Tahrir in Barisal. "Sazida Akter, a female militant, confessed that she became a member of JMB being pursued by her husband Nazrul Islam who was warranted by law enforcers on charge of taking part the killings of Rajshahi University Professor Rezaul Karim, Italian National Cesare Tavella in Gulshan and Kunio Hoshi in Rangpur," detective sources said.On September 13, Hazera Khatun, a zonal leader of Allahar Dal, was arrested from Netrakona. She confessed to the police that 34 members were active in the district.In Panchargarh, Ismat Ara, wife of top JMB militant Nazrul, was arrested from the district and admitted to the police that she became a member of the radical outfit after getting death threat.In Bogra, detained Masuma confessed that her husband Raisul alias Fardin and elder brother Mujahid were JMB Shurah members.Inspector General of Police (IGP) claimed to the media that they found their link with the male militants.All the members of the law enforcing agencies have been asked to increase the vigilance on the activities of women militants, the IGP said. Monirul Islam, Chief of Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crimes (CTTC), claimed that the wives of executed JMB leaders Siddikul Islam alias Bangla Bhai, Shaikh Abdur Rahman and abdul Awal were involved in militant activities. "All militant outfits have separate women units across the country. The militants are more active in Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Barisal, Chapainababganj, Gazipur, Faridpur, Madaripur and Bagehat. The squads were formed with Nurjahan, Sharmin, Marzia, Mina Akter, Lata Akter Bilkis and Jatsna as leaders, to continue their militant activities with the common people," the police official said. He said, "We have been taking steps to combat militancy for a long time now. The government perceived in 2009 that a sound legal infrastructure was necessary to fight against militancy, and laws were passed to ensure that." Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Legal and Media Wing Director Commander Mufti Mahmud Khan told The New Nation on Sunday, "We have prepared a list of female militants based on detective reports and already have started drive to arrest them."He said, militants are militants and no difference between male and female radical people. The JMB, Harkat-ul-Jihad (HuJi) Ansalullah Bangla Team (ABT), Hijb-ut Tahrir and Allahar Dal members are active in the country in the name of establishing khilafat, the RAB official said.
Wheat scandal probe now uncertain

Staff Reporter :

The investigation of sensational 33,000 metric tons wheat scandal case has become uncertain due to tug of war between Anti-Corruption Commission [ACC] and police.

ACC, the country's prime corruption watchdog, has recently conducted an extensive investigation into the allegation of wheat [33,000 metric tons] misappropriation of a Korean company by five businessmen in Chittagong.

Interestingly, the ACC fails to press charges against the accused persons due to legal complications following the amendment of a relevant law. Now, the police will take over the charge from ACC.

When contacted, Deputy Director of ACC [Chittagong district] HM Akhtaruzzaman told The New Nation on Sunday night: "We've got enough evidences about the involvement of five persons in pocketing the wheat. However, we're not submitting any charge-sheet due to legal complications."

"We've prepared a file in this regard and it will be given to police department. They will do whatever it is needed. If they think, there may be further inquiry," he said.

Sources close to the ACC said five persons, including JK Shipping Lines proprietor Nurul Islam, Chief Executive Officer of JK Shipping Kamrul Islam, owner of Still Fare Garments Md Akhtaruzzaman alias Mamun Khan, Managing Director of Rokeya Automatic Flour Mills Md Saiful Islam and businessman Malek Majhi sold the wheat in the local market. The wheat was kept in the godown of Malek Majhi.

When the fraud was surfaced, Azizul Islam, managing partner of Sheikh Ashraf Ali and Sons and also the local agent of the Korean company [M/S Samjin cs & t Co Ltd], filed a case with Bandar Police Station accusing five persons in connection with the incident on May 31 last year.

The Bandar Thana Police transferred the case to the ACC in accordance with the law and ACC initiated an investigation. In the meantime, the ACC Act was amended in 2016. After amendment, the jurisdiction of probing into forgery and cheating was transferred to the police.

It is learnt that, the Korean company had signed an agreement with Ministry of Food in 2014 to supply wheat. In this regard, Sheikh Ashraf Ali and Sons, a company of Khulna, was appointed company's local agent by President of Korean company Hco Man Woog.

As per the agreement, the Korean company supplied the first consignment of 19,500 metric tons of wheat through Mongla port in July 2014. But a dispute erupted between the company and local agent over commission, when the second consignment of 33,000 metric tons wheat worth Tk 85 crore reached the Chittagong port on August 6 in 2014.

In this backdrop, Sheikh Ashraf Ali and Sons filed a case with a Dhaka court against the South Korean national Woong for realising its commission. In its order, the court issued directives to stock the wheat under the Korean national until the case is disposed of.

Meanwhile, the Food Ministry refused to accept the wheat as the delivery date had already been expired. Following the ministry's refusal, the sub-contractor stocked it in a local godown of Chittagong in line with the court order.

But violating the court order and without the permission of the local agent or Korean company, the five accused allegedly sold the whole consignment of wheat in the local market.

The matter came under spot light after managing partner of the local agent Sheikh Azizul Islam in 2015 went to the warehouse to take 7000 metric tons of wheat for realizing his commission. There was no wheat in the godown.




AL leader killed in Natore

UNB, Natore :A local Awami League leader was bullet-injured and hacked to death by miscreants in Baramhati Bazer area of Lalpur upazila on Saturday night.The deceased was identified as Abbas Ali, 55, vice-president of Arjunpur Baramhati union unit of Awami League. Locals said a group of miscreantsfired gunshots at Abbas Ali at a local market around 7:30 when he was in a discussion with some of his associates. As Abbas was bullet-hit at one of his legs, his associates ran away. At one point, the miscreants indiscriminately hacked him with sharp weapons and fled the scene.Locals rescued the injured and whisked him off to the upazila health complex.Later, he was shifted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) where doctors declared him dead.
EU wants foreigners security all over, not only in Banani, Gulshan

Staff Reporter :European Union envoy Pierre Mayaudon has urged the government to ensure security of foreigners in each and every corner of the country like Gulshan-Banani.The call was made at a meeting between the EU representative team and Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed at the Secretariat in the city on Sunday, the EU envoy said.Raising the issue of current security affairs, Pierre Mayaudon said the foreigners are very much anxious following back-to-back militant attacks at Gulshan and Sholakia. "In the wake of such terror attacks, Bangladesh will have to take such security measures, which will bring back the confidence of foreigners," he said.He said: "The security of Gulshan and Banani is important but the government of Bangladesh must ensure security of the whole country If 16 crore people of the country feel secure, the foreigners who are living here for various reasons, including business, will also feel protected." The EU envoy also urged for taking quick steps to ensure security in all sectors, including private establishments.On the other hand, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed said that government is actively considering to form a specialized force to protect the foreigners who are engaged in trade and business in Bangladesh. In the wake of terror attacks, the government is giving highest priority to the security issue, the Minister said.He said, "The anxiety among the foreigners after Gulshan and Sholakia attacks is now evaporated. The EU expressed satisfaction following tough stance taken by the government."Tofail Ahmed further said Bangladesh would be a safe place for the foreigners.Ambassador of Sweden Johan Frisell, Ambassador of Spain Eduardo de Laiglesia y del Rosal, Ambassador of the Netherlands Mrs. Leoni Cuelenaere, High Commissioner of United Kingdom Mrs. Alison Blake, Charge d'Affaires of Italy Giuseppe Semenza and representatives of Germany and Denmark, among others, attended the dialogue.Besides, the businesspersons of EU were also present at the meeting.
BD asks Philippines to reopen probe

The Philippine Star, Ningxia :The Bangladesh government is appealing to the Philippine Senate to reopen the investigation on the money laundering scandal that involved some $81 million in funds stolen by hackers from the Bangladesh central bank's account with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.In an interview with The STAR on Friday on the sidelines of a signing ceremony here, Bangladesh ambassador to the Philippines John Gomes said his government is hoping the investigation would resume under the leadership of the new Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III."Senator Pimentel told me the money belongs to Bangladesh so I hope the hearings will continue," said Gomes, who is part of a visiting delegation here of journalists and diplomats on the occasion of the signing of a friendship agreement between the provincial government of Palawan and China's Ningxia Autonomous Region.This developed as the Federal Reserve Bank of New York asked the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to "take all appropriate steps in support of Bangladesh Bank's efforts to recover and return its stolen assets," according to aReuters report. Last May, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, then chaired by senator Teofisto Guingona III, wrapped up an investigation into the money laundering scandal which broke out in February.Gomes hopes the Senate would resume its hearings once a new chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is named.He believes a resumption of the Senate hearing could help the Bangladesh government recover the rest of the money. The Bangladesh government expects to get $15 million of the stolen $81 million by Aug. 15.Gomes said there is only one remaining document needed before the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) can turn over the $15 million to the Bangladesh government. The $15 million represents the money turned over by junket operator Kim Wong to the AMLC."The document will come from the Bangladesh government as a claimant and then the money will go back to our account in the Federal Reserve. We hope to do this in the next two weeks, so that will be by Aug. 15," Gomes explained.While his government is unlikely to recover the full amount of $81 million, Gomes said they are working with the Duterte administration for the recovery of a sizeable portion of the stolen funds - or at least $34.5 million."I don't think we can get the whole $81 million but we hope to get the $17 million from Philrem," Gomes said, referring to the money remittance firm involved in the transfer of funds."We definitely need help (from the Duterte government)," he added.Aside from the $15 million, his government also hopes to recover the $2.5 million that is now in the custody of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), the state-owned gaming regulator; and another $17 million from Philrem.New York Fed's general counsel Thomas Baxter has sent a letter to Elmore Capule, BSP general counsel, to hasten the recovery process, Reuters said in its report.Baxter also wrote that the payment instructions that led to four money transfers to beneficiary accounts at the Manila-based Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) were authenticated using a "commercially reasonable security procedure," but that they were issued by persons using stolen credentials, the report also said.It was last February when $81 million in money found its way to the Philippines through RCBC's Jupiter Branch and then later laundered to the country's casinos.The funds went to Solaire Resort and Casino and to Eastern Hawaii Casino and Resort. Authorities are still investigating where the rest of the $81 million went.The AMLC implements the country's Anti-Money Laundering Law. It is headed by the governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and is composed of the SEC chairperson and the head of the Insurance Commission.
Govt urged not to evict hotels from residential areas

Staff Reporter :

Bangladesh International Hotel Association (BIHA) on Sunday urged the government to reconsider its decision to evict hotels from the city's residential areas considering the economic fallout of the move.

They came up with the call at a press conference held at the Amrai Dhaka Hotel in the capital.

"Noting that the eviction of hotels from the city's residential areas will adversely affect the country's hospitality and tourism industry . Drives have already started in many places to evict hotels from residential areas. It should be stopped immediately," Shakawath Hossain, Director of The Westin Dhaka said this while speaking at the press conference.

The government moves to evict hotels from the residential areas after the terror attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery at Gulshan.

"Terrorism is a global phenomenon and we are not isolated from the problem. The government has taken various security measures after the Dhaka terror attack. So, hotels should not be removed from residential areas on security grounds," said HM Hakim Ali, President of BIHA.

Hakim Ali said star hotels running in Gulshan area are giving services to foreign tourists. "If the hotels are removed from the area on the pleas of security, it'll send out a negative message to the visiting tourists," he added.


A former government official of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation accused of accepting bribes and kickbacks from a construction contractor has pleaded guilty to federal charges in North Dakota. Randall Phelan was an elected representative of the governing body of the Three Affiliated Tribes from the end of 2012 to the middle of 2020. Investigators say Phelan used his official position to help the contractors business by awarding contracts, fabricating bids and managing fraudulent invoices. His trial had been scheduled to begin Tuesday. Phelan and two others were originally charged with receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from the bribery scheme on the oil-rich Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. The contractor has pleaded guilty to bribery.
New initiative for Indian citizenship has no connection with Teesta water sharing

The Indian government's decision to open admission facilities to members of religious minorities now living illegally in the country from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan under a Self-Financing Scheme to study in medical and engineering courses is a highly appreciable move. Indeed it is part of a broader scheme to give citizenship to illegal people in India from the three countries and a bill has already been placed before Indian Parliament to amend the Indian citizenship act in July this year. People to come under the citizenship scheme will not be required to provide supporting documents for this purpose.

The citizenship scheme will allow migrants to become Indian national and enjoy all facilities including buying properties. The scheme for migrant students as a media report said is expected to further improve their career perspectives. They will be selected on the basis of academic merit without appearing any admission test. Ever since the BJP-led government came to power in 2014, it made several pledges to migrants such as Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and others that fit with BJP's Hindutva politics to integrate such people in mainstream Indian society.

But many fear that the move may create problems many other ways although it will go a long way to mitigate the hassles of the migrants.

The Indian government's simultaneous move to expel the so-called Muslim settlers from Indian state of Assam or BJP's new move to expel Bengalees from West Bengal appears to complicate a good initiative. The BJP led Assam government has already made it clear that they are working on a scheme to expel Muslim settlers. But we know that the larger part of Muslim population in Assam is local people and the settlers community also have their origin from British India.

What appears quite disturbing is that leaders of the West Bengal BJP have recently urged the Indian Home Minister to stay back from any initiative to sign the Teesta Water Sharing Agreement with Bangladesh until the fate of illegal settlers in West Bengal being settled. What they meant their expulsion to Bangladesh. We know many Hindus left the country to settle in West Bengal but they did on their own choice. Indian government is also working to give citizenship to them.

There is hardly any reason for Muslims to migrate to West Bengal. Even most enclave people who opted for India in recent land swap are reportedly yarning to come back. It is our fear that some BJP leaders may be working to complicate the situation for domestic politics.

It will show ill motive if India looks for excuses to delay settlement of Teesta water sharing. Why Teesta issue should be connected with resettlement issue of Indian government is simply not understandable.

Teesta water sharing is long overdue and any setback is bound to backfire peaceful relations; which will be even difficult for Awami League government, a trusted ally of India, to withstand.

Hindu people may feel more tempted now to cross over to India to permanently live there for no fault of Bangladesh but to achieve new citizenship. It may be hastened as a section of ruling party men may install fear to force the Hindus to leave to grab their property.

A highly complex situation is going to arise and in our view the India government should use the new citizenship programme to be helpful to the people in need without going to create new problems for others. It is a highly sensitive issue and may become counter-productive at the end to disturb peace now prevailing in Bangladesh.

People of Bangladesh feel that our government's too-eagerness to have Indian government's support makes India more confident to neglect our people's hopes and aspirations.


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Paris, TX (75460)

Today

Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain for the afternoon. Potential for heavy rainfall. High 59F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch..

Tonight

Rain. Low 54F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch. Locally heavy rainfall possible.
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.
SESSER  Sitting at his kitchen table at his home near Sesser, retired coal miner Jim Miller fumbled around for the right word. Betrayal. Thats the one he settled on. Thats the way he felt when he opened a letter in the mail on July 5 from Alpha Natural Resources, from which he retired in 2007, stating his health care benefits will terminate Aug. 1  this Monday.

Alpha declared bankruptcy in August. A bankruptcy court judge approved the coal companys request in May to cut worker benefits as part of its Chapter 11 restructuring agreement. Five months prior, a judge reportedly approved the companys request to award 15 top-level executives metric-based bonuses totaling upwards of about $12 million, which it argued was necessary to retain its leadership team.

Miller, who is 71, retired from the Wabash mine in Keensburg in 2007. Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc., a sibling company of Alpha, closed the mine that year as talks broke down with the UMWA over a wages dispute.

Miller and his wife Carolyn, both are fourth generation coal-mine employees  she worked in the warehouse for Old Ben Coal Co.  have decorated their Americana styled home with coal mining memorabilia. A Coal Minin sign hangs behind the television. Miller said hed invite the judge that signed off on stripping him of his benefits to pay a visit to his house tucked among farm fields in rural Franklin County, and sit down with him at his kitchen table, which is covered with a red, white and blue table cloth. Perhaps then, he said, the judge and coal executives might truly grasp how their decisions are playing out in people's lives all across the Heartland.

He wont do that, he said. They are not going to leave their house. They are just going to tell me and my wife what were going to not have and then thats it. Hes going to go on driving his Cadillac up and down the road, waving at everybody.

Nah, he added in a tone suggesting disgust.

Rally planned in D.C.

Millers medical benefits are in jeopardy, though not immediately. About two weeks ago, the UMWA, according to its website, struck a deal with Alpha and Contura Energy, the downsized company that emerged from Alphas bankruptcy proceedings. In lieu of the companies paying for and administering retiree health care, lump-sum payments totaling $28.5 million are to be paid into a fund the UMWA will manage for retirees of Alpha, including Miller, and retirees from other companies that have also recently declared bankruptcy.

UMWA International President Cecil Robert said, in a statement, that those funds will not last long. Time is quickly running out for these and thousands of other retirees who depend on these benefits. The UMWA and its membership have been pleading with Congress for months to toss them a lifeline.

Miller has signed up along with several hundred other United Mine Workers of America retirees, their spouses, family members and caregivers from Southern Illinois, to travel by bus to Washington, D.C., for a Sept. 8 rally outside the U.S. Capitol.

They are hoping the sight of thousands of retired coal miners  many aging and with visible disabilities, frequently related to their time on the job  will pressure lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 1714  the Miners Protection Act of 2015. The bill would amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to expand the eligible use of interest transferable from the reclamation fund and supplemental general fund payments for retiree health care costs.

UMWA spokesman Phil Smith said the line item for the supplemental fund health care payments are roughly $490 million annually. We dont use that every year, he said. What were asking for is the ability to put these retirees under that (health care) fund, and to use whatever is left over for the pension fund to make sure it doesnt collapse.

Smith said hes expecting at least 5,000 people from coal mining communities in various parts of the country to travel to D.C. for the rally. Another union official said he hoped the number would be closer to 10,000. We need to make sure folks in Congress understand there are real people whose lives are at risk here, and thats why were having the rally, Smith said.

At home underground

Miller spent much of his life underground, as did three generations of men before him -- his father, grandfather and great-grandfather. At age 7, he lost two uncles when the Orient Mine No. 2 near West Frankfort exploded on Dec. 21, 1951, claiming the lives of 119 men.

Roughly 12 years later, in January 1963, his father and two other men died when a fire at Orient Mine No. 5 just east of Benton broke out and they were trapped underneath. Their bodies remained underground for more than a month. Before he died, his father  who lost a brother and brother-in-law in that 1951 Christmastime disaster  strongly suggested that Miller pursue a different career, an above ground one as a diesel mechanic.

Miller tried that. He said he looked up to his father, a deacon at the Rend City Baptist Church who lived a humble, quiet life in service to God and his family. Miller said he only ever heard his father say one bad word. He was working on a combine and mashed his finger, he said. His father was 37 when his lantern, body and hardhat were pulled from the mine.

To a young boy, that seemed like an old man to him at the time, but now 37 seems so young, he said. As he spoke of his dad, tears welled at the corner of his eyes as he tucked his thumbs into the straps of his Round House denim overalls and leaned forward in his chair. "I don't know what's wrong with me," he said, as he fought to steady his emotions for a loss that remains raw some 50 years later.

Miller was enrolled in a trade school in Nashville, Tennessee, when he got word that his father had died. Miller, then 18, was already missing home. But after his father died, he knew he had to answer his calling.

He wanted to return to his roots  to the mines, even though by this point they had claimed the lives of three family members. He got his first coal-mining job at 25. Miller quickly became addicted to the camaraderie with co-workers, the way other above-ground worries disappeared, and the connection he felt to his father 700 feet below the surface. Underground is where he felt at home among his coal-stained brothers, many of whom only ever knew him by his nickname, Huggy Bear.

Theres a smell. Theres something about it, he said. It sounds corny, but theres just something about the coal dust. It's like a farmer picking corn, or plowing dirt. It's just the same way. It gets to you.

As a coal-miner on-and-off for more than 30 years, Miller was grateful for, and proud to have a job that allowed him to put food on the table and keep the lights on  literally.

Given how much he gave to the job that was at times dangerous and physically exhausting, Miller said the letter he received from Alpha really upset him.

It was like somebody kicked you right in the stomach, he said. Because thats what we all did, all coal miners  The pay was fine, but you worked. If you was a worker, you worked your tail off. But you knew if you made it to the end of the line and finished that race you was going to have your pension, and you was going to have your medical.

Thousands affected in Southern Illinois

Tim Miller, representative for the UMWA's District 12, which covers this region, said retired coal miners, their spouses or widows should not be in a position where they have to choose between their medications and visiting the doctor, or eating. Many of the health complications miners suffer from are related to their jobs, he said. Tim Miller said about 500 people from Southern Illinois are already signed up for the trip, and others who are interested in going are encouraged to reach out to the Benton UMWA office to reserve a seat.

Thus far, nine buses are scheduled to leave from Southern Illinois on Sept. 7 from Illinois from the following towns: Benton, Harrisburg, Du Quoin, Marissa, Pinckneyville and Taylorville. Two buses are leaving from some communities to accommodate those who have expressed interest.

Smith, from the UMWA, said about 3,000 to 4,000 people in Southern Illinois stand to be affected by the loss of health care benefits being paid by coal companies that have filed bankruptcy. Thousands more are affected by an increasingly unstable pension system as there are fewer and fewer new workers paying into the system.

U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said he is supportive of the measure, and voted in favor of identical language when it was called in the House. Bost, a member of the Congressional Coal Caucus, said he has heard second-hand, from representatives close to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, that the Kentucky Republican plans to allow the bill to begin making its way through the process sometime after lawmakers return from recess on Sept. 6.

It has been widely reported, and Bost said it is his understanding, that McConnell was holding the bill up over a fight with the UMWA. Though McConnell has been a staunch defender of the coal industry, the UMWA endorsed his opponent, Alison Grimes, in the 2014 election. The UMWAs Smith also said the union has received indications that there will be a vote to move the bill from the Senate Finance Committee. Thats what were told, Smith said. Weve been asking them to do this for some time.

Bost said there is bipartisan support in the U.S. House and Senate to free up funds for retired coal miner's health insurance. He said the issue of providing funds to shore up the pension plan is more complex, because the UMWA's system is not the only one in trouble. Bost specifically mentioning the crisis facing the Central States Pension Fund that provides retirement benefits to iron workers and truckers throughout the Midwest. The government has to be cautious, he said, about the extent to which it agrees to bail out non-government pension funds.

These issues for coal miners are coming to a head as more and more companies file bankruptcy, citing shifting energy policies and air standards that are pinching profits. Peabody Energy Corp, based in St. Louis, was the latest to file Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which it did in April. Peabody followed in the footsteps of Alpha, Arch Coal Inc., Patriot Coal Corp., and Walter Energy.

Some of the restructuring agreements that have emerged from bankruptcy courts have been criticized as financial engineering that put an undue burden on workers and retirees. Bost, who primarily blamed the so-called "war on coal" for the bankruptcies, also said he "has some concerns" about some of the ethics of the restructuring deals emerging from courts, though stopped short of suggesting they violated the law. If its a legal question, thats for someone with better insight than me, he said, noting those are the types of questions that can be worked out through the legal system. But as to the ethics, he said it appears to him that decisions may have been made to protect shareholders and the bottom line at the expense of former employees.

So yeah, I have concerns that might be what has been done, Bost said. I dont have any proof other than knowledge of what has happened and concerns of what I see."

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, said in a statement issued in response to a request from The Southern Illinoisan that he is supportive of the Miners Protection Act, and likewise acknowledged expressed concerns about some of the restructuring agreements.

"Retired miners should receive the pension and health benefits they rightfully earned through years of hard work," Durbin said. "But all too often, the promises made to retirees were put at risk by the financial crisis or took a backseat to the interests of creditors."

"The Miners Protection Act will provide certainty and peace of mind to our retired coal miners and their families."
CARBONDALE  The Downtown Community Farmers Market is making local food more accessible through a program called Double Up Food Bucks that doubles the value of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, to spend on fresh, locally grown produce.

Its a win-win-win situation, Angie Kuehl, Plan4Health educator with Jackson County Health Department, said. Its a win for the SNAP shoppers, who see their food dollars go farther. Its a win for farmers who sell more products, and its a win for the community when people are both eating fruits and vegetables and shopping local.

Participating in Double Up Food Bucks is easy. Shoppers take their Illinois LINK card to the market information table, swipe their card using an electronic card reader, and receive tokens to spend on fresh local food. The Double Up Food Bucks program means that SNAP shoppers receive double the amount in tokens, with up to $20 in SNAP benefits being matched through this special incentive program.

For example, a family that spends $10 in SNAP benefits at the Downtown Community Farmers Market receives an additional $10 in Double Up Food Bucks, giving the family $20 of tokens to spend at the farmers market.

Double Up Food Bucks program began in April when the Downtown Community Farmers Market opened. The program will run through the end of October. It is currently only offered at the Downtown Community Farmers Market, 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays on the 200 block of North Washington Street between Jackson and Oak streets.

Funding for Double Up Food Bucks is made possible through community sponsorships, including a contribution from the Jackson County Plan4Health initiative, led by the City of Carbondale and the Jackson County Health Department.
Numerous residents told HUD they didnt want to move. Dont do this. Its wrong, man, one resident told them. You dont know what were going through because you're not from here, said another, noting he has lived in Cairo since the 1950s and doesnt intend to live elsewhere. Stop moving our people out of town. Build something new here.
This editorial appeared in Friday's Washington Post.

President Barack Obama's appearance at the Democratic National Convention was preceded by almost 10 minutes of introductory video. Such gauzy tributes have become standard fare at political conventions. But what was unusual about Wednesday night's footage is that it didn't just dwell on Obama's accomplishments but also spotlighted a singular failure of his time in office: the inability to get Congress to enact gun control. Remarkably, gun control has emerged as a central element of Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign  and it is clear from the careful way the convention choreographed the issue that Democrats think it will help them win in November.

The attention paid to gun violence and the need for gun restrictions over the four days in Philadelphia represents a sharp departure for Democrats and, of course, a contrast with the rigid Republican embrace of unconditional gun rights. Fearful of the clout of the National Rifle Association  particularly after the party lost the House in 1994 after pushing through a ban on assault rifles  many Democrats viewed gun control as a third rail of electoral politics, something to be avoided at all costs. At the past three Democratic conventions,The Post's Philip Rucker reported, only one presidential nominee mentioned gun violence. In Denver eight years ago, Obama devoted a single sentence to it in his 5,000-word acceptance speech.

In Philadelphia, a succession of people whose lives have been horribly altered by guns took the stage along with gun-safety activists. The hall hushed as former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords talked about her struggle to speak as the result of being shot near Tucson in 2011; and again when the mother whose son was killed in Orlando, Florida, recounted how it took about five minutes for a church bell to toll for all 49 lives lost in last month's massacre. The issue was framed not only with personal stories but also with explanations of how domestic terrorism and the safety of police officers are affected when the wrong people get guns. "We need more than grieving to protect our law enforcement officers," said Charles Ramsey, former police chief in Philadelphia and the District of Columbia. "Those who aim to do harm shouldn't get a handgun, let alone an assault rifle."

A ban on assault weapons was one of the common-sense reforms Obama sought unsuccessfully in the wake of the slaughter of elementary schoolchildren in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012. "That's the closest I came to feeling disgusted," Obama said in the video. We hope voters will agree with him and his party that such inaction is no longer tolerable.
Listen, lets not completely freak out, but things at SIU have been better.

Enrollment at the Carbondale campus continues to drop, year by year. Tensions rose earlier this year when an African-American student claimed members of a fraternity lobbed racial epithets at her during a pro-Donald Trump meeting, a rally was organized and a video was posted online calling for violence against black students. And to top it all off, the university is constantly saddled with financial uncertainty thanks to state budget woes, which have led to a downgrade in the institutions credit rating.

In a story this past Sunday, President Randy Dunn and interim Chancellor Brad Colwell talked about changes that can be made to brighten SIUs future and the hard choices that may be made in the near future. Dunn specifically spoke about figuring out the universitys identity and how in the past, administrators often had clashing ideas of making SIU a high-end university while also admitting students unprepared for higher education.

Recognizing that is a very good first step. SIU should not be a university with a sort of spell-your-name-right-and-youre-in reputation, but the institution has a proud history of being a public university, open to more than the super rich. Its a place where a working-class, first-generation college student from Royalton can room with a working-class, first-generation college student from Chicago and become friends with a student from China whos able to study abroad thanks to lower tuition opportunities through the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing.

Dunn also said We still run a campus for 20,000 when were sitting at 17,000. That cant go on forever. Were not ready to concede that SIU may have to at some point concede that theyre just not a 20,000-student institution anymore, but its commendable that Dunn appears to be playing it straight and not trying to convince us that the school just needs one big break and itll be just like 2004, when there was a total enrollment of 21,589.

The administrators talked of further understanding what the universitys identity is going to be, how to market it to students and what tomorrows SIU will look like. Colwell pointed to thinking-outside-the-box strategies such as becoming one of five institutions in the country to offer a fermentation science degree, capitalizing on the staggering popularity of the wine and craft beer industry.

Identity is very important. The university has struggled in the past to shed its party school image. But heres the thing. Theres a lot of middle ground between Halloween riots and being the typical stuffed-shirt villains from any college frat movie like Animal House. Maybe we dont say come to Carbondale and do keg stands, but lets not shy away from the fun factor. At its best, SIU has been a place where one could get an excellent education and have fun doing it.

But while Dunn and Colwell appear to be working to figure out SIUs future, we in Southern Illinois cannot afford to do nothing but stand outside their offices and yell, Fix it! Fix it! Fix it!

SIU is who we are, whether we are alumni or not. It is our No. 1 employer. It gives local kids a taste of the world outside Southern Illinois while keeping them close to home and brings the rest of the world to Southern Illinois to see what we have to offer.

So while we may not all be on the payroll, its in all of our best interests to see the university succeed. Carbondale officials have been veering toward the right track in developing a Downtown Masterplan, supporting events such as Live on Main and bringing new business to The Strip, a stretch of road that in recent history has just looked depressingly decrepit compared to what it once was. New life has come to the historically happening spot with restaurants, the Evolve housing and a future hotel  all excellent additions that will enrich the businesses that have been keeping The Strip afloat. Other towns need to get involved as well. Believe it or not, SIU students do venture outside of Carbondale and when the university thrives, so does the region.

But this goes beyond city officials. We all need to do our part. Lets listen to groups such as the Carbondale Racial Justice Coalition in how we can make Carbondale and the region a more welcoming place where people of all backgrounds and ethnicities feel safe. When international students come here, we can do more than offer them a place to stay. Lets find ways to celebrate their cultures while offering a positive glimpse at ours.

This may sound like a naive hold-hands-and-sing-Kumbaya sort of thing, but were beyond caring about that now. We can sit at home and lament everything thats wrong with SIU and the region or we can do what Dunn and Colwell appear to be trying to do: help SIU thrive and, in turn, bring some prosperity to this region.
Genres : Comedy, Fantasy

Starring : Peter Ustinov, Lee Grant, Angie Dickinson, Richard Hatch, and Brian Keith

Director : Clive Donner

Plot Synopsis

In Hawaii, master sleuth Charlie Chan unmasks the Dragon Queen as a killer. Before she's arrested, she places a curse on Chan and his family.



Years later in San Francisco, Chan is called out of retirement when the city of San Francisco finds itself in chaos over a series of weird murders. Chan is assisted by his blundering grandson, Lee Chan Jr, who is more of a hindrance than help. The shadow of the Dragon Queen still hangs over the Chan family when she becomes his number one suspect.
CLEMSON  Leslie Sanders will cap an extraordinary chapter in the Clemson family history when she graduates Aug. 5 with a materials science and engineering degree. She will be the last in a line of seven  yes, seven  brothers and sisters from the same family to earn a diploma from the venerable South Carolina institution.

Sanders had a leg up on her fellow classmates when she entered as a freshman in 2011, since four of her siblings  sisters Patricia, Allison and Lindsey and brother Mac  were still enrolled. They made a pretty good team to usher her into her college years, and indeed the five of them supported each other the way only siblings can.

I already knew where most of the big buildings were. I knew my way around and had a lot of background on Clemson. My roommate had no idea about a lot of that, Leslie said at the time. They told me where everything is, the things I need to take care of, such as financial aid and parking and other things I need to know to get by.

The siblings also helped each other by sharing books, making recommendations on certain classes or professors, helping one another with homework and even living together.

The five Sanders Tigers followed in the footsteps of their two older siblings: Lisa Sanders Perini, who earned a degree in administrative management in 1984, and Tom, who graduated in 1994 with a degree in chemical engineering.

This Clemson legacy began with patriarch William Bill Thomas Sanders, a Clemson Class of 1961 alumnus, who loved his alma mater dearly but never pressured his children to attend. They caught the spirit anyway, either through each other or sheer osmosis.

Sadly, Bill passed away in 2013, but the family has no doubt he will be with his seventh and last child as she receives her Clemson degree.

My father was ecstatic that we all chose Clemson University to attend college, said Leslie. I would give anything to see the smile on my dads face on my graduation day, but I will proudly wear his 1961 Clemson A&M College Ring around my neck when I walk across the stage.

Shirley Kennedy, Bills widow and mother of the five youngest kids, said her late husbands presence is never absent when the family is together.

Though we all miss him, he is still with us in Clemson spirit, she said.

Our family has carried on the passion that our dad had for the university. Its more than just a university to us, Leslie explained. There was no hesitation about where my siblings and I wanted to go to school after growing up as tigers.

Despite the unusual number of Sanders family members who have attended Clemson, the university has made more of an impact on them than they have on it, Leslie said.

One thing I didnt know before my dad passed was how much of an impact Clemson would make on my family altogether, she said. We tailgate together, travel for Clemson events together, have summers on the lake and the list goes on. Three of our family dogs are even named after Clemson landmarks: Cooper, Tillman and Walker. All of us have started our careers and live within two hours of Clemson (except Lisa in Texas), and more than half of us have met our significant others here.

In fact, taking into account fiances and spouses, there are a staggering 15 Clemson alumni in the immediate family so far.

The absence of a Sanders on campus for the first time in 13 years will leave a gap, but chances are  sometime in the not-so-distant future  a new generation of Sanders will make their way into the Clemson family.

The Sanders familys Clemson alumni:

William Bill Thomas Sanders, Class of 1961, mechanical engineering

Jack Sanders (Bills brother), Class of 1954, dairy and dairy manufacturing

Lisa Sanders Perini, Class of 1984, administrative management

Tom Sanders, Class of 1994, chemical engineering

Laurie Townsend-Sanders (Toms wife), Class of 1994, biological sciences

Lindsey Sanders Calcutt, Class of 2008, biosystems engineering, Class of 2015, Ph.D. in engineering

Stephen Calcutt (Lindseys husband), Class of 2013, business management

Mac Sanders, Class of 2012, mechanical engineering

Elizabeth Ray Sanders (Macs wife), Class of 2011, parks, recreation and tourism management

Allison Sanders Green, Class of 2012, nursing

Keaton Green (Allisons husband), Class of 2008, construction science management

Patricia Sanders Merritt, Class of 2014, materials science and engineering

Dustin Merritt (Patricias husband), Class of 2015, packaging science

Leslie Sanders, Class of 2016, materials science and engineering

Drew Turner (Leslies fiance), Class of 2008, construction science management
From notebooks to pencils, glue to crayons, shoppers helped their community by contributing tools for schools on Saturday.

The Tools 4 Schools drive is a partnership effort between The T&D and Walmart to provide students in Orangeburg Consolidated School Districts 3, 4 and 5 with school supplies.

We are extremely thankful for everyone who participated in this years Tools 4 Schools drive, T&D Advertising Director Kyla Fraser said.

Students in all three of the countys school districts will benefit greatly from the donations, she said.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, T&D staff offered popcorn, chilled bottled water and face-painting at tents outside Walmart.

Visitors to the tents placed their generous donations in a collection box.

The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety had two fire trucks on hand, much to the delight of children.

Mary Sistrunk, a native of Orangeburg who lives in Charlotte, N.C., said she was thankful for the opportunity to help local students.

I am retired, but if I can help out any way I can, I will, she said.

Bruno Rozet of Orangeburg said he doesnt have any children, but several of his friends are parents.

I know sometimes it is a struggle. Im glad to help, he said.

Jermaine Jones and wife Ebony are moving to Orangeburg.

The Joneses were glad to take a moment to contribute to the needs of local students.

Who says no to kids? Jermaine Jones said. There are kids who need supplies and this is one way to help them.

One of the highlights of the event was an appearance by Digger the News Hound, The T&D mascot.

Area schools will welcome students back in the next couple of weeks.
Local company officials say the new federal law governing toxic chemicals will help bring more uniformity to the testing process that in some cases is handled on the state level.

"This law modernizes the Toxic Substances Control Act while also providing a framework for the U.S. chemical industry, allowing the industry to keep pace with scientific advancements since TSCA originally became law 40 years ago," SI Group Senior Director of Southeast Operations Jeff Prickett said in a prepared statement.

"The amended TSCA bill provides the chemical industry with a streamlined process through which health and environmental risks will be evaluated and managed. The changes will also give consumers more visibility into the EPAs assessment of chemicals."

Prickett said the Orangeburg plant "looks forward to the implementation and improvement of TSCA regulations that will lead to a more consistent, science-based regulatory system."

"These changes allow SI Group to continue to develop innovative products while protecting American jobs at our industrial plants," Prickett said.

The Si Group plant, located on Cannon Bridge Road, was formerly operated by Albemarle Corp.

President Barack Obama on June 22 signed into law the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, named after the late senator who introduced a version of the bill in 2013.

This marks the first overhaul to the law, which is the nations main legislation governing toxic chemicals.

There are more than 80,000 chemicals registered for use today, many of which havent been studied for safety by any government agency.

Public health and environmental advocates protested for decades that TSCA was too old and too weak to shield Americans from toxic chemicals.

More than 60,000 commercial chemicals were allowed on the market without safety testing. And regulators had to prove a substance posed an unreasonable risk before they could take action  a burden of proof so difficult that the Environmental Protection Agency couldnt ban asbestos, a known carcinogen that still kills 15,000 people each year.

Under the new law, however, the EPA now has wide-ranging authority to order testing of and regulate the thousands of chemicals that are in use, as well as the hundreds of new substances that come on the market each year. The EPA no longer has to prove that regulating a chemical is cost-effective and only has to show that it is harmful to public health or the environment.

The EPA will review a minimum of 20 chemicals at a time, and each has a seven-year deadline. The industry may then have five years to comply after a new rule is made. At that pace, it could take centuries for the agency to finish its review.

DAK Americas spokesman Ricky Lane said at this point in time, the company does "not have enough information to anticipate any significant item or issue of concern."

"As more information is published, we will execute our procedures to be in compliance with such new regulations," Lane said. "DAK Americas is aware of this new act and awaiting associated rules and procedures that will accompany it to be developed and published."

Lane said the initial focus of the law will be on "more hazardous chemicals."

"This would not likely include the main chemicals in use at our facilities, including our site in Gaston" Lane said. "We follow all regulations and take the safety of our employees, our community and the environment as a top priority."

Zeus Corporate Marketing Manager Wayne Black said the new law is not expected to directly impact its manufacturing operations as the company specializes in resin extrusion for tubing, but he says indirectly the company does use chemicals as cleaning agents.

"It will force these manufacturers to label it (chemicals) better and increase workplace safety," Black said. "We have been a big proponent of that."

Black said Zeus diligently maintains material safety data sheets for all chemicals it brings into the facility.

The law also blocks states from taking action to control chemicals.

For decades, states have filled the gap in strong federal rules by crafting their own protections, but manufacturers complained it created a patchwork of regulations and increased costs. A strong state preemption was crucial to getting industry on board.

The latest version of the law received bipartisan support. It passed the Senate on June 7. The House approved it in May.

Manufacturers will also have a harder time making trade secret claims to keep basic chemical information confidential. It also allows agency findings to preempt state regulations.

Critics of the law are worried that EPA might lack the resources to effectively regulate and that the law cedes too much to the chemical industry.

The burden is still on consumers to educate themselves about what toxins could be in the things they buy.
Students who participated in this year's Mohawk Mania at Bethune-Bowman were recently honored for their achievements over the summer.

Mohawk Mania is an extended year program that gives students six weeks of education during the summer to eliminate any educational losses the students may suffer over the course of their vacation.

The program was funded by a $500,000 state grant that was part of a proposal to the S.C. Education Oversight Committee by Sen. John Matthews several years ago.

One of the things we look at is how do we educate rural kids who may live in communities with less, Matthews said. We asked the former superintendent to design an extended year program for about six weeks, get it to me, and Ill defend it.

He said students lose about six weeks of academics during the break from school.

If you take a kid and give him the end-of-the-year test, send him home for three months and bring him back, on average they lose six weeks of academics, the senator said.

So this program is not only designed to eliminate the summer slag, but (it) also give(s) them some advantage, Matthews said. For this state, its critical that we have an educated workforce, so thats what this program is designed to do.

This is the second year the program has been in effect at Bethune-Bowman.

Coordinator Jacqueline Hogges said the program allowed the school to implement things that were not possible during the regular school year.

During the summer, we were able to incorporate reading recovery classes to help those students that are two grades behind, she said.

Those students that are not reading on third-grade level by the end of third grade, may be retained, Hogges said.

I want to thank you (parents) for allowing your child to attend because it made a difference in their growth in reading," she added.

Over the course of the six weeks, students performing two grades or more below their intended reading level received intensive reading classes from a certified reading recovery teacher.

Matthews said the data of student growth in both reading and math will be tracked over a five-year or more period to measure the effectiveness of the extended year program.

In addition to classes, students were taken on educational field studies.

They go to places like Boeing, EdVenture; they take tours of substance that adds some knowledge and lets them see what the world is about ... lets them know theres another world out there," Matthews said.

Hogges said, The field studies this year included Ruth Patrick Science Center, South Carolina State Museum, Charles Towne Landing, Riverbanks Zoo and Boeings (aircraft) facility.

We made sure that the field studies were aligned to the standards and the students were learning, she said.

Principal Lakekia Lewis said, This has been an exciting summer. The growth this summer has been tremendous. Many of our students have grown one year, two years, three years. We have had some that have even capped the five-year mark.

I think its a good opportunity for the kids, said Shirley Mack, who has three grandchildren who have been a part of the program since its start last summer.

The ones that have a little struggle during the school year are able to catch up, she said. It really helps them stay on top.

Her grandson, Dailyn Green, said he had a lot of fun and enjoyed the reading.

Isaiah Brathwaite, who will be going into the sixth grade, also said he thought it was a good program. He said he enjoyed seeing the airplanes on the Boeing trip.

When other principals in the district and the state say their students can read or do math, I can proudly say without any hesitation that our students at Bethune-Bowman are the best and can read and do math," Lewis said. "And I am not just saying that. We have data to stand on."

The principal added, I want Bethune-Bowman to be number one in the district. Hey, we can even succeed and go past the state level!"
Dr. Cleveland Sellers says he learned from civil rights pioneers that emphasis must not be on the individual but on the cause. As his professional career closes with retirement as the Voorhees College president, Sellers has remained focused on the mission. But his history-making individual story is one to be remembered and recognized by South Carolinians.

In an interview with T&D Staff Writer Dionne Gleaton, Sellers said his retirement is the completion of a journey from and back to Denmark. The circle has been completed. I started out here and ended up back here in retirement. Thats pretty much it, so whatever happens after that is kind of on my time. I have had some very rich experiences."

Times were quite different when Sellers began the journey, graduating from then-Voorhees High School in 1962. Already involved with the burgeoning civil rights movement, Sellers had helped organize a student protest at a Denmark lunch counter in support of the Woolworths sit-ins in Greensboro, North Carolina. And he traveled about the South urging blacks to register to vote.

The leadership and organization role in the protests of the 1960s led to the date that would forever change Sellers life: Feb. 8, 1968.

As a leader in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee that led the fight against segregation and discrimination against African-Americans, Sellers was singled out for official blame after protests in Orangeburg ended with the shooting deaths of three students and injury to 28 others when S.C. Highway Patrol troopers opened fire at South Carolina State University on that night in 1968. Sellers was among those injured.

Then-Gov. Robert McNair blamed outsiders for what became known as the Orangeburg Massacre, but Sellers was convicted of inciting to riot, becoming the only person jailed in relation to the tragedy that is a watershed event in the civil rights movement.

Sellers served seven months in prison but was ultimately exonerated. Gov. Carroll A. Campbell Jr. pardoned him 25 years later in 1993.

Sellers influence in educating others was not limited to the civil rights movement. After earning a bachelors degree from Shaw University, a masters degree in education from Harvard University and a doctorate degree in education from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Sellers spent 15 years as director of the African-American Studies program at the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

Then came the return home to Denmark, with Sellers taking over in 2008 as president of Voorhees College. It was to be more than a job.

Voorhees is a great institution. My father is a graduate of Voorhees. Im a graduate of Voorhees High School, so I had some familiarity with the college from when I was a child all the way through," Sellers told Gleaton in the recent interview. "My mother actually taught there for about 10 years. When I came in as president, I came with a vision in mind."

That vision included advancing the colleges technical capacity and improving the quality of campus life. The college was re-accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, or SACS, in 2012 as one of the regions premier liberal arts colleges. The campus unveiled a $3 million student Living and Learning building in June as another part of its success.

And true to his roots and the mission of historically black colleges, Sellers made instilling in students a sense of social activism a priority.

We want them to keep that kind of mindset and be able to become critical thinkers. We want them to engage and be part of the learning process themselves, so we have developed different experiences and opportunities for exposure for our young people, he said.

Sellers believes he has left a solid path forward for a new Voorhees president.

I think if we can start out with a person who has integrity and character who can articulate a vision for this institution, that person will step into a good situation and be able to move the school forward.

For Sellers, the future is about guarding his health and remaining active in Denmark. He plans further work as an author and will be available to help the new Voorhees president in any way possible.

So while he talks of coming full circle from youth to retirement in Denmark, his mission in life is ongoing. The lessons Cleveland Sellers will continue to teach  many from his individual experiences  are valuable in acknowledging the past while looking toward the future.
FOIA should apply to private schools

On Sunday, June 26, I read with interest the editorial concerning the Freedom of Information Act.

A private school, supported mainly by parents and students who attend, is not governed by FOIA.

Records of prior performances by an administrator can be made legally unavailable to prospective employers by the administrator.

A school board is chosen to make critical decisions concerning the hiring and firing of employees, etc. They are not held responsible for mistakes or questioned about their decisions.

People who support the private school should be informed as to why certain actions are taken.

Children are at stake when questions are unanswered. Maybe the FOIA should be put into action at private institutions.

Anna Stewart, Orangeburg

-----

Grand plan for S.C. State

This correspondence is written to express and expose the hypocrisy and lack of integrity demonstrated to the higher education community in two regards:

 The process of selecting James E. Clark, an already retired corporate executive, as the new president of South Carolina State University.

 The total disrespect of Dr. Franklin Evans leadership and the universitys team in strategically ascending S.C. State from probation to being reaffirmed as an accredited higher education institution.

These types of governance decisions are a travesty and not indicative of accountability, transparency and results/outcomes.

Sadly, it is my belief that the university board of trustees planned this action from the beginning. The university has over the past decade had four different presidents, which indicates a lack of continuity and stability in leadership -- a kind of paradoxical incongruity and dualistic inconsistency in a flawed process that lacked truth and veracity contradictory to the tenants of higher educational principles.

Finally, it appears that the grand plan is to make South Carolina State University a carbon copy of the University of South Carolina at Orangeburg. It is my hope that Gov. Nikki Haley was not involved in this travesty and that the S.C. State will not be deja vu prior to Dr. Evans arrival.

Samuel T. Rhoades, JD, Emporia, Virginia

-----

Animals are counting on you

The discovery in June of a dead, emaciated dog in Orangeburg County with his muzzle tightly wrapped in duct tape is not the first such case in South Carolina. A dog named Caitlyn was found last summer in North Charleston with her muzzle bound by electrical tape, apparently as a punishment for barking "too much." She had reportedly been kept chained.

Excessive barking is usually a sign that a dog is distressed, lonely or neglected  as most chained dogs are. PETA's field workers see dogs like this every day, suffering from infected wounds where their collars have become embedded in their skin; forced to live in their own feces; suffering from heartworms, mange and malnutrition; with no shelter from the searing heat or biting cold; and denied what they want most  love and companionship.

PETA helps by urging people to let dogs live inside with the family, replacing heavy chains with lightweight tie-outs and providing sturdy doghouses, low- to no-cost spaying and neutering, fresh food, clean water, flea and tick treatment, veterinary care, and moments of desperately needed attention.

You can help, too. Watch out for neglected animals in your neighborhood and report abuse and neglect immediately. Animals count on kind people to speak up for them.

Craig Shapiro, PETA Foundation, Norfolk, Virginia
FOIA should apply to private schools

On Sunday, June 26, I read with interest the editorial concerning the Freedom of Information Act.

A private school, supported mainly by parents and students who attend, is not governed by FOIA.

Records of prior performances by an administrator can be made legally unavailable to prospective employers by the administrator.

A school board is chosen to make critical decisions concerning the hiring and firing of employees, etc. They are not held responsible for mistakes or questioned about their decisions.

People who support the private school should be informed as to why certain actions are taken.

Children are at stake when questions are unanswered. Maybe the FOIA should be put into action at private institutions.

-- Anna Stewart, Orangeburg

-----

Grand plan for S.C. State

This correspondence is written to express and expose the hypocrisy and lack of integrity demonstrated to the higher education community in two regards:

 The process of selecting James E. Clark, an already retired corporate executive, as the new president of South Carolina State University.

 The total disrespect of Dr. Franklin Evans leadership and the universitys team in strategically ascending S.C. State from probation to being reaffirmed as an accredited higher education institution.

These types of governance decisions are a travesty and not indicative of accountability, transparency and results/outcomes.

Sadly, it is my belief that the university board of trustees planned this action from the beginning. The university has over the past decade had four different presidents, which indicates a lack of continuity and stability in leadership -- a kind of paradoxical incongruity and dualistic inconsistency in a flawed process that lacked truth and veracity contradictory to the tenants of higher educational principles.

Finally, it appears that the grand plan is to make South Carolina State University a carbon copy of the University of South Carolina at Orangeburg. It is my hope that Gov. Nikki Haley was not involved in this travesty and that the S.C. State will not be deja vu prior to Dr. Evans arrival.

-- Samuel T. Rhoades, JD, Emporia, Virginia

-----

Animals are counting on you

The discovery in June of a dead, emaciated dog in Orangeburg County with his muzzle tightly wrapped in duct tape is not the first such case in South Carolina. A dog named Caitlyn was found last summer in North Charleston with her muzzle bound by electrical tape, apparently as a punishment for barking "too much." She had reportedly been kept chained.

Excessive barking is usually a sign that a dog is distressed, lonely or neglected  as most chained dogs are. PETA's field workers see dogs like this every day, suffering from infected wounds where their collars have become embedded in their skin; forced to live in their own feces; suffering from heartworms, mange and malnutrition; with no shelter from the searing heat or biting cold; and denied what they want most  love and companionship.

PETA helps by urging people to let dogs live inside with the family, replacing heavy chains with lightweight tie-outs and providing sturdy doghouses, low- to no-cost spaying and neutering, fresh food, clean water, flea and tick treatment, veterinary care, and moments of desperately needed attention.

You can help, too. Watch out for neglected animals in your neighborhood and report abuse and neglect immediately. Animals count on kind people to speak up for them.

-- Craig Shapiro, PETA Foundation, Norfolk, Virginia
Genres : Adventure, Drama

Starring : Samiya Mumtaz, Saleha Aref, Mohib Mirza

Director : Afia Nathaniel

Plot Synopsis

In the mountains of Pakistan, a young mother's life takes an unexpected turn. Allah Rakhi (Samiya Mumtaz) kidnaps her ten-year-old daughter Zainrab (Saleha Aref) to save her from a child marriage to a tribal leader. Their escape is a damning loss of honor for the two families. A deadly hunt begins for them. Desperate for help, Allah Rakhi strikes an unlikely deal with Sohail (Mohib Mirza), a cynical ex-Mujahid truck driver, to take them to the city of Lahore. What follows is an epic journey through the sweeping landscape of Pakistan where the search for freedom and love comes with a price.
SCDCA releases mortgage analysis

COLUMBIA  The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs has released its 2015 Mortgage Log Analysis Report outlining details from mortgage loan applications, including the amount of the loan, the demographics of the borrowers, the terms of the loan and the annual percentage rate.

The report compares data received from licensed mortgage brokers and lenders from calendar year 2011 through calendar year 2015. Some key trends are:

 The average borrower credit score in 2015 was 714.

 The amount of applications increased by 10,000 from 2014 to 97,560 applications submitted in 2015.

 Over the past three years, consumers have received more loans for purchase than for refinance.

 The average loan amount in 2015 increased to $188,674. The average loan amount had hovered in the $160,000 range for years 2012 through 2014.

 The primary reason for denial in each year was credit history, although it has steadily decreased from 51 percent in 2011 to 27.9 percent in 2015.

To view the report in its entirety, visit www.consumer.sc.gov and click News Releases and Publications, then click Agency Reports.

Solar Council honors SCE&G

CAYCE  South Carolina Electric & Gas has received a statewide award, recognizing the companys efforts to educate customers about solar energy.

The South Carolina Solar Council award recognized SCE&G in the utilities category for overall contributions to solar. Officials with the council applauded SCE&Gs communications tools, including a Solar Homeowners Guide and Solar For Your Home web page.

SCE&Gs consumer guide and other communications tools really make it easy for their customers to learn about going solar, said Philip Greenway, a board member with the council. These documents were the outcome of lots of man-hours in meetings, deciding what material to present and the best way to present it. We praise SCE&G for their efforts to provide customers with information on the best and easiest ways to explore solar.

Since 2007, SCE&G has interconnected more than 1,100 customer solar systems, including homes, businesses, nonprofits and governmental entities. The utility does not install or finance solar panels but rather provides customers with information on cost and financial incentives, installation, and maintenance considerations.

In April, SCE&G announced the addition of six new solar generating facilities to its supply. Developed under South Carolinas Distributed Energy Resource Program Act (Act 236), the new facilities will add approximately 36 MW of utility-scale solar generation to SCE&Gs system by the end of 2016.

SCE&G is committed to providing customers with the tools they need to make informed decisions about solar energy, said John Raftery, general manager of renewable products and services for SCE&G. The Solar Council award is a testament to our commitment to growing solar power and an energy future for South Carolina thats clean and reliable.

S.C. Health Underwriters elects officers

COLUMBIA -- The South Carolina Association of Health Underwriters announced its 2016-17 Officers, board of directors and chapter representatives.

Eric Wells, Southeastern Insurance Consultants LLC (Columbia) was elected president; Frank McGill, BlueChoice HealthPlan of South Carolina (Greenville) will serve as immediate past president; Watts Huckabee, A Watts Huckabee & Co (Rock Hill) was elected president-elect; and Danielle Hooker, Legacy Life and Health (Florence) was elected as both treasurer and secretary.

Mark Riley, American Benefit Services LLC (Columbia) was elected legislative chair; Tammie King, Assurance Benefits Group, LLC (Columbia) was elected past presidents council chair; Graem Clark, Colonial Life (Columbia) was elected ancillary council chair; and Rob Frazer, The LTCi Advisor Group (Charleston) was elected senior market council chair.

Ad Boyle, Keenan Suggs Bowers Elkins, was elected the Columbia area agent representative; Jon Haynes, UnitedHealthcare of the Carolinas, was elected the Columbia area carrier representative; Tom Swayne, David M. Gilston Insurance Agency Inc., was elected the Lowcountry area agent representative, and McKenzie Solomons, BlueCross BlueShield of S.C., was elected the Lowcountry area carrier representative.

The South Carolina Association of Health Underwriters is a nonprofit professional association made up of benefits experts dedicated to professional development and industry advocacy. SCAHU is made up of licensed health insurance agents, brokers, general agents, consultants and benefit professionals. SCAHU is affiliated with the National Association Health Underwriters of the United States.

S.C. Bar gets prestigious award

CHARLESTON -- The E. Smythe Gambrell Award is given every year by the American Bar Association to an organization that distinguishes itself through the development and implementation of programs demonstrating the highest level of dedication to lawyer professionalism.

Carlock, Copeland & Stair partner Mike Ethridge is the driving force behind South Carolina's Attorney Wellness Initiative. Ethridge, who lives in Charleston, was the founding chair of the committee.

A landmark study released in February of 2016 by the ABA and The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation found there is a substantial level of behavioral health problems in the U.S. legal profession, specifically with alcohol abuse, anxiety and depression.

"Our Attorney Wellness Committee has done an excellent job of creating opportunities to talk honestly and openly about the challenges facing the legal profession and exploring ways lawyers can begin to live lives that are more balanced, more joyful and much less stressful," Ethridge said.

The Gambrell Award Judges and the committee were "highly impressed by the multi-faceted, extremely innovative initiative of the South Carolina Bar to recognize, proactively address, and offer solutions to the health challenges facing so many in our profession."

The South Carolina Bar's Attorney Wellness Committee is one of three recipients of the award this year and will receive a cash prize of $3,500.00.

Tax seminar for medical practices

The South Carolina Department of Revenue will host a Sales & Use Tax Seminar for the medical practice industry focusing on doctors and dentists. Topics covered during the seminar are sales, use and local taxes. Discussion will also include software, maintenance and similar service contracts, and exemptions and exclusions for the health care industry.

The event will be Aug. 9 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Courtyard Marriott, 1251 Woodland Ave., Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Cost: $50 (includes all course materials and lunch)

Preregistration is required and must be received by the SCDOR by Aug 3. Individuals should contact SCDORs Taxpayer Education Coordinator at 803-898-5800 to register.
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President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has today signed an order providing an additional funding for the construction of the Alar-Tezekend-Uchtepe-Aligasimli-Jeferkhanli highway in Jalilabad district.





Under the presidential order, AZN 1.9 million was allocated from 2016 State Budget for the continuation of the construction of the highway, which links 6 residential areas with the total population of 3,000 people.
A meeting with Yap Ong Heng, special envoy of Singapores transport minister, was held in the Turkmen foreign ministry, the Turkmen ministry said July 30.

According to the message, during the meeting the sides discussed the issues of bilateral cooperation in the field of transport, in particular, aviation and maritime transport.

The Turkmen side reviewed Singapore's achievements in the transport sector and offered its staff training services in the field of civil aviation and maritime transport, the message said.

According to the message, the two sides also discussed the possibility of holding training and courses for Turkmen specialists.

The importance of a dialogue was stressed at the meeting to further expand the bilateral cooperation in all fields between the two countries, the message said.
Turkey imported 10.14 billion cubic meters of gas from Russia in January-May 2016, as compared to 11.22 billion cubic meters in the same period of 2015, said the report issued by Turkeys Energy Market Regulatory Authority.

Russia supplied 26.78 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Turkey in 2015, as compared to almost 27 billion cubic meters in 2014.

The report also says Turkey imported 19.94 billion cubic meters of gas in January-May 2016, of which 16.22 billion cubic meters were delivered via pipelines, while 3.72 billion cubic meters accounted for the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Russia accounted for 50.84 percent of the total volume of Turkeys gas import in January-May 2016.

Russia supplies gas to Turkey via the Blue Stream and the Trans-Balkan pipelines. Blue Stream is a major trans-Black Sea gas pipeline with the capacity of 16 billion cubic meters per year that carries natural gas from Russia into Turkey.
A march to Yerevans Khorenatsi street has kicked off in support of the Sansa Tsrer armed group, which has seized the Erebuni police station.

Member of Anti-crisis Initiative Council Albert Baghdasaryan asked the people whether they want to march by the city center or head for Khornetasi street, NEWS.am reports.

Finally, Baghdasaryan announced that they will march to the Republic Square, where they will decide which route to take.

The march will move along Mashtots Avenue and Amiryan street to the Republic Square. Meanwhile we will decide what to do, Baghdasaryan said.

The police used violent force against the protestors gathered in Sari Tagh district and Khorenatsi street on Friday. 165 people were detained, 73 people being hospitalized. Moreover, a dozen of journalists have suffered as a result of the actions by the police.
Japan is expected to make an investment of some $10 billion in various sectors of Irans economy.

Iran's Deputy Oil Minister for International Affairs and Commerce Amirhossein Zamaninia has said that several Japanese companies are studying opportunities to invest in Irans oil industry, IRNA news agency reported.

Japanese are planning to invest in projects for developing Irans oil sector including petrochemicals, refineries, and LNG, he added.

Japan is after increasing its imports of gas condensates as they face some restrictions in using crude oil in their country, the official added.

Japan was among Irans main oil buyers importing 338,000 barrels per day from the Islamic Republic before imposing sanctions on Tehran in 2012.
Uzbekistan used foreign investments and loans in the amount of $1.8 billion in H1 2016 that is by 17.2 percent more than in the same period of 2015, according to the countrys Economy Ministry and State Statistics Committee.

Meanwhile, the volume of direct foreign investments amounted to $1.2 billion.

Total volume of used capital investments increased by 11.8 percent in January-June 2016, foreign investments and loans accounted for more than 23 percent of the total volume, according to the Uzbek Statistics Committee.

In January-June 2015, Uzbekistan received capital investments from all sources of funding in the amount of $7.3 billion in its equivalent, including more than $1.5 billion, or 21.3 percent foreign investments and loans, including $1.2 billion  foreign direct investments.

Uzbekistan completed the implementation of 43 industrial projects worth $1.9 billion in H1 2016 as part of an investment program. Meanwhile, the implementation of 72 new large investment projects with a total cost of more than $3.4 billion has been started in the country.

In 2015, total amount of investments was $15.7 billion (in its equivalent), which is by 9.6 percent more than in 2014.

The investment program for 2016 envisages foreign investments in the amount of $4.042 billion for 154 investment projects in Uzbekistan.
Bahrain-based developer Naseej will soon hand over 27 villas under the Yasmeenat Saar Project, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.



To read further, please visit GDNonline.




Now that public schools across the country have opened their doors to after-school evangelical religious programming, the Satanic Temple thinks it's only fair to establish an "After School Satan Club" in elementary schools across the country to give children a choice.

From The Salt Lake Tribune:

Good News Clubs, which are sponsored by an organization founded in 1937 called the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF), aim to reach children as young as 5 with a fundamentalist form of evangelical Christianity. For most of their history, Good News Clubs were largely excluded from public schools out of concern that their presence would violate the Constitution.

In 2001, in a case that commanded the resources of powerful legal advocacy groups on the religious right, including the Alliance Defending Freedom and the Liberty Counsel, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that to exclude an after-school program on account of the religious views of its sponsors amounted to a violation of free-speech rights. The CEF then went on a tear, and by 2011, it reported 3,560 Good News Clubs, putting them in more than 5 percent of the nation's public elementary schools.

The Satanic Temple makes no secret of its desire to use that same approach.

"We would like to thank the Liberty Counsel specifically for opening the doors to the After School Satan Clubs through their dedication to religious liberty," [Satanic Temple co-founder] Lucien Greaves explained to the gathering of chapter heads in Salem. "So, 'the Satanic Temple leverages religious freedom laws that put after-school clubs in elementary schools nationwide.' That's going to be the message."
Doctors at Medeor 24x7 Hospital, Dubai, a premium 100-bed multispecialty hospital of VPS Healthcare, recently performed UAEs first laparoscopic partial nephrectomy to save a mans life.



According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, in the United States 1 in 400 to 1 in 1000 people suffer from polycystic kidney disease (PKD). The disease causes abnormal sacs or cysts to grow on the surface of the kidney and usually results in kidney failure by the age of 40 to 60 and will require a kidney transplant or dialysis. The sufferers of the condition need to be monitored regularly to ensure optimum kidney function.



Our patient, a 37 year old Indian male, visited his nephrologist in Ras Al Khaimah complaining of a fever. Since he suffers from polycystic kidney disease and has borderline reduction of renal function, his doctor recommended he do an MRI. The MRI revealed a 4 centimetre renal tumour, said Dr. Sanjay Bhat, Specialist Urologist at Medeor 24x7 Hospital.



In such cases, the doctor would usually just remove the whole kidney. However, this case was complicated by the fact that the patient suffered from polycystic kidney disease and hence had a reduced renal function already and removing the whole kidney might end up the patient on lifelong dialysis.



The patient was then referred to Medeor 24x7 Hospital, Dubai where a team of doctors comprising of Dr Sanjay Bhat, Dr Deepak Janardhanan, specialist urologist and Dr. Abdul Aneez, specialist anesthesiologist performed a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, meaning only the tumour was removed and the defect in the kidney was repaired. The keyhole surgery ensured the preservation of the kidney function.



This operation is very complicated to do in individuals with normal kidneys and is much more complicated to perform on those with polycystic kidney disease, said Dr Sanjay. Following the operation, the patient is recovering well.



Such a surgery is the first of its kind in the UAE, with Doctors usually employing a hand assisted laparoscopic surgery to remove tumours in patients suffering from polycystic kidney disease.



By performing a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, we were able to ensure that the patient recovers fasters and can return to normal life quickly. Also the post-surgical pain is much less, said Dr. Sanjay. One of the biggest advantages of performing this type of surgery was that we prevented the patient from going into renal failure which might require lifelong dialysis or a renal transplantation. - TradeArabia News Service
Honeywell today announced its new PM42 mid-range industrial label printer designed to help Middle Eastern businesses address evolving operational needs for information technology, networking and automation.



With its intuitive user interface, the PM42 printer is easy to use and convenient to maintain, which saves time and reduces costs, the company said.



The printer features enhanced processing capability and flexible open operating architecture to easily integrate into most IT infrastructures, deploying quickly into existing Honeywell or mixed-printer environments.



Designed as a cost-effective printing option, the PM42 is an affordable, mid-range printer that can increase operational efficiencies in distribution centre, manufacturing, transportation and retail environments, it said.



Features of the PM42 printer include:

 Proven reliability. The all-metal housing enables longer operating times and can support heavy-duty printing in challenging industrial environments, such as distribution centres and warehouses;

 Extraordinary performance. With class-leading printing speeds of up to 300mm/s, the PM42 offers large volumes of continuous printing during peak times. The printer can also run sophisticated apps using Honeywell Smart Printing technology;

 Easy operation and fast deployment. The PM42s intuitive, full-colour LCD display supports nine different languages. The user interface features shortcuts for one-key label setup to make maintenance more convenient while also reducing workforce training time and device support needs;

 Built-in web interface. Users can set, monitor and configure the printer using a handheld computer, tablet or smartphone. The PM42s integrated device management and diagnostic capabilities can reduce downtime and simplify deployment. - TradeArabia News Service




Top experts and industry professionals from the manufacturing sector will discuss the latest developments in the field at the GCC Manufacturing Excellence and Technology Summit, to be held in November, in Dubai, UAE.



This conference will be held on November 14 and 15, at Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa.



The recent launch of the Dubai Industrial Strategy is testament to the growing importance UAE lays on boosting the industrial development in the country, said a statement.



Dubais industrial sector is expected to grow by an additional Dh18 billion ($4.90 billion) by 2030 and create over 27,000 jobs, according to the Dubai Industrial Strategy.



Furthermore, as part of this strategy, 75 initiatives have been identified to transform Dubai into a global business hub for knowledge, innovation-led and sustainability-focused industries.



With Dubai Economic Council as a strategic partner, this event is one of its kind in the region that is meant to provide a platform for exchange of dialogue between manufacturing professionals and policy makers, free zone authorities, consultants, technology and solution providers about their needs.



With over 20 sector specialists, global and regional heads delivering presentations on topics that are pertinent to the manufacturing industry in the region, the summit will help identify insights to help achieve excellence in manufacturing, said a statement.



Hani Rashid Al Hamli, secretary general, Dubai Economic Council (DEC); Dr Robin Scott, head of Virtual Reality and Modelling Group, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing; Thorsten Junghanns, vice president manufacturing system and strategy, Airbus Defence and Space; Ashraf Zaki, manufacturing director, Colgate Palmolive; and Stefano Pietroni, Global Network Design, planning and sourcing vice president, Barilla will serve as speakers at the summit.



Presentations will be held by Kunal Sharma, national head - Operational Excellence and Centre of Excellence, Coca-Cola; Jagdish Ramaswamy, president - corporate business excellence; Aditya Birla and Mario Naldini.



Dr Souraj Salah, business process improvement manager, Juma Al Majid Group will deliver a session on process and quality improvement in a manufacturing environment, while Sathish Narayanan, Productivity Lead- Lean Six Sigma - Middle East & Africa, Pepsico will speak on learning to leverage six sigma & lean.



The inaugural edition of the GCC Manufacturing Excellence and Technology Summit is expected to witness over 300 senior professionals including vice presidents, directors, and department heads representing engineering, lean manufacturing, operational excellence, quality assurance and control, Six Sigma, research and development, health and safety divisions amongst many others from across the GCC, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service


The UAE Space Agency will be hosting the inaugural Global Space Congress (GSC) in Abu Dhabi on January and February 1, 2017.



The event taking place at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort will be a significant global platform for emerging space programmes to connect, collaborate and engage with the international space business community.



According to The Space Foundation, the global space industry is worth more than $330 billion worldwide with commercial space activities making up more than 76 per cent of the global space economy.



GSC will address both upstream and downstream issues and will be one of the few international space forums being held in the region. It will work towards promoting space technology development and analysing up and coming commercial space strategies.



Dr Khalifa Al Romaithi, chairman of the UAE Space Agency said: We are excited to announce the first Global Space Congress and we believe that Abu Dhabi is well suited to host an international forum that will address the major developments happening in the space industry worldwide.



Our vision is to develop an innovative and thriving space industry that allows sector leaders to collaborate and work together to achieve success and bring benefits to mankind. GSC will be the ideal opportunity for knowledge transfer and exchange of best practices and an international event of this calibre will help us in achieving our vision.



Dr Mohammed Al Ahbabi, director general of the UAE Space Agency added: Our presence within the space industry is growing and we are working on creating international networks and enterprises.



The Global Space Congress has developed as an evolution from The Global Space and Satellite Forum which has been held in the UAE in previous years into what will be the must attend space forum of the year.



International experts in space will converge on Abu Dhabi early next year to learn about the fast-paced changes happening in space exploration and the impact they are having. As part of our international work we are committed to engagement with high-level space organisations and it is fantastic that we are developing such associates. The Global Space Congress is central to the UAE Space Agency market development and outreach initiatives, he added.



The UAE Space Agency has recently signed major MoUs with a number of international players including space agencies in UK, France, Italy, Russia, China, India and Japan. These agreements form part of UAE Space Agencys strategy towards raising awareness of the space sector in the UAE.



Sheikha Al Maskari, chief innovation officer at the UAE Space Agency explained that the region has been recognised by international space players as an area of growing endeavour and opportunity in an otherwise flat space and satellite business market. Sheikha added that the UAE is leading the trend with investments of around $5 billion in the last five years and many more projects in the pipeline, including the Mars Hope Probe Mission.



Nick Webb, managing partner of Streamline Marketing Group, the event organisers, said: The industry is undergoing a massive shift wherein there is a significant private sector role and involvement in space technology research and development and business.



The event will connect new space business ventures with traditional players and seeks to find opportunity for new firms. GSC is a perfect opportunity for anyone who wants to meet with the leaders from leading space and satellite projects from countries such as Morocco, Pakistan, India and many others. We are looking forward to welcoming the global space community to the UAE.  TradeArabia News Service
The Middle East will need 58,000 pilots to meet air travel demand in the region over the next 20 years, US plane maker Boeing has revealed.



According to its 2016 Pilot and Technician Outlook, the surge in the Gulf region's passenger air travel demand will also see 6,000 technicians and 92,000 cabin crew recruited in the same period.



Globally, Boeing reveals that between now and 2035 the aviation industry will reqire 617,000 commercial airline pilots, 679,000 maintenance technicians, and 814,000 cabin crew.



Asia Pacific remains the region with the highest overall demand, with a significant increase witnessed in the expected number of skilled resources required in other parts of the world.



Over the next 20 years, the Asia Pacific region will lead the worldwide growth in demand for pilots, with a requirement for 248,000 new pilots, followed by North America with 112,000 and Europe requiring 104,000. For maintenance, Asia Pacific will require 268,000 new technical personnel while airlines in North America will require 127,000 and Europe, 118,000. The largest projected growth in cabin crew demand is also in the Asia Pacific region, with a requirement for 298,000 new cabin crew. Europe will require 169,000 and North America 151,000.



The outlook represents a global requirement for about 31,000 new pilots, 35,000 new technicians and 40,000 cabin crew annually. - TradeArabia News Service


Germany's Fraport and a co-investor have sold a 24.9 per cent stake in the operator of St. Petersburg airport to the Qatar Investment Authority.



Fraport said on Sunday it expects to generate a gain of 30-40 million euros ($34-$45 million) from the transaction, which will help offset weakening revenues at hubs like Frankfurt and Antalya and allow for a confirmation of its 2016 earnings forecast.



Fraport is lowering its stake in Thalita Trading, the parent company of Northern Capital Gateway, which holds the concession to operate the Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, to 25 from 35.5 percent. Consortium partner Copelouzos Group is also selling shares to QIA.  Reuters
In the days when coal mining was robust and utilities paid top dollar for the fuel, few people worried about whether the mining companies would be able to afford reclamation.

After coal is mined from an area, companies are expected to push dirt and topsoil back into the massive holes they dug into the ground  some as large as 90 square miles in Wyomings portion of the Powder River Basin  and plant new trees and grass. The requirement is to restore the earth to conditions as they existed before mining.

The state and federal government have allowed mining companies to operate in the prairies from the Gillette-Campbell County Airport to the border of Converse County without securing surety bonds on all their reclamation responsibilities. Bonds are purchased to pay for the reclamation if the unthinkable happens  a coal mining company goes out of business, halts operations and leaves the state.

Wyoming has an estimated $2 billion in unsecured reclamation costs, relying on self-bonding more than any other state, according to the Powder River Basin Resource Council, a landowner group. Now that coal prices and production are down, more people  such as members of the council and even federal regulators  want coal companies to secure more of their reclamation responsibilities. After all, three of the four coal companies operating in Campbell County have been in bankruptcy court.

And some of the candidates for the Wyoming Legislature who will represent Campbell County if they prevail in the election said they are concerned about the issue. But most of them live in Gillette, where coal is king, and none was too critical of the practice.

Am I worried about it? No, said Rep. Eric Barlow, a Gillette Republican running for re-election in House District 3. Im hoping the mines can stay profitable and stay current with their reclamation. I do think the bonding should be looked at, especially in the twilight of a mine where theyre not going to have the cash on hand. They should take care of that reclamation liability.

Barlows opponent in the Republican primary, Frank Eathorne of Douglas, also said in a message to the Star-Tribune that more bonds could help. But the newspaper and the candidate were not able to connect by press time to discuss specifics.

Any abandoned mine would affect residents of the Powder River Basin more than other residents of the state. Scars left by mining would be an eyesore. Abandoned mines would be a danger to people in the area and prevent cattle grazing and wildlife habitation. There are concerns with groundwater pollution, since the water table is close to the coal seam, said Shannon Anderson of the Powder River Basin Resource Council, which has researched the issue and wants more bonding.

Mines closing and leaving before reclaiming the land would be a disaster so large it would surpass the states ability to pay, said Democrat Dylan Czarnecki of Gillette, a candidate in HD31. Its a scenario that would require federal help.

Czarnecki doesnt expect all the mines to close at once, but he still has other concerns. When a mine is working, the water is contained, but if companies pull out, he worries about it seeping out and contaminating the land and other water, he said.

In the coal mines defense, many of them do the right thing, or as close to it as they can, he said. I dont think they are a bunch of mustache-twirling bad guys.

The Star-Tribune tried to reach Czarneckis opponent, Republican Scott Clem, the incumbent, three times. He didnt return messages.

Despite coals decline, Republican Don Dihl of Gillette, a candidate in HD32, has faith in the companies and the industry. He sees no problem with how the state has worked with the companies.

It seems to be working, he said. My thought is that the coal companies here have proven to be environmentally responsible for 30 some years, so Im not going to be quick to say all of a sudden that we need to change and we need bonding.

Critics of such a mentality point to abandoned mines throughout the state, especially in the Rock Springs area.

If a company abandoned a mine without performing reclamation, the burden would fall on the state to clean it up, he said. He wasnt sure exactly how the state could pay for it, but he would look at all possibilities for paying reclamation costs, including levying a tax to cover costs. But he doesnt think it will come to that, he said.

For as much as Dihl defends the industry, his GOP opponent Grant Lindblom has concerns.

Lindblom said he is frustrated with the state for allowing  and companies for misusing  self-bonding. Lindblom works as an electrical engineering intern at one of the mining companies, which he declined to identify.

He thinks some of the large companies werent fully reporting assets and liabilities to the state. Self-bonding rules allow subsidiaries to present financial information to prove solvency. A subsidiary might have a healthy balance sheet, while its parent company is collapsing, he said.

Despite his concerns, now isnt the time to change policy, he said. With so many companies on the brink of bankruptcy, he said the focus needs to be on keeping them open. Mines shutting down would hurt Campbell County far worse than companies shirking on reclamation.

We need to transition away from self-bonding and go to surety bonding, but right now thats not something mines can afford to do, Lindblom said. So we have to keep on this delicate balancing act. Its better for us if we keep allowing them to slip on it, for the time being.

The states No. 1 priority should be keeping the mines open, said Tim Hallinan, the third Republican in the race, who held the seat from 2007 to 2010.

Hallinan believes with self-bonding, the state is keeping Campbell Countys best interest in mind, which includes keeping jobs.

I think the state will make sure we are well taken care of, he said.

The mines have always done good reclamation work in the past and he said he doesnt see why they wouldnt continue to do so, despite low revenues for coal. If they cant, the state could use rainy day funds to cover costs, he said. But he doesnt think it will come to that, especially if Donald Trump wins the presidency in November.

I think the mines will struggle through this process and eventually emerge from the bankruptcy situation they are in, and the coal markets will be restored, he said.

The race for HD32 has four Republicans, as incumbent Norine Kasperik, R-Gillette, is not seeking re-election.

The fourth Republican in the race for HD32 is Jarik Dudley, a dozer operator at Eagle Butte. He thinks that instead of requiring traditional bonds for mines, the state should use federal Abandoned Mines Land funds to pay for the bonds.

However, there have been periods in which Wyoming has not received the federal money, due to politics in Washington. And persuading lawmakers in Cheyenne to use the money to buy coal company bonds may be tricky. In the state legislative session that ended in March, lawmakers decided over $150 million of the states $240 million in abandoned mine money will go to highway funding over the next two years. Lawmakers justify spending the cash on highways since just about everywhere in Wyoming is affected by mineral development.

But Dudley isnt too worried about holes in the Earth.

People know the mine is not going to abandon it, he said. Why wouldnt you protect your investment? And (the mines) are stewards of the community and environment itself.

In the end, self-bonding may become an issue of the past, said Sen. Michael Von Flatern, R-Gillette, chairman of the Wyoming Senate Minerals Committee. His opponent in Senate District 24, Rod Mathis, didnt return a message.

Companies with enough assets or a long enough history mining get to choose self-bonding. Von Flatern used Alpha Natural Resources as an example. The first company in the basin to emerge from bankruptcy, a new company, now controls the Wyoming operations.

And in the bankruptcy process, the U.S. Department of Justice required it to secure its reclamation bonds in Wyoming.

With that in mind, theyll have to buy a bond, he said.
Help Yourself

Real estate, insurance careers Monday

The Department of Workforce Services Casper Workforce Center continues its series of Career Symposiums on Monday, August 1. Interested in a career as a real estate or insurance agent? How about an apprenticeship program? These are some of the career options featured from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Casper Workforce Center, 851 Werner Court, on August 1st. The event is free to the public For more information call 234-4591.

Selling Online

The Natrona County Library will offer a Selling Online class on Tuesday, August 2, at 10 a.m. Come learn the basics of selling using Craigslist, eBay Amazon, and Etsy. Learn tips on shipping, feedback and how to handle transactions effectively and safely. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

Co-parenting class starts Aug. 3

Are you a single parent or step-parent? Are you raising kids between two homes? Casper Family Connections is offering a co-parenting class starting on Wednesday, August 3, 2016. The class will be held every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Each participant must attend sevnb out of the eight classes, in a row, to receive a certificate. The class, "One Heart Two Homes," is an exciting group that will support you in your co-parenting process. A few of the topics include: Creating Stability in a Single Parent Home, Parental Adjustment, Inter-parental Conflict, Handling the Handoff, Understanding the Heart of the Child, and Helping Kids Plan for Holidays and Special Occasions. The class will be held at Casper Family Connections (2345 E. 2nd Street, Casper Wyoming). The cost is $50 per person for the series of classes and Medicaid is accepted. Please contact Karlea LaFave at (307)233-2200 for more information and to sign up.

Summer clearance at thrift shop

Summer clearance at the Methodist thrift shop, 611 W. Collins, is on now.

You know the drill -- prices and selection begin at regular prices, but as the sale progresses, prices are reduced and so are your options to get the good stuff.

Shop early and often for great bargains in clothing, small kitchen and household items, books -- everything.

Store hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Donations of clean usable items are accepted during those hours only. Items left outside are discarded.

The volunteer staff appreciates the generous support of the community which enables us to help support Interfaith and Holy Cross Brothers with their assistance programs.

We will be closed from September 1 to September 12 for cleaning and stocking of an all-new fall inventory.

For more information, call 234-6611.

Saturday morning watercolor

The schedule for the Saturday morning watercolor sessions at ART 321 has been set for July and August. The sessions meet every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to noon, the cost is $10 per session. All levels welcome. Havent painted before? No problem. This is the place to learn and enjoy art. For information and questions, please call Ellen Black at 265-6783.

August 6, Ellen Schreiner, Importance of Color; August 13, practice session; August 20, Simplify with a Limited Palette; August 27, practice session.

Family continues suicide support

Good Grief, Support will continue at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month (August 9 and 23) at the 12-24 Club, 500 S. Wolcott, by request of attendees. The family of J.R. Hunter, who died from suicide in June 2015 began the support before the especially tough holiday season. Anyone who is grieving a suicide, death, or considering suicide is encouraged to attend. Attendance at the meeting, as well as the content, will be strictly confidential. The Fresh Start Cafe will be open, and you can eat during the meetings. This meeting place was offered by Dan Cantine of the 12-24 Club. You need not be a member to attend.

Wednesday Writers

Would you like to leave a legacy by sharing your memories with the world? Practice writing, share your work and receive constructive feedback from fellow writers Wednesday, August 3, at 10 a.m. on the main floor of the Natrona County Library. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

Learn Windows 10

The Natrona County Library will offer a Windows 10 class on Wednesday, August 3, at 4 p.m. Whether you're new to computers or have used them in the past, this class will help you become more comfortable using the Windows 10 interface. Feel free to bring your Windows 10 device with you to follow along. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

Food preservation class

Food preservation classes are now being offered. Learn the basics of freezing, dehydrating and water bath Canning in these hands-on classes. Everyone takes home their own samples and filled jars. Water bath canning classes (for beginners) will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on August 6 and the cost is $15. Classes will be held at the Extension Office, 2011 Fairgrounds Rd. Register soon as this program fills up quickly! Call 235-9400 or email kcase@natronacounty-wy.gov to sign up.

Human figure sculpture workshop

ART321/Casper Artists Guild is excited to offer The Human Figure Sculpture Workshop with instructor Chris Navarro Aug. 10 to 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Open to all levels. We will study armature construction, anatomical proportion, composition, design and gesture. Working with oil base clay and using live models we will look for that hidden spark that brings the essence of life into our work. Fee is $450 for members plus supply list / $525 for non-members plus supply list. Register at the gallery, 321 W. Midwest Ave., or by phone, 265-2655.

Needle felting workshop

ART321/Casper Artists Guild will have a one day workshop, Petroglyph Needle Felting, on Saturday, August 13, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The instructor is Nancy Jones. Fee for this workshop is $50 for members plus $10 supply fee / $80 for non members plus $10 supply fee. This workshop is open to all levels and will be great fun. Sign up today.

Womentum registration open

Women of all ages are encouraged to attend Womentum, a two-day public workshop on strategic communications, Aug. 16-17 at Casper College.

The three-hour interactive workshops will help women navigate challenging conversations and provide participants with tools to face tough moments with a plan of action.

Wyoming Council for Women's Issues (WCWI) is sponsoring the event.

The Tuesday workshop will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will explore strategic communications for advocacy and policy change. The Wednesday workshop will run from 9 a.m.-noon and will apply the same methodology to interpersonal communications.

Both workshops will assist women in development and delivery of strategic messages. Participants will use a communications development matrix and practice delivering clear and confident messaging through interactive, role-play activities.

The workshops will be facilitated by Ingrid Daffner Krasnow, MPH. Krasnow provides strategic communication training and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups around the country.

Womentum is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Jackson. The nonprofit is best known for its signature mentoring program,"Womentoring," a community-building mentoring program to develop women's skills, confidence, and local network through integrated workshops, dinners, events, and one-on-one mentoring.

Light refreshments will be served. Cost of the workshop is $40. Space is limited. Email info@womentumwyo.org or visit www.womentumwyo.org/events to register.

Scrapbooking crop Aug. 20

Scrapbooking Crop! Gather your supplies and come scrapbook with us for the day on August 20 in Casper. Contact Julia for a registration form, 307-315-0713.

Monday career symposiums

The Department of Workforce Services will be holding a Career Symposium for job seekers showcasing career opportunities throughout the State of Wyoming. We are hoping to assist individuals who may be struggling to determine a career pathway or are changing careers due to recent layoffs. Stop by the Casper Department of Workforce Services, 851 Werner Court, Ste. 120, on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 27 through August 8. Opportunities will include statewide college or training options as well as many different career pathways that may not need additional schooling.

Wyo Prepper Con

Wyo Prepper Con will be held at the Parkway Plaza Hotel in Casper on Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, August 28, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Admission is $5 for the entire weekend. Visit with exhibitors and attend speeches Saturday by experts in their prepper related fields.

Exhibit space and speaker space is still available but filling up quickly. Go to www.WyomingPrepperCon.com for more information or Find us on Facebook at "Wyoming Prepper Convention"

Parkinson's exercise

Rocky Mountain Therapy is offering a Parkinson's exercise program. Join us from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays at Rocky Mountain Therapy, 2546 E. Second St., Building 500. These classes are open to anyone with Parkinson's or caring for someone with Parkinson's.

Thursday's class is tailored for the individual with more advanced Parkinson's and focuses on improving endurance, safety and managing symptoms. We are open to all ages and can tailor the class to meet varying exercise needs. The cost of the class is $5. To RSVP, call 577-5204 and ask for Jerri or Shannon.

Women's Expo booth space

The Casper Events Center, Casper Star-Tribune Communications, and Townsquare Media are pleased to present the 12th Annual Wyoming Womens Expo at the Casper Events Center on Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1.

The Expo Tradeshow hours are Friday, September 30, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 1st from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 2016 Tradeshow will feature over 100 displays by a variety of vendors and sponsors. Products and services will include everything from the latest in health and wellness products, beauty and skincare, personal protection, banking and investment education, hot retail items and so much more! Booths start at $205.

The Wyoming Womens Expo offers sponsorship packages with generous print, radio, online, and tradeshow advertising exposure with added perks such as discounted Professional Development Day table rates and complimentary tickets to the expo. For sponsorship information please call 235-8456 or log onto www.WyomingWomensExpo.com.

Women's Expo professional day

Our Professional Development Day gives the working woman the chance to have a conference experience right here in Casper! This is a chance for women to network, be inspired by other women and empowered by dynamic speakers. Join us on Friday, September 30, for a day of Professional Development, sponsored by the University of Wyoming at Casper.

This year, pick the option that best fits your schedule. The full day runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and includes continental breakfast, lunch, coffee bar, one martini, all speakers and Girls Night Out ticket for $90. The half day is from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and includes lunch, coffee bar, keynote speaker, two content speakers, one martini and Girls Night Out Ticket for $55. Tables of 8 are available for both Half Day and Full Day.

Visit the new www.WyomingWomensExpo.com for a list and bios of Professional Development Day speakers.

Summer classes at learning circle

The Bart Rea Learning Circle hosts classes every day of the week during the summer. The circle is located inside Amoco Park, 1007 W. First Street, along the Platte River Trails: just west of West First and Poplar intersection; and just east of The Tate Pump House. All classes are free with a canned food donation to Wyoming Food for Thought. No classes on holidays or during inclement weather. For more information visit The Bart Rea Learning Circle on Facebook.

Monday, 5:30 p.m.: Fail Free Drum Circle: Learn the gift of drumming. We all start out as drummers fro the moment we begin .to hear our mother's steady heartbeat. Bring a drum if possible and your mat or seat. Primary instructor: Brett Governanti.

Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.: Strength Training for Seniors: Training and mobility are the tickets to a full and active life for all over 50. Learn strength exercises to build and maintain muscle mass and quality so you can function at your highest level. Strength plus mobility equals freedom and independence. Primary instructor: Neil Short.

Wednesday, 4 p.m.: Storytelling on the Circle: Kids & Kids at heart are welcome. We will explore stories about everything from nature, to our planet, to being good neighbors. Children four and under require adult supervision. Primary instructor: Libby Tedder Hugus.

Thursday, 5:30 p.m.: Yoga on the Circle: Unwind and connect with yourself through a variety of yoga styles. Bring your mat and water. Primary instructors: Nikki Allen, Tracy Campbell, Lizz Cowley, Brittnee Greenlee Miller.

Friday, 5:30 p.m.: Exploring Nature: Learn about our river, animals, plants, trees and insects and their amazing interactions from experts. Bring your inquisitiveness about nature and comfortable walking shoes. Children are welcome and must be accompanied by an adult. Primary Instructor: Donna Hoffman, horticulturalist.

Saturday, 10:30 a.m.: Meditation & Labyrinth Walk: Learn about labyrinths before a mindfullness class. Connect with your senses in the outdoors then stroll the path in a guided labyrinth walk. Last, we'll sit for calming meditation session. Bring a cushion or yoga mat. Primary instructor: Elliott Ramage.

Sunday, 10 a.m.: Yoga on the Circle: Unwind and connect with yourself through a variety of yoga styles. Bring your mat and water. Sunday morning class is better for beginners. Primary instructors: Nikki Allen, Tracy Campbell, Lizz Cowley, Brittnee Greenlee Miller.

Celebrate Recovery every Friday

Looking for a nontraditional approach to recovery from your hurts, habits and hangups? Celebrate Recovery meets at 5:30 p.m. every Friday at Highland Park Community Church, just south of Elkhorn Valley Rehabilitation Hospital on East Second Street. We start with a family meal, followed by praise and worship. At 7 p.m., there's either a lesson from Celebrate Recovery's planned curriculum or a testimony by a person who has found recovery through Christ. Then, people go to gender-specific small groups until 8:30 p.m., when dessert and fellowship conclude the evening. Child care is available at no cost. For more information, contact Chris at 265-4073.

Here and Now: Dementia-focused monthly art class

Classes are every third Tuesday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. There is no charge. Here and Now is a program made possible through a collaboration between Wyoming Dementia Care and the Nicolaysen Art Museum. It is designed to provide a supportive environment for people with dementia and Alzheimers and their loved ones.

To register, contact Dani with Wyoming Dementia Care 265-4678, ext. 106, or at wyodementia@casperseniorcenter.com or Zhanna Gallegos at 235-5247 or at zgallegos@thenic.org
Mondays Highlights</&h1>

Monday clubs

and meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous: 6:30 a.m., 917 N. Beech; 8:30 a.m., 500 W. Wolcott; 10 a.m., 328 E. A St.; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 457 S. Walnut; 6 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott; 7 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 8 p.m., 328 E. A. Douglas: 628 E. Richards (upstairs in back). Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: 307-351-1688.

Al-Anon: Noon, 701 S. Wolcott, St. Marks Church, Brown Baggers, nonsmoking.

Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 7 p.m., 302 E. 2nd, Methodist Church; 8 p.m., 4700 S. Poplar (church basement). Web site: http://www.urmrna.org.

Teen Addiction Anonymous: 3:30-4:30 p.m., Boys & Girls Club Teen Center. Info: 258-7439.

Adult Children of Alcoholics: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 12-24 Club, 500 S. Wolcott St., Suite 200.

Real estate,

insurance careers

The Department of Workforce Services Casper Workforce Center continues its series of Career Symposiums. Interested in a career as a real estate or insurance agent? How about an apprenticeship program? These are some of the career options featured from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Casper Workforce Center, 851 Werner Court, on August 1st. The event is free to the public For more information call 234-4591.

Infrastructure

at Rotary

Jason Beggar, executive director of the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority (WIA) will address Rotarians and guests at a noon luncheon meeting of the Casper Rotary Club at the Parkway Plaza. The WIA is a state instrumentality created by the Wyoming legislature in 2004. Its original mission was to facilitate and support the development of interstate transmission lines.

This was later extended to include advanced generation technologies and coal export terminals. The WIA has the authority to own and operate facilities and to issue up to $1 billion in industrial revenue bonds to assist in project financing.

Tween Pudding

Pictionary

The Natrona County Library will host a game of Pudding Pictionary for tweens entering grades 4-6 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Librarys garage. Just like normal Pictionary, teams will draw pictures for the others to guess. The catch  it will be drawing in pudding, so come ready to get messy. All supplies provided. Call 577-READ ext. 5 for more information.

Summer class

at learning circle

The Bart Rea Learning Circle hosts classes every day of the week during the summer. The circle is located inside Amoco Park, 1007 W. First St., along the Platte River Trails: just west of West First and Poplar intersection; and just east of The Tate Pump House. All classes are free with a canned food donation to Wyoming Food for Thought. No classes on holidays or during inclement weather. For more information visit The Bart Rea Learning Circle on Facebook.

5:30 p.m Monday, Fail Free Drum Circle. Learn the gift of drumming. We all start out as drummers fro the moment we begin .to hear our mothers steady heartbeat. Bring a drum if possible and your mat or seat. Primary instructor: Brett Governanti.

Funday Monday

at Elks

Funday Monday is still going on though the summer at the Casper Elks Lodge. Come down for a burger and beer for only $7, serving from 6 to 7 p.m., and buy a ticket and win some money. Card-carrying members may buy tickets; members and guests may buy burgers.

VBS at Prince

of Peace

Vacation Bible School is almost here. Expedition Norway VBS will be held August 1 to August 4, 2016. Kids will sing catchy songs, play high-energy games, dig into yummy Norwegian treats, experience cool Bible adventures, collect Bible Memory Makers, and explore what daily life is like for kids in Norway. Plus, kids get to watch a video visit with real kids in Norway each day. Every day concludes with a Closing Celebration that gets everyone involved in living what theyve learned. Family members and friends are encouraged to join in daily for this special time at 8:10 pm.

Expedition Norway VBS is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each day for kids K-6th grade (based on grade the child have just completed). We will also have a separate preschool experience for 4-5 year olds that will be from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, call 234-6475. You can register at www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/cc/princeofpeace. Prince of Peace Lutheran Church is located at 2300 East 15th St.
People mingled, children ran around and dogs strolled through aromas of tacos, burgers and beer during Food Truck Friday outside the Tate Pumphouse Trail Center. Listeners gathered on the patio with plates and drinks for live music. Others found spots along the river on benches or lawn chairs.

The board of the Platte River Trails Trust started Food Truck Friday each month this summer for a family-friendly event spotlighting amenities and recreation options along the Platte River Trails, the nonprofits Executive Director Angela Emery said.

We thought it was an awesome opportunity to invite people to come down on a Friday night and experience the beauty of the river, Emery said. What a view  how lucky we are to have the river and the mountain.

She estimated at least 300 attended Friday, about twice as many as the first event in June. Several children played on the new outdoor child/adult exercise equipment installed last week, the latest Platte River Trails Trust project. Several attendees arrived on bicycles or walked from nearby stops along the trail system.

Casper needs more events like Food Truck Friday, said Casey Cotant, who spent the evening there with his wife, three children and a friend.

Casper needs to take advantage of the beautiful riverside, he said. The three adults sat by the river in lawn chairs after dinner while the children watched ducks at the bank.

Its just kind of the whole package, Caseys wife, Kristi, said. Youre outside in the community with your family, and theres good music. Its relaxing.

April Nelsons husband, Mike, took her to Food Truck Friday as a surprise outing with their 14-year-old daughter and his sister. They enjoyed funnel fries topped in powdered sugar from one food truck and beer-cheeseburgers from Grill and Chill.

It was fun until the rain, and then it was still fun, April said. The family took shelter from a shower and spent the rest of the cool evening outside.

Grill and Chill sold out of food shortly before closing time, said Jeremiah Nation, who opened his food truck business in May. Hes glad to see the food truck craze taking off in Casper, he said.

Its kind of behind in Wyoming, he said. Its awesome to see the people come out and support us. People love food trucks.

The final Food Truck Friday is from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 26 outside the Tate Pumphouse Trail Center, 1775 W. First St. The free event will feature live music by IndiSoul and food sold from several food trucks. Lunch also will be available that day starting at noon.

People mingled, children ran around and dogs strolled through aromas of tacos, burgers and beer during Food Truck Friday outside the Tate Pumphouse Trail Center. Listeners gathered on the patio with plates and drinks for live music. Others found spots along the river on benches or lawn chairs.

The board of the Platte River Trails Trust started Food Truck Friday each month this summer for a family-friendly event spotlighting amenities and recreation options along the Platte River Trails, the nonprofits Executive Director Angela Emery said.

We thought it was an awesome opportunity to invite people to come down on a Friday night and experience the beauty of the river, Emery said. What a view  how lucky we are to have the river and the mountain.

She estimated at least 300 attended Friday, about twice as many as the first event in June. Several children played on the new outdoor child/adult exercise equipment installed last week, the latest Platte River Trails Trust project. Several attendees arrived on bicycles or walked from nearby stops along the trail system.

Casper needs more events like Food Truck Friday, said Casey Cotant, who spent the evening there with his wife, three children and a friend.

Casper needs to take advantage of the beautiful riverside, he said. The three adults sat by the river in lawn chairs after dinner while the children watched ducks at the bank.

Its just kind of the whole package, Caseys wife, Kristi, said. Youre outside in the community with your family, and theres good music. Its relaxing.

April Nelsons husband, Mike, took her to Food Truck Friday as a surprise outing with their 14-year-old daughter and his sister. They enjoyed funnel fries topped in powdered sugar from one food truck and beer-cheeseburgers from Grill and Chill.

It was fun until the rain, and then it was still fun, April said. The family took shelter from a shower and spent the rest of the cool evening outside.

Grill and Chill sold out of food shortly before closing time, said Jeremiah Nation, who opened his food truck business in May. Hes glad to see the food truck craze taking off in Casper, he said.

Its kind of behind in Wyoming, he said. Its awesome to see the people come out and support us. People love food trucks.

The final Food Truck Friday is from 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 26 outside the Tate Pumphouse Trail Center, 1775 W. First St. The free event will feature live music by IndiSoul and food sold from several food trucks. Lunch also will be available that day starting at noon.
Because of mandatory budget cuts at all government agencies, the State Crime Lab will stop testing some evidence, including hair and gunshot residue, causing concerns among the legal community in the state.

I hope the Legislature stops and looks and says if we want to really adequately investigate and prosecute cases, we have to find the funds to do it, Natrona County top prosecutor Mike Blonigen said. If theyre going to cut programs like this, theyre going to cut the quality of justice in Wyoming.

The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, which oversees the crime lab, cut services that were not in high demand, said DCI Director Steve Woodson. The lab will stop doing hair analysis and headlamp testing, which has primarily been used to match glass in hit-and-run cases. The lab will significantly limit gunshot residue analysis, Woodson said.

We found a lot of those can be covered in the DNA section, he said.

Part of it is the hair comparison. I think that the scientists would say its very difficult science. They cant say definitively the hair matches that persons hair, so they immediately go to DNA, which is a much more sound match or exclusion.

He also said cases do not typically hinge on hair and gunshot residue analysis.

Some employees in the trace unit transitioned to the DNA section. Woodson hopes this will help alleviate a backlog in DNA testing.

In all, DCI cut 11 positions, two of which came from the crime lab, he said.

If we had tons of money we would provide these services, Woodson said. The crime lab is going to continue to perform at its expected level. Its got a bunch of great people in it who are doing their best. That will not change.

Blonigen said not all cases are based on DNA evidence and require corroborating evidence.

To say this isnt going to affect cases is crazy, he said. Of course it will.

Blonigen worries that without trace evidence, his cases will be more vulnerable to attack during cross-examination. The defense will be able to point out things that should have been done in the prosecutions investigation, he said.

Its not necessarily the facts it eliminates but the story you create in the jurys mind, Blonigen said.

The prosecutor said many cases are not whodunit cases. Many times it is clear who the perpetrator is but not why or how the crime happened, which can be aided with corroborating evidence.

Sheridan County District Attorney Matt Redle, on the other hand, doesnt think the changes at the crime lab will have much of an effect on his cases.

Redle said trace evidence is circumstantial and more susceptible to attack. He offered the Federal Bureau of Investigation as an example. Last year, the FBI acknowledged its forensic unit had given flawed testimony about hair analysis in hundreds of trials by overstating forensic matches, according to the Washington Post.

If you have to find a place to make cuts, to me it seemed like that was a reasonable place to do it, Redle said.

The prosecutor said his office could send trace evidence to other laboratories if necessary.

Park County Attorney Bryan Skoric also said he was not alarmed by the cuts at the state crime lab. He called it a sign of the times as more cases focus on DNA evidence.

I dont think itll have a real effect on what were doing here, Skoric said. I have faith that theyre doing the right thing.

Casper lawyer Dallas Laird, who previously worked as a prosecutor, echoed Blonigens concerns about corroborating evidence. Laird said all evidence should be evaluated when someone is charged with a crime. Since evidence is open to human interpretation, its better to have evidence from multiple sources, he said.

Laird worries it may be harder to connect criminals to crimes.

DNA is a big deal, but I dont know if it is a cure-all and you can do away with those other tests, he said.

Laird said a wrongful death case he worked on involved a man who said his shotgun misfired. The crime lab found that the spring in the shotgun had been put in wrong and could have caused a misfire.

(The crime lab is) a very viable resource for Wyoming, and I hate to see their budget getting cut, Laird said.

Casper defense attorney Rich Jamieson said prosecutors and defense counsel will be required to use outside expertise at their own expense. This is particularly disturbing considering the clients of the public defenders office, Jamieson said.

Ive been a lifetime Wyoming resident, and I understand the boom and bust cycle, he said. It just seems like if the appropriate leadership and guidance comes in, we can provide the necessary services to all of our vulnerable people in an appropriate manner.
A free food distribution is set for Jackson and a national toll-free hunger hotline is in place with information specific to Wyoming.

Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies will hold a mobile pantry food distribution from 4 to 6 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Teton County Fairgrounds in Jackson.

With a grant from Farm Credit Services, the food bank is planning to have enough food for 250 families, according to executive director Shanna Harris.

Items included will be fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, meat and other food and personal products from the statewide distribution center in Mills.

Harris said the mobile pantry comes in response to a community that has a high cost of living and high rates of food insecurity. Since early spring, the food bank has distributed food in Gillette, Douglas, Torrington and Jackson as the result of tightening economic times and layoffs in the energy industry and related fields.

The WFBR will be distributing approximately 15,000 pounds of food, equivalent to 11,718 meals, to Jackson families.

WFBR is the only food bank in Wyoming. In partnership with more than 250 pantries throughout the state, it distributed more than 9.2 million pounds of food  the equivalent of more than 7.2 million meals  in the 2015-16 fiscal year, according to a news release.

Meanwhile, Hunger Free America has launched campaigns to make it easier for hungry people in Wyoming to obtain food and for anyone to volunteer in the most effective ways to end hunger.

The hotline can be reached at 866-3-HUNGRY or 877-8-HAMBRE (for Spanish) from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The hotline is answered by people who connect callers with emergency food providers in their community, government assistance, nutritional assistance programs and services that promote self-sufficiency. During summer months, the hotline also provides information about meal sites where children and teenagers can find free, nutritious meals through the USDA Summer Food Service Program.

Nearly one in seven Wyoming residents, and one in six children, live in households that cant always afford enough food, according to Hunger Free America. The Department of Agriculture funds the toll-free hotline to make it easier for people to access food from both private and governmental resources.

Free summer meals are offered in all 50 states at participating schools, libraries, pools, and other local sites, funded by the federal government. In 2015, a total of 164 million meals and snacks were served to typically low-income children.

Hunger Free America also just launched www.hungervolunteer.org, a portal that matches volunteers with organizations that need assistance.
Its a year of expansion for Bisbee Breakfast Club.

The restaurant, which opened in Bisbee in 2005, will have two new locations in Tucson by the end of the year: BBC Sunrise launched last month in the Foothills, at 4811 E. Sunrise Drive; and BBC Broadway is scheduled to open in October at Broadway Village shopping center, at East Broadway and Country Club Road.

Including the original, plus locations on West Ina Road and in Mesa, the Bisbee Breakfast Club will soon have five restaurants in the state. The Tucson restaurants employ 40 people with up to 30 more being hired for the larger Broadway location.

Terry Kyte is in charge of the Tucson operation. He is part of the ownership group, which includes his father and brother, that bought the Bisbee location in 2010.

The Star spoke with Kyte, who didnt miss a chance to be self-deprecating, about getting started in the business, its growth and plans for its spinoff business, Ombre Coffee.

Q: How did you get involved in the Bisbee Breakfast Club?

A: I was brought on late 2010, early 2011, when the idea of a location in Tucson came about. My dad and my brother and a couple of the other partners, they needed some sucker to run the place, I guess, and said, Heres a guy with no experience, with nothing else to do. Maybe hell work out. I worked in Bisbee before that so I had a little bit of training to get going.

Q: Was it hard coming in with no experience?

A: There was a steep learning curve and Im still figuring it out. I know what doesnt work, I guess, thats the easy thing. Im still trying to figure out all the things that make it work.

Q: Youve clearly had success.

A: I got really lucky, had an awesome staff to open with and had the original BBC in Bisbee to work from, sort of a template. Building off that legacy was sort of a leg up from opening another concept from scratch. We started with a good hand.

Q: How connected are you to the original in Bisbee?

A: That is part of the charm  our tagline is a bit of Bisbee in Tucson so we did our best as far as our decor and the vibe of the place to match Bisbee and the BBC down there. There are cool photographs and stuff at the Ina location, and we just had the mural here (at the Sunrise Drive location) done by Bisbee artist Gretchen Baer.

Q: What do you offer customers?

A: Were trying to be the classic American diner. I think for the most part thats what people want, but we do have some more innovative, interesting stuff on our menu. For the most part people want bacon and eggs, maybe chicken fried steak. There are a few things we try to experiment with and daily specials where we try and push people a little bit, use new interesting ingredients and things like that.

Q: Whats the reaction been like at the new location on Sunrise?

A: Overwhelmingly positive. I did not expect this sort of response this quick. We still have some building to do, but its Monday at 10 a.m. and were basically full; I was not expecting that. People in this neighborhood, within walking distance and driving distance, have been looking for something like this for a while.

Q: What are your peak times?

A: Were still figuring it out here, people came in pretty early this morning and we were probably a little understaffed for them, so were still adjusting. Part of it could be the honeymoon phase but its been pretty steady breakfast and lunch and this location. Over on Ina its much heavier breakfast and weve been working on building up our lunch.

Q: How are you splitting your time between locations?

A: Its a little chaotic at the moment; Im hoping it will calm down eventually and I can get on more of a schedule. Sort of just running back and forth between the two, putting out fires, if there are any, but for the most part Im just here to shake hands and kiss babies. My staff is so well trained that I dont technically need to be here.

Q: You have a growing coffee business, too. How did that start?

A: We went through phases in the Ina location where we started to buy higher-quality coffee and buying it from a roaster in Bisbee. ... Somehow, somebody had the dumb idea that we should do it ourselves. I think it was my brother.

Q: How much are you producing?

A: We roast for the restaurants and have a few wholesale accounts, maybe a few hundred pounds a week. Not much in the wholesale coffee universe but its a lot for us. Its sort of been my pet project until now, at some point Im going to have to pass it off and build it up into a coffee wholesale company, maybe a few coffee shops down the road, if were feeling frisky.

Q: Why open two new restaurants this year?

A: Because of the locations themselves, I guess is the best answer. Broadway Village is coming through a resurgence, its gone through a few before, but it seems like the mix over there is going to be perfect.  This location (which was previously a gas station on Sunrise) was just too cool to pass up.

Q: Was there always the thought to expand the business?

A: I dont think so. I think they threw it at me as a lark just to see if I would go down in flames or not.

Q: So far no flames?
Tucson-based artificial heart maker SynCardia Systems is pushing for a quick sale of its assets in bankruptcy court so it can avoid collapse and emerge as a new, recapitalized company.

But a committee representing unsecured creditors and the U.S. trustee appointed to oversee the bankruptcy case want to put the brakes on the process.

The unsecured creditors  including trade creditors and those who lent the company money without collateral  stand to lose everything in the case, as SynCardia has estimated there will be no funds left to pay them.

Any delay would be damaging, SynCardia says, partly because hospitals already are balking at implanting its artificial hearts as theyre uncertain about continued support because of the bankruptcy.

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization on July 1 in Delaware, proposing the sale of all its assets to its senior creditor in an effort to save the company.

An affiliate of Versa Capital purchased SynCardias senior debt at a discount in June and has bid $19 million of that debt in a so-called credit bid, plus $150,000 in cash and other considerations, to buy the company, subject to higher and better offers.

Known as a stalking horse bid, such prearranged deals are intended to attract better offers, or if better others arent made, to help expedite a companys sale and emergence from bankruptcy.

Versa through its affiliate Sindex SSI Lending LLC has also agreed to provide so-called debtor-in-possession financing while SynCardia wends its way through the bankruptcy process.

At SynCardias request, a bankruptcy judge has set an omnibus hearing for Monday, Aug. 1, on a variety of initial motions to keep SynCardia going, as well as approval of its plan to auction the companys assets in a process culminating with a sale hearing on Aug 22.

But attorneys for the unsecured creditors said the short timeline SynCardia has requested to approve the operational motions and bankruptcy sale plan leaves insufficient time for creditors to study the deal or reach some kind of settlement.

The creditors committee also contended the process proposed by SynCardia is rigged in favor of Sindex, which as part of the deal would be awarded a breakup fee of 3 percent of the purchase price, or $570,000, if the deal is not consummated, along with an expense reimbursement of $1.75 million and other special rights.

This case is an example of a secured creditor, who purchased debt immediately prior to the petition date for a fraction of the face amount, attempting to control the Chapter 11 process for its sole benefit and to the detriment of other estate creditors who, as a result, are expected to receive no value, the unsecured creditors said in a motion seeking to delay Mondays hearing.

Sindex paid SynCardia senior creditor SWK Funding $7.2 million for debt totaling about $22 million, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

As of late Friday, the judge in the case had not ruled on the committees motion to put off Mondays hearing.

Meanwhile, U.S. Trustee Andrew Vara has objected to SynCardias expedited bankruptcy auction plan, on grounds that the time frame is too short to attract possibly higher bids and that Sindex is not entitled to break-up fees and other compensation under bankruptcy law.

But SynCardia says it must meet milestones in the timeframe proposed and tentatively approved by the court, or the deal is off, and it wont have the money to continue operations.

If the court fails to meet Monday and approve the operational and administrative orders including the bankruptcy auction procedures, SynCardia would miss a deadline in its deal with Sindex to hold the asset auction hearing by Aug. 22, SynCardia said.

That would push SynCardia into default on its debtor financing deal with Sindex, and SynCardia could be forced into an immediate liquidation, the company said in opposing a motion by the unsecured creditors to hold an emergency telephonic hearing on delaying the process.

As it is, SynCardia said that since the bankruptcy filing on July 1, the number of implants of its artificial hearts are down to a 27-month low.

Hospitals and centers that rely on the Debtors product have concerns over whether SynCardia (or any buyer) will be able to continue to service the Debtors drivers  that power the implanted (Total Artificial Hearts)  as a result of the bankruptcy filing, SynCardia said.

SynCardia officials have declined to discuss specifics of the case but issued a statement saying the company has continued providing service to hospitals and their patients.

Our first priority is always the relationship with our hospitals and the care of their many patients, said Donald Isaacs, SynCardias vice president of communications. SynCardia Total Artificial Hearts, drivers and service are on schedule and our clinical support specialists are at SynCardia Certified Centers for implants, ongoing patient care and hospital staff training.

SynCardias Total Artificial Heart  developed from the original Jarvik-7 heart  is the only total heart replacement approved as a bridge to transplant by the FDA.

As of the end of February, 1,568 SynCardia artificial hearts has been implanted at 120 medical centers worldwide.

Since 2012, SynCardia has averaged 141 implants of its hearts annually, and about 50 patients are currently awaiting transplants with SynCardia Total Artificial Hearts, the company says.

In its bankruptcy filings, SynCardia says it has assets totaling about $17 million, against total liabilities of $53.7 million.

Those liabilities include about $22 million in senior secured debt now owned by Sindex, and $11.6 million in nonpriority, unsecured claims that stand to go unpaid.

Among the unsecured debts listed by the company is $312,000 owed to the former University Medical Center. According to bankruptcy and securities filings, the debt consists of a note, a form of debt instrument, given to UMC in exchange for certain assets in 2002.

SynCardia did not identify the specific assets acquired through the UMC note, and that information was not immediately available from the University of Arizona.
Anshei Israel adds Kirschner in finance

Congregation Anshei Israel has named Susan J. Kirschner as finance director.

Kirschner has been involved in synagogue financial management and administration since 1996, and is skilled in budgeting, payroll, purchasing, membership development, fundraising/development and multi-fund endowment oversight, Anshei Israel said in a news release.

She holds a masters degree in arts administration and recently moved from the Detroit area to Tucson.

UA and Banner welcome

neonatologist Patel

Dr. Shalin Patel has joined the University of Arizona Department of Pediatrics and Banner Childrens at Diamond Childrens Medical Center.

As a neonatologist, Patel will provide care for high-risk newborns with critical clinical conditions, prematurity and birth defects, and provide care for other newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Diamond Childrens.

He received his medical degree from C.U. Shah Medical College in Surendranagar, India; did his pediatrics residency at Western Michigan University School of Medicine and a fellowship in neonatal-perinatal medicine from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center. He also holds an MPH in health care administration from Benedictine University in Illinois.

Tucson J announces four new employees

The Tucson Jewish Community Center, also known as The J, announces four hirings:

Kathy Kat Rodriguez, assistant director of digital marketing and communications; Eva Karene Romero, grant writer; LeeAnn Perry-Walker, member relations coordinator; and Andrea Wright, operations coordinator.

Rodriguez was a marketing specialist at the University of Arizona Medical Network for seven years. She holds an associate of arts degree from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles and a bachelors and a masters of business education from the American InterContinental University in Chicago.

Romeros book, Film and Democracy in Paraguay, will be published by Palgrave Macmillan this year and she will co-direct a documentary film on women and womens rights in South America. She received her PhD from the University of Arizona, where she taught Hispanic cultural studies and language classes. She is a board member of the Tucson Pima Arts Council.

Perry-Walker returns to The J, where she worked in 2003 as catering and sales director before working as director of catering at several hotels in Tucson. She holds a culinary degree.

Wright, who has worked for the last several years with special needs children and adults, holds a bachelors degree in sociology and is a Salpointe Catholic High School graduate.
Connie and Gary Halkowitz were out of options.

The foster daughter they are adopting was doing poorly in school  so poorly she was getting mostly Ds and Fs. They hired a tutor and took away privileges like sleepovers, the school dance and her iPad.

The Halkowitzes met with Sahuarita Middle School officials several times during the school year. But when nothing seemed to help, they began exploring the option of having their daughter repeat seventh grade.

At first, they said, school officials seemed to offer retention as an option. Until it was clear they werent.

Frustrated, Connie took the issue to the states schools chief, Diane Douglas, who was hosting a town hall in Tucson.

Douglas response? Local control.

School boards decide matters such as retention and promotion, she told the mother. There was nothing the Arizona Department of Education could do.

So on Aug. 8, the girl who last year failed almost every class will move on to eighth grade.

Shes going to have a real tough time in high school if she doesnt get this right, Gary said. I dont want high school to be so hard that she doesnt go to college.

The Sahuarita Unified School District has not retained a middle school student in the past five years, data collected by the Arizona Daily Star show. Tucson-area districts generally retained only a few middle-schoolers, with the exception of the much-larger Tucson Unified School District, which held back more than 80 last year.

Districts have control

Sahuarita retained about 33 students districtwide last year, said Brett Bonner, the districts assistant superintendent, who is in charge of overseeing retention policy and process. All of those students were in kindergarten through third grade.

The district generally does not retain at the middle or high school level. We believe it should be an early intervention if retention is considered, Bonner said.

Factors for a student to be considered for retention include poor academic performance, cognitive disability, low scores on classroom, benchmark and standardized testing and social-emotional needs, he said. But even then, its a last resort.

The law is ambiguous when it comes to promotion and retention, said Charles Tack, spokesman for the Arizona Department of Education. It gives local districts, as the state schools chief told Connie Halkowitz, the power to decide what the process should look like.

It names teachers as the ultimate arbiter of student retention, but it also lets parents challenge a districts decision to promote or retain, he said.

Research shows no proof that retention helps a struggling student, said Shane Jimerson, professor of school psychology at the University of California-Santa Barbara.

In fact, grade retention has been found to be among the most powerful predictors of future academic failure, including dropping out prior to high school graduation.

Yet, what researchers call social promotion, which means students are promoted based on their age or social group without having mastered the academic material, does not appear to be the answer, either.

The evidence clearly indicates that we must move beyond grade retention and social promotion, he said. Instead, educational professionals must focus on interventions that build upon the strengths of students and target their needs.

Intervention methods could include targeted tutoring, after-school programs, alternative education and summer school.

Tutor hired

The Halkowitzs foster daughter came to live with them in 2014.

She said she likes school, but that her grades have always been low.

Ive never had to have them good before, she said. Nobody at home reminded her to do homework or study. Academics also werent a priority in the childrens shelter where she and her brother were living before they joined their new family.

The Halkowitzes were determined to make the childrens lives better. They wanted to provide for the siblings, who would soon be their own, in a way they had not been provided for before.

But when their foster daughters October 2015 progress report showed a 1.2 grade-point average, they told her there had to be consequences  she couldnt attend the Halloween dance or take part in a cheerleading competition.

The next progress report, brought home in November, showed that her grades had actually gotten worse. So the Halkowitzes got tutoring for her and enrolled her in an after-school program.

By December, when the girls grades showed no improvement, they started talking about retaining her in seventh grade. Thats what they thought they were doing when they met with school officials in December and January.

We werent dead-set that she was going to be retained, but we were dead-set that that had to be an option, Connie said. She even spent a day in her foster daughters classrooms to get to the bottom of what was going wrong.

Three weeks before the school year ended, the girl was moved to an alternative-education program outside her regular classroom, where her foster parents say she was assigned busy work and told to run errands for teachers.

Sahuarita Middle School Principal Stephanie Silman said she could not talk about a specific student, but that teachers in the alternative-education program do not assign busy work or have students do errands. In regard to a move three weeks before the end of the school year, she said placement in an alternative program could be any time throughout the year, including the end of the year.

Indivualized plans

The Halkowitzes, feeling like school officials werent hearing them, asked to meet with Bonner, the Sahuarita assistant superintendent, and were told that the district would not retain the girl in seventh grade. They then met with Manuel Valenzuela, Sahuaritas superintendent, who said the same thing.

If a student is struggling and we all agree that the student needs intervention, that doesnt necessarily mean holding them back, Valenzuela said in an interview.

In a lot of cases, the support and the individualized plan together are really what the student needs.

Retention is often misused to address issues that really are not best addressed by retention, he added. It works best for students who are developmentally not ready to move on, he said.

While he couldnt speak about any specific student, he said that if a student is promoted to the next grade, then that child is ready to move on.

Childs Best interest

Five of the nine districts in the Tucson area retained fewer than 10 middle school students last year. Three  Sahuarita, Catalina Foothills and Flowing Wells  retained none, although those three have fewer middle schools than other area districts.

Catalina Foothills, with two middle schools, has not retained a middle school student in the past five years for reasons similar to those of Sahuaritas.

Its not to say that we wouldnt retain in middle school, said Denise Bartlett, the districts assistant superintendent. We would if its in the best interest of the child.

But Bartlett echoed what Bonner, the Sahuarita assistant superintendent, said: Typically, retention is best administered early.

DREAMS AND CONFLICTS

While the Tucson Unified School District agrees that retention is rarely beneficial, in some cases it has worked well, said Michael Konrad, the districts middle school director.

Retentions are there to make sure that students move forward through the educational system with skills necessary to be successful, Konrad said.

TUSDs relatively large number of middle school students retained in 2015  83  reflects a far-larger middle school population than all other Tucson-area districts, he said.

The Halkowitzs foster daughter dreams of becoming a cartoonist or a video-game designer. Shes even learning Mandarin so she can work in Asia one day.

She said she understands that in order to achieve her dreams, she has to work hard in school and go to college.

She said she wants to go forward into eighth grade but also understands why her foster parents are so invested in trying to have her retained.

The Halkowitzes will appeal the districts decision to promote her before Sahuarita school board on Aug. 10  two days after school starts.

But they feel conflicted. They have fought hard for what they think is best for their daughter, but having her start the year as an eighth-grader and then pulling her down to seventh grade two days later doesnt feel right to them.

Its obviously too late to fix the school year, Gary Halkowitz said.
Three Democratic candidates will face off in the primary race for two state House seats in Legislative District 9.

Both incumbents are running for re-election, with Randy Friese running for a second term and Matt Kopec for his first full term, alongside Democratic activist and blogger Pamela Powers Hannley.

In January, Kopec was appointed by the Pima County Board of Supervisors to fill Victoria Steeles vacant seat after she resigned to run for Congress, beating out Powers Hannley.

The district includes parts of midtown, the Flowing Wells area and the north side, Catalina Foothills and the Casas Adobes areas.

The two Democratic winners in the primary will be up against Republican candidate Ana Henderson in the general election. Henderson is unopposed in the GOP primary.

Early voting begins on Aug. 3 and primary election day is Aug. 30.

Why are you running for the Legislative District 9 House seat?

Friese: One of the reasons I was interested in running for public office is because I am interested in public education. In Arizona, public education has been cut  while corporate tax breaks have been increasing. The states role is to improve our public schools. Education is the equalizer. Education will not only improve your life but your childrens lives and then their childrens lives. So, public education is one of the reasons that I wanted to go in and its another reason why I want to go back  I think we have a lot of work to do. But also as a physician, Im also concerned about public safety and public health. I think gun violence is a public health issue.

Kopec: Having served a session, Ive learned a lot both about the process and the people. So, I think that going forward I will be able to start a new term with that background. With the new speaker and the new members, I think I will bring that and some experience. The reason I got involved in politics was education. Thats going to be my No. 1 focus for the two-year term if I get re-elected. I think students in Arizona should have the same opportunities that I did and I see that slipping away and I want to make sure we do what we can so those opportunities do exist for Arizona students.

Powers Hannley: One of the big reasons I got into this race is that I look and see the benefits that I grew up with because both my parents had full-time jobs, they both had health insurance, they had paid sick time, and workers in Arizona, they dont have anything like that today. Theres jobs around here but theyre low-wage jobs. Women in particular are hit hard because there is a huge pay gap between men and women in the Tucson metro area.  (Women) have terrible jobs. You see that they are day-care workers, fast-food workers and home healthcare, all those really low-wage jobs are predominantly women in those jobs.

What is the biggest challenge in Legislative District 9?

Friese: I think an issue for LD9 is gun safety because of what happened in our district in 2011. We had, for the first time in a hundred or so years, that a sitting Congress person had an assassination attempt and many, many community leaders were killed, people were wounded. So, I think the gun safety issue is a big one for our district.

Kopec: Well, we do have a diverse district. There are different school districts so theres a lot of different dynamics going on. We have some economically distressed areas and some economically prosperous areas. So, for me being able to bridge all those gaps and listen to and understand and represent all of the different people in my district is the most important thing.

Powers Hannley: LD9 is pretty diverse economically. The midtown area is much more racially diverse, the Foothills are richer and whiter. I dont know if there is a lot of cohesion in LD9. I think the challenge would be for the midtown folks, they are the ones living in poverty. Theres also a lot of businesses that appear to need help because they have a lot of boarded-up storefronts.

How will you work with neighboring districts and representatives to improve Tucson and the state of Arizona as a whole?

Friese: Its an issue of understanding infrastructure issues and making sure we support them as the city needs. Another thing we do as a group for Tucson is protect autonomy for the city. Im a strong supporter for local control for Tucson and cities and having the state not reach in and pre-empt.

Kopec: What I saw this year is that Tucson representatives really do stick together. We talk to each other constantly, we do have a really good working relationship. The Democrats from Tucson do a very good job of making sure we are all kept up to date on information and all know whats going on. I suspect that will continue.

Powers Hannley: There are crossover issues on my platform, especially the public banking idea thats been proposed more times by Republicans than by Democrats. Also, my small-business issue, I think thats a crossover issue. I think that some of these things are going to appeal for the people in the Foothills of 9, but then also appeal to some of the more business-oriented people like in (Districts) 11 and 10.

What is the one policy change that you would make regarding Arizona gun laws and how do you plan to compromise with your Republican counterparts?

Friese: You come up with ideas and you negotiate compromise. When you put an idea into the system you have 90 people in total having to agree with your idea for it move forward and they might want to change it. So, yes, you have to negotiate compromise. What I would like to see would be a system of comprehensive background checks for all gun purchases. Not just at the federally licensed gun dealers but at gun shows, at personal gun sales.  Some of the compromises that we have already woven into it is relatives  if your father wanted to give you a gun, that doesnt require a background check.

Kopec: I believe that we should have background checks at every gun sale. I think the city of Tucson did the right thing in requiring background checks at gun shows on city property. Getting there is tough with the current legislative makeup, but its something that we (have to) continue to try to do. We cant continue to have weapons of war on our streets and wonder why our streets look like war zones.

Powers Hannley: I back the things Randy Friese has proposed as far as getting rid of loopholes in the background checks and things like that. The other thing that I am in favor of, which I think is more of a national policy, would be to bring back the Brady Bill, you know, to ban assault weapons. My dad was a hunter and he was a member of the NRA and we had guns around the house  growing up I didnt know where those guns were, he didnt have guns lying on the table. Theres too many accidents. Guns need to be stored properly.  You can prevent a lot of these accidents with safe storage. I think that would be something I would talk to them about.

As a Democrat in a majority Republican House, what strategies do you have to overcome party barriers?

Friese: Over the past two years, I have been able to talk to my Republican colleagues because we respect each other. When I stand up in a committee, people see my passion and I think they respect that. In my mind, the first step toward being able to negotiate and compromise is respect and then the next step is trust, and once we get past the trust we start to strike deals.  When I say deal I dont mean Ill vote for your bill if you vote for my bill, I mean what can I do to make my bill more palatable for you?

Kopec: For me, its identifying folks I can work with. Sometimes its just just issue by issue. I may be able to work with one Republican legislator on one issue but they might be on the total opposite end on another issue. Its building relationships, earning trust and being respectful. Thats something Ive done in my first year in office and I look forward to being able to do that. As a Democrat you have to be able to work on legislation and come up with good legislation, but you have to be able to part with the credit. Because often times, the number of Democratic bills are so few, that if you have a good idea if you can work with Republicans on a good idea, you have to be willing to step down and not worry about credit.

Powers Hannley: I think with the economic reforms I am talking about, with equality and with (my stance) on opiates  you know, everybody knows somebody who has been on heroin or addicted to opiates, everybody has a family member, a friend or a story  I see those as common issues and they are not Democrat or Republican issues.

Describe one bill that you would introduce, if elected, and how it would help your district.

Friese: I would like to incentivize home health a little bit more. What I am imagining is that people get admitted into the hospital and get discharged but if they get readmitted within days or a week, thats a problem. So, we somehow can incentivize providing home health that will help patients avoid getting readmitted by making sure they are taking their medicines appropriately, by making sure they are keeping their follow-up appointments and things like that.

Kopec: One thing that I am looking forward to working on with my colleagues on the transportation committee is our funding model, how we can reform that. Its been since the early 90s since its been visited and its time to revisit that. We have to make sure our roads are in good condition and the transportation system is in good condition. And I think its something that has bipartisan recognition of its importance. I think that is going to be the issue thats right for action and I look forward to working on that.

Powers Hannley: The Equal Rights Amendment was introduced to Arizona Legislature in the 1970s by Sandra Day OConnor. Victoria Steele proposed it every year that she was in (office) and I worked with her in the background on that as a blogger and an activist. I think we only need three states left to pass it and Arizona is one of the states that never passed it. I vow to put the Equal Rights Amendment up there and I want the Republicans to explain to me why their wives and their mothers and their sisters and their daughters dont deserve equal pay and dont deserve equal protection under the Constitution.
When Rudy Desjardin was 16 years old, he applied for a job. But he fibbed a bit. He told his future employer he was 18.

That was 70 years ago. Desjardin began working in a four-year carpentry apprenticeship program at the old Southwestern Sash & Door Co. on East Stevens Avenue. It sat along the railroad tracks, next to the old OMalley Lumber Co., where two well-known bars, OMalleys and Maloneys, are today on North Fourth Avenue.

His father, Solomon Desjardin, was a carpenter and the younger Desjardin figured he would follow that path. As it turned out, it suited him.

I liked to work with wood, he said.

And for seven decades, that is what Tucson-born Desjardin did: work as a cabinet maker and carpenter. From Southwestern Sash he moved to Arizona Sash & Door on West St. Marys Road. Later he opened his own shop, Rudys Tops and Custom Cabinets, on South Country Club Road near East Irvington Road.

On Friday, Desjardin, 86, stopped working. He closed his custom cabinet shop of the last 42 years, ending a craftsman career which allowed he and his wife, Lupe Aguilar Desjardin, to raise six children.

I worked hard. I was good at it, he said while several employees helped clear the dusty shop of tools, machinery, and various sizes and shapes of boards, sheets of wood and molding. Contractors and carpenters were buying and taking what they could use.

Earlier last week he sold a 130-year-old, 3-ton router that still worked. He bought it years ago at a salvage shop.

Desjardins daughter, Darla Tawney, helped her father manage the shop in recent years. She was melancholy about the closure but took solace that the men who came to claim tools and machines  some of whom have known her father for years  will put them to good use.

Its nice to see that the tools will continue to be used, she said.

Its rare for anyone to have worked so many years as Desjardin, much less doing the same work. Desjardin is a throwback to a different era, a different work culture and environment, unlike today where people move from job to job and often change careers.

Desjardin said he enjoyed his life working with wood, creating beautiful objects. He left people  and himself  satisfied with his work.

But like other aspects of our modern lives, yesterdays custom cabinet shops are disappearing, succumbing to economies of scale, big-box competition and pre-fab products. Custom cabinets take time, labor and money.

Desjardin felt the pressure. In recent years he struggled to keep the shop open and keep his handful of employees on the job.

Im quitting because of the economy, said the bilingual Desjardin.

He developed his work ethic as a youngster. He grew up in the Iron Horse neighborhood, near the Coronado Hotel on the corner of East Ninth Street and North Fourth Avenue, across the street from Southwestern Sash.

One of his first jobs was to sweep the floor at the old KVOA radio station, where Don Jacinto Orozco broadcast his pioneering Spanish-language programs. Desjardin also worked at the old Myersons White House, a clothing store on West Congress Street, and at the old Seven-Up Bottling Company on North Oracle Road, a couple of blocks up from West Grant Road.

After leaving Safford Junior High School, he did not go to Tucson High School. He went to work.

I needed to make a living, he said.

He could have shuttered his shop years earlier because of health issues. In 1987, he underwent quadruple bypass surgery and spent several weeks in the hospital.

I just made it, he said.

He just made it again four years ago when both his legs were amputated below the knee because of diabetes. He went under the knife 12 times as surgeons removed his toes, then his feet, then finally his legs.

I had lousy doctors, he complained. When he initially complained of pain in his feet, a doctor prescribed pain medication, ignoring wider symptoms.

After his limbs were amputated, Desjardin didnt stop working at the shop. But his duties changed. He spent most of his time in the office taking orders, shuffling invoices and managing the shop. It wasnt easy navigating the busy, crowded workshop in a wheelchair.

But he did.

I still dont worry, he said. You cant do anything about it.
Business / Economy

by Staff Reporter

ZIMBABWE earned US$381 million in the first half of the year from gold exports after large and small-scale miners delivered 9,6 tonnes of the precious metal to Fidelity Printers and Refiners (FPR), which puts the industry on a solid path to achieve this year's targeted output of 24 tonnes.Last year, the country generated $684 million from the export of 18,4 tonnes of gold.Inclusive of the gold directly exported by the country's three pgm (platinum group metals) producers  Mimosa, Unki and Zimplats  who take their ore to South Africa for processing, gold raked in $412 million in the review period.Also, if production from pgm producers is factored in, gold production tops 10,4 tonnes, which is 17 percent higher than the same period a year ago.Overall, total mining revenues in the period rose to US$981,4 million, representing a 0,8 percent rise from a year earlier despite a relatively depressed international commodities market.Prices have however been recovering.Gold was traded at US$1 3 48 per ounce on Wednesday.FPR general manager Mr Fradreck Kunaka told The Sunday Mail Business last week that they paid out $369 million to gold producers during the first half of the year for 9,6 tonnes of gold delivered."All the gold bought (9,6 tonnes) was exported, raking in $381 million," said Mr Kunaka.Large-scale producers contributed 59 percent, while small-scale miners weighed in with 41 percent.Mr Kunaka believes the performance by small-scale producers, which has improved by 25 percent on the 3,1 tonnes that had been delivered during the same period a year ago, shows a lot of potential that is "still to be fully tapped".Government has since organised a $100 million facility from China Development Bank for small-scale producers of the yellow metal.The mining equipment will be delivered in phases, with the first tranche worth $5 million expected in the country at the end of August.The facility is meant for miners that have a proven track record with FPR, which is the sole buyer of gold.Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has been allocating cash to FPR to help minimise the impact of cash shortages on deliveries."The timely intervention also contributed to the 25 percent growth in gold deliveries for 2016," said Mr Kunaka.Government targets to produce 24 tonnes of gold this year. The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development together with the RBZ and law enforcement agencies have been working to eliminate leakages from the formal market.Small-scale producers, particularly those who receive payments from FPR through bank transfers, are now entitled to a 5 percent incentive.There is also an aggressive drive to formalise the operations of miners.It is envisaged that the formalisation process would make it easy for the miners to trade formally going forward and ensure the refinery is compliant with the provisions of the Responsible Gold Scheme. The Responsible Gold Scheme seeks to prevent money laundering and financing of terrorism activities which have become rampant in the world, especially in Europe.Mr Kunaka said, "Miners are encouraged to participate in nation building by complying with the gold marketing arrangements put in place by Government."Selling the gold to black market buyers who smuggle it out of the country will only mean that we continue to register high unemployment levels."
The fortunes of a local woman took a disastrous turn when she loaned her car to her son so he could take her granddaughter to school.

Her son was arrested on suspicion of credit-card fraud in Oro Valley and police seized the womans orange 2005 Mini Cooper, which she said in court documents she needed to drive to her $14-an-hour job at Red Lobster.

She hired a lawyer  the court does not provide lawyers in civil matters  to challenge the seizure and subsequent forfeiture proceedings. Authorities agreed on July 7 to return her car, but first she had to pay $2,000 into the Pima County Anti-Racketeering Fund, with $1,500 going to Oro Valley police and $500 to the County Attorneys Office.

In her case and four others recently settled in Pima County, prosecutors decided to return the vehicle, implying it was not subject to forfeiture. So why did the owner have to pay?

The agreements were reached through confidential negotiations, not by a judges ruling in open court, so the public record does not provide a clear answer to that question.

Arizonas forfeiture laws deter vehicle owners from allowing their property to be used in criminal activity, Chief Deputy County Attorney Amelia Cramer said.

But defense attorneys and civil rights advocates describe the payments as one more strand in a web of unconstitutional laws designed to give advantages to prosecutors as they face organized-crime defendants. They say forfeiture laws frequently ensnare regular people, who must hire a lawyer to navigate forfeiture proceedings and overcome the presumption of guilt inherent in such cases.

Because they have to hire an attorney  and they might end up having to pay the states legal fees as well  they risk losing more than they stand to gain.

Is it worth spending legal fees that might amount to the value of the car to get the car back? asked defense lawyer Jeffrey Rogers, who represented a client in one recent settlement.

People who file claims over a seized vehicle face another daunting dilemma, Rogers said. If they lose, they are on the hook both for their own attorneys fees and the states costs.

On the other hand, the complete unfairness of the statute does not force the state to pay the attorneys fees of the claimant if the claimant prevails, Rogers said.

FUNDS GO TO LAW ENFORCEMENT

Forfeitures take place under state laws that let authorities seize property used in criminal activity or purchased with money that comes from criminal activity, Cramer said. Those funds are then given to law enforcement.

Authorities also must be wary of a common practice by criminal organizations to register vehicles under the names of straw owners in an attempt to avoid forfeiture, she said.

If a vehicle owner is the familys sole breadwinner, prosecutors may settle for humanitarian reasons, she said.

In her annual list of significant accomplishments, County Attorney Barbara LaWall said her offices forfeiture unit received $367,500 in 2015, $550,000 in 2014 and $477,000 in 2013. Detectives working with a Drug Enforcement Administration task force seized $7.5 million in property during those years.

The County Attorneys Office, which reported 394 seized vehicles submitted for forfeiture by law enforcement in 2014 and 275 in 2015, does not track how many vehicle seizures are challenged or how many vehicles are returned to their owners.

Anecdotal evidence from weekly reviews of court records by the Star indicates many vehicle forfeitures are unchallenged.

LOANED CARS SEIZED

Arizonas innocent third-party defense protects people who could not reasonably be expected to know their vehicle would be used in a crime.

Cramer said there were no innocent third parties among the five recent settlements. In four of the cases, owners said they loaned their vehicles to their children or friends and had no knowledge of any crimes.

Attorney Rogers, who represented a man who loaned his 2002 BMW to a friend arrested for selling drugs, said the case was typical and ended with a compromise in which his client agreed to pay $1,500 to the multi-agency Counter Narcotics Alliance and $500 to the County Attorneys Office, as well as $190 in storage and towing fees.

Officers seized a 2013 Toyota Corolla in August 2015 at an illegal marijuana grow site in Tucson. The owner of the car said he let his son, who was arrested at the grow site, use the car, but that he had no knowledge of the grow site. His sons name was on the registration, but the father said his son did not pay for the car in any way.

Prosecutors agreed to return the car in February in exchange for $3,431 and $316 in storage and towing fees. The Counter Narcotics Alliance received $2,573 and the County Attorneys Office received $858.

In another case, defense lawyer Kristi Bang-Simon said her client, who works for the Mexican government combating corruption in Sonora, was horrified to learn his vehicle may have been used in a criminal enterprise after he loaned it to a friend.

His 2014 Volkswagen Passat was seized in September. Prosecutors agreed to return the car in June in exchange for $2,000, with $1,500 going to Oro Valley police and $500 to the County Attorneys Office.

In the fifth case  the only one where the owner was accused of a crime  Brandon Moores truck was seized in August when he was arrested for robbery and drug possession. He later pleaded guilty to a shoplifting charge and paid $1,500 to Tucson police and $500 to the County Attorneys Office in exchange for the truck.

Forfeiture laws originally offered prosecutors a way to go after drug traffickers, racketeers, and organized crime, Rogers said. But their expanded use has made them the subject of controversy.

A Pinal County woman and the ACLU are arguing in U.S. District Court that county authorities violated her constitutional rights by seizing a truck she loaned to her son, who was accused of stealing car parts.

Also, civil asset forfeiture reform efforts appear to be gaining steam at the state Legislature and in states across the country.

State Rep. Bob Thorpe, a Republican from Flagstaff, proposed a bill in the most recent legislative session that would have required a criminal conviction before authorities could seize property. Thats what New Mexico did last year.

My concerns primarily are with people who dont fit the RICO definition, people who are not racketeers, who are not drug cartel members, things like that, Thorpe said at a March 24 hearing at the House Government and Higher Education Committee.

Thorpes bill did not become law, but the hearing showed support for reform coming from odd bedfellows like the progressive ACLU and libertarian Goldwater Institute.

In recent years, legislatures in California, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Vermont, as well as New Mexico, have approved higher thresholds for asset seizure.
Even though special master Ken Feinberg, who was in charge of the first federal Sept. 11 Victim Compensation Fund, distributed $6 billion to the estates of those killed on 9/11  an average of more than $2 million to the nearly 3,000 victims  the House of Representatives passed its new Fairness for 9/11 Families Act to allow additional claims for the deaths inflicted by the terrorists and set aside $2.7 billion for them.
Help India!

By TCN News,

Ahmedabad: While the Dalit community is protesting strongly against the public beating of four youths in Una of Gujarat, one youth who had attempted suicide after the humiliating incident died today fuelling more anti-BJP emotion within the community.

Support TwoCircles



Yogesh Sarikhada, 23, one of the 20 Dalit youth who had consumed poison on July 19 during the statewide protests against thrashing of Dalits in Una for skinning a dead cow on July 11, died during the treatment in Ahmedabad on Sunday morning.

Sarkhada had attempted suicide along with two others at Parabari village in Dhoraji taluka of Rajkot. He had consumed a mixture of acid and pesticide with two after which he was taken to Rajkot Civil Hospital. Few days later he was shifted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital where he took his last breath today.

We brought him from Rajkot to Ahmedabad because his condition deteriorated there. Here he was declared dead in the morning, said his relative who informed media about his death.

Four Dalits were thrashed inhumanly on July 11 by a cow protection vigilante group, a video clip of which gone viral and attracted nationwide condemnation.

Dalits have been protesting against this humiliating incident in the country. A large congregation the Dalit Mahasammelan was organized by Una Dalit Atyachar Ladat Samiti (UDALS) at Acher Depot in Sabarmati today to send a message to the state government. During the gathering, the community exhibited a major show of strength here and exhorted for an end to social discrimination, oppression and political apathy. Thousands of Dalits mainly from north Gujarat and Saurashtra participated in the gathering.

Determined to ensure that no breach of peace occurs, the city police had planned heavy deployment of personnel at the meeting organized near GSRTC depot. The mass gathering of Dalits concluded peacefully today afternoon which was described as non-political by organizers; however it was full of anti-BJP government speeches in parts.

The gathering was organized by various NGOs that are into Dalit activism. Nearly 10,000 people attended this gathering. Former IPS Rahul Sharma addressed the congregation and said he would lead a yatra from Ahmedabad to Una between 5-15 August. He also told the gathering that he would hoist national tricolor in Una on 15 August.

Mahendra Solanki, a member of Dalit community from Rajkot, said during a protest that Sarikhada belonged to Moti Parabadi village of Rajkot district and compared his death with suicide of Hyderabad University student Rohith Vemula.

Another Rohit Vemula has died protesting against atrocities on Dalits, he said.

One of key organizers Jignesh Mevani said culprits in Una atrocity case must not be freed in future or they would harass the victim family. They should be sent back to prison under PASA.

To give a strong message to the Government, I urge all Dalits to discontinue the work of disposing dead animals. I also want you to take a pledge of discontinuing the work of cleaning sewer lines. We no longer wish to do this work and want Government to allot agriculture land to us, so that we can live a respectable life, said Mevani.

If atrocities on Dalits do not stop, Dalits will show their strength in the 2017 Assembly polls, he asserted, targeting the BJP Government in the State.

He demanded special courts to deal with atrocity cases. Mevani, a young boy who was the face of congregation has been associated with Aam Aadmi Party(AAP). Mevani who is also a lawyer was lastly in news when he defended an advertisement by Human Development and Research Center (HDRC), an NGO run by St Xaviers Non-Formal Education Society, seeking toilet cleaners from general category castes.

Talking about growing support for the protest, Mevani told IANS, You might feel the number of people is much less, but this should be understood from the point of view that it is for the first time there has been such a Dalit uprising in Gujarat, and that too without support of any political party.Even the support from the Muslims has been on their own volition.

They came and expressed their solidarity, he said. Mevani added that Dalits and Muslims are travelling in the same boat in Gujarat
News / Agriculture

by Stephen Jakes

Deputy Minister of Agriculture Paddy Zhanda has hailed the ARDA farms in Matabaleland South at Maphisa saying they have successfully produced good yields.This was after Chief Nyangazonke who hails from Kezi asked him if the community will benefit from the proceeds of the project."Yes, there has been a good out turn at the ARDA farms in Matabeleland South, particularly in Matobo. The benefit that is going to accrue to the local people obviously is the issue of creation of employment. Moreso, the broader benefit is the issue of producing food for the country," Zhanda said."There has been good production taking place, for example, at Mapisa project, last year, there was good production of wheat that took place there. There was an average of eight tonnes/ha OF maize."He said this year again, there is wheat and maize and so the revival of ARDA Estates and use of irrigation is a good element, taking into consideration that the estates have been lying furrow for a very long time."As Zimbabwe, we should congratulate ARDA on the work they are doing on a Joint Venture basis. The fact of the matter is that, the use of the idle furrow land is going to benefit the country. It is also going to create employment and more so, to reduce our import bill which has caused a lot of cash shortage in the market," he said.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

The Standard: The VP has said your allegations are unfounded and that he is not worried about what you are saying. He likened you to a dog that is barking in the wilderness.



Chimene:

The Standard : What do you say to allegations that you were sent by First Lady Grace Mugabe and G40 to further their agenda against Mnangagwa?





The Standard : Why did you have to wait for that rally to tell Mugabe that some ministers no longer respected him and that Mnangagwa is the leader of the Lacoste faction?

The Standard: But why not use other ways to raise such issues rather than resorting to a rally to tell the president that his deputy is plotting to topple him?





Chimene:



The Standard : Do you have any evidence that Mnangagwa leads the so-called Lacoste faction as you alleged?





Chimene:



The Standard : You were referred to as the acting chairperson for the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association. Were your actions not in violation of a court order that said you must not masquerade as leader of the association?





Chimene:

Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandiitawepi Chimene insists that Vice President Emmerson Mnangaghwa is plotting to oust President Robert Mugabe.On Wednesday last week, Chimene told Mugabe that his deputy is leading a faction, Team Lacoste which is angling to topple him.On Saturday, Mnangagwa distanced himself from Team Lactoste pledging unwavering allegiance to Mugabe.However, according to the Standard, Chimene is adamant that Mnangagwa is brewing mischief.Below is part of an interview with Chimene ;Hold on there, you mean he is now able to speak out and he has responded to what we are saying? So you mean the VP now can talk on these issues? Well, you said he said we are barking, fair and fine, it's good that he now can respond.But this is unfortunate, he has only found his voice now because we expected him to respond when these things started.He should have told people like Matemadanda [Victor], Mahiya [Douglas] and those youths who have been doing this thing in his name that they are barking like dogs. Surely, he can't tell us that just because we have asked him to come out clean.He allowed his name to be used and abused, I assume, going by what he said, and today he tells us we are barking. we will bark in support of our president, not rebels.When people were declaring him to be the next leader, he did not say they were barking, he remained quiet, now today, he is telling us we are barking, let him think so.Chimene : I don't know anything called G40. that is a creation of people in Lacoste, those who have been supporting the VP and that is why we are saying no to being divided as Zanu PF.I am not a member of any faction and will not be. I respect the interests of my president and party leader Cde RG Mugabe.We have no agenda at all. For your own information, what I said there represents the views and cries of many genuine war veterans and Zanu PF activists who feel those successionists who are dividing us must leave us united as we came from the bush.Chimene: That was a platform presented to us as war veterans to present our grievances to the party.We have been waiting for the VP to speak out and state his position on the matter, but we realised he was being quiet while the party was being divided.All we are saying is, if the VP wants to topple the president, let him come out today and we go to congress so that we see what will become of him. We don't support illegal means of taking over.We have been quiet for too long and I think it's time we call a spade a spade. We should learn to tell each other the truth and build each other as we go. What they have been doing is disgusting; they have been doing it publicly, killing the party publicly, and should we just watch that happening like that? No.When you want it, we will present it to you. But surely, are you serious in your question? Did you not read and hear [war veterans leader Christopher] Mutsvangwa and his cabal saying they want VP Mnangagwa to take over?Have you not seen the same people and some more, especially the youths, who have publicly said they are team Lacoste? If you have not seen that, then there is a problem with your eyes.Was the court there when we went to war? I was not invited to the liberation struggle by a court. In any case, I am just a caretaker leader. I will not be there forever.I am not chairperson material. I enjoy being led by those who have the experience and value of the liberation struggle. I went to war in 1976 and it would be impossible for me to lead those who went to war in 1972. What value will I be bringing to them?They have the war experience, understand the war better than me and have endured more than me. So those who think that Mandi wants to take over forever should think twice. Please tell them clearly, I am only a care taker leader, they must not worry about me too much
The Festival 2016

Running from the 3rd to the 29th of August, The Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2016has the city braced for a whirlwind month packed with Comedy, Theatre, Dance and Physical Circus, Cabaret, Musicals and Opera, a Digital Arts Festival, talks from leading political figures and so much more! This year, the Fringe will be spread across well over 300 venues as it infuses itself right in the heart of the city. There will be over 50,000 performances in what is widely consider as one of the world's most dynamic and revolutionaryartsfestivals.

A Unique Atmosphere

The Fringe really does make Edinburghthe place to befor August. Visitors from all over the world are welcomed with open arms to a city where a large TV monitor, placed on the Royal Mile, displays the words: "Welcome World". There is a friendly warmth that fills the streets, whatever the weather, as students, University buildings, bars, pubs and clubs welcome and host a tremendous array of artistic talent. The Fringe is the Festival where the UK top comics share venues and stages with unheralded newcomers; this openness and tolerance of difference is reflected in every crevice of the city.

Something For Everyone

With The Fringe being the world's largest arts festival, there really is choice on offer that fits all tastes.

Fringe favourites such as comedians Paul Merton and Russell Howard will feature in the media's limelight and there will be a popular production of Shakespeare's Richard III at the Royal Lyceum Theatre. There will also be an ample supply of political humour with Brexitset to feature strongly on stage this year. Also widely tipped to do very well is Camille O'Sullivan's 'The Carny Dream' where the Fringe signing star seeks to reset the work of David Bowie - amongst others - in this year's show.

However, the best tip is without doubt to arrive in Edinburgh and see where your feet take you. There is an enchanting excitement to a unplanned day at The Fringe where one move round paid shows, The Free Fringe and passes by the street artists offering a curious glance at the weird wonders that meet your eyes.

It is impossible to see all of The Fringe, but it is essential you make an effort to see some of it.
Indian Television is a bizarre place; people die, come back to life, reincarnate as flies and snakes and the list of madness just goes on. But when it came to Star Pluss longest running and the most loved show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, the makers made sure they did not have to resort to any such crazy acts.

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehalata Hai finally gets back Naitik.

When the main lead actor Karan Mehra who played the role of Naitik Singhania left the show post a long relationship of 7 years, both the makers and the die-hard fans of the show were in a fix.

The fans had no clue what would happen to Naitiks character and if the makers will ever be able to bring back Karan Mehra on the cast.

As predicted Karan Mehra is indeed not returning to the show in spite of many rumors claiming the opposite. In recent developments that have surfaced through online reports, it is quite clear that the makers are not killing the character but replacing the actor.

Karan Mehra not returning to the show.

On Karan Mehras exit, the makers of the showhas reportedly actually shot two scenarios, one of Naitiks kidnap and one that of his death. But as soon as the fans got to know about this rumored possibility, there was a huge outrage on social media against it. Also the fact that some reports suggested that Naitiks wife on the show Akshara Singhania played by Hina Khan was not ready to essay the role of a widow.

Vishal Singh rumored to be the new Naitik.

So the biggest news till now if online reports are to be believed is that Vishal Singh of the famous 1990s show Dekh Bhai Dekh has replaced Karan Mehra as Naitik. Vishal was recently seen in Sony TVs Parvarrish where he played father to young kids. Given the fact that he has already quite nicely essayed the role of a father of rebellious kids on a recent show, one can say that Vishal Singh seems to be a good choice.

Reports also claim that Vishals entry will be grand and will be shot in Switzerland in August. Till then we will have to wait and watch if the audiences and the loyal fans of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata hai accept Vishal Singh as the new Naitik Singhania.
News / National

by Munyaradzi Musiiwa

TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Joram Gumbo has ordered a forensic audit to establish the correct cost of the Plumtree-Harare highway amid concerns that it could have been exaggerated or inflated by the contracted companies.The rehabilitation of the 820-kilometre Plumtree-Bulawayo-Harare-Mutare Highway project was done by Infralink, a joint venture between Zinara and Group Five International of South Africa using a $206 million loan secured from the Development Bank of Southern Africa.In an interview last week, Dr Gumbo confirmed that the ministry had ordered a forensic audit into the project after suspecting that the cost could have been inflated by the contractors.He, however, said the ministry was not on a witch hunt mission but wanted the projects and the contractors to be transparent as far as the road resurfacing and reconstruction were concerned."We have ordered a forensic audit into the Plumtree-Mutare Road which was said to have cost $206 million. What we want is transparency because these are public funds. We need to be accountable and we must not enter into these deals blindfolded," he said.The road rehabilitation project also included the construction of toll plazas. The project has created jobs for scores of people along the communities where upgrading was being done with several local firms sub-contracted for various services.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

War veterans minister Tshinga Dube has hinted that he will beg liberation fighters chairman Christopher Mutsvangwa to step down as they prepare for a special congress.Dube said Zanu PF "cannot fold its hands and watch the war veterans' association going astray. The party has to take a stand" he is quoted saying by Sunday Mail.Mutsvangwa was recently expelled from Zanu PF but still leads the association which is an affiliate to Zanu PF.President Robert Mugabe engaged war veterans last Wednesday in Harare and instructed them to elect new leadership."President Mugabe took a stance to call for a new leadership of war veterans, and as the Minister responsible, I will work to do what is best for these comrades."This process of leadership renewal for war veterans is going to be done constitutionally without violating the principles of the association."We are also going to approach the leader, Cde Mutsvangwa, to persuade him that for the good of the war veterans, he needs to step aside" said Dube.Dube said "Mutsvangwa would be trying the impossible if he wants to continue leading the war veterans."In the very near future, war veterans are going for a congress where they will choose a new leader. In terms of the dates, I am not at liberty to divulge it"."As it stands, it is very difficult for them to work under the current leadership when their leader, Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa, has been expelled from the party because of behaviour that is against the principles of Zanu-PF."Although it is a sovereign association, it cannot be separated from the party."This is because war veterans and Zanu-PF share the same revolutionary principles, and they cannot do without one another."So, you have to understand that war veterans and Zanu-PF share the same DNA".
SOE reform offers route to greater efficiency Updated: 2016-07-27 16:04 By xinhua(China Daily USA)

A mega-merger in China's tourism sector marks the latest step forward in the country's drive to improve the efficiency of its bloated State-owned enterprises. China International Travel Service Group Corp is now a wholly owned subsidiary of China National Travel Service (HK) Group Corp, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission said in a statement earlier this week.

The marriage of the two former competitors will allow for higher SOE efficiency, larger market share and better profit performance of State-owned assets, said Shen Meng, executive director of Chanson Capital, a boutique investment bank.

The new entity, which will register revenues of at least 52 billion yuan ($7.8 billion) and assets of at least 116 billion yuan, will become "one of the largest travel service companies" in China, offering diversified products and services, said Lu Chenyi, a Moody's vice-president and senior analyst.

The merger will improve the efficiency of the two corporations through business synergies, enhance their competitiveness in terms of scale and global reach in the industry and increase cost savings through shared resources, Lu said.

China is overhauling its SOEs, encouraging mergers and acquisitions between some of its biggest conglomerates while shutting loss-making ones.

The country has seen a mega-merger between its two largest trainmakers, CNR Corp Ltd and CSR Corp Ltd, approved a merger between China Metallurgical Group and China Minmetals Corp, both of which are Fortune 500 companies, and created the world's fourth-largest container shipper through the merger of China Ocean Shipping Group and China Shipping (Group) Co.

China has more than 150,000 SOEs. They play a pivotal role in bolstering the economy and providing employment, with total assets worth about 125 trillion yuan as of the end of May.

The combined profits of these State firms saw a decline of 9.6 percent year-on-year in the first five months, despite warming signs in the broader economy.

Shen said China's SOE reform has entered a crucial stage and more SOE mergers and acquisitions may be expected in the second half of the year.

The next stage of SOE reform will feature overcapacity reduction, optimal relocation of similar resources and specialized operations, said Li Jin, chief analyst with the China Enterprise Research Institute.

However, an economic slowdown, which trimmed the country's GDP growth to 6.7 percent in the first quarter, has bitten into SOEs' profitability and left many struggling to keep afloat.

To reverse the situation, policymakers are promoting an overhaul of SOEs, piloting mixed ownership programs, encouraging mergers and acquisitions, and downsizing overstaffed companies.

President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang gave written advice on the development of SOEs to a national meeting on SOE reform earlier this week.

Xi demanded continued efforts to enhance SOEs' vitality, competitiveness and risk resistance, and to establish a modern corporate governance system.

The premier urged SOEs to slash excess production capacity, boost technological innovation and upgrade traditional industries.

In fact, many SOEs still have huge investments in lackluster traditional heavy industries and are overburdened by high operational costs and long payrolls, according to Xiao Yaqing, head of the Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council.

More efforts are needed to improve State-owned asset management and change rigid corporate governance, Xiao said.

A visitor (left), takes a photo with an exhibition staff member at a recent international tourism expo in Beijing. Chen Xiaogen / For China Daily

(China Daily USA 07/27/2016 page16)
At least five killed in Al-Shabaab attack in Somalia's Mogadishu Updated: 2016-07-31 19:51 (Xinhua)

Print Mail Large Medium Small  0

MOGADISHU -- At least five people were killed and several others were injured on Sunday in twin car bomb blasts at the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in the capital city of Mogadishu.



Police said the blasts hit the gate of the CID headquarters before militants stormed the building. Spontaneous gunfire could be heard.



The militant group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group, fighting against the Somali government, frequently stages attacks in Mogadishu.



"There were two huge bombings near Somali's Criminal Investigations Department. I have seen black smoke rising from the place," Jamal Omar, an eye witness, told Xinhua.



The death toll could rise, Abdirashid Hamud, a police officer at the scene told Xinhua by phone. The CID headquarters is located alongside on a busy road.



Al-Shabaab, which literally means "The Youth" or "The Youngsters" in Arabic, is a terrorist group based in East Africa. The militant group battles with the UN-backed government in Somalia, and has carried out a string of attacks in neighboring Kenya.



Allied to al-Qaeda, the group has been pushed out of most of the main towns it once controlled, but it remains a potent threat to peace and stability in the region.
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News / Regional

by Ndou Paul

ZAPU leader Dr. Dumiso Dabengwa has warned the President Robert Mugabe not to let the ZANU-PF implosion and succession crisis degenerate the nation of Zimbabwe into disorder as economic and social problems bedevilling the country are going from bad to worse.At a rally in Plumtree, Matebeleland South on Saturday, Dabengwa said more impunity may lead to distrust in those who claim to stand for the interests of "the people".He said, "On the contrary, the hallmark of the present regime is its inability to review past mistakes and gross misconduct so as to take corrective action.Dabengwa said: "What is more ominous is the deteriorating political stability of the country as President Mugabe senses challenges from every bush in his party."In my statement to our party meeting held in Avoca in Insiza South District on 25 June this year I compared the repressive behaviour to a double-edged razor blade that cuts both ways."I said many in the ruling party were shocked at the violence threatened on war veterans who had been foot-soldiers of the regime but were now questioning some trends and actions."We can go further now to liken the ZANU-PF president's behaviour to a slippery razor blade that is poised to make even more arbitrary cuts on all and sundry for personal survival."There is a resounding failure in the President's failure to separate personal, party and national roles.Dabengwa urges the president to think of the country and not let it be affected by the ongoing crisis within the ruling party.He said: "Even at this late hour we should continue to implore the ruling party and its leader: "Don't die with the country; let your party go through its crisis and not take down country with it. Manage internal transition without involving state power.""That is a minimum remedy for averting a collapse of our systems by respecting the rule of law within and without the political establishment."There is need to stop threats bordering on illegal measures and infringement of civil liberties directed at war veterans.""Abuse of the legal system to settle political scores, and unrestrained ZANU-PF youth threats of violence on perceived opponents can end up in disrespect for the law and dispute resolution channels."This is more-so because these threats to civil liberties come on top of unexplained disappearances of political activists like Itai Dzamara, while there is increasing misuse of force to deal with peaceful demonstrations."
Opinion / Columnist

hes:



"I ask Tony Blair to remove his pink nose away from Zimbabwe" said Mugabe.



"So Blair keep you're England, I will keep my Zimbabwe" said Mugabe.



"Zimbabwe will never be a colony again" said Mugabe.



"Zimbabwe is for Zimbabwe and so are our resources" said Mugabe.





We must continue to strike fear in the heart of the white man, our real enemy," said Mugabe.



"We don't mind having sanctions banning us from Europe, we are not Europeans," said Mugabe.

"We are not hungry, why foist this food upon us. We don't want to be choked, we have enough," said Mugabe.





"It may be necessary to use methods other than constitutional ones," said Mugabe.



"The white man is not indigenous of Africa," said Mugabe.



"Zimbabwe will never be a colony again," said Mugabe.



"Zimbabwe is for Zimbabweans and so are our resources," said Mugabe.





"The only white man we trust is a dead one," said Mugabe.



"I am still the Hitler of the time. This Hitler had only one objective: justice for his people, sovereignty for his people, recognition for independence his people and their rights over their resources, if that is Hitler, then let me be Hitler ten times, tenfold, that is what we stand for," said Mugabe.

Their language use is tantamount to hate-speeches. How many times have the West been told to "go hang?" It's some African-Zimbabweans who allow themselves to dwell on insults, sometimes unprovoked, insulting the British, the Americans, and the Europeans, together with their financial institutions: the World Bank, The Paris Club! If you tell them to "go hang," why go again to beg them for some financial relief, ask them to give Zimbabwe some lines of credit? Look-East policy failed dismally and nobody talks about China as friend in need and the Chinese Renminbi to adopt as the currency to replace US dollar.But out of their pure kindness, the West will still give food-aid to the most vulnerable families in our societies millions of dollars worth of Food-Aid. If they don't divert their tax payer's money to feed the famine-stricken Zimbabweans, the government would never give a dame. The plight of El Nino-stricken-peasant farmers that brought no food on the table the past three years is only known to the west to open their purses and give. Just yesterday a Member of Parliament from the Movement for Democratic Change was cursing in parliament using his parliament mandate, telling the West to "go hang" he said. MDC-T a political party that benefited so much from the assistance of western countries should be the last to utter such hate-speeches towards western countries.Someone must give me one example that evidences that our government of Zimbabwe cares about the wellbeing of its citizens. In retrospect they care less, look down upon us, the government is there to serve Mugabe and not the other way round. It is Mugabe first and foremost, seconded by his cronies that bootlick him and not about Zimbabwean populations. We witnessed not so long ago a policeman who accused a woman for taking part in the "close down Zimbabwe demonstrations." She had a baby on her back, a baby that was snatched from her so that she gets a barbaric beating from the police. It was not only the pain all over her body that she suffered, it was combined with the shame too as her body-parts that command decency in every human being were exposed to the onlookers. When they tell us that Africans are uncivilised we cry racism! They do not call Africa a dark continent for nothing. Some traits in our midst still reflect crudeness and backwardness of life.This child in particular will grow up with that picture of his/her mother who was brutalized by the police, an institution that was supposed to protect her. She/he experienced this and will never be told how her mother was humiliated, how is she/he going to take it, is this child ever going to trust anybody?For some reasons one cannot explain some residents would look on such barbaric acts of human atrocities without acting to defend the most vulnerable in our societies; the woman and her child! Absolute meting pain has become another level consumption in the public, a free violent-bioscope, just like beer drinking in the public! Such a situation can never happen anywhere in civilised countries, beating their own citizens in that barbaric fashion, a woman for that matter in the presence of all in the street surrounding to see! Because of fear, it sent none to stop the police from beating the poor woman. Or just crying loudly to prevent the police from beating her, at best they should have left the vicinity never to witness such brutality, No! They looked on instead showing signs of indifference.The "shut-down" that took place in Zimbabwe was mainly because the civil servants were not paid accompanied by general dissatisfaction of the citizens that been tolerated for years. Our brave and eloquent young leader Pastor Evans Mawarire took the brave lead, bravery can indeed be emulated. Lives were lost including a child who died in his home when a tear gas was thrown through the window to punish a woman who never took part in the demonstrations in the first place. In that short space of time people used that chaos to square up their personal vendettas by false accusations: falsely pointed their fingers at personal enemies who were actually at home never were they near the demonstrations, were punished to death, the child died.The magnitude and the levels of hate and pain dwelling in Zimbabwe can never usher a healthy nation at all. This hate comes from the top: first from the President Mugabe himself. Mugabe knows only hate speeches ever since independence of this country in 1980. Is it possible, with the political and economic globalisation, that a President publicly displays at the glare of international press, will tell the war veterans that he will punish them, will not kill them???? Robert Mugabe is known for telling the people that he is turning right while in actual fact he will be turning left. Those war veterans will be harmed, we all know this and the war veterans know this too. Ever since Robert Mugabe took over as Head of Zanu it has been killings, whoever questioned his authority openly.Mugabe has always managed his politics of hate, divideand-rule principle and his killing machinery. He is never short of people who will do the killing for him. The first elections of 1980 in Zimbabwe were so violent and threats were used, nobody could have possibly voted for another party either than Zanu PF in all parts of Mashonalands, just to serve their skins, certainly not by any political ideology and conviction that Zanu was the best party to vote for. Even Comrade Rugare Gumbo will concur that Zanu lost its political compass and political ideology when they collectively chose Robert Mugabe as their leader in 1974.Since then Zanu Pf began to serve only one person called Robert Mugabe before independence and after. When they tried to make a corrective, reverse the leadership of Robert Mugabe to somebody a better qualified leader, lives were lost, those who were lucky like Comrade Dzino and Rugare Gumbo, they were sent to Mozambiquean notorious prisons and they languished there for three years until independence. Ironically just three days ago, 27th of July 2016, Mugabe tells the war vets about what he actually did to Dzino and his comrades in Mozambique, gloatingly without scruple, when they tried to ditch him for another leader. Remember too that there were women in those notorious prisons. Those women-victims who survived from these notorious Mozambiquean prisons have been forever silenced as if they never contributed to the noble cause of liberating Zimbabwe; politics is indeed a dirty trade. We know too that after the Lancaster conference, Cde Tongogara wanted a united a Patriotic Front to go for elections; we know Mugabe and his inner circle said nope! Zanu PF will go it alone, Comrade Tongogara died mysteriously too just like all of them who died because of mysterious deaths.Just like Adolf Hitler who never went to concentration camps where Jews were brutally butchered, Mugabe never did the actual killings himself but he sent killer-squads to do the dirty work for him. Both Adolf Hitler and Robert Mugabe feared those death places, fear that humanness will in a split second visit them and tell their conscience what they are doing is wrong. To remain rulers they should maintain this inhumanness at all cost until they die. He will need to account personally for the disappearance of our Itai Dzamara.The worst mistake that Ami Teurai Ropa Mujuru could do in her life was not to send a loud shrill when her husband died. If a man of General Solomon Mujuru's military credentials dies mysteriously of a house fire, and his wife Joyce, with all the careless utterances, come out loudly, silencing voices that were rightfully pointing to the killers of her husband, then I do not understand Zanu politics and will never understand it for once. I wonder if it's ever constructive to dwell into those dark days of the Zanu PF and before independence and after.The concrete steps that we shall have to take in a new Zimbabwe dispensation, together as a nation is to make them accountable for the Gugurahundi atrocities, the hundreds of deaths resulting from farm invasions, the displacement and deaths resulting from Murambatsvina of 2005 the brutal and barbaric killings of 2008 general elections and indeed the suppression of peaceful uprising of 2016 July #ThisFlag " demonstrations. There is evidence enough to bring the perpetrators to the International Court of Justice: the Haig. Genocide ipso facto and crimes against humanity ipso facto were committed in Zimbabwe. Perpetrators of these crimes will be pursued, using judiciary system, they will be tried dead or alive, even Enos Nkala will be tried in his grave in the heroes' acre.Coming back to my today's topic, it does not matter how urgently Zimbabwe needs financial injection to halt economic meltdown, Mr. Chinamasa, Minister of Finance without fiances will not get the money from the money lenders for many reasons: Since the Millennium, the Western countries have taken in a lot of insults coming from the Robert Mugabe and his Zanu PF government. It would be honest to remind them of these silly and sad utterances that impede any friendly developments between countries leading to the lender countries to open the gates to Zimbabwe and access the lines of credit to revive the economy or even debt relief to enable a destitute Zimbabwe's economy a fresh start:Which stupid Europeans are going to open the lines of credit if they, sometimes unprovoked, are constantly feed with such hate speeches from the President supposed be of a democratic country? Professor Chan said Mugabe's remarks and hate speeches are so preposterous and laughable to say the least. Here are some of his hate-speecComments: Such utterances are wholly racist and have no place in a civilized world. Which stupid British institutions will dish lines of credit to Zimbabwe to revive their economy when they hear such preposterous comments coming from a head of state? It's a child-like behaviour of a person of his age to still rant racism and still think the British will continuously and gladly sent an olive-brunch and beg for mercy for their sins of having they colonized Zimbabwe once upon a time.Comments: Again Robert Mugabe thinks Zimbabwe belongs to him. He does not know that Zimbabwe belongs to Zimbabwean people. He appropriated the country's wealth because he thinks all the country's wealth is his and his children and wife.Comments: Which British would want to re-colonize Zimbabwe for whatever reason? Mugabe will spit that vitriol to make himself relevant again, the relevance from Zimbabweans he lost long back.Comments: Did those friendly countries from the East not assist in plundering the very precious resources they boast about? We do not know where the 15 Billion US dollars is to this date. Not even the Zanu PF government knows how they got cheated in the processes relating to their extraction and processing of the good diamonds. Would it not have been better if Dee Beers and Zanu PF government struck a deal of 30:70 direct foreign investment than the clandestine deals that left the country poorer despite all the richness in diamonds finds?Comments: Indeed the Zanu PF government struck fear in the hearts of the white people and especially white farmers. They politely left Zimbabwe and relocated to be farmers in neighbouring countries. The very maize they produce is the very maize that Zimbabwe buys to alleviate famine in rural parts of Zimbabwe. How stupid can Zanu PF policies be? The land reforms were the height of folly. He never for once appreciated the social capital the white population had that defined the bread-basket of Africa.Comments: This statement is very dishonest because everybody knows how Mugabe loves Britain and the British culture, those afternoon teas, biscuits and hot scones. To ban Robert Mugabe from going to England was the worst sanctions Robert Mugabe and his wife Gucci could endure. Having not attended the Royal wedding of Prince William, surely it hit him hard on the British-Monarch-loving Mugabe, as if the British knew how to punish him, to punish him where it hurts most, never near United Kingdom, never near the Queen Elizabeth the Second and never near Prince Charles! That hurt Mugabe, hence his hate-speeches that turned racist.Comments: Zimbabwe is experiencing worst famine we have ever had before in our life time. We have been declared as a red flag famine needy country. Mugabe is so much out of touch of the ordinary people, he thinks the people of Zimbabwe do not have maize yes but they can still have flour to make cakes and eat cakes instead of sadza.Comments: He is a man who is so ruthless as to crush the white farmers who made Zimbabwe a bread-basket. He wants to crush the war veterans. If he was sane, Mugabe would be ashamed of himself; it is the war veterans who elevated him to power way back before independence. But this man called Mugabe has gone senile; he is beyond any normal thinking processes.Comments: All peoples born in Zimbabwe are Zimbabweans regardless of race, tribe, creed, religion. This is enshrined in the national constitution of Zimbabwe. A civilized President of a country should know this. Mugabe says it may be necessary to use methods other than constitutional ones! Where do methods of not being constitutional start and where do they stop? Farm invasions are madness like no other, there is no rule of law. Now they are invading each other's farms: blacks against blacks! The law is in the hands of Zanu PF cronies, are now publicly undoing each other shamelessly.Comments: Some rhetoric from a self-loving Mugabe, self-pleasing despot to polishes his egoComments: Some rhetoric from a self-loving Mugabe to self pleasing and polishes his ego Will it be possible if the UK said the same to refugees from Zimbabwe seeking protection from their black government of Robert Mugabe? There are three quarters million Zimbabweans in the UK & Ireland seeking genuine protection and assistance from their colonial master Britain. They will be harmed some of them if they returned to Zimbabwe.Comments: Who is going to respect a President who can utter such stupidity in the public and he is proud about his vitriol? This statement is just racist and has no place in civilized nations. Did we fight Ian Douglas Smith's racism to replace it with racism?Comments: This shows how ignorant Robert Mugabe. If he read history of the World Wars in Europe he was going to know the reasons behind the German Reich imperialism back then. He was going to be sensitive about the horrors of war and never used to hurt the other. All these reasons given by Robert Mugabe about Hitler are slurs. He gives such slurs as reasons to why Hitler took Germany to war. But because Robert Mugabe and Zanu PF dwell on falsehood and provocative slurs, he has to be seen to be saying something greater than thunder to please the ignorant constituency that will give it a laugh and he will be full of it. He is trying to find big words that will hurt the Europeans, hurt them by any references to WW2, it is no doubt very hurtful too. Where ignorance is just bliss, its folly to still be wise meaning! This is how a red line is crossed by a despot called President Mugabe.As a conclusion, dear Western countries keep your money and Robert will keep his Zimbabwe, period! You cannot be dishing money to finance Hotel bills (Mphoko's bills at Sheraton Hotel) of two and half years as if Zimbabwe does not have decent homes to live in. Zanu PF knows that it will be game-over soon with Zanu administration, so they will try and loot as much as they can before they leave to faraway places where they will be out of reach of our thunder of anger towards them. When Finance Minister Chinamasa asks for money can you please remind him of those Mphoko's hotel costs of 1000 US dollars a day. Tell him point blank they should stop this extravaganza of life styles for themselves, but still nursing a comatose economy.Nothing is being done to improve the lives of common people. Those chickens that the VP Mphoko is distributing around cannot resuscitate the economy, and make Bulawayo an industrial city again, in retrospect, it is some gesture to feel good about himself. There is some rumour that the son of Chinamasa smuggled 7 million US dollars to South Africa. How substantiated that rumour is, we still do not know, no smoke without fire. Ask Minister Chinamasa where do Ministers in Zanu PF government, the Kasukuweres, get the money to build 52 bedroom mansions? If this young man Kasukuwere has minimum of four children what does he need 50 bedrooms for? The money Minister Chinamasa is begging from the West is to be looted and spent on most stupid and ridiculous luxuries around Harare all in the name of indigenisation, failed indigenisation policies.The finance minister Chinamasa thinks he can bully Britain to submission; by telling them "you cannot wish us away," he said. He rudely reminds them of their colonial responsibility the British have towards Zimbabwe, but Zimbabwe is 36 years independent a sovereign state. If you are begging, your wording should be polite and not bully and not insults and hate-speeches by the President of Zimbabwe. The times, they are changing. The young politicians in the British establishment including Tony Blair do not even consult how that "Lancaster Agreement was worded, they were all in colleges of learning, and hence they do "not know" the document. They choose not to make reference of it when they make their fiscal decisions, to say nope to give Zimbabwe lines of credit. This colonial guilt Chinamasa wants to provoke and to use it to get lines of credit does not arguer well with Prime Ministers David Cameron or Teresa May. It may have worked with Margaret Thatcher or John Major, certainly not the younger crop of British politicians. They cannot be held at ransom by self serving politicians of Southern Rhodesia. They will cry again if Boris Johnson called them pikininis, but it's their temper tantrum that is like little children!Even if you gave them lines of credit, they will abuse them as they do not have the culture of paying back what they owe to lender institutions. Zanu PF knows how to "take" and never give back. It is not that you want Zimbabwe to crush and burn, not at all, you are giving enough food-aid to the most vulnerable in our societies anywhere. In other words you have extended your benefit-departments to Zimbabwe, a country that cannot manage its economy with 13 million people, it is on its knees, economically but still at it with hate- speeches none stop, biting the hand that feeds them. #Myflag ! Hatichachka, Asisesabi, tajamuka!
HCM CITY  The Viet Nam Northern Food Corporation (Vinafood 1) has begun buying salt from farmers who have faced declining prices but have large inventories.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development last month told Vinafood 1, which is a State-owned corporation, to buy the salt from farmers, until the end of September.

Farmers in Ninh Thuan, Ben Tre and Bac Lieu provinces and HCM City have the largest salt stockpiles.

Vinafood 1 is paying VN600 a kilo, about VN100 higher than the market price.

In the 2015-16 salt production season, farmers nationwide had a bumper salt harvest because of prolonged heat.

However, salt prices dropped dramatically and farmers were stuck with a large quantity of salt.

In the central province of Ninh Thuan, the countrys largest salt producer, many farmers have a large quantity of salt.

Farmer Truong Van Luong in Ninh Thuans Ninh Hai District said his family produced 20 tonnes of salt this year, but could sell only two tonnes.

The price of salt was too low, he said, adding that if he sold the remaining salt, the money could not cover production costs.

As of mid-July, farmers in Ninh Thuan had sold salt produced by traditional methods at a price of VN400,000 (US$18) a tonne, down VN100,000 against the same period last year.

Farmers could only earn profits when the price of salt produced by traditional methods was above VN500,000 a tonne, according to the provinces farmers.

Ninh Thuan has about 3,600ha of salt with annual output of 350,000 tonnes. Of the salt output, about 80 per cent is produced by companies and the remaining by farmers.

About 800 salt farmers in the province have produced salt for more than 10 years.

However, most farmers use a traditional method, so the salt is of low quality and brings low prices, according to Phan Quang Thuu, deputy director of the Ninh Thuan Provinces Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The canvas sheet method, which yields cleaner salt, is more difficult to implement because of the initial investment costs required of farrmers.

In the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Bac Lieu, the Peoples Committee has spent VN400 million ($18,000) to help salt farmers build warehouses to store salt until the prices rise.

In the 2015-16 salt production season, Bac Lieu farmers produced nearly 2,400ha of salt with total output of 175,000 tonnes.

Bac Lieu has about 110,000 tonnes of salt in stock. VNS
A British man who has made Viet Nam his home has an amazing collection of old army guns and models of soldiers.

They are all inside a museum he has made in an old French building, in Vung Tau City.

Robert Taylor has been collecting these things for a long time and has always loved history.

Visitors from overseas say the museum is as good as other top museums in the world.

Luong Thu Huong

Besides the lighthouse, the night market and the endless golden sandy beaches, a museum that houses a unique collection of arms from around the world has become an increasingly favourite destination among those visiting the coastal Vung Tau City in southern Viet Nam

Located on Tran Hung ao Street in Precinct 1, the museum features about 2,500 artefacts  the culmination of 70-year-old Robert Taylors 52 years of collecting arms from around the world as a hobby.

By many accounts, the owners passion for arms is impressive. His collection includes precious artefacts of all kinds, including military weapons and costumes from West to East, both medieval and modern, like the sophisticated African guns made in 1820-1850 or 19th century swords from Viet Nams Muong ethnic minority.

I have always been interested in military parades, especially as a young boy living in London seeing the bright costumes of the Queens cavalry and guards, said Taylor.

The very first item I bought was when I was 18 years old. It was a cavalry sword made by a famous English swordmaker, Robert Mole and Sons.

Taylor worked as a mechanical engineer and then worked for a big Thai corporation. The work allowed him to travel around the world, come into contact with other people who share the same hobby and then become a member of a network of collectors, museums and auction houses. Nearly all of his spare money was spent on purchasing his favourite military weapons and costumes, enriching his collection over time.

Taylor first came to Viet Nam at the request of a company to carry out a small project, but the beautiful beaches, fresh air, great weather and historical places of interest enticed him to settle down and build his own company in the coastal Vung Tau City. He also started to nurture his aspiration to establish his own museum in his second home.

In 2006, the Ba Ria-Vung Tau Provinces Peoples Committee appealed for investment in the tourism industry. Taylor made a proposal to bring his artefacts, which were still preserved in England at that time, to Vung Tau, but it was not an easy task at all.

The difficulty, first and foremost, was that there were no rules or regulations to establish a foreign museum in Viet Nam, he said. So we had to invent the wheel, so to speak, with the local authority. After many meetings, the licence was issued and in 2011, I imported my collection of military artefacts to Viet Nam.

After four years of preparation, Taylors Worldwide Arms Museum first opened in January 2012 on Hai ang Street. The museum, which is unique in Southeast Asia, has been recognised as the biggest private arms museum in Viet Nam by the Vietnam Record Book Centre.

It is difficult for him to pick out the most valuable item in his collection.

There are so many precious items in my collection and to single any one out would be unfair to the others. So I would say all items in my collection are precious, he said.

Informational placards next to each artefact provide context on the arms, like the production year and origin.

To display military costumes, Taylor even had his own mannequins customised according to the height and physical characteristics of the soldiers who would have used those particular arms, like the shape of their faces and colour of their skin and hair.

He also attended a training course on heritage and community at HCM City University of Culture to hone his skills and prepare for his new position as the museums general director.

However, after only three months, the museum was forced to close due to personal reasons, Taylor said.

But earlier this year, after realising the high potential for Taylors unique museum to attract tourists, the provincial authority agreed to let him use a Government building, which was formerly a beautiful French colonial building, to exhibit his collection.

After re-opening, the museum is expected to meet the demand for historical and cultural displays, and also contribute to preserving the ancient building that was in a state of disrepair.

We have renovated it and returned it to its original glory, he said. It is a wonderful piece of history in itself and befitting to house my ancient relics.

Taylor said he is thankful for the local authoritys approval, and especially the support he received from the woman who later became his wife, which both helped to achieve his dream of establishing the museum.

Since its re-opening on April 21, the museum has welcomed about 6,000 visitors and received an increasing number of tours booked by travel agencies.

The collection assembled in this museum would rival any in the world, said visitor Clint G. from Australia. It not only features some very rare firearms, but an amazing collection of uniforms of all nationalities throughout many centuries. There are many works of art and photos throughout.

Taylor has retired from business and concentrated solely on his worldwide arms museum.

Now nothing pleases me more than seeing the visitors expressions of happiness and receiving their kind words after visiting my museum, he said.  VNS





GLOSSARY

Besides the lighthouse, the night market and the endless golden sandy beaches, a museum that houses a unique collection of arms from around the world has become an increasingly favourite destination among those visiting the coastal Vung Tau City in southern Viet Nam.

If something is unique, there is only one of it.

Arms are weapons.

Located on Tran Hung ao Street in Precinct 1, the museum features about 2,500 artefacts  the culmination of 70-year-old Robert Taylors 52 years of collecting arms from around the world as a hobby.

An artefact is something made by people, which is linked to past history and that people today may find interesting.

The culmination of the artefacts is the highest point of achievement in the years of collecting them.

A hobby is something you do for pleasure.

His collection includes precious artefacts of all kinds, including military weapons and costumes from West to East, both medieval and modern, like the sophisticated African guns made in 1820-1850 or 19th century swords from Viet Nams Muong ethnic minority.

Sophisticated guns are guns that work well and were made to a very high standard.

An ethnic minority is a community of people who are different to most people around them because of the language they speak, the religion they follow, the culture they live in and/or race they belong to.

It was a cavalry sword made by a famous English swordmaker, Robert Mole and Sons.

Cavalry, in the old days were soldiers who fought on horseback. Today, cavalry may fight from armoured vehicles.

Taylor worked as a mechanical engineer and then worked for a big Thai corporation.

A corporation is a huge company or organisation.

The work allowed him to travel around the world, come into contact with other people who share the same hobby and then become a member of a network of collectors, museums and auction houses.

Auction houses are shops where goods are not sold for a set price but rather at the highest price to whoever offers that price for them at a public gathering.

Nearly all of his spare money was spent on purchasing his favourite military weapons and costumes, enriching his collection over time.

Purchasing means buying.

Taylor first came to Viet Nam at the request of a company to carry out a small project, but the beautiful beaches, fresh air, great weather and historical places of interest enticed him to settle down and build his own company in the coastal Vung Tau City.

To entice someone to do something means to make them think its a good idea by offering something attractive.

He also started to nurture his aspiration to establish his own museum in his second home.

To nurture something means to take loving care of it to make it grow.

An aspiration is an ambition, or an aim to achieve something.

Taylor made a proposal to bring his artefacts, which were still preserved in England at that time, to Vung Tau, but it was not an easy task at all.

A proposal is an idea put forward in a formal letter.

Preserved means kept in good condition.

After many meetings, the licence was issued and in 2011, I imported my collection of military artefacts to Viet Nam.

Imported means brought in from another country.

Informational placards next to each artefact provide context on the arms, like the production year and origin.

Placards are signs.

To display military costumes, Taylor even had his own mannequins customised according to the height and physical characteristics of the soldiers who would have used those particular arms, like the shape of their faces and colour of their skin and hair.

A mannequin is a dummy that looks like a person, usually used to model clothes.

Customised means made for a certain purpose.

He also attended a training course on heritage and community at HCM City University of Culture to hone his skills and prepare for his new position as the museums general director.

Things that date back from your past and may have been handed down to you by your elders, form part of your heritage.

To hone your skills at something means to become perfect at it.

But earlier this year, after realising the high potential for Taylors unique museum to attract tourists, the provincial authority agreed to let him use a Government building, which was formerly a beautiful French colonial building, to exhibit his collection.

If Taylors museum has a high potential to attract tourists, it has a great chance of doing so.

If the building was formerly a beautiful French colonial building, that is what it used to be in the past.

Colonial means to do with a time when one country  in this case, France  took over another  in this case, Viet Nam  and ruled it as if it was part of France, for Frances good more than for Viet Nams good.

After re-opening, the museum is expected to meet the demand for historical and cultural displays, and also contribute to preserving the ancient building that was in a state of disrepair.

The museum re-opened because it opened once again, having been open before in the past and then closed.

If a building is in a state of disrepair, it is in bad condition and either close to falling apart or already falling apart.

We have renovated it and returned it to its original glory, he said. It is a wonderful piece of history in itself and befitting to house my ancient relics.

To renovate a building means to fix it up and repair it as well as make new changes to make it more modern.

Ancient relics are things that were made and used long ago

The collection assembled in this museum would rival any in the world, said visitor Clint G. from Australia.

If this museum could rival any other in the world, it could compete to be better than any other. That is how good it is!

Taylor has retired from business and concentrated solely on his worldwide arms museum.

If somebody retires from a job they stop doing it because of their age.

If Taylor concentrated solely on the museum, he focussed only on the museum and not so much on other things.

WORKSHEET

Find words that mean the following in the Word Search:

Clint Gs home country. A country that once ruled over Viet Nam. The month in which Rob Taylors museum re-opened. A type of weapon once made by the company Robert Mole and Sons. Establishing the museum was Rob Taylors _ _ _ _ _.

t r v n l r c t f k o r a l c i e d n c r e q l m e r s w o r d s y k r e p i f h r y e w u s e a u s t r a l i a t y k e h p z l a x k q m h l b j w y o b n a m r b a t q b s d k s c d x l n d b k x q c d b e r d d u n w k b w u s n c u b

ANSWERS:

 Duncan Guy/Learn the News/ Viet Nam News 2016



1. Australia; 2. France; 3. April; 4. Sword; 5. Dream.
Thien Cam beach in the central region. The sea in the central provinces , which suffered terrible pollution from the Formosa Steel Company, has been gradually improved and index of iron, phenol and ammonia substances have returned to safe levels.  Photo vneconomy.vn

HA NOI  The sea in the central provinces , which suffered terrible pollution from the Formosa Steel Company, has been gradually improved and index of iron, phenol and ammonia substances have returned to safe levels, according to a Government report.

Monitoring results showed that the pollution has been reduced and the waters are now safe for swimming.

However, the pollution has remained in the bed of sea. Evaluations on the pollution will continue.

Monitoring stations have been operating along beaches from Ha Tinh to Thua-Thien Hue provinces.

The sea pollution is expected to be completely solved by the first half of next year.

According to the Government report, the environmental incident which caused mass fish deaths in four central provinces, caused by the Formosa Steel Company in Ha Tinh Province, negatively impacted 17,682 fishing boats and more than 200,000 people working directly and indirectly on ships.

Seafood yields are estimated to have dropped by about 1,600 tonnes per month, the report said.

Fishing logistic services including salt production, seafood processing, fishing tool trading, and port services also suffered due to the decrease of seafood consumption.

In the four provinces, the percentage of tourists that cancelled tours reached 50 per cent and the room use rates reduced by 40 -50 per cent against the same period last year.

In terms of environment, the report said that ecology was seriously affected with mass deaths of coral reefs and fish. About 115 tonnes of natural seafood washed up dead on beaches. There is also a large amount of seafood dying on the seabed.

The deaths of coral reefs could cause an interruption of the marine natural food chain, which leads to a reduction of marine biological diversification and fishery resources.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development recently released a study showing that some groups of marine species were reduced by 50 per cent in terms of quantity by the incident. The area of coral reefs which were directly affected was 450ha, 40-50 per cent of which were totally destroyed.

Formosa s wastewater discharges will continue to be monitored, with two cameras installed to monitor inside the company.
by Chi An

The residents of Condo A3 in Ha Nois Nghia Tan Ward are familiar with a neat and lovely bookshelf in the lobby of the first floor in their building.

Since its establishment in 1999, the small library has become an interesting rendezvous for residents, enhancing their sense of community.

The bookshelf offers just a few books and newspapers, but most of them are updated frequently, says Bui Thi Anh Tuan, the manager of the small library.

The elderly enjoy reading the Nhan Dan (The People) and Tien Phong (The Vanguard) newspapers, while the children like the Cham Hoc (Study) and Tuoi Tre Cuoi (Youths Satire) newspapers, she adds.

Every morning, when the building resounds with the footsteps of people going to work, it is time for Tuan and her husband to receive the days newspapers and to open the bookshelf, which has been their habit for years. Every newspaper is placed neatly on the tables, waiting to be read and carefully put away at the end of the day.

The idea for the library emerged on a hot summer day, after a conversation in the lobby between Truong Van Con, Tuans husband and a former official of the ministry of national defence, and other retired residents.

Con suggested turning unused space of the entrance hall into a place for communal activities - for residents to gather to read books, exchange experiences and enhance their sense of community. The idea was eagerly supported by the residents.

With the enthusiastic contribution of veterans, it didnt take long to set up the small library. While carpenter oan Truong voluntarily built furniture, veteran Ho Quang Bao took over management work. Other residents cleaned and rearranged the hall to make room for the new bookshelf.

In addition to the newspapers donated by various groups - like the local Association of War Veterans and the Study Promotion Society - each family in the building contributes to the budget regularly to purchase books and newspapers, enriching the library.

I call for each familys donation every three months. Donations range from VN20,000-100,000 (US$1-5). On average, we collect over VN 1 million ($45) quarterly. Each contribution is publicised clearly on the notice board, says Tuan.

Each residents opinions on whether a newspaper is useful and suitable or not are also collected regularly. Newspapers deemed unsuitable are replaced by more appropriate ones.

Young and old readers alike follow library rules strictly. All readers are responsible for taking care of the books and newspapers. Books are closed neatly after being read and put back where they belong. Each family also takes turns cleaning the library.

Great benefits

Residents of Condo A3 used to lock their doors after coming home and rarely communicated with each other. Now they are like members of an extended family, thanks to the small library.

We gather in the lobby every New Years Eve. We sing together, talk about our sadness and happiness, and wish each other good luck in the coming years. Every dispute can therefore be resolved, Con says.

Pensioner Duong Van Loan reads newspapers in the library every day, catching up with the news and chatting with other elders. Whenever he finds something interesting, he reads it out loud and discusses it with others.

We all have TV and radio at home, but it is more interesting to read books and newspapers, he says.

Tuan often takes careful notes of treatments for diseases common among the elderly. She also keeps notes on culinary secrets, which she shares with others when they get together in the evening.

She says the library is also a place for women in the area to exchange confidences and to share experiences on how to handle daily issues like raising kids, work stress, or simple tricks to make food more delicious.

Adults and children enjoy reading at the library, instead of playing computer games or watching TV. The children behave well and enjoy access to educational information, while soaking up the knowledge of their elders.

Before the library was established, theft was common, oan Truong, a resident, said. Bicycles and motorbikes were stolen. Rubbish was placed secretively in front of the building, affecting the community and environment.

But following the operation of the library, everyone became more aware of keeping the building clean and local security improved.

The success of Condo A3s cultural community and library has been multiplied by 20 other apartment buildings within Nghia Tan.

The library has become an integral part of life for many people living in the building.

We all miss the library if we cannot visit it every day, due to health problems or family work, Tuan says. VNS
by Minh Thu

When US President Barack Obama met with young Vietnamese at the National Convention Centre in Ha Noi in May during his visit to Viet Nam, a woman presented him with a conical hat and a T-shirt imprinted with the slogan Save Son oong.

That woman was Le Nguyen Thien Huong, 24, an alumni of California State University Fullerton. She founded the Save Son oong organisation that works to get people involved in protecting the pristine beauty of the largest known cave in the world, and its surrounding natural environment.

Currently, she works as a teacher and PR officer in HCM City.

In 2014, she read that a cable car would be built inside the cave to serve 8,000 travellers a day. She thought it would have a negative impact on the local ecosystem.

Son oong Cave in the central province of Quang Binh is more than 200m wide, 150m high and approximately 9km long. It is believed to have been formed 2-5 million years ago.

Then, Dr Howard Limbert, a cave expert, explorer and member of the British Royal Caving Research Association, took an expedition through Son oong. When Huong heard about the discovery of the cave, she visited the cave and was totally charmed by its beauty.

The mysterious underground world opened in front of my eyes, said Huong. Its a world that exists separately from our world. It awakened a love for discovering in my mind.

Huong said she had always liked reading Doraemon, a comic book about adventurous explorations into the entrails of the Earth. When she grew up, she liked Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

I always dreamed of travelling and discovering new lands, said Huong.

Experiences from trips enrich my life and soul. I often tell my students about life around the world, what I witnessed and learnt on the way.

The students, their parents and members of the Save Son oong organisation call Huong wandering teacher for this reason.

With a love for Son oong, Huong expressed concern over the plan to build a cable car system leading to the cave.

Vietnamese take pride in their beautiful landscapes recognised as the worlds natural heritage sites. But they dont take action to protect them, she said. Why does a foreigner like Dr Limbert come forward and try to protect the Son oong Cave, while Vietnamese dont?

Huong decided to take action to save Son oong. She sent letters to many Vietnamese and foreign organisations and agencies. Her articles had thousands of views on the internet. After catching the attention of the public and mass media, she decided to develop a serious campaign to protect the cave. She teamed up with the founder of Facebook group #SaveSonDoong and a group of young people in HCM City to develop a website and plan events to popularise Son oong.

The SaveSon Doong campaign took shape. Huong and her co-workers received both support and criticism from the public. From these challenges, her team learned how to manage the social network more effectively by respecting all opinions in the community and using different approaches for each scenario.

Im so afraid of the opinions that we cant do anything and the campaign wouldnt help change anything, Huong said.

I believe that the faith of our environment is in our hands. The way we express our perspective partly influences society.

The cable car system is a business project, and the investors do it for profit. If people boycott the project and refuse to use cable cars, investors wont have the motivation to carry out the project, according to Huong.

She took advantage of the chance to meet President Obama to ask him, How would you like to discover Son oong Cave: on foot or by cable car?" And he said: First of all, I really want to go to visit Son oong, the next time I come. And you know, Im a pretty healthy guy so I can go on foot. How long is it? Seven days? Im good. Alright. I can do that.

During the meeting, the US President strongly emphasised sustainable development.

"If were gonna ensure the health of our people and the beauty of our planet, then development has to be sustainable. Natural wonders like Ha Long Bay and Son oong Cave have to be preserved for our children, our grandchildren, he said.

Huong was so happy and felt motivated by this answer. She expects that President Obamas opinion will be heard by Vietnamese leaders.

I feel embarrassed when we have a natural wonder but dont protect it, she said. When we raise our voice to save heritage, we can proudly tell our descendents that we have tried to preserve the best for them. VNS
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UK-based hotel property developer firm is now eying Indian high net individuals (HNIs) to attract investments at lesser known destinations like Cape Verde in Africa through fractional and complete ownership route. In India, it has appointed Herringer International Corporation as its business development advisor and India representative.
EarlySalary.Com, a fintech startup that offers personal loans, will raise $5-6 million in the coming months as it looks to expand its presence across cities like Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Jaipur.

The Pune-based firm offers loans ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs one lakh for a tenure of 7 to 30 days, operating on similar lines of salary advance, and charges an interest of about 2 per cent.

"Being broke at the end of the month is a common problem, and we help provide a small bridge loan to tide over that short difficult period till your salary reaches the account," EarlySalary.Com co-founder and CEO Akshay Mehrotra told PTI.

The app-based lending product has an algorithm-based underwriting and robo decisioning system.

It uses social algorithm (Facebook) and machine intelligence to enable the app make the loan lending decision, he added.

"We have already started offering loans in Pune, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai and have recently forayed into Delhi-NCR. In the next few months, we will expand to Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijaywada and Jaipur," Mehrotra said.

Within the past five months, the company has received 1.5 lakh downloads. "We have a very good traction. In July, we would have disbursed about 2,000 loans," he said.

He added that the company is targeting the young salaried professionals who need instant cash or have a loan requirement but may not have credit instruments available.

"For our next phase of growth, we are looking at raising funds to the tune of $5-6 million...By March, we expect to see about 50,000 loans being given out, which is about Rs 2 crore of deployed capital," he said.

The company had raised $1.5 million seed capital, led by Ashok Agarwal of Transcorp Group last year.

Mehrotra, who has been associated with brands like Future Retail, PolicyBazaar.Com, Big Bazaar and Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Co, said a major chunk of Earlysalary.Com's users are from the technology sector.

"We are also working on partnering corporates where they direct their employees to us for their advance requirements," he said adding that it has already partnered 42 enterprises.
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.
CEDAR FALLS  Fundraising has become an important part of how River Hills School pays for ongoing maintenance and upgrades in recent years.

Area Education Agency 267, which operates River Hills, receives state funding and a portion of the property and sales tax revenues raised by school districts in its 18-county northeast and north central Iowa service area. The 31 districts that send students to River Hills pay tuition to the school.

However, the agency has no taxing authority of its own and money is limited for facility improvements. The River Hills School Foundation was created in 2008 to receive donations for those property needs.

In the past, something directly used by students benefited from the funds. That was the schools playgrounds during the first campaign and its classrooms during the next one. This time, though, officials at the school for children with mental and physical disabilities are seeking $625,000 in donations for parts of the building and property that often go unnoticed until improvements are needed.

Really, its the infrastructure parts  new sewer line, redoing the pavement in the parking lots, said Principal Mike Lonning. In the pool room, issues like broken tiles would be fixed, while controls for water temperature and chemicals would be replaced.

Additionally, lighting would be upgraded and walls repainted in the pool room and gymnasium. Updates are needed in the gym to ceiling tiles, storage cabinets, the sound system and the staff office, as well.

During the regular school year, every day we have students in here from 9:15 in the morning to 2:15 in the afternoon, Lonning said of the pools use. Much of what will be upgraded in the gym and pool room are original to River Hills, which opened in 1967. Its really just giving the kids a brighter, cleaner environment, he noted.

Steve Riess, a work experience coordinator at the school, said even those cosmetic improvements are important. The newer, fresher environment just enhances learning, he commented. Its just evident it enhances morale of staff.

The lower slope of the schools mansard roof, a metal edging running along the top of its exterior walls, has already been replaced. The project used $70,000 of the $80,000 raised so far.

Lonning noted the major direct impact in the classrooms for this campaign is installation of iPad interactive learning systems. Along with an iPad, each of the schools 24 classrooms will have an Apple TV and monitor to be used for group activities. At this point, the school has acquired seven of the systems through the fundraising efforts.

The iPads are a way for our teachers to do great interactive teaching and do it with technology, said Lonning. Ninety percent of our kids at River Hills have communication issues. Students will use the iPads to select answers during lessons.

He explained fundraising for facility needs keeps costs lower for districts that send students to the school. We can take care of these infrastructure needs that will keep the cost of attending River Hills as low as possible, said Lonning.

For the first time with the campaign, donations can be made online at www.gofundme.com/RiverHillsSchool. Donation checks also can be mailed to the school at 2700 Grand Blvd., Cedar Falls, IA 50613. For more information, contact Lonning at 268-7775 or mlonning@aea267.k12.ia.us.
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WATERLOO  The YWCA Black Hawk County is putting the final touches of fundraising on a campaign for a $3 million first-phase renovation of its historic building at 425 Lafayette St., the agencys home since 1924.

The organization has raised more than the $140,000 needed to match a McElroy Trust challenge grant toward the completion of the first phase of construction.

The cost of the first phase was $3.183 million. It replaced the roof and all of the mechanical systems; added new air handling systems in the gym, pool, fitness center and locker rooms; updated electrical systems and added new LED lighting throughout the building; installed new ceilings; installed a new sprinkler system and a new fire alarm system as well as adding several other security systems; and added new pool stairs and paint and glass block work.

To meet all the financial obligations associated with the first phase of construction the organization is raising an additional $30,000.

Cindy Mohr, YWCA executive director, said first-phase construction work is complete.

An open house is anticipated in September. Later this year the organization hopes to begin fundraising for the second phase that will include remodeling and reconfiguring rooms and the construction of small addition onto the back of the building.
Across the centuries, Great Britain has given the world many things uniquely British  the Puritans, Andrew Carnegie, The Beatles and, in a roundabout way, the United States.

On June 23, it gave the world another significant gift: a big step into the dark abyss of a go-it-alone future in todays ever-globalizing world.

Sure, most of the United Kingdoms citizens who voted late last month to the leave the European Union  or Brexit, as its been tagged  had what they thought were good reasons to do so: an incoming tide of mostly poor, often-illegal immigrants; a costly, decidedly Europe-centered Common Agricultural Policy, or CAP; an ever-growing bureaucracy in Brussels; and a river of English money flowing out of the UK and only a trickle of EU funds flowing back in.

Now, though, with the step taken, the Leaves have discovered an unpleasant truth: Their politicians didnt tell them the whole truth about leaving. In fact, much that was said was not true. For example:

The majority of the UKs record-setting, net 270,000 immigrants last year were EU citizens exercising their legal right to move freely within the 28-nation bloc,

Love it or hate it, CAP is crucial to UK farmers; from 2010 to 2013, the latest data available, 40 percent of all UK farm income came from Brussels.

EU bureaucracy is relatively tiny, about 33,000 civil servants, compared to the number of UK civil servants, 410,000, according the Wall Street Journal.

The Leaves claim the UK sends the EU 350m a week (about $465 million) is a lie, according The Guardian, a leading national newspaper in England. A more accurate figure is 136m (or $180 million), less than 40 percent of the amount claimed by Leave proponents.

While the vote is not legally binding to Parliament (whose members favored staying in the EU by an almost 4-to-1 margin) UK politicians are dancing carefully as they discuss what to do next.

Prime Minister David Cameron, who advocated for a Brexit vote during his 2015 reelection bid, was ambushed by its results; hes out come September. His opposite, the Labour Partys Jeremy Corbin, was soundly gobsmacked by colleagues in a no confidence vote June 28, and he looks to be history too.

So far, the only possible winner, according to one leading Leave advocate, might be British farmers who, claimed the politician, ought to receive the lions share of any former EU duties left after the nation strengthens its national health care system.

Even if Parliament agrees  a very, very long shot at best  no one has any idea if the money will cover the farmers soon-to-go CAP payments or when it might flow. For two years at least, however, CAP will remain the key farm income scheme in the UK.

Writing for the blog CAP Reform.eu, Irish ag economist Alan Matthews believes any EU-UK farm program changeover (something, he says, he will deeply regret) will be a long time coming.

When it comes, however, the vote means that trade costs will rise because UK exports  to the EU will no longer be considered internal trade.

Even then, he suggests, UK farmers should strive to remain in EU programs like its European Food Safety Authority, the European Chemicals Agency, and the European Emissions Trading Schemes to maintain as much mobility of goods, services, capital, and people as possible.

Ultimately, however, its people  not markets, not politics, not regulations  who will be most affected by the dramatic Brexit choice. Nationwide it was a narrow victory for the Leaves; in the countryside, though, farmers voted more than 2 to 1 to go it alone.

Possibly, explains economist Matthews, this was because UK farmers are in the older age group.

Well, the oldsters won, and what they won was something they already had  yesterday  and what they lost could be far more fleeting, tomorrow.
Waterloos city leaders have followed a logical course in agreeing to accept $28 million from the Iowa Department of Transportation to assume responsibility for the maintenance of University Avenue.

The agreement, still awaiting approval from the Iowa Transportation Commission, would give the city $18 million in state funds in the fall and $5 million more in both 2017 and 2018.

While some residents are already suggesting the city should have held out for a better proposal, Mayor Quentin Hart said rejecting the offer would force the city to wait at least five years, maybe longer, before it would get another shot. That would be hard to stomach for many motorists familiar with the road.

If we dont take that $28 million right now its off the table, Hart said. University Avenue is off the table for the next five to six years without any discussion about it.

We have a struggling business community from Midway to Ansborough (Avenue), he added. We need to make sure that were moving that area forward.

Councilman Bruce Jacobs agreed.

Its probably not as much as we wanted, Jacobs said. But weve got to find a way within that to make this happen.  We dont want to wait another five years to do this.

The council vote was unanimous.

Work on University Avenue in Cedar Falls is underway. That city previously agreed to a deal with IDOT to take over maintenance, in exchange for $20 million.

As in Cedar Falls, Waterloo city officials will be looking for additional funds beyond the states contribution for the rebuild project.

We believe were going to have to work very hard to make the $28 million stretch, said Waterloo City Engineer Eric Thorson.

Cedar Falls has already seen costs rise above expectations.

Officials from both cities had been taking a lot of criticism because of the dilapidated condition of University Avenue, which was once part of U.S. Highway 218.

The frustration of motorists and residents was understandable, but at that time the cities did not have control. The fact jurisdiction was in the hands of Iowa DOT was probably the main reason University had been allowed to deteriorate so badly.

The good news is jurisdiction is now headed into the right hands.

It had become apparent IDOT wanted University Avenue off of its responsibility list and was willing to pay to be absolved. Its a trade-off that has prompted some overdue reconstruction in Cedar Falls, and apparently action is coming in Waterloo.

Waterloo gained a bit of insight by being able to watch the process unfold in Cedar Falls. Roundabouts are part of the mix in Cedar Falls, a source of pride for some residents and a point of consternation for others.

Hart has said decisions on reconstruction will come following public input meetings after a consultant is hired. Preliminary costs are based on reducing the road from six to four lanes and not adding roundabouts, but those decisions are yet to be made.

There will be community input meetings to talk about the project and how we do it, how we reshape it, Hart said.

Thats good to hear. Having a transparent process and truly listening to citizen concerns will go a long way in shaping public reaction.

If weve learned anything from the Cedar Falls project, it is there will be plenty of input  or at least plenty of second-guessing.

In the meantime, we support this recent decision. Its time to get some work done on this major thoroughfare. In order to get work started, the decision to transfer responsibility, in our eyes, is the right one. And in the long run, local control should mean our local leaders will be more likely to react to needed maintenance on University Avenue.
Local terrorism

JOE VAN

WATERLOO  We need not look abroad to find terrorists. They live right here in the Cedar Valley. The problem is, they are disguised as punk kids with no regard for their lives or the lives of their neighbors.

For the last 24 months, gun violence has become almost a weekly event. The location is predictably concentrated in a specific area, and the neighbors who live there know who is to blame. The only reason these people arent behind bars is fear of retaliation.

Gunfire used to incite fear is terrorism. Why arent these punks prosecuted under these very strict laws that give our law enforcement agencies broad reaching authority and flexibility?

Guns are not the issue. The gunmen are. Treat them like a member of ISIS with the harshest means and tactics possible. Using the Homeland Security umbrella gives law enforcement the most flexibility possible to clean up our streets and make this community livable again.

To take back our streets we need everyone to gang up against these punks and rid our community of the scum terrorizing our city.

Speeches and lies

CAROL (MRS. JOHN) PETERSEN

REINBECK  In response to Fred Abrahams Melania leaves him speechless column July 24, which accuses Melania Trump of lying when she said I wrote (the convention speech) with a little help: There were criticisms of a phrase or two very similar to a speech Michelle Obama gave, (pretty common phrases that are obvious to use for such an occasion). The speech was based on what she said she wanted to convey, so its a stretch to call it a lie to imply she wrote some of it.

Mr. Abraham conceded, I doubt President Obama writes all of his speeches without input from others, and hes right. Obama also isnt immune to plagiarism. In fact, if you will simply google Just Words. Just not Obamas (Novak) (Frank Novaks YouTube channel), you will see two speeches side-by-side. First, an Oct. 15, 2006, speech by Deval Patrick beside Obamas Feb. 16, 2008, speech. Mr. Obama matched Mr. Patricks speech (though stiffer and not done as effectively), phrase by phrase, pause by pause. There then is a second incidence with Patrick and another with John Edwards in the clip. Melanias crime pales compared to this, and doesnt carry the consequences Obamas lies about Obamacare has on us.

Do you trust

Hillary Clinton?

MATT GLASCOCK

CEDAR FALLS  In response to Fred Abrahams column July 24, Im sure we agree while dishonesty whenever and wherever it is encountered is deplorable, in the individuals we elect to represent our interests it is ever more so.

Unfortunately, the practice of our elected officials, either by commission or omission, is likely more ubiquitous than we would all like to believe. However, fudging a campaign speech can in no way be comparable in magnitude to the layer upon layer of deceit perpetrated upon us by Hillary Clinton and her army of paper-hanging operatives.

Those of us with the vision to see through the smoke screen recognize this molehill-into-mountain haymaking process to aggrandize Mrs. Trumps bogus speech is merely an attempt to distract us from the plain fact Hillary Clinton is not trustworthy.

Lands afar

KAMYAR ENSHAYAN

CEDAR FALLS  One of the most troubling statements made by the Republican presidential candidate had to do with our place in the world and him wanting to take an America first approach. He meant that in dealing with other nations, our interests come first. The mindset of a conqueror.

That is very different from seeing ourselves as a plain citizen and member of a community of nations, which entails certain privileges and certain responsibilities to the entire community.

Here are insights from a well-known Christian hymn for us all:

This is my song, O God of all the nations,

a song of peace for lands afar and mine;

this is my home, the country where my heart is;

here are my hopes, my dreams, my holy shrine:

but other hearts in other lands are beating

with hopes and dreams as true and high as mine.

My countrys skies are bluer than the ocean,

and sunlight beams on cloverleaf and pine;

but other lands have sunlight too, and clover,

and skies are everywhere as blue as mine:

O hear my song, thou God of all the nations,

a song of peace for their land and for mine.

What if?

JO STANGE

WAUCOMA  This is going to take alot of imagination on your part. When you see a, _____, insert your name.

What if I, ___, was born in a different country? What if I, ___, was raised by different parents or guardians? What if I, ___, was born different physically? What if I, ___, was born a different color? What if I, ___, was born a different gender? What if I, ___, was born in a different financial situation?

How would I, ___, feel now? How would I, ___, feel about others? Is the real, ___, accceptable to others?

Maybe this country would be a better place if I, ___, walked a while in their place.

As a child I would ponder these what ifs. We do not have a choice at our birth, but it is up to, ___, to make a positive choice now. I hope these what ifs have helped.
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Two global architecture firms HASSELL and Office for Metropolitan Architecture(OMA) have revealed design for New Museum for Western Australia. Commissioned by Western Australian Government, two architecture offices will work on the project with leading global contractor Brookfield Multiplex and Western Australian Government for the highly anticipated New Museum for WA.

New Museum Francis Street facade.

The latest design with the contract to design and build, the New Museum was officially awarded to the Brookfield Multiplex-led team. The HASSELL + OMA design, to be located in the heart of Perths cultural precinct, has been conceived as a collection of physical and virtual stories, providing a multidimensional framework for visitors to engage with the Western Australian people and places.

New Museum features a huge transparent box with the existing building.

''Our vision for the design was to create spaces that promote engagement and collaboration, responding to the needs of the Museum and the community. We want it to create a civic place for everyone, an interesting mix of heritage and contemporary architecture that helps revitalise the Perth Cultural Centre while celebrating the culture of Western Australia on the world stage. The design is based on the intersection of a horizontal and vertical loop creating large possibilities of curatorial strategies for both temporary and fixed exhibitions,'' said HASSELL Principal and Board Director Mark Loughnan, and OMA Managing Partner-Architect David Gianotten.

A view of Museum street entrance presents large public space.

The basic feature of design features a public space that is the central point of the new museum, in terms of both location and programming. It is a spectacular outdoor room framed by refurbished heritage buildings and intersected by new buildings and virtual platforms, enabling the diverse stories of Western Australia to be told.

New Museum Francis Street facade.

A large new temporary gallery space will complement the extensive permanent collection of the museum that includes renowned collections including the much-loved Blue Whale skeleton. The Museum will host a diverse range of cultural, retail and dining experiences, increasing visitor numbers especially after hours.

Interior view showing giant stairs also used as sitting area.

Early works are expected to start in late 2016 with main construction starting in 2017. The New Museum is due to be completed in 2020.

Museum view at night.

All images courtesy of HASSELL+OMA

> via OMA
A China-U.S. co-production called "China's Challenges" has garnered an Emmy Award in Los Angeles, making history for such bilateral collaboration, said the show's producer on Sunday.

U.S. expert on China Robert Kuhn, also known for his book "How China's Leaders Think," said he and his team were delighted that the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles has awarded an Emmy to their TV series for "pioneering presentation of China's historic transformation and today's challenges."

"It is good for the world to understand what is really happening in China," he told Xinhua in Beijing, where he is working on another show with China Central Television.

"China's Challenges" explores with unique access and in cinematic detail how China is addressing critical issues, including wealth and education distribution, social problems, environmental protection, competing priorities, and relations between China's rich traditional culture and its rapidly modernizing society.

The series was co-produced by The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), an American public broadcaster and television program distributor and The Kuhn Foundation in association with Shanghai Media Group. It was created, written and hosted by Kuhn.

"To our knowledge, 'China's Challenges' is the first international television production in association with a major China-based media organization that has won this prestigious Emmy award, re-affirming the special benefits of our unique U.S.-China collaboration to tell the true story of China to the world," Kuhn said.

"China's Challenges" has been broadcast on over 210 PBS stations in the United States, reaching 24 of the top 25 U.S. markets and over 120 markets in total. There have been about 4,000 broadcasts of "China's Challenges" in the United States alone. Other countries that broadcast the series include Canada, Germany and Australia.
MIAMI, FL, July 31, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Miami-based sales and marketing firm Florida Business Consulting believe that over 60% of people in business don't know how to give a proper handshake; so the firm has outlined some tips to correct this as they view a handshake is crucial to making a good first impression. Florida Business Consulting encourage their employees to build networking connections and provide access to regular networking conference calls as well as business seminars and conferences. CEO Eric Martin stated: "A handshake is extremely important for us, as we conduct a lot of face-to-face interactions, with the view of making a killer first impression to all clients. Most of the time our work speaks for itself, but having a confident and sharp way about you - embodied in a good handshake - can also add to your stock."



About Florida Business Consulting: http://www.floridabusinessconsulting.net/about.html



Indeed, it doesn't matter who the person is, or how much success they've had, a lot of first impressions boil down to a few seconds in which we physically connect with someone for the first time through a handshake. This will reveal more about their character than any phone calls, emails, press releases or titles on business cards.



Here, the firm outlines the key characteristics of a perfect handshake:



- Completeness of grip

- Temperature

- Dryness

- Strength

- Duration

- Vigor

- Texture

- Eye contact



Research conducted by psychologists at the University of Alabama found that a 'firm handshake' evoked personality traits that included a 'willingness to discuss, and be open to new experiences'. Those with a weak handshake were more likely to show higher levels of shyness and anxiety on their psychological reports (Inc.com).



When shaking hands, Florida Business Consulting recommend facing the person with the body, as it shows openness and a will to listen. Non-verbal communication should not be underestimated and eye contact and smiles should be kept and worn at all times during the shake. The firm also recommend only holding drinks in one hand at a reception to ensure that one hand remains dry before conducting any greetings.



Based in Miami, Florida Business Consulting specializes in bringing brands and consumers closer together through face-to-face marketing. Working on their clients' behalf, the firm conducts thorough market research to pinpoint the most promising markets for their clients' brands. Then, after identifying key consumer groups the firm delivers their clients' campaigns directly to consumers, opening up the opportunity for one-on-one communication. This personalized customer experience helps drive brand loyalty, increases sales and helps consumers to make more confident and informed purchase decisions.



Source: http://www.inc.com/joel-comm/the-eight-essential-characteristics-of-a ... shake.html



Established in 2011, Florida Business Consulting is a privately held marketing and fundraising services company in Downtown Miami. For more information follow the company on Twitter @FloridaBizC or Find them on Facebook.



# # #
A New York Times article out this weekend discusses the Trump campaign's electoral strategy for this fall. Citing "a daunting electoral map and a significant financial disadvantage", most of the time and money will be spent on just a few states. "It now looks exceedingly difficult for him to assemble even the barest Electoral College majority without beating Hillary Clinton in a trifecta of the biggest swing states: Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania." The campaign also believes it must win North Carolina.

Florida, Pennsylvania and Ohio represent 67 electoral votes. All three were won by Obama in 2008 and 2012; Pennsylvania has not voted Republican since 1988. No Republican has ever won the presidency without winning Ohio.

Let's start with the 2012 electoral map, and assume Trump is able to win these three states, with North Carolina not yet decided.

North Carolina would then loom decisive. That state, reliably Republican for several decades, has become much more of a swing state. Obama won it in 2008, while it went for Romney in 2012. In both years the margin of victory was the 2nd smallest in the country. 2016 could be just as tight. (This past week, a federal appeals court struck down the state's voter ID law which, the court said, suppressed African-American turnout at the polls. In a close race, this decision could make a difference).

Utah as Wild Card?

This is a bit far-fetched, but we're still a few months out, so fun to game out different possibilities. Let's say Trump wins North Carolina, and the above strategy is completely successful. He has 273 electoral votes and wins the presidency, assuming everything else stays the same. However, what if one state doesn't stay true to form? What if Utah voted for Libertarian Gary Johnson? We'll take a look at this using our 3-way electoral map:

Republicans have won Utah every election, often by a wide margin, since 1968. That year was also the last time a 3rd party won a state. While still unlikely to change this year, Gary Johnson has been seeing low double-digit support in limited polling. Donald Trump is not well-liked in the Mormon community and there is some possibility that Mitt Romney will endorse him . (Alternately, although we've seen nothing to support this, there remains time for Romney himself to register as an independent. The deadline for that in Utah is August 15.)
Jul 31, 2016 | By Alec

Victoria the Brazilian goose is rapidly collecting world records. In late 2015, she became the first goose to receive a 3D printed prosthetic beak after almost completely losing her own. While that initial surgery was promising and Victoria was up and about quite quickly again, the beak was too heavy and bulky and she failed to properly adapt to it. In another worlds first, her caretakers therefore brought Victoria back to the Unimonte Veterinary Hospital in Santos, Brazil, where she just received a lighter and slimmer beak that will hopefully let her live a normal life again.

Its a story that just shows that even 3D printers cant work miracles all the time. Victoria was found on the Sao Paulo coast in late 2015, without most of her beak. Fortunately, she was immediately transferred to the care of the NGO Friends of the Sea  which takes care of more than 200 marine animals every year. It was the first time I received a bird without a beak, recalled environmental technician Cristian da Silva Negrao. She was very weak, having lost a lot of weight and was very aggressive. I had to feed her baby food for the first twenty days.

After about two weeks, Victoria became more and more docile and she started eating better. But this remained difficult, as almost all of her beak was destroyed -possibly in a fight or an accident. As you can see in the photos above, there was no prospect of any kind of further recovery, and Negrao was still forced to cut regular foods into very tiny pieces. In an attempt to find a long-term solution, the NGO therefore got in touch with specialists from the Unimonte Veterinary Hospital in Santos.

Fortunately, they were happy to help. Dentist Paulo Eduardo Miamoto took the lead, and applied his knowledge of animal dentures to make a mold and collect photogrammetry data. That was sent to Cicero Moraes, a 3D designer and researcher from Mato Grosso. As he revealed, he made the piece 3D printable using MeshLab and Blender software. The final model featured beak airways added at the request of surgical dentist Dr. Everton da Rosa, and was 3D printed in PLA.

At the time, everything went very well. Veterinarians Dr. Roberto Fecchio and Dr. Sergio Camargo from the University of Sao Paulo (USP) led the surgery, and Victoria the goose seemed to perfectly adapt to the beak. Upon completion of the surgery, Victoria was moved to her own reserve for eight days, after which she was moved to a monitored pond with other creatures.

But since then, Victoria failed to fully adapt to normal life again, probably in part because the beak was too heavy. In an unprecedented move, Victoria therefore returned to the surgery room. The second beak was again designed by Paulo Miamoto, who called it a very big and time-consuming challenge to improve the beak. No one in the world has ever done something like this, we are pioneers. But the biggest difference with this second generation beak is that we have the x-rays and we followed anatomical studies as closely as possible. We know exactly how it should be fixed for a durable fit, he said.

Moraes was again responsible for the final modeling steps. This 3D printed prosthesis is lower, lighter and more elegant. To get to this stage was a lengthy process. It was our most difficult surgery, but undoubtedly a very educational and groundbreaking one, he said.

Veterinarians Fecchio and Camargo were also more optimistic this time around. Its a very big challenge. Its the first time we returned to such a surgical environment, and this time will be a little different. Victoria will also go through a much more intense rehabilitation process, Fecchio explained. This was echoed by Camargo, who said that this was a very educational moment for animal prosthetics. We need to know how the beak behaves, how you dive into the process and how you affix the new beak. Its a step forward in the field of 3D prosthetics, he said.

The second, smaller prosthesis.

The surgery itself was again a success and as Friends of the Seas Negrao revealed, the new beak should greatly help the bird. It is lighter and has more fixation slots to ensure a durable fit. This is certainly an improvement, he said. Victoria will have a new chance to survive and return to a normal life. She can become the first goose in the world to lose a beak and be completely rehabilitated. Lets hope a third beak wont be necessary.

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pedro Ibanyez wrote at 12/24/2017 1:17:07 AM:hi, i own a 3d printer and some people contacted me with the very same problem, they have a goose who had a fight with a dog and he loose his beak, i was wondering if maybe you can share the model so we can fix this goose beak too coban3d@gmail.comSammydoodlew wrote at 4/17/2017 8:07:16 PM:It sure is fascinating how technology helps the helpless. I do hope that Victoria the goose is doing fine now.




Jul 31, 2016 | By Benedict

The European Space Agency (ESA) has opened a new Advanced Manufacturing Facility near its UK base in Harwell, Oxfordshire, where it will explore the possibilities of 3D printing and other advanced manufacturing techniques for space applications.

Metal 3D printers are already being used across the aerospace industry in order to create lightweight, complex parts for aircraft. In recent years, Boeing, Airbus, and others have developed high-profile 3D printed components for their vehicles, with Airbus even predicting that half its future fleet will use 3D printed parts. Excitingly, we could soon be seeing more 3D printed parts in spacecraft as well, with the European Space Agencys Director General Jan Woerner recently inaugurating a new research facility. ESA financed the new UK-based laboratory in order to explore the possibilities of additively manufacturing spacecraft components, as well as to assess new material processes and joining techniques for space applications. The laboratory will take advantage of the facilities available at the adjacent ESA Harwell Campus.

Theres a multitude of emerging technologies with apparent potential for producing stronger, lighter and cheaper spacecraft structures, but we have to be sure they are fully suitable for space with no show-stoppers, said Andrew Barnes, an ESA engineer responsible for overseeing the new laboratory. Our laboratory aims to assess candidate materials and manufacturing processes for space missions, pre-screening them early in their development cycle. The results obtained will help guide ESA and the wider space industry in deciding where to focus future technology investments.

With access to a metal 3D printer, suite of powerful microscopes, X-ray CT machine, and a range of furnaces, the new ESA lab will give staff the opportunity to perform advanced mechanical experiments, including tensile and micro-hardness testing. Researchers will have access to new equipment being installed at the laboratory, as well as to existing facilities on the Harwell Campus, such as semiconductor cleanrooms, cryogenic laboratories, the UKs Central Laser Facility, the ISIS neutron source, and the Diamond Light Source.

Research into 3D printing technologies will be a key area of the facilitys operations, with ESA staff particularly interested in physical process parameters, use of additive manufacturing powders, and design procedures used to assess the effect of 3D printing upon product quality. The space agency will be looking to further improve its 3D printing expertise after developing this 3D printed space antenna and outlining plans for a 3D printed Moon village earlier this year.

ESAs proposed 3D printed Moon village, which the organization says could become a reality by 2030, would be created by utilizing lunar regolith, the fine layer of soil-like substance found on the surface of the Moon, as a 3D printing material. ESA has already created a number of lunar base prototypes using its D-Shape 3D printer, and sees the moon village as a kind of warm-up project for someday building a similar habitat on Mars.

While 3D printing will take up a large part of the Advanced Manufacturing Facilitys time and resources, other technologies will also be explored. For example, ESA scientists have already had a chance to use the Science & Technologies Facilities Councils ISIS pulsed spallation neutron source, in order to investigate the structural integrity of friction stir welded titanium for use in spacecraft propellant tanks. Using the neutron source, scientists can take residual stress measurements in the bulk material using a technique known as neutron diffraction.

ESA is one the biggest competitors of NASA, an organization which has embarked upon plenty of 3D printing missions of its own in recent years. The US space administration recently awarded aerospace company Firmamentum $750K to develop a 3D printer and plastic recycler hybrid for the International Space Station, and has also put money into the bizarre RAMA project, which will attempt to use 3D printing to turn asteroids into mining spaceships.

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Susie Neilson in Nautilus:

What am I detoxing from? Noise. I live in the East Village, which is very noisyillegally noisy. Last year, Jackie Le and Matthew Palmer, acoustics engineering students at Cooper Union, decided to investigate the noise levels of the area near their school for their senior project. Le and Palmer went to various apartments around this neighborhood and, using a decibel meter, calculated the average level of volume coming in through the open windows of multiple apartments, and compared them with safe levels defined by New York Citys recently-revised noise code. In every instance, we found the noise coming into these peoples apartments was above code, Le says.

I can vouch for this. Ive spent this whole year telling anyone who will listen that the hundreds of nights Ive spent trying to fall asleep in my apartment constitute a Sisyphean Hell of endurance: the iterating, irritating garbage trucks, the construction that starts at promptly 6 a.m. and continues into evening. I make a lot of noise about the noise, and Im not the only one. Noise is the single greatest quality-of-life complaint New Yorkers have (we lodged 18,000 phone complaints with the Department of Environmental Protection last July alone). We all love to hate the noise. And yet sitting in silence, I do not feel as if Ive found an escape from pain: I have simply traded it for a new variety. Shockingly, I realize I want to trade back.

In this city of complainers, who could admit to loving something so easy to complain about? Lewis Black, a comedian, couches his praise of noise in a cynical one-liner, noting dryly, The reason I live in New York City is because its the loudest city on the planet Earth. Its so loud I never have to listen to any of the shit thats going on in my own head.

Black might be on to something. Noise can cause us distress and pain, but it can also help us think, perceive, remember, and be more creative. It turns out that its even necessary for our physiological and mental functioning. If its a drug, then its a performance drug. And New York is full of addicts.

More here.
Julian Casanova in Eurozine:

In the first few months of 1936, Spanish society was highly fragmented. There was uneasiness between factions and, as was happening all over Europe with the possible exception of the United Kingdom, the rejection of liberal democracy in favour of authoritarianism was rife. None of this need have led to a civil war. The war began because a military uprising against the Republic undermined the ability of the State and the Republican government to maintain order. The division of the army and security forces thwarted the victory of the military rebellion, as well as their main objective: the rapid seizure of power. But by undermining the government's ability to keep order, this coup d'etat transformed into the unprecedented open violence employed by the groups that supported and those that opposed it. It was July 1936 and thus began the Spanish Civil War.

The civil war came about because the military coup d'etat failed to achieve its basic objective at the outset, which was to seize power and overthrow the republican regime, and because, unlike the events in other republics of the time, there was comprehensive resistance, both military and civil, to counter any attempt at imposing an authoritarian system. Had it not been for this combination of coup d'etat, division of the armed forces and resistance, there would never have been a civil war.

This coup d'etat met resistance because the Spanish society of 1936 was not the same as that of 1923, when the September uprising led by General Miguel Primo de Rivera was favoured by the general abstention of the army, the weakness of the government, the apathy of public opinion and above all, the consent of King Alfonso XIII.

In 1936 there was a Republic in Spain, whose laws and measures had given it the historical opportunity to solve insurmountable problems, but it had also come across, and caused, major factors of instability, which successive governments could not provide the proper resources to counteract. Against such a widespread level of political and social mobilization as had been set in motion by the Republican regime, the coup d'etat could not end, as had occurred so many times in Spain's history, in a mere return to the old order, based on traditional values. To overthrow the Republic, what was needed was a new, violent, antidemocratic and antisocialist order, such as had previously been established elsewhere in Europe, to end the crisis and repair all the fissures that had been opened, or widened, by the Republican regime.

More here.
 Flash

Beijing's cooperation with Africa has been dominated by commercial deals instead of aid in the past, with $46 billion in direct Chinese investment and commercial loans having been signed since December, Chinese officials said.

Beijing's cooperation with Africa has been dominated by commercial deals instead of aid in the past, with $46 billion in direct Chinese investment and commercial loans having been signed since December, Chinese officials said. [Wang Zhuangfei/China Daily]

"At present, Chinese aid to Africa makes up only a very little part of our cooperation. ...Investment cooperation has been the main avenue of China-Africa cooperation," Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Friday.

Wang made the remarks to reporters on the sidelines of a meeting in Beijing on delivering what was agreed on at the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

More than 100 ministerial officials from China and Africa attended the meeting.

On Thursday alone, Wang said, companies from China and Africa signed 64 agreements worth about $19 billion at a seminar in Beijing on China-Africa business cooperation.

The deals included direct investment and commercial loans worth $16.7 billion, accounting for 85 percent of the total volume, Wang said.

In December, President Xi Jinping announced at the Johannesburg Summit in South Africa 10 major China-Africa cooperation plans for the next three years, backed by $60 billion, including interest free loans and lending with preferential terms.

After Friday's meeting, Vice-Foreign Minister Zhang Ming said at a news conference that China and Africa have signed at least 243 cooperation agreements of various kinds worth $50.7 billion since the summit.

"Among these agreements, Chinese companies' direct investment and commercial loans to Africa surpass $46 billion, accounting for 91 percent of the total volume," he said.

Xi sent a congratulatory letter to the meeting on Friday, saying that in the past six months, China and Africa have worked together to overcome the negative effects of the sluggish world economy and that they have made tangible achievements in implementing the agreements at the summit.

The current weak performance of the world economy brings opportunities and challenges for the economic development of China and Africa, Xi said.

Anil Sooklal, South Africa's coordinator on implementing agreements of the summit, said now the relationship between China and Africa is not one between donor and receiver but one between partners and equals.

"We must understand that the coordinator's meeting is taking place at a time when the global economy is facing severe crises, when access to finance for development is very difficult to come by ... but China has come forward to push this cooperation."

"What is encouraging also ... is that ... Africa wants to learn from China and partner with China," he said.
Business roundup: Dunn Bros. to open in November, E Glass's big pitch

In business news, an Aberdeen entrepreneur is making a nationwide pitch, car wash coverts to Tunnel of Terror, Dunn Brothers to open in November.
AT BOOKWORKS: Leigh Stein will talk about Land of Enchantment at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3.

Set against the stark and surreal landscape of New Mexico, the book is a coming-of-age memoir about young love, obsession, and loss, and how someone can imprint a place in your mind forever.

John LeMay will sign Tall Tales and Half Truths of Pat Garrett at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4.

While many lionize Billy the Kid, the man who killed him, Sheriff Patrick Floyd Garrett, has a rarely-told but riveting true story all his own.

His adventurous life spawned many a far-fetched, exciting legend.

Mary E. Pearson will sign and discuss The Beauty of Darkness at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6.

Lia and Rafe have escaped Venda and the path before them is winding and dangerous. What will happen now? This is the third and final book in The Remnant Chronicles.

Bookworks is at 4022 Rio Grande NW. Call 344-8139.

AT PAGE ONE: Juan Blea, a licensed Santa Fe drug abuse counselor, will talk about and sign his nonfiction effort 49 Tips and Insights for Understanding Addiction at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4.

The book provides both a rich set of writings and exercises that can help people understand the emotional and physical mechanics of both addiction and recovery. This book challenges the reader to approach addiction from a place of compassion rather than anger.

Page One is at 5850 Eubank NE, Suite B-41 in the Mountain Run Center. Call 294-2026.

AT TREASURE HOUSE BOOKS & GIFTS: Ronn Perea will sign The Email Tango at noon on Saturday, Aug. 6.

Treasure House Books & Gifts is at 2012 South Plaza NW in Old Town. Call 505-242-7204.
Agnes Martins crisply drawn grids propelled her to international renown. But their precision veiled the shadow of a tortured artist.

Photographer Donald Woodman has lifted that shroud in his 2015 book Agnes Martin and Me and its companion exhibition opening at the New Mexico History Museum on Friday, Aug. 5. The exhibit features 20 photographs, including two from a Vanity Fair profile and several from a misguided river trip through Canadas Northwest Territories.

The two coexisted on a plot of Galisteo land Woodman owned from 1977 to 1984. Her cycles of schizophrenic depression, spitefulness, genius and abuse unfurled before his eyes across seven years.

From their first meeting, she told him the voices said their lives would intersect.

Woodman met the abstractionist when he moved to Albuquerque in 1977. He befriended a group of North Valley artists orbiting the old Motel Gallery. That same year, Martin had been forced off some property in Cuba and moved into a storefront. Woodmans new friends introduced them. Martin asked him to help her shoot her second film.

Then in his late 20s, Woodman knew nothing about the Canadian-born artist.

He thought he could learn more by working with someone of her reputation and stature.

The movie was loosely based on a Chinese fable about Genghis Khan.

Shooting was interesting, Woodman said. Wed go out and shoot for about 10-15 minutes, and that was the shoot for the day.

Martin refused to let Woodman see any of the footage and dodged questions about its progress when filming ended.

I predict its going to be one of the great archaeological films of the century, he said. My understanding is that it lies at the bottom of the Galisteo dump. I have no idea why.

Woodmans story shatters the myth of the fiercely independent desert sage dispensing Zen wisdom amid the cacti.

Agnes was totally insane, he said.

The first hint came when Martin offered vague allusions to a New York hospitalization at Bellevue and undergoing shock therapy.

I didnt realize how serious it was, Woodman said.

The voices told Martin she should never own property. Woodman helped her build her Galisteo studio. She slept in a camper, while he lived in a tepee. Martin paid the $200 mortgage, and Woodman acted as caretaker and handyman. The pair collected firewood in the Pecos, and he filled up her truck in Santa Fe.

Martin clung to austerity even after financial success.

We had an unspoken competition in who could strip the most from his/her life, Woodman said.

Along the way, Martin left him notes, the most disturbing of which read, I think I am dying. Please call ambulance to take me to Albuquerque Crematorium immediately if you find me dead.

The 1978 trip up Canadas MacKenzie River into the Arctic in a 14-foot aluminum boat brought risks of physical danger.

When we embarked on the river, there was this thick fog so we cant see anything, he said. There was a huge storm and it was, Are we going to get struck by lightning? 

Martin seemed oblivious to danger. She kept saying they were traveling to the edge of civilization.

The biggest question is, why did I stay with her? I felt a responsibility to her: This person needs my help, Woodman said. I think she felt very fragile. The voices in her head were incessant.

In 1988, Woodman and his wife, the feminist artist Judy Chicago, ran into Martin at a Santa Fe movie theater.

She had the most clarity Id ever seen in her, he said.

Martin moved to Taos in 1993. She died in 2004.

Today instead of Woodman casting her illness as the source of her brilliance, he frames her creativity as all the more remarkable within its vise.
During World War II, Edward Gaw put a sign in the window of Fremonts Fine Foods that read Were Chinese, not Japanese.

The Chinese immigrant and founder of what was arguably Albuquerques oldest specialty food store confronted similar prejudice when he moved to the U.S. from China in 1905.

His story is part of New Mexico Connections: Personal Stories, now open at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico.

Aimee Tang still isnt sure exactly what drove her great-grandfather first to San Francisco, then Albuquerque. He arrived with his elder brother, who was buried here in 1908.

He was just 15 years old, she said.

Gaws little business spanned four generations.

By 1914, he had launched the Sanitary Store, selling groceries and sundries, with a partner.

Albuquerque was a small, dusty town at the time. Gaw brought in high-end products for the more affluent families. He returned to China in 1910 to fulfill an arranged marriage. His first son was born there in 1911. The newlywed returned to the U.S. alone because the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 prevented him from bringing his family to New Mexico.

In Albuquerque, he rented a hotel room and walked across the street to work.

He was a very, very savvy businessman, Tang said. The money he sent back to his wife supported a very lavish lifestyle.

They had running water, she added, laughing.

Tang still remembers the mild-mannered great-grandfather who was always impeccably dressed and spoke English fluently.

He sent his son to engineering school, she said. Every generation was expected to go farther.

By 1932, the store had shifted into gourmet, carrying caviar, French cordials, and maple sugar candies from Maine and Vermont.

The government lifted the Exclusion Act during World War II as China sided with the U.S. against Japan. Gaw finally brought his wife to New Mexico in 1950. Their daughter married an American G.I.

Their son Gene worked as an electrical engineer in Shanghai. With the Japanese invasion and the looming Communist takeover, Gene moved to British-controlled Hong Kong alone.

The government finally allowed Genes wife and children to visit him in 1955 after a two-year petition.

The family abandoned everything to travel by ship to California. They joined their family in Albuquerque.

Before Edward Gaw died, he gave the store to Tangs grandfather Gene.

For Tangs grandmother, Ann, the move was tragic because it meant she had to work. She had enjoyed multiple servants in China.

Ann complained about having to roast multiple turkeys for a holiday called Thanksgiving until her death at age 99, her granddaughter said.

In general, it was the American dream, except, for my grandmother, it was a disaster, Tang said, laughing. It took decades to get my grandma into a Japanese restaurant.

In 1983, Tangs father, Richard, and his wife, Mary, took over Fremonts, introducing the boxed lunch, which he delivered, echoing his grandfathers business model.

In 2005, Tang and her husband, Jacob, moved the grocery store to The Courtyard at 1100 San Mateo NE. But the Great Recession of 2008 dealt a final blow to the gourmet business, which closed in 2011.

Today, Fremonts Inc. is a high-tech company with customers in Silicon Valley. Jacob performs the programming, while Aimee keeps the books.
Jun ware, Song through Yuan dynasties (960-1368). (Courtesy of The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology) Blue-and-white ware brush pot. (Courtesy of The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology) "Caroline Cheng," from the Prosperity series. (Courtesy of The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology) Jun ware jar, Song through Yuan dynasties (960-1368). (Courtesy of The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology) Polychrome ceramic statuette. (Courtesy of The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology) Prev 1 of 5 Next

An alchemy of earth and fire, Chinese porcelain is common enough to mutate into its own synonym.

Showcasing that ancestry, Earth, Fire and Life: Six Thousand Years of Chinese Ceramics can be seen at the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at the University of New Mexico.

Chinese potters created the first fired clay objects roughly 20,000 years ago. The exhibition traces that history through clay effigies and tomb offerings, the Bronze Age, the invention of glaze, blue-and-white ware, Maoist propaganda and contemporary Chinese pottery.

These artisans created the first pottery using the coil method, said David A. Phillips Jr., curator of anthropology at the Maxwell Museum.

People coiled them up like you would in kindergarten class, he said. Theyre actually kind of lopsided because theyre not made on a wheel.

A low-fired pottery jar dating between 4,000 and 3,500 B.C. is from the Miaodigou phase of the Yangshao culture. Neolithic farmers created villages along the Yellow River as they grew millet. By the time a crafter shaped this kitchen piece for food storage, the Chinese had already been making pottery for thousands of years.

The swirling black and red paint circling a Banshan phase jar (2,500 to 2,300 B.C.) was typical of the era, Phillips said.

Some pieces were ceremonial and used in funerals.

They have a clear sense of the afterlife, Phillips said. They believed you had two souls. One leapt off to heaven. One stuck around where you were buried. So it was important to have things like food and wine.

The designs themselves are loaded with symbolism, he said.

A child often represented a wish for pregnancy. A lotus meant long life.

The sheen of the worlds first glazed ware emerged during the Shang dynasty (ca. 1600-1046 B.C.). These potters were also the first to create stoneware by firing at high temperatures to create waterproof vessels.

As the potters developed glazing, they were also the first to move beyond stoneware. Porcelain, which appeared 18 centuries ago, was made from kaolin (a special type of clay) that was white-bodied and hard. Thin pieces are translucent. When people speak of fine china, they mean porcelain.

Manufacturers exported the first China trade ware in the late 1600s. At the time, these trade pieces were mostly the blue-and-white porcelain the West had known since the Ming dynasty.

Designed for the European market, these hand-painted pieces included mugs, covered chocolate cups, soup tureens and candlesticks. By the 1700s, this cemented the practice of referring to porcelain as china.

In 1966, Mao Zedong unleashed the Cultural Revolution, designed to return society to the ideals of the communist revolution. His Red Guard destroyed books, and vandalized architecture and ancient works of art in less than a year. A statue of a Red Guard, his foot squarely stomping the back of an intellectual, summarizes the era.

More contemporary artists create pointed pieces aimed at todays social issues, such as globalized capitalism.

Li Lihongs porcelain McDonalds, Gorilla Coming From the Mountain (2007) combines the iconic junk food arches with traditional Chinese decoration. Caroline Cheng shaped her traditional blouse with tiny ceramic butterflies.

Westerners may look at China and think its people look identical. But a closer look reveals complex personalities, like the unique markings on butterflies.
Airbnb hosts Liesa Martinez-Reece and Randal Reece on the patio to their Honeymoon-Cottagette on July 18, 2016. (Greg Sorber/Albuquerque Journal) This clawfoot tub sits in the Honeymoon Cottagette of an Airbnb property hosted by Liesa Martinez-Reece and her husband, Randal Reece. (Greg Sorber/Albuquerque Journal) The Airbnb Honeymoon-Cottagette of hosts Liesa Martinez-Reece and Randal Reece. (Greg Sorber/Albuquerque Journal) This Airbnb cottage opens up to a courtyard and is meant to inspire creativity, according to host Liesa Martinez-Reece. (Greg Sorber/Albuquerque Journal) Airbnb now has about 2,300 hosts across New Mexico, 60 percent more than a year ago. Pictured is an Albuquerque studio apartment that has been listed on the vacation rental website. (Courtesy photo) This casita near Downtown and Old Town is for rent through the Airbnb website. It sits behind a larger home. (Courtesy of Ken Sandoval) The Amelia Earhart room is one of the spaces for rent inside an Airbnb cottage in Albuquerque. The theme was inspired by the daughter of host Liesa Martinez-Reece. Her daughter has a pilots license. (Greg Sorber/Albuquerque Journal) Liesa Martinez-Reece, right, has added her creative touch to the dining room inside one of her cottages. Her husband, Randal Reece, turns her ideas into reality with his contracting background. Their complex already underwent major renovation in 2008 as part of the television show Extreme Makeover. (Greg Sorber/Albuquerque Journal) Prev 1 of 8 Next

Four years ago, life as Liesa Martinez-Reece knew it came to an end.

Gerald Martinez, her longtime husband, father of her five children and a pastor, died. Joshuas Vineyard, the church the couple started in the International District, an area of town that has seen its share of crime and poverty, had since become defunct. It was a time to reinvent herself.

Part of that reinvention has become transforming her property that she shared with Martinez, their children and members of the congregation into a getaway for travelers.

Now Martinez-Reece has joined the scores of people around the world becoming a part of the Airbnb community.

It used to be, long before automobiles, interstates and large metropolises, that American travelers had to sometimes rely on local residents to provide lodging. With the emergence of motels and eventually hotel chains and resorts, sleeping at the homes of others became a rare thing.

Airbnb is changing that all over the world and New Mexico is no exception. There are more than 300 listings in Albuquerque alone.

Range of rentals

The Airbnb website launched in 2008 and gives homeowners a place to list their available rentals. According to the Airbnb website, the company is present in more than 34,000 cities in 191 countries. Listings range from a castle to an entire home or apartment to a room in someones home.

In Albuquerque, prices range from $10 a night to sleep inside a tent in someones backyard to $800 a night for a sprawling property. Some of the larger Albuquerque properties include a $750-a-night compound in Nob Hill. The property has five bedrooms and can sleep up to 10 people.

A hacienda along the Rio Grande will cost $800 a night. The property can accommodate six people and has a pool, a courtyard and several old cottonwood trees. One of the more interesting listings is a restored 1880s brothel near Downtown that can be rented for about $140 a night.

Another rental site is Vacation Rental by Owner, or VRBO, which are typically entire homes or apartments. The 230 Albuquerque listings range from approximately $32 to $1,000 a night.

Casitas popular

Something a bit unique to the Albuquerque market is the casita, or small house that usually sits behind or near a larger main house.

Ken Sandoval is one of the local Airbnb hosts who has a casita for rent. He built the casita a few years ago behind his early 1900s home that is between Downtown and Old Town specifically to rent it out as an Airbnb. He said hes noticed a pickup in business in the last four months.

Im at a 95 percent occupancy rate, he said. I think it (Airbnb) may be getting more popular.

Sandoval initially started using Airbnb in 2010 to rent a studio apartment he has in Taos. Before that, he was using Craigslist.

It seemed more shady, he said. There was no verification process and no information about the renters. With Airbnb, they have a profile thats also usually linked to some other social media account.

When renters create an account for Airbnb, they are asked to sign up either using Facebook, Google plus or a valid email. Owners can also set up their account so renters must email them for permission before booking.

Sandoval does architecture part-time but the Airbnb allows him to earn income from home, where as a single parent, he can stay with his two young daughters. In addition to greeting guests and preparing the house for them, he offers advice on where to eat or visit if they ask.

I have hosted over 1,000 people back there, he said. I have had families, couples, people moving across country, traveling for fun, people from Norway, Asia and everywhere.

Full occupancy

Lacy Pontes is relatively new to Airbnb and started listing the studio apartment behind her Old Town home in December. She said since then, she only has one or two days a month the property isnt rented. She said its not surprising some people would choose to rent an Airbnb over a hotel.

The prices are comparable or less than a hotel but there are more amenities, she said. I really love the personal touches and being able to do the little things for people as opposed to a hotel where everything is the same.

Taking care of her Airbnb is her full-time job and she recently started managing Airbnb properties for other people. She stocks the room with breakfast items, such as eggs, bacon, coffee and bread, and communicates with guests before they arrive to see what else they might need.

Martinez-Reece said turning her home and the small apartments on her property into Airbnb rentals is a way to still serve others and is a creative outlet.

The complex had already undergone a major makeover in 2008 as part of the popular television show Extreme Makeover, which gives deserving families either a new or remodeled home. It was the work she and her late husband did in the community that caught the attention of producers.

All her children have moved out of the home and she married a longtime friend, Randal Reece, two years ago. She said the new venture is something they have embarked on together. As ordained ministers, the two can even marry their guests. She said they are preparing a wedding package.

She reacted with dismay to the possibility that she and other Airbnb hosts may be required to pay lodgers tax.

The Greater Albuquerque Innkeepers Association has signaled its intent to ask the city to require Airbnb to collect the lodgers tax from its hosts.

Saying thats what slowly erodes small businesses, she said she considered her properties on a different playing field from large hotels. Just give me my lemonade stand.

Remnants of the propertys former use as a church are visible from the street. A cross sits on top of the couples home as well as on the adobe archway that is the gateway to the apartment structures and backyard. The rooms run around $50 a night.

And everyone of any faith or no faith at all is welcome at the couples Airbnbs.

Im having so much fun, she said. When you have a calling from God to serve, you cant stop. Doing this is a win/win situation for me.
The Albuquerque Institute for Math and Science is a highly successful school with incredible demand for the program. Ranked the highest-performing school (charter or otherwise) in New Mexico, we had over 300 applications for our sixth grade alone.

Sadly, with only 60 seats available and 48 of those seats taken up by the siblings law, only 12 seats were left for all of Albuquerque and the surrounding area. The lotteries at my school are heartbreaking.

Imagine my surprise to hear of a call for a new charter moratorium just when the need for additional choice is so clear.

As incubators of innovation, charter schools can implement reform quickly and efficiently, but only if they are data driven and held accountable. School choice is about parents having access to the benefits of a program they feel is best for their children.

Its the job of parents to know what is best for their children  not any governmental agency. Parents shouldnt have to dip into their retirement savings to pay for an excellent school or depend on luck of the draw to attain the rare seat; excellent schools are not a luxury, they are a necessity.

If money is truly the issue, then the response needs to be two-fold: encourage the replication of new excellent charters and balance that with shutting down charters that historically dont do well.

A moratorium on new charters would not only prevent innovation, but also the addition of highly performing schools.

New charters should be approved only if the operator can demonstrate a readiness and capability to operate.

Recently, the National Association of Charter School Authorizers evaluated the major authorizer of charter schools in New Mexico, the Public Education Commission, along with the Public Education Department.

That report is now in and the evaluation can be seen on the Public Education Commission website.

According to the National Association of Charter School Authorizers report, the current system allows underqualified applicants to receive a charter. What is NACSAs recommendation? Set a clearer, higher bar to ensure that only high-quality applications are approved.

However, along with ensuring high-quality new charters, we must close poorly performing ones.

Currently, there are charters opened and funded that have historically and consistently demonstrated that, the longer a child attends that school, the worse their performance. One could conclude these schools are actually damaging children. They have consistently earned either a D or F over the course of the charter.

Charter schools are required to renew every five years. According to the NACSA report, this past renewal cycle, the PEC renewed all six schools up for the renewal, despite none of them meeting their charter goals or receiving an A or B state grade.

In fact, the evaluation goes on to say that decisions for granting renewals were made based on promises of further performance and plans for revised programming. Apparently, these were promises that were either quickly forgotten or failed to increase student performance. In some cases, this failure has been allowed to continue during multiple renewals, all funded by the taxpayers dollars.

NACSAs recommendation was schools should be allowed to continue operating based on the schools track record of performance rather than its plans for the future.

In addition to performance, growth should also be a factor. Those charters operating in the bottom 10 percent should be identified for help and then closure.

New, quality operators that have demonstrated consistent increase in student performance and growth, aligned with closure of poor-performing charters, will grow a stronger, more robust charter community and open up those precious seats for students.

Thats how to save money and increase excellent schools. A moratorium will only stifle innovation and limit availability, while allowing the status quo to continue to survive on the public dime.
SAN DIEGO  The Democratic National Convention reminded me that Im a sucker for firsts. The first this, the first that. Broken barriers. Pioneers who take the arrows because theyre brave enough to lead the way.

Lets hear it for the first Latino to break into the top tier of the Cabinet and serve as attorney general, Alberto Gonzales.

Lets have a round of applause for the first African-American on the Supreme Court, Thurgood Marshall.

Lets pay our respects to the first American woman in space, Sally Ride.

The first person through the door never has it easy. People dont know what to make of you, because theyre used to something different. And so they tend to show their ignorance frequently. But barriers need to be knocked down, and there is nothing wrong with showing pride when they crumble and honoring those who swung the hammer and sent the pieces flying.

And when were talking about elective office or government appointments, its also appropriate to heap a little scorn on those across the aisle who played it safe and missed the chance to make history.

For instance, when I think about the fact that President Reagan made history when he nominated Sandra Day OConnor to sit on the Supreme Court, I cant help but feel some contempt toward Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and Richard Nixon for not breaking that barrier first.

What stopped them?

And now that Democrats have made history by nominating the first woman from a major party to be president, its fair to ask why the GOP didnt get there first. Republican Elizabeth Dole ran for president in 2000, Michele Bachmann in 2012, and Carly Fiorina in 2016. None of these women could get any real traction in her own party.

So, on one level, I give the Democrats a lot of credit for what theyve done. Their hearts are in the right place. Im just not sure, at the moment, where their heads are.

Because in addition to being Never Trump, Im also Never Hillary. I think the Democratic nominee cant be trusted to tell the truth any more than she could be trusted with top secret material in emails transmitted through her private server.

Still, the four-day event in Philadelphia produced some really terrific moments.

I especially liked the part where Donald Trump was put in his place by both President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama when they reminded him that America doesnt need to be made great  because it already is great. I also enjoyed former President Bill Clintons charming admission that his life really took off when I met and fell in love with that girl.

Yet, for me, as the father of two young girls who I want to see go as far as their gifts and grit will take them, the best part was Tuesday nights theme of shattering the glass ceiling  and what it would mean for Clinton to become the first female president in the 240-year history of this country.

At the risk of raining on what the Democratic National Committee intended to be a coronation, its worth taking a minute to acknowledge what it doesnt mean.

It doesnt mean that, magically, girls wont have to put up with being tracked in our public schools away from math and science and toward language arts.

It doesnt mean that young women will be any safer on college campuses where sexual assault has become much too prevalent.

It doesnt mean that women entering the workforce will no longer have to put up with sexual harassment or salary disparities or job discrimination.

And it doesnt mean that there will be a truce in the mommy wars and that professional women will stop feeling as though theyre being torn apart by trying to have it all both at home and in the workplace.

Electing Clinton will spare the country from the calamity of a Donald Trump presidency, and perhaps that is enough. But it wont spare millions of American women from the challenges they face, the indignities they endure, and the obstacles they must overcome.

For most women in this country, even with a woman serving as president, life wont change.

Having said that, its time for this barrier to be broken. Look at American history, and the state of the world. Men have done enough damage, dont you think?

Its why Im eager to vote for a woman for president. Just not this woman.
Copyright  2016 Albuquerque Journal

Senior U.S. District Judge James A. Parker earlier this summer, after examining the complex history of a class action lawsuit over services to people with developmental disabilities, refused the state of New Mexicos request to end the courts decadeslong oversight.

Now, the state is asking the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals to review that decision.

The state filed the appeal of what has become known as the Jackson lawsuit, named for its lead plaintiff, Walter Stephen Jackson, on July 13 with the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver. The case has been ongoing since 1987.

The appeal in the Jackson case comes even as the state agreed to a special master to oversee the Supplemental Food and Nutrition Program and Medicaid benefits in a different class action suit launched at about the same time, the late 1980s.

The defendant in Jackson is the Development Disabilities Supports Division of the Department of Health. The Human Services Department is the defendant in the SNAP case.

Parker decided in June to continue the court oversight of disabilities services. While he said he was not unsympathetic to the state and the estimated $50 million in litigation-related expenses over the life of the case, he said the state had missed multiple deadlines to correct specific violations and had not demonstrated that a durable remedy is in place to justify (setting aside) all of the courts orders.

Parker has presided over the case since its inception.

The state filed a motion last August on behalf of the Developmental Disabilities Supports Division asking to terminate all remaining orders in the case.

Multiple governors, state administrators and hundreds of state employees spanning nearly 27 years have tackled the issues before them, and have alleviated the constitutional violations that were found by the court, the department said in the motion.

The state has poured in financial resources, human capital, support and expertise, but now finds itself facing a new layer of aspirational goals governed by vested bureaucratic interpretation, Health Department lawyers said in their brief.

What they characterized as a bevy of new obligations dramatically expand the original obligations, they said.

Lawyers for clients with disabilities, by contrast, said state officials were just peddling the same argument that had been rejected before. They noted it was the states sixth attempt  to vacate all of the courts orders and dismiss the case without any showing of substantial compliance.

They said improvements claimed by the state as a reason to end court oversight were already presented to Parker at a 2011 evidentiary hearing and he was unpersuaded then that violations had been cured.

The Jackson class has dwindled from 552 at the time the lawsuit was filed to about 288 at present.

Parker issued an order in 1990 in which he found the state was violating the rights of people with disabilities in 18 areas.

The litigation eventually led to the closure of the Los Lunas Center for People with Disabilities, previously called the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School, and the Fort Stanton Hospital, and to the states decision to house clients in community settings closer to their families  though those were indirect results of the courts orders.

The state and lawyers for individuals with disabilities negotiated agreements to end court oversight, but have repeatedly tangled over the past two decades about how well the state was actually doing.

In January 2013, a compliance monitor was hired and, despite multiple revisions of the plan and a three-day meeting with the administrator and the parties and their attorneys to reach an agreement, there was no resolution.

By last August, the state asked for relief from all orders filed in the case, noting significant changes in facts and law that they said make compliance much more difficult, unworkable and contrary to the public interest. They said institutional reform cases raise sensitive federalism concerns  when, as here, a federal court decree has the effect of dictating state or local budget priorities.

The practical effect is money must be taken from other important state programs if additional funds cant be found, they said.

Lawyers for the Jackson class say the state in 25 years never claimed that compliance was irrelevant, impossible or unduly burdensome.

In his 36-page June opinion rejecting an end to court involvement, Parker said the state defendants have not convinced the court that they have satisfied the essential purposes of the various agreements over the years.

The court is not in the position to assess, and therefore cannot conclude, that defendants are no longer violating constitutional or federal law. Thus, the court will continue its oversight of this litigation.
Copyright  2016 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  Eligible to vote for the first time under a new state law enacted this year, 17-year-old voters cast 708 ballots in New Mexicos primary election, according to statewide voting figures.

Most of the 17-year-old voters who cast ballots in the June primary election  76 percent  were registered as Democrats. The rest were Republicans, as voters who decline to state a party affiliation are not allowed to vote in New Mexicos closed primary system.

I think its fantastic that 700-plus younger adults were able to get involved in the electoral process, said Rep. Jeff Steinborn, a Las Cruces Democrat who sponsored the youth voting bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Susana Martinez.

The new law allows 17-year-olds to vote in primaries if they will be 18 by the time of the general election.

Although there was initial uncertainty about whether the new law would take effect in time for this years election, turnout among registered 17-year-old voters ended up being slightly higher than the states overall turnout rate. Thirty-six percent of the 1,955 17-year-olds who had signed up to vote actually cast ballots in the June 7 primary election.

In all, a record-high 328,792 New Mexicans cast ballots in the primary election, as interest in a hard-fought Democratic presidential primary race between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders appeared to drive many voters to the polls.

Overall voter turnout was 34.1 percent of those eligible to vote in the primary election, according to official results, with 37 percent of registered Democratic voters and 27 percent of registered Republicans casting ballots.

Turnout had averaged 28 percent in presidential election year primaries in New Mexico since 1996.

Heather Ferguson of Common Cause New Mexico, a group that has pushed for laws providing more access for voters, said studies have shown that once young voters are engaged in the electoral system, they tend to become more reliable voters as adults.

I think this is an opportunity theyve been waiting for, Fergsuson said, referring to 17-year-olds.

She also said that Sanders popularity among many younger voters might have played a role in the overwhelming number of 17-year-old voters registered as Democrats, though registered Democrats also outnumber Republicans overall in New Mexico.

Meanwhile, Steinborn speculated that participation by young Republicans might have been higher had there been a contested GOP presidential primary at the time New Mexico held its nominating contest. While the Democratic race featured two actively campaigning candidates, Donald Trump was already the presumptive Republican nominee at the time of New Mexicos primary election.

New Mexico is now one of 22 states with laws allowing 17-year-olds to vote in primaries, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The laws have been touted as a way to encourage more young people to participate in the electoral process  youthful voters typically have lower turnout rates than their older counterparts  but have been opposed by some lawmakers as misguided.

During this years debate at the Roundhouse, Sen. Lisa Torraco, R-Albuquerque, said 17-year-olds should not be allowed to vote because their brain hasnt fully developed.

The bill ended up passing the Senate on a 24-16 vote. It had previously passed the House of Representatives on a 41-26 vote.
Copyright  2016 Albuquerque Journal

University of New Mexico Health Sciences faculty members sought whole fetal brains supplied by an abortion clinic so the brains could be dissected for summer camp students, according to documents subpoenaed by the U.S. House Select Panel on Infant Lives.

A lab assistant who screened fetal tissue samples obtained by UNM also wrote in his notebook whoo hoo!! when the clinic was able to provide a whole pancreas of a fetus for another project and drew a frowning face next to an entry that showed that another fetal pancreas was not intact.

Those comments appeared in procurement notes the lab assistant made to report on the condition of fetal tissue samples UNM received from the abortion clinic, which were then separated to be parsed out for various research projects.

UNM officials acknowledged that a six-week Neuroscience Summer Experience in 2012 and 2014 involved fetal brain dissections. They said it was not a camp, but an educational research program in which all participating students were UNM undergraduate and graduate students or children of UNM faculty members. The brain dissections were conducted by faculty as program participants watched.

The procurement notes were part of hundreds of pages of documents made public after the House panel subpoenaed records from the UNM Health Sciences Center and Albuquerque abortion provider Southwestern Womens Options as part of its investigation into the use of fetal tissue for medical research.

In one notation on May 24, 2012, the lab assistant wrote, Asked clinic for digoxin treated tissue 24-28 wks. for methylation study & because (redacted) wants whole, fixed brains to dissect w/summer camp students.

Digoxin is a heart medication that is sometimes injected into amniotic fluid or a fetus to cause fetal demise before an abortion. A methylation study looks for gene activation in human tissue samples.

Other notations included personal commentary by the lab assistant.

One notation on Jan. 21, 2015, said stomach broken, no panc (pancreas) with a frowning face emoji next to it. Another entry from June 7, 2013, declared, entire pancreas  whoo hoo!! An entry from June 14, 2012, regarding brain tissue had the lab assistant writing in darker ink, she plated it Monday they grew wonderfully!!

The procurement notes appear in the lab assistants own handwriting, often using a type of shorthand, in a standard composition notebook with grid-type pages.

No financial gain

Elisa Martinez, executive director of the anti-abortion New Mexico Alliance for Life, told the Journal she objected to the flippant tone of the lab assistants notations.

Despite UNMs claims that the research activities are done with great respect, Martinez said, we dont find that to be the case.

And her organization was concerned about the reference to dissecting fetal brains for summer camp students.

Earlier this month, UNM released a statement through Health Sciences Center spokesman Billy Sparks that described an educational research program that included fetal brain tissue. According to the statement, in the summers of 2012 and 2014, two UNM faculty members responded to requests from students for more research experiences in the neurosciences.

The faculty members came up with what they called a Neuroscience Summer Experience. The faculty members were not named. Participating students were UNM undergraduate and graduate students or the children of UNM faculty members. UNM offered no numbers or ages of students.

The summer program was not sponsored by UNM, the Office of Diversitys Dream Makers or the independent Mind Research Network, located on the UNM campus, according to the statement. UNM would say only that it was organized by faculty who have access to the facilities, but it was not officially sponsored by the university.

The six-week Neuroscience Summer Experience included a wide range of activities and lectures held in rooms at the Mind Research Network, classrooms at the UNM Health Sciences Center and in the UNM Anatomy Laboratory, where fetal brain dissections were conducted by faculty as program participants watched, according to the university. Participants could opt out of any portion of the summer experience.

The samples used in the summer program were already stored in the tissue bank maintained by the Health Sciences Center. The tissue samples in the bank come from Southwestern Womens Options, the source of all fetal tissue UNM obtains for its research, the university said. It added that all state and federal laws were followed in the procurement and use of the samples, and there was no financial gain to UNM from the summer program.

More than 80 percent of the summer program participants have gone on to careers in science and medicine, and many have attended top-tier undergraduate, graduate and medical schools, the university said.

Inartful word choices

Regarding the language and tone found in the procurement notes, Sparks said procurement notebooks are usually filled out by less experienced lab assistants and, in this case, the word camp was an inartful shorthand that inaccurately described an educational neuroscience research program that mostly served undergraduate college and graduate students.

The New Mexico Alliance for Life has raised concerns about UNM Health Sciences Centers relationship with the clinic for more than a year and last summer asked legislators to question the school about its ties with the clinic.

UNMHSC officials said late last year that they would no longer send medical fellows or residents to the clinic, but that they would continue to receive fetal tissue from the clinic.

The officials said the move wasnt related to questions raised about the relationship from at least one state lawmaker, the anti-abortion advocacy group and the Journal.

Martinez said last week that she still has problems with what she calls UNMs shroud of secrecy regarding attempts by the alliance to get information about the universitys tissue procurement process to determine if it consistently follows all state and federal regulations.

Her organization has criticized UNM for redacting names and other identifying information from the documents obtained by the House panel.

Further, she said, her organization made repeated requests to UNM for details regarding the fetal tissue it obtains from Southwestern Womens Options and was told the university did not keep such information.

UNM has said it responded to the requests for information and that it redacted identifying information over concern for the safety of personnel involved in using fetal tissue.

The procurement notes are extremely detailed, containing information about tissue sample weight, age, type of organ or body part, the condition of the tissue, if its whole or separated and that sort of thing, Martinez said.

UNM appears to have violated open record laws by saying in their responses to our multiple IPRA (Inspection of Public Record Act) requests that they didnt have this information, when we now know that the information clearly does exist in procurement notebooks.
Copyright  2016 Albuquerque Journal

For four miles on a winding two-lane highway through New Mexicos Gila National Forest, U.S. Forest Service patrol officer Christopher Mandrick contends that he was dogged by a brown Ford truck tailgating his marked law enforcement vehicle.

All he could see was the front grille in his rear view mirror until the truck passed him and another car on a blind curve in a no-passing lane on U.S. Highway 180, south of Luna, Mandrick recently testified. He flipped on his siren and flashing lights that wet January afternoon. It took another one and a half miles, he testified, before the driver pulled over  right next to a Catron County sheriffs deputy parked on the opposite shoulder of the road.

You dont have any authority to pull me over, Mandrick quoted the driver as saying when he approached and asked for his identification.

The driver turned out to be Alvin Brent Laney, 28, the nephew of one of Catron Countys most vocal critics of Forest Service management, Kit Laney. Kit Laney in 2004 was sentenced to five months in prison for assaulting and interfering with Forest Service officers during a court-ordered roundup of Laneys cattle, which were grazing without a permit on his Diamond Bar Ranch allotment in the Gila National Forest.

Friction between the Forest Service and residents in mostly rural New Mexico counties is nothing new, especially in Catron County in southwest New Mexico.

But the traffic stop by officer Mandrick in January 2015  and the ensuing 18-month legal battle that ended this month  arose at a time when some say there is more hostility than ever toward the federal government in the West.

The law enforcement arm of the Forest Service is under attack in Congress and its law enforcement presence in New Mexico is shrinking due to budget cuts.

Since 2011, the number of law enforcement officers assigned to protect natural resources and investigate crimes on the more than 8.3 million acres of national forest in New Mexico has been cut by nearly 39 percent. The force of uniformed, armed patrol officers has gone from 15 to 9. The number of criminal investigators, who handle the more complex investigations of illegal tree-cutting and other crimes, is down to two from three.

Meanwhile, the ability of federal forest law enforcement officers to enforce state crimes through cross-commissioning by New Mexico sheriffs has been dramatically curtailed  in part because of a New Mexico Supreme Court ruling last year. When civil actions are filed, counties are now potentially liable for other agencies acting under sheriffs commissions. Only Bernalillo County and Sandoval County commission Forest Service officers to make arrests under state law.

U.S. Forest Service Special Agent in Charge Robin Poague said the officer cutbacks mean an ever greater reliance on partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, even without sheriffs commissions.

He says the challenges wont deter the agency from its mission of keeping the forests safe.

We want to have a transparent organization and I think we make a valuable contribution, Poague said last week.

Not everyone in New Mexico agrees.

In 1997, ranchers in Reserve threatened to kill Forest Service employees for trying to enforce grazing restrictions, and, in 1996, a bomb was found on the windowsill of a New Mexico Forest Service office, according to the nonprofit national Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility.

Last year, eight threats or instances of intimidation of Forest Service employees in the Gila and Lincoln national forests were reported, the organization said.

Officer Mandrick, who now works in Colorado, testified at Laneys trial on July 20 in Las Cruces that he felt intimidated by someone tailgating him for so long and pulled Laney over because he believed his driving was a threat to his and other motorists safety. He cited Laney for interfering with a forest officer and reckless driving  a charge later dropped by prosecutors.

Laney contended that he had not violated the law. He was acquitted of the interference charge after a one-day trial, but was found guilty of failing to stop for a forest officer  a misdemeanor charge filed some months after the traffic stop.

Back in 2014, Forest Service law enforcement caught flak for a drug sweep of the Taos Ski Valley. That same year, Tommy Rodella, former sheriff of Rio Arriba County, blamed his federal civil rights and firearms prosecution on his refusal to deputize Forest Service law enforcement officers to enforce state law.

Now that other New Mexico sheriffs have followed suit, some Forest Service officers who detain suspects on federal land for state crimes, such as domestic violence, will have to wait until a sheriffs officer arrives to take over the arrest, if the local agency chooses to respond at all.

It leaves the citizens of New Mexico, or wherever, more vulnerable, said Nate Catura, national president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

Anti-fed sentiment is high

The New Mexico Forest Service budget cuts are part of a nationwide force reduction. Currently, 544 patrol officers and investigators are assigned to protect U.S. Forest Service lands nationwide, down from 667 in 2011, according to the U.S. Forest Service press office in Washington, D.C.

Officers have been directed to prioritize work to ensure response to emergencies and life-threatening situations and have been advised to accept that some things that you would like to do just wont get done, according to a U.S. Forest Service memo issued in 2014.

Some Republicans in Congress want to abolish the law enforcement arm altogether.

In the wake of armed standoffs between ranchers and federal agents in Oregon and Nevada, U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, has introduced a measure to eliminate both Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management law enforcement. Local sheriffs would receive federal block grants to enforce the law in forests  a move Chaffetz maintains will help de-escalate conflicts between law enforcement and local residents.

Catura, president of the federal officers association, advocates finding solutions to the differences in policy and enforcement, rather than eliminating two integral and vital federal bureaus.

It should not come as any surprise that anti-federal government sentiment in the West is as high as its ever been, said Catura. I think theyve become more emboldened.

San Juan County Sheriff Ken Christesen, president of the New Mexico Sheriffs Association, said he wouldnt mind having sheriffs assume Forest Service duties.

Christesen said theres no forest land in his northwest New Mexico county, but he has heard complaints from other New Mexico sheriffs about rogue federal law officers trying to push their authority around. He didnt give specifics.

Im not an anti-government guy, he added. Ive got a lot of friends in the federal system, but there are limits, and they (Forest Service officers) need to understand that. I dont want them getting out of control.

Catura countered that leaving forest law enforcement up to local sheriffs wouldnt be effective because sheriff deputies dont have the requisite specialized training that goes with these specialized (forest) jobs.

Controversial effort

Clashes between locals and federal forest officers in New Mexico go back years.

In southern New Mexico, Otero County Sheriff Benny House got the Forest Services attention in 2011 when county contractors attempted to cut tress on national forest land in the Lincoln National Forest.

According to a federal court ruling that sided with the Forest Service, House made it clear he did not recognize Forest Service authority or jurisdiction on the matter and vowed to arrest Forest Service law enforcement officers on kidnapping charges if they arrested anyone implementing the tree-cutting project.

House told the Journal last week that both sides resolved the issue without his deputies taking any action.

The overreach is the fact that the Forest Service is trying to push the ranchers out, said House. And Forest Service officers are the enforcers (of those policies).

The Forest Service received more than 30 complaints for conducting a saturation patrol looking for drug and other offenses in a sweep of the Taos Ski Valley with a K-9 unit two years ago. The raid was spurred after a Questa-based forest officer observed many violations in the area, including reckless driving, speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and possession of marijuana and other illegal drugs, according to news reports.

Poague blamed the controversial enforcement effort on a lack of communication within the agency and reforms were promised.

Rodella, now serving a 10-year prison sentence for his 2014 conviction for a road rage incident in which he pulled a gun on a motorist, was among those who have accused forest law enforcement of overstepping its authority.

The U.S. Attorneys Office told the Journal last week that Rodellas sheriffs office either did not understand the U.S. Forest Services jurisdictional authority in Rio Arriba County, or was interfering with U.S. Forest Services proper exercise of its jurisdictional authority.

Legal battle

Of the 916 citations issued by Forest Service officers from October 2014 to September 2015  the most recent year for which data is available  only two were for interfering with a forest officer, according to federal court data.

Both were issued in the Gila National Forest, and one was related to the 2015 traffic stop of cattle rancher Laney by forest patrol officer Mandrick.

Mandrick initially cited Laney for interfering with a forest officer and for the federal offense of operating a vehicle carelessly or recklessly, which pertains to national forest system roads, according to court records. But prosecutors dismissed that charge because they werent sure if U.S. 180, while located in a national forest, met the legal definition of a national forest road.

A superseding criminal information filed against Laney in June 2015 added the federal offense of failing to stop for a forest officer.

Laney contested the charges, and the case was dismissed in July 2015 by U.S. Magistrate Lourdes A. Martinez in Las Cruces.

The U.S. Attorneys Office appealed, contending the magistrate erroneously ruled that the forest officer didnt have jurisdiction to enforce federal regulations on a road that is in the national forest, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a statement to the Journal .

The ruling improperly restricted the U.S. Forest Services jurisdiction in this specific case, and (the appeal was needed) to ensure that the erroneous ruling could not be relied upon in other cases to restrict the U.S. Forest Services ability to enforce federal regulations and laws on roads and trails within National Forests, the statement read.

U.S. District Judge Robert Brack reversed the dismissal. Ultimately, U.S. Magistrate Stephan Vidmar imposed a $135 fine, finding Laney guilty on the failure to stop charge. Laney was acquitted of interfering with a forest officer. Both carry a maximum $5,000 fine and six months in jail.

Laneys Albuquerque attorney, A. Blair Dunn, said it was absurd for the government to go to such lengths to prosecute Laney,

On the witness stand, Laney denied he passed on a double yellow line on U.S. 180, contended the forest officer was driving below the speed limit and Laney claimed it wasnt safe to pull over prior to seeing the Catron County deputy.

Laney testified that he decided to stop at that point because he wanted a witness to hear what was going to happen.

The sheriffs deputy filed no charges. Had Mandrick been cross-commissioned to enforce state law, he could have issued Laney traffic violations under state law, said Catron County Sheriff Ian Fletcher. Yet Fletcher said he is opposed to extending a blanket commission for forest officers because they work under different legal standards than his deputies.

Attorney Dunn said he plans to sue the government for malicious prosecution to recoup Laneys defense costs.

It would blow your mind, Dunn said, to know the amount of taxpayer money that has been spent on prosecuting a misdemeanor that never should have been brought in the first place.
Nowadays, the Indian workers are living in inhuman conditions in labour camps after losing jobs in slump-hit Saudi economy. Indian government has planned to evacuate a large number of Indian workers facing uncertain future in Saudi Arabia following extensive layoffs. The government will send a minister to Saudi Arabia and try to bring back more than 10,000 Indian workers who are facing a food crisis because they are unable to afford meals after being laid off from their jobs. Low oil prices have forced the Saudi government to slash spending since last year, putting heavy pressure on the finances of local construction firms, which rely on state contracts. As a result, some companies have been struggling to pay foreign workers and have laid off tens of thousands, leaving many with no money for food or tickets for returning home. The decision to evacuate Indian workers comes a day after the Embassy of India in Riyadh and Consulate in Jeddah began arranging food through community support for workers.

The hardships faced by Indian migrants come amid rising protests about working conditions in Saudi Arabia. Hundreds of foreign workers at construction firm Saudi Oger staged a public protest in Jeddah at the weekend to demand seven months of unpaid wages. The Saudi government says it investigates any complaints of companies not paying wages and if necessary, obliges them to do so with fines and other penalties.

Even otherwise the life of workers in Saudi is not as easy as we think. The lack of effective regulation of visa brokers and rogue recruiting agents makes Indian migrant workers vulnerable to serious human rights abuses. Dispatches from Indian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, highlights cases of migrant workers from Kerala who were deceived about their jobs, wages and working conditions. Many workers went on to face a range of abuses in Saudi Arabia, which at their worst included forced labour.

Migrant workers send billions of dollars in remittances every year to India and sustain thousands of families. Yet Indian authorities continue to let them down when they are abused. It is time that migrant workers rights get the protection they deserve. Migrant workers reported working regularly for between 15 to 18 hours without a day off, and not being compensated for overtime. Some were subjected to threats and beatings by their employers, had their passports and residency permits confiscated and were denied exit permits to return home.

Few sought remedy after they returned home, or were aware of their rights under law or existing mechanisms for redressal. Virtually, nobody had attended any training programmes before they left India. The Indian Emigration Act governs the recruitment of Indian migrant workers, including by mandating government certification for recruiting agents, and setting up Protector of Emigrants offices to regulate them. Further, visa brokers, who are used by most potential migrants, are both unregistered and unregulated, and function outside the law. Migrants reliance on brokers to facilitate the recruitment process often left them vulnerable to deception, exploitation and indebtedness.

Authorities like the Protector of Emigrants lacked the resources to effectively regulate recruitment of migrant workers, and rogue recruiters were rarely punished. Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia are estimated to number about 12 million. Initially, the main influx was composed of Arab and Western technical, professional and administrative personnel, but subsequently substantial numbers came from Southeast Asia. Saudi Arabia has become increasingly dependent on foreign labour, and although foreign workers remain present in technical positions, most are now employed in the agriculture, cleaning and domestic service industries. The hierarchy of foreign workers is often dependent on their country of origin; workers from Arab and Western countries generally hold the highest positions not held by Saudis, and persons from Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia occupy the lower positions. The Saudi government has faced criticism from legal bodies and employers over the treatment of foreign workers.

Many domestic servants in Saudi Arabia are treated adequately but there have been numerous cases of abuse. Foreign workers have been raped, exploited, under or unpaid, physically abused, overworked and locked in their places of employment. The international organisation Human Rights Watch (HRW) describes these conditions as near-slavery and attributes them to deeply rooted gender, religious, and racial discrimination. In many cases the workers are unwilling to report their employers for fear of losing their jobs or further abuse. Other forms of general discrimination, such as a lack of freedom of religion for non-Sunni Muslims, are also applicable.

These conditions have sparked condemnation both inside and outside of Saudi Arabia. In 2002, Grand Mufti Abdul-Azeez ibn Abdullaah Aal ash-Shaikh argued that Islam required employers to honour their contracts and not intimidate, blackmail or threaten their workers.. Several executions have sparked international outcries. Same is the condition of many other skilled workers and labour also.

Anyways, now they will be brought back to India but the big question is who will speak for their pending salaries? Air lifting jobless workers from Saudi Arabia is not a big deal but what about salaries which the companies have not paid to them for several months? What amenities will the government provide after bringing back those workers? Is there any employment in India to offer them?

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)
The Bombay High Court has deprecated the practice of litigants in levelling allegations against dignitaries holding senior-most positions, like the countrys Prime Minister, Home Minister and Chief Minister of Maharashtra, on frivolous grounds.



Merely because of a persons right to approach a court of law to seek redressal of their grievances, people cannot indulge in targeting high dignitaries by naming them as contemnors or guilty of any crime, a division bench of justices S C Dharmadhikari and Shalini Phansalkar-Joshi said.

The court was hearing a petition filed by woman-son duo Mohini Kamwani (81) and Dilip Kamwani (61), both senior citizens, seeking contempt action against the state chief minister, Home minister, law minister, chief secretary, director general of police and Navi Mumbai police chief.

The petitioners case is that the contemnors failed to lodge complaint against Deputy Superintendent of Police Laxman Kale and Assistant Commissioner Raosaheb Sardesai, as directed by the high court in an October 2015 order, for illegally arresting the petitioners in 2012.

The HC had in June 2013 on a petition filed by the duo directed the government to pay a compensation of Rs. three lakh each to them and said the petitioners can file complaint with the magistrate court if they wish to initiate criminal action against the two police officials who arrested them.

According to the Kamwanis, they approached the magistrate court which directed police to probe the matter but no FIR was lodged.

The high court on July 21 dismissed Kamwanis petition and held that the police has already registered FIR in the case and probe was on.

We deprecate the tendency of the applicants and other litigants to make allegations against high dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of India, Home Minister of India, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the Chief Secretary of the State and so on, the judges said.

The HC said that people should understand that the dignity and status of these posts need to be safeguarded and protected.
By assaulting the youth Trupti is trying to garner cheap publicity.

Mumbaikars have condemned the manner in which Bhumata Brigade Chief Trupti Desai had taken law into her own hands by thrashing a man in Pune for allegedly making false marriage promises to women. The video of the incident had already gone viral on social media inviting the ire of netizens. They said how can Trupti who had spearheaded the campaign for seeking entry of women in the inner sanctum of Shani Shingnapur temple turn so violent. Instead she could have first had an interaction with the youth and warn him against repeating the crime in future. They also said that if Trupti is talking about gender equality then she should not have beaten the youth and if men would have committed the same offence against women then hue and cry would have been raised against it in media. Even womens rights organisations would have intervened in this matter but since a man was at the receiving end nobody raised objections about it. How can the society progress if such types of incidents occur they asked?

Of course Trupti has committed a mistake and doesnt have any right to beat anyone. If Trupti had guts then she should have beaten men at Haji Ali who had foiled her attempt to enter the shrine, said criminal lawyer Abbas Kazmi.

Bhola Gurjar, Professor of Civil (Environmental) Engineering at IIT Roorkee said, There is another angle which I am curious to learn about. Suppose in such a case if a man wants to marry a woman but she just aborts the baby and chooses to walk out of the live in or mutually agrees for physical relationship, does the man have a right to drag her in court?

Anil Galgali, RTI activist said, Trupti has definitely shown courage by beating that man. However, she should not have violated the law and should have handed him to the police. She could have filed a complaint with the police. Such issues must be resolved with social responsibility.

Trupti is a publicity hungry woman with an objective to grab some political space. She could have handed over the person to the police and filed a formal complaint. Her attempt to enter temples was a publicity stunt as she could have protested before right forums or seeking judicial intervention, said AAP leader Ravi Srivastava.

Parmeshwar Upadhyay NSUI member said, Trupti Desai should be prosecuted for taking law into her hands and nastily attacking a youth to cause bodily harm to him. The footage is a vital evidence to punish her. The man was beaten so brutally that there are slim chances of reunification of the couple. Such issues should be resolved by offering counselling to youth.

Indur Chugani social activists said, She basically has become like Rakhi Sawant and wants to remain in the limelight by hook or crook. She might be planning to enter politics but she lacks vision. She cant act like a police and assault anyone publically. Unfortunately, only the common man is harassed in our country and nobody is keen to take action against those who are in the limelight.

Vedant Sharma a journalist said, Unfortunately there isnt any law to check a man getting into relationship with a woman, promising to marry her and later deserting her. Moreover, law gives provision to girl to take legal action against a man who cheated her in the name of marriage. But nobody has any right to assault anyone with slippers. Trupti should be sent to jail.

Vaibhav Maheshwari said, The couples in question are mature and the physical relation that resulted into womens pregnancy was mutually agreed between them. Now when the man refuses to marry her then the woman has all the rights to take legal action against him. Trupti Desai is slowly turning into a self-declared activist.








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Warning has been reportedly issued to the pregnant women by Public Health England after the outbreak of Zika virus not linked to travel outside US. This has been announced in the wake of three Zika virus cases reported in Yorkshire. Medical director at Public Health England, Professor Paul Cosford has said, 'We expect to see small numbers of Zika virus infections in travelers returning to the UK, but the risk to the wider population is very low as the mosquito that spreads the Zika virus is not found in the UK.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 5,582 people in Puerto Rico have been diagnosed with Zika including 672 pregnant women and this year the virus could affect up to 10,000 pregnant women in Puerto Rico alone, putting hundreds of babies at risk of birth defects.

CDC director Thomas Frieden said, The infection is likely to affect one in four people by the end of the year.

There have been over 50 cases diagnosed in UK travelers from January to July 27, 2016. The risk to UK remains unchanged and the Public Health England is keeping a close eye on the international situation about the issue.

The warning has been issued just days before the Rio Olympic Games are to start off. Reportedly Brazil has confirmed 1700 cases of Zika virus cases that have been affecting pregnant women and their children fearing the unthinkable effect that the report will have on its games.

Though preventive measures have been installed and trucks were seen spewing insecticides around the Olympic Games venue.

Zika virus is typically transmitted through bites from the Aedes species of mosquitoes and causes microcephaly which is formation of a small head in proportion to the whole body in the newborns.

One of the most sought after problems affecting the people with Zika virus is that most of those infected show no symptoms at all and those who show symptoms get mild rash, fever and red eyes only. Only twenty percent of people with Zika develop symptoms.



There is no specific treatment for the virus and there is currently no vaccine to protect against infection, though several are in the developmental stages. Therefore prevention is the best cure.














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Assyrian Militia in Iraq Battles Against ISIS for Homeland

BAQUFA, Iraq -- The farmland here is rolling and fertile, but some of it is blackened by war. Villagers stand in the fields in scorching heat to harvest sunflowers. Not far away, other men prepare for a desperate battle to return the land to their people. The Islamic State terrorist army seized Mosul, Iraq's third-largest city, and surrounding villages in 2014; a million or more refugees, including tens of thousands of Christians, fled into Kurdish Iraq. Two years later, many remain in refugee camps there. Intense fighting has ravaged many villages as an assortment of anti-ISIS forces moves on Mosul. A Navy SEAL, Charles Keating IV, 31, was killed here in May while advising Kurdish troops in battle. Baqufa, 18 miles north of Mosul, is part of a 650-mile front manned by Kurdish fighters known as peshmerga, or "those who face death." Fighting beside them is a small Assyrian Christian militia -- Dwekh Nawsha, "the ones who sacrifice," in the ancient Aramaic tongue that many believe was the language of Christ. More than two dozen Westerners, many of them U.S. military veterans, have joined Dwekh Nawsha. Sergeant Moayed Zaya, 46, is a fighter with the Assyrian Christian militia known as Dwekh Nawsha, or 'The Ones who sacrifice, in the ancient language of Aramaic, the language of Christ. On the front line in Baqufa, 18 miles north of ISIS-held Mosul, Zaya points to ISIS fighters around a water tower. ( Betsy Hiel/Tribune-Review) Surrounded by some of his 40 Assyrian volunteers and American veterans, Capt. Majid Elia, 42, rests in a two-story house just a 10-minute walk from the battlefront. A small artificial Christmas tree and a picture of the Holy Family are in a corner; an Assyrian flag hangs on a wall. Short and slender, Elia wears olive-green fatigues and a close-trimmed salt-and-pepper beard. A large Christian cross is tattooed on his right hand; a pistol is strapped to a thigh. Most of his Assyrian men come from this or other Christian villages on Iraq's Nineveh plain. Drawing deeply on a cigarette, he explains why they fight ISIS. "Our message to the world is that Christianity is a religion of peace, but that doesn't mean it is a religion of surrender," he says in a raspy voice. "The message to our people is just that: We believe this is Assyrian land and we need to hold it -- not go to the borders, begging to go to other countries." FEWER CHRISTIANS EVERYWHERE Dwekh Nawsha formed in August 2014, four days after ISIS began its onslaught. It is one of two military units supported by the Assyrian Patriotic Party, according to Wilson Khammu, who heads the party in Dohuk, Iraqi Kurdistan. Its members are self-financed and armed with old weaponry. Their numbers are fluid; some are refugees who must return to the camps to support their families, Elia says. They are not the only Assyrian Christian militiamen; 1,500 serve in units attached to the Kurdish peshmerga and 500 are in units with the Iraqi army, according to Dr. Duraid Zoma, a minority-affairs adviser to Nineveh's provincial government-in-exile. But Iraq's Christian population is dropping at an alarming rate, Zoma and others say. Many are emigrating to Western nations to escape the sectarian violence. "In Iraq, there are 250,000 Christians," Zoma says. Most are refugees in Kurdistan, with 100,000 scattered in Baghdad, Basra and other Iraqi cities. "In 1975, the Christians were about 3 million," he says. "I think in one or two years the number will be 150,000 to 100,000 in Iraq, and within 10 years it will be much less. Not just in Iraq, but in the whole Middle East." Elia is disturbed to see so many of his faith leaving their homeland: "Of course, we can't blame them for fleeing. ... But this immigration, this pushes us more and makes us believe we have to take this land back from ISIS -- because it belongs to us." A former journalist for the Assyrian Patriotic Party's official newspaper, he was an officer in the Iraqi army for seven years. He insists on a careful distinction: "I will not say 'Saddam's army.' It was the Iraqi army." Many of his men, too, served in the army during Saddam Hussein's reign. The war against ISIS is something different, however -- "a street fight," Assyrian party leader Khammu says, "for which we don't have training (and) our weapons are old." Elia agrees: "In the army, you know who your enemy is, where the hits come from and how to defend yourself from that. The problem fighting ISIS is that it is an international organization. "They use multiple tactics to hit us. They come at us from the south and the north, from inside and outside, with social media and their television stations. You don't know where it will come from." The enemy, he concludes, "isn't an organized force. They are just a group of gangs." 'I CAN'T LIVE WITH THEM' Even as Elia and his men desperately fight ISIS, hoping to encourage their people to stay in Iraq, many Christians here doubt they can ever go home. Marium Khaled, 24, works at a hotel in Ainkawa, a Christian enclave in the Kurdish city of Erbil. She fled her home and university studies in Mosul when ISIS took over; her family has dispersed among Australia, Canada, France, Lebanon and Sweden. "I don't want to return to Mosul again," she says. "I can't live with them again. They took our lives, and now we have no future." Others say they will return only with international protection. Because Nineveh province was home to many ethnic and religious groups -- Christians, Yazedis, Shabak, Turkmen, Sunni Arabs -- "it will be hard to blend the different communities together again," Zoma says. He believes a year or two will be needed to "make sure every single ISIS member is gone." Nineveh political leaders, he says, talk of dividing the governorate into five parts -- Mosul as an open city, the Nineveh plain for Christians, Sinjar for the Yazedis, Tel Afar for Turkmen and Shabak, the south, for Sunnis. He supports the idea because people "won't be able to live together after ISIS. I believe this will happen, because if it doesn't, there will be no stability." Khammu has heard of such a plan but insists international protection is essential. Otherwise, Christians "will not return." But today, "we are on the front line and holding our position ... telling our people not to immigrate," he says. "We will get these villages back with the will of God -- and the will of the young men of our Dwekh Nawsha forces."
We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are.

If you are brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting, which can be anything from your house to bitter, old resentments, and set out on a truth-seeking journey, either externally or internally, and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher and if you are prepared, most of all, to face and forgive some very difficult realities about yourself, then the truth will not be withheld from you.

~ Elizabeth Gilbert.

Two years ago I boarded that first plane to Israel and heard my best friends voice, Be strong and be brave.

Fast-forward two years later, and here I was, ready to take my next spiritual journey to the beautiful holy land of Israel. The odds seemed against me when this ticket was booked. My dad had just battled cancer; my grandmothers congestive heart failure had advanced. How could I possibly take this time for my own inner journey? Wasnt it selfish of me to leave?

Everything and everyone around me was crumbling and I felt that was the moment I needed to muster the courage to seek answers in searching for my path in life. As Max DePree said, We cannot become what we want to be by remaining what we are.

Israel was a perfect place to find my identity, authenticity and a true sense of wholeness.

My journey through the holy land began in the north of Israel, where I visited Tzfat, the city of Kabbalah. In Judaism, Kabbalah means, "to be able to receive. It is in this mystical city which represents the four basic elements: earth, fire, air and water. This is where I learned how to tap into my spiritual self, connecting to something bigger than myself.

Israel was a perfect place to find my identity, authenticity and a true sense of wholeness. It is a place that teaches you the real art of letting it go, especially for someone like myself who has struggled with fear her entire life. Israel allowed me to just be, to take that deep breath and just let it go. As that great quote by Hafiz goes, Now that all your worry has proved such an unlucrative business, why not find a better job?

And so I did: the power of prayer.

My journey continued to one of the most prominent tombs in all of Israel  Rachels Tomb in Bethlehem. At this tomb I learned the true gift of giving and sacrifice. It is said that when Rachel died, her husband Jacob and their family were just a short distance from Bethlehem, yet he did not bring his beloved home to be with him to Hebron. Instead, he buried her in the middle of nowhere, on the side of a road.

Why? Because Jacob foresaw the future, following the destruction of the First Temple. He knew the Jews would be driven away from their homes and forced into exile in Babylon, and on their march, they would pass this very road. It is a place that allows the Jewish people, and all those who pray at her tomb, to find solace in despair from her very presence. The story of Rachel taught me that without pain, and without great sacrifice, there is nothing.

In Israel, there are tombs that carry a divine presence, breathtaking sunsets, delicious meals, and a warm and welcoming culture that sum up the true heart of this nation But for me, the true heart has and will always reside at the Western Wall.

It is here that people come from all walks of life to pray, to talk to God, to listen, and to trust in the divine energy that you feel when you take those first steps toward that wall, and allow it to move something within you. This wall is one of the busiest and most prominent holy sites in the world, yet it feels like the quietest place I've ever been.

One day prior to my experience at the wall, a lovely woman at a yeshiva told me, God is your trainer, and His job is to push you beyond your limits. But He never gives you more than you can carry. At the Kotel I expressed my gratitude for everything God has allowed me to carry, always coming out the other side, better than I was when I walked in.

I also received the gift of understanding unconditional love from a man who found home in the middle of the desert in a Bedouin tent. He told me the best thing about his life is serving others, because when you give, God always gives back. Perhaps this is the greatest lesson of them all: live from a place of abundance, but never forget to give off from the top.

If you dont know what youre living for, you havent yet lived. Israel has given me the gift of life.

Perhaps the greatest gift that I can attribute this journey to is the scared, freaked-out, inner critic of an individual known as myself. The woman who said she would never get on a plane to travel overseas because life is just that scary, and she has now returned to Israel for the second time. The one who told herself before she left that she felt unmotivated to do anything and who had now climbed Mount Arbel in Tiberias just to challenge herself because of that little voice which whispered you can.

Ive learned to be present in the moment and to cherish it. When our inner negative voices try to get us to falter, this is the time to move forward in search of our truth. When we have the willingness to be open to the messages of selfless love, courage, and faith, we can begin to move to a higher level of being. To get quiet and pause, and listen to our own souls for whatever its calling out for us to do the most.

As Rabbi Noah Weinberg, of blessed memory, often said, If you dont know what youre living for, you havent yet lived. Israel has given me the gift of life.
July 31, 2016

Egypt and Saudi Arabia reached an agreement in June concerning their maritime borders that provided for transferring ownership of the Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia. This raised the ire of the Egyptian street, provoking protests in opposition to the move. Despite all that, an Egyptian administrative court ruled that the islands are still legally Egyptian, providing a victory to Egyptian public opinion that was opposed to the official position of the state and government.

The government and members of the House of Representatives desperately defended the transfer of ownership of the two islands to Riyadh while the Egyptian street burst out into protests repudiating the agreement.

The agreement would convert the straits of Tiran into an international waterway that other states, including Israel, would be entitled to use. In contrast, prior to the agreements signature, the straits were an Egyptian waterway that no other state was entitled to use without Egyptian agreement, according to Khalid Ali, the lawyer who brought a lawsuit against the state and won the first round in the administrative court.

Ali is an Egyptian lawyer and politician, a member of the Socialist Front and the director of the Egyptian Center for Social and Economic Rights. He had previously participated in establishing the Hisham Mubarak Center for Law. Ali spoke with Al-Monitor about the documents he used to support the Egyptian claim to the two islands.

The full text of the interview follows:

Al-Monitor: From a legal and political perspective, whats your view of the Egyptian administrative courts verdict that Tiran and Sanafir remain Egyptian?

Ali: It is one of the most important and powerful verdicts in the history of the State Council [administrative court system]. It reaffirms that the State Council has evolved, now addressing the theory of sovereignty. This is something that the state worked hard to leverage as concerns the theory of sovereignty, despite the fact that the theory itself is not fixed and there is no agreed-upon definition for the meaning of sovereignty. However, the court [system] had always kept its distance from cases like this, with the excuse that they lie outside its jurisdiction.

Al-Monitor: Why did the court issue a verdict this time on the Egyptian claim to the two islands?

Ali: Because the entire matter was left to the judge, who in turn determined whether the case constituted a sovereign act or not. Every case has its own particular circumstances. For example, when the maritime borders between Egypt, Cyprus and Greece were established, the court viewed it as a sovereign act. Whereas, in the case of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the court did not take that view, due to the presence of a key variable: the Egyptian territories of Tiran and Sanafir, whose ownership was transferred to Saudi Arabia on the basis of a [diplomatic] agreement. These two islands are considered an extension of Egyptian territory. Moreover, the constitution affords both a different sort of protection.

Al-Monitor: Doesnt Egypts signing of the agreement represent a sovereign act that the court is not permitted to exercise control over?

Ali: Of course not, as long as the agreement violates the constitution. If the act in question violates the constitution, even if it is a signed agreement, then the theory of sovereignty affords it no protection. On the contrary, such an agreement would need to be protected from the theory of sovereignty.

Al-Monitor: What support did you rely on in your defense of Egypts claims to the two islands?

Ali: I provided many documents and records. We began our research into history starting with 1811, when Muhammad Ali began his war in the Arabian Peninsula and occupied several of its regions. The area of the Hijaz, or present-day Saudi Arabia, was known as "the Egyptian Hijaz." He established fortifications on the Egyptian Hajj Road on the model of his castles in Egypt in order to secure the Egyptian Hajj Road. In 1840, the Ottoman sultan signed the Convention of London, seeking the aid of Austria, Britain and Russia to force Muhammad Ali to withdraw from the Arabian Peninsula in exchange for a firman [decree] that Egypt would belong to him and his children as an inheritance. The agreement was concluded [but] it preserved Muhammad Alis control of the Egytian Hajj Road.

In 1892, Muhammad Alis [descendant Abbas II] came to power as Egypt was under English occupation. In light of [Egypts] weakened position, the Ottoman sultan reclaimed the fortifications up to the Gulf of Aqaba, and attempted following that to take control of Taba. England and Egypt both repulsed that effort, however.

According to Finnish Orientalist Georg Wallin, who visited these territories, which included both Tiran and Sanafir, there were Egyptians [living there]. This is according to a publication bearing the title Notes taken during a Journey through Part of Northern Arabia, in 1848.

I also relied on a book Atlas, a textbook released in 1922 in Egypt, published by the Ministry of Education, which also confirmed the Egyptian claim to the two islands.

When a member of the Israeli Knesset called for raising the Israeli flag over Tiran, due to the absence of any flag there, the Egyptian forces hastened to move in January 1950 to raise the Egyptian flag over the island. Saudi Arabia blessed the move at the time. I obtained the correspondence that was exchanged between the two countries from a doctoral thesis supervised by Dr. Mufid Shahab al-Din, who was reported to be an adviser to the Saudi Embassy.

Al-Monitor: What do you expect will happen next, following the [expected] ruling of the Supreme Administrative Court?

Ali: It might approve the agreement as a sovereign act, which would mean that there will be a new burden upon the government. Moreover, we might embark on a new round of conflict, particularly [if there is] a popular referendum on the agreement.

Al-Monitor: Do you expect that Egypt will withdraw from the agreement if the final verdict supports Egypts claim to the two islands?

Ali: Of course that will happen if the Supreme Administrative Court supports the ruling of the administrative court. This verdict concerns Egyptian territory. Its not me who will benefit [from such a ruling], but the Egyptian people.

Al-Monitor: What consequences would accrue to an Egyptian withdrawal from the agreement with Saudi Arabia?

Ali: Saudi Arabia might resort to international arbitration, subject to approval by Egypt.

Al-Monitor: Which Egyptian institutions would set the conditions for agreement to [international] arbitration?

Ali: The Egyptian president and House of Representatives together.

Al-Monitor: The agreement, according to the minister of legal affairs, lies outside the [parameters of] the constitutional text, which calls for a referendum on the subject. Whats your view, following the verdict, of how the House of Representatives will handle the issue?

Ali: The state is saying things that do not make sense. It wants the agreement to lie outside the supervision of the judiciary, on the pretext that it is a sovereign act, while [it does not want] a popular referendum on the pretext that it is restoring territory to its previous owners  namely, Saudi Arabia  and that the matter is not a sovereign act. This despite the fact that the states counsel confirmed in court that it was a sovereign act, in accordance with Article 151, paragraph 2 of the Egyptian Constitution, which states that voters must be called to a referendum for treaties of reconciliation and alliance, and matters pertaining to sovereign rights, and [said agreements] may not be credited until the results of the referendum have approved it. Under no circumstances may any agreement be signed that contradicts the provisions of the constitution, or which concedes any part of the region of the state. Therefore, there must be a referendum.

Al-Monitor: Now, following the verdict, how do you interpret the presidents position regarding the signing of the agreement and transferring ownership of the islands to Saudi Arabia?

Ali: I cannot prognosticate the future, but there is a view that the presidents advisers misled him when he asked them and sought their counsel regarding the ownership of the two islands, before he signed the agreement. There is another view that he was not misled, but was fully aware of what he was doing, and knew the truth of the conflict between Egypt and Saudi Arabia over this territory, which began in the days of King Farouk. According to this view, this lies within the framework of different regional priorities that have not been openly discussed as of yet.

Al-Monitor: Will the administrative courts verdict cause a new revolution because of its independent rulings?

Ali: On the path we are currently heading, there are many things driving people toward revolution. We are now witnessing a double blow whereby the Egyptian pound is suffering a decline in its purchasing power even as prices are rising and economic gaps are widening. But from a collective, informed perspective, justifications for rebellion are very often not the products of a single moment. So it is not at all out of the realm of possibility that there could be a revolution due to economic conditions.

Al-Monitor: Many of those you know have left the country and become opponents of the government from abroad. Do you believe your time will come? That, as a result of pressure from the security services, you will be driven from the country?

Ali: I will not emigrate, and I will choose the same situation that I am in now. That does not mean that my [behavior is] heroic or that others are behaving in an unheroic manner. All of them are choices, one is not better than the other.

Al-Monitor: You have already competed in presidential elections, in the first elections that were held after the January 25 Revolution. Do you intend to compete again in less than two years when Sisis first term expires?

Ali: I am always in the square. If there are elections, then there will be a decision, but we are now in a closed political climate, and one cannot judge what shape elections will take now, or even if there will be elections or not.
July 28, 2016

In the Palestinian Authority (PA), there is a sense of great desperation. People are following with disdain the US election campaigns and conventions. The Palestinian issue is not discussed, as all right-wing Israeli positions are adopted enthusiastically by both parties. There is also great anger at Egypt. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukrys visit to Israel July 10 was perceived as an Egyptian betrayal of the Palestinian cause. The European Union, mainly France, is perceived as better intentioned but too weak to act on its own. In this situation, 2017 promises to be a year of stalemate, with a US administration transition, undisturbed Israeli settlement and occupation policies, and great Palestinian desolation and anger.

The Palestinian leadership is thinking of a game changer for 2017. A senior PLO official who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity said, Obviously, the alternative to a two-state solution process is violence, an armed intifada and Hamas terror; yet we need to define a new political goal that is more realistic. He told Al-Monitor that deliberations on this goal are taking place among the leadership of the PLO. An option that is being seriously discussed is a binational state: to demand from Israel and the international community equal civil, political and human rights for the Palestinians of the West Bank, while delaying the statehood issue. This, in his view, will leave the international community with no choice but to either act in favor of a two-state solution based on the 1967 lines or pressure Israel for equal rights for Palestinians in the given situation. It will force Israel to choose between being a binational state or an apartheid state.

The senior PLO official outlined a plan for the attainment of a binational state. The first step would be a Palestinian statement to the UN General Assembly that the Palestinian people have the right to self-determination in an independent state on the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital. Yet given the international and regional stalemate and Israels active annexation policies, the PA is demanding equal rights for Palestinian citizens in the West Bank within a binational state.

Such equal rights, according to the PLO official, would pertain to full political, civil and human rights. Most importantly, the Palestinians would have the right to be elected to the parliament of the binational state and have the same voting rights like Israelis in the bilateral state. The official told Al-Monitor, Israelis must understand that the alternative to a two-state solution is a binational state in which Palestinians constitute half of the population. The Palestinian move is both of strategic and tactical nature. Strategically, they believe that such a move will force the international community to engage in a realistic two-state solution in 2017, and tactically, it is aimed at Israeli public opinion in making the case for the preference of Palestinian statehood.

In the view of the Palestinian leadership, such a move would, at the very least, result in placing the Palestinian statehood issue on the international agenda, from which it seems to have evaporated because of the Islamic State threat and the US elections. The EU would feel induced to act more vigorously at the beginning of 2017 while a new US administration is taking over. The official said, No one can underestimate the eventuality of a binational state because in reality it is already happening.

A senior Israeli Foreign Ministry official dealing with policy analysis of the Palestinian issue told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that no one in official Jerusalem takes this Palestinian threat seriously. He said, The Palestinians of the West Bank have their full rights within the Palestinian Authority. The lack of democracy there is not Israels fault. Our position is clear: only bilateral and unconditional negotiations on a two-state solution with recognition of Israel as a Jewish state.

The Israeli position is wrong. Its not a matter of democracy for Palestinians, but rather of freedom and self-determination. Furthermore, a binational state already exists from the river to the sea  its founder is the occupation and its founding fathers are the settlers.

The planned Palestinian move stands little chance. Yet with it they could make a better case to the world that the current situation is untenable.

Israel itself has every interest to avoid a binational state where, in not very long, Jews will be a minority.
July 29, 2016

RAMALLAH, West Bank  On July 19, the Syrian armed opposition faction Nureddin Zengi Brigade slaughtered Abdullah Issa, a 12-year-old Palestinian from the Handarat camp in Aleppo, thus raising the ire of Palestinians and prompting the PLO to call for the international prosecution of the murderers.

After the crime raised questions among Palestinians about the PLOs role when it comes to protecting Palestinian refugees in Syria, the PLO declared in its statement that it is working on providing protection for refugees while contacting Arab and international authorities in a bid to prosecute criminals by all legal means before international courts.

Ahmed al-Majdalani, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas envoy to Syria and member of the PLOs Executive Committee, told Al-Monitor that one of the Syrian opposition armed groups that receive support from a country in the region  in reference to Turkey  slaughtered Issa. Majdalani denied media reports that alleged the child was Syrian and said, The child is from a Palestinian family that we know. He is well-known by the refugees in the camp and his parents died a long time ago.

Asked about the protection the organization seeks to provide for refugees, he said, Since the beginning of the crisis in Syria, the PLO has sought to ensure protection and security to the Palestinians in Syria in cooperation and coordination with the Syrian government forces. It also sought to offer material relief in collaboration with international organizations such as UNRWA, [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East] and contributed to the release of many Palestinians kidnapped by opposition groups.

The protection provided by the PLO for Palestinians in Syria is limited to political contacts with the Syrian government and some opposition groups in order to keep refugees away from the conflict. These contacts are made by Anwar Abdul-Hadi, the director of the political department of the PLO, or through PLO delegations headed by Majdalani who visited Syria on numerous occasions.

However, the PLO does not have the ability to provide direct security protection to refugees in the camps because it has no official forces there.

There are no regular Palestinian armed forces that belong to the PLO in Syria to protect Palestinian refugees. There are forces that belong to some Palestinian factions in Syria, and most of them are close to the Syrian government, such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command. Therefore, we rely on our communication with the Syrian government to provide such protection for refugees as well as with those factions to coordinate the political and practical positions in order to provide security and safety for refugees.

Asked about the Palestinian refugee camps in Syria, Majdalani said, The Yarmouk refugee camp is still one of the most affected camps, as only 4,000 out of its 160,000 refugees remain there; some fled to Lebanon while others went to other refugee camps in Syria. Handarat camp, which witnessed the slaughter of Issa, has become practically empty as only a few hundred out of the 4,000 refugees are left there after [Syrian] armed groups took control of the camp. Some of these refugees moved to small camps such as Jaramana, Khan Dannun, Al Raml and Neirab.

There are 12 Palestinian refugee camps in Syria, the largest of which is the Yarmouk refugee camp. Some of the refugees in these camps were forced to leave because of the fighting between Syrian armed groups that tried to take control of the camps because of their important strategic location. The Yarmouk refugee camp, which lies near Damascus, witnessed fierce fighting between the Islamic State (IS) and Jabhat al-Nusra.

The Arab League and the United Nations recognized the PLO as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, and it is within its responsibility to protect Palestinian refugees in the diaspora through its Refugee Affairs Department.

Ahmad Hanoun, director general of the PLOs Department of Refugee Affairs, told Al-Monitor, The PLO has taken a neutral stance since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis, which served as the first line of defense for the protection of the refugees in Syria.

He said that the PLO is making daily efforts to follow up on the field developments, making necessary calls and communications through the Palestinian Embassy and the PLOs political department in Syria, to [ensure] the neutrality of the camps regarding the conflict in Syria.

He added that efforts are also underway to provide protection for the refugees and facilitate their everyday life through the opening of roads, securing safe corridors, entry of food supplies, exiting sick people, providing medicines and pushing the insurgents away from the areas near the camps. However, these efforts might not be sustainable enough given the volatile fighting situation in Syria.

Past experiences have proved the PLOs inability to meet the challenges faced by the refugees in camps, which was the case on April 4, 2015, when IS took control of 90% of the Yarmouk camp, causing the displacement of 156,000 refugees. Before that, in May 20, 2007, Nahr al-Bared camp in Lebanon saw fighting with the Lebanese army and militants of Fatah al-Islam, which caused the camps destruction and displacement of its inhabitants.

Commenting on the PLO's ability to provide protection to refugees in Syria, Khalid Jarrar, a leader in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, told Al-Monitor, The PLO is trying to protect our people in Syria with all the available means it possesses. Will it be able to accomplish this task? Well, thats a different question.

She said, There are countries that are unable to protect their citizens against terrorism, and thus protection has become the responsibility of the entire world and not only that of the PLO. What the PLO is capable of doing is to provide political security by calling upon the parties to the crisis to provide safety and protection and [ensure] neutrality of the camps."

Writer and political analyst Talal Okal told Al-Monitor that the PLO is unlikely to be able to provide protection to Palestinian refugees in Syria. The PLO did not fulfill its role in protecting refugees in Syria, and I do not believe its decisions in this regard will be translated into actions on the ground, he said.

The PLO will not do more than contacting the parties to the conflict, he added.

The internal Palestinian division and the attempts to reform the PLO based on the March 2005 Cairo Agreement has contributed to the deteriorating situation of refugees in the diaspora.

Jarrar pointed out that the Palestinian division has negatively affected the situation of refugees and the means of protection provided to them, adding that a strong united PLO would have been able to provide enhanced and comprehensive protection.

Okal said, Everything that is happening to the refugees is due to the PLOs failure in playing its essential role, which is to protect refugees.

The PLO relies on its political relations with the parties to the conflict in Syria and remains toothless and unreformed internally, which would continue to hinder it from providing the necessary protection to refugees, who will remain within the range of fire as long as the conflict drags on.
July 31, 2016

BAGHDAD  Cleric Muqtada al-Sadr made an exaggerated statement July 23 when answering a question by one of his followers. Sadr said, We are the only ones able to influence the Iraqis to hit the streets.

Sadr's statement came a few days after a TV interview July 18 by his rival, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who said that Maliki's supporters and those who voted for him are the educated people and academics, insinuating that Sadr's followers are ignorant.

Sadrs claim that he is the only one who can mobilize the Iraqi street was rebutted by the small number of protesters who rallied July 22 in Tahrir Square. While hundreds of people took part, this was a small total compared with the number of the Sadrist movements followers swarming the streets in previous protests.

It should be noted that the numbers of Sadr followers participating in the July 8 and July 15 protests also were not as high as expected. This surprised all those who were expecting a great turnout after each call to protest made by Sadr.

Sadr justified the low turnout, saying, Some fear the unknown and the movements ultraconservative members, while others do not have a clear understanding of the reform project.

He added, Some people think that the revolution opposes the jihad against terrorists, while others focus on their personal well-being; some are financially benefiting from corruption. These are the ruling group and its supporters.

Sadr is now battling Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi through the protests. Both are using all of their tools to highlight their individual strengths. For example, Abadi ordered the Iraqi security forces and Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) to hold a military parade July 14 in Tahrir Square, a day before a protest called by Sadr for July 15. Abadi wanted to let Sadr know that somebody will stand up against him.

Abadi hinted in a speech July 23 that Sadrs behavior is not in line with reform and he has no right to claim that he is defending reform. Abadi said when someones institutions and associates are plagued by corruption, then he cannot claim to be fighting corruption, and Sadr is part of the government.

The fact that Sadr portrayed himself as the leader of the protests, which were launched on July 31, 2015, to call for reform  in addition to the political conflict between Sadr and Abadi  pushed civil society activists to consider breaking their alliance with Sadr.

A group of activists who split from the Mustamerroun movement (Arabic for "We will not back down")  which was allied with Sadr  announced July 2 the formation of a group calling itself Madaniyoun (Arabic for "Advocators of civil movement"). In its founding statement, Madaniyoun focused on several points, including the protection of freedoms and the respect of people's demands.

The most important point in the statement is that the group thinks no political party or bloc in power showed any seriousness in bringing about reform. This, according to the groups statement, proves the futility of the alliance and the uselessness of coordinating with any party or bloc.

Although the Madaniyoun group  which includes prominent figures who were part of the group that launched the protests in July 2015  refuses to meet with any political party, Sadr tried to win this group over when he announced July 11 that he was about to hold a meeting with the Madaniyoun movement.

But it was not long before Madaniyoun issued a press statement to clarify its stance on Sadrs statement, in which he said there was an imminent meeting between his movement and the group.

Madaniyoun did not receive any formal invitation from Muqtada al-Sadr [to meet]. Our civil movement is the voice of the Iraqi people of all walks of life and does not reflect the interests of a specific political or factional group, the statement said.

The civil movement today is trying to put the protest movement back on the "correct path," saying it had deviated when it allied with the Sadrist movement. This prompted members of the Madaniyoun group to withdraw from it, announcing the formation of a new group that will not take part in the protests held every Friday in Baghdads Tahrir Square.

The newly formed group said it would resort to several protest mechanisms that are different from those adopted by the Sadrist movement.

Sadr has the upper hand today in the protest movement in Iraq, as civilians see themselves as part of the Sadrist movement in one way or another. Many activists and intellectuals accuse the Mustamerroun movement of identifying itself with the Sadrist movement and following in its footsteps.

Ultimately, Sadr seems to dominate the upper level of popular movements and protests in Iraq, despite the softness of his speech at times. But in fact, the slogans that are being raised in Baghdads Tahrir Square emulate the ones set by his followers.

Nevertheless, some continue to bet on Madaniyoun to retake the lead in the protest movements and preserve their civil society aspect and even their civilian one, given that Sadr militia members are part of the PMU fighting the Islamic State. This will not be an easy task for the group given the Sadrist movements human and material capabilities, not to mention its legacy and name, which can be used to mobilize large numbers of followers.
July 18, 2016

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made a name for himself as a tough anti-smoking campaigner. In todays health-conscious world, a statesman fighting smoking is hardly newsworthy, but when that statesman is Erdogan, things are different. Erdogan's anti-smoking advocacy is often worthy of headlines as it offers valuable clues about his personality and how he imagines his leadership, views his citizens and governs his country.

A quick Google search with the words Erdogan and smoking returns abundant material illustrating how Erdogans campaign unfolds on the ground. His encounters with Turkish citizens who are either smoking or carrying cigarette packs follow a similar pattern: Erdogan calls to the busted smoker, takes away the cigarettes and asks the person to pledge to quit smoking. A promise, however, does not get one off the hook. Erdogan asks the smokers to write their names and telephone numbers on the confiscated packs to make it clear the matter will be followed up on.

The regimes media boasts that Erdogan has cajoled dozens of people to quit smoking, and daily Sabah has even compiled a photo gallery of those moments. The pictures show Erdogan holding a confiscated pack of cigarettes and the smoker pledging to quit, often in the company of smiling witnesses.

The July 15 coup attempt forced Erdogan to give a break in his campaign, but he was back in form in less than two weeks. Visiting a mosque construction site in Ankara July 28, he spotted a cigarette box in the pocket of a worker, seized it and got the usual pledge of quitting.

The news archives, however, are not without incidents disrupting this pattern. In November 2014, for instance, Erdogan was touring an Istanbul district known as a stronghold of his Justice and Development Party when he noticed a smoker on the balcony of a cafe. Wagging his finger at the man, he shouted from the street below, You cant smoke there. There is a penalty for that! Seeing his warning ignored, he called the smoker an impudent fellow and grumbled to his entourage, The president is telling him [to stop] and he keeps smoking. Where is the municipal police? What blatant impudence!

Earlier this month, Erdogans activism crossed borders, reaching all the way to Warsaw, where he was attending the NATO summit. Caught red-handed and turning in his cigarettes this time was Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov. The Turkish media, trumpeting that Erdogan convinced the Bulgarian minister to quit smoking, reported how Erdogan spotted Mitov in a smoking area while walking from one meeting room to another, stopped and persuaded him to quit. Mitov then signed his cigarette pack and gave it to Erdogan, the reports claimed.

So, the anti-smoking campaign of the father of four has not only crossed bloodlines and borders, but has become a matter of international relations, for his target was no ordinary citizen, but a foreign minister. Erdogan had actually made his international debut in this realm in 2010, but his target at that time was a Turkish citizen. The young woman, who was working at a Turkish-German business forum in Istanbul, got busted carrying a cigarette in her ID badge holder. Erdogan tore the cigarette apart as his guest, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, watched with eyes bulging in disbelief.

Back to Warsaw. What political instinct could have urged Erdogan to seize the Bulgarian ministers cigarette pack? Was he concerned he might be perceived as a leader who commands respect and authority only at home if he had refrained from seizing the cigarettes? Or was he simply acting intuitively? We cannot say with certainty, but one thing is clear: The objectives of his activism go well beyond the protection of public health.

For Erdogan, grabbing cigarette packs from citizens is a political act, the aim of which is to impose himself on Turks as their father  a figure who decides what is right and wrong for them, who shapes their lives and shows them the way. No doubt, he is an overbearing father who has little tolerance for objections and expects full obedience.

The childs treatment Erdogan accords to Turkish citizens he spots smoking or carrying cigarettes is a means of erecting new pillars to fortify his repressive rule. He extracts promises of quitting, takes away their cigarette packs and feels no need to pay compensation for them  liberties only a father can take.

In Middle Eastern tradition, smoking in the presence of ones father is often perceived as bad manners. Erdogan is effectively telling the smokers, You are not supposed to smoke in my presence. And the more his targets accept this "fatherhood," the more they reduce themselves to children  Erdogans children.

Smoking is not the only realm in which the psycho-politics of Erdogans authoritarian and overly conservative role are manifested. In 2013, for example, he slammed unmarried young men and women sharing student accommodations and mobilized the security forces against coed housing. He also grumbled that women he used to see on a Bosporus quay from his office in Istanbuls Dolmabahce Palace were dressed immodestly.

As long as Turkish society fails to reject Erdogans fatherhood claim, there is nothing to stop him from advancing it.

On a related note, anti-smoking campaigns in Turkey have failed to produce the desired results despite the presidents ardent personal contributions. Extensive smoking bans, introduced in 2008, seemed to work until 2011, but last years figures show that smoking is once again on the rise. From 2008 to 2011, tobacco consumption in Turkey fell to fewer than 100 billion cigarettes per year, but stood at 125 billion in 2015. The smoking rate rose from 39% to 42% among men, and from 12% to 13% among women.

So, Turks, unfortunately, continue to smoke like Turks, which shows that their self-appointed father is failing.
An out-of-town developer paid $740,000 for almost an acre at the corner of Airport Boulevard and Wesley Avenue in west Mobile, and plans to build medical offices there, according to Pratt Thomas of Merrill P. Thomas Company. The property adjacent to LongHorn Steakhouse had been the proposed site for a local bank at one time.

A local investor paid $640,000 for an 18,688-square-foot commercial building at 7163 Airport Blvd., in Mobile, according to Amber Dedeaux of Vallas Realty, who represented the seller, Rex Radio & Television. Tim Herrington of Herrington Realty worked for the buyer, who plans to develop the building for leasable space.

A 10,000-square-foot office warehouse at 416 N. McKenzie St., in Foley, was purchased for $409,000 by a cleaning and restoration business that plans to locate there, according to Tom Stanton of Exit Realty Gulf Shores, who represented the seller. Spencer Adelman of Bellator Real Estate & Development worked for the buyer. The building was formerly occupied by a pawn shop.

Wingstop has leased 1,360 square feet of restaurant space in Westgate Pavilion Shopping Center at 7450 Airport Blvd. in Mobile, and should open in November, according to Andrew Dickman of Stirling Properties, who represented the tenant. John Vallas of Vallas Realty worked for the landlord. This will be the first Mobile location for the chicken wings restaurant chain.

Zoes Kitchen has leased 3,000 square feet in Pinebrook Shopping Center off Airport Boulevard in Mobile, according to Buff Teague and Christy Chason of JLL. Zoes plans to relocate from their current restaurant site at 9 Du Rhu Drive in Mobile.

Wet Willie's has leased 1,758 square feet of office space at 5 N. Conception St., on Bienville Square in downtown Mobile, according David Dexter of NAI Mobile. The restaurant and daiquiri bar is scheduled to open in September in 4,100 square feet of space at 200 Dauphin St., adjacent to the office.

Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe has leased 3,000 square feet of space in Legacy Village off Du Rhu Drive in Mobile, and plans to open in early 2017, according to Buff Teague and Allen Garstecki of JLL, who lease the center. Jeff Barnes of Stirling Properties represented the restaurant chain.

The Mattress Store has leased 2,000 square feet of retail space in Bowdoin Place at 705 Highway 43 in Saraland, according to Nathan Handmacher of Stirling Properties.

Volume homebuilder D.R. Horton is seeking city planning approval to subdivide 17.8 acres into 39 single-family lots for phase 5 of Craft Farms North off Baldwin County 8 in Gulf Shores, according to city records.

HS Beauty Supply has leased 4,200 square feet in Douglas Square Shopping Center on Douglas Avenue in Brewton, according to Andrew Dickman of Stirling Properties.

Publix Super Market has leased 6,744 square feet of office space at Harbourview on the Bay at 25 W. Cedar St., in Pensacola, and will locate its Gulf South regional corporate office there, according to Jason Scott of Stirling Properties, who represented the landlord. Jason Carnes of Graham and Company worked for Publix.
Miss Teen USA 2016

Erin Snow, Miss Alabama Teen USA 2016, competes in her evening gown during the MISS TEEN USA preliminary competition at The Venetian Theatre at The Venetian Las Vegas on Friday, July 29. (Darren Decker/HO/The Miss Universe Organization)

(Darren Decker)

Out of 51 contestants, Erin Snow, Miss Alabama Teen USA 2016, placed third runner-up in the annual Miss Teen USA Competition held in Las Vegas. She joined teens from North Carolina, Nevada, Texas, and South Carolina in the final five. The 18-year-old also earned Best Smile in the 2016 Miss Teen USA class.

Snow is a recent graduate of Gadsden City High School. She won the title of Miss Alabama Teen USA 2016 last November in Montgomery. She plans to combine her love of helping others and traveling to become a traveling nurse, according to her Miss Teen USA bio. See pictures of her during the competition via the link below.

The national pageant is run by the Miss Universe Organization and is a sister pageant of the Miss USA competition. Contestants are judged in evening gown, athleisure wear and personal interview. This year, the pageant ditched their swimsuit competition to empower teens to lead active lives and celebrate their confidence and strength.

Snow shared her secret to confidence with the Miss Universe Organization before preliminary competition: "We are all uniquely beautiful in our own way! Different is what makes us special!"

Miss Alabama Teen USA and Miss Alabama USA are produced by RPM Productions. Peyton Brown, Miss Alabama USA 2016, also made the top five of the June Miss USA Pageant.

If you missed the teen competition, you can watch it here.
One of my guiltiest pleasures in the world of comic books is the gruesome "Crossed" universe of stories from Avatar Press. Originally a miniseries from "Preacher" author and all-around demented guy Garth Ennis that has spawned several additional series, the central premise of "Crossed" is that a viral infection has decimated Earth and turned most of its human population into sadistic, blood-thirsty savages capable of any atrocity imaginable.

If you're thinking "zombie," you're not too far from the mark, but what really separates "Crossed" -- and the "Crossed: Badlands" anthology series that ended this week with issue #100 -- is the utter depravity exhibited by the infected. Zombies will eat you, sure, but the Crossed...well, they'll do stuff to you before they chow down.

I'm sad to see the "Badlands" anthology go, and the "Crossed+100" series (set, naturally, 100 years after the initial outbreak) will soon follow it. While Avatar Press has said the Crossed universe will continue to horrify in "soon to be announced new projects," the end of the ongoing zombie-esque sagas made me interested in picking up the big dog of undead nightmare comics, "The Walking Dead," and seeing how it compared to Crossed generally and "Badlands" specifically.

Now, it's not entirely fair to compare the 100-issue run of "Badlands" with the 156 (and still going) issues of "The Walking Dead" -- especially when I have read most of the former and only the first six of the latter -- but I'm going to give it the ol' irrepressible zombie try. On the surface, they do share common tropes: Many "Badlands" stories are similar to the first "Walking Dead" arc in that we have a ragged bunch of survivors clustering around strong leaders. Those same survivors are then slowly picked off, either through infighting, ghoul attacks or the harsh realities of post-apocalyptic living.

There are, of course, some big differences. The first (and the one that surprised me the most) is that "The Walking Dead" is entirely black and white. (That was probably something I should have already known. Look, this week was the first time I picked the series up, OK?) That decision to go sans color does a few things. First, it distances and deemphasizes "Walking Dead" from the gore that "Crossed" gleefully embraces. Second, you lose a lot of detail without color -- I can't tell you how long I stared at one panel trying to figure out whether a "walker" was on fire or in a puddle. I'm not going to say that you shouldn't read "Walking Dead" because it's not in color -- the grey world is appropriately somber -- but that approach certainly has advantages and disadvantages.

The strongest advantage "The Walking Dead" has in comparison to "Crossed: Badlands" or any other book has to be protagonist Rick Grimes. He's the story's moral center, a natural leader and a compelling character with a soft, sweet side that he shows at the end of the first volume after his confrontation with former best friend and police partner Shane. While I haven't read much more than those first six issues or seen more than five minutes of AMC's adaptation (I've clearly led a strange life), Grimes would certainly be a reason to pick up the series.

But here's the thing. "Walking Dead" is an exemplary form of zombie literature because it uses the threat posed by walkers to examine humanity. "The things that make good zombie fiction good are the same things that make good stories good," as University of Alabama assistant professor and zombie expert Matthew Payne told me last year. "If it's about character development, if it's about moral choices, if it's about complexity, it's about thoughtfulness."

Yet that doesn't make "Walking Dead" a fun read.

Take these two panels from early in the second volume of the series -- the spot where my reading stopped cold:

Those are two panels needlessly crushed by dialogue and not what an engaging comic book should be. And while it's only one moment, it's the best contrast to "Crossed: Badlands" I can come up with. If you want gore and action (to be fair, a good share of intellectual and thematic analysis, especially in stories from rocker and author Max Bemis), "Badlands" is the book. If you prefer character drama and (maybe too much) dialogue, then go with "Walking Dead."

I might go back to "Walking Dead" at some point. But I'm much more interested in hearing what's coming next from Avatar.

This week in Bat books

With "Batman" #4 coming next week, "Detective Comics" shares the spotlight with a new "Batgirl" #1 that turned out to be a lot of fun.

BATGIRL #1. DC. Written by Hope Larson. Art by Rafael Albuquerque and Dave McCaig.

In her first outing after Rebirth, Babs is hitting the road -- well, as much as one can hit the road when going on a backpacking/hostel tour of Asia. It's a great idea and certainly fun to see Batgirl operate outside of Gotham, a city that, quite frankly, has more than enough heroes. Barbara's first vacation stop takes her to Japan to visit Fruit Bat, a 104-year-old former crime fighter who gets to fight alongside Batgirl after the centenarian dons her costume one more time. I tuned out of the New 52 "Batgirl" after a philosophical shift that gave the book a lighter and (in my opinion) patronizing tone; here, though, we have a nice balance between not-so-serious and still intellectually engaging.

Generalized Unique Emoticon Scientific Score: :-P, ^-^/, :-)

BATGIRL #1. DC. Written by Hope Larson. Art by Rafael Albuquerque and Dave McCaig.

DETECTIVE COMICS #937. DC. Written by James Tynion IV. Art by Alvaro Martinez, Raul Fernandez, Brad Anderson and Adriano Lucas.

Riddle me this, Bat-fans: This was the best of the post-Rebirth "Detective Comics," but it was the one that featured the most Batman and the least Bat-team, which is sort of contrary to the ensemble spirt of the book. That existential concern aside, this week's issue, which featured Batman escaping from his paramilitary fan club, spelled out exactly how 1) the Caped Crusader is a master technician in any situation and 2) why the Colony (the aforementioned fan club) is the bad guy in this story as they've adapted Batman's techniques to break The One Rule. The layouts are still a little too frenetic, but at least this week, they didn't get in the way of telling a good story.

GUESS: :|), B-), ^v^

DETECTIVE COMICS #937. DC. Written by James Tynion IV. Art by Alvaro Martinez, Raul Fernandez, Brad Anderson and Adriano Lucas.

Dispatches from the battlefield: This week in Marvel's Civil War II

This week, we finally, finally, finally get to the point of open conflict in "Civil War II."

CIVIL WAR II #4. Marvel. Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Art by David Marquez.

The ideological issue has been circled, highlighted and thoroughly underlined to this point in "Civil War II" -- Tony Stark is against, as he said this week, "profiling the future." It's an interesting issue to explore for sure, but at times (and especially in issue #4), we seem to be belaboring the point. Additionally, while the heroes are certainly focused somewhat on Hawkeye's acquittal of murdering Hulk, the issue spends both too much and too little time on the matter -- are we supposed to care or are we not? Still, I can brush those issues aside because after Captain Marvel goes too far in trusting Ulysses' visions of the future and arrests an otherwise innocent looking pencil pusher, Iron Man reaches the end of his patience and orders a jail break. It's been a long time coming, but the line has at last been drawn: Time to fight.

GUESS: o_0, =_=, :-/

CIVIL WAR II #4. Marvel. Written by Brian Michael Bendis. Art by David Marquez.

CIVIL WAR II: CHOOSING SIDES #3. Marvel. Written by John Allison, Ming Doyle, Derek Landy and Declan Shalvey. Art by Filipe Andrade. Stephen Byrne, Rosi Kampe and Declan Shalvey.

The "Choosing Sides" anthology continued this week with another strong chapter that offers new stories on Kate "Hawkgirl" Bishop and J. Jonah Jameson and continues Nick Fury's quest to investigate a menacing HYDRA cell. Bishop's story is sweet and especially timely considering Hulk's death at the hands of Hawkeye. The Jameson story was also good, with spot-on dialogue that could have come directly from J.K. Simmons' mouth in either "Spider-Man" or "Spider-Man 2." ("Spider-Man 3" shalll not be acknowledged.) That chapter was also good in that it captured the more sensible side of Jameson in his rush to cover the oncoming war betwixt the heroes and gave a sense of his calmer, more sober moments -- almost as if he knows his sensationalism is harmful, yet he cannot help himself. Finally, the Fury story continues to be great, but I do have one request: Can we get some sort of collected version at the end? I'd love to be able to enjoy the thing start to finish.

GUESS: :'-(, :-D, :-O

CIVIL WAR II: CHOOSING SIDES #3. Marvel. Written by John Allison, Ming Doyle, Derek Landy and Declan Shalvey. Art by Filipe Andrade. Stephen Byrne, Rosi Kampe and Declan Shalvey.

Other new and notable books of the week

MECHANISM #1. Image. Written by Raffaele Ienco. Art by Raffaele Ienco.

"Mechanism" is a quirky little book set in a dystopian future in which major cities have been abandoned and cordoned off due to an invasion of "geckos," an army of man-sized killer sea monsters deployed by some off-world menace. The titular "mechanism," meanwhile, is a passive (only at first, we're told) robot rushed into the field who silently observes as his human handlers are beset by a pack of geckos. The world is dark and deeply interesting, and the almost photo-realistic art is great. Just a neat book that I'm interested to see play out.

GUESS: /:-), ~~, ^.^

MECHANISM #1. Image. Written by Raffaele Ienco. Art by Raffaele Ienco.

Picks for next week

"Animosity" #1, "Blood & Dust: The Life and Undeath of Judd Glenny" #1, "Batman" #4, "James Bond" #8, "Kill or Be Killed" #1, "Civil War II: Kingpin" #2, "Evil Heroes" #1
Paris, France  In the centre of Paris, on Rue de Provence, sits the bar and restaurant Stan & Co. Its a dimly lit, homely French bistro with wooden ceilings and stained glass panelling. Waiters are busy serving croques monsieurs and cups of cafe au lait to tables tucked in cosy bay windows.

Stephanie Verret has run the place for 25 years. But its only in the past few that Rue de Provence has started to change. All the people in the street sold their businesses to Chinese, she says. Before it was like a little village with people taking coffee and croissants in the morning.

Now, lucrative Chinese restaurants and duty-free shops line the street. Crowds of Chinese tourists push down the narrow footpaths, following flag-wielding guides who hustle past each other in a race to get to the front.

Stephanie finds herself daily in a scene that looks more like downtown Beijing than Paris. They dont say hello, they dont speak French, they dont speak English, she says, incredulous.

Anyone whos spent time in France will attest that perhaps the most important word is Bonjour. It implies more than a greeting  its also a marker of a civilised encounter.

One woman came in here and spat on the floor, recounts Stephanie. I just took a napkin, put it in her hand and said in French: Take it!

With hundreds of thousands of Chinese travellers now embarking on their first trips abroad, Stephanies street is a microcosm of the clash of cultures occurring in many countries. But far from being against the masses of tourists who flock past her restaurant each day, Stephanie is sympathetic.

Its not their fault, its two different cultures, she says. No one is telling them how we live, what our customs are.

When I went on tour with a Chinese group, I saw that in most cases, she was right. Tour operators had little interest in educating clients about French customs or culture. For them, the Chinese market is a numbers game: the number of people you can get on a bus, the number of places you can visit in as little time as possible.

They dont make good commission by taking tourists to monuments or museums. On the big tours, those stops are scheduled for 40 minutes at most. And Paris isnt very accommodating to Chinese visitors. For instance, despite having more than 800,000 Chinese visitors last year, the Musee du Louvre does not have a Mandarin audio guide.

READ MORE: Chinas Rich Girls

Fiercely competitive tour prices mean that guides are frantically trying to make their money by taking their clients on forced shopping marches around Paris. I even heard stories about guides paying tour companies to lead groups and recovering their losses through lucrative commissions offered by big department stores on duty-free purchases.

Making money out of Chinese tourists is where the Chinese tour companies speak the same language as the French. Philip Guarino advises luxury brands about the Chinese market. There are agreements that are made with tour operators in China, he explains. A second agreement with the outgoing travel agency. A third with the inbound French travel agency. A fourth agreement with the local tour guide and a fifth even with the bus driver. Were talking hundreds of millions.

According to Philip, Chinese shoppers now account for up to half of luxury brand sales worldwide. Eighty-five percent of those purchases are made in Europe or the US. Its no wonder that the French government wants to double the number of Chinese tourists it receives to five million a year.

Just down the road from Stephanies restaurant, the department store Galeries Lafayette welcomes hundreds of tour buses daily at a dedicated entrance for Chinese shoppers. Parisians tend to shun the tourist crowds, so this serves as both a way to get the tourists inside more quickly and to keep them in an area with dedicated Mandarin-speaking shop assistants.

Its chaotic inside the store, especially near closing time, when guides rush their charges in the door. Chinese shoppers can be seen pushing to get to the front of the queue for a Louis Vuitton handbag.

Stephanie is trying to do her bit to make things easier for herself and the Chinese tourists who wander out of the shops and into her restaurant. She presents them with small signs written in Mandarin, warning them about pickpockets and telling them, If they sit, they have to drink!

She is open about the fact that Chinese clients account for a growing percentage of her profits and is certain, amid the European financial slump, that Chinese are the future of the tourist industry.

I told my son to study Mandarin at school, she says. Do you know how to say thank you in Chinese?

Xie xie, I replied.

Well, the first time my son tried to teach me to say thank you in Chinese, I told him off, because it sounded like he was swearing in French! she says, laughing. Stephanie was too polite to say the French version in front of the camera, but I took her word for it. It seems even with the best will in the world, simple communication can still create a clash of cultures in Paris today.
When an epidemiologist studied maps of shootings in Chicago, the pattern resembled the spread of infectious diseases.

Chico Tillmon remembers the first time he saw a dead man.

I was eight years old, and my mum had sent me to the mailbox. As I approached, I saw a guy being robbed for his Boombox. And the guy was killed right in front of me. I saw a man lying next to the mailbox dead.

It wasnt his last. Between when he was 17 and 22, nearly 50 of his friends were shot and killed. At some point, he says, it became normal.

Chicos story isnt unusual in his community of Austin, one of Chicagos predominantly African-American, low-income neighbourhoods. Like his peers, after a childhood spent witnessing violence, he became a perpetrator of it himself. He went on to spend 16 years in federal prison for gang-related activity.

I was taught to respond to aggression more aggressively, he says. If the person was bigger than me, pick something up and hit them. And as I got older, it went from picking up a stick to fight somebody bigger, to picking up a gun.

Law enforcement, educators, politicians and community representatives have struggled for decades to agree on an effective and sustainable solution to the seemingly never-ending cycle of gun violence that disfigures communities such as Chicos.

Dr Gary Slutkin never set out to solve that problem. An epidemiologist by training, he spent the first decade of his career working across the African continent to eradicate contagious diseases. But after returning to the US, burned out by the trauma that hed seen, he found himself in the midst of another epidemic.

I started to do what we do in science, Slutkin recalls. We say: lets look at the charts, lets look at the graphs, lets look at the maps, lets look at the data. Its just like a patient.

Slutkin noticed striking parallels between gun violence and contagious diseases. Studying maps of Chicago that showed where shootings had recently occurred, he found clustering, a term scientists use to describe how epidemics are transmitted among people in a geographically small area, often then being spread by individuals from the original site of the outbreak to other locations. He found that a map of shootings over a particular period in Chicago could bear a striking resemblance to a map of Aids cases in rural Uganda.

When he connected the dots, he said, the relationship became clear: This violence had fulfilled the criteria of the population characteristics of a contagious disease.

READ MORE: What are the roots of gun culture in the US?

With the help of the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois in Chicago, Slutkin founded his own NGO, Cure Violence. He recruited staff from Chicagos most violent neighbourhoods, many of whom had their own histories with gun violence, to act as violence interrupters.

In 2011, Chico was out of prison and looking to turn his life around. He became involved in Cure Violence, and found that his own experience of violence, and his strong relationship with his neighbours, meant they trusted him to help them to make a change.

Chico became a violence interrupter in one of Cure Violences programmes. In the same way that a health worker engages with a community to persuade individuals to change their habits and reduce transmission of disease, violence interrupters put themselves in potentially violent scenarios, from street corners to Emergency Rooms, and persuade people involved in disagreements to not use violence as a way of solving problems or seeking retribution.

One of the components that Cure Violence taught me is that I have to show people I care, he explains. So I rebuilt those relationships and spent time with those high-risk individuals on a daily basis, so that when they got into a conflict, they didnt second-guess me. And then when a conflict was about to happen, when I spoke to them, I was able to get them to put down the guns.

Slutkins theory is borne out in Cure Violences swift and significant results: a 2012-2013 study showed that the Chicago neighbourhoods where it operates saw incidences of shootings drop by 41 to 73 percent. His approach has now gone global, with affiliate programmes in New York City, Cape Town and Jerusalem.

OPINION: Gun control in the US is not a fantasy

Chico says his work with Cure Violence has given him the confidence to plan for the future. For the first time, I could be proud telling people how I earned a living.

Today, he is a programme manager for Cure Violence in Chicago, and an evangelical minister. Hes also working towards a PhD from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Back then, to me, making it alive to 25 was a big deal. But working with Cure Violence, it not only saved other peoples lives  it helped me save my own life, too.
Some on the left remain deeply conflicted about submitting to the depressing repetition of lesser evilism.

Lauren Carasik is the Director of the International Human Rights Clinic at Western New England University School of Law.

As Hillary Clinton made history as the first woman nominee of a major party, she entered the stage-managed convention spectacle nearly as unpopular as Republican Donald Trump.

The similarities ended there, amid conventions that presented a starkly contrasting view of the United States. Trump painted a foreboding and pessimistic picture, seeking to stoke the resentment of an enraged white working class and inflame fears, promising to be the law and order candidate.

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) struck themes once considered the province of the Republican Party  patriotism, American exceptionalism and unbounded optimism.

But whether Clinton will succeed in overcoming the widespread antipathy towards her and uniting her fractured party by bringing its left flank into the fold after a bruising primary battle remains to be seen.

A hard task ahead

Clinton didnt have an enviable task. She faced navigating the fine line between associating herself with the successes of the Obama administration and acknowledging those deeply angered and alienated by stagnating wages, a declining standard of living and roiled by fear.

She sought to appeal to those voters, court Republicans and independents put off by her bombastic rival, and appeal to progressive supporters of her primary rival, Bernie Sanders.

The convention projected the optics of diversity and tolerance, with the most powerful and riveting speech of the conventions last night delivered by Khizr Khan, father of a fallen Muslim American soldier who died in Iraq protecting his men.

Waving a copy of the Constitution that he pulled from his jacket pocket, Khan offered a withering rebuke of Trump.

Between now and election day, vigorous debate about the width of the difference between Clinton and Trump and the best way to dismantle the prevailing status quo will underscore the paucity of options within the two-party system. by

In this document, look for the words liberty and equal protection of law, he goaded. Have you ever been to Arlington Cemetery? Go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America  you will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one. We cant solve our problems by building walls and sowing division.

The symbolism of his sons sacrifice for the ideals Trump now threatens to extinguish electrified the arena and transcended party divisions, at least temporarily.

The shadow of Sanders

Sanders toed the line, striving to bring his supporters into the party tent to defeat Trump, though many felt betrayed by his acquiescence.

Clinton acknowledged Sanders unswerving and righteous focus on social and economic justice, assuring his supporters that she heard them.

OPINION: Why Bernie Sanders still matters

Eager to offer more than a perfunctory nod, the nominee tacked noticeably to the left instead of towards the centre, as is common during a pivot to the general election, sounding more like a social democrat than a corporate one.

Many Sanders supporters lined up behind the nominee, however reluctantly. But not all were assuaged, demonstrating their discontent with a raucous first night of booing and ongoing protests that received scant press coverage.

The ragged disappointment of Sanders supporters was inflamed by leaked DNC emails they believe proved that the party establishment was invested in Clintons victory and working against Sanders, confirming a rigged process that installed a reliable steward of the global economic order that privileges the elites and immiserates the masses at home and abroad.

By the time Clinton gave her acceptance speech, the insurgency appeared more subdued, but still punctuated speeches with shouts that were quickly drowned out by counter-chants orchestrated by convention organisers.

OPINION: Muslim voters between Hillary Clinton and a hard place

As they see it, Clintons ties to Wall Street belie her stated commitment to banking reform and the working class, and her connections to the military industrial complex and hawkish foreign policy evince her true ideological leanings.

Others decried a blind nationalism that erases the hardship of those who suffer at the hands of US policy outside the borders. It was not lost on critics that Khan gave his life in a war Clinton voted for, but later came to regret, which unleashed unspeakable suffering in Iraq.

Clinton v Trump

The convention seems unlikely to bridge the seemingly intractable schism between those who believe that Clinton  despite her flaws  will make a measurable difference for the most vulnerable, and those who believe the system is so irretrievably corrupted that only deep and immediate structural change will suffice.

It is axiomatic that there are real substantive differences between the candidates on policies that matter and most directly affect communities of colour, women, members of the LGBTI community and the poor.

OPINION: Welcome to the Trump show

And with the existential threat of climate change, the planet can ill-afford a president who blithely disregards science.

But some on the left who are sobered by the extraordinary threat of such an unhinged foe remain deeply conflicted about submitting to the depressing repetition of lesser evilism and its impediments to real change.

Between now and election day, vigorous debate about the width of the difference between the two candidates and the best way to dismantle the prevailing status quo will underscore the paucity of options within the two-party system.

As election day looms, the disaffected left will be faced with agonising calculations. Some in safe states whose electoral votes are not in play will sit out this ballot or vote for a third party.

If the race looks as tight as it is today, for those reluctantly committed to an anti-Trump vote for a candidate that betrays their ideals, Clinton may have made pulling the lever slightly more palatable.

No matter how its members vote, the movement Sanders ignited has been vindicated and irreversibly emboldened in its demand for a more equitable, inclusive and democratic future.

Lauren Carasik is a clinical professor of law and the Director of the International Human Rights Clinic at Western New England University School of Law.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Duterte wants to make sure his country is not taken for granted, while extracting maximum benefits from superpowers.

I will be chartering a [foreign policy] course [for the Philippines] on its own and will not be dependent on the United States, exclaimed Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippines firebrand president shortly after winning a historic election in May.

After almost a century of strategic dependence on the US, the Philippines was now interested in charting its own destiny. Duterte presented himself as a fully fledged maverick, willing to shake up the Southeast Asian countrys state of affairs, even if it came at the expense of estranging traditional allies.

Not long ago, though, the Philippines newly elected president was dismissed by many across the globe as a foul-mouthed provincial mayor.

Many analysts questioned his competence to lead one of the worlds fastest-growing economies. Others feared he lacked the requisite strategic knowledge to handle major foreign policy issues such as the South China Sea disputes.

A month into office, however, he has found himself on the receiving end of proactive courtship by global powers, both the US and China, who are eager to win Dutertes goodwill.

Foreign policy reset

A self-described socialist with strong historical ties with Philippine communists, Duterte has promised a new era, both domestically and vis-a-vis the international community.

He offered a paradigm shift in Philippine foreign policy. Some of his liberal critics, with close ties to the US, were quick to warn of a potential Hugo Chavez scenario in the Philippines.

Like none of his predecessors, Duterte, during one of the testiest days of the campaign period, went so far as to tell the US Ambassador in Manila, along with his Australian colleague, to shut their mouths.

He even threatened to cut off ties with the Philippines two strongest Western allies once he assumes presidency.

If Duterte's temporary diplomatic recalibration fails to bear fruit, he expects greater assistance and assurances from Western allies as a fallback option. And this is why he has eagerly welcomed high-stakes exchanges with top US officials. by

He rarely missed the chance to repeatedly place Washington in the spotlight by questioning the superpowers commitment to the Philippines.

Are you with us?, he reportedly demanded of the US  which has yet to define how far it is willing to go to defend the Philippines against external threats  to clarify its position.

At one point, he cryptically signalled the possibility of restricting US military access to Philippine bases.

They [US military] could not use any other place [in the Philippines] without the knowledge or until there is advice from the [Philippine] Armed Forces, explained Duterte when asked about his views on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between Manila and Washington.

Meanwhile, Duterte repeatedly met the Chinese Ambassador, Zhao Jinhua. In fact, the Chinese envoy even met the Philippine president shortly before an arbitration body at The Hague, at Manilas request, ruled against Beijing in the South China Sea (PDF).

OPINION: Philippines wins trial of the century

By all accounts, these were uncharacteristically cordial exchanges, poignant given the increasingly bitter maritime disputes between the two neighbours.

No less than Chinese President Xi Jinping sent his personal congratulations to Duterte, who, in turn, signalled his willingness to re-open communication channels with Beijing and not flaunt the Philippines legal victory at The Hague against China.

Tactical shift

A more subtle analysis, however, reveals that what Duterte seeks is not decoupling from the West, and jumping into Chinas embrace, but instead creating a healthy balance in Philippine foreign relations.

Duterte wants to make sure his country is not taken for granted, while extracting maximum benefits from superpowers courting his country.

So far, the strategy seems to be working. In fact, instead of estranging the West, Duterte seems to have caught their attention like never before.

US President Barack Obama was the first head of state to personally call Duterte upon his election victory.

Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, came next. The US incoming envoy to Manila, Sung Kim, has proven track record in high-stakes diplomacy, having served as special representative for North Korea.

This month alone, the US dispatched two of its most senior diplomats to Manila in order to preserve one of its most valuable alliances in Asia. First, it was Kristie Kenney, counsellor of the US State Department and former US ambassador to the Philippines, who sought to start the conversation with the new Filipino government.

Not long after, Secretary of State John Kerry landed in Manila, eager to discuss the full range of strategic engagements with the Philippines.

The visit by the US leading diplomats reflects growing concern over the possibility of a major redirection in Philippine foreign policy, particularly towards China.

OPINION: New dawn for Philippine-China relations?

In recent months, the Asian giant has offered the Philippines major infrastructure investments, while offering dialogue to resolve the disputes in the South China Sea.

Duterte is taking a leap of diplomatic faith, appointing former President Fidel Ramos, a highly respected statesman who deftly managed maritime disputes with China in the mid-1990s, to kick-start high-level bilateral negotiations with China.

Yet, Duterte seems aware of the inherent risks in dealing with Beijing, which has proven intransigent in territorial disputes. Most likely, the Filipino president is considering a short-term tactical shift  direct engagement with China  to test the (disputed) waters.

If his temporary diplomatic recalibration fails to bear fruit, which is highly likely, he expects greater assistance and assurances from Western allies as a fallback option. And this is why he has eagerly welcomed high-stakes exchanges with top US officials.

One thing is clear, though. With both China and the US actively courting the Philippines, Duterte, a former provincial mayor, has astutely enhanced his countrys bargaining position at the regional strategic table.

Richard Javad Heydarian is a specialist in Asian geopolitical/economic affairs and author of Asias New Battlefield: US, China, and the Struggle for Western Pacific.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Scores of bodies of people who drowned trying to cross the Mediterranean were found around Sabratha city in July.

More than 120 bodies of people who died trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe washed up around Sabratha city in western Libya in July, the citys mayor said.

Hussein Thwadi said on Sunday that bodies had washed up daily during the month, with 53 found on a single day last week. The victims were mainly sub-Saharan Africans as well as 23 Tunisians, he said.

Red Crescent volunteers and local officials have been removing the bodies for burial in a cemetery in Sabratha for unidentified remains.

READ MORE: Portrait of a people smuggler

The whole coast of Sabratha is open, Thwadi told the Reuters news agency by phone. There are patrols but they do not have enough capacity to tackle this crisis.

Illegal migration existed before, but with insecurity and the lack of state authorities the crisis has become worse and worse.

Fleeing violence

Libya is a common departure point for migrants seeking to travel to Europe by boat, many of them fleeing violence, repression or poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.

Political turmoil and armed conflict in Libya has given human smugglers the space to work with impunity, running trafficking networks that bring migrants across the Sahara desert to the coast and on to rickety boats that attempt to cross the Mediterranean.

Of more than 3,000 migrants known to have died trying to cross the Mediterranean so far this year, about three out of four perished trying to reach Italy from North Africa, mainly Libya, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

Nearly 90,000 migrants had crossed the central Mediterranean to Italy as of this week, the IOM said, a 14 percent increase on last year.

As the number of attempted crossings from Libya picked up with the arrival of calmer weather in the spring, many boats have been leaving from the coastline near Sabratha.

A UN-backed government that has been trying to establish itself in Tripoli since March says tackling migration is among its priorities. But the government is struggling to manage complex security and economic challenges, and still faces political opposition on the ground.

Thwadi said he has raised the issue with the new governments leadership, but had not yet received a concrete response.
US-backed forces have taken control of 70 percent of Manbij after rapid advances against areas controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the key Syrian city near the Turkish border, a spokesperson for the group says.





Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), with the support of air strikes, have cornered rival armed groups, including ISIL, in the citys old quarter after seizing most of the eastern, western, and southern parts of the city, Sharfan Darwish of the SDF-allied Manbij Military Council told Reuters on Sunday.

SDF forces have been increasingly besieging and encircling Manbij, Al Jazeeras Mohammed Jamjoom said earlier in the day, reporting from Turkeys Gaziantep.

Even though there is a semblance of relief for those thousands of people who were able to leave those ISIL-dominated areas of the city, we must remember there are still thousands trapped inside areas that are still held by ISIL, Jamjoom reported.

And there are a lot of fears about what coalition air strikes could bring with regards to civilian casualties in the days to come, he said.

[The] relief is very much contrasted by these concerns about the mounting civilian death toll from coalition air strikes.

READ MORE: Barrel bombs in Syria

The Observatory reported on Sunday that at least 2,300 civilians fled the city in a 24-hour period.

The US-backed SDF, which includes a Kurdish armed group and Arab allies, launched its campaign to take Manbij, and drive ISIL from the Syrian-Turkish frontier, nearly two months ago with the backing of US special forces.

Shooting almost constantly

Syrian state media reported on Sunday that dozens of families, as well as some opposition fighters, have started using newly opened humanitarian corridors to leave rebel-held parts of Aleppo.

Yet conflicting reports from inside the besieged city suggested that the corridors are not yet in operation.

Sources in Aleppo told Al Jazeera that the corridors had not been opened, and civilians were still coming under fire.

READ MORE: What changes lie ahead after al-Nusra\s al-Qaeda split?

Everybody that weve spoken with, when it comes to opposition activists and residents in the rebel-held areas of Aleppo, have told us that these humanitarian corridors have not been opened, Al Jazeeras Jamjoom said.

Not only have they not been opened, but they say in several of the areas  in fact there is fighting still going on, and there are regime snipers as well that are shooting almost constantly.

An estimated 320,000 people are under government siege in Aleppo, facing acute food and medicine shortages.

The Syrian conflict started as a largely unarmed uprising against President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011. It has since turned into a full-blown civil war between government forces and opposition fighters, with an estimated death toll of some 280,000 people, according to the Observatory.
Human Rights Watch says Shia and Kurdish militia accused of abuse should stay away from battle for key Iraqi city.

Iraqi military commanders should prevent militias with records of serious abuse from taking part in a planned offensive on the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant-held city of Mosul, a New-York based rights group has said.

The battle for Mosul, ISILs de facto capital in Iraq and the largest city anywhere in its self-proclaimed caliphate, is expected later this year but plans have not been finalised, officials and diplomats in Baghdad have said.

Army, police and special forces are expected to participate, with air support from a US-led coalition.

The role of Kurdish Peshmerga forces and Shia militias from the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) is unresolved and remains a point of contention. They are likely to join in the larger battle but may be restricted to the citys outskirts, the officials said.

Iraqi commanders shouldnt risk exposing Mosul civilians to serious harm from militias with a record of recent abuse, said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.

READ MORE: Red Cross  One million could flee Mosul battle in Iraq

Shia militia and Peshmerga fighters have been key forces in Iraqs campaign to retake the third of the country seized by ISIL, also known as ISIS, in 2014 after army and police units collapsed, but they have also been accused of abuses against civilians, allegations they deny or dismiss as isolated cases.

Their participation in the battle for Mosul, a predominately Sunni Arab city which also has diverse ethnic and sectarian communities, risks confrontation with the local population.

Militia leaders say the security forces have not been rebuilt enough to retake the city by themselves in a battle that could see fierce street fighting.

Mosul officials, displaced to other parts of the country, say alleged abuses in the city of Fallujah in May, alongside those in previous battles, vindicate their calls to keep the militias out of the northern city.

Several militias faced allegations in Fallujah from the provincial governor, which they denied, that they executed 49 Sunni men and detained more than 600 others.

The authorities opened an investigation and made several arrests at the time.
At least 10 killed as suicide bomber rams car into Criminal Investigation Department building in Somali capital.

Al-Shabab attackers set off two car bombs outside a police base in Somalias capital before gunmen stormed inside, leaving at least 10 people dead, police said.

The armed group quickly claimed responsibility for the assault on the headquarters of Somalias Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Mogadishu on Sunday.

It was the second major operation in the city this week by the fighters, who have kept up their guerilla war on the Western-backed government in the face of US drone strikes and African peacekeeping forces.

Heavy gunfire rang out inside for about half an hour after the first blast, said witnesses.

The bodies of four civilians lay in the street near the compound which was partially destroyed. A kiosk near the wall caught fire.

At least 10 people, including four militants, five civilians and a soldier, died in todays attack, Hussein Ali, a police officer, told Reuters.

At least 15 people were wounded, Ali added.

Huge blast

Al Shababs military operations spokesman, Abdiasis Abu Musab, said one of its suicide bombers had started Sundays attack by ramming a car bomb into the buildings gate.

Witness Mohamed Abdi told the DPA news agency: I saw a vehicle [driving] into the gates of the Criminal Investigation Department at a high speed and then a huge blast went off.

Somalias Internal Security Minister, Abdirizak Mohamed, tweeted: After 2 explosions 3 AS attackers who tried to enter the CID were killed, no casualties on our forces, will update you on civilian casualties.

In al Shababs first attack this week, 13 people were killed when two car bombs went off at the gate of the African Unions main peacekeepers base on Tuesday.

Security analysts had warned that the group could step up its attacks, taking advantage of the distraction caused by campaigning for a presidential election due in August.

Al-Shabab, seeking to impose power, has also launched attacks in Kenya and Uganda, which have contributed troops to the African Union peacekeeping force.

Another bomb attack today in #Mogadishu. Heavy bomb and attack ongoing at the CID HQ. pic.twitter.com/dbOcaLnR8p  M.Mubarak (@somalianalyst) July 31, 2016

Last week, al-Shabab used a former member of parliament as a suicide bomber, said Al Jazeeras Mohammed Adow. Al-Shabab want to prove they are not just targeting and radicalising children, they are also targeting the so called cream of society.

He added: People have lost hope in the current government [for a lack of security].
KHIZR KHAN SPEECH IN FULL:

Tonight, we are honoured to stand here as the parents of Captain Humayun Khan, and as patriotic American Muslims with undivided loyalty to our country.

Like many immigrants, we came to this country empty-handed. We believed in American democracy  that with hard work and the goodness of this country, we could share in and contribute to its blessings.

We were blessed to raise our three sons in a nation where they were free to be themselves and follow their dreams.

Our son, Humayun, had dreams of being a military lawyer. But he put those dreams aside the day he sacrificed his life to save his fellow soldiers.

Hillary Clinton was right when she called my son the best of America.

If it was up to Donald Trump, he never would have been in America. Donald Trump consistently smears the character of Muslims.

He [Trump] disrespects other minorities, women, judges, even his own party leadership. He vows to build walls and ban us from this country.

Donald Trump, you are asking Americans to trust you with our future. Let me ask you: Have you even read the US constitution? I will gladly lend you my copy. In this document, look for the words liberty and equal protection of law.

Have you ever been to Arlington Cemetery? Go look at the graves of the brave patriots who died defending America  you will see all faiths, genders, and ethnicities.

You have sacrificed nothing and no one.

We cant solve our problems by building walls and sowing division. We are stronger together. And we will keep getting stronger when Hillary Clinton becomes our next President.
Aleppo, Syria  With hospitals in rebel-controlled eastern Aleppo coming under fire, the most severely injured patients in the besieged city have  until recently  been transferred to Turkey for better, safer care.

But now, with the city under siege, such transfers have become impossible.

We cant send the wounded to either rebel parts of the countryside or Turkey, because the city is completely besieged, Hassan Fattouh, a paramedic at Zarzour hospital, told Al Jazeera on Saturday. Theres no way out.

One of Zarzours warehouses was bombed in June, destroying much of its stock of medicines, while other hospitals in eastern Aleppo have been targeted by government and Russian bombs in an attempt to drive opposition groups out of the city.

The situation has trapped seriously injured people in a city whose conditions are deteriorating rapidly.

READ MORE: Pressure mounts in Aleppo after supply line cut

The siege of eastern Aleppo has left people trapped and struggling to survive, with the only road into non-government-held areas cut off, Doctors Without Borders (MSF), which works with Zarzour and other hospitals in Aleppo, noted in a recent news release.

Now the population, and crucially the war-wounded and seriously ill, have no way out, while vital food and medical supplies cannot get in.





On Sunday, conflicting reports emerged about whether the Syrian government had opened humanitarian corridors to allow residents to leave Aleppo. But some residents said that even if such routes opened up, they feared mistreatment by the army if they were to flee.

Majd Ghazi, who was a patient at Al-Quds hospital earlier this week after being injured when a bomb hit his street, said that even if he wanted to leave Aleppo, he does not feel he could do so safely.

I was arrested before by the regime for protesting in 2011. If I went to regime areas, Id be arrested again, Ghazi told Al Jazeera.

For now, the citys health workers are making do as best they can, but some fear the worst.

Its dangerous. Were working with the equipment and materials we have, but we could lose control [of the situation] at any moment and face death, Fattouh said, noting that in recent days he has been treating more and more seriously injured people who would have benefited from being transferred to Turkey.

During times of heavy shelling, we have more than 50 patients a day with varying degrees of injuries, ranging from superficial to life-threatening, he said.

READ MORE: Syria Civil War  Aleppo patients have nowhere to go

Compounding matters, a number of hospitals in Aleppo were struck and shut down last week. With no safe way to transfer patients out of the city and hospitals closing, Aleppos wounded may soon be left to fend for themselves with little to no available care.

Some health workers believe there is a real risk that the situation could deteriorate to that point.

[If we reached that point], we would depend on available medical points in the city for ambulance patients. Wed provide what we could, said Ismail al-Abdullah, a member of the White Helmets, a group of emergency service workers that operates throughout Syria.

Eastern areas of Aleppo have been under siege for several weeks, with the government cutting off the rebels main Castello Road supply route.

Other than that, transferring patients out of the city is impossible, Abdullah said. The regime bombs everything heading towards Castello Road.
Government dismisses 1,389 from the armed forces for suspected links to businessman it blames for failed coup attempt.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stacked a top military council with more government ministers among other tough measures against the countrys military establishment in the wake of a July 15 failed coup.

Erdogan issued the third decree on Sunday since declaring a three-month state of emergency, putting deputy prime ministers and justice, foreign and interior ministers in the Supreme Military Council  the body that makes decisions on military affairs and appointments.

The document also gave the president and prime minister the authority to issue direct orders to the commanders of the army, air force and navy.

Erdogan also dismissed 1,389 personnel from the army, including his chief military adviser, the Chief of General Staffs charge daffaires and the defence ministers chief secretary, for suspected links to Fethullah Gulen, a US-based businessman he blames for a failed coup attempt.

The decree puts the military commands directly under the defence ministry and puts all military hospitals under the authority of the health ministry.

Al Jazeeras Bernard Smith, reporting from Istanbul, said that the latest reforms were stripping the military of any autonomy it might have enjoyed ahead of the failed coup attempt.

The Supreme Military Council is a very important body. It meets a couple of times a year and once a year it recommends who should be promoted, who should go for retirement in the higher ranks of the military, he said.

READ MORE: Erdogan to West  Mind your own business





In an interview on Saturday with private A Haber television, Erdogan said he also wanted to put the countrys MIT intelligence agency and the chief of general staffs headquarters under the presidency.

If we can pass this small constitution package with (the opposition parties), then the chief of general staff and MIT will be tied to the president, Erdogan told A Haber.

The package would need to be brought to parliament for a vote.

The president has blamed intelligence failures for the failed coup and said he was unhappy with information he received from the MIT and its chief Hakan Fidan on the night of the coup, complaining that valuable time had been lost.

Erdogan also said a three-month state of emergency declared in the wake of the coup could be extended.

If things do not return to normal in the state of emergency then, like France, we could extend it, Erdogan said, referring to a similar move in France after a string of attacks there.

The president said that until now 18,699 people had been detained since the coup, with 10,137 of them placed under arrest.

READ MORE: The lessons to be learned from Turkeys failed coup

Thousands of the detained have now been released, with an Istanbul court freeing 758 soldiers late on Friday, adding to another 3,500 former suspects already freed.

Gulen was a one-time ally of Erdogan but the two fell out in recent years over a number of policy issues and personal clashes, according to officials, reports and insider accounts.

The government has vowed to cleanse the civil service of Gulens supporters.

Pro-Erdogan rally

On Sunday, thousands of people gathered in the German city of Cologne to denounce the failed coup and show support for Erdogan.

Germany is home to roughly three million people with Turkish roots.

As Sundays rally got under way, organisers played the Turkish and German national anthems and held a minute of silence for people killed in the attempted coup.
Five killed, including top police commander, as ISIL claims responsibility for one of two attacks in oil-rich region.

Attacks on energy facilities in northern Iraq killed at least five, including a top police commander, and wounded others.

In the first attack on Sunday on the AB2 gas compressor station, northwest of the oil-rich Kirkuk province, sources said gunmen used hand grenades to storm through the external door of the facility before shooting dead four employees in a control room.

They then planted explosives, around five of which went off, the sources said.

Counterterrorism forces regained control of the facility and freed 15 other employees who had hidden in a separate room.

The fighters could not be found and may have escaped to launch a second attack 25 kilometres away, at the Bai Hassan oilfield.

ISIL claim second attack

In that second attack, gunmen used the same approach to enter the facility before blowing up an oil storage tank inside.

The head of the oil police force in Kirkuk province was killed and three police officers were wounded when they responded to the Bai Hassan attack.

Security officials said a suicide bomber there blew himself up, setting off fires in two oil tanks.

ISIL, also known as ISIS, claimed responsibility for the second attack via its Amaq website without mentioning the first strike.

The oil-rich Kirkuk province is divided between areas mainly controlled by the Kurdish autonomous region and areas held by ISIL. It is at the centre of a territorial dispute between the Kurds and the central government in Baghdad.
An Israeli government plan to relocate thousands of Bedouin citizens to what it has dubbed a new township in the southern Negev desert is a betrayal, a lawyer representing the Bedouin villagers has said.

Sanaa Ibn Bari, a laywer with the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, said the residents of Wadi al-Naam  a so-called unrecognised Bedouin village in southern Israel  are strongly opposed to the newly approved plan.

We are basically back to square one, where the government is, in a chronic way, suggesting the same solution over and over without implementing the needs of [the] Wadi al-Naam community, Ibn Bari told Al Jazeera.

The Israeli governments housing cabinet recently voted in favour of moving 7,000 residents of Wadi al-Naam into the new community, which will cover about 6,000 dunams (1,500 acres) of land, the Israeli daily Haaretz reported. Israels Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Uri Ariel, who oversees Bedouin settlement issues, said the plan was made in cooperation with the residents of Wadi al-Naam and that they were happy with it, according to the report.

READ MORE: Palestinian Bedouin live the Nakba every day

But Ibn Bari said the residents feel very much betrayed by [the decision] because it has not been made with their consent in any kind of way.

Home to approximately 13,000 residents, Wadi al-Naam is the largest of approximately 35 so-called unrecognised Bedouin villages in southern Israel.

Being unrecognised by the state means the villages do not appear on official maps, are not hooked up to the local power grid or water and sewage systems, and most often lack paved roads, clinics, schools and other services. The Israeli authorities also regularly demolish houses in the villages.





Wadi al-Naam sits in close proximity to the Ramat Hovav industrial area, the countrys largest chemical manufacturing site, and borders a military zone. High-voltage power lines also cut above the village from a nearby power station.

But despite these challenges, the residents have resisted the governments efforts to move them into Segev Shalom, a Bedouin township about 15km from Wadi al-Naam.

In 2014, the state issued a proposal to relocate the village to an area in the southern part of the township. Wadi al-Naam residents launched a Supreme Court challenge to that plan, and their case is still before the court, which last year asked them to present their own planning alternatives. The residents have insisted on living in an agricultural village that will allow them to maintain a traditional way of life.

For many long years, we have negotiated with the authorities. Again and again, we said we are flexible and willing to negotiate on everything, other than Segev Shalom. We seek to form a farming community that will suit our lives as Bedouins, Labad Abu-Afash, a member of the villages local committee, said in 2014.

The National Planning and Building Council later recommended that the government build a town for the villagers independent of Segev Shalom, and come to all decisions only after negotiating with them.

Ibn Bari said the states recent plan, therefore, came as a shock to us because it basically  contradicts the recommendations of the planning authorities and also its more or less a slap in the face [to] the Supreme Court that was [overseeing] the process.

She said the proposed relocation area will be like a neighbourhood inside Segev Shalom, which the residents have objected to.

IN PICTURES: The plight of the West Bank Bedouin

A spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development did not immediately respond to Al Jazeeras request for comment on the matter.

Michal Rotem, of the Negev Coexistence Forum, a Negev-based group working for Bedouin rights, said the numbers make it clear that the village will not be rural in the states proposed location.

It will be like a town  For sure, there will not be a place for people to cultivate or have their herds, Rotem told Al Jazeera, noting that the states aim is to concentrate the people of Wadi al-Naam on the smallest amount of land possible.

At the end [of the day], it will be, I guess, exactly what the state wanted in the first place: just concentrating the village on [a smaller] amount of land and making it an urban settlement within a couple of years, she said.

Before the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, Bedouin in the Negev totalled between 65,000 and 90,000 people. Most had developed a largely sedentary way of life, grazing herds of animals and cultivating crops while living in specific villages with traditional land ownership agreements.

Nothing by Ismael

. Theyre like dormitory towns. Nothing has been done to make them attractive.]

After the war, about 10,000 Bedouin, representing only 19 of the original 95 Bedouin tribes in the area, remained in Israel. Those who stayed were subjected to military rule, like other Palestinian citizens of the state, until 1966.

Several tribes were also moved off their lands to an area in the northern Negev called the Siyag, which was known for its low agricultural yield. The residents of Wadi al-Naam were moved to their current location in the 1950s, Ibn Bari said.

Then, in the late 1960s, the Israeli government began building townships with the goal of urbanising Bedouin citizens. Today, about half the total Bedouin population in the Negev  which totals more than 160,000 people  live in seven Bedouin townships: Segev Shalom (also known as Sgib al-Salaam), Lakiya, Hura, Rahat, Tel Sheva, Arara BaNegev and Kseife.

The Bedouin towns are annually among the poorest in Israel and suffer from high poverty rates, few employment opportunities, a lack of infrastructure, and weak education and health services.

Nothing has changed  and thats the problem, said Ismael Abu Saad, a Bedouin professor at Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva and an expert on Bedouin society in the Negev. The option of urbanisation failed  Theres nothing there [in the townships]. Theyre like dormitory towns. Nothing has been done to make them attractive.

READ MORE: Israel to displace thousands of Palestinian Bedouin

Abu Saad told Al Jazeera that urbanisation stripped the Bedouin of their traditional livelihoods and turned them into unskilled labourers. Given these conditions, Abu Saad, who lives in Lakiya himself, said Bedouin citizens in unrecognised villages have no real incentive to move into the townships.

Why should [they] move into the towns and move into poverty, move into an unclear future there? Its like a prison, you know. You move there [and] there is no way out, he said.

Ibn Bari said the residents of Wadi al-Naam would submit official objections to the states plans for relocation to the Supreme Court this week.

Meanwhile, she criticised Israel for not giving the Bedouin community more options to choose a type of community that can meet their daily needs.

If you were a Jewish citizen in the south, you could pick your way of life. You could choose to live in a township. You could choose to live in a town, in a kibbutz [communal village], in a moshav [agricultural village], in a farm, she said.

But when a Bedouin resident is only [proposing] the idea of an agricultural village, it is dismissed. And the government keeps proposing the same solution of an urban way of life.
Israeli forces says they shot dead a 31-year-old Palestinian man who they accused of charging at soldiers with a knife.

Israeli soldiers have shot and killed a Palestinian man during an alleged stabbing attempt at a military checkpoint in the occupied West Bank.





The man was shot dead on Sunday at the Huwwara checkpoint near Nablus, a Palestinian city in the northern West Bank, after allegedly charging at Israeli soldiers holding a knife.

The Palestinian Authoritys Ministry of Health identified the dead man as 31-year-old Rami Awartani.

An Israeli army spokesperson said a Palestinian assailant armed with a knife exited his vehicle and charged toward soldiers at the checkpoint.

[Israeli] forces thwarted the attack and fired toward the assailant, resulting in his death, the spokesperson told Al Jazeera by telephone on Sunday evening.

Four Palestinians were detained at the same checkpoint on Saturday for allegedly carrying knives, the Palestinian Maan News Agency reported. Separately, four more Palestinians were arrested in areas across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, overnight on Saturday, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Society.

READ MORE: Theres always an Intifada inside the prisons

Unlawful killings

Since October 2015, Israeli forces and settlers have killed up to 220 Palestinians, including unarmed demonstrators, bystanders and attackers.

During the same period, Palestinian attackers killed at least 35 Israelis in stabbing, shooting and car-ramming attacks.

Human rights groups have accused Israeli forces of unlawful killings and using lethal force in situations where non-lethal measures would have been appropriate.

Israel regularly uses excessive force against Palestinians, including children, causing death or injury, even when other measures could have been used, the Ramallah-based Al-Haq rights group said in a report published in June.

Earlier this month, Israeli politicians vowed to expand settlements after a Palestinian teenager killed a 13-year-old Israeli in the settlement of Kiryat Arba in the southern West Bank.

The Israeli rights groups BTselem estimates there are 530,000 Israelis living in Jewish-only settlements  considered illegal under international law  across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
After a series of deadly attacks, Mali politicians agree to extend the countrys state of emergency by eight months.

Mali politicians have agreed to extend the countrys state of emergency by an additional eight months in response to renewed violence in the restive northeast.

Members of parliament unanimously backed the extension in a session of the National Assembly on Saturday, a parliamentary source said.

I want to reassure that the state of emergency contributes to the stability of the country and preserves security, Interior Minister Abdoulaye Idrissa Maiga told politicians.

The new state of emergency, which gives security services additional authority and restricts public gatherings, will last until March 29, 2017, public broadcaster ORTM said.

The vote came as renewed violence broke out near Kidal in the northeast.

Local sources said former Tuareg fighters stormed an army base in central Nampala, leaving 17 soldiers dead and 35 wounded.

It was the first time the two groups have broken a ceasefire since last September.

Following the attack, the government had imposed a ten-day state of emergency.

READ MORE: Mali  Conflict puts more than 250,000 orphans at risk

Hundreds of government supporters marched through central Bamako on Saturday afternoon to support Malis security forces and the peace process, according to an AFP photographer.

Two groups  the Ansar Dine and a newly formed ethnic group known as the National Alliance for the Protection of Peul Identity and Restoration of Justice (ANSIPRJ)  claimed to have been responsible for what the government described as a coordinated terrorist attack.

Several security sources told AFP they doubted whether ANSIPRJ had the means to carry out an attack as such.

Special forces this week said they had caught a senior figure from Ansar Dines central combat unit, who they believe helped to coordinate the assault.

READ MORE: President of Mali  Peace process will not be derailed

Ansar Dine is a mainly Tuareg group that controlled areas of Malis northern desert together with al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and a third local group in early 2012.

Mali declared a state of emergency in November 2015 after fighters stormed the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, killing 20 people in an attack claimed by al-Qaedas regional branch.

Attacks have recently become more frequent in the countrys centre, close to its borders with Burkina Faso and Niger.
Muslims attend mass around France in solidarity after brutal killing of Father Jacques Hamel in ISIL-linked attack.

Muslims have attended Catholic mass in churches around France in solidarity and sorrow following the brutal murder of a priest in an ISIL-linked attack.

More than 100 Muslims were among the 2,000 who gathered at the cathedral of Rouen near the Normandy town where two teenagers slit the throat of 85-year-old Father Jacques Hamel.

I thank you in the name of all Christians, Rouen Archbishop Dominique Lebrun told them. In this way you are affirming that you reject death and violence in the name of God.

Nices top imam Otaman Aissaoui led a delegation to a Catholic mass in the southern city where Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel carried out a rampage in a truck on Bastille Day, claiming 84 lives and injuring 435, including many Muslims.

Being united is a response to the act of horror and barbarism, he said.

The Notre Dame church in southwestern Bordeaux also welcomed a Muslim delegation, led by the citys top imam Tareq Oubrou.

WATCH: Europes refugees  An economic opportunity?

Its an occasion to show [Muslims] that we do not confuse Islam with Islamism, Muslim with jihadist, said Reverend Jean Rouet.

The Muslims were responding to a call by the French Muslim council CFCM to show their solidarity and compassion over the priests murder on Tuesday.

Im a practising Muslim and I came to share my sorrow and tell you that we are brothers and sisters, said a woman wearing a beige headscarf who sat in a back pew at a church in central Paris:

Giving her name only as Sadia, she added softly: What happened is beyond comprehension.

Pact

Prime Minister Manuel Valls called on Sunday for a new pact with the Muslim community in France, Europes largest with around five million members.

Islam has found its place in France  contrary to the repeated attacks of populists on the right and far-right, he said, condemning this intolerable rejection of Islam and Muslims.

Also on Sunday, dozens of prominent Muslims published a joint letter warning that the risk of fracturing among the French is growing every day.

READ MORE: Europe far-right leaders rally against Islam, EU

The signatories, who included academics as well as medical professionals, artists and business leaders, pledged: We, French and Muslim, are ready to assume our responsibilities.

Both of the 19-year-old attackers  Adel Kermiche and Abdel Malik Petitjean  had been on intelligence services radar and had tried to go to Syria.

Syrian refugee suspect released

Meanwhile, a Syrian refugee who was taken in for questioning after a photocopy of his passport was found at Kermiches house has been released, a source close to the investigation said.

Nothing suggests he had any involvement in the attack, the source said.

However, Petitjeans 30-year-old cousin was to appear before an anti-terrorist judge later on Sunday.

Prosecutors said they have asked that the suspect, named as Farid K, be charged with criminal association in connection with terrorism.

The suspect was fully aware of his cousins imminent violent action, even if he did not know the precise place or day, the Paris prosecutor said in a statement.

Media reports, meanwhile, said investigators had established that Petitjean and Kermiche met through the encrypted messaging app Telegram.

Kermiche described the modus operandi of the attack on the priest in an audio posted on Telegram just a few days beforehand.
US-backed forces have taken control of 70 percent of Manbij after rapid advances against areas controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the key Syrian city near the Turkish border, a spokesperson for the group says.





Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), with the support of air strikes, have cornered rival armed groups, including ISIL, in the citys old quarter after seizing most of the eastern, western, and southern parts of the city, Sharfan Darwish of the SDF-allied Manbij Military Council told Reuters on Sunday.

SDF forces have been increasingly besieging and encircling Manbij, Al Jazeeras Mohammed Jamjoom said earlier in the day, reporting from Turkeys Gaziantep.

Even though there is a semblance of relief for those thousands of people who were able to leave those ISIL-dominated areas of the city, we must remember there are still thousands trapped inside areas that are still held by ISIL, Jamjoom reported.

And there are a lot of fears about what coalition air strikes could bring with regards to civilian casualties in the days to come, he said.

READ MORE: Barrel bombs in Syria

[The] relief is very much contrasted by these concerns about the mounting civilian death toll from coalition air strikes.

The Observatory reported on Sunday that at least 2,300 civilians fled the city in a 24-hour period.

The US-backed SDF, which includes a Kurdish armed group and Arab allies, launched its campaign to take Manbij, and drive ISIL from the Syrian-Turkish frontier, nearly two months ago with the backing of US special forces.

Shooting almost constantly

Syrian state media reported on Sunday that dozens of families, as well as some opposition fighters, have started using newly opened humanitarian corridors to leave rebel-held parts of Aleppo.

Yet conflicting reports from inside the besieged city suggested that the corridors are not yet in operation.

Sources in Aleppo told Al Jazeera that the corridors had not been opened, and civilians were still coming under fire.

READ MORE: What changes lie ahead after al-Nusra\s al-Qaeda split?

Everybody that weve spoken with, when it comes to opposition activists and residents in the rebel-held areas of Aleppo, have told us that these humanitarian corridors have not been opened, Al Jazeeras Jamjoom said.

Not only have they not been opened, but they say in several of the areas  in fact there is fighting still going on, and there are regime snipers as well that are shooting almost constantly.

An estimated 320,000 people are under government siege in Aleppo, facing acute food and medicine shortages.

The Syrian conflict started as a largely unarmed uprising against President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011. It has since turned into a full-blown civil war between government forces and opposition fighters, with an estimated death toll of some 280,000 people, according to the Observatory.
Storm of criticism over billionaire businessmans attack on parents of Muslim American soldier killed in Iraq.

Donald Trump has been hit with a barrage of criticism for insulting the parents of a Muslim American soldier killed while serving with US forces in Iraq.

Trump on Sunday defended his criticism of the bereaved parents of US Army Captain Humayun Khan, who was killed in 2004, by complaining on Twitter that the fallen soldiers father, Khizr Khan, had viciously attacked him in a speech at the Democratic National Convention last week.

Am I not allowed to respond? Trump tweeted. Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me!

At the Democratic convention, Khizr Khan told the story of his late son, Humayun, who received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart, and took Trump to task for threatening to ban Muslims, such as his son, from entering the US, asking if the presidential candidate had ever read the US Constitution.





Trump focused his attack on Khans wife, Ghazala, who stood quietly by her husbands side at the convention last week.

If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasnt allowed to have anything to say. You tell me, Trump said, in an interview with ABCs This Week.

Ghazala Khan responded on Sunday in an opinion piece published in the Washington Post, explaining that even talking about her sons death 12 years ago was still hard for her.

Donald Trump said that maybe I wasnt allowed to say anything. That is not true, she wrote.

When Donald Trump is talking about Islam, he is ignorant, she added.

If he studied the real Islam and Quran, all the ideas he gets from terrorists would change, because terrorism is a different religion.

Nothing but insults

While Hillary Clinton, Trumps rival for the presidency, defended the Khans on Sunday, so did senior members of the Republican Party, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who called the late Captain Khan an American hero.

McConnell said he agreed with the Khan family than banning people from entering the US based on their religion was contrary to American values. On Twitter, Republican strategist Ana Navarro called Trumps comments about the Khans gross and labelled him a jerk.

Clinton said Trump had repaid a family that made the ultimate sacrifice with nothing but insults and degrading comments about Muslims.

I do tremble before those who would scapegoat other Americans, who would insult people because of their religion, their ethnicity, their disability, she told parishioners in a Cleveland church on Sunday morning.

Al Jazeeras Rob Reynolds, reporting from Washington DC, said for any other presidential candidate such a controversy could be a campaign changer. But not in Trumps case.

Normally, I would say that a presidential candidate who attacks or disparages the parents of a heroic soldier who died in the line of duty would lose a lot of votes, and that may be the case here, Reynolds said.

But its certainly not going to drive Donald Trump to discard the nomination, he is the nominee. It may change some minds of people who may be leaning one way or the othercertainly there is a core of support for Donald Trump, which is not going to be dissuaded from voting for him by this particular incident.
Government dismisses 1,389 from the armed forces for suspected links to businessman it blames for failed coup attempt.

Turkey has dismissed 1,389 personnel from the army for suspected links to Fethullah Gulen, a US-based businessman it blames for a failed coup attempt, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

The announcement on Sunday came hours after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he planned to introduce several changes to the military, including shutting training academies.

We are going to introduce a small constitutional package [to parliament] which, if approved, will bring the National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) and chief of staff under the control of the presidency, the AFP news agency quoted Erdogan as saying.

Erdogan added that military schools will be closed  and a national military university will be founded as part of a wide-ranging shake-up of the military.

He also said that in future the heads of the land, sea and air forces would have to report directly to the defence minister, Fikri Isik.

He also stacked the top military council, the Supreme Military Council (YAS) with government ministers, including deputy prime ministers and ministers of justice, the interior and foreign affairs.

Al Jazeeras Bernard Smith, reporting from Istanbul, said that the latest reforms were stripping the military of any autonomy it might have enjoyed ahead of the failed coup attempt.

The Supreme Military Council is a very important body. It meets a couple of times a year and once a year it recommends who should be promoted, who should go for retirement in the higher ranks of the military, he said.

READ MORE: Erdogan to West  Mind your own business





The president has blamed intelligence failures for the failed coup and said he was unhappy with information he received from the MIT and its chief Hakan Fidan on the night of the coup, complaining that valuable time had been lost.

Erdogan also said a three-month state of emergency declared in the wake of the coup could be extended.

If things do not return to normal in the state of emergency then like France we could extend it, Erdogan said, referring to a similar move in France after a string of attacks there.

The president said that until now 18,699 people had been detained since the coup, with 10,137 of them placed under arrest.

READ MORE: The lessons to be learned from Turkeys failed coup

Thousands of the detained have now been released, with an Istanbul court freeing 758 soldiers late on Friday, adding to another 3,500 former suspects already freed.

Gulen was a one-time ally of Erdogan but the two fell out in recent years over a number of policy issues and personal clashes, according to officials, reports and insider accounts.

The government has vowed to cleanse the civil service of his supporters.
Turkish foreign minister says Turkey could ditch the refugee deal by October, as the EU fails to grant visa-free travel.

Turkey would have to back out of its agreement with the European Union to stem the flow of refugees and migrants into the bloc if the EU does not deliver visa-free travel for Turks, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said.





Visa-free access to the EU  the main reward for Ankaras collaboration in cutting off an influx of refugees and migrants into Europe  has been subject to delays due to a dispute over far-reaching Turkish legislation and Ankaras crackdown after a failed coup.

Cavusoglu told Germanys daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung the agreement on stemming the refugee flow had worked because of very serious measures taken by Ankara.

But all that is dependent on the cancellation of the visa requirement for our citizens, which is also an item in the agreement of March 18, Cavusoglu said in a release in advance of comments to be published in the newspapers Monday edition.

If visa liberalisation does not follow, we will be forced to back away from the deal on taking back [refugees] and the agreement of March 18, he said, adding that the Turkish government was waiting for a precise date for visa liberalisation.

It could be the beginning or middle of October  but we are waiting for a firm date.

READ MORE: Refugees in Greece  We are living in a prison here

The EU-Turkey agreement was designed to halt the flow of refugees and migrants by deporting them back to Turkey from Greece and allowing a number of Syrians to participate in a relocation programme from Turkey to the EU.

The deal was widely criticised by humanitarian groups and rights organisations, many of which claimed it violated international law.

In June, the medical aid charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said it will reject all funding from the European Union in protest of the agreement.

MSF received $63m, about 8 percent of its total budget, from European Union institutions and its 28 member states last year.

The EU deal is the latest in a long line of policies that go against the values and the principles that enable assistance to be provided, Jerome Oberreit, the secretary general of MSF, said at the time.

We cannot accept funding from the EU or the member states while at the same time treating the victims of their policies. Its that simple.

READ MORE: Why is the world afraid of young refugee men?

European Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said recently he did not see the EU granting Turks visa-free travel this year due to Ankaras crackdown after the failed military coup in mid-July.

Fleeing war and economic devastation, more than a million refugees and migrants arrived in Europe by boat in 2015, according to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR). More than 251,000 have made the dangerous journey so far this year.

At least 3,034 refugees perished on the Mediterranean Sea between January 1 and July 28 of 2016, compared with 1,970 in almost the same period a year earlier  an increase of 54 percent, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
Houthis and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh told to sign UN-brokered peace deal by August 7.

Yemens government says it has accepted a peace deal proposed by the UN that calls on Houthi rebels  who control large swaths of the country  to concede power after more than 14 months of war.

The announcement came on Sunday after a high-level meeting in Riyadh chaired by Yemens President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, the AFP news agency said.

The meeting approved a draft agreement by the United Nations that called on the Houthis to withdraw from the Yemeni capital Sanaa, as well as the cities of Taiz and Hodeida, which would pave the way for a comprehensive political dialogue to start 45 days after the signing of the agreement.

The deal would abolish a supreme political council set up by the Houthis and Salehs General Peoples Congress to run the country, Abdulmalek al-Mikhlafi, Yemens foreign minister, said.

According to the draft agreement, prisoners of war would be freed, as specified by the UN Security Council Resolution 2216, and a political dialogue between various Yemeni factions would start 45 days after the rebels withdraw and hand over heavy weapons to a military committee to be formed by President Hadi.

READ MORE: Life on hold in war-shattered Sanaa

The government, however, forced through a pre-condition that the Houthis and forces loyal to Saleh sign the deal by August 7, Mikhlafi said on Twitter.





There has been no official reaction from the Houthis, who have previously refused to abide by UN Security Council Resolution 2216, which stipulates the withdrawal of armed groups from all cities.

The Houthis insist they are fighting to defend themselves against government aggression and marginalisation.

Previous peace talks have failed to bridge the gap between the warring parties, while a ceasefire that went into effect in April has been marred by multiple breaches from both sides.

READ MORE: Talking to Yemens Hadi  a president resisting defeat

Yemen has been torn apart by conflict since 2014, when Houthi rebels, allied with troops loyal to Saleh, stormed the capital, Sanaa.

A coalition comprising many Arab countries 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.

Across the country, at least 14 million people, more than half of the population, are in need of emergency food and life-saving assistance.

The conflict has also taken a horrifying toll on the countrys youth, with UNICEF warning that an estimated 320,000 children face life-threatening malnutrition.
The latest X-Men cinema installment purports to deal with false gods. It all starts in ancient Egypt (what better place for a confrontation with false gods to begin?), with mutant pharaoh En Sabah Nur (Apocalypse) abusing his powers and provoking justified revolt, but being protected and entombed by followers for future revivification.

In the 1980s that vile mutant, presented as the worlds first (and least evolved?), is indeed revived (by prayers?) by virtue of an ancient ritual through which consciousness is transferred from body to body by four disciples, reminiscent of the four horsemen of the apocalypse. (What a mixture of metaphors and religions!). The refreshed and rebodied fiend seeks to destroy or at least dominate (normal?) humanity so that mutants, whom he regards as gods, may reign freely and decisively.

While all this is happening, Jewish Holocaust survivor mutant Magneto/Eric Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) is living incognito in a Polish village with his wife and daughter and has become one of the guys at the town factory. When he instinctively uses his powers to save fellow workers, he is reported and pursued. In the fracas his wife and daughter are killed. He has never forgotten that his parents were taken from him when he was a young boy; he always has the numbers tattooed to his wrist to remind him. Because he was exposed to the worst evil and hatred as a child of the Holocaust, he has always been the angriest in the mutant community, slow to forgive and quick to lash out. He immediately kills the constables responsible for the death of his current family, and then sets out to punish the non-mutant world, but not before he looks heavenward as if addressing God: Is this what I am?

Magneto has always been a bit of a monster, in a long tradition of television and film, particularly science fiction, that would make vengeful monsters out of Holocaust survivors. The parallels between Magneto and the evil first mutant are hard to ignore in this latest X-Men installment. Given past depictions of Erik/Magneto in this franchise, it is totally predictable that he would gravitate (literally) toward teaming up with the vengeful demigod hailing from Egypt.

Meanwhile, back at the stronghold for moderate mutants, Xaviers School for Gifted Youngsters (the Marvel Comics Hogwarts School for mutants), Eriks old friend and erstwhile colleague-turned-worthy-opponent, Professor Charles Xavier (James McAvoy), trains a new generation in accepting their mutant powers and in embracing a live-and-let-live approach despite a majority in governments and nations who want to see mutants dead. Perhaps because his powers are more cerebral (and he is wheelchair bound, anyway), Charles prefers level-headed and thoughtful strategies as opposed to Eriks impetuous and strong-arm methods.

Soon enough, Charles has to face the challenge of the Evil Egyptian and of Eriks attraction to the First Mutants rhetoric. Fortunately, Charles has raised up loyal and wise disciples, like blue-lady Raven Darkholme/Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) who observes: We all need to embrace our powers even if we cant control them. Our civil mutants will be tested by the destruction wrought upon the school both by furious mutants and by hateful non-mutants.

Charles Xavier is joined by a new disciple from post-War Germany, Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee), who appears to be a pious Catholic. When things get tough, this young man prays: Hold me in the light of God. Protect me from danger. Save me by your command.

Since the film calls itself (and its evil First Mutant) Apocalypse, one assumes that some kind of theology is involved. Sure enough, that ancient first mutant declares, I am Elohim, Ra. Is he being arrogant? Or is the film being Gnostic -- namely, reviving an ancient anti-biblical doctrine that the God of scriptures (like certain mutants) is a mean and rigid power in contrast to the true spiritual light beyond? In this context, is Nightcrawlers prayer a Catholic or Gnostic prayer? Are the writers inadvertently or purposely giving voice to an ancient heresy in their efforts to interpret the Marvel comic for fun and profit? They certainly revel in creating edge-of-your-seat scriptures for their audiences (which are to be contrasted with the staid Holy Scriptures of old?).

Charles tells that ole First Mutant: Youre just another false god. Does the film accuse the first mutant of misrepresenting himself as a deity, of being a false god, or does it taunt the God of the monotheistic faiths as a magnet for the vengeful?

Even if one makes a distinction between the God of love and the God of retribution (though there is no such distinction in the Bible), the film does co-opt the resurrection narrative of Christian scriptures. Some interpret those scriptures as speaking of the anti-Christs illusive resurrection (Revelation 13:13). Even with its pious (Catholic?) mutant, however, the film does not seem to advocate any power beyond that of misguided and malevolent mutants, and of the moderate do-gooder mutants.

The first mutant tells Erik: I was asleep, trapped in darkness. I am here for you now. You dont know your own strength, but I do. If this film has any point at all, it is that Charles does a good job of enabling mutants to come to terms with their strengths, while First Mutant is creepy and destructive. True, En Sabah Nur does apocalyptic things that appear to be good. He lifts from the Earth all the nuclear weapons -- from Russia, China, the United Kingdom, Israel, the United States, etc. But he does plan to dominate those nations, and is revealed to be, at best, a false messiah after those weapons are soon replaced by the respective countries. Are the writers being cynical or realistic?

The first mutant exploits the Holocaust (not unlike the comic book series itself), transporting Magneto to Auschwitz and telling him: This is where your powers were born, this is where your people were slaughtered. Is he actually ascribing Eriks mutant powers to Auschwitz, or is he playing on Eriks emotions as he does by mentioning his people and perhaps transferring Eriks concern from the Jewish People to the mutants? He goes on to say: From the ashes of this world, well build a better world. Auschwitz is then reduced to ashes. Is this an act of rage that symbolizes Eriks wish -- or the filmmakers wish -- to leave the Holocaust behind?

But clearly, Erik does not want to leave behind Auschwitz and its lessons, even though he has not been living a Jewish life in Poland. When Charles asks him to join the moderate mutants and to abandon the evil would-be god and mentor, to consider what his wife and daughter would have wanted, Erik replies: They would have wanted to live.

At one point, the evil mutant tells Erik: Youll find that you have the power to move the very Earth itself. Are the writers familiar with the psalmists observation that when God is sovereign the earth will not be moved (Psalms 93:1)? Or are they interested in retiring the claims of all gods or any god and affirming a purely human capacity to fashion a better world, each one according to his or her powers and talents?

It is revealed that Erik has a son about whose existence he did not know, now a student at Charles school. Mystique tells him: You never had the chance to save your family before, but you do now. Indeed, in the end Erik contributes mightily to the defeat of his vengeful would-be god in a battle that uses contemporary Islamic nations as the setting. Erik is literally the turner of tides, not because of any particular loyalties, spiritual or familial or social, but because his exposure to loss and cruelty and destruction, in his youth and in the present, lead him to question all would-be mentors or advisors.

Late in the film, Erik tells Charles: Killing and destruction is [are!] all Ive ever known. No, says Charles, Youve forgotten theres more to you, Erik. There is good. Erik gets the last word: Whatever good you thought you saw in me, Charles, I buried it, with my family.

Often, the suspense in the X-Men series hinges upon the extent to which Erik can unhook himself from his Holocaust and other tragic experiences that are the result of human prejudice and hatred. It is only thus that he becomes a vehicle of humanistic betterment of the world. But then again, the film does not offer him -- or humanity -- much assurance that the good will win out. Charles preaches to the First Mutant: You will never win because youre alone and I am not. Yet for most of the film the First Mutant is not alone. Evil attracts company, as does good. Dont all the sequels prove that?

Despite some theological overtones and terminology (like apocalypse, false god, commandment), this movie was big on self-help and the bashing of any and all gods. All in all, its a rather ungodly concoction.
By accusing Vladimir Putin of (believe it or not) rigging Russia's 2012 election, then-secretary of state Hillary Clinton gave new meaning to the theory of psychological projection.

The potential problem for Hillary is that Putin is not as naive as most Democrat voters, and when affronted, the Russian president usually finds a way to exact vengeance, or at least deliver what Peter Rutland, an expert on Russia at Wesleyan University, calls a Putin "poke in the eye."

Putin eye-poking was on full display when Obama, the doyen of gay rights, acted the complete fool after finding out that, in Russia, White House LGBTQ restroom users would face jail time for public displays of "non-traditional sexual relationships." Obama expressed his displeasure with the Russian law by recruiting three openly gay athletes to join the U.S. delegation headed to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Putin, a man who doesn't suffer fools gladly, responded to Obama's insult by selecting Olympic figure skater Irina Rodnina to participate in Sochi's opening ceremonies. Obama flouted Russia's tough stance on homosexuality, and Putin poked Obama in the eye by choosing a woman to light the Olympic flame who once tweeted a picture of Obama and his wife Michelle ogling a banana.

Get the picture?

Now rumor has it that Russian hackers may have gained access to the unsecured server full of confidential emails Hillary Clinton stored in a bathroom closet of the Chappaqua home national-security-risk Bill (when not nodding off) shares with a mistress the Secret Service nicknamed "The Energizer Bunny."

If the Russians really are in possession of Hillary's emails, that means Vladimir Putin may be preparing to give Hillary Clinton the poke in the eye she deserves.

It also means the Russian president knows whether or not Hillary actually mastered the "destroyer of the universe" yoga pose, has specifics concerning the recipe for Chelsea's $10K gluten-free wedding cake, and is aware of the particulars surrounding how the DNC mocked and subverted the political aspirations of a popular Jewish socialist.

Notwithstanding Hillary's tall tales about her successes as secretary of state, Eugene Rumer, a former national intelligence officer for Russia and Eurasia at the National Intelligence Council, begs to differ. According to Rumer, "I think there is good and credible evidence that there is no love lost in Moscow for Mrs. Clinton."

It all started in 2011, when, after two terms as prime minister and after serving as Russia's president from 2000 to 2008, Putin hoped to win the presidency again. Prior to the March 2012 election, Secretary of State Clinton suggested that the Russian leader had "rigged" the system and sided with thousands of anti-Putin demonstrators, journalists, and political activists, all of whom believed that the process was flawed. Furious, Putin accused Clinton of attempting to undermine his candidacy and of inciting street protesters.

Lest we forget, Saul Alinsky-trained community organizers Obama and Clinton have already proven to be well schooled in the tactics of how to advance an agenda via agitation on the street.

Wary of the "unacceptable" practice of "foreign money being pumped into election processes," the Siberian Swimmer was wise to be suspicious of Obama and members of his "flexible" administration.

Putin asserted that by calling the elections "dishonest and unfair," Hillary's tone had sent a signal to groups opposed to his re-election. Putin alleged that the opposition recognized Hillary's signal, and, in response to her attempt to impose negative influence, dutifully "launched active work with the U.S. State Department's support."

Granted, Vladimir Putin is no choir boy. However, rather than "reset relations" with Russia, which was supposedly the goal, Secretary Clinton's accusation that Russia's parliamentary election was "neither free nor fair" resulted only in provoking the bear.

Fast-forward five years. America is currently in the throes of a contentious election of our own, and from where we currently sit, Putin's suspicions that Hillary is trying to usher in Russian "regime change" don't seem all that far-fetched.

Recently, the Obama international election machine did a similar thing in Israel, when the President's operatives, funded by the State Department, attempted to disrupt Bibi Netanyahu's 2015 bid to remain prime minister.

According to The Washington Times, in a bipartisan staff report, the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations found that during the Israeli election, anti-Netanyahu group OneVoice received $465K in State Department grant monies to "build a voter database, train activists and hire a political consulting firm with ties to President Obama's campaign."

Lo and behold, that same Senate subcommittee also found that State Department officials deleted emails containing information pertaining to Obama's surreptitious campaign to oust Netanyahu.

So, within the last few years, two foreign leaders charged the U.S. State Department with being directly involved in two parliamentary elections.

In response to the original accusation Putin made in 2011, Hillary responded in the following way: "We value our relationship with Russia. At the same time ... we expressed concerns that we thought were well-founded about the conduct of the elections."

Hillary, the bastion of election transparency and fairness, argued that "Russian voters deserve a full investigation of electoral fraud and manipulation"  something Bernie supporters, thus far, are being denied here at home.

"Regardless of where you live," said the woman who, together with Debbie Wasserman Schultz, frustrated the will of 12 million voters, "citizenship requires holding your government accountable."

Sorry, but Hillary Clinton expressing apprehension over voters' voices not being heard or condemning conduct during an election or lamenting the lack of government accountability is like Angela Merkel questioning Francois Hollande's decision to continue to accept Syrian refugees.

For all intents and purposes, by accusing Putin of dirty doings, Hillary, the self-appointed successor to the American presidency, projected onto him the dark impulse that astute voters recognize as the force that drives Hillary Clinton's insatiable appetite for power.

Either way, much like Barack Obama, Hillary miscalculated when she poked a Russkiy bear. That's why, in the end, if Russia exacts revenge by releasing Hillary's 30,000 missing emails, a Putin poke may be the very thing that saves America.

Jeannie hosts a blog at www.jeannie-ology.com.
Ali David Sonboly, the young man who shot up Munich last week, killing 9 mostly young people and wounding dozens of others, is driving the mainstream media nuts. Its so bad, they cant even decide what they want to call him. Is it Ali David Sonboly, or David Ali Sonboy, or just David Sonboy, as the primly and properly PC BBC tried to have it?

But now its really getting confusing. As this article from the Mirror, among many others, now reports, Sonboly reportedly saw it as an honour that he had the same birthday as the Nazi leader [Hitler] - April 20, was proud to be a German-Iranian Aryan, and felt superior to those of either [Turk or Arab] origin. These discoveries greatly aggravate the already severe disorientation that the MSM has suffered over his motives. It seems that some among them think Sonboly was a neo-Nazi Irano-Aryan acolyte of Breivik  anything, please, but a Muslim.

So, was this young man just a lazy and chubby misfit who moved from depression to derangement and then obsession with mass murder for fascist reasons, or was he acting out of some influence of radical Islam? Or arent both possible?

Lets go back to the Mirrors points and unpack them, particularly for the benefit of those in the MSM who have delicate sensibilities about all things Islamic and Muslim and who avert their eyes from anything critical of their precious pet community. Here are some rather simple points from Islamic history.

Islamism, the revivalist version of Islam supported by large numbers of Muslims worldwide, borrows heavily from both communism and fascism. Eric Hoffer explained all that back in the 1950s. More explicitly, there were close historical alliances between the Nazis and the radical Muslims of the day. Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, had ties to Hitler, helped Himmler recruit Muslim troops for the SS, and collaborated with the Nazis on paramilitary operations in the Mideast. In recent times, Muslim clerics have praised the Nazis extermination of Jews even while trying to deny the Holocaust. At the same time, the Iranian government has regularly indulged in Holocaust denial while holding Israel and Jews to be anathema. It should therefore not be surprising that someone proud of his Muslim heritage should also feel proud of sharing a birthday with Hitler  while still having nothing the do with the bete noir of the Left, the political far Right.

Speaking of Iran, in light of Sonbolys Iranian heritage it is not surprising that he would be prejudiced against mostly Sunni Arabs and Turks. The simplest explanation might be that he resented being bullied by Arab and Turk classmates. Yet there could easily be much more than that. Turks and Arabs are the ancient enemies of the Iranians, particularly since the rise of Islam and the almost immediate schism of the community into its Sunni and Shia parties. If he had merely listened to his elders, not to mention studied his ancestral history, he could easily have absorbed these atavistic prejudices. In having them, he certainly wouldnt be alone among Iranians  or vice versa. Moreover, his Sunni Turkish and Arab classmates who bullied him could even have been expressing their own atavistic animosities towards Shiites. After all, this circle of secular hate has been rotating for 1,400 years. Why should it not come to Europe with the migrants?

As for his reported affection for the idea that he was Aryan, a dog-whistle to Leftists in the MSM and reported in several outlets, the answer is quite simple: the word Iran is derived from the root of the word Aryan and the Iranians proudly see themselves as an Aryan people.

Thus there is nothing particularly surprising about Sonbolys affinity for Hitler, given his Muslim heritage, nor about his prejudices against Sunni Muslims, nor his self-identification as an Aryan. Nor is it surprising that he has not been connected to ISIS or al-Qaeda, since they are virulently anti-Shia Sunni groups. Yet that doesnt mean that he wasnt religiously inspired to commit terrorizing murder, nor would such zealous inspiration rule out mental illness. This combination has been noted in numerous other Muslim terrorists.

What is unusual is that a youth with this Shia Iranian background went ballistic. In the West, weve become so used to the much more common narrative of a Sunni kid going on a rampage that we dont expect it to happen with a Shiite in countries such as Germany  perhaps because there are so few of them. Well, maybe we now have to start recognizing that Shiites too can go on sudden jihad.

All that said, we still dont know for sure what role, if any, radical Islamic teachings played in this tragedy. Perhaps well find out from Sonbolys 16-year-old Afghanistani-immigrant friend who was arrested for not revealing his plans. Theres considerable evidence pointing to a role of Islam, but the German authorities must first complete their investigations and then we must depend on them to report the facts. Given that they  along with many members of the global MSM  seem to have been loath to connect Islam to attacks ranging from the mass sexual assaults on the past New Years Eve to the most recent spate of attacks, it is not a foregone conclusion that they will release the facts.

There is a strong and natural tendency to want to find simple explanations, particularly ones that fit with ones ideological preferences. The simplest and most comforting explanation in the MSM and much of the Western ruling elites for the rising tide of terror is that Islamic terrorism is rare, linked tightly to a few Salafist Sunni organizations such as ISIS and al-Qaeda (which, supposedly and conveniently are on the run), and that it is a perversion of Islam. When incidents dont fit this comfortable narrative, the MSM and authorities go to great lengths either to make them fit or to disqualify them as anything related to Islam.

There are many reasons for this behavior, but two major political initiatives are playing critical roles at the moment. One is that the European authorities dont want to admit that the migrant crisis is allowing dangerous people into their populations. Angela Merkel reinforced this in her press conference on July 28, reaffirming her determination to keep Germanys borders open to migrants.

The other is that the European governments and the US have made an enormous bet on the Iranian government being  or at least becoming  moderate, so it would be very inconvenient to find that Shiites also can become radicalized terrorists in our midst.

If the tragedy in Munich finally forces people to wake up to the facts about what were facing, there will be at least a small silver lining.
20th century French intellectuals have a lot of blood on their hands.

Their theories about the necessity of violence in order to establish a society characterized by the ideals of egalite, liberte, and fraternite were once debated in civilized and abstract terms in the comfortable armchairs of academia and civilized salons of Paris.

A lifelong supporter of violence and tyranny, Jean-Paul Sartre repeatedly called for the violent overthrow of bourgeois society. He supported Stalin, Mao Tse-tung, and the killing of civilian Europeans by Algerias FLN. It would be the philosophy of Sartre that fed the violence of Pol Pot, who exterminated about one third of Cambodias populace. Abstract ideas discussed and taught in civilized France became realities writ in blood by third-world dictators.

The Iranian Islamist revolution also found its intellectual origins in France, where the Ayatollah Khomeini was granted exile. Infused with rage by radical intellectuals, Khomeini plotted the Islamist takeover of Iran, eventually returning there in 1979, from whence America and the world would see blindfolded hostages paraded on television.

In short, revolutions encouraged by French and other European intellectuals were actualized but mostly watched safely from afar.

But now those abstract ideas about the necessity of revolutions that spill blood are coming back to bite as radical Islamists believing in the killing of their enemies strike at Paris and France itself; most recently in the form of violence against eighty-five-year-old parish priest Jacques Hamel, whose throat was slit by a jihadist as the frail old man was performing the sacrament of the Mass.

The jihadist attempt to symbolically behead Christianity by slitting the throat of a pious Catholic priest should come as no surprise to France, whose leaders profess themselves to be shocked and outraged at the recent incident, and who are warning about a religious war between Muslims and Christians.

But the war in France is not being and will not be fostered by Christians, whose presence and influence in France and most of Europe is subterranean and largely pacifist -- by design. They have been subdued as a cultural influence in France, which was once a profoundly Christian nation.

No, the real war is between the ruling secularist class of France and Islamists. Christians are merely a convenient and usual target of Islamists.

The intellectual descendants of the radical thinkers who were so fond of decapitating the Church and the aristocracy must not be surprised to find those Islamists who embrace their tenets for violent revolution now call for their beheading. They should not be surprised to find their own necks under the guillotine.

Those same modern-day philosophes also should not indulge themselves in intellectual chicanery, seeking to turn the present grisly narrative into a fairy tale of renewed religious warfare -- while the now thoroughly bourgeois and established secularists stand by as neutral innocents who deplore both religions for violence.

No, it was and still is French intellectuals, the modern secularist replacement for priests, who implicitly allowed this bloodbath by targeting Christianity for destruction. Father Hamel is dead because France has seen no overwhelming reason to protect Christianity.

The fact of the matter is that secularist France has long been opposed and still is opposed to Christianity, having waged war against it for over two hundred years. The French Revolution itself was the culmination of decades of anti-Christian polemics by French philosophes. Anti-Christian sentiment erupted into violence against the Catholic Church, which was effectively guillotined and replaced by a civil religion.

The radical ideas of the philosophes of the so-called Enlightenment were discussed in aristocratic French salons long before the Revolution of 1789 exploded in bloodshed and carnage worthy of ISIS savagery. Eric von Kuehnelt-Leddihns Operation Parricide: Sade, Robespierre & the French Revolution gives a succinct account of some of the horrors visited on France by the revolutionists. Jihadists can only admire and imitate. As Kuehnelt-Leddihn notes:

General Westerman reported to the welfare committee: There is no more Vendee, my republican fellow citizens! According to your orders, the children were trampled to death beneath the hoofs of our horses; their women were slaughtered so that they couldnt bring any more soldiers into the world. The streets are full of corpses; in many places they form entire pyramids. In Savenay we had to make use of massive firing squads because their troops are still surrendering. We take no prisoners. One has to give them the bread of freedom; however, mercy has nothing to do with the spirit of the revolution. Westerman, however, soon met his nemesis; he was guillotined a short time later with his friend Danton. LeMans was the scene of further brutality; women, the aged, and children hiding in the houses of this large city were discovered women and girls were raped, and since there werent enough living females for the boys in blue, the corpses were violated as well the mob quickly decapitated another group of prisoners, among whom was a saintly, 82-year-old abbess.

No, mercy was not a characteristic of the French Revolution. Nor is it a virtue of the intellectuals militant secularist faith pervading France.

Those horrors of the Revolution, as have twentieth-century horrors, had their intellectual genesis in ideas discussed in eighteenth century salons, one of the more famous of which was that of Madame de Pompadour, who famously said, After us, the deluge. I care not what happens when I am dead and gone. Madame de Pompadour supported Diderots Encyclopedia, the heralded gateway to the Enlightenment -- the same Diderot who wrote, Man will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest.

Diderots prophetic comment about kings and priests provides a summary of the thinking behind the Terror, which did indeed kill the nations king and very nearly the aristocracy; and which also very nearly killed the Catholic Church of France in an effort to exterminate Christianity from France.

Some of the aristocratic talking heads who were habitues of the salons and who advocated the death of the system of government and religion that had characterized France for centuries -- and that could have perhaps been reformed rather than destroyed utterly -- would later be sliced off under the blade of the guillotine. Ideas once genteelly debated among intellectuals and wannabe revolutionaries became reality as the blood of both members of the intelligentsia and of the aristocracy mingled while the Parisian mob looked on and cheered their demise.

Now we find a new French Revolution rising in Paris and beyond, one in which the death of innocent civilians was openly encouraged by Sartre in Algeria. Now we find jihadist revolutionaries, in France by the invitation of France, crying out for the heads of State and Church. The Terror has once again arrived in France. The tyranny of the idea of violent revolution in order to achieve a just and equal society, so long cherished by French intellectuals now threatens France (and indeed Europe) itself.

For decades after decade, led by French atheists and secularists, the governmental machinery of France has insisted the no religion is allowed in public matters. In fact, any citizen who wishes to be considered a good citizen almost certainly must a-religious. The consequence of the exorcism of Christianity from public life and the quarantining of the Christian spirit behind church doors has been a complete erosion of Christian influence in French culture.

If secularist France wishes to avoid more massacres by Islamist jihadists bent on destroying both secularists and Christians, it would do well to take the governmental boot off the neck of Christianity, whose foundational influence on French culture, though badly eroded and weakened, should be recognized.

It is glaringly apparent that it is not Christians like the martyred Father Jacques Hamel and his flock who are perpetrating violence in France. It is not Christians who are attacking Jewish delis and crowded theaters where helpless unarmed civilians were mutilated and tortured. It was not a Christian who mowed down dozens of innocents on Bastille Day.

Christianity is not the enemy of France, but a spiritual friend and guide still intrinsic to her cultural makeup. It should not only be recognized and unchained, but cultivated in order it be salt in a rotting culture. Secularist France should take note of the ways the most militant strains of Islam are determined to shape French culture in ways that will make France unrecognizable within a very short time if they prevail.

The atheistic/secularist worldview that characterized the Enlightenment, which became the impetus for the French Revolution and the Terror, which has informed the top intellects of France for so long; and which is as least partly responsible for the new Terror visited on France, has proved a systematic failure in France and abroad.

It is time to admit the secularist and leftist worldview that has been promulgated and exported by French and European intellectuals for centuries, and which has been so instrumental in spreading violence and chaos throughout the world, should repent of its heresies and to return to the roots that once made France great and can make her great again.

It is time for France to release from secularist bondage and to actively cultivate the Spirit of Christianity, which while its followers too often transgressed against the Spirit of mercy, love and grace characterizing Christ, at least that Spirit has been held up as the soul of orthodox Christianity.

That Spirit once thoroughly informed French culture, a Spirit that created a nation filled with monuments to Age of Faith. It is time to once again look at and grant complete freedom of expression to the faith that built Notre Dame and Chartres.

Lets hope and pray it isnt too late to do so.

Fay Voshell holds a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, which awarded her its prize in systematic theology. Her thoughts have appeared in many online magazines, including American Thinker, National Review, CNS, Fox News, RealClearReligion and Russia Insider. She may be reached at fvoshell@yahoo.com
Environmentalists routinely cite their moral superiority in opposing projects they say could damage the environment. But more often than not, the protection of Mother Earth is secondary to political considerations.

Such was the case in Chicago recently, as the Greens vigorously opposed a museum proposed by filmmaker George Lucas while applauding the site selection of President Obama's library just seven miles away.

Washington Times:

Juanita Irizarry, executive director of Friends of the Parks, said Friday that her group is thrilled to see Obama Presidential Center being built in a park on Chicagos South Side. Just five weeks ago, the group forced Mr. Lucas to abandon his plans for a similar lakefront project about seven miles north of the proposed Obama site after a two-year legal battle. The environmental groups decision comes despite misgivings over the Obama center, which will require bulldozing trees and grass at Jackson Park, while the proposed Lucas museum would have been built on a parking lot used by Chicago Bears fans for tailgating. There is plenty of vacant land in the area that could accommodate the library, Ms. Irizarry told Crains Chicago. However, Friends of the Parks will not sue over the issue. The Obama Foundation, which announced Friday that the center will be built in Jackson Park near the lakefront on Chicagos South Side, is scheduled to hold a press conference Wednesday with elected officials and community leaders.

There's just one problem; the site for the library is protected lakefront and meant for the public use of all citizens:

In a Friday analysis of the two sites, Crains said that Jackson Park is part of a protected lakefront, meant to be free and open for the use of all citizens. The presence of the Obama library violates that notion. Actual grassthe kind people normally associate with parkswill be torn up to build the Obama library and museum, which is expected to encompass 20 acres, said the Crains report. The Lucas museums proposed site was an asphalt parking lot next to Soldier Field with a killer lake view. Several comments posted Friday on the Crains analysis accused Friends of the Parks of being frauds for fighting one project but not the other. The Frauds of the Parks are your typical liberal organization that has no qualms with hypocritical behavior, said David Pasquinelli in a post. Another commenter said, Sorry. FotP cant have it both ways. If they are going to sue over the building of a private institution on public lands, then they should do the same here. They show themselves to be the political hypocrites that they are and have no credibility, said the post. Others argued that the South Side area is more in need of economic development than the neighborhoods adjacent to the proposed Lucas site. The area around Jackson Park has been depressed for many decades. The building of the Presidential Library is a huge shot in the arm for that area. The Obamas are doing something that Jesse Jackson never has: investing in his own community, said another post. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, former Obama White House chief of staff, applauded the selection of the Jackson Park property and said he would create a forum for economic development that would maximize the positive impact on area communities and residents.

Typically, these "development projects" do little to improve the economy of the local community, although the few businesses in the area may see a benefit. But jobs and investment in the community is lacking - especially in Chicago where most of the financial benefits end up in the pockets of machine cronies.

It looks like the Greens care less about the environment than they do supporting a political agenda.
The shoot-from-the-hip media has run with the "Trump encourages treason" story even though it is as fundamentally false and inherently misleading as the "hands up don't shoot" misdirection of Ferguson. This, apparently, is their way.

Trump could not have encouraged, nor did he encourage, the hacking of a server holding sensitive State Department documents.

Of immediate note is that Hillary insisted there was no sensitive official communications on her server. Hence, what could possibly be discovered, unless Hillary was lying?

There are three additional facts to consider, as noted by the "Still Report #1074."

1.Hillary's servers no longer are operational. Therefore, how can Trump encourage hacking computers and servers that no longer exist?

2.Trump merely said, "If you have the missing emails, please cough them up."

3.Russia is obligated by treaty to turn over the emails.

Ironically, the treaty being referred to in point 3 was signed by Bill Clinton in 1999, and the further irony is that it can be found and read on the State Department's website.

Here is a summation of the treaty and a link to its full content.

The Treaty provides for a broad range of cooperation in criminal matters. Mutual assistance available under the Treaty includes the obtaining the testimony or statements of persons; providing documents, records and other items; serving documents; locating or identifying persons and items; executing requests for searches and seizures; transferring persons in custody for testimony or other purposes; locating and immobilizing assets for purposes of forfeiture, restitution, or collection of fines; and any other form of legal assistance not prohibited by the laws of the Requested Party.

The mainstream media will drop this charge of treason against Trump in heartbeat. But just as "hands up, don't shoot" was fallacious and has been injected into the thoughts of the low-info voter, there will be no corrections of qualifications coming from MSNBC, CNN, or the New York Times.

What has journalism become? Or, more properly put, where has it gone?
The Olympics start next Friday. We trust that everything goes well, although there are many reasons to worry, from crime to infrastructure to even terrorism. Let's hope that the accomplishments of the athletes, and nothing else, is the big story from Rio.

On the political front, Brazilians are watching one amazing telenovela. The latest is about Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the former president of Brazil who is now a target of the investigation over bribery at Petrobras, the oil monopoly.

This is from The New York Times:

Lawyers for Mr. da Silva said in a statement that he was innocent of the obstruction charges, saying that he had never interfered in the Petrobras investigation. The charges stem from testimony by Delcidio do Amaral, a former senator in the Workers Party who was arrested in November after he was heard in a secret recording describing an elaborate plan for Nestor Cervero, a former Petrobras executive ensnared in the scandal, to flee Brazil on a private plane.

We will follow the events and see where the trial goes. In the short run, there are a couple of problems:

1) Lula, as he is known by supporters, was planning to run for president in 2018. Obviously, his plans will have to wait for the determination of this trial.

2) Brazil's political system has been exposed as one gigantic case of crony capitalism.

3) All of this political bickering is making Brazilians even more cynical about their politicians. After all, it wasn't long ago that Lula was the darling of most citizens, in part because of the economic boom that coincided with his two terms. Like President Clinton, President Lula had some rather amazing good timing when it came to economic growth.

Lula's out of luck. He now faces real charges of corruption, as well as a public furious with the economic slowdown.

So let's hope the Olympics goes well, because politics isn't!

P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter.
Despite entreaties from several donors in the Koch brothers network of political fundraisers, Charles and David Koch are refusing to meet with GOP nominee Donald Trump about donating to his campaign.

Both Trump and the Kochs are in Colorado Springs this weekend for separate purposes; Trump is fundraising while the Kochs are hosting a summit of their network of activists and organizations. But it appears that Charles Koch has irrevocably decided not to urge his vast network of fundraisers to help Trump, a potential loss of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Politico:

Trump in turn has blasted the Kochs and other major conservative donors as puppeteers to whom his GOP primary rivals were beholden, while he touted the independence from Big Money he said he achieved by largely self-financing his campaign. But the billionaire first-time candidate has dialed back his anti-donor rhetoric since he clinched the GOP nomination and began active fundraising for a general election campaign in which his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, and her allies are expected to spend upward of $1.5 billion. The billionaire industrialist Koch brothers, meanwhile, are being urged to reconsider their opposition to Trump by some of the donors in their network who are supporting the Manhattan tycoon, including Minnesota media mogul Stanley S. Hubbard and Dallas investor Ray Washburne, according to the two Republicans familiar with the outreach. The Republicans, who travel in political finance circles, requested anonymity to discuss private talks. They said that the pro-Trump cohort had lobbied for a Friday meeting. The Koch brothers and Trump are in town for separate events  Trump for a fundraiser, and the Kochs for the kickoff of the annual summer summit of their donor network at a tony resort in Colorado Springs. But the Republicans familiar with the push said top Koch aides rejected the idea of a meeting. It is not going to happen, said one of the Republicans, adding that the Kochs appear unlikely to back away from their repeated declarations that they dont plan to spend any money in the presidential race, and will instead refocus their spending down ballot. Washburne, who is helping to lead Trumps fundraising effort, did not respond to requests for a comment. The Trump campaign also did not respond to a request for comment. Another Trump donor who participates in Koch summits, Doug Deason, told Reuters that he was also pushing for a meeting, explaining, We think its really important that Donald convince Charles hes the right guy, and for Charles to influence Donalds policies. James Davis, a spokesman for the Koch-backed group Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, which is organizing the Colorado Springs summit, said that there is no meeting planned between Trump and the Kochs.

All is not lost for Trump. His people can reach out to individual donors in the Koch network and tap them for cash. But the dozens of political action committees and organizations making contributions to political campaigns in the network usually follow the lead of the brothers.

There's no way to sugar coat what this means to the Trump campaign. It is likely that Hillary Clinton will outspend the Trump campaign by at least 5-1. As far as paid advertising, it probably matters less than the huge advantage Clinton will have in the field. In a close race, in battleground states, Clinton's massive field operation could make the difference between victory and defeat.
Suddenly, Dems Became the Everything-is-Awesome Party

The 2015 animated kids film Home might have been the leitmotif for the recent Democratic National Convention. The Democrats theme is that everything is awesome, despite nearly eight years of sluggish economic growth, markedly increased societal strife, a failing health care system, weakness and humiliation abroad, along burgeoning crime and terror at home. Four to eight more years of the same is just what the doctor ordered, Republicans are a bunch of killjoys for arguing otherwise, and Hillary Clinton is the person to bring it. For those not familiar with that occasionally clever film, it is about the Boov, a race of domineering, supercilious, totalitarian aliens who live by taking and repurposing other species planets and property. The Boov invade earth, but not being violent, only elitist, they move the human population, whom they regard as simple and backward, to giant villages in Australia. The Boov are also hilariously and proudly cowardly, hiding from and denying threats for as long as possible and then running away. Obviously the Boov are mostly Democrats.

The Boov, like the Democratic Party and its presidential nominee, operate a system that is fundamentally corrupt, authoritarian and bankrupt, facts which are belied by the omnipresent slogan of the ruling class (and the title of the only tune on the radio playlist) Everything is awesome. Parts of Home are particularly funny, mostly when the clueless leadership is bloviating about how great things are. I was reminded of this particularly during the speeches of Obama, Biden and both Clintons at the Democrats convention. Biden especially made a shamelessly demagogic paean to American optimism, can-do attitude and bravery. It was also ironic, since until last week Democrats have relentlessly insisted that Americans cannot do stuff (you didnt build this) or as Hillary said the other night Dont believe anyone who says I alone can fix it. In the Democrat view, we are largely racist, sexist, anti-gay and xenophobic, unenlightened, socially retarded, bullies abroad, too irresponsible to defend themselves, and in desperate need of additional guidance from an already bloated suffocating government. But hey were doin great. By the fourth day of the event the Democrat conventioneers were insincerely waving hundreds of American flags, when just days before there was hardly a flag to be seen in the hall (other than some Palestinian ones) while American and Israeli flags were trampled and burned just outside the building. Yet the Democrats and their handmaidens in the media obstinately pointed to their patriotic and positive message as opposed to the Republican negative one. This of course requires the same kind of obliviousness of the Boov in Home. The Democrats are determined to confuse Donald Trump the man, with the issues that created Donald Trump the Republican nominee. On the one hand they now insist everything is wonderful, when the orientation of the modern Democratic Party, is how great things are not. Change has given way to stasis. We know that at least one Democrat (last name Obama) sincerely believes that things are great thanks to his nearly eight years of governance. Hillary doesnt believe that, but is constrained by her own lack of a compelling agenda, or a vision, beyond her own naked ambition and sense of entitlement. According to the Democrats claims that things are not going well are illegitimate, because they come from Trump, a controversial and divisive person. By demonizing Trump, they demonize the issues that are important to his supporters, without having to address their legitimacy. But this also means that the Democrats, like the Boov, pigheadedly refuse to recognize political reality in the country. In their own party the emergence of Bernie Sanders proved this. Sanders was deliberately marginalized and sabotaged by party officials in order to perpetuate this condition of stasis and denial. All this is necessitated by the nature of their own candidate, who resembles the dimwitted leader of the Boov, who is also dishonest and corrupt, rules by entitlement, without purpose and so needs to eliminate all opposition, even the idea that things are not awesome. In her stump speeches since the convention, Hillary has tried to triangulate her way around the glowing picture of the nation painted at the convention. If she doesnt do that, outside of the stage-managed political arena that was the convention, what would she have to talk about except Trump? And while talking about Trump necessarily will be a large part of her campaign, shes got to say something more than how awful her opponent is, which is to say, less awful than herself. Hillary may well win the election, indeed is the odds-on favorite by most accounts. Yet in order to win two remarkable things must happen. First the American people must be willing to vote for a known compulsive liar and cheat -- something that the majority of Americans correctly believe about this woman. Secondly, the Democrats must run a campaign of pure denial, pretending that the complaints of the opposition party, because the emanate from Donald Trump, are not merely issues about which reasonable people can disagree, but rather inventions, fabrications, a con game by a con man. While elections are always about emphasizing differences, with negative campaigning an ever increasing (and often successful) tactic, the outright renunciation of the concerns of half the nation as reflected in the Democrat convention is pretty unprecedented. Which brings us back to Home. The movie is filled with typical liberal lessons for children it is also a rejection of the everything is awesome idea. Millions of people, Republicans, Democrats and Independents have seen that movie, and it is unlikely that any believed that the phony and blockheaded Boovs rosy slogan anything but a damaging and idiotic lie. If those folks really think about it, the Democrat convention produced something very similar.
The US air base in Incirlik, Turkey is on lockdown as police have blocked all entrances and exits. There has been no explanation from the Turkish government, but rumors have been rampant in Ankara of another coup plot being hatched.

Daily Caller:

Secular elements of the Turkish military attempted a coup against Erdogan July 15, alleging the Turkish president was amassing too much power and becoming too Islamist. Erdogan publicly criticized Friday the head of U.S. military operations in the Middle East, after he told an audience at the Aspen Foundation that many of U.S. militarys allies in the Turkish military had been imprisoned. After the failed coup, Turkey cut power to Incirlik airbase for nearly a week, deeply worrying the U.S. military. Dr. Michael Rubin, a middle east expert at the American Enterprise Institute, previously told The Daily Caller News Foundation that the Turkish governments actions were akin to taking Incirlik airbase hostage. While no reports suggest another active coup attempt is underway, the move is a surprising action taken against an important U.S. strategic asset. Some have speculated that the move could be a preemptive action taken before another coup attempt is launched.

Turkish protestors gathering in front of Cityhall in Tatvan, city where rumours of tank activity have been reported pic.twitter.com/lxvZv1oSi4  Fer G (@FGunay1) July 30, 2016

President Erdogan has launched an assault on every secular institution in Turkey. Tens of thousands of people have been detained, fired, or suspended from their jobs, thousands of soldiers included. While about 800 of the military detainees have apparently been released, that leaves thousands still under arrest, including many senior officers. It probably isn't coincidence that most of those officers had good working relationships with their US counterparts.

The radical military reforms initiated by Erdogan include bringing the entire military under his control, the closing of service academies, and the purge of the officer ranks. The one institution still capable of stopping him is what's left of the military. Another coup is not out of the question.

There has been speculation that the lockdown is preceding the arrival of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford, who arrived today for talks. But would thousands of police guarding the entrances and exits be necessary to secure a facility that US and Turkish forces inside the base are perfectly capable of doing?

Regardless, while the base is on lockdown, the effect on our air campaign against Islamic State hangs in the balance.
This Fortune article echoes what I have thought ever since the story of Trump's connections in Putin's Russia started simmering - that Trump has benefited from the huge exodus of capital from Putin's Russia, but that may be as deep as his Russian connections go.

In fact, selling U.S. properties to Russians looking to move their money to a place where Putins tax collectors cant get at it seems to be the one line of business that Trump has done in Russia.

It's been my experience that Russians with capital to invest may be especially attracted to become partners in a US venture, There is a belief that US business interests might help them obtain US residency should they ever face the need to depart Russia.

As for Trump doing business in Russia, there were two brief windows of opportunity for building a property of Trump's ostentatious style in Russia. One was right after the collapse of the Soviet Union when all the existing hotel properties were up for grabs. The other happened a few years later when oil prices were high, the ruble had recovered and Russia appeared to be booming. Today the Russian economy is in decline and the market for such properties has declined with it.

Indeed, had Trump been a player in Russia during the up for grabs period, he well could well be dead today. As Trump knows quite well, unhappy American investors and creditors file pesky lawsuits. But unhappy Soviet security goons, turned Russian Mafiosi, turned oligarchs, often seek more direct satisfaction.

The hotel business back in the anarchic years after the collapse of the Soviet Union was -- sometimes quite literally -- murderously competitive. U.S. businessman Paul Tatum was gunned down not far from his Radisson Slavyanskaya hotel in 1996 after a highly public dispute with his local partner. In 2002, Konstantin Georgiev, who ran the grand 1950s Peking Hotel, suffered the same fate. Police suspected, but never proved, a falling out with organized criminals.

In 1997, Trump had talked to the Moscow City Government, about leasing and redeveloping the vast, monstrous Rossiya hotel (the worlds biggest) right next to the Kremlin; the deal was estimated to be worth about $800 million. But the project died a quiet death in 1998 after the Rossiyas general director Yevgeny Tsimbalistov died a considerably noisier one in a hail of mafia bullets.

Nor would Trump's in your face style work well at making deals inside Russia.

As Chris Weafer, founder of the consultancy Macro Advisory Services and a long-time Russia veteran, says: Its impossible to do business in Russia without a reliable local partnership. You have to be low-key and easy to get on with, and Trumps personality would generally seem to work against that."
The union movement long ago married itself to the Democratic Party, but is no longer getting a lot of love. In fact, as Jeremy Lott, an adjunct scholar at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, puts it in the Detroit News, the DNC holds unions in contempt.

I almost feel sorry for the union bosses, reading his walk through some of the emails analyzed so far.

[T]he emails that have been released highlight the rather one-way relationship between the Democratic Party and labor unions. DNC staffers see the unions as good soldiers in skirmishes with Republicans, as a pain when it comes to getting things done and, ultimately, as pushovers.

One staffer urged using union workers as pawns, pulling off a strike to embarrass Republicans, not to accomplish anything at all related to the workers interests. But the most pathetic purloined passages are related to the facility with which the DNC trampled over the priorities of the unions.

The union-DNC alliance does impose a few constraints on the DNC, which staffers both mocked and worked to circumvent. DNC staffer Katja Greeson, for instance, complained about delays involved in getting new business cards printed. She explained to an irked communications director that sending work to union shops caused delays. Believe me  it is equally frustrating to us, she said. Greeson also threatened if they cant deliver, DNC staffers would go to FedEx Kinkos and do it themselves. The DNC pledges to use only unionized hotels. But it turns out theres a workaround for that, too. Trey Kovacs, who has done yeomans work spelunking through the DNC WikiLeaks dump, uncovered this one. In an exchange over whether they could use the non-union Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., a DNC staffer says they could just get a waiver to use it. It is unclear from the emails how or what circumstances must arise to obtain a waiver, but it seems that convenience for the chairman trumps loyalty to adhering to some kind of internal guidelines of exclusively patronizing unionized establishments, Kovacs, a policy analyst for the Competitive Enterprise Institute, told me Wednesday.

Hat tip: Ed Lasky
Ansbach bomb mystery solved: why the victim did it

When a man armed with a bomb blew himself up outside a music festival in Germany, the media went into action. Why had he done it?

Reuters went into action: Syrian man denied asylum killed in German blast.

The poor man. He was killed in a country that denied him asylum. This man suffered terribly at our hands. Reuters continues:

A 27-year-old Syrian man who had been denied asylum in Germany a year ago died on Sunday when a bomb he was carrying exploded outside a music festival in Ansbach, Germany

A bomb he was carrying exploded? Was he taking it a museum, having found it?

Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann said the man had tried to commit suicide twice before.

And he failed a third time. The bomb exploded. He was killed. He is the victim.

The Guardian leads with: A 27-year-old man who had been denied asylum dies after explosion in southern German town

An explosion.

The BBC: Ansbach explosion: Syrian asylum seeker blows himself up in Germany.

A failed Syrian asylum seeker has blown himself up and injured 15 other people with a backpack bomb near a festival in the south German town of Ansbach. The 27-year-old man, who faced deportation to Bulgaria, detonated the device after being refused entry to the music festival.

He was clearly an avid music fan. Denied entry he had nothing else to live for  well, aside from a new life in Bulgaria.

CNBC: Bomb-carrying Syrian dies outside German music festival; 12 wounded.

Al Jazeera: A 27-year-old Syrian man died when a bomb he was carrying in a rucksack went off outside a music festival in Germany and wounded 12 people, an official said. A spokesman for the prosecutors office in Ansbach said the attackers motive wasnt clear.

The bomb went off. He did not detonate the bomb. It just went off. Why he died remains a mystery.

The Mail: Syrian suicide bomber  nicknamed Rambo  who blew himself up outside German music festival had pledged allegiance to ISIS, had Islamist videos at his home and had enough chemicals to make ANOTHER bomb.

Ah. Thats why the asylum seeker was killed when the bomb he was carrying went off. He was an Islamist trying to murder people. Thanks to the Mail, the mystery has been cleared up.

Anorak

Posted: 31st, July 2016 | In: Broadsheets, Reviews, Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink


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Eye Creams For Men

Stop Ageing In Its Tracks With These Superior Eye Creams

The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.

With additions by Alex Bracetti

The skin beneath and around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of your face, and thus, more susceptible to signs of aging. In fact, as we age, it thins even more, and the fat in the skin around the eyes can resorb. Other unwelcome signs include dark circles, redness, grittiness, wrinkles, and crows feet at either side.

It comes as no surprise, then, that the numerous eye creams you've seen are far more than standard moisturizers. While a moisturizer is the frontline defense against aging (and the best repair kit for existing wear), eye creams come with even more nutrients targeted at these various, unique conditions  theyve got to de-puff, even out skin tone, smooth wrinkles, and improve complexion. Youd have a hard time finding a moisturizer that targets all those things.



But finding the perfect one isnt easy; there are a lot on the market, with a wide range of claims, costs and testimonials. If youre going to invest in something as expensive as most eye creams, then you should know what to look for, both in function and ingredients.



Dont just take it from us; we spoke with numerous dermatologists to get their expert opinion  heres the definitive guide to eye creams, along with numerous product recommendations from those same doctors.

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex is a unique eye cream to fight the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and crows feet.

 Dr. Kaleroy Papantoniou, New York, NY

This silky formula is loaded with extracts, flavonoids and optical diffusers that work together to remedy dull-looking eyes by eliminating dullness and improving elasticity. Consistency is well-balanced, so you can apply your favorite moisturizer before or after putting on the eye cream. Sure, the price is a bit up there, but rest assured a little dollop will go a long way.

$107.53 at Amazon.com

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm

Look no further than Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm for a comprehensive cocktail of antioxidants like vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, and green tea extract. Daily use helps neutralize damaging free radicals that contribute to premature skin aging. Suitable for all skin types.

 Dr. Filamer Kabigting, New York, NY

$41.49 at Amazon.com

CerAve Eye Repair Cream

CerAve Eye Repair Cream is a drugstore standout that packs potent antioxidants and skin firming ingredients similarly found in more expensive creams. This cream contains ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to keep skin supple around the eyes while combating puffiness and discoloration. This product feels a little thicker (which equates to enhanced moisturizing), but dont worry  it goes on smooth and feels non-greasy.

 Dr. Ilamer Kabigting, New York, NY

$10.53 at Amazon.com

What Exactly Do Eye Creams Do?

As mentioned, there are many reasons to get ahead of the wear, and to invest in an eye cream is one of your best preventative measures against aging. We asked Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, to outline the benefits of eye creams, in case you were still on the fence.



They moisturize (but of course): The skin under and around the eye is thin and can dry out easily. While there are oil glands on the eyelids, the skin can get dry, flaky and irritated. Dryness can be exacerbated by cold, dry, winter air or by windy, beachy summer environments. Lighter moisturizers and serums are great for spring/summer, as they help add moisture to the top layer of the skin. Adding superficial moisture will reduce the appearance of fine lines and make skin appear more dewy and young. Look for ingredients like Hyaluronic acid for a temporary hydrating and plumping effect. In the cooler fall and winter months, use a thicker cream, especially at night. Consider natural oils like argan, coconut and avocado as a great base, possibly with dimethicones to seal in the moisture.



They reduce inflammation: After a day on the ski slopes or surfing at the beach, consider [an eye cream] with soothing properties that will quickly reduce inflammation and skin irritation, which can trigger collagen breakdown and early skin wrinkling. Look for ingredients like green tea, aloe vera, coconut oil, chamomile, and licorice root that will soothe skin and quickly bring down any inflammation.



They create a skin barrier: If you know that you are heading out into a super-dry environment or that your skin will be irritated by a product that you are about to use, or if you have eyelid dermatitis/eczema, consider a product that will sit on your skin and lock in the moisture that it has. Look for products with dimethicone; they will create a water-resistant, matte barrier.



They support anti-aging: While we cant avoid getting older, we can try to slow the appearance on the skin around the eyes by feeding it some of the molecules and protein precursors that it needs to protect and rebuild its collagen structure. Anti-oxidant ingredients, like vitamin C, acai, coffee berry, and white/green tea help prevent UV-induced oxidation and breakdown of collagen, when applied in the morning under sunscreen, and can help undo and repair oxidative damage when applied at bedtime. Look for lightweight serums that absorb easily into freshly washed skin. Peptides and growth factors are other molecules that can potentially traverse the epidermis and provide some of the necessary building blocks for building new collagen.



They reduce fine lines: While neurotoxins (Botox) are the way to truly, temporarily reduce fine lines around the eyes, [eye] moisturizers and serums can help reduce the appearance of fine lines. Moisturizing the skin makes the skin plumper, so that lines appear less deep. Silicone-based primers and serums can fill in the fine lines, blurring their appearance. Finally, moisturizers with retinoids can help rebuild collagen, which can help thicken the skin and smooth it, helping to prevent new wrinkle formation and reduce the appearance of older ones over time.





They improve skin texture: [Eye creams] with alpha hydroxy acids can help exfoliate skin, while adding moisture, so that you get the hydrating effect while removing dead, dull skin cells. Skin will look smoother and more even-toned over time. Look for ingredients like glycolic acid, pyruvic acid or lactic acid. Salicylic acid can be too drying.



They minimize dark circles: Dark under-eye circles can be caused by many factors, including: genetics, shadows from surrounding raised facial features, skin swelling, and engorged blood vessels. Look for ingredients like Arnica, Vvtamin K and caffeine to help temporarily shrink blood vessels. To help reduce swelling, look for ingredients like caffeine and even store your moisturizer in the fridge. For the best, immediate results on eye-area swelling, skip the moisturizer and stick with the tried and true: Dunk your face in a sink full of ice cold water, lie back for five minutes with cucumber slices over your closed eyes, or steep some tea bags, cool them in the fridge, and then apply them as compressors over your closed eyes.

Which Ingredients Should You Look For in an Eye Cream?

With all the products out there  and many of them promoting the same benefits  the real secret to finding the best one is to read the ingredients label. Take this approach as you shop around, and consider the following ingredients  courtesy of dermatologist Dr. Stacy Chimento from Miami, FL  as the most imperative to reclaiming your youthfulness.

Retinol: Vitamin A cream applied topically over time will force the skin cells to turn over and regenerate new skin cells, stimulate collagen, and help to improve fine lines, wrinkles, and reverse sun damage. While a key product, it should not be used excessively  only in small amounts and with caution for those with sensitivity to retinol and or retinoic acid products. One must also take caution with sun exposure.

Vitamins C, E and Co Q-10: These are potent antioxidants that fight off free radicals in the skin, which are caused by excessive sun damage. The anti-inflammatory and brightening properties of these vitamins can also aid in the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Vitamin C stimulates not only collagen but also elastin, which gives the skin its youthful snap back. Vitamin E soothes the skin and protects it from inflammation. Co Q-10 is another free-radical-fighting co-enzyme that helps to reverse signs of aging by improving fine lines and wrinkles.

Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid: Ceramides are substances that provide a natural barrier to the skin to prevent water loss, making the skin more supple and moist. When combined with my favorite ingredient, hyaluronic acid, you get the ultimate outcome: rested and refreshed eyes. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that, when applied to the skin, draws in water to give it a plumped appearance. In fact, it has the ability to draw in over 1,000 times its weight in water."

Neuropeptides: In simple terms, these peptides are small particles that send chemical messages inside the skin to signal them to create more collagen and elastin. This ingredient will help to improve the overall tone and texture of the skin around the eyes.

Caffeine, Green Tea, Alpha-Arbutin: I love these ingredients because not only are they anti-inflammatory (that is, they reduce swelling), but they help those suffering from dreaded dark circles under their eyes. They are super-charged antioxidants that increase the blood circulation to brighten dark circles and they make the skin appear more firm and tight. I use arbutin for brightening in my practice. It is a very natural ingredient extracted from the bearberry and is capable of inhibiting the enzyme that is vital in the formation of pigment under the eyes. So using eye creams that contain this gentle ingredient can lighten dark circles.

Sunscreen with SPF: You can use all of the creams in the world, but if you do not protect your skin from the sun, you will not benefit from eye creams. Wearing a different eye cream during the day that has the appropriate amount of SPF protection is key, while also using a nighttime cream rich in emollients and the above key ingredients; this will give you the ultimate results. Getting an eye cream that is formulated for your skin type is also very important when choosing the right eye cream.

No Fragrance: Fragrances or other extracts and ingredients might lead to skin irritations. In general, a fragrance-free eye cream is best.

RELATED READING: Best Facial Oil

Ask The Dermos: These Are The Best Eye Creams On The Market

If youre not up for a search, then your safest bet is to take a direct recommendation from a doctor or skincare expert. Here are some of the best eye creams available for purchase, as backed by the pros.

For Fighting Wrinkles And Fine Lines:

Roc Retinol Correxion Eye Cream

RoC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream with a balance of Retinol for the evening. This cream will help improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

 Dr. Kaleroy Papantoniou, New York, NY

$17.23 at Amazon.com

Renova Tretinoin Cream

First, use sunscreen and moisturize. When it comes to minimizing fine lines and wrinkles around the eye, I recommend Renova, a prescription medicine with enough tretinoin (.02%) to make a difference in the appearance of aging (age spots, fine lines) over time. The only downside is the upfront cost and a prescription is needed. Use sparingly because tretinoin makes the skin sun-sensitive, so it is used only at night and washed off in the morning. Also, make sure you wear a hat and sunscreen if you'll be out in the sun."

 Dr. Sanusi Umar, Redondo Beach, CA

Find out more at Drugs.com

Lancer Eye Contour Lifting Cream

Lancers triple-action eye treatment brightens, moisturizes and strengthens skin for the better. A proprietary blend of caffeine-based agents and light diffusers keeps eyes looking firmer and hydrated. Then come dominant plant flavonoids like chrysin that prevent bags from forming. Lastly, its use of Diamond Power and minerals adds a glow to the skin for better photo opportunities.

$95.00 at Sephora.com

Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum

Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum is great for those who want to soften lines around the eyes (sometimes called crows feet). This fragrance-free serum includes a combination of antioxidants and peptides to hydrate and plump skin. After a few weeks, youll notice smoother and firmer under-eye skin. The serum is ultra lightweight and absorbs instantaneously.

 Dr. Filamer Kabigting, New York, NY

$21.40 at Amazon.com

For Firmness And De-Puffing:

Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX

Peter Thomas Roth Instant FirmX Eye is a great choice; a small amount of this will help tighten the area during the day for a smoother look.

 Dr. Kaleroy Papantoniou, New York, NY

$33.59 at Amazon.com

Jan Marini Luminate Eye Gel

Jan Marini Luminate Eye Gel results in firmer, tighter skin and helps reduce puffiness and darkness under the eyes.

 Dr. Melanie Kingsley, Indianapolis, IN

$93.00 at Amazon.com

Kiehl's Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer

Toss the compact Kiehl's Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer stick in your bag to discreetly swipe the under-eye area, and reduce puffiness and signs of fatigue. Contains caffeine, which constricts blood vessels, thereby reducing swelling and brightening the eyes instantly. Keeps you looking refreshed all day.

 Dr. Filamer Kabigting, New York, NY

$20.00 at Kiehls.com

For Daytime Moisture And Sun Protection:

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense, a light 2-in-1 moisturizer with mineral-based sunscreen is a great option, especially in warmer months. The superior protection provided by zinc oxide and titanium dioxide block out harmful UVA and UVB that cause signs of aging  dark under-eye circles, wrinkles, creping, and sagging. This product has a fluid consistency and wont feel heavy or lead to breakouts. Gentle enough for the entire face, even in those with rosacea and sensitive skin who can't tolerate other facial moisturizers with chemical (rather than physical) sunscreen components that cause more stinging and skin irritation.

 Dr. Filamer Kabigting, New York, NY

$98.88 at Amazon.com

Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF 34

A staple of sunscreen protection, Shiseido's luxury eye cream is infused with strong SPF capabilities to replenish and safeguard skin from cell damage and dryness caused by overexposure to the sun. Users rave about the product's superior sun protection, light moisturizing effect,and quick absorption, working its magic as fast as possible. It also comes water-resistant, which means you can soak in the pool or ocean for long periods without needing to reapply.

$34.00 at Sephora.com

For Correcting Deep Discoloration:

Peter Thomas Roth Power K Eye Rescue

Peter Thomas Roth Power K Eye Rescue with vitamin K, arnica, vitamin c, and kojic acid, is a perfect blend.

 Dr. Kaleroy Papantoniou, New York, NY

$69.00 at Amazon.com

For Indian Men (Who Struggle With Under-Eye Discoloration):

RoC Multi Correxion, CSI Recovery, Vit-K Eye Cream

Indian men are conscious about their under-eye region, the most common concerns being dark circles and eye bags or puffiness. My favorite regimen includes vitamin K- and retinoid-based formulations, applied a few nights a week on well-hydrated skin; along with a vitamin K-, vitamin C-, and peptide-based formula applied during the daytime.

These formulations are potent and effective, show visible results, and have high patient satisfaction. Retinoids boost collagen production and reduce fine lines, vitamin K masks the effect of dark circles due to sluggish vascular circulation and vitamin C and peptides brighten and improve skin texture.

 Dr. Sonam Yadav, New Delhi, India

RoC Eye Cream, $17.85 at Amazon.com

CSI Recovery Eye Cream, $25.51 at Amazon.com

m/f Vit-K Eye Cream, $48.00 at Mfpeople.com

For The Budget-Conscious:

Every Man Jack Age Defiant Eye Cream

Best known for their natural deodorants and shower care lineup, Every Man Jack offers a quality eye cream filled with natural extracts from green tea to Myrtus leaf that revitalizes skin to achieve the suppleness one desires. The numerous antioxidants contained within the formula are guaranteed to bring down puffiness, plus the hydrating combination of aloe and cocoa butter leaves a smooth surface to admire. It's an anti-aging saver great for on-the-go use.

$8.99 at Amazon.com

For Improved Tone And Texture:

Baxter of California Eye Complex

Reinforce all efforts to balance skin tone and tightness with Baxters anti-aging cream. The companys revered Eye Complex is designed to nourish, repair and protect skin around the eyes with energizing ingredients to fight off free radicals before they cause any discoloration. Caffeine and seaweed extracts work to reduce dark circles, whereas hyaluronic acid retains water and moisture.

$28.00 at Amazon.com



For A Stem-Cell Boost:

Biopelle Tensage Stem Cell Eye Cream

A relatively newer product, Biopelle Tensage Stem Cell Eye Cream is a stem cell activator that promotes new collagen and elastin formation.

 Dr. Melanie Kingsley, Indianapolis, IN

$130.00 at Amazon.com

Nugene's Eye Serum

NuGenes Eye Serum utilizes cutting-edge stem cell technology and growth factors to reverse damage and restore skin.

 Dr. Nima Shemirani, Beverly Hills, CA

$150.00 at Nugene.com

Lifeline Skin Care Anti-Wrinkle Eye Firming Cream Complex

Hydrate, lift, soothe, and tighten  these are just four of the key factors that come with using this potent eye cream. The Eye Firming Complex is powered by advanced stem cell technology that feeds the skin underneath your peepers with powerful nutrients and peptides to dramatically reduce fines lines, all while producing more collagen and elastic.

$82.45 at Amazon.com

For A Protein-Packed Punch:

Lumiere Riche Bio-Restorative Eye Balm

My favorite eye cream is Lumiere Riche Bio-Restorative Eye Balm made by Neocutis, a Swiss company. I sell it in my office and my male and female patients love it. It contains a balanced blend of skin proteins, including human growth factors and interleukins.

 Dr. Janet Prystowsky, New York, NY

$84.95 at Amazon.com

For Sensitive Skin:

ZO Hydrafirm Eye Brightening Repair Creme

ZO Hydrafirm Eye Brightening Repair Creme is my favorite because it targets all aspects of the aging eye: fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness. It is an all-in-one product containing active vitamin A, plant stem cells, antioxidants, retinol, and hydrators  just to name a few. What I love about this particular eye cream is that (with the number of ingredients it has) it is very tolerable, doesn't irritate the skin around the eyes and is also used on the upper eyelid.

 Dr. Seth Forman, Tampa, FL

$140.00 at ZoSkinHealth.com

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado

Avocado oil remains one of the most overlooked eye skincare ingredients available  containing rich, fatty-acids that relieve skin from stress-induced symptoms. Kiehls combines this element with amino acid proteins, potassium, key vitamins (A, D and E), and Shea butter to defend against dehydration, while restoring suppleness for men with sensitive skin. Consistent use should warrant you a younger look.

$29.00 at Nordstrom.com

For Those Who Want A Prescription:

Retin-A Cream

For a more aggressive treatment, try Retin-A cream, which aids in the renewal of skin. But start with a lower strength since the skin beneath the eyes is so thin and delicate. In my experience, it has shown to yield exemplary results.

 Dr. Nima Shemirani, Beverly Hills, CA

$24.99 at Supreme-Pharmacy.com

For The All-Natural, DIY Guys:



I used to use olive oil. But it would sting if it got in the eyes, plus I smelled like salad. I switched to argan and seabuckthorn oil. Pick one and just use it on your whole face. Simple.

 Dr. Valerie Goldburt, New York, NY

Another Approach: Eye Serum

Dont overthink the eye cream vs. eye serum debate. The difference is often in the marketing, though traditionally a serum will be more viscous, like an oil. Their ingredients may differ slightly, too. Dermatologist Vermen Verallo-Rowell, of Kenn ebunkport, Maine, and Manila, Philippines, developed her own eye-rejuvenating serum and, based on her experience with similar products, chose the following ingredients as essential in her own recipe  thus she recommends finding serums with the same lineup.

Soy protein-derived polymer (along with a bland liquid silicone to form the base of the concentration): This provides the most immediate effects. It has several functions: The protein polymer and silicone immediately plasticize or tighten the thin, puffy eyelid skin and also add a thin barrier effect to the skin. These effects can be immediately visible but are temporary.

Antioxidants: The rejuvenating effects of antioxidants kick in with continued use. They include the isoflavone of the soy protein; green tea and rice-derived phytic acid.

Escin: Its a mixture of saponins (which have foaming, soap-like qualities) with vasoactive and anti-inflammatory properties that help diminish puffiness and dark circles.

Elestane: This is a leaf extract, which helps protect and stimulate elastin and collagen, to make the skin more firm.

Kinetin: Promotes cell rejuvenation by causing skin cells to act younger. Stimulates collagen and elastin production.



Glycolic acid (with the antioxidant phytic acid): This exfoliates ever so gently, while also making the skin look younger, with a mild glow.

Re-Everything Serum, $65.00 at VMVHypoAllergenics.com

Crop Natural Eye Serum, $26.06 at Amazon.com

Skinceuticals Serum, $82.00 at Amazon.com

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AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use.
Jon Stewart To Voice Animated Onion-Like HBO Show

Trending News: Jon Stewart Is Back! Here's What We Know About His New HBO Show

Why Is This Important?

Because we've really needed him this election.

Long Story Short

Jon Stewart's been working on a new show for HBO that will be an animated parody of cable news with an Onion-like feel. HBO plans to launch the show in the fall.

Long Story

This election season has felt off. Sure, we have one candidate who poops unnecessarily offensive words which make headlines often more than once a day and another so nerdy and hated it's painful to watch her try and squeeze out likability. But something else is off  and that's the presence of legendary political satirist Jon Stewart behind his desk showing us the ridiculousness of the modern political condition.

We got a taste of what we were missing recently as the grizzly-bearded Stewart dawned a jacket once again as a guest on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. The two also did a little skit together, but it simply wasn't enough. Thank the heavens it won't be all we get this election season as Stewart is working on a brand new satirical show for HBO.

New HBO programming president Casey Bloys said on Saturday that Stewart has been hard at work on a short-form animated digital program for HBO's linear channel with a target release date for September and October, according to CNN.

"He's establishing an animation studio because he wants to get material out multiple times a day," Bloys said at the Television Critics Association press tour. "And the idea is it will be an animated parody of a cable news network, with kind of an Onion-like portal."

Bloys said the reason Stewart picked a show with "simple" animation was so he could "comment in real-time during the day's news events." Does that mean he'll be sending in recordings while he's chilling on a farm with a runaway bull?

The show was originally slated for an early 2016 release, but it's been delayed (we don't know why). Hopefully, the show can give us a few quality zingers right before Americans go to the polls. Lord knows, there's a lot of material to work with.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Is the show's release so close to when voters go to the polls because it'll make that much more of an impact on last minute deciders?

Disrupt Your Feed

Jon Stewart for president!

Drop This Fact

The globe in the intro of The Daily Show's spun the wrong way and Neil DeGrasse Tyson called Stewart out on it.
What Life Is Like In Prison

What's Prison Life *Really* Like? We Asked An Inmate

Whats it like to be one of the nearly 2.5 million people in the worlds largest prison population? Prisoner F, whom we last spoke to in 2011 after serving time in Californias Corcoran State Prison, recently returned from another term. He shares what to expect when youre expecting to go to prison, not only as a person of color  hes Asian, but 61, 300 lb., for a visual  but also as someone whos handicapped. (He lost part of his leg due to a blood clot prior to his last incarceration.)



First Stop: Reception

When I first got into the California prison system, I went into reception, a state you stay in when they figure out who you are. You meet with psychologists and others handling your case. They want to see if youre a really violent person. Theyre not going to mix a repeat DUI offender with a serial killer or a person going to death row.



The first time I went in, for assault with a deadly weapon, it took only two months [in reception]; the second time, I was in for felony possession of a loaded weapon, and was in reception for five months. It sucked. Youre in a cell with no program, no nothing, while theyre figuring you out. No phone privileges. Guys just read and trade books, write letters and work out. I read more books during that time than I had in four years of high school.



Where they place you, what level of security youre going to, is determined by a point system. They count points from the first time you ever got arrested  how many points you got then, what you did in prison [if youve done time before]  and add them up. You can get Level 1 through 4, Level 4 being the highest security. I was put in Level 3 the first time. In Levels 3 and 4, you get something like 30, 40 points and up. Thats where they have gunners. Everywhere you go, theres gonna be armed guards watching you from above, even while youre eating.



I went to Tehachipi (California Correctional Institution), then Corcoran and Corcoran 2. Old Corcoran is where Sirhan Sirhan and Charles Manson stayed, because it has big security housing units, prisons within the prison, where they keep all the high-profile prisoners. Then theres Corcoran 2, across the street, built for rehabilitation of drug addicts, but the population of the prison system got so big they just turned it into a regular prison.



Listen and Learn

Whats hard to do is ask people in charge questions. You usually ask an inmate first to see whats going on. You kind of go with the flow; you have to catch up really quick with whats going on, and make sure youre aware of everything, because you have to stick to the cops and inmates rules.



Once you find out what level and dorm you're in, they ask what race you are and what race youd share a cell with. You actually have a choice, cause they dont want you killing each other. Even if youre open [to other races], others arent. The Mexicans dont house with us; they want to control their own people. And the whites wont house with us; they also want their people together. But the black people are cool. Were like allies in there and eat together.

The Basics of the Big House

Food

In the morning, you get breakfast and a sack lunch you can eat whenever, with two pieces baloney, four pieces of bread, a packet of mustard  or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches  and a pack of small snacks. [A man] cant eat just that for lunch. Dinner is at five oclock, so youre gonna be hungry the rest of the night. They starve you. Id buy a lot of food, soups and stuff, from the commissary. I was allowed to spend the max $220 a month on food, thanks to my family putting money in my account. My locker would be full of food next to my bed, so people were really friendly with me.



Outdoor Time

In Level 1, after breakfast, the yards open and you're in and out the whole time. You can go in and out of your cell, you can just hang out all day, or you can participate in programs.



Mail

Staff goes through anything sent to you, including reading your mail. Everything except letters  youre allowed max 10 pictures in a letter  have to be sent through a package from a legit business, because it could be drugs.



Phone and Internet

If youre in Level 3 or 4, you're allowed one phone call every other day for 15 minutes. But in Level 1 the phones always on... and on top of that I had a (smuggled) cellphone. Theres Internet in the library, but its very limited and has to be monitored.



Jobs

After you meet your counselor, they assign you a job. Like, you got to clean up this, you got to work at the kitchen, you got to do whatever. Almost everybody has a job, unless youre disabled.



Who runs the prison is not the cops  its the prisoners. Anything that is PIA (Prison Industry Authority) is made by prisoners, like the shoes, the clothes that we wear, the uniforms. All the snacks and beef they cut for the lunches and all the food. Each prison has a certain source for goods  like Corcoran supplies the milk and North San Quentin supplies all the shoes.



Most jobs are paid. The highest Ive seen somebody get paid is a dollar an hour. I got paid 26 cents an hour for serving food sent in packages. So at least prisoners can earn some money so they can pay for commissary. You cant live off the food alone that youre given. If youre in Level 4, youre a high-risk troublemaker; theyre not going to put you in certain jobs because youre probably going to start, like, manufacturing weapons.



Life in Pick-a-Part

My recent term, I was at Delano (Kern State Prison), then Chino (California Institute for Men), and then Valley State Prison (in Chowchilla). Sometimes they switch you to another prison to bring more people in, but my situation was because I am medical. I had had an amputation, so they had to accommodate me in a hospital-environment kind of prison, where they had their own disabled ward. I was in a dorm with people with like one arm or leg also. Its called Pick-a-Part because youd see prisoners fighting with their prosthetic legs and parts from their wheelchairs. If it came down to it, you would too, but it never came to that for me.



Pick-a-Part was Level 1, the lowest security level. I got to shower when I wanted, eat when I wanted  theres a lot of freedom. But theres also more drugs and stuff to get into, like gambling and smuggling.



Last Piece of Advice

When youre asked, Whatre you in for? Usually you tell the truth, because theres paperwork on what you did. A lot of times it is really catty in prison, with gossip and stuff, so if youre caught lying, it spreads around the whole system: This guys a liar.

There aint no friends in prison. They act like your friends when you give them something, and they tell you they love you. But if you do something wrong in their eyes, theyll cut you.
This is the latest in a new series of letters home from a local Marine getting ready to be deployed to the Republic of Georgia to train the Georgian army for their mission in Afghanistan:

This week was the final week of training for the Georgian 32nd Light Infantry Battalion. They finished up their final exercise and came back to camp.

The Marines put on a Mess Night for the officers. Mess Nights are a military tradition that dates back centuries; our tradition comes from the British. A Mess Night is a formal dinner accompanied by drinking and formal toasts. It is spelled out as to what kind of wine is used with which toasts and follows a strictly regimented procedure.

They are quite fun and are used to build camaraderie and esprit de corps. Generally a mixture of rum punch, port wine, and Cuban cigars is a fairly good social lubricant, although the next day can be painful.

I was smart enough to hold the event outside. It made clean up much easier. It took until after noon the next day to find all of the hidden glasses and beer bottles around the camp.

Gone fishing

On Sunday, I went fishing with another Marine. There is one fairly decent size lake near Tbilisi called the Tbilisi Sea. It is about the size of Lake Menomin. I guess it is all relative. It is a lot deeper and cleaner, though.

We went to the local department store called Carfur. It is a French company roughly equivalent to Wal-Mart. We bought some cheap, Chinese-made fishing poles and tackle, a few liters of beer, some sandwiches, and the cheapest, most disgusting hotdogs we could find for bait. According to the information we could find on the internet, the only thing we would be fishing for is carp or catfish.

We started out at a small lake that the locals call Turtle Lake.

It was about the size of a big pond. Once again, it is all relative. We sat and watched the minnows pick at our hotdog bait but caught nothing.

We then decided to try the Tbilisi Sea. We rented a paddle boat, the kind with the bicycle pedals and paddle wheel in the center. We hung our poles out either side and trolled the lake.

We got one bite all day. It was a typical hot day and the beach fills up with swimmers and sunbathers. It was good scenery, so the day was not a waste.

Not a lot planned for this next week, just packing and getting ready to move the unit to Germany for a month. I will be staying back holding down the fort.

This series began in the March 20 edition of The Dunn County News and can also be found at www.dunnconnect.com

1stSgt Isaac Weix USMC is the Senior Enlisted Advisor on the Republic of Georgia Training Team.
Despite continuing volatility in the commodities sector, there was an increased confidence in M&A deals in the mining and metals sectors in the second quarter of 2016.In fact, deal value surged 93 per cent to US$7.8 billion in April, May and June compared to the first three months of the year and Asia-Pacific led the way with US$3.6 billion.The analysis of deals by EY reveals that North America led deal volume with 56 (54 per cent of the global total) with mid-market gold sector consolidation dominating.Overall there were 770 M&A deals in mining and metals globally in Q2 2016; 30 per cent above the previous quarter and 43 per cent higher than Q2 2015. Total capital raised was lower though at US$60, down 5 per cent from the previous quarter and 28 per cent year-over-year.Dentons has strengthened its Shanghai office with five new partner hires from four different Chinese firms. According to the Shanghai Bar Association records, the hires come from Shenda Law Firm, Shanghai Donghong Law Firm, Tiantai Law Firm and HHP Attorneys-at-Law.Partners of King & Wood Mallesons have pledged the equivalent of AU$24 million as part of a recapitalisation plan for its European and Middle East region. Equity and salaried partners have been asked to contribute to the recapitalisation program.KWMs EUME region has undergone a number of strategic changes recently, including grouping practice areas into three main strands and the loss of around 70 lawyers and staff.A former executive of a French perfume manufacturer is suing the company for being killed professionally by boredom.The BBC reports that Frederic Desnard complained that his role turned him into a professional zombie leading to him suffering bore out  a spin on burn out.Desnards lawsuit claims 360,000 euros (AU$529,000) in damages.
Default Extending the 6 month limit WHV

Hello, just wondering if anyone could give me any advice! I'm working as a teacher in rural Australia and have been with my current employer for 4 months however I was with another family for 2 months before I started this job both of which I have been payed through 'in home care'



So the limit to stay with one employer on a working holiday visa is 6 months so technically have I been working for the 'same' employer for 6 months or because it's two families am I'm okay!?



I've requested to extend this but I CANNOT get an answer out of immigration!



Has anyone ever had an extension granted before? Under what circumstances please! I'm just starting to panic as my 6 months will be up in a couple of weeks and I have no answers!



Any advice would be great!



Thanks in advance!
A twin-engine Piper PA-31 Cheyenne being flown for a medical transport mission crashed in Humboldt County, California, near the Oregon border, on Friday morning, killing all four on board. The pilot had reported smoke filling the cockpit at about 1 a.m., according to FAA spokesman Ian Gregor. The airplane had taken off about 30 minutes earlier, headed for Oakland, about 360 miles away. The pilot told ATC he would try to return to Crescent City, but controllers then lost contact. The flight was operated by Reach Air Medical Services for Cal-Ore Life Flight.

A medic, a nurse, the pilot, and a patient were on board the airplane, officials said. Initial searches for the airplane were hampered by fog, but the wreckage was found at about 10 a.m. The debris field spans about a quarter of a mile in a densely forested area. The NTSB will be investigating the crash.
The Martin Mars water bomber, one of the main attractions at this weeks AirVenture show in Oshkosh, made a precautionary landing on Lake Winnebago Friday evening and was damaged. The incident forced the Canadian operator of the seaplane to cancel todays demonstration flight at the afternoon airshow, according to a report in the Oshkosh Northwestern. The Mars crew detected an issue with one of the four engines during a flight and returned to the lake to land. Something beneath the water in Lake Winnebago, which has a maximum depth of 21 feet, tore a hole in the bottom of the aircraft. The crew and a local fire department pumped out the water and the plane was able to return to the seaplane base, the newspaper reported.

The rare Mars seaplane, one of two owned by Coulson Group, made its first appearance at Oshkosh, arriving July 23 at the EAA Seaplane Base. The massive aircraft had already impressed crowds during the week with flybys dropping water from its 8,000-gallon tanks. The Mars aircraft were orginally built for the Navy andfirst flew in 1942, then were used as water bombers after World War II.
31 July 2016 10:05 (UTC+04:00)

An armed group which seized a police building in Armenian capital has opened fire and killed one policeman, the press service of Armenian police said, Sputnik reported.

Earlier on Saturday, the Armenian National Security Service demanded that members of an armed group that captured the police station in Yerevan must surrender until 5:00 p.m. local time.

"We offer members of the armed group to lay down arms and to surrender to authorities without resistance at 5:00 p.m.. Otherwise special police units are empowered to open fire and to neutralize every armed man at the police station as well as outside it," the statement said.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
31 July 2016 11:59 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR will pump about 170,000 tons of oil via Baku-Novorossiysk oil pipeline in August 2016, a source in SOCAR told Trend July 29.

SOCAR will pump around 420,000 tons of oil via the Baku-Novorossiysk oil pipeline in the third quarter of 2016.

The company transported 1.27 million tons of oil via Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline in 2015, as compared to 932,160 tons in 2014.

The Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline is 1,147 kilometers long. The length of its Azerbaijani section is 231 kilometers and Russian section - 916 kilometers.

The pipeline was filled with oil in October 1996, according to SOCAR. Its highest capacity stands at 105,000 barrels a day.

A new agreement between SOCAR and Russias Transneft company, according to which SOCAR will transport 1.3 million tons of oil produced by it at onshore and offshore fields via Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline in 2016, was signed in February 2016.

--

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
31 July 2016 10:29 (UTC+04:00)

Turkey's deputy prime minister Saturday laid out four steps in democratization the country should take in the wake of the July 15 failed coup, Anadolu Agency reported.

In an interview with daily Hurriyet, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said they would fulfill the needs for democratic foundations.

"First, civilians will be stronger in civil-military relations. Second, the Turkish Armed Forces will be transformed into military specialists. Third, preventing the massing of too much military power in a single hub. Fourth, diversifying the Turkish Armed Forces' personnel pool," he said.

Kurtulmus underlined that they would strengthen integration, solidarity, and the relationship between the government and opposition as well.

When asked if members of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization, or FETO -- blamed for the coup -- had infiltrated the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, he said it was possible that it had, but added:

"Now they are being cleansed from all places of the state and of course the AK Party will do whatever is necessary."

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly coup attempt, which martyred more than 230 people and injured nearly 2,200 others, was organized by U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen's followers 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.

Turkey declared a state of emergency following the overthrow attempt.

Approximately 13,000 members of the military, police, and judiciary, as well as civil servants, have been detained since the failed putsch, and tens of thousands more removed from their posts.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
When the Chippewa Falls School Board was presented with a plan to repair and renovate its facilities  and build a new high school  in January, board members were nearly unanimous in rejecting the idea of sending a $167 million referendum to voters in the spring local election.

As the clock ticks toward the deadline of putting a scaled-back, approximately $115 million proposal before voters in the November general election, several board members still harbor doubts about whether the public will support a referendum of this size.

"I don't think that us going to referendum is a done deal," says School Board President Amy Mason. "What I gathered from my colleagues on the board is there are still a lot of unanswered questions. It's a very large sum of money."

It's also a dicey proposition to push forward with a plan that gets defeated at the polls, because that puts the School Board back at square one for the third time in less than a year. In an effort to avoid that situation, board members are attempting to derive the levels of support for addressing the district's building and space needs.

"Everyone wants to make sure you have a strong chance of it passing," board member Pete Lehmann said during the board's latest public meeting on the topic July 21. "The data suggests that it may. But when you speak to the public, I have yet to have anyone come up to me and say it sounds like a good use of money."

Other board members are being told other things. Jennifer Heinz mentioned that people have spoken to her both in favor and against the $115 million proposal.

"What I am hearing, at least in the circle of people I run into, is it's still too high of a figure," Mason said. "But we all have different circles, so my circle could be much different than someone else's."

Last referendum failed

It has been 15 years since the school district last approached voters with a referendum. In 2001 they actually had two questions on the ballot: $3.2 million to hire 16 teachers and set up remedial programs; and $4.2 million for a building capital program, replacing computer equipment and hiring seven maintenance/technology staff.

Both were resoundingly beaten, and in the decade-and-a-half when many other districts were asking residents to pass referendums, Chippewa Falls sat on the sidelines.

"One can argue that this has been out there since 2010 when the first study was commissioned," Mason said. "I don't want us to wait another six years to do something."

In fact, that facilities study presented a half-dozen years ago to a School Board that contained no members of the current board was reviewed and then set off to the side. That plan included building a new high school, turning the present high school into a middle school and converting another existing school for grade 4-5 students.

If that all sounds familiar, that's because it was all part of the recommendations from the Facilities Study Committee last fall. The committee was a result of the comprehensive master facilities plan the school, under then-Superintendent Brad Saron, commissioned in January 2015.

The Minneapolis architectural firm ATS&R was chosen from a group of 16 companies; SDS Architects performed the 2010 study. Chad Trowbridge, the district's business services and finance director, has said ATS&R was chosen only to complete the facilities report, and there is no contractual connection to any subsequent construction.

That is, if any more construction emerges than did from the 2010 report.

Survey was a guide

School administrators conducted a survey in April where residents ranked community values in order of importance. Those results aided the board in devising and discarding plans that eventually resulted in two $115 million plans. Then another survey was done in early July to gauge public opinion on both plans.

The school conducted both surveys to save time and money, said Superintendent Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos. It would have cost thousands of dollars to farm it out to an outside agency, and taken months to get the results. "It would have been time-prohibitive and cost-prohibitive," she said.

Instead, mailings were sent to households in the district encouraging people to complete the online two-question survey. School officials also staffed a booth at the Northern Wisconsin State Fair in Chippewa Falls where the public could vote.

No email addresses were collected with the votes, but only one IP address (identifying the computer source) was allowed, excluding the period at the fair, Eliopoulos said. Forty responses out of the 1,891 they received were dismissed as being from locations outside the school district, so school officials professed confidence in the accuracy of the results.

"Another reason we felt comfortable is it was only advisory," Eliopoulos said. "We wanted to hear from as many people as possible  all the voices, not just the loudest voices."

"Due diligence was done," Mason said, noting this was a survey, not the actual referendum. "It's a guide. It gives us some more data to help us make an informed decision."

Data can often be viewed in different ways, and that was true in this case as well. Residents were asked if they supported a facilities plan calling for a new elementary school, and another question asked if they backed a facilities plan that included a new high school. Both questions stipulated these roughly $115 million proposals constituted phase 1, with a second phase a decade or more down the road addressing the other proposal's needs.

In essence, Eliopoulos said it boils down to what the public and board wants to tackle first: focusing on facilities and replacing its oldest building, Stillson Elementary in the town of Lafayette, or attacking space needs that would be solved in seven buildings through the building of a new high school.

"We have several needs, we can't afford to do them all at once, so what do we do first, and how much do we take on first?" she said.

Approximately 5 percent more survey responses favored the high school-first approach, but neither question gained a majority of positive responses. The new high school proposition failed 56.5-43.5, and the new elementary plan was opposed 61.75-38.25. Roughly twice as many people voted against both plans as voted for both (35 percent vs. 16.5 percent).

That was not lost on board member Pat Allen. However, others were encouraged by the fact that 65 percent of the surveys returned showed support for at least one of the proposals, and wondered how many people may have thought they could only vote for one proposal, or vote against one proposal. Board member David Czech fell into the former group.

"Quite frankly, I thought the responses were going to be a no," he said. "The numbers showed there is support out there."

Feedback sought

They also showed opposition, and produced the expected criticism that this long process is only going to come to an inevitable conclusion with a nine-figure building plan advancing toward taxpayers.

"We're trying to do the right thing and trying to get feedback from the community, and I don't know if we're going to make anybody happy, because no one wants their taxes to go up," Mason said.

"There's no benefit to us trying to rush something through that the community is not going to support. Why would we want to put a lot of time, a lot of resources and a lot of effort into something that's going to fail?" asked Eliopoulos, who noted an indication of how genuine the board's actions are is in its desire to target a November timeline with the highest turnout.

"We're not trying to deceive anyone. I would challenge people to find another school district that has continually sought out public opinion as we have," said Mason, who encouraged people to contact their school board representative to let them know how they feel.

Perhaps that deliberate process explains what board member Kathy Strecker chalked up to a feeling of "how long have we been working on it?"

"We want to do what's best for the community and the school district, so that's why we've taken our time," Mason said. "I wish there was a way we could make that more clear to the people in our community."

"It would be real strange if voters thought we were trying to put something over on them after all this, a whole year of feedback," said board member Staish Buchner.

More feedback is being sought, with another series of public informational meetings being lined up for the week of Aug. 8, details of which are expected to be announced this week.
31 July 2016 16:59 (UTC+04:00)

Anti-coup rallies across Turkey attended by millions of people since July 15 will culminate in a massive rally next weekend uniting Turks from all walks of life, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced, according to Anadolu Agency.

The president said live on air he would propose for Istanbul to host a rally on 7 August that would attract participation from citizens, political leaders, high-ranking military officers, as well as artists and athletes.

"Let the nation be there together," Erdogan said. "Accelerating the process of normalization is extremely important for our country."

--

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Eau Claire Police have arrested Shane M. Helmbrecht, 44, for the murder of a woman at 105 Simon Court at 6:31 a.m. Saturday.

According to police:

Police gave aid to a 36-year-old woman who had been shot, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman is not being identified by police.

An officer saw a suspicious vehicle leaving the area and the vehicle was stopped within a block of the shooting scene. Helmbrecht was taken into custody and a firearm was found in his possession.

During an interview, Helmbrecht said he knew the woman and they were neighbors. He admitted entering the womans home and shooting her. He was arrested for first degree intentional homicide and is in the Eau Claire County Jail.

Officers and detectives are conducting witness interviews, collecting physical evidence and documenting the crime scene. Several streets in this neighborhood will remain closed throughout the weekend while these efforts are being completed. A forensic autopsy will be conducted on the victim at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison, police said.

More information will be released on Monday.
Finding the right depositor for the right batter depends on the batters viscosity and the presence and size of any inclusions. While accuracy and high speeds are always important in this process, matching the depositor to the batter being deposited is crucial. Bakers must consider whether a piston depositor or a pressurized manifold will work best for their product. How the batter is drawn into the depositor and how it will maintain the products integrity all come into play when choosing equipment.

When dealing with batters of different viscosities and inclusions, even the pipe size matters. The proper sizing of the piping to handle the different viscosities is a very critical element, said Robert Peck, vice-president of engineering, E.T. Oakes Corp., Hauppauge, NY.

Lance Aasness, vice-president, Hinds-Bock Corp., Bothell, WA, stressed that different port sizing is a must, and special attention must be paid to the suction side of the depositor to best maintain the batters specific gravity and particulate integrity. Through the decades, our depositors have been used for the full range of batters, from angel food to fruitcake, he said. Light specific gravity batters like angel food need to be treated differently from viscous batter with particulates like fruitcake.

Depositor manufacturers developed the technology to handle the thick batters, flowable batters, cookie dough and batters with large noticeable inclusions. Some of these depositors will be on display at this years International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) in Las Vegas, Oct. 6-9. New technology or the tried-and-true equipment, it all aims to continue in the tested goals of depositing: eliminating costly waste and downtime.

Batters keep moving

Every bakers goal is to increase yield while reducing labor. Depositors have had solutions in place for years to ensure they dont slow production lines down. The servo-driven pump technology on Hinds-Bocks Servo Pump Fillers drives throughput and provides greater precision. These improvements echo down the line with increased uptime, greater yield and reduced downstream labor.

While flowable product can easily be portioned by piston depositors, thick batters may not always move through the equipment so easily. Products such as brownie batters or cookie doughs need more assistance than basic gravity to ensure smooth flow and accurate weight portions.

A piston filler depends on gravity and the natural vacuum created when the piston pulls back, said John McIsaac, vice-president, strategic business development, Reiser, Canton, MA. This is not always enough to fill the cylinder. If the cylinder is not completely filled, there is no weight accuracy.

To combat this issue, Reisers Vemag uses a vacuum to draw the product into a double-screw portioning system. This not only ensures accurate weights in every deposit but also continuously loads the system, creating a smoother flow with thicker products.

We use a continuous process and a vacuum pump to create the vacuum in the screw to pull the product in, Mr. McIsaac said. We also have an infeed scroll that we turn to guide the product from hopper to double screw. Once we fill the double screw, we can accurately portion every time.

Traditional gearwheel depositors are unable to handle stiff and heavy batter, and to address this gap in flexibility, Unifiller, Delta, BC, developed the Multistation, a multi-depositor that handles a range of viscosities from batters with chunky fillings and particulates to liquids such as eggs and custards. According to the company, this depositor will handle delicate products  even chunky, soft delicate products  gently without altering the integrity of the product. With each nozzle volumetrically controlled by pistons, the depositor ensures accurate deposit weights with added flexibility.

For products that need dough extruders, Unifiller offers its Cookie Dough Dopositor. The machine can handle bars, scones, pie dough, cookie pucks, sugar cookies, gluten-free products, brownies and frozen cookies.

Preserving inclusions

Baked foods that start out as batter  such as muffins lend themselves to carrying inclusions. Bakers like to differentiate their products with inclusions like nuts, chocolate chips or gummies, Mr. McIsaac said. For maximum effect, they want the pieces as large as possible. Inclusions large and small bring another level of challenges to the depositing line, the main challenge being keeping inclusions intact. Reisers depositors use double screws to portion dough and batter, and attachments can cut the inclusions. We use different double screws when customers want larger inclusions, Mr. McIsaac said. Bascially, you need larger pitch to move the whole inclusions through.

At this years IBIE, E.T. Oakes will introduce a pressurized piston depositing manifold specifically designed for batter with larger inclusions. This new machine combines the advantages of its pressurized manifold with the accuracy of a piston depositor. The advantage of the pressurized manifold is there are no open hoppers where the batter would go in, so whatever gets pumped into the manifold would get pumped out, Mr. Peck said. The piston depositor usually has an open hopper, but the piston itself is what gave you the accuracy of the deposit.

The piston feature on this depositor makes it suitable for inclusions, Mr. Peck said. The slider valve typically found in a pressurized manifold tends to catch inclusions, but with a piston in place, this is no longer an issue.

Staying flexible

To accommodate the variety of standout products bakers offer these days, depositing equipment keeps up with attachments and easy-to-move designs. Unifiller offers hundreds of attachments with its standard depositors, according to the company. These attachments enable the depositor to become an injecting, filling or decorating machine.

For bakers wanting to add something extra to the product, Hinds-Bock offers related equipment to jazz up muffins or cakes including dry ingredient applicators, streusel depositors, icers and paper cup denesters. These modules can be added to and removed from the line as needed.

Peerless Food Equipment, Sidney, OH, updates its depositing technology with flexibility in mind. We have made changes over the years to make the adjustments for scaling as easy as possible so that down time is minimal, said Bill Everett, regional sales manager, Peerless Food Equipment. Making guards with safety switches instead of bolted on allows quicker adjustments when needed. The companys Fedco W Series Piston Depositor has rotary valves in the pistons that allow batter to be pushed through a die and into a pan. Peerless can customize the valves and dies to accommodate different pan configurations. PLCs store these configurations in the system, which speeds up the changeover process.

Auburn, WA-based Belshaw Adamatic Bakery Groups High-Speed Multi-Spaced Cake Donut Depositor offers quick changes between donut products and sizes as well as ease of operation. On top of being able to produce a wide variety of donuts, the depositor does so at 100 cuts per minute.

Modular designs make depositors easy to move so operators can make quick changeovers between product runs. Unifiller and Reiser both incorporate this portable quality into their depositing equipment.

Reiser makes all of its systems modular, Mr. McIsaac said. This allows easy adaptations to new products.

To assist with changeovers, Unifiller designs its equipment to require no tools for maintenance, sanitation or changeovers.

Bakers expect depositing equipment to provide accurate deposits with longer uptimes. Equipment manufacturers work to maintain these high expectations while continuing to innovate ways to improve the depositing process and target it to meet the needs of different batters, doughs and inclusions.
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I recently attended the flag raising ceremony to kick off the 119th Northern Wisconsin State Fair, which attracted 90,000 people to Chippewa Falls over five days. Some fairgoers come out for the delicious food and fun rides, but the heart and soul of the fair are the animal exhibits and judging competitions.

Since its creation in 1897, the fair has provided a forum for farming families to showcase their skills in raising animals and highlights their horticultural prowess. This enduring tradition allows our community to come together and celebrate Wisconsins farming heritage and encourages future generations to carry on the tradition.

As the chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I am proud of our farming heritage and the enormous impact agriculture has on our state each and every day, especially the dairy industry. Wisconsin dairy contributes more than $43 billion annually to our states economy and supports 413,500 Wisconsin jobs. Dairy farming is an essential part of our states identity and will always be a significant factor in Wisconsins economic relationship with the world.

Recently, however, Wisconsin dairy farmers have been feeling the pressure as milk prices sharply declined to a six-year low in Wisconsin and nationwide.

According to a May 2016 report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Wisconsin dairy farmers receive an average price of $14.70 per hundredweight of milk (an industry standard of measurement that equals about 12 gallons). Thats 90 cents lower than Aprils average price and nearly $10 lower than 2014s average price.

Declining milk prices are the result of simple supply and demand economics. The supply of milk has outpaced the demand for dairy products worldwide. Since 2014, domestic milk production has grown at a record pace. The USDA projects that the U.S. will produce a record 25 billion gallons of milk in 2016. New technology has allowed dairy farmers to produce more milk per cow than ever before. Dairy production in Wisconsin alone has increased roughly 30 percent since 2004.

While demand for milk products in the U.S. has held steady, demand in the international markets has declined due to weak economic conditions. Some of Wisconsins largest export customers, including China, have begun purchasing fewer dairy products, resulting in lower prices for local farmers.

Wisconsin dairy farmers have endured hard times in the past. In 2009, milk prices plummeted to $11.30 per hundredweight. The dairy industry rebounded stronger than ever in 2014 when milk prices reached a historic high of $25.70 per hundredweight. Wisconsins diary industry is resilient and will undoubtedly persevere through this down turn, only to come out stronger on the other side.

For farmers in need of assistance, there are several state resources to help you weather this tough time. Wisconsin Farm Center, a part of the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protections Division of Agriculture Development, provides financial and business consultation for farmers at no cost, including a mediation and arbitration program for creditor/debtor issues.

If any farmers need to evaluate their financial options and develop a plan, please call the Farm Center at 1-800-942-2474.

Additionally, farmers who are unable to secure credit through private sector channels should consider contacting the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). This organization provides low interest loans to farmers unable to secure credit from other lenders. The Wisconsin State FSA office can be reached at 1-888-361-2000 or 1-608-662-4422 ext. 100.

Events like the Northern Wisconsin State Fair and organizations like 4-H help to ensure Wisconsins farming heritage carries on for generations through the good times and the bad. The pride and excitement on young exhibitors faces as they show off their prized animal is a testament to farmings bright future in Wisconsin.

For farmers in need of assistance, there are several state resources to help you weather this tough time.
Kids Day at N. Oregon Coast's Famed Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach)

Published 07/30/2016 at 6:11 PM PDT - Updated 07/30/2016 at 6:41 PM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Cannon Beach, Oregon)  August 20 will be a good time to head to the north Oregon coast if you want to know more about Cannon Beach's famed Haystack Rock. It's called Discovery Haystack Rock: Kids Day, and it's part of a series of events focused on a wide range of issues pertaining to Haystack Rock.

Look for Lisa Habecker, education coordinator for Haystack Awareness Program (HRAP), leading a fun-filled day that connects young visitors with the animals that live at and around the much-revered seastack. But it's really for people of all ages.

We encourage both kids and 'kids at heart' to participate, Habecker said.

Habecker will be discussing some of the many nesting seabirds that inhabit the rock as well as leading a Murre egg painting activity. Enjoy light snacks, beverages and a wonderful talk followed by a guided tour of the tide pools.

Discover - or rediscover - the wondrous world of Haystack Rock with these informative talks pertaining to issues such as seabirds, climate change, tides, marine protected areas, and much more. Explore the beauty of the rocky intertidal area surrounding the rock on guided tide pool tours following the talks, led by expert Environmental Interpreters of HRAP.

First, you meet at the HRAP Truck on the beach in front of Haystack Rock. This event is free and open to the public, although the program asks that you in advance as space is limited.

To learn more about the program, volunteer opportunities, and other events, visit our website: http://ci.cannon-beach.or.us/~Natural/HRAP/hrap-program.html. For questions regarding the speaker series and/or to register, contact 503-436-8060.

Also around August 20, this area boasts two other interesting outdoor events.

On August 23, there is the Cape Falcon Guided Hike in the Manzanita area. The hike to Cape Falcon is five miles round-trip with moderate elevation gain. It is on a well-developed trail that can be muddy in places. Located between Tillamook Head and Nehalem Bay, the area is an unusually compressed, biogeographically concentrated ecosystem, unlike that anywhere else on the Oregon coast. 10 a.m. (503) 738-9126. nclctrust.org.

On August 26, around Seaside, there's the Necanicum to Tillamook Head Guided Hike. An exploration of the forests in the Necanicum River floodplain forest and lower reaches of Tillamook Head in their many stages: newly planted, dead and decaying, and everything in between. The hike will be between 2.5 and 3 miles. Noon. (503) 738-9126. nclctrust.org Cannon Beach Hotels / Lodging for these events - Where to eat - Map and Virtual Tour























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Olivia Wilson never thought she would earn her high school diploma, but thanks to an educational program sponsored by Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Orange, she was able to don her cap and gown this past May after a six month course.

"It was great. I never thought that I would finish school," Wilson said.

Wilson, 62, is the oldest of about 60 graduates to complete the program since 2011.

"God has been really good," Wilson said.

Wilson said she has been trying to go back to school since dropping out in her youth.

She would attend classes five nights a week and would run home to do her homework, sometimes asking her grandchildren for help.

Courses are given by Mt. Zion Church Administrator Anthony Jackson, who coordinates all of the relief programs within the church.

Jackson explained that the program wouldn't be possible without the partnership with Whale Christian Academy of Orange, who also donates computers to the church to used by students to develop job training skills.

The half-year program requires a $350 tuition fee to cover books, study guides, diploma software and transcripts, but those interested have the opportunity to have a portion waived or receive a full scholarship.

Wilson was a scholarship recipient.

The educational program, which was a standalone project before becoming a part of the "Fresh Start" program in 2014, is one of three programs the church offers to help parishioners, local residents and members of the community suffering from addiction or homelessness.

For those seeking help kicking an addiction, the church provides transportation for victims seeking solutions.

The Rev. C.W. Crawford said he gives a portion of his salary to help fund the transportation to rehab centers in Houston and San Antonio.

"A lot of men from our community grew up without fathers, so they learned to become destructive versus constructive," Crawford said.

Jackson said the church has helped about 75 addicts since 2014.

Some of Crawford's salary, along with money from a number of consistent donors in the church, also goes to help fund housing efforts for those in need.

According to Crawford, the City of Orange Housing authority also donated two apartment units with three apartments each in 2015.

Most of the labor work is done by church leaders, according to Crawford. The church hopes to have the apartment building up and running as soon as possible.

Construction companies have donated plywood through local church members and local volunteers help with outdoor maintenance, said Crawford.

"If you want to look up to God, you have to look out for humanity," he said.

During the development of the "Fresh Start" program, Crawford said he always kept the wise words of his grandmother in mind: "If you're going to clean up the area, you have to start at your front door."

SFlores@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/_saraeflores
home US Immigration reform news 2016: Mark Zuckerberg and others urge for immigration reform, takes on Donald Trump's policies

FWD.us, the political action group founded by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates along with other tech industry leaders, pushed for reforms of the immigration system at the Democratic National Convention this week.

The group, which was founded in 2013, was involved in panel discussions, press interviews, and conferences with members of Congress. At each event and meeting, it made the case for a comprehensive immigration reform that would keep foreign-born talents and entrepreneurs within the country.

"Our immigration system is 50 years old," FWD.us president Todd Schulte told Fox News. "It's important to have a legal immigration system that works."

Zuckerberg hired Schulte back in 2013, at a time when a comprehensive immigration reform bill was gaining ground and had passed in the Senate before failing to make it through the House.

Schulte explained the group's approach to Fox, saying that bipartisan is the only way it could advance its mission. From the start, the group has had ties to members of both the Democratic and the Republican parties.

Zuckerberg has met with both liberal and conservative lawmakers and pushed for the expansion of 1-B visas, streamlining the process for getting legal status, and helping undocumented immigrants get a legal foothold instead of rounding them up and deporting them as measures that would ultimately benefit the United States.

Indeed, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's proposed immigration polices would keep potential tech employees, along with many others, from being able to legally stay in the U.S. and work for Facebook, Microsoft, and the various other companies whose CEOs are on the FWD.us board.

In a press call, Basswood Research's Jon Lerner said that Trump's anti-immigration stand is no longer drawing voters to his side.

"Trump got mileage to date out of his position [on immigration] but that mileage is quickly running out and the electorate he has to appeal to now is very different," he said.
Irish foreign affairs minister Charlie Flanagan said Britain and the Republic of Ireland must keep the 'invisible' border between the Republic and Northern Ireland

Britain has been warned by the Irish government that any attempt to fortify the border with the Republic to prevent migrants slipping into the UK by the back door "won't work".

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan insisted the two countries must keep the "invisible" border that exists at present after Brexit.

"It is absolutely essential that every effort be made to ensure the existence of what is an invisible border.

"So, any suggestion that there will be a heavily fortified EU frontier, or a heavily fortified border, be it for customs and trade on the one hand, or for security and immigration on the other, is simply inoperable. It won't work," Mr Flanagan told the BBC.

He also expressed concern at reports UK international trade secretary Liam Fox is pressurising new UK prime minister Theresa May to pull a post-Brexit Britain out of the EU customs union so the country can cut better global deals.

"I have to say I was very surprised at the comments attributed to Dr Liam Fox, and it would be a matter of concern to Ireland were the UK to withdraw entirely from the customs agreement.

"I believe it would result in a situation where there would be a lot of paper work, and consequent red tape. We need to minimise incumbents and bureaucracy," he said.

Former Northern Ireland secretary Theresa Villiers, who was a prominent Leave campaigner, also said the border should remain open, despite the risk of illegal immigration.

"The reality is that would mean there would be, perhaps, some risk that non-Irish EU citizens might enter the UK over that land border.

"But the way you tackle people who come and work in the UK without the appropriate permissions is through measures such as cracking down on employing illegal workers.

"The border between the UK and Ireland has never been policed in a significantly hard way, even during the height of the Troubles, it was very much a free flowing border. The common travel area survived the Troubles.

"So, I think the idea of imposing, suddenly, a whole host of new border checks, frankly isn't practical and it's certainly not desirable."
Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched a sweeping crackdown on those he accuses of being involved in the July 15 attempted coup (AP)

A new presidential decree has introduced sweeping reforms to Turkey's military after the failed coup.

The decree gives the president and prime minister the authority to issue direct orders to the commanders of the army, air force and navy.

It also shuts down military schools, establishes a new national defence university, puts force commanders directly under the defence ministry and announces the discharge of 1,389 military personnel.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched a sweeping crackdown on those he accuses of being involved in the attempted coup on July 15.

In an interview with private A Haber television, Mr Erdogan said he also wants to bring the country's intelligence agency and the chief of general staff's headquarters under the presidency.

AP

The discharged military personnel include Mr Erdogan's chief military adviser, who was arrested days after the attempted putsch, the chief of general staff's charge d'affaires, and the defence minister's chief secretary.

The decree puts all military hospitals under the authority of the health ministry instead of the military, and also expands the Supreme Military Council - the body that makes decisions on military affairs and appointments - to include the deputy prime ministers and the justice, foreign and interior ministers.

The document, published in the official gazette, also shuts down all military schools, academies and non-commissioned officer training institutes and establishes a new national defence university to train officers.

After the attempted coup, which killed more than 200 people, Mr Erdogan launched a sweeping crackdown on those believed linked to the movement of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom he accuses of instigating the coup.

Mr Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, denies any involvement in the coup.

More than 10,000 people have been arrested in the crackdown, most of whom are military personnel. Thousands more have been detained while nearly 70,000 people have been suspended or dismissed from their jobs in the education, media, health care, military and judiciary sectors.

The package will need to go to parliament for a vote.

AP
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Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 30/07/2016 (2281 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A member of Brandon Universitys senior administration will be leaving the Wheat City this fall, it was announced Friday afternoon.

Tom Brophy, who has served as the schools registrar and associate vice-president of student services and enrolment management for the last three years, will move to Halifax to become the senior director of student services at Saint Marys University in September.

Brophy will be replaced by Katie Gross, wholl take on the role of acting dean of student services, and Andrea McDaniel as acting registrar.

File Tom Brophy will move to Halifax to become the senior director of student services at Saint Marys University in September.

Originally from Newfoundland, a move eastward was a big factor in Brophys decision to move, he said.

Coming from a large family and moving to the Halifax area, I have a lot of family in Ontario and a lot of family in Newfoundland so that brings me to the crossroads between the two, he said.

St. Marys has about double the student population of BU.

Brandon University Students Union president Nick Brown said his group loved working with Tom over the past couple years.

Its going to be a big loss to the university with him leaving, he said.

Brophy oversaw several initiatives on campus, including the Indigenous Peoples Centre, the Success1 Transition Year program, and BUs commitment to the Indigenous Education Blueprint, signed last winter.

I take the boy scout approach, you always want to leaving things better than youve found them and I certainly think weve done that. I really feel comfortable that in the interim (the school is) being left in good hands, he said.

Brophy was in charge during the controversy this past spring over the schools use of a behavioural contract to restrict a student from speaking about a complaint she made that she had been sexually assaulted.

Brown said Brophy wasnt involved in what led to the behavioural contract.

It was not his policy, it was not his actions directly, he said.

BU president Gervan Fearon called Brophy an outstanding individual, who contributed to the schools recent success in enrolment, student success and international recruiting.

Its always a positive item when other universities look towards the talent weve got here in Brandon and at the university, he said.

A release from BU announcing the departure noted Brophys broad portfolio, including recruitment and retention, academic advising, counselling, career services, accessibility services, residence life, international services, registrarial services, and academic skills services.

That portfolio will be divided up as the school moves to replace Brophy.

These changes allow us as an institution to stand back and ask ourselves whats best now for the institution and for the future, and well have consultation with BUSU as well to make sure well looking broadly across the university as to what are the needs and to make decisions accordingly, Fearon said.

I would like to see two people come back to replace the jobs he was doing, I think its too much for one person to do. Hes done it as effectively as he can but hes got the longest job title on campus. Its a lot of effort, lot of work to do, Brown said.

 tbateman@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @tombatemann
Currency fluctuations are one of the immediate issues facing Ireland following Brexit, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has said.

Minister Creed said there was still time to negotiate terms that would affect Ireland following Britain's vote to leave the European Union.
It is reported that Chicago-based Senator Billy Lawless will claim the maximum travel expenses to take up his seat.

The Sunday Businness Post reports the Galway-born restaurateur has confirmed he will claim up to the limit of 29,565 to cover his travel for Seanad sittings.
Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has warned Britain that any attempt to fortify the border to prevent migrants slipping into the UK by the back door "won't work".

Minister Flanagan (pictured) insisted the two countries must keep the "invisible" border that exists at present after Brexit.

"It is absolutely essential that every effort be made to ensure the existence of what is an invisible border.

"So, any suggestion that there will be a heavily fortified EU frontier, or a heavily fortified border, be it for customs and trade on the one hand, or for security and immigration on the other, is simply inoperable. It won't work," Mr Flanagan told the BBC.

He also expressed concern at reports of UK International Trade Secretary Liam Fox pressurising British Prime Minister Theresa May to pull a post-Brexit Britain out of the EU customs union so the country can cut better global deals.

"I have to say I was very surprised at the comments attributed to Dr Liam Fox, and it would be a matter of concern to Ireland were the UK to withdraw entirely from the customs agreement.

"I believe it would result in a situation where there would be a lot of paperwork, and consequent red tape. We need to minimise incumbents and bureaucracy," he said.

Former Northern Ireland secretary Theresa Villiers, who was a prominent Leave campaigner, also said the border should remain open, despite the risk of illegal immigration.

"The reality is that would mean there would be, perhaps, some risk that non-Irish EU citizens might enter the UK over that land border.

"But the way you tackle people who come and work in the UK without the appropriate permissions is through measures such as cracking down on employing illegal workers.

"The border between the UK and Ireland has never been policed in a significantly hard wayEven during the height of the Troubles, it was very much a free-flowing border. The common travel area survived the Troubles.

"So, I think the idea of imposing, suddenly, a whole host of new border checks, frankly isn't practical and it's certainly not desirable."
German chancellor Angela Merkel was among those paying tributes to the victims of the July 22 shooting in Munich which saw nine people killed.

Ms Merkel joined President Joachim Gauck at a non-denominational church service at the Frauenkirche, or Church of Our Lady - the first of two memorial events.

Mr Gauck was speaking later in the day at an event in Bavaria's state parliament.

An 18-year-old German-Iranian man killed nine people and wounded over 30 others at a McDonald's restaurant and shopping mall in the city. He then killed himself.

The gunman was a withdrawn loner obsessed with playing "killer" video games who had been treated for depression and psychiatric problems, said officials.

Witnesses have said the gunman shouted slurs against foreigners, even though he himself was the German-born son of Iranian asylum-seekers

The restaurant where most of the victims died was a hangout for youths of immigrant backgrounds, and the dead included victims with Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, and Kosovo Albanian backgrounds and a stateless person.

There is no suggestion that Islamic extremism played any part in the Munich attack.

However, the rampage in Munich was the deadliest of a string of attacks over a week that shook Germany.

They included an axe attack and a bombing in Bavaria that were both claimed by the Islamic State group.
Hillary Clinton has defended the bereaved parents of a Muslim US army captain, saying Donald Trump displayed a "total misunderstanding" of American values in his criticism of the couple and had inflamed divisions in society.

The Democratic presidential hopeful's comments came after the Republican nominee refused to back down from his response to the Khan family's remarks.

Making her most extensive statement about the Khans since Mr Trump criticised their Democratic National Convention appearance, Mrs Clinton said the Republican nominee had repaid a family who had made the "ultimate sacrifice" with "nothing but insults" and "degrading comments about Muslims".

Mrs Clinton told parishioners at a Cleveland church: "I do tremble before those who would scapegoat other Americans, who would insult people because of their religion, their ethnicity, their disability.

"That's just not how I was raised."

Mr Trump complained on Twitter that he had been "viciously attacked" by Capt Humayun Khan's father, Khizer, during his speech at the convention.

"Am I not allowed to respond?" Mr Trump tweeted. "Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me!"

At last week's Democratic National Convention, Pakistan-born Mr Khan told the story of his son Humayun, who received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after he was killed in Iraq in 2004.

Mr Khan questioned whether Donald Trump had ever read the US Constitution, and told him: "You have sacrificed nothing."

During the speech, Mr Khan's wife, Ghazala, stood quietly by his side.

Mr Trump said in a TV interview: "If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me."

Ghazala Khan responded in an opinion piece for the Washington Post, in which she revealed that talking about her son's death 12 years ago is still hard for her. When her husband asked if she wanted to speak at the convention, she said she could not.

She wrote: "When Donald Trump is talking about Islam, he is ignorant.

"If he studied the real Islam and Koran, all the ideas he gets from terrorists would change, because terrorism is a different religion."

Her husband told television talk shows on Sunday that he appreciated Mr Trump's later comments that his son was a hero, but said the billionaire had no "moral compass".

At one point, Mr Trump had disputed Mr Khan's criticism that the billionaire businessman has "sacrificed nothing and no-one" for his country.

"I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures," Mr Trump said.

Senior Republican leaders, including House Speaker Paul D Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, remained silent on Sunday, as did vice presidential nominee Mike Pence, even as calls mounted for them to denounce their party nominee.

John Kasich, the Ohio governor who sought the Republican presidential nomination, said on Twitter: "There's only one way to talk about Gold Star parents: with honour and respect. Capt Khan is a hero. Together, we should pray for his family."

Mr Trump released a statement on Saturday night which called Humayun Khan "a hero", but disputed his father's remarks.

"While I feel deeply for the loss of his son, Mr Khan who has never met me, has no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the Constitution, (which is false) and say many other inaccurate things," said Mr Trump.

The rebuke was unusual in the world of politics where officials only speak well of families whose loved ones die in service to their country.

When Cindy Sheehan, who lost her son in Iraq, staged prolonged protests over the war, then-president George W Bush responded by saying that the nation grieves every death.

When asked about the mother of a State Department official killed in Benghazi, Libya, who blamed Hillary Clinton for her son's death, Mrs Clinton said her "heart goes out" to the families and that she did not "hold any ill-feeling for someone" who has lost a child and recalls events differently.

Mrs Clinton used her first television interview since officially clinching the Democratic nomination to cast Donald Trump as dangerously pro-Russia and an unknown quantity for US voters.

She said she realises that people often see a "caricature" of herself as a politician, but that she hopes American voters will review her track record as a US senator and secretary of state.

Of her Republican rival, Mrs Clinton said: "He's not temperamentally fit to be president and commander in chief."
Update 12 noon: Officials in the US state of Texas say one woman in her 20s has died after a gunman opened fire in the capital, Austin.

Three other people have been taken to hospital with gun shot wounds according to emergency services.

In total five people were shot and one man refused medical transport to hospital according to authorities.

Officers are still looking for the gunman and say there were two separate shooting incidents within the same area.

Update 11am:

A woman is dead and three other people seriously wounded after a shooting incident in the centre of Austin, Texas.

Captain Rick Rutledge of the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services said one woman had died and two women and a man had been taken to hospital after the shooting in the city's entertainment district.

There was no immediate word on the condition of those taken to University Medical Centre Brackenridge.

Austin Police Department earlier posted on its Facebook and Twitter pages that there was an active shooting incident with multiple victims, but later said the scene was secure.

Police had warned people to stay away from the city centre.

Earlier:

There are reports that a woman has been killed by a gunman in Texas.

Police say several people have been injured in the city of Austin. They have warned the public to stay away from the downtown area, though they later added the scenes of the shootings were nowsecure.

Officers are still looking for the gunman, and have tweeted to say there were separate shootings within the same area.

Witness Dorian Santiago said he had heard five shots.

"People started running like crazy. There was an injured girl who was freaked out, and there was another girl on the floor.

"It looked like they were doing CPR, but it looked like she was already dead," he said.
LAHORE: Kashmiris on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) and rest of the world marked Black Day on Thursday,...
BERLIN: The world must not squander time but help Ukrainians rebuild their country swiftly, European Commission...
COLUMBUS  Mike Moser and Jim Bulkley did little to separate themselves in the mayoral race Saturday night, a sign of how few controversial issues the city faces heading into the general election.

The candidates were on the same page on a number of topics during an event organized by Platte County Republicans, showing more similarities than differences while addressing a small crowd at the local Eagles Club.

Both men expressed their support for the proposed public safety and library/cultural arts center projects while stressing the use of common sense in the budgeting process. They also acknowledged the local housing crunch and need for more affordable homes and rental units in Columbus.

Bulkley, who is the longest-serving member of the current Columbus City Council, said he decided to challenge Moser for the mayors office because hed like to take the city in a little different direction.

The four-term councilman, who was first elected in November 2000, credited city employees for doing a pretty darn good job of making things run smoothly here.

His main beef is with the process city officials use when budgeting for high-dollar projects, such as the public safety improvements, new library and other buildings.

Instead of designing a facility based on wants, then deciding whether the city can afford it, Bulkley believes the first step should be setting a budget city officials and residents are comfortable with.

From that, lets build what we can build and move forward, he said.

Bulkley, who works in the environmental department at Pillen Family Farms, said he supports the library/cultural arts center and improvements to the fire and police department facilities.

But, he added, the price tags for those projects need to be kept in check.

Instead of saying what do we want, what do we need? Bulkley said.

Moser, the citys mayor since December 2004, also believes the preliminary costs for both those projects can be reined in.

While he supports both proposals, calling the library/cultural arts center really important to the community, Moser said the city needs to leave some sales tax revenue available for potential emergencies instead of tying it up in bond payments.

That, I think, is really important, he said.

The library/cultural arts center is budgeted at $15 million, but Library Director Drew Brookhart told the city council last week that cost will come down as the project is finalized by the design firm and construction manager. The goal is to pay for at least half the cost using private donations, library foundation contributions and grants.

There is $16.7 million in the proposed budget for police and fire improvements, including the possibility of building a joint facility shared by the departments, but that estimate could also be lowered once a consulting firm is done reviewing the project.

I dont think its going to be that expensive, Moser told the crowd Saturday night.

Both projects would be financed with bonds repaid using revenue from the local half-percent sales tax, which local residents voted to extend in May.

Moser, who is seeking his fourth four-year term as mayor after running unopposed in 2008 and 2012, also pointed to the citys strengths during his speech.

He said Columbus operates with fewer municipal employees, who make slightly less money, than other comparable-sized Nebraska cities.

Those savings give us some extra money to spend on things that we otherwise couldnt afford, he said.

Moser, who owns Columbus Music, also noted that the city has come in a combined $70 million under the approved budgets for the past five fiscal years.

Just because we budget the money doesnt necessarily mean were going to spend it, he said.

The proposed budget for 2016-17 increases spending by 26 percent  from $76.93 million this year to $93.93 million next fiscal year  as several major projects such as the library/cultural arts center, wastewater treatment plant expansion, viaducts and other street improvements near the construction phase.

The budget includes $53.63 million in spending on capital items, a significant jump from the $33.39 million budgeted this fiscal year, but many of those projects will receive state, federal or private contributions that limit the citys share of the costs.

City officials are recommending the property tax rate remain steady at 32.52 cents for every $100 in valuation, or $325.19 annually on a $100,000 home.

The mayoral candidates also agreed that addressing the communitys housing shortfall is a top priority.

Council members are recommending the city move forward with a partnership with the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Housing Authority and NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska to hire a community housing coordinator responsible for promoting local development to provide more affordable housing options.

The local organizations are asking the city for $40,000 annually over a five-year period to create the position, which would have total expenses estimated at $60,000, including benefits and travel.

A proposal from City Administrator Joe Mangiamelli to create a city planner position instead of joining the partnership is likely dead, Moser said.

The mayor and his challenger called for more market-rate apartments and housing developments for low- and moderate-income individuals and families that allow first-time homebuyers and new workers to settle here.

We just dont have enough of that, Bulkley said.
A Gold Coast man is due in court after allegedly driving his car at a group of people, pinning one man against another vehicle in an alleged hit and run.

He allegedly fled, driving on the light rail tracks before he was arrested.

Police said the 32-year-old Labrador man drove to the Spit at Main Beach about 7.15pm Sunday, pulling up next to three other cars.

A police spokeswoman said an argument broke out, before the man drove his car at the group, wedging one man between his and another car and injuring his leg.
A male motorcyclist has died after his bike collided with a parked police car in a tragic accident on the Sunshine Coast hinterland on Sunday afternoon.

The motorcycle, ridden by a male, "clipped a station wagon" in front of him, causing the bike to leave Old Gympie Road near Mt Mellun and collide with a parked police car.

Motorcycle crash near Mt Mellun, near Beerwah, where motorcycle has collided with a parked police car. Credit:Seven Network

The motorcyclist was riding along Old Gympie Road near Mt Mellun  between Maleny and Beerwah - when his bike clipped the station wagon around 1.25pm.

The accident happened just before the Old Gympie Road intersection with Clarke's Road at Mt Mellun.
The Harry Potter franchise is Rowling on, with the eighth instalment released on Sunday morning.

It's been nine years since the last instalment, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, was released but at exactly 9.01am in Dymocks Brisbane Book Store, fans got their hands on the next chapter of Harry's journey.

However, the new book, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I and II, is not like J.K. Rowling's previous works.

It is set 19 years after the conclusion of the Deathly Hallows and is the script from the recently-opened stage production, rather than being written as a novel or big screen feature film.
A group of four women who locked themselves into a makeshift metal cage in the city to protest the abuse of children in prison have been removed by police.

Police cut chains to remove the women from the cage outside Flinders Street station at 4am on Sunday morning.

Flinders Street in Melbourne CBD blocked into the night on Saturday. Credit:Wayne Hawkins

"They were removed without incident," police spokeswoman Julie-Anne Newman said. "The protesters, who held a presence at the intersection since Saturday afternoon, have dispersed from the area."

She said no arrests were made and there were no injuries.
Over the same period, student numbers have nearly doubled, and the school which was once avoided like the plague is now over-subscribed. Mr Adamou believes that in revolutionising his school, he is offering a brighter future for his students. "Education is the only way out of poverty, and we do have a lot of that here," he said. "This is why I work in schools." A Fairfax Media analysis has revealed that schools which have most improved their VCE completion rate  that is, the number of students starting their VCE in year 10 that actually finish the course in year 12  are located in working class areas. The most improved schools (nearly all are state schools) have improved by up to 10 per cent over the past five years. They include Carrum Downs Secondary College, Epping Secondary College and Wyndham Secondary College.

These schools are not snagging the state's top VCE marks. But they're quietly raising the profile of their students, by boosting the number of students doing their VCE, and by extension, broadening their students' tertiary and career options. They're doing this by offering students mentors, introducing helpful learning apps and computer programs, applying principles of "positive education" (a fusion of positive psychology and best practice teaching), and with the help of Gonski funding, investing in youth workers and education consultants. Teaching experts also believe that the sector has experienced a "sea change" in the past decade, as younger teachers adopt a practice Melbourne University's senior lecturer in education policy, Dr Glenn Savage, called "clinical teaching".

"It's this idea of diagnosing and understanding where a young person is at, and taking them forward using strategies that are based on evidence. Across Victoria and nationally, we are seeing a difference in the way principals are trying to measure the impact of learning in the classroom." Dr Savage said teachers are being held "more accountable" by principals and parents, for their students' results. "Teachers are being asked to provide evidence to show how young people are going, and how the evidence can be used to plan ways forward and make improvements for those students. While this should always have been the bread and butter work of teachers, I don't think it has been." Mr Adamou admits that he expects a lot from his staff. As the school grew in size, he hired a fresh crop of talented teachers, and asked them to start tracking their students' performance from year 7 to year 12, in order to identify areas where students were consistently struggling.

The teachers would involve careers counsellors in the process of working with students and their parents, in helping them develop their strengths. Mr Adamou also launched an accelerated program and a vocational course for non-English speaking students, and word quickly spread about changes at Geelong North. Families from Golden Plains, West Geelong, Manifold Heights, Essendon, Reservoir and Dandenong started enrolling their students. The school still has a "long way to go" in terms of achieving competitive grades, the principal said. But to have catapulted from a 50 per cent participation rate in VCE to achieving VCE marks that nudge the top ten per cent in the state, is no small feat. "We are now concentrating especially on getting students study scores above 40. It's not going to be long, this year will be the beginning of outstanding results."

Education academic Dr Savage said there was a common misconception that teachers at poorer schools had low aspirations for their students. While there were unfortunate cases of this occurring, he said many schools in poorer areas were being run by passionate principals and teachers who were trying to change the culture in their community. The best teachers were continually changing their teaching methods to suit the individual needs of the students, he said. Richard Jones, who has been principal at Laverton College P-12 for the past 14 months, applies that principle at his school, where 30 per cent of the students are refugees from Sudan and war-torn countries in the Middle East. These students come to class with varying levels of knowledge, and yet the school's VCE completion rate hit 100 per cent for the first time in 2014.
A South Yarra man managed to scare off a suspected thief - who later returned to stab him in the leg, face and head.

The man, 38, had spotted the stranger loitering in a car park near his apartment in Melbourne on Saturday night, police said.

He decided to approach the man, having recently had something stolen from his car, but the man fled when he drew near.

He had chased him away with a golf club, Nine News reported.
There were screams and even tears as a 15-second countdown marked the end of a long wait for hundreds of Melbourne Harry Potter fans who had queued from 5.30 on Sunday morning.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child went on sale at precisely 9.01am. At Readings in Carlton, Muggles stretched throughout the aisles of the bookstore and up Lygon Street.

The lines at the Readings store were tamed by servings of "polyjuice" and "butter beer" (beer and champagne) for adult witches and wizards.

Readings managing director Mark Rubbo said 850 people had requested copies of the book.
Another asked if "massive sexual assaults" such as those in Cologne at New Year's Eve or more recently at a public swimming pool "are now part and parcel of German identity until the integration (of new migrants) works?" Angela Merkel cut short her time off and got back to work after a spate of attacks nationwide. Credit:Bloomberg But Dr Merkel was impassive, unemotional, matter-of-fact. She was the "Mutti" (mother) Germany has come to rely on. No, she said, we shouldn't put up with this. Angela Merkel poses for a selfie with a migrant from Syria. Germany offered a haven for Syrian refugees to ease Europe's migration crisis. Credit:Getty Images

She presented a nine-point plan: beefing up intelligence on potential radicals, improving the processing of asylum seekers, deporting criminals. A chemistry PhD, she talked about the "litmus test" Germany faced. Right-wing groups have gained traction in Germany since the open-door refugee policy came into place. Credit:Getty Images It's almost a moral appeal, we will not be dragged down by this, this is something we will walk away from with our heads up and come out stronger than we went into it. Stefan Kornelius, journalist for Suddeutsche Zeitung and writer of an authorised biography on the chancellor. "Wir schaffen das."

That phrase again. Frauke Petry, leader of the right-wing Alternative for Germany party that hit its highest polling numbers this year. Credit:AP "It's much more than coping or managing, it's sort of self-assuring, we are strong, we as a people this is a challenge for us and we will master this challenge, we will grow with this challenge," translates Stefan Kornelius, journalist for Suddeutsche Zeitung and writer of an authorised biography on the chancellor. "It's almost a moral appeal, we will not be dragged down by this, this is something we will walk away from with our heads up and come out stronger than we went into it." Two weeks of violence, some of it linked to IS, some linked to migration, have shaken Germany. Many people across Germany have supported the nation's humanitarian action to welcome refugees. Credit:AP

On July 18, in Wuerzburg, Bavaria, in Germany's south, a 17-year-old Afghan asylum seeker who had entered the country as an unaccompanied minor in 2015 attacked train passengers with an axe and a knife. He had reportedly been upset by news of the death of a friend. But IS claimed him as one of its fighters and police found a hand-drawn IS flag in his bedroom, along with a note praying for "revenge on these infidels". Refugees sift through donated clothing at a refugee camp near Hilbersdorf, Germany. Credit:Kate Geraghty Four days later, 18-year-old Ali Sonboly opened fire with a handgun outside a Munich McDonald's then entered a shopping centre, killing nine and injuring 21, spreading panic through the Bavarian city. He then killed himself. Three hundred rounds of unused ammunition were still in his backpack. Sonboly, the German son of Iranian refugees, had long obsessed with mass murders and far-right terrorist Anders Breivik, who in 2011 murdered 77 in Oslo.

Two days after that, a 21-year-old Syrian asylum-seeker killed a woman with a kebab shop meat cleaver after an argument, in what police later decided to treat as a "crime of passion". He had a history of violence. Then, that night, a 27-year-old Syrian who had been denied asylum in 2015 but remained in the country blew himself up and wounded 15 outside a wine bar in Ansbach, a small Bavarian town that was hosting a music festival. He had reportedly tried to enter the festival but was turned away. IS claimed him as a "soldier of the Islamic State". He had recorded a video on his mobile phone professing loyalty to IS. He had also twice attempted suicide, alone. Dr Merkel had been taking time off at her country cottage north of Berlin, an old homestead in a tiny village, set in a pastoral landscape of rolling hills and tidy, sun-dappled woods. This week she had planned to head to the Salzburg festival, followed by her favourite summer pastime: hiking in the northern Italian mountains. But on Tuesday she decided to go back to work.

"She saw there was something boiling up," Kornelius says. She called forward her annual ask-me-anything press conference, which she usually holds at the end of the northern summer. At the previous one, she announced Germany would respond to the unfolding migration crisis on the borders of Europe by offering a haven for all Syrian refugees: triggering a mass migration that added a million people to her country's population by the end of the year. This time, the theme was different. "The two men who came to us as refugees and are responsible for the deeds in Wuerzburg and Ansbach slap the country in the face which took them in," Dr Merkel said. "It mocks the volunteers that are willing to help and it mocks others that are seeking our help to escape from violence and war; those who want to live in freedom."

Her political decisions, she said, would not be guided by fear. "I am deeply convinced that we cannot let our way of life be destroyed," she said. "We will provide security to our citizens and we will be able to master the integration challenges." Says Kornelius: "This is all about reassurance. "This is not really stopping terrorism. It's trying to prevent the public from going hysterical or sort of crazy. "Germany was not a major terrorism target until now. (These attacks) have fuelled a sense of vulnerability, of being under attack  She definitely knows this is ongoing, this will continue. She will be under severe pressure for the final year of her term and she will have to come up with an answer." Far right German party Alternative for Germany (AfD) accused Merkel of "bringing terror to Germany" through its open-door refugee policy.

This year AfD hit its highest polling numbers and scored dramatic gains in regional elections. In recent months it has threatened to disintegrate through internal bickering, with its leader Frauke Petry struggling to maintain unity. But it still strikes a chord in many parts of the country. And even some on the left have made calls for new controls, such as all migrants to be vetted. German's ambassador to Britain, Dr Peter Ammon, told the BBC that Germany was in shock. "(But) the majority of Germans still support the decision to take the humanitarian course and let these people in," he said. "The political debate in Germany that tries to exploit (the attacks) for their own purposes is limited to the fringes." Dr Andrew Watt, deputy director at the Hans-Bockler Foundation in Dusseldorf, agrees.

"The centre of German politics is more or less holding," he says. "They're holding the line Merkel has been talking about now, that it's important for Germany to be open. Some refer to Germany's own past as a country where people were forced into exile and had to have asylum, the anti-fascist tradition, the humanitarian tradition. That is holding. "The events of the last week don't help, and that plays to certain prejudices." Some groups felt "vindicated" by the attacks in their prior opposition to Dr Merkel's immigration policy, Dr Watt said. The country-wide consensus on migration is "wavering". But Dr Watt says unlike in other countries such as Britain or Austria, none of the popular press are stoking anti-immigration sentiment. German TV is full of programs on this mayor or that administrator, following how they are coping with the migrant influx. Germans love to think of themselves as super-organisers.

And the press focuses on stories such as that of Amir Najiarzadeh, a 20-year-old security guard at the Olympia Einkaufszentrum in Munich where the young gunman opened fire. Najiarzadeh, a refugee who fled Afghanistan and has lived in Germany for 3 years, led 200 people to safety in the mall basement. Another big influence on opinions, Dr Watt believes, is the economic and labour market situation. Germany is an industrial powerhouse with an ageing population and near-full employment in many parts of the country. Migration has a humanitarian logic and an economic one. Finally, he says, Dr Merkel herself is still secure in her political supremacy. There is no obvious successor or challenger. Her politics are the politics of the country. "She has this mother-figure like aura about her," he says. "People could hardly imagine life without her as leader." Germans are nervously looking over the border at France, for clues on what to do  and what not to do  with its migrant intake.

France's recent terror attacks are on another level. The huge death toll in Nice this month, and the gruesome murder of a Normandy priest this week, follow on from Charlie Hebdo and the November 2015 terrorist attacks in a seemingly unstoppable stream of horror. Many of the French terrorists radicalised by IS are the children of immigrants. IS has found fanatical recruits among the banlieues, the poor slums on the fringes of French cities, where a large population of Muslims landed from France's north African colonies in the late 1960s and '70s. Dr Joseph Downing, fellow at the London School of Economics and an expert on social policy in Europe, warns against drawing a too-simplistic lesson about some dormant threat in an immigrant population let down by their adopted country. "These large decaying housing estates in the suburbs of Paris (have) unparalleled conditions in Western Europe ... They really have done a poor job of it," he says.

"But given the large number of individuals living in those conditions in France  which has to be in the millions  the numbers that are taking part in terrorist activities is extremely small." He says the perceived wisdom that Islamist extremism breeds in deprivation is a "problematic explanation for terrorism  it puts a large number of people under suspicion who will not do anything wrong". And vice versa: the Nice attacker, for example, was from a perfectly ordinary suburb. "The explanation that we don't like to think about because it scares us is that there isn't a set of social or life experiences that causes people to do these things  they're disturbed individuals, and some come from socially disturbed backgrounds, and others don't." A team of French researchers recently went to the banlieues to test the theory of the rise of "scary radicalisation" there, Dr Downing says, and instead found an Islam that reconciled being French and being Muslim. "It wasn't the problem the papers made out. It's unlikely, even if things go badly for Germany that they're going to face a massive problem with terrorism in five or so years."

And Dr Downing says Germany has made a smart choice of refugee populations. Syria was a well-developed and well-educated country. "It's highly likely they will integrate into the labour market, they will seek to open businesses and do well," he says. "It's much more of a middle-class migration than it seems." For the time being, at least, Dr Merkel is giving the impression of being in control. But, warns Kornelius, "this might not be the end". "I was a little bit surprised how quickly things spiralled out of control at the Munich incident. ... The whole city within three hours was in a state of chaos and utter panic. People were running through the streets screaming and hiding.
Donald Trump has suggested that the Muslim mother of a US soldier killed in Iraq had let her husband do all the talking at the Democratic National Convention because she was not "allowed" to speak.

Trump's comments, in an interview with ABC News that will air on Sunday, local time, were his most extensive remarks since Khizr Khan delivered one of the most powerful speeches on Thursday at the convention in Philadelphia.

In the speech, Khan spoke about how his 27-year-old son, Humayun Khan, an army captain, sacrificed his life in a car bombing in 2004 in Iraq as he tried to save other troops.

Khan criticised Trump, saying he "consistently smears the character of Muslims", and pointedly challenged what sacrifices Trump himself had made.
Charlottesville: Donald Trump has asked why I did not speak at the Democratic convention. He said he would like to hear from me. Here is my answer to Donald Trump: Because without saying a thing, all the world, all America, felt my pain. I am a Gold Star mother. Whoever saw me felt me in their heart.

Donald Trump said I had nothing to say. I do. My son Humayun Khan, an Army captain, died 12 years ago in Iraq. He loved America, where we moved when he was two years old. He had volunteered to help his country, signing up for the ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) at the University of Virginia. This was before the attack of September 11, 2001. He didn't have to do this, but he wanted to.

When Humayun was sent to Iraq, my husband and I worried about his safety. I had already been through one war, in Pakistan in 1965, when I was just a high school student. So I was very scared. You can sacrifice yourself, but you cannot take it that your kids will do this.

We asked if there was some way he could not go, because he had already done his service. He said it was his duty. I cannot forget when he was going to the plane, and he looked back at me. He was happy, and giving me strength: "Don't worry, Mum. Everything will be all right."
Latest News Westpac announces major partnership with NRL, NRLW Funding designed to grow sport for both women and men

Westpac predicts another RBA double hike If it is correct, an average borrower with a $500k loan could be paying an additional $800 a month, expert says

Former Aussie mortgage broker Emma Feduniw, also known as Emma Khalil, has been banned from the credit and financial services industries following her conviction of home loan fraud in June.



ASIC has permanently banned Brisbane-based Feduniw after its investigation led to her being convicted on 3 June 2016 in Beenleigh Magistrate's Court on eight charges relating to home loan fraud. She was convicted and fined $8,500.



ASIC's investigation found that Feduniw provided documents in support of eight loan applications knowing that they contained false or misleading information about the applicant's employment.



ASIC wants to ensure that dishonest brokers are removed from the industry, ASIC deputy chair Peter Kell said.



We will take all necessary steps to achieve this.


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Years ago, when Marcia Zug read a GQ magazine article about mail-order brides, she was revolted. A high-flying New York City photographer, fed up with all the demanding models he was dating, wanted to find a subservient woman to make him happy. So he ordered a pretty bride from a foreign country.

When the bride got here he found her annoying, too. So he sent her home  pregnant with his child  and went back to dating models.

Zug never forgot that piece. And even after she left her hometown of Manhattan to become a professor of family and immigration law at the University of South Carolina, she felt she had to expose the evil men who get their brides by mail. She delved into her research and guess what?

Now shes married  to a very different narrative.

Im not suggesting that this is the marital path for everybody, Zug said in a phone call. But in her new book, Buying a Bride: An Engaging History of Mail-Order Matches, (NYU Press) she presents the opposite of the idea she went in with. Far from depressing and degrading, mail-order matrimony can actually be a very good choice for certain people in certain situations.

The book starts at the dawn of mail-order love: Jamestown, Va., circa 1600. Unlike New England, which was settled by families, Jamestown was settled by men. Conditions were horrendous  one settler described it as hell, a misery, a death  and there werent any English-speaking women to not enjoy it with.

Some men hightailed it home, others married Native American women and went to live in their comfier villages. In desperation, the Virginia Company decided to try attracting Englishwomen by paying their dowries. For young women toiling as servants just to save up enough to marry, the offer was liberating, and about 140 came over.

They got to choose their husbands and seem to have been treated quite well, thanks to the laws of supply and demand. Laws were written to keep them happy. They could, for instance, legally break an engagement  something they couldnt do back in England.

Fast forward to the Western frontier a couple hundred years later when, once again, American men were heading out, and women werent. As much as these men needed wives, some women back east needed husbands. These included women appalled by the local prospects, like the gal who placed this ad in a Missouri paper in 1910:

Attractive women, not a day over thirty, would be pleased to correspond with eligible man. Would prefer one with property, but one with a good paying position would be satisfactory. The young lady is of medium height, has brown hair and gray eyes, not fat, although, most decidedly, she is not skinny. Her friends say she is a fine-looking woman. Object matrimony. Reason for this advertisement, the young woman lives in a little dinky town, where the best catches are the boys behind the counters in the dry goods and clothing stores, and every one of em is spoken for by the time he is out of his short pants.

Gosh, Id marry her  what spunk. Zug found little evidence of exploitation or mistreatment of these brides. And today, the same holds true.

Americans seeking brides can easily go online to meet prospects. Most of the women live in Asia or Eastern Europe. And while it seems like a terrible imbalance  any schlub with U.S. citizenship can attract a desperate catch  it is a better marriage market for everyone.

The women come from countries where their prospects are not great, says Zug. Some live where theyre not allowed to pursue a career. Some live where they are worthless if divorced, widowed, already have children, or are simply too old  perhaps 25. They look to America, and the path to get here is marriage.

These men are often much more attractive to them than the men they see in their countries, says Zug.

The men are not allowed to marry women sight unseen. Legally they must meet at least once before they marry, and the mail-order sites organize trips to get the prospects together.

Once here, says Zug, the brides not only have far rosier prospects than back home, they often make the men shape up, too. As in Im learning a whole new language. Go get your GED!

And unlike the GQ article, many of these couples live happily ever after  maybe even happier than most, since everyone likes to get a surprise in the mail.
Learn about issues impacting corn producers and the agriculture industry at the upcoming Colorado Corn District 3 meeting in Sterling.

Farmers and any others interested are invited to attend the meeting, where they will also hear updates about the two Colorado Corn organizations. The Colorado Corn Administrative Committee (CCAC) and Colorado Corn Growers Associations (CCGA) District 3 area includes Logan and Morgan counties.

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10, at the Plainsman Grill, located at 17408 Colorado Highway 14. Dinner will be provided at the meeting, and reservations are not required.

During this meeting, Colorado Corn staff will be joined by representatives of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), to discuss producer surveys and the NASS data used in factoring payments to farmers for certain programs, such as the Agriculture Risk Coverage County Option (ARC-CO) Program.

In recent months, some farmers questioned the accuracy of the county yield data initially used to calculate farmers ARC-CO eligibility, stressing some yields appeared too high, which would impact program payments now and in the future. In response, the Colorado Corn Growers Association (CCGA) reached out to lawmakers, federal and state officials, held meetings with Colorado producers, and traveled to Washington, D.C., St. Louis and elsewhere to discuss the issue, among other efforts.

Following these efforts, the Farm Service Agency distributed updated ARC-CO program payments to farmers in Adams, Baca, Bent, Cheyenne and Kit Carson counties. However, farmers in other counties where yields have been questioned havent yet been notified of any action, and are currently following through with an appeals process in the USDAs National Appeals Division.

As part of CCGAs continued efforts regarding this issue, we hope to have constructive conversations at our district meetings this summer, a release from Colorado Corn states.

At the District 3 meeting, the Colorado Corn Growers Association (CCGA) will also be holding board member nominations for that districts CCGA director position (currently held by Allyn Wind, who is still eligible for a first term, after assuming his current term) and its CCAC director and alternate positions (both currently vacant).

Earlier in the day, Colorado Corn will hold its District 4 meeting in Holyoke for producers in Phillips and Sedgwick counties. CCGA will seek board member nominations for that districts CCAC director position (currently held by Greg Larson, who is eligible for a second term) and its CCAC alternate position (currently held by Steve Firme, who is eligible for a second term).

The District 4 meeting will be held at noon Aug. 10 in the Biesemeier Room at the Phillips County Event Center, located at 22505 U.S. 385.
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.
Its over, gents. Our day in the sun, as they say, has come and gone. Let me add, its about time.

Our generation, my generation I might add, of disgruntled old white men who believed since childhood that they had  and were  the answer to everything, are now crying in their beer, doomed to wonder until death what happened to the 50s and why no one today takes them seriously.

Fellas, you brought it on yourselves. Some part of you, mainly in your head, never grew up; you never were able to grasp the reality of an evolving nation and its political dynamic; that these United States of freedom, justice and equality were not your exclusive domain, but a gift and example to all mankind.

Face it, guys. Were stumbling into the sunset, carrying grudges personal and political, and bewildered by a world thats turned upside down dozens of times since Ike carried the banner of freedom into the dawn of a post-World War II society.

What went wrong? We blew it. For six decades we functioned under the illusion that the postwar nation bequeathed to us by our fathers and uncles  who fought and died to ensure racist nationalism and dictators did not taint our shores  would keep its Leave it to Beaver sitcom hold on a country where ever-secure jobs and the good life were considered an American right.

When that scenario didnt pan out, especially in the wake of the civil rights upheaval, the Vietnam War, Nixons Watergate and political disarray in the Middle East, clearly it wasnt our fault. It was just as clear that we needed someone to blame. The targets for that culpability naturally were heaven sent: minorities, communists, crooked politicians and of course, immigrants.

Simultaneously with events dominated by the commie threats from the Soviets and elsewhere, we took it into our heads that the U.S. Constitution was somehow endowed with the status of holy writ and that outside of the Rapture, guns were our only salvation. Girded by such nonsense, it shouldnt have been much of a surprise that millions of angry old white men went clinically insane when a black man was elected president.

In a reality obviously beyond their comprehension, there could be no alternative but the apocalypse. But since events havent panned out that way, now they have a woman, Hillary Clinton, over whom to vent their childish obstinacy. It validates the self-evident truth of aging that if one waits long enough, another reason to be angry, or just silly, is around the next corner.

The inescapable aging truth we all must face, however, is that each day there are fewer and fewer of us to belabor our younger  and smarter  fellow citizens with the self-inflicted delusion that we had all the answers. We never did. Our smugness prevailed over the American mandate to seek a more perfect union.

There is a political redemption of sorts available in that seeking; in the celebration of a nation open to all regardless of skin color, religion or ethnicity. For those disgruntled old white men seeking a last stand for hate, discrimination, and a wall to keep out the world, a suggestion:

Have a beer, give it a rest.
What you need to know to sign up for NJ Obamacare this year

health
     :     ; -  CM      ?;  -  
STRANGERS IN OUR MIDST

The Political Philosophy of Immigration

David Miller

Harvard University

584 pages; $35



DEFECTIVES IN THE LAND

Disability and Immigration in the Age of Eugenics

Douglas C. Baynton

University of Chicago

584 pages; $35



CITY OF GODS

Religious Freedom, Immigration, and Pluralism in Flushing, Queens

R Scott Hanson

Empire State Editions/Fordham University

584 pages; $35



From Hobbes and Hegel to John Stuart Mill and John Rawls, the seminal figures of Western political theory are united in their almost complete neglect of immigration. No doubt they have their reasons. Who among them witnessed anything like the global refugee crisis of 2015? Or the anxieties about national identity that it inflamed? Be that as it may, with hostility toward immigrants and refugees fueling the "Brexit" movement and the presidential campaign of Donald Trump, we could use some deep thinking about the relationship between the state and its citizens.
Carlson Rezidor, the largest foreign hotel brand in India by number of hotels, aims to maintain its lead over rivals with a pipeline of 40 properties which will come on stream in the country by 2020.
The Rs 8,957-crore Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL), fast-moving consumer goods arm of the Adi Godrej Group, proposes to triple revenue from its Indonesian business in five years, said Naveen Gupta, business head Indonesia & Middle East, in a conversation with Business Standard.
As their financial services venture continues an asset sell-off exercise, promoter brothers Malvinder and Shivinder Mohan Singh have made a surprise return to the company's board after a gap of over six years.

While Malvinder Mohan Singh has become non-executive chairman, his younger brother Shivinder has been designated as non-executive vice-chairman with effect from July 29, the company said in a regulatory filing.

Pursuant to the Singh brothers' return to the board of Religare, Sunil Godhwani has stepped down as chairman and managing director but would continue on the board and has been now designated as Whole Time Director and CEO.

The two Singh brothers, who are the main promoters of the company, had quit Religare Board in April 2010, presumably to focus more on their healthcare business. They had brought in professionals to run the financial services arm that went on to expand in insurance, asset management, brokerage, SME lending and various other areas.

At that time, Godhwani was appointed chairman and MD, while Shachindra Nath was made the CEO. After spearheading the company's expansion in various areas, Nath announced his resignation earlier this year. He was part of the company's founding team and had been with them for over 15 years.

His exit came at a time when the company had begun scaling down its presence in certain areas. Late last year, it sold its 51% stake in asset management joint venture to the US partner Invesco. It had also sold its stake in life insurance JV, where too the foreign partner hiked its stake.

On the same day that Religare announced Singh brothers' return to the board, it also disclosed that a wholly-owned subsidiary RGAM Investment Advisers Pvt Ltd has signed a pact to divest its stake in Cerestra Advisors Ltd.

Earlier this month, it also announced exit of another subsidiary Religare Global Asset Management Inc, USA from Northgate Capital LLC and Northgate Capital LP, US based affiliates.

Besides, Religare has recently announced a restructuring plan under which it has incorporated two subsidiaries  Religare Broking Ltd and Religare Insurance Ltd under Religare Capital Markets India Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary.

RGAM Investment Advisers recently also competed its exit from Religare Portfolio Managers and Advisors Private Limited.

The company has posted a net loss of Rs 25.8 crore for the quarter ended June 30, as against a net profit of Rs 37.9 crore in the year ago period. Total income declined from Rs 73.5 crore to Rs 13.9 crore.

The Singh brothers have been known to scale up several successful businesses and then selling off some of them, though certain deals, including the one relating to their erstwhile pharmaceutical venture Ranbaxy, have later triggered regulatory and other troubles.

Late last year, the younger brother Shivinder had made another surprise announcement that he would take on a full-time responsibility of 'sewa' at a spiritual organisation he was associated with since childhood.

Subsequently, he stepped down from his executive role at Fortis Healthcare and moved to a non-executive role on the company's board as its vice-Chairman.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister was on Sunday greeted with anti-India slogans when she visited a common entrance test (CET) centre here.

Parents waiting outside the Government Women's College on M A Road in Srinagar raised the slogans. Their children were inside, writing the exam for selection for the MBBS course in the state.

The parents from Kupwara, Baramulla and Shopian districts were waiting for their children to come out when they saw Mehbooba Mufti's motorcade.

The government had made special transport arrangements to bring the candidates to Srinagar from various district headquarters. The candidates would be dropped back in the evening after the exam.

Many people, however, used their own vehicles to bring their children to Srinagar for the exam.
Tension prevailed in Kandhla village here after a mob attacked a house where an alleged took place with police booking four members of the family on the charge.

The trouble started when irate locals on Saturday evening gathered outside Zishan Qureshi's house accusing him and his family members of cow slaughter, they said.

The mob damaged Qureshi's house and tried to set it on fire but police reached the spot and brought the situation under control, police said.

When the mob gathered outside the house, Qureshi along with his wife Shenaz and two others Saddam and Mota escaped from the spot, they said.

A case has been lodged against the family members for alleged cow slaughter, police said.

Heavy police force has been deployed in the village as tension prevailed there, they added.
A crucial series of top appointments have remained vacant for months for no discernible reason. On Monday, the armys most prestigious and vital operational command  the Chandi Mandir based Western Command  will be headed by a makeshift commander.
Government is open to deliberating on the issue of mega merger of state-owned oil firms for creating a behemoth, Union Minister said.

"The government plans to deliberate on the issue of merging the E&P companies and oil marketing firms in the public sector," the Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas told PTI.

The state-owned oil companies are IOC, BPCL, HPCL, ONGC and OIL.

He said with crude oil prices falling, the profits and margins of state-owned E&P (exploration and production) firms ONGC and Oil India were getting eroded.

"Both ONGC and OIL are taking a hit on profits. The issue had been recently flagged by a director of one of the PSUs that it was in interest of the E&P firms to get merged with the oil marketing companies.

"There is nothing wrong in discussing the issue within the ministry," he said.

Regarding the mega refinery on the west coast, he said the process of land acquisition is yet to begin.

The proposed west coast mega refinery would come up in Maharashtra with a capacity of 60 million tonnes (in two phases).

Pradhan said an SPV involving IOC, BPCL and HPCL has been formed for the project.

"The exact equity pattern, quantum of land required and the total investment required is to be decided by the promoters," Pradhan said.

To a query, the minister said he did not foresee any problem regarding land acquisition for the project.

Asked about the government's response to private sector Reliance seeking subsidy for LPG distribution, Pradhan said, "We are giving subsidised LPG through PSUs only because they are assigned to do that. Subsidy is involved in the issue".

Pradhan said he would be going to the UK for a roadshow in September as the Indian PSUs had bid for small fields (oil and gas) in that country.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday said he would visit on Monday to get a first hand information on the problem of water-logging and traffic jams which he attributed to various factors including overflowing of Badshahpur drain.

He said there was complete coordination between the Police and Civil administration and the traffic snarls were created primarily because of two issues.

"The Badshahpur drain in was overflowing due to heavy rain and its water did not flow to drain no 8 which was already full to the brim.

Secondly, a bridge was under construction at Hero Honda Chowk on NH 8, he told reporters here this evening.

"Therefore, the passage was narrow and bottle neck was created which obstructed smooth flow of traffic," he said.

Another bridge is under construction at Subhash Chowk on Sohna road.

There was also congestion of taxis as their strike was called off the same day. Also, a big group of 'Kanwariyas' passed that way, he said, adding all this led to massive traffic jam.

Khattar said a team of senior officers is already camping in to ensure that such a situation is not created in future.

When asked about the tweet where he allegedly blamed Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for the traffic jams in Gurugram, he denied the charge and clarified that the tweet was misquoted as he was replying to a question on construction of Periphery Road to which Delhi was not cooperating for its portion.

On Saturday, Opposition parties including opposition INLD also blamed the Harayana government for the traffic jam in the Millennium City saying BJP only believes in "hollow slogans" without taking any concrete steps to tackle basic things.

Long tailbacks were witnessed in gridlocked roads in Gurugram in last two days due to severe water-logging on Highway-8 after heavy rains lashed the city.

Thousands of were commuters stranded and prohibitory orders were clamped near Hero Honda chowk. Schools were also ordered to be shut down for two days.
Haryana government on Saturday dismissed the rumoured reports claiming transfer of Gurgram police commissioner in the wake of water logging and traffic problems in the city.

Pramod Kumar, Reader of Director General of Police (DGP), K P Singh, said, " Navdeep Singh Virk, Gurgram Police Commissioner, has not been transferred from Gurgram to Rohtak, He is still Gurgaon Police Commissioner."



There were reports that orders have been issued by the state government to transfer Virk to Rohtak and replace him with Sandeep Khirawar.

District Public Relation Officer (DPRO) Gurgram , R S Sangwan, also refuted the news and said, "This news of transfer of CP is sheer rumour. There is no such order."



Virk was among the officers seen managing the flood situation in Highway 8 and other areas.

The problem started on Thursday evening following hours of persistent rain in Gurgram.

Several parts of the city got choked due to water logging leading to massive jams.

Among the worst-affected areas was the Hero Honda Chowk where water logging triggered jams on the Highway 8 that connects Gurgram to Delhi.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday said the year-long golden jubilee celebrations to mark the creation of the state will start from November 1.

Khattar, at a press conference after chairing an all-party meeting, said all political parties have assured of their cooperation in the celebrations.

Efforts would be made to involve all sections of the society and functions will also be held outside the state where people from reside, he said, adding those residing abroad would be invited.

was carved out of Punjab in 1966.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people not to take antibiotic medicines without a doctor's prescription.

"The habit of taking antibiotics can create a big problem. It may give relief for some time, but you should never take an antibiotic without doctor's prescription," Modi said in his radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Self-medication in the use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, he said.

"Government is committed to stop antibiotic resistance. You must have noticed that antibiotic medicine strips have a red line to warn you," the prime minister said.

He also urged people to be alert and prevent the spread of dengue which usually breaks out in the rainy season.

"Dengue can be prevented. We must be alert about cleanliness," Modi said.

"You must be seeing advertisements on TV, but sometimes we are indifferent. Government, hospitals and doctors will do their work, but you must be alert that dengue does not enter your household," he said.
President has extended greetings to the government and the people of the Swiss Confederation on the eve of their Day.

"On behalf of the government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it is with great pleasure that I extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency and to the people of the Swiss Confederation on the occasion of your Day," Mukherjee said in a message to Swiss Confederation President Johann N Schneider-Ammann.

"Historically India and Switzerland have shared warm and cordial relations, and the recent visit to Switzerland of India's Prime Minister underlines that friendship. I am confident that our governments will strive to work together to advance our friendly ties to the mutual benefit of our two peoples," Mukherjee said.
The 67 years old popular agitation for railway services to Tripura finally culminated in Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday flagging off the Agartala-Delhi passenger train services on the newly laid broad gauge track.

The much awaited weekly passenger train named "Tripura Sundari Express" would run between Agartala and Anand Vihar station of Delhi and Anand Vihar and Agartala covering a distance of around 2,480 km in 47 hours.

Bangladesh Railway Minister Mazibul Hoque, Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain and top officials of the Indian and Bangladesh government were present at the flagging off ceremony held at the Agartala railway station.

This railway connectivity is the lifeline for millions in Tripura, western Manipur and Mizoram besides southern Assam.

With the launch of the passenger train, the mountainous border state of Tripura has now been connected with the capital via Guwahati, Assam's main city which is about 600 km from Agartala.

The extension of then existing metre guage track up to northeastern state capital of Agartala brought the city on India's rail map for the first time in October 2008 since the advent of the railways in this subcontinent in 1853.

The single-track 227 km metre-gauge link  Badarpur (south Assam) to Agartala  was converted into broad-gauge track earlier this year spending Rs 2,016 crore.

"Though a veteran journalist Amiya Deb Roy first wrote a letter to the central government to extend railway network in Tripura in 1949, the formal agitation for rail had begun in December 1951 through a mass gathering addressed by veteran communist leaders Jyoti Basu, Muzaffar Ahmad and S A Dange," said writer and journalist Tapas Debnath.

He told IANS: "Former parliamentarians and top Tripura Left leaders Dasaratha Deb and Biren Datta had first raised the demand in the Lok Sabha for an extension of railway network to Agartala in 1952."

The stir got a new impetus after the CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) led Left Front government headed by former Chief Minister Nripen Chakraborty assumed office first time in 1978. Chakraborty met then railway minister Madhu Dandavate on January 12, 1978, and put up a strong demand to put Agartala on the railway network.

A series of movements had been organised in Tripura, Guwahati and New Delhi for extension of railway network to Tripura. Incumbent Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Revenue and PWD Minister Badal Choudhury among many other leaders were actively involved in these agitations.

"Agartala is the first state capital in independent India connected with rail network in October 2008," said S S Narayanan, a senior official of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).

Thousands of cheerful people gathered at the Agartala railway station on Sunday to witness the historic moment, with some women blowing conch shells to wish the formal launch of the train services a successful one.

"It took more than four decades to connect the capital city after northern Tripura's business hub Dharmanagar came on the railway map in 1964," said Choudhury. Dharmanagar is about 200 km from here.

"The NFR has so far spent about Rs 2,016 crore to connect Agartala by rail by making two big tunnels through the Longtharai Valley and Atharamura Hills and constructing a record number of 233 minor and major bridges," said an NFR engineer.

The 1,962-metre Longtharai tunnel is the longest railway tunnel in eastern India.

The NFR is now laying broad-gauge track for the 112-km Agartala-Sabroom line by March 2018 and investing Rs 3,351 crore.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said: "After the Indian Railways extends its line up to Sabroom, it would be very easy to connect with the Chittagong international sea port in southeast Bangladesh, which is just 75 km from the Tripura border town."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Dhaka in June last year has laid the foundation stone to construct a bridge over Feni river, adjoining Sabroom, to connect the town with Bangladssh's hill town Khagrachari. This will open another railway link between the two neighbours after the existing Kolkata-Dhaka and proposed Agartala-Akhaura rail links.

"After extending the railway line to Sabroom, Tripura and the entire northeast would be linked with Southeast Asia very easily," Sarkar told IANS.

Meanwhile, the NFR has already undertaken works to lay 15 km railway track to connect Agartala with Bangladeshi railway station Akhaurah, an important rail junction in adjoining Bangladesh.
Even as the government is looking into the reasons for poor response towards the BPO scheme, it is not likely to relax the clause regarding expansion as Niti Aayog is against such a move.
The central governments scheme for incentives to business process outsourcing (BPO) operations, termed the Indian BPO Promotion Scheme, has got a poor response. The reason why is being investigated.
The contentious dispute resolution mechanism under the proposed goods and services tax (GST) regime would not be a permanent structure. A temporary set-up is envisaged to address differences among or between states, and with the Centre, sources said.
Despite a speedy allocation of through e-auction, a legal jam seems to have delayed decisions on 20-odd ones, with the high court here having reserved judgment in as many as 25 cases. And, orders in 17 of these have been awaited for more than a year.
Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) on Sunday announced raising of $1 billion (about Rs 6,700 crore) by selling bonds to overseas investors.

Initially announced for $500 million, the issue was upsized to $1 billion based on strong demand from the investors, said in a statement.

The issue attracted a total order book in excess of $2.50 billion from over 157 investors. This was the largest issuance ever for and also the largest single tranche issuance out of India in 2016, it claimed.

"The bank is the closest proxy to sovereign in the international markets and the 10 year issuance was based on investors' feedback, so that benchmark 10 year curve out of India could be established," Chairman and Managing Director Yaduvendra Mathur said.

The funds thus raised will be used by the bank to support Indian project exports, overseas investment by way of long term credit and its lines of credit portfolio, he said.

Having initially marketed the deal at 210 basis points over US Treasuries, the bank was able to achieve a final pricing of 187.5 basis points over US Treasuries, to yield 3.383% on a coupon of 3.375% resulting in negative new issue premium against a very strong market backdrop, he added.

Yield achieved on the bonds is the lowest on a $500 million deal by an Indian entity since 2000, he claimed.

Exim Bank aims to promote India's international trade and investment.

The bank supports Indian exporting companies, especially medium-sized enterprises, in their globalisation efforts through a variety of lending programmes.
Having announced capital infusion of Rs 22,915 crore in PSU banks, the Ministry has asked them to submit plans for raising resources through markets, including public offers and sale of non-core assets.

"With the infusion, the financial strength of the will get a boost. This can be then leveraged by the to raise funds from the markets which is looking up," sources said.

were advised to submit funds raising from market at a meeting of chief financial officers of public sector banks (PSBs) with senior ministry officials to discuss the capital allocation recently.

Under Indradhanush roadmap announced by the ministry last year, the government will infuse Rs 70,000 crore in PSBs over 4 years while they will have to raise a further Rs 1.1 lakh crore from the markets to meet their capital requirements in line with global risk norms Basel-III.

"Improved valuations coupled with value unlocking from non-core assets as well as improvements in capital productivity, will enable PSBs to raise the remaining Rs 1,10,000 crore from the market," Indradhanush plan said.

The government is committed to making extra budgetary provisions in FY'18 and FY'19, to ensure that PSBs remain adequately capitalised to support economic growth, it said.

According to sources, 75% of the announced allocation will be disbursed immediately while the balance will be linked to the banks' performance.

Out of the Rs 22,915 crore, State Bank of India (SBI) will get Rs 7,575 crore, followed by Indian Overseas Bank (Rs 3,101 crore) and Punjab National Bank (Rs 2,816 crore).

The other lenders, which have received capital infusion are Bank of India (Rs 1,784 crore), Central Bank of India (Rs 1,729 crore), Syndicate Bank (Rs 1,034 crore), UCO Bank (Rs 1,033 crore), Canara Bank (Rs 997 crore), United Bank of India (Rs 810 crore), Union Bank of India (Rs 721 crore), Corporation Bank (Rs 677 crore), Dena Bank (Rs 594 crore) and Allahabad Bank (Rs 44 crore).

The infusion will boost the government's shareholdings in the banks, which have been under-capitalised compared with their private peers because of restrictions on their ability to sell equity to raise money.

The average Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR), or the ratio of a bank's capital to its risk, for public sector banks stood at 11.6% as of March 31, lower than 13.2% for banking system as a whole.

Basel-III regulations provide for bank to have a minimum capital ratio of 9% by March 31, 2019.
Democratic presidential nominee today slammed her Republican rival Donald Trump for calling a decorated retired army veteran as a "failed general" in his fight against the ISIS.

Gen (retd) John Allen is a "distinguished Marine, a hero and a patriot. Donald Trump called him a failed general. Why? Because he does not believe Donald Trump should be commander in chief," Clinton said at an election rally in Pennsylvania.

Allen was critical of Trump during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, saying he is unfit to become the commander-in-chief.

A day later, Trump described him as a "failed general".

"He (Trump) loses his cool at the slightest provocation. Just yesterday, he went after General (retd) John Allen, who commanded our troops in Afghanistan.

"Our Commander-in-Chief shouldn't insult and deride our generals, retired or otherwise. That really should go without saying, but I'm going to respond on behalf of General Allen to those kinds of insults," she said.

However, Trump continued with his criticism of Gen Allen and said that he did not do well against ISIS.

"I'll tell you, the generals aren't doing so well right now. Now, I have a feeling it may be Obama's fault. But if you look at ISIS... General McArthur and General Patton, they're spinning in their graves. The generals certainly aren't doing very well right now," Trump told the ABC News in an interview.

"And General Allen, after I saw he was ranting and raving about me, who he never met, I checked up. Guess what. They weren't so happy with him. He didn't beat ISIS. He didn't do even well with ISIS," Trump said, according to the transcripts released by his campaign.
The United States must extradite Islamic preacher to Turkey to remove any suspicion that Washington was involved in the failed July 15 coup, the mayor of Ankara Melih Gokcek said.

Gokcek, mayor for over 22 years and one of the most senior figures in the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, also told AFP in an interview he feared Turkey was entering a period where top officials could be at risk of assassination.

Turkey has squarely blamed Gulen for masterminding the rebellion, saying he assiduously built up a "parallel state" with followers in all institutions. From his secluded compound in Pennsylvania, the preacher has denied the charges.

Turkish authorities have launched a sweeping nationwide purge of suspected Gulen supporters since the coup, dismissing more than 50,000 people from their jobs and detaining more than 18,000.

With some officials now even alleging that Washington could have had a hand in the putsch, Ankara wants the United States to send back Gulen to face trial in the country he left in 1999.

"For America to prove it is not behind the coup, there is only one thing to do, deliver (him) to Turkey," Gokcek told AFP in the capital.

He claimed that the US had already given "signals" it was involved in the coup after a top American general expressed concern that many of Washington's former Turkish military interlocutors were now in jail.

"How will it be known whether America is or is not involved in this business? If they deliver (Gulen) there is no problem. But if they don't the United States will not escape from the dock."



Gokcek, who had previously suggested Gulen was hypnotising people, expressed bewilderment that Washington had tolerated the cleric's presence and allowed his foundations to open up schools in the US.

"For America to tolerate this, it seems there are connections to FETO," he said, referring to what Turkey calls the Fethullah Terror Organisation (FETO).

The US State Department has rejected suggestions it had any hand in the coup as "ludicrous".

Gokcek said Gulen's role in Turkey went back to the premierships of Bulent Ecevit in the 1970s and admitted the AKP had mistakenly formed an alliance with his similarly Islamic-leaning supporters when it first came to power in 2002.

"But their biggest aim was to use us and to get their own people inside the army," he said.

Gokcek, one of the most outspoken senior figures in the AKP who regularly updates 3.4 million followers on Twitter with his views, said there would no longer be a risk of coups in Turkey but rather of assassinations.

"Politicians will be at risk of assassinations... Of course I have increased my security," he said.
Democrats and Republicans agreed on almost nothing at their conventions this month, except this: Free trade, just a decade ago the bedrock of the economic agendas of both parties, is now a political pariah.
Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas said any reboot of peace talks with Israel should happen within a clear timeframe and under supervision, after meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry in Paris.

Abbas also held talks with French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault on the prospects of achieving a two-state solution, senior Palestinian official Saeb Erakat said, describing both discussions as "very constructive".

"We need a timeline for the negotiations, we need a timeline for the implementation, and we need an framework that will ensure the implementation of any agreement reached," Erakat told reporters yesterday.

France has been leading a fresh initiative to revive the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, after the last round of negotiations collapsed in 2014.

But while Palestinians have welcomed the French push, Israel has said it favours direct negotiations.

Abbas "reiterated our full support to the French initiative that aims to convene an conference before the end of the year," Erakat said.

The Palestinian negotiator added that there was "no contradiction" between the French, US and more recently Egyptian efforts to break the deadlock and move the peace talks forward.

"All these efforts aim to revive the peace process, to achieve the two-state solution (based) on the 1967 lines. They are complementary," he said.

The diplomatic initiatives showed that the "status quo can't be sustained", he added, reiterating the need for Israel to "stop all settlement activities" in order to give "credibility to any peace process".

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 in Paris, Kerry also held talks with his French counterpart on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"They agreed that strong leadership was required by all parties to help reduce the violence and take practical steps that can lead to meaningful discussions," the US State Department said in a statement.
Four years ago, Abhishek Ganguly was on his way out of Reebok. He had been poached by and was asked to head the German company's India operations. One of his directors pulled him to the side and questioned his decision. He wondered why a rising star would join a company that would be an also-ran in the Indian market. A market, dominated by Nike, Reebok and Adidas. "What kind of sales will you even do?" his boss asked.
With the arrest of yet another of its MLA, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday came down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi questioning his sanity and accusing of him of acting on pure 'vengeance' against the Delhi government.

"Another AAP MLA arrested.Has Modi gone mad?Has he lost his mental balance? If PM acts with such anger/vengeance then is country safe!," AAP leader Ashutosh tweeted.

AAP legislator from Narela Sharad Chauhan, who was earlier grilled by police in the alleged suicide of a party worker, was arrested on Saturday night.

Soni, an AAP worker had committed suicide on July 19, alleging harassment by fellow party worker Ramesh Bhardwaj, who allegedly asked her for sexual favours.
Afghan Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah's Twitter account has been hacked by unknown hackers, said his office.

Javid Faisal, a spokesman for CEO Abdullah in a tweet confirmed the matter, reports the Khaama Press.

"CE Dr. Abdullah's Twitter Account "@afgexecutive" has been hacked by unknown hackers. Our press and IT teams are trying to restore it," said Faisal.

The tweet on Abdullah Abdullah's account read, "I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery."

It also uses the hashtags #enlightenment #enlightenmentmovement.

The Twitter campaign with the hashtags were reportedly launched by the participants of the demonstration which was targeted last Saturday that left at least 80 people dead and over 200 others wounded.

The Enlightenment Movement comprising of the civil society activists on July 23 organised the massive demonstration which was the second largest rally in Kabul city within the past two months.

The people were protesting against the change of the route of a massive power project from its original path of central provinces to Salang.

The attack took place shortly after the rally participants had gathered in Deh Mazang area of the city.

Though the loyalists of ISIS claimed responsibility behind the incident but, a commission has been formed by the Afghan government to investigate the blast.

The protesters have, however, called for an independent and international probe.
The Indian Army on Sunday paid tribute to two soldiers who lost their lives while foiling an infiltration bid by Pakistan sponsored terrorists in Kashmir.

Chief of Army staff General Dalbir Singh laid wreath at the mortal remains of Sepoy Babloo Singh and Sepoy Vishal Chaudhary, which were brought to the capital from Srinagar by Indian Airlines flight IA 826.

Sepoy Babloo Singh was a resident of Jandipur village, Mathura. He was 29 years old and had been in service of the Indian army for 11 years. He is survived by his wife Ravita Devi and two children, a six year old son and a four year old daughter.

Sepoy Vishal Chaudhary was a resident of Ronda village in Bulandhshahr, Uttar Pradesh. He was 30 years old and has been in service of the Indian Army for 11 years. He is survived by his wife Madhu Singh, two daughters and a son, who are six year old triplets.

The present infiltration bid was foiled in the Nowgam District of Kupwara in Kashmir where, in an earlier infiltration bid on July 25, four Pakistani terrorists were killed and one was captured alive.

In the encounter that has led to the martyrdom of these two brave soldiers, two terrorists, who had infiltrated from Pakistan, were killed.
Asserting that terrorists have no claim on human rights, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) ideologue Rakesh Sinha on Sunday criticised those shedding 'crocodile tears' over Burhan Wani, saying that Hizbul Mujahideen commander's killing was 'justified'.

Sinha was reacting to Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh's remark that killing of Burhan Wani was an 'accident'.

"Burhan Wani was a terrorist and that too ha wasn't an ordinary terrorist. He worked under the instructions from Pakistan to challenge India's integrity. Encounter of such a terrorist is justified," Sinha told ANI.

"I would like to tell those shedding crocodile tears on his killing that terrorists have no clam on human rights. They are enemies of mankind, what happened to him was right," he added.

When asked about Wani's killing and the recent remarks made by certain leaders about it, Singh yesterday said the security forces had no prior information and the identification of bodies was done after the terrorists were killed.

"There was a routine anti-terrorism operation. Four Pakistani terrorists were killed, at that time there was no information. The identification was done after that," he told media persons in Katra.

"If there was any prior information then we could have taken some precautions. We did know about the terrorists....This was an accident. We did not know beforehand. Terrorists have to be dealt with guns," he added.

However, he later retracted from his remark and said he never called it an accident.

"I never said that. I was asked a question by a correspondent if the state government had failed after Burhan Wani's killing, and I was only explaining that because it was a routine anti-terrorist operation, had security forces known, they would have taken better precautions" Singh told ANI.
The anti-corruption division of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday arrested Aurangabad airport director Alok Varshney for accepting bribe of Rs. 10,000 as the first instalment out of a total demand of alleged bribe of Rs. 50,000.

The agency carried out searches last night at the official quarter and office of Aurangabad airport director and at present searches is continuing.

The CBI authorities remained tight lipped about the entire operation but confirmed that the action was based on the basis of corruption related complaint against Varshney.

CBI sources said that the seized documents and other material and articles would be scanned.

The CBI officials maintained that the airport director recently came under watch after complaint against him was received with specific inputs about the alleged corrupt activities.
Commenting on the two different statements given by the Centre and Mehbooba Mufti-led Jammu and Kashmir Government on Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani's encounter, Press Club of India (PCI) president Rahul Jalali on Sunday asked them to speak in one voice on the issue.

"The diversion in views of the state and Centre is because they are from two different parties. I don't understand what is going on. This is a question, did they want to not eliminate Burhan Wani. They want to set him free," Jalali told ANI.

He added that Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister should evaluate the entire situation as they can't speak differently on the issue.

"They both have to speak one language, one voice. They have to match the statement they gave," he said.

Yesterday, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh stated that if the security personnel had known about the Hizbul Mujahideen commander's presence then better precautionary measures would have been taken.

"I was asked a question by a correspondent if the state government had failed after Burhan Wani's killing, and I was only explaining that because it was a routine anti-terrorist operation, had security forces known, they would have taken better precautions" Singh told ANI here.

His comments came in the wake of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti stating that security forces were unaware about Wani's identity during the encounter in which he was neutralized.

When asked about Wani's killing and the recent remarks made by certain leaders about it, Singh said the security forces had no prior information and the identification of bodies was done after the terrorists were killed.

At least 47 people have died and around 5,500 people, including 3,000 security personnel, have also been injured in the violence that rocked the Valley since July 8, when Wani was killed in an encounter.
Stating that the Bulandshahr brutal gang-rape incident is a disgrace to the society, Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma on Sunday sought answers from the Samajwadi Party led-Uttar Pradesh Government over the deteriorating law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh.

"The incident is heart wrenching and also issues alert about the state of our society. I think the people of Uttar Pradesh as well as the state government will have to answer as to where the state is heading," Sharma told ANI.

"This incident shows there is no law and order in the state. The Samajwadi Party (SP)-led state government is answerable as to where they are taking the law and order situation in the state," he added.

At least 15 suspects have been detained in connection with the brutal gang-rape incident of a woman and her daughter.

Vaibhav Krishna, Senior Superintendent of Police, Bulandshahr, confirmed this to ANI.

The incident took place on Friday night when a 35-year-old woman and her 14-year-old daughter were allegedly gang-raped by a group of robbers in Bulandshahr district.

The victims were on their way from Noida to Shahjahanpur with the other family members when their vehicle was stopped near a cycle repairing shop in Dostpur village on NH-9, which connects Noida and Bulandshahr.

According to one of the relatives of the victims, a group of six to eight men dragged the mother-daughter duo from the vehicle and took them to the nearby field and allegedly raped them.

The culprits also snatched money and jewellery from the possession of the victims and fled the scene of crime.
Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan, Yao Jing, has said Beijing is considering specific requests of the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF).

During a meeting with National Security Adviser Mohammad Hanif Atmar, Yao reaffirmed his country's commitment to support Afghanistan, reports the Khaama Press.

Atmar in return thanked China for supporting his country and insisted on regional allies forming a consensus in the fight against terrorism.

The National Security Adviser's office in a statement said both sides also held discussions regarding expansion of economic and security cooperation besides talks on the fight against terrorism.

Earlier this month, Afghanistan received the first batch of military aid from China as it has been attempting to increase its role in supporting Kabul amid deteriorating security situation.

The Chinese Army had earlier pledged over $70 million to help, support and equip the Afghan security forces.

Chief of People's Liberation Army, Fang Fenghui, had during his visit to Afghanistan earlier in March announced fresh military aid.

He added that China would call a regional summit to implement the proposal by President Ashraf Ghani during the Shanghai Conference for the fight against terrorism.
China has booked a huge screen at New York's busiest commercial intersection, Times Square, which broadcasts 120 times a day a propaganda video that gives its own take on the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

The footage, which features foreign experts, states the recent tribunal in the Hague vainly attempted to deny China's "territorial sovereignty", has come under fire for misrepresenting the views of a British politician on China's island-building project, reports the Guardian.

British Labour Party MP Catherine West has issued a statement, saying her views were misrepresented in the video and that she was also misidentified as Labour's shadow foreign secretary.

"I think talks are crucial and that's why we have to be careful that, yes, we need to resolve something very locally and have a grown-up approach to dialogue," she says in the footage.

In a statement published by the Japan Times, West said: "I was unaware that these comments would be used in this manner."

She added her intention behind agreeing to appear in the video was to lend support for a peaceful resolution to the South China Sea dispute and that she didn't expect to be portrayed as supporting China's stance.

Meanwhile, Chinese state media claims the Times Square video is drawing "a huge response" and is helping China correct falsehoods propagated by the Hague ruling.

However, China itself is being accused of spreading falsehoods with this kind of a propaganda video.

Another expert quoted in the video is John Ross, identified as a "former policy director of economic and business policy of London". But the video does not mentions that Ross is a professor at Beijing's Renmin University and a frequent defender of China's policies in state-run media.

According to state media, China plans to play its three-minute-long video in Times Square 120 times a day until August 3.
The ministry of Consumer Affairs, in the stakeholders meeting assured the Direct Selling Industry that the draft Guidelines are in the final stages. The Direct Selling Industry is expecting these Guidelines to differentiate between legitimate Direct Selling entities from money circulation (Ponzi) and Pyramid schemes.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Food and Civil Supplies, said that the guidelines will address the issues being faced by the Industry as well as protect the interest of the consumers.

Terming the meeting with the minister very positive, IDSA Secretary General, Amit Chadha said, "We are hopeful that these guidelines would provide interim relief to the Industry. We are also hopeful that the Guidelines would clearly distinguish between legitimate Direct Selling entities from Ponzi or Pyramid schemes."

The Direct Selling Industry has been facing challenges at multiple fronts even after twenty years of existence in the country. Due to lack of regulatory clarity, there is always a challenge being posed by the entities who operate under the garb of Direct Selling.

"Since, the guidelines have been formulated after consultation with Industry representatives and other stakeholders it will certainly address a lot of issues the industry is facing currently. We have also recommended the government to notify the Guidelines as 'Rules' under the Consumer Protection Bill to give a legal sanctity," added Chadha.

"While talking to the industry stakeholders, government has clearly said that consumer protection remains their top priority. This is a very positive sign for the Industry itself as we also emphasise heavily in protecting the consumers from the imposters," said Chairman IDSA, Jitendra Jagota.
It is no secret that newly-wed Karan Singh Grover and Bipasha Basu, touted as a 'lovey-dovey couple', are leaving no chance of gushing over each other as recently KSG described his lovely wife to be his sunshine.

After a month-long trip to Maldives and then Madrid, the duo presently is holidaying in Bali as they recently shared a sneak peek of their fun with their fans.

Karan, 34, has flooded his Instagram handle with several pictures showing him enjoying with Bips. He shared a picture wherein both could be seen enjoying sunset, writing, "My sunshine and I watching the sunset together! All pink skies are for you...@fsbali #fourseasonsjimbaran"

Right from exploring the beautiful place to meditating, making funny videos, the two are having a whale of a time.

Bipasha and Karan, who starred together in the 2015 thriller 'Alone', tied the knot at a private ceremony on March 30 this year. Since then the couple seems to be enjoying their unending honeymoon spree.
Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, who inaugurated the much-awaited Agartala-Delhi broad gauge passenger rail service in Agartala, today said this has been possible because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the development of north-eastern states, adding the latter's dream is to make this region one of the highest per capita income-rich-areas in the country.

"Due to connectivity, more employment and income will be generated in the northeast. IRCTC would be advised to explore possibility of developing tourist packages for the northeast and Bangladesh for wider connectivity of the region," he added.

The Railway Minister further said the railway budget has increased every year during the rule of Prime Minister Modi's government, adding the budget will be more than 7,000 crore rupees for the region next year.

"More actions are to be taken by the ministry to improve the facilities of the Railway and efforts are being made to modernize it," he added.

The train was flagged off from Agartala railway station in presence of Prabhu's Bangladesh counterpart Minister Mazibul Hoque.

They also laid the foundation stone for the 15-km railway India Bangladesh rail link between Agartala and Akhwara in the neighouring country.

The new weekly train - Agartala-Anand Vihar (Delhi) Tripura Sundari Express (14019-14020) will leave every Sunday from Agartala station and in 48 hours reach its destination Anand Vihar station.

Tripura Governor Tathagata Ray, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Railway Minister of State Rajen Ghowai and several other Ministers and MPs of Tripura were present in the inauguration programme.

The new train will stop at Ambasa, Dharamnagar, Karimganj, Badarpur, New Halflong, Lemding, Hosai, Jagi Road, Guwahati, New Bongwai, New Jalpaiguri, Katihar, Barauni, Patliputra Junction, Mughalsarai, Allahabad and Kanpur Central.

Meanwhile, India will fund for the total 15 kilometer international rail project between India-Bangladesh, which is to be constructed at a cost of Rs 580 crores.

Recently the Ministry of Development Of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has already released the first installment of Rs 150 crore for the 5 kilometer overhead portion inside India and for which land acquisition work has already started.

The remaining 10 kilometer inside Bangladesh will cost Rs 360 crores to be funded by the India External Affairs Ministry.
Chaudhry Shahid, the father of Samia Shahid, has backtracked from his earlier statement and said that his daughter had committed suicide.

Samia, the British woman of Pakistani origin, was allegedly killed for 'honour', as per earlier reports.

Shahid had in his initial statement told the police that his daughter died of a cardiac arrest.

He, however, made the fresh statement before the four-member investigation team headed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Abubakar Khuda Bakhsh, reports the Dawn.

The investigators visited the Mangla Police Station yesterday and also held a meeting with the local police officials at the Police Lines.

Shahid, a suspect in the case lodged by Samia's second husband Syed Mukhtar Kazim, reportedly told the investigators that his daughter had committed suicide.

Kazim has alleged that his wife Samia, 28, a beautician from Bradford, was killed by her father and her first husband this month after being called to Pakistan on the pretence that her father was gravely ill.

He claimed that Samia was murdered in an 'honour killing' because her family disapproved of their marriage.
If recent buzz is to believed, actor Katrina Kaif has refused a film opposite South star Chiranjeevi and reportedly Kajal Aggarwal has been finalised as the leading lady in upcoming Telugu film, which would be a remake of Tamil hit 'Kaththi'.

According to a report in Spotboye, Katrina was asked to star opposite the South superstar, but she politely declined the offer and it is said that her decision came as a shock to the entire South industry.

The upcoming untitled Tamil film is being directed by V.V. Vinayak and would be produced by Ram Charan under Konidela Productions banner.

On a related note, the 'Fitoor actress' is currently busy with Nitya Mehra's upcoming film 'Baar Baar Dekho', which is slated to hit theatres on September 9.
The Singapore Police has arrested a Hizb ut-Tahir member named Zulfikar Mohamad Shariff (44) for spreading radical Islamist ideology online and radicalising at least two other citizens.

Hizb ut-Tahir is an international militant group banned in Bangladesh.

Zulfikar was arrested this month and ordered two years' detention, reports the Dhaka Tribune.

He made numerous Facebook posts that promoted and glorified terror group the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or Daesh and its violent actions.

His postings contributed to the radicalisation of at least two other Singaporeans.

He first came under the spotlight in 2002 as head of the fringe group Fateha and for challenging mainstream Muslim leaders and agitating for primary schoolgirls to be allowed to wear the headscarf in schools there.

He also hosted politicians from Malaysia's Parti Islam SeMalaysia and went to Malaysia to speak on the issue and draw international attention to it.

He later became a research fellow with Monash University, and led an organisation called the Association for Democracy in Singapore that purported to push for free speech.

He resettled his family in Australia in 2002, and continued to pursue extremism by joining Hizb ut-Tahrir.

He also established and maintained contact with radical preachers such as Australia's Musa Cerantonio, who has inspired foreigners to fight in Syria, and radical British cleric Anjem Choudary.
Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi on Sunday called for nation building to stop the crimes against women.

Criticising the recent rape incident in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Kiran Bedi on Sunday said the nation has to do character building and better role models are needed to make India a better place to live.

"The nation has to do nation building and character building through better quality of education which means role of parents and teachers and of course community leaders and public officials. They got to be the role models," Bedi told ANI.

"That is how you built better quality people, who will not commit crime against women," she added while responding to a poser on the recent incidents in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

While, taking serious note of the gang-rape in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr, the activists urged those in power not to shelter the criminals and called for a change in mindset.

A woman and her minor daughter were allegedly gang-raped by a group of robbers in Bulandshahr district on Friday night.

The victims were on their way from Noida to Shahjahanpur with the other family members when their vehicle was stopped near a cycle repairing shop in Dostpur village on NH-9, which connects Noida and Bulandshahr.

According to one of the relatives of the victims, a group of six to eight men dragged the mother-daughter duo from the vehicle and took them to the nearby field and allegedly raped them.

The culprits also snatched money and jewellery from the possession of the victims and fled the scene of crime.

As per reports, the family filed a police complaint the next day.

No arrests have yet been made in this case.
Taking note of the recent unrest in Medak district of Telangana over the Mallanna Sagar Project, the Congress Party on Sunday lashed out at the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) Government in the state while alleging that they were trying to turn the place into another Pakistan.

"Why is the government stopping us to visit Medak? If we want to go to Medak, we have to take a visa like we take it for Pakistan," said Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao.

Expressing his concern on the condition of farmers and problems faced by them, Rao said that the government should discuss the issue with opposition and try to solve it.

He said, "We are in the opposition and can safeguard the interest of the farmers. We are not against any development but the framers should not be victimized."

Earlier, on Tuesday, two Congress leaders were detained on their way to Medak District that is witnessing protests over land acquisition for the Mallanna Sagar irrigation project.

Besides, the Telangana Government has issued an advisory while restricting the entry of outsiders to the village.
Hitting back at Mayawati for calling him a slave of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), newly-inducted Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment on Sunday said that the BSP supremo was in fact the slave as she had become the chief minister thrice with the saffron party's support.

"I respect Mayawati, but I do not agree with her statement. I am not BJP's slave just because I aligned with them. She herself has been BJP's slave thrice. She became the chief minister thrice because of the BJP's support," Athawale told ANI here.

Swatting away Mayawati's charges that he was dividing the votes of the Dalits for political mileage, he added that he had dedicated himself to the service of the backward community.

Earlier today, BJP MP Udit Raj hit out at the BSP supremo as well, asserting that she never spared any emerging Dalit leader.

"Mayawati is always in the news for making statements. Has she done more work than me and Athawale towards Dalits? Whenever another Dalit leader opens his mouth, Mayawati pounces on him," Raj told ANI.

A day after Athawale questioned why Mayawati did not embrace Buddhism if she claimed to be Dr B R Ambedkar's follower, the BSP chief hit back at him saying that he was working with an aim to achieve BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of "dividing Dalit votes and making them work as slaves of other parties".

"The BJP and PM Modi have recently inducted some ministers with a slave mentality into the Cabinet. RPI's is one of them," she said.
With Mayawati accusing Union Minister Ramdas Athawale of working to divide Dalit votes, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Udit Raj hit back at the BSP supremo, asserting that she never spared any emerging Dalit leader.

"Mayawati is always in the news for making statements. Has she done more work than me and Athawale towards dalits? Whenever another Dalit leader opens his mouth, Mayawati pounces on him," Raj told ANI here.

Further stating that Mayawati has no authority to make such sweeping statement, the BJP Dalit leader said that for the past 15 years she has branded him as an agent for both the Congress and the BJP.

A day after Athawale questioned why Mayawati did not embrace Buddhism if she claimed to be an Ambedker follower, the BSP chief hit back at him saying that he was working with an aim to achieve BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of "dividing Dalit votes and making them work as slaves of other parties".

"The BJP and PM Modi have recently inducted some ministers with a slave mentality into the Cabinet. RPI's Ramdas Athawale is one of them," she said.

Athawale was recently inducted into the Narendra Modi cabinet and given the ministry of social justice.
Muslim community leaders have refused to bury Adel Kermiche (19), one of the terrorists who killed a Catholic priest in northern France.

Mohammed Karabila, president of the local Muslim cultural association, said that neither he nor the local Imam would take part in any burial service for Kermiche, who had pledged allegiance to ISIS, reports CNN.

Kermiche was one of two men who took five people hostage during the morning Mass on Tuesday at a Catholic church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, before forcing the priest to his knees and slitting his throat.

Reverend Jacques Hamel, 86, was stabbed in the chest before he was killed at the foot of the altar.

Kermiche was known to authorities as his trial was pending and he even wore an electronic monitoring during the terror act, according to French prosecutor Francois Molins.

Kermiche and his accomplice Abdel-Malik Petitjean (19) were shot dead by the police as they ran from the church.

The mayor's office will make the final decision on whether Kermiche can be buried in the town.
Lambasting at Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for his comment on Bollywood actor Aamir Khan that 'anyone speaking against the country, must be taught a lesson', the Congress on Sunday said it established the fact that anyone who disagrees with Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has no right to live in India.

"The statement of Manohar Parrikar now establishes that the Dalits, the poor, the minorities, the artists and writers and anybody who disagrees with Modi Government has no space to dissent in India. More so, even right to live is being now snatched away," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told ANI.

Surjewala said the conspiracy that Parrikar has unknowingly now unleashed has exposed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) targeted the Snapdeal company, booked orders and cancelled in pursuance of a conspiracy with a single-minded opinion to ensure that Aamir was removed as the brand ambassador.

"Aamir Khan was attacked by BJP's acolytes, including BJP and RSS supporter is hither to unknown to India's independent history. It now establishes that there is a concerted conspiracy against the poor, the Dalits, the minorities as also writers, artists and anybody who dissent against Modi Government," he added.

Asserting that now the Defence Minister has exposed the ugly truth of conspiracy hatched by the BJP and the Modi Government, Surjewala said it now needs to be questioned as to what was that conspiracy, who was running it and which portion of the government was sponsoring it.

At the launch of the Marathi edition of a book by journalist Nitin Gokhale in Pune yesterday, Parrikar didn't take any name but hinted at Aamir while delivering his speech.

"How can anyone dare to talk ill about our country? If anyone speaks like this, they need to be taught a lesson. People have shown their power. An actor did this mistake. said his wife wants to go and stay in a foreign country. It was an arrogant statement. However small my house is, I have to love my house & aim to make it big bungalow," he said.

Parrikar said when Aamir made such a comment, the people discontinued their association with an online trading company he was associated with.

"Many people ordered and then returned the order to teach a lesson to the company, the company had to finally pull out his advertisement. Lessons on patriotism and respecting your motherland can only be learnt at home. When you treat your mother and father with disrespect, your kids see it, you can be sure he will treat u the same way," he added.

In November 2015 at the Ramnath Goenka Awards, Aamir had spoken about a sense of insecurity resulting from increasing intolerance in the country and mentioned his wife Kiran Rao's apprehensions about the future of their child in India.

A few months later, e-commerce giant Snapdeal, for which Aamir was brand ambassador, did not renew his contract.
Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu will flag off the maiden broad gauge train service from Agartala to Delhi today.

The 'Tripura Sundari Express' will run weekly between Agartala and Anand Vihar in New Delhi.

It will have commercial stoppages at 16 stations and cover a distance of 2461 kms in 46 hrs. 50 minutes.

The train will leave Agartala for New Delhi every Thursday and will leave New Delhi for the return journey every Monday.

The Railway Minister will also lay the foundation stone of the Agartala-Akhaura International Rail link Project with Bangladesh Railway Minister Md. Mazibul Hoque.
Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi will visit Washington D.C. this September, spokesperson U. Zaw Htay said.

U Zaw confirmed that Suu Kyi had accepted an invitation from the White House and will plan her visit which will coincide with the 71st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, reports the Myanmar Times.

He added that President U. Htin Kyaw is likely not to join Suu Kyi.

On July 27, Ben Rhodes, U.S. President Barack Obama's Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications, delivered the invitation during a visit to Nay Pyi Taw in which Washington announced U.S. $21 million economic support.

The visit will mark the first time after Suu Kyi took charge as State Counsellor after November's landmark elections.

Obama has visited Myanmar twice under the previous administration, the first in 2012, when Suu Kyi was under house arrest and again in 2014.
The Turkish Government has released hundreds of soldiers who were arrested after the failed coup attempt by the military on July 15.

As many as 758 of the 989 soldiers held after failed power grab were freed on Saturday on the recommendation of a judge in Istanbul, after the soldiers provided testimony on their involvement in the execution of the plot to oust Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reports CNN.

The judge called the detention of the soldiers, including military students, unnecessary.

However, 231 soldiers still remain behind bars.

In a big crackdown post the coup, at least 1,389 suspected military personnel have been expelled from the Turkish Armed Forces.

A total of 15,846 people have been detained, the majority of the detentions being military. In addition to the large number of detentions 8,113 individuals have also been arrested.

Earlier in the week, the President also dropped many pending lawsuits against people he deemed to have insulted him during or after the coup.

"As a milestone, I hereby withdraw all the cases filed for insulting me and forgive all the offenders," he said.

In addition to mass arrests, Turkish authorities have fired or suspended at least 60,000 people from various institutions, including some from state-run organizations.
Taking a strong exception to the United States expressing concern over reports of "rising intolerance and violence" in the country, the Janata Dal (United) on Sunday said the U.S. should first rein in Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump, who has been an exponent of intolerance, before 'lecturing' India.

"Who is the U.S. to lecture us on intolerance? It's an internal affair of India, let them worry about their nation. Bullets are being fired in nightclubs there. If they are so worried about intolerance then why don't they rein in Donald Trump, he is the most intolerant person. Leave the intolerance in India on our authorities," JD (U) spokesperson Ajay Alok told ANI.

Responding to questions on reports of increasing incidents of violence over beef in India, US State Department spokesperson John Kirby earlier said that U.S. stood in support of exercising of freedom of religion and expression and in confronting all forms of intolerance in India.

As per reports, he also asked India to do "everything in its power" to protect its citizens.

Earlier this week, two Muslim women in Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur were thrashed by cow protection groups on the suspicion of carrying beef.

Kirby reportedly said the US looks forward to continuing to work with India to realise their tolerant and inclusive vision, which was in the interests of both India and the U.S.
At least 20 Islamic State militants were killed over the past 24 hours as security forces started military operations in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, an official said on Sunday.

The forces targeted the IS hideouts in Kot and Achid districts of Nangarhar, a militant stronghold, on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported.

However, the official did not comment on the casualties of security forces.

The IS militant group has not commented either yet.

Nangarhar province with Jalalabad as its capital, 120 km east of Kabul, has been the scene of increasing IS activities since early last year.
At least six militants were killed and four others injured in a clash in Khakriz district of Afghanistan's southern Kandahar province, police spokesman Abdul Bashir Khaksar said on Monday.

According to the official, the clash erupted after Taliban militants stormed some security checkpoints in Mandozai area of Khakriz district early on Sunday, triggering a gun battle which lasted for a few hours leaving six rebels dead, forcing militants to flee, Xinhua news agency reported.

Four more insurgents sustained injuries, the official said. However, he did not make comment on possible casualties of security personnel.

Taliban outfit has yet to make comment.

--IANS

anp/vm

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Another AAP legislator, Sharad Chauhan, was arrested along with five others here on Sunday in connection with the suicide of a woman party worker, prompting an angry outburst by Delhi's ruling party against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The woman, Soni, committed suicide on July 19 after being allegedly harassed by Ramesh Bhardwaj, a supporter of Chauhan.

Those arrested include a suspended Assistant Sub-Inspector in Delhi Police, Mukhtiyar Singh, who was probing the harassment case filed by Soni against Bhardwaj. The others were identified as Rajnikant, Amit Bharadwaj, Mohan Verma and Sanjay, a police spokesman said.

Chauhan's arrest prompted an angry reaction from AAP leader Ashutosh who wondered if Modi had "lost his mental balance".

In a series of tweets, Ashutosh attacked Modi over the arrests of AAP MLAs.

"Another AAP MLA arrested. Has Modi gone mad? Has he lost his mental balance? If PM acts with such anger/vengeance, then is country safe," he asked.

With the arrest of Sharad Chauhan, the total number of AAP legislators arrested so far has become 12.

The other AAP MLAs arrested are Amanatullah Khan, Prakash Jarwal, Dinesh Mohaniya, Jagdeep Singh, Mahendra Yadav, Akhilesh Tripathi, Somnath Bharti, Surinder Singh, Manoj Kumar, Jitender Singh Tomar and Naresh Yadav.

All but Mehrauli MLA Naresh Yadav, who was arrested by the Punjab Police in connection with the alleged sacrilege incident which took place on June 24 in Malerkotla, Punjab, are out on bail.

Khan, MLA from Okhla, was arrested by the Delhi police after a woman alleged he threatened to mow her down after she visited his residence to raise the issue of power cuts.

Deoli MLA Jarwal was arrested for allegedly misbehaving and assaulting a woman. Mohaniya, MLA from Sangam Vihar constituency, was arrested on charges of assaulting a woman. Jagdeep Singh from Hari Nagar constituency was arrested for allegedly assaulting the manager of a waste management company.

Vikaspuri MLA Mahendra Yadav was arrested under various charges, including rioting and assaulting a public servant during a protest, while Model Town MLA Tripathi was arrested on charges of rioting and criminal intimidation.

Bharti, an MLA from Malviya Nagar constituency, was arrested in connection with a domestic violence and attempt to murder case lodged by his wife.

Surinder Singh, MLA from Delhi Cantonment assembly constituency, was arrested for allegedly assaulting an employee of the New Delhi Municipal Corporation. Manoj Kumar, an MLA from Kondli constituency, was arrested in a case of alleged cheating and land grabbing, while Tomar, MLA from Tri Nagar constituency, was accused of cheating, forgery, forgery with the purpose of cheating and criminal conspiracy.

Ashutosh said that instead of appreciating the "great job" done by the AAP government in Delhi, Modi was arresting its legislators.

"Great initiatives are taken by Delhi government in education and health. Instead of praising (them), Modi is sending AAP MLAs to jail. Is (the) country safe in his hands?"

--IANS

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Thousands of took a pledge here on Sunday not to lift carcasses in protest against the attacks on by upper caste Hindu activists.

The collective pledge was taken at a Dalit rally called by as many as 30 Dalit groups from across Gujarat and backed by the quasi religious body Jamiat-e-Ulema-Hind.

Although the Acher ST Depot ground here can accommodate only about 5,000 people, witnesses said the venue was swelling, with thousands taking up every inch of space available in the vicinity.

Organisers said the Dalit show of strength was meant to protest against what they said were atrocities against the community, in particular the brutal thrashing of four Dalit youths in Una.

This is the first time in Gujarat that as many as 30 Dalit groups from across the state have come together to raise a plethora of issues facing the community for decades.

They have rallied under the banner of 'Una Dalit Atyachar Ladat Samiti' (Una Dalit Fight against Atrocities Committee), with Jignesh Mevani as their convener.

Mevani is a young low-profile lawyer who has been single-handedly fighting several court battles for the .
The delay in delivering an indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) will adversely impact the Indian Navy, with one of its two carriers in the process of being decommissioned, the government auditor has pointed out.

The Comptroller and Auditor General, in a report tabled in parliament this week, also pointed out that there was "continuing disagreement over project timelines between the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Limited (where the IAC is being fitted out), with realistic dates for delivery yet to be worked out."

The delay has also resulted in the cost escalating beyond the originally sanctioned Rs. 19,341 crore, the report said, adding that the overall physical progress of the carrier was not assessable.

The shipyard says the carrier will be delivered in 2023, five years behind schedule. With INS Viraat in the process of being decommissioned -- she set out on her farewell voyage from Mumbai to Kochi earlier this week -- India will be left with only one aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya against its requirement of at least two to be deployed on the western and eastern seaboards.

"While the Indian Navy envisions ready combat availability of two aircraft carriers at any given time, with INS Vikramaditya in service and INS Viraat likely to be decommissioned in 2016-17, continuous shifting of timelines of delivery of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier will adversely impact naval capabilities," the CAG report said.

(The CAG was, perhaps, unaware of the timeline for INS Viraat de-comissioning.)

The auditor has said that the Cochin Shipyard Limited and the Indian Navy were not operating in sync.

"The shipyard projected that delivery schedule of the aircraft carrier would be in 2023, against December 2018 as per approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security. The Indian Navy and the shipyard were not operating in sync, which was reflected in lack of agreement on project timelines as well as lack of review of project timelines, for arriving at a realistic delivery date," the CAG said.

Factors like shortage of requisite steel delayed the commencement of fabricating the hull, while late receipt of critical equipment like diesel alternators and gearboxes delayed the launching of the ship.

The report also said delayed constitution of the Empowered Apex Committee meant the project was not being monitored at the apex level and the Steering Committee remained dysfunctional between October 2007 to August 2013, which was almost the entire duration of Phase-I of the project.

There was also a shortfall in the meetings of the Project Management Board and other project monitoring mechanisms.

"Neither the ministry nor the shipyard could assess the physical state of construction of the ship as the ministry failed to incorporate essential formats for progress reporting in the contracts," the CAG said.

The report also said that the MiG-29K aircraft that will operate from the IAC continues to face operational deficiencies due to defects in engines, airframe and fly-by-wire system.

The compatibility of the aircraft for deck operations is also still to be fully proved.

The report said as a result of issues facing the MiG-29K, the delayed delivery of the IAC would reduce the service life of the jets.

(Anjali Ojha can be contacted at anjali.o@ians.in)

--IANS

ao/vm/ky
At least eight people were killed when a two-storey dilapidated building collapsed in Thane district's Bhiwandi town, police said.

"So far, we have recorded eight deaths, 22 have been rescued and further rescue efforts are underway to save other trapped victims," a police spokesperson told IANS.

The accident occurred in Gaibinagar locality of this town famous for its powerloom industry, around 35 km north of Mumbai, when the rickety building which housed some 10 families crashed around 8.30 a.m.

The local municipal corporation had earlier declared the building as hazardous for occupation, but the families continued to live there, locals told media persons.

Teams of the disaster management forces, the city fire brigade and civic body were engaged in the rescue work which was severely hampered by torrential rains that continued to lash the entire coastal Maharashtra since Saturday evening.

--IANS

qn/ksk/vt
Khizr Khan, the father of an American Muslim soldier slain in Iraq, said on Sunday that Donald Trump has "a dark heart", in response to the US Republican presidential candidate's controversial comeback to the speech he gave on July 28 at the Democratic National Convention.

"He has a dark heart...he is not suitable, not fit, even for the candidacy of the stewardship that he is seeking," said Khan, an attorney and Pakistani immigrant to the US in a statement on CNN's "State of the Union" program.

The soldier's father was reacting to Trump's remarks about his speech to the Democratic National Convention this week in Philadelphia, at which Hillary Clinton was officially nominated Democratic party's candidate for the White House, EFE news reported.

In his speech, Khan, accompanied by his wife Ghazala, slammed Trump for his idea of temporarily banning Muslims from entering the United States to deal with the threat of jihadist terrorism.

Trump has "sacrificed nothing and no one", Khan, whose son Humayun, a captain in the US Army, died in a car-bomb attack in 2004 in Iraq, said at the convention,

In an interview that aired on Saturday on the ABC network, Trump answered that he has made "a lot of sacrifices" and asked if "Hillary's script writers" wrote Khan's speech.

The magnate also suggested that perhaps his wife didn't speak together with her husband because she probably "wasn't allowed to", an apparent reference to her condition as a Muslim woman.

"If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say," EFE news quoted Trump as saying.

Khan's wife Ghazala said on Friday during an interview on the MSNBC network that she didn't speak because the death of her son still hurts her deeply and she can't help being overcome by emotion when she sees his photo.

Khan said on CNN that the fact that Trump has no respect for a Gold Star mother "is insulting, foolish and ignorant".

"Running for President is not an entitlement to disrespect Gold Star families and (a) Gold Star mother, not realising her pain," the attorney told ABC News.

--IANS

lok/
The flood situation in worsened on Sunday, with many rivers breaching their banks and affecting hundreds of thousands of people, officials said.

More than 2.6 million people have been hit by the floods in the state including half a million who have been displaced across 12 districts, the officials said.

Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav visited the flood affected Supaul district on Sunday and said: "We are fully prepared to provide relief and rescue the affected people."

Senior officials said relief and rescue operations were going on in full swing.

He said the flood situation was grim in some districts following rising water level in rivers.

The government has deployed 587 personnel of the Disaster Response Force and the state disaster response force in the worst hit areas.

A Water Resources Department official said 2,034 villages had been affected by the floods.

Of the five lakh people displaced till Sunday, nearly 2.50 lakh are living in different shelters.

"Thousands have taken shelter in higher areas, on highways and in schools and other buildings," an official said.

The government has set up 412 relief camps and deployed 1,019 boats in relief and rescue work.

The worst hit districts are Purnea, Kishanganj, Araria, Darbhanga, Madhepura, Katihar, Supaul and Saharsa.

Unconfirmed reports say at least 28 people, including women and children, have perished in the floods.

The authorities have asked people living in low-lying areas to move to higher ground.

Major rivers in the state including the Koshi, Gandak, Bagmati and Ganga are in spate following heavy rains, officials said.

"With heavy rainfall in the catchment areas in (neighbouring) Nepal, the water level of these rivers has been rising for several days," one officer told IANS.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered officials to survey the damage to houses, crops and other properties.

He has asked the health department to arrange for medicines to check the outbreak of water-borne diseases.

Officials said crops worth crores of rupees had been damaged. Road links have snapped at several places.

Water Resources Development Minister Lalan Singh said the eastern Kosi embankment, which had breached in 2008, was safe.

In 2008, more than three million people were rendered homeless in Bihar when the Kosi breached its banks upstream in Nepal and changed course.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The on Sunday blamed the Narendra Modi government for the rising number of attacks by so-called cow vigilantes on Dalits and minorities.

"After the lynching of Mohd Akhlaq in Dadri (in Uttar Pradesh), several incidents of such cow vigilante groups attacking Dalits and people from the minority community have been reported from various parts of the country including Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh," the said.

"Shockingly, in all these incidents the police and administration have remained mute spectators and at times even aiding the culprits and lodging cases against the victims of these attacks. There has been an increase in the attacks on Dalits ever since this BJP government assumed office at the Centre," the Communist Party of India-Marxist said at the end of a two-day meeting of its Politburo here.

"The BJP-led government at the Centre is not only contributing to the alarming increase in the number of such incidents but is also sharply escalating communal polarisation, attacks against Dalits and women," it said.
The Indian Navy has initiated the first steps towards acquiring the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) for carriers as well as the long-range Predator B Guardian surveillance drone by sending Letters of Request (LoRs) to the Pentagon under government-to-government deals.

According to defence magazine India Strategic (www.indiastrategic.in) the LoRs, requesting price and availability for 22 Guardians and one EMALS, are now under consideration by the US Department of Defense (DOD) for clearance under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme and according to sources in Washington, a positive view is likely to be taken and discussions between the two countries should begin soon. Once the process is through, the US Government (USG) will send its Letters of Acceptance (LOAs).

The Predator B Guardian is a naval version for long-range surveillance over waters while the EMALS is being considered by the Indian Navy for its second indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vishal, due by 2028. EMALS has been adopted by the US Navy as its next generation aircraft launch system, and again significantly, for its new generation aircraft carriers beginning with CVN 78 USS Gerald R Ford, due for delivery this year.

Vivek Lall, Chief Executive (Global Commercial Strategic Development) for the San Diego-based General Atomics which makes these two systems, declined comment but said: "As far as General Atomics is concerned, we will be opening an office in the Indian capital to assist both the governments as required."

Notably the Guardian is a high performance Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and could only be sold to India after it cleared the Missile Technology Control regime (MTCR) regulations.

Powered by a high-performance Honeywell TPE331-10 turboprop engine, it operates from a altitude of 50,000 feet and can fly for 27 hours before returning to its base.

It is equipped with sophisticated day-night sensors, including Raytheon's SeaVue multi-mode maritime radar, to identify and track vessels of different sizes, signals and electronic intelligence systems, satellite communication and even the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).

The EMALS uses the propulsion power of electromagnetic energy and its advantage is that it can adapt to launch different sizes of aircraft from a carrier deck with the flick of a switch. Using DC electricity, it is also being devised to launch satellites in the coming years.

The existing generation of steam catapults, developed decades ago, are much slower.

The EMALS system is accompanied by Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) to assist in secure landing of aircraft.

The Indian Government has acted fast to acquire these assets towards securing the Indian waters against terrorist and hostile intrusions. The LoRs, in fact, were sent by the Indian Navy soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Washington in June, just as the US also anchored India's entry into MTCR and declared India to be a Major Defense Partner (MDP).

There are no confirmed financial figures for either the drones or the EMALs, but according to industry sources, the list price for the 22 Guardians should be around $2 billion.

Overall though, General Atomics, the biggest privately-held US defence company, could land with big multi-billion dollar deals in the coming years as the Indian Air Force (IAF) has also expressed interest in acquiring more than 100 Predator C Avenger attack drones. IAF had sent a communication in September last year, and significantly during Modi's visit, this requirement was mentioned at the highest levels.

The jet-powered Avenger is a high performance next-generation drone, or Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), for time-sensitive strike missions. It fires missiles to neutralize multiple hostile targets with precision with the flick of a command sent through satellites.

As the procedural paperwork for this drone could also begin only after the MTCR clearance, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) should clear the proposal in due course. (India has just become the 35th Member of NTCR).

Notably, FMS deals require government-to-government (g-to-g) negotiations but with active support from the industry which manufactures every system in the US. The process ensures reasonable pricing, largely in accordance with what the US armed forces would pay for similar systems.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) of the Department of Defense (DOD) however charges a fee within a band of 2.5 to 5 percent to facilitate the process.

For instance, in the case of Boeing C 17 heavy lift transport aircraft, this was fixed at 3.8 percent. The fee varies for different deals, but will be the same for every country that buys the same system from the US.

(Gulshan Luthra writes on strategic affairs. He can be contacted at gulshan.luthra@indiastrategic.in)

--IANS

grl/vm
Key macro-economic data, coupled with the government's efforts to build political consensus on a major economic legislation and quarterly earnings results, are expected to steer the Indian equity markets in the coming week.

"Even as earnings season continues to be a dominant theme, there will be enough distraction next week, especially on Monday when manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers' Index) and eight core industrial output figures will be known," Anand James, Chief Market Strategist at Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services, told IANS.

"These macros will assume significance since RBI (Reserve Bank of India) is scheduled to announce the monetary policy on August 9."

Other market observers pointed out that investors will closely track the next batch of quarterly earnings results.

Companies like InterGlobe Aviation, Tata Communications, Voltas, HCL Technologies and Titan are expected to announce their quarterly results in the coming week.

"With the central banks' actions out of way, the markets next week will look forward to the earnings growth again as PE (price earnings) ratio of the generic indices move up," said Devendra Nevgi, Chief Executive of ZyFin Advisors.

"The global liquidity tap, thanks to global central banks, needs to be on to further support the markets, if commensurate growth in corporate earnings and other macro data does not materialise."

The net FPI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) flows in July, 2016 crossed Rs 12,600 crore, even as domestic institutional investors continued to remain net sellers.

On a weekly basis, figures from the stock exchanges showed that FPIs purchased stocks worth Rs 3,719.63 crore during the week under review.

The National Securities Depository (NSDL) data revealed that FPIs invested Rs 4,454.35 crore, or $663.05 million in equities during July 25-29.

"One needs to watch the USD movement closely too as a indicator of global risk," Nevgi said.

"Interestingly since the Brexit outcome, FPIs have net invested Rs 10,381 crore and domestic institutional investors have net sold Rs 6,688 crore up to July 28."

According to Dhruv Desai, Director and Chief Operating Officer of Tradebulls, investors will closely follow updates on the GST (Goods and Services) bill in the ongoing monsoon session of parliament.

Recently, increased chances of the bill getting passed during the parliament's ongoing monsoon session enhanced investors' risk-taking appetite in the currency and equity markets.

Investors are hopeful about the bill's passage after the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved key changes in the proposed legislation.

Government sources reported that the proposal for one per cent additional tax on inter-state sale had been dropped from the constitutional amendment bill.

The positive outcome of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's meeting with his counterparts from the states on the issue on Tuesday also raised hopes on the bill's passage.

The pan-India tax reform has been passed by the Lok Sabha but is stuck in the Rajya Sabha, where the government lacks a majority.

Desai elaborated that other important cues in the next two-three weeks will be the global markets sentiments and monsoon progress.

"Indian equity markets are likely to trade with volatility due to profit booking at higher levels in coming sessions," Desai noted.

"Aviation sector companies stocks are likely to resume upswing next week on support of lower crude oil prices."

On sector specific basis, James added that stocks of auto and IT (information technology) companies will be in focus as market gauges the implications of rain disruptions on Gurugram and Bengaluru respectively.

Last week, positive anticipation of the GST Bill clearing parliament, supported by a perceptible inflow of foreign funds, buoyed the Indian equities markets.

The 30-scrip sensitive index (Sensex) of the BSE closed the week's trade with gains of 248.62 points or 0.89 per cent to 28,051.86 points.

Similarly, the 51-scrip Nifty of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) surged. It rose to 8,638.50 points -- up 97.30 points or 1.14 per cent.

(Rohit Vaid can be contacted at rohit.v@ians.in)

--IANS

rv/vm
In a remote hamlet of Sikkim, a young man has a new toilet built by his house. He no longer escorts his wife and children before sunrise to the bushes in the fields, standing guard to shoo away wayside dogs and local pests. "I don't feel like an animal any more," he says.

In India, more than seven in 10 rural people have no access to toilets. Of the one billion people in the world who have no toilet, India accounts for nearly 600 million. Swachh Bharat is an audacious attempt to fix these blots. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking personal interest, headlining the Swachh Bharat and smart cities push right on top of his checklist.

Modi took on the issue of public hygiene soon after he took power in 2014. Building toilets is a priority and open defecation free (ODF) villages will bring swift public health benefits. To build 100 million toilets by 2019 and 100 new Smart Cities by 2020 are on the to-do list. So, where do you start?

To deliver high quality on any of these massive projects, service levels must first be measured against promises. In the quality world, measurement is critical. The Quality Council of India is working with the Indian government to implement the globally accepted quality techniques. The first Swachh Survekshan ranked 73 Indian cities and will now expand its scope.

Without a baseline pecking order, it is near impossible to proceed in a structured way. The Quality Council of India works to define these metrics and understand what we are up against. Think of the last time you had to tangle with the government. May be it was about your Aadhaar card, ration card, driving licence, passport, filing an FIR (first information report) or may be even heading into a public loo on a road trip.

Most Indians will have some gripe relating to a specific service. It's irrelevant whether the district, village, state or the central government provides that service -- Indians are certainly entitled to a higher quality which has a happy effect on their time, productivity and well being.

But how do you measure how much nuisance value is par for the course and what's not? The prime minister's grievance portal alone gets 90,000 complaints a month about government services. The government analysed these to figure out what can be done to attack the underlying cause of the most common grouses.

In addressing the top 20, changes are under way including a pensions portal, scholarships portal and simplifying refunds in railways. But that's not all 90,000 blips in how the citizen sees the government. With a steady stream of people moving off the fields, those numbers will only run amuck.

Most urban growth in Asia and indeed in India is sprawl -- where cities burst at their seams and explode outward, rapidly slipping out of control. Yet it is this crowded and sweaty public square where the soul of government policy is palpable -- in its train stations, airports, water fountains, sidewalks and playgrounds, sewerage and transport systems, in its public amenities that are not for the elites, a real voice on the phone which reassures you that your passport is indeed in the mail.

Like the rise of megacities around the world, which will soon be home to 8 in 10 people, India's future is urban. How can our government respond to this growing clout when there's an 800 million strong young population that is increasingly demanding. Third party evaluation is critical here so that the government can focus on policy and not get distracted by evaluation criteria.

Consumers expect better phones, internet connections, reliable power, water and a government that can deliver better public services. Toxic environment, dirty rivers and urban smog is coming under fire and voters are holding politicians responsible for things they can control and even those they can't. What drives both tensions (and prices) skyward is a clash between outsize demand and limited supply.

So it is for India, that's our "local", our canvas both for private and public services. Seen against the context of a landlocked, populous India, when Prime Minister Modi first spoke about Swachh Bharat, people cheered but could not fathom how such a basic ideal would result in quality upgrades across government.

Two years on, there is certainly a behavioural change sweeping across both urban and rural India. The Swachh Bharat urban and rural projects have set off healthy competition among cities and districts. Self-help groups, NGOs and popular icons pitched in and the results are showing: A record number of sustainable toilets, open defecation-free cities, schools with gender specific toilets and decrease in water borne diseases in ODF villages and towns.

The Quality Council of India, the national accreditation body, has been involved in most of these schemes to evaluate performance through an internationally benchmarked evaluation matrix. Third party evaluation and assessment is practised the world over, it reduces conflict of interest and lets the government focus on policy implementation rather than measurement.

After ranking 73 cities on cleanliness, the council has now completed the rankings for the first set of 75 rural districts. Results will be out soon. It is currenly working on aligning the prime minister's newly minted ZED (zero-effect-zero-defect) scheme for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the "Make in India" programme. What has emerged is a maturity matrix through which SMEs can reach the quality benchmarks of the world's best.

(Adil Zainulbhai is Chairman, Quality Council of India @QualityCouncil. The views expressed are personal)

--IANS

ap/vm
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday cautioned citizens against falling victim to frauds perpetrated through the use of mobile phones and internet.

"People receive tempting offers of gift prizes and other swindling schemes over their mobile phones or via internet," Modi said in his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' address over the radio, referring to reports of a woman committing suicide after being duped in this manner.

"These are new ways thrown up by technology to loot the public. I know of a retired person with a daughter to marry off and a home to build, who received such a gift offer from abroad, asking that he first deposit Rs 2 lakh in a bank as customs duty for receiving the item," he said.

"A new way of digital crime is where criminals falsely get your bank, credit card details and soon find their accounts emptied of money. People should become aware and not fall into the trap of such tempting offers," the Prime Minister added.
National Geographic Channel has acquired the worldwide rights to an untitled climate change feature documentary produced by Fisher Stevens and Leonardo DiCaprio.

The cable network made the announcement at their Television Critics Association summer press tour panel here on Saturday, reports variety.com.

NatGeo plans to release the film in theatres in New York and Los Angeles in October, followed by a global premiere on National Geographic Channels worldwide preceding the US election in November.

The film presents an account of how society can prevent the demise of endangered species, ecosystems and native communities across the globe. And it might be the same film for which the Hollywood actor came to India.

The "Wolf of Wall Street" actor reportedly shot parts of the documentary on climate change in the country in October last year.

In the film, DiCaprio interviews individuals from every facet of society in both developing and developed nations who provide their views on what must be done today -- and in the future -- to transition our economic and political systems into environmentally friendly institutions.

Subjects include President Barack Obama, former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State John Kerry, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Pope Francis, as well as top NASA researchers, forest conservationists, revered scientists, community leaders and fervent activists working to save the world.

"National Geographic has a long history of inspiring others to care about the planet," said Courteney Monroe, CEO of National Geographic Global Networks.

"Climate change is the most fundamental threat facing our planet," said DiCaprio.

"We must work together as a collective voice to demand major action now. Our very survival depends on it. This documentary translates the symptoms and solutions of climate change before information is distorted, as it often is, by those with a financial interest in fossil fuel production."

The project is produced by RatPac Documentary Films, Appian Way and Insurgent Media. It is produced by DiCaprio, Brett Ratner, Stevens, James Packer, Jennifer Davisson and Trevor Davidoski and executive produced by Martin Scorsese.

The deal was negotiated by John Sloss of Cinetic Media with Tim Pastore, President of Original Programming and Production for National Geographic Channel.

NatGeo also announced that the channel and National Geographic Studios will partner with Katie Couric Media to produce a two-hour documentary with the working title "Gender Revolution", an in-depth look at the role of genetics, brain chemistry and modern culture on gender fluidity.

--IANS

sug/rb/vt
Former Jammu and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Sunday expressed unhappiness over Prime Minister Narendra Modi not mentioning unrest in the valley in his monthly radio address "Mann Ki Baat".

"How I wish my Prime Minister had found a few reassuring words for my state which has seen almost 50 deaths & countless injured," Abdullah, who is also working president of the National Conference, said in a tweet.

has been in the throes of a Valley wide unrest since July 9, a day after Hizbul commander, Burhan Wani was killed in a gunfight with the security forces.

At leader 50 people including 48 civilians and two policemen have been killed in the cycle of violence while over 2,000 others including civilians and security personnel have been injured so far.

--IANS

sq/vd
Sri Lanka's "Joint Opposition", staunch supporters of former President Mahinda Rajapakse, on Sunday said it will defeat President Maithripala Sirisena's government in the coming months and form a new regime.

Joint Opposition MP Udaya Gammanpila told Xinhua news agency that a procession by the Joint Opposition that had begun from Kandy in central on July 28 had received "tremendous support" from the public.

Thousands had already joined the procession which will conclude in capital Colombo this week, Gammanpila said.

"Despite the hindrances by the government to stop this procession, we are going to go ahead and make sure we gain a majority in parliament soon."

Certain members of the Freedom Party (SLFP) who are part of the existing coalition government had also shown their support and had informed their supporters to join the procession, he said.

Sirisena, in a statement on Saturday, said any street protests would not shake his regime and the government formed between the SLFP and the United National Party (UNP) would continue for the next five years, reversing an earlier decision of working together for two years.

Sirisena said his government has dedicated itself to fulfilling the mandate given to the people and would continue with its economic and development plans.
External Affairs Minister on Sunday chaired a meeting of the India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDF-OI), a philanthropic organisation engaged in supplementing the country's social development efforts.

"Facilitating Diaspora's desire to give back to India. EAM chairs sixth board meeting of IDF-OI in Delhi @GivingtoIndia," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in a tweet.

IDF-OI is a not-for-profit trust registered under the Indian government established to serve as a credible institutional avenue to enable overseas Indians to engage in philanthropy to supplement the country's social and development efforts.

IDF-OI channelises the philanthropic propensities and resources of the overseas Indian community into development and social projects.
Stating that special status is a matter of life and death for Andhra Pradesh, the TDP on Sunday decided to launch protests in phases to bring pressure on the central government to fulfil its commitment.

Unhappy with the Centre's stand that the state can't be accorded special status, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a partner in the coalition, decided that its MPs will stage protests in Parliament premises on Monday.

The party leaders will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking special status for the state.

TDP president and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said depending on Modi's response, the party would chalk out its action plan.

Naidu said he would also seek an appointment with Modi.

The TDP chief was addressing a news conference here after a meeting with party MPs and senior leaders.

Stating that the issue of special status was linked to the future of five crore people of the state, Naidu said Finance Minister Arun Jaitely's statement in Parliament was not acceptable.

Jaitely said in the Rajya Sabha on Friday that special status would not be granted to Andhra Pradesh but the Centre would "handhold" the state until it became economically stable.

Naidu reiterated that the Centre should fulfil all commitments made in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

Naidu said he was requesting Modi to give two hours so that he could explain to him the injustice done to the state in these two years, the commitments made in the Reorganisation Act and to discuss special status and other issues.

He will also brief Modi on where Andhra stands compared to neighbouring states.

"Depending on his (Modi's) response, the party will chalk out its action plan in tune with the people's sentiments," Naidu said while evading direct reply if TDP would pull out of the coalition.

During the three-hour meeting, Naidu reportedly pulled up party MPs for being silent when Jaitely made the statement.

Central ministers Ashok Gajapati Raju and Y.S. Chowdary told Naidu that they were ready to quit their posts as the state's interests were paramount for them.

The TDP chief said people of Andhra Pradesh were not happy over the state's division. He said the division did injustice and insult to Andhra Pradesh.

Naidu reminded the BJP that its members in Parliament had insisted on a special status to Andhra Pradesh during the debate in Parliament.

"It's unfortunate now they are saying they can't give special status on the pretext of the recommendations by the Finance Commission," he said.

--IANS

ms/mr
In the wake of the death of 17-year-old Aabesh Dasgupta, West Bengal Governor K.N. Tripathi on Sunday cautioned people against allowing their children to become too influenced by "western concepts".

"Aabesh's death is painful. The police are investigating the matter. But I think the lifestyle of today's youth is impressed by western concepts which are not congenial for a good atmosphere," said Tripathi, commenting on the mysterious death of the teenager that has sparked a debate on parenting.

"I think the family members should keep a watch on their children," he said.

Aabesh was found lying in a pool of blood on the ground floor car park of well-known writer Amit Chaudhuri's apartment complex in Ballygunge, where he had gone to attend a birthday party on July 23.

The injuries on his body seemed to have been caused by a broken liquor bottle which was recovered from the spot. The police also found evidence showing that Aabesh and other teenagers had consumed liquor.

The police has yet to conclude if Aabesh's death was accidental or a "murder" as claimed by the Dasgupta family. Three people have been arrested for selling liquor to minors.

Senior Trinamool Congress leader and state Panchayat Minister Subrata Mukherjee too stressed on the need for the parents to be cautious.

"The administration is doing whatever it can to prevent such incidents. But the parents also need to be little more aware about where their children are going and what they are doing," Mukherjee said.

"The parents should teach their children the proper use of money."

The Dasgupta family has been dissatisfied with the police investigation into Aabesh's death and has since approached Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking justice.

--IANS

and/kb/vt
Residents in a little-known village near Lucknow, Jabrouli, are in a celebratory mood. Some are distributing laddus; some others are praying. The reason? Hillary Clinton clinching the Democratic presidential nomination in the US. Still missing the connection? The village shot to global fame when former US president and her husband, Bill Clinton, paid a visit in 2014. The villagers are now hoping that if Hillary Cinton becomes president, she will visit their village like her husband, and hopefully bring in some world-class facilities. When her husband Bill Clinton visited Jabrauli village in Mohanlalganj tehsil two years ago, he had initiated a health scheme there.
Over decades, policies targeting the rural vote have led to large economic distortions and created many moral hazards. As an economy develops, industry and services contribute more and the work force shifts away from agriculture.
In the past couple of years, property prices in many parts of the country have stagnated, due to a shift in investment from and gold to financial assets. Nonetheless, being a highly localised theme, it is still possible for the diligent investor to zero in on micro-markets that have the potential to offer at least 10 per cent return in the next one year. Some places that experts think will be able to beat the sectors sluggishness and offer reasonable returns include: Hyderabad: The residential market here was stagnant for a long time, owing to the Telengana agitation. Now, that this political issue has been resolved and economic activity is picking up, the city offers good potential to buyers, says A S Sivaramakrishnan, head, residential services, CBRE South Asia. The high level of confidence in the market is evident from new builders from Bengaluru and other cities moving in, and the number of project launches rising in the past 12 months.
A Dalit MP of BJP on Sunday cautioned the party that the recent spate of attacks on the community members "will have a bearing" on the Assembly polls scheduled for 2017 and said he would urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that rule of law prevails in the country.

"Any social or political incident (like these) has a bearing and will have bearing (on the election)," BJP MP Udit Raj said.

Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Goa, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Himachal Pradesh are going to polls next year.

"We will take up the issue aggressively in Parliament... I will urge the Prime Minister, the party (BJP), all the Chief Ministers, (UP CM) Akhilesh ji, (TN CM) Jayalalithaa to take up the matter strongly and ensure rule of law is there," he told reporters after the conclusion of a conference of an SC/ST confederation he leads.

Raj refused to comment on the stand taken by BJP on the issue. He just said "its (party's) reaction is not bad".

The MP attacked Congress and alleged that rule of law was not established during its "long regime". The conviction rate too has been poor in matters of atrocities against across the country, he said.

Raj asked if the value of was less than that of animals as he referred to Gujarat's Una incident, in which some community youths were targeted for skinning a dead cow, and attributed such incidents to "mindset" of the people.

He claimed the Gujarat incident was "not an isolated one" as keep facing attacks and reasoned the issue is being highlighted now given its "inhuman and bitter" nature.

He also questioned the "protectors" of Hindu religion as to who would be responsible if Dalits chose to embrace Islam or Christianity if denied entry to temples as he referred to media reports that following denial of permission to conduct rituals at the ancient Badrakaliyamman temple at Nagapattinam, during the Tamil month of Adi, some Dalits had planned to embrace Islam.

The Nagapattinam district administration had later denied the report.

Raj said it is these "protectors" who are pushing the religion into "danger" with their activities.

"Another incident happened in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri where a Dalit couple was hacked to death over Rs 15... The amount is so small that it cannot be a ground for attacks. But it is the mindset. Though the country is progressing, the mindset is not changing," he added.

Raj asked members of upper caste communities also to come forward and denounce the alleged atrocities on Dalits if at all they considered latter as "citizens of this country".

"If the upper caste people feel Dalits are citizens of this country, then they should stand up (against the attacks). If they don't feel so, then what moral right they have to give slogans of nationalism?" he asked.

Raj, who is chairman of the All-India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations, said the outfits will hold agitations in parts of the country. A rally will also be held in November/December this year to protest the issue.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) proposes to field Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the star campaigner for the Brihan Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)s elections early next year. The idea is to project the party, which is ruling the Centre and also Maharashtra, as the natural choice to govern Indias richest civic body with annual budget of Rs 39,000 crore.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday said everyone will have to abide by the decision of the Supreme Court on the SYL issue, whether it is Haryana or Punjab.

"Everyone will have to abide by the Supreme Court's decision on SYL," he told reporters here.

He was asked about the SYL Canal issue which is being used as a major poll plank by various political parties in Punjab ahead of the next year's assembly elections in the neighbouring state.

When asked about Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh's declaration that Congress MLAs in Punjab will resign en masse in case of an adverse verdict for Punjab in the (SYL) canal, Khattar said no one needs to make any sacrifice as the decision of the highest court in the country would have to be accepted by all.

He also informed that the present state government had pursued the issue of Presidential reference on Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004 for early hearing in the Supreme Court which was pending for the last 12 years and now it is on regular hearing in the apex Court.

To a question concerning separate high court for Haryana, he said the government has demanded it at several fora including Union Law Ministry and the Supreme Court.

It's a process which is on, he added.

On allegations by Opposition INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala that his government was wasting crores of rupees in the name of reviving mythical Saraswati river while in reality water from tubewells was being used to fill the river's course, he said the river was an issue of faith and even today it has 150-km-long course in revenue records.

Efforts are being made to make the river functional. Three dams are being erected at Adi Badri, Lohgarh and Haripur to store water and make it flow in this sacred river, Khattar said.

He said that it would not be the first instance to connect the rivers.

Khattar said that it has a budget of only Rs five crore out of which only a few lakh rupees have been spent.

Responding to allegations levelled by the INLD on implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna, Khattar said it has been implemented in the state in a transparent manner.

He said from the time Haryana was carved out as a separate state, the previous governments have given a total compensation of Rs 1100 to Rs 1200 crore whereas the present state government has given a total compensation of Rs 2200 to 2300 crore to farmers during over one-and-a-half years.
After the arrest of its Narela MLA Sharad Chauhan, 12th legislator to be arrested by police, the on Sunday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking whether he (PM) has lost his "mental balance" and wondered whether the country is "safe" in the hands of a person who acts with such "vengeance".

AAP's Ashish Khetan alleged the PM spends his every waking moment in plotting the 'fixing' of all his political opponents.

He further alleged Modi appears to be concerned only with political persecution.

"He (Modi) appears wholly unfit to lead this country as the Prime Minister. Can we trust the country's administration in the hands of a person who spends his every waking moment in plotting the fixing of all his political opponents? Is such a person psychologically and temperamentally fit to run the country?"

"The way Narendra Modi is running his reign of vindictive is dangerous for the country. He is targeting his opponents in a systematic manner, be it his action against (Gujarat cadre IAS officer) Pradeep Sharma, other officers, MLAs or against the AAP government in Delhi."

Chauhan was arrested by police in connection with the suicide of a woman worker of the ruling party, taking the total number of arrested AAP MLAs to 12.

Senior party leader Ashutosh said instead of appreciating AAP government's "good" work in health and education sector, the Prime Minister is sending its MLAs to jail.

"Another AAP MLA arrested. Has Modi gone mad? Has he lost his mental balance? If PM acts with such anger/vengeance then is country safe!

"Delhi govt doing great job. Yesterday 16 lacs parents of govt schools 1st time came for PTM (Parents Teachers Meeting). Instead of appreciating he is putting in jail. Great initiatives are taken by Delhi govt in education-health instead of praising Modi is sending AAP MLA jail. Is country safe in his hands?" Ashutosh said in a series of tweets.

Interestingly, last week Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had alleged that Modi was conspiring to kill him. After a CBI raid on in Delhi Secretariat, Kejriwal had called the PM a "psychopath".
This is the week when the Constitution amendment Bill should be passed by the Rajya Sabha. The Congress has now said it will support the Bill. Who will oppose it? Should we anticipate a crisis? If things go the government way, the Bill will come up in the first half of the week.
Historic, low-lying Ellicott City, Maryland, was ravaged by floodwaters, killing two people and causing devastating damage to homes and businesses, officials have said.

Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman told The Associated Press by phone that the body of a man had been recovered, along with a woman's body that was recovered yesterday. Both were found in the Patapsco River. Everyone else had been accounted for, he said.

The town, about 14 miles west of Baltimore, received 6.5 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service, and most of it fell Saturday evening between 7 pm and 9 pm (local time).

Videos posted on social media showed floodwaters rushing down the town's Main Street, which slopes toward the river, and sweeping away cars. Some vehicles came to rest on top of each other. In one video posted to the Facebook page of a Main Street art gallery, several people can be seen forming a human chain to rescue a woman from a car that was being swept down the street.

One of the victims was a pedestrian who was swept away by floodwaters, and the other was carried downstream after abandoning a stranded vehicle along with another person, who survived, police chief Gary Gardner told reporters at a conference.

Kittleman said the devastation was the worst he'd seen in 50 years living in the county, including Hurricane Agnes in 1972, which caused the river to overflow its banks. Virtually every home or business along Main Street sustained at least some damage, and the cost of repairs could reach the hundreds of millions of dollars, he said.

"It looks like the set of a disaster movie," said Kittleman, a Republican. "Cars everywhere, cars on top of cars, parts of the road are gone, many parts of the sidewalk are gone, storefronts are completely gone."



Governor Larry Hogan toured the damaged area yesterday along with Kittleman and Republican Elijah Cummings, D-Md., who has an office in the town. Hogan declared a state of emergency, which will allow greater aid coordination and assistance.

"No one has ever seen devastation like this in Ellicott City or anywhere in Howard County," Kittleman said. "There are a lot of businesses that are going to be hurting for a long time. There are a lot of people that lost their apartments and their homes."



Johnny Breidenbach, the owner and chef of Johnny's Bistro on Main, said he closed his restaurant around 7:30 Saturday night, before the worst of the flooding, and he hadn't been able to get back there to assess the damage.
Two Kanwariyas were killed and another was injured today when the motorcycle they were riding collided with a truck in Modi Nagar here.

The trio was on way to Haridwar when their motorcycle collided with the truck coming from opposite direction. They were rushed to Meerut Medical College



where Manjit and Rahul succumbed to their injuries while Mukesh is being treated in the hospital, Superintendent of police (rural) Rakesh Pandey said.

They, in their mid-twenties, hailed from Karawal Nagar North East Delhi, he said.
Uttar Pradesh Police Sunday claimed to have held three of the accused involved in the brutal gangrape of a woman and her teenage daughter by bandits on gunpoint on Friday night after dragging the family out of a car near here, even as the Samajwadi Party government came under intense flak over the incident.

UP DGP Javeed Ahmed, who was rushed to Bulandshahr by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav after the incident at village Dostpur here on Delhi-Kanpur highway came into limelight, identified the three detained as Naresh (25), Bablu(22) and Rais (28).

He said police had taken into custody 15 persons, all of them belonging to a nomadic tribe, last evening and interrogated them.

Three of the those held who belonged to Bawariya gang have been identified by the victims and all the culprits would be booked under the stringent Security Act (NSA), he said.

As the incident, which occurred near bypass when the family from Noida was from travelling to Shahjahanpur on NH-91, acquired a political hue, the Chief Minister went into a fire-fighting mode and suspended SSP Bulandshahr Vaibhav Kishan, SP city Rammohan Singh , Circle Officer (Sadar) Himanshu Gaurav and SHO Ramsen Singh of Kotwali Dehat, amid allegations of laxity by police.

The DGP accompanied by Principal Secretary (Home) visited the site of the incident on the direction of the CM.

The police chief, however, rubbished the charge that police did not act swiftly, saying they reached the spot within 20 minutes of getting information and SSP Vibhav Krishna also arrived there.

Taking cognisance of the case, the Commission for Women said it has sent a member to meet the victims and officials in Uttar Pradesh but added that it finds little cooperation from the state administration in such cases.

NCW chief Lalitha Kumaramangalam also questioned the genuineness of the detentions made by police in the case.

Opposition parties alleged that the "barbaric" incident showed that "goonda raj" was at its peak in the state where Assembly elections were due in early 2017.

BJP criticised the state government for laying expressways and highways without caring for the safety and security of the users, while BSP said such heinous crimes indicated towards deteriorating law and order situation and 'jungle raj' in the state.

"The SP government and its head must tell the people if they can return the modesty of women in such a painful and henious crime," BSP Chief Mayawati said in a statement, adding comnon people, especially women, were not safe in present SP regime.
A major terror attack bid was foiled today in as security forces killed seven militants who were plotting to attack key government installations in the country's Punjab province.

According to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab Police, it had received information that around 10 to 12 militants were planning to attack sensitive installations and buildings of law enforcement agencies here.

"A CTD team along with police commandos raided a house in Chak Char Rasala Sheikhupura district some 50 km from Lahore in early hours today. The team asked them to surrender," the CTD said.

"But instead they opened fire on the raiding team which returned the fire, killing seven militants on the spot. The remaining three managed to flee," it said.

Explosives, hand grenades, kalashnikovs a large quantity of bullets, three motorcycles and maps of sensitive buildings have been recovered from their hideout.

The CTD has shifted the bodies to a mortuary for autopsy and the outfit to which the militants belonged is yet to be ascertained.
A major terror attack in Pakistan was today foiled, with security forces killing seven militants who were plotting to target key government installations in Punjab province, the latest in a series of similar assaults.

According to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab Police, it had received information that around 10 to 12 militants were planning to attack sensitive installations and buildings of law enforcement agencies here.

"A CTD team along with police commandos raided a house in Chak Char Rasala Sheikhupura district some 50 km from Lahore in early hours today. The team asked them to surrender," the CTD said.

"But instead they opened fire on the raiding team which returned the fire, killing seven militants on the spot. The remaining three managed to flee," it said.

Explosives, hand grenades, kalashnikovs a large quantity of bullets, three motorcycles and maps of sensitive buildings have been recovered from their hideout.

The CTD has shifted the bodies to a mortuary for autopsy and the outfit to which the militants belonged is yet to be ascertained.

On July 23, five Taliban militants who were plotting to attack government installations and personnel of law enforcement agencies were killed in an encounter by security forces in Punjab province.

At least six militants were killed on July 13 in a shootout with police in Punjab's Okara city.

In April, the Pakistan Army launched a targeted operation against militants in the province, days after a deadly attack in Lahore in which at least 70 people were killed and over 200 injured when a suicide bomb ripped through a crowded park in Lahore where Christians were celebrating Easter.
Taliban attacks on a district in the southern province of Helmand province killed at least 24 police officers over the past two days, an Afghan official said today.

Kareem Atal, the director of Helmand's provincial council, said that battles between government forces and militants have been raging in the Kanashin district since late Friday, when the Taliban took control.

The fighting has spread north to other districts, where militants are targeting checkpoints and have killed at least seven policemen, he said.

The police and government compounds in the Nad Ali district have been surrounded by insurgents, Atal said. Taliban fighters are also trying to close key highways across the province.

Atal said that the police who also fight on the front lines in Afghanistan' relentless insurgency had received no help or backup from other branches of the security forces, including the army.

The fall of Kanashin and the subsequent threats to other districts were the result of a "lack of coordination among Afghan forces," Atal said, adding "The Afghan national army is not doing their job."



Atal's deputy Abdul Majeed Akhonzada earlier said that the Taliban were now in control of 60 per cent of Helmand province, after about six months of fighting.

Helmand is a key opium producing and smuggling region. About 90 per cent of the world's heroin is produced from Helmand opium, which is largely controlled by the Taliban for funding their war.

Elsewhere, in northern Jawzjan province, an official described "tough fighting" after hundreds of insurgent fighters attacked the Qush Tepa district.

The governor's spokesman Mohammad Reza Ghafoori said Afghan security forces were waiting for airstrike backup. He said the insurgents' ranks included Pakistanis, Uzbeks and Chechens.

Four Afghan security forces personnel have been killed, and another three wounded, he said.
Air Marshal N J S Dhillon today took charge as Senior Air Staff Officer of Western Air Command.

He took over from Air Marshal B Suresh, who assumes charge of Air Officer-in-Charge, Personnel, at Air Headquarters, a official release said.

Prior to his appointment, Dhillion was Air Defence Commander of HQ Southern Air Command, it said.

Air Marshal Dhillon, a recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), is a graduate of National Defence Academy, Defence Service Staff College, and National Defence College.

He was commissioned as a fighter IAF pilot in December 1981, and has over 3,700 hours of accident-free flying to his credit including 3,100 hrs on all variants of MiG-21 aircraft, it said.

He has commanded a MiG-21 Squadron and has been the Chief Operational Officer of a premier flying base.

In addition to commanding an operational fighter base, he also commanded a helicopter base in Democratic Republic of Congo as part of UN Peace Keeping Mission.

Air Marshal Dhillon also held the charge of Principal Director, Air Defence, and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Inspection) at Air HQ.
Britain will examine the way alcohol is sold at airports after a number of recent incidents involving drunk passengers, the new aviation minister has said.

Lord Ahmad said he did not want to "kill merriment", but that he would "look at" the times alcohol was on sale, and passenger screening.

Figures show 442 people were held on suspicion of being drunk at an airport or on a plane in the last two years.

The government said there were no plans to specifically address the issue.

In one recent case a female passenger punched an Easyjet pilot in the face after being ordered to leave an aircraft before take-off from Manchester.

In February, six men on a stag party were arrested by German police after a mid-air brawl caused a Ryanair flight from Luton to Bratislava, Slovakia, to divert to Berlin.

Lord Ahmad said: "If you're a young family travelling on a plane you want to go from point A to B, you don't want to be disrupted.

"I don't think we want to kill merriment altogether, but I think it's important that passengers who board planes are also responsible and have a responsibility to other passengers, and that certainly should be the factor which we bear in mind."



"In terms of specific regulations of timings of outlets [which sell alcohol] and how they operate, clearly I want to have a look at that," Ahmad said on Friday.

He also highlighted the value of screening travellers before they boarded planes.

Glasgow and Manchester airports have trialled a scheme with shops selling alcohol in sealed bags in a bid to reduce problems on flights.

Police statistics obtained by the Press Association through Freedom of Information requests showed at least 442 people were held on suspicion of being drunk on a plane or at an airport in the UK between March 2014 and March 2016.

Trade bodies representing UK airlines and airports said such incidents were "a very rare occurrence", but warned they could lead to "serious consequences".

According to the Civil Aviation Authority's most recent passenger survey, some 238 million passengers passed through UK airports in 2014.

Earlier this week budget carrier Jet2.Com published a code of practice on disruptive passengers.

The "zero tolerance" approach includes airport shops advising passengers not to drink alcohol they have purchased before or during their flight, and training staff in bars and restaurants to limit or stop the sale of alcohol to prevent or manage disruptive behaviour.

A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: "Airport security is always under review, however there are no plans to specifically address the issue of alcohol at airports.
The hot air balloon that caught fire mid-air and crashed in central Texas killing all 16 people on board may have struck high-voltage power lines before hitting the ground, authorities said today as they probed the deadliest balloon accident in US history.

Federal Aviation Authority officials said the balloon carrying 16 people caught fire before crashing, but provided few other details. The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office said nobody on board survived.

Caldwell County Judge Ken Schawe said it looks like the balloon collided with a power line before catching fire and crashing to the ground.

The balloon may have struck power lines when it went down around 7:30 a.M. In pastureland near Lockhart, 48 km south of Austin, in an area often used for balloon landings, a public safety source told CNN.

An official with the Texas Department of Public Safety said that investigators believe the hot air balloon struck power lines and caught fire. This is the preliminary working theory, he said.

"First I heard a whoosh," Margaret Wylie, who lives near the crash site, told CNN affiliate TWC. "And then a big ball of fire (went) up. I'd say it got as high up as those lower electric lines."



The 16 deaths make the balloon accident the deadliest on record in the US. Previously, the highest number of fatalities in a single US hot air balloon crash was six in 1993 in Colorado.

Law enforcement officers responded to a 911 call about a possible auto accident in the Maxwell area, according to a statement on the Caldwell County Office of Emergency Management's Facebook page.

Officers found the balloon basket on fire on the ground, the statement said.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

The NTSB says it is working with the FBI to document the crash site, which was secured like a crime scene for evidence collection. Authorities have not named any of the people on board.

The name of the company involved in the crash is Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides, an official with direct knowledge of the investigation said.

Balloon flights originate in several locations in central Texas and go to dozens of destinations at USD 399 per passenger, the company says on its website.

NTSB spokesman Christopher O'Neill said 16 was the maximum number of passengers allowed under federal regulations governing hot air balloon operations.
AAP legislator from Narela, has been arrested by police in connection with the suicide of a woman worker of the ruling party, taking the total number of arrested party leaders to 12.

Chauhan and main accused Ramesh Bhardwaj were questioned by the crime branch of Delhi Police for several hours in the past four days in connection with the case.

Besides Chauhan and Bhardwaj, five others including the MLA's associates Amit and Rajnikant have been arrested last night, said a senior police officer.

Bhardwaj was arrested by a police team from Sonipat on July 26. He was questioned for several hours in connection with the suicide of the woman, along with the local MLA of Narela.

The woman had consumed poisonous substance at her home in North-West Delhi's Narela and died during treatment at LNJP Hospital on July 19.

The woman had filed a complaint against Bhardwaj for allegedly touching her inappropriately and a case of molestation was registered in June. The accused was arrested and later released on bail.

On July 20, Delhi Police had registered a case of abetement to suicide and handed over the entire matter to a Special Investigation Team.

The family members of the woman had claimed that she had gone into depression after her alleged molester Bhardwaj, an AAP colleague, was released on bail.

She had also alleged that the accused was being protected by the local AAP MLA.

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 party and claimed himself to be "close to the local party MLA.
AAP's Narela MLA Sharad Chauhan has been arrested in connection with the suicide of a woman worker of the party, which accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of "vendetta politics" and questioned if "he is fit to run the country".

Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ravindra Yadav said Chauhan, along with Delhi Police ASI Mukhtiyar Singh, and five others, had been arrested late last night for allegedly abetting the suicide of the woman.

Today's arrest took the total number of party MLAs arrested so far to 12.

Chauhan and other accused were later sent to one day judicial custody by a magisterial court which ordered their production before the court concerned tomorrow.

The woman had allegedly committed suicide at her home in North-West Delhi's Narela and died during treatment at LNJP Hospital on July 19.

The BJP has been alleging that the AAP MLA was responsible for her suicide.

Reacting sharply to Chauhan's arrest, AAP leader Ashutosh questioned if the Prime Minister "has lost his mental balance".

"Another AAP MLA arrested. Has Modi gone mad? Has he lost his mental balance? If PM acts with such anger/vengeance then is country safe!



"Delhi govt doing great job. Yesterday 16 lacs parents of govt schools 1st time came for PTM (Parents Teachers Meeting). Instead of appreciating he is putting in jail. Great initiatives are taken by Delhi govt in education-health instead of praising Modi is sending AAP MLA jail. Is country safe in his hands?" Ashutosh said in a series of tweets.

Police said there was evidence to prove the MLA was fully



supporting Ramesh Bhardwaj, the main accused, who was arrested from Sonipat on July 26.

The MLA's associates, including his PA Amit, Rajnikant, Mohan Verma and Sanjay have also been arrested.

They have been arrested under sections 306 (abetment of suicide), 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender) of IPC and some provisions of the IT Act.

"The victim was terrorised and defamed by the accused in her neighbourhood area to the point that she was forced to commit suicide. We have collected scientific evidence which we will produce in the court," the police official claimed.

The victim had lodged a complaint against Bhardwaj, a fellow party worker and close associate of Chauhan, on the basis of which a molestation case was registered at Narela Police station on June 2.

He was arrested but was released on bail allegedly with the help of the accused ASI who was the investigating officer in the molestation case, said the officer.

The victim was apparently depressed by this and when efforts were made allegedly to defame and threaten her and her family, she contacted senior party leaders but was "asked to compromise", the officer said.

"She went to the party office, Chief Minister's office and residence. At party office, in the presence of Dilip Pandey, Delhi AAP convener, and the MLA Chauhan, Bhardwaj was asked to seek her pardon. She was asked to compromise as the party was a family," he said, adding attempts to "defame" and "terrorise" the woman continued.

The officer claimed there is evidence that the MLA was



involved in the "planning" to "defame and pressurise" the woman to withdraw the molestation case against Bhardwaj and all the accused were following his "directions".

Accused Mohan Verma, Sanjay and Bhardwaj allegedly taped a "fake" conversation which suggested that the woman could be made to "compromise" if paid Rs 15 lakh, police said.

A CD of the alleged "fake conversation" was prepared and it was circulated in several WhatsApp groups of media persons and activists to "defame" the woman as seeking money, it said.

Later, on the basis of the "fake" conversation, the accused lodged four complaints against the woman accusing her of seeking money for withdrawing the case, said the officer.

Also, Mohan had allegedly tricked the woman into watering down her complaint and dropping the molestation charge, on which a case was registered on June 2.

Later, however, after her statement before magistrate non-bailable sections were added to the case, he said.

The woman had filed the complaint against Bhardwaj as he had allegedly tried to molest her in his vehicle while going to and returning from a party programme on December 31.

The accused ASI Mukhtiyar and Virender helped Bhardwaj in securing the bail. Also, while the ASI helped Bhardwaj file complaints against the woman, Virender, earlier jailed in a case under NSA, was roped in to "terrorise" her.

Sharad Chauhan, who was a MCD councillor of BSP, had been fielded as an AAP candidate in the Delhi Assembly elections.

Accused Rajnikant was also close to the MLA and although a teacher, he was allegedly "unofficially" made coordinator of schools in five constituencies by Chauhan, he said.

Accused Amit and Rajnikant were allegedly involved in preparing the CD and pressurising the woman to withdraw her case against Bhardwaj.

The woman in a video recording had levelled serious allegations against Bhardwaj, accusing him of pressuring her to "compromise" if she wanted to rise in the party and claimed himself to be "close to the local party MLA".

Her two daughters gave statements to police and a magistrate, added the officer.
Increasing would shave off 10% of incremental jobs in India's IT sector each year even as half of middle-level managers would also bear the brunt in the era of artificial intelligence, says veteran T V Mohandas Pai.

"I think in the IT sector, may be 10% minimum of incremental jobs that are created will disappear. That means every year if they do (create) 2 to 2.5 lakh jobs, 25,000-50,000 jobs will disappear," said the former CFO and HR Head at Infosys.

According to him, middle-level managers account for 10% - or 450,000 people - of the 4.5 million (45 lakh) strong IT in India. Half of them (2,25,000) would lose jobs over the next one decade as their work would get automated.

"There are today lots of people (middle-level managers) earning between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 70 lakh (per annum). Half of them will lose their jobs in the next ten years," Pai said.

The tech investor said the new breed of IT engineers should have better skills and deep technical knowledge, adding, prospects for those having just a bachelors degree (B. Tech) are going to be less and less in IT.

Stressing that IT hiring would become more and more specialised with looking for higher and greater levels of expertise, Pai said he would recommend the aspirants to do masters (post-graduation).

"An ordinary B.Tech is like 10th standard today because you have to go ahead for the next 30 year," the chairman of Manipal Global Education said.

"For lower-level jobs (entry-level), hiring will keep reducing by 10% every year. Ordinary graduates who are trained to go up the ladder will have less prospects. Out of the total number of people hired, fresher level doing ordinary work, there will be 10-15 per cent reduction in the category year-by-year," he said.

But there will be 10-15 per cent increase in the category of masters (post-graduates) and skilled people because there is a great need for that, added Pai, a prominent angel investor.

He said automation, machine-learning (artificial intelligence) and robotics would create a new kind of specialised workforce.

"People who have got skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning and new coding languages like Python, Android and those in mobile area would do very well in the next five years," he pointed out.

Only 2 lakh-2.5 lakh IT engineers out of the total 6.5 lakh who come to the market every year get jobs in their chosen field.

"Many of the engineers who come out of bad colleges.. there are good jobs like Ola and Uber waiting for them. I am not joking. In Bengaluru, many of the software engineers are giving up their jobs and driving Ola and Uber and making more money. It's much more lucrative. Why work for 14 hours a day (in an IT company) and earn (only) Rs 3.5 lakh (per annum), when you can earn Rs six lakh to Rs 7 lakh (per year) driving a car?" he said.

The Head of Aarin Capital Partners said Indian IT are ahead of the curve as far as is concerned and "they are winning the battle."



"Five of the top 10 globally competitive (IT) service are Indian," added Pai.
Bachelors in Bangladesh are finding it hard to find accommodation with landlords declining to rent out houses to them in the wake of extra security vigil due to the increased terror threat, prompting police to clarify that there is no directive against bachelor tenants.

"The main thing we want the landlords to do is to keep all information regarding their tenants, we have issued no directive barring them to rent out their houses to bachelors or serve them notice to vacate the houses," Dhaka Metropolitan Police's deputy commissioner Madudur Rahman told a conference.

"It is entirely the prerogative of landlords who should be their tenants, we just want to ensure security of all," he said.

The police clarification came as media reports stated that that a number of landlords served notices to bachelor tenants, particularly who were living in groups in rented houses, or declined to rent out their houses to unmarried youths.

A sense of panic has gripped landlords after a security raid on July 26 killed nine militants who were living in group at a rented apartment in Dhaka's Kalyanpur area.

After the raid, part of the single biggest anti-terrorist security clampdown in the country, police re-issued a previous directive reminding an earlier mandatory provision to submit the detailed tenant information to the nearest police station.

Police issued the directive several months ago after Islamist militants were found to have setup their hideouts at rented houses as ordinary tenants.

The Kalyanpur raid was carried out as part of an intensified nationwide security clampdown following the July 1 terrorist attack at a Dhaka cafe and assault on an Eid congregation at northern Sholakia six days later.

Missing youths hailing from both the affluent and poor families and studying in posh western-style English medium schools and rural madrassas appeared to the perpetrators of the attacks.

Several of the perpetrators of the Dhaka's Holey Artisan restaurant and the Shalakia attacks were students of costly private universities at home and abroad.

The regulatory University Grants Commission (UGC), in a related development, today formed a three-member committee to monitor all public and private colleges along with universities across the country for any militant activity.
The sprawling campuses of prestigious BITS-Pilani are not just producing an army of technocrats but also providing an ecosystem for fuelling the entrepreneurial spirit of the "crazy few" who are taking the less travelled career path of start-ups.

"Besides regular teaching programmes that equip students with technical know-how, we also have a summer programme in the first year itself whereby students get hands-on experience about start-ups.

"As part of this, they get exposed to the finest entrepreneurs from all over India and the US. We are getting a tremendous response from students and we have to keep a screening process to restrict the entry due to logistical constraints," BITS-Pilani Director Ashoke Kumar Sarkar told PTI.

The Pilani campus in Jhunjhunu district, spread over 320 acres, already has a Technology Business Incubator (TBI) which was set up almost a decade ago.

It has also set up a Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership to give a specific boost and emphasis to entrepreneurship development.

Besides its main campus in Pilani's Vidya Vihar, the famed institution has centres in Goa, Hyderabad and Dubai.

"Through our best alumni network in India and abroad, especially in the US, where they number over 5000, our young students are satisfying their entrepreneurial curiosity and whetting their start-up appetite," Sarkar said.

"These courses teach them ways to develop a business model and we get huge response every year. Though we don't allow more than 30 (students) as such, but we are forced to take around 40," he said.

Speaking about the entrepreneurial spirit of BITS Pilani, Vice-Chancellor Souvik Bhattacharyyaa said, "The TBI at K K Birla Goa campus in 2015-16 had four start-ups incubating physically and two as virtual incubates."



The current graduating batch of students, both from undergraduate and dual degree programmes, have a host of entrepreneurs, start-ups of some of which have even received big funding from venture capitalists.

23-year-old Vaibhav Singh, who graduated with a dual degree in BPharm and MSc (Chemistry) has a start-up 'Visit' where patients can choose from a pool of doctors and psychologists online.

"We realised there was a lot of taboo among people in India when in came to seeing a psychologist or a counsellor, and that is where we saw a business opportunity and we are already getting a lot of traction. Our immediate target audience is urban tech-savvy people but we eventually wish to penetrate the rural base too," Singh, who hails from Patna, said.

The venture has received funding from MapMyIndia. I am based out of Okhla in New Delhi, he said.

The college also organises an annual start-up challenge, fully organised by students, Sarkar said, adding, "last year 1,200 start-ups participated in it.

23-year-old Shashank, who passed out of undergraduate



programme from Pilani campus and is part of the Bangalore- based start-up 'TapChief', says, "I was bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. But, yes, crazy people like us would not be many, but our campus is abuzz since the BITS is promoting entrepreneurship and innovation."



Sarkar, when asked about BITS-Pilani's position in start-up ecosystem vis-a-vis IITs and other top institutes said, "IIT-Bombay students say is doing very well. So, is IIT-Roorkee. We are also doing well as of now, but we hope to be among the best in few years, as far as promoting entrepreneurship in campus is concerned."



Vice-Chancellor Bhattacharyyaa said, BITS-Pilani has made innovation its byword and it is even evident in its functioning.

"We use CISCO TelePresence software, which gives us a seamless immersive experience in video interactions across the campuses. It is also used for beaming lectures to different campuses. It's like we are almost in front of each other. I am able to monitor all campuses including Dubai one through this," he said.

Noted entrepreneur Vijay Chandru, a Distinguished Alumnus of BITS-Pilani in his Convocation 2016 address recently said, "There is a massive wave of entrepreneurial energy coursing through the nation's arteries.

"If we could connect this enthusiasm with the excellence in basic and applied research at our higher educational institutions, the possibility of a new growth engine that has more enduring value to society seems within reach."



A graduate of 1975 batch of the over 50-year-old institution, Chandru, currently chairman and managing director of Strand Life Sciences, is also part of the alumni network that has "contributed" handsomely to its growth.

Shashank says, "Having the alumni base is a big support for us to experiment with new ideas. Red Bus was started by our seniors, and their lives inspire us. And the alumni sort of provide an extended campus for us to delve into entrepreneurial space with courage."



Sarkar says, "At BITS-Pilani, we encourage students to take up entrepreneurship, but we realise that in India parents spend a lot on their children for higher education. So, we want both the students and parents to feel secure.

"Hence, we have a scheme at BITS, whereby, after two years of graduating, if a venture doesn't work or go as planned, then that student can come back and sit for placement. So, you see, that works as a cushion too."



Vice-Chancellor Bhattacharyyaa said, "Talks are also on to make a seamless entry for BITS students to use laboratories and research facilities at CSIR-CEERI, (CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute) next door. That will promote research and innovation among students.
Accusing state and central governments of pushing into a "vortex of violence", Jammu and Panthers Party (JKNPP) today said that the BJP and the PDP owe an explanation to the people.

"BJP in particular owes an explanation to the people of the country for having brought disaster in Valley with open space to anti-nationals and subversion and restrictions on security forces," Chairman JKNPP, Harsh Dev Singh said.

The "appeasement policy" followed for the past 18 months has emboldened separatists and subversive elements, he said.

"The state and the central governments have put the state into a vortex of violence," Singh added.

He attacked BJP for "mismatch" in rhetoric and action, accusing it of antagonising the country's nationalist forces.

The JKNPP leader said the situation has deteriorated as the BJP is actively toeing PDP's line.

"In sharp contrast to its pre-election jingoistic harangues, the BJP was indulging in flip-flops and opportunism which brought the state to a boiling mode," Singh said.

Singh also attacked Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh on his statement on Hizbul commander Burhan Wani, who was killed by security forces on July 8.
Fifteen people were detained and the main accused identified, as police launched a massive manhunt for the bandits who brutally gangraped a woman and her teenager daughter after dragging them out of their car at Bulandshahr bypass on Delhi-Kanpur National Highway.

The incident which occurred on Friday night when the family from Noida was from travelling on NH-91 sparked outrage in the country with opposition parties today attacking the Akhilesh Yadav government, alleging that "goonda raj" was at its peak in Uttar Pradesh and governance had collapsed.

Facing flak, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav gave "24 hours time" to SSP Bulandshar to crack the case while directing disciplinary action against policemen of the area.

He also directed Principal Secretary, Home, Debashish Panda and DGP Javeed Ahmad to monitor the case, an official spokesman said, adding the CM has asked officials to initiate "stern action against the guilty so that no one could dare to do such an act in future".

SSP Bulandshahr Vaibhav Krishna said that 15 Special Task Force teams have been pressed into action and were carrying out searches in Bulandshahr, Meerut and other districts and also states to nab the accused.

"15 suspects have been detained. Main accused has been identified. He belongs to nomadic tribe involved in criminal activities. Special teams have been formed to crack the case," he said.

The suspects are being interrogated in connection with the incident that took place on Friday night when the family was travelling from Noida to Shahjahanpur by car. A group of bandits waylaid the family, dragged the woman her 13-year-old girl daughter to a nearby field and raped them while the men were tied with ropes.

They also looted cash, jewellery and mobile phones. One of the family members, who later managed to escape, reported the matter to police.

SHO Ramsen of Kotwali Dehat was relieved from charge of the case and taken off active duty after police reported his negligence in the matter, the SSP said.

Taking cognisance of the case, the National Commission for Women said it has sent a member to meet the victims and officials in Uttar Pradesh but added that it finds little cooperation from the state administration in such cases.

BSP, BJP and Congress targeted the Samajwadi Party government in the poll-bound state and demanded that it step down.

Hitting out at the Akhilesh Yadav government, Union Minister Mahesh Sharma said, "When will this end? It shows that the state government has collapsed on every front. They cannot save the honour of a daughter. It is shameful and they should step down".

BSP leader Sudhindra Bhadoria questioned the law and order situation in the state. "It is shameful that the UP government did not act fast enough to protect the dignity of women and common citizens.

"The complete lawlessness in UP proves the point that 'goona raj' under Akhilesh Yadav has reached its peak. Mothers, daughters... Nobody is safe in UP," he said.

"The SP government and its head must tell the people



if they can return the modesty of women in such a painful and heinous crime," BSP supremo Mayawati said.

She alleged that there was complete 'jungle-raj' in the state and criminal elements were roaming freely.

Describing the incident as "chilling", "barbaric" and one that has "shocked human conscience", Congress said the state government must take decisive action in the matter.

"The gang rape incident in heart-rending, it's shocking. It has shocked human conscience.

"What is the Samajwadi party and Akhilesh government going to do about it? Please, for heaven's sake, take decisive action and punish the perpetrators of the ghastly crime at the earliest," Congress chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said.

The official spokesman of Uutar Pradesh government said in Lucknow that Panda and the DGP "will oversee the search operations right from Ground Zero. The CM has instructed both these officers to reach Bulandshahr. They will monitor the search operations of the special teams."



"The CM has directed officials to initiate stern action against the guilty so that no one could dare to do such act in future. DGP has also been directed to ensure that recurrence of such incidents could not take place in future," the spokesman said.

The case should be pursued in court in such a manner that guilty should get due punishment, the CM was quoted as saying.

The DGP tweeted: "Horrible Bulandshr incident a challenge. Going all out to nab the culprits. All resources being deployed.
Beijing has confirmed it is investigating a Japanese suspected of "endangering China's national security", following Japanese reports that he had been detained, the latest irritant in relations between the two nations.

The foreign ministry gave the confirmation in a statement quoted by China's Global Times newspaper late yesterday, but did not specifically state that he had been detained.

The claim of endangering security is often used in cases of suspected espionage. The ministry said the Japanese embassy had been informed of the case.

There have been multiple reports in the Japanese press since mid-July about the man's disappearance. The Nikkei Business Daily identified him as the head of an organisation working to improve ties between the two nations.

He was due to spend four days in Beijing for work but did not return home and has not been answering his mobile phone, Japan's Kyodo agency said yesterday, quoting Japanese government and other sources.

The Japanese government's top spokesman Yoshihide Suga denied his country was involved in spying "against any nation", Kyodo added.

Chinese authorities earlier this year arrested four Japanese on suspicion of spying.

The two countries have been taking steps for more than a year to improve relations that remain plagued by tensions over the legacy of World War II as well as a maritime dispute.

Ties, however, remain shaky and Chinese allegations of espionage by Japanese have become a new source of friction.
China has investigated a Japanese citizen on suspicion of threatening Chinese national security, official media here said.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also informed the Japanese Embassy here about the case, state-run China Radio International reported.

Previously, Japan's Kyodo agency cited a Japanese government official saying that a man involved in a Sino-Japan exchange group had been detained in China.

According to the Japan Network, a leader of a Sino-Japan exchange group was missing since mid-July when he visited Beijing. It also stated the possibility that the man had been detained by China's national security authorities.
Bolivia took ownership of a fleet of armored vehicles from China worth USD 7.7 million as part of a military cooperation deal.

China's Ambassador to Bolivia Wu Yuanshan led a ceremony at which the 27 armored combat vehicles and four riot response vehicles were delivered in La Paz.

The military cooperation also includes training and maintenance instruction.

Under the 2015 deal, China is donating USD 30 million in military aid to the South American nation.
China's ambitions to become a pioneer in nuclear energy are sailing into troubled waters.

Two state-owned companies plan to develop floating nuclear reactors, a technology engineers have been considering since the 1970s for use by oil rigs or island communities. Beijing is racing Russia, which started developing its own in 2007, to get a unit into commercial operation.

In China's case, the achievement would be tempered by concern its reactors might be sent into harm's way to support oil exploration in the South China Sea, where Beijing faces conflicting territorial claims by neighbours including Vietnam and the Philippines. Chinese reports say plans call for deploying 20 reactors there, though neither developer has mentioned the area.

Tensions ratcheted up after a UN arbitration panel ruled July 12 that Beijing's claim to most of the sea has no legal basis. Beijing rejected the decision in a case brought by the Philippines and announced it would hold war games in the area, where its military has built artificial islands.

The floating reactor plans reflect Beijing's determination to create profitable technologies in fields from energy to mobile phones and to curb growing reliance on imported oil and gas, which communist leaders see as a security risk.

China is the most active builder of nuclear power plants, with 32 reactors in operation, 22 under construction and more planned. It relies heavily on US, French and Russian technology but is developing its own.

The latest initiatives are led by China General Nuclear Power Group and China National Nuclear Corp. Both have research or consulting agreements with Westinghouse Electric Co. And France's EDF and Areva, but say their floating plants will use homegrown technology.

"They are keen to develop that because they have a lot of oil drilling everywhere in the South China Sea and overseas as well," said Luk Bing-lam, an engineering professor at the City University of Hong Kong who has worked with a CGN subsidiary on unrelated projects.

"The Chinese strategy is to ensure the energy supply for the country," said Luk. "Oil drilling needs energy, and with that supply, they could speed up operations."



Russia's first floating commercial reactor, the Academician Lomonosov, is due to be delivered in 2018, but the project has suffered repeated delays. The Russians have yet to announce a commercial customer.

Russia has been "aiming to launch this idea for over two decades by pitching the reactor as a plug-and-play option for fairly remote communities," said Mark Hibbs, an expert on nuclear policy for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in an email.

Russia's target market was Indonesia and its far-flung islands, Hibbs said. That prompted concern about control over nuclear materials, leading to a recommendation Russia operate the reactor and take back used fuel.

The Chinese nuclear agency signed a deal with Moscow in 2014 to build floating power stations using Russian technology. It is unclear whether that will go ahead given the plans by CNG and CNNC to develop their own vessels.
Flight display screens at Vietnam's two largest airports were hacked allegedly by Chinese hackers with messages criticising Vietnam's claims over the disputed South China Sea being displayed, in an apparent retaliation to vulgar scribbling on a Chinese woman tourist's passport.

Screens and sound systems at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City airports broadcasted anti-Vietnamese and anti-Philippines slogans on Friday taking the Vietnamese officials by surprise.

Vietnam's transport ministry said a Chinese hacker was responsible, BBC reported. Vietnam Airlines' website was also briefly hacked.

Media in Vietnam reported that staff at the airports had to resort to checking in passengers manually, avoiding computers for several hours.

The hack comes days after a row involving a Chinese tourist at one of the hacked airports -- Tan Son Nhat, in Ho Chi Minh City.

A Chinese woman tourist -- surnamed Zhong from Guangdong province -- has complained that she found an obscenities written on the two pages of her passport depicting China's nine-dash line which signified Beijing's claims over the disputed South China Sea.

An international tribunal has struck down China's claims over the area based on historic rights and upheld the Philippines' claims over the area. China has rejected the verdict.

Besides the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the area.

The issue of scribbling on the Chinese tourist's passport was the first major incident between Vietnam and China after the verdict was delivered on July 12.

China asked Vietnam to investigate reports that the Chinese visitor's passport was handed back with obscenities written on two pages.

Customs officers at Vietnam's Da Nang airport, not one of those hacked on Friday, have reportedly also confiscated maps featuring the nine-dash line from Chinese passengers, the report said.

A provincial Vietnamese television station stopped airing Shanghai Bund, a Chinese remake of a Hong Kong series, after the show's lead actor voiced his support for Beijing's claims over the South China Sea.

About 20 people were also detained in Hanoi in July while protesting against China's rejection of the tribunal decision.

The South China Sea issue is equally sensitive in Vietnam.

China's attempts in the past to conduct oil exploration in the disputed areas of the South China Sea sparked anti-China riots in Vietnam in 2014 in which two Chinese were killed and over a hundred injured.

Over 460 factories, mainly belonging to Chinese investors in Vietnam, were attacked and set fire by mobs.

As the situation became serious, China evacuated over 7,000 Chinese workers back to the country.

China also objected in the past to India's Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) undertaking exploration at the invitation of Vietnam.
Ahead of its transgression in Barahoti area in Uttarakhand, Chinese People's Liberation Army had conducted a reconnaissance mission using high class aircraft armed with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) which provides broad-area imaging at high resolutions.

According to official sources, 'TupolovTu 153M' aircraft of Chinese PLA had carried out two to three sorties earlier this year in the middle sector falling in the areas of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Piecing together intelligence gathered from various sources in the aftermath of Barahoti transgression, officials in the know said that at least three sorties of the aircraft, which is designed by the Chinese companies on the basis of technology from the erstwhile USSR, was carried out in last three months.

The aircraft flies at an altitude of above 40,000 feet and can go up to 60,000 feet to avoid detection by radars and can click pictures and other cyber and communication signatures at that height.

It has an SAR which can provide high-resolution pictures even in inclement weather or in night time. The systems take advantage of the long-range propagation characteristics of radar signals and the complex information processing capability of modern digital electronics to provide high resolution imagery.

The information about the flight was shared during exchanges with foreign intelligence agencies, the sources said.

At least 20 to 25 Chinese troops had entered into the demilitarised area in Barahoti pastures in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand earlier this month, besides flying its helicopters in the Indian air space for over five minutes.

The sources said that an Indian civilian team was sent back by Chinese People's Liberation Army troops, who claimed it to be their land and recognised it as 'Wu-Je'.

A Chinese helicopter hovered over the ground for nearly five minutes before returning to its side. It was apprehended that it could have carried out aerial photography of the area during its reconnaissance mission. The chopper was identified as Zhiba series of attack helicopter of the PLA.

Barahoti is one of the three border posts in the 'middle



sector' comprising Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand where ITBP jawans are not allowed to take their weapons as per the unilateral decision of the then government in June, 2000.

In 1958, both the countries listed Barahoti, an 80-square KM sloping pasture, as a disputed area where neither side would send their troops. In 1962 war, Chinese PLA did not enter the 545-KM middle-sector and focused on Western (Ladakh) and Eastern (Arunachal Pradesh) sectors.

However, after the 1962 Sino-Indian war, the ITBP jawans used to patrol the area with weapons in non-combative manner under which the barrel of the gun is positioned downward.

During prolonged negotiations on resolving border dispute, the Indian side had unilaterally agreed in June, 2000, that ITBP troops would not be carrying arms to the three posts -- Barahoti, Kauril and Shipki in Himachal Pradesh.

The ITBP men do patrolling in civil dress and the pasture attracts Indian shepherds from the border villages tending their sheep and people from Tibet bringing their yaks for grazing.
Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (West), Mumbai has issued advisory regarding fishing boats, barges and coastal craft to the coastal states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Union territory of Lakshadweep.

This is keeping in view of fishing-ban period coming to an end today and vigour of Southwest monsoon season leading to continuous bad weather at sea, an official release said.

The Fisheries Authorities have been requested to complete inspection/survey of the fishing boats prior they venture into sea from August 1.

The focus areas of inspection includes boat colour-coding, seaworthiness, carrying life jackets/lifebuoys, Distress Alert Transmission System (DATS), VHF communication set, navigational lights, boat registration papers, fishing permit, fishermen authorised list, biometric/identity cards.

In addition, fishermen should be cautious of prevalent bad sea conditions, it added.

Coast Guard is also monitoring and issuing regular weather advisories to all fishermen by authorities concerned using radio & bulk SMS system, it said.

The fishermen have also been strictly advised not to employ children below the age of 14 years for fishing, as per GoI regulations.

As far as Maharashtra is concerned, the state has about 265 fishing villages along coastline of 720 kilometres and Creek line of about 1000 kms, with continental shelf spreading to 1.12 lakh sq kms.

As available records, there are a total 24,919 traditional and mechanised fishing boats, out of which 23,947 are registered in Maharashtra. Also, 100 per cent colour coding is completed on these registered boats.

Fishermen population in the state is reported 3,86,259 and 2,11,857 number of bio-metric identity cards have already been processed by fisheries department.

The authorities were also requested to institute measures to ensure timely and detailed inspection of inland water/coastal vessels, pleasure/private craft and merchant vessels as per regulations in vogue.

"Coast Guard ships and aircraft are maintaining constant vigil for meeting an untoward incidents at sea. In addition, we are also coordinating with all agencies to ensure safe and secure seas for all fisherman, merchantmen and other users of sea," the release said.
Global airlines body International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed confidence that a consensus will be reached on limiting the carbon emissions in the aviation sector during the forthcoming ICAO Assembly.

Global Market Based Measures (GMBMs), a potential means for limiting or reducing carbon emissions, have been under consideration of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for many years.

At the 38th Session of ICAO Assembly in September 2013, a decision was taken to develop a GMBM scheme to limit CO2 emissions in the aviation sector.

"In the recent past, governments have shown willingness to come to an agreement in the climate space area. In December last year, we had the Paris agreement on UNFCCC and in February at ICAO, governments agreed on a CO2 certification standard for new aircraft.

"So we are confident that the governments will again show that willingness at the forthcoming ICAO Assembly in September to reach a consensus and an agreement (on the issue)," Director for aviation environment resolution at IATA Michael Gill said.

Gill, however, said the exercise was a political process and in any such processes there is no guarantee of a final outcome until an agreement has been signed.

"But we do see real engagement from the governments in this process," he said.

The proposed GMBMs are to be implemented in the form of an offsetting scheme which require participants to offset their CO2 emissions above an agreed level by carbon emission trading.

Aviation industry has adopted a four-pronged strategy-- improved technology, more efficient aircraft operations, infrastructure improvements and a properly designed market- based measures (MBM)--to fill any remaining emissions gap.

"Offsetting scheme is the fourth pillar of strategy, it's an economic measure to allow us to achieve this carbon-neutral growth target of 2020 where the other three pillars have not quite got us to that target," he said.

According to aviation experts, the mechanism, when it comes into force, will lead to an imposition of tax on flights which airlines might recover from passengers in the form of additional charges.

UN aviation watchdog, ICAO is scheduled to discuss the proposal at its 39th Assembly session to be held in September- October this year.

"One of the key aspects of the negotiations of ICAO is to ensure genuine reductions in CO2 emissions across the world and the rules will provide very clear guidance on the types of projects which will be approved and the criteria for which the units will be eligible," he added.
Congress on Sunday attacked Defence Minister over his jibe against actor Aamir Khan, accusing BJP and RSS of "concerted conspiracy" to hound Dalits, minorities, writers, actors and whoever dissents against the Narendra Modi government.

"Shameful that @manoharparrikar threatens 'teaching a lesson' to 'actors', instead of training his guns elsewhere," Congress spokesperson Randeep S Surjewala said.

He said it was a "shocking revelation" by Parrikar and showed that BJP and RSS supporters actively disrupted and sabotaged an online trading company on Aamir Khan issue.

"Scandalous," he tweeted questioning whether Parrikar's job is to protect India from external aggressors like Pakistan or threaten fellow countrymen.

"@manoharparrikar's statement proves a concerted conspiracy to curb all dissent, hound Dalits & Minorities. Can this be the 'Raj Dharma'?," he tweeted.

Later in a statement to the media, he alleged that Parrikar has "unknowingly" exposed the conspiracy through which BJP people targeted the online company, booked orders and cancelled in pursuance of a conspiracy to ensure that Aamir Khan was removed as its brand ambassador.

He said the incident "now established that there is a concerted conspiracy against poor, the dalits, the minorities, artists, actors and anybody who dissents against Modi government".

Parrikar had reportedly on Staurday said anyone speaking against the country must be "taught a lesson" and had referred to alleged anti- sloganeering at JNU earlier this year and remarks by an "actor" who "had said that his wife wants to live out of India".

Khan had late last year spoken about a "sense of insecurity" resulting from increasing intolerance in the country, and mentioned his wife Kiran Rao's apprehensions about the future of their child in India.

According to Parrikar, when the actor made the statement last year, many people had protested against his remark and even uninstalled the mobile application of an online shopping site he was associated with, while the firm had also pulled out the advertisement featuring him.
"Fresh Off the Boat" star Constance Wu has slammed upcoming film "The Great Wall" for casting Matt Damon, saying Hollywood should stop perpetuating the "racist myth" that only a white man can save the world.

Adding her voice to the ongoing debate of diversity in the film industry, the actress tweeted that the heroes that she was familiar with looked like Mahatma Gandhi, young Pakistani Nobel prize-winner Malala Yousafzai or Nelson Mandela.

"We have to stop perpetuating the racist myth that only white man can save the world. It's not based in actual fact. Our heroes don't look like Matt Damon. They look like Malala. Ghandi. Mandela. Your big sister when she stood up for you to those bullies that one time," she tweeted.

The 34-year-old actress said it was a lame accuse to say that films starring non-white actors were difficult to finance.

"Money is the lamest excuse in the history of being human. So is blaming the Chinese investors. Remember it's not about blaming individuals ... It's about pointing out the repeatedly implied racist notion that white people are superior to POC (people of colour) and that POC need salvation from our own color via white strength," Wu wrote on Twitter.

"The Great Wall", directed by acclaimed Chinese director Zhang Yimou, is set in the Northern Song Dynasty and is about the mysteries surrounding the famous Great Wall. Damon plays a soldier in the movie.

"We don't need salvation. We like our color and our culture and our own strengths and our own stories ... We don't need you to save us from anything.

"Can we all at least agree that hero-bias & "but it's really hard to finance" are no longer excuses for racism? TRY," she added.

Asian American actors have decried the Hollywood practice of whitewashing minority roles in movies with recent films like "Ghost In The Shell", "Dr Strange", "Aloha" and "Pan" using white actors rather than the minorities that they were written for.
With opposition parties attacking the BJP-led Haryana government over the 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana', the state government today claimed the scheme is being carried out in a "transparent and fair manner".

Congress and INLD have alleged that the plan was aimed at "benefiting only private insurance companies", adding insurance premiums are "compulsorily deducted" from farmers' accounts in banks.

"The selection of insurance companies for implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in Haryana has been done in a completely transparent and fair manner. The bids were invited from the insurance companies through the e-tendering system.

The insurance companies empanelled by the government of India are alone eligible to participate in the bidding process," said a spokesperson for the Haryana Agriculture department.

"The premium payable to the insurance companies in Haryana is one of the lowest in the country. Therefore, there is no question of favouring any insurance company by the State Government," he claimed.

Under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the maximum premium payable by the farmer is only 2 per cent of sum insured in case of Kharif crops, 1.5 per cent in case of Rabi crops and 5 per cent in case of commercial and horticulture crops.

This is the lowest premium among all crop insurance schemes implemented in the country, the spokesperson said, adding that the remaining premium will be paid by the state government and central government as subsidy.

Besides, the Haryana government has decided to take only 2 per cent premium from farmers for cotton crops and the remaining 3 per cent of the farmers' share will be paid by the state over and above its normal share.

The sum insured in respect of various crops has been increased under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and made equal to the amount of crop loan.

Under the earlier schemes, the premium payable by the farmer was quite high and, therefore, the sum insured was reduced to keep the premium low, he said, adding that this reduced the amount of claim payable in case of damage to crops.

Under the new scheme, there are possibilities of payment of higher claim amounts in view of the increase in the sum insured. The scheme covers the damage caused to the crops by inundation apart from hailstorm and post-harvest losses of crops due to unseasonal rains for the first time, he said.

The scheme is being implemented on 'area approach' with 'village' as the insurance unit. The nature of crop insurance is unique and its implementation at 'individual field' level is not feasible due to the problems in assessing the historical yields and the actual yields, he said.

However, the claims for the damage caused to crops by



inundation and hailstorm and post-harvest losses caused by unseasonal rains are covered on individual field basis, the spokesperson said.

The scheme is compulsory for those farmers who have availed crop loans from banks for the crops covered under the scheme.
The ongoing agitation by Dalits in Gujarat claimed its first victim from the community when one of the over 20 youths who had attempted suicide died today even as thousands of protesters converged at a rally here where the state's BJP government came under attack.

The state dalit leaders while asking their community to give up the work of disposing dead cattle to "send a message" to the government also warned that if atrocities on the community does not stop they will "show their strength" in the Assembly polls in Gujarat due in 2017.

Yogesh Hirabhai Solanki, 25, was rushed to Ahmedabad civil hospital at midnight last night from Rajkot after his condition deteriorated but passed away soon after, police said.

Solanki had attempted suicide along with two others at Parabari village in Dhoraji taluka of Rajkot on July 19 during the statewide protests against thrashing of Dalits in Una for skinning a dead dow on July 11.

A policeman was killed in Amreli town on July 19 when Dalit protesters pelted stones at a police station.

As part of their continuing protests over the assault on their community members, thousands of Dalits attended a mass gathering organised in Sabarmati area here.

At the rally, Dalit leaders also demanded firm steps to curb atrocities on the community.

The leaders also announced a plan to organise a foot march from here to Una town in Gir-Somnath District, where four Dalits were brutally thrashed by cow vigilantes for skinning a dead cow, from August 5 as a mark of protest against the July 11 incident which caused an outrage.

Addressing the gathering, Dalit leader and Convener Jignesh Mevani put forward a slew of demands before the State Government and asked his community to take a pledge to stay away from their traditional work of disposing the dead cattle.

"To give a strong message to the Government, I urge all Dalits to discontinue the work of disposing dead animals. I also want you to take a pledge of discontinuing the work of cleaning sewer lines. We no longer wish to do this work and want Government to allot agriculture land to us, so that we can live a respectable life," said Mevani.

"If atrocities on Dalits does not stop, Dalits will show their strength in the 2017 Assembly polls," he asserted, targeting the BJP Government in the State.

He put forward a series of demands and asked the Government to come to the table for talks, just like it did with the Patel quota leaders.

"We want everyone who thrashed Dalits in Una to be arrested under PASA. If they come out on bail, Government must extern them from five districts," he said. PASA is a stringent law dealing with anti-social activities.

Other demands include withdrawal of cases filed against Dalits during recent protests, speedy probe in the 2012 Thangadh police firing (in which 3 Dalits were killed), allotment of five acres of land for community members who want to discontinue their traditional work and martial arts training to SC members for self defence.

"This agitation will continue till Government accepts our demands. If Government can sit with Patels and accept their demands, it should do the same with Dalits and call them for a meeting," said Mevani.
Thousands of today took out a rally here where community leaders asked them to give up disposing dead cattle to "send a strong message" to the BJP-led Gujarat government ahead of the 2017 Assembly polls and demanded firm steps to curb the atrocities on them.

The Dalit leaders also announced a plan to organise a foot march from here to Una town in Gir-Somnath District, where four were brutally thrashed by cow vigilantes for skinning a dead cow. They said the march will be organised from August 5 as a mark of protest against the July 11 incident which caused an outrage.

As part of their continuing protests over the assault on their community members, thousands of Dailts attended a mass gathering organised here in Sabarmati area.

Speaking at the gathering, Dalit leader and Convener of the event Jignesh Mevani put forward a slew of demands before the state government and asked his community to take a pledge to stay away from their traditional work of disposing the dead cattle.

"To give a strong message to the government, I urge all to discontinue the work of disposing dead animals. I also want you to take a pledge of discontinuing the work of cleaning sewer lines. We no longer wish to do this work and want the government to allot agriculture land to us, so that we can live a respectable life," he said.

"If atrocities on Dalits do not stop, we will show our strength in the 2017 Assembly polls," Mevani asserted.

Putting forward a series of demands, he asked the government to come to the table for talks, just like it did with the Patel quota leaders.

"We want everyone who thrashed Dalits in Una to be arrested under Prevention of Anti-Social Activity Act (PASA). If they come out on bail, the government must extern them from five districts," he said.

"We also want government to make all safai kamdars (sanitation workers) permanent in their posts and pay them as per the 6th Pay Commission," the Dalit leader said.

Other demands voiced by the community leaders included withdrawal of cases filed against Dalits during recent protests, speedy probe in the 2012 Thangadh police firing (in which 3 Dalits were killed), allotment of five acres of land for community members who want to discontinue their traditional work and martial arts training to SC members for self-defence.

"This agitation will continue till the government accepts our demands. If the government can sit with Patels and accept their demands, it should do the same with Dalits and call them for a meeting," Mevani said.

Former IPS officer Rahul Sharma, who took on the Narendra



Modi-led Gujarat government during the post-Godhra riots, also addressed the gathering. A suggestion by Sharma to hold a foot march was accepted by Dalit leaders.

"This fight is against a particular ideology, which believes in creating rifts between different communities and religions. To bring this movement ahead, I suggest to hold a foot march from here in coming days and reach Una on August 15. We will celebrate our independence by hoisting flag in Una on August 15," Sharma said.

The suggestion was quickly accepted by the audience as well as leaders, who announced a "pad yatra" from Sarangpura area here from August 5 that will culminate in Una on August 15 after covering a distance of almost 380 KM.

Among others, several Muslim leaders of Jamiat-E-Ulema also attended the rally to express solidarity with Dalits.

"This incident (in Una) has brought together Dalits and Muslims. We both have to fight a new war for our rights and independence. Some elements are tormenting us in the name of gau-raksha (cow protection).

"Jamiat is with the Dalits and our leaders and supporters will join you in the foot march to Una," said General Secretary of Jamiat's Gujarat wing, Abdul Quiyum Haque.

Those who attended the gathering included relatives of Una Dalit victims as well as family members of three youths who allegedly died in the police firing in Thangadh, Surendrangar district four years back.

Valjibhai Rathod, whose son was among those killed in the police firing on a Dalit mob in Thangadh, announced his plan to launch an indefinite fast in Gandhinagar from tomorrow to seek a CBI probe into the episode.

"Even after four years, there is no progress in the probe which is being handled by CID-Crime. In the past, I had demanded a CBI inquiry, but the state government refused to accept it. To raise this demand once again, I will sit on an indefinite hunger strike in Gandhinagar from tomorrow," Rathod said.
Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, who essays Sanjay Dutt's character in his biopic, has not got any inputs or training from the latter.

The biopic on the "Munnabhai MBBS" star is being helmed by Rajkumar Hirani.

Gossip mills are abuzz that the 33-year-old-actor is being trained under Dutt.

Dismissing such reports, Dutt said, "As of now there is no training or tips that I have given to Ranbir (Kapoor). I am not giving him any training for the film. Raju (Rajkumar Hirani) is there so he will take care of everything properly."



The 57-year-old actor was released in February after serving his sentence in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.
The Enforcement Directorate arrested suspended Gujarat-cadre IAS officer Pradeep Sharma today in connection with a money laundering case.

Officials said Sharma had been booked under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on an FIR of the Gujarat CID. He was arrested after he reached the office of the ED here for interrogation.

They claimed that the 1994-batch officer was not cooperating with the investigators so his custodial interrogation was necessary.

The Supreme Court had recently vacated an interim stay on his arrest after the ED filed an affidavit seeking his arrest in the case.

The case pertains to sanction of government land in Bhuj for industrial use to Ms Welspun India Limited, and its group companies, Welspun Power and Steel and Welspun Gujarat Style Roharan, in 2004 when Sharma was the District Collector and Chairman of the District Land Evaluation and Pricing Committee.

The central agency's probe in the case found that Sharma had allegedly "sanctioned huge land at cheaper price to Ms Welspun India Ltd. And its sister concerns Ms Welspun Gujarat Stahi Rohren, Ms Welspun Power and Steel company by manipulative acts in gross violation of norms, instructions and guidelines as laid down by the state government of Gujarat".

Through this allotment, Sharma, in connivance with some others, "has allegedly caused financial losses to the state government to the tune of Rs 1.20 crore (approx)", the agency said.

"Against this favour, he has received gain to the tune of Rs 22 lakh in the name of his wife Shyamal P Sharma within a short period of 15 months by just investing Rs 1 lakh (in January 2008) in one Ms Value Packaging," the ED probe report said.

The ED invoked PMLA alleging that the money was first deposited in his wife's overseas bank account and then transferred to his account in violation of the Act.

The CID had arrested Sharma in this case and he later got bail.

The ED suspects that Sharma is the beneficiary of an alleged undisclosed Swiss bank account. It has attached Sharma's assets worth Rs 75 lakh in this case.

Sharma had earlier filed a petition in the Supreme Courtalleging that he was being victimised by the then Narendra Modi government in Gujarat and had sought a CBI inquiry into the cases against him. However, the Supreme Court had rejected his application.
Emraan Hashmi may have been in the film industry for more than a decade but Bollywood actor Gaurav Arora says he did not find the "Murder" star intimidating despite having a great career graph.

Gaurav made his debut with the recently released "Love Games". The actor will now be seen in the upcoming Vikram Bhatt-directed horror "Raaz Reboot", which also stars Hashmi.

"I had called Vikram sir asking if we will have any workshops but Emraan was busy. So, I directly met him on the sets. But the experience of shooting with him was absolutely amazing. He is not at all intimidating despite being a great actor with diverse kind of films," Gaurav told PTI.

"Raaz Reboot" is the fourth installment in the popular "Raaz" film series. Gaurav says he plays an "intense" guy named Rehan in the movie.

"The character I play in the movie is that of an intense, corporate guy who talks with eyes and has grey shades to him. He is not a plain simple character, as I find that boring. Playing anti-heroes are anyday more interesting," he said.

"Raaz" was released in 2002 starring Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea. While its sequel, "Raaz- The Mystery Continues" featured Hashmi along with actress Kangana Ranaut.

The third installment, "Raaz 3D", had Basu and Hashmi return to the franchise with Esha Gupta being the new entry in the cast.

The 26-year-old actor says he feels proud to be a part of the franchise as he had seen the first instalment of the movie with friends while he was in a boarding school.

"I know it is a very big franchise which has its own following. I remember I went to see 'Raaz' with my friends while I was in a boarding school and had never thought that one day I will be a part of the film. I feel happy and proud."



"Raaz Reboot", which also stars Kriti Kharbanda, is set to release on September 18.
Tens of thousands of people from Ethiopia's ethnic Amhara group took part in an anti-government demonstration in the northern city of Gondar, local media said, the largest such gathering yet in a string of recent protests.

The Amhara, who regularly complain of discrimination, have been angered by the government's decision to place a local district under the administration of the neighbouring Tigray region.

In videos shared on social media, the demonstrators were seen carrying signs that read: "Stop mass killing of Amhara people" and "Restore the historic border".

Gondar has for weeks been gripped by at times violent demonstrations over demands that the district, populated by the Welkait community, be returned to the Amhara region with which it has close ties.

The Amhara people are Ethiopia's second biggest ethnic group after the Oromo.

Both groups say they suffer discrimination in favour of Tigrayans, who they say occupy the key jobs in the government and security forces.

Ethiopian authorities say at least a dozen people have been killed in clashes with police over the territorial dispute over the past weeks.

In one deadly incident earlier this month, police said five officers and two civilians were killed after Amhara activists opened fire while resisting arrest for "criminal activities".

Yesterday's rally passed off peacefully.

Some of the protesters also used the occasion to express solidarity with the Oromo people, whose own demonstrations against alleged land appropriation left hundreds dead between last November and March, according to human rights groups.

There was no immediate comment from the Ethiopian government on the latest protest.

Government spokesman Getachew Reda, who could not be reached yesterday, has previously accused the Amhara protesters of "working in cahoots" with the Eritrean government in a bid to destabilise the country.
Nearly 30 years since the Hashimpura massacre, the then superintendent of police of Ghaziabad district has come out with a book giving his version of the gory incident in which 42 Muslims were gunned by jawans of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC).

"Still weighing heavy on my conscience is that horrifying night of May 22 in the humid summer of 1987. And the subsequent days, similarly, are etched in my memory like as if on stone - it was something that overpowered the cop in me. The Hashimpura experience continues to torment me," says Vibhuti Narain Rai.

"Hashimpura 22 May 22: The Forgotten Story of India's Biggest Custodial Killings" is a blow-by-blow account of the massacre and its aftermath. Translated by Darshan Desai from the Hindi version, it is published by Penguin Books.

"It was around 10.30 p.M. And I had just returned from Hapur. After dropping the district magistrate, Nasim Zaidi, at his official residence, I reached the residence of the superintendent of police.

"Just as I reached its gates, the headlights of my car fell on the frightened and nervous sub-inspector, V B Singh, who was then in charge of the Link Road police station. I could guess something terrible had happened in his jurisdiction. I asked the driver to halt the car and got out," Rai recalls.

According to him, Singh seemed too scared to explain coherently what had happened exactly.

"Even then, his string of broken words was enough to shock anyone. I could make out that the jawans of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) had killed some people, most likely Muslims, near the canal crossing the road leading to Makanpur," he writes.

Why were they killed? How many were killed? From where were they picked up? All these questions came to Rai's mind.

"After several attempts of trying to get Singh to be more coherent about the details, this is what I gathered about the incident: It was around 9 pm when V B Singh and his colleagues sitting at the police station heard gunshots from near Makanpur and they thought there were some dacoits in the village.

"Singh turned his motorcycle towards that track, with another sub-inspector and a constable sentry riding pillion. They had barely travelled a few metres down the road when they spotted a truck driving towards them at breakneck speed.

"If Singh had not swerved his motorcycle off the road, the truck would have knocked them down. Just as he was trying to control his vehicle, Singh looked behind at the yellow coloured truck with '41' written on it and some men in khaki uniform sitting at the rear. It was not difficult for professional policemen to figure out that the vehicle was from the 41st Battalion of the PAC.

Wondering why a PAC truck was on that road at that hour of



the night and if it had any connection to the gunshots they had heard, they proceeded towards Makanpur.

"They must have driven just a kilometre further when Singh and his colleagues saw something very scary. Just short of Makanpur, there were bodies strewn in a pool of blood in the ravines around the canal. The blood was still oozing out of the bodies and was slowly seeping into the ground.

"From what Singh could see from the glow of his motorcycle's headlights, there were bodies lying in the bushes, on the canal banks and floating in the water as well. It did not take the sub-inspector and his colleagues long to link the speeding PAC truck with the gunshots and the bodies in the canal," Rai writes.

He says the story is a "sordid saga of the relations between the Indian state and minorities, the amoral attitude of the police and a frustratingly sluggish judicial system."



Last year, 16 Uttar Pradesh policemen who were accused of killing the 42 Muslims were acquitted by a court.

What triggered their killings?



Rai attributes these to the horrifying period when this incident occurred.

"It was nearly a decade since the Ram Janmabhoomi agitation had hopelessly divided the entire nation. The agitation that started in the late 1970s, and was getting more aggressive each day, had driven the Hindu middle-class towards communalism.

"The maximum number of inter-community riots post Partition took place during this phase. It was obvious that the PAC and the police could not have remained insulated from this social chasm for long."



Rai says Hashimpura experience continues to torment him.

"Between May 22, 1987 and March 21, 2015, when the verdict on the crime came, it would seem that Indian society had undergone a sea of change. The changes that have taken place in the political, economic and social spheres have metamorphosed the social milieu of the country.

"But the fact that the case dragged on endlessly in the courts actually serves as a grim reminder that nothing has really changed.

Rai says that just a few days after the Hashimpura massacre, he decided to write about it and bring its details out to the open but his writing began at a slow pace because of his busy schedule.

"But when the National Police Academy, Hyderabad, granted me a research fellowship in 1994, my prospects brightened. My subject was related to the image of the police among Hindus and Muslims during communal riots, and I deliberately chose this topic in order to work on the book; it also provided me with a year-long relief from regular routine," he says.
Filmmaker Paul Feig says he disapproves of Sony's decision to delete the post from the official Twitter account of his "Ghostbusters" that seemingly showed support for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton.

The tweet in question showed Kate McKinnon's character with a message that read, "Boo-yah, we smashed your glass ceiling. There was a ghost behind it. #ImWithHer #BustTheCeiling #Ghostbusters."



Reacting to its removal, Feig, 53, told The Wrap, "This is the first I'm hearing about this but I guarantee that none of us - producers or filmmakers - would have taken this tweet down."



"We are pro-woman and all about smashing the glass ceiling and we support the message of this deleted tweet. And I personally am very much pro-Hillary."



Meanwhile, Sony said, "The tweet was never intended to be a political endorsement."



The studio explained that "it was a shout-out to our own glass ceiling-busters," referring to the film's stars McKinnon, Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig and Leslie Jones.
Having bagged a Rs 250-crore investment from BPCL, the first by an oil marketer in a Payments Bank, Fino Paytech is looking for at least one more round of fund infusion through stake sale before it launches the bank in about 6 months.

"We will have at least one more stake sale, after which we will proceed ahead to launching the bank," Fino's Managing Director and CEO Rishi Gupta told PTI.

He declined however to elaborate the quantum of infusion or the stake sale in the company, valued at over Rs 1,200 crore, is looking at.

When asked about the new shareholders, Gupta hinted that it may be some new, non-financial player again, saying a payments bank is the start of differentiated banking and the stakeholders will also be from varied businesses.

It can be noted that till now, a majority of the eight Payments Bank aspirants are riding on complementarity with the telecom business and it is the first time that a OMC has come on board.

Some like Airtel's tie-up with Kotak Mahindra Bank have already received the final nods while others are on the way.

The RBI's 18 month window to those who have been given in-principle nods is on till February 2017.

Gupta said Fino is waiting for the stake sales to go through before making proceeding ahead for the final nod.

It can be noted that under the RBI norms, Fino is required to bring its foreign holding under 50 per cent which is being done through the stake sales.

Fino's shareholders include ICICI Bank, IFC, HAV3 holdings, The Blackstone Group and Intel Capital, besides BPCL.

Gupta said Fino will be targeting the "non-digital" population for the Payments Bank operations.

Apart from BPCL's network of retail outlets which serve a slew of individual customers and fleet operators, the payments bank will also benefit from its home gas distribution business where the subsidies are transfered directly into bank accounts, Gupta said.

Fino's bank will be competing with biggies including the Aditya Birla Group, Reliance Industries, Department of Posts, PayTM and Vodafone, among others in the payments bank space.
Fishermen from coastal hamlet will resume fishing operations on August 3 after a week long stir to press for various demands, including the release of 77 fishermen in Sri Lankan custody, as the island nation has set them free.

A resolution to this effect was adopted at a meeting of Fishermen's associations here today, state Fishermen Association president N Devadoss said.

The fishermen also thanked External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for taking steps to secure the release of 77 fishermen and also her assurance to retrieve 103 boats which are still in the island nation's custody.

On July 29, Sushma Swaraj had held a high-level meeting with various stakeholders and deliberated on the different aspects of the fishermen issue with Sri Lanka.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, 13 representatives from Fishermen's Association of Tamil Nadu, officials of Prime Minister's Office, Coast Guard, Ministries of Agriculture, Home, Defence, External Affairs and the Indian Navy.
The flood toll in Assam rose to 31 with two more deaths being reported today even as the rain- triggered building collapse in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi claimed nine lives while lightning strikes in Odisha killed three more persons.

According to Assam State Disaster Management Authority, two persons were killed at Bokakhat in Golaghat district taking the toll to 31.

Nearly 17 lakh people have been affected in 2,266 villages in 21 districts in the state, with Morigaon being the worst-hit.

Authorities are running 463 relief camps and distribution centres, where almost 1.5 lakh people have taken shelter in 18 districts.

Brahmaputra river is flowing above the danger mark at Nematighat in Jorhat, Goalpara and Dhubri towns.

In Bhiwandi, nine persons were killed when a building collapsed due to heavy rains while incessant downpour in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar hit normal life.

Lightning strikes in Odisha have claimed three more lives taking the toll to 32 in the past two days.

Heavy rainfall and thundershower coupled with gusty surface wind are likely to lash several parts of Odisha due to a low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.

The meteorological centre in Bhubaneswar said rain or thundershower is very likely to occur at most places over north and south Odisha tomorrow. Gusty surface wind with 35 to 45 kmph speed and up to 50 kmph may prevail along and off south Odisha coast.

Sea condition would be moderate to rough in south Odisha coast and fishermen are advised to be cautious while venturing into sea.

In Bihar, where the flood toll stood at 26, an estimated 27.50 lakh people have been affected in 12 districts, though no fresh casualty was reported.

Rivers including Ghaghra, Bagmati, Koshi and Mahananda are flowing above the danger mark at several places. The floods have also damaged crops in 3.39 lakh hectares of land.

On the flood situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' programme said the state governments and the Centre are working closely, making all efforts to help the affected people.

The national capital recorded scant rainfall and high relative humidity level of upto 100 per cent troubling people.

The maximum temperature in Delhi settled at 31.3 degrees Celsius, three notches below the normal while the minimum was recorded at 26 degrees Celsius, one degree below the normal.
Churches across France opened their doors to Muslims today to join in prayer with Catholics following the jihadist murder of a priest, the latest in a string of attacks.

More than 100 Muslims were among the 2,000 faithful who packed the Gothic cathedral of Rouen near the Normandy town where two jihadi teenagers brutally murdered 85-year-old Father Jacques Hamel.

"This morning we extend a special welcome to our Muslim friends," Rouen Archbishop Dominique Lebrun said in his homily.

"I thank you in the name of all Christians. In this way you are affirming that you reject death and violence in the name of God."



Outside the cathedral a few policemen and soldiers stood guard but did not conduct searches, seeking to reassure a jittery population after the second jihadist attack in less than a fortnight.

The priest's murder sparked renewed recriminations over perceived security lapses after the Bastille Day truck massacre in southern Nice claimed 84 lives.

Both of the 19-year-olds attackers -- Adel Kermiche and Abdel Malik Petitjean -- had been on intelligence services' radar and had tried to go to Syria.

And the jihadist killing of a priest at his altar on Tuesday also prompted fears of possible tensions between religions in the officially secular country.

The most poignant moment of Sunday's mass in Rouen was the sign of peace, a regular part of the liturgy when the faithful turn to greet each other in the pews, either shaking hands or kissing.

Archbishop Lebrun used the moment to step into the congregation and greet Muslim leaders attending, as well as three nuns who were at the church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray when Hamel had his throat slit.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls called today for a new "pact" with the Muslim community in France, Europe's largest with around five million members.

"Islam has found its place in France... Contrary to the repeated attacks of populists on the right and far-right," he said.

"This intolerable rejection of Islam and Muslims... Must be combatted -- and it is -- with the greatest strength," he said.

Also today, dozens of prominent Muslims published a joint letter warning that "the risk of fracturing among the French is growing every day."



The signatories, which included academics as well as medical professionals, artists and business leaders, wrote: "We Muslims were silent because... Religion is a private affair in France, (but) we must speak now because Islam has become a public affair and the current situation is intolerable."



The letter, published in the Journal du Dimanche weekly, pledged: "We, French and Muslim, are ready to assume our responsibilities."



Muslims also attended Catholic masses in Italy, notably at Rome's Santa Maria di Trastevere church in response to a call by the Sant'Egidio community known for its international mediation efforts.
Even as India is "aggressively" trying to attract funds for the Rs 40,000-crore National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), global investors are likely to adopt a "cautious" approach over investing in it, a report by Research has said.

The company, part of the Fitch Group, said infrastructure sector in the country continues to face challenges, which is discouraging international investments.

"Indian government is aggressively trying to attract foreign investments into its infrastructure sector, seeking USD 1 trillion in investments, however, we expect that international investors will continue to remain cautious over investing in the fund which seeks to fill the funding gap in India," the company said in its latest report.

Till date, the NIIF has secured support through Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with sovereign wealth funds including Russia's Rusnano, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Qatar Investment Authority, it added.

However, Research said, "While encouraging that there is interest in the fund, there is yet to be any formal commitment of capital."



Government created the NIIF in December last as an investment vehicle for funding commercially viable greenfield, brownfield and stalled projects.

While the government will invest Rs 20,000 crore in NIIF, the remaining amount will come from private investors.

Research further said, "The potential of India's USD 6 billion NIIF will not be fulfilled in the short-term, even as projects are selected for investment.

"Crucially, the Indian infrastructure sector continues to present various challenges hindering the attraction of the market for international investors."



On the reasons behind the lack of interest from global investors in investing in NIIF, it said that it is likely on account of India's investment outlook, which remains challenging.

"The country scores below regional average in both our Operational and Project Risk Index, with particularly low score for Crime and Security Risk and Construction Risk, highlighted by the fact that a third of projects  worth a combined value of USD 210 billion  are delayed," it said.

However, BMI Research expects India's construction and infrastructure sectors to grow by an annual average of 6.4 per cent between 2016 and 2025.

"While we expect the NIIF to continue to fund projects itself, we believe international backers which the fund is looking to tap are likely to adopt a wait-and-see attitude before investing in the fund, largely owing to a still challenging operational environment and high project risks which threaten timely returns on investment," it said.
Shiv Sena's Goa unit on sunday ruled out joining hands with BJP or Congress for the state Legislative Assembly polls, due before March 2017, and expressed willingness to have alliance with "parties like Goa Forward".

"Our priority is to have pre-poll alliance with parties like Goa Forward. The independent MLAs mentoring the party are taking up genuine issues of the people," Goa unit chief Sudip Tamankar told reporters here.

"Sena will not have any alliance with BJP or Congress in the Assembly election as both the parties were responsible for ruining the coastal state," he added.

According to Tamankar, BJP rode to victory in 2012 Goa polls on various promises which it has failed to fulfil.

"They cheated on the issue of casino shifting from (the Mandovi) river. They (BJP) are not different from the Congress which failed to keep up the promises and on the other hand went on looting people," he alleged.

He accused the BJP-led government in Goa for being in contempt with the National Green Tribunal, which had asked the State Pollution Control Board to monitor the water quality of Mandovi river due to presence of off-shore casino vessels in it after every four months.

"The then Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar responding to a question tabled on the floor of the House by Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco had said that the state will adhere to NGT guidelines of checking the water quality after every four months. But they have failed to fulfil the assurance," the Sena leader claimed.

Tamankar warned that Sena will have to move to NGT with a contempt petition, if Pollution Control Board continues to ignore the order (of checking the water quality).
Online travel start-up GoFro is chalking out a plan to take its services to up to 30 top global destinations by the end of this year as part of its expansion strategy.

It has expanded the number of countries in which it provides travel packages to 13 with the addition of France, Greece and Switzerland.

"We will continue to add more destinations that are popular with Indian tourists. By the end of this year, we plan to cover the top 25 to 30 destinations that account for 80 per cent of out-bound leisure travel from India," GoFro founder Amitabh Misra told PTI.

At present, GoFro's packages are available for Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Bali, Mauritius, Cambodia, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Australia, Vietnam, France, Greece and Switzerland.

Asked if the company is also looking to tap the Indian market, he said: "We will be launching top domestic destinations such as the Andamans, Kerala, the North-East and Kashmir by the end of this year."



On whether the company is planning to raise funds for expansion, Misra said: "We have not actively started to look for funding. That said, we see a clear path for growth for which we will need additional resources in coming months."



The company has so far received USD 5 million funding from MakeMyTrip.

GoFro brings local guide experience to its customers while booking through the website, with destination experts helping customers plan and create their itineraries.
The government is set to face resistance in passage of the bill which seeks to amend the Enemy Property Act, with major opposition parties Congress, Samajwadi Party, JD(U) and CPI opposing its key provisions.

The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill seeking to make changes in the Enemy Property Act, 1968, is listed in Rajya Sabha for being taken up this week.

The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on March 9. Later, the matter was referred to a 23-member select committee of the Rajya Sabha. Representatives of SP, Congress, JD(U) and CPI had submitted dissent notes in the Committee's report.

The Committee, headed by BJP MP Bhupendra Yadav, had recommended that once the government implements the proposed amendments to dispose of the enemy property by selling it, the interest of the present occupant/tenant may be taken care of for the time being so that the tenants are not unsettled all of a sudden or the running business of the financial institutions/PSUs does not get disrupted.

"In our considered view, the provisions of the present Bill violates the very basic principle of natural justice, human rights and settled principles of law. Furthermore, it adversely affects and results in punishing lakhs of Indian citizens and will have no effect on any enemy government," the dissent note had said.

The representatives of the four parties K C Tyagi (JD-U), K Rahman Khan, P L Punia, Hussain Dalwai (all Congress), D Raja (CPI) and Javed Ali Khan (SP) said the 1968 law is a very balanced piece of legislation as it recognised that enmity is not permanent and Indian citizens should not be deprived of their rights including inheritance and succession.

Last month, the government had promulgated an ordinance for the third time to amend as the Bill is still pending in Rajya Sabha after being approved by Lok Sabha.

After the wars of 1965 and 1971 led to migration of people from India to Pakistan, the government took over the properties and companies of such persons who had obtained Pakistani citizenship and designated them as 'enemy properties'.
After witnessing a sluggish first half, FMCG firm Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) expects demand to be better in the remaining period of the year with implementation of 7th Pay Commission and passing of GST likely to increase consumption.

"Overall, we should see a boost to consumption in India, following the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission and the passing of GST. We are hopeful that the second half of the year will be better than the first," GCPL Managing Director Vivek Gambhir told PTI.

He further said: "We are hopeful to see an uptake in demand with an improved monsoon".

The company, which last week reported a consolidated net sales of Rs 2,120.22 crore in the Q1 of financial year 2016-17 and a net profit of Rs 244.27 crore, is extending its offering in the personal care and household insecticides category.

"We already have natural platforms in both hair and soap, we are now we are building the natural Household Insecticides category as well. Neem has strong Indian roots and it is known to be effective and safe to use," he said.

Besides, GCPL would "remain focused on driving our innovation momentum and continue to invest heavily behind our new product launches," he added.

The company which has recently launched Cinthol deostick for men and women has plans to extend the brand into a male grooming brand.

"While these are early days, the response has been very encouraging. We will continue to invest behind this and extend Cinthol into a male grooming platform," Gambhir said.

During this quarter, 50.09 per cent of GCPL sales were contributed from the international markets and rest 49.90 was from the domestic market.

GCPL's revenue form its Indonesian business was Rs 376.20 crore and the company expects it to be better in the coming quarters.

"Our Indonesia business has delivered good sales growth despite the macroeconomic slowdown in the country. Given the changes the government is introducing we hope to see better growth going ahead," he said.
A security guard in a private banyan factory near Tirupur was today found dead in its premises with bleeding injuries on the body, police said.

Suspecting foul play, his relatives staged a sit-in in front of the Government Hospital at Tirupur, where the body was taken for post-mortem, and blamed the factory management for the death, police said.

The deceased, 46-year-old guard Murthy, was working as a security guard in the factory at Angeripalayam, police said.

Further investigations are on.
The Gujarat government today said it would withdraw 90 per cent police cases lodged against Patidar community members during the state-wide agitation, led by their leader Hardik Patel, for reservation under OBC category last year.

A review committee headed by Chief Minister Anandiben Patel met on July 29 to discuss the matter "sympathetically" after leaders from the agitating community made repeated appeals to her to get the cases withdrawn, an official statement said.

"After discussion, Anandiben decided to withdraw around 90 per cent of cases lodged against Patidar community members in connection with the (reservation) agitation," it said.

The government had earlier ordered withdrawal of 155 cases. At a meeting last Friday, Anandiben ordered to withdraw 54 more cases in addition to the 155 cases. She also ordered the state home department to take necessary steps to withdraw an additional 182 cases at the earliest, the statement said.

With this, 391, or nearly 90 per cent, out of a total of 438 cases lodged against Patidar community members will be withdrawn.

A mass gathering of the Patidar community members on August 25 last year had turned violent.

Patidar leader and convener of Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti Hardik Patel was also among those arrested in connection with the vandalism.

He was recently granted bail by the Gujarat High Court in two sedition cases as well as Visnagar loot and vandalism case and is presently residing in Udaipur as per the bail condition.
Companies will now be encouraged to fund government school projects in Haryana as part of the state government's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

A co-ordination committee has been formed as part of the measure aimed at filling the funding gap in the sector and improving quality of education, state Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma said here today.

He said the state was striving to uplift Education Development Indicators.

"Fortunately, Haryana has a large number of reputed corporate houses and the government is keen to attract Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds direct or indirect apart from the state budget allocated for education so as to inject quality in education system," Sharma said.

The government has framed a state-level CSR Co-ordination Committee in education with an aim to fill funding gaps in the government school projects and to avoid the duplication in ongoing projects, he said in a statement.

The committee would also identify and attend to priority area components, supplementing government activities without replacing them and forming action plans, Sharma said.

"It would co-ordinate and channelise the efforts to achieve goals and facilitate CSR works through implementing agencies like the NGOs and Corporates, monitor and review CSR activities implemented by various agencies, handhold, co- ordinate, 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, Core Committee which would be Sub-Committee of State Level Steering Committee and District Level Steering Committee in Education, Sharma said.

State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) will have Additional Chief Secretary, Secondary Education as its chairperson. Other members include Director Secondary Education, Director Elementary Education, representative of Corporate houses and Industries to be decided by CII and FICCI.

Referring to the core areas of education under CSR, Sharma said corporate or industries and NGOs can be engaged under CSR in infrastructure gap filling, capacity building, in improving quality of education, inclusive education for disabled, motivating and bringing the school dropouts to the schools and strengthening of schools running for out of children.

Establishment and development of Art and Craft or Music Labs among other measures required in the field of education for development of the state.
Jharkhand government has plans to set up five medical colleges in the state soon, Chief Minister Raghubar Das today said.

"We want to develop mineral-rich Jharkhand, which is lagging far behind in healthcare sector, as Medical Tourism destination and make it a Medical Hub," Das said while inaugurating a College of Nursing of Tata Main Hospital and a Sankara Nethralaya Mobile Eye Surgical unit here.

Informing that detailed project report of three Centre-sponsored Medical Colleges are ready and foundation stones are likely to be laid before October 2, he said, the government is committed to improve the healthcare sector as it aims to develop the state as a destination for medical tourism.

The proposed colleges will be set up in Palamau, Dumka and Hazaribagh districts. The state government also has plans to set up two more medical colleges in Bokaro and Chaibasa (West Singhbhum district), the Chief Minister said.

Nine nursing colleges will come up in different districts of the state in current fiscal, he said.

The 'Sankara Nethralaya Mobile Eye Surgical Unit' inaugurated here today, is the first such unit in the country after Chennai, where a mobile eye surgical unit is in operation since 2012.

The Chief Minister hailed the founder of Sankara Nethralaya Hospital and 'Padma Bhusan' recipient Dr S S Badrinath for launching the mobile eye surgical unit in the state.

Inviting Dr Badrinath, who was also present at the



function, for setting up an Eye Hospital in Ranchi on the lines of its Chennai hospital, Das assured to provide him land for the purpose. The Chief Minister also spoke to him in this regard separately after the function.

Recalling his recent visit to Hyderabad and Bangaluru to woo investors, Das said he had discussion with reputed cardiac surgeon Dr Devi Shetty and Hyderabad-based pancreas specialist Dr Rao and assured them land to open similar hospitals in the state.

Dr Shetty, who has assured to visit the state in the first week of August to discuss the issue, has sought 10 acres of land to set up a hospital, the Chief Minister said, adding he has offered him to take over the Ranchi Sadar Hospital for the purpose.

Admitting that there is shortage of doctors and nursing staff in Jharkhand, Das said he had experienced the shortage of doctors and nursing staff in the state soon after he became the Chief Minister about one-and-half-years ago.
The Delhi High Court has put on hold an order and a public notice issued by two SDMs prohibiting lawyers from practicing or appearing before them in marriage registration matters.

While staying the order and public notice, Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva made it clear that no advocate shall solicit work or cause any harassment to people going to SDM office for registration of marriages.

"It is directed that till the next date of hearing, the operation of the impugned public notice and the impugned order shall remain stayed. The respondents (SDMs) are directed not to deny entry or prevent bona fide advocates from functioning and assisting their clients for the purpose of registration of their marriages.

"It is however, clarified that no advocate shall solicit work at the office of the SDM or cause any harassment to the people who are coming for registration of marriages in contravention of the Standards of Professional Conduct and Etiquette as prescribed by the Bar Council of India," the court said and listed the matter for hearing on September 20.

It also issued notice to and sought response of the two Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) of Punjabi Bagh and Hauz Khas, appointed as the marriage officers of their area, on a plea by some lawyers challenging the prohibition.

The lawyers, in their plea, have said that registration of marriages is mandatory as per Delhi (Compulsory Registration of Marriage) Order, 2014, issued pursuant to directions of the Supreme Court.

Advocate Gaurav Sharma, who appeared for the petitioners, contended that lawyers assist their clients in getting marriages registered as there are various legal formalities to be performed for registration in the form of submission of applications, documents and affidavits.

He said there were no rules or guidelines whereby such a notice or order could have been issued prohibiting advocates from entering the office of the SDMs for the purpose of assisting their clients in getting their marriages registered.

The lawyers, in their plea, alleged that consequent to



the said order of July 11, and the public notice of April 18, the advocates, who are appearing before the SDMs were being put to great embarrassment as the staff in the office was preventing their entry.

They have contended that the said public notice and order are in contravention of the very provisions of the Advocates Act and the right to livelihood of the lawyers.

On the other hand, the lawyer appearing for the SDMs contended there was no intention to bar lawyers from practicing, however, the order and public notice became necessary as some advocates or persons appearing in the robes of advocates were harassing people who were coming for the registration of their marriages by chasing them and soliciting work from them.

The lawyer contended that this was leading to a chaotic situation and harassment to not only the SDMs but also the persons who were going there to get their marriages registered.
Describing Hinduism as a way of life, RSS Chief said "it is more inclusive and not exclusive".

Addressing the concluding session of the three-day 'Sanskriti MahaShibir' organised by the UK-based charity Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh at Hertfordshire, Bhagwat spoke about the positive aspects of Hinduism which believed in the principle of Vasudeva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).

"In a diverse world, every culture has to be respected and when all cultures are respected, the world will flourish," the RSS Chief told over 2,200 delegates from the UK and the Europewho attended the MahaShibir.

Describing Hinduism as a way of life, he said "it is more inclusive and not exclusive.

He also spoke about the conflict between development and environment and said "Hinduism has answers to the question 'should environment be compromised because of development'.

Emphasising that exercise is essential for a healthy body and mind, Bhagwat said "healthy society depends on leading a disciplined life, with proper eating habits and regular exercise."

During the three-day deliberations there were in-depth discussion among on 'Sanskaar' (values of life), 'Sewa' (selfless service) and 'Sangathan' (community spirit).

The MahaShibir was addressed among by Swami Dayatmananda, Head of Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre UK, Swami Nirliptananda, Head of London Sewashram Sangh UK and Acharya Vidya Bhaskar, Omkarananda Ashram Switzerland.
Asked by the government to give more thrust to revenue mop up, the Income Tax Department is looking for more office space in the financial capital as it expects its staff strength to increase, a senior official said.

The department is planning to lease a total of 6 lakh sq ft area in the current fiscal, out of which it has already hired 2 lakh sq ft of developed property at various places in the city.

According to an estimate, as against the sanctioned staff strength of 5,200 for the Mumbai zone, the department currently has over 4,000 employees, with an average 200-500 staffers being added on a yearly basis.

"The I-T department has expanded in terms of both collection of revenues and manpower and hence a lot of extra space is required.

"That is why, we are trying to acquire new office spaces in the city," Principal Chief Commissioner, Income Tax, Mumbai, D S Saksena told PTI here.

"While the revenue collections are increasing here by 10-12 per cent on a yearly basis, we also have to provide accommodation to the constantly increasing workforce of the department," he said.

Mumbai zone of the I-T Department collected revenue worth Rs 2.48 trillion in the year gone by and is looking at a figure of Rs 2.78 trillion for this fiscal.

The department has already hired a number of premises in the city on lease basis in the recent past.

"We have hired 8 floors in the Air India building in Nariman Point, measuring 1.25 lakh square feet. Similarly, we have also hired 1.5 lakh sq ft in Ernest House building in Nariman Point and 3 floors of MTNL building, located at Cumbala Hill in South Mumbai," he said.

According to Saksena, the department has recently constructed 56 quarters at Bandra-Kurla Complex to accommodate officers of the rank of commissioner and additional commissioner.

"As against the department's target to hire 6 lakh sq ft of space in the city by the fiscal-end, we have already hired 2 lakh sq ft so far," he said.

Some of the premises in the city which are on the department's radar include MTNL-owned buildings at Walkeshwar and Vashi.

"While we are looking at 45,000 sq ft of an MTNL building in Walkeshwar, we are also eying another MTNL-owned building located at Vashi with an area of 30,000 sq ft," he said.
"Doctor Who" spin-off writer Patrick Ness has revealed that he was originally approached to pen an episode for the original show.

Ness, who is the showrunner for the upcoming BBC Three series "Class", turned down the opportunity to write for Peter Capaldi's Doctor - but it led to his current position, reported Digital Spy.

"At first, they asked me to write an episode of 'Doctor Who'. I said, 'It's a brilliant show, but I've just spent so much time doing work for other people, and I really want to do something of my own'," Ness said.

"And they said, 'Well, we have this idea for setting a spin-off in school'. And it was like, ding!"



Ness added that he's loving working on "Class", saying: "It's been fantastic. I've got six weeks of filming to go. The cast are great, and it's been a fantastic experience. I can't wait for you to see it. Fingers crossed! It's going well."



"Class" takes place at the Coal Hill Academy, the school where The Doctor and several of his past companions have had many adventures over the decades.

Katherine Kelly will lead a cast of newcomers when "Class" premieres on BBC Three in the UK and BBC America in the US.
A day after some newsmen were allegedly manhandled and locked up inside a police station at Kozhikode in Kerala by a police officer, a journalists' body has strongly condemned the incident and demanded stringent action against the accused police personnel.

In a statement, Indian Journalists Union (IJU) President S N Sinha, Secretary General Amar Devulapalli and Kerala Journalists Union (KJU) President V B Rajan said the action of police was a direct attack on the freedom of the press as the claim of the police that the journalists were arrested on the orders of the court was immediately denied by the judge, exposing the high-handed behaviour of the police.

"It is an extension of the ban on media to enter the premises of all the courts, including the High Court, in the state (Kerala). It is unfortunate that the police again raked up the case when the controversy raging for the last few weeks between the lawyers and journalists is subsiding after the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court appointed a committee to revise Guide Lines for reporting court trials and verdicts in the state," it said.

The IJU urged Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan "to immediately take stringent action against the police officers responsible for the arrest of journalists and confiscation of their equipment including OB van immediately".

"Immediate steps should be taken to resolve the issue so that the media can discharge its function of informing the people on the outcome of sensitive cases being heard in Courts without any hindrance," it said.

It also sought intervention of Press Council of India chairman Justice C K Prasad to resolve the issue.

In yesterday's incident, when some media personnel went to the Kozhikode district court to cover the Ice Cream Parlour case, the personnel, including a private Malayalam TV channel reporter, were prevented by police.

Three of them were taken to the police station in a police jeep and the channel's vehicle was also seized.

The incidents led to protests by many journalists who took out marches in various cities in Kerala and in Delhi.

Following an uproar, the concerned police officer was suspended, pending an inquiry.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today called for inculcating a sense of culture and ethical practices mixed with technology while imparting education among students for achieving higher goals.

"It is a digital era and Maharashtra has introduced digital schooling which will prompt the parents to move towards schools run by the local self-help government like Zilla Parishads and Municipal Councils," the CM said while speaking at a function organised by a media house here.

He also announced that the state government would launch about 350 of its services on digital app from October 2, which will be a milestone in the field of technology and faster mode of communication.

These services will be available from October 2 across the state, he added.

Stressing the need for new experiments in the field of education, Fadnavis said there was a need of practising reading habits.

Calling on teachers to create a society on the basis of scientific knowledge added with computers, he said the need of the hour was to make scientific knowledge a "must".

"There was also a need for a modern education system," he added.

Citing the example of Israel, Fadnavis said the country has set the finest model of agriculture and shown to the world that computer too can be of many help in farming.
An Indian national was among five people arrested in Nepal in a drug racket in which 472 kgs of drug-making chemicals were seized.

Dilip Pandut, 35, a resident of Raxaul, Bihar was arrested along with four others, police here said.

Police have also seized 472 kg of raw materials and precursor chemical that are used in manufacturing Pseudoephedrine, a highly sophisticated narcotic drug that has a high demand in Asian markets including, India, China, Thailand and Malaysia.

These raw materials are sufficient to manufacture 71 kgs of Pseudoephedrine worth about USD 12 million, said Jaya Bahadur Chand, Deputy Inspector General of Police at the Narcotic Control Bureau of Nepal Police.

The raw materials are brought from Switzerland, and after mixing it in Nepal the narcotics produced are exported to India, China, Malaysia and Thailand, at high prices, police said.

These drug-making raw materials were being trafficked in disguise of medicines. However, the police busted the racket on the basis of a tip-off.

The five arrestees have been taken into custody on five-day judicial remand from Kathmandu District Court for further investigation.
Domestic budget airlines IndiGo today announced direct flights from the city to Dubai, starting September, a year after the inauguration of a new terminal at the Chandigarh International Airport.

The city is all set to get on the international aviation map with the announcement.

IndiGo will launch its new daily non-stop flights between Chandigarh and Dubai, starting September 26, the Gurgaon-based carrier said in a release.

It has also announced special all-inclusive return fare of Rs 9,999 for its maiden international flight, which is up for booking from today.

"We are very excited about the new launch from Chandigarh to Dubai. Chandigarh has been a promising market for us at IndiGo. We are excited to provide an international connection from Chandigarh which has been a long standing request from the people of city," IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh said in the release.

The new terminal at the Chandigarh International Airport, constructed with an investment of Rs 939 crore, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 1 last year.

The terminal is being operated and maintained by Chandigarh International Airport Ltd (CHIAL), a joint venture firm between Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the governments of Punjab and Haryana.

AAI holds 51 per cent stake in CHIAL while Punjab and Haryana have 24.5 per cent equity each.

The largest airline by domestic market share, IndiGo, currently operates 812 flights per day to 40 destinations with a fleet of 110 Airbus A320 aircraft. IndiGo had commenced its international operations in September 2011.
Sunni Islamist radicals in have blown up a 16th century mosque housing the shrine of a revered Sufi scholar in the city of Taez, a local official said.

Gunmen led by a Salafist local chief known as Abu al-Abbas blew up the mosque of Sheikh Abdulhadi al-Sudi on Friday night, the official told AFP, confirming media reports of the attack.

Yemen's commission for antiquities and museums condemned the destruction of the site that is considered the most famous in Taez.

It said the mosque's white dome was "one of the biggest domes in and one of the most beautiful religious sites in old Taez".

Images of the site before destruction showed a white square-shaped, single-storey structure topped by a large central dome circled by smaller ones.

Sufism is a mystical movement of Islam that is frowned upon by the ultraconservative Salafist brand of Islam.

Taez city is besieged by Shiite rebels, but the city itself is controlled by a combination of forces loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi and allied militias.

Residents have complained of the growing influence of radical Salafists, who have been imposing curbs on mixing between men and women.

While Al-Qaeda and Islamic State group jihadists have been under attack by both government and rebel forces as well as US drones, Salafists operate under the banner of pro-government militias fighting the Iran-backed Shiite rebels.
Less than a year after public backlash forced withdrawal of the controversial draft National Encryption policy, the government has restarted the work on drafting the blueprint, asking industry bodies for suggestions.

The Ministry of Electronics and IT recently wrote to leading industry associations including Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), Association of Unified Telecom Service Providers of India (AUSPI), and Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI) seeking their opinions and inputs that will facilitate a "robust and secure" encryption policy, sources said.

The ministry has given the associations a deadline of August 1, for sending their feedback, and said they would be invited for a more detailed discussion in the meeting of an Expert Committee.

However, associations such as COAI and AUSPI have asked the Ministry to bring out a specific discussion paper on the issue.

"We have written to them asking for more information on the proposed framework. Banks have a different encryption standard, Telecom Department has a different encryption standard... We need a consistent government approach on encryption," Rajan S Mathews, director general of COAI told PTI.

When contacted, ISPAI President, Rajesh Chharia said the reworked encryption policy, should be in sync with changes in technology.

"As per the proposed policy framework, the capability to encrypt and decrypt data should be within government. We will seek more time for giving our suggestions. The policy framework should be made after comprehensive discussions with all stakeholders," Chharia added.

Last September, the government had issued the draft of National Encryption Policy, which proposed to mandate storage of every message sent by people -- be it through WhatsApp, SMS, e-mail or any such service -- in plain text format for 90 days, and to made available on demand to security agencies.

Legal actions that also included imprisonment were proposed in the draft policy.

But following a public outcry and concerns over breaching right to privacy, government withdrew the proposal.

In February, previous Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said the government fully respected the upholding of right to privacy of citizens and acknowledged the need for protection of private data against misuse.

"There is no intention by the government to implement an encryption policy breaching right to privacy of public," Prasad had said.

The minister had further said encryption has been recognised by the government as means to secure data and transactions, and the provision in the Information Technology Act 2000 enables the use of encryption for such purposes.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has expressed grief over the passing away of Rakesh Siddaramaiah, son of his Karnataka counterpart.

"Chief Minister (KCR) in a message to Karnataka Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah) expressed his sympathy and said may god give strength to bear the loss," an official release said today.

Rakesh, 39, was undergoing treatment at Antwerp University Hospital in Brussels, where he was rushed on Tuesday after he developed sudden pancreas-related complications. He died of multi-organ failure in Belgium yesterday.
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today slammed the state's government, claiming it took no concrete steps to avoid Gurgaon traffic jam



situation.

"Just changing the names of schemes and cities won't help. The government will have to deliver on ground. They renamed Gurgaon as Gurugram, but after massive traffic jam there this week the people have renamed it as Gurujam," Hooda said.

"Whatever excuse the government may give, the truth is that they took no concrete step to avoid such a situation. No desilting work of Badshahpur and Najafgarh drains has taken place in the last two years," he added.

He said when Congress government led by him was in power for ten years, heavy spells were witnessed, but never before did Gurgaon see such massive traffic jams.

"See the turn which the situation took this time even when it had rained just for a few hours in Gurgaon. People were



trapped in jams for up to 20 hours," he said.

"During our time, 90 per cent work on 18 km-long Dwarka expressway was completed, but during BJP's rule, things have moved at snail's pace," he said.

"A tender for a flyover near the Hero Honda Chowk, which acts as a traffic bottleneck, had been floated in January 2014, but things have got stalled after they came to power," he



said.

He said Khattar government is trying to shift the blame to Delhi government, saying they did not open the gate of Najafgarh drain.

"When Congress was in power in Haryana, each year senior officers of the two neighbouring states used to hold meetings to avoid such situations. But now they are only trying to indulge in blame game with AAP government," he said.

Hooda also took a jibe at Khattar government for its claim about investments it had mobilised after 'Happening Haryana Global Investors Summit 2016' a few months back.

"While everyone knows that investments haven't come, however, this massive traffic jam will not only shake the faith



of investors, it will also bring a bad name to the industrial town around the world," he said.

"One does not know who actually is in command here. The Chief Minister will say one thing, his Ministers will say another," he said.

"It is a non-performing government, which believes only in Badla (vendetta), Badli (transferring officials), Nam Badal (changing names of existing schemes), Jeb Katu (burdening common man with price rise etc) and Feeta Katu Sarkar (inaugurating schemes)," he said.

Hooda said BJP made several promises to people in Haryana



before coming to power in 2014 but fulfilled nothing.

"BJP had made 154 promises to people in Haryana before coming to power in October 2014, but had failed to fulfil even a single promise so far," he said.

"They have gone back on their promise of giving Rs 2000 old age pension, they have also failed to give unemployment allowance to the youths. On the contrary, they have appointed 'Good governance associates', which clearly indicates that the BJP government in the state has lost faith in its officers and is developing a parallel system," he added.

Hooda said there is no need to talk to Punjab Congress chief Capt Amarinder Singh, who has declared that Congress MLAs



in the state will resign en masse in case of an adverse verdict



from the Supreme Court on the SYL canal issue.

"What is the need to talk to him, SYL water is Haryana's right and we will get it," he asserted.

Hooda also attacked Haryana government for promoting PM Crop insurance scheme, alleging it was aimed to "benefit only private insurance companies".

He said premiums would be "compulsorily deducted" from farmers accounts in banks.

"Government is acting like an agent of private insurance companies," he said.

Hooda also slammed the Central government over price rise, saying "will the first priority for a poor be to do Yoga or to fill his stomach and feed his children".

Hooda, who yesterday took part in an all-party meeting presided over by the CM in connection with the golden jubilee celebrations of Haryana, which was carved out as a separate state in 1966, said the Congress would give support to the state government for the event.

Hooda said he had suggested that a statue of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi should be installed in the state as part



of the golden jubilee celebrations.

"We also suggested that the government should make budgetary provisions for the golden jubilee celebrations," he said.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P J Kurien today advised the new members of the Upper House to display exemplary conduct and read rule books carefully.

Delivering his valedictory address at a two-day orientation programme organised for first-term Rajya Sabha members by the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Kurien said the members should "make their actions and words exemplary which would become a part of the Indian Parliamentary history forever".

He shared his personal experience with the new members and advised them to read the rule books carefully, avoid written speeches, follow the allocated time and make pointed questions without repetition.

Inaugurating the orientation programme yesterday, Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Hamid Ansari, had said the Upper House was required to "check haste, cool passion, control legislation" and flag interests of individual states.

In his welcome address yesterday, Kurien had said President Pranab Mukherjee had given the mantra of "3Ds--Debate, Discussion and Decision" for smooth functioning of Parliament but we ignore them and go for the fourth D, which is "Destruction".

Former MP Nilotpal Basu apprised the members of Rajya Sabha's role and contribution to Indian polity, while P Rajeeve, another former MP, elaborated on the importance of the Question Hour.

MP Sukhendu Sekhar Roy talked about raising matters of public importance during the two-day orientation programme, a statement said.

On the concluding day, former MP V Kishore Chandra Deo talked on the topic of Parliamentary Privileges and Sudarsana Natchiappan familiarised the members with the law making process.

MP Bhupender Yadav informed the members about functioning of the Committee System in Parliament.

Legal luminary and ex-member of Parliament Fali S Nariman deliberated on ethics in politics and suggested the members not to enter into the well of the House and disrupt the proceedings.
Sri Lanka's foreign minister has said that former president Mahinda Rajapaksa's government failed to investigate cases of people who went missing during the three-decade civil war.

Mangala Samaraweera in his statement accused Rajapaksa of going back on an agreement he had with the UN soon after the war with the LTTE ended in 2009.

"This was also evident when he and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon agreed to an accountability process in their 2009 Joint Communique, which was later made into a formal commitment to the international community," Samaraweera said.

Rajapaksa had claimed that the current government was betraying the country's security forces through the legislation on the Office of Missing Persons (OMP) to probe the cases of missing people.

"It is your failure to investigate these allegations and if they are true punish the few miscreants in high positions who may have acted unprofessionally and thereby clear the name of the armed forces as an institution, that is the true betrayal of the armed forces," Samaraweera said.

The OMP is a truth-seeking investigative agency and it does not make judgements on disputes, he said.

In fact, the legislation states that "the findings of the OMP shall not give rise to any criminal or civil liability," he said.

Its primary function is to establish whether a missing person is dead or alive and, if they are dead, discover when, how and where they died. The OMP will require technical expertise that is not available in Sri Lanka, Samaraweera argued.

"Any Sri Lankan citizen going missing is a tragedy. It is the government's duty to investigate and determine the fate of any of its citizens who are missing," he said.

The purpose of having an exclusion of the Right of Information Act is to ensure that those who know the fate of missing or disappeared persons can transmit that information without fear.

The OMP is a mechanism designed to discover the truth of a missing person's fate and not act as a prosecutorial or judicial body, he said.
In a bid to woo IT companies, Madhya Pradesh Government is working on a plan to develop a new Information Technology park here with an investment of Rs 47 crore.

"The new IT park will be developed on 2.5 acres near Crystal IT Park with an investment of Rs 47 crore," state industries minister Rajendra Shukla said at a meeting with the officers of his department.

A building will be constructed on 2 lakh square-feet area where IT companies will be allocated space, he said.
have demanded a pay hike to make it at par with that of the secretaries and additional chief secretaries, following which a committee has been formed to deliberate upon it.

Speaker Haribhau Bagde called a meeting to discuss the hike in salaries of legislators and their personal assistants at his office in Vidhan Bhavan last week where it was decided to increase the pay scale of PAs from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000.

Legislative Council Chairman Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Finance Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar, Leader of Opposition in Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil, LoP in Legislative Council Dhananjay Munde and state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Garish Bapat were present at the meeting, and they all will be part of the committee.

Mungantiwar said more than 150 MLAs had requested the Speaker to increase their salary so that they could "at least provide tea and lunch to party workers".

"Since 2010, salaries of legislators have not been increased and thus their demand seems legitimate. However, the final decision over the issue will be taken by the committee," he said.

Bapat said there is a huge difference in salaries of legislators as compared to that of secretaries and additional chief secretaries.

"Legislators have to travel at least in three tehsils periodically as boundaries of their constituencies have been expanded. It is not possible to manage everything in a salary of a mere Rs 75,000," he said.

Mungantiwar said ministers get a salary of around Rs 57,000 a month but receive other facilities like bungalows and miscellaneous allowance.

"However, that too is insufficient," he said.

Vikhe-Patil said even LoPs do not receive more than Rs 58,000 a month.

"Chief secretaries and additional chief secretaries get a salary of around Rs 1.90 to 2 lakh a month. Legislators have demanded they should get minimum of Rs 2 lakh," a lawmaker said on condition of anonymity.

Mungantiwar said the committee will take a call within a week and the final decision of increase in renumeration will be taken before the end of the ongoing monsoon session of state Legislature.

Meanwhile, during the meeting, it was decided to provide a computer operator to every legislator.
A man from Uttar Pradesh was held today for allegedly carrying ten live bullets in the Delhi Metro here.

The incident was reported from Anand Vihar Metro station when CISF personnel detected ten rounds of 8mm calibre rifle in the baggage of a person identified as P Yadav, officials said.

"He was handed over to the Delhi Police as he was not carrying valid documents to support carrying live ammunition," they said.

"Arms and ammunition are banned inside the mass rapid rail system," officials added.
A man was lynched by a mob for protesting against power theft in the city's port area, a police officer said today.

Sk Nazrul Islam (41), known as a crusader against anti-social activities, was killed by a group of people who attacked him with shovels and iron rods in Lichubagan area of Metiabruz late Friday night, he said.

A police picket has been set up in the area and two persons arrested in connection with the incident, DC 1st Battalion, Port division, Biswajit Ghosh said.

He said five persons have been named in the FIR lodged by victim's family.
A man who had attempted suicide at Dhoraji in Rajkot during the statewide protests against thrashing of Dalits in Una, died at a government hospital here today, police said.

Yogesh Hirabhai Solanki (25) died after he was rushed to Ahmedabad civil hospital from Rajkot, where he was being treated. He had attempted suicide along with two others at Parabari village in Dhoraji taluka of Rajkot on July 19.

"He was rushed to Ahmedabad civil hospital from Rajkot after his condition deteriorated. He reached here last midnight but passed away soon after," police said.

Over 20 youths tried to commit suicide during the ongoing protests by Dalit community members against the thrashing of Dalit youths of Mota Samadhiyala village in Gir Somnath district on July 11, when they were skinning a dead cow.

The incident resulted in widespread agitation by Dalits following which several political leaders, including Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Aam Aadmi Party's national convener Arvind Kejriwal, had met the victims at their village and Rajkot hospital.
Gullies on Mars are likely not being formed by flowing liquid water, scientists using data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have found.

The finding will allow researchers to further narrow theories about how martian gullies form, and unveil more details about Mars' recent geologic processes.

The term "gully" is used for features on Mars that share three characteristics in their shape: an alcove at the top, a channel, and an apron of deposited material at the bottom.

Gullies are distinct from another type of feature on martian slopes, streaks called "recurring slope lineae," or RSL, which are distinguished by seasonal darkening and fading, rather than characteristics of how the ground is shaped.

Water in the form of hydrated salt has been identified at RSL sites. The new study focuses on gullies and their formation process by adding composition information to previously acquired imaging.

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in the US examined high-resolution compositional data from more than 100 gully sites on Mars.

The data, collected by the orbiter's Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM), was then correlated with images from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera and Context Camera (CTX).

The findings showed no mineralogical evidence for abundant liquid water or its by-products, thus pointing to mechanisms other than the flow of water - such as the freeze and thaw of carbon dioxide frost - as being the major drivers of recent gully evolution.

Gullies are a widespread and common feature on the martian surface, mostly occurring between 30 and 50 degrees latitude in both the northern and southern hemispheres, generally on slopes that face toward the poles.

On Earth, similar gullies are formed by flowing liquid water; however, under current conditions, liquid water is transient on the surface of Mars, and may occur only as small amounts of brine even at RSL streaks.

The lack of sufficient water to carve gullies has resulted in a variety of theories for the gullies' creation, including different mechanisms involving evaporation of water and carbon dioxide frost.

"On Earth and on Mars, we know that the presence of phyllosilicates - clays - or other hydrated minerals indicates formation in liquid water," said Jorge Nunez of APL.

"In our study, we found no evidence for clays or other hydrated minerals in most of the gullies we studied, and when we did see them, they were erosional debris from ancient rocks, exposed and transported downslope, rather than altered in more recent flowing water," he said.

"These gullies are carving into the terrain and exposing clays that likely formed billions of years ago when liquid water was more stable on the Martian surface," Nunez said.

The findings were published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.
Two massacres have left at least 16 people dead in the neighbouring Mexican states of Michoacan and Guerrero.

A statement from the Michoacan state prosecutors' office said nine burned bodies were found inside an SUV in the municipality of Cuitzeo in an area with pipelines run by state oil company Petroleos Mexicanos.

Prosecutors said there were signs of the possible clandestine tapping of the pipelines and authorities are looking into whether the deaths are related to fuel theft.

Also yesterday, state prosecutors in Guerrero said seven people, including two children, were shot to death in neighbouring houses near Tepecoacuilco de Trujano, a municipality 15 kilometres from Iguala, the city where 43 students disappeared in 2014.

Local media reported the seven dead were members of the same family.
One of the 28 'memory gates' being constructed to mark the golden jubilee of Haryana and one chowk in every town of the northern and western part would be named after legendary martyr Udham Singh, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today said.

Adoya Chowk in Shahbad Markanda would be renamed as Udham Singh Chowk. Besides, one chowk of every town in northern and western part of the state would be named after Udham Singh, he said while addressing a public meet at new grain market here to mark the freedom fighter's 76th death anniversary.

Udham Singh was a revolutionary known for assassinating Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab in British India, to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

"People should shun their narrow outlook and come out unitedly to remember the sacrifices of these brave men," Khattar said.

The event was organised by Haryana Kamboj Sabha and Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies Karandev Kamboj.

Khattar announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh for the local Kambhoj Dharmsala and appreciated the members of the Haryana Kamboj Sabha for organising the function, saying it would inspire the younger generation to become nationalists.

The Chief Minister said a large number of programmes would be organised to mark the golden jubilee of Haryana and it would help people to understand the culture of the state and participate in its development.

Governor Acharya Dev Vrat also spoke at the programme and narrated how many freedom fighters laid down their lives happily for the sake of freedom of the country.

Meanwhile, during a meeting with officials here today, Khattar directed them to prepare for the International 'Gita Jayanti Samaroh' and the state's Golden Jubilee year celebrations to be held throughout the year, with special emphasis on beautification and cleanliness of the holy city.

The government has decided to organise programmes on a grand scale at 134 pilgrimage sites including Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal, Jind and Panipat during the International 'Gita Jayanti Samaroh' and a tourist package would be rolled out to develop these places as tourist destinations, he said.

For ex-servicemen, Khattar said a Rajya Sainik Board



already exists for their welfare and looks into problems faced by them.

"Still, we felt that since Haryana contributes nearly 10 per cent to the number of defence forces of our country, a decision has been taken to have a separate Department for the ex-servicemen. This Department will have a Minister-incharge as head," he said.

Khattar said Haryana government gives monthly pension to various categories of people including old age, widow pension, pension to physically challenged persons, besides others.

He said that instead of January 1, 2017 as announced earlier, the benefit of enhanced pension of Rs 1600 from present Rs 1400 per month will be given to these people with effect from tomorrow.

Twenty two lakh people of various categories are getting this monthly pension at present, he informed.

Khattar also said that earlier physically challenged people having 70 per cent disability were given pension, now decision has been taken that people having 60 per cent disability too will be entitled to get this pension.

"According to our estimates, 30,000 people fall in this range of 60-70 per cent disability," he said.

Speaking about the destitute children, he said their financial assistance of Rs 500 per month has been enhanced to Rs 700. These children get this assitance till age 21.

Village chowkidars will now get a bicycle and an umbrella in addition to the torch which they used to already get during a five-year period, entailing an expenditure of Rs 2 crore, Khattar further said.

About Gurugram Development Authority, whose announcement was made recently, Khattar said it will start functioning with effect from tomorrow and IAS officer V Umashankar, who was on deputation in Delhi, he has been made OSD of the GDA.

Earlier, Khattar said that during past two years since the first-ever BJP Government was formed in Haryana, "to understand the system, making announcements and preparing schemes, all this has been going on. Works have also been done. Out of 2200 announcements made so far, work on 1300 of these has either been completed or is under progress."



"In addition, 800-900 announcements are in pipeline on which we will work in the coming year," he said.

He also said of our of 90 assembly segments, "I have covered 78 constituencies and hope to tour the remaining ones by the end of December this year.

(REOPENS DES 12)



Meanwhile, on being asked if honorarium for unemployed post-graduate youths came with a rider that beneficiaries must clear electricity dues to avail the scheme, Khattar, without conforming, said, "There is nothing wrong if people are asked to clear their dues."



"Financial assistance to non-school going differently-abled children will be increased from Rs 700 to Rs 1,000 per month," he announced, adding special camps will be held to distribute artificial aids and appliances to one lakh "Divyangs".

"A Rs 3,000 per month financial assistance will be given to ex-servicemen who are 60 years or above, including those who are physically disabled or paraplegic. Their war-widows and orphan children will also benefit. It is also for war-widows of 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars," Khattar announced, adding the assistance is now between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000.

"Scholarship to cadets from Haryana at the Rashtriya Indian Military College in Dehradun will be increased from Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000 per year," he said, adding police personnel will wear a 'Haryana Swarna Jayanti Medal' on their uniform.

"Strength of village sanitation workers will be increased from 11,300 and their monthly honorarium from Rs 8,100 to Rs 10,000. It has a financial implication of around Rs 25 crore," he said.

The under construction Haryana Vishwakarma Kaushal Vikas Vishwavidyalaya (HVKVV) at Dudhola will start operating out of a HUDA building tomorrow with Raj Nehru as Vice-Chancellor, he said.

On inter-state water and territory issues with Punjab, Khattar said, "The State has effectively pursued Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal issue in Supreme Court."



"For the first time in the last five decades water has reached some tail ends of Southern Haryana," he said, adding the State has a Rs 2,000 crore scheme to strengthen irrigation system.

"I have also taken up the construction of Lakhwar dam with the Centre. Some other states are also involved in the national project," he said, adding construction of Renuka and Kishau dams will improve availability of water.

On funds for implementing projects in the Golden Jubilee year and 7th Central Pay Commission, he said,"Steps would be taken to mobilise additional resources."



"With revenue leakage checked, receipts have increased. There is no dearth of funds," he assured, adding "losses of PSUs and Power Utilities will be reduced."



Khattar said the Golden Jubilee celebration's inaugural function at Gurugram tomorrow will not cost Rs 1,700 crore as projected in "some media reports".

"The amount is for various projects and schemes during the year-long celebrations. However, this amount could exceed the announced funds," he said.
In a gesture of solidarity following the gruesome killing of a French priest, Muslims today attended Catholic Mass in churches and cathedrals across France and Italy.

A few dozen Muslims gathered at the towering Gothic cathedral in Rouen, near Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray where the 85-year-old Rev. Jacques Hamel had his throat slit by two teenage Muslim fanatics on Tuesday.

"We are very moved by the presence of our Muslim friends and I believe it is a courageous act that they did by coming to us," Dominique Lebrun, the archbishop of Rouen, said after the service.

Some of the Muslims sat in the front row, across from the altar. Among the parishioners was one of the nuns who was briefly taken hostage at Hamel's church when he was killed.

She joined her fellow Catholics in turning to shake hands or embrace the Muslim churchgoers after the service. Outside the church, a group of Muslims were applauded when they unfurled a banner: "Love for all. Hate for none." Churchgoer Jacqueline Prevot said the attendance of Muslims was "a magnificent gesture."



"Look at this whole Muslim community that attended Mass," she said. "I find this very heartwarming. I am confident. I say to myself that this assassination won't be lost, that it will maybe relaunch us better than politics can do. Maybe we will react in a better way."



Many of the Muslims who attended the service in Rouen - including those with the banner - were Ahmadiyya Muslims, a minority sect that differs from mainstream Islam in that it doesn't regard Muhammad as the final prophet.

Similar interfaith gatherings were repeated elsewhere in France, as well as in neighboring Italy.

At Paris' iconic Notre Dame cathedral, Dalil Boubakeur, the rector of the Mosque of Paris, said repeatedly that Muslims want to live in peace.

"The situation is serious," Boubakeur told BFMTV. "Time has come to come together so as not to be divided."



In Italy, the secretary general of the country's Islamic Confederation, Abdullah Cozzolino, spoke from the altar in the Treasure of St. Gennaro chapel next to Naples' Duomo cathedral.

Three imams also attended Mass at the St. Maria Church in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood, donning their traditional dress as they entered the sanctuary and sat down in the front row.

Mohammed ben Mohammed, a member of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy, said he called on the faithful in his sermon Friday "to report anyone who may be intent on damaging society. I am sure that there are those among the faithful who are ready to speak up.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today said his government was looking into support from European nations for groups engaged in what he described as anti-Israel activities, specifically mentioning France.

Speaking at the start of a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said an inquiry had "found support from European countries, including France, for several organisations that engage in incitement, call for a boycott of Israel and do not recognise the state of Israel's right to exist."



"We will complete the inquiry and submit the findings to the French government," Netanyahu said, without identifying any organisation.

Israeli officials have regularly condemned support by foreign governments for left-wing NGOs critical of the country's policies towards the Palestinians.

In mid-July, Israel's parliament adopted a law seen as targeting left-wing groups critical of the government by forcing NGOs that receive most of their funding from foreign states to declare it.

Netanyahu also appeared to make reference to France's announcement on Friday that it would consider a temporary ban on foreign financing of mosques following a series of jihadist attacks.

"We are also disturbed by such donations to organisations that deny the state of Israel's right to exist," he said.

Israel has been faced with a boycott movement over its nearly 50-year occupation of the West Bank.

Some, however, accuse the movement of anti-Semitism.

Violence since October 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.

Others were shot dead during clashes and protests, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip.

Many analysts say Palestinian frustration with Israeli occupation and settlement-building in the West Bank, the complete lack of progress in peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have fed the unrest.

Israel says incitement by Palestinian leaders and media is a leading cause of the violence.
: The BJP's Puducherry unit has welcomed the NDA government's new education policy, saying it is timely and deserves to be appreciated in its entirety.

Party's local unit President V Saminathan said in a release that it was mind boggling that managements of private institutions, particularly those run by minorities, were objecting to the new education policy.

Children belonging to poor families are to be provided a 25 per cent reservation quota to get free education, he said, adding the policy paves the way to ensure that equal opportunities are available to the underprivileged sections.

Saminathan said the new education policy has several sacrosanct and broader objectives and there could be no second opinion on its purpose.

None can stand in the way of its implementation as children of poor families cannot be denied right to education and should get opportunities to come up in life.

He said private players in most of the cases were trying to commercialise education and this would be injurious to the development of the nation.
A day after his apparent jibe at Bollywood actor Aamir Khan in context of intolerance debate caused a flutter, Defence Minister today said he did not target any specific person but is against overall "unrest".

Parrikar also said that he was not opposed to the "freedom of expression, but feels that country is supreme."



While addressing reporters in Pune yesterday, the senior BJP leader had taken a veiled jibe at Khan who had earlier expressed a "sense of alarm" over "growing intolerance in country."



"One actor had said that his wife wants to live out of India. It was an arrogant statement. If I am poor and my house is small, but I have to love my house and always dream to make a bungalow out of it," Parrikar had said.

Addressing reporters here today, the minister said, "I have not taken anybody's name. I had said that people who don't respect the country should be opposed..I am opposed to 'Upadrav' (unrest). Such people should be opposed in a democratic manner...To oppose, seminars should be held."



Parrikar had said, "When the actor made the statement last year, people, while protesting his views, started uninstalling the online trading app, he was advertising for and the firm too pulled out the advertisement (involving the actor)."



Also launching an oblique attack yesterday on JNU students' leader Kanhaiya Kumar against the backdrop of alleged raising of anti- slogans at JNU earlier this year, Parrikar had said, "such people who speak against the country need to be taught a lesson by the people of this country."



Meanwhile, responding to a query, Parrikar said, "I don't say that nationalists are only in BJP. Non-political people and persons of different political parties could also be nationalists.

"Citizen of any other nation cannot comment against his country. So, people (speaking against the country) in India too should be opposed."



In November last year, the "PK" actor had joined the chorus of intelligentsia against growing intolerance, saying he has been "alarmed" by a number of incidences and his wife Kiran Rao even suggested that they should probably leave the country.
Amid an ongoing row over Mahanadi river with Odisha, Chhattisgarh Water Resources Minister Brijmohan Agrawal today asserted his state will continue with the projects approved by Central Water Commission (CWC) on the river.

"The ongoing projects, approved by the CWC on Mahanadi river (in Chhattisgarh), will not be stopped," Agrawal told PTI.

Notably, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik recently wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing his concern over structures and proposed irrigation projects over Mahanadi in Chhattisgarh and requested Centre's intervention into it.

On July 29, during a meeting of CWC in Delhi, Chhattisgarh Chief Secretary Vivek Dhand had given the state's approval on constituting a joint board to discuss issues related to Mahanadi and its tributaries between the two states.

However,Odhisha Chief Secretary A P Padhi had said that a decision in this regard will be taken after discussing the matter with Patnaik.

As per an agreement betweenthenChief Minister of the erstwhile undivided state ofMadhya PradeshArjun Singhand then Odisha Chief Minister GB Patnaik in April,1983, a joint control board to resolve the issues between the two states related to Mahanadi was to be constituted. It has not been done so far, Agrawal said.

"Chhattisgarh had given its consent for the formation of jointboard during the recent meeting in Delhi and now it's upon Odisha to takefurtherdecision," said the minister.

The catchment area of Mahanadi up to the Hirakund dam is 82,432sqkm, of which 71,424sqkm lies in Chhattisgarh, which is 86per centof the total catchment.

Average inflow of Mahanadi at Hirakund dam is 40,773 MCM, of which 35,308 MCM is contributed by Chhattisgarh.

Present utilisation of water by Chhattisgarh is nearly 9,000 MCM, which is only 25per centof the available water in Mahanadi up to the Hirakund dam, he said.

The structures are being made on the river to conserve the rain water in Mahanadi for its proper utilisation by people particularly farmers, Agrawal added.

According to the Minister, the issue is being politicised by the Odisha government.

"The state has always abided by the inter-state river water sharing norms and has used limited Mahanadi water without hurting Odisha's interest. The ongoing projects on the river by Chhattisgarh would not affect the interest of people of neighbouring state", he stressed.
Personal care range brand is looking to raise up to $10 million this year as it chases a turnover target of Rs 500 crore in 3-5 years time.

"We are looking at raising $8-$10 million by the end of this year. We have started discussions with investors and we should have something concrete in two months time. We will invest bulk of this in sales and marketing and capital expansion," CEO Rahul Agarwal told PTI.

The company, which is expected to close the current fiscal with Rs 100 crore turnover, is eyeing Rs 500 crore sales in 3-5 years, Agarwal said.

He further said: "We are also looking at expanding our retail and distribution presence. We will increase our distribution from 5,000 outlets to 20,000 outlets and from 16 standalone stores to 30 by end of this fiscal."

The company is also looking at ramping up its international presence this year.

"We will soon start exporting to new countries like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Singapore. We are also looking at markets including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia and GCC countries," he said.

At present, the company sells its products in the UAE, Bangladesh and Nepal.

launched operations in 2013 with distribution in Delhi and Punjab. It sells over 100 products in skin, hair and body care for women.

"We are working on products for baby and men. We will launch these by end of the year, taking our total product offerings to 150," Agarwal said.

The company manufactures its products at four factories in Baddi and Parwanu in Himachal Pradesh.
A bacteria which colonises the human nose produces a previously unknown antibiotic that may combat multiresistant pathogens such as MRSA.

Scientists at the University of Tubingen and the German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF) discovered that Staphylococcus lugdunensis in our nose produces the antibiotic.

As tests on mice have shown, the substance which has been named Lugdunin is able to combat multiresistant pathogens, where many classic antibiotics have become ineffective.

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria - like the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which colonises on human skin - are among the leading causes of death worldwide.

The natural habitat of harmful Staphylococcus bacteria is the human nasal cavity.

In their experiments, researchers observed that Staphylococcus aureus is rarely found when Staphylococcus lugdunensis is present in the nose.

"Normally antibiotics are formed only by soil bacteria and fungi. The notion that human microflora may also be a source of antimicrobial agents is a new discovery," said Professor Andreas Peschel, from Interfaculty Institute for Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tubingen (IMIT).

In future studies, scientists will examine whether Lugdunin could actually be used in therapy. One potential use is introducing harmless Lugdunin-forming bacteria to patients at risk from MRSA as a preventative measure.

Researchers closely examined the structure of Lugdunin and discovered that it consists of a previously unknown ring structure of protein blocks and thus establishes a new class of materials.

Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem for physicians.

As many of the pathogens are part of human microflora on skin and mucous membranes, they cannot be avoided.

Particularly for patients with serious underlying illnesses and weakened immune systems they represent a high risk - these patients are easy prey for the pathogens.

The research was published in the journal Nature.
Defence Minister on Sunday said we have put a check on infiltration along the Pakistan border and over 70 terrorists who were trying to enter India from Pakistan have been shot dead so far this year.

"We have put a check on infiltration into India along the Pakistan border. Terrorists trying to sneak into India have either been shot dead or beaten a retreat," Parrikar said.

"More than 70 terrorists who were trying to enter India from Pakistan have been shot dead this year so far", he said.

Parrikar cited a "ratio" of the "martyrdom" of jawans to slain terrorists while speaking to reporters here.

14 jawans have attained martyrdom this year so far, the minister said, adding that the figures reveal that if India lost one jawan, 5 terrorists had been killed against it.

The ratio come to 1:5, Parrikar said, adding that earlier it was "1:1.5".

Denying that the Chinese Army had breached India's border, the defence minister said several points have been made for dialogues along the Indo-China border.

The border between India and China has not been demarcated, he said, adding that it is because of several historical reasons.

As a result of this, Parrikar said that the Chinese Army enters India by mistake thinking that it is operating in it's area.

"We stop them and send them back. Sometime they return on their own. Such incidents are being reported since last 20-30 years but their occurrence has dropped by 40%," Parrikar claimed.
Pakistani flags were waved and pro-militant slogans raised at a rally organised today by the separatists in Pulwama district to pay tributes to the militants and civilians killed recently in Kashmir valley.

Thousands of persons had assembled at Kareemabad graveyard in Pulwama district, 32 km from here, on a call given jointly by hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, moderate faction head Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik.

Dozens of Pakistani flags were being waved at the rally as people raised slogans eulogising militants like Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen supremo Syed Salahuddin and Lashkar-e-Toiba's Kashmir chief Abu Dujana.

Videos of the rally, posted on social media, have gone viral showing people chanting pro-freedom slogans.

Unconfirmed reports said some militants were present at the rally but police officials said they have not come across any evidence to support these claims.

"We are looking into the matter," an official said.

Several top Hizb militants killed in recent anti-militancy operations including Naseer Ahmad Pandit, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Afaq Janbaz and Abdul Rashid Bhat hailed from Kareemabad and adjoining areas.
While the husband of a Pakistani- origin British woman claims his wife was killed by her parents for converting to Shia Islam, her father has retracted from his earlier statement nowsaying she hadcommitted suicide.

"My daughter, Samia, 28, has committed suicide," said Chaudhry Shahid who earlier had claimed that Samia died of cardiac arrest.

Shahid changed his statement before a four-member police investigation team.

Earlier, Shahid had insisted that his daughter did not commit suicide as she suffered a fatal heart-attack and died without receiving medical aid.

Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif has constituted a new team to investigate the matter.

Samia, from Dhok Pandori village, Jehlum, had come to Pakistan from Dubai over two weeks ago to see her ailing father and was allegedly murdered on July 20.

Syed Mukhtar Kazim, second husband of Samia, told police her wife had been killed by her family members for marrying against the will of her parents.

"My wife converted to Shia - my sect - before wedding which had irked her parents," Kazim said, calling upon the UK and Pakistani governments to ensure justice is done.

Police have registered the case against five accused, including Samia's father, mother, sister, cousin, and her ex-husband.

According to the autopsy report, Samia had marks on her neck, suggesting she had been strangled.

Kazim and Samia, both British-Pakistani dual citizens, had been married for two years and were living in Dubai.

A beauty therapist from Bradford, Samia had previously been married to her first cousin Shakil but the couple parted ways after divorce in May 2014.

She then married Kazim of Taxila in September 2014 and both started living in Dubai.

Kazim claimed in the FIR that Samia had been killed by her family who refused to accept their relationship because he belonged to the Shia sect.

Her murder came over a week after social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch was strangled by her brother in a so-called 'honour killing' which caused an international uproar forcing the Pakistani government to announce strict action against those involved in her murder.
Objecting to AAP government's proposal of opening mohalla clinics in over 300 government schools, parents in the national capital have approached Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urging him to reconsider the decision.

"How can you permit outsiders in school during school hours? If clinic is exclusively for school students, it is welcome. But if it for general public, opening of such clinics within school premises is not permissible in law," All India Parents Association said in a letter to the CM.

The AAP government had recently announced that it is considering opening mohalla clinics in as many as 300 government schools which shall be open to general public.

"We have serious objection to that. If it is done, it would not only be against the students' interest but also violate High Court orders attracting initiation of contempt proceedings against you," the letter said.

In 2002, the Delhi High Court had directed a MCD school in Bawana area remove the dispensary from its premises as it led to the entry of outsiders in the school, which disturbed the students.

"Moreover, the dispensary employees used to throw medical waste, including used syringes, in the playground which were picked up by the school children putting their lives in danger.The High Court held that the school premises cannot be allowed to be used for opening a dispensary that is open to outsiders," AIPA said.

In a bid to decongest government hospitals and make healthcare accessible to all, Delhi government has adopted a "three-tier public health roadmap".

Mohalla clinics, which are people's first contact point with the healthcare system, will refer patients needing a specialist to the next level, the polyclinic.

The polyclinics refer only patients who require surgery or hospitalisation to a multi-speciality hospital.
Amidst demands for "justice" and "impartial investigation" in the mysterious death of 17-year-old Abesh Dasgupta, Kolkata Police, in search of the missing link of the CCTV footage, today further questioned some of his friends.

Kolkata police sleuths also questioned some of the security personnel of the Sunny Park apartment, where the boy was seen lying fatally injured.

"Some of his friends were called for further questioning to the city police headquarters at Lalbazar today. Some of the security personnel of Sunny Park were also questioned during the day," a senior Kolkata Police official said.

The sleuths had already visited Sunny Park and tried to reconstruct the scene when Abesh lost his life allegedly after being wounded by broken pieces of an alcohol bottle.

Abesh's mother had met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on July 29 and claimed to have got her assurance to unravel the reason behind her son's death.

Kolkata Police had earlier ruled out murder and said Abesh died due to injuries he suffered after falling from a low wall skirting the lawns of the Sunny Park residential complex on July 23.

His family members, however, refused to accept this and repeated claims that it was a case of murder.

Demanding "justice", eminent personalities, relatives and friends of the deceased boy, took part in a silent march yesterday.

(REOPENS CES25)



Later, author Amit Chaudhury was questioned again at Lalbazar, the Kolkata Police headquarters.

Police officials said he was summoned to cross check a statement given by his daughter to the police.

After lunch at a south Kolkata club, guests at the birthday party of Chaudhuri's daughter had gathered at Sunny Park, the author's apartment complex, in upscale Ballygunge where Aabesh, a class XI student, died of wounds inflicted by glass shards.

Chaudhury was at Lalbazar for around two hours.
Police in Texas has said they were seeking a person of interest in an overnight shooting that killed a young woman and wounded four other people.

The Austin Police Department yesterday said it was seeking Endicott McCray, a slender 24-year-old black man.

Police across the country, and especially in Texas, remain on edge after a rash of shootings, including one on July 7 in Dallas which saw five officers killed by a black extremist.

The incident in Austin began shortly after 2:15 am (local time) in an area filled with bars and nightclubs.

Police warned people to avoid the area, tweeting: "Active shooter incident downtown, multiple victims. Stay away from downtown."



A woman in her 20s was killed, authorities said. They have not named any of the victims, three of whom were treated at a hospital while the fourth was treated at the scene and released.

It was unclear whether the shooter knew any of the victims.

At a press conference broadcast via Periscope, Austin Police Chief of Staff Brian Manley said that when officers arrived they found "a very chaotic scene."



There appeared to have been a disturbance during which an individual pulled out a gun and fired into a crowd, he said.

A second shooting nearby was apparently unrelated. No one was hurt.

Sam Vedamanikam, 26, told the Austin American-Statesman newspaper that he and several friends were leaving a dance club when they heard four or five gunshots.

"There were just tons of people on Sixth Street and I see all of them jump toward the ground," Vedamanikam said. "A lot of people were screaming.
has refused to equate Islam with violence, saying Catholics could be just as deadly and warning Europe was pushing its young to terrorism.

"I don't think it is right to equate Islam with violence," he yesterday told journalists during his return from a trip to Poland.

Francis defended his decision not to name Islam when condemning the brutal jihadist murder of a Catholic priest in France in the latest of a string of recent attacks in Europe claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group.

"In almost every religion there is always a small group of fundamentalists. We have them too."



"If I have to talk about Islamic violence I have to talk about Christian violence. Every day in the newspapers I see violence in Italy, someone kills his girlfriend, another kills his mother in law, and these are baptised Catholics."



The pontiff was speaking after Muslims attended Catholic mass in churches around France yesterday in solidarity and sorrow following the murder of the priest, whose throat was slit at the altar of his church.

In an echo of remarks made during his five-day trip to Poland for a Catholic youth festival, Francis said religion was not the driving force behind the violence.

"You can kill with the tongue as well as the knife," he said, in an apparent reference to a rise in populist parties fuelling racism and xenophobia.

He said Europe should look closer to home, saying "terrorism... Grows where the God of money is put first" and "where there are no other options".

"How many of our European young have we left empty of ideals, with no work, so they turn to drugs, to alcohol, and sign up with fundamentalist groups?" he asked.
Potterheads from across the country are divided over the format of the latest book in the Potter franchise, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" which unlike the previous books is not a novel but a play.

While most fans are too overwhelmed with the comeback of the magical world of Hogwarts to be disappointed with the change in genre, there are many who are keen to look at the series that defined their childhoods, in a different light.

"I cannot wait to keep my life on hold for you, 'Cursed Child.' Please be good," says Debsruti Basu from Kolkata.

Basu preordered her copy of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" and "a few more to give away" on the very day Amazon began its preordering stint in February.

Even though it has been almost a decade since "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" was published in 2007, Pottermaniacs have refused to let the fandom die out and lived off "fan fictions, cosplays, book reading sessions, rummaging through hints and the Pottermore website."



"My anticipation for the 'Cursed Child' mostly has to do with the excitement we all felt as children. The waiting for the books, discussing what might be in it, standing in line for a copy, not doing anything till you have finished the books...For me, it is not about finding out how the story continues. It's about losing myself again in the magical world that Rowling created," says Anouk, who is a Dutch national who works on museum projects in India.

For many readers like Basu, the genre of writing - a play or a novel - does not define her fandom for the series and she says she will "take any Potter story as long as we are getting it in the form of a hardbound greatness that'll follow the rest on our book cases."



For most people, particularly the 90's children, the return of the franchise, irrespective of the presentation, is more of an opportunity to relive their childhood.

Nilotpal Bansal, a law student here says, "The franchise is so close to me that the format doesn't really matter. However, I would have to read it before I know for sure.

"Reading it feels like time travel. 'The Cursed Child' is something that gives me a chance to revisit my childhood, a part of which is saved in its pages, perhaps like a horcrux?" he says.

The book, published by Hachette in India was launched at



three locations across Delhi NCR here - Mall Of India in Noida, Vasant Kunj in Delhi and Ambience Mall in Gurgaon at OM bookstores.

Set nineteen years after the events of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," the story revolves around Harry, now a Ministry of Magic employee, and his younger son Albus Severus Potter.

Kasturi Roy from Kolkata, is particularly excited for the play format. She says, "I am obviously eager and looking forward to the new book, even more so because this time it is in form of a play. Rowling, I am sure, being the magician she is, will not let us down!"



Anticipations for the book are also at peak because this time it is not Rowling alone who is steering at the author's seat. Script writer Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany have co-written the tome with her.

City based doctor, Jayati Dureja who is also an avid reader and a Harry Potter enthusiast says she is "not looking forward" to the change in genre.

"I'm apprehensive about the co-author bit, and not looking forward to the play format much but waiting eagerly for the new story it'll bring," she says.

The skepticism, however, did not stand in the way of them being among the first ones to get themselves a copy.

Tanyaa Raturi, an NGO worker says, "After this long gap I'd have liked it more had the book not been a play. It is kind of off-putting. But being a Harry Potter loyalist, it's not going to stop me from buying a copy."



Rowling's bestselling Harry Potter series of seven books, published between 1997 and 2007, have sold over 450 million copies worldwide, are distributed in more than 200 territories, translated into 79 languages, and have been turned into eight blockbuster films.

(REOPENS MAG 2)



The book, which has been written in two parts, went out on sale today with Potter fans thronging bookstores across the country.

The play's world premiere was staged in London's Palace Theatre on the evening of July 30.

From Chennai to Gurgaon, customers queued up outside bookstores across the country mobbing the counters, publishers said.

According to them, the consumer pre-orders for the book was the "highest ever for a hardback book in the history of Indian bookselling."



"The rave reactions from fans, post the London previews clearly indicate that this is classic Harry Potter back again. The consumer preorders for this book were the highest ever for a hardback book in the history of Indian bookselling. The trade orders are over 1.7 lakh copies and we were sold out last evening," says Thomas Abraham, Managing Director of Hachette India.

The publishing house also announced a contest giving Potterheads in India an opportunity to own a copy of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," signed by all the three authors.

"This is a chance to win an absolutely genuine and spectacular slice of Harry Potter history. The book will be a a signed copy with JK Rowling's hologram of authenticity," publishers said.

Fans can participate in the contest by filling in a form on the Hachette India website and Facebook page, that requires them to express what Harry Potter means to them.
Tens of thousands of members of Germany's Turkish community rallied in the city of Cologne today, in a show of support for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan following Turkey's failed coup.

Police said some 20,000 people had joined in the demonstration staged by groups including the pro-Erdogan Union of European-Turkish Democrats (UETD).

Waving the red Turkish flags, the demonstrators kicked off their rally singing both Turkey's and Germany's national anthems before observing a minute's silence for those killed in the July 15 putsch, as well as for victims of recent attacks including in Paris and Munich.

The UETD expects between 30,000 and 50,000 to turn up, including participants from Finland, Britain and Austria.

The protesters had began streaming in from midday, some also holding posters bearing slogans such as "Erdogan fights for freedom".

Police are out in force and water cannons have also been deployed to prevent any clashes with protesters at counter-demonstrations.

Germany is home to Turkey's biggest diaspora, with most of the immigrants arriving here in Europe's biggest economy in the 1960s under a "guest worker" programme.
Congress leader on Sunday attacked Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and RSS over his jibe at actor Aamir Khan for remarks on intolerance, telling them bluntly "hate is the preserve of the coward and it never wins".

The opposition party accused BJP and RSS of a "concerted conspiracy" to hound Dalits, minorities, writers, actors and whoever dissents against the Narendra Modi government.

"RSS & Parrikarji want to teach everyone a lesson. Here's a lesson for you: hate is the preserve of the coward and it never wins," the Congress vice-president said on micro-blogging site Twitter.

Parrikar had on Saturday said anyone speaking against the country must be "taught a lesson" and had referred to alleged anti- sloganeering at JNU earlier this year and remarks by an "actor" who "had said that his wife wants to live out of India".

Khan had late last year spoken about a "sense of insecurity" resulting from increasing intolerance in the country, and mentioned his wife Kiran Rao's apprehensions about the future of their child in India.

According to Parrikar, when the actor made the statement last year, many people had protested against his remark and even uninstalled the mobile application of an online shopping site he was associated with, while the firm had also pulled out the advertisement featuring him.

Congress spokesperson Randeep S Surjewala said it was a "shocking revelation" by Parrikar and showed that BJP and RSS supporters actively disrupted and sabotaged an online trading company on Aamir Khan issue.

"Shameful that @manoharparrikar threatens 'teaching a lesson' to 'actors', instead of training his guns elsewhere,"

"Scandalous," he tweeted questioning whether Parrikar's job is to protect India from external aggressors like Pakistan or threaten fellow countrymen.

"@manoharparrikar's statement proves a concerted conspiracy to curb all dissent, hound Dalits & Minorities. Can this be the 'Raj Dharma'?," he tweeted.

Later in a statement to the media, he alleged that Parrikar has "unknowingly" exposed the conspiracy through which BJP people targeted the online company, booked orders and cancelled in pursuance of a conspiracy to ensure that Aamir Khan was removed as its brand ambassador.

He said the incident "now established that there is a concerted conspiracy against poor, the dalits, the minorities, artists, actors and anybody who dissents against Modi

Without naming Aamir, Parrikar had said his comments were "arrogant".

"How does someone dare to talk about this country? If anyone speaks like this, he has to be taught the lesson of his life," he said on Saturday at a function in Pune.
Incessant lashing Mumbai and neighbouring districts of Thane and Palghar today threw normal life out of gear, even as nine people were killed in a building collapse in Bhiwandi town amid the heavy downpour.

The suburban trains, considered 'lifeline' of daily commuters in Mumbai and adjoining areas, were affected due to the heavy but it being a holiday today with major offices remaining closed the impact was less.

Nine persons, including four children and three women, were killed and 10 others injured when a residential building collapsed in Bhiwandi town of Thane amid heavy .

The two-storey structure, housing 7 to 8 families, at Gaibi Nagar under Shanti Nagar police station limits, crashed around 9.30 AM, Bhiwandi tehsildar Vaishali Lambate said.

Besides, 12 persons, including three children and two women, were stranded at a tourist spot behind a housing complex on Ghodbunder road in Thane due to an overflowing nullah. An SOS was sent to the disaster management cell and they were rescued with the help of a ladder and rope.

It turned out to be a hectic day for firemen and disaster management cell of Thane which received several calls of flooding, waterlogging and tree fall in the city.

The weather department has predicted very heavy rainfall in Mumbai and its suburbs during next 24 hours.

"Mumbai has been receiving good rainfall since yesterday due to active monsoon conditions. We expect very heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours due to strong westerly winds and an upper air cyclonic circulation over Gujarat," V K Rajeev, director of weather forecasting at IMD here, told PTI.

He said moderate rainfall is predicted over central Maharashtra and Marathwada region during next 24 hours.

Trains on the Central Line were running 5-10 minutes behind schedule, according to a Central Railway official.

The services on Trans-harbour Vashi-Panvel-Thane line were severely affected, while on the Harbour line, trains were running 15-20 minutes late, the official said.

The disaster management cell of Thane received over 50 calls regarding waterlogging, tree fall and also of a few incidents of wall collapse, but no one was injured.

TMC's regional disaster management cell chief Santosh Kadam said 175 mm rainfall was recorded today in Thane city till 4 PM. The city has received 2,140.50 mm rains so far this monsoon season, as compared to 1,557 mm downpour during the same period last year, he said.

Thane Municipal Commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal issued a warning to city residents to not to venture out unless absolutely essential.

In July, Mumbai recorded 925.6 mm of rain against its



monthly average of 799.7 mm, according to Skymet.

According to an official from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC's) disaster control cell, no water logging was reported anywhere in the city and vehicular traffic was smooth as well.

"There was a high tide in the morning but water has receded now. No cases of waterlogging or rain-related accidents have been reported so far," he said.

An official from the Western Railway said suburban trains have been unaffected by rains, but there are delays on certain sections due to a 'jumbo' block.

"The jumbo block is having repercussions on other lines as well that is causing delays in train frequencies," he said.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (West), Mumbai issued an advisory regarding fishing boats, barges and coastal craft to Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Union Territory of Lakshadweep in view of the fishing ban period coming to an end on July 31, as the vigour of south west monsoon season is leading to continuous bad weather at sea.
The US would face a civil military crisis if Republican Donald Trump is elected president, a decorated retired American general warned today.

General John (rtd) Allen said there would be mass unrest among the military rank and file over the policies that he would implement and pursue.

"I think we would be facing a civil military crisis, the like of which we've not seen in this country before," he said.

Allen, who served as commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, was a featured speaker at the Democratic National Convention. Later, Trump has called him a failed general.

In response, Allen said, "He(Trump) has no credibility to criticise me or my record or anything that I have done. If he had spent a minute in the deserts of Afghanistan or in the deserts of Iraq, I might listen to what he has to say.

"He (Trump) has got no credibility. In that regard, there has been progress with respect to the war against ISIS. We knew it was going to be a tough fight. But I don't have to justify myself to him," Allen said.

"What we do have to do is listen to what he's been saying about our military. He's called it a disaster. He says our military can't win anymore. That's a direct insult to every single man and woman who's wearing the uniform today," he said.

"He's talked about needing to torture. He's talked about needing to murder the families of alleged terrorists. He's talked about carpet-bombing ISIL. Who do you think is going to carpet-bombed when all that occurs? It's going to be innocent families," Allen said.
RLD's Uttar Pradesh unit chief Munna Singh Chauhan, who was suffering from dengue, passed away here this morning.

Chauhan, 55, died at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in the city.

He was a prominent leader of Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), an ex-MLA and former cabinet minister.

UP Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav have expressed grief over the demise of Chauhan.

Chauhan started his political career as a grassroot worker under the leadership of Chaudhary Charan Singh, when he was appointed as Faizabad district president of erstwhile Lok Dal (Youth Wing).

In 2000, Chauhan became the national president of the RLD's youth wing, party sources said.

He also served as Leader of House in Legislative Council, wherein he raised issues of public importance such as ragging and fought the legal battle up to Supreme Court.

He held assignments on several Committees including Petition Committee and Committee on Ragging in the Legislative Council.

He had been made RLD's General Secretary in 2007 and in 2012, RLD President Chaudhary Ajit Singh appointed him as the chief of the state unit.
Actor John Abraham, who previously worked with Rohit Dhawan in "Desi Boyz", says Rohit has become more assured in his direction.

The 43-year-old star collaborated with the filmmaker once again for his just released action-adventure "Dishoom".

"Rohit has given his own grammar and language to this film. He is definitely more mature now. He made sure that he covered us from all angles," John told PTI.

Praising the director, who has also cast his actor brother, Varun Dhawan, in the movie, John said, "He is a big scale director who makes films for the big screen and has technically made a far superior film compared to 'Desi Boyz'."



Comparing Rohit to his father, David Dhawan, known for making hit comedies, John said, "Rohit Dhawan will have his own brand of filmmaking like his father and he will create his own brand of films. During the shooting he was like a 'horse with blinkers'. He just wouldn't listen to anyone."



John said "Dishoom" is a refreshing take on earlier Hindi movies.

"'Dishoom' is a new age film and it's for the audiences of today. People shouldn't expect it to be a film where they would only get to see fighting. It is an upgraded version of what Hindi films used to be. It is very refreshing, new and a roller coaster ride."



The actor-turned-producer also discussed about the difference in stories that he likes to act and the ones he produces.

"When it comes to act in films, I generally concentrate on concepts and that's all we are expected to do as actors. I like comedy so I do roles in such films. I've worked in six comedy films. But while producing, it takes me a lot of time because then I kind of delve into more and try to get stories that are radically different."



John has produced four movies so far including "Vicky Donor", "Madras Cafe", "Rocky Handsome" and "Satra Ko Shaadi Hai", which is yet to release.

He will next be seen in "Force 2" alongside Sonakshi Sinha in the lead role.
: The Tamil Nadu government today announced a compensation of Rs three lakh each to the next of kin of police personnel and government employees who died on various occasions in May and June across the State.

Chennai Crime branch sub-inspector N Saravanan, Vellore district, Ambur Police Station Head Constable Monaharan Subramanian, Pagasalai Police Station Sub-Inspector N Nagarajan, SRMC Police Station Sub Inspector A Krishnamoorthy, Kumaran Police Station Sub Inspector A sivaperumal, Perundurai Police Station, Constable, M saravan were among those who passed away, a government release said.

"I express my deep condolences to the bereaved family members. I have ordered release of Rs three lakh to the kin of the victims from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund as solatium", Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said in the release.
As security agencies grapple with rising trend of youth coming under influence of Islamic State, a seminar-cum-interactive session is being organised here next week to discuss ways to wean away people from the violent and ultra conservative ideology of the terror group.

State Minorities Commission for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is organising the event here to educate youth about the perils of ISIS' ideology and serious repercussions of getting involved in its activities through social media.

Commission Chairman Abid Rasool Khan said the event is planned for either August 5 or 6. Eminent Muslim leaders, religious figures, police officers, legal experts and representatives of social media companies have been invited.

"This is an important session where we are inviting officials concerned with monitoring of intelligence, representatives of companies like Google and Facebook who are based in Hyderabad.

"We are inviting community 'ulemas' (scholars), religious leaders, media personalities and outlets who have some sway like Urdu newspapers, college principals, Vice-Chancellors of Universities like JNTU and Osmania and leaders of all political," Khan told PTI today.

"The idea is to discuss how ISIS is affecting youth and how the youth are being taken in a wrong direction through certain websites and all those Facebook posts.

"To give parents a message on how they can control their young boys from getting involved in these activities, how they should keep a tab, under which law they can be booked and what are the punishments. The aim is to ensure the youth does not land in trouble and jeopardise their career and future," he said.

"We really want them to understand that this is a very serious issue. Also we want to denounce ISIS totally and say they are the enemies of the community as well as the world today," Khan said.

In addition, he said the Commission is trying to get people who have some say in the community affairs like Imams of mosques where large gathering happens everyFriday.

Ten to 12 imams of Mosques located in Hyderabad and other parts of the two States, including Kurnool and Nizamabad, are expected to attend the session.

Khan said these people also don't know the danger posed by the ISIS, which controls parts of Syria and Iraq, where it has brutally killed hundreds of people.

The event is being organised in the backdrop of police in several states detaining men on suspicion of having links with ISIS or planning to join the dreaded outfit. In June-end, NIA busted a module in Hyderabad whose members allegedly owed allegiance to ISIS.

(Reopens BOM19)



Khan also said a national conference of State-level Minorities Commissions, slated to be held in Bengaluru, would now be held in Hyderabad in August last week.

The attendees would dwell on subjects of national importance pertaining to minorities, he said.

Khan last week presented to Governor E S L Narasimhan, annual reports pertaining to his Commission for 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16.

"In all three annual reports, we have seen that incidents like attacks on churches, attacks on Muslim women have increased year-on-year. Secondly, socio-economic development index (of minorities) has not improved even though so many welfare schemes are being launched.

"For over a decade, budgets allocated for minorities are not being spent fully. We have given reasons for this. Institutions set up for minorities are under-staffed," he said.

Khan said the Commission also requested the Governor to give it "more teeth".

"Ours are recommendatory powers. The Commission should be given ordering powers. We should be given more powers so that we can discharge our duty better," he said, adding, a simple amendment in law is needed to facilitate this.

States like Karnataka have already conferred such powers to their Commissions, according to him.
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today said a separate cadre of the Punjab Bureau of Investigation will be set up soon as part of police reforms.

At a meeting with senior officers here, Badal, who holds the home affairs portfolio, deliberated on the modalities of separation of PBI cadres at sub-division and headquarter levels, an official release said.

To establish a separate cadre of the bureau, he asked the home affairs department to lay down conditions for recruitment of specialised police personnel under various categories.

Badal said the state Cabinet has given in-principle approval for the creation of 16,035 posts in the state police which includes 5,249 for the PBI.

He said the bureau will work under overall supervision of Director-cum-ADGP with a DIG level officer will be its incharge.

In the districts, the SSPs and the Commissioners of Police would perform the duty of incharge and the DSP (Investigation) would be in charge at the sub-divisional level.

Badal also batted for investigators and detectives to be fully-equipped with latest gadgets for proper probe.

The deputy chief minister said the PBI will have Special Investigation Units, comprising homicide units, crime against women and child unit, cybercrime unit, economic offences unit, special crimes and anti-human trafficking units.

He also said a Special Task Force (STF) would be set up to tackle effectively the menace of organised crime.

To strengthen the intelligence cadre, he said that 781 new posts have been created having 11 DSPs, 24 inspectors, 66 SIs, 64 ASIs, 116 head constables and 500 constables.

He asked the home affairs department to finalise the recruitment rules for this cadre. Badal said the intelligence personnel should be graduates from recognised universities and additionally have an IT degree.

Badal said the creation of 4,425 additional posts including ADCP/SP, ACP/DSP, Inspector, SI, ASI, head constable and constables have also been approved for Ludhiana, Amritsar and SAS Nagar.

Besides this, 4,000 constables and 750 constable drivers would also be recruited to strengthen the recently launched Rapid Rural Police Response Scheme in the state.
Maharashtra Minister Eknath Shinde has asked civic authorities to immediately shift the occupants of Bhiwandi's "most dangerous" buildings to transit camps.

The direction comes after nine persons, including four children and three women, were killed and 22 others injured when a residential building collapsed in Bhiwandi this morning amid heavy rains.

Shinde, who is Thane's Guardian Minister, visited the site of the building collapse and also met the injured at the hospital.

"I have directed the civic authorities to immediately shift the occupants of the most dangerous buildings in Bhiwandi to safer places and transit camps," Shinde told reporters.

"I spoke (Maharashtra) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the need to give compensation to the families of the deceased and the injured," said the PWD Minister.
A Sindhi separatist outfit has claimed responsibility for twin blasts near Pakistan Rangers headquarters in the province that killed a soldier.

Police in Larkana town said that some pamphlets were found at the scene of the blasts which claimed the Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) had carried out the attack.

The blasts yesterday killed a soldier and injured 15 people.

The pamphlet says the SRA has taken responsibility for the attack.

Senior police official in Larkana, Abdullah Shaikh said the pamphlets were being investigated but no one had been arrested in this connection so far.

"We don't know for certain whether what the pamphlets claim is true but once investigations are completed we will know the truth," he added.

The separatism movement in Sindh used to be a burning issue in the 1970s when G M Syed gave the call for an independent 'Sindhudesh' - a separate homeland for Sindhis but in the last two decades it has died down.

Although several nationalist parties exist in Sindh they remain in the framework of the political mainstream but police said the SRA was a different phenomena and indulged in militant activities and armed violence.
A Singaporean architect and artist devoted to blending cultures and religious symbolism from across the world, is looking for a second opportunity to showcase her wide range of art works in India to create a harmonious world.

A graduate from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in New Delhi, Lakshmi Mohanbabu is now showcasing twenty art pieces at a Singapore gallery.

The Kerala-born artist had showcased her work at Kochi's OED gallery in February this year and is now working on another exhibition in one of the major Indian cities.

"We see big opportunities to showcase our art in India and it is the right time to return to the country of my origin with another exhibition," said Lakshmi, now a Singapore citizen.

"The world we live in today is a melting pot with cross border influences, a theme that has fascinated me with art being my medium of expression," Lakshmi said.

"India epitomises this concept of a melting pot with its unique position, long coastline and age old lure of spices, that made it a great trading nation, along with centuries of foreign invasions creating a mini cosmos of the world within its borders of a mix of European, Persian, Mongol and indigenous Indian cultures, an interaction that gives it a culturally diverse heritage," elaborated the 47-year old artist.

The daughter of a technical officer with United Nations, she has grown up in Nepal, Sikkim and Afghanistan and completed her degree from India's Manipal University.

This was the time she captured the South Asian concepts.

Lakshmi uses mandala concept and hopes her work will create "a unifying and harmonious kind of world with no religious bias."



She blends her South Asian concepts with Oriental symbolism, such as Ying-Yang.

Lakshmi said her paintings are divided into colour and shade, height and depth and linked by a single line that constantly returns to where it started.

She has used her training as an architect and in particular her study of global architectural forms and buildings to give the impression of three dimensions.

"Interdependent, raised and depressed arrows going in opposite directions is the overarching visual theme of my work," said the former art teacher, now devoting full time to artwork.

Lakshmi also designs jewelries and has worked with leading Indian designers including Tarun Tahiliani and JJ Valaya.
Singapore's former President S R Nathan today suffered a stroke and is in a critical condition in the ICU.

Nathan suffered a stroke early this morning and is in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Singapore general hospital, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

The 92-year-old, who was Singapore's sixth and longest-serving president, had earlier suffered a stroke in April last year.

Following that his family said he was recovering and undergoing therapy.

Nathan was in office for two terms from 1999 to 2011 and officially stepped down as President on August 31, 2011 after announcing that he would not seek a third term in office. He was succeeded by President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

After stepping down, Nathan took up appointments as Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies and at the Singapore Management University's School of Social Sciences.

Prior to becoming President, he held key positions in the civil service, in security, intelligence and foreign affairs.

He was appointed as Singapore's High Commissioner to Malaysia in 1988 and later Singapore's Ambassador to the United States of America from 1990 to 1996.

He also served as Singapore's Ambassador-at-Large, and later pro-chancellor of the National University of Singapore.
Six persons were injured after a cooking gas cylinder exploded in Dausa district of Rajasthan today, police said.

The incident occurred at a residential colony under Kotwali police station when one of the family members was preparing tea, they said.

The injured were rushed to a local hospital from where one of them has been referred to SMS hospital in Jaipur while others are being treated locally, police added.
The nondescript Pokhri village here may have been declared open defecation free (ODF) but some families claim that they cannot afford to build toilets and are forced to attend to nature's call in the open.

Sixty-year-old Dwarka Bai Limbaji Pawar, who lives in one-room house with her family in the village, about 6-km from here, said "We have received no funds for building toilet and cannot construct one on our own.

"We work in the farms as labourers and hardly manage to make our ends meet...We defecate in the nearby fields only," she said.

Pokhri became ODF on October 2, 2015 under the Swachh Bharat Mission, a feat few villages of the Marathawada region of Maharashtra enjoy but some families, of farm labourers who live in slums at one end of the village, claim they do not have access to toilets.

Ruksana, a mother of eight, said there is no toilet in her house and she can not afford to build one as she hardly make her ends meet with a meagre income.

As a result, she and her seven daughters, aged between four and 15 years, are forced to defecate in the adjacent fields like others.

Causal labourer Malan Bai said "You can see a difference here as many of the upper caste farmers, who own the lands, have got the toilets built in their houses by spending from their own pocket and also received a sum of Rs 12,000, the amount given by authorities in this regard.

"But we can't do. If we spend our money to build toilets, then how will we purchase food to feed ourselves?"



Sarpanch Amol Kakde, however, dismissed the claims saying about 47 families living in the 'wadi' (hamlet) have actually encroached upon the government land and are not "considered" as part of the village and counted among its families.

However, many of them produced their Aadhaar cards and voter identity cards issued in 1994 with Pokhri mentioned as their residential village.

The village, which has 80 per cent literacy, has amenities



like RO water filter, solar-powered street lights and CCTV surveillance.

Kadke said 265 families of about 1,300 people live there and every household has individual toilet which are connected to 40-45 soak pits and further to a drain outside the village.

He said the village had also received ISO 9001:2008 certificate last year and Nirmal Gram Award back in 2007.

Some villagers claimed that they had built the toilet but were yet to receive a sum of Rs 12,000 even after the passage of several months since they informed the panchayat.

A woman claims that she got a toilet built in her house about a year ago but the village authorities have not given her Rs 12,000 yet.

Pandernath Namdeo Balerao, a watchman, said his family has been living here for generations in the village but he lacks toilet facility in his house.

Though they have access to community toilet near their houses but they said it remains locked and the keys are with village 'kotwal'. If anyone wants to use it, he or she has to ask for them.

"The rich upper caste farmers can afford to build toilets and receive the SBM fund for toilet construction. But most of us are just farm labourers belonging to SC/ST who can hardly make the ends meet," Balerao said.

When asked if 47 families are defecating in open then how can the village be considered open defecation free, the Sarpanch said "They are not counted in Pokhri and all the 265 other families, as per the 2011 census, have individual toilets."



Kakde, later talking to
Kicking off her poll campaign for the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, Congress president Sonia Gandhi will hold a roadshow in the city on August 2.

Thousands of supporters and party workers are likely to participate in Gandhi's roadshow which would cover nearly 8 KM distance, passing through the busy and narrow lanes of the city, Congress District unit president Prajanath Sharma said.

She would also garland statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Sardar Patel falling enroute, he said.

At the Englishiyaline, Gandhi is expected to make a five minute speech and also garland the statue of Pandit Kamla Pati Tripati, a former UP chief minister and Union minister, Sharma said.

Congress's UP Chief Ministerial candidate Sheila Dikshit and Ghulam Babi Azad will also be present in the roadshow, he said.

The Congress chiefis expected to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Loksabha constituency over "lack of development" despite his promise made during the 2014 Loksabha campaign to turn around the holy city. The roadshow is also aimed at rejuvenating her party workers ahead of the crucial Assembly polls.

She would target Modi over his much-hyped Clean Ganga initiative, highlighting the river's "plight" in his constituency and also "expose" the Centre's Swachch Bharat Campaign in the temple city, the party district unit chief said.

Poll strategist Prashant Kishor, senior Congress leaders Salman Khurshid, Rana Goswami, Zafar Ali, Rajeshpati Tripathi, Rajesh Mishra, Ajay Rai along with other leaders are holding regular meetings for the success of the show.

State president Raj Babbar along with several senior party leaders will arrive in the city this evening. They will camp here till August 2, Sharma added.
Steel Minister Chaudhary Birendra Singh today advised domestic steel producers to explore ways to enhance steel consumption and utilise the time in the highly dynamic economic scenario.

"Domestic steel producers should take all steps to promote use of steel at the earliest as time is of essence in the fast changing business scenario," a statement by domestic steel giant SAIL said quoting the Minister at a customers meet in Jind (Haryana).

The customer meet, to boost steel consumption in Haryana, was organised by state-run steelmakers SAIL and RINL.

SAIL and RINL should quickly stabilise their modernised facilities, maximise their performances and strengthen the domestic sector, Singh said.

"Domestic steel industry should exhibit a sense of urgency in leveraging their R&D strength thus improving their cost efficiencies," he added.

Elaborating on opportunities for steel firms in Haryana, the Minister said the state is an industrially as well as agriculturally developed state which is widening its scope of development for industries and this will present good opportunity for improved steel consumption.

On tapping demand in Haryana, SAIL said that the state already has a strong presence in automobiles and auto ancillaries space, which coupled with the Centre's smart cities mission can provide steel firms opportunities to enhance steel consumption.

The state has major industrial zones for country's northern region with presence of several national and international manufacturing companies from sectors including automobile, heavy industries, engineering parts and equipments, paints, diary, agricultural equipments, housing materials, tube & pipes etc, it added.

In tandem with the vision of central government's progressive policies, Haryana government is also keen to develop many cities as smart cities and Faridabad and Karnal have already found its niche in the centre's 'Smart Cities Mission', SAIL said.

All these factors culminate to a strong opportunity for improved steel consumption in Haryana providing a conducive market for domestic producers, it said.
After hinting at reviewing ties with NDA over special status to Andhra Pradesh, TDP today softened its stand and sought for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appointment to implement the AP Reorganisation Act "in letter and spirit."



Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party (TDPP) held its emergency meeting today and demanded implementation of the Act, which led to the creation of Telangana state in 2014, "in letter and spirit".

The party also decided to organise "Japanese-style" protests to build pressure on the Centre over the Act and special status issue, TDP President and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said, adding they were "life and death issues" for the state and its future.

"We have waited with hope for two years. If the Prime Minister can spare two hours, the problems can be solved," he said.

Addressing a press conference at the end of the TDPP meeting, Naidu once again targeted Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and also lashed out at the Centre for trying to "shirk" its responsibility over issues concerning Andhra Pradesh.

"What is our mistake that you are doing such injustice to us (AP)? You have no authority to do injustice to us. We are part of India and we are paying every tax, contributing to your (enhanced) income," he said.

"The BJP that supported AP's bifurcation had much more responsibility (in implementing the Act and granting special status). It can't escape from it," he asserted.

"With all my political experience I am requesting. Our MPs will meet the Prime Minister and take up these issues and based on his response we will chalk out our future course of action," the TDP chief said.

Asked about the "Japanese-style" protests, Naidu said people should sport black badges and plant more trees, sweep roads clean, increase productivity.

They could go to Delhi and peacefully protest, he said.

"Main objective is to enhance awareness among people. Political parties that are giving call for bandhs and dharnas should desist from such things. Destruction of public property is not a way," the Chief Minister said.

The TDP MPs would stage an act in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Parliament complex tomorrow, he said.

"Call it a protest or expression of our anguish. Our MPs will try to draw the nation's attention to the injustice being done to AP," Naidu said.

Yesterday, the regional party had indicated that the emergency meet would decide whether or not to continue in the NDA government. However, in a late night announcement, Naidu said the party was continuing in the Modi government only to protect the state's interests.
"Teen Wolf" actor Tyler Posey has apologized to his fans following a post which he shared on social media announcing that he is gay.

The 24-year-old star recently posted a clip on Snapchat, in which he was standing under a Gay Street sign, along with a caption- "This is me. I am this and this is me. I've never felt more alive. I'm gay!"



Hours after Posey's post, the social media flooded with his fans reactions over the shocking video.

To which the actor later clarified in a series of tweets that he only wanted to show support to the LGBTQ community and he is not gay.

"I am a big proponent of love over hate, and standing together during divisive times. Although I'm not gay, I fully support the LGBTQ community. This was a moment intended to reflect that," he tweeted.

"And everyone, I am truly sorry to the people I've offended or lessened how big coming out is. I just want to spread love in this world," he continued.
A Telugu Desam MP today attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the denial of special category status to Andhra Pradesh, accusing him of trying to "suppress" N Chandrababu Naidu, the party President and Chief Minister.

"Chandrababu has emerged as the main enemy to Modi. Hence, Modi is trying to suppress Chandrababu, I personally feel," Anantapuramu MP J C Diwakar Reddy remarked.

"In future, BJP may emerge as the single largest party but Modi cannot form the government (at the Centre) on his own.

"There are only two kingmakers now, Chandrababu Naidu and (Bihar CM) Nitish Kumar. The national parties have lost their moorings," Diwakar Reddy told reporters after a meeting of TDP parliamentary party here.

"What are rules and regulations? If the Prime Minister decides, anything can be done," the MP said, referring to the grant of special status to AP.

He said "divorce" between TDP and BJP was inevitable sooner than later.

"I told Chandrababu a year ago that we can't live with the BJP. We have to divorce," the TDP MP observed.

Separately, TDP MLC Budda Venkanna alleged the Prime Minister was adopting a "vengeful" attitude towards the State as Naidu had castigated Modi (then Chief Minister of Gujarat) after the 2002 Godhra riots.

"Only because Chandrababu had been critical of him in the past, Modi is now seeking vengeance and denying special status to AP," he added.

He also criticised the AP BJP leadership for remaining silent over the special status issue. "The TDP should immediately sever ties with BJP," Venkanna demanded.

TDP and BJP are allies in the state and also at the Centre.
A top Chinese military officer who played a lead role in organising a massive parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of the World War II last year, is facing a corruption probe, the latest in a string of graft investigations launched as part of President Xi Jinping's massive crackdown on corruption.

Major General Qu Rui, a deputy chief of the Combat Operations Department under the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) newly-established Joint Staff Department, was taken away by military graft-busters during a meeting on Wednesday, Hong Kong based South China Morning Post quoted Chinese military sources as saying.

Qu was a key organiser of the parade held in the capital in September last year to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the victory against Japan in the World War II in which the PLA demonstrated its top range weapons like long range ballistic missiles and new carrier aircraft.

He will face an internal corruption probe launched by the recently upgraded military disciplinary commission within the powerful Central Military Commission headed by President Jinping.

If confirmed, Qu's downfall would be the latest in a string of graft probes launched into the activities of senior officers in recent weeks ahead of the PLA's 89th founding anniversary scheduled to be celebrated tomorrow.

Earlier this month, General Tian Xiusi, 66, a former PLA Air Force political commissar and an ally of disgraced former military chiefs Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou, was put under investigation for alleged corruption.

Guo, the highest military official to be probed, was sentenced to life this week by a military court for taking bribes.

Guo, who worked during previous President Hu Jintao regime was accused of accepting bribes for promotion of officers in the military.

Guo and Xu were snared in Xi's three-year-old anti-corruption campaign after it was extended to the military. Over 40 military officials faced investigations.

Critics allege that Xi made effective of the anti-graft campaign to consolidate his hold on the military and power structure of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC).

Xu, Hu's No 2 general, died of cancer last year aged 72 and never stood trial for graft.

Qu, a former deputy chief of the Combat Operation Department of the PLA's General Staff Headquarters, was appointed to his present job in January following a massive organisational overhaul.

He was a protege of retired general Ge Zhenfeng, a former deputy chief of general staff and a key member of the "northeast army" led by Xu, the Post report said.

It was not clear what prompted the investigation into Qu but sources said it was probably linked to his previous stint as head of a unit in charge of military equipment under the General Staff Headquarters No 5 department, which oversees information technology.

In addition to the anti-graft campaign, Xi has also spearheaded a major overhaul of the PLA and established 15 new units under the CMC, including the Joint Staff Department, last year.

In a move widely seen as consolidating his control over the military, Xi also launched a major reshuffle of the military's top brass and promoted dozens of officers to full general and major general over the past few years, the report said.

Yi Xiaoguang, a deputy chief of staff of the Joint Staff Department, and Zhu Fuxi, the Western Theatre Command's political commissar, were promoted to full general on Friday.
entered the broad gauge railway map of the country today with Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flagging off the Agartala-New Delhi ' Sundari Express'.

The foundation stone for the much awaited railway track to link Agartala to Akhoura in Bangladesh was jointly laid at the programme by Prabhu and his Bangladeshi counterpart Md Mujibul Haque.

' Sundari Express' will run once a week on Sundays and will reach New Delhi in 47 hours after travelling via Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri. Rs 968 crore was spent for Agartala- Delhi rail link.

Addressing the gathering, Prabhu said a regular train service between Agartala and Kolkata would be started next month.

"Kolkata is the cultural capital of the country and Tripura has a long historic connection with it," he said.

On the Agartala-Akhoura railway link, Prabhu said it would be part of trans-Asian rail connectivity.

"We are committed to bring connectivity with Bangladesh. The relation between India and Bangladesh is very cordial and they (Bangladesh) are cooperative in our initiative," he said.

The rail track here would be extended to Sabroom, the southern-most town in Tripura, which is only 75 km from Chittagong port in Bangladesh.

"Chittagong port is the best port in Asia. We want to connect Indian Railways track with Chittagong port through Sabroom," Prabhu said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, is very keen to make northeast region a tourist hub.

"We want to develop railway network in the entire northeast and want to make it a tourist hub. We want to bring Bangladesh into the same tourist circuit," Prabhu said.

Speaking at the function, Haque said "We always respect the people of India for giving us support and shelter during our Liberation Movement. We want people to people contact. Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked me to convey our love and respect to the people of India".

Bangladesh has now decided to launch a new train between Khulna and Kolkata in addition to the Maitri Express train that plies between Dhaka and Kolkata.

Haque also sought India's help to combat terrorism.

"It is a global phenomena and we (Bangladesh) seek India's active cooperation in combating terrorism," Haque added.

Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain said all



northeast state capitals will be linked with railways by 2020 and work is already on in Manipur, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and members of his cabinet were present at the programme.

Acquisition of land for the Agartala-Akhoura rail link has already started and Rs 580 crore have been released from Doner ministry. The laying the 15.054 rail track will be completed by 2017. Of the total track, only five km will be on the Indian side and the rest in Bangladesh.

The agreement between the two countries on the rail link was signed during Hasina's visit to New Delhi in January 2010.
Tripura entered the broad gauge railway map of the country today with Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flagging off the Agartala-New Delhi 'Tripura Sundari Express'.

The foundation stone for the much awaited railway track to link Agartala to Akhoura in Bangladesh was jointly laid at the programme by Prabhu and his Bangladeshi counterpart Md Mujibul Haque.

'Tripura Sundari Express' will run once a week on Sundays and will reach New Delhi in 47 hours after travelling via Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri. Rs 968 crore was spent for Agartala- Delhi rail link.

Addressing the gathering, Prabhu said a regular train service between Agartala and Kolkata would be started next month.

"Kolkata is the cultural capital of the country and Tripura has a long historic connection with it," he said.

On the Agartala-Akhoura railway link, Prabhu said it would be part of trans-Asian rail connectivity.

"We are committed to bring connectivity with Bangladesh. The relation between India and Bangladesh is very cordial and they (Bangladesh) are cooperative in our initiative," he said.

The rail track here would be extended to Sabroom, the southern-most town in Tripura, which is only 75 km from Chittagong port in Bangladesh.

"Chittagong port is the best port in Asia. We want to connect Indian Railways track with Chittagong port through Sabroom," Prabhu said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, is very keen to make northeast region a tourist hub.

"We want to develop railway network in the entire northeast and want to make it a tourist hub. We want to bring Bangladesh into the same tourist circuit," Prabhu said.

Speaking at the function, Haque said "We always respect the people of India for giving us support and shelter during our Liberation Movement. We want people to people contact. Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked me to convey our love and respect to the people of India".

Bangladesh has now decided to launch a new train between Khulna and Kolkata in addition to the Maitri Express train that plies between Dhaka and Kolkata.

Haque also sought India's help to combat terrorism.

"It is a global phenomena and we (Bangladesh) seek India's active cooperation in combating terrorism," Haque added.
Lashing out at Donald Trump, the father of a fallen Pakistani-origin Muslim American soldier today said the Republican presidential nominee has a "black soul" who needs counselling on "empathy".

"This person is total incapable of empathy. I want his family to counsel him, teach him some empathy. He will be a better person if he could become -- but he is a black soul. And this is totally unfit for the leadership of this beautiful country," Khizr Khan told CNN.

Khan, father of Army Capt Humayun Khan who was killed in Iraq in 2004 in a suicide terrorist attack, came to national spotlight after he delivered an electrifying speech at Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia on Thursday wherein he slammed Trump for his rhetoric like banning Muslims from entering the country.

He asked Trump to "go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America". "You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one."



Trump hit back over the remarks that he has "sacrificed nothing" for the country and mocked the soldier's mother for keeping silent, triggering a bipartisan backlash.

Following a national backlash, Trump late last night made a u-turn and described Humayun as a hero, but called for "vigilance in defeating radical Islamic terrorism".

Khan, who now lives in Virginia, said that Trump is "unfit" to be the leader of the US.

He said Trump's "policy, his practices, do not reflect that he has any understanding of the basic, fundamental constitutional principles of this country."



"He talks about excluding people, disrespecting judges, the entire judicial system, immigrants, Muslim immigrants. These are divisive rhetoric that are totally against the basic constitutional principles," he said.

He slammed Trump's suggestion that his wife, who was also on stage at the DNC, was not allowed to speak. He said she has high blood pressure and didn't want to speak for fear she wouldn't be able to hold herself together discussing her Gold Star son on stage.

"For this candidate for presidency to not be aware of the respect of a Gold Star Mother standing there, and he had to take that shot at her, this is height of ignorance. This is why I showed him that Constitution. Had he read that, he would know what status a Gold Star Mother holds in this nation," Khan said.

"This country holds such a person in the highest regard. And he has no knowledge, no awareness. That is height of his ignorance. She is ill. She had high blood pressure. People that know her looked at her face, and she said, 'I may fall off the stage'. And I told her that, You have to assemble yourself and stand for the beauty of this tribute that is being paid," Khan said in response to a question.

(REOPENS FGN 20)



Responding to a question, Khan said he appreciates the late night statement of Trump in which he described Humayun as a hero.

"I appreciate his response, his press release that was issued last night, confirming that he accepts my son as a hero of this country," Khan said.

"But his policies, his practices do not reflect that he has any understanding of the basic fundamental constitutional principles of this country, what makes this country exceptional, what makes this country exceptional in the history of the mankind," he said.

"There are principles of equal dignity, principle of liberty. He talks about excluding people, disrespecting judges, the entire judicial system, immigrants, Muslim immigrants. These are divisive rhetoric that is totally against the basic constitutional principle," he said.

Khan refuted Trump's allegations that his speech was written by the Clinton campaign.

"There is no truth to that. Over there, I had limit of the time. I had written a longer speech. I am going to say the rest of the speech to you right now. There is no Clinton campaign here. There is no prompter here," he said and then went out to read, what he said was the second part of his speech.

"I am an articulate person. I can utter my thoughts and utter my feelings. And I address -- which my wife asked me to not include those things, but this is the time to say those things I wanted to address, and I address them now," he said.

Khan called on House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to withdraw their support for Trump.

"It is a moral obligation -- history will not forgive them," he said. "This election will pass, but history will be written. The lack of moral courage with remain a burden on their souls."



"In addition to this, there was in the speech that my wife asked me to refrain from saying. I wanted to say, we reject all violence. We are faithful, patriotic, undivided loyalty to this country. We reject all terrorism. She asked me not to say that because that was not the occasion for such a statement," Khan said.
Donald Trump today lashed out at the father of a fallen Muslim American soldier over remarks that the Republican presidential nominee has "sacrificed nothing" for the country, saying he created thousands of jobs and questioned whether his wife was even "allowed" to speak.

Trump's comments to a channel about the parents of Army Capt. Humayun Khan drew swift criticism including from his own party and Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

"Who wrote that? Did Hillary's script writers write it?" Trump said in an interview with ABC . "I think I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard."



Humayun's father Khizr Khan, in a moving tribute to his son at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia while posthumously receiving a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after he was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq in 2004, stunned a national audience with a speech directly confronting Trump, who has called for a ban on Muslims entering the US.

He asking the 70-year-old real estate tycoon to "go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America". "You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one."



Trump argued he "made a lot of sacrifices" and worked "very, very hard".

"I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures," he said. "Sure those are sacrifices."



"I think my popularity with the vets is through the roof," he claimed.

Responding to a question, Trump alleged that Khan's wife Ghazala, who was standing besides him wearing a headscarf during the speech, was not allowed to speak.

"His wife, if you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, may be she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me, but plenty of people have written that. She was extremely quiet and it looked like she had nothing to say," he said.

Trump's comments drew sharp reaction nationwide, both for attacking a mourning mother and because many considered them racist and anti-Muslim.

"This is a time for all Americans to stand with the Khans, and with all the families whose children have died in service to our country. And this is a time to honour the sacrifice of Captain Khan and all the fallen. Captain Khan and his family represent the best of America, and we salute them," Clinton said in a statement.

Ghazala Khan said that she was too emotional to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia last week. She said she is still overwhelmed by her grief and cannot even look at photos of her son without crying.

"Please. I am very upset when I heard when he said that I didn't say anything. I was in pain. If you were in pain, you fight or you don't say anything. I'm not a fighter, I can't fight. So the best thing I do was quiet," she said.

In a late night statement, Trump called Humayun "a hero".

(Reopens FGN4)



The statement that came after Trump was being slammed for being critical of Humayun and his parents said: "While I feel deeply for the loss of his son, Mr. Khan who has never met me, has no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the Constitution, (which is false) and say many other inaccurate things. If I become President, I will make America safe again.

"Captain Humayun Khan was a hero to our country and we should honour all who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe. The real problem here are the radical Islamic terrorists who killed him, and the efforts of these radicals to enter our country to do us further harm."



Clinton said she was "very moved to see Ghazala Khan stand bravely and with dignity in support of her son on Thursday night. And I was very moved to hear her speak last night, bravely and with dignity, about her son's life and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country".

Khizr Khan said he had invited Ghazala to say something.

"I invited her - would you like to say something on the stage when the invitation came? And she said, 'You know how it is with me, how upset I get'," Khan said.

Republican leaders, too, criticised Trump for his remarks on Khan.

"The (House) Speaker (Paul Ryan) has made clear many times that he rejects this idea, and himself has talked about how Muslim Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country," AshLee Strong, spokesperson of the House Speaker, said in a statement to CBS .

Tim Miller, a former communication director of Jeb Bush, described Trump's remarks as 'inhuman'.

The Trump campaign also released transcripts of the ABC interview, in which the reality TV star said of the father: "He was, you know, very emotional and probably looked like a nice guy to me... And personally, I watched him. I wish him the best of luck."



"What would you say to that father?" he was asked.

Trump responded: "Well, I'd say we've had a lot of problems with radical Islamic terrorism. That's what I'd say. We have a lot of problems, where you look at San Bernardino. You look at Orlando. You look at the World Trade Centre. You look at so many different things.

"You look at what happened to the priest over the weekend in Paris, where his throat was cut, 85-year-old, beloved Catholic priest. You look at what happened in Nice, France, a couple of weeks ago. I'd say you've got to take a look at that, because something is going on. And it's not good."



In his late night statement, Trump alleged that Clinton "should be held accountable for her central role in destabilising the Middle East".

"Clinton's actions have been reckless and have directly led to the loss of American lives. And her extreme immigration policies, as also laid out by American victims in Cleveland, will cause the preventable deaths of countless more -- while putting all residents, from all places, at greater risk of terrorism," Trump alleged. "As Bernie Sanders said on numerous occasions, Hillary Clinton suffers from "bad judgement". She is not qualified to serve as Commander in Chief.
Turkey today condemned a German court decision banning President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from addressing his supporters by video link at a rally in Cologne.

Germany is home to Turkey's largest diaspora and the rally scheduled for later today was expected to attract tens of thousands of people opposed to the failed July 15 putsch.

Several smaller counter-demonstrations were also planned, including one billed "Stop Erdogan" and another called by far-right activists, raising concern the demonstrators could clash.

Amid fears that the crowds could be riled by live screenings of speeches from Turkey by politicians including Erdogan, Germany's constitutional court banned an application for such broadcasts.

A statement from the Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said the ban was "unacceptable".

"The practical and legal effort to prevent an event that advocates democracy, freedom and the rule of law and stands against the 15/7 coup attempt is a violation of the freedom of expression and the right to free assembly," the statement said.

"We are curious about the real reason why the German authorities and the constitutional court banned President Erdogan's message and hope that the German authorities will provide a satisfactory explanation."



Turkish authorities have launched a huge crackdown since the coup, detaining almost 19,000 people and sparking international alarm.

The tensions have spilled into Germany, home to three million Turks, and German authorities have deployed some 2,700 officers to keep the peace in Cologne.

The tension comes at a time when relations between Germany and Turkey are already strained over the German parliament's decision to brand as genocide the World War I-era Armenian massacre by Ottoman forces.

German politicians led by Chancellor Angela Merkel have also issued strongly-worded statements against Erdogan's crackdown following the putsch.

Ankara accuses US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen of masterminding the coup and says it is seeking to remove all trace of his influence in Turkish institutions.

Turkish officials are also demanding that Germany extradite suspects linked to Gulen, who left Turkey in 1999 and strongly denies any involvement.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a new presidential decree today that introduced sweeping changes to Turkey's military in the wake of a July 15 failed coup, bringing the armed forces further under civilian authority.

The decree, the third issued under a three-month state of emergency declared following the attempted coup, gives the president and prime minister the authority to issue direct orders to the commanders of the army, air force and navy.

It also announces the discharge of 1,389 military personnel, including Erdogan's chief military adviser, who had been arrested days after the attempted coup, the Chief of General Staff's charge d'affaires and the defense minister's chief secretary.

It puts the military commands directly under the defense ministry, puts all military hospitals under the authority of the health ministry instead of the military, and also expands the Supreme Military Council, the body that makes decisions on military affairs and appointments, to include Turkey's deputy prime ministers and its justice, foreign and interior ministers.

The document, published in the official gazette today, also shuts down all military schools, academies and non-commissioned officer training institutes and establishes a new national defense university to train officers.

In the wake of the attempted coup, which killed more than 200 people, Erdogan launched a sweeping crackdown on those believed linked to the movement of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom he accuses of instigating the coup.

Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, denies any knowledge of the coup.

More than 10,000 people have been arrested in the crackdown, most of whom are military personnel. Thousands more have been detained and nearly 70,000 people have been suspended or dismissed from their jobs in the education, media, health care, military and judicial sectors.

In an interview yesterday with private A Haber television, Erdogan said he also wanted to put the country's MIT intelligence agency and the chief of general staff's headquarters under the presidency.

"If we can pass this small constitution package with (the opposition parties), then the chief of general staff and MIT will be tied to the president," Erdogan told A Haber.

The package would need to be brought to parliament for a vote. The Turkish government's sweeping crackdown has caused concern among its Western allies, who have urged restraint.

Turkey has demanded the speedy extradition of Gulen from the United States, but Washington has asked for evidence that he was involved in the attempted coup and has said the US extradition process must be allowed to take its course.
Militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) killed four Turkish soldiers on Sunday in two separate attacks, local media reported.

Three soldiers were killed during a military operation in Ordu, located on the Black Sea coast in northeastern Turkey, the province's governor said in comments carried by private Dogan news agency.

Irfan Balkanlioglu said the soldiers were shot by PKK militants and two were injured, Dogan, said. The operation, in Mesudiye district, was continuing.

In another attack, one soldier was killed and six were wounded in clashes with PKK militants in the southeastern province of Hakkari, the army said in a statement.

One soldier was seriously wounded, the army added. The state-run Anadolu Agency reported the clashes occurred in Altinsu district.

The fatalities occurred two days after eight soldiers were killed in fighting with Kurdish militants, the deadliest attack on the military since the failed July 15 coup.

The attempted power grab saw a rogue group within the armed forces try to oust President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He has retaliated with a massive purge of the military.

More than 600 Turkish security force members have been killed by the PKK in attacks since the collapse of a two-year ceasefire in July last year, according to a toll given by Anadolu.

The government has responded with military operations against the guerrilla group, killing more than 7,000 militants in and northern Iraq, the agency said. Activists claim civilians have also been killed in the offensives.

Over 40,000 people have been killed since the PKK  proscribed as a terrorist group by Turkey, the European Union (EU) and the United States  first took up arms in 1984.

Initially it sought independence for Turkey's Kurdish minority  making up around 20 per cent of the population  although over the years the emphasis switched to greater rights and self-rule.
Britain is planning to use its 11 billion pound aid budget to bolster trade deals with countries in a post-Brexit push, according to a media report.

Britain's newly-appointed Indian-origin minister for international development, Priti Patel, will be leading this policy initiative, according to The Sunday Telegraph.

"Britain's international aid commitments mean it gets fantastic access to foreign leaders all round the world. We can leverage existing relationships to strike trade deals. TheDepartment for International Development (Dfid)can be used to improve Britain's standing in the world. It will be a completely fresh way of looking at Britain's aid budget," the newspaper quoted a political source as saying.

Patel has reportedly already held meetings with Liam Fox, the new UK International Trade Secretary, to discuss how they can use Britain's foreign aid budget to bolster trade deals.

Britain is committed to spend around 0.7 per cent of GDP on foreign aid but India had ceased to be a recipient country in December 2015, when the India-UK aid relationship was modified into one of project-based "technical assistance".

"Successfully leaving the European Union will require a more outward-looking Britain than ever before, deepening our international partnerships to secure our place in the world by supporting economic prosperity, stability and security overseas.

"That's why my department will be working across government, with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the new Department for International Trade, the Home Office and others," Patel had said in her statement when she took charge of her new portfolio earlier this month.

She had been among the leading voices campaiging for Britain to leave the EU in the June 23 referendum.

"We will continue to tackle the great challenges of our time: poverty, disease and the causes of mass migration, while helping to create millions of jobs in countries across the developing world - ourtrading partners of the future," she said.
Are you really as dense as you're comments suggest?

How could the Russians find Clinton's emails without hacking?

The server still exists, is still monitored and is used for the Clinton Foundation.

ANY server no matter how secure can be hacked, Home Depot has been hacked, Target has been hacked, the CIA has been hacked, Yahoo has been hacked.

You are trying to convince the low IQ, low income dimwits that Clinton is supposed to have better security than everybody else in the world. NO one is immune to being hacked, the only way to avoid being hacked is to go offline or have someone staring at a computer screen ready to unplug the second a spy it is detected.

And, as much as you would like to believe, Clinton had NO classified emails on her server, there are NO 30,000 MISSING emails. There are the thirty some thousand emails that were turned over and thirty thousand that a team of lawyers deemed personal and were deleted. End of the email story, give it up, you're party of haters was wrong, admit it.

Use a little bit of common sense!
Britain will lead the global fight against modern slavery, Prime Minister Theresa May has said, vowing to make it her mission to help rid the world of the "barbaric evil".

Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, she called it "the great human rights issue of our time".

May said a new UK cabinet taskforce would tackle the "sickening and inhuman crimes" while 33 million pounds from the aid budget would fund initiatives overseas.

The new UK Prime Minister said the first government taskforce on modern slavery would see ministers "get a real grip of this issue right across Whitehall and co-ordinate and drive further progress in the battle against this cruel exploitation".

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary will also be asked to carry out an investigation to make sure that all police forces in England and Wales "treat this crime with the priority it deserves".

"[The government] must work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies across the world, to track and stop these pernicious gangs who operate across borders and jurisdictions," May said.

She added: "These crimes must be stopped and the victims of modern slavery must go free...

"Just as it was Britain that took an historic stand to ban slavery two centuries ago, so Britain will once again lead the way in defeating modern slavery and preserving the freedoms and values that have defined our country for generations," she said.

The most recent Home Office estimates suggest there are between 10,000 and 13,000 victims of modern slavery in the UK, with 45 million estimated victims across the world.

Victims are said to include women forced into prostitution, "imprisoned" domestic staff and workers in fields, factories and fishing boats.

May said: "From nail bars and car washes to sheds and rundown caravans, people are enduring experiences that are simply horrifying in their inhumanity.

"Vulnerable people who have travelled long distances, believing they were heading for legitimate jobs, are finding they have been duped, forced into hard labour, and then locked up and abused.

"Innocent individuals are being tricked into prostitution, often by people they thought they could trust. Children are being made to pick-pocket on the streets and steal from cash machines."



Modern slaves in the UK, often said to be hiding in plain sight, are working in our nail bars, on construction sites, in brothels, on cannabis farms and in agriculture.

Traffickers are using the internet to lure their victims with hollow promises of jobs, education and even love.

Sexual exploitation is the most common form of modern slavery reported in the UK, followed by labour exploitation, forced criminal exploitation and domestic servitude, the BBC reported.

In 2014, the Home Office estimated there were between 10,000 and 13,000 potential victims in the UK - just 2,340 of those were officially reported and recorded.
Yemen rebels today rejected a peace plan proposed by the United Nations which had already been accepted by the government, saying that any settlement must first tackle a unity administration.

"What was presented by the (UN) envoy was no more than just ideas for a solution to the security aspect, subject to debate like other proposals," a statement from the rebel delegation in Kuwait said.

The statement cited by the rebel-run agency charged that the Yemeni government announcement of a draft settlement was "no more than media stunts" aimed at foiling talks.

The Iran-backed rebels reiterated their long-standing demand that a peace deal must first forge an accord on a new consensual executive authority, including a new president and government.

This condition is an explicit demand for the removal of the internationally recognised president, Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

However, the rebel delegation still welcomed UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed's proposal to extend the talks for another week.

Earlier today, Hadi's government said it accepted the UN-proposed plan stipulating that the Huthi Shiite rebels must withdraw from the capital Sanaa and two major cities which they overran in September 2014.

According to the government, the draft peace deal proposed by the UN envoy requires the rebels to hand over heavy arms before the start of a political dialogue on a final solution.

The conflict in the Arabian Peninsula country has killed more than 6,400 people and displaced 2.8 million since then, according to UN figures.

More than 80 per cent of the population urgently needs humanitarian aid.
Yemen's internationally-recognized government agreed today to extend peace talks with Shiite rebels for another week, reversing an earlier decision to quit the negotiations hosted by Kuwait, according to Yemeni state television.

It said President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, following consultations with top aides, has agreed to proposals by UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed for the rebels to pull out of cities, including the capital Sanaa, and hand over weapons they looted from army depots within 45 days.

of the decision to continue the talks was soon followed by a fresh wave of violence that underlines the country's precarious security conditions.

In the southern port city of Aden, a pro-government militia leader was killed and three of his guards were wounded when a bomb planted in their car was remotely detonated, security officials said.

They identified the militia commander as Saleh al-Geneidi, leader of a pro-government militia in Lawdar, in the southern Abyan province.

Also in Aden, said the officials, a car bomb apparently intending to hit a military convoy belonging to the United Arab Emirates' forces in the city went off but missed its target. The officials said they suspected that militants of al-Qaida's branch in Yemen were behind the two attacks in Aden.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media.

The proposals by the U.N. Envoy to Yemen also provide for the annulment of political bodies emanating from last week's formalization of an alliance between the Iranian-backed rebels and the General People's Congress, the political party led by former President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The UN envoy has said the alliance violated international resolutions and urged both sides to "refrain from unilateral actions that undermine political transition."



Saleh and the rebels, known as Houthis, have been allies since 2014. The two sides were adversaries when Saleh ruled Yemen and fought each other for six years until 2010.

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.

Hadi's government is backed by a US-assisted, Saudi-led military coalition that has been fighting the Shiite rebels and their allies since March 2015.
A crisis in their personal life made Ajay Gandotra and his wife Nishi think of starting their own pharmacy business. Ajay's mother was detected with cancer five years ago in Delhi. At the time the couple was settled in Dubai - Ajay was a banker while Nishi had her own business in communication and marketing. Ajay's mother was rushed to a leading private hospital in Delhi. The doctor suggested 17 chemotherapy shots, each costing Rs 1,35,000. The couple was further instructed to purchase the drugs only from the hospital's pharmacy. The prohibitive cost of the treatment forced Ajay to shift his mother to Sir Gangaram Hospital. He also managed to buy the same drug from his neighborhood pharmacies at a cost of Rs 55,000 per vial.

The incident prompted Ajay and Nishi to think of returning to India and starting an online pharmacy that can supply drugs to needy patients at affordable prices. But officials showed them the rule book - only pharmacists can get a licence for a medical store, whether virtual or real. They then hired pharmacists, set up three medical shops in Gurgaon, and invested in IT infrastructure for their venture SaveOnMedicals.com, spending some Rs 35 lakh.

All this was around two years ago, when online aggregator models were becoming viral across various businesses. But the couple soon realised that realities are different in the drug sector. Private Equity (PE) investors told them to wait for funding till the "regulatory framework gets more clarity". The neighbourhood pharmacists who promised supply of drugs backed out with their associations directing them not to supply to online traders. "We get only 35-40 orders per day online and one fourth of the orders have to be declined because either there are no prescriptions or they are too old," says Nishi.

The story of Gandotras is not an exception. At least 30-40 serious internet-based pharmacy start-ups have come up in the past two-three years hoping to replicate the success of the Flipkarts and Snapdeals in the Rs 80,000 to Rs 90,000 crore a year drug market in India. In fact, IMS Health had earlier projected the market to grow to over Rs 1,00,000 crore by 2016. E-pharmacies are now facing unanticipated, serious roadblocks and are almost at a dead-end - primarily due to a lack of proper regulatory framework and understanding of the sector and opposition from traditional organised drug traders.

Clamour for e-pharmacies

Online chains advise patients or their relatives to upload the doctor's prescription, which their pharmacist or the local partner medical shop will verify and deliver drugs home. It can be an additional revenue attraction for the local medical shop owners and once volume grows, the small margins are sufficient to make good profits. Some online chains have tied-up with post-offices or courier companies to deliver drugs. In the US and Europe, about 15 per cent of drug trade happens through legalised mail order pharmacies.

Many corporates and PE funds like the scalable business models of online pharmacies. Gurgaon-based Bright Lifecare, operator of the online drug marketplace 1mg, got Rs 100 crore ($15 million) funding from Maverick Capital Ventures, the venture capital arm of US-based hedge fund Maverick Capital. "We have many private equity investors and these investments are to develop our various healthcare online initiatives including online drug sales," says Prashant Tandon, CEO and co-founder of 1mg and now president of the recently formed Indian Internet Pharmacy Association (IIPA).

Another Indian drug start-up that successfully raised funds was Chennai-based Netmeds, which received an investment commitment of $50 million (Rs 325 crore) from healthcare-focused global PE firm OrbiMed. Netmeds promoter Pradeep Dadha is from the promoter family of the century-old Chennai-based Dadha Pharmaceuticals, and has been into wholesale and retailing of drugs in South India for many decades. "We are talking to India Post and planning to supply drugs in 24 hours whereever post offices are available," Pradeep had said in a recent interaction. Apart from Dadha's family investment fund and OrbiMed, boutique investment bank MAPE Advisory Group has also invested in Netmeds.

Even established brick-and-mortar retail pharmacy chains like Apollo, MedPlus and Guardian Lifecare have also entered the online segment. High profile techies and seasoned pharma professionals are also in the race. A prominent example is Bangalore-based PM Health and Lifecare, led by former i-Gate chief executive Phaneesh Murthy as chairman. Murthy has invested $2 million in the venture along with other promoters like CSS Corp CEO T. Ramesh and Pune-based Opus group. Murthy's former i-Gate colleagues, Hemant Bhardwaj and Anil Bajpai, also joined PM Health to spearhead the venture.

Another large-scale venture in the works is mChemist, promoted by Rajiv Gulati, former president, global pharma business of Ranbaxy Laboratories. The venture is focused on offering a'mail order service' pharmacy for chronic ailments, particularly for patients suffering from hypertension and diabetes. "So far we have invested only our own funds and will look at that once the uncertainties related to the sector gets a clarity," says Gulati.

"I think there are some 30-40 serious players in the online space and together may have invested roughly Rs 500 crore to Rs 800 crore in the past one or two years," says Tandon of 1mg. IIPA, launched recently to lobby for interests of the new age pharmacies, now has some 10 members.

Regulatory hurdles

Opponents of online drug businesses have raised some valid points. They point out that there are no well-defined, dedicated laws for online ventures, though pharmacies in India are governed by the Drug and Cosmetics Act 1940, Drugs and Cosmetic Rules 1945, Pharmacy Act 1948 and the Indian Medical Act 1956. Laws related to ecommerce are defined under the Information Technology Act, 2000 but those are also silent on e-pharmacies.

"I think there are some 30-40 serious players in the online space and together may have invested roughly Rs 500 crore to Rs 800 crore in the past one or two years"

According to Indian laws, a chemist can dispense prescription drugs only on a doctor's prescription - it requires the name of the doctor, his address and registration number besides the names of the drugs, their potency, dosage, and duration for which they are to be supplied. The chemist cannot dispense quantity in excess of what has been prescribed by the doctor. Before dispensing the drugs, the pharmacist is expected to verify the authenticity and legality of the prescription. Even over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can be sold only by licensed retailers. The online sale of drugs is potent enough to kill the sanctity of the relationship and faith between a doctor and a pharmacist, they argue.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA), which brought out a position paper against online sale of drugs, says that prescriptions submitted via fax or email can be fake and it could be difficult to verify their authenticity. Online correspondence or scanned copies are legally not permitted and online pharmacies will promote drug abuse, drug misuse and self-medication. The association also says that such sales can jeopardise the post-marketing surveillance of new drugs for adverse reactions.

Opposition from traders

New-age entrepreneurs are not the first to target the huge and growing retail drug market in India. In 2007, Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) was eyeing pharma retailing with a large distribution backbone and plans of directly sourcing drugs from manufacturers. For this, the group had hired Rajendra P. Gupta, former Indian CEO of Medicine Shoppe, one of the largest drug retailers in the world. But the venture did not take off and Gupta left Reliance Health within a few months. At that time many domestic retail chains like Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Retail and Subhikha had also thought of sourcing drugs directly for their pharmacies, but could not implement the plans. Even the global drug retail biggies failed to penetrate Indian shores. The biggest among them was US-based drug retailer Cardinal Health, which came to India and explored options for direct sourcing from drug companies.

Online pharmacies, too, have struggled to build a viable drug sourcing model. Direct sourcing from manufacturers has remained out of bounds because of the opposition from brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Currently, India is estimated to have over 500,000 medical shops and most of them are unionised under one association, the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). Every two-three years, drug manufacturing company associations, such as Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) and Indian Drugs Manufacturers Association (IDMA), negotiate with the trader's lobby to jointly decide the margins for the wholesale and retail trade. Industry insiders say that the aggressive traders association forces manufacturers to stick to the existing trading channels for supplying medicines. On several occasions in the past, they have enforced boycott of leading drug companies for not meeting their demands.

"In most countries, the legitimate players are given specifi coperating licences. We should also incorporate such rules. Internet pharmacy is a reality in modern era"

When Internet pharmacies became a reality and started enrolling retail shops as their partners, AIOCD was the first to initiate strong opposition. Business Today was the first to report in July last year about their plan to go on strike to protest against allowing internet pharmacies. "We are not going to allow e-commerce of medicines and that is against the ethics of our profession. There is a difference between the profession of dispensing drugs and seeing this as a business for profiteering," J.S. Shinde, President of AIOCD told Business Today.

Traders also highlight the dangers of having internet pharmacies. It could lead to drug abuse as even children can purchase psychotropic or controlled substances online, they say. AIOCD brought up the issue with the Drug Controller General of India, health ministry officials and the Prime Minister. In mid-October, medical shops nationwide remained closed for a day protesting against e-pharmacies. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) also directed all the state/Union Territory drug controllers to keep a strict watch on online sale of drugs and take action against those selling in violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules. A public interest litigation (PIL) was also filed in the Bombay High Court against allowing internet pharmacies, and the final verdict is yet to come.

Soon, the government started taking action. An eight member sub-committee of the Drug Consultative Committee under the chairmanship of Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr Harshdeep Kamble was formed to formulate guidelines on the use of information technology in online pharmacy. "Though the committee was supposed to submit its recommendations months ago, it has not yet come out with its suggestions", says Tandon of 1mg. Industry body FICCI, which was asked to give its views, is likely to soon submit a white paper on the subject, say industry sources.

The global experience

There have been concerted efforts by regulators and pharmacy associations globally to ensure that the Internet is not misused for sourcing of controlled drugs.

In the US, legal Internet-based pharmacies are accredited by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) through the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) or Vet-VIPPS (for veterinary pharmacies) certifications. The VIPPS pharmacy sites can be identified by the hyperlink seal displayed on the home page. The 116-year-old NABP assists state licensing boards in developing, implementing, and enforcing uniform standards in the United States, Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, eight Canadian provinces and New Zealand.

Canada also follows a replica of the VIPPS certification process. The 14-year-old Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) allows member pharmacies to display Certified Canadian International Pharmacy (CCIP) logo.

It is ensured that they follow CIPA standards practice and follow ups with regular on-inspections and audits. In the past four years, France, Italy and Austria have cleared legal hurdles and allowed their domestic businesses to enter the online pharmacy sector. Founded in 2000, the European Association of Mail Service Pharmacies (EAMSP) represents European mail order and online pharmacies and caters to over two million customers daily in various European countries. It is estimated that there are around 7,000 authorised e-pharmacies operating, mostly small-scale, independent, local businesses. Others are larger cross-border 'pure play' mail order pharmacies and many are integrated into the multi-channel strategies of leading pharmacy chains. All members of the EAMSP have an operating licence and a mail service business licence of their home country.

The problem

Most of the Acts governing the pharmaceutical sector were framed in an era when modern communication tools were not even invented. In May last year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra had filed a case against e-commerce major Snapdeal, its distributors and officials for selling prescription drugs online. The regulators in Gujarat had also initiated action against online pharmacies for the same reason. There are several other instances of the authorities initiating action again online pharmacies.

IIPA says that the government should act against the menace of cross-border internet pharmacies and should incorporate the best practices across the globe. "The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), the apex pharmacy body in the US, provides registration and certification after verifying the functioning of e-pharmacies who can display the certification logo on their website. It helps consumers understand whether e-pharmacies are legal or not," says Rajiv Gulati.

In most countries, the legitimate players are given specific operating licences, points out Dharmil Sheth, Founder and CEO of PharmEasy. "We should also incorporate such rules. Internet pharmacy is a reality in the modern era," he says.

The existing statute does not appear to permit online sale of drugs, according to G.N. Singh, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). "A high-powered committee of experts is examining this issue and we are awaiting their report. The issue is very complex. The US and Europe and other countries are struggling with this. We want to use this technology, but only after complying with all regulatory requirements," he says.

All stakeholders then believe that the time has come to frame a regulatory framework for online pharmacies. Indeed, it is the need of the hour.


A 31-year-old Richmond man died Saturday night after a motorcycle/vehicle accident just south of the Utah/Idaho border.

Mario A. Mainini was driving a Honda B-60 motorcycle south on State Road 91 about 6:20 p.m. About 50-yards south of the state line, he struck the back of an empty flat bed trailer being pulled by a black Dodge pickup truck.

Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Cade Brenchley said the driver of the truck, 33-year-old Cody C. Chatterton of Franklin, Idaho, was slowing down in the inside lane, preparing to make a left turn, when Mainini ran into the back of him.

I dont know if he was distracted or just couldnt tell, said Brenchley. The road is straight and flat right there, but he just didnt notice the truck was slowed or stopped and came right into the back of it and struck the trailer. He was killed on impact.

Mainini was thrown from the motorcycle, causing his helmet to come off. It didnt appear that he tried to slow down or brake before striking the trailer.

Troopers said all of the lights on the truck and trailer appeared to be working at the time of the crash. Initially, troopers dont believe Chatterton was at fault in any way.

Officers from the Idaho State Police Office assisted UHP troopers in investigating the accident. Traffic along SR-91 was restricted to one lane in each direction for about two-and-a-half-hours while the crash was being cleared.

Brenchley said Mainini was returning home after visiting his family in Mink Creek.

An investigation is ongoing.

<hr /><p style=text-align: center;>will@cvradio.com
Yeah. I am sure it will make a major difference in lives everywhere me saying that is Trump (sarcasm). But, then again that is Trump. You do not get it you never will. You live your life in your little bubble of political correctness failing to comprehend the reality of the world. All you saw was a poor Muslim couple talking about their dead son who died serving our nation. That is all you saw. You never comprehended that they were used as pawns to go out on a stage and make political jabs at a politician at the behest of Hillary Clinton. In your world that is fine because their dead son is supposed to be their shield. Trump does not play by those rules and there is a hell of a lot of other people who agree with him. Enough to win the election. Probably not. But enough that it is going to put the politically correct elitist on notice
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WEDNESDAY

Orientation for small businesses

A small business orientation is from 4-6 p.m. at the Economic Development Center, 3209 S. Staples St., CED 146. The seminar will provide new business owners information to start a business. Topics include: small business loans and financing requirements, business plan, licensing, contracting and permit information and resources. Free. Information: www.seminarscc.com

Small business forum offered

The Governor's Small Business forum, The BIG Event, will be from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz International Center, 402 Harbor Drive. Presentations will be offered throughout the day on economic outlook, industry information, contracting and international trade. Cost: $35/in advance and $45/at the door. Information and registration: thebigeventcc.com.

THURSDAY

Learn better business planning

A planning business seminar will be offered from 2-4:30 p.m. Aug. 4, 11 and 18 at the Del Mar College Center for Economic Development, 3209 S. Staples St. The seminar will focus on creating, tracking and attaining financial goals. Cost: $150 by Tuesday. Information: www.seminarscc.com

FRIDAY

Government contracting seminar

A business registration for government contracting seminar is from 9-10:30 a.m. at SBA Corpus Christi Branch Office, 2820 S. Padre Island Drive, Suite 108. The seminar will provide guidance to establish business credentials and enhancing business profiles on various governmental search engines. Free. Information and registration: 361-879-0017, ext. 301 or 303 or email elizabeth.soliz@sba.gov.

Compiled by Natalia Contreras
GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES FILE The loss of a $302,000 state emergency service grant shared between agencies will mean, in part, shuttering emergency housing at The Salvation Army about a year before it was expected. Meanwhile, The Salvation Army is moving forward with its capital campaign to raise funds for a new, $5 million facility intended to almost solely serve as transitional housing for families.

SHARE COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Charles McKenzie, a resident at Corpus Christi Metro Ministries' Rustic House, spends time reading before going to bed on July 7. About $453,000 in federal funding that once went to Corpus Christi transitional housing programs  specifically, Rustic House and a program run by The Salvation Army  will be reallocated next year to projects that would involve finding apartments for the homeless, such as rapid rehousing or permanent supportive housing initiatives. COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Tony Seagroves, a resident at Corpus Christi Metro Ministries' Rustic House, spends time coloring before going to bed on July 7. About $453,000 in federal funding that once went to Corpus Christi transitional housing programs  specifically, Rustic House and a program run by The Salvation Army  will be reallocated next year to projects that would involve finding apartments for the homeless, such as rapid rehousing or permanent supportive housing initiatives. COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Residents at Corpus Christi Metro Ministries' Rustic House prepare for bed on July. COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Gordon McKenzie, a resident at Corpus Christi Metro Ministries' Rustic House, looks out the window in the dinning room to volunteer during lunch service on July 6. Related Coverage Emergency shelter cuts mean losing beds for homeless

Homeless support services see federal cuts

By Kirsten Crow of the Caller-Times

Home is eight bunk beds, 15 roommates, blue walls, and belongings carefully stowed in plastic storage boxes and a line of lockers against the wall.

The blue, dorm-style room is a place to sleep but also represents a space of stability and support.

Gordon McKenzie has lived there since April. Rustic House, a transitional housing program for men with disabilities and men older than 60, was a welcome chance to begin collecting the pieces of his life that had fallen away over the years as he bounced around the U.S. in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

The dentures he has gone without for three years will be replaced. Glasses will soon correct nearsightedness. He's saving his Social Security money for a future permanent residence.

"Anybody can see it, as plain as day, that they help you," McKenzie said.

Run by Corpus Christi Metro Ministries, Rustic House was funded for 20 years, in part, with a federal grant of $154,040. Come March, that won't happen.

It's one of the homeless programs in the Coastal Bend that will see change by September 2017, as federal and state dollars come to a halt or shift to other services.

About $453,000 in federal funding that once went to Corpus Christi transitional housing programs  specifically, Rustic House and a program run by The Salvation Army  will be reallocated in the next funding cycle. The funds will instead go to projects involving finding housing for the homeless, such as rapid rehousing or permanent supportive housing initiatives.

Another $268,000 in federal grants that went to supportive services, such as a Goodwill job support program and a child care program for children of homeless parents, are no longer available. The loss of a $302,000 state emergency service grant shared between agencies will mean, in part, shuttering emergency housing at The Salvation Army at the end of September. Emergency shelter provides short-term overnight housing to the homeless who are not in long-term programs.

Without support from the community, the impacts could be enormous, some have said.

Some programs have seen a reprieve. Emergency shelter that will end at The Salvation Army in September is expected to be absorbed by Good Samaritan Rescue Mission. And Wesley Community Center's homeless child care program will be funded for this year by an anonymous donor.

While funding changes are a loss, they don't necessarily spell the end of those services. They'll find a way, even if that path isn't completely clear right now, several service providers said.

Metro Ministries is working with its partners to come up with solutions to fill the funding gap, said Patty Clark, executive director. Rainbow House, a transitional housing program that caters to women and children, will not be affected. It is supported through private funding. But Rustic House is bankrolled with the federal grants, then matched with other funds.

"We know the community relies on us to have the programs we have, so we will have a plan to continue in spite of the funding loss in that one particular program," she said.

In some cases, it will mean tapping creativity or making adjustments to minimize impact on the services. It's expected there will also be a concerted effort to pitch a business plan to local foundations that would support the collective programs.

"I think the change in these funding sources is something the community needs to be aware of, but it's nothing to panic about," said Maj. Terry Ray, who heads the local Salvation Army. "The organizations, unfortunately, are not new to these kinds of things happening, and will be making subtle shifts on how we do business."

NATIONAL AND STATE

The changes for Corpus Christi are in line with national and statewide trends in funding transitional housing and support services for the homeless, each seeing drastic cuts in the latest round of government grants.

Nationally, transitional housing funding was slashed by $155 million, decreasing by nearly half from $326 million to $171 million, according to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Department news release.

It represents a change in HUD's focus, moving away from transitional housing  programs that provide long-term, support-driven stays in shelters, with the expectation residents will "graduate" into permanent housing  to programs that promote housing outside of shelters, including rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing. Rapid rehousing involves homeless families being placed in housing, where they would receive financial aid, within 90 days. Support resources are offered.

Permanent supportive housing would be similar to Section 8 housing vouchers, subsidizing rental costs for an indeterminate period of time. The program is for those who are homeless and have disabilities, and includes support services.

Reallocated money found steep increases in permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing programs. Rapid rehousing funding leapt by nearly 50 percent, from about $99 million to $197 million, which is expected to serve about 30,000 more households, according to HUD figures. Permanent supportive housing programs rose by about 12 percent, from about $1.25 billion to $1.41 billion.

Rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing are methods of addressing homelessness that research indicates have a higher success rate and are more cost-efficient than other programs, according to the HUD document.

"The decreases in transitional housing and other projects will create hardships for many communities," states the release. "However, in looking at the net impact of these changes, it is clear that these changes will result in the ... program serving more people experiencing homelessness and serve them better than ever before."

Although there is widely reported success in the rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing programs, that doesn't necessarily mean there isn't a place for emergency and transitional housing. It only means that it is no longer a priority for federal funding, some experts have said.

The question for several local service providers is whether that kind of a program would work in Corpus Christi, and whether finding affordable housing that meets strict HUD requirements within 90 days is realistic.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The news on the federal grant funding arrives as The Salvation Army is long into a capital campaign to raise funds for a new, $5 million facility intended to almost solely serve as transitional housing for families. It is planned to expand the family space from 22 rooms in its existing facility to 30 in the new building, which will be called Center of Hope.

They're moving forward with the project, Salvation Army representatives said. The capital campaign stands at about $3.4 million in raised funds. The groundbreaking on a 2.42-acre plot of land bound by Hancock Avenue and Buford, 15th and 16th streets could be as early as fall.

It was always planned that when Center of Hope opened, the existing shelter would be closed, along with its emergency housing. Because of the state cuts, the emergency shelter program will end in the next few months, about a year earlier than thought.

The agency is applying to reallocate federal funds in the 2017 fiscal year that would have otherwise been used for transitional housing for rapid rehousing, said Jesse Elizondo, Salvation Army social services director.

The difference between the original plans for Center of Hope and now will be the timeline in which families would be moved into a home, Ray said.

Before the cuts were announced, the idea was to house families for up to two years before they would graduate into permanent housing.

Rapid-rehousing funding will mean a move-out within 90 days, unless additional funding becomes available  perhaps reallocating funding from the agency's thrift store operation  to keep a family longer, Ray said.

In part, he's concerned that a three-month turnaround won't be long enough to better ensure a family's success in independent living.

"Rapid rehousing basically says you have three months to find that family a place to live that they can afford," Ray said. "It doesn't give us enough time to give them the skills, the tools they need, to be successful on their own."

Having three months to house a family, given the current community housing situation, "cuts it very close," Ray added.

Metro Ministries has essentially been using a housing first approach, Clark said: What's new is the criteria.

Her agency is applying to reallocate what would have historically been funding for transitional housing into funding for a permanent supportive housing program.

She  like several homeless service providers  is concerned about the availability of affordable housing.

Affordable housing "is something we're concerned about throughout the state," said Eric Samuels, president and CEO of the Texas Homeless Network. The agency works with homeless providers in 215 counties.

Generally speaking, the service providers he works with are resilient and can work with the community for creative solutions, Samuels said.

"Most have already started making changes so programming can continue and several are working on innovative ways to use the funding they still have," he wrote in an email to the Caller-Times. "This year's federal funding cuts to programs ending homelessness have been challenging, but ideas and opportunities that may not have otherwise presented themselves have arisen because of these challenges."

Twitter: @CallerCrow

HOW TO HELP

Salvation Army

Online, Center of Hope: www.tsacenterofhope.com

Mail: Download commitment form at www.tsacenterofhope.com, then mail with check payable to The Salvation Army Corpus Christi Capital Campaign, 521 Josephine St., Corpus Christi, TX, 78401

Corpus Christi Metro Ministries

Online: http://www.ccmetro.org/public_html/donate.html

Phone: 361-887-0151

Mail: Metro Ministries, P.O. Box 4899, Corpus Christi, TX, 78469

Wesley Community Center

Online: www.wesleycommunitycenter.org

Mail: Wesley Community Center, P.O. Box 7099, Corpus Christi, TX, 78467

Goodwill

Online: www.goodwillsouthtexas.com

In-store: Drop-offs of clothes and household items at 15 locations in Corpus Christi.

GOOD SAMARITAN

Online: www.goodsamcc.org

Mail: Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 65, Corpus Christi, TX, 78403

THREE LARGEST SHELTER PROVIDERS

CORPUS CHRISTI METRO MINISTRIES

Address: 1919 Leopard St.

Women and children: 60 beds

Disabled men and men older than 60: 16 beds

GOOD SAMARITAN RESCUE MISSION

CURRENT

Address: 210 S. Alameda St.

Emergency shelter: 179 beds

Permanent housing: 34 rooms

THE SALVATION ARMY

CURRENT

Address: 501 Josephine St.

Families: 22 rooms

Emergency beds, single men: 40 beds

Veterans: 10 beds

FUTURE FACILITY

Address: 1802 Buford St.

Families: 30 rooms

Veterans: 27 beds

Work therapy: 15 beds
More than 95 per cent of missing Australians are found within a week of their disappearance, but some ACT families have been waiting from eight months to 42 years for information or closure about loved ones.
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"Many public servants have access to better tools in their personal life than they do in their professional day-to-day job  imagine how frustrating and demoralising that must be, that you know how you could be more efficient and effective but are prevented by tools you know could be better," he said.
"Whenever you make changes you bring in fresh thinking. David will see things through a fresh pair of eyes which is a good thing for us as we are restlessly dissatisfied and constantly looking at ways to give our customers an even better product offering," Dixon said. "David's got a huge amount of apparel knowledge. He spent his working life in various fashion categories, he's got a breadth that goes beyond women's fashion. He knows David Jones because he was involved in some of the pre-acquisition and post-acquistion work, he understands the Woolworths Holdings ethos and our values."
"They are so much more powerful than traditional celebrities as their social media reach is so huge. Our market is the party girl, the young, vibrant girls who are 16 to 30 who are going to festivals, these are the celebrities that these girls look up to."
A solar-powered red flashing light is enough in summer to scare off wildlife. In winter, the deer ignore it. A neighbour shot at one deer, which is usually enough for these flighty animals to bound for cover in the timbered hills and Great Dividing Range that surround his crops.
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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.

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A 1960 graduate of Lebanon High School will be traveling to Norway this fall to receive the 2016 Kavli Prize, an international award for neuroscience.

Michael Merzenich, professor emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco, and chief scientific officer of Posit Science Corp., will share the $1 million prize with Carla Shatz, professor of biology and neurobiology at Stanford University, and Eve Marder, professor of biology at Brandeis University.

The three are being honored for the discovery of mechanisms that allow experience and neural activity to remodel brain function, according to the Kavli website.

The scientists, along with the 2016 winners for astrophysics and nanoscience, will be presented gold medals Sept. 6 at a ceremony in Oslo, Norway, to be attended by members of the Norwegian royal family.

Merzenich, 74, said he wasnt expecting the award, which is given only every two years. He was delighted at the acknowledgment of the work he and his teams have led.

My favorite scientific colleagues and my friends and family get to go to Norway and meet the prince, and it will be fun, he said in a phone interview from San Francisco.

As for the money: My wife and I have a general policy that a prize like this should be in a sense given back somehow. Well sort that out.

Brain 'plasticity'

Merzenich  pronounced pretty much like it looks: MER-zen-ick  is known for his work demonstrating and developing brain plasticity. Thats the potential the brain shows for finding a workaround whenever an injury, disease or other disorder gets in the way. Thats its big trick, he said.

Merzenichs research indicates the brain has the capacity to remodel itself in numerous ways, which has far-reaching implications for some of the biggest issues with which humanity struggles: Alzheimers. Autism. Parkinsons disease. Depression. Attention deficit disorder. Schizophrenia. Concussions.

In effect, his research demonstrates, the old adage about teaching an old dog new tricks is not only possible  it results in a far healthier dog.

We understand the basics of change, so to some extent we can change it at will, he said.

'A little gang'

Merzenich credited his family, his church and his East Linn County childhood with pointing him toward the science that is, quite literally, changing peoples lives.

The middle of six children born to Ed and Alma Merzenich  We were sort of a little gang in Lebanon, he joked  Merzenich lived in the southeast section of town, just off Russell Drive, then essentially out in the country. He spent his elementary grades at Crowfoot School and was part of the first class to attend the new Seven Oak Middle School.

Dad was a foreman for the towns plywood company, which later became Champion International, and Mom stayed home with the little ones, Merzenich said. (Several of the members of his extended family still live in or near Linn County.)

Merzenich grew up fascinated by science, wondering about animals, life cycles and the way the world was put together. Along the way, he said, he developed an interest in the great things of life, why we do what we do.

The Merzenichs were regulars at St. Edward Catholic Church, where young Michael vividly remembers hearing the priest say, week after week, that it was the responsibility of parishioners to care for all members of the human family.

Thats a mission he continues to follow, and one shared by his wife, fellow Lebanon alum Diane (McCann) Merzenich. The two have three grown daughters and five grandchildren, all in the San Francisco Bay area.

In school, Merzenich loved math and science  and music, serving as band president, dance band student director and pep band student director in addition to his memberships in the Biology Club, Future Teachers Club and National Honor Society. He was the class salutatorian and received, with classmate Carla Garrison, the "Most Scholarly" senior award.

After graduation, he received a scholarship to the University of Portland, a private Roman Catholic university, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree.

At the university, he made a connection with a UP alumnus who owned an electrical manufacturing company. The owner donated a veritable truckload of biological recording equipment to the budding neuroscientist, who set up a recording system and started experimenting with recording the reactions to stimuli of the nervous systems of worms and insects.

Although he didnt know it at the time, Merzenich was doing experiments no one else was. Looking for information on how to interpret the reactions he was getting, he talked to a professor who suggested he call the physiology department at the University of Oregon medical school.

Merzenich made a cold call and happened to connect with John Brookhart, who, he learned later, was president of the American Physiological Society and editor in chief of Journal of Neurophysiology.

He met with Brookhart and the scientists working with him on several occasions. It was Brookharts suggestion that led Merzenich to medical school at Johns Hopkins University, where he was able to work with Vernon Mountcastle, one of the greatest brain scientists in the world.

It was a wonderful, wonderful opportunity for me, Merzenich recalled. I was trained in a wonderful place.

Merzenich earned his Ph.D. in physiology there, then enrolled in the University of Wisconsin for his postdoctoral studies to refine my skills, he said.

In 1971, he came to the University of California, becoming a full professor in 1980. While there, his team led a research group that led to the development of the cochlear implant, which allows the brains of those with hearing damage to translate sound signals.

The medical school is just top-rate. Extremely collaborative, everyone helpful, great place to work and do these sorts of things, he said. Ive just been lucky as you can be, all along.

Brain maps

Merzenichs work builds on previous studies that show the brain essentially creates a series of maps to interpret the signals of sight, sound and touch it receives from the world.

Those maps, Merzenich found, arent set in stone, even when a person is long past childhood. Given training, they can be altered, edited and sometimes even redrawn entirely.

At Posit Science Corp., where Merzenich is chief scientific officer, the main product is a brain-training system called BrainHQ (both free exercises and a full access subscription system are available online at www.brainhq.com). Thats where his energy is currently focused.

Merzenich has three areas of emphasis for the system. The first is helping people who suffer from injuries or infections, such as brain trauma, HIV/AIDS, concussions and the effects of chemotherapy, which is usually referred to with wry humor as chemo brain.

In every case like this, we know we can drive brain health in an improving direction, he said.

The system also has implications for children whose brain development might be compromised by circumstances or genetics, he said. Autism, reading problems, attention deficit disorder, conduct disorders and similar issues tend to leave children struggling to find a place in the world. Quite often, they end up suffering from substance abuse or mental illnesses, ending up in prison or otherwise unable to participate fully in society.

Were just trying to help young children get off to a better start by helping them brainwise, Merzenich said. Were interested in using brain plasticity to drive them correctly, so they have a better chance of rehabilitation.

Perhaps the works most important element is its ability to become a form of preventative medicine, Merzenich said.

Recent news followed up on a study Posit began 10 years ago. The study indicates people who used an intensive, progressive, computer-based game  the strategies put forward by BrainHQ continue to benefit from just a few hours of training even after a decade.

Participants had some 10 to 15 hours of computer work in a three-year period, Merzenich said. After five years, compared to their counterparts in the control group, they had fewer road collisions, fewer physician visits and fewer incidences of depression.

After a decade, the study found, even though participants were now around 85 years old, they still have fewer car wrecks and better brain speed on certain tasks. And, he added, the number who have developed any form of dementia is half of what it is in the control group.

If a person could take computer training as a form of preventative medicine, Merzenich said, think what could be accomplished, especially if the persons family or circumstances put him or her at risk of dementia, mental illness, Huntingtons disease or something equally nasty lurking around the futures bend.

In all those cases, what were trying to do is basically, far before you really have problems, detect that youre likely to have them and do something about them, he said.

The Kavli Prize, he said, acknowledges this will have a major medical and human impact in the world.

Not bad for a kid from Lebanon, Merzenich acknowledged  but in a way, he said, that doesnt make any difference.

The main advice he has for mid-valley youngsters who want to be where he is someday is just that, he said: They can be there someday.

Its in you, he added. Keep developing yourself. Energetically pursue your dreams. Everyone there has a chance to do something worthwhile.
The Hanover Insurance Group barely eked out a profit in the 2016 second quarter; large losses and catastrophe hits sustained by its Chaucer division are generally to blame.

Net income came in at $2 million, or $0.05 per diluted share for Q2, a plunge from the $120.7 million, or $2.68 per diluted share, generated in the 2015 second quarter.

Beyond those results, however, The Hanover had a relatively stable Q2. Net premiums written surpassed $1.22 billion, down from $1.29 billion over the same period last year, a drop driven by the sale of the Chaucer U.K. motor business. (U.S. net premiums written, on the other hand, grew 2.9 percent.)

Net investment income was just above $69 million in the 2016 second quarter, compared to $70.7 million in Q2 2015.

The Hanovers overall combined ratio was 97.3, an uptick from 95.7 during the 2015 second quarter.

Chaucer, a specialist at Lloyds focused on reinsurance/insurance in areas including global marine, energy, casualty and property, reported a 103.2 combined ratio for the 2016 second quarter, compared to a 90.6 combined ratio in the 2015 second quarter.

Chaucers catastrophe losses nearly hit $14 million in Q2, or 6.7 points of the combined ratio, versus $2.4 million, or 0.8 points over the same period last year. The Hanover blames Canadian wildfires, and earthquakes in Ecuador and Japan for some of the impact, though it was partially offset by $12.1 million in favorable development on prior-year catastrophe losses. Foreign exchange rates also hurt.

Chaucers net premiums written came in at $246.4 million during the second quarter, versus $346 million in the 2015 second quarter. Net premiums earned were $206.1 million, but thats down from $292.1 million in Q2 2015.

The underlying fundamentals of the business remain very strong despite some specific but isolated operating challenges in the U.S. and global loss volatility at Chaucer, The Hanover President and CEO Joseph Subretsky said in prepared remarks.

The Hanover, based in Worcester, Mass., acquired Chaucer in 2011 for $474 million in a bid to achieve greater scale, diversification and expanded market presence

Other result highlights:

Net realized investment losses came in at $700,000 during Q2, versus net realized investment gains of $12.6 million including $1.9 million of impairment charges

Commercial lines net premiums written came in at nearly $580 million, versus $569 million in the 2015 second quarter. Net premiums earned were at $574.7 million, up from $557 million over the same period a year ago. The combined ratio was 98.9, up slightly from 98.3 in Q2 2015.

Personal lines net premiums written are booked at $395.3 million, compared to $378.3 million in the 2015 third quarter. Net premiums earned are at $364.7 million, up from $356.7 million in the 2015 third quarter. The combined ratio for the quarter was at 91.3, an improvement over the 95.7 combined ratio in Q2 2015.

The Hanover said that it continued to achieve price increases in both commercial and personal lines.

During the quarter, The Hanover repurchased 230,000 shares of common stock for $19.1 million, for an average price of $83.19 per share.

Source: The Hanover
Violence and social rejection are the cause of mental distress and impairment among transgender people.

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 on Thursday.

"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 at a news 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.

Related news:

> Transgender people face challenges for adequate health care

> College dorms a new front in U.S. battle over transgender rights
While McLaren Automotive only launched in 2010, the British company has managed to establish itself as one of the worlds leading supercar manufacturers and built up quite an impressive following of enthusiasts.



Of those, Swiss businessman Urs Tschedin is one of the finest examples. Since purchasing his silver 12C Spider three and a half years ago, he has driven a rather incredible 81,000 miles and in the coming few years, expects to more than double that figure.

Tschedin uses his 12C Spider to visit the customers of his high-precision grinding machine business and travels throughout Europe all year round. While most consider a car like the 12C to be fiercely impractical, Tschedin says it suits his needs perfectly, offering a comfortable ride while still being fun to drive and having enough luggage space to cater for a few nights away from home. We guess having a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 right behind your head driving the rear wheels doesnt hurt, either.

Congrats to Mr. Tschedin, a true petrolhead if ever we saw one. And in Switzerland, at that, where the police are notoriously draconian when it comes to enforcing speed limits. Not that we condone such behavior, but the 12C is the kind of car that can get you in trouble in second gear even when youre not actually trying that hard.

VIDEO
New models can face teething problems. And thats just what Audi is looking at with its new Q7. An issue with its air bag control module has prompted the German automaker to recall over fourteen thousand examples of the 2017 model in the United States alone.



The problem, according to the statement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is that frontal air bags may deploy with more force than required in certain crashes. That may sound a lot like the Takata problem, but unlike that widespread issue, the recall notice attributes this to a software issue.

As a result, the Volkswagen Group of America is calling on 14,535 owners to bring their big new luxury crossover in to their local dealer to have the airbag module simply reflashed with updated software.

Audi introduced the original Q7 as its first crossover SUV in 2005, gave it a facelift in 2010, and replaced it with an all-new model just last year. The second-generation Q7 is significantly lighter and more advanced than the model it replaces, and is currently offered in the United States exclusively with a 3.0-liter TFSI six rated at 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Pricing starts at $54,800.

PHOTOS
Zagato is known primarily for designing cars. But it looks like this time the Italian carrozzeria has applied its skills to designing a motorcycle for another Italian brand.



That brand isnt Ducati, Aprilia or Moto Guzzi, but the more exclusive MV Agusta. The company was originally founded by Italian nobility as an offshoot of their aviation company, and today is closely aligned with (and partly owned by) Mercedes-AMG.

The brand has hit some trouble in recent history, but has an accomplished racing history and still makes highly regarded sport bikes. This concept teased on the motorcycle manufacturers Facebook page, however, looks like something else entirely.

From what little we can see, the design looks pretty sleek, with what looks like a windscreen forming a continuous shape with the front cowl. Well have to wait a little longer to see it in all its glory, but itll be little more than a month if nothing comes to light before the September 4 indicated date.

PHOTO
Americas love for SUVs could is something that Skoda is well aware of, and it could eventually help the Kodiaq cross the ocean.



At the moment, the brands re-entry to the United States, after a 50-year plus absence, is something that has been previously discussed, when the automaker reportedly trademarked the Octavia, Superb and Yeti monikers, along with the vRS and H-Tec names, but it seems that the much-teased SUV is the best opportunity for Skoda to do so.

If we do decide to compete in the US, we will have one chance to make a good first impression. We feel that if we were there now, the Kodiaq would be a home-run car, the companys chief Bernhard Maier told Autocar.

Skoda has no apparent time scale to make a final decision when it comes to its return to the United States, but besides this market, the Czech manufacturer has its eyes on South Korea, Singapore, and Iran.

Meanwhile, the brand is getting ready to pull the covers off its large SUV, the Kodiaq, this fall, during the 2016 Paris Motor Show, prior to its European launch, next year. The seven-seater will be underpinned by the VW Groups MQB platform and it will be powered by an assortment of petrol and diesel engines.

PHOTO GALLERY
We have a lot to celebrate this long weekend. British Columbia is a province of over 4.5 million strong, leading Canada like never before.

It's not just our lifestyle, the best food and drink the world has to offer, or the unparalleled natural beauty of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and the mighty Pacific Ocean.

Our province has become a place of inclusiveness and opportunity, where we aspire to a society where everyone feels welcome, from First Nations, to the most recent immigrants. A place where we recognize diversity is our greatest strength.

We are uniquely blessed to call this magnificent place home. This B.C. Day, I hope you have the opportunity to spend time with friends and family, and appreciate some of the things that make B.C. the envy of the world.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend.

Premier Christy Clark
Photo: RCMP

UPDATE: Aug. 1, 11 p.m.

Vernon RCMP report Weber has been located and is safe.

ORIGINAL: July 30

Police are looking for a missing Vernon man.

Dustin Weber was last seen Friday near Vernon Jubilee hospital wearing a black hoody and grey pants, say Vernon RCMP.

He's described as 25 years old, 5-8, 176 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on Weber is "urged" to contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Photo: Getty Images

A Kelowna couple is warning pet owners to keep small animals indoors after a gruesome Sunday-morning discovery.

Leonie and Don Bennett woke this morning to find a black cat's paw and leg in their backyard.

They live in Old Glenmore near Glenmore Elementary School.

Our backyard is completely fenced and we have no idea how an animal could enter, climbing a tree or jumping the fence is the only way in, says Leonie.

My husband is concerned that there may be a coyote roaming around at night.

They are hoping their warning may save someone elses beloved pet.

Keep your small animals indoors, adds Leonie.
Photo: Danika Serafin

UPDATE 3:49 P.M.

Castanet has been informed Tom is back with his people.

A man is searching for his dog after it bolted from an accident Sunday morning.

Danika Serafin says she witnessed the terrifying accident at Harvey Avenue and Cooper Road.

A red car was reportedly turning left at a yellow light when it was struck by a semi.

Serafin says the semi looked like it was slowing down for the upcoming red light, but allegedly sped up T-boning the red car crossing in front of it

The red car then spun around and struck a small Ford truck.

The driver of the red car had his dog with him that jumped out the window and bolted after the crash.

Fortunately no one was badly injured, but Serafin says the driver is desperate to find his dog.

He was very distraught and couldn't bring himself to sit down to receive first aid because he was so worried about his dog.

The public is being asked to keep a lookout for a small to medium sized black pit bull with no collar named Tom.

If you spot the pup, please contact the RDCO.
Photo: RCMP

Police are hunting for the man the say is responsible for a brazen bike theft.

On July 28 at 6 a.m., Kelowna RCMP received a report of a theft of a motorcycle that had just occurred outside the Tim Hortons Restaurant located at 1936 Kane Road in Glenmore.

Police have learned that the owner of the grey 2008 Honda motorcycle had been approached in the parking lot by the suspect who asked if he could sit on the bike, the owner obliged, says Const. Jesse ODonaghey.

The suspect then started the motorcycle and rode around the parking lot, before taking off northbound on Glenmore Road.

Vernon RCMP have now recovered the stolen bike and Kelowna RCMP are trying to find the person responsible.

Thanks to both the media and the general public, the motorcycle was recovered less than 24 hours later by the Vernon RCMP, after a tip was received from the public that the stolen motorcycle had been spotted in the 3800 block of 40th Avenue, says ODonaghey.

Police are now releasing video surveillance photos taken of their alleged suspect in the motorcycle theft. We would like to once again turn to the public for their assistance, this time to help identify our suspect.

The suspect is described as:

In his late 30s to early 40s;

Six feet tall;

Slender build with short dark hair and facial stubble

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.

Remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.
Photo: Contributed

Police need your help finding a vehicle and its driver after a hit-and-run collision sent a man and a woman to hospital early Saturday evening in Kelowna.

On July 30 at 7:12 p.m., the Kelowna RCMP Municipal Traffic Section responded to reports of a two-vehicle collision on Clifton Road at the intersection of High Road.

Police say a black 2000 Yamaha V-Star motorcycle was allegedly hit by a late-model blue Chevrolet Dually pickup truck, occupied by three men.

Investigators have learned of a series of events which reportedly led to the crash, says Const. Jesse ODonaghey.

Witnesses have confirmed that the Yamaha was travelling southbound on Clifton, being closely followed by the suspect pickup truck, which had reportedly been seen swerving behind the motorbike.

It is believed that at one point the pickup stayed behind the motorcycle as it pulled to the shoulder of the roadway. Another witness told police that they overheard an occupant of the truck yelling at the operator of the motorcycle.

ODonaghey says preliminary findings at the scene suggests that the suspect vehicle pulled ahead of the motorcycle and struck it on its right side.

As a result of the collision the motorcycle skidded, the operator lost balance and the bike landed and slid on its left side.

He says both the operator and the passenger of the motorcycle were ejected.

The operator was found by emergency crews unconscious at the scene, says ODonaghey.

Both occupants of the motorcycle were rushed to hospital in stable condition with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

Police are searching for the suspect vehicle which fled from the scene and has been described as a blue, late model Chevrolet pickup truck, with dual rear wheels, Chevy mud flaps, no canopy and damage to its rear driver's side.

RCMP continue to investigate at this time and police are turning to the public for their assistance, says ODonaghey.

As part of the ongoing investigation an RCMP Collision Reconstructionist was called out to conduct a detailed analysis of the scene.

If you witnessed this crash and have not yet spoken to police, or you can aid police in identifying the suspect vehicle involved, you are asked to contact Const. Beth Paetz of the Kelowna RCMP Municipal Traffic Section at 250-980-5353.

Or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, leaving a tip online at www.crimestoppers.net or by texting your tip to CRIMES (274637) ktown.
High demand for brides among Chinese men has contributed to the rise in victims.

The number of Vietnamese women who were taken illegally to China in the first six months of this year has been reported at 34, the Voice of Vietnam said on Saturday, citing Nguyen Van Thinh, political affairs counselor at the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing.

The actual number is probably much higher, and only 18 of the known cases have been rescued, Thinh said, adding that human trafficking remains a burning issue in the worlds second largest economy.

Last year, the embassy successfully freed 26 out of the 54 Vietnamese women it was aware had been trafficked to China. Of the 54 victims, 24 came from various ethnic minority groups in northern mountainous provinces such as Lao Cai, Lai Chau and Ha Giang, 20 from the Mekong Delta and the rest from other provinces, according to the political affairs counselor.

Ethnic H'mong girl Kiab (whose name has been changed to protect her identity) makes her bed at a government-run center for trafficked women in the northern city of Lao Cai. When Kiab turned 16, her brother promised to take her to a party in a tourist town in northern Vietnam. Instead, he sold her to a Chinese family as a bride. Photo by AFP

Traffickers often tempt their victims with the prospect of well-paid jobs and persuade poor women from remote areas to go with them to China. The increase in the number of Vietnamese women being sent illegally to China was also fueled by the lack of women in China following its one-child policy, Thinh said.

To get women into China, traffickers dont actually smuggle them through official border crossings. Instead, they passed secret paths to avoid being stopped by border guard forces.

Seventy percent of trafficking victims in Vietnam are women and girls, with the bulk sent to China as brides, sex workers or factory workers, Reuters quoted Mimi Vu of the Pacific Links Foundation as saying in May.

China suffers from one of the worst gender imbalances in the world as families prefer male children. As a result, millions of men now cannot find Chinese brides - a key driver of trafficking, according to rights groups.

Related news:

> Vietnamese woman trafficked to China returns after 22 years
Photo: Flickr/RCMP

Kelowna RCMP say an impaired boater and his passengers are in hot water after a ride on the lake this weekend.

A vessel operator and some of his passengers are facing a boat load of potential charges after being stopped by police Friday night on Okanagan Lake, says Const. Jesse ODonaghey.

On July 29 at 8:14 p.m., officers patrolling Okanagan Lake conducted a check of a vessel driving in an erratic manner near the wave break of the Kelowna Yacht Club.

During the safety check of the vessel, ODonaghey says officers observed open alcohol on board and determined that there were not enough life jackets on board for all the passengers.

While interacting with the operator of the vessel, investigators detected possible signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication, says ODonaghey.

The man was given a Breathalyzer test and was deemed to be nearly twice the legal limit.

Further checks of the passengers onboard the vessel revealed that a 28-year-old Kelowna man and a 22-year-old Kelowna woman were each allegedly in breach of their court imposed conditions of release.

Both were arrested and held in police custody and each face potential charges of breach of a recognizance.

The vessel operator, a 26-year-old Vancouver man, faces potential charges of impaired operation of a vessel.

He was later released from police custody and is expected to appear in court on November 3.

The RCMP would like to remind the public that public safety both on and off the water is our priority this weekend and that drinking and driving, whether on land or water, is illegal and punishable under the Criminal Code, says ODonaghey.

Police urge the public to report suspected impaired drivers both on and off the water.
Photo: The Canadian Press

A year ago Tuesday then-prime minister Stephen Harper visited the Governor General in the middle of a mid-summer long weekend to begin the longest election campaign in modern Canadian history.

"This is no time for risky plans that could harm our future," the solitary Conservative leader cautioned the news media assembled outside in the summer heat.

Eleven weeks later, Canadian voters jumped off a cliff, electing a surprise Liberal majority led by the ebullient and youthful Justin Trudeau who marched his new cabinet up that same Rideau Hall driveway through a crush of cheering crowds.

The contrast was as sharp as the clear autumn air.

A year later, pollsters say the effervescent weightlessness has yet to dissipate.

"It's a year and honeymoons don't last a year," Frank Graves of Ekos Research told The Canadian Press.

"I don't recall a period in Canadian history where a government has flown that high for that long  particularly with the backdrop of what are the worst economic outlook numbers I've seen in 20 years."

A campaign that began in the dog days of summer with headlines about spending caps, televised debate negotiations, third-party advertising and attack ads ended on deeper questions of religious and ethnic accommodation, a conscious return to deficit spending and an overtly activist state.

Since then, "government is good" has been the predominant theme.

From committing billions to indigenous issues, rushing in Syrian refugees, schmoozing with the premiers, vowing to price carbon emissions, legislating doctor-assisted death, restoring the mandatory long-form census, re-funding civil society, tackling fundamental electoral reform and consulting, consulting, consulting, the Liberals are wading in where the previous government often withdrew.

Whether the 2015 election marked a fundamental values shift is the question all Canada's political practitioners now are grappling with, especially in this summer marked by terrorism, Britain's shocking referendum exit from the European Union, U.S. racial strife, the rise of trade protectionism and the immigrant-bashing Donald Trump.

Graves believes there's been a Canadian sea change.

For more than 20 years, Ekos has tracked whether the public prefers a "smaller government with lower taxes" or "larger government with more services." In 2003, the results skewed almost 3-1 in favour of small government. Today the two responses are almost equal.

"The outlook is dramatically different in terms of the role of the state and public institutions," said Graves.

James Moore, a former senior minister in the Conservative government, makes the case that the inflection point came well before last year's election, and can be traced to the 2008 global financial crisis.

Moore points back to then-U.S. president Bill Clinton's 1995 state-of-the-union address, when the Democrat declared the era of big government was over, as the political period "that pushed the tide out."

He argues the tide started coming back in when governments around the world responded to the financial crisis in 2009 with massive stimulus spending and bailouts  while loudly trumpeting the need for such action.

"You had a centre-right government bragging about that," Moore said of the Harper Conservatives and their ubiquitous "economic action plan" ads.

Long after the Conservatives subsequently slashed spending, the "action plan" messaging lived on.

Megan Leslie, a former NDP stalwart who lost her Halifax seat last October, also credits Harper for the current political mood, although rather less charitably than Moore.

"There was such a reaction to (Harper's) style of governing that I feel like he's almost created this mythical Liberal force for good," said Leslie.

She pointed to the almost giddy public response to this year's restored mandatory long-form census  a measure of Canadians' ravenous appetite for having their say, which the Liberals are deftly pursuing with myriad public consultations.

"It could have been NDP (that won the election), it could have been Liberal, but whoever won was going to be able to ride that for a really long time," said Leslie.

The paradox is that Ekos surveys reveal deep public pessimism over the economic future, and a conviction that the world is becoming a more dangerous place. Yet, somehow, Canadian respondents also count themselves happy.

These near-universal anxieties are producing two very different world views, said Graves. One is the rise of authoritarianism and a desire for order in the face of perceived loss of control  exemplified by both the Brexit vote and support for a Trump presidency.

"In Canada, the (election) victory was an expression of the other side of the equation," said Graves.

Pollster Nik Nanos of Nanos Research also sees the dramatic change, but he describes it as a return to the Canadian mean rather than resetting values.

When Trudeau welcomed Syrian refugees at the Toronto airport last December, the international media treated it as extraordinary but Canadians saw it "as a touchstone, not something they would consider unusual."

Nanos called the "much more combative" Harper style an anomaly, citing the former government's view of the federation, its reluctance to engage with the provinces, its view of the courts and its political strategy of segmenting the electorate and wooing only a minority of voters.

"There is a shift, but I would say it's a return to more traditional Canadian values," said Nanos.

"We shouldn't confuse short-term reactions to the (economic and political) environment with fundamental values."
Update: 7:18 a.m. - The Kelowna Fire Department will be hosting an important information session for the residents and tenants that have been displaced by a fire that quickly consumed the top floor of a complex in the Mission.

Photo: Trevor Rockliffe - Castanet

"The information session will take place Sunday July 31 at 6:00 p.m. at the Salvation Army Centre located at 1480 Sutherland Avenue," says Kelowna Fire Department Assistant Chief Thomas Doherty.

The reception centre will be reopened at 3:00 p.m. Sunday July 31 for those that have not registered yet.

Doherty says residents of the 50 units at 660 Lequime Road will be 'displaced for some time due to the heavy damage.'

The residents of 3 neighbouring buildings have been allowed to return home.

"Fire fighters were able to contain the fire to the fourth floor, however smoke and water damage is throughout the building."

The cause of the fire will be under investigation and investigators will be on scene Sunday morning.

"No injuries have been reported. However, emergency personnel are still confirming that all residents are accounted for."

Fire has forced residents of a townhouse complex at 660 Lequime Road just off Lakeshore Road out of their homes.

The fire, which started on the fourth floor, was called in at about 10:30 Saturday evening.

The complex includes around 40 units.

Emergency officials at the scene tell Castanet they believe everyone got out.

Tom O'Reilly, a resident of the complex, says residents at 660 Lequime along with those at an adjoining complex have all been evacuated.

O'Reilly says he's worried about what will be left of his home but admits he's just glad he made it out safely.

Residents of Mission Breeze, a semi-detached condo development with about 35 homes, have also been evacuated.

Another resident who lives on the fourth floor was watching television with his wife when they saw a reflection of the flames on their screen.

They noticed the flames coming from their neighbour's deck, pulled the fire alarm and banged on doors imploring people to leave.

They had just moved into the building two weeks ago. They managed to get out with just their laptop computer.

Cathy Athens lives next door.

"Never in my life have I ever seen anything like it," says Athens.

"My eyes could not adjust to the flames. Then the police came and said we have to leave now!"

Flames and smoke can be seen throughout the city.
If you have just started your journey in an online casino or are looking for a new site to play,...
The smuggled rhino horns that have been busted at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Photo courtesy of Tan Son Nhat Customs

The contraband would have fetched around $200,000 on the black market.

Customs officers at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on Sunday arrested a Vietnamese man accused of smuggling four rhino horns believed to have originated in Africa.

The 42-year-old man, whose name was not revealed, cut the horns into small pieces and carefully hid them in formula milk tubs that were stored in his luggage, according to customs officers, but they did not name the country where the horns had come from.

The horns would have fetched around VND4.5 billion ($201,000) on the Vietnamese black market, the customs officers said.

The investigation is ongoing.

The rhino horn trade was banned globally by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1977.

International conservation groups have identified Vietnam and China as the world's two major consumers of rhino horns, a charge the two countries have refuted.

Vietnam has outlawed the commercial use of rhinoceros horn, which is composed largely of the protein keratin, the chief component in human hair and fingernails.

The trade has been fueled by a misguided belief in its supposed medicinal properties, including its ability to cure cancer. Many also flaunt the horns as a status symbol.

The Javan rhino was confirmed extinct in Vietnam in 2010.

Related news:

> South Africa says domestic rhino horn trade on ice, takes issue to top court
ABC/ Ida Mae Astute(JOHNSTOWN, Pa.) -- Hillary Clinton on Saturday called on Americans to "stand with" the parents of a fallen Muslim U.S. soldier following Donald Trump's rebuke of the couple.



"I was very moved to see Ghazala Khan stand bravely and with dignity in support of her son on Thursday night. And I was very moved to hear her speak last night, bravely and with dignity, about her son's life and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country," the Democratic nominee said in a statement, referring to the mother of Army Capt. Humayun S.M. Khan, who was killed in Iraq in 2004.



His father, Khazir Khan, offered a scathing critique of Trump during remarks at the Democratic National Convention last week, saying the Republican nominee has "sacrificed nothing" for his country. His wife, Ghazala Khan, stood by his side.



In his first response to Khan's charges, Donald Trump claimed that he had in fact sacrificed by employing thousands and thousands of people." He also suggested that Khans wife didn't speak because she was forbidden to as a Muslim and questioned whether Khan's words were his own.



"If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me," the Republican nominee said in an interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos that will air on "This Week" on Sunday.



In an interview with MSNBC on Friday, Ghazala Khan explained that she chose not to speak at the DNC.



"I was very nervous because I cannot see my son's picture. I cannot even come in the room where his pictures are. That's why when I saw his picture at my back I couldn't take it. It is very hard," she said.



Clinton on Saturday stood by the Khans, also saying in the statement: "This is a time for all Americans to stand with the Khans, and with all the families whose children have died in service to our country. And this is a time to honor the sacrifice of Captain Khan and all the fallen. Captain Khan and his family represent the best of America, and we salute them."

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Vietnam blocks travel firms website for use of 'China Beach' on tour promo

Vietnamese authorities could only block access to the site from Vietnam as it's hosted in Canada.

The Department of Information and Communications in Vietnams central city of Da Nang asked the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center and Da Nang's Center for Information Infrastructure Development to block a local tour operators website on July 30.

The department made the proposal after finding that Jeep Tours, a Da Nang  based travel firm, used China Beach to refer to Non Nuoc Beach for a tour advertised on its website. The move aims to prevent the distribution of false information about Vietnams sovereignty, the department said.

The website is hosted in Canada, so Vietnamese authorities are unable to block access to the site from Vietnam. The domain name has been blocked in the city, said an official from Da Nangs Department of Information and Communications.

The website http://lookingglassjeeptours.com/vietnam/tours could not be accessed from Hanoi as of July 31.

On July 28, local authorities seized leaflets from Jeep Tours that named a stretch of coast in Da Nang the "China Beach". The company, however, did not remove China Beach from the tour advertised on its website.

Local police have been asked to investigate Jeep Tours.

Related news:

> Da Nang seizes tourist leaflets advertising 'China Beach'
Econgirl on Compensation for Trade Losses By: David Henderson

Should some of my gains from In-N-Out Burger be Taxed Away to Compensate Taco Bell?

Jodi Beggs, aka Econgirl, at the Economists Do It With Models blog, raises the issue, which more economists seem to be talking about lately, of compensating losers from international trade. The basic idea is that since free trade on imports creates gains for domestic consumers that exceed losses for domestic producers, the consumers could have some of these gains taxed away so that the producers losses are lower or zero.

She briefly points out some of the problems with figuring out whether it really is trade that hurts producers in specific cases and some of the problems with designing a compensation system. She seems to come down on the side of exploring this further with the idea of actually designing a policy to tax these gains and subsidize losers.

But theres a much more basic problem than the ones she points out.

It is this: Any argument you make about why gainers from trade across national borders should be forced to compensate losers applies equally to gainers and losers from trade across state borders. For that matter, any argument you use on compensation for trade across national borders applies equally to gainers and losers from trade within a state and even within a city. Recently an In-N-Out Burger establishment opened up in Seaside, California, near where I live. I have wanted one of those for years and we finally have one. I have gone there almost once a week (if Im in town) since it opened. Ive also noticed that Ive gone to Taco Bell zero times since In-N-Out opened, whereas I used to go about once every 3 weeks. So producer Taco Bell lost some of my business to producer In-N-Out. Should I be taxed on some of those gains in my consumer surplus to compensate Taco Bell? I somehow think that Jodi Beggs would say no. But why?
The new political divide By: Scott Sumner

The Economist has a very good article describing how the 20th centurys left/right political divide is now being replaced by a split between those who favor and oppose an open society:

IS POLANDS government right-wing or left-wing? Its leaders revere the Catholic church, vow to protect Poles from terrorism by not accepting any Muslim refugees and fulminate against gender ideology (by which they mean the notion that men can become women or marry other men). Yet the ruling Law and Justice party also rails against banks and foreign-owned businesses, and wants to cut the retirement age despite a rapidly ageing population. It offers budget-busting handouts to parents who have more than one child. These will partly be paid for with a tax on big supermarkets, which it insists will somehow not raise the price of groceries. The old left-right divide in this country has gone, laments Rafal Trzaskowski, a liberal politician. Law and Justice plucks popular policies from all over the political spectrum and stirs them into a nationalist stew. Unlike any previous post-communist regime, it eyes most outsiders with suspicion (though it enthusiastically supports the right of Poles to work in Britain). From Warsaw to Washington, the political divide that matters is less and less between left and right, and more and more between open and closed. Debates between tax-cutting conservatives and free-spending social democrats have not gone away. But issues that cross traditional party lines have grown more potent. Welcome immigrants or keep them out? Open up to foreign trade or protect domestic industries? Embrace cultural change, or resist it?

Of course in America we see this with Trump, running on a platform with both right wing views (anti-immigration, distrust of Muslims) and left wing views (anti-trade, pro-deficit spending.)

I also see this as a move back closer to the politics of 200 years ago, when people called liberals (now classical liberals) tended to hold views that modern Americans would view as right wing on economic issues, while also holding views that were to the left of their contemporaries on many non-economics issues. When people ask me why I dont support one of the major parties, I respond, Because I dont live in Poland, where the choice is stark.

And this also explains why I chose to oppose Brexit, even though some classical liberals made powerful arguments in support. In the end, I concluded that Brexit was going to push Britain a bit more in the closed society direction.

Some people argued that if Britain was freed of EU regulations, it could liberalize its economy. I was skeptical; partly because when countries join the EU they are forced to liberalize their economies as a condition of membership. But mostly because the UK already has vast powers to liberalize its economy, even within the EU. Yet the Conservative government was recently taking steps such as a very large increase in the minimum wage rate.

Others said that even if Britain didnt opt for a more open model, there was an important principle involved; the British had a right to make their own decisions. Within the EU, decisions about policy are made by unelected bureaucrats in Brussels. Thats a good argument in my view, but its a question of degree. Does the good of the EU (free trade and labor mobility) outweigh the bad? Lets look at the early returns. Heres The Economist:

IF MAKING the gaffe-prone Boris Johnson foreign secretary was Theresa Mays most eyebrow-raising cabinet appointment, probably her most visible policy pronouncement since taking office on July 13th has been to signal the return of an industrial strategy. Merely to mention the phrase in Conservative Party circles has amounted to heresy since the days when Margaret Thatcher was prime minister. She made it a test of ideological purity to reject the muddled state-interventionism of her predecessors, both Labour and Tory; there was to be no return to the disastrous meddling in, or nationalisation of, companies like British Leyland under the Iron Lady. Yet Mrs May has broken the taboo. She made a proper industrial strategy part of her pitch to be party leader in a speech in Birmingham on July 11th. And now in Downing Street she has created a new ministry with the phrase at the top of the bill: the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, headed by Greg Clarke.

And heres the Financial Times:

When David Cameron left Downing Street this month, his aides and supporters emphasised that Theresa May would continue with his policies  but early evidence already suggests a very different picture. Mrs Mays decision to delay the final go-ahead for the Hinkley Point nuclear power plant is the latest in a series of shifts that, taken together, indicate that she is sweeping away Mr Camerons legacy across a range of policy areas. The changes are reflective of the fact that this is a new government, one Tory aide said. Some people see this as being a continuity Cameron government but that is not the case.

During her leadership campaign Mrs May called for a strong, new and positive vision for the future of our country. She signalled that she planned to make changes in areas including economic policy  watering down George Osbornes austerity economics and seeking to rein in capitalist excess  and putting less emphasis on the former chancellors Northern Powerhouse. Instead the government would work to develop the economies of cities around the UK, she said. The government has dropped Mr Osbornes target of seeking a surplus on the public finances by 2019-20 . . .

I see two things to worry about if you are a classical liberal supporter of Brexit. First, Theresa Mays instincts are clearly in favor of bigger government over a wide array of policy areas, not just industrial policy.

More importantly, note what the FT said about this being a new government not a continuation of the Cameron government. Also note that the British public did not elect this new government; they elected the Cameron government, in 2015. Also note that Theresa May was not chosen to be leader of the Conservatives by the voters, and hence her new policies have not been endorsed by the voters. But no worries, the next election is only . . . oh wait; its 4 years away.

Thus one irony of the Brexit vote that was supposed to give the British people back their government, is that the vote has resulted in an unelected government (leadership) for a period of 4 years, by which time hugely consequential decisions will be made about Britains future.

Yes, the backbenchers were elected, but they dont make the big decisions. And yes, I know that this is how parliamentary systems work. And I understand that after 4 years the British voters may indeed have more power than before Brexit. But I would emphasize, may (pun intended). Keep in mind that protest votes can have lots of unintended consequences. We are still very early in the Brexit process, and we still dont know how those will play out. Indeed we dont even know whether the UK will fully leave the EU, or leave in name only, while striking a Norway-type deal that forces it to adopt EU regulations. So its way too soon to say that the British voters have successfully struck a blow for freedom. All we know is that the early returns show a UK that is less free, and less democratically accountable than just a few months ago.

The bigger issue here is the global rise of nationalism. I hope that classical liberals dont make a pact with the devil, and assume that the nationalists will support greater freedom over a wide range of issues. History provides dozens of examples of exactly the opposite.
The population of the northern range elk herd in Yellowstone National Park has garnered a lot of concern over the years, based on having too many or too few elk. Today, the population of this largest herd in the park is way down, partly due to the reintroduction of wolves. However, wildlife biologists feel other factors are contributing.

When the park was created in 1876, concern centered on dwindling elk numbers due to poaching and market hunting. With protection given these elk, their numbers quickly climbed until concern centered on too many elk. Between 1920 and 1969, tens of thousands of elk were relocated or killed by park managers and hunters. In 1968, the concern had swung to worries of too few elk. The park changed to a more natural management style and from 1969-1994, elk numbers soared. Criticism then centered on elk destroying the parks winter range.

The northern range elk herd used to winter inside the park. Due to large numbers of elk, many started leaving the park. The state of Montana began late-winter hunts in 1976 to limit numbers of elk wintering outside the park. These hunts removed an average of 965 elk each year. Hunting did not seem to hurt elk numbers and in January 1994, a record of 19,045 elk were counted inside the park.

Wolves were reintroduced that same year. In 2013, only 3,915 elk were counted, only slightly more than the 1968 low. Now, after 20 years of study, scientists know much of this is due to wolf predation but are not sure of the amount of their contribution to the decline. They feel other factors are limiting elk numbers. Some are natural like summer drought, winter severity, other predators and human hunting.

Half of wolf kills are elk calves. Of adult elk killed, most are more than 10-years old, leaving the most fertile young cows in the population. Calf kills are significant but scientists find wolves kill only 14-17 percent of the available elk calves and that the calves have a high survival rate during their first winter.

Further complicating the scene is the increase in numbers of park grizzlies, which along with black bears, are killing more elk calves. Cougar numbers are also up, although they do not kill a significant number of elk calves. Wolves are killing mostly elk, and bison numbers are increasing enough for concern they are competing with elk for food.

Along with much higher numbers of wolves, bears and cougars killing elk calves, human hunting has continued. From 1995-2002, late hunts annually removed between 940 and 2,465 total elk. In 1997, a bad winter forced many elk out of the northern park edge and hunters took 2,465 adult elk. Many elk died from winter conditions anyway, but this hunting may have contributed to the elk decline. Montanas late hunts have been suspended and the regular season has only removed about 50 elk per year since 2010.

Wolves killing elk calves is the largest determinant of elk numbers. Hunters have complained that the parks high numbers of predators are removing hunting opportunities outside the park.

The fate of the northern elk herd is in human hands and its future will be interesting. This elk population, like several other issues inside Yellowstone, comes down to competing visions of what the northern part of the park should look like.

This information comes from an article titled The Challenge of Understanding Northern Yellowstone Elk Dynamics after Wolf Reintroduction in the Yellowstone Science journal edition titled Celebrating 20 Years of Wolves. This journal is supported by the Yellowstone Association and Yellowstone Park Foundation.
ELKO  The California Trail Interpretive Center presents a temporary exhibit featuring paintings by Native American high school students from Owyhee Combined School, located in the Duck Valley Indian Reservation.

Reflections from Duck Valley: A Native American Youth Art Exhibition opened Monday and will run through October. The exhibit includes 31 paintings.

The Duck Valley Indian Reservation is in both Nevada and Idaho, and is occupied by descendants of the Western Shoshone and Northern Paiute tribes.

Our students took a step back to reflect and paint depictions of both traditional and modern Paiute and Shoshone lifeways and culture, said Kit Julianto, art teacher at Owyhee.

Julianto worked closely with California Trail Interpretive Center staff to create the exhibit. We appreciate the talent and creativity of these young artists, and we are proud to showcase their colorful and vibrant paintings, said Park Ranger Alex Rose.

Some of the paintings are for sale through the Southern Nevada Conservancy, a Trail Center partner.

For more information about the California Trail Interpretive Center call 738-1849. Visit the Trail Center online at www.californiatrailcenter.org or https://www.facebook.com/californiatrailinterpretivecenter.

The California Trail Interpretive Center is located eight miles west of Elko on I-80, Hunter exit 292. The Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Kennedi Kimmons, 20, right, holds the hand of Briana Adams, 23, as they approach a vigil to remember Adams' brother, Paul O'Neal, 18, at the 7400 block of South Merrill Avenue on Friday. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune)

Eight months after Chicago was rocked by the Laquan McDonald scandal and its allegations that city officials tried to bury troubling details, the Chicago Police Department moved quickly against three officers involved in the latest shooting death of an African-American teen.

Within 48 hours of Thursday night's fatal shooting of 18-year-old Paul O'Neal, police Superintendent Eddie Johnson stripped police powers from the officers who opened fire, saying they appeared to have violated department policy.

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Department officials acknowledged that O'Neal was unarmed. On Saturday, the Cook County medical examiner's office said an autopsy determined he had been shot in the back.

Many details of the shooting in the South Shore neighborhood were still emerging, but the acknowledgment by top department brass that the officers might have violated policy marked a departure from their handling of previous police-involved shootings. The move by the department comes ahead of the expected release of video from both police dashboard and body-worn cameras that captured parts of the fatal confrontation.

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Late on Friday, Johnson sent out a departmentwide memo explaining his decision  one sure to be unpopular with the rank and file for a superintendent on the job only a few months who is trying to find the right balance. But the top cop is trying to restore public trust amid a U.S. Justice Department probe of policing practices.

"While the chronology of events is complex and still under review by the department and (the Independent Police Review Authority), I have reviewed the preliminary information of our on-scene detectives and am left with more questions than answers," Johnson wrote, according to a copy of the email shared with the Tribune. "I have been a police officer for nearly thirty years and I am the first one to publicly acknowledge that policing isn't easy. ... Everyday you risk your life, make split second decisions, and rely on the training you received to keep communities safe. ... With every decision I make as Superintendent, I keep these truths in mind to be fair to you as officers, and to every Chicagoan."

The confrontation

The confrontation between O'Neal and the officers happened about 7:30 p.m. Thursday after officers tried to stop O'Neal as he drove a Jaguar that had reportedly been stolen in Bolingbrook. As O'Neal drove north in the 7400 block of South Merrill Avenue, he struck a responding police SUV and a parked car, police sources told the Tribune. Two officers opened fire as O'Neal continued into the 7300 block of Merrill. O'Neal then collided with another police SUV, causing significant damage, and fled from the car. A third officer chased him and shot him behind a nearby residence, the sources said.

O'Neal, of the 1700 block of East 70th Street, was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he died shortly after 9 p.m.

Officials have said that part of the shooting was captured on video, though a source said not the fatal confrontation that was away from the vehicles. Under a new city policy, any video footage of shootings captured by police dashboard or body-worn cameras must be released within 60 days  although law enforcement can request an additional 30-day delay.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 Chicago police investigate July 29, 2016, a police-involved fatal shooting that happened the day before in the 7300 block of South Merrill Avenue in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)

On Friday night, Johnson, after spending the afternoon reviewing details of the shooting with his command staff, released a statement saying that two of the officers involved had been stripped of their police duties and placed on paid desk duty pending the outcome of the investigation by IPRA, which investigates police-involved shootings.

By Saturday afternoon the third officer who was involved had also been stripped of his powers, department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

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Dean Angelo Sr., the head of Fraternal Order of Police Chicago Lodge 7, declined Saturday to comment on Johnson's actions.

Since an accidental police shooting in December, the department has routinely put officers involved in shootings on desk duty for 30 days to allow time for supervisors to monitor the officers and for them to attend training. The policy is not considered punitive, and officers retain their badges and guns.

Stripping officers of their police powers, however, is more serious  and that it happened within two days of the shooting is notable. In such cases, officers are assigned to "nonoperational" units such as a records division. The three officers' police powers will remain suspended until the conclusion of the IPRA investigation, officials said.

Johnson also announced Friday night that it "appears that departmental policies may have been violated." Since the investigation into the shooting is ongoing, officials said they're prohibited from commenting on which policy was violated. In 2015, the department revised its use-of-force policy to prohibit firing on a moving vehicle if it was the only threat against the officer or others.

Friends and family of O'Neal gathered at the scene of the shooting Friday night. O'Neal's cousin, Zhivago Short, 20, spoke, imploring the crowd to stay in school and avoid gangs.

"He was a good kid," Short said. "He didn't deserve to die."

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Three protesters held up stop signs with words added in black electrician's tape. One said, "Cops, STOP killing us."

"It could be your life tomorrow," Lamon Reccord, the 17-year-old protest organizer, told the crowd.

Warning: strong language. An activist against gun violence and a relative speak at the vigil for Paul O'Neal, 18, who was fatally shot by police in the South Shore neighborhood Thursday night. (John J. Kim, Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

Police climate changing

The climate around policing has shifted dramatically in Chicago since the court-ordered release in November of dashboard-camera video showing a white officer shooting 17-year-old McDonald 16 times as he walked away from police with a knife in his hand. The resulting crisis came during an ongoing national debate on policing after several high-profile deaths of unarmed African-Americans.

The McDonald video was released some 13 months after the teen, who had PCP in his system, was shot, leading to public outcry that city officials tried to cover up the troubling video. Hours before the video's release, the officer, Jason Van Dyke, was charged with first-degree murder. Public protests in city streets continued for weeks. Former Superintendent Garry McCarthy was fired, and the Justice Department launched its civil rights investigation.

The department and city have since made efforts to restore what Johnson, a surprise appointment in March, and others now acknowledge is a broken relationship between police and some Chicago communities.

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Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed a policing task force that has proposed massive changes and overhauls. Among the most critical was the new video release policy.

Johnson, meanwhile, has stripped other officers when video of troubling altercations with the public surfaced. But this marks the first time a fatal shooting has resulted in such a swift response by the department to address what could be tactical or training deficiencies.

Police say Paul O'Neal, 18, was fatally shot after officers stopped a reported-stolen Jaguar on Thursday night in the 7300 block of South Merrill Avenue in Chicago. Three officers were relieved of their police powers following the shooting. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

Longtime St. Sabina pastor, the Rev. Michael Pfleger, who has been an outspoken critic of excessive police force, welcomed Johnson's action and said his parishioners attending a Friday night block party were similarly encouraged.

"So often nothing happens with police, and there's this feeling like, 'See, nobody's going to discipline (them) anyway, so why should we trust the system?'" Pfleger said Saturday. "I think Eddie doing something like that makes it very clear that if he feels that something was done wrongly that he's going to take an action, and that's very, very important to rebuilding trust. ... We know there's this great divide between police and the community, and one of the things that needs to be done is ... we've got to be able to see that when police do wrong they're going to be disciplined."

Johnson's decision to strip the officers earned high marks from Jedidiah Brown, who founded the activist group Young Leaders Alliance.

"I think that he gets it, and I'm starting to see a mirror between other people and (police) brass," Brown said. "Officers out there in the past have been very indifferent or disrespectful. This seems like a complete change of leadership."

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But not everyone is convinced yet that the department is truly reforming. Longtime civil rights attorney G. Flint Taylor suggested that police were merely trying to get ahead of a shooting they know is not justified.

"Let's put it this way  I think that it goes a little far to commend the Police Department for doing exactly what they should do and what they should have done all along," he said.

Taylor called police misconduct in Chicago a systemic problem that can't be turned around by altering a few department policies.

Chicago Tribune's Liam Ford and Patricia Callahan contributed.

jgorner@chicagotribune.com

asweeney@chicagotribune.com

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wlee@chicagotribune.com
The new outpatient health center at St. Bernard Hospital in the Englewood neighborhood is designed to be a convenient one-stop shop for primary health care for nearby residents. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

Dennis Campbell of Englewood has had to visit the doctor more than a few times this summer.

On a recent morning, Campbell had an appointment for an ultrasound. Previously, he saw an ear, nose and throat specialist and had an MRI. Soon he will visit a neurologist to be examined for dizzy spells that began after he fell off his porch.

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Seeking out such a variety of treatments and testing normally would require Campbell, who lives in an underserved neighborhood, to visit multiple facilities far away from where he lives. But St. Bernard Hospital changed that with the June opening of its three-story, walk-in treatment center on its Englewood campus.

"You can come here and get it all done in this building," said Campbell, 62, who also began seeing a new primary care physician on site. "I've not yet had to go someplace else, and that's really important."

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The gleaming Ambulatory Care Center leaps out from 63rd Street, where new development is relatively rare. Several residents, community leaders and nearby health providers say they are thrilled about the $33.1 million facility, financed entirely by the Montreal-based religious order that has operated St. Bernard since it opened in the early 1900s.

Chris Mobley, wheelchair, gets assistance from Jacqueline Mobley on July 13, 2016, at the new outpatient health center at St. Bernard Hospital in the Englewood neighborhood. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

St. Bernard administrators say they hope the center will enable more residents to receive quality, nonurgent medical treatment closer to home. But experts say providing a convenient facility and services is just the first step to improve community health.

Now, they say, health providers need to build credibility among residents and inspire a vast culture shift in how locals perceive and seek medical care.

"It's not just a 'Field of Dreams' thing: If you build it, they will come," said Noam Ostrander, an associate professor of social work at DePaul University. "Reaching out and trying to build a good rapport can go a long way to showing the community that the clinic is there to serve the community, wants to work with the community and be a part of the community."

St. Bernard Hospital and Health Care Center opened in November 1905, a little more than two years after the Rev. Bernard Murray invited seven sisters from the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph to open the facility. Tucked behind the Green Line tracks and the Dan Ryan Expressway at 64th Street, St. Bernard is one of 40 statewide safety-net hospitals that often serve as a last recourse for disenfranchised populations, according to the Illinois Health and Hospital Association.

St. Bernard primarily serves the Englewood, West Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing, Fuller Park, New City, Washington Park, Auburn Gresham and Woodlawn neighborhoods.

The new outpatient health center at St. Bernard Hospital in the Englewood neighborhood is designed to be a one-stop shop of primary health care for nearby residents, who often do not have reliable health care they can access. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

In 2012, hospital leaders launched a community health survey in its service area to ask about access to medical treatment, health status and habits, economics, educational status and other factors. Several of the neighborhoods in St. Bernard's service area are federally designated as having a shortage of primary, dental and mental health-care providers.

"We found there was a huge need for outpatient wellness services to address chronic disease issues: asthma, heart issues, hypertension, diabetes," St. Bernard CEO Charles Holland said. "Looking at data, we found that many of the residents were going well outside the community to get that care. So we felt we needed to expand those services and add new services to respond to those community health needs and consolidate it all in one building with physicians so that it would be more or less a one-stop shop for customers."

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The Religious Hospitallers of St Joseph gave $36 million to finance the building in July 2014. Crews broke ground that October.

Most of the main clinics are on the first floor, which helps patients with mobility issues, according to Diahann Sinclair, vice president of organizational and community development.

Physicians and nurse practitioners at the primary care clinic can treat such maladies as cold and flu, asthma, cardiac disease, diabetes, eye infections, sprains and bone fractures. Diagnostic imaging, including X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans and mammography, as well as cardiac and lung function testing, all are along the same hallway. An orthopedic clinic, as well as physical and occupational therapy, also are on the first floor.

The new outpatient health center at St. Bernard Hospital in the Englewood neighborhood on July 13, 2016. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

A woman's wellness clinic is on the second floor. That space initially was conceptualized to treat expectant mothers after observing a high rate of women living in the South Side who received no prenatal care, Sinclair said. Administrators later broadened it to include a full range of obstetric and gynecological care.

Specialty clinics and physician offices occupy the other side of the second floor, including cardiology, gastroenterology, adult and pediatric asthma and diabetes.

A community room sits on the top floor, a space to welcome outside organizations to conduct events, meetings, health classes and training sessions.

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Deirdra Jordan, also of Englewood, sees an orthopedist at the hospital and a physical therapist at the care center for a severe knee injury after a car crash. Jordan said she is not a big fan of doctors but feels St. Bernard staff members genuinely are invested in helping her heal. When she missed an appointment, a nurse called her and immediately rescheduled it. That kind of attention has motivated Jordan to keep up with her difficult rehabilitation, she said.

"I like that they make sure you're cared for completely," said Jordan, 51, who uses a cane and a knee brace. "They know us by name. If I'm considered a job to them, there's no point in me pushing through the pain to get dressed and come here."

Torrence Benjamin of south suburban Phoenix comes to the clinic twice a week for occupational therapy after falling off a ladder and shattering his right wrist in May. He had surgery at the hospital earlier this summer.

"If there's anything going wrong with the therapy, she's got the person who did the surgery just a walk away from each other," said Benjamin, 47. "They have wonderful communication. Things go a lot more smoothly."

Administrators hope that the response from patients like Jordan, Campbell and Benjamin are signs the center is broadening St. Bernard's reach in the ways they intended.

"We really felt we needed to be more proactive in addressing and responding to the community health needs, instead of just being an inpatient facility where people came to us when they needed to be placed in the hospital," Holland said.

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Still, hospital officials acknowledge that helping patients become and stay healthy is a big ask.

Experts say an effective community health model addresses the social elements that can cause illness  not just the medical issues themselves. Many credit Jack Geiger for pioneering this broader approach to public health when he established medical clinics in the Mississippi Delta in the 1960s. Geiger and his staff, working in an extremely low-income area, also repaired houses, dug wells to provide access to clean water and helped residents start a farm cooperative to address malnutrition.

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St. Bernard has done something similar, establishing a pediatric mobile health unit and building affordable housing units in the 1990s.

"What happens in the exam room is just a small part of the story," said Judith Haasis, executive director of the CommunityHealth free clinics, which has a facility down the street from St. Bernard.

"Many people on the South Side are struggling with asthma, diabetes and other serious health conditions  not by virtue of the fact that they're doing anything wrong, but by virtue of the fact that there are challenges of homelessness, violence, food and security. Just being able to navigate through all of those challenges on a daily basis often means one's health-care concerns come last."

Dr. Matthew O'Brien of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine pointed to the Boston Medical Center as another positive example. That system operates 13 community health centers and outreach services, such as a food pantry and demonstration kitchen for patients with nutrition-related illnesses.

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"If we're not going and addressing the root causes of poor health, we're really not making any progress," said O'Brien, an assistant professor in general internal medicine and geriatrics. "They realized that health was about a lot more than putting stethoscopes on people."

cdrhodes@tribpub.com

Twitter @rhodes_dawn
David Olsen, shown in February 2016, has been chosen to replace ex-Rep. Ron Sandack to represent the 81st House District. (Rob Hart / for the Chicago Tribune)

DuPage and Will County GOP leaders have tapped Downers Grove Republican David Olsen to fill ex-Rep. Ron Sandack's seat in the Illinois House, and to contest the November general election in his place.

DuPage County GOP Chair Brian Krajewski and Will County GOP Chair Kathy Havel announced that they picked Olsen to temporarily represent the 81st House District after interviewing about a half-dozen candidates over the weekend. The leaders also appointed Olsen to take Sandack's place on the election ballot.

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Olsen has been a member of the Downers Grove Village Council since 2013 and served as mayor pro tem, but he resigned his position on Saturday, Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully confirmed.

In February, Olsen was appointed to the Glen Ellyn-based College of DuPage board, which in previous months had been besieged by internal fighting and stalemates. Olsen and COD leaders confirmed that he will continue in that role until the next election in April.

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"I'm excited to get to work representing the people of the 81st District," Olsen said in a statement. "For too long, politicians in Springfield have ignored the needs of Illinoisans, doubling down on a tax-and-spend agenda that has clearly failed our state. I intend to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the entrenched interests in Springfield, and I will fight to give taxpayers a voice."

Ron Sandack, an ally to Gov. Bruce Rauner, left office under mysterious circumstances. July 26, 2016. (CBS Chicago)

Olsen also serves as vice chairman of the Downers Grove Township Republican Organization.

"David is an exceptional public servant, and he'll be a great state representative for us," Krajewski said in a statement. "As Downers Grove commissioner and recently as COD trustee, David fights for taxpayers and brings people together for common sense solutions."

"We interviewed many outstanding candidates who applied to fill this vacancy," Havel said. "David's record in support of respectful, responsible, representative government, and his commitment to the communities in the district was unrivaled."

Olsen, 27, quickly emerged as a likely candidate to replace Sandack, an outspoken ally of Gov. Bruce Rauner who had been vying for a second term in the House this fall. Sandack previously served in the Senate, replacing Dan Cronin, who went on to become the DuPage County chairman.

But Sandack, also of Downers Grove, abruptly resigned his seat last week, saying politics had gotten "too ugly." He said someone had set up fake social media accounts in his name and orchestrated robocalls that accused him of attacking a Democratic staff member, with the former allegation leading him to file a complaint with Downers Grove police.

He had been slated to oppose Democrat Greg Hose, also of Downers Grove, in November's election.

"I wasn't looking forward to an ugly general election as it were; this additional stuff added undue pressure," Sandack said at the time. "It made my family uneasy and made me re-evaluate my priorities. Politics has gotten too ugly. I don't need it, and my family doesn't deserve it."

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Last week, Olsen was scheduled to meet with the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board alongside new College of DuPage President Ann Rondeau and board Chairwoman Deanne Mazzochi. Olsen did not appear for the meeting, citing through Mazzochi, "work commitments."

Illinois Community College Board Chairman Lazaro Lopez appointed Olsen to the COD seat vacated when then-chairwoman Katharine Hamilton abruptly resigned her post. By circumstance, Olsen became the swing vote on a board bitterly divided between the three board members held over from President Robert Breuder's tenure, and the three, Hamilton-backed trustees elected in April 2015.

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Lopez appointed Olsen after the trustees could not agree on a replacement for Hamilton by the required deadline. Olsen's addition quickly was decried by one veteran trustee, Dianne McGuire, who accused Lopez of installing someone too closely aligned with Rauner.

Mazzochi said she did not oppose Olsen holding the two political appointments, citing a 1999 attorney general opinion stating the roles of a state legislator and a member of a community college board are not "incompatible." Thus it was not unethical for one person to do both simultaneously.

"I think his performance on the board has shown that he is a very conscientious, thoughtful person," Mazzochi said at the Tribune Editorial Board meeting last week. "His approach has been very helpful for the board and I think has assisted in helping members of the board communicate with each other. I obviously have a great deal of respect for Trustee Olsen, what he's done in the past and what I think he can accomplish in the future."

With Olsen now on the ballot, the November election will feature opponents very familiar with each other. Hose, 35, also was elected to the Downers Grove Village Council in 2013, after previously serving as the chair of the Plan Commission.

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The 81st House District includes parts of Downers Grove, Lisle, Naperville, Woodridge, Darien, Westmont, Bolingbrook and unincorporated areas. Olsen is set to be sworn in for the House seat Wednesday.

cdrhodes@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @rhodes_dawn
ELKO  Five wildland fires were battled this weekend following thunderstorms in Elko County, the largest of which burned 138 acres south of Elko.

The Dixie Fire was still active Saturday night and was listed at 50 percent contained. It was burning about 20 miles south of Elko but full containment was expected Sunday afternoon.

A blaze 30 miles north of Battle Mountain, in Izzenhood Gap, burned 114 acres.

Another lightning-sparked blaze burned 15 acres about 12 miles north of Ryndon, along Coal Mine Canyon. It was fully contained Saturday night.

A fire near the Nevada National Guard facility northeast of Carlin burned 7 acres.

Firefighters also contained a 4-acre blaze at the Gibbs Ranch 40 miles northwest of Wells.

The eastern half of Elko County remained under a red flag warning Sunday with more dry lightning expected and wind gusts up to 50 mph.

High temperatures in Elko are forecast to be around 90 degrees for the next few days, following a record-breaking 102 on Friday.
Like many who lived in Bhutan, Nar Adhikari was forced to leave his rural village because of political conflict in the 1990s.

At age 14, Adhikari moved to a Bhutanese refugee camp in Nepal, where he lived with his family for 18 years. He has now been living in the United States for six years.

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"We left everything in Bhutan," Adhikari said. "We left in the middle of the night with nothing but the clothes we were wearing. It was very sad, my parents worked hard for the country. ... We spent almost 18 years in a refugee camp living a miserable life. We struggled many times to return to our country of Bhutan, but the government would not accept us."

Adhikari said he married in the refugee camp, where his two children, now 10 and 15, were born. He came to the U.S. in 2010 with his family and parents.

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Adhikari was among the early arrivals to a World Relief DuPage Aurora citizenship clinic Saturday at Christ Community Church  Blackberry Creek campus in Aurora.

World Relief, with offices in Wheaton and Aurora, is an agency that resettles close to 500 refugees a year, officials said.

Hari Neupaney, Bishnu Neupaney and Nar Adhikari have been living in the United States for six years. Like many from Bhutan, they were forced to leave their country because of political conflict in the 1990s. (Linda Girardi / The Beacon-News)

Adhikari arrived at 6 a.m. knowing the clinic was open to the first 100 people seeking to become naturalized citizens.

"There was no future in the refugee camp  we were not allowed to work. We are happy to be in the United States," Adhikari said. "I have a place of work and our children have very good schooling here."

The registrants were limited because of the length of time it takes to process each individual, which includes screening, legal review and filling out the 20 page application, plus addendums depending on the complexity of each case. By 11 a.m., Adhikari was waiting for final legal review.

For the naturalization process, immigrants are required to live in the United States for four years and 10 months before they can apply for citizenship. World Relief legal counsel will review the documents and submit them to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It can be another five to six months before the final swearing-in ceremony.

"I am almost 38 years old and have no citizenship in a country," Adhikari said. "I will feel proud to be an American citizen."

World Relief immigrant legal services senior specialist Susan Sosa Bachmeier said about 90 applicants went through the application process Saturday. She said normally there is a $680 Department of Homeland Security fee for the application process, however a majority of the applicants were low-income eligible for a registration fee waiver.

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Somtwin Cooper, 76, of Aurora, emigrated from Taiwan in 1968. She applied to become a naturalized citizen at a World Relief DuPage Aurora citizenship clinic Saturday. (Linda Girardi / The Beacon-News)

She said World Relief in the last three years has served people from 120 countries.

Applicants Saturday were immigrants from Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Mexico, Argentina, Cuba, Burma, Bhutan, Thailand, Philippines, India, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic Congo and United Kingdom.

World Relief citizenship clinics used to be free, but with state budget cuts the agency reduced the number of clinics to four per year and relies on federal grants. Hiring a lawyer can cost an average of $2,500 for the same services. It is uncertain whether there will be any next year, Bachmeier said.

It is a competitive federal grant with organizations all over the country vying for the same funds, Bachmeier said.

Hari and Bishnu Neupaney fled Bhutan in 1992 and came to the U.S. in 2010 as well.

"We came as refugees from Nepal," Hari Neupaney said. "They forced us to conform to their ways  to cut our hair and wear their dress."

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Christ Community Church campus administrator John Burke said two-thirds of the building was occupied for the citizenship clinic.

"Christ calls us to take care of those in need. We try to live that out at every opportunity we have," Burke said.

Somtwin Cooper, 76, of Aurora, emigrated from Taiwan in 1968. She decided to go to citizenship clinic with the encouragement of her daughter-in-law.

"I love this country as if it was my original homeland  all of my children are here," Somtwin said.

About 30 World Relief volunteers assisted applicants in filling out the forms.

"The paperwork is rigorous," World Relief volunteer Paul Rokosz said.

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He said the application alone can take up to an hour to complete depending on the complexity of the case.

"Our guests can avoid the heavy legal expenses associated with becoming U.S. citizens," Rokosz said, adding Cooper's permanent residency card was the oldest edition he had ever seen.

He said the World Relief volunteers feel strongly about their work.

"My son recently married and visited Ellis Island and saw my grandfather's name in the registrar," Rokosz said. "My family emigrated from Poland in the 1800s. I came from a Polish-speaking family of immigrants," he said. "It's important that we keep welcoming people to this country. It is part of what makes our country great."

Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
Kevin Stearns of Wheatland Township believes his health and that of his two dogs has been affected by the spray coming off a neighboring retention pond. (Denise Crosby / The Beacon-News)

The couple who live at 10S182 Alago Road in Naperville are self-described "pool people."

As soon as Memorial Day rolls around each year, Kevin Stearns, a long-time flooring contractor, is getting the in-ground pool ready for the summer; while fiancee Amy Sutton power-washes all the concrete and plants her myriad flower beds.

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The couple even recently spent thousands of dollars in a face lift for their Wheatland Township backyard that includes a new sauna area, paver sidewalks and brick wall.

Only this summer, time spent in the backyard has been minimal - not because of bad weather or busy schedules but because of a persistent mist of what they say is toxic water being sprayed on them from the retention pond of the tony Paddock Subdivision to the west that was developed in 2007.

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The spray is coming from the aerator in the pond they insist has unsafe levels of E coli and fecal coli-form that's left nasty black mold on their fences, sheds, patio furniture and concrete. Even worse, those mold spores, they believe, are making them and some of their neighbors sick, and has even affected the couple's two small dogs.

Next door neighbor Ted Rachlitz, a retired mechanical engineer who has lived in this older subdivision since 1985, told me he's even taken to wearing a mask with canister-type respirator when he mows his backyard because he began to develop sinus and respiratory issues that he, too, insists are created by the mist from the pond.

"After they started the spray, I took a trip to New Mexico for 10 days," he said. "And all the symptoms cleared up."

He is among a growing number of residents in this older Wheatland Township subdivision who believe this neighboring pond produced a perfect storm of toxicity because it was not only built on a horse farm, where pesticides, fertilizers and phosphates from manure likely found their way into the bottom of the water, the pond was not properly created or maintained after the developer went belly-up following the housing market crash.

Sutton says last summer she and Stearns began experiencing respiratory and sinus issues, fatigue, aches and pains. But things went from bad to worse this spring when a sprayer added last summer began shooting pond water 45 to 50 feet into the air, with the wind carrying it across their property. Both began getting sick with diarrhea and abdominal pains after eating on the grill, they said, and when they began talking to neighbors, some were experiencing similar symptoms.

Sam Harris, who lives across the street, says he and wife Fran noticed a decline in their health. And as a retired chemical engineer, he knows enough about how a pond can go septic and what that can do to air quality "to be concerned."

Sutton, who is a few classes away from obtaining paralegal certification, admits she's become obsessed with getting to the bottom of the problem, and has made countless calls to agencies that include Wheatland Township, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Will County Health Department and the City of Naperville, which annexed this subdivision of about 30 expensive homes which were built right before the housing bust.

The seriousness of the pond problem depends upon who you ask.

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"It's not good," said Wheatland Township Highway Commissioner Bill Alstrom, who took a sample himself recently for lab testing that produced an "unsatisfactory" E coli count.

A spokesman with the Will County Health Department says this is the first such complaint he's received in some 28 years on the job, but would not comment further because enforcement lies with the City of Naperville.

According to city spokeswoman Linda LaCloche, the water and code enforcement departments were satisfied with the results from a water sample tested by a reputable lab that showed the E coli counts were in the acceptable range.

And after conferring with the city about those results, the IEPA closed the case, said a spokesperson for that Springfield department, noting that retention ponds will always contain some level of contaminants caused by wildlife and street runoff.

Those responses don't set well with Sutton, however. For one thing, the water sample referred to by the IEPA and city was submitted by a group of Paddock residents, and she contends there are too many variables that can go into water testing to ensure one sample is reliable.

While my repeated attempts to get in touch with Paddock residents were not successful, the city says it has met with the group and advised that the aerators be turned down on windy days and that the trajectory be adjusted so the spray will not hit the neighbors' properties.

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Sutton says those steps are a start, but she's more convinced than ever after weeks of research that retention ponds should be treated regularly with algicides, as well as skimmed and dredged, with vegetation or rock borders to reduce erosion and provide cover from grass clippings and nature.

"Nobody wants to be held accountable because if one pond goes bad, others can go bad," she insisted. "And that can open up a can of worms."

Alstrom, who believes this pond would be better off with a bubbler-type aerator system that churns the water from below instead of a top-water sprayer, says it's hard to tell how many of the countless retention ponds scattered throughout the suburbs could have a similar issue.

"The problem is, when you get to these kind of E coli levels, it's no secret that problems can occur," he said.

And while this pond is not in the township jurisdiction, Alstrom is concerned about the contaminant levels because overflow could find its way into the storm drainage system and affect well water. For that reason, he plans to "continue testing the water every few weeks."

For Sutton, who spent last week washing off black scum so her granddaughter could play in the backyard during a summer visit, it all comes down to quality of life.

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"We have a right to enjoy our own property without getting sick," she said. "Until the fountain sprayers are shut down and replaced, we will continue to monitor the water  and we will not give up this fight."

Dcrosby@tribpub.com
A girl who testified that an East Chicago man pulled her into his apartment and molested her told a deputy prosecutor she didn't feel comfortable delivering a victim-impact statement in person.

The girl, who was 11 at the time of the molestation, instead wrote a letter that deputy prosecutor Nadia Chivers read aloud in court Friday. "This experience has changed my life," the girl wrote. The girl said she suffers from nightmares and finds it difficult to trust any man around her. "I see his face and remember what he did," she wrote. "No little girl should have to go through what I went through. I think he should be in jail for a long time."

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At the trial in June, the girl burst into tears and cried for her mother when she testified against Edward Lee Smith Sr., who was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison for child molesting and criminal confinement.

Smith, 46, said he plans to appeal the sentence and the jury verdict.

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Evidence presented at his trial showed that on July 26, 2013, the girl was waiting for her friend in the hallway of an apartment building in the 3800 block of Ontario Court when Smith grabbed her by the arm, pulled her into his apartment and took her into his son's bedroom where she was molested.

Chivers argued for a six-year prison sentence on each of the charges, served consecutively.

Defense attorney John Cantrell said argued for leniency. He said his client has one prior felony conviction and one misdemeanor.

Lake Superior Court Judge Salvador Vasquez said he found no mitigating factors in deciding the sentence. "This was a very predatory act," Vasquez said, calling Smith's actions "pathetically horrible."

As a result of his conviction, Vasquez said Smith must register as a sex offender for life.

Ruth Ann Krause is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Valparaiso plans to alleviate flooding problems in two northern areas of town, the 2200 block of Calumet Avenue and along County Road 500 East at Johnson's Ditch.

The repairs at the ditch -- also known as Crooked Creek -- will also improve the dip about a mile east of Indiana 49 in the road caused by corroding drainage pipes, officials said.

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Both plans, as approved by the Valparaiso City Utilities Board on July 26, will happen later this year.

The Calumet plans would take care of flooding that happens when the new detention pond on Wall Street to the west overflows, said Deputy City Engineer and Stormwater Specialist Adam McAlpine.

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Water backs up to Calumet, eventually sending water into the doors of law offices, Schultz Floral Shop and Caldwell Banker in the 2200 block of Calumet, McAlpine said.

There's no date set for work yet, but the city will put a 12-inch stormwater pipe that will travel under the property of the Centers for Pain Control & Vein Care at 2211 Roosevelt Road, which lies on a tract of land between Roosevelt and Calumet.

The pipe will tie into one on Roosevelt and carry water south to Glendale and east to Silhavy Road.

The Johnson's Ditch project will happen in December after harvest to accommodate farmers, McAlpine said.

The board voted to allow advertising for contractors.

Traffic will be detoured to Vale Park Road to the south for 30 to 45 days while the city puts in a concrete culvert to flow water under the road.

A 71-inch metal pipe and a 42-inch metal pipe that looks like it may have been added later are corroding, McAlpine said.

Although the city recently repaved that section of road, which is east of the section of what is Burlington Beach Road, the condition of the pipes is causing the road so sag, and vehicles going over it "bounce" in the dip.

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Because the asphalt plants will be closed by December, the city will replace that section of road with concrete.

The cost will run about $300,000 and be paid out of the construction services budget, McApline said.

James D. Wolf Jr. is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
A Merrillville man died after authorities found him unresponsive at the Lake County Community Corrections Kimbrough Work Center in Crown Point Saturday.

Inmate Jeremy Moats, 26, was pronounced dead at 7:21 a.m. at Methodist Hospitals Southlake in Merrillville.

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A Sunday autopsy was inconclusive, but there were no signs of foul play, according to Porter County Coroner Chuck Harris.Toxicology results won't be available for about six weeks.

Lake County Coroner Merrillee Frey asked Harris to investigate to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, he said.

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"It's a very normal protocol for any type of inmate death that occurs under the same county government," Harris said.

Moats was in the midst of a work release sentence that required him to work during the day and report back to the Kimbrough Center in the evening. Moats plead guilty to cocaine possession at a house within 1,000 feet of Merrillville High School in 2014, according to Lake County Court records. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dropped charges of cocaine dealing and promoting prostitution.

Moats was sentenced to 10 years in prison  six years in the Indiana Department of Correction therapeutic community for chemically addicted offenders and the remaining four years in Lake County Community Corrections, according to court records.
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A Chinese "living Buddha" in Tibet has raised one million yuan (about 150,668 U.S. dollars) to fund the construction of a pagoda in Bangladesh, local sources said on Saturday.

Drukhang Thubten Khedrup, the seventh Drukhang living buddha and vice president of the Buddhist Association of China, has given the money to an association of Buddhist monks in Bangladesh, said his assistant Yumtan.

The money will be used to build a pagoda for Atisa, a Buddhist teacher from Bengal who lived in Tibet for more than ten years starting in 1038, preaching and translating scriptures.

The pagoda, which includes a pedestal, a tower and spire, will stand nearly as tall as a three-story building, said Yumtan.

In 2013, Abbot Chunyi, another vice president of the Buddhist Association of China, donated 400,000 U.S. dollars for construction of the pagoda.

Yumtan said that the pagoda will be a symbol of friendship between China and Bangladesh.

A "living Buddha" is a Tibetan Buddhist monk believed to be the reincarnation of an important religious figure. There are currently 358 living Buddhas in Tibet.
A Chinese man's survival after 20 hours in the flood has become an inspiring tale for his folks.

Yang Zhenfei, 41, lives in the Beishikou Village of Yongnian County in Hebei province. Intense rainfall hit his hometown on July 19.

"On the night of July 19, the flood mounted to waist high in just a few seconds. I climbed on to the rooftop, which was four meters high, but in less than an hour, the flood washed me away," Yang said.

"I caught on to a three-meter-long timber pole, and started drifting in the water," he said.

Yang is not a good swimmer, but his perseverance and quick judgement helped him survive. "I was drifting in despair, and when I raised my head, I saw a bridge and the water was already up to the arch. It happened so fast, and my head brushed against the roof of the archway," he recalled.

"The second time when I saw a bridge, I held my breath and dived into water, and only re-emerged after passing the bridge," he said.

Yang said he passed at least four bridges unscathed.

The waves in the dark were monstrous, he said, throwing him to meters high. "I heard pigs, sheep and even cows screeching in the dark. I bit my teeth and told myself not to quit," he said.

About three hours later, a grove caught his timber pole, and he managed to climb to a poplar tree and waited for rescue.

"I ate the leaves when I felt hungry, and drank the falling rainwater. I had to pinch my thigh to prevent myself from falling asleep," he said.

Yang waited more than 16 hours for people to come to save him.

When rescuers spotted him and came to rescue, he was already more than 20 kilometers away from his home.

Hebei is among the Chinese regions worst hit by floods this summer. In Xingtai city to the north of Yongnian county, heavy rains from July 19 to 21 claimed 34 lives with 13 others missing.

In Beishikou villages, people are still scrambling to rebuild their homes after the flood, they said they are impressed and inspired by Yang's escape with bare life.

"People say his tale of survival is almost like a legend. His courage, and ability of self-rescue are the keys to his survival," said Miao Huadi, a village official.
Police in south China's Guangxi Province seize 399 Siam crocodile cubs in a rental house during a routine inspection on July 29, 2016. The ten-day-old crocodile cubs are around 25 centimeters long. Siam crocodile cubs are under the first-class national animal protection in China. [Photo: Chinanews.cn/He Qiuhong]

Border police in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region said they have seized 399 baby Siamese crocodiles, a protected species in the country.

The crocodiles were found in a rented house in Dongxing City on Friday when police were collecting home registration information, according to the border police detachment of Fangchenggang, which administers Dongxing.

The crocodiles, each around 25 centimeters long, were about 15 days old. They were very likely trafficked from Vietnam, the police said.

The police saw three men, who appeared to be nervous, carrying goods in front of the house, so they approached to question them. Two suspects escaped by truck while the other, who tried to flee from the back door of the house, was caught.

In January, 70 frozen wild Siamese crocodiles were seized from a seafood truck in Fangchenggang.

Siamese crocodiles are a critically endangered species native to Southeast Asia. Their skin is used as a raw material for luxury leather products on the international market. It is illegal in China to raise them without a license or to trade and traffic the species.
One continuous din before the entire EU referendum was that Britain would lose its place among the world's biggest economies. London would lose its financial hub position, and will wither away into obscurity. Britain will be inward looking and isolationist, and dark marauding gangs will roam the bleak desolate streets of England, at least that was the narrative we were getting from the online social networking hashtag #BrexitBritain. Incidentally, facts somehow ruin narratives, as we see from the tour of Chancellor Phillip Hammond how post Brexit economics are shaping up.

One of the last acts of PM David Cameron was to gather the business leaders of China, India and the US and try to find alternate sources of investment. It is simple economics that free trade within Europe is tied up with the free movement of labor. Constructing borders will impose tariffs, will impose more costs on checking and guards, and will increase costs for businesses to perform. That is the common logic behind all the cries that Britain won't be a profitable market anymore and therefore economics will suffer. However, Britain is essentially a financial market, with London being the capital financial center in Europe. The financial sector doesn't suffer from high labor mobility reactions as well as contains skilled labor, which are not usually hampered by immigration checks. And we can see signs of that now.

India, the U.S., China, New Zealand and Australia enthusiastically responded to Cameron's last call. Australia and New Zealand wanted a pre-1970s type of special free trade agreement and India and the U.S. wanted to start trade talks immediately, acknowledging that the market condition has not deteriorated much. But what was the actual market reaction? It is also quite stoic, if not positive. There has been no heavy downturn other than the first night of the Brexit. Barclays said they are not moving or changing jobs or positions from the U.K., as the U.K. is an extremely pro market destination. Huawei has plans to carry on with their 13 billion investments. And finally, the GSK decided to pump 275m more in their factories in England and Scotland, and emphatically said Britain is their primary investment destination. Juwai, the Chinese property investor, said that the number of buyers in U.K. properties can increase by almost 40 percent.

All this can be however argued that after all the Brexit hasn't happened yet, and the way spanners are thrown, it might never even happen. Or it might happen in a nominal way, with effectively all the prior machinations in place, an arrangement which will satisfy the crowds, might give back some power to the British parliament, and keep the scapegoat ready for future blame. If the Brexit happens, then London will try to emulate the Hong Kong/Singapore model. In fact, the Swiss banks are already trying for a Switzerland, Hong Kong, Singapore and London quadrilateral, which will be known as the F4 alliance. Incidentally, Switzerland is also outside the EU. Britain is the highest offshore renminbi trading hub, and will most likely continue to be. FT also reported that London will eventually post Brexit transform England to a Fin-Tech center of the world. That doesn't look like isolationism, and I cannot see any trends as such, in fact, that actually looks like one of the original promises of the Brexit, more integration into the global economy.

This brings me to Chancellor Hammond's China trip. This is the first time the U.K. has tried something this big with China currently the second largest economy in the world. The Chancellor was at pains to explain that this was no bargaining or punishing process with the EU, but that the U.K. is actually now in need of China, and currently without restraints, want to have a free trade deal with China, one that has got extensive support on the other side as well, as reported by the BBC. The BBC reported that in lieu of greater access to the U.K. for its manufactured products and investment, "China would reduce barriers to Britain's service industries like banking and insurance as well as U.K. goods. That would be an important source of export income for Britain."

Overall, the trends can confirm two things. Firstly, the China-U.K. golden trade relationship which started firstly during Chancellor Osborne's Beijing visit, and then President Xi's London visit, is firm and on robust ground. Britain is indeed looking to China and the Brexit might be a golden opportunity for that. Britain needs China, and China shouldn't lose this post Brexit opportunity. Secondly, on a macro level, and over time, if a country is on firm economic footing and fundamentals, shocks can be absorbed. There will be of course basic structural changes in the U.K. post EU divorce. But life will go on, and for all practical purposes, might even get better.

Sumantra Maitra is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SumantraMaitra.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

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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

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The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

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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

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OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border

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BEIJING - China plans to establish a national community education network by 2020 through 200 demonstration areas with exemplary practices and 600 others to test relevant practices, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced.

Community education should be richer in content and more diversified in its forms, and resident participation and their approval of such schools should increase remarkably in the next five years, according to a guideline to promote community education issued by the MOE with other departments.

The guideline also called for better service capacity, pooling and sharing of educational resources.

It encouraged schools to offer community schooling by capitalizing on their existing facilities, courses and teachers.

Schools are required to open more resources to the public, such as libraries, museums, gymnasiums and exhibition halls.

The guideline asked localities to establish a cost-sharing mechanism to raise money for community education through government input, private endowment, and tuition.
BEIJING - China's meteorological authority issued a blue alert on Saturday for a typhoon expected to hit the southern province of Guangdong, while warning of mountain floods in the southwest due to torrential rains.

The country's fourth typhoon this year was detected 510 km off the coast of Manila at 5:00 p.m. Saturday and will land in Guangdong on Tuesday, the National Meteorological Center (NMC) said.

The wind speed could reach 38-45 meters per second when the typhoon makes landfall, according to the NMC.

It also warned that heavy rain could lead to mountain floods in parts of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region and Sichuan Province from Saturday night to Sunday night.

China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe weather, followed by orange, yellow and blue.
NANNING - A woman in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was caught using her own infant daughter to carry drugs, said local police on Saturday.

Along with the woman, police also nabbed two male drug dealers.

On March 21, 2015, police spotted a suspicious vehicle passing a toll gate in Fangchenggang City. After a search, they seized a yellow metal box hidden on a baby of less than one year. The box contained two bags with 125.2 grams of methamphetamine. They also found more than 300 grams other drugs from elsewhere inside the car, including methamphetamine and barbitone.

According to proceedings at the Intermediate People's Court of Fangchenggang, Liang, the woman, was a drug user. She gave birth to another baby after she was caught and is still on bail.

Huang, the driver, was sentenced to a prison term of ten years by the court and is subject to a fine of 10,000 yuan (about 1,506.7 U.S. dollars). Tang, another man in the car, was also convicted of drug trafficking, sentenced to seven years in prison and fined 8,000 yuan.
BEIJING - China's Procurator-General Cao Jianming has called on prosecutors to boost judicial protection for the rights and interests of servicemen and their families, according to a statement released by the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) on Saturday.

Cao made the remarks at a symposium with National People's Congress (NPC) deputies from the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Cao said as national defense and military reform deepen, procuratorate agencies need to effectively handle cases involving the military to ensure justice, and they should apply "green pass" policies to such cases under streamlined procedures.

Cao also called on procuratorate agencies at all levels to deepen their cooperation with military procuratorates through policy guidance and strengthening consultation.

The SPP recently invited 14 NPC deputies from the PLA to visit, according to the statement.
BEIJING - Over three and a half years ago, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, announced his dream of building a strong army, an idea that has since been the basis of all work concerning military affairs.

From combat capability to strengthened Party leadership and unprecedented reform, Xi, as commander-in-chief of China's armed forces, has directed the path for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and brought great changes to it as it celebrates its 89th anniversary of founding on August 1.

WHAT ARMY SHOULD BE BUILT?

Xi put forward the dream of a strong army during an inspection tour of Guangzhou's armed forces in early December 2012. It was less than a month after he assumed office as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, and chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission (CMC).

Xi said achieving a great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has become China's biggest dream in modern history.

Xi later elaborated on what he meant. At a meeting with national lawmakers from the armed forces on March 11, 2013, Xi said that following the command of the Party, capability to win wars, and having a proper working style, are the fundamentals of building a strong army.

These tenets became the guideline of central authorities' work concerning military affairs and national defense.

On March 23, 2016 when inspecting the National Defense University of the PLA (NDU), Xi said military colleges needed to be strengthened for China to build world-class armed forces.

In a commentary published on May 25, the PLA Daily, flagship newspaper of China's armed forces, said a top army should have world-class equipment, organizational form, combat system, staff quality, strong training level and military theory.

A world-class army has the ability to fight and defeat the world's major powers, it said, and added that only a modernized transformation with new concepts could achieve this end.

In a group study of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on July 26, 2016, Xi called for building a strong armed force commensurate with China's international status and compatible with national security.

STRENGTHENING COMBAT CAPABILITY

Improving the army's combat strength has become a major focus.

But the modernization level of the Chinese army is inadequate to safeguard national security, and it lags far behind advanced global peers. The Chinese army is not capable enough of waging modern warfare, and officers lack command skills for modern warfare.

Following Xi's requirements, a great discussion and education campaign was held in the PLA and the armed police force in 2014. From the headquarters to the most grassroots squad units, from logistics departments to combat units, from generals to privates, the whole armed forces discussed how to steel themselves and made concrete reforms.

"One of the changes has been to stress real combat drills," said Li Yinxiang, a professor in military strategy in the NDU. Over the past three years, the PLA held hundreds of drills at regiment and brigade level and above, simulating combat environments as realistically as possible.

"In drills, we usually plugged colored banners in all over the exercise fields before, beating drums and sounding gongs. It seemed to be very fierce, but it was not a real combat scenario at all," Li said.

"But now, there are no banners, drums or gongs at all. The environment in exercise fields is like the real environment in combat," Li added.

Thanks to the leadership's efforts and development of equipment, recent years witnessed great progress of the combat strength.

Since 2012 when China's first aircraft carrier "Liaoning" was commissioned, the PLA Navy has gained more and more experience in the utilization of aircraft carrier strength through regular sea training.

On July 6, the heavy-load airfreighter Y-20 was commissioned, a crucial step for the PLA Air Force in improving its strategic power projection capability.

The ongoing large-scale joint drill in north China's Zhurihe training base showed that the PLA is paying more attention to modernized combat.

More army aviation units joined in the drill compared to last year, and the PLA is taking advantage of new combat units such as special warfare, technical and space reconnaissance, electronic countermeasures and others.

STRESSING PARTY LEADERSHIP, INTEGRITY

Xi said that Party leadership was the be-all-and-end-all for building a strong army.

"The key of absolute loyalty to the Party is 'absolute'," Xi said. "It is unique, thorough, unconditional loyalty, without any impurities."

Upon Xi's decision, a conference on the army's political work convened in late October 2014, in Gutian Township, Fujian Province, the very same place that Mao Zedong presided over a conference that established the principle of the Party's absolute leadership over the army in 1929.

A document released after the conference urged the whole armed forces to stick to the fundamental principle of the Party's leadership, and firmly implement the systems and mechanisms that ensure the CMC chairman responsibility system, through which the CPC leads the army.

At the New Gutian conference, Xi urged the army to pay attention to the corruption of Xu Caihou and root out his negative influence.

Xu, who once headed the PLA's political work and was a former CMC vice chairman, was among scores of generals that were charged with corruption after the 18th National Congress of the CPC in late 2012.

Guo Boxiong, another former CMC vice chairman, was also among those charged with corruption.

As Xi ordered, the CMC established an inspection system within the army in October 2013 and the system covered all military area commands in 2015.

The whole army also examined the problems pointed out by Xi at the New Gutian Conference, launching a series of special campaigns to rectify them.

Integrity building achieved significant results. In 2015, almost 10,000 houses were returned and about 25,000 public vehicles were cut. Administration costs above the corps level were cut in half or higher year-on-year.

BIGGEST CHANGE EVER, STILL DEFENSIVE

On April 20, Xi appeared in public with a new title -- commander-in-chief of the newly-established CMC joint battle command center, which he inspected on the day dressed in camouflage fatigues.

The center belongs to a tiered command system including the CMC, theater commands and others. It is part of the overall reform of the PLA's organization, a culmination of Xi's military thought.

Other changes include the inauguration of a general command of the PLA Army, the PLA Rocket Force, and the PLA Strategic Support Force.

The 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.

Professor Li said the new command system responded to the need of a more centralized decision-making processes in modern warfare, while partition of responsibility would lead towards a more modern administration.

"It is the biggest change to PLA structure since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949," said Li.

Despite the increase of its strength in both combat capability and command, China's national defense policy, which is defensive in nature, remains unchanged.

Maj. Gen. Chen Zhou, a research fellow with the PLA Academy of Military Sciences, said it is unavoidable that some people are worried about a rising China, but China focuses on a peaceful path to development and building political and military mutual trust, breaking the historical logic of rising powers seeking hegemony.

An increasing number of Chinese servicemen are joining UN peacekeeping missions around the world. In the past two months, three Chinese peacekeeping soldiers were killed in Mali and South Sudan.

"China needs to explain more clearly its core interests and the challenges it is facing," said Li.

"But more importantly, whether we can safeguard our security and maintain global and regional peace depends on our strength," Li said.
Editor's note: In the beginning of July, the Communication University of China sent their sophomores to a training base in Shunyi District in Beijing for military training. There, students were drilled physically, technically and psychologically.

Military education is a compulsory duty for Chinese university students. It is considered an opportunity for the students to discipline their will, toughen their bodies, as well as learn some basic military information.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Long March, a strategic operation undertaken between 1934-36 by China's Red Army whilst being pursued by feudal warlords and hordes of Kuomintang troops, moving its headquarters and forces along the Yangtze River to the Shaanxi-Gansu Revolutionary Base.

Watching documentaries or reading books are good ways to learn about the history, but it can be even more interesting if you read something written by western writers. Here are four books we've selected for readers.

The Long March: The Untold Story By Harrison E. Salisbury

About the book: This book chronicles events before, during and shortly after the Long March, which was an heroic journey the Chinese Communist-led Red Army took in the mid-30s.

About the author:

Harrison E. Salisbury was born and raised in Minnesota. It's where he went to school and had his start in journalism.

Beginning in 1972, he made frequent trips to China and traveled extensively along the Sino-Soviet border, the extreme Northwest of China, Tibet, along the rocky road from Lhasa to Katmandu and in 1984, 7,400 miles along the Long March routes.

What the author said about the Long March:

"China's Long March of 1934 was no symbol. It was a great human epic which tested the will, courage, and strength of the men and women of the Chinese Red Army.

It was not a "march" in the conventional sense, not a military campaign, not a victory. It was a triumph of human survival, a deadly, endless retreat from the claws of Chiang Kai-shek; a battle that again and again came within a hair's breadth of defeat and disaster...No event in this century has so captured the world's imagination and so profoundly affected its future. It led in a straight line from the shadow river of the Yudu in southern China, crossed by the Red Army on October 16, 1934, to the proclamation by Mao, from the rostrum of Tiananmen Square in Beijing on October 1, 1949, of the People's Republic of China -that is, to the triumph of Communism in a land inhabited by one-quarter of the human inhabitants of the earth. "
A Japanese citizen "has been investigated on suspicion of endangering China's state security", the Foreign Ministry told China Daily on Sunday.

The ministry's spokespersons office did not reveal the identity of the man.

It said the investigation was conducted by "relevant departments" and the Japanese Embassy in China was notified.

Leading Japanese media reported on Thursday that the Japanese chief cabinet secretary Yoshihisa Suga confirmed that a suspect was detained.

Some Japanese media speculated that the man was detained for suspected espionage. But Suga, Tokyo's top spokesman, denied the alleged espionage at a news conference in Tokyo by claiming that "it is impossible that such actions will be taken against any country", according to Japan's Fuji Television.

Tokyo-based Jiji News Agency quoted unnamed sources saying that the man, aged more than 50 years old, was scheduled to visit China from July 11 to 15.

Japan News Network, a Chinese language website reporting Japan's news, quoted unnamed sources saying that the man is with Japan-China Youth Association.

The association the man is part of works on "developing Japan-China friendly relationship", according to the association's website.

However, the website is currently not accessible and it says "under maintenance".
Defense Minister Chang Wanquan speaks with foreign military attaches on Sunday at a reception in Beijing ahead of the 89th anniversary of Chinese Army Day on Monday. Xu Jingxing / China Daily

The Chinese military will staunchly protect the country's maritime rights and interests and is "fully confident and capable of addressing various security threats and provocations", a senior military leader said on Sunday.

State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Chang Wanquan did not directly refer to the South China Sea situation, but tension there was heightened this year by increased US patrols and the arbitration case brought by the Philippines against China.

Addressing a reception in Beijing marking the 89th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army, Chang said the PLA will "unswervingly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests including territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests".

"It will always stand ready to be called upon and be able to fight and win," he said.

In July, the PLA conducted two military drills in the South China Sea.

Zhang Junshe, a senior researcher at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, said the increased US military patrols and joint drills with allies "have imposed military intimidation (on China) and fueled regional tension".

However, China's recent drills in the South China Sea are "of a totally different nature," as the PLA drills in Chinese territory, while the US, an outsider to the region, covers thousands of miles to come to China's doorstep, Zhang said.

Chen Qinghong, a researcher of Southeast Asian and Philippine studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said some senior US defense officials had made hard-line comments about the region recently, and Washington "will possibly continue its tough gestures".

Reaffirming China's defense policy, Chang said the PLA will provide additional public security through enhanced participation in United Nations peacekeeping, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

Chang also touched on the cross-Straits situation by reiterating that "both the mainland and Taiwan are part of the one and same China".

He said "adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwan secession' is the political foundation for cross-Straits relations to develop peacefully".

Taiwan's new leader, Tsai Ing-wen, has not directly reaffirmed commitment to the 1992 Consensus, which states that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China.

"Secessionist attempts in any form by anyone at any time will never be accepted by the PLA, the 1.3 billion Chinese people or the Chinese nation as a whole," Chang added.
A Japanese citizen has been investigated on suspicion of endangering China's state security, the Foreign Ministry told China Daily on Sunday.

The ministry's spokesperson's office did not elaborate on the identity of the detained Japanese, saying only that the investigation had taken place recently. It said the probe was carried out by government departments, and the Japanese embassy in China had been notified.

Japanese media reported on Thursday that the country's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga had confirmed that a Japanese man had been detained.

Some Japanese media speculated that the man had been detained on suspicion of espionage.

But Suga denied this at a news conference in Tokyo.

The Tokyo-based Jiji News Agency quoted unnamed sources as saying that the man, aged over 50, had been scheduled to visit China from July 11 to 15.

Japan News Network, a Chinese-language website that reports Japanese news, quoted unnamed sources as saying that the man was a member of the Japan-China Youth Association.

According to the association's website, it is a group that helps to develop friendly relations between the two countries. However, the website is currently not accessible as it is "under maintenance".

Zhou Yongsheng, a professor of Japanese studies at China Foreign Affairs University, said the case may have a negative effect on Chinese public opinion about Japan in the short term.

But he also said it will not deal a major blow to overall Sino-Japanese ties.

"Most of the time, it is no surprise that Tokyo chooses to deny suspected espionage if there are any allegations," Zhou added.
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 July 27 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 Li Ruru 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.
A bronze figure created by artist Yang Tao. [Photo/artintern,net]

As part of 2016's Year of China-Latin America Cultural Exchange, an exhibit showcasing contemporary Chinese art has opened in Panama City.

"Color Symbiosis" opened on July 27 at the city's Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC), featuring a selection of 50 works of art by some 20 Chinese artists working in a wide range of media, from sculpture to video installations, and themes, from traditional landscape paintings to abstraction.

These works, according to the MAC, "depict the artists' strong desire to transcend all types of borders, presenting their unique view of the contemporary world grounded firmly in their traditions and their identity."

Wang Weihua, representative of the China-Panamanian Trade Development Office, said the exhibit is one of several projects designed to boost cultural and artistic exchange between China and Panama.

"This way we can strengthen cultural exchange, knowledge, understanding and cooperation between the two countries and two peoples," Wang said.

Five of the artists traveled with the show to Panama, to increase interaction between the two countries on a personal level through meeting with Panamanian artists.

The show includes works by Ai Xudong, Bai Xiaogang, and Fang Xueyi, whose work hangs from the ceiling of the MAC, and others.

A second component of the exhibit, called "Panachina," will be presented at the MAC starting on Aug. 3 with the participation of Chinese-Panamanian painters, said Wang.

MAC's Executive Director Silvia Estaras noted China's presence in Panama goes back 160 years.

The exhibit, she told Xinhua, is valuable for both its artwork, a blend of contemporary influences and China's millenary traditions, and what it represents in terms of China-Panama cultural exchange.

"Color Symbiosis" will be held through Sept. 2.
Democratic US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton acknowledges supporters during a campaign rally, where she received the endorsement of US President Barack Obama (R), in Charlotte, North Carolina, US, July 5, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Hillary Clinton, former US secretary of state, formally accepted the nomination of the Democratic Party as its candidate for the US presidential election on Friday.

As illustrated by her acceptance speech, her policies are aimed at seeking unityunity among various ethnic groups, unity inside the Democratic Party, as well as unity with the "99 percent" of the population.

It should be noted that Hillary Clinton is the first female presidential candidate to enter "the final round" and there is possibility of her being the first female US president. Yet voters in the United States are not that excited.

That's because, first of all, the Democratic Party has hardly brought about any change in the country over the last eight years of the Barack Obama administration. In fact, the social gaps have widened, and new problems have emerged, yet Clinton does not seem to be offering anything different than Obama. People do not see change in her policies.

Besides, people are rather tired of political families, such as the Bushes and the Clintons, which rule the US. The "emailgate" scandal of Clinton using her family's private email server for official communications when she was secretary of state and the leaking of emails suggesting the Democratic National Committee sought to sabotage the campaign of Hillary Clinton's rival Senator Bernie Sanders, have also undermined people's trust in Clinton.

As both the Republican and the Democratic candidates are now decided, the 2016 US presidential election has entered its final stage. This will be a test of US political system as well, and not only the country, but also the world is watching.--The Paper.cn
The Mogao Grottoes in northwest China's Gansu province. [Photo/Xinhua]

The administration committee for the Mogao Grottoes in northwest China has drafted an emergency plan to control the flow of tourists for the summer.

The plan will be in effect during odd-numbered dates in July and even-numbered dates in August, with a maximum of 12,000 tickets to be issued daily. Visitors can book tickets one day prior to their visit.

Tickets under the emergency plan will also be reserved on a real name basis.

The Mogao Grottoes feature a huge collection of Buddhist art, with more than 2,000 colored sculptures and 45,000 square meters of frescoes in 735 caves carved along a cliff. Listed in 1987, it was China's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Varuzhan Avetisyan makes a statement: We chose a status of POW: 1in.am (video)

Varuzhan Avetisyan, one of the leaders of the Sasna Dzrer armed group barricaded inside a Yerevan police station which they seized two weeks ago, has made a statement saying in the recent days the Armenian Police has adopted tactics of neutralizing his comrades. In a telephone conversation with 1in.am news agency, Varuzhan Avetisyan said the police are neutralizing his friends by shooting them in the legs. Today a sniper shot our friend in his chest. We have significantly reduced in number becoming around 20. There was a storm at night, the wall was struck by car, which then stopped, and for some reasons we began negotiations. The intensive shots were heard today, stun bombs were used, armored vehicles broke into the area. We have two options, to fight against the police and other officers shedding blood of the people who have little to do with the regime. The other option is to refrain from bloodshed and remain in a status of a prisoner of war, the status of a POW was a difficult decision for us. The uprising of the people took place, there is a nationwide movement, for not sustaining new victims, people, who fulfill their obligations, are in front of us, so we have decided that we dont want to spill their blood; we continue struggling as POWs; the peoples uprising continues, our people must struggle, we will not allow our country to become a province of Russia. We feel that the victory is close; we call on the people to consider the decision to be a positive step.
Civil initiative starts collection of signatures for Davit Sanasaryans immediate release

Statement and demand of the civil initiative "Davit Sanasaryan" On the 17th of July 2016 "Daredevils of Sassoun", a group of political opponents, seized an important police department in Yerevan, claiming immediate release of their leader Jirayr Sefilian detained illegally since several weeks, the resignation of president and the release of all political prisoners in the country. On the 18th of July an anti-crisis committee has been created, whose main purpose was to organize and lead peaceful demonstrations by serving as a mediator between government and rebels, to avoid violence and bloodshed. While citizens were peaceful demonstrating, police used unequal forces by kidnapping peaceful protesters, organized mass arrests of hundreds of people, accompanied by beatings and other atrocities. On the 30th of July, one of board members of this committee, Davit Sanasaryan, has been kidnapped by four civilians, presented themselves as police representing. Since that day Mr Sanasaryan is illegally detained by the police. Mr Davit Sanasaryan has over 10 years of experience of political and social activities. He has always been an active member of community, but never in favour of violent actions and never appeals or did any statement of violence during his whole political carrier. Since 2013 Mr Sanasaryan has been member of the City Council. Member of "Heritage" party since 2007, Mr Sanasaryan is the party's spokesman. Between 2008 and 2010 he was the leader of young wing of the party and represents the party in assembly of the European People's Party between 2007 and 2012. As a political and legal advisor in Armenian Parliament, active political and social activist, hes an initiator and member of more than 30 human rights, social, civic and public initiatives and NGOs. He was arrested while he was taking care of his father in hospital, who was injured by police attacks earlier during the day. Four persons in civilian, presenting themselves as policemen, tried to arrest him, without any warrant of arrest. Mr Sanasaryan refused to follow them, asking to come back with a warrant and clear explanation of the reason of that matter. Instead of that, he was attacked by this four, beaten and lost conscious. His mother, presented on site, tried to save Davit form this rapt, but these four continued to follow Mr Sanasaryan even after the intervention of medical staff, who brought Mr Sanasaryan to intensive care unit. The medical staff was accompanied by those four and few minutes later we have been informed that Mr Sanasaryan was not taken to the intensive care unit, but to National Security Service, where completely false and unfounded charges of inciting riots have been raised against him. According to the article, based on which he is charged, Mr Sanasaryan risks from 2-4 years to 4-10 years of prison. The article is ridiculous and false, having for purpose just to keep Mr Sanasaryan in jail, isolate him from society and neutralize his activities. Moreover, since his detention, his family is refused to pass food, clothing and book. He has bodily injuries and abrasions, which shows that he was subject to physical torture and persecution, but he has no medical care provided. The civil initiative "Davit Sanasaryan" considers this arrest illegal and strongly demands the immediate release of Mr Sanasaryan. The civil initiative "Davit Sanasaryan" reports that its currently calling to various diplomatic and international organizations, as well as international media, to join and support the demand of Mr Sanasaryans immediate release. "Davit Sanasarian" Civil Initiative July 31, 2016, Yerevan, Armenia
(Photo : YouTube) Miss Michigan 2016 Arianna Quan.

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Twenty-three years old model Arianna Quan was crowned Miss Michigan during a recent beauty pageant competition in the state in preparation for the upcoming Miss America Pageant in September which will determine the USA's representatives to international contests such as the Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss International.



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Quan is a Beijing native who moved to the US at the age of six. She received her American citizenship at the age of 14. She is fluent in both English and Mandarin. She was the only Chinese-American candidate in the beauty contest that she won.



According to Shanghaiist, beauty pageant contestants are not judged by their physical appearance alone but also by their talent, wit, adaptability, and performances. Quan's classical piano piece during the talent show section of the competition seems to have won the hearts of the judges.



Some fans admitted that Quan is witty and intelligent as she was able to smartly answer the questions thrown at her. During one of her interviews, she said "We are so diverse and it's so important for all of us to embrace that. That's why my platform is what it is and hopefully going to Miss America in this election year I can raise awareness about what it means to be an American."



Despite the wit displayed by Quan, some netizens have bashed her. Critics have said that she is not pretty and that she does not seem like Chinese at all.



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Tagsmiss michigan 2016, arianna quan miss michigan, arianna quan miss michigan 2016, miss michigan 2016 arianna quan, arianna quan news, arianna quan updates
(Photo : Getty Images.) A Taliban delegation led by Abbas Stanakzai visited China earlier this month to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan.

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A Taliban delegation consisting of top leaders visited China earlier this month to discuss the security situation in Afghanistan, Reuters reported, citing sources in the Taliban.



The delegation was led by Abbas Stanakzai, head of the Taliban's political office in Qatar. The visit is the first time a Taliban delegation has visited any foreign country since Haibatullah Akhundzada took over as the new Taliban leader.



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"We informed Chinese officials about the occupation by invading forces and their atrocities on Afghan people," a Taliban official said on the condition of anonymity. "We wanted the Chinese leadership to help us raise these issues on world forums and help us get freedom from occupying forces."



The visit was confirmed by Haibatullah Akhundzada while speaking to Pakistani media, claiming that the visit took place from July 18-22.



China's Foreign Ministry has not issued any statement on the visit. A few weeks ago, reported surfaced that China has delivered military equipments to the Afghanistan government to fight insurgents.



The visit comes after the Taliban pulled out of the peace talks initiated by Quadrilateral Coordination Group consisting of Pakistan, US, China, and Afghanistan government.



The peace talk has stalled after a US drone strike killed former Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Akhtar Mansour in Pakistan on May 21.



Afghanistan has been witnessing insurgency ever since the Soviet Union attacked the country in 1980's. However, the current insurgency between the Taliban and US-led forces started after the US attacked Afghanistan following the September 11 attack on America in 2001.



The bloody insurgency has lasted for almost 15 years, leading to the death of scores of US and Afghan soldiers as well as civilians.



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(Photo : TASS) One of Russia's new Borei-class ballistic nuclear missile submarines.

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A leading U.S. think tank with acknowledged expertise in military affairs is urging NATO member countries to ramp-up their military spending in the face of Russia's "secret submarine fleet" that can devastate them at a moment's notice.



The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), an influential American think tank based in Washington, D.C., is said to have warned in a new report NATO doesn't stand a chance against Vladimir Putin's secret super submarines, according to Russian media.



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The secret submarine fleet is said to be currently patrolling the world and has intruded into waters of the United Kingdom. These subs are also said to have approached the Royal Navy's base in Faslane, Scotland.



CSIS recommends NATO members massively increase their naval expenditures to counter this threat, which Russian media says no one can confirm exists at all.



CSIS warned Russia operates a small but sophisticated fleet of secret submarines notable for their deep diving capability in excess of 1,000 meters and their being armed with nuclear submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). It claims these subs are also armed with long-range cruise missiles, torpedoes and mines.



These secret submarines seem to be separate from Russia's fleet of ballistic nuclear missile submarines (SSBNs) that currently consists of 4 Delta III-class, 7 Delta IV-class and 1 Typhoon-class SSBNs.



There is also the new Borei-class SSBN, 10 of which are planned. Three of the Borei-class have been delivered and are undergoing trials.



The CSIS report co-authored by Andrew Metrick claims these secret Russian SSBNs are capable of launching missile strikes anywhere in the world. Metrick noted "Russia operates a small number of very small, nuclear powered submarines that are capable of diving in excess of several thousand meters."



"You can imagine what a clandestine deployable deep submergence vehicle could be used for," said Metrick. "It's pretty scary to think about some of the types of missions."



Russia has not confirmed the existence of these secret submarines or the program they operate under.



Metrick describes the secret Russian program as "the most shadowy part of the Russian undersea apparatus." He claims the program "is not operated by their navy. It's operated by a separate branch of their Ministry of Defense."



CSIS is an influential American think tank that conducts policy studies and strategic analyses of political, economic and security issues throughout the world. In 2013, CSIS was ranked the number one think tank in the world in a comparison of "Top Defense and National Security Think Tanks."



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TagsCenter for Strategic and International Studies, NATO, Russia, secret submarine fleet, Royal Navy, Andrew Metrick
(Photo : Getty Images) President Xi Jinping has been dubbed as the most powerful Chinese leader in recent times.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping rallied the 2.3 million-strong People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Saturday to train hard to be capable of winning wars as Beijing focuses on upgrading and expanding its military's weaponry.



Xi's statement comes ahead of the PLA's 89th year anniversary. He called on the world's largest military force to increase its combat capabilities and to brace for possible confrontations in the highly tensed atmosphere in the disputed South China Sea following the recent arbitral ruling that denied China's territorial claims in the resource-rich area.



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Since assuming office in 2013, Xi had overhauled and consolidated the PLA from top to bottom. The PLA now operates under the communist party and not under the government like in previous administrations.



Reform



Xi highlighted the need to reform and reorganize the military as China seeks to build a strong military force equivalent to it's international status.



Military analysts said with a reformed PLA, Xi has consolidated his power over the military making him the most powerful Chinese leader, so far.



To fully realize his vision for the PLA, Xi has approved a whopping US$145 billion annual budget for the military, second only to the annual budget of the United States armed forces.



Anti-corruption campaign



The day he assumed office in 2013, Xi announced his anti-corruption campaign which focused on all sectors of the government, including the military.



Thousands of civil servants and military personnel have been punished for committing graft since under President Xi's reign.



He noted that for the Chinese military to be effective, the organization must first be first cleared of corrupt officials.



Military ranks



This year, over 50 top military commanders have been sacked for charges of corruption. These military officers are currently being investigated.



Some generals have been found guilty of selling military posts to soldiers while others were caught accepting bribes.



This month, a retired military chief Guo Boxiong was meted out a life imprisonment sentence by a court after he was found to have accepted $US 2.3 million in bribes in exchange for military posts.



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TagsPresident Xi Jinping, People's Liberation Army, anti-corruption campaign, South China Sea, china
(Photo : Getty Images) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping recently met on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tashkent.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are likely to hold a one-on-one meeting on the sidelines of the upcoming G20 Summit in China. The 11th G20 Summit 2016 would be held in Hangzhou on September 4 and 5.



The two leaders are expected to deliberate on a broad range of issues, including trade and economic cooperation and other bilateral matters. However, details of the bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi have not been officially revealed.



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This will be the second meeting this year between the two leaders after Modi met Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (Summit) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in June. During the Tashkent meeting, Modi urged Xi to back India's Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership bid on its own merits.



China blocked India's India's entry into the 48-member elite grouping on the ground that New Delhi is not a signatory of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT).



Brazil, Ireland, Austria, Turkey and New Zealand also opposed New Delhi's NSG bid. India, on the other hand, remains optimistic about its NSG membership and has been trying to win Beijing's support.



Modi is likely to hold another one-to-one meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama on the sidelines of G20 Summit. Modi is expected to raise a range of issues including India's NSG membership bid during the bilateral talks with the U.S. leader.



"The Modi-Obama meeting will be with officials of both sides. The two leaders will also meet Chinese President Xi Jinping separately," a senior Indian official told the Hindustan Times newspaper.



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(Photo : Twitter/LeEcoIndia) LeEco will make its debut in India in August.

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Chinese internet and mobile giant LeEco will be making its debut in India next week.



"The company will enter the TV market in India on August 4. We will launch screens at the event," a LeEco India representative said. The company would have a press conference in New Delhi on August 4, in which it will likely to launch its "Super TVs" in India.



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"We've been talking about the future for a while now. Well, guess what, it's here - and it's BIG," the Chinese conglomerate said in a press invite posted on its website. "Still wondering what we're talking about? It's all unfolding at the Hyatt Regency in New Delhi on August 4, 2016, and we'd love to see you there."



As per Indian media reports, Le Eco is expected to launch the 'Super 4 X50' and 'Super 4 X50 Pro' TV models in India. LeEco revealed that the 'Super TV' is new high in the Indian TV market as far as CPU power is concerned. LeEco' Super TV models are believed to have ARM Cortex A17 processor paired with Mali T720 GPU. It contains a 16 GB high-speed flash memory and 3GB of RAM.



Domestic TV makers like Videocon and Micromax are likely to face stiff competition from LeEco's 'Super TVs'. LeEco TVs will be first available on LeMall.in and later on Indian e-commerce platforms.



The Chinese tech giant, which entered the Indian smartphone market early this year, is riding high after the massive success of its flagship models, the Le 1s and Le Max, in the country.



Galloping into the future has never been this exciting! #TheFutureIsBig pic.twitter.com/kvVUmeUB2Y

 LeEco India (@LeEcoIndia) July 31, 2016







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(Photo : Getty Images.) China has asked South Sudan to immediately identify the culprits behind the killing of two Chinese UN peacekeeper in South Sudan earlier this month.

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China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has held a meeting with his South Sudan counterpart to discuss the recent death of two Chinese UN peacekeepers in the capital city, Juba, Reuters reported.



Wang asked South Sudan Foreign Minister Deng Alor Kuol to immediately identify the killer of two Chinese soldiers and punish them strictly according to the law. The two Chinese UN peacekeepers were among several people killed during a violent clash between forces of President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar.



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Kuol offered his condolences over the death of the two Chinese soldiers and assured Wang that there would be a swift investigation into the case. The bodies of two Chinese soldiers were sent to China on 26 July.



Wang urged Kuol to ensure peace in the newly formed country, which came into existence after gaining independence from Sudan in 2011. Wang said he hopes that both rival factions will put public interest first for the safety of public lives and properties, including the lives of Chinese citizens.



The ongoing civil war in South Sudan started in 2013, when President Salva Kiir, who belong to the Dinka ethnic group, sacked his deputy Riek Machar, who hails from the rival Nuer ethnic group.



Relationship Between China and South Sudan



China traditionally has been a supporter of North Sudan, also known as Sudan. China had formed military ties with Sudan and sold many military equipments to the war-torn country. However, China was forced to change its foreign policy towards Sudan, after the African country was split into two and South Sudan was born in 2011.



After initial years of skepticism, Beijing has been able to form a stable foreign relation with South Sudan. China has made sizeable investments in the country's energy sector. However, most of its investment and other infrastructure projects have been affected by the civil war.



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TagsChinese UN Peacekeepers, Chinese Soliders, South Sudan, China and South Sudan
(Photo : Russian Navy) The Yuri Dolgorukiy, the first Borei-class Russian SSBN.

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Despite a gradually weakening economic foundation, Russia has embarked on its own "Pivot to Asia" gamble that will ultimately see the Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet become its strongest with the deployment of most of its newest nuclear attack and ballistic missile submarines to Asia.



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Leading the pivot will be Russia's newest nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) -- the Borei-class -- 12 of which are planned with three delivered so far. The Boreis will be based at the upgraded Kamchatka Rybachiy Nuclear Submarine Base at the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East along the Pacific Ocean. During the Cold War, over a dozen Soviet SSBNs were based here.



Russia has ordered eight Boreis while the remaining four expected will be ordered in the next decade. The new subs with feature improved electronics and other updated components. The Russian Navy plans to locate six Boreis in the Northern Fleet and six in the Pacific Fleet.



Each submarine can carry up to 20 nuclear missiles with each missile containing up to 10 multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles.



The extremely quiet Boreis will be joined by another new Russian submarine, the Yasen-class, a nuclear-powered multipurpose attack submarine that has gained the respect of the U.S. Navy. The first submarine of this class, the K-329 Severodvinsk, entered service with the Russian Navy in 2014.



Russia plans to build 12 of these subs. The class has the NATO reporting name, Severodvinsk. The seventh Yasen-class sub will be laid down in July 2017.



The Asian Pivot will transform the Pacific Fleet is into Russia's largest fleet over the next decade in recognition of Asia's rising geopolitical importance and the concentration of naval powers in the region.



A report by the Lowy Institute for International Policy, an independent think tank based in Sydney, Australia, said Russia's pivot to Asia is causing a large-scale revamp of its Pacific Fleet.



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A yew tree gives shelter to a group sitting on the gravestones in an English churchyard. William Grundy's 'English Views' - pub 1857. (Photo by William Grundy/London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images)

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Chinese researchers discovered what they believed is the oldest Chinese yew tree in existence - a tree that is more than 3,000 years old, according to the official Xinhua news agency.



The rare yew tree, scientific name Taxus baccata, was discovered by researchers in a forest northeast China's Jilin Province, the provincial forestry department said.



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The rate tree stands more than 40 meters tall and has a diameter of 1.68 meters. It is located in Huanggou Forest, joining younger Chinese yew trees, according to forest administration head Yang Yongsheng.



Yang said the 3,000-year-old Chinese yew tree is the oldest and the best-preserved tree of its kind in Jilin. Aside from the old Chinese yew tree, researchers also discovered 30 more trees of the same specie.



The Chinese yew is also called a "living fossil" of the plant world. The plant has existed for 2.5 million years.



According to experts, Chinese yews have been harvested to extract taxol, a precursor used to treat cancer. The species is now under first-grade national protection for endangered plants.



While Chinese researchers claimed that the yew tree in Jilin is 3,000 years old, some experts said it will be very hard to determine the real age of a yew tree.



Yew tree can reach 400 to 600 years of age. Some specimens live longer but the age of yews is often overestimated.



Scientists said the potential age of yews is impossible to determine accurately and is subject to much dispute. There is rarely any wood as old as the entire tree, while the boughs themselves often become hollow with age, making ring counts impossible.



There are claims as high as 5,000-9,500 years but other evidence based on growth rates and archaeological work of surrounding structures suggests the oldest trees are more likely to be in the range of 2,000 years.



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(Photo : Getty Images) People linger outside the Grand Hyatt hotel in New York City.

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Hyatt Regency Brand continues to expand in China with the opening of its new hotel in Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province in northwest China.



"We are thrilled to welcome back the Hyatt's Regency brand to this historic city, further reinforcing Hyatt's commitment to growing its brand presence in key cities around the world," Christopher Koehler, vice president and managing director of operations for China, said. He added that the 298-room hotel aims to become an avenue for connections and foster a dynamic, emerging place where guests are welcome to collaborate and find inspiration.



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The 298-room Hyatt Regency hotel, which adopted a modern design that complements the traditional setting of one of China's oldest cities, stands in Quijiang District, according to Business Wire. Inspired primarily by the country's Tang Dynasty, the hotel features pitched ceilings, sprawling layouts around the grand lobby, and a receiving area lighted by a sea of fiery torches, which highly resemble the days when Xi'an was the gateway between China and the world through the Silk Road.



"Xi'an has long held a special place in the heart of Chinese civilization. As a native of Xi'an, it is my honor to welcome back new and former guests. This hotel allows them to truly experience the very best of our city and its incredible culture," General Manager Z. Du said.



Aside from art installations and inscribed room numbers, a tinge of modern elements are also evident in Hyatt's new hotel. Standard rooms are equipped with 48-inch TVs, in-room working desks, huge walk-in closets, fast wireless Internet access, and mobile phone docking stations as well as a stunning view of the Quijiang Lake.



The hotel also has 33 spacious suits with private balcony and access to the Regency Club lounge, which serves complimentary breakfast and happy hour refreshments, exclusive lake view terrace, and business and meeting room services, according to Business Wire.



Lastly, Hyatt Hotel's Presidential and Chairman's Suites feature a grass terrace, an exclusive outdoor pool, and in-room kitchen. The latter also has Jacuzzis and massage rooms.



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(Photo : Getty Images) People walk at the Tian'anmen square during a rain in Beijing, China.

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Chinese meteorological authority issued a blue alert on Saturday as the country braces for another typhoon that is expected to hit the southern province of Guangdong. A warning has been released about possible mountain floods in the southwest brought by torrential rains.



According to the National Meteorological Center, the storm is expected to make a land fall in Guangdong on Tuesday. Upon landfall, its speed is expected to reach between 38 and 45 meters per second.



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The agency also warned that the heavy rainfall could lead to mountain floods in some parts of China's Tibet Autonomous Region and Sichuan Province between Saturday night and Sunday night.



The typhoon, which was detected 510 km off the coast of Manila on Saturday, is the fourth to hit the country this year. Last week Tuesday, Typhoon Mirinae made landfall in China's Hainan Province.



Typhoon Mirinae, which started as a depression in the East Vietnam Sea on Monday, made a landfall in Dongao Town, Wanning City at past 10 in the evening on Tuesday. It was packing winds of up to 100.8 km per hour.



Local authorities made the necessary precautions; ordering more than 25,000 fishing vessels to the harbor, suspending train services between Hainan and Guangdong, and canceling scheduled trips of all passenger ships across Qiongzhou Strait, between Hainan and Guangdong.



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home Faith Anne Graham Lotz hoping to spark global revival with Bible reading campaign

Anne Graham Lotz called on believers from all over the world to join the reading of God's Word in the hope of starting a global revival.

The daughter of evangelist Billy Graham encouraged Christians to take part in "8-8-8 God Speaking," a global Bible reading activity, that will start on Aug. 1 and end on Aug. 8.

The event is expected to be participated in by hundreds of thousands of Christians from different nations.

Those who will join will listen to a total of eight hours of Scripture. Each day, an hour of Scripture will be read, and it will be available in more than 900 languages.

People who will participate will listen to the same passages every day no matter where they are located. Some radio stations will broadcast the Scripture reading.

Lotz said the event is hoped to ignite revival, which she describes in an online message as "an outpouring of God's Spirit, where God's people wake up."

"In these days of chaos and confusion, hopelessness and helplessness, what would happen if everyone hit life's pause button and made time to listen to what God has to say?" Lotz asked. "Let's find out."

Pockets of revival are already happening in different parts of the world. In the U.S., for example, a tent meeting revival that started in May and was supposed to last for just a week has stretched throughout the summer.

The meetings were first held at New Hope Baptist Church in Burlington, North Carolina until the sanctuary could no longer hold the crowd. They transferred the meetings to a vacant lot where a giant tent was set up.

Evangelist C.T. Townsend led most of the meetings. The Burlington revival has seen many people saved and healed.

Lotz said the kind of revival she envisions is not just a tent meeting but something bigger. She described the story of King Josiah in 2 Chronicles, in which he read the Scriptures before the people and they experienced revival.

She also shared the biblical account of Ezra the scribe reading the Scriptures and the people being revived by the truth of God's Word, as described in the book of Nehemiah.

Those who want to participate can sign up online at the God Speaking website, at Bible.is or at YouVersion.
home US Boston mobster-turned-pastor reveals knowledge of Gardner paintings' location

A former mobster who has turned his life around and now has a new identity said he has information about the location of the missing Gardner paintings.

Notoriously known as Robert "Bobby" Luisi Jr., the mobster who became a pastor and now goes by the name Alfonso Esposito, used to lead a group that included two men suspected of stealing artwork from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum worth $500 million 26 years ago.

Luisi revealed in an interview with the Boston Globe that one of the two men, Robert Guarente, told him where they hid the paintings.

He said Guarente told him about it when they were together in a safehouse. While they were watching a television show about the Gardner paintings, Guarente told him the 13 pieces of artwork were buried under a concrete floor in Florida.

Luisi said Guarente asked him if he knew possible buyers for the paintings. However, because he didn't know of any prospective buyer and because he didn't want to be involved in the case, Luisi said he didn't.

"I knew I couldn't move it," Luisi said. "I didn't want to get involved in it."

He relayed the information to the FBI who questioned him about the case in 2012 while he was serving a 15-year prison term for trafficking cocaine.

At the end of his prison term, Luisi was given witness protection for testifying against Guarante.

Luisi now spends his time as a volunteer pastor at Faith Keepers Ministry, a nondenominational church in Memphis. He also wrote a book about the Bible.

To this day, the whereabouts of the Gardner paintings remain unknown.

Anthony Amore, the Gardner's director of security since 2005, has been searching for the paintings for 11 years, according to Boston magazine. However, even if he has spent years with no success, right now he feels like the stolen artworks are about to go home.

"One small piece of information could end this tomorrow," Amore said.
home US 'Guns, gays, and God' are why white males support Donald Trump, says Nancy Pelosi

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reduced the reasons for the support among white males to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in three words: guns, gays and gods.

Pelosi borrowed the idea of Thomas Frank in his 2004 best-selling book "What's the Matter with Kansas? How Conservatives Won the Heart of America" and the words of a presidential hopeful and former governor of Vermont, Howard Dean, to explain the support for Trump.

"I think that, so many times, white a non-college-educated white males have voted Republican," said Pelosi in an interview with Judy Woodruff on Wednesday.

"They voted against their own economic interests because of guns, because of gays, and because of God, the three G's, God being the woman's right to choose."

Trump and Hillary Clinton clashed on these three Gs.

Trump backs gun-ownership and even enjoys support of the National Rifle Association, while Clinton wants to enforce stricter rules on gun regulations in the light of the gun shooting violence that has shaken the nation in recent weeks.

The Democratic presidential candidate also supports gay marriage while Trump does not.

The billionaire businessman confessed to be a Presbyterian and that he rededicated his life to Jesus when he reached 60. He also enjoys the backing of white evangelicals as shown by CNN/ORC Internationa's post-convention poll.

On the other hand, the former First Lady and Secretary of State has the backing of atheists, agnostics and the religious nones.

Pelosi, the 76-year-old minority leader of the House of Representatives and the only woman in American history so far to have served as house speaker, expressed her support for Clinton, who herself made history by becoming the first woman to have been nominated for president by a major party.

"Some of those people were never going to be voting Democratic anyway," Pelosi said. "But I believe that, with the turnout that we expect to have, we will draw some of them in with our message, and enough other people to win the election."
home US Hillary Clinton claims Russia hacked DNC, backs away from suggestions Putin wants Donald Trump to win U.S. presidency

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said Russian intelligence services hacked into Democratic National Committee computers and she accused Republican contender Donald Trump of showing support for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"We know that Russian intelligence services hacked into the DNC and we know that they arranged for a lot of those emails to be released and we know that Donald Trump has shown a very troubling willingness to back up Putin, to support Putin," Clinton said in an interview with "Fox News Sunday."

The United States has not publicly accused Russia of being behind the hack of Democratic Party computers. Cyber security experts and U.S. officials, however, said they believed Russia engineered the release of the emails to influence the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election.

Asked if she believed Putin wanted Trump to win the White House, Clinton said she was not going to jump to that conclusion.

"But I think laying out the facts raises serious issues about Russian interference in our elections, in our democracy," Clinton told Fox in the interview, taped Saturday.

The United States would not tolerate that from any other country, especially one considered an adversary, she said.

"For Trump to both encourage that and to praise Putin despite what appears to be a deliberate effort to try to affect the election I think raises national security issues," she said.

The New York businessman has praised Putin, saying he was a stronger leader than U.S. President Barack Obama, a Democrat.

Trump last week invited Russia to dig up tens of thousands of "missing" emails from Clinton's time at the U.S. State Department. "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing," Trump told reporters.

The Republican presidential nominee for the Nov. 8 election later said he was being "sarcastic" in his comments, which raised concerns among intelligence experts and criticism that Trump was urging a foreign government to spy on Americans.
home World Malaysian gangster turned prison preacher freed after 28 years behind bars

A former Malaysian gangster who became a Christian leader during his incarceration received the royal pardon from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Monday, July 25 after spending 28 years behind bars.

Sam Kian Seng was imprisoned in 1988 for gun possession and was given a natural life term, which means he would have spent the rest of his life in prison.

Before his release, many people campaigned for him to be pardoned, including the jail wardens who witnessed his transformation while he served his prison term in Kajang Prison.

Prison authorities even asked Wong Chun Wai, a journalist, to visit Sam to personally see how his life has been transformed, in the hope that Wong can help in campaigning for his release.

"We know him better than anyone in the Pardons Board. He has changed and, more importantly, he has been changing the lives of other inmates," a prison official said, as Wong wrote in The Star.

Prominent lawyers and nongovernment organizations are among those who supported the campaign for Sam to be set free.

What made Sam so special that he caught the attention even of people outside prison?

"He counsels the inmates, leads daily worship and conducts Bible classes in cells, and provides information about non-governmental organisations like Malaysian Care and halfway houses to prisoners about to be released," Wong wrote.

He also helped those who were struggling in dealing with their prison time, reminding them "to be patient and to believe in God," The Star said in another report.

He leads about 60 inmates every Sunday in worship. And he did what the jail wardens couldn't do a rehabilitate difficult inmates.

Sam also showed compassion to fellow prisoners by sharing with them his belongings, such as soap and toilet paper.

Prison officials and everyone else who campaigned for Sam's release said he set a good example for the other inmates.

Now that he's free, Sam said he planned to see his family and visit the church.

"I want to have a gathering with all my family members and then go to church to see all my brothers and sisters," he said.
home US Most Americans now think it's ok for individuals to change gender, Lifeway research says

More than half of Americans surveyed think there's nothing morally wrong to change one's gender, according to the latest LifeWay Research survey.

The result released two weeks ago showed that six in 10 Americans believe it's not morally wrong for individuals if they identify themselves with a gender different from their birth.

"A majority of Americans reject the view of a Creator giving them a gender that shouldn't be changed," said Scott McConnell, executive director of the research organization based in Nashville.

He added that many Americans have included changing one's gender identity as similar with the freedom to undergo cosmetic surgery, whiten teeth, dye hair and get tattoos.

LifeWay conducted a phone interview with 1,000 Americans in September to determine the percentage of Americans that consider changing one's gender identity as morally wrong, right or unsure about it.

Only 35 percent of Americans believe it's morally wrong to change one's gender identity, 14 percent thought it shouldn't be a moral issue while six percent have not made up their minds yet on the matter.

One of the factors that could change one's mind about the morality of changing gender identities would be personally knowing a transgender person, the research noted.

The study also revealed that 54 percent of Evangelicals thought it's morally wrong along with 26 percent of Catholics, 35 percent of Jews and Muslims, and 20 percent of nonreligious.

Chelsen Vicari, author of "Distortion: How the New Christian Left Is Twisting the Gospel and Damaging the Faith" and evangelical program director of Institute on Religion and Democracy, said she knows of young evangelical Christians who were made to believe into the "fallacies that sex isn't sacred, marriage is modifiable, and gender is fluid."

"But what do you expect when the 'Christian Living' section of our favorite bookstores and blogosphere are filled with popular, prolific Christian authors who tell us to relax on gender binaries or otherwise be dubbed a hateful bigot," she told The Christian Post in an interview.
home US Obama calls Donald Trump a 'self-declared savior' with a 'pessimistic vision'

President Barack Obama undermined Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump as a "self-declared savior" who only fanned people's negativities during day three of Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Wednesday.

The 54-year-old 44th president of the U.S. spoke to the audience and delegates gathered at the Wells Fargo Center and denounced the Republican National Convention held last week in Cleveland, Ohio as not "particularly Republican a and it sure wasn't conservative."

He also took a swipe at the business mogul whom the Republican party formally nominated last week as their presidential bet. Obama charged that Trump did not present any credible solutions to the current issues and undercut Trump's campaign as "just the fanning of resentment, and blame, and anger, and hate."

"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," said the outgoing president.

Obama previously expressed his dissenting opinion on Trump for calling on an immigration ban on Muslims. He criticized the policy as not the solution America would want to have nor would it improve the safety of the land.

The president also reduced the Democratic rival as merely a "self-declared savior."

"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," said Obama and added, "We don't look to be ruled."

Obama made his appeal for Hillary Clinton, also America's first woman presidential nominee for a major party, whose election translates to a nod for the current administration's achievements.

The president's Muslim older half-brother, Malik, said he's voting for Trump after "deep disappointments" in his brother's administration, including support for same-sex marriage and the killing of Libyan prime minister Moammar Khadafy, among others.

He also said the billionaire real estate developer appealed to him and that he thought Trump's policy on Muslim immigration ban made sense.

"I'm a Muslim, of course, but you can't have people going around just shooting people and killing people just in the name of Islam," the Kenya-based Obama told Reuters in a phone interview.
home World Refugee children targeted by Islamic terrorists for recruitment; New 'tent school' being set up to counter strategy

Islamic extremists are targeting kids in refugee camps, particularly those who are out of school, for recruitment; thus, there is an urgent need to counter the extremists' strategy, an organization said.

Tent Schools International, which provides Christ-centered education to about 175,000 kids worldwide, plans to set up a tent school for refugee kids in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.

Dale Dieleman, vice president of Tent Schools International, explained that kids in refugee camps sometimes do not have access to the schools in their host countries because the policies change often.

With limited access to schools, kids become vulnerable targets for recruitment by Islamic extremists. Other factors, like limited food aid, make young people easier to recruit.

In Germany, for example, thousands of Salafi Jihadists roam the country with the purpose of enticing asylum seekers, especially children, to join their group.

"We are very concerned Islamists in Germany are trying, under the cover of humanitarian assistance, to exploit the situation of the refugees for their own ends and to proselytise and recruit among asylum-seekers," said Hans-Georg Maassen, head of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, according to Express.

Dieleman said the chances of kids, especially those below 15 years old, being radicalized can be lessened by giving them an opportunity to study and instilling in them a sense of hope. This is why they are going to set up a tent school in Lebanon in time for the September school year opening.

"We want to help children continue their education, but also in so doing, try to mitigate against or significantly reduce the opportunities for kids to be recruited into these terrorist groups," Dieleman said, according to Mission Network News.

The organization will also train the students on basic computer skills not only to help with their studies but also to give them better chances of getting a job in the future.

Dieleman said the schools they set up are geared toward introducing the students to the gospel. The students, who are taught by Christian teachers, get exposed to the word of God through Bible stories incorporated into the lessons.

"The bottom line is that kids are being exposed to the Christian faith, to the life of Jesus," he said.
home World Pope Francis says the 'world is at war' after ISIS attack on Normandy church

Pope Francis declared that the world is at war after Tuesday's terrorist attack on a Catholic church in Normandy that led to the killing of an 85-year-old French priest.

The Vatican pope delivered his statement to reporters he greeted on the papal plane as he traveled to KrakAw, Poland to celebrate the World Youth Day.

"It's war, we don't have to be afraid to say this," said the 79-year-old Roman Catholic leader, as reported by the Catholic Herald.

He then clarified his statement on war as "a war of interests, for money, resources."

"I am not speaking of a war of religions," he said. "Religions don't want war. The others want war."

The Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) terrorist group claimed responsibility for its first church attack as two men interrupted a Tuesday mass service at the church in Saint-Atienne-du-Rouvray near Rouen, Normandy. Fr. Jacques Hamel, 85, celebrated the mass for three nuns and two parishioners.

According to one of the nuns who managed to escape unnoticed, the two attackers filmed themselves as they delivered a sermon in Arabic around the altar. She already left when the men slit the throat of Fr. Hamel. Police gunned down the attackers as they made their way out of the church.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state for the Vatican, sent his condolences to the diocese in Rouen and said the pope prayed that God would use the tragic incident to "inspire in all thoughts of reconciliation and brotherhood."

"This is the sort of world we are living in," said Chaldean Archbishop Bashar Warda, who also attended the celebration in KrakAw, as reported by the Catholic News Service. "We pray for the priest and everyone who was shocked and horrified."

He also prayed for the enlightenment of ISIS.

"Imagine you enter a mosque and start killing people a but that's ISIS," continued Archbishop Warda. "That's the way they act. Unfortunately this is the way they've been trained."
home US Tim Kaine submits to Hillary Clinton, agrees to flip-flop on Medicaid abortions issue

Sen. Tim Kaine, Hillary Clinton's chosen vice-presidential running mate, agreed to change his mind on the Hyde Amendment, according to reports.

Although the 58-year-old senator from Virginia initially supported the Hyde Amendment as he once publicly confessed, his selection as Clinton's running mate for the Democratic Party signaled a turnaround on his previous stance, Bloomberg noted.

"I have traditionally been a supporter of the Hyde amendment, but I'll check it out," Kaine told the conservative magazine Weekly Standard earlier this month.

The Hyde Amendment rules out abortion in the health services covered by Medicaid. Pro-life advocates considered its legislation as a major victory. On the other hand, progressives criticized the 1976 legislation as hindrance for women among the low-income bracket from securing abortion services.

Kaine professes to be a Catholic Jesuit and raised by devout Catholic parents. He served one year as a missionary in Honduras and serves as tenor for the church choir at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Richmond where he and his wife of 30 years regularly attend.

Kaine is also perceived as a contradiction as he has supported legislations for abortion, death penalty and same-sex marriage even despite claims that he's personally against them.

Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of the pro-life organization Susan B. Anthony List, criticized Kaine's reversal on the Hyde Agreement that makes him an "absolute extremist" as he joins the liberal party's ticket.

"Before he could be considered fit for the role of VP to Hillary Clinton, Sen. Kaine had to divest himself of even the appearance of moderation on the abortion issue," said Dannenfelser in a statement.

Cecile Richards, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, also appeared on day two of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia and expressed her approval of Kaine.

"Last month, he even sponsored legislation to wipe out every state pro-life law on the books," continued Dannenfelser. "He has received his reward and today Cecile Richards herself, the head of Planned Parenthood, gave her stamp of approval. There is no further left for the Democratic Party to go."
Bible prophecy being fulfilled: Dead Sea coming back to life; fish seen swimming on the shores

In a fulfilment of a Bible prophecy, what is dead is coming back to life!

Since ancient times, the Dead Sea, a salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel and Palestine to the west, has exactly been what its name says: dead. No sea or plant life can survive the lake's hyper-saline environmentit's nearly 10 times saltier than the oceanor so scientists have previously thought.

However, researchers discovered in 2011 that life exists at the bottom of the Dead Sea. And just this Wednesday, July 27, Breaking Israel News (BIN) reported the discovery of freshwater ponds teeming with fish and wildlife on the shores of the Dead Seaprecisely as it was foretold in the book of Zechariah, which states:

"On that day living water will flow out from Jerusalem, half to the Dead Sea and the other half to the Mediterranean Sea. This will happen for the summer as well as the winter" (Zech. 14:8).

According to BIN, the "inexplicable phenomenon" that seemed to contradict the laws of nature has escaped the attention of scientists and the media.

Samantha Siegel, an American Jewish woman now living in Jerusalem, made the stunning discovery while taking her usual nature hike on the desert and shores of the Dead Sea.

"Last year, when I saw the fish in the pond, I remembered the prophecy, but I didn't realise the significance," Siegel told BIN early this week. "I wasn't really blown away. I just thought, 'Gee, that is pretty cool. The Dead Sea is coming back to life.'

"A few months later, when I reread the prophecy, it clicked," she said. "Once you see it, the connection is so undeniable. It is right in front of your face."

She noted that the prophecy is being fulfilled down to the smallest detail. "Not only are there fish, but a family of ducks comes to greet me every time I go there," Siegel said.

"So it is really like the prophesied resurrection of the dead. It shows how much power for life is coming out into the world," she said.

More than 400 meters below sea level, the shores of the lake are coated with a thick layer of salt that kills any plant.

According to the Scripture, the region was once a fertile and well-watered land. But the fire and brimstones from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah turned the valley into a wasteland, as written in Genesis 13:10.

However, in 2011, a team of researchers from Ben Gurion University sent divers to the floor of the Dead Sea where they discovered huge craters on the seafloor. Fresh water was flowing from these craters, which were carpeted with mats of microorganisms, showing that the Dead Sea was not entirely dead.

Siegel sees something profound in the Dead Sea.

"The Dead Sea is the lowest place on earth and you float in the water. Even if you don't know how to swim, or even tried to drown, you couldn't. You can fall so low, to the lowest you've ever been, but God will always be there to lift you up," she said.
Faith leaders, scientists make joint call on President Obama to take steps to minimise threat of 'nuclear catastrophe'

Most people perceive scientists and religious leaders as two groups that are very unlikely to agree with each other, given the fundamental differences in their beliefs. In the United States, however, they recently came together against a common enemy: nuclear weapons.

Faith leaders and scientists have formed a coalition to urge U.S. President Barack Obama to undertake "meaningful" steps to minimise the threat of "nuclear catastrophe."

The coalition made the call through a letter sent to the American leader on May 4 ahead of Obama's attendance next month to the G-7 Ise-Shima summit of leading industrial nations in Mie Prefecture, Japan.

It could be recalled that Japan experienced a nuclear disaster in 2011 after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant was destroyed following a tsunami triggered by a powerful earthquake.

"Nuclear weapons remain a real and urgent threat to humanity and our planet. If there is even a limited nuclear exchange, millions  if not billions  of people could perish; large swaths of the planet could be contaminated; and the global economy could collapse," the letter read.

The document was released by Bishop Oscar Cantu, chairman of the U.S. Bishops' committee on International Justice and Peace; Ken Kimmell, president of the Union of Concerned Scientists; Leith Anderson, president of the National Association of Evangelicals; and Gabriel Salguero, president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition.

The scientists and faith leaders asked Obama "to take meaningful, practical nuclear risk-reduction steps" during the G7 summit.

"Heightened tensions between the United States and Russia, and the growing risk of nuclear use worldwide, are all the more reason for the president to take these meaningful steps to strengthen national and international security," the letter read.

The coalition also reminded the U.S. President of his address in Prague back in 2009 when he said that his nation has a responsibility to lead the world in reducing nuclear arms.
May intervened at Hinckley Point over China security fears

British Prime Minister Theresa May was concerned about the security implications of a planned Chinese investment in the new Hinkley Point nuclear plant and intervened personally to delay the project, a former colleague and a source said on Saturday.

The plan by France's EDF to build two reactors with financial backing from a Chinese state-owned company was championed by May's predecessor David Cameron as a sign of Britain's openness to foreign investment.

But just hours before a signing ceremony was due to take place on Friday, May's new government said it would review the project again, raising concerns that Britain's approach to infrastructure deals, energy supply and foreign investment may be changing.

The decision could prove a test for May, with any attempt to renegotiate the terms of the project potentially straining relations with Paris and Beijing at a time when Britain is seeking to build trade deals following the country's vote to leave the European Union.

"When we were in government Theresa May was quite clear she was unhappy about the rather gung-ho approach to Chinese investment that we had," Vince Cable, Britain's former business secretary, told BBC Radio.

He later told Sky News her concerns over China's involvement were linked to national security. "This was an issue that was raised in general but it was also raised specifically in relation to Hinkley," he said.

May alerted French President Francois Hollande to her intention, a government source told Reuters. She explained to him that she would need time to consider the project when they met in Paris nine days ago and when they spoke in a phone call. "They agreed on the timetable," the source said.

But state-controlled utility EDF, which went through a bruising boardroom battle in order to agree backing for the project on Thursday, said it had no advance warning of the review.

Britain and EDF first reached a broad commercial agreement on the project in 2013. China got involved two years later when Downing Street laid on a state visit for President Xi Jinping, designed to cement a "Golden Era" of relations between the two countries.

Cameron said he wanted to build a "lasting friendship" with Beijing and George Osborne, his chancellor, pitched Britain as China's "best partner in the West" even as other Western nations took a more cautious view of Chinese investment.

Security concerns

Since taking office on July 13, May has been keen to state that Britain remains open for business following the vote to leave the EU. But she has also said the government should be able to step in to defend a key sector from foreign ownership.

China General Nuclear Power Corp (CGN) was set to hold a 33 per cent stake in the Hinkley Point project, paving the way for the company to lead another project in Britain that would use Chinese nuclear technology.

Last year, Nick Timothy, May's joint chief of staff, said security experts were worried the state-owned Chinese group would have access to computer systems that would allow it to shut down Britain's energy production.

The two new reactors at Hinkley Point, in southwest England, would provide about seven per cent of Britain's electricity, helping to fill a supply gap left by the planned closure of coal plants by 2025.

Although EDF and CGN are responsible for the 18-billion ($24 billion) cost of the project, Britain has committed to paying a minimum price for the power generated for 35 years.

Critics, including some British lawmakers and academics, say the country would be overpaying at that minimum price, which equates to double current market levels.

China General Nuclear said on Saturday it respected the decision of the new British government to take the time needed to familiarise itself with the programme.

A decision is now due by the autumn, possibly as early as September when the government is also due to give the go-ahead for a plan to expand either Heathrow or Gatwick airport, another major infrastructure project that has been delayed.

May's office did not comment on Saturday, but the government has said it is right that it should consider all component parts of the Hinkley Point project before reaching a final decision.
More Christians continue to suffer violence in Egypt, advocacy group says

Egypt is a place that played a role in biblical history, from which God delivered his chosen people, the Israelites. This country, however, has now become a dangerous place for Christian believers.

Incidents of sectarian violence continue to rise in Egypt, with some affecting Christians, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), which fights for the protection of religious freedom, justice and human rights across the globe.

For instance, just last week, a mob of Muslim men stabbed to death a Christian man, sparking tensions among religious communities in Egypt.

In a Vatican Radio interview, a CSW Egypt Advocacy Officer, who requested anonymity for his personal safety, lamented how members of religious minorities, including Christians, have become the target of attacks in Egypt in recent years.

The CSW advocacy officer said these kinds of attacks against Christians began to rise some three years ago, following the ouster of Muslim Brotherhood president Mohamed Morsi from his post in 2013.

"In the last three, four months or so, we have seen a spate of attacks against Christian communities for a number of reasons," the advocacy officer said.

These reasons include rumoured Church buildings and romantic relationships between Christian men and Muslim women, he explained.

He added that "regular small scale sectarian attacks" are more frequently observed in governorates in upper Egypt compared to the country's main cities.

Asked about the current mood of Christians in Egypt, the CSW advocacy officer said they feel "generally very encouraged and appreciative" especially after "unifying" statements were made by Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, who even recently attended a Coptic Christian Mass.

However, he pointed out that the behavior in smaller communities in the grassroots of Egyptian society "does not mirror" the "accommodating" rhetoric of the President. He added that security services have been "slower to respond" against attacks on Christians.
Gunman kills one, injures three in Austin, Texas shooting

A gunman killed a woman and seriously wounded three others in Austin early on Sunday when he shot into a crowd as people streamed out of nightclubs in the Texan capital's downtown area, police said.

The unidentified gunman opened fire at about 2:15 am local time before fleeing, Austin police chief of staff Brian Manley told reporters. The motive for the attack was not immediately clear.

"It was a very chaotic scene," Manley said. He described people emerging from nightclubs running in all directions at the sound of gunfire, as police officers on patrol rushed to the scene.

The gunman killed a woman in her 20s and wounded three other women, who were transported to a local hospital with injuries that are serious but not life-threatening, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services spokesman Mike Benavides told reporters.

Manley said police were seeking help from the public, including any video recordings, in an effort to find the shooter who is believed to be in his 20s.

If anyone has video or info specifically about the shooting on 6th street email APD at police3@austintexas.gov -PIO1  Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) July 31, 2016

Local television station KXAN, citing paramedics, reported that people with gunshot wounds were spread across the area. The Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services agency confirmed in a message on Twitter that multiple people had been shot. A later police message said the area was secure.

Update: separate shootings within the same area. Both scenes are secure at this time. PIO responding to identify staging area.  Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) July 31, 2016

Minutes after that shooting, a man opened fire several blocks away in a confrontation at a parking garage, Manley said. Bystanders tackled the shooter, he said.

Police initially believed the two shootings were related and that they were dealing with an "active shooter," but that was not the case, Manley said.

"From everything we can tell at this point through the initial investigation, these are two unrelated incidents," Manley told reporters.

The suspect who opened fire in the parking garage was transported to a hospital for injuries he suffered when bystanders subdued him, Manley said. There were no reports of anyone being struck by bullets in that incident.

The shootings in the Texas state capital follow several recent major acts of gun violence in the United States.

On June 12, a gunman who sympathised with Islamist extremist groups killed 49 people at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

On July 7, a US military veteran shot and killed five police officers in Dallas in the deadliest day for US law enforcement since the September 11, 2001, attacks. Just over a week later another gunman killed three officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The attackers in all three incidents were killed by police.

Austin, whose downtown area is known for its lively music scene, has a population of more than 900,000.

Additional reporting by Reuters.
Welcomed with pomp and protests, China's Xi Jinping hails ties with Britain

Chinese President Xi Jinping hailed the "brighter future" of close ties with Britain on Tuesday at the start of a pomp-laden visit that should seal more than $46 billion of deals but drew criticism from rights campaigners.

Britain rolled out the red carpet for Xi, welcoming him with a 41-gun salute before he rode to Buckingham Palace in a gilded carriage with Queen Elizabeth. At a state banquet, the queen called his visit a "defining moment in this very special year" for a relationship which should reach "ambitious new heights".

Prime Minister David Cameron hopes to cement a lucrative place for Britain as China's closest friend in the West and win investment in infrastructure, nuclear power and in the government's transformation of northern England.

Hailed as the start of a "golden era" in Sino-British ties, the visit has been criticised by activists who accuse Cameron of turning a blind eye to rights abuses, including what they call a crackdown on civil liberties since Xi came to power in 2012.

It has also ruffled feathers among some of Britain's traditional allies, such as the United States, where Xi's visit last month was tainted by friction over cyber-theft and Beijing's moves in Asian maritime disputes.

Xi paid little or no attention to the criticism, even when the speaker introducing his speech to both Houses of Parliament referred to Myanmar's opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi as a symbol of freedom.

He instead told lawmakers via a translator that by working together both countries would "surely embrace an even brighter future" and that his visit would "lift the friendly ties between our countries to a new height" in a speech that made reference to Chinese proverbs and William Shakespeare.

Xi told the state banquet, where Britain's elite dined on turbot and venison under the glow from gilded candelabras, that "a growing China-UK relationship benefits both countries and the world as a whole".

Earlier, thousands of China supporters, waving "I love China flags" outnumbered the dozens of protesters who shouted "Don't trade away human rights" and were shepherded by police who made sure they did not disrupt the carefully choreographed welcome.

Nuclear Power

For Britain, the four-day state visit is the culmination of a three-year charm offensive, led by finance minister George Osborne who set out his strategy in 2013 by saying: "China is what it is. We have to be here or nowhere."

Britain said more than 30 billion worth of deals would be signed during the visit, creating some 3,900 jobs. The expected flagship deal is a plan for two state-owned Chinese utilities to invest in a 16 billion nuclear power project being built by French utility EDF at Hinkley Point in southwest England.

Britain has won praise from China for its discretion in dealing with human rights issues by raising them behind the scenes, a policy London says is more effective than hectoring Beijing publicly.

A visit to China last month by Osborne sealed the deal, with influential tabloid the Global Times praising his "etiquette".

But Cameron has said he will not duck sensitive issues such as the impact of cheap Chinese imports on struggling British steel-makers when he meets Xi on Wednesday, and Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the opposition Labour Party, raised human rights at his meeting with the Chinese leader on Tuesday.

Xi may express China's hopes that the European Union remains united - a thorny subject for Cameron, who has pledged to renegotiate Britain's relationship with the European Union before a referendum to be held by the end of 2017.

But any such sour notes, including heir to the throne Prince Charles' decision to not attend the banquet, are unlikely to spoil a visit that has been long in the making.

Britain was the top destination for Chinese money in 2014, with $5.1 billion in investment, according to law firm Baker & McKenzie. This year, it became the first Western nation to join the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank after Washington had pressed allies not to join.

In a pointed commentary before Xi's arrival in Britain, Global Times suggested that critics were jealous. "Apparently the concept of a 'golden era' between the two countries has made some people uncomfortable," it said in an editorial. "This has hurt the twisted dignity of those who still consider the West the centre of the world."
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MAXWELL - Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board will comb the site of a hot air balloon crash in central Texas on Sunday, a day after at least 16 people are believed to have died in the worst such crash in U.S. history.

Sheriff's deputies responding to a call about a possible vehicle accident Saturday morning instead discovered that a reported fire was "the basket portion of a hot air balloon."

"The balloon was occupied and it does not appear at this time there were any survivors of the crash," the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

A spokeswoman for the Federal Aviation Administration said that at least 16 people were traveling on the hot air balloon, which authorities say was operated by Heart Of Texas Balloon Rides, with operations in Houston, San Antonio and Austin. The balloon was piloted by Alfred G. "Skip" Nichols.

Lt. Jason Reyes of the state Department of Public Safety said late Saturday that officials would release an official death toll on Sunday.

The identities of the victims had not been released as of Saturday evening.

NTSB spokesman Erik Grosof told reporters Saturday afternoon that investigators, victim specialists and weather experts would be arriving "to begin a significant investigation into this tragedy."

RELATED: Read more about how the FAA rejected calls for tighter scrutiny of balloon operators on HoustonChronicle.com

He declined to speculate on what had happened, but said the investigation would begin "full-bore" on Sunday when the rest of the team was there.

He said "this will be a difficult site for us to work through." Aerial images showed the charred remains of the hot air balloon basket, and the deflated balloon covering a swath of a field.

Grosof said the board has asked the FBI's evidence response team, based in San Antonio, "to come and assist us with scene documentation."

He acknowledged some concerns as the investigation was getting underway.

"You have weather." he said. "You have coordination with a number of resources here  local, state and federal. Getting the documentation. It's much like a crime scene. You only get one chance at it so we want to make sure we do everything correctly."

The crash was the deadliest of its kind in U.S. history, according to the NTSB, and the worst such tragedy since a 2013 crash in Luxor, Egypt killed 19 people after a hot air balloon plummeted 1,000 feet into a sugar cane field.

A man traveling on the Texas 130 toll road who spotted the balloon before the accident told the Austin American-Statesman that he worried at the time that it was carrying too many passengers.

"I'd never seen one like that with that many people," Joe Gonzales said. "It just didn't look right."

RELATED: More witnesses speak out about the crash on HoustonChronicle.com

Brooke Lewis, Jacob Beltran, Fauzeya Rahman, Jim Pinkerton and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Bexar County Precinct 3 Commissioner Kevin Wolff was arrested early Sunday morning on a charge of driving while intoxicated.

San Antonio police were called to the Whataburger at 10111 San Pedro after reports of an accident. A witness at the scene said Wolff had rear ended two vehicles in the drive-through, according to a San Antonio Police Department release.

The officer who stopped Wolff found he appeared intoxicated, and after failing the field sobriety test was placed under arrest at around 3 a.m. Wolff refused a breath test and officers obtained a warrant for a blood sample.

RELATED: Felony DWI charges down significantly in Bexar County in 2016.

Wolff spoke with reporters Sunday morning and said officers "didn't even ask" him to take a breathalyzer, saying he was on blood pressure medicine.

"I don't know whether it was that, or the lateness of the night or other circumstances that may have led to this, but we'll see what happens," Wolff said.

When asked if he had anything to drink earlier in the evening, Wolff said, "Oh yeah, sure."

The only Republican commissioner on the court, Wolff's biography said he was first elected to public office in 2005. He is a Navy veteran and served in the Navy Reserve. His bio described him as "Bexar County's strongest voice for fiscal conservativism and strong Republican principles."

In the March Republican primary election, Wolff defeated challengers Mike Koerner and Pamela Lill. Wolff, the lone Republican on the five-member Bexar County Commissioners Court, faces a Democratic challenger, Brandon J. Johnson, in November.

Wolff was reelected in 2012 without opposition.

Continue to check back for updates on this breaking story.

sigc@express-news.net
The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
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 security checkpoint at LaGuardia Airport, lets install a large bronze plaque proclaiming it the Senator Charles Schumer Line. Perhaps we could put up a statue, too, or at least a cardboard cutout. 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 Washington standards, the creation of the TSA was a blunder of colossal proportions. Experts from around the world warned at the timein 2001that federalizing airport security would be ruinously expensive, inefficient, and unsafe. Israel and many European countries had already rejected similar systems. But in the frenzy following the September 11 attacks, U.S. senators paid no attention. They werent about to let this crisis go to waste. Both parties wanted to look tough on national security, and the Democrats who controlled the Senate were especially eager to gain campaign contributions from tens of thousands of new federal employees. For many in government, the TSA was a twofer: a chance to create a new fiefdom while also blaming someone else for their own mistakes.

Legislators and bureaucrats scapegoated the private security companies that had been screening passengers for the airlines. Citing the lapse in security on September 11, politicos claimed that a new federal agency was needed to replace the companies low-paid and poorly trained screenersnever mind that the screeners were entirely innocent of blame for September 11. They had faithfully followed the directives from well-paid public officials in Washington that made the hijackings possible.

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 prevented airlines from arming pilots and reinforcing cockpit doors. The feds also stopped the private security firms from using an existing system to identify high-risk passengers, which would have singled out some of the hijackers for special screening.

Instead of learning from those mistakes, the Senate doubled down on central planning, voting unanimously to turn airport screening into a federal monopoly. The only intelligent deliberation occurred in the House of Representatives, 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 had the votes to trump House Democrats yearning for more federal workers. The House 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, monitor performance, and mandate improvements. When it came time to reconcile the competing bills, however, Senate Democrats stood firm, and the House Republicans were denounced 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 September 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 (or the Canadians or Europeans relying on private companies for screening) claimed that aviation security was a purely private responsibility. But just because something is a public responsibility doesnt mean that all the work must be done by public employees. Cities allow private schools to provide education, and some cities provide perfectly good fire protection by contracting the work to private firms.

And acknowledging a government role 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, try different approaches, and learn from the mistakes and successes in other cities. Theyre much more accountable because they work directly for the local citizens they serve and because their performance can be measured against that of their peers in other cities.

But such logic was ignored in the frenzy to do something after September 11. The Bush White House, anxious for quick action, 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 concessionsthe TSA wouldnt be unionized, and a few airports could experiment with their own screening systemsbut the Democrats prevailed in creating another federal bureaucracy, with utterly predictable results.

Soon travelers were referring to the TSA as Thousands Standing Around, and the agency has made headlines ever since for rudeness, inconvenience, and 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 as a payback to labor for supporting his campaign, he deserves to have his name on the line at his hometown airport, OHare.) Last year, ABC News reported that federal investigators had successfully sneaked contraband past TSA screeners on 67 of 70 attempts.

Like all government monopolies, 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, contracting with a private company. If LAX switched to the San Francisco model, the study concluded, it could cut its screening costs by more than 40 percent.

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 percent more passengers than a TSA screener in Los Angeles. They apparently enjoyed better working conditions, too, because they were much less likely to quit their jobs. 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, as anyone could have predicted in 2001, its not easy to get rid of a federal monopoly, especially now that unionized screeners can intimidate local politiciansas they did in blocking an attempt to replace them at Sacramentos airport. Even if local officials stand up to the union, they still need to get permission from the TSA.

Airports that wish to opt out of TSA-provided security face several hurdles, says Robert Poole, director of transportation policy at the Reason Foundation. They dont get to select their preferred contractor. It takes more than a year for TSA to review andhopefullyapprove their request. And TSA will remain their regulator, leaving them to worry about being perceived as a trouble-maker for having kicked TSA out.

Those are formidable obstacles, but the TSA has inspired so much anger this year that officials in New York, 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.

Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images
Henning Sievert's 'Double Quartet' is a Rare Meld of Beauty, Mystery and History [REVIEW]

Historian, bassist, cellist, composer, bandleader, arranger Henning Sieverts (Photo : courtesy Pirouet Records)

German label Pirouet continues its fine flood of releases with Double Quartet by Henning Sieverts, who plays bass and cello, leads his band with flair and drama, and composes like a crazed visionary. For his 16th CD, he's gone back over 600 years to research the history of the Bavarian Irsee Monastery to uncover a mass written in 1614. He then wrote 15 original pieces of music (shortest 51 seconds; longest 12 minutes) for duo, quartet and octet in a similar style but expanding it into modern jazz. No overdubs.

The concept of a double quartet means two drummers, two saxophonists, clarinet, piano, vibraphone and tuba from France, Germany and Brooklyn. Sieverts laid it down for his talented assemblage and then, with what he calls "blind understanding" in the liner notes, proceeds to echo time immemorial by dredging up visions of the Mongolian Steppes and Tibetan monasteries via time signatures like the almost impossible 15/8 "Cantus Five."

Filled with classical cadences, Euro liturgical and Renaissance bubbles, its poly-rhythmic complexity never gets archaic and is kept moving at all times, a kinetic wonderland filled with amazing solos. Dig Loren Stillman's alto and soprano sax flights of fancy as well as Silvain Rifflet's tenor and clarinet. The cool little duets-done as a minute here and a minute there-that follow or begin each longer composition, are snippets of delight (especially the piano/vibes moment).

Sieverts, 50, has appeared on 130+ CDs, toured on six continents and teaches at Munich University. As a soloist, he's a daring risk-taker, giving the music the kind of texture and suspense that could be akin to a circus tightrope walker with no net. There's also a subtle mystery at work. It is the juxtaposition of these two attributes that makes Double Quartet such a find, and something that jazz and classical fans alike could really sink their teeth into.

 2016 The Classical Art, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

TagsHenning Sieverts, Pirouet Records, REVIEW, Loren Stillman
AVON LAKE, Ohio - A man died Saturday evening after drowning at an Avon Lake beach, police said.

Avon Lake police are investigating after a man drowned at a beach Saturday evening.

Avon Lake police responded about 5 p.m. to the Miller Road Park beach and fishing pier, Avon Lake Lt. Vince Molnar said in a news release Saturday night. At the beach, they learned that a man had been swimming when he went underwater.

Avon Lake fire crews, a rescue squad and the U.S. Coast Guard assisted in the search for the swimmer, police said. The man resurfaced near the shore about 20 minutes after he went under.

First responders tried to resuscitate the man before he was taken to University Hospitals St. John Medical Center in Westlake, police said. The swimmer was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Family members the man was with at the beach told police the victim was in his 20s, but "efforts to confirm his identity are ongoing," Molnar said in the news release.

The Lorain County Coroner's Office will determine the swimmer's exact cause and manner of death.

If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section.
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The Muslim-American parents of a fallen war hero attempt to give Donald Trump a civics lesson with an address at the DNC.

CLEVELAND, Ohio --Donald Trump, who seeks to become the Commander-in-Chief of the United States, started the week by twice calling on Russia to hack the U.S. in order the manipulate the presidential election. He ended the week by verbally hacking the Muslim-American parents of a U.S. Army Captain who was killed in Iraq during an act of heroism that saved the lives of his fellow soldiers.

In one of the most riveting and moving DNC speeches, the parents of Army Captain Humayun S.M. Khan attempted to give Trump a civics lesson. It's a lesson Trump shamelessly failed.

With his wife, Ghazala, standing stoically by his side, Khizr Khan addressed Trump's call for a Muslim ban. Khan pointed out such a ban would have prevented his son from serving in the U.S. military. He then asked Trump if he had ever even read the U.S. Constitution. Holding up his copy, Kahn suggested Trump pay close attention to the words 'liberty" and "equal protection."

Khan then asked if Trump had ever visited Arlington National Cemetery. "Go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America. You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one."

In interviews with The New York Times and ABC News, Trump suggested Khizr Khan's words weren't his own, questioned whether Ghazala Khan was prevented from speaking because of Islam's tenets, and then equated his work as a developer with the Kahns losing their son, and Captain Kahn sacrificing his life. No joke.

"Who wrote that? Did Hillary's script writers write it?" Trump asked ABC's George Stephanopoloulos about Kahn's DNC remarks. "If you look at his wife, she's standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to stay. You tell me." said Trump

Ghazala Kahn said she didn't speak because she was in pain. "If you were in pain you fight or you don't say anything. I'm not a fighter, I can't fight. So the best thing I do was quiet. I was very nervous, because I cannot see my son's picture, I cannot even come in the room where his picture is."

Khan said she doesn't think Trump knows the meaning of sacrifice. "When I was standing there, all America felt my pain. Without saying a single word. Everybody felt my pain." Everybody but Commander-in-Chief wannabe Donald Trump.

Trump told Stephanopoulos, " I think I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of jobs, built great structures. I've had tremendous success."

The founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Paul Rieckoff, called Trump's equating his work as developer to the sacrifices of the Khan family,"insulting, foolish and ignorant."

"For anyone to compare their 'sacrifice' to a Gold Star family member is insulting, foolish and ignorant. Especially someone who has never served himself and has no children serving. Our country has been at war for a decade and a half and the truth is most Americans have sacrificed nothing. Most of them are smart and gounded enough to admit it." said Riechoff. Trump likely doesn't even know what "Gold Star Mother " even means. This is a guy who thought Time Kaine was the Governor of New Jersey.

Insulting military heroes has become par for the course for Comrade Trump. He infamously mocked and dismissed Senator John McCain POW status. While McCain was being tortured in service to this nation, Trump was busy trying to pick up models at Studio 54 after getting a series of draft deferments.

The only question now is how badly will Trump damage the GOP and how many years will to take them to live Trump down and recover.
cleveland police car.jpg

A 19-year-old woman died early Sunday after she was shot in the armpit on Cleveland's East Side. She was one of three victims in three separate shootings in the city late Saturday and overnight, police said.

(File photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A 19-year-old woman died early Sunday after she was shot in the armpit on the city's East Side, police said.

She was one of three victims in three separate shootings late Saturday and overnight, according to Cleveland police news releases.

The deceased woman's identity had not been released Sunday morning.

Officers responded to a report of shots fired at 3:49 a.m. in the 4200 block of East 116th Street.

Witnesses told police the victim and three friends -- two men and a woman ages 19 and 20 -- got out of a car and walked to an abandoned house. A dark-colored Chevy Impala drove by and someone inside the car fired a gun, shooting the victim, police said.

It's unclear how many shots were fired. No one else was injured.

Police do not have a description of the gunman.

The woman was taken to Marymount hospital where she was pronounced dead.

There was no mention of a possible motive.

Cleveland homicide detectives are investigating.

An unidentified woman was shot in a separate incident at 10:29 p.m. Saturday in the area of East 116th Street and Lardet Avenue.

An unidentified man was shot an hour later near East 116th Street and Melba Avenue, one block away from where the woman was shot.

It's unclear if the shootings are related.

Both victims were taken to MetroHealth Medical Center. Their ages and information about their conditions were not provided.

If you wish to discuss or comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments section.

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police tape.jpg

A woman was found dead with apparent head trauma early Saturday in a business parking lot on Cleveland's West Side, police said.

(File photo)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - A woman was found dead Saturday morning in the parking lot of a business on Cleveland's West Side, police said.

The woman was found dead about 8 a.m. in the parking lot of Ecclesiastic Granite Fab, a granite supplier on the 4400 block of West 130th Street in Cleveland's Puritas-Longmead neighborhood, police spokeswoman Sgt. Jennifer Ciaccia said.

The victim's identity has not yet been released, but police believe she is about 20 years old. The woman appeared to have suffered head trauma, Ciaccia said.

The Cleveland police homicide unit responded to the business, along with the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office. The medical examiner will determine the victim's cause of death.

Little information about the woman's death has been released. No suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made.

The circumstances of the woman's death remain under investigation, Ciaccia said.

If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section.

Update: Officials first identified the victim as a man, but cleveand.com has learned the victim identified as a transgender woman.
Hillary Clinton Columbus

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton spoke at a rally at the Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center in Columbus on Sunday.

(Andrew Harnik, Associated Press)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said during a campaign stop here Sunday that her GOP rival Donald Trump poses a "serious threat" to American democracy.

Clinton told supporters gathered here it's up to "all of us" to repudiate Trump's hateful attacks, citing his recent remarks toward the family of a U.S. Army captain killed in Iraq.

Clinton and running mate Sen. Tim Kaine spoke to an estimated 5,000 supporters outside the Fort Hayes education center on the city's north side.

People waited hours in 85-degree heat -- Clinton arrived 90 minutes late -- and several were taken out by emergency personnel on stretchers. But the crowd re-energized when blue buses with the words "Stronger Together" rolled up.

The Columbus stop was the last a three-day post-convention bus tour through Pennsylvania and Ohio. On Sunday morning, Clinton addressed parishioners at Imani Temple Ministries in Cleveland Heights.

Here are a few highlights from the Sunday event.

Clinton defended family of slain soldier

Clinton ended her speech Sunday with a nod to Humayun Khan, a Muslim American who was killed in Iraq in 2004.

Khan's father Khizr Khan shared his story during the Democratic National Convention and, at one point, pulled a pocket Constitution from his jacket and questioned whether Trump ever read it.

In response, Trump said he has made sacrifices in business, and criticized Ghazala Khan for standing next to her husband without saying a word. Ghazala Khan, in an op-ed published Sunday in the Washington Post, said talking about her son's death is still difficult 12 years later.

Trump fired back on Sunday, saying he was "viciously attacked" by Khan: "Am I not allowed to respond?" Trump tweeted. "Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me!"

In Cleveland, Clinton said Trump's response shows he has a "total misunderstanding of what made our country great, religious freedom, religious liberty."

Clinton elaborated on that point later in the say, saying it was fitting Khan gave the speech in Philadelphia, where America's founding fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence 240 years ago.

"They enshrined in our Constitution the principle of religious liberty," Clinton said. "They understood that America would be including and attracting people from all over the world."

A job interview for Clinton

Clinton told attendees she sees the campaign as a job interview.

"I'm here telling you what I want to achieve, asking you for your vote and asking you also to hold me accountable," Clinton said.

Her pitch: She has detailed plans backed up with funding and Trump does not.

Clinton ran through a list of priorities she said she wants to accomplish during her first 100 days in office including billions of dollars for infrastructure upgrades to roads, waterways, the electric grid and broadband internet.

Clinton said everything in her plan is paid for with higher taxes on wealthy Americans and businesses. She said voters should be informed and urged attendees to check out her website for details.

Tim Kaine as attack dog

Kaine painted a stark difference between Clinton and Trump, calling the Republican National Convention "dark and twisted" and describing it as a scary tour through Trump's head.

Kaine poked fun at Trump's attempt to slam Kaine, calling him a "lousy governor" of New Jersey. Kaine is a former Virgina governor.

"You guys, give Donald a break -- he's new to this," Kaine said to laughs. "You know, the basic civics -- there's 50 states and Virginia is different than New Jersey. I'm sure that's in the briefing book a few pages later. He's not there yet."

The battle for Ohio is on

Five of the last eight public opinion polls show the candidates in a dead heat in Ohio, a bellwether state that has predicted the presidency since 1960.

The candidates will be back several times before Nov. 8.

Trump spoke in Toledo on Wednesday and plans to hold a town hall meeting in Columbus on Monday, both traditional Democrat strongholds. His running mate Indiana Gov. Mike Pence was in Lima on Friday.
Hillary Clinton,Tim Kaine

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, accompanied by Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., gives a thumbs up while speaking at a rally at David L. Lawrence Convention in Pittsburgh, Saturday, July 30, 2016. Clinton and Kaine are on a three day bus tour through the rust belt.

(Andrew Harnik, AP Photo)

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton wants Ohioans to know: she will help everyday Americans find jobs. She will help Americans receive the training they need to succeed. And she will support American manufacturing. She pledged to invest $10 billion in industrial communities.

Why?

"So there is a real path for the middle class, the people who actually make things in America," Clinton said.

Clinton stopped in Youngstown Saturday night, just 48 hours after her historic Democratic National Convention nomination Thursday in Philadelphia. The candidate, and her vice presidential pick, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, rolled into the Mahoning Valley as part a weekend bus tour through Pennsylvania and Ohio. Clinton pitched her economic plan for her first 100 days in office to a pumped up crowd. She promised to make the largest push for new jobs since World War II, and criticized her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, for outsourcing positions.

The former Secretary of State is also expected to appear in Columbus on Sunday. Here are some takeaways from her speech.

Clinton makes her pitch to Ohioans

Clinton promised to look out for the middle class. She pledged to help support small businesses. She said she would work to improve infrastructure, and ensure that industrial plants have the equipment necessary to succeed. She said would reject unfair trade deals.

"We're not going to let China dump cheap steel into the America economy," Clinton said.

And she criticized Trump's business practices, claiming that the billionaire did not fairly compensate some of his employees.

"Every job I had I expected to be paid after I got the job," Clinton said. "Apparently Donald Trump thinks he's immune from all those rules and requirements."

Meeting Tim Kaine

Kaine, the affable Virginia governor, introduced himself to Ohio Saturday night as just a regular guy.

He spoke about his upbringing in midwestern Kansas City. He told a funny story about his mom. He was nice and normal. And that helped balance out Clinton's strong, punchy personality.

But Kaine, in his plain way, served as Clinton's common sense attack dog.

"On the economy this thing is super simple. Do you want a 'You're hired president' or a 'You're fired president?'" Kaine said, referring to Trump's well-known catch phrase.

Ted Strickland

Former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland tied Trump and his Senate race rival, U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, together. Both men were born into wealth, Strickland said. And both men won't look out for everyday Americans.

"This is a man who is wealthy, who has lived a lived of privilege who has never had to worry about anyone is in his family being without being healthcare, or without food, or without shelter, or without opportunity in life, and he wants to be the president of this country," Strickland said of Trump.

"He's a con man. He doesn't give a damn about you. He doesn't," he said.

And Portman?

"What's wrong with Rob Portman is he has spent his political life looking out for those who are already privileged," Strickland said.
Kevin Kelley, Cleveland City Council president

On July 13, two committees of Cleveland City Council recommended rejecting a proposed ordinance that would raise the minimum wage just in the city of Cleveland to $15 an hour.

Prior to this recommendation, council heard testimony from a diverse lineup of interested parties, including the Service Employees International, Local 1199 and other labor interests, clergy, economists, business owners and their employees.

The testimony led me and most of my colleagues to conclude that a Cleveland-only minimum wage increase would be devastating to the Cleveland economy, likely forcing small businesses to either close, lay off workers or leave the city.

The proposed Cleveland-only minimum wage ordinance was initiated through a petition campaign by Local 1199 of the Service Employees International Union based in Columbus. The union wants a $15 minimum wage in Cleveland by January and has collected the required number of signatures from Cleveland residents to force City Council to draft legislation that would make $15 an hour a local law.

In compliance with our city charter, council has introduced the legislation, held public hearings, reported our recommendation, and will take a final vote on whether to amend, adopt or reject the proposal.

If the SEIU campaign prevails, Cleveland alone would see an 85 percent increase over the current statewide minimum wage of $8.10 in a matter of months. Cleveland would have the highest minimum wage in the state of Ohio and in the entire nation.

As president of council in this city, I cannot support this, not because I'm against raising the minimum wage - in fact I strongly support an increase - but it can't be just in the city of Cleveland.

Some businesses in our city have already publicly stated that if council approves the legislation, they will lay off workers, reduce benefits, or move to a nearby suburb.

The union needs to broaden its campaign to the entire state of Ohio or, ideally, the nation. As President Obama said in his state-of-the-union message, "America needs a raise."

Indeed, the working men and women of America do need a raise, but it can't be obtained by risking the financial stability of one city - a city still recovering from the last big recession.

All 17 members of council and our mayor are proud Democrats and friends of labor. We care deeply about poverty and wage inequality. Most of us have spent our professional lives trying to address these issues. We see families struggling every day. But it is unclear whether a Cleveland-only minimum wage increase would help or hurt the very people it purports to help.

Again, if small businesses are forced to move outside our city limits, their workers would not benefit from a Cleveland-only $15-an-hour wage. Further, it should be noted that there are tens of thousands of Cleveland residents who live in Cleveland but work outside of Cleveland. They would not benefit from the Cleveland-only $15 minimum wage. If small businesses decide to accept the $15, many have testified that they will have to reduce their workforce and/or cut benefits.

So how many working Cleveland residents would benefit? And how will a $15 minimum affect the city's efforts to recover from the recession?

At this point, those questions cannot be answered because there is no hard data showing the effects of a single city raising its minimum wage so drastically in such a short time.

"We are in uncharted waters here," urban economics Professor Albert Sumell from Youngstown State University recently testified during a council committee hearing on the proposed legislation.

Proponents of the $15 proposal argue that putting more money in the hands of low-wage workers stimulates the economy because they spend it rather than save it. That might be true. But the question is: How many Cleveland residents will actually get that raise and how many Cleveland jobs will be lost as a result?

This issue has come down to speculation and guess work, which is not a way to legislate financial policy. The complexity of such a sudden and drastic wage hike in just one city within an interconnected regional, national and international economy demands close scrutiny by Cleveland's lawmakers.

As council president, I am not convinced that this proposal is a panacea for correcting wage inequities without having dire consequences to our city's economy. For those who are truly concerned with wage inequality and see the minimum wage as a vehicle to address poverty, the only reasonable approaches are statewide or national increases in the minimum wage. I would be happy to have those discussions. But Cleveland-only would put our city and our fragile recovery at a competitive disadvantage.

Kevin Kelley is president of Cleveland City Council.
Andrew Miller, Brian McCann

Andrew Miller received a lot of victory handshakes with the Yankees. Look for same thing to happen with Tribe.

(AP)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It could have been a home run, the Cleveland Indians adding catcher Jonathan Lucroy and reliever Andrew Miller on the same day.

Obviously, Tribe president Chris Antonetti and general manager Mike Chernoff were bold.

And yes, owner Paul Dolan was willing to kick in some extra cash as the Tribe had worked out a deal to bring an All-Star catcher to the Tribe -- along with Miller, a star reliever.

The problem was Lucroy used his right to veto a trade.

Don't underestimate the addition of Miller. This is not a one-and-done deal. Milller is signed through 2018 -- at $9 million annually. The Tribe is picking up the entire contract, about $21 million.

This is a huge, huge addition.

As manager Terry Francona said, "Chris and his guys just went out and got the very best guy (reliever) there was. And if you don't think other teams wanted him, you're crazy... They got the best there is... no better message."

So true.

Miller has a 9-3 record and 1.77 ERA in his two years with the Yankees. He's a lefty who can close or set up. He joins Cody Allen and Bryan Shaw to give them three guys who should be able to nail down game after game.

Miller also will take some of the pressure off Shaw, who seems to pitch every day.

Remember how Francona loves relievers. And remember how Kansas City used an overpowering bullpen to reach the World Series the last two years.

This trade makes so much sense, especially with Miller signed for the next 2 1/2 seasons.

The 31-year-old saved 36 games in 2015, his first full season as a closer. He had nine this season. He's exactly what the Indians need, a lefty who can get hitters out from either side of the plate.





DEPTH IN THE FARM SYSTEM

The price was steep: Clint Frazier, Justus Sheffield, Ben Heller and J.P. Feyereisen.

Frazier is a prime outfield prospect, but the Indians actually have depth when it comes to young outfielders.

Tyler Naquin is batting .330 for the Tribe. Bradley Zimmer is batting .254 (.834 OPS) with 14 HR, 54 RBI and 34 stolen bases between Class AA Akron and Class AAA Columbus. He also is an excellent outfielder.

Yandy Diaz is batting .339 (.899 OPS) with 5 HR and 29 RBI at Columbus. He played third most of his career, and now has moved to the outfield. He is below average at third base.

No question, Diaz can hit. He's not high on many of the preseason prospects lists because he came out of Cuba and didn't start his pro career until 2014. But he's shot up the rankings this summer.

Sheffield is a young pitcher with a terrific arm. Heller throws hard and will probably be in the big leagues one day. Feyereisen is a young reliever with some potential.

But the future is now for the Tribe.

They are in first place. Detroit is coming hard after them. The crowds are coming back. The rotation is strong. The clubhouse leadership is real. Francona is used to managing under pressure.

Give him another big-time arm in the bullpen.

And if the Indians make the playoffs, consider this: Miller has allowed only one hit and one walk in 8 1/3 scoreless postseason innings.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Catcher remains a problem. And I imagine the Indians will remain a shopper trying to add someone behind the plate.

I'm very curious to see what they do about third base. I don't believe they will simply leave Juan Uribe there.

They can bring up Gio Urshela or Diaz from Columbus.

Or perhaps they trade for an outfielder, and Jose Ramirez becomes the full-time third baseman.

I expect Antonetti and Chernoff to keep trying to add players before Monday's 4 p.m. deadline.

But in the meantime, Tribe fans should be encouraged by this very bold move.




Just two short years ago, Mongolia basked in a vibrant economy with a sizzling growth rate of nearly 8 percent.

These days, the economy has all but flatlined with the slump in commodities, but some say hidden gems may be getting lost in the current bout of gloom.

Mongolia's credit rating is considered speculative, and its battered economy is debt heavy. However, the country has vast reserves of coal and gold: International Monetary Fund data show that Mongolia ranks alongside Chile, Peru and Australia as one of the world's most mineral-rich economies.

Those attributes haven't helped keep the economy from falling into dire straits, with 2016 growth not expected to top 1 percent, while its debt load nearly doubled from $11.7 billion in 2012 to nearly $23 billion in 2015.

"Macroeconomic policies have been poor in recent years, which led to a very rapid debt buildup," Nicolas Jaquier, London-based economist focusing on emerging market debt with Standard Life Investments, told CNBC in an interview.

"As such, Mongolia is now one of the most indebted frontier markets," he said. "And as a result, its credit rating has been downgraded several times over the last couple of years."
Mark Cuban on stage with Democratic presidential nominee former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former U.S. president Bill Clinton take a tour before a campaign rally on July 30, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Mark Cuban, the billionaire investor who has relentlessly trolled Donald Trump on social media for months, has officially endorsed Hillary Clinton in her bid for president.

Cuban made the move official on Saturday evening during a Clinton campaign swing through Pittsburgh, in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania. At the event, Cuban did what he's done best for the better part of the last year: Take rhetorical aim at the GOP's presidential nominee. He opened the Pittsburgh rally for Clinton and her running mate Tim Kaine with a greeting for Trumpin Russian.

The billionaire's backing of Clinton is hardly surprising, given his outspoken criticism of Trump. Cuban has repeatedly blasted the GOP nominee, questioning everything from his net worth to his business acumen. Several months ago, Cuban was approached by dissident Republicans to mount an independent bid against Trump, but rejected the offer.

"Leadership is not yelling and screaming and intimidating," Cuban said. "You know what we call a person like that in Pittsburgh? A jagoff!"



For the uninitiated, Wikipedia says a jagoff "is an American English derogatory slang term ... meaning a person who is stupid or inept."

In an interview with CNN after the rally, Cuban said he thought Trump had gone "bat**** crazy," adding, ""I am ready to vote for a true leader, I am ready to vote for the American Dream. I am ready to tell the world that I am here to endorse Hillary Clinton."
No doubt, it won't be enough to win a general election. He's going to need to convince voters there that he'll bring back the jobs they've lost, make them safe from terrorism, and rein in a runaway government.

Immigration helped Trump win the Republican primary, in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, and it's helping to keep him competitive in the battleground state against his Democratic opponent.

The New York developer and reality show star's first significant campaign promise was to build a wall on the country's southern border and make Mexico pay for it . Despite the rather obvious difficulties in bringing such a project to fruition, especially with someone else footing the bill, people bought in. They think Trump will build a wall, that it will keep out illegal immigrants, and that Mexico will, inexplicably, pony up for a project that could cost up to $25 billion.

Anti-immigration politicians are popular in Pennsylvania. One key congressional race saw a powerful Democrat unseated by an upstart Republican based almost solely on the issue. In the areas away from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, in towns like Shenandoah and Scranton and Pittston, immigration is a major fact of life and key political issue, approaching the importance of jobs and terrorism.

Pennsylvania's jobless rate was 5.6 percent in June, with only 13 other states being worse off in terms of unemployment. So with a sagging economy and a rising crime rate, they look for reasons why they've been left behind.

For some Pennsylvanians, the changes have been hard to bear. They complain of streets that aren't as safe as they used to be, and jobs that are harder to come by. They blame a perceived influx of immigrants, particularly Hispanics, for their woes.

An anti-immigration stance is a powerful thing in a state that's been inundated with new residents from across the border. The composition of Pennsylvania's population has been shifting, with foreign-born residents now making up double the percentage of Keystone State citizens in 2015 than they did 25 years prior. (Immigrants still only make up 6.4 percent of the population.)

The most recent polls say Trump is losing Pennsylvania. Separate measures by Suffolk University and NBC/Wall Street Journal/Marist put Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton up by 9 percentage points.



But I think the polls are wrong.

How do I know? Because I live in Pennsylvania  have for all my life, even though I work in the New York/New Jersey metro area. I spent the first 18 years of my journalism career covering Pennsylvania politics.

I know what lots of Pennsylvanians want. They want Trump, and not even so much because of who he is personally but rather what he represents  that elusive "other" who will be more responsive to their wants, needs and, yes, fears.

""I had to start over at 49 years old because, basically, there was nothing (here). Everything left," Lackawanna County reisdent Tony Catanzaro said at a Trump rally Wednesday in Scranton, according to an account in the Scranton Times-Tribune.



Catanzaro lost his job at Cinram, a local manufacturing plant that produced compact and digital discs that closed after sales declined and it lost a contract with Warner Brothers. "Donald Trump says a lot of things ... but jobs are key. With Trump I think we have a chance," he said.

With stories like this playing out across the state, Pennsylvania is definitely in play. Trump demonstrated the truth of that notion by campaigning in Scranton on Wednesday, and has an appearance scheduled for Monday.

Clinton, meanwhile, received a high-profile boost from Pittsburgh native and billionaire investor Mark Cuban on Saturday.

When it comes down to votes, Clinton's going to carry Philadelphia big, maybe enough so to give her the win. She'll probably lose Pittsburgh, but manage to keep it relatively close.



But where Clinton's going to get crushed is in an area known by the state's political wags as "the T," or the central and northern tier areas where people are especially fed up. It's an area dominated by flyover country-types, Reagan Democrats, proud union members who only occasionally vote Republican but will this year.

"He speaks for the people who don't have a voice. The people who have been forgotten throughout the years," William Malater, who was at the Scranton rally, told the Times-Tribune.



A great case study of what Clinton is up against comes in my home area of northeastern Pennsylvania.



Four years ago, the mayor of my hometown, Hazleton, won a stunning victory. Republican Lou Barletta, after a couple tries, finally knocked off Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski, the influential Democrat and senior Financial Services Committee member who served in the House for 26 years.

While mayor of a town where 1 in 3 residents is Hispanic, Barletta proposed and passed a law that would have punished landlords who rented to undocumented immigrants and businesses who hired them. The law was quickly overturned in the court system (feds enforce immigration policy, not local governments), but Barletta became a national hero for the anti-illegals crowd. He appeared regularly on conservative talk shows and, ultimately, catapulting himself to a congressional seat.

Barletta has also been with Trump on the campaign trail. (Since Barletta's 2012 election win Harrisburg politicians gerrymandered the once heavily Democratic district into GOP hands, so he likely will be around for a while.)

Immigration isn't the most important thing on state voters' minds  most polls place it somewhere in the middle, behind economy and Obamacare and ahead of taxes ,but it could be a swing issue that changes the race.

Luzerne County is a blue area beset by a burgeoning drug trade and diminishing economic opportunities. If it goes red, that would be huge. Thousands have turned out to Trump's rallies. If they show up at the polls, look out.

G. Terry Madonna, who heads the Center for Politics and Public Affairs at Millersville University, said the immigration issue hasn't polled particularly strong in areas he's surveyed. Madonna, the most influential political mind in the state, said voters are more concerned about who will create more jobs and stamp out radical Islamic terror.

But he's also suspicious of some of the recent polling, saying that results probably have been skewed by momentum from respective conventions. In the end, he said, Pennsylvania is going to be tighter than the most recent surveys showed, citing specifically a Quinnipiac poll showing Trump leading by 2 points.

"Do I think that Trump has a meaningful chance to win the state? Yeah. Do I think it's likely? No," Madonna said. "But I don't think you can rule out a reasonable chance [for Trump] to do that."

I haven't taken any polls, which I don't trust generally. That said, I will be looking at the CPPA one closely. I can tell you I've talked to a lot of people from Pennsylvania, and the ratio of Trump to Clinton supporters is off the charts. Democrat and Republican alike, the man's got considerable support in the Keystone State.

Call it a hunch, call it an educated guess, or call it bald-faced punditry in a year when we've had too much of it. But Trump can win Pennsylvania. And if Pennsylvania is in play, so is the election.
Popular Nigerian publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu was yesterday honored with a doctorate degree by the University of Professional Studies in Accra, Ghana.

His wife was present at the event and they got carried away and decided to show off some PDA at the event.

Checkout more photos below:
Want a billion dollars at your show? The BEP can help

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is now accepting invitations to participate at numismatic events for the period of October 2016 through September 2017.

A focus at any convention where it appears is the Bureau of Engraving and Printings Billion Dollar Exhibit, with more than a billion dollars worth of rare and old paper currency. The BEP is now accepting invitations to participate at numismatic events for the period of October 2016 through September 2017.

Included in the BEP exhibit are sheets of $100,000 notes, Treasury bonds, and gold and silver certificates. At some venues, demonstrations are conducted of a 19th century spider currency press and the mutilated currency examination process. Information about the governments redesigned currency program, technological advancements, and historical data is shared during open discussion forums. The BEP also sells to the public currency related products including uncut sheets, professionally packaged premium products, special intaglio print cards, and shredded currency.

Organizations interested in the BEPs participation must submit a written request by the close of business on Sept. 15, 2016, with essential information to: Karen Smith, Exhibition Program Coordinator, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, 14th & C Streets, S.W., Suite 530-M, Washington, DC 20228. E-mail her at karen.smith@bep.gov or phone her at 202-874-2108.

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Organizers are required to sign a security agreement prior to participation (sample provided upon request). The sponsoring organization must provide, at no cost to the federal government, booth space (40 feet by 50 feet minimum); transportation costs for exhibits, for the spider press (if applicable), and for products (via secure transport); and material and services needed for the display and sales activities.

What is the BEP?

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, created during the Civil War, is the federal agency responsible for print U.S. paper money.

It operates two printing plants  one in Washington, D.C., where its top officers and engraving department also work, and a newer facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Both plants offer public tours where families can observe paper money being printed.

Both facilities print Federal Reserve notes for circulation, with the Washington plant generally supplying banks in the Eastern half of the nation and the Fort Worth plant generally supplying those banks located west of the Mississippi River.

The BEP also produces collector products like sheets of notes, intaglio prints, and more.

The BEP, like the United States Mint, is an agency within the Treasury Department.
Spain is celebrating the 300th anniversary of the national postal system known as Correos with a Proof silver 10 coin.

Spains national postal service, the Sociedad Estatal de Correos y Telegrafos S.A., operates as Correos. Correos is one of the largest postal services in the world. Based in Madrid, it has more than 10,000 postal centers all over Spain.

The Royal Spanish Mint is celebrating the 300th anniversary of the founding of Correos with a Proof .925 fine silver 10 coin.

The obverse of the 2016 silver 10 coin features a profile of King Felipe VI. The reverse of the commemorative coin reproduces, in color, the crowned post horn, symbol of Correos for 300 years, surrounded by allegorical elements related to the postal service.

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Though the Royal Spanish Mint links the founding of Correos to 1716, the modern-day iteration has its roots in the 1850 adoption of the postage stamp.

The 10 coin weighs 27 grams, measures 40 millimeters in diameter and has a mintage limit of 7,500 pieces.

Distributor Royal Scandinavian Mint will offer the coin when it is released, but pricing is not established. For more information, visit the distributor website.
Most candidates for state representative in districts that include Boone County are running uncontested in the primary. The 46th District, which covers much of eastern and southern Columbia, is the only contested race on the Aug. 2 ballot.
Sam Kaiser evolves into key for Rock Bridge entering playoffs

Kaiser evolved from the "next big thing" in Boone County into one of the most important players come districts.
Photo for illustration. (Source: Vneconomy)

Of this, auto of less than nine seats posted 20,400, valued at USD375 million, a year-on-year rise of 15.9% in volume and 69.4% in value.

Trucks of all kinds saw a 2.3% rise in volume at 21,900 units, but a 19.8% decrease in value at USD458 million. Other types of cars reached 7,600, worth USD379 million, down 46.5% from the same period last year.

In the Jan-June period of 2016, autos of less than nine seats were mostly imported from Japan with 3,700 units, worth USD143 million; up 62% in volume and 103.3% in value over a year earlier. Following it was Germany with 1,600 units, worth USD51 million and Thailand with 3,600 units, worth USD41 million.

Meanwhile, autos shipped from the Republic of Korea saw sharp reduction in both volume and value, with 24.6% (3,200 units) and 16.3% (USD20 million), respectively and those from India decreased 19.3% in volume with 5,400 units and dropped 20% in value with USD21 million./.
SHARE Michael Cullum Michael Cullum

By Clay Bailey and Jody Callahan of The Commercial Appeal

A neighbor of two women slain last month in North Shelby County was arrested Sunday in connection with their deaths.

Officials said Michael Cullum, 46, was arrested about 11 a.m. and was later charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Rhonda Bishop Dukes and Brenda Dukes, whose bodies were found at their rural residence on Matthews Road in an unincorporated area near Millington.

Shelby County Sheriff's Office spokesman Earle Farrell said Cullum, who has a lengthy record of arrests, lives across the street from the victims.

The bodies of the women were found on June 6, when the mother of one of them came to the house because she hadn't heard from her daughter in a while. She found both women dead.

No motive for the killings has been released. Although the women were married to each other, Farrell said at the time of their deaths that authorities did not think they were targeted because of their same-sex relationship.

Since 1989, Cullum has perpetually been in trouble with the law, court records show. In Shelby County alone, he has been arrested nearly a dozen times on numerous charges, including burglary (five times), theft (three times), robbery, arson, forgery and aggravated assault. He has also been arrested in Tipton County at least three times for theft and once for evading arrest.

His first adult arrest came a week after his 19th birthday, when he made a harassing phone call. His most recent arrest before Sunday came in October 2013, when he was accused of firing on sheriff's deputies with a BB gun. They arrested him that night after he tried to hide in a walk-in freezer.

Cullum also has been caught in the act of burgling a home.

In August 2013, a man woke up in his home in the 6800 block of Center College to find Cullum sitting in his living room. The victim noticed that his wallet, which contained $3,400, was missing. The victim, who is now in an assisted living home, confronted Cullum about the money. Cullum started yelling that he wasn't a thief and fled, police said. The victim told police that the doors and windows were locked when he went to sleep.
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By Jody Callahan of The Commercial Appeal

Memphis police are investigating after a man was found shot to death in the Whitehaven area Saturday night, possibly after he tried to take back his stolen car.

The incident began around 9:30 p.m. in the 3400 block of Graceland, police said. Responding officers found the 36-year-old with a gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead on the scene.

Police said the victim's car, a 1997 gold Infinity with Mississippi tag WTK328, had previously been stolen. The victim tried to get it back, police said, when two suspects confronted him. There was an argument, and shots were fired. Police have made no arrests yet.
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By Kayleigh Skinner of The Commercial Appeal

Special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are working with the Tipton County Sheriff's Office on an investigation into the "suspicious" deaths of a father and daughter found in Drummonds, Tennessee.

According to a statement from the Sheriff's Office, officials responded to a suspicious death at 11 a.m. Saturday in the 3100 block of Glen Springs Road. District Attorney Mike Dunavant requested the help of TBI to investigate the two victims found at their home, the statement said.

The victims were identified as Robert Michael Bailey, 66, and his daughter Tammie Janette Bailey, 41. Foul play is suspected in both cases, according to a separate statement from the TBI.

TBI agents are working to gather information, and forensic scientists from the Violent Crime Response Team are working on the case as well, the TBI statement said.

The investigation is active and ongoing, the Sheriff's Office said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND or the Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division at 901-475-3300. To submit anonymous tips, use the Tipton County tip411 app or text "Tipton" to 847411.
In January, the county launched a new mental health court as a way to provide adjudication for those people with mental illnesses and to direct them toward services and away from repeated incarcerations. General Sessions Judge Gerald Skahan presides over the new court. (Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal)



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By Linda A. Moore of The Commercial Appeal

Shelby County's mental health court opened in late January as a way to provide wraparound services for people with mental illnesses who chronically wind up in jail.

In just a few months, the court, presided over by Judge Gerald Skahan, has reached capacity and is now asking the state for additional funding that would double the number of people served, from about 25 people to 50 people.

The county has asked the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services for $78,000 to pay for a full-time case worker to handle the increased load, said Martha Lott, director of the county's community services division.

"To me, being able to help someone that has had no one there to help them with situations like this, it's very rewarding," she said.

As the court's sole coordinator, it has been the job of Kim Daugherty to manage the needs of the people who have been referred to the court by the district attorney general's office, defense attorneys or the sheriff's office.

"We're really helping people who are not violent, who find themselves arrested many times for nuisance sorts of things that nearly everyone can agree them being in jail is not the solution for that problem," she said.

Those being served have been arrested an average of 136 times, with records that go back 20 to 25 years, Daugherty said. The most common crime is theft. They have been diagnosed with conditions that include bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

Mental health court doesn't excuse the criminal behavior, but it does work to address the needs of the mentally ill defendant, county Mayor Mark Luttrell said.

It's another of the county's specialty courts for drug users, veterans and domestic violence that are part of the over-arching initiative to overhaul the criminal justice system, said Luttrell, who has also considered a special family court.

"We try to make sure prison is reserved for people who indeed need prison," he said. "People who can be dealt with in alternative ways that are less expensive, we should take advantage of that."

To stay in the yearlong program, the defendants must plead guilty, but once the program is completed, the arrest is expunged, Daugherty said.

While in the program participants are given mental and physical health care, help with alcohol and drug abuse, housing assistance and if they are capable, employment assistance.

"Some disabilities are so great they're never going to work (full-time)," Daugherty said. "That doesn't mean they can't volunteer somewhere, can't get a part-time job, can't help out in the home where they live. We want to get them back in a position of health."

With an estimated 500 people in jail each day with a diagnosed mental illness, Daugherty knows, helping just 50 barely scratches the surface of what needs to be done.

But for now, the focus must be on quality and not quantity, Daugherty said.

"It's better to do something well with a few people than to do something no good with a whole bunch of people," she said.
July 28, 2016  Farmer Kenneth Sneed, with Sneed Farms in Madison County, walks around the Milan No-Till Field Day inspecting equipment and other information for farmers at the annual event that draws thousands from across Tennessee. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal)

SHARE July 28, 2016  Congressional candidate Brad Greer (second right) talks with Gibson County Utility District general manager Pat Riley (right), of Trenton, Tenn., while additional candidates for the 8th Congressional District, including Mark Luttrell (left) and David Kustoff (second left) talk with voters following a candidate's forum in Milan, Tenn. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal) July 28, 2016  State Senator Brian Kelsey talks with Gibson County farmer Greg Mathenia while walking around the No-Till Field Day in Milan, Tenn., following a candidates' forum for the District 8 Congressional race. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal) July 28, 2016  Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, a candidate in the District 8 Congressional race, walks through the No-Till Field Day event in Milan, Tenn., with former Agricenter president John Charles Wilson following a candidates' forum held in conjunction with an annual farming event that draws thousands. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal)

By Daniel Connolly of The Commercial Appeal

Kim Kee, 39, farms corn, cotton and soybeans with her family not far from Jackson, Tennessee. She's one of the rural voters who will play a role in choosing the next congressional representative for District 8, which stretches through most of rural West Tennessee and into urban areas like Collierville, Germantown and East Memphis.

What does she think about the fact that so many candidates in the race live in Shelby County and not rural areas?

"It's concerning," she said.

Her view helps illustrate the challenges facing the field of 13 candidates competing in the Aug. 4 GOP primary. They're battling to represent a sprawling district that includes 15 counties and 452,000 active voters, according to state election authorities. And those voters live in very different environments.

Thirty-six percent of the district's voters live in urban or suburban Shelby County. Another 14 percent live in Madison County, where Jackson is located, and another 4 percent live in Obion County, home to Union City. Otherwise, small towns and rural areas form the district.

Will voters pick one of the seven Shelby County candidates in the Republican primary race? Or will they pick one of the six candidates who live elsewhere in the big district?

The choice could have an impact on how the district is represented in Congress. Rural voters often have specific concerns that aren't necessarily the same as someone living in a city or suburb.

Kee's experience explains that fact. A former biology teacher, she said she's comfortable using genetically altered crops and doesn't want the federal government to mandate food labels on these products that might scare off customers in grocery stores.

She cares about international trade, too. Some of the crops that the farm grows are sold locally, but her farm also sells to big companies like Cargill that transport products to the Gulf of Mexico, and send them as far away as China or Japan, she said.

"So having those trade agreements are important, so they can have more buyers," Kee said.

District 8 is represented by Stephen Fincher, a farmer from the tiny communityof Frog Jump in Crockett County.

Fincher announced earlier this year he would not seek re-election, triggering a rush into the race. The winner of the Republican primary will likely win the general election in November.

The seven Republican candidates living in Shelby County include former Shelby County Commissioner George Flinn, County Mayor Mark Luttrell, State Senator Brian Kelsey, former federal prosecutor David Kustoff, Shelby County Register Tom Leatherwood, and two lesser-known candidates  Raymond Honeycutt and David J. Maldonado.

The six from outside Shelby County are Ken Atkins of Mason, David Wharton of Union City, and Hunter Baker, Dave Bault, Brad Greer and George B. Howell, all of Jackson.

Some of the 13 candidates made their pitch to rural voters last week in Milan, near Jackson, at a candidates' forum that focused on agriculture. Kelsey acknowledged he isn't a farmer.

"And I know for most of you in this room, your first choice for Congress would be Stephen Fincher again, and I understand that. But I would ask you to vote for your second choice, for a person who has a proven, conservative record of getting results."

Kustoff, former U.S. attorney for the western district of Tennessee, likewise acknowledged his lack of farming background.

"I'm not an expert on ag issues, I'm not an expert on defense issues," he said. "But as a congressman, I'm going to learn and I'm going to be responsive to the district."

Luttrell reached out to rural voters by talking about an issue that hasn't received much attention in the Memphis area, the Waters of the United States rule.

The rule would expand federal government pollution controls over streams and wetlands. President Obama's administration argues it would help keep water resources clean for drinking and other purposes.

Luttrell called it an example of federal overreach.

My goodness, God doesnt give us regulation of this water that comes from the heavens, but the federal government does, he said.

Leatherwood went further, saying the federal Environmental Protection Agency should be abolished. He addressed the concern that a candidate like him couldnt represent rural areas.

Let not your heart be troubled. I have successfully built that bridge in the past, he said, referring to his history as a state legislator in a district that included agricultural areas.

Candidate Brad Greer of Jackson acknowledged that he, too, is no farmer  he runs an advertising and political consulting company. But he aimed to position himself as the next best thing for rural voters  the leading candidate among those who don't live in Shelby County.

"The reason I'm running, I've said it from Day 1, is to make sure that the rural part of the district, that was just identified, is not left behind, period," Greer said.

Greer appears to have a better chance at a win than the only other non-Shelby County resident at this particular forum, James Hart, an independent candidate from Buchanan, Tennessee, near the Kentucky state line. He said he was running for Congress because his son took drugs and committed suicide. Flinn, a candidate who's put millions of dollars of his own money into the race, wasn't at the Milan forum.

After the forum, held at a country club, some candidates walked across the road to talk with people at No-Till Field Day, a big agricultural trade show that focuses on teaching sustainable farming techniques.

A spraying machine at the show would look strikingly out of place in East Memphis, and it illustrated the big differences within the district. A few years ago, only some parts of northern Shelby County were represented in the Eighth Congressional district, notably Frayser, Millington and Raleigh.

Then in 2010, the state legislature redrew the district, cutting out some Democratic districts in the eastern section and adding a big swath of suburban Memphis, including Collierville, Germantown and much of East Memphis. The result  it's easier for a Republican to win in the general election.

But today's district is also much more urban than the old Eighth, said John Tanner, who represented the district until announcing his departure in 2010.

"It's just like comparing apples and oranges," he said.

The split between urban and rural creates uncertainty, says Marcus Pohlmann, a Rhodes College political science professor and frequent commenter on area politics.

He believes Luttrell has the best chances in Shelby County, but he's less familiar with the rural parts of District 8 and not sure how votes there will play out. A candidate of the Aug. 4 primary might need only 30 percent of the votes to win, and he'd be surprised if Luttrell doesn't get that, at least in Shelby County.

The urban vs. rural split has long been a big dividing line in Tennessee politics, but it's playing an especially large role in this race, said Chris Baxter, a professor of political science at University of Tennessee, Martin.

"Even I'm a little bit surprised in how much the candidates are addressing this visibly and saying that 'I'm outside Memphis politics,'" he said. "Brad Greer has espoused this."

"We don't know until primary day, but I suspect that's resonating, just anecdotally from some of the comments I'm seeing on social media, that's resonating with some conservatives up toward northwest Tennessee especially."

His prediction on the race? He said he has no idea.

Kee, the former biology teacher and current farmer, couldn't help solve the mystery. She didn't want to say who she'll vote for.
Lo Thi Chom arrested for human trafficking in Lai Chau (Source: VNA)



Speaking at the event, President of the Vietnamese Womens Union Nguyen Thi Thu Ha said that the ceremony marked the first National Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which was selected for July 30th by the Government in anticipation with global efforts to combat human trafficking.

The union has coordinated closely with relevant agencies in the work, Ha stated, adding that over the past five years, its communication campaigns popularised information related to human trafficking to 14.1 million people.

According to Major General Nguyen Phong Hoa, Deputy Head of the Police General Department, the traffickers have traded not only in women and children, but also in men, newborns, and human body organs and these illegal events occurred across provinces and cities.

Around 500 human trafficking cases are discovered in Vietnam a year, involving over 700 traffickers and 1,000 victims, he reported.

Preventing and combating the scourge requires the involvement of the entire society given its complicated characteristics and long-term effects, said Hoa.

He asked police forces to keep a close watch on suspected traffickers in hot spots, especially along the border with China, Laos and Cambodia, as well as coordinating with peoples courts and peoples procuracies to speed up case investigations and prosecutions.

Mobile hearings should be held in hot-spots of human trafficking to produce deterrent effect, he said.

In another development, Nguyen Van Thinh, Political Counselor at the Vietnamese Embassy in China, said that crimes related to illegal immigration, matchmaking and trafficking women into China, which are committed by Vietnamese, are on the rise.

In 2015, 54 cases related to illegal marriage and trafficking were brought to light, with 26 Vietnamese women rescued.

In the first half of 2016, 34 women were reportedly cheated to go to China and 18 of them were rescued.

According to Thinh, to address the situation, it is important to expand communication on traffickers ruses as well as the reality in foreign countries, and at the same time strengthen management and inspections at border gates along the border shared with China.

Vietnam enacted the Law on preventing and combating human trafficking in 2012.

Also in the year, its government endorsed Palermo Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.

In 2015, the country signed the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children./.
(Photos by Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal) Patrick Hardison talks to the media at Senatobia's Fire Station No. 2 during a small get-together at the station to show support for the volunteer firefighter who entered a burning home on a rescue search in 2001 when the roof collapsed and his firefighter's mask burned onto his face. Nearly a year ago Hardison received an extensive face transplant covering his skull and much of his neck.

SHARE Patrick Hardison (center) gets a hug from his daughter Avery Hardison as family and friends gather at Senatobia's Fire Station No. 2 for a small get together to show support for the volunteer firefighter who entered a burning home on a rescue search in 2001 when the roof collapsed and his firefighter's mask burned onto his face. Nearly a year ago Hardison received an extensive face transplant covering his skull and much of his neck. New York University Langone Medical Center's Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez hugs Elaine Hardison, mother of Patrick Hardison during a small get together at the Senatobia Fire Station No. 2 for the volunteer firefighter who received an extensive face transplant covering his skull and much of his neck almost a year ago. Patrick Hardison talks to friends at Senatobia's Fire Station No. 2 during a small get together at the station show support for the volunteer firefighter who entered a burning home on a rescue search in 2001 when the roof collapsed and his firefighter's mask burned onto his face. Nearly a year ago Hardison received an extensive face transplant covering his skull and much of his neck. July 30, 2016 - New York University Langone Medical Center's Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez talks to the media during a small get together at the Senatobia Fire Station No. 2 to show support for volunteer firefighter Patrick Hardison who received an extensive face transplant covering his skull and much of his neck almost a year ago. (Jim Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

By Therese Apel, USA NETWORK-Jackson Clarion-Ledger

Pat Hardison remembers most of the day in 2001 when his face was so badly burned his fellow firefighters didn't recognize him.

It started as a structure fire. Hardison said they had conducted an interior search and didn't think anyone was inside, but the homeowner was convinced his wife was. So Hardison and his partner put on new air packs and went back in. That's when the sky fell  not just for Hardison, but for his whole department.

"The ceiling came down and I could see everything melting on me, so I just had to hold my breath and throw everything off so I could get to a window," Hardison said.

Fast forward 15 years, and the Senatobia firefighter was able to recall the events with some sense of perspective Saturday. During a small get-together at Senatobia's Fire Station No. 2, some 40 miles south of Memphis in Tate County, Hardison and others recalled the fateful day and the miracles since that have defined his life.

'I don't know who this is'

Bricky Cole had known Hardison for most of his life.

"When I came out, my chief was yelling 'Help him, help him,' and all I knew was someone was hurt," Cole said. "We worked on him for what seemed like an hour, but it was probably only 20 minutes. I didn't even know who he was until we put him in the ambulance."

Added Hardison: "He's been family to me ever since I was little, and I can remember him kneeling down over me and he said, 'I don't know who this is,' and I grabbed him and said, 'Man, it's not that bad.'"

But it was that bad.

The years after Hardison's injury, which completely took his face, were hard for him and everyone who loves him. The formerly outgoing practical joker started to keep to himself and stay inside. People didn't understand the nature of his injuries, and it was too hard to bear the burden.

"Pat loved to go out and eat; it was his favorite thing to do," mother Elaine Hardison said. "But he would go out and people looked at him like he was a freak. They called him names, children screamed and cried, and parents said, 'If you don't want people staring at you, don't go out.' He was a people person. He always loved to be around people, and it hurt him so bad."

Hardison also stopped coming by the fire station, Gary Copeland said.

"He loved it so much that he said he just couldn't come down and be around the fire department anymore. He said, 'I can't help, and the best thing to do is stay away,'" Copeland said.

Jimmie Neal, a firefighter in Tunica, said he and Pat had been friends since they were in eighth grade. Seeing his friend's charismatic personality withdraw was hard to watch.

"It was there, but it was only there part of the time, and it wasn't like the normal Pat that always cut up. It was there, but you had to pull it out of him," he said. Then he added with a smile, "But now it's 100 percent there."

'He was her miracle baby'

In 2011, doctors told Hardison he couldn't drive anymore. His eyesight was deteriorating in part because he had no eyelids. The loss of independence hit him hard, which led a friend to go online and research face transplants. That led Hardison to New York's Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, a plastic surgeon with a specialty in reconstructive surgery.

There have been about 40 face transplants but Hardison's was unique, Rodriguez said, because of the need to save his eyesight and introduce functioning eyelids. Hardison was up to the challenge.

"It always takes a courageous individual because we could not provide any data about the success of this operation because nothing like this had ever been done," Rodriguez said.

After two false alarms on facial donors, Hardison got a call. A Brooklyn bike courier named David Rodebaugh had been critically injured in a bike wreck, and he was a tissue match. Rodriguez met with the family.

"When you're asking a person at a very difficult time for their loved one's face, it's not an easy question and there's never an easy answer, but what an amazing family," he said.

Elaine Hardison said she can't imagine what Rodebaugh's mother went through, but that she thanks God for her.

Almost a year after his surgery, Hardison's recovery has been nothing short of a medical miracle. He has had no signs of rejecting the transplant, which is unheard of in such a surgery. He attributes that to following the doctors' directions.

Hardison remembers the years of praying through the night, asking God to bring his life back to some semblance of normal. Now that he's there, he wants to use it to help others just like him.

Rodriguez said that's part of his dream too.

"The ability to provide a functioning face with functioning eyelids to protect his vision so that he can drive, giving him independence," he said. "And it could not have gone to a more deserving individual, a first responder. It brings a great deal of hope to our wounded warriors, wounded veterans and anyone from the civilian population who has experienced such an injury."

Now, Hardison is looking at his new lease on life, and he's excited about it when asked what he's going to do next.

"Whatever I want to do," he said. "Just healing and enjoying my family, writing a book, hoping that does well, and I guess we'll just wait and see."
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Tennessee Comptroller Justin Wilson, who delivered a blistering critique of city of Memphis finances three years ago, delivered some good news on that front Monday.

"Conservative budgeting" has put Memphis on the path to reclaiming its "rightful place among the truly vibrant cities of the world," Wilson said in a letter to city officials.

Despite the good news out of Nashville, this is not the time to hang a "Mission Accomplished" banner on the front of City Hall. The city still has worrisome debt issues, especially regarding its pension system and other post-employee benefits (OPEB).

In 2013, Wilson sent a letter to Memphis leaders threatening action by the state if the city did not act to resolve fiscal issues relating to its debt.

In a candid interview with a member of the newspaper's editorial board after the release of the letter, Wilson said Memphis was traveling along an unsustainable financial path, piling up debt while dealing with an inadequate revenue stream to pay for it.

A significant amount of that indebtedness was buried in the city's pension system, because the city had not been putting enough money into it over the years. That fact was one of the chief reasons the Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation mandating that municipal pension systems must be solvent by 2020. Also, a disastrous debt restructuring in 2010 exacerbated the problem.

As a result, then-Mayor A C Wharton garnered the City Council's approval in 2014 to make painful reductions in employee and retiree benefits, with the savings used to pump more money into the pension plan. The council faced withering criticism from retirees and some employees in meeting after meeting before and after their vote. Some police officers and firefighters staged blue- and red-flu job actions, and the city has seen a debilitating exodus of public safety employees, especially police officers.

The cuts and other austerity actions prompted two major rating agencies, Fitch and Moody's, in April to revise the city's credit outlook to "stable" or "positive" following the pension and benefits cuts made by Wharton and the council, and partly implemented by Mayor Jim Strickland.

In the past three years, the city has nearly halved the unfunded liabilities in its pension and other post-employment benefits funds, and has increased its reserves from less than $50 million to more than $90 million, city Chief Financial Officer Brian Collins said.

On the flip side, the city still has an unfunded pension liability of $418 million and an unfunded OPEB liability of $700 million. Still, the city is in a much better position now than three years ago, when there were concerns that Memphis could follow a path similar to Detroit, which filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy in 2013.

And it also is a reality that the city still needs to increase its yearly contribution to the pension fund to meet the 2020 solvency deadline.

Strickland has made it clear that his administration will be brilliant at the basics and will steer clear of any big-expense projects. Some City Council members, however, may see Wilson's letter as a catalyst for increased spending, especially on projects in their district.

Wilson's letter could give some city employee union officials more hope that Strickland or the council would be amenable to restoring some benefits next year.

But this is no time to loosen the purse strings.

Wilson called the city's improved financial situation "a remarkable achievement. Just three years ago, there was a serious question about whether the City Council would take the necessary steps to control its budget and determine Memphis' future."

The council withstood the criticism and did the right thing. But that could swiftly turn around if council members fail to stay on the course of financial prudence.
Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal Files Electronic voting machines could be vulnerable to hacking come election time in November.

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By Bruce Schneier, Special to The Washington Post

Russia was behind the hacking of the Democratic National Committee's computer network that led to the release of thousands of internal emails just before the party's convention began, U.S. intelligence agencies have reportedly concluded.

The FBI is investigating. WikiLeaks promises more data to come. The political nature of this cyberattack means Democrats and Republicans are trying to spin it as much as possible. Even so, we have to accept that someone is attacking our nation's computer systems in an apparent attempt to influence a presidential election.

This kind of cyberattack targets the very core of our democratic process, and points to the possibility of an even worse problem in November  that our election systems and voting machines could be vulnerable to a similar attack.

If the intelligence community has indeed ascertained that Russia is to blame, our government needs to decide what to do in response. This is difficult because the attacks are politically partisan, but it is essential. If foreign governments learn they can influence our elections with impunity, the door is open future manipulations  document thefts and dumps like this one we see, and more subtle manipulations we don't see.

Retaliation is politically fraught and could have serious consequences, but this is an attack against our democracy. We need to confront Russian President Vladimir Putin in some way  politically, economically or in cyberspace  and make it clear we will not tolerate this kind of interference by any government. Regardless of your political leanings this time, there's no guarantee the next country that tries to manipulate our elections will share your preferred candidates.

Even more important, we need to secure our election systems before autumn. If Putin's government has already used a cyberattack to try to help Donald Trump win, there's no reason to believe he won't do it again, especially now that Trump is inviting the "help."

Over the years, more and more states have moved to electronic voting machines and have flirted with internet voting. These systems are insecure and vulnerable to attack.

But while computer security experts like me have sounded the alarm for years, states have largely ignored the threat, and the machine manufacturers have thrown up enough obfuscating babble that election officials are largely mollified.

We no longer have time for that. We must ignore the manufacturers' spurious claims of security, create tiger teams to test the machines' and systems' resistance to attack, drastically increase their cyber-defenses and take them offline if we can't guarantee their security online.

Longer term, we need to return to election systems that are secure from manipulation. This means voting machines with voter-verified paper audit trails, and no internet voting. I know it's slower and less convenient to stick to the old-fashioned way, but the security risks are simply too great.

There are other ways to attack our election system on the internet besides hacking voting machines or changing vote tallies: deleting voter records, hijacking candidate or party websites, targeting and intimidating campaign workers or donors. There have already been multiple instances of political doxing  publishing personal information and documents about a person or organization  and we could easily see more of it in this election cycle. We need to take these risks much more seriously than before.

Government interference with foreign elections isn't new. In fact, it's something the United States has repeatedly done in recent history. Using cyberattacks to influence elections is newer but has been done before, too  most notably in Latin America. Hacking of voting machines isn't new, either. What is new is a foreign government interfering with a U.S. national election on a large scale. Our democracy cannot tolerate it, and we as citizens cannot accept it.

Last April, the Obama administration issued an executive order outlining how we as a nation respond to cyberattacks against our critical infrastructure. While our election technology was not explicitly mentioned, our political process is certainly critical. And while they are a hodgepodge of separate state-run systems, together their security affects every one of us. After everyone has voted, it is essential that both sides believe the election was fair and the results accurate.

Election security is now a national security issue; federal officials need to take the lead  quickly.

Bruce Schneier is a security technologist and a lecturer at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
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The last though by no means of the least of the five reasons that ConservativeHome gave for backing Brexit was global engagement. The case for it was put eloquently on this site by Daniel Hannan. Britain could sign new trade deals and export more freely, utilising new technology and falling freight costs. We would continue to host the worlds greatest city, top soft power league tables  and speak the worlds most widely-learned language in the history of humanity. We would carry on being a nuclear power, and have the fourth-largest defence budget on the planet. We would remain one of five permanent seat-holders on the UN Security Council, and play our part in the Commonwealth, the G8, the G20and NATO.

There is a view on the fringes of British conservatism, usually held by those who see Russia as a strategic ally, that NATO is past its sell-by date. Alan Clark described it as a bureaucracy in search of a pension  but then again, he was a good example of the genre. In recent years, NATO has acted in Afghanistan; is currently assisting with the response to the refugee and migrant crisis in Europe, and sometimes provides earthquake relief. But its main purpose is much the same today as when it was founded in 1949: to deter Russia. This is why NATO membership remains open to any other European state in a position to further the principles of this Treaty (i.e: not Russia). It also explains why Clark, who had isolationist sympathies, was unsympathetic to it.

One can throw out the bathwater of provoking Russia without also throwing out the baby of NATO. Yes, Russia is capable of playing a beneficial role in Afghanistan and over Iran. Yes, it is unwise for NATO to seek expansion eastwards, including into the Ukraine. And, yes, EU bungling played a part in sparking the war there. But although Russia is not an enemy it is not a friend, either. It is not a democracy. It is consumed by corruption. Its agents have committed murder on British soil. It tortures and kills campaigners for justice. It has launched cyber attacks against a neighbouring state, Estonia. Unlike the old Soviet Union, it has no expanionist ideology. None the less, it has aggressive instincts. NATO helps to keep Russia out of much of eastern Europe.

You can see where this is heading. Clark has successors in Britain today, mostly to be found within UKIP or near it, who have somehow persuaded themselves that democratic, disarmed Germany is more of a current military threat to our interests than is authoritarian Russia. There is an echo of the admiration in which Mussolini was once held on parts of the Right in the admiration for Vladimir Putin among some UKIP-leaning circles  and the belief that he at least stands up to Islamism. (Wrong: Russias propping-up of Assad made a negotiated peace more difficult, and much of its military intervention deliberately didnt target ISIS.) But never until now has serious reservations about NATO been expressed by the candidate for the Presidency of one of the two main parties of its most powerful member.

Donald Trump has a good point about many European NATO members not pulling their spending weight. One can understand why some Americans believe that the organisation is now an exercise their country paying for the security of others. It is this feel for a big slice of the United States that has got Trump to where he is today, and one does not have to agree with his policies (insofar as he sticks to any), like him (he is inherently unlikeable) or admire what he stands for (essentially the old American nativism married to a new yearning for the countrys own man of steel) to respect his instinct for where much of his country is now. He inveighs against Islam. But he himself is proof that a flight into protectionism and paranoia is not necessarily a response to the presence of Muslims in large numbers.

His soft spot for Putin is part of the same execrable story. Believing that NATO members arent doing enough is one thing; saying so loudly  as Trump could say anything in any other way  is quite another. It is an orange light to Russia. And to suggest that America might dishonour its NATO commitments with regard to the Baltic States comes closer to a green one. Trumps vagaries are a menace to the peace and security of our continent. It is a tragicomic irony that this man is the successor as his Partys Presidential candidate to such far-sighted internationalists as Reagan, Nixon and the older Bush. Perhaps it would all be different were he to be ensconsed in the White House, but there is a sound basis for suspecting the opposite: the same arts that did gain/A power, must it maintain.

One does not have to believe that Trump is somehow in the pockets of the oligarchs to hold this view. It is being put about by some of his Democrat opponents, mention of whom takes one to their candidate. In helping to tear up Glass-Steagall while President, Hillary Clintons husband actually helped to create Trump, since he is a backlash against Americas pre-crash legacy  another irony. Watching last weeks Democrat convention, with its obsession with minority rights and its cornucopia of Hollywood celebrities, was a reminder of why her Party doesnt deserve to win. But Clinton is, as it were, the last man standing: the only person standing between Trump and the White House. And at least she is an experienced internationalist. That may not be much of an endorsement but it will have to do.




The press conference. (Photo: vovgiaothong.vn) Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh city Department of Tourism, released the information in a press conference about the event on July 28th.



The three-day expo will open on September 8th and attract the participation of 30,000 visitors, up 20-30% from last years event, said the organizers.

It will feature 270 kiosks of airlines, hotels, resorts, travel agencies and tourism representatives from Brunei, Cambodia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan-China, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam.

On the sidelines, the event will include diverse activities such as Travel Fun Fair Day, ACMECS (Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy) sustainable tourism forum, a photo exhibition introducing the ACMECS sustainable tourism, and a craft village exhibition and Mekong Tourism Alliance Award (MTAA) recognizing and honouring outstanding achievements and contributions to the tourism sector of the five countries.
Photos by DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS #PinkLivesMatter teammates (from left) Casey Fleetwood, Ashlee Kerr, Claire Richards and Presley Lowery, all 15 and from Bloomington begin their quest to capture their hog at the 2016 Monroe County Fair during the hog wrestling competition Tuesday evening.

SHARE The successful hog wrestling team of #PinkLivesMatter hauls its pig to the pedestal in a time of 22 seconds. The team of #PinkLivesMatter exits the arena all smiles after a successful 22-second hog wrestling time at the Monroe County Fair Tuesday evening.

By Denny Simmons of the Courier and Press

BLOOMINGTON, Ind.  Teams gathered in the arena at the 2016 Monroe County Fair sporting T-shirts with their names emblazoned across the fronts. That Swine is Mine. Greased Lightning. Pork Choppers. If Pigs Could Fly.

A foursome of 15-year-olds hailing from Bloomington, Indiana, gathered to make last-minute adjustments to their hot pink jerseys and come up with a strategy for their time in the ring. #PinkLivesMatter consisted of Ashlee Kerr, Casey Fleetwood, Presley Lowery and Claire Richards.

"I can't feel my arm," Casey Fleetwood said as Ashlee Kerr used shiny black duct tape to seal her sleeves to her upper arm. Waists and ankles got the same treatment. "We got the pig last year," Kerr said when three of the four competed as the "Junior Bacon Slayers."

"It's a lot harder than it looks," Presley Lowery said after their time in the slop and a time of 22 seconds.

"You've gotta be calm because if you're just running around, it's impossible," Claire Richards said.

"I was a little scared at first that we weren't going to get it, but we did, so that's good," Presley Lowery said.

"We wanted to stay calm, corner it and grab it," Ashlee Kerr said of the pig. "But not with your hands your arms. You just scoop him up."

"We all got one of each section," Presley Lowery continued. One girl grabbed the end with the head. Two girls took hold of the torso. Claire Richards took up the rear.

"I think we did pretty good this year," Claire Richards said. "Hopefully next year we'll have a faster time."
It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover the
WASHINGTON  As a solid-blue state in recent elections, Connecticut is not likely a battleground in the 2016 presidential campaign now getting underway in earnest.

But there is enough uncertainty and ferment among voters for the political world to take it seriously. Connecticut, with seven electoral votes, hasnt gone Republican in a presidential contest since George H.W. Bush won the White House in 1988.

Democratic supporters of Hillary Clinton are cautiously optimistic that 2016 will stay true to the pattern. But Republicans backing Donald Trump think the jury is out and the New York real-estate billionaire could put Connecticut in play.

I think this race is hers to lose in Connecticut and nationwide, said former U.S. Rep. Chris Shays, a moderate Republican who considers Trump truly unfit to be president but hasnt decided whether to vote for Clinton. Fairfield County would have to vote overwhelmingly for Trump, and right now I dont see that happening.

Both parties are coming off of conventions distinct in substance and tone. Democrats saw theirs as upbeat and optimistic, with several commentators observing the speeches and atmospherics reminded them of Ronald Reagans kickoffs in the 1980s.

Democrats characterized the Republican convention as portraying a nation on the verge of collapse from terrorism, exporting jobs and illegal immigration.

For their part, Republicans saw their convention as realistic and the Democrats as a fantasy world that doesnt exist, as Trump himself put it.

The last statewide Quinnipiac University Poll in June showed Clinton leading Trump by a margin of 45 percent to 38 percent.

Among Connecticuts 2.1 million voters, 20 percent are registered Republican and 36 percent are Democrat, according to data from the Secretary of State. But a whopping 42 percent are independent.

Turnout

will count

Democrats dismiss the idea of Trump winning Connecticut as fantasy.

If the Trump team thinks it has a chance, thats insane, said U.S. Rep. Jim Himes. I dont see anything about Trump that is Republican, and I mean that as a huge compliment to the Republican Party.

U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty pointed to relatively high unemployment in places like Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley, but insisted Trump has no serious answers for those affected by it.

Donald Trump will not be able to fire the U.S. Congress if it doesnt do what he wants, she said. Connecticut voters facing economic hard times may like Trumps words, but Hillary Clinton will get the job done.

Republicans say a Trump win is achievable, pointing to an internal poll taken for Dan Carter, the Republican challenging U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, that showed the race in Connecticut dead even at 43 percent each.

The wind is at our back, said Joe Visconti, a maverick Trump supporter and perennial Republican candidate from West Hartford. We are all very psyched.

Visconti acknowledged a lackluster turnout by moderate Republicans in Fairfield County and elsewhere will hurt Trumps chances in the state. But he and others point to Trumps ability to bring out voters who have not regularly cast ballots in previous elections, saying a million or more such voters in Connecticut could form a Trump groundswell.

State data shows the number of nonvoting voters is closer to 550,000, with almost 74 percent of the states 2.1 million registered voters casting ballots in the last presidential election in 2012.

As goes the state

In Connecticut, the campaigns will depend more on the ground war and social media rather than the traditional television advertising war. Voters in Fairfield County will see ads on national cable news shows and local stations in New York  a state Trump has said he will contest  but little aimed directly at the state.

An element of Republican strategy is to tie Clinton to the political misfortunes of her chief Connecticut supporter, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who is overseeing painful unpopular budget cuts.

Everything she wants to do in the country, hes done here, said Connecticut Republican Party Chairman J.R. Romano. We have lived it in Connecticut, and its not good.

Democrats may be dismissive of Republican ambitions, but they are far from declaring a win.

There is no question that Donald Trump has a path to victory, said Blumenthal. Never take anything for granted is the first law of politics.

Nevertheless, the contrasts are sharp enough to give Clinton the clear edge, he said.

The focus ultimately will be on jobs and economic progress, national security, keeping America safe at home, defeating ISIS abroad, stopping terrorist violence, and keeping faith with our veterans, he said. Those basic bread-and-butter issues are ultimately what will matter to American people in Connecticut and around the country.

Blumenthal, Himes and Murphy said they will do whatever the Clinton campaign asks them to do. Himes and Blumenthal have their own races to run, but neither is expected to face serious challenge.

Sea change on guns

Murphy, whose term does not expire until 2018, will capitalize on the reputation he earned as a gun-violence-prevention crusader who led a nearly 15-hour filibuster in the Senate to force votes on gun legislation.

Public opinion on the gun issue represents a sea change from previous election cycles, where Democrats were loath to embrace gun control for fear of alienating gun owners. This year, Clinton is singling out the National Rifle Association and running with a full-throated message of support for new gun-related laws.

Polling shows support for the NRA plummeting and support for background checks growing, Murphy said. Something happened after Orlando, Dallas and Baton Rouge. Once people saw the gun issue intersecting with the lone-wolf gunman and a coordinated assault on police, it was the straw that broke the camels back.

Referring to the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School that put the gun issue at the forefront in Connecticut, Murphy added: I dont understand why that didnt happened after Newtown.

dan@hearstdc.com
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
Section of GAP closed during bridge work

"The last time the bridges were re-decked was in 1995. They have become almost unsafe to be used," said Lindsay Baer.
If Francois Hollande thought Theresa May was going to be a soft touch she removed any such illusion in two terse sentences when they met in Paris ten days ago.

'I have just become Prime Minister,' she told him. 'It is my method.'

The words were delivered slowly and deliberately in the well-modulated English vowels of a Home Counties vicar's daughter. But the impact was nuclear, literally.

It was her way of telling shocked Hollande she was delaying the 24 billion Hinkley Point power plant deal hammered out by David Cameron and George Osborne with the French and Chinese governments. Nor was it the only humiliation she meted out to diminutive Hollande.

Diplomats claim tall visiting leaders are sometimes encouraged to stand on a step below Hollande so he is not 'overlooked' on his own doorstep.

This is an artist's impression of how the new Hinkley Point C station will look in Somerset

Mrs May stood on the same step, towering over France's head of state by a full head  her own. She often spurns her trademark kitten heels for more practical 'flats'.

Not that day. Hollande, known in France as 'Monsieur Flanby', which loosely translates as Mr Custard, is not the only politician who could be forgiven for feeling as though he has been stilettoed by Mrs May.

Her dramatic intervention in the Hinkley Point deal is the latest and clearest evidence that she is prepared to rip up key parts of what Cameron and Osborne hoped would be their legacy.

They put the deal together painstakingly over years, with huge efforts to woo the Chinese, sweeping aside human rights and security concerns to plead for investment in key infrastructure projects, including the HS2 high-speed rail line.

In one fell swoop, Mrs May has snubbed France, risked upsetting the Chinese and effectively trashed Cameron and Osborne.

So why did she go nuclear on this issue? When she became Prime Minister, critics said she was too cautious, too shy and lacked the ruthlessness needed to be a world leader.

In Beijing and Paris, they now know differently.

She wanted to go through the deal with a fine tooth comb in her own good time. And neither the Chinese nor the French, nor the prospect of an almighty fracas, were going to stop her.

Mrs May's decision to delay Hinkley Point was made strictly on commercial and security grounds. She would have given equally little regard to sparing Cameron and Osborne's feelings.

However, some are bound to see in her decision an element of a dish of revenge served chillingly cold.

Her personal relationship with Cameron never had real warmth.When former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg observed to Cameron that May was 'a bit of an Ice Maiden with no small talk whatsoever  none', Cameron replied: 'She's exactly like that with me too!'

May underlined her disdain at Cameron's more casual approach to politics when she reorganised the PM's study the day after moving in.

Cameron had aped his New Labour hero Tony Blair's casual 'sofa' government style whereby advisers in open-necked shirts would make policy relaxing on the PM's sofa, sometimes with no formal agenda.

Traditionalist Mrs May moved the sofa to the edge of her No 10 study, with a more formal table and chairs moved to the centre instead.

An extra table added to the Cabinet by Cameron so a dozen or more Ministers with 'semi-Cabinet' status could attend, partly to meet objections that there were too few women, has been removed by Mrs May.

Perhaps the biggest clue to her Hinkley Point decision comes from an article written last October by her formidable Joint Chief of Staff, Nick Timothy, sometimes referred to as 'Theresa's brain'.

While Cameron and Osborne were falling over themselves to woo China's President Xi Jinping over Hinkley Point on a state visit, Timothy accused them of 'selling our national security to China'.

He wrote on influential Tory supporting website ConservativeHome: 'Rational concerns about national security are being swept to one side because of the desperate desire for Chinese trade and investment.'

The dramatic intervention in the Hinkley Point deal from Theresa May (pictured) is the latest and clearest evidence that she is prepared to rip up key parts of what Cameron and Osborne hoped would be their legacy

Significantly, Timothy accompanied May on her trip to Paris and sat at her side during private talks with Hollande.

Timothy has his own reason to resent Cameron after being accused of plotting to help May oust him from power. Two years ago, Timothy was accused of spreading claims that May did not trust 'incompetent' Cameron. It led to him being banned by Tory chiefs from standing as a Parliamentary candidate  blamed on Cameron's Conservative HQ supporters.

Timothy's fellow Joint Chief of Staff, Fiona Hill, is uniquely placed to give her own view on the security implications of Communist China's role in Hinkley Point. She has been in a close relationship with ex-spook Charles Farr who was Mrs May's counter-terrorism adviser at the Home Office and now chairs Downing Street's Joint Intelligence Committee.

Hill also bears the scars of May's running battles with Cameron and Osborne. She lost her Home Office job after fiercely backing Mrs May in a spectacular row with Michael Gove. Mrs May brought Hill, also credited with May's stylish wardrobe, back in from the cold the moment Cameron was out of the No 10 door for the last time.

May's relations with Osborne were even more fractious. His allies were machinating against her as they jostled to succeed Cameron, while the pair clashed often in Cabinet on immigration.Osborne brushed aside criticism for doing deals with China despite its poor record on human rights. When he asked May to make it easier to get UK visas for Chinese visitors, she blocked him.

The delayed decision on Hinkley Point should be viewed alongside the way that Mrs May softened Cameron's so-called 'austerity' policies, indicated a tougher line on corporate misdeeds and vowed to do more for the poor and less for the rich.

The content is strikingly different from that of Margaret Thatcher. But Oliver Letwin, who worked for both Thatcher and Cameron, is the most senior Conservative to see similarities in the two women Prime Ministers' styles. Asked about current women political leaders, Mr Letwin said: 'Margaret Thatcher rescued this country and was a very remarkable person. Theresa May is an outstandingly good leader and politician and may well rival any British Prime Minister.'

Her resolve in blocking the Hinkley Point deal was reinforced when she found out that, fearing she might veto it, the bosses of EDF, the state-owned French company building the plant, planned to bounce her into rubber-stamping the deal.
We may never solve the mystery of why young minds are so easily twisted into supporting wild and violent ideas. But it is certain that their elders should take great care over what they say to the young.

It is shocking and distressing to read the words seemingly justifying the sexual enslavement of captive women, spoken and quoted by Ali Hammuda, a Muslim preacher, in a talk to teenage boys as young as 13 in a British mosque.

However much he may seek to qualify these things, the Imam clearly states that, on one interpretation, Islam permits such enslavement of women  in essence, rape.

The fact this occurs in the midst of a rambling sermon about how teenagers should pay more attention to their parents does not detract from the fact that the seeds of this terrible idea have been planted in young minds.

Muslim preacher Ali Hammuda (pictured) is an Imam at a Cardiff mosque where three young jihadis from the city worshipped before travelling to Syria to join Islamic State

But in words spoken only two years after Islamic State actually abducted and enslaved hundreds of Yazidi women, why is this barbaric idea there at all?

Three young men who had attended the same mosque went to Syria as jihadis. Was it because of preaching of this kind, which in some places comes close to the message preached by IS?

At a time when the Metropolitan Police chief, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, is warning that it is a matter of when, not if Britain faces a new terror atrocity, we cannot be complacent about such things.

What goes on in mosques up and down this country is crucial to our peace and safety as a nation. We cannot realistically police speech, or subject our Muslim citizens to intrusive surveillance which will anger many who are loyal and peaceable.

So the leaders of British Islam now have an absolute duty to stand up against such appalling ideas being spread among impressionable young men and boys.

Too high a price?

Society has accepted that some of us now believe very strongly that we are in the wrong body, and that this feeling is so powerful that it is an objective medical condition and can only be dealt with through gender reassignment surgery.

Medicine, too has acknowledged this, and the National Health Service has reasonably decided that such treatment should be available to those who seek it.

It is a complicated and painful subject for those affected and their families, and it is best that outsiders accept that it is a genuine, compassionate need, whatever doubts they may harbour about it.

It is reasonable to ask how any who are not affected can possibly know how much such people suffer.

The National Health Service has decided that gender reassignment surgery should be available to those who seek it

But now comes a suggestion that formerly female patients who have chosen to become male might use fertility treatment and surrogates to become mothers.

This is more difficult, mainly because these methods are costly, and the NHS, very short of money, is already rationing care that many would view as more urgent.

A leading expert in this field, Dr James Barrett, compares patients in this position to cancer sufferers who preserve eggs before undergoing chemotherapy.

Sex-change patients may reasonably regard their needs as urgent and pressing, but many would dispute that they are comparable to the often fatal and extremely rapid ravages of cancer.
At one point a few days ago I feared to turn on the radio or TV because of the ceaseless accounts of blood, death and screams, one outrage after another, which would pour out of screen or loudspeaker if I did so.

And I thought that one of the most important questions we face is this: How can we prevent or at least reduce the horrifying number of rampage murders across the world?

Let me suggest that we might best do so by thinking, and studying. A strange new sort of violence is abroad in the world. From Japan to Florida to Texas to France to Germany, Norway and Finland, we learn almost weekly of wild massacres, in which the weapon is sometimes a gun, sometimes a knife, or even a lorry. In one case the pilot of an airliner deliberately flew his craft into a hillside and slaughtered everyone on board. But the victims are always wholly innocent  and could have been us.

We learn almost weekly of wild massacres, in which the weapon is sometimes a gun, sometimes a knife, or even a lorry. Pictured, a memorial for the victims of the Bastille Day attack in Nice

The culprits of the Charlie Hebdo murders, all had drugs records or connections. The same was true of the Bataclan gang, of the Tunis beach killer and of the Thalys train terrorist

I absolutely do not claim to know the answer to this. But I have, with the limited resources at my disposal, been following up as many of these cases as I can, way beyond the original headlines.

Those easiest to follow are the major tragedies, such as the Oklahoma City bombing, the Nice, Orlando, Munich and Paris killings, the Anders Breivik affair and the awful care-home massacre in Japan last week. These are covered in depth. Facts emerge that do not emerge in more routine crimes, even if they are present.

Let me tell you what I have found. Timothy McVeigh, the 1995 Oklahoma bomber, used cannabis and methamphetamine. Anders Breivik took the steroid Stanozolol and the quasi-amphetamine ephedrine. Omar Mateen, culprit of the more recent Orlando massacre, also took steroids, as did Raoul Moat, who a few years ago terrorised the North East of England. So did the remorseless David Bieber, who killed a policeman and nearly murdered two others on a rampage in Leeds in 2003.

Eric Harris, one of the culprits of the Columbine school shooting, took the SSRI antidepressant Luvox. His accomplice Dylan Klebold's medical records remain sealed, as do those of several other school killers. But we know for sure that Patrick Purdy, culprit of the 1989 Cleveland school shooting, and Jeff Weise, culprit of the 2005 Red Lake Senior High School shootings, had been taking 'antidepressants'.

So had Michael McDermott, culprit of the 2000 Wakefield massacre in Massachusetts. So had Kip Kinkel, responsible for a 1998 murder spree in Oregon. So had John Hinckley, who tried to murder US President Ronald Reagan in 1981 and is now being prepared for release. So had Andreas Lubitz, the Germanwings pilot who murdered all his passengers last year. The San Bernardino killers had been taking the benzodiazepine Xanax and the amphetamine Adderall.

The killers of Lee Rigby were (like McVeigh) cannabis users. So was the killer of Canadian soldier Nathan Cirillo in 2014 in Ottawa (and the separate killer of another Canadian soldier elsewhere in the same year). So was Jared Loughner, culprit of a 2011 mass shooting in Tucson, Arizona. So was the Leytonstone Tube station knife attacker last year. So is Satoshi Uematsu, filmed grinning at Japanese TV cameras after being accused of a horrible knife rampage in a home for the disabled in Sagamihara.

I know that many wish to accept the simple explanation that recent violence is solely explained by Islamic fanaticism. No doubt it's involved. Please understand that I am not trying to excuse or exonerate terrorism when I say what follows.

But when I checked the culprits of the Charlie Hebdo murders, all had drugs records or connections. The same was true of the Bataclan gang, of the Tunis beach killer and of the Thalys train terrorist.

It is also true of the two young men who murdered a defenceless and aged priest near Rouen last week. One of them had also been hospitalised as a teenager for mental disorders and so almost certainly prescribed powerful psychiatric drugs.

The Nice killer had been smoking marijuana and taking mind-altering prescription drugs, almost certainly 'antidepressants'.

As an experienced Paris journalist said to me on Friday: 'After covering all of the recent terrorist attacks here, I'd conclude that the hit-and-die killers involved all spent the vast majority of their miserable lives smoking cannabis while playing hugely violent video games.'

The Munich shopping mall killer had spent months in a mental hospital being treated (almost certainly with drugs) for depression and anxiety

Now look at the German events, eclipsed by Rouen. The Ansbach suicide bomber had a string of drug offences. So did the machete killer who murdered a woman on a train in Stuttgart. The Munich shopping mall killer had spent months in a mental hospital being treated (almost certainly with drugs) for depression and anxiety.

Here is my point. We know far more about these highly publicised cases than we do about most crimes. Given that mind-altering drugs, legal or illegal, are present in so many of them, shouldn't we be enquiring into the possibility that the link might be significant in a much wider number of violent killings? And, if it turns out that it is, we might be able to save many lives in future.

Isn't that worth a little thought and effort?

Vanishing websites - one more sign of America's madness

Whenever I am tempted to think (as I am often urged to do) that Donald Trump cannot possibly be as bad as he looks, I quickly learn that he is worse.

Everything about him is fake, even his fakery.

The website of his wife, Melania, suddenly vanished after an unauthorised biography suggested that she had embroidered her qualifications.

Why not either deny it or admit it? What madness has possessed Americans that they are even thinking of electing her husband?

Whenever I am tempted to think (as I am often urged to do) that Donald Trump cannot possibly be as bad as he looks, I quickly learn that he is worse

If a trendy charity announced that it was holding seminars for burglars, to show them how to avoid being hurt in the course of breaking into our homes, you wouldn't expect the police to approve. They may not care all that much about crime these days, but they'd have to put a stop to it.

Yet when a trendy charity offered to test illegal drugs for 'quality' at a music festival in Cambridgeshire, the local police gave their blessing. The 'tests' duly went ahead, and hundreds of squalid, selfish people went unpunished for blatant breaches of criminal law. All that users of illegal drugs need to know about quality is that they are dangerous. That's why it is illegal to possess them.

For drug-taking, like burglary, is not a victimless crime. The victims are the families of the users, who must often spend many years picking up the pieces of broken lives, and us, the taxpayers, who must look after them, too. Whatever we pay the police for (and this is increasingly unclear to me) we do not pay them to undermine the law in this way. The Cambridgeshire force should be reminded that their salaries and offices are funded by taxes that would not be paid if the law was not widely obeyed and enforced.

If they undermine the law, they undermine themselves.
Ex Tory PM Edward Heath loathed successor Margaret Thatcher so much that he mocked her when she had eye surgery, according to a new biography of Heath by Michael McManus.

Heath sneered: Even her eyes cant stand her. Heath was so petty, he never forgave Maggie for the way she wrote to him offering him the plum post of our man in Washington.

Her crime? She signed it Margaret Thatcher instead of Margaret.

Ex Tory PM Edward Heath (pictured in 1974) loathed successor Margaret Thatcher so much that he mocked her when she had eye surgery, according to a new biography of Heath by Michael McManus

Theresa Mays regal to the manor born style when inspecting the troops on arriving in Berlin for talks with Angela Merkel impressed a former Army officer who worked for ex-PM John Major. He commented: Theresa walked along the line, ramrod straight, and looked the soldiers straight in the eye. She could have been trained at Sandhurst. When poor old Major used to do it, he shuffled along awkwardly, looking like Adrian Mole.

Chuka's so happy to give drugs the push

Labour gent Chuka Umunna, whose South London constituency includes Brixton, had short shrift for complaints at a local meeting about the gentrification of the area hit by riots in the 1980s. Going upmarket was good for Brixton, said Chuka, left. Before gentrification, when I came out of Brixton Tube station, I was bothered by people trying to sell me drugs. At least now that doesnt happen.

Labour gent Chuka Umunna, whose South London constituency includes Brixton, had short shrift for complaints at a local meeting about gentrification'

Hard-nut Brexit Minister David Davis boasted to a pal over a drink how he led a training exercise in his SAS reservist days to rescue two posh officers  Ruperts, as council-house kid Davis derisively called them  who had made a mess of a major assault. Just like your Cabinet comeback after Rupert Cameron and Rupert Osborne messed up the referendum! quipped the pal.

Plucky Percy's revolt

No wonder subservient Tory MPs overlooked in Theresa Mays reshuffle are miffed that serial rebel Conservative MP and foundry workers son Andrew Percy has been rewarded with a ministerial post. One-time Tory Chief Whip Sir George Young was so fed up with Percys constant revolts against Cameron that he summoned the Brigg and Goole MP for a rollocking. Plucky Percy duly turned up  and told Young to go to blazes.

Sacked Arts Minister Ed Vaizey is struggling to adjust to post-ministerial life. A fortnight on from his defenestration, Vaizey  an old Oxford University chum of David Cameron  is still sending out his usual weekly email on Government announcements and cultural events as if the reshuffle was just a bad dream. Wake up and get over it, Ed.

Sacked Arts Minister Ed Vaizey is struggling to adjust to post-ministerial life
There was a moment during Wednesdays No 10 reception when the famous Pillared Room started to resemble one of the state rooms on the Titanic.

As Theresa May entered, the assembled guests began to gravitate subtly (or so we thought) towards her side of the room. David Cameron used to circulate gracefully, pausing at a series of pre-selected meeting points. But our new Prime Minister wasnt moving for anyone. To catch a word with her, you needed to get in line.

Understandably. These are the days of the May Supremacy. The mood of national crisis that followed the Brexit vote seemed to subside the moment she crossed the threshold of Downing Street. She has successfully managed a seamless, if bloody, transition of government.

These are the days of the May Supremacy. The mood of national crisis that followed the Brexit vote seemed to subside the moment she crossed the threshold of Downing Street.

A poll published on Wednesday saw her party opening up a 16- point lead over Labour, enough to increase the Conservatives majority from 12 seats to more than 100. Leaving her master  or mistress  of all she surveys.

Her opponents look on with a mixture of despondency and admiration. Shes finished us, said one Labour MP. Just look at her. She was born to be Prime Minister. The next Election is going to be a massacre.

Possibly. But incredible as it might seem, the next Election is not a foregone conclusion.

Despite everything  the skill and speed of Mays ascendency, Labours continuing self-immolation, the cold logic of the electoral arithmetic  there is still a way for the Conservatives to lose in 2020.

Her opponents look on Theresa May with a mixture of despondency and admiration

All it requires is a strange confluence of events. Actually a strange confluence of three specific events. One is unlikely, the second is highly likely, the third is possible. Admittedly, the chances of all three aligning are improbable. But as we have seen, in British politics the improbable is now conceivable.

For Theresa May to lose an election in 2020, the first thing that would have to happen is for Labour to call a halt to its death march. And as we have seen, there is currently little prospect of that.

Speak to any Labour moderate, and they will construct a solid case for how Owen Smith can defeat Jeremy Corbyn. They will explain how Corbyns London base has crumbled following his exposure as Nigel Farages sleeper agent during the Brexit campaign. They will reveal the witch-finders at Labour HQ are busily purging thousands of militant fifth columnists from the membership rolls. They point expectantly to the upcoming hustings, where they claim their man will smash Corbyn back on to the heels of his battered brown brogues.

For Theresa May to lose an election in 2020, the first thing that would have to happen is for Labour to call a halt to its death march. And as we have seen, there is currently little prospect of that

Then you look into their eyes and the truth is revealed. Smith can put up a brave fight, not a victorious one.

But look closely, and you detect something else. A bloody-minded determination to keep going till the bitter end.

If Corbyn wins well just do it again in the New Year, one rebel told me. Well keep going, keep wearing him down. In the end hell crack. So let us say, for the sake of argument, that he does. That at some point in the next four years Labours moderates emerge from their war of attrition triumphant. Their party throws off the madness.

At that point, one of the three pillars sustaining Tory hopes for 2020 is removed.

The second pillar is the state of the British economy. And it is already swaying.

All the economic forecasts point to rapidly decelerating growth. The majority point to a post-Brexit recession. Last week saw consumer confidence plunge to its lowest level in a quarter of a century. Better-than-anticipated growth figures for the last quarter before Brexit represent George Osbornes way of giving the bird to his critics in the Leave campaign  and Downing Street.

Theresa Mays current favourability ratings  showing even millions of Labour voters rate her the most suitable Prime Minister  reflect voters sense that she represents a calm head in a crisis.

But for that perception to be sustained, she cannot afford to be seen to precipitate a crisis  especially an economic one.

Theresa Mays current favourability ratings  showing even millions of Labour voters rate her the most suitable Prime Minister  reflect voters sense that she represents a calm head in a crisis

For all Mays sure-footedness over the past few weeks, there is a fundamental question overshadowing her premiership that she has yet to effectively address. She has said Brexit must mean Brexit. She also said free movement must end. But she has also said Britain must try to remain within the single market. These statements represent a circle that cannot be squared. Britains EU partners have made it clear free movement remains a prerequisite for single market admission.

And even if she and her three Brexiteers  Boris Johnson, David Davis and Liam Fox  could secure concessions in this area, her Eurosceptic fundamentalists have warned they would reject them.

Brexit doesnt just mean Brexit. A Brexit strategy that involves single-market withdrawal also means recession. And Theresa May will not be able to lay the blame for that recession at Labours door.

The final pillar supporting Theresa Mays electoral chances is actually buttressed by Theresa May herself.

If she were to call a snap election  at any point up until the summer of next year  victory would be assured. It would require some nimble parliamentary footwork to circumnavigate the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, but with Labour still in disarray, and the economic storm clouds merely scarring the horizon, the only question would be the size of her majority.

But for some reason Theresa May appears to be hesitating. Even more strangely, she seems to be actively closing down her options. Talk to aides and supporters and the line is the same. A snap election would be too opportunistic. Theresa May does not play these sorts of political games. She is in it for the long haul.

Which is admirable, but potentially self-defeating. Because time is not on her side. The questions surrounding the practicalities of Brexit will become harder, not easier, to answer. The economic consequences will start to make themselves felt. The window of opportunity for calling an election at a time of optimum advantage will shut. And the chances of Labour getting its act together inconceivable though it may seem at the moment  will increase.
What a bunch of killjoys. A pre-flight tipple could soon be history, given the rising number of hen and stag parties causing chaos on flights.

Lord Ahmad, the new Aviation Minister (can they please stop making people peers just for doing their jobs?), said he would examine whether relaxed airport drinking was fit for purpose.

There was talk last week of changing the rule that bars at Gatwick can open at 4am. Have you ever flown from Gatwick?

What a bunch of killjoys. A pre-flight tipple could soon be history, given the rising number of hen and stag parties causing chaos on flights. Pictured: A bar at Stansted Airport

It is peopled by holidaymakers and their awful children, who are allowed to wheel their own mini pink and spangled cases, bashing my ankles, in search of two weeks trying to contract skin cancer. Liver disease is the least of their problems.

As Bridget Jones, who was fond of chardonnay to numb her neuroses, would say: Bugger off! Surely its more important the pilots are sober, not us? (Two Canadian pilots were arrested this month for allegedly being under the influence of alcohol before a flight from Scotland to Toronto.)

All we do is sit in our seats, trying to watch Star Wars. Actually, I think there should be more alcohol available before flights, and during.

I remember being on a flight to Islamabad and being told it was a dry flight, as I was flying to a Muslim country. I had cleverly stashed a bottle of duty-free Laurent-Perrier in my hand luggage.

I got out of my seat upon this news, asked Bossy Boots flight attendant to hand me my bag, and ceremoniously unveiled it. Have you got a glass? Ice?

Lord Ahmad, the new Aviation Minister (can they please stop making people peers just for doing their jobs?), said he would examine whether relaxed airport drinking was fit for purpose (stock image)

No, you cant open that, she told me. It is against our beliefs. Nor will you be able to take it into the country.

OK. Well, you have just served chicken to the overweight man squashed next to me. That is against my beliefs. I am deeply offended.

Im a Jain. I believe in wearing a mask when I go for a walk in summer, just to avoid inhaling flies. His dinner caused great misery. My glass of rather lovely bubbly harms no one. I am going to drink it. Bugger off!

She didnt let me drink it, despite the fact I showed her my press pass, which allowed me to speed through passport control in the Diplomatic Queue.

I had cleverly stashed a bottle of duty-free Laurent-Perrier in my hand luggage

There were lots of Spaniards on my plane. Their speciality? Erecting tents and connecting water supplies and the ability to secrete vast amounts of cava about their persons. Who were the bad people here, I wondered.

The entire time that I was in Pakistan, covering an earthquake, I would return to my luxury hotel, having seen babies dying from gangrene, and I was forced to sip pineapple juice when a vodka and tonic would have been so much more apt, so much more numbing.

Drinking wine openly, I was told, would have been insulting. What I found insulting was seeing soldiers brandishing guns and doing nothing to help.

At least I stole all the bedding and blankets and water from a hotel trolley and took it to the victims by taxi.

How anyone can cover wars, famine and disaster in developing countries without alcohol is beyond me; no wonder my former colleague Marie Colvin, who was killed in Syria in 2012, was reputed to like a drink. Its the only way you can cope with seeing children, just a few hours from Heathrow, dying naked on pavements.

I often think I have time-travelled several centuries when I journey to these places. No modern world would allow this, surely? Not when we have a black president, a woman prime minister. How can they live with themselves?

Alcohol isnt the problem on flights. Its the destinations. Let holidaymakers and newlyweds and war reporters and aid workers make merry for a while, 30,000ft above a world where it is the sober we really have to worry about.
It's the adorable Australian children's brand that celebrities simply can't get enough of.

Lil' Mr, a Melbourne-based fashion label, was founded by Kylie Lee and Xenia Buman in 2014, who have since seen their clothes on some of the most well-known celebrity children - from little Mason Disick to Hudson Sebastian.

The long-time friends bonded over their shared love of hip hop music and fashion and soon made their dreams of starting a fashion business a reality.

Comfy and cool: Mason Disick, son of Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick, was pictured out and bound in the commando pants designed by Melbourne kids wear brand Lil' Mr

Cute and edgy: Designers and brand founders Kylie Lee and Xenia Buman created clothes inspired by their love of hip hop music (seen left on Manu Vatuvei's daughter Makayla and Hudson Sebastian on the right)

Street wear for kids: Founder and designer Kylie Lee's own four-year-old twins Matteo and Arabella wearing Lil' Mr clothes

Ms Lee told Daily Mail Australia that when they both eventually became mothers (each with three of their own children) they found there wasn't a great selection of cool yet comfortable clothing with an urban twist.

'We wanted funky and comfortable clothing, so we created something for ourselves,' Ms Lee said.

'We are are all about different, comfortable, stylish, funky, mini me street wear designed for kids with attitude,' she added.

Diverse kids: The brand hopes to represent a diverse range of kids who enjoy wearing cool clothes

Edgy: Ms Lee told Daily Mail Australia when they both eventually became mothers (each with three of their own children) they found there wasn't a great selection of cool yet comfortable clothing

Making it happen: 'We wanted funky and comfortable clothing, so we created something for ourselves,' Ms Lee said

Funky and comfortable: Isaiah (left) the son of Martin Taupau and Socceroos star Archie Thompson's son Axel both donning the famous commando pants

The clothes have recently been seen on Mason Disick (son of Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick), Hudson and Archer Sebastian (sons of Guy and Jules Sebastian) and on The Young Mummy blog.

The brand has also recently sent through an order to the Kardashian-West children with North getting tutus and Saint receiving player shirts, which Ms Lee says she cannot wait to see.

'I think were something quite different and they [celebrity parents] want something different for their kids to stand out,' she said.

Edgy kid's wear: Adelaide Crows footballer Eddie Betts with his sons Billy (left) and Lewie in the army print commando pants

Kids with attitude: The designers wanted to create kids clothes that were different, comfortable, stylish mini-me street wear

All about credibility: Ms Lee said that seeing celebrity kids wearing their edgy clothes has been amazing for their brand

Ms Lee said that seeing celebrity kids wearing their edgy clothes has been amazing for their brand.

'We've been really lucky that we've been so well received by people and it gives us a lot of credibility,' she said.

She hopes to see their clothes on Pharrell's son Rocket, Chris Brown's daughter Royalty and Gwen Stefani's sons.

High hopes: She hopes to see their clothes on the kids of Pharrell's son Rocket, Chris Brown's daughter Royalty and Gwen Stefani's sons

Funky kidswear: Kylie's son Matteo in the commando pant and her daughter Milania in the khaki tutu

Hip hop style: NRL footballer Sam Kasiano with his sons Caleb wearing a Lil' Mr top (on the left) alongside youngest Carson

They have also adopted the mini-me trend by creating adult sizes for some of the kids clothes, in particular their commando pants.

In the works currently is a collection made up of tall tees, bike pants and harem pants.

'It will be a little more ghetto with goth gear, hoodlem capes and mini-Kanye clothing,' she said.

Ms Lee recently finished up her job as a cancer research scientist to put more focus on their growing kids wear empire.

'I miss science but fashion is my passion,' she said.

Lil' Mr is set to expand their brand to the US and Asian markets.
A gay sailor who accidentally outed himself to his navy colleagues with an Instagram post has opened up about the incredible support he was greeted with.

In an essay penned for website Outsports, Conner Curnick, 22, a sailor and water polo player, describes the moment in April 2015 that he revealed to his colleagues that he was gay after one had spotted an image online of him riding a motorcycle with another man.

'I was heading back to my quarters at the naval base in Pensacola, Florida. I was on a high, riding my motorcycle back to base after spending the night with a guy I seeing,' he wrote.

Making the move: Conner Curnick, 22, a a Petty Officer Third Class in the U.S. Navy, has penned an essay about what it was like to come out to his colleagues

Fighting the good fight: Conner was accidentally outed when a friend went through his Facebook posts

Suddenly, he felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. He opened it to discover a number of messages on Instagram asking him to explain a photo. One asked: 'Curnick, are you gay? Dont lie to us.'

He pulled over to flick through the messages and discovered that one of his friends had been going through his posts and saw the photo of him with another man on the back of his bike.

'I was alone at the time and in tears, and I decided to come clean - yes, Im gay, I told them,' he said, feeling as though his 'biggest fear had come to fruition'.

But what came next was as far as could be from the nightmare he had envisioned.

Rider: The image, which was of Conner with a man on the back of his motorcycle, attracted comments from friends such as: 'are you gay? Dont lie to us'

Active man: Conner was afraid to be rejected by his colleagues or have his superiors look at him as 'less of a man', but after coming out, he realized that he was 'completely and utterly wrong'

'The reactions started coming in and, to my relief and surprise, they were overwhelmingly positive,' Conner said.

'While I did lose a few friends, the ones closest to me became even closer, because I no longer had to lie about who I was and for the first time they knew what was really going on in my life.'

He went on to describe how stereotypes of the masculine army man and the 'weak' gay man kept him from being open about his true self. But, in finally living openly, he claims that he has learned firsthand just how wrong all his preconceptions were.

'I feared I would be rejected by people I once was friends with, terrified that the leadership above me would look at me as less of a man, or that any accomplishment I have will be attributed to me being gay, and not my merit,' he said. 'I was completely and utterly wrong. In fact, some of the most vocally homophobic people ended up being my biggest supporters.'

Looking up: Conner has since decided to team up with other LGBT sailors to promote understanding and fight for equality

Today Conner works as a Petty Officer Third Class in the U.S. Navy on assignment in Afghanistan.

Since that day, the sailor claims that his life at home and at work have both improved considerably. He claims to be more successful and motivated, and even has decided to undertake the challenge of fighting for equality within the Navy.

'I am currently working with fellow LGBT sailors to start an organization at my base for LGBT service members to promote understanding and ensure equality in the workplace,' he wrote.
DJ-turned-designer Harley Viera-Newton

London-born and New York-based, DJ-turned-designer Harley Viera-Newton is a firm fixture on that Instagram-perfect and envy-inducing party circuit  always invited and always fun to sit next to.

Her first fashion range, HVN, a collection of dresses in her signature 1940s style, has just launched.

The shop where you could spend the most time and money? The Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show  I spend hours there!

The pair of shoes you would save from a fire? My black patent loafers by Saint Laurent that I wear every single day in the autumn.

Handbag of choice? A box bag by Mark Cross.

Favourite dress in your new collection? It would have to be a tie between the green floral 40s-style Morgan dress (pictured right) and the Maria pyjama dress in a blue heart print.

What do you wear when you have five minutes to get ready? Its always been a simple dress and loafers for me. And, since I have launched my own, of course it would be any one of my dresses!

Your fashion pet hate? Ive never been a fan of any sort of fedora  its very rare that someone can pull one off.

Coolest person you know? My mum [Cristina Viera-Newton, who co-founded the Tom Binns jewellery label]. She is the most effortlessly chic woman Ive ever met and instantly lights up any room.

Currently reading/watching? Ive just finished reading Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff and Ive been watching season two of Bloodline  I absolutely loved both.

What couldnt you live without? My cat Tarzan.

The best advice anyone has given you? Act your age, not your shoe size.

The secret to a good selfie? Turning the camera on your cat instead.

This summer we will mainly find you Hanging in New York City working on the collection, with a fly-fishing holiday in Montana thrown in at the end of August.

If we could whisk you anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? The Maldives  I have never been and am dying to go!

The HVN range starts at 490, matchesfashion.com

Wear Where...

Wilderness Festival, Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, 4-7 August; wildernessfestival.com

All proceeds from this Stella & Dot bangle will be donated to Christy Turlingtons Every Mother Counts campaign, which works to help ensure safe pregnancies and births for women worldwide. 35, stelladot.co.uk; everymothercounts.org

Clever swimwear for beach babies, Mini Rodinis latest collection is made from almost 80 per cent recycled material created from old fishnets, carpets and clothing. From 27, minirodini.com
When Caroline Jones lost her mother to cancer, she decided to celebrate their shared love of fashion and raise money for charity with a different thrift-shop look every day for a year

I adored my mums company and her utter kindness. At 46, I was still learning from her, but cancer had other plans. On 24 October 2014, my dad, John, lost his beloved wife; my three children lost their wonderful nana and I lost my mum. Mary was 72 when she died from breast cancer.

Then came the grief. Bruising pain, silence and nothingness. Blurred days of eat, sleep, cry, repeat, with family and friends rallying around. Christmas 2014 felt numb. On New Years Eve, I spent an hour late in the evening quietly reflecting  and came up with a plan.

Left: Caroline as a child with her mum. Right: Caroline with musician and journalist Alex James

From 1 January 2015, I would raise money for Cancer Research UK. Mum and I had shared a love of fashion, so every day I would style myself in a different outfit from a Cancer Research shop and post a photograph on social media.

I never expected my project to get so much attention. Yet by the end of week one, 97,000 people had viewed my Facebook page. Donations poured in and I decided to turn it into a book. I have now raised 60,000.

I had difficult weeks: even in the depths of grief I had to face the world. I didnt always feel like smiling and in the early pictures I had to hide my puffy eyes behind sunglasses.

But I tried to stay positive. I never wore black. This was a way to connect with Mum. Most of the clothes came from the Cancer Research shop in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, where I live.

My sadness hasnt gone away. There are tough hours and days. But I know Mum would be proud.
When she was 22, Julie Barton suffered a major depressive breakdown. Therapists and family tried to help, but nothing lifted her despair  until the arrival of a puppy called Bunker

Julie and Bunker in 2007

The first morning back in Ohio, I woke at 11am, once again disorientated from a deadened sleep. I had been out for 12 hours, but felt as though Id merely blinked. I couldnt fathom ever getting out of bed.

At 11.30 I was still lying in bed not moving. I had no idea what to do. Every move I made felt wrong, awkward. I had sensed some version of this malaise my whole life, but now it had taken over. I craved stillness, silence and darkness.

I could not bear that I had failed in New York and returned to my childhood home.

Day after day I would wake up, walk from my bedroom to the sofa, fall asleep, maybe weep or think about going to the bathroom, before drifting back to sleep. It was late spring. The weather was warm and bright, but I lay inside completely inert.

I hoped to die. I hoped for a heart attack that would send me to the hospital where nurses would tend to me with care and ask me what was wrong. What I felt was more than sadness. It had become an irresistible blackness.

I began to love falling into that dark place. I clung to the awful feelings because they were so familiar and they shut out everything else. There was no room for considering that I could try again at life, that I could try even though I might fail, that someday I could feel better.

Bunker as a puppy in 1996, left, and Julies first day with him

They say that people dont choose their dogs, dogs choose their people. I like to imagine that at this point, Bunker knew to wait for me. I like to think that when I was at the bottom, Bunker was fighting to make sure he found me. And in that moment, when I picked him up and he licked my nose, I knew. There he was.

I hadnt been forced to choose, Id been chosen. This one, I said, turning to my mum and the breeder. I was sure, and that surge of confidence came as a jolt. It had been so long since Id felt sure of anything.

We said goodbye to the breeder and I held the puppy close to my chest. Thank you, Mum, for paying for him. I couldnt adequately express my gratitude. She watched me carefully, probably because I actually appeared happy. It was as though the moment I picked him up I was lifted.

I felt a shift the moment I met Bunker. For the first time in a long time I had a purpose

Already, I couldnt fathom the thought of ever letting him go. I felt a perceptible shift the moment I met him, a glimpse of hope.

It occurred to me as I gently stroked his side that this was the first time in recent memory that I was reassuring another living thing. I knew in that moment that I was more than capable of caring for him. I had to create a space for Bunker that felt safe and for the first time in a long time, I felt as though I had a purpose.

I couldnt imagine treating myself kindly, with gentle understanding. But I could without question do that for my dog. Perhaps what began to save me was that I started creating this sacred, safe place where he and I met. In this space there was no doubt or loneliness, sorrow or anger.

It was just us, looking at the world with wide-eyed, for-ever-hopeful puppy wonder.

Without Bunker, there was no reason to get up. Now, at 6.45am I heard his first high-pitched barks emanating from his crate by my bed. I opened my eyes and saw his face, felt his breath on my cheek. As soon as he saw me stir, he stood up, wagging his tail so hard that the metal crate rocked back and forth. He poked his nose out of the crates wires, his eyes locked on mine.

I laughed and said a slow sleepy, Hi Bunk.

This must be how non-depressed people feel when they wake up. No dread, just ready to start the day. It wasnt until the awful waking dread was gone that I realised that it had been there as long as I could remember. The fact that it had lifted meant there was a chance I could get better.

Julie and Bunker at her Aunt Auroras house

After just three days, we had established a routine and waking up in the morning was getting easier. But something dark still lingered. Just getting a dog cant cure me, I thought. I was a failure, a crazy person, truly unlikable. I walked to the sofa and sat down, feeling both afraid and comforted by the reappearing blackness.

There was no stopping the cascade of terrible, dark, frightening thoughts. Such is the nature of depression: even the most Herculean effort to find light and positivity will be extinguished. There seems to be no such thing as solace.

Though the depression felt close, I wasnt broken this time

My face was still in my hands when I felt warmth on my toes. Bunker had walked over and sat on my feet. I pulled my hands away from my face and saw him sitting looking up at me, his bottom squarely on my toes, his back leaning against my shins.

Could this dog somehow sense that I was sad and comfort me? I wondered if the new psychiatric drugs I was taking were causing me to anthropomorphise my dog. But I needed so desperately to be comforted. I needed a companion who wouldnt judge me, with whom I had no history, who would never, ever hurt me.

So I decided to trust what I was feeling. My therapist had suggested I shouldnt fight the sorrow when it came. Everyone is sad sometimes. Let the sad feelings in and be with them. I decided to be as sad with Bunker as I needed to be, because he didnt care, because he didnt need me to be happy. He had witnessed my change in mood and that alone improved it. He didnt judge me; he simply saw me.

So I told myself, Bunker understands. But this was a whole new kind of understanding. It was wordless. I was safe with this dog and the near-instant effect was that the desperation and darkness disappeared, burst into the air like soap bubbles.

Two months later, Julie moved in with a friend in Seattle and started a new life. But soon she noticed that something was seriously wrong with Bunker

Everything before Bunker felt as if it had happened in another lifetime. I wasnt awake until I found him and he found me. Our bond felt that strong, my essence renewed in his presence. He healed me and to thank him I planned to give him the best life possible.

In October my parents arrived for a three-day visit around my birthday. Their encouragement and enthusiasm were a salve. I was already doing well, but their delight at how things had turned made me think Id managed a miraculous recovery. The question was whether it would last.

We spent a day with Aunt Aurora at my new favourite park. I watched Bunker throw himself into the river after sticks and balls. He loved the water and when Bunker was happy, I was happy. He ran ahead of us, then tripped and his back legs gave out behind him as if theyd suffered instant paralysis. He whimpered and yelped, then fell down, screaming a nearly human cry of pain. I ran to him. My dad started running too, and soon we were kneeling over Bunker, not sure whether we should touch him. He was lying on his side wagging his tail, panting.

Bunker with Julies mum, and snowshoeing near Seattle in 1999

What the hell happened? my dad asked.

I gently touched his hips, his hind legs, but Bunker just lay there panting and smiling at us. My mum and Aunt Aurora caught up with us and Aurora said, Was that scream from Bunker?

She knelt down and whispered calmly to him, Ssssh, its OK, buddy, but looked at me with alarm. I imagined the worst. Bone cancer. Doggie leukaemia.

My hands were shaking. Bunker, I said backing away from him slowly, come here, buddy. Can you get up? Come on, lets get you back to the car. Bunker panted and then stood up and walked towards me shakily. Then he limped next to me for the rest of the walk. He didnt romp. He didnt play. He didnt walk like a seven-month-old puppy, but rather like a geriatric dog that couldnt manage exertion. I saw Aurora whisper to my mum. I imagined the worst. My parents left the next morning. I promised I would take him to the vet but the idea left me paralysed with dread.

I couldnt treat myself kindly, but I could without question do that for my dog

The vet furrowed his brow, his white coat crunching as he crossed his arms, and listened while I explained the froggy legs as Bunker climbed the stairs, the yelping. The vet examined Bunker and his face seemed to darken. He asked if Bunker ran with all four paws or if he bunny hopped, running with the front legs staggered and the back legs together in one motion. This, he said was a sure sign of weakness in the back legs. This, I knew, was exactly how my puppy ran.

The vet asked if he could take Bunker to the back room for a few quick x-rays. Sitting alone with Bunkers empty collar, I felt like a helium balloon that had just been let go. The longer he was gone, the less oxygen there was in the room.

Im afraid I have some bad news, the vet said when he returned, and his voice began a long descent through a tunnel of sound. I couldnt take in his words. Really the worst case ever I dont know how he manages to walk. Severe hip dysplasia. Only two options Put him down Probably the most humane. Surgery is very, very painful, difficult

Well do the surgery, I said.

He began speaking and again I fell backwards into the tunnel of this mans voice. Several thousand dollars Months of recovery Two operations Really the most humane option is.

Thank you, I said, but if you mention putting him down one more time I am going to scream bloody murder. My whole body shook. I thought of mothers who could lift cars off their children. The vet looked shocked. I didnt care. I wanted to call my mum and scream and cry. I imagined collapsing on to the floor of the vets office. Instead, out of my mouth came, Whos the best hip-dysplasia surgeon in Seattle? I want a consultation with him immediately. I knew how to do this. I knew how to come to someones rescue and, whether or not this white-coated man cared, I was going to save my dog.

I drove home, my eyes flooded with tears. The road blurred. Bunker sat on the passenger seat beside me. At traffic lights I held his shoulder and felt my breath steadying. Just one touch of his body helped me collect myself. I was panicking. The depression seemed to be threatening a return, as though it was sitting on the back seat with a smirk and a knife. It would take out Bunker first, then kill me once and for all.

Julie (right), her mum and Bunker in 1996

But when I slowed down and took an inventory of how I felt, instead of being defeated or scared or sad, I was furious. I wasnt broken this time. Though the depression seemed closer than it ever had since Bunker arrived, I felt capable of tamping it down, of facing the situation and saving my boy. I wasnt broken, my dearest companion was.

This situation uncorked a reserve of strength that I didnt know I had. Perhaps it wasnt just Bunker who had come to save me. Perhaps we had found each other so that I could save him, too. The vet had said something about several thousand dollars and how most people balked at the price. He didnt know that I would have gone into lifelong debt and homelessness to save Bunker. I would have crafted a wheelchair out of sticks and rubble just to keep him with me.

Parked in front of the house, I petted his soft-as-silk ears and said, Were a pile of broken parts, arent we Bunk? But well fix it. He opened his mouth, panted, blew his warm puppy breath in my face. His breath had become my favourite scent. I inhaled, knowing logically that he had no idea what I was saying or what pain and suffering lay ahead of him.

But part of me, that same deep-down part that had, since childhood, communed with trees and deer and birds, stirred when I held his head in my hands. I knew that our connection was not of this world and that my determination and his pure goodness might just conquer any malady that either of us suffered.

Julie with Bunker in the year he died

Julies family and friends helped her to raise the money for two operations on Bunkers hips and she nursed him back to health. In 2000, Julie got married. She was seven months pregnant with her second daughter when she discovered that Bunker, by then 11 years old, had cancer and sadly had to be put down.

This is an edited extract from Dog Medicine: How My Dog Saved Me from Myself by Julie Barton, published by Bluebird, price 7.99. To order a copy for 5.99 (a 25 per cent discount) until 14 August, visit you-bookshop.co.uk or call 0844 571 0640; p&p is free on orders over 15

Additional words: Susan Hope. Nils Jorgensen/Rex/Shutterstock, Getty Images, Xinhua/Rex/Shutterstock, Eric Charbonneau/Rex/Shutterstock, David Fisher/Rex/Shutterstock, Camera Press/Andrew Crowley, Mark Chilvers/Rex/Shutterstock, Pacific Press/Rex/Shutterstock, David Crump/Rex/Shutterstock
Q Despite moisturising as usual after a day in the sun, my skin is feeling  and looking  dry. What do you suggest please?

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We love the Detox Bath Salts, the Nourishing Body Butter, the Lava Clay Hair & Scalp Masque and more. So we're pleased to trumpet the debut of SenSpa's skincare, which  like everything else they make  comes under the banner of 'beauty steal', with even the most expensive product coming in at 14.99.

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Women pilots flying Air India planes will no longer be a rare sight as the national carrier is on a recruitment spree, training more women to fly than ever before.

Womens enrollment for flight training has more than doubled to 20 per cent this year from a meagre 5-7 per cent in the past.

Shivani Minhas, a trainee pilot hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, said that it has not been easy for aspiring women pilots to cope with the societal pressures.

Air India crew and pilots celebrating International Womens Day. (A file photo).

Spending Rs 50 lakh on a daughter is not a good payback deal. Especially if you are coming from a disturbed place like Jammu and Kashmir, she said.

There are also issues of safety raised by families of these aspiring pilots.

We have to travel a lot and, therefore, safety is an issue for us. When I thought of becoming a pilot, the first challenge came from my family members. There is also myth that no middle class family girl can become a pilot, said Sharmeen Magra, trainee pilot.

Sharmeen Magra (left) and Abheepsa Gupta (right) have been trained to fly the national carrier Air India

According to the figures of the civil aviation ministry, out of the total 5,100 pilots in the country 600 are women, accounting to about 11.7 per cent of the total number.

While the fresh recruitment by Air India is way above the national average, the real challenge would be to ensure that there is no discrimination with regards to pay, promotion and pregnancy-related benefits that women pilots have complained of in the past.

Interestingly, the numbers in India are way above the global average for women pilots, which is a meagre three per cent.

Even the worlds lone superpower, the United States, has only seven per cent of women pilots in its commercial flights. (It is estimated that out of the 1.30 lakh trained commercial pilots across the world, a whopping 97 per cent are male.)

According to Captain N Sivaramakrishnan, General Manager (Ops-Training), Air India, women pilots are equally capable of flying an aircraft and in future, the ratio will increase as things have changed drastically in Air India.

Dont get surprised if you see more women pilots flying Air India planes. Soon, we will increase the number, he told Mail Today, Sivaramkrishnan, a veteran instructor with two decades of experience, said he has never seen so many women in a batch as in the current one.

The number of women trainees has never been so high. The batch of 2015-16 has 37 women pilots out of the total 192 recruited. Prior to the current batch, there had been only 145 women pilots in Air India, said Captain Ramesh Sanil, Airbus instructor for Air India.

Meanwhile, Air India has seen an overhaul to the Central Training Establishment (CTE). For the first time in 10 years instructors have been recruited for the main training centre of Air India.

According to Air India officials, there was a tussle between CTE management and the Air India management over recruitment of instructors, as top brass used to claim that there is no need of hiring a fresh batch of trainers.

This year we started the procedure of hiring ground and crew instructors. Since 2006, there was not even a single ground instructor hired, but recently Ashwani Lohani, CMD Air India, gave a green signal for the recruitment. Also, we have accelerated in-house training of flying instructors so that young pilots can get trained in the shortest possible period, said an Air India official on the condition of anonymity.

Pilot shortage to let more women fly high

According to the experts in the aviation sector this would further increase the percentage of women pilots in India, which is currently pegged at 15 per cent of the total strength. Pictured-Shivani Minhas, trainee pilot from J&K

Women pilot aspirants will see a great opportunity in pursuing flying as a career with India and Asia-Pacific region facing shortage of commercial pilots.

According to the experts in the aviation sector this would further increase the percentage of women pilots in India, which is currently pegged at 15 per cent of the total strength of women pilots worldwide.

Civil Aviation Ministry has also announced opening new pilot training schools to overcome the shortage.

At present, Air India has 1,441 pilots, with 670 of them flying 66 A320 family aircraft.

Besides, another 70 pilots are under training. According to sources, there is a shortage of over 1,000 commercial pilots in the country.

To meet the shortage, the airlines are compelled to hire expat pilots by paying around 60 per cent more than what the Indian pilots get.

This has also resulted in disparity in pay particularly with women pilots.

At present there are 45 flying schools including the central government-run Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Academy in Uttar Pradesh.

The other 32 flying schools are owned by state governments and 12 by private companies.

According to International Civil Aviation Organisation, there will be a requirement of nearly 50,000 pilots worldwide till 2030 due to the growing air passengers and the aviation industry will have to train approximately 14,000 people annually to meet that need.

'We have to go on leave without pay'

It is tempting to read the Air India move to hire more women pilots as proof of gender empowerment. Sadly, the cheer ends there.

The relative prominence in numbers of women pilots mean precious little for most them at work place.

According to airline rules, once the pregnancy of a woman pilot or a cabin crew member is confirmed, they are grounded throughout the maternity period on medical grounds.

Women pilots allege that they are kept out of the cockpit even from the early days of pregnancy

Even after delivery they have to continue with their ground job as they are not allowed to fly immediately leading to allegations of gross reduction in salary to the tune of 45 to 50 per cent as their flying allowances are docked.

Women pilots, meanwhile, have petitioned the aviation regulator to resolve the issue.

They point out that while they are kept out of the cockpit even from the early days of pregnancy, their counterparts across the world are deemed fit for the job at least till the second trimester.

The discrepancy, according to them has a direct bearing on their pay and promotion vis-a-vis male pilots.

Many woman pilots have to go on long periods of leave-without pay and some airlines force them to stay away for almost a year, making them lose not only flying allowances and pay, but also their seniority, said a woman pilot, with a private airline on conditions of anonymity as she was not authorised to speak to the media.

If a woman is called for a commander training course and if she can't attend it due to pregnancy, it's a long wait before her turn comes up again. It affects our career progression, the pilot explained.

The situation is even worse for women pilots who wish to adopt a child.

There is no clause for mothers who want to adopt. We don't get any benefits under the maternity scheme. Even if one goes on leave, it means loss of pay, said a crew member of Air India.
Sasikala Pushpa reportedly had a spat with MP Tiruchi Siva at Delhi's IGI Airport

An ugly fight caught everyone's attention at the Delhi Airport on Saturday, when a female Member of Parliament (MP) allegedly slapped another parliamentarian after the two got into a spat.

Around 2 pm, AIADMK MP Sasikala Pushpa had a scuffle with another MP, identified as Tiruchi Siva, from rival DMK at the domestic airport. Both were flying to Chennai. The DMK MP was not happy as the opponent partys MP was travelling with him in the same flight.

"Tiruchi Siva also left the flight after knowing that Sasikala is travelling in the same aircraft, a senior airport official said.

Sasikala Pushpa is very close to Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa. According to Delhi Police, there is no complaint or any PCR call regarding this incident.

But sources in CISF claim that a female passenger slapped another male passenger travelling with her in a same flight of Jet Airways.

According to a security official, when Sasikala was approaching to board the flight, she saw Tiruchi who was also travelling.

She suddenly ran towards him and holding him by neck slapped him. The incident occurred in front of a CISF personnel. The CISF intervened and informed senior officials. The whole incident was captured in CCTVs installed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, official claimed.

After the incident, Tiruchi left the airport without making any complaint and Sasikala also went back.

When Mail Today contacted the Jet Airways for comments, officials chose not to respond.
Hundreds of Indian workers in Saudi Arabia are left starving on the streets of Jeddah city, with no wages for the last six months as the factories they once worked in, have shut down.

While the Indian Embassy in the country has stepped in to provide food, Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh is headed to the Gulf nation to address the problem.

Nearly 800 Indian workers are reportedly starving for the last three days in Saudi city of Jeddah after losing their jobs.

A picture posted by Sushma Swaraj of Indians in Saudi Arabia being provided with food

There have been several cases of Indians facing problem in the Gulf nation from their employers in the past.

With Saudi Arabia banning foreigners to be employed in the mobile phones and accessories shop earlier this year, several Indians were left without jobs.

As many as 5,875 Indian workers died in Gulf countries in 2015 with maximum number of deaths of 2,691 reported from Saudi Arabia.

While in some cases the deaths were related to employment issues the Indian government maintains that in most cases deaths were due to natural causes and traffic accidents.

Sushma Swaraj said Indians in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were facing various problems relating to their work and wages.

There are thousands of Indians employed in the Gulf involved in skilled labour.

Saudi Arabia was followed by UAE which reported 1,540 deaths in 2015, Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh said while replying to a written question in Lok Sabha.

While Qatar reported 279 deaths, there were 520 Indian workers who died in Oman, the minister said, adding 223 deaths happened in Bahrain, 611 in Kuwait and 11 in Iraq.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has been directed to serve food to them and that she was monitoring the situation on an hourly basis.

Her response came following a tweet by a man who said around 800 Indians are starving for the last three days in Jeddah and sought her intervention.

We have asked @IndianEmbRiyadh to provide free ration to the unemployed Indian workers in Saudi Arabia, she tweeted.

Swaraj said Indians in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were facing various problems relating to their work and wage and that the matters are much worse in Saudi Arabia.

She said MoS External Affairs M J Akbar will take up the issue with Kuwait and Saudi authorities.

My colleagues @Gen_VKSingh will go to Saudi Arabia to sort out these matters and @MJakbar will take up with Kuwait and Saudi authorities. I assure you that no Indian worker rendered unemployed in Saudi Arabia will go without food. I am monitoring this on hourly basis, she tweeted.
Jyoti Ravidas began suffering from labour pains just as she was being moved from her flooded house to a safer location.

A resident of Bezgaon on the fringes of Assam's Kaziranga National Park, Jyoti gave birth to her baby girl after being rushed to hospital in a boat.

The baby entered the world when the water was swirling through her village, the high waves of the Brahmaputra and Dhansiri river hitting the walls of her house.

Jyoti Ravidas pictured in an Assam flood relief camp, with her husband and newborn baby girl. She went into labour just as she was being evacuated from the flooded village of Bezgaon.

Just as the waves came, the labour pain started. I was in immense pain and could not control. I was rushed in a boat to the nearby hospital. I almost gave birth to a baby girl en route in a boat. Since then I am in a relief camp with my newborn girl, recalls Jyoti, her seven-day-old baby in her lap.

Jyotis husband, Jamuna Ravidas, recalls the madness of managing to ferry his pregnant wife, a five-year-old and ailing parents all at the same time to another village - or highland as they call it in local parlance.

The family have been living in the relief camp for almost a week, and the baby has not yet been home.

What agonises the couple even more is that they could not take their little bundle of joy to their priest for the prayers and naming ceremony held on the sixth day after a birth.

Jamuna explains: We had to rush her to the hospital. One there was high waves entering home and other side we were running with her in pain. I had a boy, and now a baby girl. Normally it should have been a time to celebrate - but I cant see my baby and wife in pain. There are puja to be performed on the sixth day of birth of the child... and I am sitting in a relief camp. It cannot get worse than this.

This is not just the ordeal of one family. Almost 300 families are taking shelter in a makeshift relief camp in Dhansirimukh Janjati High School in Palashguri, near Kaziranga National Park.

Another family spending sleepless nights in the camp had to swim their way from home to the school.

Junaki Ravidas says: There is a huge flood in my village, we were forced to come here in relief camps. We had to swim half way. we have no where to go. There is no road to even go there. All houses are broken and destroyed by the waves. They are giving 3 kgs of rice for 3 days per person.

Rajkumari Ravidas, a flood victim, laments how difficult it is to cook food due to wet wood.

But that's not all. Many have lost their crops and cattle.

A total of 622 relief camps and 233 relief distribution centre have been set up in the area. Over five lakh people have been put up in these relief camps, and the rescue teams are still trying to save people from the marooned villages.

Over 500 rescue boats have been deployed in the districts to help evacuate victims from their homes.
Anubhav Jain, a businessman from Shahdara, was shocked when a fellow driver drew his attention towards the missing chrome Jaguar logo from his car at a traffic signal.

Jain realised that the prized metal logo had been forcefully detached from the car, leaving behind a dent.

And Jain is not the only victim. The owners of swanky cars are losing sleep over this new form of monogram robbery.

Car showrooms are witnessing a surge in requests from customers who need replacement logos

Expensive cars without logos have become a common sight, with the stealing of car badges setting the newest trend of auto theft in the Delhi.

Mass parking areas seem to be the worst affected.

The badges and logos of expensive cars like BMWs, Audis, Mercedes and other luxury brands are the ones being targeted.

The front logo of my Jaguar suddenly went missing. The thieves also attempted to claw the rear monogram but failed. This was brought to my notice as I stopped at a traffic signal by another such victim, Jain told Mail Today.

Jain, who spent over Rs 12,000 to replace the Jaguar, added: I am sure this has happened at a market place. The car looks so incomplete with the monogram and these are very expensive.

However, Jain did not report the matter to the police.

Similarly, Vasant Kunj-resident Harsh Vardhan Singh now drives his red Mercedes without the front logo, which has been stolen twice.

The three-pointed star logo of my car has been stolen twice. When I went to the service station, I realised that it is a regular matter. I did a little research and found that similar logos are being sold online at half the price, Singh explained.

Atul Sharma, a dealer of second hand cars, said several Skoda, Volksvagen and Honda cars can also be spotted around without their monograms.

Car showrooms are witnessing a significant increase in the number of requests from customers for logo replacement.

We are dealing with many expensive cars which are without their logos. Initially, I thought this was only happening in our area which is the corporate hub, but after speaking to other people from the industry, I found such cases to be rampant, said Sanjay Singh, owner of a leading service station at Sector 58.

These logos are available only with stores which deal in the merchandise of imported cars. These logos cost approximately Rs 10,000, depending on the brand. Flicking a logo is easy as they are either stuck with special glue or held in position with clips. One can easily detach it with a screwdriver without making any damage to the logo, he explained.

If experts are to be believed, youngsters might be stealing the badges for their personal collection, but the rise in thefts also hints at an organised gang at work.

Auto experts claim that replica and refurbished logos can be bought for half their price at the secondhand monogram market in Karol Bagh and Okhla.

Leading online portals like OLX.com and Ebay.in are also flooded with such products for sale.

Even senior police officers say logo theft is on the rise - but victims do not approach the police for such petty offences.
Senior state police officers, including ADG Javeed Ahmed, SSP Bulandshahr, chief secretary Deepak Singhal, and others at the site of the attack.

Police in Uttar Pradesh have detained 15 suspects after a woman and her 14-year-old daughter were gang-raped off a busy highway, in the latest incident of sexual violence to shock India.

The attack took place on Friday night near the town of Bulandshahr, after the car the victims were travelling in was stopped by a gang of men with an iron rod, said senior local police official Daljeet Choudhary.

The men dragged the woman, the daughter, and three male relatives who were traveling with them to a nearby field. They then tied up the men and raped the woman and the daughter, Choudhary said.

The family were on their way to Shahjahanpur to attend a relatives funeral at the time of the disgusting attack.

They were also robbed of money, jewellery, and their mobile phones.

The attack, which caused outrage across India, highlights the persistence of violence against women in the country despite tougher laws against sexual assault that were imposed following the December 2012 death of a young woman who was gang-raped on a bus in New Delhi.

After Friday's attack, opposition lawmakers in Uttar Pradesh accused the state government of failing to protect women and children.Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, the chief minister of the state, had asked local police to ensure that the attackers were identified and arrested quickly.

DGP Javeed Ahmed said three of the suspects have been identified by the male victims.
A Canadian judge freed a couple found guilty of planting homemade bombs at a crowded Canada Day holiday party in 2013, saying on Friday the 'unsophisticated' pair were entrapped by police who themselves broke the law in their sting operation.

But the pair were quickly re-arrested under a peace bond, one of their lawyers said, a type of order related to the possibility that they may commit a terrorism offence.

The peace bond would make the couple subject to release conditions for up to twelve months, lawyer Mark Jette told Reuters, adding the couple had since been released on bail and would be challenging the order.

John Nuttall and Amanda Korody were arrested in 2013, just hours after they dropped off homemade pressure cooker bombs on the steps of the legislature in Victoria, the provincial capital, ahead of national day celebrations

The homemade pressure cooker bombs were filled with nuts, bolts and rusty nails

Earlier on Friday, British Columbia Supreme Court Justice Catherine Bruce ruled the RCMP manipulated the 'unsophisticated' couple into carrying out a plot, saying that they did not have the mental capacity to plan on their own.

It was the first time in Canada that entrapment had been used successfully as a defense in a case involving terrorism charges.

John Nuttall and Amanda Korody were arrested in 2013, just hours after they dropped off homemade pressure cooker bombs filled with nuts, bolts and rusty nails on the steps of the legislature in Victoria, the provincial capital, ahead of national day celebrations.

The couple was found guilty of numerous terrorism-related charges last year, after a months-long undercover sting operation by the RCMP. Their conviction was not registered as defense lawyers argued that police had entrapped their clients.

Lawyers for the pair did not immediately respond to calls from Reuters.

John Nuttall, left, and Amanda Korody embrace on Friday at B.C. Supreme Court after a judge ruled the couple were entrapped by the RCMP in a police-manufactured crime

The argument hinged on the fact that an undercover officer befriended the couple, encouraging them to drop more 'grandiose' terror plot ideas to focus on explosive pressure cookers, actively removing all obstacles to ensure the plan went ahead.

Nuttall and Korody were also led to believe that if they backed out of the plan, they would be killed, according to the ruling.

Bruce had stayed proceedings against the two, calling them 'foot soldiers' in a plot led by the undercover officer.

'The world has enough terrorists. We do not need the police to create more out of marginalized people,' she said.

In this courtroom sketch, John Nuttall, left, and Amanda Korody appear in court in Vancouver in February 2015

Canadian prosecutors, who are appealing the ruling, had argued police acted in an 'innovative and effective' way.

Three previous attempts to claim entrapment in terrorism proceedings have failed, including two tied to a 2006 Toronto plot to attack federal buildings and behead then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Nuttall and Korody are Canadian-born citizens who lived on government support in a basement apartment in a Vancouver suburb.
More than 500 people rallied in Canada's capital on Saturday to protest the death of a mentally ill black man following an arrest.

Protesters were marching against what they see as race-based police brutality in a country that prides itself for being tolerant.

Abdirahman Abdi, 37, was pronounced dead on Monday after being hospitalized in critical condition following his arrest last Sunday.

Witnesses told local media the Somalian-Canadian man was beaten by Ottawa police officers who responded to calls of a disturbance.

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More than 500 people rallied in Canada's capital on Saturday to protest the death of Abdirahman Abdi, a mentally ill black man, following an arrest

Protesters were marching against what they see as race-based police brutality in a country that prides itself for being tolerant

Abdirahman Abdi, 37, (pictured left and right) was pronounced dead on Monday after being hospitalized in critical condition following his arrest last Sunday. Witnesses told local media the Somalian-Canadian man was beaten by Ottawa police officers who responded to calls of a disturbance

A video taken by a bystander showed Abdi in a bloodied shirt lying face down on the ground with his hands cuffed behind him and his pants pulled down before paramedics arrived.

People can be heard in the background wailing hysterically as officers surround Abdi.

A family spokeswoman said that he had been dead for 45 minutes before arriving at the hospital. His family has said he struggled with mental health issues.

Witnesses said Abdi was pepper sprayed, punched in the head and beaten with a baton during the arrest outside his apartment building, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.

His death sparked a race debate and echoed events in the United States, where a string of killings of black men by police and allegations of brutality and racial bias have sparked protests.

On Saturday, protesters chanted 'Black lives matter!' as they started marching, a reference to the U.S.-founded anti-police brutality movement, which has an official chapter in Canada.

'They murdered him! Enough is enough!' the protesters chanted, along with 'silence is violence,' as they approached the Ottawa police headquarters, where the march ended in the late afternoon.

Organizers had said they would respect the wishes of Abdi's family for the event to be peaceful.

A video taken by a bystander (grab from video pictured) showed Abdi in a bloodied shirt lying face down on the ground with his hands cuffed behind him and his pants pulled down

Two officers involved in the arrest, identified as Const. Dave Weir, left, and Const. Daniel Montsion, right, are the subject of an investigation into Abdi's death

While some protesters shouted 'shame on you' at officers and some were so angry that others had to calm them down, none crossed the police barricade. Police said there had been no arrests.

Wangui Kimari, who helped organize the rally, said the event was meant to 'draw attention to the intersection of mental health and radicalization,' according to CBC.

Abdi's family spoke briefly before the march, thanking supporters, although organizers have said they do not want to be interviewed.

The incident involving Abdi began after the police was called to a coffee shop in Hintonburg on reports that a woman had been groped, according to CBC.

On Saturday, protesters chanted 'Black lives matter!' as they started marching, a reference to the U.S.-founded anti-police brutality movement, which has an official chapter in Canada

Protesters pictured marching on Saturday. Organizers had said they would respect the wishes of Abdi's family for the event to be peaceful

Protesters shout as they arrive at a police station during the arrest. None of the protesters crossed the police barricade and police said there had been no arrests

Witnesses told CBC Abdi was beaten by two officers about 250 meters (820 feet) away from the coffee shop outside the apartment building.

The family held Abdi's funeral on Friday, which was attended by at least 600 people, including Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and other local politicians.

In a statement read at the Muslim funeral on behalf of the family, Abdi was remembered as a 'wonderful son, amazing brother and kindhearted uncle.'

His family said in the statement that Abdi was 'such a kindhearted person, what happened to him that Sunday was not fair at all and shouldn't be justified by any means.'

'We all have many questions but we are trying to be patient.'

The province of Ontario's police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit, is looking into the circumstances surrounding Abdi's arrest.

Protesters march while holding signs with several messages including 'Black Lives Matter' and 'Justice for Abdirahman'

A police officer holding his bicycle pauses in the street as he watches over the protest march in Ottawa

Abdi's family spoke briefly before the march, thanking supporters, although organizers have said they do not want to be interviewed

Some advocates have called for criminal charges to be filed.

There have also been calls for a probe into whether race was a factor as advocacy groups voiced concerns over police violence against minorities.

In a statement, organizers of Saturday's rally called for the officers involved in Abdi's arrest to be put on unpaid leave, for all officers to wear body cameras and for a review into how they deal with minorities and people in distress.

The officers have been identified as Const. Dave Weir and Const. Daniel Montsion.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corp reported neither of the oficers are on front-line duty.

However, it reported Montsion is on his usual investigative duty and that Weir is on leave. It was unclear whether that leave was paid or unpaid.

Ottawa police declined to comment and referred further questions to the Special Investigations Unit.

The SIU said it does not comment on the 'internal human resource matters' of individual police forces.

The family held Abdi's Muslim funeral (shown above) at the Ottawa Main Mosque on Friday, which was attended by at least 600 people, including Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and other local politicians

Mourners are pictured comforting each other during the funeral on Friday. In a statement read at the funeral on behalf of the family, Abdi was remembered as a 'wonderful son, amazing brother and kindhearted uncle'

A vigil was held for Abdi on Tuesday. A man and a woman are pictured comforting one another during the vigil
One of Texas' largest news organizations has broken ranks and endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for president with a scathing editorial eviscerating 'dodgy' Donald Trump.

Painting the Republican nominee as an unqualified presidential contender, the editorial board of The Houston Chronicle on Friday wrote they believe Trump is a 'danger to the Republic.'

Meanwhile, the board praised Clinton for her vast experience and lifelong dedication to public service.

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One of Texas' largest news organization, The Houston Chronicle, has broken ranks and endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for president with a scathing editorial eviscerating 'dodgy' Donald Trump

'Any one of Trump's less-than-sterling qualities - his erratic temperament, his dodgy business practices, his racism, his Putin-like strongman inclinations and faux-populist demagoguery, his contempt for the rule of law, his ignorance - is enough to be disqualifying,' The Chronicle wrote.

'His convention-speech comment, "I alone can fix it," should make every American shudder.

'He is, we believe, a danger to the Republic.'

The Chronicle also expressed that choosing Trump is to 'repudiate the most basic notions of competence and capability.'

When it comes to issues ranging from immigration reform, healthcare, foreign affairs and energy, the board said there is 'no comparison in terms of thoughtfulness, thoroughness and practicality.'

Painting the Republican nominee (left) as an unqualified presidential contender, the editorial board wrote they believe Trump is a 'danger to the Republic.' Meanwhile, it praised Clinton (right) for her vast experience

The board said Clinton as president will focus on a number of items including repairing the economy, addressing income inequality, and will work to create jobs and push for equal pay for women.

It also noted her temperament as one of her strengths.

'We could go on with issues, including her plans for sensible gun safety and for combatting (sic) terrorism - her policy positions are laid out in detail on her campaign web site - but issues in this election are almost secondary to questions of character and trustworthiness,' The Chronicle wrote.

'We reject the "cartoon version" of Hillary Clinton (again to borrow her husband's phrase) in favor of a presidential candidate who has the temperament, the ability and the experience to lead this nation.

'These are unsettling times, even if they're not the dark, dystopian end times that Trump lays out. They require a steady hand. That's not Donald Trump.'

The Chronicle wrote: 'These are unsettling times, even if they're not the dark, dystopian end times that Trump lays out. They require a steady hand. That's not Donald Trump'

The board said Clinton as president will focus on a number of items including repairing the economy, addressing income inequality, and will work to create jobs and push for equal pay for women

The board said the 'times' require someone who sees a hopeful future for the nation, 'a person who has faith in the strong, prosperous and confident America we hope to bequeath to our children and grandchildren,' adding 'that's not Donald Trump's America.'

The Chronicle noted Americans are familiar with the former first lady who has been in the public eye for more than 25 years, and that they know her strengths and weaknesses.

But the board added whether voters like Clinton, who became the first woman to lead a major presidential ticket last week, personally, is 'almost irrelevant' at this "moment of reckoning."'

The Chronicle wrote in conclusion: 'America's first female president would be in the Oval Office more than a century and a half after a determined group of women launched the women's suffrage movement, almost a century after women in this country won the right to vote.

'It's a milestone, to be sure. Few could have imagined it would be so consequential.'

The Chronicle noted its editorial page typically does not endorse this early in the election cycle, and instead waits until nominees' campaigns have played out.

But it wrote they made an exception in the 2016 presidential race because the choice between Clinton and Trump is 'not merely political. It is something much more basic than party preference.'

During the 2008 presidential race, The Chronicle endorsed Democratic nominee Barack Obama, breaking a 44-year-string of endorsing Republican candidates for president.

During the 2008 presidential race, The Chronicle endorsed Democratic nominee Barack Obama (left), breaking a 44-year-string of endorsing Republican candidates for president. It endorsed Mitt Romney (right) in 2012

In 2012, it endorsed Republican nominee Mitt Romney for president after 'Obama's deeds failed to match his words' particularly with promises to 'cut the national debt by half and bring the nation's unemployment rate to six per cent,' the board wrote at the time.

The last Democratic presidential candidate to win the state of Texas was Jimmy Carter in 1976.

The Houston Chronicle was founded in 1901 and was acquired by Hearst in 1987, according to its website.
A nine-month-old puppy had its front paws hacked off with a sword because it chewed on a neighbour's pair of shoes.

But now that pooch has made a remarkable recovery after an animal treatment clinic fitted it with a brand new set of prosthetic legs.

The dog, called Cola, lives in Thailand and was attacked by a neighbour in May last year.

The man responsible for the attack was handed a one-month sentence under the Animal Welfare Act of 2014.

The pooch was taken to a specialist clinic in Bangkok, with the Soi Dog Foundation animal charity covering the costs.

After recovering from the initial incident, the team at the clinic was able to fit the custom-made prosthetics.

The heart-warming video clip shows the pup is more than happy with the results.

A few weeks later Soi Dog co-founder Gill Dalley, originally from England, flew to Bangkok to collect the dog and bring him to the charity's main site in Phuket.

Gill herself uses prosthetics after she contracted septicaemia in 2004 while on a mission to rescue an abandoned dog and she was forced to have her legs amputated.

A nine-month-old puppy had its front paws hacked off with a sword because it chewed on a neighbour's pair of shoes

But now that pooch has made a remarkable recovery after an animal treatment clinic fitted it with a brand new set of prosthetic legs

The dog, called Cola (pictured), lives in Thailand and was attacked by a neighbour in May last year

The animal welfare worker was trying to bring a stray dog into the clinic for treatment but after tranquilizing the animal it escaped into a flooded field.

She waded through the water to save it and soon after she fell ill when she contracted septicaemia from an organism in the water.

Doctors realised the only way to save her life was to amputate both legs below the knee.

Cola now lives with Gill and her husband John in Thailand.

The man responsible for the attack was handed a one-month sentence under the Animal Welfare Act of 2014

The pooch was taken to a specialist clinic in Bangkok, with the Soi Dog Foundation animal charity covering the costs

After recovering from the initial incident, the team at the clinic was able to fit the custom-made prosthetics

A spokesman for the Soi Dog Foundation said: 'Cola has come a long way since that horrific incident last May but, without the people like you who make up our Emergency Response Team, he would most likely not be alive today.'

Internet users were quick to praise the tale of the plucky pup.

Sheila Nies, from Minnesota, wrote: 'The dog is happy despite all of the abuse. He's a beautiful dog - I am so sorry there are monsters like that.'

Emma Bland added: 'Thank you John and Gill plus your team for the amazing work you do for the abused dogs and cats.'

A few weeks later Soi Dog co-founder Gill Dalley, originally from England, flew to Bangkok to collect the dog and bring him to the charity's main site in Phuket

Gill herself uses prosthetics after she contracted septicaemia in 2004 while on a mission to rescue an abandoned dog and she was forced to have her legs amputated
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Sydney property buyers are rushing to buy derelict properties over renovated homes in a bid to purchase a bargain.

Agents and property insiders told the Daily Telegraph that properties with major issues such as crumbling ceilings, smashed windows and dilapidated floors are fetching better prices than newly renovated homes.

They said the popularity of buying uninhabitable properties was pushing prices to an all-time high.

Ray White chief auctioneer Scott Smith said there were about '50 per cent more buyers' on properties that desperately needed to be fixed.

Sydney property buyers are rushing to buy uninhabitable and derelict properties over renovated homes in a bid to purchase a bargain. Pictured is the living room of a property on Allibone Street in Ashbury, which recently sold for $1.3 million

Mr Smith recently sold a derelict terrace house in Surry Hills for $1.36 million, more than $100,000 above reserve.

He said there wasn't much competition in that market, because everyone liked the idea of buying a dump and doing it up themselves.

Buyers agent Peter Kelaher, who is the managing director of PK Property, said he no longer recommended that his clients purchase deceased estates for that reason.

Agents and property insiders said properties with major issues such as crumbling ceilings, smashed windows and dilapidated floors (pictured) are fetching better prices than newly renovated homes. Pictured is the kitchen of the Ashbury property

'Whenever you see a property smashing its reserve by hundreds of thousands at auction, it will be an uninhabitable, deceased property,' Mr Kelaher said.

'Everyone thinks its going to be a bargain, but it creates so much interest its no longer a good deal.'

Richardson and Wrench Marrickville agent Aris Dendrinos blamed the rise of reality TV renovation shows for the rise in people wanting to refurbish their homes, saying they see overcapitalising all the time.

Ray White chief auctioneer Scott Smith said there were about '50 per cent more buyers' on properties that desperately needed to be fixed. Pictured is a room in the Ashbury property

Mr Smith said there wasn't much competition in the market, because everyone liked the idea of buying a dump and doing it up themselves. Pictured is the exterior of the Ashbury property

Buyers agent Peter Kelaher, who is the managing director of PK Property, said he no longer recommended his clients purchase deceased estates. Pictured is the bathroom a property on Harris Street in Paddington that recently sold for $1.4 million

Property agents said the popularity of buying uninhabitable properties was now pushing the prices of these properties to an all-time high. Pictured is the hallway of the house on Harris Street in Paddington

Pictured is another hallway of the house in Paddington on Harris Street, that was recently sold for more than $1 million

Pictured is the paved back garden area of the same house in Paddington on Harris Street

Pictured is the living room of a property on James Lane in Balmain East that recently sold for $2.68 million

Richardson and Wrench Marrickville agent Aris Dendrinos blamed the rise of reality TV renovation shows for the rise in people wanting to refurbish their own homes. Pictured is the front of the property in Balmain East
Amazon's founder and CEO Jeff Bezos has surpassed Warren Buffett as the third richest person in the world.

Buffett now sits at the fourth rank with a net worth of $65 billion, while Bezos passed him Thursday and is currently worth $66.5 billion, according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index.

This comes as American tech billionaires are reshaping global wealth ranking and race one another to the top - a trend that became clearer as companies published their second-quarter earnings this past week.

The founders of Facebook, Amazon and Google's parent company Alphabet have added a combined $5.6 billion to their fortunes as of this week, Bloomberg reported.

Amazon's founder and CEO Jeff Bezos (left) has surpassed Warren Buffett (right) as the third richest person in the world. Buffett now sits at the fourth rank with a net worth of $65 billion

Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google's co-founders, sit respectively at the 11th and 12th position. Page's net worth is currently at $40.5 billion and Brin's sits at $39.7 billion.

Brin and Page have added a combined $2.7 billion to their earnings thanks to Google's ad business, Bloomberg wrote.

American tech tycoons have had a successful year so far. The combined net worth of Page, Brin, Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Oracle Corp's Larry Ellison has increased by nine per cent - about twice the progression of any of the world's top billionaires on Bloomberg's index.

Both Amazon's and Facebook's second-quarter earnings surpassed expectations.

Zuckerberg had the sharpest progression of them all, adding $7.9 billion to his fortune so far. He was the 13th richest person in the world in early 2015 and now occupies the seventh rank of the index.

Meanwhile, Bezos went from the 20th position to the third, surpassing Buffett.

Four out of the world's ten richest people are now tech billionaires from the United States, with Bill Gates still occupying the first position.

Second is Spanish businessman Amancio Ortega, third is Bezos and fourth is Buffett.

American business magnates Charles and David Koch come in fifth and sixth.

They are followed by Zuckerberg, Mexican businessman Carlos Slim, Ellison and Swedish IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad.

Mark Zuckerberg has had the best year of all of the world's billionaires so far, adding $7.9 billion to his fortune. Facebook's second-quarter earnings surpassed expectations
As Turkey continues its purge on press freedom, 17 journalists have been remanded in custody at a court in Istanbul.

Arrest warrants for dozens of others were issued earlier this week.

Mahir Zeynalov, a Washington-based correspondent for Today's Zaman, who was exiled from Turkey for his work two years ago, tweeted images of Turkish journalists being arrested on Friday.

This comes as the European Union labelled the crackdown on media in Turkey 'worrying' and warned Ankara to respect fundamental freedoms.

One journalist to be arrested was Busra Erdal, a former columnist and legal reporter for the daily Zaman newspaper

Police escort the journalist Bulent Mumay, center, and others journalist rear, to the court, in Istanbul

Turkish authorities have ordered scores of media organizations to be shut down in the wake of the July 15 attempted coup - closing more than 100 newspapers and broadcasters.

They also issued warrants for the detention of 47 former executives or senior journalists of Turkey's Zaman newspaper.

On Monday Turkish authorities issued warrants for the detention of dozens of journalists suspected of links to the alleged organizers of a failed military uprising, intensifying concerns that a sweeping crackdown on alleged coup plotters could target media for any news coverage critical of the government.

While the Turkish government said it is investigating the journalists for possible criminal conduct rather than their reporting, critics warned that a state of emergency imposed after the July 15 coup attempt poses a threat to freedom of expression.

'We fear there will be a witch hunt which would include journalists known as 'critical' against the government.

'Because they are putting all journalists into one bag,' said Ahmet Abakay, president of the Progressive Journalists' Association, a media group based in the Turkish capital Ankara.

He said the situation was 'very dangerous for every journalist' and that government warnings to reporters to be careful would lead to self-censorship.

'By rounding up journalists, the government is failing to make a distinction between criminal acts and legitimate criticism,' said Gauri van Gulik, Amnesty International's deputy director for Europe.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressing a conference on July 29

One journalist to be arrested was Busra Erdal, a former columnist and legal reporter for the daily Zaman newspaper, taken over by authorities in March for alleged links to Gulen's movement.

In a series of tweets, Erdal said police raided her house Monday morning and that she would head to the office of state prosecutors in Istanbul to testify.

She said she had not committed any crime and that the only organization she is affiliated with is the Istanbul Bar Association.

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.

Kocijancic called it '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.'

More than 13,000 people in the military, judiciary and other institutions have been detained since the uprising, which killed about 290 people

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan: The Turkish government said it is investigating the journalists for possible criminal conduct rather than their reporting
Two seven-year-old girls who disappeared for nearly 20 hours from a campsite got lost in the bush after chasing a kangaroo.

Ron Pearson said his granddaughter Marley Aplin and her friend Rhianna were doing 'OK' after getting lost in the hills at Ophir Reserve, about 25 kilometres north of Orange in the NSW central west.

The family sparked a frantic widescale search after the girls failed to return to the campsite after spending Saturday afternoon exploring bush tracks.

However, the pair, who are best friends at school, were airlifted to safety after they were spotted around 11.30am on Sunday. They have been taken to Orange Hospital for medical checks.

The two seven-year-old girls who missing at a campsite in NSW central west are doing 'OK' after being airlifted to safety

Marley and Rhianna disappeared from a campsite at Ophir Reserve (pictured) were found safe. The two girls got lost after chasing a kangaroo

Mr Pearson said the two young girls used grass and leaves to make makeshift pillows to sleep on as the camped overnight in freezing conditions.

'They found them alive and well and everything was OK,' he told The Sunday Telegraph.

'They just wandered off. They were chasing a kangaroo but then they lost all sense of direction.'

The family had scoured surrounding areas while another hiked to a location to get phone reception to call police for help.

A large scale search involving police, State and Emergency Services (SES) and Rural Fire Service was launched overnight but were unable to locate the girls.

Earlier on Sunday, a NSW police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia officers had held serious concerns for the safety of the girls after they were last seen near the creek.

Mr Pearson said it had been an extremely worrying time for the families involved, but they were relieved Marley and Rhianna had been found.
A Georgia homeowner shot and killed an intruder, who had used a ladder to get inside the house, early Friday morning, according to police.

The intruder was discovered dead on the roof, it's been reported.

The incident took place on the 3500 block of Hadley Place in Snellville, Gwinnett County police said in a news release.

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A Georgia homeowner shot and killed a burglary suspect early Friday morning, according to police. The incident took place on the 3500 block of Hadley Place in Snellville

According to authorities, 'The homeowner told dispatchers that he and his wife were awoken to the sounds of someone entering their home.

'The husband retrieved his firearm and went to investigate the sounds.

'When he went into the master bathroom, he discovered a male climbing through the window.

'At that point, the husband fired one round that struck the suspect in the face.'

The couple were identified as Willie and Ann Wofford, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

Gwinnett County police said the man got in with the help of a ladder. His body was discovered on the roof, 11Alive reported.

Police said the homeowners were questioned and are not going to be charged

Michael Cargill (pictured) told local media: 'My stepfather wanted to make sure that he was protecting his wife and also protecting himself. The last thing he ever wanted to do was to take someone's life'

Michael Cargill told the TV station: 'My stepfather wanted to make sure that he was protecting his wife and also protecting himself.

'The last thing he ever wanted to do was to take someone's life.

'So this is a very traumatic situation for them and they're just trying to grasp hold of what's going on.'

Gwinnett County police said that 25-year-old Michael Silva 'lived than than 1/2 a mile from the incident location.

'Though it is uncommon for residential burglaries to take place at 4am, detectives believe that Silva's motive was burglary.'

Police said that the homeowners were questioned and are not going to be charged.




An elderly British journalist investigating corruption in Bangladesh has been arrested by a police squad that received UK aid funding despite allegations of torture.

Shafik Rehman, 81, was seized in April on accusations of plotting to kidnap and kill the prime minister's son. He has been held without charge for three months, and his family fears he faces the death penalty if convicted.

The former BBC contributor, who has dual British and Bangladeshi nationality, is a prominent opposition figure. He is also credited with introducing Valentine's Day as a holiday to the mainly Muslim country.

Shafik Rehman, 81, (middle) was seized in April on accusations of plotting to kidnap and kill the prime minister's son. He has been held without charge for three months

Britain is Bangladesh's biggest aid donor. This year it is handing over 154 million, despite growing repression and a free-speech crackdown that has seen three leading opposition journalists arrested since 2013.

'This is the problem with aid all over the world  there is no accountability,' said Mr Rehman's son Shumit, who runs a tuition company in North London. 'But ultimately Britain is responsible if it is paying these people.'

His father, who trained as an accountant and edits a popular magazine, was taken by police posing as a TV crew then interrogated for ten days, his family say.

Mr Rehman was forced to sleep on the floor in solitary confinement for a further 15 days, despite worsening health problems. He suffers from diabetes and has a stent in his artery.

His cell in a notorious prison is next to another prominent journalist who has been held without charge for three years. Mr Rehman, who has three grandchildren in Britain, has told his family he fears the same fate.

He was arrested by Bangladesh's detective branch, which is accused by Human Rights Watch of being responsible for serious abuses 'including arbitrary arrests, torture, enforced disappearances and killings'. Yet in 2009, Britain gave 10 million towards a five-year United Nations scheme to enhance the unit's ability to deal 'professionally' with investigations.

The police training continued until seven months ago. British aid to Bangladesh includes 33.63 million for a 'safety and justice programme', despite a warning last year that such support 'could be used for political purposes and/or human rights violations'.

Britain is Bangladesh's biggest aid donor. This year it is handing over 154 million, despite growing repression and a free-speech crackdown that has seen three leading opposition journalists arrested since 2013

The watchdog said UK aid may be helping intelligence efforts 'used to monitor and suppress political opposition groups'.

Bangladesh has been sliding into authoritarian rule and was hit by a series of Islamist murders in recent months. Mr Rehman's family, who called the allegations 'farcical', believe his arrest was linked to an advisory role he took with the main opposition leader earlier this year.

Maya Foa, of anti-death penalty charity Reprieve, which has taken up the case, said: 'Britain must demand answers from Bangladesh on whether UK aid has contributed to the arrest of journalists like Shafik Rehman.'

The Department for International Development said aid to Bangladesh police stopped last year, adding: 'It is wrong to suggest DFID funding contributes to human rights violations. The UK Government is committed to protecting human rights and holding to account those responsible for the worst violations and abuses.'
Glenda Jackson, pictured, is returning to the stage after nearly 30 years to play King Lear at the Old Vic

It's a phenomenon that has been grabbing headlines around the world as a string of women  including Britains own Theresa May  crash though the glass ceiling and take over positions of political power that were once the preserve of men.

But it is not just in the corridors of power where such traditional dominance is being overturned. In the world of theatre, female stars are taking male roles like never before.

Even some of Shakespeares greatest male characters are to be played by women in London this autumn.

Glenda Jackson, no stranger to politics as an ex-Labour MP, is returning to the stage after a near 30-year absence to play King Lear at the Old Vic.

And Dame Harriet Walter, recently seen as Lady Shackleton in Downton Abbey, will star as Prospero in The Tempest at the Donmar Warehouse  part of a season that also includes all-female versions of Henry IV and Julius Caesar.

These are the latest example in a trend that has recently seen Shameless star Maxine Peake play Hamlet at Manchesters Royal Exchange; Michelle Terry play Henry V at Regents Park Open Air Theatre; and, outside of Shakespeare, Kathryn Hunter play Cyrano de Bergerac at the Southwark Playhouse.

The trend has direct echoes with the changing political landscape, according to Tom Morris, artistic director of Bristol Old Vic.

He said: The notion that women cant be powerful is now so absurd to be completely dismissible and a lot of these plays are about power.

'So of course from that point of view, we are ready to see what female artists can bring to these roles.

Shakespearean expert Sir Jonathan Bate said: Its an increasing trend because theres a limit to the number of female roles in Shakespeare.

'So when you have a generation of distinguished stage actors who have played most of those female parts, the obvious thing is for them to do the male parts.

Shameless actress Maxine Peake, pictured, is to play the title character in Hamlet in Manchester

Michelle Terry, pictured, is another woman taking on a male roles as Henry V in the play of the same name

Dame Harriet agreed, saying that Shakespeare wrote better parts for men. A woman is almost always only included in the plot because she is the daughter, girlfriend, wife or widow of a man.

'That man is the centre of her world while for the man, the whole wide world is his sphere and his speeches can range across the great political and philosophical questions.
Britain has been threatened with legal action by the cash-strapped Palestine government, which is propped up by UK foreign aid.

Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, is demanding reparations for the 1917 Balfour Declaration.

This was a letter by UK Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour giving the Cabinet's support for the 'establishment in Palestine of a national home for the Jewish people'.

Palestinians burn an Israeli, an American and a Union flag on the anniversary of the 2015 Balfour Declaration

It is seen by many Arabs as the root of problems in the region.

The legal threat emerged at last week's summit of the Arab League  a group of 21 nations  in Mauritania.

Mr Abbas's foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki branded the declaration an 'ill-omened promise', that led to 'hundreds of thousands of Jews' moving to Palestine 'at the expense of our people'.

He called on Arab League states to back the lawsuit which he said would be filed 'at an international court'.

It would lead to a big bill for the Palestine Authority, which has been given 156 million since 2011 by the UK's Department for International Development.

A DFID spokesman played down the threat, saying: 'UK financial support can only be used to provide essential services such as health and education.'

But critics say that while foreign aid may go to essential services, it can free up a regime to spend money on questionable initiatives.
Assange has spoken about his distaste for Clinton's policy in the past

Wikileaks founder spoke from London to Anderson Cooper on Friday night

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange claims his website has more material to publish about Hillary Clinton's campaign.

He spoke to Anderson Cooper on Friday night, just days after the publication of leaked emails plunged the Democratic National Committee into chaos.

Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned abruptly after the emails showed top committee officials appearing to favor Clinton over her Democratic competitor Bernie Sanders.

Assange, who has spoken out against Clinton's policy decisions in the past and has made it clear he does not want her to be the next president of the United States, told Cooper on CNN that Wikileaks has more documents up its sleeve.

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Julian Assange spoke to Anderson Cooper on Friday night (pictured), just days after Wikileaks published emails leaked from the Democratic National Committee

'We have more material related to the Hillary Clinton campaign. It is correct to say that,' Assange said, speaking from the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

'You have to be very precise in reporting my statement. But you're always very precise,' he told Cooper.

'Those are extremely interesting. We will see what will come of them'.

Assange blasted Clinton on Wikileaks in February, calling her a 'war hawk with bad judgement who gets an unseemly emotional rush out of killing people'.

But he assured Cooper that he had never said he wanted to harm Clinton.

Assange has made it clear he does not want Clinton (pictured with Johnstown Wire Technologies CEO Ron Shaffer on Saturday) to become president, but he told Cooper he did not want to harm her

He did however admit that the publication of the committee's emails had been timed to coincide with the beginning of the Democratic National Convention, which took place in Philadelphia last week.

Wikileaks published the documents on Friday last week, just a weekend before the beginning of the convention Monday.

'That's when we knew there would be maximum interest by readers, but also, we have a responsibility to,' Assange told Cooper.

'If we published after, you can just imagine how outraged the Democratic voting population would have been.'

Wikileaks also published 30,322 emails and attachments sent to and from Clinton's private email server while she was Secretary of State, in March.

The US Department Of State released the documents in response to a Freedom Of Information Act request.

Assange has lived at the Ecuadorian embassy in London for almost four years. He sought political asylum there as he faced extradition to Sweden over accusations of sexual assault.
Pauline Cafferkey, 40, flew to West Africa at the height of the outbreak and was working in a hospital in Sierra Leone when she contracted the disease

The nurse who was investigated by authorities after becoming the first Briton to be diagnosed with ebola in the UK has told of her stress as she is still at risk of being struck off.

Pauline Cafferkey, 40, flew to West Africa at the height of the outbreak and was working in a hospital in Sierra Leone when she contracted the disease.

Miss Cafferkey flew back to Heathrow Airport in December 2014 and is still being investigated after she was accused of misconduct over her return to the UK with the virus 18 months ago.

The nurse, from Glasgow, was reported to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the General Medical Council along with two other doctors on the same flight, reports the Telegraph.

And the NMC could now remove her from their register after she spent almost a month in an isolation unit in London while her life hung in the balance.

She had spent five weeks working for Save The Children and despite having her temperature tested several times at Heathrow, she was cleared to fly home to Scotland.

But she became feverish and was transferred by RAF Hercules back to London to be treated at the Royal Free Hospital.

Miss Cafferkey was told after leaving the hospital that she was under investigation by the NMC after Public Health England passed on their concerns.

She told the Telegraph that the NMC report on how they are dealing with her case is still ongoing.

Miss Cafferkey said: 'I don't know why it has not been finished. It's very stressful. It would be nice to have closure.'

She added that she is unable to comment on the specific allegations and her lawyer told her that she can't discuss the investigation.

The nurse was speaking to highlight her support for British charity Street Child which helps vulnerable children in West Africa and has launched an appeal to raise funds for 20,000 children affected by the virus.

Miss Cafferkey is currently prevented from driving because of seizures caused by meningitis - which was triggered after contracting ebola - and cannot perform her old job as a community nurse.

Miss Cafferkey recovered after being flown from Glasgow (pictured) to London for treatment at the Royal Free Hospital

Miss Cafferkey flew back to Heathrow Airport in December 2014 and is still being investigated 18 months after she was accused of misconduct over her return to the UK with the virus

She was moved into a military ambulance, which was given a police escort to the Royal Free Hospital in London

She added: 'I was in a pretty bad way. I am really happy with how I am now. I couldn't walk, I was in a wheelchair.'

Miss Cafferkey refused to accept an official medal which was given to staff who treated ebola patients and hopes to return to Sierra Leone when she makes a full recovery.

An NMC spokeswoman said: 'We can confirm that the NMC case regarding allegations of misconduct against Pauline Cafferkey is ongoing.
Another male victim was injured and is in a serious condition in the ICU

Classmates of Ivanov told Daily Mail Online the party was 'full of his friends' when he allegedly walked in and opened fire

He also tweeted 'First and last tweet. I've been through it all' and 'What's Ruger gonna think?' - which seems to be a reference to Ruger Firearms

Two days ago Ivanov posted picture of rifle and three bullets on Instagram

Friend told Daily Mail Online that Ivanov was 'very distraught' after his split with Bui, his girlfriend of more than a year

Anna Bui, Jordan Ebner and Jake Long have been identified as the victims

Allen Ivanov, 19, was taken into custody following the mass shooting

A 19-year-old University of Washington student suspected of killing his ex-girlfriend and two others at a house party on Saturday had bought his AR-15 rifle only last week, a friend has revealed.

Allen Ivanov is in custody for the murders of Anna Bui, Jake Long and Jordan Ebner, who were killed at a Mukilteo, Washington, house party just before 12.30am on Saturday.

A grandmother revealed that she was texting her 18-year-old granddaughter as she hid in the closet as the shooting unfolded.

A friend of Ivanov's, who would only identify himself as a Baltimore college student, has exclusively revealed to the Daily Mail Online that Ivanov was depressed after the break-up with Bui.

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Mukilteo police have confirmed to Daily Mail Online that Allen Ivanov is in custody following a mass shooting in the affluent Seattle neighborhood of Mukilteo that cost the lives of three young people on Saturday morning

Anna Bui has been confirmed as one of the three victims. She and Ivanov reportedly broke up last week

Jordan Ebner, a student at Everett Community College, also lost his life in the horrific mass shooting

Jake Long (pictured with his girlfriend at prom) was the third victim of the tragedy that has rocked Mukilteo

The friend said when Ivanov texted him a picture of an AR-15 last week, he at first thought nothing of it.

But that all changed in the early hours of Saturday morning, when Ivanov called the friend from his car and dropped a bomb, telling him: 'I just killed my ex-girlfriend'.

'We didn't know if it was serious or not,' the friend told Daily Mail Online. 'We thought it was a joke, he called us at 2.30am.'

'We didn't think he was capable of doing something like that. He was always a prankster and a jokester. He used to love playing Halo, but he never showed any signs of violent behavior.'

But the friend, who said he has known Ivanov for two-and-a-half-years after they met while playing Halo online, said he was hysterical.

'Throughout the phone conversation he kept asking "What's the best way to kill myself?", he was crying, saying "What did I just do?'"

The friend tried to convince Ivanov to park the car, and immediately called Seattle Police. But it was too late.

'He was definitely in an altered state of mind,' he said. 'The Allen that I knew was not anymore, that was definitely not Allen that I was talking to.'

Ivanov posted a picture of this rifle, with three bullets on the side, on his Instagram account just days before the shooting. The rifle has a sticker from exclusive New York streetwear brand Supreme

Ivanov, a University of Washington student, also posted a cryptic tweet on Thursday

Ivanov also posted this tweet, which seems to be a reference to Ruger Firearms. A friend commented on the tweet in the early hours of Saturday morning after the shooting

Susan Gemmer was texting her 18-year-old granddaughter Alexis at the time.

She told CBS News: 'She was hiding in the closet and called me from the closet while it was going on,.

'We were texting back and forth, telling her to stay quiet, stay calm, we're on our way. She kept saying, 'They're dead, they're dead, I saw them, I was right there and I saw them.'

It was only after news broke that three had been left dead at a house party in Ivanov's hometown that the friend learned the University of Washington college student had not seemed like himself for some time.

Other friends close to Ivanov had realized just how distraught he was over the split with Bui, and red flags were immediately raised when he purchased an AR-15.

Ivanov, who graduated from Kamiak High School in 2015, even posted a picture of the rifle on his Instagram, laying it on the ground with three bullets by the weapon's side.

On the rifle is a sticker from the exclusive Supreme New York streetwear brand that reads: 'Supreme 16 You Still Suck'.

There is also a piece of blue painter's tape on the gun that reads 'Christopher', which public records show is Ivanov's middle name.

The caption of the post reads: 'You can't run with me.'

Ivanov also posted cryptic tweets on his Twitter two days before the shooting.

'First and last tweet,' he wrote on July 28. 'I've been through it all.'

He then tweeted 'What's Ruger gonna think?', which seems to be a reference to Ruger Firearms.

Several friends became so concerned that they reached out to Ivanov's parents and asked them to return the gun, but they didn't believe Allen could ever do something so horrific.

Authorities said the suspect fled the $1million home in a 2016 Subaru WRX. Ivanov had recently posted multiple pictures of a Subaru WRX (pictured) on his Instagram

And, the friend, added, neither did anyone else.

'Allen was very calm, very handsome, ladies loved him,' he said of Ivanov, who was supposed to start his sophomore year at the University of Washington this fall.

'He was a very friendly guy, he was smart.'

Ivanov is a computer science and engineering major, according to his LinkedIn page.

He is also an engineer and founder of Skirmos, an open source laser tag system that allows users to 'imagine your favorite first-person video game in real life'.

Ivanov's LinkedIn page said he is an engineer and founder at Skirmos, an open source laser tag system

The 'Skirmos experiences' (pictured) allows users to experience their 'favorite video shooter game in real life'

'I don't think his parents knew he was capable of something like this,' the friend said. 'We didn't know he was capable of something like this.'

The friend said he thought Bui had broken up with Ivanov a month or two ago, but he claimed to have dumped her.

He said Ivanov often had a jealous side and felt like he had 'something to prove', but said his longtime friend seemed completely normal when they met up in Washington DC earlier this summer.

The friend said others who knew the couple claim they only split last week.

Either way, the friend said he and others close to Ivanov are now left wondering if anything could have stopped the deadly night that took Bui and two innocent boys' young lives away.

'If he had talked to a psychiatrist or something before, maybe it would have prevented this,' the friend said.

The friend wonders if maybe Ivanov would have never been allowed to purchase a gun if he had to undergo a psych evaluation and if his depression over the break-up was more well-known.

'My friends and I were talking, how can he easily get this AR-15? He had no criminal history, but he definitely had some psychological issues,' he said of Ivanov.

'We didn't think gun control was that important until now,' the friend said in tears. 'We didn't realize how easy it was for a friend to get a gun and kill somebody.'

The house party was taking place at this $1million residence in the waterfront Chennault Beach neighborhood, about 25 miles north of Seattle

One person was also injured when a gunman walked into a house party filled with up to 20 young people and fired at least 20 bullets before fleeing the scene. Pictured are parents waiting to hear information



Dave Wakeman, who is listed as one of the founders of Skirmos, told Daily Mail Online the company was shocked by the shooting.

'Allen Ivanov has worked with us and been our friend and colleague for a number of years,' he said.

'That said, this event is another example of our need for gun reform in this country.'

'No person should have the opportunity to possess a firearm that can discharge a weapon 20 times in short succession.'

'The time to take action so that senseless deaths like this don't continue to be the norm in our country has passed. We absolutely need to take immediate action on this issue.'

Friends of the three young victims immediately took to social media to pay tribute.

Bui has been described as the 'sweetest girl' with the 'kindest and happiest' soul by her former classmates

The Kamiak graduate told Daily Mail Online that she had a class with Bui, who she described as the sweetest girl.

She always had a smile on her face and a joke at the ready, she said.

She had so much energy and a light about her that could just brighten up a room. If she was in the building, you could hear her laughter.

She cared so much about her friends and was so full of love. She had a huge heart.

Kayla, a senior at Kamiak, said Anna had been her idol both in choir and life itself.

'She was the kindest and happiest soul,' Kayla told the Daily Mail Online.

Members of Kamiak Choir organized a candlelight vigil at the high school on Saturday night to honor Anna, Jake and Jordan.

Jordan (left in the black suit) was a student at Everett Community College. Jake (right) is being remembered by friends as a great baseball player

Ivanov was arrested over 100 miles away in Lewis County when officers spotted a car that matched the suspect's description about two hours after the shooting.

Officer Myron Travis said police are not looking for any other suspects.

The shooter was due to be be booked into the Snohomish County Jail on Saturday on murder-investigation charges, according to the Seattle Times.

A witness said the gunman walked toward the back of the $1million home in the waterfront Chennault Beach neighborhood and shot two people by a fire pit.

He then went up to the roof, where others were hanging out, and opened fire.

One person was taken to Harborview Medical Center with gunshot wounds and is listed in serious condition.

Mukilteo Mayor Jennifer Gregerson said initial reports regarding the injured victim are 'hopeful'.

Our community has been shaken to its core,' she said during a media briefing. 'We grieve with the families of those lost in this horrible event. We will stand with them and be here for them.

One thing is clear. Our community has suffered a great loss tonight. There were many young people who saw and heard things that no one should ever have to experience.'

Ivanov's friend didn't see or hear the shooting, but he feels wracked with guilt.

'I wish we could have stopped it, I really wish we could have stopped it,' he said. 'I couldn't sleep after that call.'

'I hope Obama or the next president has psychological checks for this, because this is about people dying.

'I just - I wish this would all change.'
Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is the Metropolitan Police Commissioner

We have all watched the recent terrorist atrocities unfold with a terrifying and depressing sense of horror and dread.

I know that with each new outrage, and especially those on our doorstep on the Continent, there is a greater sense of fear that Britain will be the next victim in this wave of mindless mass murder.

I feel and understand that fear, and as the police officer in charge of preventing such an attack, I know you want me to reassure you. I am afraid I cannot do that entirely. Our threat level has been at Severe for two years. It remains there. It means an attack is highly likely  you could say it is a case of when, not if.

But where I can offer reassurance is in answering the other questions I know you so often ask  why and how has it not happened here yet? What are we doing to prevent it? How will the police protect me when it does?

What I can say is that we have not had a terrorist murder since the barbaric attack on Fusilier Lee Rigby on May 22, 2013, in Woolwich. I can point to the plots we have foiled and the potential terrorists we have put behind bars after we discovered their advanced plans to murder officers leaving Shepherds Bush police station to walk their beats.

Another plot involved a British-based terrorist planning to carry out a Lee Rigby-style attack on US soldiers based in East Anglia using a car and knives to murder the servicemen and potentially detonate a bomb. He was thwarted thanks to joint work by the police and MI5.

When I was a beat bobby in South Yorkshire, my starting point had to be that I wanted to stop the bad guys and the gangs before they bullied the families on my patch.

Now, like then, I dont want to admit that any crime, let alone these kinds of terrorist atrocities, is likely to happen on our watch  but that is what the Severe threat level means. However, there are lots of things working in our favour.

The relationship between MI5, MI6 and our police is a world-beater. It has given us an advantage in intelligence and ultimately foiling plots. My team at Scotland Yard co-ordinates the national police effort across the country, working with specialist hubs in other regions.

In short, we have a professional, joined-up, national network of intelligence-led investigations.

Our gun controls and the simple fact we are an island mean that terrorists in the UK would struggle to get the firearms required to repeat attacks similar to those we have seen on the Continent.

Citizen stand in front of flowers, candles and messages laid at a makeshift memorial in Nice, in tribute to the victims of the deadly attack on the Promenade des Anglais seafront which killed 84 people

This gives a solid base as it means the UK environment is immediately hostile to the terrorist.

I would also add to this the British way of life and culture. First, the vast majority of our officers are unarmed  I believe this gives us a far healthier relationship with the people we police.

Our neighbourhood officers  the ones who know their local streets and names of many of the people in their communities  are our major weapon. They are our eyes and ears.

Second, it is our tolerance and acceptance. Our approach to Muslims is no different because these attacks purport to be committed in the name of Islam. We dont stigmatise the millions of British Muslims whose values and faith completely reject the terrorists litany of hate.

We are a nation that accepts difference but builds communities with shared values. We should be proud of that  it is another reason why the UK is a hostile environment for those intent on terrorism.

Forensics officers and policemen look for evidences in a truck on the Promenade des Anglais seafront in the French Riviera town of Nice on July 15, 2016, after it was driven into a crowd watching a fireworks display

It means the vigilance of our officers is backed-up by millions more eyes and ears. These are whole communities united in defeating terrorism.

But even with this solid foundation to prevent attack, I have renewed our focus on what we will do when terrorists breach these defences.

Within hours of the terrible events in Paris last November, I recognised that the attack we had witnessed just 200 miles from London required a huge response.

So we have increased the number of specially trained and equipped officers who would confront heavily armed terrorists.

Initially this was through longer shifts. Now, our resilience has increased as all Met officers who carry a gun have been trained to take the initiative in the face of a new terrorist threat.

The 18-year-old German-Iranian gunman named as Ali Sonboly who shot people in Munich

Meanwhile, we are training hundreds of extra officers so they are ready to supplement our numbers during an attack similar to that seen in Paris. This increases armed officers by 600 to 2,800.

It also improves our firearms capacity significantly at a time of crisis. Although we cant talk about the tactics of how many armed officers we have on the street at any one time, our capacity to confront the most terrible of threats is increasing threefold.

For the first time, our team of Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers, who train for the very worst attacks, are ready 24 hours a day. They have the advanced skills needed to tackle the toughest of challenges.

All of the UKs armed officers are brave men and women who have volunteered to put themselves on this new and ever shifting front line.

We tell the public to Run, Hide, Tell. We ask these officers to run in the opposite direction to you. They are paid no more for this. They have families. They are as attached to living life as all of us, but they do this for you. They do this knowing that their split- second decisions will be scrutinised in investigations that can sometimes last many years. Im sure they have your gratitude.

I realise that some of what I am telling you today is not reassuring. I hope that some of it is more so.

The threat we all face is very real. No one watching events on the Continent can think otherwise, but it is important we have a shared understanding of the work that goes on every day to stop attacks happening and to prepare for the time we are faced with this terrifying threat.

People mourn in front of candles and flowers on July 25, 2016 near the Olympia shopping mall in Munich where Sonboly went on his killing spree

London is a vibrant city. I am especially proud to police it. It is a place the world wants to visit and invest in  and rightly so. Help us to keep it that way  be our eyes and ears against terror. But also enjoy the city. We should be positive and relish our freedoms.

Yes, these can feel like dark and desperate times. But defeating terrorism is as much about refusing to be afraid as anything else.

Refusing to change our beliefs, our values and our way of life. We will not become like them. We will not hate. We will not be cowed. And because of this they will never win.
Theresa May today unveils a 33 million crackdown on modern-day slavery  amid fears that lack of action could make it a crime of choice for people traffickers

Theresa May today unveils a 33 million crackdown on modern-day slavery  amid fears that lack of action could make it a crime of choice for people traffickers.

One year on from pioneering anti-slavery legislation, the Prime Minister vowed fresh action to eradicate the evil trade from the UK.

She announced plans for a taskforce at the heart of Government to combat people trafficking.

There will also be an extra 33.5 million to fight slavery in countries such as Nigeria and to help bring perpetrators to justice.

The moves comes 12 months on from the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act, overseen by Mrs May when she was Home Secretary, and which highlighted how slavery was still taking place in the UK and Europe.

She said: This Government is determined to build a Great Britain that works for everyone and will not tolerate modern slavery, an evil trade that shatters victims lives and traps them in a cycle of abuse.

Last year I introduced the world-leading Modern Slavery Act to send the strongest possible signal that victims were not alone and that those responsible for this vile exploitation would face justice.

Downing Street also highlighted an independent review into the first year of the anti-slavery moves, showing slavery prosecutions were rising with 289 offences prosecuted in 2015.

Kevin Hyland (pictured), the countrys anti-slavery commissioner, warned that a previous lack of action against slavery could have led to it becoming a crime of choice

The review, by barrister Caroline Haughey, also showed there was a 40 per cent increase in victims referred for support.

Kevin Hyland, the countrys anti-slavery commissioner, warned that a previous lack of action against slavery could have led to it becoming a crime of choice.

He said: If you can actually commit these crimes in the high street, whether its in car washes, nail bars or brothels or whether its in the fields of East Anglia or in the construction industry, if you act with impunity, and youre not being pursued by the law enforcement agencies, its very quickly going to become a crime of choice.

He also warned that some people-trafficking cases were not being properly investigated and voiced concerns at some slavery incidents not being reported as crimes.
with intent to cause harm

Elriche was jailed last year for

Salim Mehajer's former bodyguard is allegedly working as an enforcer for an accused Gold Coast drug dealer and gun runner.

Police allege 33-year-old Matthew Delander hired Waled Elriche to collect money for drug debts last year.

Elriche is a known associate of the former Auburn deputy mayor and attended his controversial wedding in Lidcombe in Sydney's west last year.

Salim Mehajer's former bodyguard Waled Elriche (pictured) is allegedly working as a enforcer for accused Gold Coast drug dealer and gun runner Matthew Delander

Elriche (pictured right) is a known associate of former Auburn deputy mayor Salim Mehajer (left) and attended his controversial wedding in Lidcombe in Sydney's west last year

In a series of secret police recordings in a case against Delander, the accused gun and drug dealer boasted of Elriche's skills as an enforcer.

Delander was recorded saying Elriche was 'was very, very, very, very effective' at collecting debts, The Daily Telegraph reported.

He said Elriche was 'the main debt collector in Australia,' and when referring to Elriche fighting a group of 'six Samoans', he said 'he bashed the c***,' as Delander watched, according to the paper.

Elriche, who has often been seen with Mehajer, has a history of violence and intimidation.

Last year, he was sentenced to nine months jail after he and two other men kicked down a door and demanded the repayment of a $25,000 debt from a man in Castle Hill.

Police allege 33-year-old Matthew Delander (pictured) hired Waled Elriche to collect money for drug debts last year

Before he was jailed for intimidation last year, Elriche lashed out at reporters outside Fairfield Local Court when his friend was due to face charges relating to the sexual assault and murder of a 16-year-old

Elriche told police that he did not know the victim, who was at home with his wife and children, and that he only wanted to help his friend reclaim the outstanding debt.

Before he was jailed, Elriche lashed out at reporters outside Fairfield Local Court when his friend was due to face charges relating to the sexual assault and murder of a 16-year-old.

Police were forced to intervene when Elriche and his entourage swore at the media, damaged camera equipment and hurled one reporter's microphone at a parked car.

In 2014, Elriche was filmed throwing wild punches in an infamous brawl at Sydney's Stereosonic music festival.

Delander, who is understood to have links to the Black Uhlans bikie gang, is on remand for drug trafficking and weapons charges.

Court documents showed he was also charged with firing a gun from his $200,000 Mercedes-Benz last year, Yahoo7 News reported

He also tried to sell a semi-automatic shotgun to a police informant for $25,000.

The is no suggestion that Elriche or Mehajer are in any way involved with drug or firearm dealing.
A man has been charged with grooming and child pornography offences after he allegedly attempted to arrange sex with a teenage girl who he met online.

Police claimed sex crimes squad detectives began engaging online with the man who believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl in April.

Detectives posing as the young girl alleged the man, from Narrabri in northern NSW, responded to her with sexually explicit comments and asked to meet her to have sex.

A 48-year-old NSW man has been charged with grooming and child pornography offences (stock image)

On Saturday, police arrested the 48-year-old man and he was taken to Narribri Police Station following the sting.

A search was also conducted at the man's home where police seized mobile phones, allegedly containing child abuse material.

He was charged with possessing child abuse material and using a carriage service to procure a person under 16, access child pornography and groom persons under 16.

He was refused bail to appear at Moree Local Court on Sunday.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE ON THE INTERNET Be aware of how much time your child spends on the internet.

Spend time talking to your child about the dangers associated with online conversations, particularly when communicating with someone that they have only ever met on-line.

Spend time exploring the internet with your children and let them teach you about their favourite websites and applications.

Keep computers or internet-enabled devices in a room the whole family can access, not in your child's bedroom; monitor internet access on those devices.

Consider installing filtering and/or computer blocking software provided by your internet service provider.

Ensure you are able to access your child's email and social media accounts and randomly check the contents.

Check your phone bill for unusual outgoing calls and consider using 'caller ID' to identify incoming calls.

Consult your telephone company for options designed to ensure privacy and security. Advertisement
He's been leading police on a merry chase for three weeks but has finally been captured.

Dartmoor Zoo's runaway lynx Flaviu is back in his enclosure today after being snared in a trap set by keepers.

The Carpathian lynx was finally caught in the early hours of yesterday after zoo staff tracked him to farmland through four lambs he had savagely killed.

They believed he was adapting to his conditions and learning to hunt, prompting them to bait him into the trap.

The lynx pictured back in Dartmoor Zoo after three weeks on the run from zoo keepers

The lynx was caught in the early hours of yesterday after zoo staff tracked him via four lambs he had killed

Flaviu the Carpathian lynx, pictured, has been captured three weeks after escaping Dartmoor Zoo

And Flaviu may actually be rewarded for his escapades as staff revealed they were looking for a mate for him.

Zoo owner Ben Mee told The Sun: 'It was a moment of pure elation. Every professional tracker I'd spoken to said it could take three months.

'The most important thing is he's safe. He's grumpy but we're already trying to find him a female lynx to keep him company.'

Flaviu was found near the Hemerdon Plantation woodland which is close to the zoo.

Head tracker Andrew Goatman, 37, is understood to be the one who set the trap after correctly guessing the lynx would return to the scene of his kills.

He removed the lambs' bodies and made sure the other sheep were safe before creating a 5ft by 2ft mesh trap with veal used as bait.

Zoo owner Ben Mee, pictured, said 'it was a moment of pure elation' when he learned Flaviu was safe

Mr Mee with the cage which was used as a trap to catch Flaviu the lynx

A map showing where Flaviu the lynx was found and where the escape occurred at Dartmoor Zoo

The area outside of Hemerdon, Devon where Flaviu the lynx was caught by staff from the Dartmoor Zoo, Devon

Mr Goatman added captivity was the 'best place' for Flaviu as he feared he 'would have been shot'.

Two-year-old Flaviu dug his way out of the enclosure on the same day he was brought to the zoo.

Police and zoo staff quickly caught up with it within 48 hours of the escape using drones with thermal imaging technology, but a team of marksmen was unable to shoot it with a tranquiliser dart.

It then evaded more traps with bait, and staff estimate they laid around 25 before finally capturing him.

Flaviu is now being kept in the zoo's cheetah exhibit until security in his own enclosure is beefed up.

The Dartmoor Zoo in Devon where the lynx escaped from more than three weeks ago

Flaviu is now being kept in the zoo's cheetah enclosure while security in his own pen is beefed up

The Lynx enclosure at the Dartmoor Zoo in Devon

The Lynx enclosure at the Dartmoor Zoo was empty while the lynx was on the run

The Carpathian lynx was finally caught in the early hours of yesterday after zoo staff tracked him to farmland through four lambs he had savagely killed

It's not the first time an animal has escaped from the zoo.

Armed police and zoo keepers launched an emergency search mission after a wolf escaped from Dartmoor Wildlife Park, In February 2007.

At the time, The Sparkwell zoo's owners described the escape of the Canadian timber wolf as a 'regrettable' and 'hopefully isolated' incident.
But police still have no confirmed sightings of the two men

Members of the public have been ringing police with information

e-fit images of two suspects in the attack

Police are hunting two men who tried to kidnap an RAF serviceman have received promising information after 150 calls from the public.

But officers admitted that, despite releasing e-fits of the suspects, they still had no confirmed sightings of the men who threatened the servicemen at knifepoint outside his base.

They are still combing CCTV footage for leads on the people carrier the men are believed to have escaped in after the attack at RAF Marham in Norfolk.

Police have released two new e-fit images (pictured) of the knifemen suspected of attempting to abduct a serviceman from an RAF base last week

Yesterday it was confirmed that 50 officers from the local force are being helped by 20 Metropolitan Police anti-terrorism officers.

Detective Superintendent Paul Durham, who is leading the inquiry, said: There is some promising information amongst these calls. Officers continue with the painstaking task of trawling CCTV. This process does take time but Im confident this work will pay off.

But he played down reports that the men could be in hiding near RAF Marham, saying: We are not focusing on any specific area and Im keeping an open mind as to where they are from.

The married serviceman in his late 20s was targeted on July 20 about a mile from the gates of the base, which is home to four squadrons of Tornado bombers flying missions against Islamic State.

Police carry out inquiries around Marham following last week's attempted abduction

The men grappled with him before he fled and raised the alarm. Det Supt Durham said: There is no credible evidence this is a terrorist incident, but that remains one of a number of possibilities.

Both suspects are said to be of Middle Eastern origin and between 20 and 30 years old.
Republican nominee Donald Trump has been rescued after getting stuck in an elevator.

The Colorado Springs Fire Department said the presidential candidate was trapped in an elevator that was stuck between the first and second floor of a resort.

In a statement released Saturday, the department says it was called at 1:30pm Friday to rescue about 10 people, including Trump, trapped inside the elevator at The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel and Spa resort.

Scroll down for video

Republican nominee Donald Trump has been rescued after getting stuck in an elevator

The Colorado Springs Fire Department said the presidential candidate was trapped in an elevator that was stuck between the first and second floor of The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel and Spa resort

The department says the firefighters opened the top elevator hatch and lowered a ladder into the elevator. Trump and the others used the ladder to climb out of the elevator to the second floor. The department says no injuries were reported.

The Trump campaign confirmed that the incident occurred but did not provide details.

During a rally Friday at University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Trump criticized the city's fire marshal for limiting the number of people allowed to attend his speech at the building where the event was held.

'Hey, maybe he's a Hillary person,' Trump said of fire marshal Brett Lacey.

Lacey told local media that he had already agreed to allow a 10 percent increase in seating at the venue.
Patients in NSW can be legally prescribed medicinal cannabis by doctors thanks to regulations coming into effect on Monday.

Cannabis-based medicines have so far only been available to patients enrolled in clinical trials in NSW, but Premier Mike Baird said with regulatory changes the drugs could be prescribed for patients who have exhausted standard treatment options.

'People who are seriously ill should be able to access these medicines if they are the most appropriate next step in their treatment,' Mr Baird said on Sunday.

Patients in NSW can be legally prescribed medicinal cannabis by doctors thanks to regulations coming into effect on Monday

The Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Amendment Regulation 2016 will take effect on Monday.

However, even with the regulation doctors will have get approval from NSW Health to prescribe cannabis-based products not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, the Daily Telegraph reports.

'This change increases the options available for doctors as it means a broader range of cannabis-based medicines can be prescribed  while we continue our evidence-based research looking further into the role medicinal cannabis can play,' Mr Baird said.

It's hoped the regulation will prevent patients from turning to the black market or breaking the law to access cannabis-based medicine.

NSW will be regulating cannabis-based medicines the same way as any other emerging medicine, Medical Research Minister Pru Goward said.

'There is still a lot to learn about safety and efficacy for different patient conditions and groups, which is why we are investing $21 million to further world-leading ... research.'

Ms Goward added that patients wishing to use cannabis products for their health would have to speak with their doctor.

Premier Mike Baird (pictured) said with regulatory changes medicinal cannabis could be prescribed for patients who have exhausted standard treatment options

It's hoped the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Amendment Regulation will prevent patients from turning to the black market or breaking the law to access cannabis-based medicine

Earlier this year, about 330 people in NSW took part in a clinical trial, testing medicinal cannabis for chemotherapy patients.

Premier Mike Baird said the drug, a cannabis tablet manufactured by Canadian company Tilray, was only for people suffering nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, the ABC reported.

'Our hope is as it is proven, we have a position where this will be available to whoever needs it,' the Premier said.

'I think all of us who know people who are in the battle for their lives, to have some form of relief to give them strength, to give them energy, to stare down cancer and to take it on - well, that's what this is all about.'

The trial, which was announced in February, was the third of its kind in NSW - the other two were for terminally ill patients and children suffering from severe epilepsy.
Republican state Senator Bill Kintner has been accused of having a sex tape of himself on a state computer, prompting calls for him to step down.

Kintner, 55, is also accused of potentially sending the tape to someone else from his state computer, the Omaha World Herald reports.

In the wake of the scandal, Governor Pete Ricketts said he has called Kintner and told him he should step down if the claims are true.

Republican state Senator Bill Kintner (pictured) has been accused of having a sex tape of himself on a state computer, prompting calls for him to step down

'If the allegations are true, Sen. Kintner needs to resign,' Governor Ricketts said, according to the newspaper.

He added that he first called on the Senator to resign in July 2015, however he has been unable to comment due to an 'ongoing investigation' into the scandal.

Kintner's wife, Lauren Kintner, is listed online as as the Governor's Policy Research Director. The couple has been married for almost seven years.

It is unknown who or whether anyone else appears in the sex tape with Kintner.

Governor Pete Ricketts (left) said he has called Kintner and told him he should step down if the allegations are true, however Senator Bob Krist (right) said he told the Governor about the alleged tape more than a year ago

Kintner's wife, Lauren Kintner, is listed online as as the Governor's Policy Research Director

The Governor's office became aware of the alleged tape when a woman made contact and was offering to the sell the x-rated footage, according to the Omaha World Herald.

The Lincoln Journal Star reported that Kintner asked Nebraska police for help with computer problems in July 2015, and told them about the alleged tape.

Other local politicians have been quick to slam Kintner and Ricketts over the alleged tape, with Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Fleming Kleeb accusing the Governor of not taking action for more than a year.

'Time for Gov. Ricketts to come clean about the dirty GOP sex video... Ricketts knew for a year and did not inform public,' Kleeb tweeted on Friday.

She also said the Nebraska Democrats are calling for Kintner's resignation.
A 13-year-old girl suffered burns to her face and hands after trying out her older brother's e-cigarette.

Arianne Anderson, from Utah, was attempting to test out her 16-year-old brother's e-cigarette when it exploded in her face.

'I just put the battery in and twisted it back on and was getting ready to push the button, and it exploded,' Arianne told FOX 40.

Arianne Anderson (pictured), from Utah, was attempting to test out her 16-year-old brother's e-cigarette when it exploded in her face

The 13-year-old suffered burns to her face and hands. Her mother, Amanda Lee, said that she'd 'never seen something so horrid'

Her mother, Amanda Lee, told the station that she'd 'never seen something so horrid' after Arianne ran into her room screaming for help.

Arianne was covered in blood and black soot from the e-cigarette exploding.

She was rushed to the hospital where doctors told the family that the teenager will heal soon, and there's an 80 per cent chance she won't need reconstructive surgery, according to Fox.

Lee told the station: 'The satisfaction of the nicotine, or the many available flavors they offer to make it so enticing to the adolescents, it's absolutely not worth it.'

Aaron Frazier of the Utah Smoke Free Association, told Fox that the situation occurred mainly because there was a lack of education.

'What happened with the young lady is certainly an unfortunate event,' he said, adding that electronic cigarettes and vapor products can be 'dangerous for somebody who doesn't know how to properly use them'.

Frazier said that new FDA regulations that will go into effect August 8 could raise a 'number of safety concerns from adults'.

Arianne (left, and right before explosion) was rushed to the hospital where doctors told the family that the teenager will heal soon, and there's an 80 per cent chance she won't need reconstructive surgery

New FDA regulations will mandate that the ingredients and harmful and potentially harmful constituents must be reported and no sales of all types of tobacco products to people younger than 18.

People under the age of 26 will require photo identification and the new regulations will prohibit the distribution of free samples.

More than 3 million middle and high school students were current users of e-cigarettes in 2015, up from an estimated 2.46 million in 2014.

Twenty-five separate incidents of explosion and fire involving an e-cigarette were reported in the US between 2009 and August 2014, according to the US Fire and Administration.

But several cases have been reported this year alone. In April a woman was left with third-degree burns after her e-cigarette exploded in her jeans pocket.
Three Walmart employees who restrained a man accused of stealing DVDs in a store have been charged in his death.

Nathan Allen Higgins, 35, a support manager; Crucelis Nunez, 23, a customer service manager, and Randall Eugene Tomko, 58, a loss prevention worker, have all been charged on Thursday with manslaughter in the death of suspected shoplifter Kenneth E. Wisham, 64, reports The Ledger.

Wisham tried to steal almost $400 worth of DVDs from the Lakeland, Florida super Walmart on February 7, according to reports.

When the three employees tried to prevent him from getting away with the merchandise, things took a turn for the tragic and the man stopped breathing.

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Nathan Allen Higgins, 35, a support manager; Crucelis Nunez, 23, a customer service manager, and Randall Eugene Tomko, 58, a loss prevention worker, have all been charged on Thursday with manslaughter in the death of a suspected shoplifter

Kenneth E. Wisham (above) was killed when he allegedly tried to steal DVDs from a Lakeland Walmart and was forcefully restrained by three employees

Once an autopsy concluded that Wisham had died due to mechanical asphyxiation while being restrained and not from a pre-existing medical condition, and also had 15 broken ribs, the trio were charged in his death.

Walmart released a statement saying that the three had been suspended from their jobs and the company is cooperating with police.

'Our hearts go out to everyone affected by these events. The status of the associated involved continues to be reviewed,' said the company in a statement, according to KTLA.

The super Walmart in Lakeland (above) was the scene of an alleged manslaughter February 7 when a suspected shoplifter stopped breathing while in the custody of three employees

'They're not supposed to chase them,' a man named Wayne Cole, who worked for eight years at Walmart, said of loss prevention officers, according to the outlet. 'They're supposed to go out there and stop them but not use any kind of force at all to stop them. If they get away, they leave.'

Higgins, a support manager, had been ordered to intervene by his supervisor and only grabbed Wisham by the ankles, according his lawyer James 'Rusty' Franklin

Higgins' bail was set at $2,500, much less than that of the other suspects, and was expected to be released from South County Jail.
Thirteen US Postal Office workers in Chicago were hospitalized for heat-related illnesses this weekend after dealing with sweltering temperatures.

The workers from a River North site were hospitalized Saturday morning, a report from WLS said.

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Thirteen US Postal Office workers in Chicago were hospitalized for heat-related illnesses this weekend after dealing with sweltering temperatures

The workers from a River North site were hospitalized Saturday morning. It's been reported that 23 other workers received care at the scene

Postal workers union president Mack Julion told CBS Chicago that the building was 100 degrees inside

It said that 23 other workers received care at the scene and that there was an air conditioner malfunction.

Postal worker Aileen Harris told WLS: 'You go through the door...you could feel like an oven on and you can't open windows up there so everybody just started getting dizzy and throwing up, getting sick.'

The site was evacuated Saturday but is set to open again Monday, its report said.

The site was evacuated Saturday but is set to open again Monday

Residents in zip codes 60610, 60611 and 60654 didn't get Saturday mail delivery

USPS Chicago District spokesperson Mark Reynolds told WLS: 'We're not going to have the rest of our employees work in there, it's clearly unsafe. We value the safety of our employees.'

Residents in zip codes 60610, 60611 and 60654 didn't get Saturday mail delivery, according to WLS.

Postal workers union president Mack Julion told CBS Chicago the building was 100 degrees inside.

Postal worker Kenneth Norman told WBBM: 'It was extremely hot. We've always had problems with that air conditioning for the past few years.
Police are now trying to identify the two people involved in the exchange

Bicyclist took out his gun and fired two shots at the Jeep, officers said

Say a man in a Jeep Cherokee opened fire on cyclist earlier this month

Police released video of the gunfight on Saturday hoping to identify man

A gunfight erupted between a man who came out of an SUV and a cyclist in Queens, police said.

Officers released footage of the exchange on Saturday, hoping to identify the two people involved.

The video shows a man who appears to be wearing long shorts and a t-shirt coming up from between two cars and firing shots.

The shootout began when a man driving a silver Jeep Cherokee got out of his vehicle on 137th Street near 42nd Avenue in Flushing, the New York Daily News reported.

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Officers released footage of the exchange on Saturday (pictured), hoping to identify the two people involved. The gunfight began when a man got out of his car in Flushing and fired shots at a cyclist, officers said

He fired at the cyclist, who was traveling in the opposite direction, police said. The cyclist fell off his bike and landed in a parked car, according to officers.

But the cyclist took out his own gun and fired two shots in direction of the Jeep, which was already pulling away, authorities added.

No one reported any injuries. Police are now hoping to identify the two men involved in the attack, which happened on July 12.

The SUV driver wore sneakers, long shorts and a shirt with long sleeves the last time he was seen.
Council will now launch investigation into the building works next week

Pictures appear to reveal something more

A former mayor who applied to make 'alterations and additions' to his home may have some questions to answer after his entire property was demolished.

Former Parramatta lord mayor and local Liberal powerbroker John Chedid sought permission to renovate his home in Oatlands in Sydney's north-west.

Mr Chedid's application included a new pool, a pergola and changes to the home's first story, Fairfax reported.

Former Parramatta lord mayor John Chedid sought permission to renovate his home in Oatlands in Sydney's north-west (pictured)

Images of the property taken this week (above) appear to show that something far more substantial was taking place

But images of the property taken this week appear to show that something far more substantial was taking place.

The house was gone - only building materials and large amounts of scaffolding remained.

The Hills council, which approved plans for the renovations last year, said the photos seemed to show building works beyond council approval had taken place.

Large parts of the home's garage and first floor were supposed to have remained in tact.

'A review of the photos indicates that no part of the existing dwelling has been retained,' a spokesman told Fairfax.

'It appears the works are contrary to the Development Consent.'

Mr Chedid (pictured) may have some questions to answer after Parramatta Council said it would visit the building site to investigate next week

Parramatta council confirmed it would investigate the site next week.

Mr Chedid, who has often been the centre of controversy, was first elected to Parramatta Council in 2004 and held the position of lord mayor in 2010-2011 and again in 2012-2013.

In 2013 he was forced to apologise on behalf of his office after a gay and lesbian youth group was asked to remove its 'offensive' signage from a local festival.

A representative of Mr Chedid asked the group to remove a sign promoting 'support services for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, same-sex attracted and gender-diverse young people.'

The same year he caused uproar within his own party when he nominated to run for the seat of Parramatta against Liberal MP Geoff Lee at the 2013 election.
Facebook could owe billions to Uncle Sam after an IRS investigation is over, the social media company is warning shareholders.

In 2010, Facebook shifted the rights to its assets, excluding the US and Canada, to Ireland, a low-tax haven for corporations.

On Thursday, the company said it could owe an IRS penalty of $3 billion to $5 billion, plus interest, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, if it turns out Facebook was undervaluing its assets, reports CNN.

Assets included hard to quantify assets such as 'user base, online platform and marketing intangibles.'

The penalty could have an 'material adverse impact' on its profits, said the company who last week surpassed Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway in market value.

The IRS filed a lawsuit against Facebook earlier this month, claiming they skimped on their taxes by undervaluing their company in order to pay lower taxes abroad (above, the company's Dublin offices)

For six years, the IRS has been trying unsuccessfully to force Facebook into cooperating with its investigation.

The social media behemoth has ignored seven summonses to hand over documents related to their overseas operation in Ireland, the IRS says.

In a new court filing on Wednesday, the federal agency says it has sent seven requests for books, records, papers and other data to the company's CFO David Wehner but that all of them have been ignored.

The IRS filed a lawsuit against the Palo Alto, California-based company earlier this month, claiming they skimped on their taxes by undervaluing their company in order to pay lower taxes abroad.

Facebook is one of many corporations who have set up offices in Ireland, which boasts a lucratively low corporate tax rate of just 12.5 per cent.

In order to operate out of the country though, Facebook had to license its intellectual property - the website and its brand - to an offshore company.

That company, Facebook Ireland Holdings, then licensed the brand again to a company registered in Ireland, Facebook Ireland Ltd.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg may be smiling at the idea that his company has seven times ignored the IRS' demands to see records regarding its assets

Facebook Ireland Ltd. is then able to make huge profits due to Ireland's low tax rate coupled with the fact that their fees and royalties to Facebook Ireland Holdings become deductible.

Facebook deals with two subsidiaries because it protects them from having to report the income they actually make in Ireland. If they dealt directly with the second company, they would have to report that income in the U.S. and then pay taxes domestically as well.

The point that the IRS takes issue with is the valuation that Facebook placed on its intellectual property when first licensing to Facebook Ireland Holdings.

Facebook's accounting advisers, Ernst & Young, were brought in to make the valuation, which the IRS says was undervalued by billions.

If so, Facebook has been reaping unfairly low tax rates and could owe the IRS big time.

At stake is billions of dollars. Facebook Ireland Ltd. is Facebook's main international business and in 2014, made $5.3billion in sales.

In the most recent court filing, representatives for the IRS petitioned a judge to force Facebook into complying with their orders, since the statute of limitations on the case expires at the end of the month.

While Facebook has handed over several documents related to the case, IRS officials say they have not turned over the books, records, papers and other data as specified in the previous seven summonses.

When the lawsuit was filed earlier this month, the company issued a sharp denial of wrongdoing.

'Facebook complies with all applicable rules and regulations in the countries where we operate,' Anteneh Daniel, a spokesperson for the company, said in a statement.
A doctor who allegedly touched female patients inappropriately during vaginal examinations and then fled the country to avoid arrest has been suspended for three years.

Two women accused Queensland doctor Deon Rall of touching their clitoris during examinations in 2009.

A mother in her 60s said Dr Rall put his right fingers on her vagina and thumb on her clitoris during an internal examination, News Corp reported.

Queensland doctor Deon Rall allegedly touched female patients inappropriately during vaginal examinations and then fled the country to avoid arrest. He has been suspended for three years (stock image)

A mother in her 60s said Dr Rall put his right fingers on her vagina and thumb on her clitoris during an internal examination (stock)

'I know that he had put his thumb there because I did not even let my husband touch my clitoris, as I do not like it,' the woman said in her statement, according to News Corp.

Another married mother said Dr Rall placed his thumb on her clitoris and moved his fingers in both directions.

Dr Rall, who fled to South Africa to evade arrest, denied that his actions were sexually motivated, the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal heard.

'Dr Ralls description of the relevant examinations was generally consistent with that of his patients,' the tribunal found.

'However, he suggested that his thumb was not in constant contact with each patients clitoris.'

The tribunal found that Dr Ralls conduct constituted unsatisfactory professional conduct and banned him from reapplying for registration in Australia for three years.

'Dr Ralls professional conduct was of a lesser standard than that which might reasonably be expected of him by the public or his professional peers,' the tribunal found.

'As to the issue of whether his conduct was sexually motivated, the tribunal found this had not been satisfactorily proved to the required standard.'
Kelly Ripa said picking a candidate would be like having a favorite child

Just being in the mix can help their careers and reputation, source added

Lowe, Gordon and Lopez are 'not getting the job', an insider told Page Six

Three potential co-hosts for Kelly Ripa's Live show will not be getting the job after all, an insider has said.

Rob Lowe, Mario Lopez and NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon all established themselves as front-runners since Michael Strahan's departure in May.

But ABC executives have been left 'amused and fed up' by would-be successors' claims, a source told Page Six.

Meanwhile Kelly Ripa, who has hosted Live With Kelly with several rotating co-hosts, has refused to pick a favorite candidate.

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Kelly Ripa (pictured at a benefit designer clothing sale in Water Mill, New York on Saturday) said picking a favorite candidate for her future co-host would be like picking a favorite child

Merely being considered as a possible co-host can have a positive effect on someone's career, Page Six's source said, adding that some of the front-runners had used the race for self-promotion.

'It's a highly coveted job,' the insider told Page Six.

'There's no other show where the co-host gets to have their name in the title of the show  you don't get that kind of prominence.

'Just being in the mix is helpful to their careers and reputation. Well, Rob, Jeff and Mario are not getting the job.'

Actor Rob Lowe (pictured) has established himself as one of several front-runners to co-host Ripa's Live show - but according to an insider, he won't be getting the job

NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon (pictured earlier this month) was also in the running to co-host Live With Kelly, but a source told Page Six he was unlikely to land the gig

Producers want to find someone loyal after Strahan left for another position at Good Morning America, the source added.

Reps for Gordon, Lowe and Lopez, as well as ABC, declined to comment when reached by Page Six.

Ripa declined to reveal who her favorite candidate is Saturday at a benefit designer clothing sale in Water Mill, New York, the New York Daily News reported.

She said it would be 'like telling you who my favorite child is.'

Anderson Cooper and Fred Savage both remain as two potential candidates, but ABC could take until November to reveal who the new permanent co-host's identity.
A stray pit bull came to the aid of a woman in Georgia last week and saved her from a knife attack, it's been revealed.

Known as 'Hero', the dog can now be yours.

He got the woman away from a man in the July 22 incident, which took place in Baldwin, WATE reported.

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A stray pit bull came to the aid of a woman who was being attacked by a man in Georgia last week. Known as 'Hero', the dog can now be yours

He got the woman away from a man in the July 22 incident, which took place in Baldwin, Georgia

Officer Timothy Clay told the local news station in an interview: 'The dog then lunged toward the male and the male came out with the knife and stabbed the dog several times.'

Hero was stabbed five times and was brought by police to the vet, the station said.

Clay explained: 'I don't think we could have let that dog suffer and die. We felt like we needed to get that dog some help after what it had been through.'

Hero was stabbed five times and was brought by two responding police officers to the vet

Carla Welch with Fighting for The Bullys Pit Bull Rescue has said: 'I thought he was very courageous and very brave'

Carla Welch with Fighting for The Bullys Pit Bull Rescue in Knoxville, Tennessee, told WATE in an interview: 'He has had a really rough life. He has had a bum back leg and a bum front leg, but he gets around fine and he's looking for a good friend.'

She discovered what happened to the dog via social media and raised money for treatment, the station reported.

She said: 'I thought he was very courageous and very brave.'

Welch also said: 'For those two officers to go to the extent they did to save him is very heroic and very awesome.'
He stole underwear from one clothesline on five

A Melbourne man has admitted to stealing women's underwear from inner-city clothes lines for four years.

Marco Adam Raulli, 35, snatched underwear across Melbourne's inner suburbs, returning to one address five times.

His victims were left rattled, the Melbourne Magistrates Court heard. One victim was so distraught she moved house.

Marco Adam Raulli, 35, snatched underwear across Melbourne's inner suburbs, returning to one address five times. One victim was so distraught she moved house (stock image)

Raulli pleaded guilty to five charges of theft and three of stalking over the incidents between 2012-16.

After his arrest, he told police, 'I've got a problem, I need to sort something out,' defence barrister Kellie Blair told the court.

The underwear, valued at over $900, was never recovered.

The construction worker told police he didn't know his victims and that he had thrown out the stolen items.

A psychological report referred to in court said Raulli had a fetish disorder that required further treatment.

Ms Blair said her client struggled with low confidence, and although he was deemed a 'moderate risk' of reoffending, this would lessen with treatment.

His victims were left rattled, wondering how the thief would strike next, the Melbourne Magistrates Court heard

'Really, Mr Raulli's focus has been on the possessions of the people involved, as compared to the persons themselves,' Ms Blair said.

'The public nature of all of this has provided a great deterrent to him.'

Ms Blair said her client was of good character, had admitted his guilt and expressed he was sorry.

Prosecutor Steve Wood read the statements of victims to the court, describing how the offending left them feeling scared and unsafe.

One victim said she kept her windows covered around the clock.

'I had no idea what the person would do next,' she said. 'I didn't feel safe walking from my car to my house.

'I'm no longer feeling safe being home by myself.'

Another victim feared the thefts would escalate into a home robbery and assault: 'We felt like sitting ducks,' she said.

The woman reported having trouble sleeping, suffered nightmares and obsessively checked her doors and were locked.

Magistrate Duncan Reynolds ordered the man be assessed for a community corrections order and adjourned the case until Thursday.
Britain's only terrorist subject to an anti-terror order has won a court bid to boost his taxpayer-funded pocket money and relax his curfew - after billing taxpayers for legal aid to win the freedoms.

The Algerian Islamic fanatic, 28, known as EB, was reportedly given tens of thousands of pounds in legal aid help to challenge his T-Pim control order after crying foul about the conditions.

He is subject to the order - a Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measure - until April next year after being released from a three year-jail term last year over a plan to attack London in 2013 in which he was monitored visiting Egypt and Syria, planning to buy a gun and holding explosives.

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The so-called T-Pims  Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures  are the toughest tool the security services have to restrict the activities of terror plotters. Pictured, a police officer on patrol in London

But the terrorist was unhappy that his night time curfew prevented him from leaving home between 9pm and 7am - and was only being given $50 cash a week by the government, according to a report in The Sun on Sunday today.

The newspaper reported details of the man's case before the High Court, which had now ruled he would get 75 a week and be allowed to stay out until 11pm instead of 9pm.

In the case before Mr Justice Mitting, EB was said to have claimed in a psychiatrist's report that he was suffering depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder and wanted to live in London so he could be closer to his mum and a woman he had married since being released from jail.

The Sun reported that while the court rejected his attempt to return to London, Mr Justice Mitting revealed taxpayers would pay every time his family travels to see him.

The details about EB have emerged after The Daily Mail revealed last week that only one extremist in Britain was subject to an official anti-terror order despite there being at least 2,000 fanatics at large in the UK.

HOW WE KEEP TABS ON TERROR T-Pims, or Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures, were introduced in January 2012. They replaced Labours controversial control order regime. They are normally placed on terror suspects who officials decide can neither be charged nor deported, or still pose a threat after leaving jail. To qualify, the Home Secretary must reasonably believe the suspect is involved in terrorist-related activities, based on an assessment by MI5. Restrictions can include electronic tagging, reporting regularly to the police and facing tightly defined exclusion from particular places. A suspect must live at home and stay there overnight  possibly for up to ten hours  in what is an effective curfew. Unlike under control orders, the suspect is allowed to use a mobile phone and the internet to work and study, subject to conditions. T-Pims expire after two years unless new evidence emerges of involvement in terrorism. Breach of a T-Pim can lead to jail. The courts will usually impose an anonymity order banning the naming of the suspect to protect the individual. Control orders, introduced in 2005, were much more draconian: suspects could be relocated to a town far from their home, face 16-hour curfews and be banned from meeting named individuals. Nick Clegg, then the Deputy PM, insisted that T-Pims should be less restrictive, though they are still hugely controversial with civil liberties groups. Advertisement

In his reported court bid, EB failed in his effort to scrap a ban on him entering a National Express station and an Army base near where he lives - though the latter was referred to the Secretary of State, The Sun said.

Former Commander of British forces in Afghanistan, Colonel Richard Kemp, told The Sun: 'The idea that our taxes should be used on legal aid to pay for this guy to challenge restrictions placed on him by the government is repulsive.

'This man should not have been released  even on licence  and should still be behind bars.'

The so-called T-Pims  Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures  are the toughest tool the security services have to restrict the activities of terror plotters.

They replaced the more restrictive Control Orders which were axed in 2011 at the behest of then Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg following a row over human rights.

T-Pims are supposed to ensure that the police and MI5 can protect the public from British-based fanatics who cannot yet be prosecuted or deported by placing curbs on their movements and activities.

But a statement slipped out to Parliament just before the summer recess has now revealed that, as of the end of May, only one is now in force. As recently as 2013, there were nine.

By contrast, in the months after the Paris attacks last November, almost 400 people were placed under house arrest in France by the authorities there.

British judges have been accused of weakening T-Pims by chiselling away their conditions and making it very difficult for the security services to secure them.

This has meant that they have become reluctant to seek them, fearing that they would be squandering thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money on legal fees for little gain.

Europe is currently facing a heightened terror threat from Islamic State following a series of atrocities in France and Germany, including the butchering of a French priest at a church in Normandy.

T-Pims are supposed to ensure that the police and MI5 can protect the public from British-based fanatics who cannot yet be prosecuted or deported by placing curbs on their movements and activities

The UK's terror threat level is currently 'severe'  the second highest level  amid warnings that a jihadist atrocity is 'highly likely'.

Last night, critics called for a toughening up of the T-Pim regime to protect the public. Lord Carlile, the independent reviewer of terror legislation for ten years, said: 'It is surprising and worrying that we are down to just one T-Pim given the situation appertaining all over Europe.

'We know that there is a severe risk of a terror attack. I hope that the Government is examining the possibility of increasing the use of T-Pims or toughening them up.

'It is absolutely essential that the authorities should have the powers they need. The events in Normandy, Nice and Germany must focus ministers' minds to use all the tools at their disposal, including T-Pims.'

He said that in the last six or seven years of control orders, they were 'very effective'

Keith Vaz, chairman of the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, said: 'It is puzzling that there is only one T-Pim in place given the number of persons who are under surveillance and the threat level. The new Prime Minister may feel she wants to look again at this area of policy, given that she had been under pressure from her Liberal Democrat colleagues in the Coalition government to abandon control orders.'

The UK's terror threat level is currently 'severe'  the second highest level  amid warnings that a jihadist atrocity is 'highly likely'. Pictured, mourners at the Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray church attacked this week

Security chiefs have warned that hundreds of young Britons who joined Islamic State jihadis in Iraq and Syria have returned home, while others have brainwashed 'lone wolf' Muslims to carry out attacks.

Control orders were introduced by Labour to deal with dangerous extremists who could not be hauled before the courts but after 2010 they came under fire from the Lib Dems who said they were unfair because the suspects had not been found guilty of a crime.

They were replaced by T-Pims with a reduced curfew requirement of ten hours and suspects were no longer restricted on where they could live.

At the time, a Home Office spokesman said: 'We introduced T-Pims precisely because control orders were not working and their powers were being struck down by the courts.'

But last night, shadow home secretary Andy Burnham said: 'In the light of the terrorist attacks that we have seen in the last year, we need an urgent review of the T-Pim regime and an assurance that it is up to the job. We need a convincing answer on why it is the case that there is only one.'

Yesterday a former senior counter terror officer said Britain has 'big problems' trying to prevent terror fanatics from carrying out an attack.

Chris Phillips said he did not believe the current regime of T-Pims was working.

Mr Phillips, the ex head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, said it was known two years ago that there were 2,000 individuals on the radar of the anti-terror authorities.

'How on earth you could ever monitor 2,000 people, let alone the fact that the number that we have got now has probably increased,' he said.

He said the only solution was to lock such individuals up, but he told the BBC Britain didn't want to go down this route.

Ben Wallace, Minister of State for Security, yesterday said: 'There are a range of powers available to disrupt terrorism-related activity.'
Just nine days after giving birth Sarah Hocking confronted the frightening reality she might never look at her son again.

The 28-year-old held her son Archer and cried as she was led away to the operating theatre, where she underwent a seven-hour surgery to remove a tumour from her optic nerve.

A mask was put over my facemy lights went out and that was my last coloured memory, she said.

Sarah Hocking lost her sight nine days after her son was born in an operation to remove a tumour from her optic nerve. She is pictured with son Archer after the operation

One year on from her surgery, Sarah (right) had made the readjustment to living without sight

Sarah lost most of her vision in the operation and, although she can still make out some blurred objects, is now legally blind.

On her blog blind intuition she described how she had cherished every second with Archer in the nine days before her life-changing surgery.

She said: I remember every conversation, every visitor, the pure euphoria I felt holding my baby for the first time.

The sleep deprivation, but wanting to stay awake just to stare at Archer, and take in the shape of his little lips, his wrinkly grandpa forehead, his deep blue eyes...the colour of his skin.

Sarah said she had slowly regained her independence after the operation and, despite being legally blind, cherished all the joys of motherhood. She is pictured with son Archer and husband Cameron

My husband Cameron and I are proud people and dont see our situation as one to feel sorry for,' Sarah said

Sarah said: 'I may not be able to see the colour of Archer's eyes, but I can see his face light up when I am close'

It has been a year since Sarah last saw her son properly but, in a special blog post written on his birthday, she recounted how blessed she felt to be his mother.

She said: Even though I wish for my vision to come back, it went out with a bang and on a high so I will hold onto that.

I may not be able to see the colour of Archers eyes, or the finer details in life, but I can see enough to see his face light up when I am up close, I can hear his infectious laugh and giggles, I saw the first time he rolled over, the first time he crawled, sat up and took his first steps.

Over the past 12 months Sarah, from Bendigo, Victoria, had slowly regained her independence and relished the challenges that came with motherhood.

I refuse to accept my story as a sob story,' she said.

My husband Cameron and I are proud people and dont see our situation as one to feel sorry for.

I dont want to be seen as inspirational for managing to do everyday tasks such as parenting, work, household chores or going for a run just because of my impairment.

'I don't want to be as inspirational for managing to do everyday tasks such as parenting,' Sarah said
High class Sydney escort Samantha X has revealed her etiquette, grooming and personal security tips for industry workers.

Samantha X, real name Amanda Goff, 41, has worked as an escort for the last five years and has started giving lessons to prospective sex workers, both male and female, who want to work in the industry.

After the mother-of-two went public with her story in 2014 in an autobiography titled Hooked- Secrets of a High Class Escort, she was contacted by women who wanted to leave their job and pursue a career as a sex worker.

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High class Sydney escort Samantha X (pictured) has revealed her etiquette, grooming and personal security tips for being a successful sex worker

Ms Goff, a former journalist, created the escort agency Samantha X Angles and handpicked 12 female recruits from hundreds of applicants around Australia

Ms Goff said that if men are paying top dollar, escorts need to looks the part- Matching lingerie is essential (pictured) and so are manicures, but only in coral or a French tip

MS Goff said the sex industry is not a glamorous one and that she offers lessons on self-defence and what to do if offered alcohol or drugs by a client

Ms Goff, a former journalist, created the escort agency Samantha X Angles and handpicked 12 female recruits from hundreds of applicants around Australia.

She has also started a male escort agency called Samantha X Heroes.

Ms Goff charges $1000 per hour and over $3000 for a dinner date but has taken a step back from her personal sex work to focus on training her recruits, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

She told the publication the sex industry is not a glamorous one and that she offers lessons on self-defence and what to do if offered alcohol or drugs by a client.

The major tips she offers her students are:

ESCORT SAMANTHA X'S TIPS FOR BEING A SUCCESSFUL SEX WORKER Grooming She said if men are paying top dollar, escorts need to look the part. Matching lingerie is essential and so are manicures, but only in coral or a French tip. Steer clear of fake tan: 'It stinks and stains the sheets.' Listening She said escorts need to ask questions and seem interested, even if the client is talking about their car, marriage or their kids. Compassion Ms Goff said sex workers need to keep an open mind and not judge clients on the way they look, but on the way they behave. Drugs and Alcohol Escorts will be exposed to alcohol and drugs, Ms Goff explained, but getting drunk or high while working is unacceptable because you need to have 'your wits about you.' Protection Ms Goff's students are trained in self-defence by security personal. She recommends looking into the client before meeting. 'Who he is? What he does for work? How old he is? What experience is he looking for? The more you know about the client the safer you will be,' she told The Sydney Morning Herald. Advertisement

Samantha X, real name Amanda Goff, 41, has worked as an escort for the last five years and has started giving lessons to prospective sex workers, both male and female, who want to work in the industry

After the mother-of-two went public with her story in 2014 in an autobiography titled Hooked- Secrets of a High Class Escort, she was contacted by women who wanted to leave their job and pursue a career as a sex worker
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For many a Harry Potter fan, last night was an event that they had only been able to dream of for nine years.

Since the last installment of the series - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - was released in 2007, its author JK Rowling had always insisted that heartbroken fans had seen the last of the boy wizard and his best friends Ron and Hermione after they succesfully vanquished his nemesis Voldemort.

But that all changed last year when it was announced that a two-part play - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - was to premiere in London's Palace Theatre.

The script for the new play - which follows both Harry's career and marriage post Hogwarts, as well as imagining how his children cope at the famous wizarding school - was finally released to exuberant fans at the stroke of midnight this morning.

And just as they had done for previous installments of the series, many of them - now excitable adults - queued patiently in London, New York and Sydney to be among the first to get their hands on the script.

The script is written by acclaimed playwright Jack Thorne, but is based on a new story by JK Rowling - who celebrates her 51st birthday today, the same day as Harry himself.

And the play, which had its official premiere last night after several weeks of previews, has won rave reviews by critics and audience members alike.

Magical: Hundreds of fans patiently queue up in Piccadilly, London to receive their copy of the latest Harry Potter adventure - Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Patient: Queues at the Waterstones in Piccadilly snaked around the street, with many sleep parents accompanying their eager children

Long awaited: Copies of the book ready for sale in New York City after fans underwent a months-long wait to get their hands on the script

Around the world: Queues snake out of the door in Barnes and Noble as fans prepare for the latest Harry Potter script to be released

Costume: Many fans dressed for the occasion as their favourite characters in the book. A woman chose a Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans costume (left) while her friend dressed as Albus Dumbledore's Chocolate Frog card (right)

Twins: Two little boys dressed as the famously cheeky Weasley twins Fred and George as they queued up to buy their copies of the script

Global: Thousands of people congregated outside the Lello bookstore in Porto, Northern Portugal, to get their hands on the new script

Purchase: One fan, dressed as a Gryffindor schoolgirl, pays for her copy of the new script in New York

Flying off the shelves: Millions of copies of the script are expected to be sold world-wide over the coming few weeks

All grown up: Many of the fans who once queued up to buy the books as children are now adults - but just as excited for the new release

Long-awaited: One woman picks up her copy of the new play at the Lello book store in Portugal

Boxes: Packages of the books were delivered to book stores across the world - with a strict embargo of 12:01am this morning

Fans dressed as their favourite characters from the series in celebration: (left-right) Hagrid, Dobby the house-elf and Professor Pomona Sprout unpotting a mandrake

One very serious looking fan made a very convincing Professor McGonagall, who was memorably portrayed by Maggie Smith in the Harry Potter movies

One young fan - complete with lightning bolt scar - looked utterly thrilled to get her hands on the new script

Two dans clad in Gryffindor costumes grin as they begin to read their new copies of the book
A Harry Potter fan can recall every word in every chapter of J.K Rowlings much-loved books due to a rare brain condition that gives her an extraordinary memory.

Rebecca Sharrock, 26, is just one of 80 people in the world with Highly Superior Autobiographical Memory (HSAM), a condition which allows her to remember every day of her life.

Ms Sharrock, from Queensland, has offered a small insight into just how powerful her memory is in a new video where she rattles off huge Harry Potter passages word-for-word at random.

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Rebecca Sharrock, 25, has a rare brain condition which gives her extraordinary powers of recall. She can remember every word of all seven Harry Potter books

In the 60 Minutes video Ms Sharrock is asked to recite chapter 17 of the first book in the Harry Potter series, The Philosophers Stone.

She falters for a second before launching into a word-perfect recital of the chapter.

Chapter 17 is the man with two faces, she begins.

And it starts on It was Quirrel. You? gasped Harry.

Ms Sharrocks memory is so acute she even goes on to point out minor differences in dialogue between the book and the movie.

Ms Sharrock put her memory to the test on 60 Minutes, rattling off a word-perfect recital of a random Harry Potter chapter

Ms Sharrock started memorising the books as a child as a way to keep her 'buzzing' mind at ease

Ms Sharrock's mother Janet said: 'When she had nightmares as a child, to take her mind off it we got her to just start reciting Harry Potter from chapter one'

Ms Sharrocks remarkable memory is both a blessing and a curse and she said she initially learnt the Harry Potter books as a way to keep her mind occupied.

Her mother Janet said: 'When she had nightmares as a child, to take her mind off it we got her to just start reciting Harry Potter from chapter one.

Ms Sharrock added: 'At night, I have to sleep with the radio on and a soft light. If its too dark or quiet my mind just chatters away with all these memories and I cant sleep.'

WHAT IS HIGHLY SUPERIOR AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL MEMORY? HSAM, or hyperthymesia, is a brain condition which gives people extraordinary powers of recall. Those with HSAM can remember nearly every detail of every day of their lives. It is a poorly understood and rare condition - only 80 cases of hyperthymesia have been found worldwide. Some studies have found differences in certain regions of the brain that could account for hyperthmesia. It is also believed that certain life events and experiences can contribute to the disorder's development. Source: Psychology Today Advertisement

'I remember my mum Janet placing me in the drivers seat of the car and taking a picture of me when I was 12 days old,' Ms Sharrock said in an interview last October.

Thats my earliest memory.

'When I relive memories, the emotions come back. So if its something from when I was younger its like my mind is an adult but my emotions are the age that I was then'.

The condition means Ms Sharrock can recall minor and irrelevant events as if they happened just moments ago

Ms Sharrock was not aware she had HSAM until 2011 after her mother Janet Barnes, 51, was watching an episode of 60 Minutes that showed HSAM patients recalling their memories as part of a Californian study.

'I just knew for sure that that was what Becky has too - she relives her memories so vividly that sometimes shell answer a question I havent asked just because shes thinking about a conversation we had years previously.'

'Becky had been diagnosed with autism and obsessive compulsive disorder as a teenager, so we thought her memory might be something to do with that,' Mrs Barnes said.

'Finding out about HSAM has been such a positive experience for Becky. Ive seen her blossom. Shes been more positive and able to do things independently, which has been excellent.

Ms Sharrock can recall all of her memories starting from when she was just 12 days old
The widow of a passenger on doomed flight MH370 has sensationally claimed the wife of the Malaysian Prime Minister implied the pilots 'took' the jet.

Danica Weeks, 42, said a month after she was told the plane had disappeared on March 8, 2014, she told Rosmah Mansor - wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak - to do everything in her power to 'find her husband' Paul and 'bring him home'.

'[She said] it was very horrible that someone would do that to 238 innocent people,' the Australian mother-of-two told Channel Nine's 60 Minutes on Sunday night.

'She was insinuating that the pilots took the plane'.

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Danica Weeks, 42, has sensationally claimed the wife of the Malaysian Prime Minister implied the pilots 'took' flight MH370

Danica Weeks, 42, said a month after she was told the plane had disappeared on March 8, 2014, she told Rosmah Mansor to do everything in her power to 'find her husband' Paul (both pictured)

The Boeing 777 has not been found since it disappeared flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing nearly two and a half years ago.

Numerous theories have been put forward, including the 53-year-old pilot Captain Zaharie Ahmad Shah 'took over' the aircraft and crashed it in an act of suicide and mass murder.

Ms Weeks told the program she feared that everyone on the plane was still alive before the crash.

'[I fear they] knew what was going on and they were doing everything in their power to change the situation,' the Perth mother said.

Canadian air crash investigator Larry Vance told the program he had no doubt the Malaysia Airlines jet was brought down by a rogue pilot, insisting that there was 'no other theory that fits.'

Rosmah Mansor is the wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (both pictured in 2015)

'[I fear they] knew what was going on and they were doing everything inn their power to change the situation,' Ms Weeks (pictured with her sons) said

Canadian air crash investigator Larry Vance told the program he had no doubt the Malaysia Airlines jet was brought down by a rogue pilot, insisting that there was 'no other theory that fits' (file photo)

Mr Vance believes a small section of wing, called the flaperon, found a year ago off the coast of Madagascar, shows 'definite evidence' it was extended at the time of landing - and the extending can only be activated by a person.

The failure to find floating debris could also be explained by a slow, controlled landing, he said.

Australian Transport Safety Bureau crash investigator Peter Foley agreed the crash could have been the work of a rogue pilot.

Mr Foley said analysis from French authorities showed it was possible the plane was in a 'deployed state'.

The flaperon is in the hands of the French, and Malaysian investigators have been unable to take possession of it, a year after its discovery.

'I think it's been a frustration for the investigation,' Mr Foley said.

Mr Foley conceded if the plane was piloted until the end, it could have landed outside the current search area.

'There is a possibility there was someone in control at the end and we're actively looking for evidence to support that,' he said.

'[She said] it was very horrible that someone would do that to 238 innocent people,' the mother-of-two told Channel Nine's 60 Minutes on Sunday night

The search for the remnants of the plane continues. This image shows a patrol boat of the French maritime gendarmerie taking part in the search in 2015

Last week it was revealed divers hunting for MH370 are believed to have been looking in the wrong spot for two years.

Investigators at a Dutch company leading the underwater hunt for Malaysia Airlines jet MH370 say they believe the plane may have glided down with a pilot at the controls rather than dived in its final moments.

The latest theory means that search teams admit they many have been scouring the wrong patch of ocean for the past two years looking for the jet.

Danica Weeks said a month after she was told the plane had disappeared on March 8, 2014, she told the wife of Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak to do everything in her power to 'find her husband' Paul (pictured with their sons) and 'bring him home'
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Pope Francis has slammed the unhealthy lifestyles of young people and urged them to ditch their computers and smartphones.

During a huge outdoor mass Francis, 79, challenged 1.6 million young people who gathered in a sprawling meadow on the outskirts of Krakow, to reject being a 'couch potato' and instead 'leave a mark' through by social activism.

The Pontiff, who admitted he was a 'disaster' with technology, sprinkled his sermon with social media and technological terms in order to connect with his youthful audience as he presided at the Catholic Church's World Youth Day festivities.

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Pope Francis has slammed the unhealthy lifestyles of young people during a mass speech in Poland as part of the Catholic Church's World Youth Day festivities

Faithful crowds wait for the arrive of Pope Francis in sprawling fields outside of Krakow in Poland, at the conclusion of the Catholic Church's World Youth Day

Nuns and clergy celebrate the arrival of Pope Francis during the final mass of his five day-long tour, near the city of Krakow in Poland

During his speech the Pope asked young people to 'refuse to see borders as barriers' and to reject hatred between those of other races

He challenged his sea of listeners, spread out on blankets, to make their mark on the world by becoming engaged as 'politicians, thinkers, social activists' and to help build a world economy that is 'inspired by solidarity.'

'The times we live in do not call for young 'couch potatoes',' he said to applause, 'but for young people with shoes, or better, boots laced'.

He also urged the young people to ''download' the best 'link' of all, that of a heart which sees and transmits goodness without growing weary.'

The Pope continued that their response to the challenges of life cannot be 'texting a few words,' that prayer should be given pride of place over their internet 'chats', and that God's memory was not a 'hard disk' filled with files on everyone, but more of a compassionate heart that wants to help them 'erase' evil.

Francis encouraged them to continue 'to be dreamers (who) believe in a new humanity, one that rejects hatred between peoples, one that refuses to see borders as barriers'.

Like a politician working a crowd, Francis yelled out to his audience: 'You want others to decide your future?' When he didn't get the rousing 'No!' he was going for, he tried for a 'Yes.'

'You want to fight for your future?' he asked.

Around 1.6 million young people of all ages gathered on the sprawling fields outside of Krakow to listen to the Pope speak today

The Pope urged young people to be more interested in social change and encouraged them to be 'dreamers' rather than 'couch potatoes'

Bishops hide under parasols as they attend the Holy Mass celebrated by Pope Francis in fields near Krakow on the final day of his tour

Hundreds of thousands of Catholics gathered to celebrate the Holy Mass. Pictured, confetti falls over the pilgrims during the ceremony

'Yes!' they roared.

'The pope does not order us to do things, he encourages us,' said Szymon Werner, a 32-year-old from Krakow who was at the meadow.

'It's true, there are many temptations, weaknesses in life and we should try to do something about them.'

'I will give more attention to my family,' he vowed. 'Last night, I gave a lift to some foreign pilgrims who missed their bus - so I think the pope's presence is working!'

During his speech the Pope used technological language in order to connect with youthful audience and urged young people to take an active role in society

Pope Francis waves to adoring crowds as he arrives to celebrate a Holy Mass in front of 1.6million people in fields near Krakow

Pictured, Pope Francis talks with the President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela (right) and wife Lorena Castillo de Varela (second from right), as Polish President Andrzej Duda, second from left, and his wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda

Pictured, Catholics of different nationalities wave flags and cheer as the Pope makes his speech on the last day of his Polish visit

The Pope's Polish trip has been marked by heavy security, including metal detectors and sniffer dogs at most events.

During an unscheduled stop in a Krakow church on Saturday night, Francis condemned the 'devastating wave of terrorism' and war that has hit the world.

When he started the trip on Wednesday, Francis said the killing of an elderly priest in France by suspected Islamist militants and a string of other attacks were proof the 'world is at war' but that it was not caused by religion.

It has been an eventful few days for the Pontiff, who included a visit to the Nazi death camp Auschwitz into his itinerary

Wearing white robe and skullcap, Francis walked slowly beneath the notorious gate at Auschwitz bearing the cynical words 'Arbeit Macht Frei', meaning 'work sets you free'. He was then transported on a small car past barracks and brought to a spot in front, where he sat on a bench, his head bent for many long moments in contemplation and prayer.

Pope Francis walks through a gate with the words 'Arbeit macht frei' (Work sets you free) at the former Nazi German concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oswiecim, Poland

Pictures captured the moment Pope Francis fell over during Mass in front of a television audience of millions while visiting Poland's holiest site

The Argentine pontiff led prayers for the 1.1 million mostly-Jewish victims murdered at the camp and rather than making a speech he stood in silence to reflect on the horrors committed and let his tears flow.

He also travelled the two miles (three kilometres) to Birkenau, the main extermination site at Auschwitz, and was driven along tracks laid in 1944 to allow trains of prisoners to be transported right to the gas chambers and crematoria.

Away from visiting areas of cultural and historic significance the Pope also caused a stir when he celebrated Mass at Poland's holiest site.

The 79-year-old Pontiff stumbled at the altar and had to be helped to his feet as he celebrated a Mass at the Jasna Gora Monastery in the southern city of Czestochowa.

Pictures showed him tumbling to the floor next to steps leading to the open air altar and being helped to his feet by Vatican Master of Ceremonies, Guido Marini. He was uninjured and finished the event, which was aired to a television audience of millions.
Investigators believe the balloon hit power lines before erupting into flames

Tragedy is now the single deadliest hot air balloon crash in the US

A couple driving in Texas said they noticed a hot air balloon was flying unusually low on Saturday just minutes before it crashed and killed all 16 people on board.

Joe Gonzalez, who was on State Highway 130 with his wife Erika when they spotted the balloon, told theStatesman: 'Id never seen one with that many people. It just didnt look right.'

Joe claims the balloon was struggling to stay aloft minutes before the crash, and authorities believe it hit power lines before erupting into flames and plummeting to the earth in Lockhart.

Two years before the single deadliest hot air balloon crash in US history, the Federal Aviation Administration rejected warnings in 2014 to impose stricter regulations on hot air balloon operators.

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Joe Gonzalez was driving on State Highway 130 when he and his wife spotted the balloon. He said he was surprised by the number of people on board and noticed it was flying unusually low (pictured, the balloon in a photo taken by another witness shortly after take-off)

Skip Nichols (pictured left, with passengers on a 2015 flight and right) has been identified as the balloon's pilot with the company Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides

Newlyweds Matt Rowan and Sunday Rowan (pictured) were scheduled to take a balloon ride at around 7:30 am Saturday and are believed to be among the 16 victims according to local newspapers

Authorities said there were no survivors after the hot air balloon carrying 16 people caught fire and crashed in Texas. The scene is pictured above

The partial frame of a hot air balloon is visible above a crop field as investigators comb the wreckage of a crash

'They were hovering in the tree line, and it was barely moving. The flame was really bright like they were trying to go up,' Joe Gonzalez said.

Both he and Erika were driving from Seguin to Waco in Texas when they saw the balloon at 7.38am.

He told the local newspaper that he was about 600 yards away from the balloon when he noticed the number of people on board and became concerned, saying: 'It just didn't look right'.

NTSB spokesman Christopher O'Neill said 16 is the maximum number of passengers under federal regulations, CNN reported.

The couple didn't see the crash, but the sheriff's office received a 911 call just six minutes later at 7.44am reporting a possible vehicle accident at Jolly Road near Cistern Road.

Authorities arrived to discover the hot air balloon crash, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) later confirmed on Saturday that 16 people had died.

Caldwell County Sheriff Daniel Law said that there no apparent survivors from the accident.

The passengers were 26 minutes into an hour-long ride when it crashed. Officials are pictured above at the scene

The scene of the fatal balloon crash can be seen from a distance above. The sheriff's office received a 911 call at 7.44am

The balloon went down in Lockhart, about 30 miles from Austin, while it was approximately halfway into its hour-long journey

Judge Ken Schawe and a Texas DPS official told CNN investigators believe the balloon hit power lines, causing it to erupt in flames before it crashed.

Hot air balloon pilot Troy Bradley of New Mexico said the chances of the balloon catching fire by itself were slim, supporting the authorities' theory, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

Witness Margaret Wylie, who lives near the scene of the crash, told the news website: ' First I heard a whoosh. And then a big ball of fire [went] up. I'd say it got as high up as those lower electrical lines.'

According to Wylie, she said the hot air balloon, operated by the company Heart of Texas (HOT) landed directly under the large power lines, with the flames reaching about four stories high.

Nichols (center, in a photo uploaded to Facebook last week) was listed as the owner of HOT on the Better Business Bureau website, which gave the company a D+ rating

While investigators are still determining the identities of the 15 other victims, tributes poured in for Nichols. His ex-girlfriend Wendy Bartch said he was a good pilot who cared about safety

Authorities did not disclose where the passengers boarded, and Sheriff Daniel Law said people could simply walk up and buy a ticket, making it more difficult to identify the victims.

An investigation is still ongoing, but friends of Matt Rowan and Sunday Rowan told The Eagle that the newlyweds were on board the hot air balloon.

Matt worked as a chief over clinical trials in burns and trauma at the US Army Institute of Surgical Research, while Sunday listed the children's clothing store Crazy 8 as her employer on Facebook.

The Rowans, who lived in San Antonio, had just recently gotten married in February.

Matt failed show up to a scheduled volleyball tournament at 11am on Saturday and family members have not heard from the couple since.

Tributes also poured in for Skip Nichols, the balloon pilot who is also listed as the owner of HOT on a Better Business Bureau website.

Bianca Szal Storll wrote on Facebook: 'Skip Nichols 24 years ago you took me on my first and only balloon ride.

'Your passion for it was contagious as was your happy go lucky outlook on life. RIP my friend.'

William Nelson, a balloon pilot with another company, wrote: 'We lost a long time friend and balloon pilot Skip Nichols in this morning...My heart goes out to his mother and to the families of the passengers that were flying in the balloon.'

The passengers were 26 minutes into an hour-long ride when it crashed, according to Marcus Officer from Fox 7, who spoke to an employee of one of the men on board (pictured, investigators combing the wreckage)

Witness Margaret Wylie (left) said she heard a noise before she saw a 'big ball of fire'. Erik Grosof (right) with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) acknowledged there was a 'significant loss of life'

Caldwell County Judge Ken Schawe, along with a Texas Department of Public Safety official told CNN investigators believe the balloon may have hit power lines, causing it to go up in flames

According to the HOT company's website, the rides, which take off from 60 different locations, cost $399 per passenger for an hour-long sunrise flight.

The BBB website gave the company a D+ rating due to six complaints filed over the course of three years.

But his ex-girlfriend Wendy Bartch said Nichols, who was a certified commercial pilot, cared about safety and had at least 20 years of experience, the Statesman reported.

It has also been revealed that the former NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman cited the hot air balloon crash that killed 19 in Egypt in 2013 in a letter urging the FAA to take action, CBS reported

Hersman wrote in 2014: 'The potential for a high number of fatalities in a single air tour balloon accident is of particular concern if air tour balloon operators continue to conduct operations under less stringent regulations and oversight.'

She warned that while 'such an accident has yet to occur', recurring incidents in the US led the NTSB to conclude 'air tour balloon operators should be subject to greater regulatory oversight.'

But the FAA's administrator Michael Huerta responded in 2015, writing: 'Since the amount of ballooning is so low, the FAA believes the risk posed to all pilots and participants is also low given that ballooners understand the risks and general hazards associated with this activity.'

The FAA's Michael Huerta (left) rejected the NTSB's conclusions in 2014 that balloon operators be subject to stricter regulations. (Pictured right, the balloon posted by Nichols on Facebook in 2014)

On Saturday, Senator Ted Cruz sent his condolences to 'all who have lost their loved ones'.

He added: 'Texans are strong in the face of adversity.

'We all stand together in support of the families and the entire Lockhart community as they respond to and begin to heal from this terrible incident.'

Texas Governor Greg Abbott also issued a statement saying: 'Cecilia and I extend our deepest condolences for all those who have been affected by today's heartbreaking tragedy.

'Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the Lockhart community.

'The investigation into the cause of this tragic accident will continue, and I ask all of Texas to join us in praying for those lost.'

The tragedy is now the single deadliest hot air balloon crash in the US after an incident in Colorado left six dead in 1993.

The world's worst hot air balloon crash occurred in Luxor, Egypt, after a fire killed 19 in 2013.
A massive brawl at a Lebanese chicken restaurant in Sydney has left one employee with a bandaged head and the owner with a massive bill.

CCTV footage obtained by 9News shows customers at D'Roost in Liverpool throwing chairs and swinging shisha pipes as others evacuated the fully booked restaurant on Saturday night.

The group involved in the fight appears to be quite large, and men are seen grabbing each other and destroying restaurant property.

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CCTV vision shows a huge all-in brawl erupting at D'Roost in Liverpool on Saturday night

Customers were seen throwing chairs and swinging shisha pipes at each other

Owner Tim Abraham says he has been left thousands of dollars out of pocket by the incident

A 25-year-old employee was hit in the face with glass, leaving behind a nasty gash.

According to his boss Tim Abraham the young man was still eager to make sure customers were okay.

Another employee, Mohamad Abdulla, said he could barely comprehend what had happened.

'It's so selfish,' he told 9News.

'Just to grab a chair - grab whatever, and start hitting people.'

Mr Abraham claims he has been left thousands of dollars out of pocket from damages and unpaid bills.

One 25-year-old employee (pictured) was taken to Liverpool Hospital after the fight with a gash to his head

One man holds a shisha pipe just before he throws it with great force at another man

Police were called to the incident, however they were too late to make any arrests over the fight.

'By the time officers were called at about 10.30, the groups involved had dispersed,' a spokesperson for NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia.

'One man was taken to Liverpool Hospital with minor injuries.'

The D'Roost team don't seem to have been hit too hard by the fight though. Their Facebook page showed them back to business on Sunday night, with live music and another big crowd.

Police are still investigating the incident.
Australian media heavyweight Ian Ross was an 'abusive' and 'bad tempered father', a court has been told.

His only son Stuart, 50, has been accused of making threats which forced Channel 7 to offer security to protect Ross and his defacto partner Gray Bolte, The Courier Mail reported.

Ross died from pancreatic cancer aged 73 at Robina Hospital, on the Gold Coast, on April 30, 2014, leaving everything to Mr Bolte.

Ian Ross (left) died from pancreatic cancer aged 73 and his partner Gray Bolte (right) was given his entire estate

Mr Bolte's lawyers said Ross's estate was valued at less than $500,000 while the other assets were gifts during their relationship

Details of the ugly family feud were revealed after Stuart took the matter to the Queensland Supreme Court, to earn a portion of his father's $500,000 estate.

Stuart said Ross was not a devoted parent to his children.

'In fact, after he left the family home in about 1974, he led a separate life and had a lifestyle which did not really include his children at all,' he told the court.

Mr Bolte confessed that he and Ross had smoked marijuana together, Stuart claimed in Supreme Court.

He told the court his father and Mr Bolte were also 'heavy drinkers.'

In an Affidavit Mr Bolte, 79, who lives on the Gold Coast, labelled Stuart a 'pothead' and a 'dropout' who mooched off his father and threatened to kill him when he was refused money.

He said in the Affidavit: 'Channel 7 offered to provide a 24-hour security guard' to protect them after Stuart called 'late at night and told him he hated him and wished he was dead.'

Stuart told the court that despite not being close with his father, he was promised an investment property

Lawyers representing Stuart, 50, who works as a cleaner and woodworker have asked Mr Bolte how he has spent the money from the estate.

They've also asked for an explanation as to why a $315,000 investment property was sold and $102,560 were transferred into his bank account two days before Ross's death.

Mr Bolte's lawyers said Ross's estate was valued at less than $500,000 while the other assets were gifts during their relationship.

But the estate is expected to be more than $500,000 because Ross was 'on a salary of $800,000 to $1 million a year as a newsreader at Channel 7 from January 2004 to November 2009, and a very substantial income prior to that as a newsreader at Channel 9 since 1965', Stuart's lawyers claim.

The well-travelled pair left the country approximately three times a year and usually spent time at Ross's property in Bali, 'Villa Jam,' the court heard.

Ian Ross's Villa in Bali (pictured) reportedly had a $350,000 mortgage. Ross's son claims in the legal proceedings the mortgage was fabricated to minimise the total value of the estate

'[Ross] spent most of our funds on overseas travel in the several years before Ian passed away. It was a lifestyle we enjoyed living together,' Mr Bolte told the court.

The villa which was purchased in 2008 was sold last November for $435,000.

Stuart argued the $350,000 mortgage on the villa in Bali appeared to be a fabrication by Mr Bolte in an attempt to reduce the value of the estate.

Stuart told the court despite not being close with his father, he was promised an investment property.

'This house will be yours one day,' Ross reportedly told Stuart.

'Because [Ross] was a well-known newsreader, I felt that I grew up in his shadow. It was as if nothing was good enough to please him. For his part, I got the impression from him that he felt I should have been more successful in life,' Stuart told the court.
A 76-year-old New Jersey man is in critical condition after state police responded to a 911 call to the wrong house  and shot him as he stood in his own living room, authorities said.

Emergency dispatchers received a 911 call about 11:30pm Friday from a location in Cumberland County, but the caller hung up without giving a location.

The call appeared to have come from a house on Centerton Road and two uniformed state troopers responded. At the time, they didn't realize the call hadn't come from that address.

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Gerald Sykes, 76, is in critical but stable condition after he was shot by cops in his own living room

Officials say Sykes (left) thought two state troopers outside his home where intruders, while the cops thought he was a threat from inside. They exchanged gunfire (right) that sent Sykes to the hospital

The troopers shined flashlights through a sliding glass door in the rear of the house and said they were responding to a 911 call.

But Gerald Sykes, 76, fired a single round from a shotgun through the door thinking they were intruders, according to a preliminary investigation.

One of the troopers fired four rounds from a handgun, hitting Sykes.

He was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden where he was reported in critical but stable condition, officials said.

One trooper suffered a graze wound either from the shotgun or from flying glass. Both troopers were treated and released from Inspira Medical Center in Vineland.

The attorney general's office said Saturday it was discovered later that the 911 call hadn't come from the address where the shooting later occurred.

It is common for police to follow up on hang-up calls to ensure nothing wrong has happened.

The officers were responding to a hang-up 911 call when they approached Sykes' home and were received with bullets (pictured), according to a preliminary investigation

A family friend said Sykes grabbed his shotgun after his dogs began barking, signaling a possible intruder.

He 'felt intruders were trying to get in and he was yelling to his wife to call 911,' Rich Kaser told NJ.com.

Sykes 'thought there were bad people out there,' the friend added.

He remains in critical bus stable condition and is expected to survive, authorities said.

Although preliminary investigations indicated Sykes fired first, his family said one of the troopers wass the first to shoot as Sykes stood in his living room, according to Kaser said.
Multiple suits filed the 1990s against the school were settled for undisclosed sums

The abuse began when Bernstein was 12 and included being given drugs like marijuana and LSD and a trip to NYC to buy heroin and cocaine

In the early 1980s Bernstein was sexually abused for three years

Third sex abuse s uit filed against the school in less than two years

Former student Matthew Bernstein filed a federal lawsuit against the Indian Mountain School in Salisbury, Connecticut on Thursday

A former student of a Connecticut boarding school filed a federal lawsuit on Thursday alleging years of sexual abuse by his teenagers when he was a student.

New York man Matthew Bernstein claims that beginning in 1980 when he was in 7th grade, aged just 12, at the Indian Mountain School, he was groomed and sexually abused by an English teacher named Christopher Simonds, who would invite him into his apartment hours and molest him.

He also showed the boy child pornography and gave him drugs including marijuana, LSD and cocaine, as well as alcohol and cigarettes.

Antonio Ponvert, an attorney for several men who claim they were molested at Indian Mountain School in Lakeville, Connecticut, said that one of his clients alleges that a now-dead English teacher, Christopher Simonds, took photographs of students having sex with each other, masturbating and smoking marijuana

Simonds even once drove Bernstein, then in ninth grade, to New York City to buy cocaine and heroin.

'For part of his eighth and ninth grade years, he was even assigned to live in the apartment of his primary abuser, English teacher Christopher Simonds,' Bernstein's attorney Antonio Ponvert said in a statement.

The lawsuit also claims that Simonds would also visit dorms and boys would visit his apartment after 'lights out' curfew, even leading the school to institute a policy banning post-lights out visits specifically to deal with Simonds crimes.

But Simonds kept it up and the school kept him teaching.

Bernstein's lawsuit alleges that former headmaster Peter Carleton and other staff members knew about Simonds crimes yet kept employing him and even took part in the sexual harassment and abuse.

The headmaster even once 'rubbed cream all over Matthew's penis', allegedly for jock itch, and frequented the boys' showers where he would leer at the children and comment on their pubic hair and genitalia.

Carleton is also dead.

Former headmaster, Peter Carleton (pictured), who has since died, allegedly knew of Simonds rampant abuse and pedophilia but did nothing. He also once rubbed cream on Bernstein's penis

At Indian Mountain, many previous cases of alleged abuse also involve Christopher Simonds.

Indian Mountain in the Lakeville area of Salisbury, Connecticut is unusual in that it is a 'junior' boarding school, and accepts children before ninth grade, some as young as 10 and 11.

According to victims' lawyers and a police investigation from the 1990s, Simonds would supply alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana to boys ages 10 to 15 and show them porn.

Victims said he gathered groups of boys and encouraged them to masturbate or have sex with each other, and took photos he would use to keep children silent.

To keep the children silent, Ponvert said Simonds threatened to show the pictures to their parents.

The photos 'depicted Matthew and other naked or partially-dressed children engaged in masturbation and other sex acts in various locations on the school campus,' Ponvert said, adding, 'The photographs have yet to be recovered, and Matthew fears that they have been or will be published on kiddie porn sites and viewed by pedophiles around the world.'

The suit was filed in federal court because Matthew Bernstein lives out of state.

Bernstein fears photos taken of him by Simonds while naked and masturbating with chidren around the school in the 1980s could end up on child porn websites

'The monstrous sexual abuse perpetrated by the school and its nest of child molesters inflicted torture and suffering on Matthew that began when he was a defenseless, innocent little boy, and that continues to this day,' Ponvert said last week.

He also sexually assaulted them, admitting during depositions in the 19902 to abusing at least a dozen children, according to lawyer Ponvert, who represents three former students.

One of Ponvert's clients says he buried a coffee can of pornographic images in the 1980s as potential evidence against Simonds.

A dig authorized by a judge last fall failed to turn up anything.

The dig was just the latest development in a cluster of sexual abuse allegations against the 250-student school that are now making their way toward trial.

Ponvert also represents an unnamed former student who says he was abused by Simonds and a headmaster and was gang-raped by members of the maintenance department.

The 50-page police report filed in 1992 detailed abuse by Simonds and the former headmaster, Carleton, but concluded the statute of limitations had expired.

Steven Carver, a former assistant headmaster, said he confiscated child porn from Simonds' apartment in 1977 and informed other administrators. But he said the allegations were hushed up.

In a brief interview this spring Carver, now 72, declined to discuss the scandal in detail, saying: 'I have been working hard to not allow it to rent space in my head.'

'There's no joy in it. It's all negative. Everything about it is negative. People behaved badly - very, very badly,' he said. 'Young, innocent students were injured, some of them probably for life.'

The school in Salisbury enrolls students in pre-kindergarten through ninth grade and charges up to $54,500 a year.

An independent investigation it commissioned in 2014 is continuing. The school has also asked alumni to come forward with any information.

Jody Soja, the current head of school, said on Thursday she hadn't read the latest complaint and couldn't comment.
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A group of Maryland residents formed a human chain to rescue a woman trapped in her car during severe flooding in Ellicott City.

At least two people have died after severe thunderstorms pounded central Maryland late Saturday. Some 120 people had to be rescued.

The historic town of Ellicott City was one of the areas hit hardest by thunderstorms, where scores of business fronts were destroyed by the raging flood.

A group of rescuers formed a human chain in Maryland to help a woman trapped in her car escape the flood

Several people joined hands to get closer to the trapped woman as her car was pulled by violent flooding that destroyed Ellicott City

At least two people have died after severe thunderstorms pounded central Maryland late Saturday (pictured, the devastation in Ellicott City)

In a Facebook video posted by local business owner Sarah Arditti, a woman is almost swept away by the fast flowing water as she tries to drive through the deluge.

'Get out, get out,' one person screams to her off-camera.

At least four people are then seen linking hands as they desperately edge closer to the stranded driver.

'You're not going to make it!' one of the rescuers tells her.

'I can't get out,' she replies, trying to climb out of her car's window.

'You have to,' another rescuer responds.

The man at the end closest to the car is briefly pulled by the water, but manages to hang on to the car.

He helps the woman out of the car and carries her in his arms, before they are both pulled back to safety.

The woman, who has not been identified, at first tried to steer her car into safety  but was pulled by the rushing waters

The woman thought she wouldn't make it, but she managed to jump out of her car window and was picked up by one of the rescuers

One rescuer fell while trying to reach the car and was pulled by the flood. He managed to stay up and reached the car

Sara Arditti's husband, Dave, shot stunning footage of the rescue while he used his other hand to hold on to the human chain.

'Dave was at the top of the human chain holding the next man's hand and filming with the other,' said Arditti, who shared the video on her Facebook page.

'The man who got washed away was incredibly lucky,' she said of the rescuer closest to the car.

Arditti's business, Still Life Gallery, was also affected by the flood waters.

'Our basement frameshop is destroyed,' she wrote on Facebook.

A statement from the office of Gov. Larry Hogan said the storms caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure in the central part of the state.

Hogan signed an emergency declaration Sunday morning that will allow greater aid coordination and assistance.

A submerged and badly damaged car barely visible over the water of the Patapsco River after a night's flooding in Ellicott City

Entire sidewalks were wiped away after six inches of rain fell in just three hours in low-lying Ellicott City, Maryland

The thunderstorms and floods in Ellicott (pictured) killed at least two people and causing devastating damage to homes and businesse

Workers gather by the sidewalk of Main Street that caved in after Saturday night's flooding in Ellicott City

A statement from the office of Gov. Larry Hogan said the storms caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure in central Maryland

'It's going to take a while to assess everything, there is a lot of damage,' said Andy Barth, a spokesman for Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman, to Weather.com.

Barth said there is extensive structural damage to multiple buildings in the area.

Some people may have lost everything, Barth told the weather website.

Ellicott City was pounded by almost 6 inches of rain in two hours late on Saturday, sending the Patapsco River out of its banks, officials said.

Kittleman said the flooding in Ellicott City, about 35 miles northeast of Washington, was worse than that from Hurricane Agnes in 1972.

'I don't believe there's ever been a flood and the devastation that we've had overnight in Ellicott City,' he said in an interview with Baltimore's WBAL NewsRadio.

He said the body of a woman and a man were found. Officials have not yet identified the deceased.

Other people who had been reported missing have been identified, it has been reported.

Kittleman said there had been severe damage to the historic downtown Main Street area.

A state of emergency was declared in Ellicott City after major flooding destroyed much of its downtown area

Scores of businesses were destroyed during the severe flooding in downtown historic Ellicott City

The woman's car is seen, still in the middle of the road, following her dramatic rescue during the flood

One official said the flooding in Ellicott City was worse than that from Hurricane Agnes in 1972

The heavy rain was part of a system of thunderstorms that moved through the region

Emergency workers in flooded areas were also dealing with a water main break and a natural gas leak

A flash flood warning was issued for much of the region, but the ensuing destruction wasn't what anyone was expecting

This satellite image shows a stationary front over the Northeast. Along it is a developing storm and is spreading a rain shield for New England

Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency, as did Kittleman. The declarations allow aid to be released more quickly.

Firefighters rescued about 120 people from the high waters, including 80 from a bar, Howard County said in a statement.

Emergency workers were also dealing with a water main break and a natural gas leak.

Television footage showed a downtown street collapsed, power poles down, mud-covered roads and cars tossed atop one another.
Donald Trump continued to distance himself from Russian leader Vladimir Putin  amid reports that the Russians are responsible for the Democratic National Committee hack  by saying he was unclear about the definition of 'relationship,' something he assured voters he had with Russia's president in the past.

'Well, I don't know what it means by "having a relationship,"' Trump told ABC News' George Stephanopoulos after the journalist pointed out that 'on three different occasions' Trump had linked himself to Putin.

Throughout the interview, which was taped Friday, Trump echoed comments he made Wednesday insisting again and again, 'I have no relationship with Putin. I have no relationship with Putin,' adding that he had nothing to do with the GOP's platform becoming more Russian-friendly.

Stephanopoulos pointed out that the Republican nominee hasn't always kept Putin at an arm's length away, with Trump responding that the two men have complimented each other in the past, but never met or spoken on the phone.

'I have no relationship with Putin. I don't think I've ever met him. I never met him. I don't think I've ever met him,' Trump said.

Republican nominee Donald Trump denied having any relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin - saying he's never met or spoken to him on the phone

ABC News' George Stephanopoulos sat down with Donald Trump on Friday, for an interview that aired today, and got him to recommit to releasing his tax returns

Stephanopoulos interjected with: 'You would know it if you did, wouldn't you?'

'I think so. Yeah, I think so. So I've I don't think I've ever met him. I mean, if he's in the same room or something, but I don't think so,' Trump said.

Trump also answered in the negative when asked if he's ever spoken with Putin on the phone.

'I have never spoken to him on the phone. I've spoken  when we had the Miss Universe contest a number of years ago, we had Miss Universe in Moscow, in the Moscow area,' Trump pointed out. 'He was invited. He wanted to come. He wasn't able to come.'

'That wouldn't been a time when I wouldn't met him,' Trump added.

The ABC newsman than noted that Trump, on three separate occasions, claimed to have a relationship with Putin.

For instance, at a National Press Club luncheon in 2014 Trump said, 'I own Miss Universe, I was in Russia, I was in Moscow recently and I spoke, indirectly and directly, with President Putin, who could not have been nicer, and we had a tremendous success.'

Trump used the claim to hit President Obama for being weak, Mother Jones pointed out.

'The show was live from Moscow and we had tremendous success there and it was amazing, but to do well, you have to get the other side to respect you, and he does not respect our president, which is very sad,' Trump said at the time.

He then added that he was unclear about the definition of 'relationship.'

'I mean, he was saying very good things about me. But I don't have a relationship with him. I didn't meet him. I haven't spent time with him. I didn't have dinner with him. I didn't go hiking with him,' Trump said.

'I don't know  I wouldn't know him from Adam except I see his pictures, and I would know what he looks like,' Trump said.

Trump had also previously claimed on the debate stage that he had a relationship with Putin because the two men had appeared on the same episode of '60 Minutes.'

'I got to know him very well because we were both on "60 Minutes,"' said Trump during November's Fox Business Network debate. 'We were stablemates, and we did very well that night,' the billionaire added.

Trump revised that comment when taking to George Stephanopoulos.

'We did "60 Minutes" together,' Trump said, adding, 'By the way, not together together, meaning he was probably shot in Moscow ... and I was shot in New York.'

'But that's the thing,' Stephanopoulos said.

'No, just so you understand, he said very nice things about me. But I have no relationship with him,' Trump responded.

Democrats, including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Vice President Joe Biden claimed during this week's Democratic National Convention that a Trump win would also be a win for Putin.

This morning, in an interview with Fox News Sunday, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton articulated the link between Russian hackers and Putin in the recent leaks coming out of the DNC.

Trump suggested Democrats were trying to spook voters to their side.

'They only fear one thing  losing the election,' he said.

Trump suggested that Putin's complimentary nature toward Trump would be a good thing for the United States while also arguing that he wouldn't 'bow' to Russian moves like the annexation of Crimea.

'Hey George. You know me pretty well, I don't bow, OK? I don't bow. But if we can have a good relationship with Russia, and if Russia would help us get rid of ISIS, frankly, as far as I'm concerned you're talking about tremendous amounts of money and lives and everything else.'

'That would be a positive thing, not a negative,' Trump continued.

When Stephanopoulos asked the businessman about the GOP softening the platform to be more pro-Russian, Trump denied involvement.

'I wasn't involved in that. Honestly, I was not involved,' he said.

He also pushed back on Stephanopoulos suggesting that he had business links with the Russians, saying he might have sold condos to Russians, but he owes Putin's countrymen no money.

Stephanopoulos then pointed out that the only way Americans can be 100 percent assured of this would be to release his tax returns.

Like he's said in the past, Trump explained that several years of filings were being audited.
Two Byron Burger branches were forced to close after protesters unleashed a plague of cockroaches and locusts inside as part of a growing backlash against the company.

The attack was launched after it emerged that the company conspired with the Home Office to trap their own illegal workers in an immigration sting  meaning they escaped a potential 700,000 fine.

It has led to calls to boycott the chain, as well as today's insect attack by groups The Black Revs and the Malcolm X Movement in Byrons Shaftesbury Avenue and Holborn restaurants on Friday.

Byron in Holborn, pictured, and Shaftesbury Avenue were both forced to shut due to the swarm of insects

The groups wrote on Facebook: 'The UK Border Agency is offering deals to companies which dob in workers who may be working a few too many hours per week to support themselves, who may not be able to afford Permanent Residency status and such.

'We enforced a boycott through an affirmative action. We call on all others to continue to protest. picket and boycott the restaurant chain.

'We've got a feeling Byrons will be closed for a few days on account of fumigation... This is just the beginning. Strike them were it hurts.'

The Byron burger chain lured its foreign staff to a fake meeting about a new patty recipe to trap illegal workers in an immigration sting, a chef at the upmarket chain claimed last week.

The under-fire company also allegedly told other staff they needed to attend training on the dangers of cooking burgers rare, before border agents questioned them over several hours.

Restaurant goers are now staging a revolt against the chain as protests are staged outside its eateries across Britain and the hashtag #BoycottByron is tweeted thousands of times.

Angry: A protest took place outside Byrons Bristol branch yesterday where banners read: 'Exploits workers and shops them to Home Office #BoycottByron'

Demonstration: University of Bristol law lecturer Katie Bales, an activist involved in yesterdays protest in the city, said the 'fake meeting in order to trap migrant workers was unnecessary and morally reprehensible'

A Facebook group called Protest: Shame on Byron  no one is illegal is planning a demonstration outside the branch of the chain in Holborn, Central London, at 6.30pm tomorrow.

On Friday, protesters arrived at the chains - next to Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden - with boxes of cockroaches in their bags and found people already waving red flags outside.

But it was the staff who protesters claim they were trying to protect who were then forced to clear up in the empty restaurant.

After last weeks staff, a member of kitchen staff told The Guardian journalists Lisa O'Carroll and Sam Jones that four minutes after she arrived for a meeting at 9.30am, immigration officers burst in.

She added: They said nobody move, were immigration, stay where you are, and then they started calling out names and took the people they were looking for aside.

Another witness told the newspaper: I arrived at work for 10.30am to open the restaurant as a waiter. I was welcomed by about 15 immigration officers talking to my colleagues.

#BOYCOTTBYRON: SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONDS TO IMMIGRATION STING Under the #BoycottByron banner, many took to Twitter in disgust at Byrons handling of the issue, while others defended the chain for complying with the Home Office. 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? On a Facebook protest page, Ned Winstanley said: Imagine hearing that 50 people were unexpectedly and violently torn away from their friends and family and thinking, yeah, Im gonna spend all day on the internet saying it was their own fault! Full solidarity, see you on Monday. However, others werent as sympathetic with the migrants plight. Commenting on Mr Winstanleys post, Benjamin Khan said: Well done Byron. Dont we have enough illegals? Advertisement

One employee told the Daily Mail that staff were asked to arrive at work at 9.30am - despite the fact that most Byron branches open at 11.30am - on the pretence of a meeting.

But 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 it all. Because the area managers knew what was going to happen, they had already sorted moving people from one restaurant to another.

The officers, who turned up with documents containing names and photographs of suspected illegal immigrants, then questioned the people over several hours on July 4, witnesses said.

One chef, who has already been deported, was bundled into a van marked police immigration and taken to a Home Office centre near London Bridge.

He was then sent to Tinsley House detention centre near Gatwick airport, then to Verne immigration removal centre in Dorset and finally to a centre at Harmondsworth near Heathrow.

He said: There were 20 of us there, all from Byron. At the beginning, I couldnt believe what was happening. But then, when I realised they were going to deport us, I felt so bad.

They were destroying everything I have done. I worked hard, I paid taxes and Byron did this to us. It is immoral. They were happy to employ me for years doing really hard work that no British person would do.

The worker who spoke to the Mail said: We had five kitchen staff who were deported on the day. One of our chefs has an English girlfriend who is pregnant.

After the raid he didnt even get to go home and see her or get any of his clothes. A lot of these people have families over here, but theyve been dragged away from them.

Next Mondays protest, co-hosted by groups including Global Justice Now and United Voices of the World Union, has 900 confirmed members on Facebook and a further 1,500 listed as interested.

Islington branch: Byron managers were kept in the dark by the company about the early morning raids by immigration officials so they could not tip off non-EU citizens who did not have permission to be in Britain

Another protest took place outside Byrons Bristol branch yesterday where banners criticised the firm and a further demonstration is scheduled for the chains Shaftesbury Avenue branch tonight.

University of Bristol law lecturer Katie Bales, an activist involved in yesterdays protest, told MailOnline: Staging a fake meeting in order to trap migrant workers was unnecessary and morally reprehensible, particularly as Byron profits hugely from precarious migrant labour paying low wages for long and unpredictable hours of work.

It is unclear whether the persons deported were able to collect unpaid wages or say goodbye to their loved ones.

They said nobody move, were immigration, stay where you are, and then they started calling out names and took the people they were looking for aside Byron employee

She added: This protest aimed to draw attention to the employment practices of Byron and indeed we gathered a lot of interest from members of the public on Queens Road in Bristol who were unhappy with Byrons actions.

We stand in solidarity with migrant workers whose insecure status makes them vulnerable to exploitation as fear of deportation discourages workers from challenging poor and unfair working conditions.

It was unnecessary for Byron to stage a fake meeting in order to entrap employees. Co-operating with the Home Office need not involve the entrapment of their own work force.

Byron managers were kept in the dark by the company about the early morning raids by immigration officials so they could not tip off non-EU citizens who did not have permission to be in Britain.

Meanwhile, ministers have come under fire for refusing to fine the firm - despite repeatedly promising to crackdown on the problem of foreigners working unlawfully in the UK.

In 2014, tough new laws were introduced, doubling the maximum penalty for bosses to 20,000 per illegal worker and increasing the top prison sentence from two to five years.

Under fire: Demonstrators are angry that bosses at the chain (pictured in London's Fulham) conspired with the Home Office to trap workers in the immigration sting  meaning they escaped a potential 700,000 fine

The burger chain - known to be a favourite of former chancellor George Osborne - employs 1,300 staff in 56 outlets across the country and posted a 5.5million pre-tax profit in 2014-15.

Thirty-five workers from Albania, Brazil, Mexico, Nepal and Egypt were held in the early-morning raids. So far, 25 have been deported.

Suspicions have mounted that the chain - bought by investment firm Hutton Collins in 2013 in a deal worth 100million - managed to evade a hefty fine by conspiring with the Home Office.

Critics said immigration chiefs had treated Byron much more leniently than smaller companies caught employing illegal workers.

Removal of staff: Byron - founded by Tom Byng (pictured) - said it is 'fully compliant with immigration and asylum law in its employment practices'

Carolyn Harris MP, Labours Shadow Home Office Minister, said: We have seen it before from this Government  its all too often one rule for big companies and another rule for the rest of us. The Home Office must make clear how the fines are applied and clear up the suggestion of unfairness.

Keith Vaz, Labour 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.

Byron 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.
Potentially lethal explosive was found by a walker who called police

A beach has been evacuated after a suspected Second World War mine was discovered by a walker.

The possible explosive was found buried in sand on Seaford Beach, in East Sussex, at around 2pm yesterday and has still not been removed.

A bomb squad is waiting in place as the device is beyond the low tide line and is submerged in water for the majority of the day.

A beach in East Sussex has been evacuated after a suspected Second World War mine (pictured) was discovered by a walker

A bomb squad is waiting in place as the device is beyond the low tide line and is submerged in water for the majority of the day

A 100-metre cordon has been set up around the suspected weapon, which is believed to have been lying dormant on the beach for more than 70 years.

It was spotted by a walker who reported the unusual object to police, who quickly closed off the beauty spot 12 miles east of Brighton.

Sussex Police officers stayed at the beach overnight to ensure no one came close to the potentially lethal mine.

Explosives Ordinance Disposal officers have attached a buoy to the mine and are now waiting for low tide.

They will then assess whether the object is indeed a World War Two explosive and whether it is still live.

The device is expected to be removed later today.

The possible explosive was found buried in sand on Seaford Beach at around 2pm yesterday and has still not been removed. Pictured, emergency services at the scene

Sussex Police officers stayed at the beach overnight to ensure no one came close to the potentially lethal weapon. Pictured, Seaford Beach and the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs

Sussex Police thanked local residents for their patience and said there would be no need to evacuate nearby homes.

It is not uncommon for WWII explosives to be discovered in beaches.

In March this year, a suspected WWII shell was found off of Birling Gap Beach, five miles east of Seaford Beach. It was destroyed in a controlled explosion.
Five high risk terrorist inmates have threatened a hunger strike against the inhumane living conditions inside a supermax prison.

The prisoners were part of a group of 13 extreme high risk-rated inmates (EHRR) who signed a letter protesting their treatment inside Sydneys Goulburn Correctional Centre.

The letter, sent to NSW prisons commissioner Peter Severin, also outlined complaints about having to pay extra to eat halal meals, according to The Daily Telegraph.

A group of 13 inmates have written a letter protesting the inhumane conditions they are subjected to inside Goulburn supermax prison (pictured)

Five of the 13 men to sign the letter were arrested in 2005 for plotting a terrorist attack on Sydney. Pictured is terrorist plotter Mohamed Ali Elomar

The letter has been published in Australias Toughest Prisons: Inmates, a new book by journalist James Phelps.

In it the group of prisoners complain about their reduced visiting hours, small cells and the cost of halal meals.

We actually have to PAY for them at a cost of $32 per week, the letter reads.

This is impossible to afford at $13 per week [the government stipend for inmates].

It is understood that Mohamed Ali Elomar, Abdul Rhakib Hasan, Khaled Cheikho, Moustafa Cheikho and Mohammed Omar Jamal were five of the 13 inmates who signed the letter.

In the letter the men complained about their small cells, limited visiting hours and the cost of halal food. Pictured are Sydney terrorist plotters Mohammed Omar Jamal (left) and Abdul Rakib Hasan (right)

The 13 inmates reside within Goulburn Correctional Centre's (pictured) extreme high risk unit

The five men were arrested in 2005 for plotting a terrorist act in Sydney and sent to jail for terms of up to 28 years.

The letter was prompted by increased security restrictions imposed on the inmates late last year.

These new EHRR restrictions  are oppressive and inhumane and have cut us off from our families and friends,' the letter said.

The inmates also threatened to go on a hunger strike if their complaints were not listened to and acted upon 'as a matter of urgency.'
The cousin of a jihadi who murdered a priest in a French church faces terror charges including murder and kidnap after it emerged he knew 'perfectly well' what he was planning.

The man, known only as Farid K, 30, is said to have conspired with his cousin Abdelmalik Petitjean, 19, who slit 85-year-old Father Jacques Hamel's throat last Tuesday in Normandy.

Prosecutors today said he knew what his cousin was planning but still put him up in his home in Heillecourt, near Nancy, before the savage attack in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray.

Prosecuters say Farid K should now face terror charges after his cousin Abdelmalik Petitjea (left) slit 85-year-old Father Jacques Hamel's (right) throat last Tuesday in Normandy

He was today placed under investigation and the French prosecutor's office said he will face charges for a number of terror-related offences including murder and kidnap.

It appears at this stage of investigations that Farid K knew perfectly well, if not the place and precise day, that a violent plan of action by his cousin was imminent, the statement reads.

Farid K has just one previous conviction, for a minor road traffic offence in 2009, for which he was fined the equivalent of around 600 pounds.

He turned himself into police soon after Petitjean and Adel Kermiche, also 19, rushed into the church and cut Father Hamel's throat.

Other friends and family of both Petitjean and Kermich who were arrested at the same time as Farid have since been released.

All are alleged to have been in contact with each other on Telegram, the encrypted message application which is particularly popular with terrorists.

Prosecutors today said he knew 'perfectly well' what his cousin was planning but still put his cousin up in his home in Heillecourt, near Nancy, before the savage attack in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray (pictured)

Kermiche had even boasted about his plans on the service, saying: You take a knife, you go to church, you create carnage, bam!'

In a recording shared with 200 other users, he added: You cut off two or three heads and its good, its over.

Police had also received a warning that Petitjean was going to strike last Friday, although it only contained a picture of him, rather than his full name.

The pair of killers were both on so called S-file terrorist watch lists, after they were caught running away to Turkey to try and join the Isis caliphate in Syria.

Petitjean lived more than 400 miles away from Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, with his mother in the Alpine spa town of Aix-les-Bains.

Adel Kermiche, left, and Abdelmalik Petitjean in a home video in which they pledge allegiance to ISIS

When he left home on Monday, Petitjean told his mother, Yamina Boukessoula, that Im going to see my cousin in Nancy.

Farid K lived alone in a council flat on an estate in Heillecourt. Petitejean would often go to stay with him.

The recommendation to investigate Karid for murder came as Muslims attended Roman Catholic masses in churches across France.

More than 100 followers of Islam were at the 2,000 plus congregation service of remembrance for Father Jacques At Rouen Cathedral, which is close to Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray.

Dominique Lebrun, the Archbishop of Rouen, said: This morning we extend a special welcome to our Muslim friends.

I thank you in the name of all Christians. In this way you are affirming that you reject death and violence in the name of God.

The recommendation to investigate Karid for murder came as Muslims attended Roman Catholic masses in churches across France

Hundreds of Muslims have been among the victims of Isil and al-Qaeda terrorism in France over the past two years, along with Catholics, Jews, and non-believers.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls today said the five million plus Muslim community in France had found its place in France.

Writing in Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper, Mr Valls criticised the repeated attacks of populists on the right and far-right.
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Around 50,000 demonstrators marched through the streets of Cologne this afternoon to show their support for Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

Waving the Turkish national flag, demonstrators held aloft pictures of Erdogan and placards reading 'For Democracy, Against Putsch' after a failed military coup earlier this month.

'We are here because our compatriots in Germany advocate democracy and are against the attempted military coup,' Turkey's sport and youth minister, Akif Cagatay Kilic, who attended the rally, told reporters.

Around 50,000 demonstrators marched through the streets of Cologne this afternoon to show their support for Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan

Waving the Turkish national flag, demonstrators held aloft pictures of Erdogan and placards reading 'For Democracy, Against Putsch' after a failed military coup earlier this month

'We are here because our compatriots in Germany advocate democracy and are against the attempted military coup,' Turkey's sport and youth minister, Akif Cagatay Kilic, who attended the rally, told reporters

Extra police have been deployed to Cologne where tens of thousands of protestors are expected to participate in the pro-Erdogen rally, in support of the Turkish President

Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rally at a gathering in Cologne, Germany

Police carry a right-wing demonstrator away in Cologne, Germany on Sunday as thousands of Turkish supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gathered in the German city of Cologne for a demonstration against the failed July 15 coup in Turkey

The demonstration became the focus of increasingly strained ties between Germany and Turkey after a decision by Germany's top court on its eve prevented Erdogan from addressing the meeting via video-conference.

'German Constitutional Court's decision on the anti-coup rally in Cologne is an utter backsliding in freedom of speech and democracy,' Turkey's minister for EU affairs, Omer Celik, wrote in English on his official Twitter account.

Erdogan has said it is shameful that Western countries showed more interest in the fate of the plotters than in standing with a fellow NATO member and has upbraided Western leaders for not visiting after the coup attempt.

On Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Turkey should show proportionality in its pursuit of those behind the failed military coup, adding that she was following developments in the country with concern.

Supporters of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan wave Turkish flags during a pro-government protest in Cologne, Germany

The demonstration became the focus of increasingly strained ties between Germany and Turkey after a decision by Germany's top court on its eve prevented Erdogan from addressing the meeting via video-conference

A Turkish woman holding a Turkish and a German flag waits for the start of a demonstration in Cologne, Germany, this afternoon

'German Constitutional Court's decision on the anti-coup rally in Cologne is an utter backsliding in freedom of speech and democracy,' Turkey's minister for EU affairs, Omer Celik, wrote in English on his official Twitter account

Erdogan has said it is shameful that Western countries showed more interest in the fate of the plotters than in standing with a fellow NATO member and has upbraided Western leaders for not visiting after the coup attempt

On Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Turkey should show proportionality in its pursuit of those behind the failed military coup, adding that she was following developments in the country with concern

Germany is home to around three million people of Turkish origin. In Turkey's last elections, 60 per cent of them voted for Turkey's ruling AKP Party, according to the organisation Turkish Communities in Germany

Germany is home to around three million people of Turkish origin. In Turkey's last elections, 60 per cent of them voted for Turkey's ruling AKP Party, according to the organisation Turkish Communities in Germany

Germany is home to around three million people of Turkish origin. In Turkey's last elections, 60 per cent of them voted for Turkey's ruling AKP Party, according to the organisation Turkish Communities in Germany.

Protestors held a minute's silence for the victims of militant attacks around the world. About 3,000 police were deployed.

German officials are concerned that tensions within Turkey could spill over into Germany, which has seen violence in the past between nationalist Turks and militant Kurds on its soil.

Protestors held a minute's silence for the victims of militant attacks around the world. About 3,000 police were deployed

A Turkish protestor holds a flag with a portrait of president Erdogan during a demonstration in Cologne, Germany, this afternoon

Up to 30,000 people were expected to answer to take to the streets issued by a pro-Erdogan group, the Union of European-Turkish Democrats (UETD), according to police, but reports have suggested 50,000 took part in the rally

German officials are concerned that tensions within Turkey could spill over into Germany, which has seen violence in the past between nationalist Turks and militant Kurds on its soil

German riot police stand in front of protesters against Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan during a pro-government protest in Cologne

Protesters against Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan attend a pro-government protest in Cologne, Germany

German riot police stand in front of the Cologne Cathedral during a protest of supporters for Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Cologne, Germany
Armed police have been seen patrolling the beaches in St Tropez as security is ramped up in the light of the latest terror attacks to hit France.

Patrols of officers carrying rifles were seeing walking between sun-worshippers at the popular southern French resort just days after Cannes had banned all bags big enough to conceal a weapon.

French authorities are taking the extreme measures amid fears that the nation could be hit with further terror attacks.

Armed police have been seen patrolling the beaches in St Tropez as security is ramped up in the light of the latest terror attacks to hit France

Three armed officers walk in formation as a young girl enjoys herself with a bucket and spade on the beach at St Tropez

Armed police look out across the beach at St Tropez from the vantage point of a first aid station

The latest attack to shock France took place last week when ISIS knifemen stormed a church in Normandy before slitting the throat of an elderly priest.

The Cote d'Azur has been flooded with rumours of further possible incidents following the murders in Nice, when Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel drove a lorry into a crowd on the Promenade des Anglais on Bastille Day, killing 84 innocent people.

On Wednesday Police were forced to deny they had foiled an attack on Jaun-le-Pins, which sits in between Nice and Cannes.

According to Nice Matin, a message being shared on social media earlier on Wednesday read: 'A truck full of heavy weapons and explosives had been found in Saint-Tropez and Marseille for an attack in Antibes.'

A police looks out towards sun-worshippers and the pristine blue sea of the Cote d'Azur as he patrols the beach

Armed police officers patrol the promenade on the Southern French coast at Nice as extra security measures are taken in light of terror attacks

Stunned beach-goers stare at the armed police presence as patrols make their way across the sand

Police have denied the rumour - saying there had never been any such plot.
Donald Trump thinks he was 'viciously attacked' at the Democratic convention by the parents of a slain Muslim soldier.

The Republican nominee condemned Khizr and Ghazala Khan, whose son U.S. Capt. Humayun Khan died in Iraq fighting for the US, for not giving him a right to respond - even though he already commented on their remarks.

He then turned his bizarre comments into an attack on Hillary Clinton.

On Twitter, he wrote: 'I was viciously attacked by Mr. Khan at the Democratic Convention. Am I not allowed to respond? Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me!'

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Donald Trump claims he was 'viciously attacked' at the Democratic convention by the parents of a slain Muslim soldier

The Republican nominee condemned Khizr and Ghazala Khan, whose son U.S. Capt. Humayun Khan died in Iraq fighting for the US, for not giving him a right to respond - even though he already commented on their remarks

In another post he said: 'Captain Khan, killed 12 years ago, was a hero, but this is about RADICAL ISLAMIC TERROR and the weakness of our 'leaders' to eradicate it!'

Mr Khan told the Sunday morning shows he appreciated Trump saying his son was a hero, but slammed him for having no empathy.

On CNN's State of the Union, he denied claims his speech was written by the Clinton campaign.

He also added that his address was shortened because of time constraints.

Poll Do you agree with Donald Trump that he was 'viciously attacked'? Yes No Do you agree with Donald Trump that he was 'viciously attacked'? Yes 1002 votes

No 2777 votes Now share your opinion





'His [Trump's] policies, his practices do not reflect that he has any understanding of the basic fundamental constitutional principles of this country, what makes this country exceptional, what makes this country exceptional in the history of the mankind.

'There are principles of equal dignity, principle of liberty. He talks about excluding people, disrespecting judges, the entire judicial system, immigrants, Muslim immigrants. These are -- divisive rhetoric that is totally against the basic constitutional principle.

'If you read the Constitution, you will -- either deliberately would be violating those principles, or you have not read.

'That is why I have watched whole year and rest of the world has watched, and the love and affection and support that we have received after my statement at every corner of the street, at every place, the affection, the support, the love that I have received, that we continue to receive, is a testament that he is talking about ignorance.

'He is not fully aware of these principles.'

Mr Khan was questioned about why his wife didn't speak at the convention.

'Two things are absolutely necessary in any leader or any person that aspires, wishes to be a leader. That is moral compass, and second is empathy.

'I do not believe his whole yearlong rhetoric, division, excluding people, talking about them derogatorily, has prepared him.

'He promised to the Republican leadership that he will change his manner, he will not be as ignorant as he had been. But he had continued.

'She has written an op-ed in her own words, her own voice why didn't she speak. I invited her that, when you come to the stage, can you say, 'Thank you for inviting us; my husband will speak further'?

Critics from both parties have questioned whether Trump had the empathy and understanding to be president

'She said: 'You know my condition. When I see my son's picture, I cannot hold myself together.' For this candidate for presidency to not be aware of the respect of a Gold Star Mother standing there, and he had to take that shot at her, this is height of ignorance.

'This is why I showed him that Constitution. Had he read that, he would know what status a Gold Star Mother holds in this nation. This country holds such a person in the highest regard. And he has no knowledge, no awareness.

'That is height of his ignorance. She is ill. She had high blood pressure. People that know her looked at her face, and she said, 'I may fall off the stage.' And I told her that, 'You have to assemble yourself and stand for the beauty of this tribute that is being paid.'

'This person is total incapable of empathy. I want his family to counsel him, teach him some empathy.

'He will be a better person if he could become -- but he is a black soul. And this is totally unfit for the leadership of this beautiful country. The love and affection that we have received affirms that our beliefs, our experience in this country had been correct and positive.

'The world is receiving us like we have never seen. They have seen the blackness of his character, of his soul, that he is void of recognizing, empathizing with people.'

Critics from both parties on Saturday questioned whether Trump had the empathy and understanding to be president, particularly after he questioned why mourning mother Ghazala Khan stayed silent during her husband's Thursday night address.

'He was kind of trying to turn that into some kind of ridicule,' Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine said after a campaign event in Pittsburgh. 'It just demonstrates again kind of a temperamental unfitness. If you don't have any more sense of empathy than that, then I'm not sure you can learn it.'

Former President Bill Clinton, who joined his wife and Kaine at the event, agreed: 'I cannot conceive how you can say that about a Gold Star mother.'

Lawyer Khizr Khan gave a moving tribute to their son, Humayun, who received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after he was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq in 2004. During the speech, Khan's wife, Ghazala, stood quietly by his side, wearing a headscarf.

Their son U.S. Capt. Humayun Khan died in Iraq in 2004 while serving the United States

'If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me,' Trump said, in an interview with ABC's 'This Week.'

Ghazala Khan has said she didn't speak because she's still overwhelmed by her grief and can't even look at photos of her son without crying.

Trump also disputed Khan's criticism that the billionaire businessman has 'sacrificed nothing and no one' for his country.

'I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures,' Trump said.

Trump's comments sparked immediate outrage on social media, including from Republican strategists, who criticized Trump both for attacking a mourning mother and because many considered them racist and anti-Muslim.

Senior Republican leaders remained silent until late Sunday, as did vice presidential nominee Mike Pence.

Then House Speaker Paul Ryan put out a statement.

'America's greatness is built on the principles of liberty and preserved by the men and women who wear the uniform to defend it,' Ryan began. 'As I have said on numerous occasions, a religious test for entering our country is not reflective of these fundamental values.'

'I reject it,' Ryan continued.

'Many Muslim Americans have served valiantly in our military, and made the ultimate sacrifice. Captain Khan was one such brave example,' he added. 'His sacrifice  and that of Khizr and Ghazala Khan  should always be honored. Period.'

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's office put out a statement too, misspelling the Khans last name on one reference.

'Captain Khan was an American hero, and like all Americans I'm grateful for the sacrifices that selfless young men like Capt. Khan and their families have made in the war on terror,' McConnell said.

'All Americans should value the patriotic service of of the patriots who volunteer to selflessly defend us in the armed services. And as I have long made clear, I agree with the [Khans] and families across the country that a travel ban on all members of a religion is simply contrary to American values,' he said.

Hillary Clinton told voters gathered in a Youngstown gymnasium late Saturday: 'Donald Trump is not a normal presidential candidate. Somebody who attacks everybody has something missing.'

'He attacked the distinguished father of a soldier who sacrificed himself for his unit, Captain Khan,' she said. 'I think it is fair to say he is temperamentally unfit and unqualified.'

Late Saturday night, Trump released a statement calling Humayun Khan 'a hero' but disputing his father's characterization.

'While I feel deeply for the loss of his son, Mr. Khan who has never met me, has no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the Constitution, (which is false) and say many other inaccurate things,' said Trump.

Mr Khan was given a standing ovation at the DNC after he took out a copy of the Constitution and questioned whether Trump had ever read it

Trump's comments about Khan came a day after he criticized retired four-star Gen. John Allen and slammed a Colorado Springs, Colorado, fire marshal for capping attendance at the event.

The fire marshal, Brett Lacey, was recently honored by the city as 'Civilian of the Year' for his role in helping the wounded at a 2015 mass shooting at a local Planned Parenthood.

'Our commander in chief shouldn't insult and deride our generals, retired or otherwise,' Clinton told a crowd gathered Saturday on a factory floor in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Clinton has used the days following her convention to try and win back some of the white working class voters that once made up a key piece of the Democratic Party's electoral coalition.

Trump's anti-trade message has appealed to those voters, who feel frustrated with an economic recovery that's largely left them behind.

While Clinton and her running mate, Tim Kaine, attempted to sell their positive economic message, much of their strategy centers on undermining Trump, particularly the business record that makes up the core of his argument to voters.
An asteroid set to narrowly miss Earth could cause 'immense suffering and death' years later if its orbit is changed when it passes dangerously near to our planet.

The space rock, called Bennu, crosses Earth's orbit once every six years and is set to pass between the moon and our planet in 2135.

Scientists are worried the 500-metre wide asteroid's orbit could be tweaked by Earth's gravity as it passes by, causing it to smash into our planet later in the century.

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An asteroid set to narrowly miss Earth could cause 'immense suffering and death' years later if its orbit is changed when it passes dangerously near to our planet. Pictured, a Nasa graphic of Bennu

'That 2135 fly-by is going to tweak Bennu's orbit, potentially putting it on course for the Earth later that century,' Dante Lauretta, professor of planetary science at Arizona University, told the Sunday Times.

'It may be destined to cause immense suffering and death,' he added.

It is hard for astronomers to predict how the close run-in between Earth and the moon will affect Bennu's orbit, but Lauretta estimates that it could shift it onto a collision course with our planet.

'We estimate the chance of impact at about one in 2,700 between 2175 and 2196,' he said.

Bennu travels around the sun at an average speed of 63,000mph and an impact with the Earth would be similar to setting off 3billion tonnes of explosives.

Nasa is so concerned by Bennu that it is sending a probe to the asteroid's surface to analyse it.

Nasa is so concerned by the asteroid Bennu that it is sending a probe to the asteroid's surface to analyse it. Pictured, a Nasa grapic showing the OSRIS-REx spacecraft probe

The OSRIS-REx spacecraft is set to launch in September and land on the asteroid in 2018.

It will spend a year on the surface of Bennu collecting samples of rock before heading back to Earth in 2023.

If successful, the mission will be the first to visit an asteroid and return to Earth.

To capture samples on the surface, the craft will hover over a specific area and will lower itself at a painstaking 10 centimeters per second.

It will only be in contact with the surface for five seconds as it vacuums up the targeted area.

The mission will also be used to study the building blocks of life by analyzing the minerals beneath Bennu's surface.
Mafia killer Frank Sheeran said he tried to alert union activist Jimmy Hoffa that something was wrong before he fired two shots into the back of his dear friend's head.

Hoffa's legendary disappearance 41 years ago has remained an unsolved mystery, but for FOX News anchor Eric Shawn, who played a significant role in launching a 2004 investigation, the evidence is clear.

Following Sheeran's instructions to the Michigan home where he said he killed Hoffa, Shawn, along with fellow Fox News producer Ed Barnes hired a forensics team to dig up the floor boards.

What they found were decades-old blood patterns that matched Sheeran's own account, which he finally disclosed in an attempt to seek absolution before his death in 2003 at the age of 83.

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Mafia killer Frank Sheeran (left) said he tried to alert union activist Jimmy Hoffa (right) that something was wrong before he fired two shots into the back of his dear friend's head

Hoffa's legendary disappearance 41 years ago has remained an unsolved mystery, but for FOX News anchor Eric Shawn, who played a significant role in launching a 2004 investigation, the evidence is clear

Hoffa was a working-class icon who turned the International Brotherhood of Teamsters labor union into a nationwide movement before falling from grace and going to jail for racketeering.

He was pardoned by President Richard Nixon and was making his comeback when he was summoned to a meeting with two mafia dons on July 30, 1975.

His abandoned car was found outside the Detroit restaurant and no trace of him has been found since.

Countless theories have prevailed over the years, but Charlie Brandt, Sheeran's former lawyer-turned-writer has had the privilege of telling Sheeran's story.

In the book, I Hear You Paint Houses: Frank 'The Irishman' Sheeran And Closing The Case On Jimmy Hoffa, Brandt recounted the fateful car ride before Hoffa's death.

Sheeran, along with two others, picked Hoffa up at a restaurant, saying they were headed to a mob meeting.

In the book, Sheeran said he purposefully took Hoffa's usual place in the passenger seat as a subtle warning to his friend that things were amiss.

According to Shawn, the FBI found a single hair that matched Hoffa and corroborated Sheeran's account.

But Hoffa failed to take notice, and Sheeran knew he was stuck between a rock and a hard place given the orders from mob bosses to kill his dear friend.

When they arrived at the empty house, Sheeran said he lingered behind Hoffa and shot him twice in the head from point blank range.

Brandt explained: 'Hoffa was Sheeran's friend but you didn't defy orders. If he hadn't killed him he'd have been shot himself. He said the mafia was upset because Hoffa hadn't shown enough gratitude over Dallas.

'I realized he was talking about the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963. It was always rumoured that the killer, Lee Harvey Oswald, wasn't working alone and that the mob was behind it.

In the book, I Hear You Paint Houses: Frank 'The Irishman' Sheeran And Closing The Case On Jimmy Hoffa (left), author Charles Brandt recounted the fateful car ride before Hoffa (right) died

'So I asked Sheeran and his face turned to stone, he raised his right hand at me and just brushed me off, saying "I'm not going anywhere near Dallas".

'I was sure he had something to do with it and kept asking. It was a classic mob hit - Oswald thought he would get away, but Jack Ruby then killed him.

'Eventually Sheeran admitted to taking three rifles to Baltimore - he understood these had then gone to Dallas. I didn't get anything more juicy than that...'

Hoffa's son James P Hoffa also told Shawn that his father would have been wary of getting into a car with the other suspects listed by the FBI - but he would have trusted Sheeran.

Brandt said Sheeran gave him the directions to the house where he said he killed Hoffa, and a forensic team sprayed luminol on the floors in 2004 to detect traces of blood..

Sheeran's daughter Dolores Miller said her father was looking to be absolution at the end of his life

Nearly three decades after Hoffa disappeared, the test revealed blood on the main entrance, foyer, and hallway leading to the rear kitchen.

The blood patterns matched Sheran's account of where Hoffa's head would have hit the floor before he was dragged to the kitchen and wrapped in a body bag, Shawn claimed.

According to Sheeran, Hoffa was later cremated at a funeral home with mob connections.

Sheeran's daughter Dolores Miller said: 'He was among the top suspects and the FBI put him in prison time and again, hoping he'd crack. But he never did.

'Then towards the end of his life he told me he wanted absolution. I remember saying he had to be truly sorry for the things he'd done in the past, that if he had his time again he wouldn't do the things he'd done.

'He said he was sorry and I drove him to the church to confess. He seemed much happier after that.'

In the final five years of his life, Sheeran poured his heart out to writer Charles Brandt. He died in 2003, six weeks after reading the finished manuscript, and did not tell family what he'd done.

'We never discussed it before he died and Charles didn't tell me the truth until the book came out,' Miller said.

Brandt's book will be adapted to the silver screen, starring Robert De Niro as Sheeran in a collaboration with Martin Scorsese.
Pedro Luca has lived in a cave in northern Argentina for 40 years.

The 79-year-old survives without running water or electricity in his cavern high in a mountain in northern Tucuman province.

When he gets hungry he picks up his rifle and goes hunting or heads on a three-hour trek down the mountain to the nearest settlement of San Pedro de Colalao. A creek is his main source of water.

'It's the purest, richest water there is,' he says.

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Pedro Luca has lived in a cave in northern Argentina for 40 years inside a mountain cavern near San Pedro de Colalao

His cave mates? Eleven roosters and two goats that roam the mountainside during the day and return at night looking for shelter from pumas and other predators. The crows of the roosters wake him up at around 3 a.m. every morning and he begins the day by starting a fire.

'Fire is magical,' he says, as the smoke fills his cave.

Luca has become a legend in San Pedro de Colalao, and town dwellers often give him food and supplies. He buys candles, yeast and corn with a government old-age pension, worth about $100-$200, that he collects at the town's post office.

His only technological gadget is a small, battery-powered radio, but he has a hard time tuning into stations because the signal is weak up the mountain.

He walks three hours every day, climbing the steep mountainside to reach his cave. Luca's skin is weather-beaten and he has few teeth left, but he seems much younger than a man who is almost 80.

Pedro Luca walks down the mountain to San Pedro de Colalao, in Argentina's northern province of Tucuman

Luca says he always wanted to live in isolation in the wild, even as a boy. He was raised by his grandfather in San Pedro de Colalao, which he first left at age 14 to travel northern Argentina and earn a living transporting coal to Bolivia.

He returned to the area and the cave. Word of his solitary lifestyle spread and he now gets occasional visits from tourists and schoolchildren.

'I never asked myself why I chose to live here,' he says. 'There was another cave nearby but I liked this one better. Sometimes, I think that I would have liked to travel the world, see Europe. But there's a lot of sea in the middle of it all and you have to have the time to cross that sea.'

Pedro Luca cooks meat fillets and sausage inside a mountain cavern. Town dwellers give him his food supplies when he does not hunt himself
A convicted fraudster who conned U2 bassist Adam Clayton out of 2.37million has been pictured out on day release, four years into her seven-year sentence.

Carol Hawkins, 56, left Mountjoy Prison in Dublin on Friday morning to go to a course aimed at helping her 'reintegrate' into society.

The musician's former housekeeper, who had splashed more than 37,000 of Mr Clayton's money on chauffeurs, took the bus to the Care After Prison facility, courtesy of a taxpayer-funded Leap card.

Convicted fraudster Carol Hawkins (right) who conned U2 bassist Adam Clayton (left) out of 2.37million has been pictured out on day release, four years into her seven-year sentence

Hawkins, who was jailed for seven years in 2012, is preparing to leave Mountjoy's Dochas Centre next year as she will qualify for at least 25 per cent remission.

At the latest, the mother-of-two will walk free from the Dochas in October of next year.

In preparation for her release Hawkins has been attending a course at the Care After Prison facility in the south inner city.

Hawkins denied stealing the U2 bassist's money throughout her trial in 2012.

She squandered Clayton's millions on an incredible and lavish spending spree that included the purchase of 22 thoroughbred racehorses and a luxury 260,000 New York apartment.

She also spent the money on holidays, education for her children and shopping sprees.

Mr Clayton has never recovered the money stolen by Hawkins, bar a portion of the 160,000 raised through the sale of the New York apartment.

Carol Hawkins, 56, was convicted of 181 counts of theft over a four-year period from 2004 to 2008 from Mr Clayton (pictured far left with the band U2 in 2014)

Hawkins had lived rent-free in Mr Clayton's Georgian mansion in Rathfarnham, Danesmoate,with her husband and the couple shared a salary of 40,000

The housekeeper, originally from North London but with a last known address in Dublin, was convicted of 181 counts of theft over a four-year period from 2004 to 2008.

She splashed 2,400 on designer shopping at Gucci, 1,200 on Chanel, 1,000 on shoes by Manolo Blahnik and dined for 1,700 at Roly's restaurant in Dublin.

Due to the notoriety of the 2012 case, Hawkins' legal team argued at a 2014 appeal that she would have no option but to carve out a new identity for herself before she left prison.

Hawkins first met Mr Clayton while managing the private paradise island resort Petit St Vincent in the Caribbean, where the musician escaped to in 1992.

Then 28, Hawkins impressed Clayton by catering for his stay.

Mr Clayton had been considering hiring someone to do basic cooking and shopping for him at the time. The following summer he contacted Hawkins and offered her the job.

Hawkins, who was jailed for seven years in 2012, will leave Mountjoy Prison in Dublin (pictured) next October at the latest

Hawkins first met Mr Clayton while managing the private paradise island resort Petit St Vincent (pictured) in the Caribbean, where the musician escaped to in 1992

Her husband also worked for him, as a driver and occasional chef.

The couple shared a salary of 40,000 and lived rent-free, with all utilities and petrol included, at Clayton's home in Rathfarnham, Danesmoate, a Georgian mansion.

For the next 10 years the arrangement proved a success, with Hawkins graduating to the role of personal assistant. Having secured Clayton's trust, she began her campaign of deceit.

Also on the list of her expenses were courses at the New York Film Academy for 22,000 and at the Istituto Marangoni in Venice for 10,000.
Muslims took a stand against the recent barbaric attacks carried out in the name of Islam by showing up to Sunday Mass in churches and cathedrals in France and Italy.

A few dozen Muslims gathered at the towering Gothic cathedral in Rouen, near Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray where the 85-year-old Rev Jacques Hamel had his throat slit by two teenage Islamic extremists on Tuesday.

'We are very moved by the presence of our Muslim friends and I believe it is a courageous act that they did by coming to us,' Dominique Lebrun, the archbishop of Rouen, said after the service.

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Muslims took a stand against the recent barbaric attacks carried out in the name of Islam by showing up to Sunday Mass in churches and cathedrals in France and Italy. Pictured here are members of the congregation in the Santa Maria Caravaggio church in Milan

Some of the Muslims sat in the front row, across from the altar where Adel Kermiche and Abdelmalik Petitjean, both 19, filmed themselves performing an Islamic sermon before slitting the elderly priest's throat.

Among the parishioners was one of the nuns who was briefly taken hostage at Hamel's church when he was killed.

She joined her fellow Catholics in turning to shake hands or embrace the Muslim churchgoers after the service.

Outside the church, a group of Muslims were applauded when they unfurled a banner: 'Love for all. Hate for none.'

Churchgoer Jacqueline Prevot said the attendance of Muslims was 'a magnificent gesture.'

'Look at this whole Muslim community that attended Mass,' she said. 'I find this very heartwarming. I am confident. I say to myself that this assassination won't be lost, that it will maybe relaunch us better than politics can do. Maybe we will react in a better way.'

Many of the Muslims who attended the service in Rouen - including those with the banner - were Ahmadiyya Muslims, a minority sect that differs from mainstream Islam in that it doesn't regard Muhammad as the final prophet.

Some of the Muslims sat in the front row, across from the altar where Adel Kermiche and Abdelmalik Petitjean, both 19, filmed themselves performing an Islamic sermon before slitting the elderly priest's throat

Similar interfaith gatherings were repeated elsewhere in France, as well as in neighboring Italy.

At Paris' iconic Notre Dame cathedral, Dalil Boubakeur, the rector of the Mosque of Paris, said repeatedly that Muslims want to live in peace.

'The situation is serious,' Boubakeur told BFMTV. 'Time has come to come together so as not to be divided.'

In Italy, the secretary general of the country's Islamic Confederation, Abdullah Cozzolino, spoke from the altar in the Treasure of St. Gennaro chapel next to Naples' Duomo cathedral. Three imams also attended Mass at the St. Maria Church in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood, donning their traditional dress as they entered the sanctuary and sat down in the front row.

Mohammed ben Mohammed, a member of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy, said he called on the faithful in his sermon Friday 'to report anyone who may be intent on damaging society. I am sure that there are those among the faithful who are ready to speak up.'

A few dozen Muslims gathered at the towering Gothic cathedral in Rouen, near Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray where the 85-year-old Rev Jacques Hamel had his throat slit by two teenage Islamic extremists on Tuesday

Ahmed El Balzai, the imam of the Vobarno mosque in the Lombard province of Brescia, said he did not fear repercussions for speaking out.

'I am not afraid. ... These people are tainting our religion and it is terrible to know that many people consider all Muslim terrorists. That is not the case,' El Balazi said. 'Religion is one thing. Another is the behavior of Muslims who don't represent us.'

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni thanked Italian Muslims for their participation, saying they 'are showing their communities the way of courage against fundamentalism.'

Like in France, Italy is increasing its supervision of mosques. Interior Minister Angelino Alfano told the Senate this week that authorities were scrutinizing mosque financing and working with the Islamic community to ensure that imams study in Italy, preach in Italian and are aware of Italy's legal structuring.

The Paris prosecutor's office, meanwhile, said it has requested that a cousin of one of the two 19-year-olds who slit the priest's throat be charged with participating in 'a terrorist association with the aim of harming others.'

In a statement, it said it appeared a 30-year-old Frenchman it identified as Farid K. 'knew very well, if not of the exact place or time, of his cousin's impending plans for violence.'

The office added that a Syrian refugee detained in the wake of the attack was released Saturday.

Among the parishioners was one of the nuns who was briefly taken hostage at Hamel's church when Father Jaques, pictured, was killed

Adel Kermiche, left, and Abdelmalik Petitjean in a home video in which they pledge allegiance to ISIS

Archbishop Lebrun praised the Muslims who attended the Mass in Rouen.

'We are very moved by the presence of our Muslim friends and I believe it is a courageous act that they did by coming to us,' he said after the service.

Some of the Muslims present sat in the front row across from the altar.

One of the nuns who was briefly taken hostage at Father Hamel's church when he was killed was among the parishioners.

She joined her fellow Catholics in turning to shake hands or embrace the Muslim churchgoers after the service.

Churchgoer Jacqueline Prevot said the attendance of Muslims was 'a magnificent gesture.'

'Look at this whole Muslim community that attended Mass,' she said.

'I find this very heart-warming. I am confident. I say to myself that this assassination won't be lost, that it will maybe relaunch us better than politics can do. Maybe we will react in a better way.'
The husband of a woman he claims was murdered by his family in an honour killing has revealed he is living in fear after being threatened.

Syed Mukhtar Kazam said he was running scared in Pakistan in the aftermath of the death of his wife, Samia Shahid, 28, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, who died in Pakistan last week after travelling to visit her father.

Mr Kazam fears he will die after he and his supporters received calls to say they would be shot and has said he is on the run to save his life

In fear: Syed Mukhtar Kazam (pictured, right) said he was running scared in Pakistan in the aftermath of the death of his wife, Samia Shahid, 28, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, who died in Pakistan last week after travelling to visit her father

Mr Kazam said: 'The people standing by me have been getting phone calls with threats to shoot them, and me. I feel that I could die at any moment.

'I don't know many people here and I cannot take any security measures. I am running away to save my life.

'I am having to move from place to place. Every night I have to go to a different place to sleep. I cannot stay in one place for more than a few hours. I am scared someone will attack me.'

He flew to Pakistan, from their home in Dubai, after being told of his wife's death.

Pakistan police have since launched a murder investigation, after it was originally suggested Ms Shahid had died of natural causes.

Mr Kazam claims she was murdered in an honour killing, because of her marriage to him, and her father was arrested and questioned earlier this week.

Her family has strongly denied any involvement in her death.

It has emerged that Ms Shahid was found with a bruise, measuring 19 centimetres in length, on her neck - even though the original report from a post-mortem examination indicated there were no physical marks on her.

Speaking from Pakistan on Friday, Mr Kazam told said he was waiting for the full report of the forensic post-mortem but the evidence he had seen clearly showed the bruise on her neck.

He said: 'There have been different suggestions about how she died - a heart attack, a fall down the stairs, suicide, now they are saying it was a natural death because she was asthmatic and diabetic.

'It is absolute rubbish. Her death was far from natural.

'I have given the evidence to the police and it is for them to investigate it.'

Mr Kazam said the original police and medical experts had been summonsed to an official hearing next week to describe their actions in the investigation.

He said: 'They will have to attend that hearing. I am encouraged by that. It is a positive step by the Government.'

Mr Kazam said a new police team from a different region had been drafted in to take over the investigation.

'I shall be meeting with the new police chief. I hope it will be a positive change.'

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

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 said he was getting support from the authorities for his case - but not for his safety.

He praised the Foreign Office for putting pressure on the Pakistani government.

Bradford West MP Naz Shah, who has taken up the case on behalf of Mr Kazam, said she had seen photographs of Ms Shahid's neck, and they were 'very disturbing.'

'They clearly show the mark around her neck, which is very visible,' said Ms Shah.

'That is despite them saying originally that there were no physical marks on her body.'

Ms Shah said the Interior Minister in Pakistan had taken full responsibility for the case.

He had assigned two senior officers to it and called a hearing next week, to which all police officers and medics in the case would be called, to establish how the investigation started.

She said: 'They have got some concerns. It is extremely unusual. I am very pleased with how the Pakistani authorities are dealing with this. It has really surprised me.

'I think it is because a law on honour killings has just reached the draft stage. They want to avoid any international embarrassment. Pakistan has the opportunity not to be seen as a state where people can do what they want. That is really important.'

Ms Shahid married Mr Kazam in Leeds in September 2014 after she left her first husband.

A cousin from Pakistan who has now been granted 'pre-arrest bail' is expected to offer himself to police for interview.

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

A post-mortem revealed a 19cm bruise on a British beauty therapist's neck and her family claimed it was 'probably from a hair clip' and strongly deny the claims of an honour killing.

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'.

Police revealed 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.'

Police questioned 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'.

Wedding: Mr Kazam married his wife at Leeds Town Hall in 2014 and the pair had been living together in Dubai

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.

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.

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'.

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 had 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.

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.

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.'

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.
As the wife of a deputy prime minister, Miriam Clegg became known for her feminist views.

She shunned the convention of embracing husband Nick on stage after his party conference speech, and launched campaign group Inspiring Women.

But the 48-year-old mother of three is not offended by the prospect of being wolf-whistled  in fact, she says it would make her really happy.

Known for her feminist views: But Miriam Clegg, 48, said being wolf-whistled at in the street makes her 'really happy'

Mrs Clegg goes by her maiden name Gonzalez Durantez in her professional life as an international lawyer

Asked if she ever gets wolf-whistled in the street, she told the Sunday Telegraphs Stella magazine: At me? What would they comment? This is a polite society!

Im 48. If I get something like that, Im really happy. Id think, Wow, I exist! Women my age just become transparent.

Mrs Clegg, who goes by her maiden name Gonzalez Durantez in her professional life as an international lawyer, spends time visiting schools as part of her Inspiring Women initiative.

The Spanish-born wife of the former Lib Dem leader has recently released a cookbook  Made In Spain  in which she reveals surprise at being served Hellmanns mayonnaise by Samantha Cameron.

She also wrote that when George Osborne first visited Mr Clegg to talk about policy, she refused to cook  or even be in the house.

Her husband was forced to order a Thai takeaway instead.

The Spanish-born wife of the former Lib Dem leader also discussed Brexit and George Osborne

Mrs Clegg admitted in an interview with The Mail on Sundays You magazine: I dont find the establishment impressive'

She admitted in an interview with The Mail on Sundays You magazine: I dont find the establishment impressive.

'So I must have been a disaster. They must have thought difficult woman.

At the books launch last week, she said: There is a problem with what I call drip-drip sexism. Little comments here and there.

'Last week I was referred to publicly on television as Nick Cleggs missus  it was not with bad intentions, but its just not on. We are not defined by who we have married or who we sleep with.

Mrs Clegg said: Im 48. If I get something like that, Im really happy. Id think, Wow, I exist! Women my age just become transparent'

Mrs Clegg has previously been outspoken on the issue, including defending Charlotte Proudman, the barrister embroiled in a sexism row in the legal profession.

She said Miss Proudman, 27, had been quite right to take QC Alexander Carter-Silk, 57, to task after he complimented her for having a stunning photograph on networking site LinkedIn.

In July, Nottinghamshire Police banned wolf-whistling. The force is the first in Britain to record misogyny as a hate crime  including complaints against men who whistle at women.

It means behaviour targeted towards a woman by men simply because they are a woman  will sit alongside crimes in which victims are attacked for their race, religion or sexual orientation.

Culprits will be investigated and specially trained officers will offer support to victims.
A driver has told of the terrifying moment she escaped from her burning car moments before it exploded on a busy roundabout.

Lizzie Connell and her husband cheated death after her Renault Twingo ground to a halt as flames leapt from the bonnet.

The 29-year-old lawyer and her husband Andy scrambled to safety before their car was fully on fire - and then exploded on the Newbridge Roundabout, Edinburgh.

Lizzie Connell, 29, and her husband Andy were driving their Renault Twingo on the Newbridge Roundabout in Edinburgh when it caught on fire and managed to scramble to safety before an explosion

Lizzie Connell and her husband cheated death after her car ground to a halt as flames leapt from the bonnet

Lizzie (pictured), form Portobello, Edinburgh, said: 'At first I thought I was in the wrong gear but I wasn't. 'The car ground to a halt and lost all power. I tried to start it a couple of times but it didn't work.'

Fellow motorists stopped to help amid fears that someone was trapped inside, forcing the couple to desperately warn them to keep back

Fellow motorists stopped to help amid fears that someone was trapped inside, forcing the couple to desperately warn them to keep back.

Lizzie, form Portobello, Edinburgh, said: 'At first I thought I was in the wrong gear but I wasn't.

'The car ground to a halt and lost all power. I tried to start it a couple of times but it didn't work.

'My husband noticed that there was a wee flame coming out of the bonnet and shouted.

'Get out of the car and run.

'We escaped just in time. I saw at least one brave person get very close to the vehicle, so I shouted to them that it was my car.'

The pair took refuge on the roundabout but were later forced to cross the busy road to reach a safe distance as the flames leapt higher, sending a column of thick black smoke into the sky.

The pair took refuge on the roundabout but were later forced to cross the busy road to reach a safe distance as the flames leapt higher, sending a column of thick black smoke into the sky

It took fire crews more than ten minutes to arrive as traffic - including an oil tanker - passed within feet of the burning car.

The couple, who had been en route to a falconry display, heard a series of bangs as the windows 'exploded' and the car was destroyed by the flames.

Alex Cole-Hamilton, Lib Dem MSP for Edinburgh Western, said: 'This is an incredibly busy roundabout at all times of day, and the fact that somebody wasn't hurt is a miracle.'

The incident, which happened last Sunday morning, has been reported to Renault, which looks set to begin its investigation into the cause of the fire next month.

The incident, which happened last Sunday morning, has been reported to Renault, which looks set to begin its investigation into the cause of the fire next month

The road was closed for more than an hour as firefighters from South Queensferry fire extinguished the blaze

A spokesman for Renault said the company treated all safety-related incidents 'seriously'.

He added: 'We have been in touch with the customer who first reported the incident to us on Monday.

'We have informed the customer that we would be arranging for one of our technical inspectors to inspect the vehicle - this is in the process of being arranged with the customer and should be completed within two weeks.

'Until the inspection report is complete we are not able to offer any further comment as we have not inspected the vehicle.

'We will remain in close contact with the customer until the incident is resolved.'

The road was closed for more than an hour as firefighters from South Queensferry fire extinguished the blaze.
Nobody would be nuts enough to rob the mafia, right?

Yet that's exactly what a group of eight criminals did in August 1975, swiping nearly $30 million in stolen booty from 150 safe-deposit boxes in Rhode Island.

'I heard guys saying, "Holy s***, I can't believe what's here,"' said 68-year-old Barbara Oliva, who worked at the Hudson Fur Storage where the robbery took place.

She told the New York Post: 'After they left, huffing and puffing to get out with their bags of stolen stuff, we went in,' she recalled to The Post.

'The [vault] room was knee-deep with bars of gold and silver and all kinds of jewels. There were loose coins, a jeweled chalice, cash, guns.'

One of the robbers, Robert Dussault, eventually helped cops convict the rest of his mafia pals and was placed in a witness program

The mob didn't bother to secure the place very much, figuring nobody would rob from them.

The thieves, not knowing how much loot there would be inside the vault, didn't even take enough duffel bags to carry all that was inside the place.

'Conservative estimates at the time were that $4 million was taken from Bonded Vault,' said Tim White, who tells the story of the robbery in the co-authored book 'The Last Good Heist,' to RINPR.

'We know now, after scores of interviews with law enforcement  35 years later they're more willing to talk  that the take at the time was probably $30 million.

'So that value in jewelry, gold coins, and silver bars and whatnot, would be valued a lot higher now.'

One of the armed robbers, Robert 'the Deuce' Dussault, told police that the heist was the brainchild of New England mobster Raymond L.S. Patriarca.

'We had the OK from the man,' Dussault told police, as reported by RINPR.

'You know who I mean by that, the old man, the uno, Raymond Patriarca, the boss of New England. Nobody does nothing in this whole area without his OK and without him getting a piece of the action.'

Patriarca was dissatisfied with his takeaway from the mob while he was in prison serving time for a murder.

'He was down in Atlanta, and when he got out, the belief is that his cut or his take in what he felt should have been coming to him when he was in prison wasn't where it should have been,' Dussault told cops.

'So to teach a lesson, he robbed from his own guys.'

Mobster Charles Flynn was one of the eight criminals charged with the $30 million heist in Rhode Island

Patriarca was never formally charged with the crime, RINPR reported. He died of a heart attack in 1984.

Of the eight robbers, two were acquitted and four were convicted in the most expensive trial in state history, according to RINPR.

Two helped authorities, including Dussault, who was entered into the witness protections program, The Post reported.

'He worked for the Coors Brewing Company under an assumed name,' White told the newspaper.

'He continued to rob jewelry stores and collectible-coin shops. He went to jail and they say he died of a heart attack there in 1992. With a story this bizarre, you never know.'

Author Jack White (left) tells the story of the robbery in 'The Last Good Heist,' co-authored with Randall Richard and Wayne Worcester. The book is out Monday

'The Last Good Heist,' which comes out Monday, was co-authored by White, Randall Richard and Wayne Worcester.

White's interest in the story comes from his dad, the legendary investigative reporter Jack white who won a Pulitzer Prize in 1974 for revealing that Richard Nixon had underpaid income taxes.

'I was interested in this story from when I was fresh out of diapers,' White told RINPR.

'I mean, I grew up with it  I loved it, dad was reporting on it when I was a kid, and I would ask him, going to bed at night to tell me more about, you know, the big robbery.'
A Fox Business producer and real estate broker have agreed to a disorderly conduct charge after they were arrested in a cocaine bust.

Katie Welnhofer, 30, and Cushman and Wakefield employee Austin Dodson, 24, were taken into court after a year-long undercover investigation into dealers in New York City.

The pair were both recorded asking for drugs on over the phone and were arrested at the end of last month.

But they have now settled their cases, and will only be required to perform five days of community service.

The judge offered Miss Welnhofer the chance to resolve the case without pleading guilty - which means the charge will not go on her criminal record and will remained sealed after a year.

Fox Business producer Katie Welnhofer, 30, (pictured in court on June 30) has agreed to a disorderly conduct charge after she was arrested in a cocaine bust

Welnhofer, who was recorded asking for drugs over the phone in an NYPD sting, will only do five days of community service

Her lawyer, John Buza, told Daily Mail Online: 'Ms. Welnhofer chose to resolve the case in this way so she can move on with her life,

'But she never plead guilty to any of the charges initially brought and she never admitted to possessing or using any drugs.'

Richard Pernesiglio, 32, also pleaded guilty to the same charges during an appearance in Manhattan Criminal Court this week, the New York Daily News reported.

They will serve their punishment at Pa'lante Harlem, a nonprofit center.

Their case made the spotlight after the Manhattan District Attorney announced their indictment.

The list of those charged was made up of wealthy New Yorkers, including Chipotle's Chief Marketing Officer, Mark Crumpacker.

Welnhofer was fired after she was hauled into court. Her attorney, John Buza, had previously said she was innocent.

Cushman and Wakefield employee Austin Dodson, 24, (pictured in court on June 30) also agreed to a plea deal to settle the case

The Northwestern graduate was seen in New York's Supreme Court on June 30 in a grey jumpsuit and handcuffs following her arrest.

Seven days before she was taken into custody, on Wednesday June 22, she mingled with colleagues at a Building Homes For Heroes event to honor Fox News host Sean Hannity.

She was pictured at a table with Greg Kelly, the host of Fox's Good Day New York and the son of former NYPD commissioner Ray Kelly.

Fox and Friends co-host Anna Koiman shared the picture of her table on Sunday afternoon, four days after Welnhofer was connected to the cocaine ring.

The group of high-flyers were paraded through a New York court on Thursday and Friday following their arrests.

Welnhofer was led into court wide-eyed and wearing a jumpsuit, a day before her 30th birthday.

Judge Edward McLaughlin described the alleged buyers as 'ne'er-do-wells'.

Cops started wire-tapping a network of alleged dealers to the elite when they found details of who had dealt drugs to a Wall Street banker who leaped to his death from the roof his apartment building last year.

They were all charged with the criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, according to court documents seen by Daily Mail Online.

He is seen leaving Manhattan Criminal Court after his family, including his girlfriend Roz Savoie (left) bailed him out

It followed a year-long investigation into a massive drug ring that sold $75,000 worth of cocaine and operated from the Lower East Side.

Three kingpins Kenny 'Jay' Hernandez, Felix Nunez and Oscar Almonte were also arrested.

They allegedly used livery services to deliver cocaine to customers throughout Manhattan.

The probe is believed to have begun after investment banker Thomas Hughes jumped to his death from his 24th floor luxury apartment in May last year.

Reports suggest police found the number of his dealer on his cell phone when they searched his home.

At the time, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said: 'Drug dealers profit by sowing seeds of addiction that destroy lives, families, and communities.

'We are dedicated to stemming both the supply and demand for dangerous narcotics, and the crime that accompanies the market for illegal drugs.'

'I thank my Office's prosecutors and our partners at the NYPD, and in particular, the undercover detectives who put their lives at risk to protect our City's residents,' said Police Commissioner William J. Bratton.

'This narcotics operation was organized and discreet, but it could not withstand the precision of this long-term investigation'.

'Selling cocaine in a variety of bars and clubs throughout Manhattan, the ringleader also allegedly sold to NYPD undercovers on more than a dozen instances.

'I commend the brave work of all the investigators who built this case, along with the Violent Criminal Enterprises Unit at District Attorney Vance's Office.'

From June 2015, they were allegedly obtaining, transporting, processing, packaging, selling, and delivering large quantities of powder cocaine to customers throughout Manhattan, the indictment reads.

Hernandez oversaw the ring and personally conducted the vast majority of the sales, including eleven separate sales to undercover detectives.
Goosmann said he does not ever plan to return back to broadcasting

He said if he had not resigned he would have been 'rightly' fired

Bob Goosmann, the chief meteorologist at a local Dallas AM radio station, has resigned after coming under fire for a Facebook post critiquing the mothers of black men and women who were killed by police

The weatherman for a local Dallas AM radio station has resigned after writing a Facebook post that said black men and woman who were killed by police were 'thugs'.

Bob Goosmann, the chief meteorologist at KRLD-AM, was watching the Democratic National Convention when he saw a speech by the Mothers of the Movement.

The mothers of Eric Garner,Travyon Martin, Jordan Davis and Michael Brown were four of the nine women who appeared on stage to encourage the crowd to vote for Hillary Clinton on Tuesday.

'The DNC parading the mothers of slain thugs around their stage has me furious,' Goossmann wrote in his Facebook post.

Goosmann had preceded the line by telling his fans, 'As many of you have probably noticed, I've stayed away from politics on FB'.

Many locals immediately told Goosmann it should have stayed that way - and made sure to tag his employer in their outraged tweets.

'God forbid #bobgoosmann ever has to bury a child that society deems not worthy of grief because they were "thugs"', one user tweeted. 'That was heartless. @KRLD'.

'Gotta be real silly to think you can say whatever w/o consequences,' wrote another user named Dean Smith. 'Bob Goosmann had "no idea" that life exists beyond his view point!'

One user wrote a series of tweets to honor Garner, Davis, and Tamir Rice.

'A young man wearing a hoodie, armed with #candy and a #tea, is not a #thug. #BobGoosmann,' they wrote, referencing Martin.

'A teenager with loud music is not a #thug. A 12 year old with a toy gun is not a #thug,' they added, referencing Davis and Rice, respectively.

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Goosmann hit out at the Democratic National Convention for inviting the Mothers of the Movement, which includes the mothers of Eric Garner, Travyon Martin, and Michael Brown, to speak on Clinton's behalf

Lucia McBeth (pictured center), the mother of Jordan Davis, a 17-year-old black boy who was shot dead by a white man for playing his music too loud, was one of the mothers who spoke on Tuesday night

Travyon Martin's mother Sybrina Fulton told the crowd that Clinton 'has the compassion to comfort a grieving mother. She has the courage to lead the fight for common sense gun legislation'

Goosmann eventually deleted the post, but the damage was done.

On Friday the station announced he had resigned, 'effective immediately', and would make no further comment on his sudden departure.

But Goosmann wasn't done talking.

The weatherman later posted a comment on dallasnews.com that said he didn't believe there was anything racist about his post.

'I was angry that the DNC used these mothers to garner votes, and that was it,' he began.

'I used the word thugs in my post, but I thought thug was just a violent person. The definition of thug does not mean any race,' he wrote.

'I will say I talked with an African American acquaintance and he told me that he feels like when he hears the word, it is in reference to an African American individual.'

'I had NO IDEA,' he said.

Goosmann eventually deleted his post but the damage was done - he immediately came under fire of the Twitterverse, who made sure to tag his employer so they knew exactly what he had done

Goosmann said he would have been fired if he had not resigned - but that he believed it would have been the right decision.

'What I say online, no matter where, reflects upon my station and employer,' he wrote.

'KRLD is a great station providing invaluable information to all listeners, and I am sorry if they have had to deal with all the repercussions.'

Gossmann, who has also worked for Fox in Denver and CBS in Dallas, said he will not return to broadcasting but will always love the weather which, he added, he doesn't need 'TV or radio' for.

The mothers of Sandra Bland and Eric Garner were also at the DNC to represent Mothers of the Movement, a group who have been campaigning against gun violence and racism at the hands of police since the deaths of their children.

They all urged voters to back Clinton, as she 'isn't afraid to say Black Lives Matter'.

Their remarks brought the crowd at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia to a standstill.

Geneva Reed-Vead, the mother of 28-year-old Sandra Bland, said: 'Exactly one year ago yesterday, I lived the worst nightmare anyone could imagine.'

'I watched as my daughter, Sandra Bland, was lowered into the ground in a coffin.

'I'm here with Hillary Clinton because she is a leader and a mother who will say our children's names.

'Hillary knows that when a young black life is cut short, it's not just a personal loss. It is a national loss. It is a loss that diminishes all of us.

'What a blessing to here tonight, so that Sandy can still speak through her mama.'

Goosmann said he would have 'rightly' been fired if he had not resigned, because his Facebook post had reflected badly on his employer

'And what a blessing it is for all of us that we have the opportunityif we seize itto cast our votes for a president who will help lead us down the path toward restoration and change.'

Lucia McBeth, the mother 17-year-old Davis, added: 'You don't stop being a mother when your child dies.

'His life ended when he was shot for playing live music, but my job didn't.

'Here's what you don't know about my son. He wouldn't eat a Popsicle if he didn't have enough to bring out to his friends.'

'I lived in fear that my son would die like this. I even warned him that because he was a young black he would meet people who would value him or his life.'

'Hillary Clinton isn't afraid to say Black Lives Matter. She doesn't build walls around her heart.'
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The 16 hot air balloon enthusiasts killed in a fireball crash in Texas on Saturday shared smiling photos from the trip moments before they crashed to the ground.

Images posted on social media and shared with loved ones, show 15 passengers and pilot Skip Nichols excitedly preparing for the doomed flight above Lockhart, Texas.

The balloon hit power lines after taking off around 7.05am on Saturday morning - 20 minutes later than intended from a site 20 miles south of Austin.

One victim Matt Rowan shared an image of the view from inside the balloon at 7.29am - just 13 minutes before it hit a power line and came crashing down.

Gift: Paige Brabson, who just gave birth to her first child, bought tickets to the hot air balloon ride as a Mother's Day present for her own mom Lorilee Brabson. She shared these images before the disaster

Final photos: The mother and daughter shared fun, smiling photos moments before they were killed alongside 14 others

Rowan, a professor with the US Army Institute of Surgical Research, was on board the balloon with his wife Sunday. She had a five-year-old son from a previous relationship and had bought the trip as a gift to her new husband.

The newlyweds who married in February also posted a photo smiling for the camera shortly after take off.

Other identified victims include Paige Brabson, who had just given birth to her first child and bought the tickets as a Mother's Day gift to her own mom Lorilee Brabson.

The two women shared a series of pictures on board the balloon and it's preparation with loved ones.

Witnesses reported the balloon caught fire before it plummeted to the ground but it wasn't clear if the blaze came before or after it collided with the power lines.

Another married couple, Tresa and Joe Owens, were among the dead, along with their friend Holly Huckabee.

Brian and Tressie Neill, of San Antonio, were also killed, leaving behind two daughters, aged 20 and 16.

Tressie Neill shared an image on Facebook as they prepared to take flight.

'Up early heading out for the anniversary surprise Brian's had planned for months! I'm super excited! and sleepy', she wrote.

On board: In photos shared with loved ones Paige and Lorilee Brabson showed the balloon set up, left, and the view of the ground below, right. Investigators will use the photos to help them determine what went wrong

Tragic last photos: Newlywed Matt Rowan shared these final images with his wife Sunday from inside the balloon to a Facebook group at 7.29am on Saturday just 13 minutes before the balloon struck power lines. Pictured Matt and Sunday Rowan, left, and the view, right

Friends of Matt and Sunday Rowan of San Antonio confirmed they were among the dead. They are pictured here on Facebook - not on the day of the crash

All of the victims' bodies were recovered in the area of the gondola. As the investigation begins, family members have begun paying tribute to the loved ones they lost.

Britney Reeves Hedin wrote a touching tribute on Facebook remembering Lorilee Brabson as an 'excellent example of loving kindness to all.'

She also added: 'My heart is completely broken for their family. Her daughter has a very young little girl and life was just starting for them.'

Matt Rowan's Iraq war veteran brother Joshua, an Iraq veteran, told NBC.

'They're going to be incredibly missed. They made a difference in so many people's lives.'

A GoFundMe page set up in honor of the Owens stated: 'They were wonderful people who loved each other very much.

'I cannot express how great of a blessing they both were to their family and friends. They adored their children and grandchildren, and loved nothing more than spending time with them'

Joe, who would have turned 44 next month, worked as a butcher at the grocery store H-E-B, while Tresa enjoyed a long career at the TigerLand Child Care.

Victims: Tressie Neill shared this photo with her husband Brian as they set out on the hot air balloon ride. They were both among the 16 killed in the crash

Tributes also poured in for Skip Nichols, the balloon pilot and owner of Heart of Texas which was behind the trip.

Bianca Szal Storll wrote on Facebook: 'Skip Nichols 24 years ago you took me on my first and only balloon ride.

'Your passion for it was contagious as was your happy go lucky outlook on life. RIP my friend.'

William Nelson, a balloon pilot with another company, wrote: 'We lost a long time friend and balloon pilot Skip Nichols in this morning...My heart goes out to his mother and to the families of the passengers that were flying in the balloon.'

Nichols' ex-girlfriend Wendy Bartch said the certified commercial pilot cared about safety and had at least 20 years of experience.

She also revealed the 49-year-old was a recovering alcoholic who had been sober four years. She insisted he had never piloted a balloon while drunk.

However, troubling reports of his past run-ins with the law began to emerge on Monday as well as some complaints about his work.

Nichols was allowed to keep flying despite having at least four convictions for drunken driving in Missouri and twice spending time in prison.

An attorney who represented a passenger who sued Nichols in 2013 over a crash landing even said in court: 'He couldn't drive a car but he could pilot a hot-air balloon.'

When pilots apply for a ballooning certificate with the Federal Aviation Administration, they are not required to disclose any prior drunken driving convictions, only drug convictions, said Balloon Federation of America spokesman Patrick Cannon, who called that a loophole in the law.

He noted that the ballooning certificate specifically says not to include alcohol offenses involving a motor vehicle, as those are covered on the FAA's medical application. But balloon and hang-glider pilots, among others, are exempt from having to submit a medical application.

Nichols got his commercial license to pilot hot-air balloons in Missouri in July 1996. That predates his 2000 felony drug conviction. His first drunken driving conviction came in 1990. All pilots are supposed to notify the FAA within 60 days of a drug or alcohol conviction. However, Cannon said there is no oversight of that reporting.

Nichols pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in St. Louis County in 1990, then twice in 2002 and again in 2010, according to online court records.

He was also convicted of a drug crime in 2000 and spent about a year and a half in prison before being paroled. He was returned to prison in April 2010 after his parole was revoked because of his drunken driving conviction that year. He was paroled again in January 2012.

Tragedy: The Neills were parents to two young daughters, pictured together

Joe and Tresa Owens, were identified as victims of the crash by his sister, Angie Nadolny, the Houston Chronicle reported

The 49-year-old pilot also had a long history of customer complaints against his balloon-ride companies in Missouri and Illinois dating back to 1997. Customers reported to the Better Business Bureau that their rides would get canceled at the last minute and their fees never refunded.

There have also been complaints against Heart of Texas, according to reports.

The Better Business Bureau gave it a rating of D+ and it had a Yelp rating of 1.5 stars mostly over canceled flights.

The company has now suspended operation.

'The horrific crash near Lockhart, Texas has taken from us our owner and Chief Pilot, Skip Nichols, as well as 15 passengers, all of whom saw what was planned to be a special day turn into an unspeakable tragedy,' it said.

His best friend Alan Lirette added: 'That's the only thing I want to talk about, is that he's a great pilot. There's going to be all kinds of reports out in the press and I want a positive image there too.'

The NTSB is now looking at photos taken by the passengers hoping they will reveal more about the circumstances of the crash.

The balloon flew for about eight miles before going down. Authorities found the basket about three quarters of a mile from the balloon itself.

Tributes also poured in for air balloon pilot Skip Nichols (center, in a picture posted to Facebook last week), however, there were also troubling reports of his previous run-ins with the law

Authorities said there were no survivors after the hot air balloon carrying 16 people caught fire and crashed in Texas. The scene in Lockhart pictured above

The NTSB has issued two recommendations asking for greater oversight from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over hot air balloon tours for safety reasons.

The FAA's guidelines for hot air balloon rides require a one-mile visibility and a sky clear of clouds. There was a significant amount of fog after the crash. Weather experts are now taking part in the investigation.

The NTSB will look into the safety requirements at the company who operated the balloon tour - which could include weighing the passengers beforehand to make sure the aircraft can withstand them.

Philip Bryant of Richmond, Texas, who inspects and maintains equipment for other operators said the balloon that crashed had 'very good equipment, very new equipment.'

Nichols brought his balloon into his inspection facility in May 2014 and was issued a one-year recertification, Bryant said.

The manufacturer of Nichols' balloon mandates an annual inspection, he said, adding that he couldn't do it this year but believes Nichols took it to another inspector.

Judge Ken Schawe and a Texas DPS official told CNN investigators believe the balloon hit power lines, causing it to erupt in flames before it crashed. It was pictured before it went down by an onlooker
Children interviewed on the video after they watched the two beheadings

For the first time, ISIS have directly threatened the city of

ISIS butchers have filmed themselves beheading two men in front of children at a busy park.

The video, released from the terror group's news channel Wilayat Ninawa, shows two knife-wielding terrorists in commando gear with their faces on show delivering a rant in French.

In it, they threaten more attacks on the streets of Paris, Marseilles and Nice and call out President Francois Hollande before taking the small knives to decapitate the two victims.

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The video, released from the terror group's news channel Wilayat Ninawa, shows two knife-wielding terrorists in commando gear with their faces on show delivering a rant in French

The video was released on July 20 on ISIS terrorist channels and is labelled as coming from Wilayat Ninawa in Iraq

The video was released on July 20 on ISIS terrorist channels and is labelled as coming from Wilayat Ninawa in Iraq.

Wilayat Ninawa is one of ISIS' most important occupied territories, and includes the Iraqi city of Mosul.

The identities of the victims is still unknown, but there is speculation on forums the light-haired victim on the right in the video is European.

ISIS' butchers claim they are Iraqi Shiite soldiers that were captured in Nineveh Province, Iraq.

In the seven-minute clip, one of the ISIS executioners says: 'President Hollande - it will be repeated on your citizens in the streets of Paris, Marseilles, and Nice.'

Two men dressed in red overalls are on their knees in front of the terrorists and are accused in the video of being 'coalition spies'.

They are then brutally murdered in front of a big crowd which includes children as cars drive by sounding their horns.

The identities of the victims is still unknown, but there is speculation on forums the light-haired victim on the right in the video is European

In the seven-minute clip, one of the ISIS executioners says: 'President Hollande - it will be repeated on your citizens in the streets of Paris, Marseilles, and Nice.'

Two men dressed in red overalls are on their knees in front of the terrorists and are accused in the video of being 'coalition spies'

Both victims talk in pre-recorded filming on the video and news footage of the Nice attack in which Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel killed 84 people when he drove his truck through huge crowds celebrating Bastille Day.

After the two men are decapitated using small, serrated blades, children are interviewed about the beheadings.

Neither man put up a struggle when they are bundled to the floor face-down and have their heads pulled up as the executioners hunch over their bodies and dismember them.

One of the executioners holds the head of one victim to the camera as he continues his rant.
MP already faces lawsuit from Sir Philip after describing him as worse than fraudster Robert Maxwell

He said he planned to meet the Serious Fraud Office to discuss the case

The Labour MP Frank Field has stepped up his war of words with Sir Philip Green over the collapse of BHS, accusing him of 'evil' behaviour.

Mr Field said the billionaire tycoon had 'destroyed' workers' jobs and said he planned to meet with the Serious Fraud Office this week to discuss the case.

The MP - who headed the devastating parliamentary probe into the demise of the High Street retailer - is already facing a lawsuit from Sir Philip after describing him as 'much worse' than the notorious fraudster Robert Maxwell.

The Labour MP Frank Field (right) has stepped up his war of words with Sir Philip Green (shown left) over the collapse of BHS, accusing him of 'evil' behaviour

On Saturday, the tycoon warned Mr Field to cease his attacks. He hinted that he could withdraw plans to plug a 571million black hole in the BHS pensions scheme, if Mr Field's persisted with 'false' allegations that he and he family had 'plundered' the company.

In a letter to Mr Field, who chairs the commons work and pensions committee, Sir Philip stressed that he has 'no legal liability' to plug the giant shortfall in the BHS pensions scheme but is 'working hard' to come to solution.

But he added that Mr Field's 'defamatory' remarks, including 'allegations of theft' puts a 'solution at risk'.

As the row intensified, it emerged the Pensions Regulator has opened a fresh investigation into Sir Philip's Arcadia retail empire amid concerns about a growing shortfall in the pension scheme used for 14,000 Topshop and Dorothy Perkins staff.

Mr Field - who has led calls to strip Sir Philip of his knighthood  stepped up the rhetoric yesterday. He described as 'absurd', claims from Sir Philip that the commons Work and Pensions select committee acted as a 'kangaroo court' against him.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr Field said: 'The idea that it is a kangaroo court, it is just displacement therapy for him - facing up to the evil that he has done in destroying BHS, workers' jobs, and pension fund liabilities and a need now for him to do something about it, which is to write that big cheque.'

Sir Philip is under growing pressure to plug a giant deficit in the BHS pensions scheme which means that around 22,000 members face swingeing cuts to their pensions.

The tycoon told MPs in June he would 'sort it' and work with the Pensions Regulator to come up with a solution.

The MP - who headed the devastating parliamentary probe into the demise of the High Street retailer (pictured) - is already facing a lawsuit from Sir Philip after describing him as 'much worse' than fraudster Robert Maxwell

But MPs have grown frustrated by the failure to move more swiftly.

Mr Field said: 'This is the man that's responsible for the destruction of 11,000 jobs, putting 22,000 pensions at risk. He said he was going to 'fix it, fix it, fix it', when he was with us, when he was with is  he hasn't done so.'

He also revealed plans to meet with the Serious Fraud Office and the Pensions Regulator this week to discuss the BHS debacle.

A parliamentary report published last week described Sir Philip as the 'unacceptable face of capitalism', claiming that he and his family had withdrawn hundreds of millions of pounds in dividends from BHS while allowing a huge funding shortfall to build up in the pension fund.

BHS collapsed in April, barely a year after Sir Philip sold the retail chain to three times bankrupt former racing driver Dominic Chappell.

In total, 11,000 workers are set to lose their jobs as the last BHS stores close later this month.

Unless Sir Philip now steps in the scheme will fall into the Pension Protection Fund, with many former BHS workers facing a ten per cent cut to their retirement income.

Yesterday it emerged that a restructuring plan codenamed Project Atlantic has been put forward by Sir Philip and his advisers at accountancy firm Deloitte.

BHS collapsed in April, barely a year after Sir Philip sold the retail chain to three times bankrupt former racing driver Dominic Chappell

But it appears to have set alarm bells ringing at the Pensions Regulator.

Under the proposals BHS savers with pots of 18,000 or less would receive a lump sum payment. The remainder would be looked after in a new fund which would be boosted by a cash injection from Arcadia  the parent company that owns Top Shop, Dorothy Perkins and used to own BHS.

But it is understood that the Pensions Regulator is worried about the growing shortfall in the Arcadia pension scheme, which widened from 124.6million to 189.6million in its accounts in August last year.

It is looking at whether Arcadia is doing enough to plug the deficit.

Last night Arcadia declined to comment on Mr Field's latest allegations. But a source close to Sir Philip said the Labour MP had a 'vendetta' against him.

Responding to concerns about the Arcadia pension scheme, a spokesman said;
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A 470ft-long Japanese navy ship has sailed up the Thames and into London. JDS Kashima, which is on port call in London until Wednesday afternoon, passed under Tower Bridge at 1pm today and moored alongside HMS Belfast.

The ship is used for training Japanese sailors and is armed with a single Otobreda 76mm gun and two triple 324mm torpedo tube sets.

It also carries four saluting cannons, holds a crew of 370 cadets and is powered by two Mitsubishi S16U-MTK diesel engines.

A 470-ft Japanase navy ship has sailed up the Thames and into London. JDS Kashima, which is on port call in London until Wednesday afternoon, passed under Tower Bridge at 1pm and moored alongside HMS Belfast

The ship is used for training Japanese sailors and is armed with a single Otobreda 76mm gun and two triple 324mm torpedo tube sets

It also carries four saluting cannons, holds a crew of 370 cadets and is powered by two Mitsubishi S16U-MTK diesel engines

The ship is a vessel of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, which was formed after the Japanese Imperial Navy was abolished in the wake of World War II.

This the ship's first port call in London since 1902, when Britain and Japan forged the Anglo-Japanese Alliance.

In late autumn, Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters, tankers and convoy aircraft will visit Japan for the first-ever joint air drill with the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force.

In July 2000, while visiting New York, Kashima was involved in a minor collision with RMS Queen Elizabeth II.

The collision left a long scratch down the flank of the liner, and a dent in the warship's hull but the Japanese admiral took the incident with good humour and said 'it was an honour to be kissed by the Queen Elizabeth.'

The ship is a vessel of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, which was formed after the Japanese Imperial Navy was abolished in the wake of World War II
An Army medic charged in his wife's death will spend over two years in prison after being court-martialed for possessing child pornography and soliciting payment for sex.

Michael Walker pleaded guilty Saturday to solicitation and not guilty to possession of child pornography, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.

A military judge ordered Walker's rank reduced from sergeant to private and sentenced the 36-year-old to a dishonorable discharge.

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Army medic Michael Walker (pictured with wife Catherine in 2014), who is charged with conspiring with his lover to kill his wife, has been jailed for two years for possession child porn and soliciting payment for sex

Walker said in court that he placed advertisements in September 2014 and was paid for sex multiple times. 'My purpose was to find people to have sex with and at the same time to give me money,' he said.

Defense attorneys argued pornographic images and videos of children found on Walker's computer were dumped there in a massive file transfer. They say prosecutors did not prove Walker was the person who accessed the files.

An attorney pushed for leniency, saying Walker is seeking sex addiction treatment.

Stephen Walker said over the phone from Utah that the family wants to help his son 'and wants to see him recover from this.'

Walker's (left) lover, Ailsa Jackson, (right )pleaded guilty to murder in December and said in court that she stabbed Catherine Walker. Prosecutors say the duo planned to kill the 38-year-old together

Walker (left) pleaded guilty Saturday to solicitation and not guilty to possession of child pornography, but a military judge ordered Walker's rank reduced from sergeant to private and sentenced him to a dishonorable discharge

Walker has been in federal custody since he was arrested in November in the case of his wife's stabbing death. Her body was found in November 2014 at the Aliamanu Military Reservation home where she lived with her husband.

Prosecutors say Walker and his lover Ailsa Jackson planned to kill 38-year-old Catherine Walker.

Jackson pleaded guilty to murder in December and said in court that she stabbed Catherine.
Parades, mock military battles and huge demonstrations of strength marked Russia's 320th annual Navy Day.

Hundreds of thousands of patriotic Russians turned out to watch the show of force as President Vladimir Putin greeted soldiers and commanders in St Petersburg.

The Baltic Fleets newest ships were proudly paraded as missiles were launched and guns were fired.

And in one mock battle in the Bay of Amur, smoke screens were fired in an awesome display.

In one mock battle in the Bay of Amur, smoke screens were fired in an awesome display

Russian President Vladimir Putin (front R) is greeted by sailors as he visits the "Cruiser Aurora" Museum during the Navy Day celebrations in St. Petersburg, Russia

An anti-submarine warfare ship fires smoke screens during a ship parade in the Bay of Amur on Russian Navy Day

In Baltiysk sailors drilled anti-piracy action and showed off their new amphibious landing craft.

In Sevastopol, over 100,000 residents watched a grand military show which was organized by the Black Sea Fleet.

They were treated to mock artillery duels, mine-sweeping actions and anti-submarine warfare - and the navy even practiced rescuing resells in distress.

'The Navy Day is not only a national holiday, but also an old and glorious tradition,' the President said to sailors and their families.

He added that the government will continue its massive rearmament programme and will deliver cutting-edge surface ships and submarines

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) and Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (3rd R) visit the Russian cruiser Aurora on Russian Navy Day

The Baltic Fleets newest ships were proudly paraded as missiles were launched and guns were fired

Putin (background R) at a parade held to celebrate Navy Day on Senate Square in St. Petersburg

Putin greeted veterans who were treated to mock artillery duels, mine-sweeping actions and anti-submarine warfare - and the navy even practiced rescuing resells in distress

Navy Day  supposed to be a show of strength, skills, and capabilities  is held every year on the last Sunday of July.

Russias Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu said: We traditionally honour Navy servicemen and veterans, we congratulate workers of shipbuilding and repairing wharfs and research organisations of the military-industrial complex, all those who are inseparably connected with service at sea.

Parades were held across Russian ports, with the Pacific, Northern, Baltic and Black Sea fleets and the Caspian Flotilla all joining in the celebrations.

Navy Day  supposed to be a show of strength, skills, and capabilities  is held every year on the last Sunday of July

Parades were held across Russian ports, with the Pacific, Northern, Baltic and Black Sea fleets and the Caspian Flotilla all joining in the celebrations

Hundreds of thousands of patriotic Russians turned out to watch the show of force as President Vladimir Putin greeted soldiers and commanders in St Petersburg

Russian President Vladimir Putin (front L) listens to Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (front 2nd R) as they walk under the rain during the Navy Day celebrations
High-end car dealer Andrew Maylen (pictured), 48, who claimed he spent 50,000 a year on his Filipina lover Lynn Lozano, 39, was cleared of hitting her

A businessman who claimed he showered hundreds of thousands of pounds on a Filipina lover has been cleared of assaulting her.

High-end car dealer Andrew Maylen wept as the jury returned its verdict after five hours of deliberation.

The 48-year-old, of Bishops Stortford in Hertfordshire, had been accused of elbowing Lynn Lozano in the face and grabbing her wrist after treating her like a slave during their seven-year relationship.

But he told Chelmsford Crown Court she made up the attack to help with her bid to get a visa that would allow her to stay in Britain indefinitely.

He said he had lavished Miss Lozano with half a million pounds in gifts and financial assistance after meeting her in a bar in Manila where she had allegedly been working as a prostitute.

It was claimed he had set her up in a home in the UK and paid for luxury holidays as well as trips to top West End restaurants.

Mr Maylen had been in a long-term relationship with a woman in Britain, but he claimed he had fallen madly in love with angel Miss Lozano during his holiday to the Philippines in 2009.

They did not live together at any point, but Mr Maylen showered her with gifts including Mulberry handbags and a Tag Heuer watch.

However, Miss Lozano, 39  whose UK visa runs out in March 2017  claimed she was treated like a slave by her lover and had to beg for food and money.

In her evidence, she denied she was a prostitute when they met.

The court heard that they kept in touch initially by email but then Mr Maylen organised to bring her to Britain.

He said that when she arrived in October 2009 he paid for her to study health and social care at Stratford College of Management in Walthamstow, East London.

He also rented a property in Harlow for her.

The prosecution claimed that on January 25 this year tensions between the pair developed into a row when Mr Maylen allegedly grabbed her wrist and elbowed her in the face.

Two days later, when she reported the incident to police, officers noticed a bruise all around her left wrist.

He said he had lavished Miss Lozano with half a million pounds in gifts and financial assistance after meeting her in a bar in Manila (pictured) where she had allegedly been working as a prostitute

But Mr Maylen denied the assault ever took place.

He told the court: From the beginning she loved me, I was the best thing in her life, literally from days of meeting.

He added: She was aware I had a partner and a child. It didnt trouble her at all. I saw her as the future and she lived a life of Riley.

I was spending at least 50,000 a year on support, looking after her. In the seven years up to this allegation I have spent half a million pounds on her.

I took her out to top London restaurants. There was loads of food in the fridge. She had ample money, I gave her lots of cash.

'Whenever she wanted money I gave it. I was madly in love with her. I have been a real mug.

He was found not guilty of one charge of assault by beating.
Four Cabinet ministers who backed Remain  including previously avowed Eurosceptics Philip Hammond and Michael Fallon  are set to be knighted.

David Lidington and Patrick McLoughlin have reportedly been nominated for knighthoods after supporting the campaign to stay in the European Union.

And George Osborne was also nominated for a major honour by close friend and ally David Cameron, it was reported last night.

The former chancellor is to receive the Companion of Honour, a special award for those who have made an major contribution to the arts, science, medicine or government over a long period.

Chancellor Philip Hammond, left, and Defence Secretary Michael Fallon, right, are in line for knighthoods

MPs said the honours for the four ministers  proposed before Mr Cameron left Downing Street  probably reflected the former PMs expectation that the recipients would be sacked after he left office, and were for long service in public life.

However, all four either kept their jobs or were promoted by Theresa May. They all backed Remain  in particular Mr Lidington, who was not in the Cabinet but, as Europe minister, played a prominent role in the campaign in Parliament.

He has been promoted to Leader of the Commons by Mrs May.

Mr Hammond, who was Mr Camerons defence secretary then foreign secretary, has been elevated to Chancellor. Mr Fallon remains Defence Secretary.

Mr McLoughlin was Mr Camerons chief whip before becoming transport secretary. He has now been moved to the key post of Tory Party chairman by Mrs May.

Hugo Swire, a former Foreign Office minister, will also receive a knighthood. Of all the nominations, only John Hayes  who is in line for a CBE  campaigned for Leave.

He was Mr Camerons personal parliamentary aide and a security minister.

Mr Hammond and Mr Fallon had both expressed disdain for the EU. In 2013, Mr Hammond said he would side with then-education secretary Michael Gove and vote to leave unless the relationship changed.

Leader of the House of Commons David Lidington, left, and Conservative Party Chairman Patrick McLoughlin could also become 'Sirs' under the proposals

He said: If the choice is between a European Union written exactly as it is today and not being a part of that then I have to say that Im on the side of the argument that Michael Gove has put forward.

And, in the run-up to the referendum, Mr Fallon wrote in the Daily Telegraph: For as long as Britain stays in the EU, I shall go on being a Eurosceptic.

'Ive been wary of something that seems more like a process than an organisation.

The Order of the Companions of Honour was founded in 1917 to recognise services of national importance.
But now genetic tests have confirmed the black whale does really exist

Genetic tests confirm that a mysterious, unnamed species of beaked whale only rarely seen alive by Japanese fishermen roams the northern Pacific Ocean, according to research published this week.

The testing shows the black whales, with bulbous heads and beaks like porpoises, are not dwarf varieties of more common Baird's beaked whales, a slate-gray animal.

Japanese researchers sampled three black beaked whales that washed up on the north coast of Hokkaido, the country's most northern island, and wrote about them in a 2013 paper.

An illustration of the beaked whale provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Southwest Fisheries Science Center shows the animal's distinctive mouth

The challenge to confirm the existence of the new animal was finding enough specimens from a wider area for testing and matching genetic samples, according to Phillip Morin, a National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration research molecular biologist.

He and his team uncovered five other whales, all found in Alaska, that matched the species found in Japan.

'Clearly this species is very rare and reminds us how much we have to learn about the ocean and even some of its largest inhabitants,' he said in an announcement.

The largest beaked whale varieties can reach 40 feet and spend up to 90 minutes underwater hunting for squid in deep water.

They are hard to research because they may spend only a few minutes at the surface, Morin said by phone Thursday. They rarely breach, travel in small numbers and blend into their surroundings.

Phillip Morin Research Molecular Geneticist

Japanese fishermen reported occasionally seeing a smaller, black beaked whale that they called 'karasu,' the Japanese word for raven, or 'kuru tsuchi,' black Baird's beaked whale.

The Japanese researchers in 2013 were limited in declaring that they had found a new species because their three samples were from one location, said Morin, who works at NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Research Center in San Diego.

'My first idea was to go to our collection, where we have the largest collection of cetacean samples in the world,' he said.

In a paper published Tuesday in the journal Marine Mammal Science, Morin and fellow authors describe analyzing 178 beaked whale specimens from around the Pacific Rim. They found five that matched with the Japanese whales.

The oldest was a skull in the Smithsonian Institution recovered from the Aleutians in 1948 and formerly thought to be a Baird's beaked whale. Another specimen discovered in Alaska was in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History.

The Southwest Fisheries Science Center had tissue from a whale found floating in the Bering Sea.

It also had tissue from a black beaked whale stranded on Unalaska Island in the Aleutians in 2004. Local teachers and students had photographed and measured the animal, and its skeleton was put on display at Unalaska High School.

The most recent was a 24-foot, adult specimen that washed up in 2014 on St. George Island, in the Bering Sea. Residents notified Michelle Ridgeway, a marine ecologist with Oceanus Alaska, who documented the animal.

'We knew it was not any whale we knew from our area,' Ridgway said in the announcement.

Little is known about the range of the new species, although the St. George Island whale give a clue. The whale had scars from cookie-cutter sharks, which live in tropical waters and bite flesh from larger creatures, like a cookie cutter out of dough.

The testing shows the black whales, with bulbous heads and beaks like porpoises, are not dwarf varieties of more common Baird's beaked whales, a slate-gray animal

Morin said scientists have more questions than answers about the new species, which is about two-thirds the size of a Baird's beaked whale.

'They're hard to see, especially if the water is anything but perfectly calm,' he said, adding that acoustic research may help find them so they can be studied.

Japanese researchers are in the formal process of 'describing' the species, Morin said.
One person was killed and two people were seriously injured Saturday when a tourist bus skidded off the road and into a ravine in Norway, police and a rescue official said.

The accident happened in the mountains and fjords near the city of Aalesund, 340 miles northwest of Oslo, Norway's capital.

The bus was en route to Trollstigen, a steep road with a dozen of hairpin turns that leads to the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway's most visited tourist sites, when it fell into a ravine, rescue spokesman Tor Ivar Sjaastad.

The wreckage of a bus is seen in Valldal, near Geiranger, on the south west coast of Norway that saw one person killed

The Ukraine Foreign Ministry has said that the bus had 41 tourists from Ukraine on board, and that between eight and ten people were injured, with one person killed.

The Norwegian newspaper VG posted a photo of a white bus lying upside down with rescue personnel next to it. The newspaper said it had fallen 20ft into a ravine.

Police, who confirmed there had been one casualty, said on Twitter it was 'a foreign tourist bus' carrying approximately 40 people but did not provide further details. Norwegian media said the bus was from Ukraine.

The accident came on a steep road with a dozen of hairpin turns that leads to the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway's most visited tourist sites

Sjaastad said other passengers had been rescued from the bus and the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. He could not say how many were injured.
Supermarkets and min-markets in Magaluf are set to be banned from filling their shop fronts with alcohol.

A proposal to stop the practice was approved during the week at a full meeting of Calvia Council which has control over the party resort.

The move is part of an attempt by council chiefs to rid Magaluf, which made headlines around the world after a bar sex video went viral two summers ago, of its downmarket image.

Supermarkets and min-markets in Magaluf are set to be banned from filling their shop fronts with alcohol

Carlos Tarancon, whose booze proposal met with support from colleagues, said: 'We understand those businesses full of alcoholic beverages should be regulated and the display of those beverages limited, given that as well as alcohol, they also sell other products.'

He said the ban would help to tackle the problems associated with drunken tourism which have affected Magaluf.

Earlier this year a British lad nearly drank himself to death by downing 75 shots in a Magaluf bar.

Cameron Relf, 18, from Walsall, West Midlands, collapsed in the street and spent eight hours in hospital hooked up to a drip.

Council chiefs promised disciplinary measures against the premises after a police probe.

The move is part of an attempt by council chiefs to rid Magaluf, which made headlines around the world after a bar sex video went viral two summers ago, of its downmarket image

BRITISH POLICE HELP OUT IN MAGALUF British police officers started patrolling the streets of Magaluf in summer last year as part of a two-week trial to help Spanish authorities deal with victims and offenders from the UK. The two West Midlands Police officers stopped to speak to passers-by as they strolled through the popular party resort while revellers were seen sleeping off their hangovers nearby. The sergeant and the constable worked alongside officers from the Guardia Civil in Majorca before moving on to Ibiza for the second part of the scheme. Long popular with British tourists, the resort has struggled to deal with a recent increase in drunken and violent behaviour. Advertisement

Magaluf made headlines around the world two years ago after a British holidaymaker was filmed performing sex acts on 24 men for a cheap cocktail after a pub crawl.

New bylaws aimed at cleaning up Magaluf's battered image were passed by the local council in May last year with all-party support when the right-wing Partido Popular was still in charge of the town hall.

They included a ban on night-time street drinking and changes to the controversial pub crawls which have afflicted the party resort.

Under the modified by-laws, police were given powers to fine people consuming alcohol in groups who were making noise and being a nuisance, especially between the peak drinking hours of 10pm and 8am.

The night-time sale of take-away alcohol was also banned - and bars ordered to stop customers from taking drinks with them as they moved between pubs on the brash Punta Ballena strip where 95 per cent of revellers are British or Irish.

Councillors also announced cash penalties for people caught jumping from hotel balconies into swimming pools - a craze known in Spain as balconing - and men who take their shirts off away from the beach.

Last year saw the UK send out police officers to patrol the streets to help their Spanish colleagues deal with drunk Brits.
A passenger plane en route to Jamaica was forced to turn back to Manchester after the 'pilot noticed the 'autopilot didn't seem to work'.

The Thomson Airways Boeing 787 had just flown over Ireland and was making its way across the Atlantic Ocean when the decision was taken to head back to the UK.

Flight 136 was scheduled to land at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay after leaving Manchester just before midday yesterday (Saturday).

A Thomson Airways flight was forced to return to Manchester yesterday when the pilot found a 'problem with the autopilot'

One aviation news account on Twitter said that the problem concerned the autopilot that 'didn't seem to work'

The airline has said the problem was a 'technical issue', and would not comment further.

However one one aviation account on Twitter, FlightAlerts777, said that the reason for the aircraft returning to Manchester was 'due to pilot having concerns as autopilot didn't seem to work'.

When contacted by MailOnline Travel, the aviation account confirmed that this information had been passed on by a passenger on the flight, and that it 'was announced to the cabin' at the time.

A spokesperson for TUI Group told MailOnline Travel: 'Thomson Airways would like to apologise for the inconvenience to customers on flight TOM136 which returned to Manchester Airport as a precautionary measure due to a technical issue.

'We appreciate our customers' patience and understanding, and we'd like to take this opportunity to reassure everyone that the safety of our customers and crew is of paramount importance.'

This map shows the route the plane took before it had to turn back to Manchester Airport

Passengers were delayed at Manchester Airport while the 'technical issue' was investigated

The flight didn't leave Manchester until around 8.20pm last night (Saturday), arriving in Jamaica at 11.08pm local time.

The autopilot means the plane can be flown without full hands-on by the pilots, where a computer monitors things like speed, altitude and turbulence to adjust the flight accordingly.

Speaking to CNBC on exactly what the autopilot is, Paul Robinson, president and CEO of AeroTech Research said: 'Basically it is a computer that is running very, very fast.
She surprised friends, family members and fans with news of a second baby.

But on Saturday, it was Sally Obermeder's turn to be in awe after she was handed a gift during her 40th birthday and 15th wedding anniversary celebrations in Sydney.

The Daily Edition host couldn't contain her excitement while inspecting the gift closely, as her husband Marcus peered over her shoulder.

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Surprised: Sally Obermeder couldn't contain her excitement while inspecting a gift at her 40th birthday and 15th wedding anniversary party in Sydney on Saturday

Sally commemorated her birthday and her wedding anniversary alongside family and friends, including Sunrise's Samantha Armytage and The Morning Show's Larry Emdur at the waterside restaurant, Regatta Rose Bay.

The slender TV personality looked incredible at her exclusive party in a paisley print dress which billowed out and fell to the ground.

The expectant mother-of-one's party frock also boasted long sleeves and a keyhole neckline, treating admirers to a glimpse of her cleavage.

Fashionable attire: The 40-year-old stunned in a paisley print maxi dress paired with a faux fur jacket and strappy heels

Sally styled her brunette locks out and in tumbling waves, while opting for lashings of mascara and dark eyeliner to highlight her big brown eyes.

She boosted her petite frame in a pair of open-toe heels and kept warm in a faux fur coat.

Meanwhile, media personality Larry looked suave in a crisp button-up shirt teamed with denim trousers and brown boots.

But it was his wife, Slyvie, who stole the show in a monochrome strapless dress with a thigh-high split paired with open-toed boots.

Star-studded crowd: Larry Emdur and his wife Sylvie put on a stylish display as they made their way into the exclusive event

Later on that day, Larry paid tribute to the TV personality, writing on Instagram: 'Best day ever !! Huge Congratz @sallyobermeder and Marcus. An amazing day with so much to celebrate . 40th Birthday, 15th wedding anniversary and a new bub on the way ... We're gonna need more champagne .. Luv you guys.'

Samantha also made sure to write a gushing post about her dear friend on her respective social media account.

Uploading a group shot of everyone holding up a V hand sign, the 38-year-old journalist wrote: 'V is for Victory! She's having another baby... She's celebrating her 15th wedding anniversary... AND she's turning '40'... and she loves a V.'

'V is for victory': Sally was joined by her best gal pals who raised a V hand signal to signify her big news

'15 years together': The 40-year-old cuddled up to her husband for a loving picture

The party uploads come just days after Sally and her husband revealed in a post on Instagram that they would be welcoming a second child through the help of a surrogate in the US.

The TV personality, who was cleared of breast cancer in 2012, posted a sweet family photo to go along with the happy news.

'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.

Expanding their brood: The breast cancer survivor has confirmed she is having another baby through the help of a surrogate

Sally has been very open about her desire to expand her brood of three.

In an interview with New Idea magazine, the brunette beauty revealed that she could only have another child through surrogacy.

She said doctors had warned her that another pregnancy could risk her life.

'I've been told in no uncertain terms that it's far too dangerous for me to be pregnant again, in terms of the cancer returning,' she told the publication.

Sally's 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 wouldn't 'risk cancer returning' and surrogacy would be the only option.

Opening up: In an interview with New Idea magazine, the fashionista revealed she could only have another child through surrogacy




It's been 12 years since she stepped out of Carrie Bradshaw's high heels on her iconic Sex and the City series.

But Sarah Jessica Parker will return to TV screens in her new HBO comedy Divorce, and was her usual stylish self as she chatted about her new show at the Television Critics Association Summer Tour in Los Angeles on Saturday.

The 51-year-old Sex and the City star wore and a pair of stylish stilettos from her SJP shoe collection as she attended a panel in Beverly Hills on Saturday.

She is returning to TV! Sarah Jessica Parker stepped out in Beverly Hills on Saturday to promote her new HBO show Divorce at the Television Critics Association summer press tour

Coming soon: The 51-year-old actress was joined by the executive producer/writer Paul Simms (left), actor Thomas Haden Church (right of sarah) and executive producer/creator/writer Sharon Horgan (far right) during the show's panel discussion

But Sarah warned fans that her new character Frances is nothing like Sex and the City's Carrie.

'I dont think that we actually talked a lot about trying to make her different, I think this story is different,' she told Variety.

Sarah, who's been married to actor Matthew Broderick since 1997, continued, 'I was always interested in the story of marriage, and by virtue of that interest alone it was automatically different.'

'The only time we were cognizant of distinction was when we started talking about the wardrobe.

Buxom lady! The actress flaunted her cleavage in a multi-colored feminine frock as she warned that her new character Frances is nothing like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex And The City

Shoe endorsement: The fashionista strutted across the stage in a pair of gold or 'rish' colored satin pumps from her SJP shoe collection

'I think Frances was so much her own person from the moment I read the pilot, she was so distinct from not only Carrie but any character Ive ever played.'

The actress is excited to return to TV after more than a decade away which was spent making several films including two Sex And The City movies.

'I love television. I love the process, the schedule, the speed, the urgency, how important every detail is it didnt take long to feel natural again,' she told the publication.

The always-fashionable actress dressed her petite physique in a multi-colored feminine frock for the press day.

The long-sleeved design featured a plunging neckline showing off her ample cleavage and several silver necklaces which were layered on top of her tan decolletage.

All smiles: 'She was so distinct from not only Carrie but any character Ive ever played.' the blonde beauty told Variety during the panel

'I love TV': The mother-of-three is excited to return to television after more than a decade away, which was spent making several films including two Sex and the City movies

Divorce series details: Sarah, who's been married to Matthew Broderick since 1997, continued, 'I was always interested in the story of marriage, and by virtue of that interest alone it was automatically different'

The blonde beauty wore her lengthy highlighted locks down, styled with a slight wave and a middle part.

The blue-eyed star wore bright shadow and a glossy pout while adding multiple rings and bracelets to her chic look.

Sarah's slender stems were also on display as she strutted across the stage in the modest hemline which fell below-the-knee.

Fall TV: Divorce will premiere on October 9 at 10 p.m. on HBO

Old friends: Also at the TCAs on Saturday was Sarah Jessica's former Sex And The City co-star Cynthia Nixon

The gold or 'rish' colored satin pumps are from the shoe designers own collection, which are now available for purchase on Amazon.

The mother-of-three revealed the news that felt like hitting the 'jackpot' on the official SJP Collection Instagram page on Friday saying she'd been 'patiently waiting for this day to arrive.'

A lengthy caption thanking the Amazon team accompanied a playful shot of Sarah surrounded by her designs as she tossed a pink pump into the air.

First lady: The star was promoting National Geographic adaptation of Bill O'Reilly's book, Killing Reagan, in which she plays Nancy Reagan

Sarah and her longtime spouse have three children: James Wilkie, 13, and twins Tabitha and Loretta, seven.

Divorce will premiere on October 9 at 10 p.m. on HBO.

Also at the TCAs on Saturday was Sarah Jessica's former Sex And The City co-star Cynthia Nixon. who was promoting National Geographic's Killing Reagan.
She recently split from her on/off boyfriend and Geordie Shore co-star Aaron Chalmers.

But Marnie Simpson, 24, wasted no time setting her sights on a new man as she confessed she was flirting with Grant Bovey, 56, on Saturday's episode of Celebrity Big Brother.

Heading into the Diary Room after a night of boozing, the Geordie Shore star described her housemate as a 'dark horse' as she gushed that they had been flirting.

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Moved on: Marnie Simpson, 24, wasted no time setting her sights on a new man as she confessed she was flirting with Grant Bovey, 56, on Saturday's episode of Celebrity Big Brother

'Grant is a dark horse, I think he fancies us,' she giggled. 'I feel like me and Grant are flirting.'

Leaning back into the Dairy Room chair and chuckling to herself she explained: 'He is sexy, he looks like Kevin Spacey.'

She continued: 'Me and Grant have got a strong bond. He wants to have a full blown affair with me!'

'Sexy': Marnie gushed over her fellow housemate in the Diary Room adding that she believed Grant had been 'flirting' with her and wanted to have a 'full blown affair' with her as well

Her admission came after the brunette beauty struck up a saucy chat with Anthea Turner's ex-husband in the dining room.

After asking the film producer at what age he lost his virginity, she went on to question if he enjoyed spooning.

Explaining that she meant in what position he liked cuddling in bed, she asked if he preferred to be the 'little' or 'big' spoon as he warned: 'I've got to be careful what I say.'

Split: Marnie recently split from her on/off boyfriend and Geordie Shore co-star Aaron Chalmers

Divorced: Grant wed GMTV presenter Anthea Turner in 2000. They were happily married for 13 years and split after it was revealed he'd had an affair. They finalised their divorce in 2015

Earlier in the day, she also inquired about his split from GMTV presenter Anthea - who he divorced in 2015 after being caught having an affair.

Cutting straight to the point, she asked: 'Did you get bored?' to which he responded: 'No I got in a lot of personal trouble with my business and as a consequence... It's not an excuse.

Upon hearing that he then enjoyed a relationship with a younger woman, Marnie teased: 'So you like the youngers.' and he replied: 'I didn't go looking for it, it just happened.'

Within hours of entering the Celebrity Big Brother house, Marnie appeared to set her sights on the lothario, telling him he was 'sexy' and teasing 'Can we go on a date when we get out?'

No holding back: The brunette beauty struck up a saucy chat with Anthea Turner's ex-husband in the dining room, asking the film producer at what age he lost his virginity

Candid: The pair also discussed their spooning habits as well as their virginity

Elsewhere in the episode, Marnie was labelled the 'trashiest' housemate alongside Storage Hunters' Heavy D.

The decision was made by Christopher Biggins, who has been acting as the 'secret boss' of the house, and explaining his reasoning, the star said: 'I've seen her wardrobe space and lack of interest in anything she's going to wear.'

As a result of being picked, Marnie and Heavy were tasked with clearing out Big Brother's dump.

Holding the power: Elsewhere in the episode, Marnie was labelled the 'trashiest' housemate alongside Storage Hunters' Heavy D by 'secret boss' Christopher Biggins

Scrub up: As a result of being picked, Marnie and Heavy were tasked with clearing out Big Brother's dump




She welcomed her very first child three years ago.

And now that her boss Jeff Lewis is set to experience the power of parenthood, Flipping Out star Jenni Pulso is ecstatic.

The 43-year-old said at the DailyMail.com Summer White Party in Los Angeles on Wednesday, that she was 'so happy' for Jeff and his partner Gage Edward, who are becoming parents via surrogate.

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'I'm so happy for them': Jenni Pulos told DailyMail.com on Wednesday at the Daily Mail Summer White Party in Los Angeles that she was through the moon for parents-to-be Jeff Lewis and his partner Gage Edward

'I'm so happy for them to become parents because it's changed my life,' she said with a smile.

Jenni, who has three-year-old daughter Alianna with her husband Jonathan Nassos, also remarked that raising a toddler was even more taxing than working with Jeff.

'Dealing with a three-year-old is even more difficult than Jeff Lewis. He was great training,' she said.

For Alianna's third birthday, Jenni and Jonathan made sure their little girl was given the royal treatment.

Dads to be! Jeff Lewis and his partner Gage Edward, pictured in an episode of Flipping Out, will be welcoming a daughter via surrogate

White hot: The renovation star posed up with Terri Seymour and Lisa Vanderpump once inside the festivities

'She just turned three so we had an Anna and Elsa Frozen themed party, because she's a little princess,' Jenni said proudly.

Jenni and her boss have been Bravo fixtures ever since the premiere of their reality series Flipping Out in 2007.

The success of the show is something the reality star said she never expected.

'But we're so grateful we're still here,' she added. 'And people are still watching, so yay.'

Puppy love! The reality star grinned as a fellow party goer cuddled with his Pomeranian

Jeff revealed to People in May that he and Gage were going to become parents via surrogate.

Jeff and Gage, who headline Flipping Out for the cable network, are expecting a girl in October.

'We are very excited, but I'm also a little terrified,' Jeff said. 'I'm trying to decide if I'm more terrified or excited, but I think it's normal.'

Soaring: Jenni and and her boss, pictured in New York in May, have been Bravo fixtures ever since the premiere of their reality series Flipping Out in 2007
He tried a popular reality television series and formed part of a boy band, The Collective, in order to find fame.

But it appears things are finally taking off for former The X Factor Australia finalist William Singe, having scored a multi-million dollar record deal in the States with RCA - the label that's home to the likes of Sia, Usher, Justin Timberlake, Shakira and Miley Cyrus.

The lucrative deal looks set to make the 23-year-old, who hails from Sydney's Northern Beaches, the biggest new Australian artist signed to an American label.

He's got The X Factor! Former reality star and boy band member William Singe (L), 23, has scored a multi-million dollar record deal in the States that looks set to make him the biggest new Australian artist

Taking to Instagram on Saturday, the musician who boasts 476,000 Instagram followers, shared his excitement over inking the deal.

'So today all the hard work paid off, I'm happy to announce I've just signed to RCA Records and am so happy to have finally found the right family to call home,' William began the caption.

'I always grew up knowing nothing else but music and it was the only consistency in my life.'

'It was there for me for my first kiss, it was there for me when I fell in love, it was there for me when I had my heart broken, it was there for all my ups and downs but ultimately it's been there for me through it all, and the love I had for it only seemed to grow as I got older,' he added.

Track record: Having finished as a finalist on The X Factor in 2012, he soon joined boy band The Collective, but failed to reach the success he yearned for

Having finished as a finalist on The X Factor in 2012, he soon joined boy band The Collective, but failed to reach the success he yearned for.

The band, consisting of Trent Bell, Julian De Vizio, Zach Russell and Jayden Sierra, debuted their single Surrender, peaking in the top 10 in the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) charts.

But after, their following singles were unsuccessful, failing to break through the top 30, William quit the group in frustration.

Unsuccessful: William was part of The Collective, consisting of Trent Bell, Julian De Vizio, Zach Russell and Jayden Sierra, debuted their single Surrender, peaking in the top 10

William's unique interpretations of covers led him to become a YouTube sensation, using his social media presence to launch a new solo career.

Speaking with news.com.au about the decision to leave the group, he shared, 'it was an emotional process leaving the group.

'I was so naive to think once you sign, it's all good and you are a superstar.

'The naivete wore off. I had become great friends with those guys so it was a hard thing to do,' he added.

The big league: William has signed a multi-million dollar record deal with RCA - which is also home to artists Miley Cyrus (L) and Sia (R)

Creative: William's unique interpretations of covers led him to become a YouTube sensation, using his social media presence to launch a new solo career

Famous faces: The songwriter's renditions, including a remake of Drake's Hotline Bling, saw William become an online superstar. Pictured with One Direction's Niall Horan (L) and Harry Styles (R)

The songwriter's renditions, including a remake of Drake's Hotline Bling, saw William become an online superstar.

His remake soared to the top of Spotify's US viral chart, with more than 12 million views, and likened him to other big names scouting for the next big chart-topper.

William is already a high commodity with more than two million Facebook followers and a million YouTube subscribers.

But while he may have many adoring female fans, his insists his priority is on his music.

'Of course you love (screaming girls) but I think it is about the music and people latching on to a normal guy singing and playing music in his bedroom,' he also told news.com.au.

Now based in New York, William will return to Australia to kick off his national tour in September.
She'll be steaming up the screen next month as the Harley Quinn to Jared Leto's Joker.

But Margot Robbie proved a striking figure solo as she stepped out to promote Suicide Squad on Saturday.

The 26-year-old was the image of Hollywood elegance as she strode onto a New York City sidewalk in a black and white ensemble that accented her curvy physique.

Effortless chic: Margot Robbie looked ravishing in black and white as she stepped out to promote her upcoming film Suicide Squad in New York City

Her full-sleeved black top had no cleavage, but was sheer and fitted enough to complement her generous endowments.

The Dalby native tucked the top into a black skirt streaked with white floral patterns. A white bow-tied strap cinched the outer skirt over an internal, plain white one.

Her blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders in two ponytails, and she completed the look with a bright red purse and black ankle-strap stilettos.

One singular sensation: The Dalby native will be playing the iconic Harley Quinn opposite Jared Leto as the Joker

Her Saturday publicity rounds came on the heels of some generous praise from her Suicide Squad co-star, Will Smith.

The 47-year-old told The Herald Sun that when it came to the film's scene-stealers, 'There is no competition: Harley Quinn and the Joker.'

In an interview published on Saturday, he effused, 'There is something absolutely magnetic about that relationship. Its this weird superhero dysfunctional relationship ... and its SEXY.'

The The Wolf Of Wall Street actress has plenty of offscreen rapport with her female co-stars as well.

Scene-stealer: The 26-year-old's Suicide Squad co-star Will Smith told The Herald Sun that she and Leto's onscreen relationship was 'absolutely magnetic'

During a Friday night spot on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she discussed the fact that during filming, Cara Delevigne allowed her to apply a tattoo to her foot.

'We did "toe-mojis," we were calling them,' she said, 'where we tattoo the bottom of our toes with, like, little faces. But the thing about tattooing the bottom of your toes is it rubs off after a while, so we have to keep redoing them.'

Robbie swiftly caught the body art bug. Despite not obtaining a license, 'I've done about...almost 50 tattoos now,' she revealed to a startled Fallon.

Suicide Squad will be released on August 5.

Promotional rounds: The Whiskey Tango Foxtrot actress visited The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Friday and dished about tattooing her co-star Cara Delevigne
They left tongues wagging earlier this month, when they appeared in an elevator sex scene which turned out to be an amusing dream sequence.

And now Lachy Hulme has opened up about the on-screen chemistry he shares with Offspring co-star Asher Keddie.

Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph, the 45-year-old Australian actor revealed there's times the pair have had to 'stop looking at each other', to prevent uncontrollable fits of laughter on set.

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On-set dynamic: Offspring star Lachy Hulme (L) has opened up about working with co-star Asher Keddie (R)

'It got to a point last season where we were making each other laugh so hard during dramatic scenes that we had to stop looking at each other,' Lachy, who plays Dr Martin Clegg on the Channel Ten drama, explained.

He also said: 'To make Asher laugh while the cameras are rolling is my mission on the show.

'If I can make Asher lose her s*** in a scene I go home a happy man.'

Gold Logie award-winning actress Asher plays the central character of the show, entertaining and loveable obstetrician Nina Proudman.

Steamy: Lachy's comments come after the pair left tongues wagging earlier this month, when they appeared in an elevator sex scene which turned out to be an amusing dream sequence

Earlier this month fans were treated to quite an entertaining display from the talented pair in a sexual dream sequence of Nina's, situated in an elevator.

'Is it warm in here all of a sudden?' Nina casually enquired once inside the lift with Clegg.

Both characters breathed heavily while maintaining consistent eye contact, before ultimately giving in to their temptation once and for all.

Nina whipped off her denim blue jacket, before pushing Clegg up against a wall.

No doubt some serious sound effects from the characters came into play, only adding to the steamy atmosphere of their encounter.

In character: Lachy plays Dr Martin Clegg, while Asher plays central character Nina Proudman on the Channel Ten drama

But to make things a bit awkward, characters Cherie, Zara, Kim and Elvis were all spying on the pair from a gap in the wall.

And they just happened to take a glimpse of Nina and Clegg's shenanigans when they're in a bit of a compromising position.

Clegg's shirt was unbuttoned while his trousers were pulled down to reveal his black boxer shorts.

Meanwhile Nina was doing a handstand with her legs supported on Clegg's shoulders.

Just as hospital staffer Elvis took a snap of the pair, the racy scene came to a close and viewers learnt it was simply a dream sequence of Nina's.

Compromising position: Earlier this month fans were treated to quite an entertaining display from the talented pair in a sexual dream sequence of Nina's, situated in an elevator

But she still had to face the music the next day, and ir wasn't looking far from awkward for her.

'Did you have a sex dream about me?' Clegg asked her in the hospital the next day, where the pair both work.

'It was a work dream,' Nina insisted, hoping he'll believe the dream was of a more professional nature.

But there's no fooling Clegg as he then clarified: 'So the sexual activity transpired at work?'.

'Well sort of. We were stuck in the lift. I think that's a metaphor for..,' Nina drifted off, before nurse Kim intervened and asked, 'Were doors open?'.
She's been busy preparing for her upcoming nuptials with her Shark Tank fiance, Robert Herjavec.

But Kym Johnson let her hair down on Friday as she celebrated her bachelorette party at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas surrounded by her close friends.

Dressing up for the occasion, the 39-year-old showcased her lithe physique in a thigh skimming white frock and donned a bright pink sash with 'bachelorette' bejewelled across the front.

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Here comes the bride! Kym Johnson let her hair down on Friday as she celebrated her bachelorette party at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas surrounded by her close friends and dressed up for the occasion

Kym's white frock featured a handkerchief style hemline that hit her quite high on the thigh, showing off her incredibly toned dancer legs.

The beauty wore her blonde locks loosely curled around her shoulders with a veil on a headband to finish her bridal inspired party look.

Adding some extra sparkle she wore a pair of beige stilettos with jewel detailing across the ankles.

Bride to be: The 39-year-old showcased her lithe physique in a thigh skimming white frock and donned a bright pink sash with 'bachelorette' bejewelled across the front paired with a matching tiara and veil

Wild night: The lively crew Kym was with all donned pink tiaras and danced the night away at Jennifer Lopez's All I Have show

For makeup the professional dancer went with a natural look, highlighting her eyes with a subtle bronzed smokey eye and a pink pout.

Kym was joined by her entourage including Carson Kressley, Dancing With The Star professional Cheryl Burke and other pals, who all donned pink tiaras for the night.

The lively crew danced the night away at Jennifer Lopez's All I Have show and Kym was easily the standout of the night in her white dress.

Simple and chic: For makeup the professional dancer went with a natural look, highlighting her eyes with a subtle bronzed smokey eye and a pink pout

Kym and Robert began dating just over a year ago after they were partnered together on season 20 of the U.S series of Dancing With The Stars. They became engaged in February.

This will be the Australian beauty's first marriage, and Robert's second trip down the aisle.

Robert announced his separation from his wife Diane Plese last April after 15 years of marriage, they share three children.

Kym and Robert appear to still be on cloud nine after announcing their happy news, and the blonde star has been regularly flashing her new bling.
They've been dating for less than a year.

But Kate Moss and Count Nikolai von Bismarck have reportedly decided to take the next step in their romance after they were spotted during what appeared to be a proposal in Venice last month.

The Mirror Online reports that the couple were enjoying a romantic meal together in the city, before Nikolai was seen 'on one knee' exclaiming 'I love you' in Italian.

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Wedding bells? Kate Moss and Count Nikolai von Bismarck have reportedly decided to take the next step in their romance after they were spotted during what appeared to be a proposal in Venice last month

Restaurant owner Giovanni Fracassi told the website: 'He shouted out ti amo, and then went down on his knee. It was very romantic.

'He took out a ring and it was funny because he said its for after she is divorced. They were very much in love and she seemed so happy, I never saw her so happy before.'

He added that the table had been booked under a fake name, and that the couple were planning to tie the knot in a little church in Venice.

MailOnline have contacted a representative for Kate for comment.

Bride-to-be? Kate is reportedly engaged after her boyfriend was seen 'proposing' on their trip

Aisle be there! The couple are reportedly planning to tie the knot in a little church in Venice

If Kate is engaged, the star will have to wait a while before tying the knot, as she is still legally married to The Kills guitarist Jamie Hince.

The Vogue covergirl - who has a daughter Lila Grace, 13, with ex-partner, publisher Jefferson Hack - married Jamie in 2011, but the couple separated last year.

In February The Sun reported that Jamie was biding more time before he starts the alleged divorce proceedings, with friends of the rocker claiming he was furious about the models new reported romance.

Still together: If Kate is engaged, the star will have to wait a while before tying the knot, as she is still legally married to The Kills guitarist Jamie Hince - who she wed in 2011 and separated from last year

Meanwhile, Kate's new relationship may have been fated, as she knew Nikolai in his teens because of her friendship with his mother, Countess Debonnaire von Bismarck.

The photographer has also had quite the unconventional work history since at the age of 16 he jetted off to New York for work experience with world-renowned photographer Mario Testino, who had previously snapped his mother.

Next he went to Paris to study at the Parsons art school before heading back to the US, where he assisted the legendary Annie Liebovitz. Also working for her at the time was the Duchess of Cambridge.
She's been flaunting her enviable curves in a range of bikini snaps on social media, while soaking up the balmy climes in Bali.

But on Saturday, Lindy Klim took to Instagram to share a rather sweet snap of her cuddling up to her seven-year-old son Rocco.

The brunette beauty was seen reclining on a sun lounger in the post captioned, 'pool siestas with a daddy long legs'.

'Pool siestas': Lindy Klim took to Instagram on Saturday to share a rather sweet snap of her cuddling up to son Rocco on a sun lounger at their luxurious Bali abode

The snap showed the Balinese princess covering up her bronzed curves as she cuddled up to her young son she shares with her former partner Michael Klim.

Appearing to sport a patterned two-piece, Lindy looked a picture of content as she closed her eyes for the sweet moment.

Meanwhile son Rocco looked equally at ease as he embraced his famous mother while donning Bonds swimmers.

This is the life! The Balinese princess spent another day by a luxurious swimming pool, showing off her fantastic figure in a nude two-piece

A week earlier, the statuesque star took to Instagram to show off her fantastic figure in a nude two-piece, before slipping into a sexy black bikini as she relaxed in the sun.

'Cheers to a great weekend,' she captioned one image.

Lindy, who is the estranged wife of Australian Olympic swimmer Michael Klim, looked blissfully happy as she posed up a storm in front of a beautiful sea-front view.

Sizzling! The busy mother of three then slipped into a sexy black bikini

Time of her life! The brunette beauty happily showcased her enviably trim curves and statuesque frame

Flaunting it: It comes after a short trip to Los Angeles with her new boyfriend Adam Ellis

Her trip in her homeland comes after a short travelling stint to Los Angeles with her new boyfriend Adam Ellis.

The mother-of-three separated from Olympic star Michael - who is now dating fashion designer Desiree Deravi - in February after 10 years of marriage.

Speaking with Daily Mail Australia, the pretty model confessed she didn't predict falling back in love so soon after her recent split.

New flame: Lindy is seen here at a Sydney event in May with her new man Adam (pictured)

'[It's] completely not what I expected, to fall back into another relationship, but he's so lovely,' she said cheerfully. 'It's about time I got on with my life.'

Michael and Lindy, who tied the knot in 2006, announced their separation in a joint statement after months of speculation in February.

The pair's management told news.com.au: 'It is with much respect for each other that Michael and Lindy Klim have agreed to formally separate, believing that this decision is best for their family.

'Michael and Lindy's children will always remain their highest priority, and their happiness will be Michael and Lindy's primary focus. We ask that you respect their privacy at this time.'
James Corden is set to become a primetime American TV star after wowing Hollywood with his late-night talk show.

The former Gavin & Stacey star has won rave reviews since starting his chat show on the CBS network last year.

Now executives have been in talks about offering him a primetime slot, for fear of losing him to a rival broadcaster.

In demand: James Corden has won rave reviews since starting his chat show on the CBS network last year

Although his Late Late Show airs past midnight, his comic skits have proved a hit online.

His Carpool Karaoke singalongs have attracted guests including First Lady Michelle Obama, and an episode featuring Adele has amassed 119 million views.

Corden also earned critical acclaim as host of the Tony Awards for Broadway theatre.

'James has become one of the most wanted men in Hollywood,' a source said. 'He has been getting all sorts of offers and CBS doesn't want to risk losing him.

'The plan is for a primetime variety show which showcases all his talents. The move will happen sooner rather than later. The talks started last week.'

CBS, which has paid 3 million to extend Corden's contract for two years, declined to comment.
She's one of Australia's biggest modelling exports.

And Shanina Shaik proved just how she landed that title as she sizzled in a post-workout selfie shared to Instagram on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Victoria's Secret Angel flaunted her endlessly toned legs, pert posterior and a hint of side boob, in a high-cut black one-piece.

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Sizzling: Shanina Shaik, 25, flaunted her endlessly toned legs, pert posterior and a glimpse of side boob in a post-workout selfie shared to Instagram on Sunday

'When your feeling yourself after the gym (sic),' she captioned the shot, shared with her 767,000 Instagram followers.

Posing sideways in front of a vertical mirror, Shanina flaunted the results of her workout regime while sporting the revealing swimsuit.

The cut of the swimmers highlighted her lean limbs and toned derriere, while a gaping side flashed a glimpse of side-boob.

While smouldering for the camera, her signature dark tresses appeared to be freshly washed.

Loved up: A mere few moments later, Shanina took to the site again to share her excitement over her beau DJ Ruckus joining her in Namibia

A mere few moments later, Shanina took to the site again to share her excitement over her beau DJ Ruckus joining her in Namibia.

'When a man loves a woman,' the familiar face began the caption.

'Thank you for coming to Namibia @djruckusofficial,' she continued alongside a love heart and winking face emoji.

Striking: Just a day prior, the model who shares Lithuanian, Pakistani and Saudi Arabian descent, took to the social media site to share a stunning snap focusing on her facial features

Shanina has never been shy in flaunting her model looks, often taking to Instagram to share a number of selfies.

Just a day prior, the model who shares Lithuanian, Pakistani and Saudi Arabian descent, took to the social media site to share a stunning snap focusing on her facial features.

The photo which was simply captioned with the hash-tag 'National Lipstick Day', saw Shanina opting for a glamorous make-up look while sporting a statement necklace that drew attention to her delicate decolletage.

The media personality's almond eyes were accentuated with winged eyeliner, while her famous pout was covered with a slick of dark red colour.

Not shy: Shanina often takes to Instagram to share a number of envy-inducing snaps

The stunning snaps come after the Seafolly ambassador opened up about the infamous fight between her fiance DJ Ruckus and former flame Tyson Beckford.

Reports surfaced that the two males, who used to be close friends, were fighting over the statuesque model, following an appearance at a club in New York.

In an interview with the New York Post, Shanina explained that her musician beau attempted to keep the fight from her, so she could focus on her modelling commitments.

Revealing all: The stunning snaps come after the Seafolly ambassador opened up about the infamous fight between her fiance DJ Ruckus and former flame Tyson Beckford

Her former flame: It was reported that Tyson Beckford (pictured) got into a fight with DJ Ruckus over Shanina, following an appearance at a club in New York

'I didn't know anything was going on. Then I got a call from my fiance,' she said adding, 'it happened a few days prior to him notifying me.

'He didn't want to get me off-track [from work]. Yeah, it was a very weird situation,' the Melbourne-born beauty continued.

Shanina's comments come a month after she shrugged off their feud as 'funny' while speaking to Daily Mail Australia at an exclusive event in Sydney.

'It was funny at the time,' she said, adding: 'I wasn't even in town and I was working so I didn't know what was happening.'
Today Show colleagues Peter Stefanovic, 34, and Sylvia Jeffreys, 30, announced their engagement earlier this month.

And now, Sylvia has revealed in an interview with Kate Waterhouse, for her Date With Kate column published on Sunday, that her soon-to-be brother-in-law Karl Stefanovic can be a bit of a 'ratbag'.

The 30-year-old joked that it is fun working beside Karl, although cheekily added: 'Is there somewhere to divorce your brother in law?'

Exciting times: Today Show colleagues Peter Stefanovic and Sylvia Jeffreys announced their engagement earlier this month but Sylvia joked with Kate Waterhouse about wanting to 'divorce' her future brother-in-law

Sylvia added: 'He is fantastic and he, obviously has a reputation for being a ratbag, which he probably deserves, but also is a very generous and supportive person.'

She and Karl have worked closely over the years on the Today Show and she gushed about how much she enjoys working beside him and Lisa Wilkinson.

'Obviously working next to Karl is a bit of a rollercoaster and sometimes a challenge in itself but a fun one,' she cheekily added.

Family feud: The 30-year-old joked that it is fun working beside Karl, although cheekily added 'Is there somewhere to divorce your brother in law?'

Kind words: Sylvia added: 'He is fantastic and he, obviously has a reputation for being a ratbag, which he probably deserves, but also is a very generous and supportive person'

When it comes to her and Pete's upcoming nuptials, the blonde explained Karl is excited about the bucks night more than anything and has already started to plan it.

Peter popped the question to Sylvia in France while holidaying in Europe and after announcing the news on social media they called their colleagues on the Today Show.

When they returned to work Karl wasn't holding back at taking a dig at his younger brother as he admired Sylvia's new sparkler.

Cheeky: When Sylvia and Peter returned to work Karl wasn't holding back on taking a dig at his younger brother as he admired Sylvia's new sparkler

Karl held on to her hand and muttered: 'God he's cheap', on closer inspection of the prized bling.

'I can hardly see it', he joked as he put on his glasses for a proper inspection.

Despite his ribbing Karl appears to be delighted that the couple are now engaged and Sylvia revealed that her beau worked alongside Nader Jewellers in Sydney to create the perfect sized bling.
She's the 'it' girl on the small screen, having earned critical acclaim in Foxtel's The Kettering Incident.

But despite coming to attracting the attention of viewers and producers, Tilda Cobham-Hervey reveals that she often struggles with the term 'actor'.

Speaking with News Corp Australia, the 22-year-old shared she would send strangers anonymous letters to stay connected with the outside world: 'I'd send them stuff'. Scroll down for video

Candid: The Kettering Incident's Tilda Cobham-Hervey, 22, shared in an interview with News Corp Australia that she often struggles with the term 'actor'

Playing lost soul Eliza Grayson, whose close friend goes missing in an isolated town, she finds pleasure in everyday things such as cheese toasties and mindless television.

But for the Adelaide-born actress, she 'still finds the word "actor" completely petrifying'.

In order to find herself still connected to the wider community, she revealed to the news source she would send anonymous letters to strangers.

Quirky: In order to find herself still connected to the wider community, the Adelaide-born actress also revealed she would send anonymous letters to strangers

'People could sign up on this website and then I'd send them stuff.

'Some are really long letters, some things are really silly. It's just this idea of how fun it is to get something in the post.'

Despite her struggle to come to terms with fame, the pixie-like star has come a long way since her early days when she starred in a Myer commercial.

Before fame: Back in 2014, Tilda starred in Myer's campaign, which saw the retail chain ditch its 'my store' slogan in favour of 'find wonderful'

Back in 2014, Tilda starred alongside Jennifer Hawkins in its campaign, which saw the retail chain ditch its 'my store' slogan in favour of 'find wonderful'.

And in keeping with the new catchphrase, Myer added a younger face for its advert in the form of the brunette.

While Kris Smith and Laura Dundovic were all revealed as ambassadors for the brand - Tilda was brought on to feature in the company's new commercial at the time.

It girl: The doe-eyed brunette has earned critical acclaim in Foxtel's The Kettering Incident

The new ads were aimed at a younger and more contemporary shopper and were thought to have cost the company several million.

The campaign saw the young actress walking through an animated black and white landscape, riding on the train and looking into rooms, while she asked the audience, 'Ever wonder where wonderful went?'

Myer revealed it chose Tilda because she fitted the new direction it was taking.
It was back in 2013 when the Mix FM network announced they would re-brand as KIIS FM, with Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O added to the on-air line-up after jumping ship from Austereo's 2Day FM.

And since then the Australian Radio Network's (ARN) KIIS stations have enjoyed continued ratings success, which Kyle seems to be happy to take credit for.

'There was never a doubt in my mind KIIS was our home for the long haul, because I made it! It's my baby,' the 45-year-old shock jock said in an official ARN statement on Sunday morning, as Kyle and Jackie O's five-year contract extension was announced.

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Top radio stars: Kyle Sandilands (L) seems to be happy to take the credit for the Australian Radio Network's KIIS FM's ratings success after he and co-host Jackie O (R) jumped ship to the network from Austereo's 2Day FM

'Jackie and I are still doing what we love and doing it better than ever,' he added.

Kyle and Jackie O announced in August 2013 that they were leaving 2Day FM after 14 years with the Austereo network.

They kicked off the following year with a new breakfast show at KIIS 106.5 FM, previously known up until that point as Mix 106.5 FM.

They managed to double the number of breakfast listeners a year later to 532,000, and have maintained a steady top position in the FM radio ratings.

Confident: 'There was never a doubt in my mind KIIS was our home for the long haul, because I made it! It's my baby,' the 45-year-old shock jock said in an official ARN statement on Sunday morning, as Kyle and Jackie O's five-year contract extension was announced

Ratings success: The on-air duo have enjoyed continued ratings success since fronting KIIS FM's breakfast radio show

Previously: Kyle and Jackie O previously hosted a breakfast radio show with Austereo's 2Day FM from 2005 till the end of 2013

Kyle's comments about KIIS FM 'being my baby' come after the media personality was named Radio Today's Most Influential Man On-Air this year.

Meanwhile Jackie O's dedication to the popular breakfast show has also been noted, as Radio Today editor Blair Sullivan told news.com.au last month that Jackie is a formidable force behind the scenes.

Kyle and Jackie's working relationship began in 1999, when the outspoken male personality joined the blonde beauty for the national nightly countdown on Austereo's Network (broadcast from Sydney station 2Day FM).

The pair then moved to drive-time before being bumped up to the highly sought-after breakfast slot at the beginning of 2005.

They also continued to host the countdown show The Hot Hits until August 2009.

King Kyle: Kyle's comments about KIIS FM 'being my baby' come after the media personality was named Radio Today 's Most Influential Man On-Air this year

Big move: Kyle and Jackie O announced in August 2013 that they were leaving 2Day FM after 14 years with the Austereo network - the pair pictured at the Sydney KIIS FM studios earlier this year

Going strong: The on-air duo have maintained a top position in the ratings, month after month

On Sunday news emerged that Kyle and Jackie O secured a five-year deal, reportedly worth over $30 million.

According to The Sunday Telegraph, the duo negotiated their new contracts separately for the very first time since their breakfast show began in 2005, with Jackie admitting she's happier with how it's all turned out, saying: 'I am extremely happy with the deal I got this time which is what I feel like I'm really worth'.

Jackie admitted she doesn't know and doesn't want to know what deal Kyle has negotiated, and the shock jock refused to comment on the new contract.

New deal: Kyle and Jackie have inked a new five-year contract with KIIS FM and Australian Radio Network, reportedly worth over $30 million

'It's what I feel like I'm worth': Jackie has said she is happy with her new contract, which reportedly pays $2.2 million a year with ratings-based bonuses meaning she could earn $16 million over five years

Staying put: The new deal means the popular breakfast radio duo will stay put at the station, despite reports earlier this year, their former station 2DAY FM was trying to lure them back

The publication reports the pair are set to earn $2.2 million a year, which could rise to $3.6 million a year thanks to ratings-based bonus incentives.

This means, each of them could earn around $16 million each over five years, taking the total value of their new contract over the $30 million mark.

The five-time winners of the Best On-Air Team Commercial Radio Award are miles ahead of their competitors in the all important ratings.

While there were rumours earlier this year the pair were being lured back by Austereo to return to 2DAY FM, called Operation Get Kyle Back, which Austereo representatives denied to Daily Mail Australia.

Pulling out all stops: The five-time winners of the Best On-Air Team Commercial Radio Award are miles ahead of their competitors in the all important ratings

'SCA is strongly committed to its new breakfast show on 2DayFM and we look forward to many great years ahead with Rove & Sam,' a spokesperson said in January.

'They are a perfect fit for our positive culture and team environment. SCA is not in discussions with Kyle and Jackie O to return to 2DayFM, or any other station in the Hit Network.'

At the time, Kyle's business manager Andrew Hawkins, said the pair are happy where they are and do not have any plans to switch stations.

And a spokesperson from KIIS FM told Daily Mail Australia: 'While we can't comment on specific contracts, we've had a great partnership with Kyle & Jackie O, from launching the new KIIS 1065 station in Sydney in 2014, to ratings success and building one of the most highly engaged audiences in broadcast media.

Being replaced? Reports persist Rove McManus and Sam Frost are set to be replaced in the new year as they struggle to lift their ratings

First year: The pair took to the airwaves together in November 2015, soon after Sam finished up on The Bachelorette, with the duo replacing The Dan & Maz Show but have failed to greatly lift rating since taking over

Didn't quite translate: Hit drive-time show The Dan & Maz show didn't quite carry it's audience to the breakfast slot in 2015 with Dan Debouf and Maz Compton coming off-air in October to make room for Rove & Sam

'They have an incredible show with an extraordinarily loyal fan base and we see them as an integral part of the entire KIIS network. '

Meanwhile, with ratings remaining low for Rove & Sam's radio show, the newspaper reports the network are looking for replacements for the embattled show in the new year.

Rove McManus and Sam Frost took to the airwaves last November in a new breakfast radio show, straight after Sam came off The Bachelorette, which made her a household name.

The pair took over from The Dan & Maz Show but failed to greatly lift rating since taking over the airwaves.

The first breakfast host lineup on 2Day FM following Kyle and Jackie's departure featured Sophie Monk, Jules Lund and Merrick Watts.

Former hosts: The first breakfast host lineup on 2Day FM following Kyle and Jackie's departure featured Merrick Watts, Sophie Monk and Jules Lund, along with guest presenter Mel B
Jordana Brewster cut a stylish figure in a black and white frock while on a grocery run in Los Angeles.

The 36-year-old headed inside a Whole Foods on Saturday dressed in a patterned Ella moss halter dress that grazed her ankles.

The actress complimented the summer piece with ribboned sandals, layered necklaces and a straw bag she slung over one shoulder.

Stunner: Jordana Brewster cut a stylish figure in a black and white frock while on a grocery run in Los Angeles

The Fast And The Furious star chose a two-tone frock that had a dropped waist and halter neckline, revealing her toned arms and decolletage.

Jordana hit the pavement in beige and black lace up sandals, adding a straw bag for a summery touch.

The mother of two shielded her eyes with small framed sunglasses and wore a watch with rings for pops of sparkle.

The movie star layered a nameplate necklace over a pendant piece while rockeing multiple earrings.

Flawless lady: The 36-year-old headed inside a Whole Foods on Saturday dressed in a patterned halter dress that grazed her ankles

Jordana styled her dark brunette tresses loose with a slight wave, opting for a center part.

The Dallas star showed off her natural beauty and flawless complexion by choosing to go makeup free.

Her new series, Lethal Weapon, is set premiere on Fox in September; the beauty plays Dr. Maureen 'Mo' Cahill on the action show.

Last week, Jordana shared a photo while getting her makeup done at 5 AM for the series, captioning it: 'day one lethal weapon.'

Focused: The actress complimented the summer piece with ribboned sandals, layered necklaces and a straw bag she slung over one shoulder

Ready for work: Last week, Jordana shared a photo while getting her makeup done at 5 AM for the show, captioning it: 'day one lethal weapon'

The beauty is mom to two children: two-year-old son Julian and Rowan, who was born on June 9; both were born via gestational surrogate.

She is married to producer Andrew Form; the couple wed in May 2007 after first meeting on the set of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning.

Earlier this summer, Jordana attended the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows premiere with her husband and son Julian; Andrew is one of the producers of the film.

The dark haired beauty is set to star in Fast 8, reprising her role as Mia; the film will be released April 14, 2017.

'Chillin': The beauty is mom to two children: two-year-old son Julian and Rowan, who was born on June 9; both were born via gestational surrogate; pictured with Rowan
She has the kind of good looks that would turn every head in her direction.

And Hailey Baldwin was once more bound to have all eyes on her Saturday when she shared a flirty snap of herself, clad in a black bikini that flashed her cleavage while she straddled a patriotic flotation device.

The 19-year-old was floating in a pool and sipping on her juice as her legs dangled into the bright blue water.

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All American girl: Hailey Baldwin once more had all eyes on her on Saturday when she shared a flirty snap of herself, clad in a black bikini while straddling a patriotic flotation device

Her hair was slicked back and wet, indicating she had just taken a refreshing dip.

Hailey looked relaxed as she took a breather on the inflatable eagle, which also had an American flag design.

Goofballs! The catwalk queen also shared a silly video of herself with good friend Kendall Jenner, having some fun with a microphone that distorted the sound of their voices

That doesn't sound like you! The video begins with Kendall giving the microphone a go, laughing hysterically at the sound of her robotic voice

The catwalk queen also shared a silly video of herself with good friend Kendall Jenner, having some fun with a microphone that distorted the sound of their voices.

The video begins with Kendall giving the microphone a go, laughing hysterically at the sound of her robotic voice.

Hailey then grabs the microphone for herself, yet immediately she winds up knocking the device against her teeth.

Curiousity killed the cat? Hailey then grabs the microphone for herself, yet she immediately winds up knocking the device against her teeth

Moment of impact: The model reached for her mouth after knocking the microphone against her teeth

But Hailey seems to take the impact in stride, as she doubles over in apparent laughter.

'I would lol if my tooth chipped,' Hailey captioned the video.

This month, Alec Baldwin's niece became the face of The Daily Edited, a Sydney-based luxury brand for which she's also designed a collection.

She also starred in the new Hilfiger Denim ad campaign alongside modeling colleague Lucky Blue Smith.
As a Victoria's Secret model, she is used to flaunting her impeccable figure.

And Stella Maxwell did not disappoint when she attended the 2016 Maxim Hot 100 Party in Hollywood on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old model left little to the imagination in a racy black lace gown that showcased her endless stems and flawless physique.

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Leggy blonde! Stella Maxwell showcased her endless stems in a racy black gown at the 2016 Maxim Hot 100 Party in Hollywood on Saturday night

In celebration of MAXIM's annual survey of the world's most beautiful women, the iconic magazine brought the list to life at this years 16th Annual MAXIM Hot 100 Party, produced by Karma International, on Saturday, July 30th at The Hollywood Palladium in LA.

The event was hosted by Stella Maxwell and featured a headlining performance by Iggy Azalea, a DJ set by Nick Cannon & a special performance by RedOne.

Her full-length number was partially created from delicate sheer lace fabric that included cutouts along one side, revealing her toned torso.

She was left with little modesty in the provocative dress, as one breast was covered just enough with the see-through floral material.

Showstopper! The Victoria's Secret Angel flaunted her phenomenal figure in a revealing cutout lace dress

Eye-popping! The 26-year-old supermodel left little to the imagination in the provocative number

The Irish beauty styled her silky blonde tresses straight and parted down the centre for a dramatic effect and wore a shimmering eye shadow with nude glossy lip.

Also in attendance was Charlotte McKinney, 22, who showed off her long, bronzed legs in a tight-fitting black mini dress which she paired with sexy lace-up stilettos.

MTV's Ridiculousness host Chanel West Coast, 27, flashed a hint of her bare midriff in a black leather corset-style top which she paired with a blue suede skirt.

Showing some leg: The model, who famously had a fling with Miley Cyrus last year, smoldered for the camera

Tied up! Charlotte McKinney, 22, showed off her long, bronzed legs in a tight-fitting black mini dress which she paired with sexy lace-up stilettos

Busty babe: Amber Rose, 32, put on quite the eye-popping display while attending the Maxim Hot 100 party in Hollywood on Saturday

Stunning: Mel B flaunted her enviably toned legs in a daring thigh split red gown that exposed her hips as she arrived with husband Stephen Belafonte

Gene Simmon's daughter, Sophie, 24, skipped a blouse altogether and attended the affair in a bra-let and black trousers.

While she is no stranger to being on hot lists, model Chanel Iman's outfit is bound to land her on another list all together, namely the worst dressed list.

The catwalk star wore a bizarre outfit that looked like an all-in-one bodysuit and pant combination despite being made up of a silk top and pinstriped pants.

Sensational: Mel's finely toned figure came after a lot of hard work and dedication at the gym

Mwah! Amber greets Mel on the red carpet as the latter's husband Stephen looks on

Sheer daring: Australian rapper Iggy Azalea showed off her famous curves in a sheer black dress

Wowing the crowd: The blonde bombshell later changed her outfit to perform for the celebrity crowd

Talented: Singer Adeline Mocke gave all the guests a run for their money wearing a Stello dress to the event

Shinning bright: Dorothy Wang rocked a gold dress while her Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills co-star Morgan Stewart wore a rose gold colour

MAXIM mixed all the right ingredients to create one of the most aspirational, exclusive, publicized events of the year. Guests were treated to the Best Damn Root Beer floats around, while seeing a behind-the-scenes fashion shoot with Pure Model Club and some of the world's most beautiful models.

Glam touch ups for all models was provided by Gallany Cosmetics, while fashion shopping demos were presented by retail app, Markable. Fun play with Swagtron's smart boards were also in store, while CIROC Vodka and Don Julio 1942 provided specialty sips for all partygoers to enjoy.

Not her best: While she is no stranger to being on hot lists, model Chanel Iman's outfit is bound to land her on another list all together, namely the worst dressed list

Style misstep: The catwalk star wore a bizarre outfit that looked like an all-in-one bodysuit and pant combination despite being made up of a silk top and pinstriped pants

Refreshing rose water and saffron beverages were be provided by H2rOse, in addition to amplifying drinks by Monster Energy, while VIPs party with the worlds social elite and took safe rides home by LYFT Premier, where luxury vehicles helped party goers get home safely and in style.

Can't be tamed: Golnesa 'GG' Gharachedaghi from Shahs of Sunset risked a wardrobe malfunction

Watch out the Kardashians: Actress Eva Marcille rocked a latex House Of CB dress which Khloe Kardashian has also been known to wear

It was a rare fashion misstep for the beauty who is often looked to for style inspiration.

Model Sophia Miacova, 22, showed off all her best assets in a see-through black lace dress that exposed her bra and underwear.

The wife of Motley Crue member Nikki Sixx, Courtney, 30, flashed some skin in a white lace see-through two-piece ensemble with pencil skirt and cropped top.

Bra-vo! Sophie Simmons, 24, skipped a blouse altogether and attended the affair in a bra-let and black trousers

Lingerie: Model Sophia Miacova, 22, showed off all her best assets in a see-through black lace dress that exposed her bra and underwear

Bucking the trend: Singer Jessica Sutta wore a romper to the Karma International event which saw mainly saucy gowns go down the carpet

White hot! Australian beauty Emily Sears, 31, showcased all her feminine curves in a backless, floor-length gown with long, flowing train

Australian beauty Emily Sears, 31, showcased all her feminine curves in a backless, floor-length gown with long, flowing train.

Canadian model Natalie Halcro shimmered in a satin metallic plunging gown which revealed her ample bosom and curvaceous hips.

Gold was a go-to colour for the event, with Dorothy Wang rocking the shade while her Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills co-star Morgan Stewart wore a rose gold colour.

Golden globes! Canadian model Natalie Halcro (left) shimmered in a satin metallic plunging gown which revealed her ample bosom, while Nicole Murphy showed a lot of cleavage in a risque yellow number

Sheer beauty! The wife of Motley Crue member Nikki Sixx, Courtney, 30, flashed some skin in a white lace see-through two-piece ensemble with pencil skirt and cropped top

Revealing! Maryse Ouellet, 33, showed some serious sideboob in a black plunging satin gown with thigh high slit on the front

Blonde ambition! MTV's Ridiculousness host Chanel West Coast, 27, flashed a hint of her bare midriff in a black leather corset-style top which she paired with a blue suede skirt

Little black dress: Model Hannah Saul picked a classic, namely a LBD albeit with a lot of sexy skin showing

Maryse Ouellet, 33, showed some serious sideboob in a black plunging satin gown with thigh high slit on the front.

Aside from being the magazine's hottest girl, Stella also hosted the evening full of glamour, sexy looks and lots of drinks provided by Ciroc, Don Julio and Monster Energy Drinks.

Guests were treated to a performance by by Iggy Azalea, a DJ set by Nick Cannon as well as a set by RedOne.

It is easy being green: Models Ashley Twomey and Korrina Rico both stunned in emerald

Legs eleven: Basketball Wives reality TV star Draya Michele looked sensational in a racy black skirt and cropped top

Can't forget that: Miss United States 2015 Summer Priester carried a shiny clutch with her title on it

Hunky: Tyson Beckford, 45, looked handsome as always in an all black ensemble

Doing their thing: RedOne performed for the celebrity crowd

Mingling: Amber cosied up to male model Tyson
His former Silverchair bandmates Daniel Johns and Ben Gillies nicknamed him the Truffle due to his knack of being able to source the best restaurants.

And it appears retired rocker Chris Joannou has decided to bank on his hospitality knowledge even further, as he unveils a major renovation at his Newcastle venture in the coming days.

The 36-year-old has added a new bar and dumpling restaurant to The Edwards, as well as a motorbike workshop and launderette.

Taste of success: Retired rocker Chris Joannou, 36, of Silverchair, has extended his food and drink empire at Newcastle venue The Edwards

Speaking with The Sunday Telegraph, the savvy businessman shared that his passion now lies well and truly with hospitality.

'I haven't played music in, gosh, I don't know how long,' Chris said.

'I always knew that when the band did finally wind up that I would get involved in hospitality. It's just a different kind of creative outlet,' he added.

And as to whether he catches up regularly with his former band mates, the former musician revealed that he sees 'Ben occasionally when he comes back to Newcastle.'

A different kind of adrenaline: Chris' renovation at The Edwards will also feature a motorbike workshop

New direction: While Chris expands his food and drink empire, his former Silverchair band mates Daniel Johns (centre) and Ben Gillies (left) continue to go down different paths

While Chris expands his food and drink empire, his former band mates continue to go down different paths.

It was reported earlier this month that Daniel Johns was taking a break from music and heading to Los Angeles.

The former Silverchair hitmaker has been working on a new project, but is also believed to have started up a new relationship with a mystery brunette.

Split? The Silverchair hitmaker was last known to be in a relationship with model Estelita Huijer (pictured)

The star - who is originally from Newcastle - told News Corp: 'I'm feeling really good, really inspired because there is so much stuff going on here.

'I'm here to escape, I am here to do something,' Daniel added.

The rocker has been spotted out and about in Los Angeles with a pretty pal and was seen planting a kiss on her head in one snap.

He was last known to be dating model and blogger Estelita Huijer, who he has been with since 2012.

Long term: The pair began dating in 2012 and have not announced a split

Meanwhile, Ben Gillies has created a cocktail range La Mascara with his wife Jackie, who also stars on Foxtel's hit reality show The Real Housewives Of Melbourne.

The couple married in true rockstar fashion six years ago, after a whirlwind romance of just two months.

Jackie and Ben married in a lavish ceremony at the Christ Church Cathedral in Newcastle, where the pair lived before relocating to Melbourne.

Branching out: Meanwhile, Ben Gillies has created a cocktail range La Mascara with his wife Jackie (R), who also stars on Foxtel's hit reality show The Real Housewives Of Melbourne
Their son's middle name is Ocean so it only stands to reason that this couple would be dedicated to protecting the world's oceans.

Jeff Goldblum and wife Emilie had a child-free evening without baby Charlie on Saturday.

The 63-year-old actor and his 33-year-old wife attended the 9th Annual Oceana SeaChange Summer Party in Laguna Beach, California.

Just the two of us: Jeff Goldblum and wife Emilie had a child-free evening on Saturday at the the 9th Annual Oceana SeaChange Summer Party in Laguna Beach, California

Jeff has long been dedicated to helping the charity so was only too happy to spare some time to be part of the event - plus it gave him a chance to be with his wife without their one-year-old.

For their date night, the Independence Day actor dressed as snazzy as always, wearing a slim fit black suit with a fittingly blue shirt as well as a skinny black tie.

Making the look pop, the actor added a pair of wingtip shoes which perfectly matched his wife's black and white ensemble.

Trend maker: For their date night, the Independence Day actor dressed as snazzy as always, wearing a slim fit black suit with a fittingly blue shirt as well as a skinny black tie

Style in black and white: Emilie wore a black long sleeved lace dress with a white collar and matching cuffs

Stayed home: The couple's son Charlie (seen here in June) just turned one at the start of this month

Emilie wore a black long sleeved lace dress with a white collar and matching cuffs.

Also attending the event was Ted Danson who has also been a long-term supporter of the charity.

Ted went for a more classic look wearing a dark suit with a white shirt and red tie and a pair of brown leather lace-up shoes.

Cheers to charity: Also attending the event was Ted Danson who has also been a long-term supporter of the ocean organization

Joining the actors was Chilean actress and model Leonor Varela who wore a striking white one-shouldered top.

Held annually, the Summer Party is dedicated to celebrating and recognizing those who are trying to help save the world's oceans.

Oceana is an international organization which uses science-based campaigns to try to further educate and protect the crucial natural resource.
They may play baddies but when they go out as a pack they certainly look very good indeed.

Stars Margot Robbie and Cara Delevingne were setting the #SquadGoals bar high on Saturday night.

The Suicide Squad co-stars headed out in New York with other members of their on-screen crew Karen Fukuhara and Joel Kinnaman.

Squad goals: Stars Margot Robbie and Cara Delevingne were setting the #SquadGoals bar high on Saturday

After work drinks: The Suicide Squad co-stars headed out in New York with other members of their on-screen crew Karen Fukuhara and Joel Kinnaman

It seems besties Margot and Cara may have been having a midriff competition, with the actress both wowing in stomach-revealing looks.

While she had worn a more covered up look earlier in the day for press interviews, Margot decided to change things up a little for her night out.

The Australian star headed to the cast dinner in a cropped bustier with a pair of wide-leg tailored pants.

The ensemble ensured to show off the 26-year-old's muscular stomach and plenty of cleavage.

Dared to bare: The Australian star headed to the cast dinner in a cropped bustier with a pair of wide-leg pants

Not an inch to pinch: The ensemble ensured to show off the 26-year-old's muscular stomach and cleavage

The blonde accessorized the look with a Gucci chain strapped bag and black heels.

Co-star Cara lashed some flesh in a sheer lace top and matching bra which she teamed with a pair of low slung pinstriped pants.

The model turned actress added a matching suit jacket and then changed the outfit's direction by throwing on a pair of sneakers with the dressed up look.

Karen meanwhile showed off her flare for unstated but slick looks rocking a loose-fit black mini dress with flared sleeves.

Racy lacy: Co-star Cara lashed some flesh in a sheer lace top and matching bra which she teamed with a pair of low slung pinstriped pants

Doing it her way: The model turned actress added a matching suit jacket and then changed the outfit's direction by throwing on a pair of sneakers with the dressed up look

Date night: Joel Kinnaman complimented his female co-stars looks in an all-black ensemble and brought along his stunning inked-up wife Cleo Wattenstrom

The dress' short hemline showed off the martial-artist's toned legs and her mid-calf ankle boots.

Joel Kinnaman complimented his female co-stars looks in an all-black ensemble and brought along his stunning inked-up wife Cleo Wattenstrom.

The group are no doubt celebrating after a long day of promoting their new super-villain film.

Suicide Squad, which also stars Jared Leto and Will Smith - hits theatres August 5.

Why so serious? Cara was on fine form at the press conference, standing out from the crowd with her bold look

Little touches: The British model turned actress cut a quirky figure with her ribbon necklace

Full of mischief: Her co-star was in an effervescent mood, and sported a wry smile as she chatted during the panel discussion
You have to pull out all the stops when it comes to standing out in a sea of beautiful women.

And that proved to not be difficult for Amber Rose as she put on quite the eye-popping display while attending the Maxim Hot 100 party in Hollywood on Saturday.

The 32-year-old model hogged the spotlight in a skintight black jumpsuit with a plunging neckline which revealed her impressive cleavage.

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Busty babe: Amber Rose, 32, put on quite the eye-popping display while attending the Maxim Hot 100 party in Hollywood on Saturday

Panelling detail of the same colour ran throughout the outfit while two diagonal straps attempted to hold her large bosoms in place.

Taming her buxom figure further, the racy garment fell in to a slight flare allowing her to pose with confidence.

The video vixen traded in her signature buzz cut for a stylish platinum blonde wig, which she teamed an edgy black choker and large silver hoop earrings.

Amber's killer smile was coated with matte nude lipstick, while she kept her fluttery lashes mostly hidden with cool cat-eye sunglasses.

Standing out: The model hogged the spotlight in a skin-tight black jumpsuit which plunged excessively down the front to reveal her busty cleavage

Curvaceous: Panelling detail of the same colour ran throughout the outfit while two diagonal straps attempted to hold her large bosoms in place

Self-assured: Taming her buxom figure in place, the racy garment fell in to a slight flare allowing her to pose with confidence

Her attendance at the event was not a surprise, given that she's carved out quite the successful career for herself, as well as being extremely easy on the eye.

Currently, she's the spearhead for The Amber Rose Show where she discussed what makes her hot in the bedroom.

I like to take a really rich, powerful man and make him squirm like a little b***h I get off on that, Amber admitted.

Tease: The video vixen traded in her signature buzz cut for a stylish platinum blonde wig

In another TMI moment Rose talked about wanting another child with her rapper ex Wiz Khalifa, with whom she already has a three-year-old son called Sebastian.

Now, you know that we have Sebastian together, and I really, really want another baby, she cooed.

So I asked him for his sperm, like I always do, every time I'm around him, continued the Philadelphia native.

Edgy details: She showed off her black choker and large silver hoop earrings

Brains and beauty: Her attendance at the event was not a surprise, given that she's carved out quite the successful career for herself, as well as being extremely easy on the eye

And I'm like, you know, he'll probably give me some more sperm, so we can have another baby!

But instead, he just put his babies on my face.

Meanwhile, other stunners at the annual magazine event were former Spice Girl Mel B who stunned in a red asymmetrical dress and Stella Maxwell who showcased her supermodel stats.

Taking a risk! Former Spice Girl Mel B who stunned in a red asymmetrical dress which was slashed high on the hip

Red Hot: Singer Adeline Mocke wowed on the red carpet at the Maxim event wearing a dress by Stello

Showstopper! Stella Maxwell flaunted her phenomenal figure in a revealing cutout lace dress




She's been enjoying a whirlwind weekend trip to London.

But all good things must come to an end which was evident as Caitlyn Jenner was spotted arriving back at LAX airport, Los Angeles on Saturday.

Despite the long-haul flight, the Olympic gold medalist, 66, looked extremely well put together in a chic ensemble as she strutted her way through the airport.

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She's back! Caitlyn Jenner, 66, was spotted arriving back at LAX airport, Los Angeles on Saturday after a whirlwind trip to London

The reality star clad her statuesque frame in a willowy wrap top and white cardigan, while accentuating her limbs in a pair of skinny jeans.

Proving her awareness to stylish detail, she opted to show off her pedicure in beige shoes, while carrying a large white handbag.

And despite enjoying the British capital's recent sunny spell, she was well prepared for the baking climes of Los Angeles with her black tinted aviators.

The night prior, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star stunned in a delicate black gown at a birthday party at Les Ambassadeurs Casino.

Stylish: The reality star clad her statuesque frame in a willowy wrap top and white cardigan, while accentuating her limbs in a pair of skinny jeans and accessorised like a pro

Quite the Hollywood A-lister, Caitlyn - who was revealed as the face of H&M's new sportswear line 'For Every Victory'- was joined by superstars Ne-Yo and Jaden Smith at the bash on Friday.

Earlier on in the day, she headed to the same venue but this time opted for a touch of opulence in an eternally elegant white ensemble- proving that her fashionable brood had taught her well.

Caitlyn only spent two nights in the UK, having flown into the capital on Thursday.

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'.

Glamming up: The night prior, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star stunned in a delicate black gown at a birthday party at Les Ambassadeurs Casino in the British capital

A-lister: Caitlyn- who was revealed as the face of H&M's new sportswear line 'For Every Victory'- was joined by superstars Ne-Yo and Jaden Smith.

'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.'
She's one of Tinsel Town's most famous beauties.

And on Saturday night Jessica Alba looked nothing less than a silver screen vision, as the actress stepped out for a night at the Nice Guy with a group of pals.

Heading to the celebrity hot-spot, deep in the heart of Hollywood, the 35-year-old Sin City star cut a demure yet seriously fashionable figure in a blue floral maxi dress.

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Pretty petal: Jessica Alba looked nothing less than a silver screen vision, as the actress stepped out for a night at the Nice Guy with a group of pals, on Saturday night

The mother-of-two and Honest Company founder looked the picture of summer style, as she headed out for an evening with her friends.

Opting for a floaty blue floral number, Jessica looked to have taken the heat of the LA summer evening into account.

Featuring a semi-sheer design around the shoulders, the Into The Blue stunner showed a hint fo skin, though a dark blue slip worn under her lightweight dress ensured she kept her modesty.

Summery style: Heading to the celebrity hot-spot, deep in the heart of Hollywood, the 35-year-old Sin City star cut a demure yet seriously fashionable figure in a blue floral maxi dress

Rounding the outfit off with a pair of black open-toed heels, the brunette beauty subtly accentuated and defined her figure.

Keeping her look simple and uncluttered Jessica went for the 'less is more' approach with her accessories; opting to wear a smattering of jewellery whilst she carried a boxy black handbag.

Wearing her chestnut locks tied back in a bun, the Californian beauty allowed her striking and pretty features to come to the fore.

Keeping it breezy: Opting for a floaty blue floral number, Jessica looked to have taken the heat of the LA summer evening into account

Flashing a winning smile, the actress appeared to be in high spirits as she left the Nice Guy with her group of friends - and offered one of her pals a huge hug as they said their goodbyes.

The busy film star and business woman looked to be enjoying a rare night off from her duties as a devoted mother to her two children with husband Cash Warren.

The businesswoman recently opened up about the reason behind her beauty venture, telling HuffingtonPost UK: 'I think confidence is always the thing that Im taken a back by when a woman is walking into a room.

Natural beauty: Wearing her chestnut locks tied back in a bun, the Californian beauty allowed her striking and pretty features to come to the fore

'If you can tell someone feels good about themselves, I feel like that transcends any ideal beauty archetype.

'I think there are so many different types of beauty - so many shapes and sizes and colours - and the one thing that is consistent is confidence.'

She manages to juggled her screen career and business dealings with raising her and Cash's tow daughters Honor Marie Warren, eight, and four-year-old Haven Garner Warren.
She is expecting her first child with Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine in September.

And with the due date fast approaching, Behati Prinsloo looked ready to pop as she enjoyed dinner with her husband in California on Saturday.

The Victoria's Secret model, 27, displayed her burgeoning bump in a slinky black maxi dress as she left Craig's restaurant in West Hollywood, with her rocker husband and some tasty leftovers in tow.

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Ready to pop: Model Behati Prinsloo, 27, displayed her burgeoning bump in a slinky black maxi dress, as she left Craig's restaurant in West Hollywood with her husband Adam Levine on Saturday

The LBD, which was of a tight stretch material, hugged her body closely, displaying her ever-growing pregnancy curves in full view.

The Namibian model completed her outfit with a beige satin bomber jacket, lined with a colour-pop print of palm trees against a red and orange sunset.

She paired the look with some black furry slingback sandals, keeping her comfortable while still maintaining her usual model glamour.

The brunette accessorised with some simple gold hoops and a classic black quilted Chanel handbag.

Model material: The Victoria's Secret Angel maintained her usual glamour through her pregnancy, pairing the dress with a trendy bomber jacket with bright lining and some furry slingback sandals

Glowing: With her hair swept back, Behati showed off her pregnant glowing complexion as she headed home after her dinner date with leftovers in hand

Casually sweeping her hair off her face, Behati showed off the pregnancy glow in her complexion.

Adam, 37, joined his wife in comfort and style, sporting a blue linen shirt, ripped jeans and some camel trainers.

Behati carried some leftover food from the eatery as she went, perhaps to satisfy her pregnancy appetite later on.

Adam recently spilled about his wife's pregnancy cravings on Live! With Kelly And Michael, revealing: 'Shes good, man, shes just, you know, been eating a lot of weird food.

Date night: Hubby Adam Levine mirrored his wife's casual but cool look in a loose blue shirt, ripped jeans and trainers

Home comforts: The loved-up couple left in their car and headed home to enjoy some time together more privately

'Watermelon, thats the thing in our house. A lot - so much watermelon. Maybe she just, like, really likes watermelon. I mean, its delicious. Im glad its not, like, pickles or some weird thing.'

The couple married in Mexico in July 2014, celebrating their two-year anniversary last week.

Behati posted a candid snap to her Instagram to celebrate the milestone, captioning the shot of her rocker beau: 'MINE, 2 years strong'.



Still going strong: The couple, who first began dating in 2012, married in Mexico in July 2014

'MINE': Behati and Adam celebrated their two year wedding anniversary last week, with Behati taking to Instagram post a candid snap of her hubby to celebrate the occasion, captioned 'MINE, two years strong'

Adam confirmed the news that the pair were expecting their first child back in April, before announcing that it was to be a little girl a few weeks later.

The Victoria's Secret Angel first began dating Adam in May 2012 and broke up the following March, before reconciling and getting engaged in July 2013.

Behati has not been shy to show off her growing bump on social media since the news of her pregnancy broke.

The beauty has shared multiple gorgeous photos of her pregnant figure with fans over the last few months, including one of her in a blue maxi dress against an idyllic holiday backdrop last week.

Extending their family: Adam confirmed the news that he and Behati were expecting their first child back in April, before announcing that it was to be a little girl a few weeks later
Her attendance at the Maxim Hot 100 Party is no surprise given that she turns heads everywhere she goes.

And Charlotte McKinney once again put her sensational curves to work as she attended the magazine's annual hot list event at the Hollywood Palladium on Saturday.

The 22-year-old model oozed sex appeal in a body-hugging mini dress which plunged down the middle to reveal a hint of her ample assets.

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Sex-kitten: Charlotte McKinney, 22, put her sensational curves to work as she attended the Maxim Hot 100 Party on Saturday

The number fell at an incredibly short length, allowing her to flaunt her tanned limbs in all of their glistening glory.

And amping up the raciness, she opted for sexy heels which featured strap detailing up to her calves.

The 5ft 7in stunner is loving her moment in the spotlight, given that she was rejected from numerous modelling agencies once upon a time.

Making heads turn: The model oozed sex appeal in a body-hugging mini dress which plunged down the middle to tease her ample assets

Carving out her own rise to stardom with social media, the now Wilhelmina signed model soared to international stardom with her sexy Carl Jr burger commercials.

She is also starring in the latest Guess Lingerie campaign and couldn't contain her pride as she spoke to Fox News Magazine in March.

'For me, [Guess] was huge just because it's been so iconic my whole life. You know, I'm a curvier, more bombshell kind of girl and Guess has just always had that beautiful curvy girl and when I was part of that it was huge to me.

And with Guess, I could just really be myself and show my curves, and show my chest more, and feeling more comfortable. It was great! It really helped me shine more than hiding it, you know?'

'I'm a curvier, more bombshell kind of girl': She couldn't contain her pride as she spoke to Fox News Magazine in March about her Guess role

The Orlando native has also begun venturing into acting, including a role in the hotly anticipated Baywatch: The Movie.

McKinney will appear opposite Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson in the comedy, which is slated to premiere next May.

The show's original stars, David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson, will show their faces as well. Quantico star Priyanka Chopra will round off the cast as the film's villain.

Charlotte was joined by Mel B,Adeline Mocke, Stella Maxwell and Amber Rose at the Maxim event.

Eye-popper! Amber Rose stunned in a skin-tight black jumpsuit which plunged excessively down the front to reveal her busty cleavage

Talent: Singer Adeline Mocke wowed on the red carpet at the Maxim event wearing a dress by Stello
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She's been soaking up the sun and forgetting her romantic woes in Sardinia .

And Lindsay Lohan continued to put the trauma of the last week behind her, as she continued to enjoy life aboard a luxury yacht on Saturday.

Making the most of the sun in Sardinia, the 30-year-old Mean Girls star cut a confident figrue in a flesh-flashing swimsuit as she jumped off the yacht and into the sea to frolic with her friends.

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Fun in the sun: Lindsay Lohan continued to put the trauma of the last week behind her, as she continued to enjoy life aboard a luxury yacht on Saturday

Having fled London after seemingly putting her engagement to Egor Tarabasov on ice, the flame-haired actress looked to be living the good-life aboard the opulent vessel.

Sticking to her trend for daring swimwear, Lindsay opted for a high-cut and extremely plunging monochrome swimsuit that showcased her slender figure to the max.

The star, who is rumoured to be pregnant with Egor's child, certainly wasn't afraid to showcase her body.

Taking the plunge: Making the most of the sun in Sardinia, the 30-year-old Mean Girls star cut a confident figrue in a flesh-flashing swimsuit as she jumped off the yacht and into the sea to frolic with her friends

And, thanks to the plunging halter-neck swimsuit's design, The Canyon's star offer more than a glimpse of her ample assets.

Featuring a high-cut leg, the Dolce & Gabbana number allowed Lindsay to flaunt her lithe and gym-honed legs, whilst the form-fitting one-piece also showcased her slim waist and perky bottom.

Wearing her long red locks pulled back in a ponytail, the former child star ensured her tresses didn't fly in her face as she padded around the yacht's decks.

Leaving little to the imagination: Sticking to her trend for daring swimwear, Lindsay opted for a high-cut and extremely plunging monochrome swimsuit that showcased her slender figure to the max

Flaunting her figure: The star, who is rumoured to be pregnant with Egor Tarabasov's child, certainly wasn't afraid to showcase her body

Taking the plunge: Thanks to the plunging halter-neck swimsuit's design, The Canyon's star offer more than a glimpse of her ample assets

And never one to be caught without an accessory or two, the London-based actress wore a pair of mirrored aviators, a single sparkler on her ring finger and a bracelet.

Lindsay looked to be having the time of her life as she sauntered around the yacht in the sunshine, before heading to the lowest deck to jump into the sea along with her friends.

Clearly in high spirits, the actress couldn't help but laugh as she bombed into the cool Mediterranean waters - much to the delight of her pal, Israeli socialite, Hofit Golan.

Splashing around in the sparkling blue sea, it wasn't long before the group of friends had cooled down and clambered back onto their sunny vessel.

Not shy of the sun: Featuring a high-cut leg, the Dolce & Gabbana number allowed Lindsay to flaunt her lithe and gym-honed legs, whilst the form-fitting one-piece also showcased her slim waist and perky bottom

Ready for the big one: Lindsay looked to be having a ton of fun as she made a running leap into the sea

One giant leap: Clearly in high spirits, the actress couldn't help but laugh as she bombed into the cool Mediterranean waters - much to the delight of her pal, Israeli socialite, Hofit Golan.

Permission to come aboard: Splashing around in the sparkling blue sea, it wasn't long before the group of friends had cooled down and clambered back onto their sunny vessel

Insperable: Lindsay and Hofit looked to be having a whale of a time

Much like Lindsay, Hofit wore a figure-hugging swimsuit, although the blonde beauty opted for a white one-piece which featured cutaway sections.

And it was the actress' close-pal who was the first to officially address rumours about her supposed split from her Russian beau, as well as comments made this week by Lindsay's father Michael Lohan.

Lindsay's father had claimed his daughter was expecting her first child, explaining that she sent him the news in a text, which read: 'Daddy, I'm pregnant.'

Skin-showing swimwear: Much like Lindsay, Hofit wore a figure-hugging swimsuit, although the blonde beauty opted for a white one-piece which featured cutaway sections

Everything is OK: It was Lindsay's pal who was the first to officially address rumours about her supposed split from her Russian beau, as well as comments made this week by Lindsay's father Michael Lohan

Is she, isn't she? Lindsay's father had claimed his daughter was expecting her first child, explaining that she sent him the news in a text, which read: 'Daddy, I'm pregnant'

'She's not': Hofit appeared to take aim at Michael when she spoke to Us Weekly , quipping: 'Its unfortunate that other people in her life, Im not going to name names, are confirming shes pregnant, which shes not'

However, Hofit appeared to take aim at Michael when she spoke to Us Weekly, quipping: 'Its unfortunate that other people in her life, Im not going to name names, are confirming shes pregnant, which shes not.'

'This vacation is amazing, its not a single girls' getaway or a post-breakup vacation. Lindsay is taking a pause in her relationship and joined my friends and I on holiday.'

She added: 'We've been doing acupuncture, massage, stretching, drinking lots of green juice, exploring caves, fishing, swimming, just doing normal things.'

Still on? Hofit added: 'This vacation is amazing, its not a single girls' getaway or a post-breakup vacation. Lindsay is taking a pause in her relationship and joined my friends and I on holiday'

It's just a getaway: And echoing Hofit's words, a source close to Lindsay told TMZ : 'As far as she's concerned, she and Egor are engaged and the fight was a bump in the road'

And echoing Hofit's words, a source close to Lindsay told TMZ: 'As far as she's concerned, she and Egor are engaged and the fight was a bump in the road.'

However the insider also told the website that they 'think the couple might be doomed unless Lindsay stops making excuses for Egor's angry outbursts'.

It was previously reported that the couple had split after Egor moved out of Lindsay's London flat following a dramatic row that saw police called to the property last week.
In 2011, Sally Obermeder was told she would never have another child after receiving treatment for breast cancer following the birth of her daughter Annabelle.

But the Daily Edition co-host is close to having the miracle second baby she and husband Marcus have dreamed of, and it's all thanks to the kindness of a total stranger.

The 42-year-old TV personality shared her incredible story on Channel Seven's Sunday Night, and broke down in tears upon meeting the US surrogate who is carrying her baby.

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'There's no words: The Daily Edition's Sally Obermeder broke down in tears meeting the US surrogate who is carrying her baby - after doctors told her she could not carry another child after breast cancer treatment

In an emotional segment, Sally was overcome with happiness as she joined her surrogate, a pediatric nurse from Wisconsin called Rachel, for an ultrasound.

'Isn't it crazy how you can not know someone and they can do this thing for you that's beyond the greatest thing that could ever happen to you?' asked Sally.

'And it's, like, a complete stranger,' she continued. 'Like, is that not crazy?'

'Does the world not need more people like that? The world needs more people like you,' she said, holding back tears of joy.

Speaking out: The 42-year-old TV personality shared her incredible story on Channel Seven's Sunday Night

But later in the documentary, Sally revealed the heartbreaking moment when she learned via a Skype call that Rachel had lost the baby.

Months later, Rachel tried again but Sally's second and third embryo did not take - leaving her with one last embryo left over from her previous IVF treatment to conceive Annabelle.

But thankfully the fourth embryo was a success and the Sunday Night team caught up with Rachel at 20 weeks pregnant with Sally and Marcus' baby.

'The world needs more people like you': Sally became overcome with happiness as she joined her surrogate, a pediatric nurse from Wisconsin called Rachel, for an ultrasound during the documentary

'We can think about the future': After three attempts using embryos left from Sally's previous IVF treatment, and her husband Marcus' sperm, Rachel invited the couple to visit her in the US at 20 weeks pregnant

The couple again travelled to America to meet the woman who had changed their lives - and Sally even brought her daughter and sister along to celebrate.

As they viewed an ultrasound of the growing baby, Sally confessed: 'I knew it was there, but to see it for myself in the room together... there's no words.'

Rachel added: 'Now we can think about the future. Baby's healthy, baby's growing. We're past the first trimester.'

Survivor: The day before she gave birth to daughter Annabelle in October 2011, Sally was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer - and was later warned another pregnancy could risk her life

Sally previously told New Idea how doctors warned her another pregnancy could risk her life - and that surrogacy was the only option if she wanted more children.

'I've been told in no uncertain terms that it's far too dangerous for me to be pregnant again, in terms of the cancer returning,' she revealed.

The day before she gave birth to Annabelle in October 2011, Sally was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

She endured eight months of chemotherapy and was eventually given the all clear exactly one year from her first life-changing diagnosis.
It's barely been a week in the Celebrity Big Brother house and she's already ruffled a few feathers.

And Saira Khan once again found herself in the firing line after being confronted by fellow housemate Marnie Simpson over first impressions.

In scenes due to air on Sunday night, a defensive Saira makes it clear that she has no intentions about changing her behaviour.

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Butting heads: Saira Khan, 46, once again found herself in the firing squad on Celebrity Big Brother after being confronted by fellow housemate Marnie Simpson over first impressions

The duo were attempting to hatch out their initial issues when the Loose Women presenter, 46, was left dumbfounded as Geordie Shore's Marnie confessed, 'It's just misconceptions, I get mixed signals from you'.

The bi-sexual stunner also revealed that she had discussed her issues with her to housemate Lewis Bloor, and the duo agreed that Saira had been trying to 'mother' her.

And after Marnie's further digs at her 'opinionated ' nature, Saira said: 'Only reason I said that is because I'm a mother, I'm not trying to mother you in any way, but I just said be careful just in case'.

Taking in the explanation, the brunette continued: 'It came across judgmental,' before showing some concern and stating, I just don't want you to feel like everyone's talking about you.'

Hatching it out: Marnie Simpson, 24, told Saira, 'it's just misconceptions. I just get mixed signals from you'

Disagreement: After Marnie's further digs at her 'opinionated ' nature, Saira mentioned: 'Only reason I said that is because I'm a mother, I'm not trying to mother you in any way, but I just said be careful just in case'

I ain't gonna change!': Saira stood up for herself after Marnie voiced concern over people talking about her

Clearly taken aback by the worry, Saira stood up for herself stating: 'If they are Marnie, I'm a big old girl. I've lived life. I don't give a f***. Talk about me. I ain't gonna change!'

However, in scenes to be aired on Sunday night it seems like further arguments will eventually get to Saira as she breaks down in the diary room and reveals: 'Im so out of my comfort zone with some of these people.

'I did not think Big Brother would make me crack after three days. Im trying to get to know people and no one has gotten to know me.'

Saira and Marnie got started on the wrong foot on Thursday's opening night after the Geordie sensational began describing her sexual antics to which the presenter quipped: 'Do you think your mum will be happy you said that? I think I'm going to have to control you.'

No holding back: Marnie was loose-lipped as she skipped small talk in favour of explicit sex chat with her new CBB housemates on Friday

Not impressed: After Marnie's X-rated discussions, Saira quipped: 'Do you think your mum will be happy you said that? I think I'm going to have to control you'

And on Friday night's episode, the Pakistani star also butted heads with broadcaster James Whale after she quizzed him over coming across as a 'racist person'.

Clearly horrified, he added: 'I don't think I am known for that. Am I known for that? I don't know. I really don't know. I've been one of the judges of the British curry awards for 10 years.'

A representative for James told MailOnline: 'She tried to make something out of a non fact. There isn't a racist bone in James' body.'

Whilst the pair ended their conversation on a light note, the feud was ignited moments later after James confided to his fellow housemates over the claims.

The pair ended the discussion on good terms, but Saira warned: 'Don't wind me up. Because they're quite serious allegations.'
Her fashion career has already hit the big-time, having already graced the cover of Vogue at 17.

And even though she'd jetted away to celebrate the end of her A-Levels, Lottie Moss still looked every inch the billboard beauty as she soaked up the sun in Mallorca.

Heading to the Balearic island with a group of pals to celebrated the end of their tenure at school, the 18-year-old sister of fashion icon Kate made a beeline for the beach in a tiny red bikini.

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School's out! Lottie Moss, 18, looked every inch the billboard beauty as she soaked up the sun in Mallorca whilst celebrating the end of her A-Levels

Jetting to the island straight from a modelling trip to Rome, Lottie - who is Kate's half-sister - looked ready to enjoy a break with some friends.

Cutting a cool and relaxed figure as she strolled across the beach and into the glittering waters, Lottie seemed to have had no problems switching off after a stint of hard work in Italy.

And though the sun was mercilessly beating down on the beach , the alabaster beauty took the chance to showcase her incredible figure in a tiny red patterned two-piece.

Time to celebrate: Heading to the Balearic island with a group of pals to celebrated the end of their tenure at school, the younger sister of fashion icon Kate made a beeline for the beach in a tiny red bikini

Cool for the summer: Jetting to the island straight from a modelling trip to Rome, Lottie - who is Kate's half-sister - looked ready to enjoy a break with some friends

Opting for a plunging halter-neck top, the rising fashionista wasn't afraid to flaunt her decolletage, or a hint of her bosom.

She teamed the top with a matching pair of bikini bottoms, which allowed the emerging catwalk queen to highlight her lithe legs and flat tummy.

Wearing her blonde locks swept back off of her face in a carefree manner, Lottie pulled her tresses into a loose ponytail.

Life's a beach: Cutting a cool and relaxed figure as she strolled across the beach and into the glittering waters, Lottie seemed to have had no problems switching off after a stint of hard work in Italy

Flaunting that figure: And though the sun was mercilessly beating down on the beach , the alabaster beauty took the chance to showcase her incredible figure in a tiny red floral two-piece

Beach body ready: Opting for a plunging halter-neck top, the rising fashionista wasn't afraid to flaunt her decolletage, or a hint of her bosom

Pert and perky: She teamed the top with a matching pair of bikini bottoms, which allowed the emerging catwalk queen to higlight her lithe legs and flat tummy

Making a splash: Splashing around in the sea with her friends, the Vogue cover girl appeared to be having a blast as she joked around with a group of pals

Keeping her look simple and practical, the model wore a pair of two-tone polarized aviator shades, whilst the only other accessory she sported was her belly button piercing.

Splashing around in the sea with her friends, the Vogue cover girl appeared to be having a blast as she joked around with a group of pals.

Heading to her towel following her frolics, Lottie stretched out beside a friend and worked on her tan.

Prior to jetting away with her pals, the teen sensation had been at work in Milan.

Chilled: The model and her pals looked to be feeling the heat as they splashed and paddled around in the cool waters before heading back to the sand

Faff free: Wearing her blonde locks swept back off of her face in a carefree manner, Lottie pulled her tresses into a loose ponytail

keeping it simple: Keeping her look simple and practical, the model wore a pair of two-tone polarized aviator shades, whilst the only other accessory she sported was her belly button piercing

All smiles: Lottie appeared to be in high spirits, with the blonde beauty flashing a dazzling smile as one of her pals made her laugh

Beachy babe: Splashing around in the shallows, Lottie certainly looked the spitting image of her older half-sister

Lottie soared to fame at the tender age of 16 when she signed with Storm Model Management after previously being scouted at sister Kate's wedding to Jamie Hince in 2011.

Despite coming from a famous family, Lottie told Vogue that she felt under no pressure to live up to her sister's reputation.

Gracing the cover of the prestigious style bible earlier this year, she explained: 'I am who I am and I do what I want, whether that is modelling or anything else. The success of my sister does not affect me in my choices. I feel no pressure in that respect.'

Kicking back: Sitting down by the shore, in the shallows, the models sought some respite from the unrelenting sun

Sauntering in the sun: Lottie strutted through the shallows like she was on her own personal catwalk

Shake it off: Following her dip in the sea, Lottie appeared ready to spend the rest of the day soaking up the rays on her towel

Kick back... and relax: Lottie and one of her pals looked ready to top up their tans after their foray into the sea

The talented teenager also spoke out about juggling her blossoming career with her education, as she admitted she felt like she was living in 'two worlds'.

She explained: 'One minute I'm in a Dior suite in Cannes and then the next I'm in a classroom in Sussex. I feel like I'm Hannah Montana.

'Its important to me that I manage school and my modelling. I'm now able to fund my own schooling through any jobs I book.'

Relishing the R&R: Prior to jetting away with her pals, the teen sensation had been at work in Milan

She's model material: Lottie soared to fame at the tender age of 16 when she signed with Storm Model Management after previously being scouted at sister Kate's wedding to Jamie Hince in 2011

'I am who I am and I do what I want': Despite coming from a famous family, Lottie told Vogue that she felt under no pressure to live up to her sister's reputation
She's likely been riding high, what with a proposal to re-marry her husband and her appearance in Lifetime's reboot of her 1996 TV movie Mother, May I Sleep with Danger?

But TMZ has reported that Tori Spelling has hit a bump in the road, as the federal government has slapped her and Dean McDermott with a tax lien for a hefty $707, 487.30 in unpaid taxes.

And the 43-year-old and her husband, 49, likely have an even greater debt, as that shocking figure only accounts for unpaid taxes accrued in 2014.

In hot water: Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott have been hit with tax liens that total over $1 million (pictured at a charity event in Studio City, California)

Earlier this month the couple had been hit with another tax lien, this time from the state of California.

The lien, which was also for unpaid taxes from 2014, was set to cost the celebrity couple $259, 108.23.

TMZ reported that with such a lien the family's home would usually be in trouble. However, Tori and Dean are renting - having recently moved to a property in Encino - so that likely will not be a problem for them.

A bump in the road: Before all of the tax liens, it seemed as if Tori was having a good year, as husband Dean proposed for the third time, with the two planning to remarry

Meanwhile, the combined tax liens are not the only fees the family-of-six are struggling with these days.

Back in January American Express sued Tori for failing to make payments on her $37, 981.97 credit card bill.

It was reported that the reality star had attempted to make a payment back in June of last year, for $1, 070, but it had bounced.

Revisiting a cult classic: Tori also recently starred in James Franco's reboot of her 1996 Lifetime TV movie Mother, May I Sleep with Danger?

The company is demanding that Tori pay the delinquent balance in full, including the accrued interest.

Taxes aside, it had been a good year for Tori as back in April Dean had proposed to her for the third time (following their reconciliation after his 2013 affair).
They star alongside each other in the highly-anticipated Suicide Squad, scheduled for release later this year.

And Australian actor Jai Courtney, Will Smith and Joel Kinnaman appear to have formed a bromance as they continue to promote the film.

Courtney shared a snap with his 200,000 Instagram followers on Saturday of the three actors sitting in directors' chairs, positioned in front of a Suicide Squad promotional wall.

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Prepping! Suicide Squad co-stars Jai Courtney (right), Will Smith (centre) and Joel Kinnaman (left) appear to be getting on like a house on fire as they continue to promote the film

The 30-year-old actor, who plays the character Captain Boomerang in the movie, is cutting a casual figure, sporting a blue checkered button-up shirt as he poses for the camera.

Seated next to the Sydney-native is his co-star Will Smith, who also appears happy and relaxed, donning a grey T-shirt as he smiles for the photo.

Smith stars as Deadshot and is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the film - which also stars Jared Leto and Australian actress Margot Robbie.

Busy man! Courtney, 30, plays the character Captain Boomerang in the highly-anticipated film, which also stars fellow Australian Margot Robbie

The third actor in the shot - Joel Kinnaman - who plays Rick Flagg, is wearing a simple white button-up shirt and also pulling a subtle smile as he holds an upside-down peace sign.

Kinnaman uploaded the same snap to his own Instagram account, alongside the caption: 'Having way too much fun doing interviews with these idiots.'

Smith recently told The Herald Sun that the on-screen chemistry between Harley Quinn, played by Robbie, and The Joker, played by Leto, is a major film highlight.

Film highlight: Smith told The Herald Sun that the chemistry between Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie, and The Joker, played by Jared Leto, will be all the talk among viewers

'There is something absolutely magnetic about that relationship,' the 47-year-old actor told the paper.

'It's this weird superhero dysfunctional relationship... and it's sexy.'

The comments come days after the American star admitted that he was thrilled to see the Batmobile while working on set.

Anticipated movie: The movie follows a group of super villains who are on a mission to save the world

Speaking on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the Independence Day actor recalled the moment he lost his cool after seeing Ben Affleck in the armoured fighting motor vehicle.

'Suicide Squad is in the Batman world. It's in the DC Comics world,' he told host Jimmy Fallon.

'You know, its cool, I've made a lot of movies, it's all good. Ya know, it's another movie? And The Batmobile came around the corner and I was like 'Oh!'. Then Ben Affleck jumps out of the Batmobile...'

At that point, Will re-enacted the fan moment, which included the father-of-two screaming uncontrollably and fanning himself with his hand.

Fanboy moment: the Independence day star recalled the moment he lost his cool after seeing actor Ben Affleck in a Batmobile on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

Autograph: The actor even mentioned how he wanted Ben to sign an autograph for him

He then continued, describing how his fandom extended to wanting to get an autograph from Ben.

'I was six years old. I was like 'Ben can you sign this! Ben can you sign this?''' he added.

Meanwhile, it appears the American actor can't get enough of starring alongside Australian actors.

So far, he has worked with Robbie and Courtney in Suicide Squad.

Starring role! Joel Edgerton, 41, to star alongside Will in the fantasy cop thriller Bright

And it appears the American actor is set to star alongside Sydney-born Hollywood actor Joel Edgerton in the fantasy cop thriller, Bright.

Joel, fresh from playing corrupt cop in Black Mass alongside Johnny Depp, will play another policeman in the film.

But unlike other crime movies, Bright will include magical and other worldly elements.

Empire magazine has reported that David Ayer, who directed Sucide Squads, will direct the fantasy thriller from a script written by Max Landis.

To add to his past with Aussie entertainers, Will previously worked with Margot on the 2015 comedy, Focus.
She's rumoured to have got engaged to toyboy lover Count Nikolai von Bismarck after a one year romance.

And Kate Moss certainly seemed to fuel speculation she was heading down the aisle for a second time as she flashed a ring on her engagement finger on Wednesday.

The supermodel, 42, was sporting a large sapphire and diamond ring on her left hand as she enjoyed a meal out in North London with the Count, 29, and her daughter Lila, 13.

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A big announcement? Supermodel Kate Moss flashes her new sapphine ring on Wednesday eveing in North London, amid claims she is engaged

Making it official? Count Nikolai von Bismarck is said to have proposed during a recent holiday in Italy

New bling: Kate is sporting a sapphire ring on her engagement finger

Wearing a pair of signature skinny jeans, black top and khaki jacket, it was impossible not to notice Kate's newly acquired bling.

The model, who is still legally married to estranged husband Jamie Hince, completed her ensemble with a pair of cowboy boots, animal-print scarf and a black handbag.

On Sunday, it was reported the couple had decided to take the next step in their romance after they were spotted during what appeared to be a proposal in Venice last month.

The Mirror Online reports that the couple were enjoying a romantic meal together in the city, before Nikolai was seen 'on one knee' exclaiming 'I love you' in Italian.

Restaurant owner Giovanni Fracassi told the website: 'He shouted out ti amo, and then went down on his knee. It was very romantic.

Chain-smoking: Following her meal, the model stepped outside the restaurant to enjoy a cigarette break

'He took out a ring and it was funny because he said its for after she is divorced. They were very much in love and she seemed so happy, I never saw her so happy before.'

He added that the table had been booked under a fake name, and that the couple were planning to tie the knot in a little church in Venice.

MailOnline have contacted a representative for Kate for comment.

News? The supermodel, 42, was sporting a large sapphire and diamond ring on her left hand as she enjoyed a meal out in North London with the Count, 29, and her daughter Lila, 13

Stylish: Wearing a pair of signature skinny jeans, black top and khaki jacket, it was impossible not to notice Kate's newly acquired bling

Power couple: The model, who is still legally married to estranged husband Jamie Hince, completed her ensemble with a pair of cowboy boots, animal-print scarf and a black handbag

If Kate is engaged, the star will have to wait a while before tying the knot, as she is still legally married to The Kills guitarist Jamie Hince.

The Vogue covergirl - who has a daughter Lila Grace, 13, with ex-partner, publisher Jefferson Hack - married Jamie in 2011, but the couple separated last year.

In February The Sun reported that Jamie was biding more time before he starts the alleged divorce proceedings, with friends of the rocker claiming he was furious about the models new reported romance.

New flame: On Sunday, it was reported the couple had decided to take the next step in their romance after they were spotted during what appeared to be a proposal in Venice last month

'He shouted out ti amo, and then went down on his knee. It was very romantic' Restaurant owner Giovanni Fracassi told the website

'He took out a ring and it was funny because he said its for after she is divorced. They were very much in love and she seemed so happy, I never saw her so happy before.'

Besotted: The Mirror Online reports that the couple were enjoying a romantic meal together in the city, before Nikolai was seen 'on one knee' exclaiming 'I love you' in Italian.

Past: The Vogue covergirl - who has a daughter Lila Grace, 13, with ex-partner, publisher Jefferson Hack - married Jamie in 2011, but the couple separated last year

Meanwhile, Kate's new relationship may have been fated, as she knew Nikolai in his teens because of her friendship with his mother, Countess Debonnaire von Bismarck.

The photographer has also had quite the unconventional work history since at the age of 16 he jetted off to New York for work experience with world-renowned photographer Mario Testino, who had previously snapped his mother.

Next he went to Paris to study at the Parsons art school before heading back to the US, where he assisted the legendary Annie Liebovitz. Also working for her at the time was the Duchess of Cambridge.

Fate? Meanwhile, Kate's new relationship may have been fated, as she knew Nikolai in his teens because of her friendship with his mother, Countess Debonnaire von Bismarck

Not impressed: The Sun reported that Jamie was biding more time before he starts the alleged divorce proceedings, with friends of the rocker claiming he was furious about the models new reported romance

Different: The photographer has also had quite the unconventional work history since at the age of 16 he jetted off to New York for work experience with world-renowned photographer Mario Testino, who had previously snapped his mother
She's been showing off her sartorial savvy over the last week as she promotes her new antihero flick Suicide Squad.

And Margot Robbie looked effortlessly stylish on Sunday as she left her New York hotel in a floral print dress which flattered her slender figure.

The 26-year-old actress turned heads as she breezed out of the building in Manhattan with her blonde locks flowing glossy around her shoulders.

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Effortless chic: Margot Robbie looked stylish in a printed dress as she left her hotel in New York on Sunday

The monochromatic number featured a button-up neckline and scarf-style tie around her waist.

To accentuate her pins, Margot wore some simple black ankle-strap heels.

She finished off the look with some berry lipstick and clear-framed sunglasses.

So sophisticated: The 26-year-old Hollywood beauty rocked a monochrome floral print dress

On the go: Margot teamed her understated look with some black ankle-strap heels

Margot plays Harley Quinn, the dangerous and loyal protegee of The Joker, played by Jared Leto.

'They have a dysfunctional relationship, but she loves him anyway,' the star told Shortlist.

The Wolf of Wall Street star recently received some generous praise from another of her co-stars, Will Smith.

Turning heads: The Australian-born beauty wore her blonde locks loose and shaded her eyes with transparent framed sunglasses

The 47-year-old actor told The Herald Sun that when it came to the film's scene-stealers, 'There is no competition: Harley Quinn and the Joker.'

In an interview published on Saturday, he effused, 'There is something absolutely magnetic about that relationship. Its this weird superhero dysfunctional relationship ... and its SEXY.'

Suicide Squad is released on August 5.

Star quality: The actress is currently promoting her new DC Comics antihero flick Suicide Squad
Andy Lee has confirmed he has split from his younger girlfriend, Rebecca Harding, 25.

The radio star, 35, revealed the pair parted ways 'a little while ago', during his popular Hamish & Andy radio show, on Friday.

Speaking to his co-host Hamish Blake, he said 'Bec and I broke up a little while ago.'

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Confirmation: Andy Lee has confirmed he has split from girlfriend Rebecca Harding

Happier times: In happier times, the couple posted several snaps of each other on social media

The revelation about the pair's breakup came when the duo began talking about kissing.

They were discussing the 'slug', where one goes to kiss someone and they let their 'tongue go limp in their mouth', and then pull back and say 'you have been slugged!'

Andy said he no longer has to worry about the 'slug' because he was single.

No problems: Not long after the began dating, the brunette former waitress told Daily Mail Australia that their ten-year age difference didn't 'at all' bother her

Social circuit: The pair attended several events together during their relationship. Pictured here at Melbourne Cup Day, last year

'I am worried about you (Hamish) because you know that Bec and I broke up a little while ago. And so she was the only one that was going to slug me,' he explained to his radio co-host.

'Your still a chance to get slugged by your wife,' he turned to tell Hamish, who is married to former beauty blogger, Zoe Foster-Blake.

Meanwhile, It seems that following their split, Rebecca and Andy went on post break-up holidays.

Rebecca was posting pictures of herself holidaying in Bali, while the 2DayFM presenter enjoyed a road trip around Europe with his friends during his holiday period from hosting duties with Hamish.

Rebecca, who usually likes to share snippets of her weekend activities with Andy, has not shared any photos of the pair together since early June.

And there was certainly no mention of Rebecca in Andy's holiday updates his Twitter page.

Andy and Rebecca went public with their relationship in January last year.

Not long after the began dating, the brunette former waitress told Daily Mail Australia that their ten-year age difference didn't 'at all' bother her.

How they met: The couple met when Rebecca was working as a waitress in a cafe

She added that it was never a dull moment when Andy was around, but with their different work hours - he working from midday for his drive show on 2DayFM, whereas she works nine to five.

'It kills me in the morning when I get up to go to work and he's just lounging around,' she said.

The couple met when Rebecca was working as a waitress in a cafe.

After serving Andy, the comedian worked up the courage to speak to her and eventually left a note on a napkin.

'I was trying to chat to her, so I was ordering a lot,' he told listeners in July last year after being grilled by his co-host Hamish to reveal the details.

'I had like an hour and a half breakfast and you know I dont really like that because I like getting in and out in food situations.'
She was quick to grill Richie Strahan about his troubled relationship with his father and bring up the subject of children on her first date.

But stunning Bachelor hopeful Olena Khamula has revealed that she almost wasn't able to go on the show after her traditional parents initially banned her from appearing on the reality TV series.

The Ukrainian beauty, 23, said her family were concerned about how she would be portrayed, and did not want her heart to be broken in front of millions of viewers.

Traditional family: Bachelor hopeful Olena Khamula has revealed her parents initially banned her from appearing on the reality TV series

'My parents are beautiful, but private people, so they were worried about how I might be portrayed on the show,' she told Woman's Day.

'They've seen how emotional the girls get and how hearts get broken and they didn't want that for me.'

Olena said her family, including her 16-year-old sister Julia, eventually relented after she insisted she wanted to make her TV debut.

Ukrainian beauty: The 23-year-old said her family were concerned about how she would be portrayed and did not want her heart to be broken in front of millions of viewers

Beauty: The make-up artist, who lives in Sydney, also opened up about how she loves children and wants to get married

The make-up artist, who lives in Sydney, also opened up about how she loves children and wants to get married.

'In the Ukraine, everybody gets married pretty young, around 20 to 21, so mum's been asking where her grandchildren are,' Olena joked.

During her first date with Richie, Olena asked whether the rope access technician had ever thought of becoming a father himself.

He replied, saying: 'I definitely want kids, without a doubt.

'I think, you know, with a relationship you need to travel with someone, live with someone, experience life together before you jump into having kids.

Straight up: She was quick to grill Richie Strahan about his troubled relationship with his father

Truthful: When asked why his dad 'isn't in the picture', he explained: 'We didn't get along too well and when I was 13-years-old, my parents split. I ended up living with my mum and my sister'

'Like, if I was to start a family with someone, I want to know 100 per cent that this is going to be the person I'm going to spend the rest of my life with.'

She also asked Richie why his father is not in the picture.

'We didn't get along too well and when I was 13-years-old, my parents split,' he replied.

'I ended up living with my mum and my sister. Not having a father-figure in my life, I was a bit of a rat-bag but I had my mum and my sister to sort of keep me in line.

'I was raised by two beautiful ladies. They taught me some pretty good values,' he concluded.
She may favour classic black above all other shades, but Victoria Beckham injected some subtle rainbow shades into her wardrobe on Sunday.

Making a stylish departure from LAX airport in Los Angeles, the mum-of-four dressed for summer in a spaghetti strap dress with a red, blue and yellow colour pop design.

Much the same as her lighter, brighter style choice, Victoria was of a sunnier disposition when she flashed a rare smile at the cameras.

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Airport arrival: Victoria Beckham looked elegant in a black silk dress as she departed from LAX airport in Los Angeles on Sunday

Fashion designer Victoria still hid behind trademark oversized sunglasses, pursing her lips as she made another international flight.

Her dress was a light, silk fabric to keep her comfortable in-flight and it featured elegant, fine pleats on the skirt.

To the look, the brunette added a pair of pastel pink heels that cleverly matched her manicure and gave her that essential, extra heel height.

Style star: She added baby pink shoes to the look as she strutted through in style

The Beckham family are thought to have relocated to Los Angeles temporarily, while their West London home is being renovated.

Removal vans were spotted at the home two weeks ago while the six-piece spend another long summer in the much-sunnier States.

Naturally, the couple have been enjoying the company of best friends Gordon Ramsay and wife Tana once again.

Passing through: She positively floated through departures in her pleated number

Having reunited in the US, the foursome were spotted enjoying a double date on Thursday night in Malibu.

They were all seen leaving leaving the upmarket private members' club of Soho House and they were seen in a fits of giggles as David drove them away.

Despite enjoying life on the other side of the pond, Victoria is particularly committed to her demanding work schedule, nonetheless, and is therefore never in one place for too long.

Parred down: Her parred down sense of style featured a look of slick colour-less lip gloss and nude nail polish
Yemen government accepts UN peace deal

The Yemeni government said Sunday it has accepted a UN-proposed peace agreement to end more than a year of armed conflict, but there has been no word from the rebels.

The announcement by the Saudi-backed government came after a high-level meeting in Riyadh chaired by Yemen's President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

"The meeting approved the draft agreement presented by the United Nations calling for an end to the armed conflict and the withdrawal (of rebels) from Sanaa... and the cities of Taez and Al-Hudaydah," said a statement, cited by the Saba news agency.

UN special envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed (L) is greeted by spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam (C) for the Shiite Huthi rebel party Ansarullah, ahead of a meeting with Shiite Huthi rebels in Sanaa Mohammed Huwais (AFP/File)

Yemen's Foreign Minister Abdulmalek al-Mikhlafi, who is leading negotiating team in Kuwait City, said he has sent a letter to the UN special envoy informing him the government backed the "Kuwait Agreement".

One pre-condition, however, is that the Iran-backed Huthis and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh sign the deal by August 7, Mikhlafi wrote on Twitter.

He said the Yemeni leadership has authorised the delegation to sign the deal, which has received strong international and regional backing.

There has been no official reaction from the rebels.

Huthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam, however, said on Twitter before the government announcement that the rebels insist on a comprehensive and complete solution, and rejected what he called "half solutions".

Under the agreement, all decisions made by the rebels since they occupied the capital in September 2014 will be scrapped, Mikhlafi said.

The deal also abolishes the controversial supreme political council set up jointly by the Huthis and the General People's Congress of former president Saleh on Thursday to run the country, he said.

A political dialogue between various Yemeni factions will start 45 days after the rebels withdraw and hand over heavy weapons to a military committee to be formed by President Hadi.

Prisoners of war will also be freed, as specified by the UN Security Council resolution 2216, the agreement said.

The talks in Kuwait, which began on April 21, have so far made no major breakthrough.

UN special envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed on Saturday managed to extend discussions for a week after the government delegation said it was leaving, and submitted the peace deal draft to both sides.

The government approval also came hours after seven Saudi troops were killed in border clashes with Yemeni rebels.

More than 6,400 people have been killed in the Arabian Peninsula state since the Saudi-led coalition intervened in March last year in support of Hadi's government.
Harry Potter magic hits Asia as fans celebrate new book

Harry Potter magic hit Asia on Sunday, as aspiring witches and wizards crowded into bookstores to get their hands on the first copies of a new play that imagines the hero as an adult.

Launch parties for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" were held hours after the play's premiere in London, setting the stage for a return of the series that has captivated readers and movie audiences worldwide.

Nearly 300 fans rushed through the doors of Kinokuniya bookstore on Singapore's Orchard Road at 7:01 am (2301 GMT Saturday) to become one of the first people in the world to see the new script.

Children watch a video preview at a book store during the launch of the new "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" in Singapore on July 31, 2016 Roslan Rahman (AFP)

Student Samantha Chua, 24, who along with her boyfriend was first in line, said she had been waiting outside the fourth-floor bookstore since 5:00 am.

"We were here so early that the mall wasn't even open yet so we had to come up through the cargo lifts," she told AFP, adding that it was "all worth it".

"I grew up reading the books and I have a special place for them on my shelves but this will be my crowning glory," added Chua, who was wearing a Harry Potter-themed sweater.

Widely seen as the eighth Harry Potter instalment, the play is set 19 years after the end of the last book and features a grown-up Potter working at the Ministry of Magic.

Like many of his fans, Potter has now become an adult and has three children with his wife Ginny Weasley.

He still has his trademark round-rimmed glasses and the scar on his head, a permanent reminder of his nemesis Lord Voldemort, but must now help his youngest son Albus confront the family's dark past.

The script's global kickoff was timed to coincide with its launch at midnight in London, after the play's world premiere at the Palace Theatre earlier in the evening. July 31 is also author J. K. Rowling's birthday.

- Wands, wizards and wonder -

In India, fans began lining up outside shops which had opened early especially for the script's release.

"It's been amazing to see 10-year-old fans and 70-year-old grandmothers turn up at our shops," Shilpi Agarwal, a spokeswoman for Om book shops, said in New Delhi.

"We've got an excellent response," she told AFP, adding that the store would be laying on Potter-themed activities throughout the day.

In Bangkok, around 40 fans, many wielding wands and other wizarding paraphernalia, gathered outside a large downtown mall overnight.

Sanpipat Huangsawat, 29, was first in line and had started queuing at 6:30 pm on Saturday evening. He finally got his hand on the book some 11 hours later.

"I feel very excited and it's great to be the first owner of this book in Thailand," he told AFP.

Sheryans, 16, said he was not sure he'd ever get the chance to see another Harry Potter book launch.

"I've been following the Harry Potter series since I was eight years old, and it's unbelievable that after nine years they're keeping it going," he told AFP in Bangkok.

Dozens gathered at a downtown bookstore in Hong Kong to get the new title and try on Harry Potter costumes provided by the store.

Ten-year-old Adele Leung, who came with her mother, was anxious to crack into the latest Potter tome.

"I love Harry Potter and have read all of the last ones. I think I will read it in a few days," she said.

A fan poses for a photograph next to a poster during the launch of the new book "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" in Singapore on July 31, 2016 Roslan Rahman (AFP)
Atletico Madrid crash to defeat in Australia

Spanish giants Atletico Madrid crashed to a 1-0 loss to A-League side Melbourne Victory on their Australian pre-season tour in Geelong on Sunday.

The European Champions League runners-up fell behind to a goal against the run of play shortly before half-time and were kept scoreless in the second half.

Defender Nick Ansell powerfully headed home off a free-kick from Tunisian Fahid Ben Khalfallah to rock Atletico in the 44th minute.

Melbourne Victory's Nicholas Ansell waves after scoring against Altetico Madrid during the friendly match in Geelong near Melbourne on July 31, 2016 Paul Crock (AFP)

While manager Diego Simeone rung the changes in the second half his side could not find a way through the determined Victory defence.

Despite the defeat, he was pleased with the benefits of the trip to Australia.

"I'm very happy. These matches are very helpful for the guys who have played," said Simeone, who selected seven players from his club's academy in the Atletico starting lineup.

"I take from this many positive things. The youths are learning and this is the way to improve.

"Melbourne Victory is a well-worked team, strong and compact."

It has been a heady 10 days for the twice A-League champions, who beat Italian champions Juventus on penalties in the International Champions Cup last week before claiming another high-profile scalp in Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid, who lost this year's Champions League final on penalties to cross-city rivals Real Madrid, won their first match in Australia against England's Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in Melbourne on Friday.

There were several heavy challenges in Sunday's game with a solid tackle by Uruguayan defender Emiliano Velazquez forcing Victory's Mitch Austin off the field with a knee injury in the first half.

French defender Lucas Hernandez also limped away after a sliding tackle on Victory midfielder Oliver Bozanic in the second half.

Simeone made a triple substitution midway through the second half in an effort to recharge his team.

But Melbourne counterpart Kevin Muscat took off most of his leading players among six substitutions at one stage, leaving Victory with a largely youth side against the Spaniards in the final stages.

Atletico will return home on Tuesday and will next play Galatasaray in Turkey as part of their pre-season on August 6.
US-backed forces advance in IS Syria stronghold: monitor

Advancing Kurdish and Arab fighters backed by US-led air strikes now control 40 percent of the Islamic State stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria, a monitor said Sunday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had pushed deeper into the town near the border with Turkey, with air cover from the US-led coalition against the jihadists.

Around 2,300 civilians have fled Manbij in the past 24 hours as the SDF fighters advanced, according to the Britain-based monitor.

US-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters advance into the Islamic State (IS) jihadist's group bastion of Manbij, in northern Syria, on June 23, 2016 Delil Souleiman (AFP/File)

It said clashes between the joint Kurdish-Arab force and IS fighters were continuing in several parts of the town.

"It's a street battle, and the process of eating away at IS territory is ongoing," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.

He said the SDF had advanced into eastern parts of Manbij, which is located in Aleppo province on IS's main supply route between Syria and Turkey.

The SDF began its offensive to retake Manbij from IS on May 31, but progress slowed after it entered the town because of a fierce counteroffensive by the jihadists.

Thousands of civilians have already fled but thousands more are believed to remain, and there have been concerns about their fate as heavy fighting continues.

Earlier in the month, the SDF gave IS an ultimatum to leave Manbij within 48 hours, offering to allow fighters to flee with light weapons in what it described as a bid to protect civilians.

The initiative came after at least 56 civilians, including children, were reportedly killed in US-led air strikes near Manbij.

The coalition has said it is investigating the deaths, which provoked a sharp backlash, including a call from the Syrian opposition National Coalition for the US-led strikes to be suspended.

The 48-hour ultimatum was ignored by IS and fighting for the town has continued.

More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests.

The conflict has evolved into a complex multi-front war that has displaced over half Syria's population.
Police seek man in Texas shooting that killed one

Police in Texas said Sunday they were seeking a person of interest in an overnight shooting that killed a young woman and wounded four other people.

The Austin Police Department said it was seeking Endicott McCray, a slender 24-year-old black man.

Police across the country, and especially in Texas, remain on edge after a rash of shootings, including one on July 7 in Dallas which saw five officers killed by a black extremist.

Police in Austin, Texas said that an "active shooter" had caused "multiple victims", with local media reports saying that at least one person was dead Sean Gardner (Getty/AFP/File)

The incident in Austin began shortly after 2:15 am (0715 GMT) in an area filled with bars and nightclubs.

Police warned people to avoid the area, tweeting: "Active shooter incident downtown, multiple victims. Stay away from downtown."

A woman in her 20s was killed, authorities said. They have not named any of the victims, three of whom were treated at a hospital while the fourth was treated at the scene and released.

It was unclear whether the shooter knew any of the victims.

At a press conference broadcast via Periscope, Austin Police Chief of Staff Brian Manley said that when officers arrived they found "a very chaotic scene."

There appeared to have been a disturbance during which an individual pulled out a gun and fired into a crowd, he said.

A second shooting nearby was apparently unrelated. No one was hurt.

Sam Vedamanikam, 26, told the Austin American-Statesman newspaper that he and several friends were leaving a dance club when they heard four or five gunshots.
South Sudan war criminals will be held accountable: US

Washington has warned that those who perpetrate atrocities in South Sudan's civil war will be held responsible for their crimes.

The United States served as a midwife in the creation of the South Sudan, formed in July 2011 by partitioning Sudan.

But South Sudan descended into war in December 2013, and a peace deal signed last year collapsed during heavy fighting in the capital this month.

South Sudan has seen more fighting than peace since independence in July 2011 Albert Gonzalez Farran (AFP/File)

"Recent weeks have featured well-documented reports of civilian killings and a surge in the number of government soldiers in uniform raping and gang raping women and girls who have taken refuge in UN Protection of Civilian sites," the US State Department said late on Saturday.

The United Nations "has documented at least 120 cases of sexual violence in the last two weeks" in fighting between government forces and those loyal to rebel chief Riek Machar.

"Those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other violations of international humanitarian law -- including those who order or incite violence, or encourage or contribute to the commission of crimes -- will be held accountable," the US statement read.

The statement reminded "all parties" that the peace agreement provides for a special court that "will have jurisdiction over violations of international law committed during the transitional period, including those committed during the ongoing violence."

Washington also called for "an immediate halt to combat operations and full compliance with the ceasefire declared on July 11 and in the peace agreement."

- 'Edge of an abyss' -

Juba was rocked by several days of heavy fighting in early July between government forces and those loyal to Machar, in the latest upsurge in the two-and-half-year war.

Nearly 300 people died in the violence and two Chinese peacekeepers were killed in an attack on a UN base, where thousands of civilians rushed for safety.

South Sudan is "poised on the brink of an abyss" UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told the Security Council on Thursday.

Ban has called for an arms embargo and sanctions to be imposed on those who fail to observe the peace agreement in South Sudan, but the council has yet to endorse his call.
Thousands protest attack on low-caste Indians

Thousands of low-caste Dalits formerly known as "untouchables" protested in western India on Sunday against an attack on their members by cow protection vigilantes.

Police surrounded the protesters in Ahmedabad, the main city in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat, to prevent any violence, as anger among Dalits mounts over the attack.

Protest organiser Jignesh Mevani said Dalit youths were trying to kill themselves to protest attacks committed against their caste, which lies at the bottom of India's complex and entrenched social hierarchy system.

Dalits and supporters participated in a protest rally in the Gujarat town of Una on July 21, 2016 Sam Panthaky (AFP/File)

"Neither the BJP nor Congress will come to our help," Mevani said of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and main opposition party.

"Only our united strength will help us fight the age-old oppression," the Dalit activist told the crowd which police put at 5,000-strong.

Violent protests erupted this month after video footage emerged of an attack on four Dalit villagers who were taking a dead cow to be skinned.

Cows are considered sacred by Hindus and killing them is banned in Gujarat, but the villagers said the animal had died of natural causes.

Dalits are commonly tasked with removing the corpses of dead cows from the streets of India, where the animals often roam freely.

Dalit leaders told the rally a 24-year-old man who had drank poison to protest against the attack died of his injuries in hospital on Sunday.

A senior hospital official in Ahmedabad confirmed the death to AFP.

Mevani said such suicides were signs of deep despair among low-caste Indians after years of discrimination and violence by those from higher castes who often went unpunished.

"This is the failure of the Gujarat development model wherein youths have to consume poison to demand their rights," Mevani said.

The video of the attack showed the four half-naked men tied to a car as the activists took turns to thrash them with belts and batons at a crowded marketplace.

Two more Dalits were beaten up after they tried to save the other four.

Attacks by vigilante groups on cow traders and smugglers have increased since Hindu nationalist premier Modi won power in 2014.
Netanyahu criticises European 'support' for anti-Israel groups

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said his government was looking into support from European nations for groups engaged in what he described as anti-Israel activities, specifically mentioning France.

Speaking at the start of a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said an inquiry had "found support from European countries, including France, for several organisations that engage in incitement, call for a boycott of Israel and do not recognise the state of Israel's right to exist."

"We will complete the inquiry and submit the findings to the French government," Netanyahu said, without identifying any organisation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opens the weekly cabinet meeting at his Jerusalem office on July 31, 2016 Gali Tibbon (POOL/AFP)

Israeli officials have regularly condemned support by foreign governments for left-wing NGOs critical of the country's policies towards the Palestinians.

In mid-July, Israel's parliament adopted a law seen as targeting left-wing groups critical of the government by forcing NGOs that receive most of their funding from foreign states to declare it.

Netanyahu also appeared to make reference to France's announcement on Friday that it would consider a temporary ban on foreign financing of mosques following a series of jihadist attacks.

"We are also disturbed by such donations to organisations that deny the state of Israel's right to exist," he said.

Israel has been faced with a boycott movement over its nearly 50-year occupation of the West Bank.

Some, however, accuse the movement of anti-Semitism.

Violence since October 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.

Others were shot dead during clashes and protests, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip.

Many analysts say Palestinian frustration with Israeli occupation and settlement-building in the West Bank, the complete lack of progress in peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have fed the unrest.
Seven Pakistani extremists killed in police shootout

Seven Islamist extremists were killed in a shootout in Pakistan's wealthy Punjab province as police raided the group suspected of launching attacks on security posts, officials said Sunday.

Gunfire erupted between between police and 10 suspected militants early Sunday morning in a house where the group was holed up.

Police said the seven dead were killed by bullets from their own men.

Pakistan launched a countrywide campaign against militancy called the National Action Plan in 2015 after a deadly Taliban attack on a Peshawar school killed more than 150 people, mostly children Arif Ali (AFP/File)

"When the firing stopped, seven terrorists were found dead by the firing of their own accomplices and the remaining escaped in the darkness of the night," a police statement said.

The shootout occurred in Pakistan's central Punjab province about 56 kilometres (35 miles) west of Lahore.

Police said the Islamists belonged to the Pakistani branch of the Taliban, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the banned sectarian group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ).

They were accused of planning attacks on security posts and law enforcement agencies in Punjab.

Rights activists have blamed Pakistani police for staging raids to kill suspects they fear could be freed if tried in a court.

Pakistan launched a countrywide campaign against militancy called the National Action Plan in 2015 after a deadly Taliban attack on a Peshawar school killed more than 150 people, mostly children.

The Sunni LeJ group has claimed responsibility for some of the most brazen attacks on Shiites in Pakistan's recent history, including a January 2013 bombing in Quetta that killed over one hundred members of the Shiite Hazara minority group.
Yemen govt accepts UN peace plan, rebels reject it

Yemen's government on Sunday accepted a UN-proposed plan to end fighting that has killed thousands, but the rebels rejected it, insisting that any settlement must first tackle a unity administration.

The draft agreement, which follows several months of UN-brokered negotiations in Kuwait, stipulates that the Iran-backed Huthi Shiite rebels must withdraw from Sanaa, which they overran in September 2014.

Yemen, home to what the United States sees as Al-Qaeda's deadliest franchise, descended into chaos after the 2012 ouster of longtime strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Yemeni soldiers check the scene of a car bomb attack at an army checkpoint at the entrance to the town of Hajr on July 18, 2016 Abduljabbar Bajubair (AFP/File)

Security deteriorated further after the Huthis swept into the capital and pushed south, forcing President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government to flee into exile in March last year.

The United Nations says the conflict has killed more than 6,400 people and displaced 2.8 million since then, when a Saudi-led Arab coalition launched a military campaign to support Hadi.

More than 80 percent of the population urgently needs humanitarian aid.

The proposed peace deal is broadly in line with the demands of Hadi's government.

It replaces a roadmap previously proposed by UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed that stipulated the creation of a unity government including the insurgents, which was rejected by Hadi's government.

Under the new plan, a political dialogue between the factions would start 45 days after the rebels withdraw and hand over heavy weapons to a military committee to be formed by Hadi.

Prisoners of war would also be freed.

The government's acceptance came after a meeting in Riyadh chaired by Hadi.

- Saudi pressure -

"The meeting approved the draft agreement presented by the United Nations calling for an end to the armed conflict and the withdrawal (of rebels) from Sanaa" and other cities they have seized, said a statement.

According to sources close to the delegates at the Kuwait talks, the government accepted the deal following pressure from Saudi Arabia which wants to show the rebels are unwilling to accept a political solution.

Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdulmalek al-Mikhlafi, who is leading Hadi's negotiating team, said he had sent a letter to the UN envoy informing him the government backed the "Kuwait Agreement".

One precondition, however, is that the Huthis and allied forces loyal to Saleh sign the deal by August 7, Mikhlafi wrote on Twitter.

The rebels rejected the proposal.

"What was presented by the (UN) envoy was no more than just ideas for a solution to the security aspect, subject to debate like other proposals," a statement from the rebel delegation said.

It charged that the Yemeni government announcement of a draft settlement was "no more than media stunts" aimed at foiling talks.

The rebels reiterated their long-standing demand that a peace deal must first forge an accord on a new consensual executive authority, including a new president and government.

This condition is an explicit demand for the removal of the internationally recognised Hadi.

- 'Half solutions' -

Huthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said on Twitter before the government announcement that the rebels insist on a comprehensive and complete peace agreement, rejecting what he called "half solutions".

The government's announcement came just hours after the coalition said a Saudi army officer and six soldiers were killed in border clashes with Yemeni rebels on Saturday.

On Sunday, rebels and loyalists traded artillery fire near the Saudi border, military sources said.

In Yemen's southern Shabwa province, 18 rebels and 15 loyalists have been killed since Saturday, other military sources said.

The rebels angered the government last week by announcing the formation of a 10-member "supreme council" to run Yemen, which Mikhlafi branded a "new coup".

Under the proposed peace deal, that council would be abolished and all rebel decisions since they occupied Sanaa would be rescinded.

A defiant Saleh defended the new council, which he said aimed at "filling the political void left in the country after the legitimacy of Hadi expired and he fled" to Saudi Arabia.

"This council will govern the country as a presidential council and in accordance with the country's constitution and laws," Saleh said.

Hadi's government has used main southern city Aden as a temporary capital since it was recaptured from the Huthis last year.

But the authorities have struggled to secure the port city, which has seen a string of bombings and assassinations by the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda.

On Sunday, two policemen were killed and a third was wounded by a bomb and a car blew up elsewhere in the city without causing casualties, officials said.

The jihadist rivals have exploited the turmoil to boost their activities in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country.

Yemen, a key US ally in the fight against Al-Qaeda, descended into chaos after the 2012 ouster of longtime strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh AFP (AFP/File)

Security in Yemen deteriorated further after the Huthi rebels swept into the capital Sanaa and pushed south, forcing President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government to flee into exile in March last year Fayez Nureldine (AFP/File)
Iraq minister says IS leaders, families flee Mosul

Iraq's Defence Minister Khalid al-Obeidi has said that Islamic State group leaders and their families have sold their belongings and fled Mosul as Iraqi forces close in on the northern city.

Iraqi forces are conducting operations to set the stage for an assault on Mosul, the country's second city that has been held by IS since June 2014, but the final push to retake it is likely still months away.

"A number of the families... and leaders of (IS) in Mosul, they and their families sold their belongings and withdrew towards Syria," whose border west of the city, Obeidi told Iraqiya state television.

IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but has since lost significant ground to Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes, training and other assistance Joseph Eid (AFP/File)

Some also sought to infiltrate towards Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, located north and east of Mosul, Obeidi said during an interview which was broadcast on Saturday night.

Mosul is the last city held by IS in Iraq, but retaking it poses a major challenge, and the operation could unleash a humanitarian crisis unless plans are made for people who would likely flee the fighting.

The Red Cross has said it believes that up to a million Iraqis could be displaced in the coming months by fighting against IS, including the operation to recapture Mosul.
Where have all the donkeys gone? Burkina Faso's export dilemma

In the small Burkina Faso village of Balole, where farmers struggle to grow tomatoes, cabbages and aubergines, angry youngsters armed with batons and machetes are barring entry to the slaughterhouse.

A sickening stench from dozens of rotting donkey carcasses hangs in the air.

This is the flipside of Burkina's booming trade with Asia in donkey meat and donkey hides.

Fed up with the foul smell and pollution blamed on the slaughter of donkeys in the local abattoir of Balole, dozens of villagers have ransacked the building and blocked its entrance ever since Ahmed Ouoba (AFP/File)

Fed up with the foul smell and pollution blamed on the slaughter, dozens of villagers earlier this month ransacked the abattoir and have blocked its entrance ever since.

Eating donkey meat is nothing new in parts of the west African country, where some believe the flesh has medicinal virtues and can even cure measles.

But the export of donkey meat and hides, notably to China and Vietnam, has flourished beyond measure in recent years, triggering some controversy.

"More than 45,000 donkeys have been slaughtered in less than six months" out of an estimated total of 1.5 million, says government spokesman Remi Fulgance Dandjinou.

"The subject has come up twice in cabinet meetings and the ministry of animal resources has been told to find ways of regulating the slaughter."

Burkina's customs service, quoted by the Sidwaya daily paper, said 19 tonnes of donkey hides had been flown to Hong Kong alone between October 2015 and January 2016.

Rising demand for hides has driven prices up drastically, from a mere 2,000 CFA francs (three euros) apiece to between 30,000 and 50,000 CFA francs (40 to 76 euros).

"A donkey that cost 50,000 CFA francs a couple of years ago now sells for between 70,000 and 90,000," says Issouf Kombassere, a donkey butcher in Saaba, a rural area in the centre of the country.

Some fear the roaring trade could see donkeys disappear altogether in Burkina Faso, one of the world's poorest nations where the beasts are used for transport.

Females take a year to bear their young and need two years between each birth.

- 'No fresh water left' -

In Balole, which is around 25 kilometres (15 miles) west of the capital Ouagadougou, villagers took matters into their own hands when their vegetables wilted in the soil due to toxic runoff from the plant.

As part of their protests, they let hundreds of animals loose.

"More than 400 now are in the bush. Some that were sick or very hungry are dying and infecting the village even more," said Karim Simpore, the villager who says he led the July 11 raid.

The abattoir, built in 2011, was rented out to a French businessman and his Chinese partners by the local owner. The managers of the slaughterhouse declined to comment on developments.

Their company, Best Trade Center, exported exclusively to Asia, with hides mainly for China and meat going to Vietnam, the authorities and several witnesses told AFP.

"Four trucks full of donkeys would arrive every day, from Burkina, Mali and even Mauritania," Simpore said. "They'd slaughter 150 to 200 donkeys a day."

During an inspection more than 85 donkey corpses were found on the premises "decomposing with worms coming out," water and forestry official Christophe Bazie told AFP.

He said the firm was fined one million CFA francs (15,000 euros) for abandoning harmful waste, but that fines could be 10 times higher or even be jail terms.

Local farmer Simpore said that when the business began, there seemed to be no problems.

"But once the first rains fell, water washed the blood and the offal from the abattoir to the wells and streams, so there was no fresh water left to drink."

"Now the vegetable patches are polluted... tomato plants, cabbages, aubergines... they're all dying," said Simpore, surrounded by the group of baton-wielding youngsters.

"There'll never be a single donkey slaughtered here ever again," said one of the protesters, Ali Ouedraogo.
Palestinian tries to stab Israeli soldiers, shot dead: army

A Palestinian armed with a knife charged at Israeli soldiers on the outskirts of the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank on Sunday and was shot dead, the Israeli army said.

"An assailant armed with a knife exited his vehicle and charged (at) soldiers at the entrance to Nablus," a statement said.

"Forces thwarted the attempted stabbing attack and shot the assailant, resulting in his death."

Israeli soldiers at the site of a stabbing attack by a Palestinian near the city of Hebron on July 18, 2016 Ahmad Gharabli (AFP/File)

An army spokeswoman specified that the assailant was a Palestinian. No injuries among the soldiers were reported.

The Palestinian health ministry identified the person killed as Rami Awartani, 31.

A wave of such incidents began in October, part of violence since that time that has killed at least 219 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese.

Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities.

Others were shot dead during protests and clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip.
Cannabis chef takes fine dining to new high

Christopher Sayegh holds up two syringes filled with cannabis compound, primed to pump tiny amounts into a pomegranate sorbet, or a juicy cut of Wagyu Japanese beef as part of a bold new sensory experiment.

As more US states move to legalize the use of recreational marijuana, the California chef is aiming to elevate haute cuisine to a new level.

Armed with cooking skills acquired while working at Michelin-star restaurants in New York and California, Sayegh says his mission is to redefine haute cuisine with cannabis-infused meals that are becoming increasingly popular as the stigma surrounding marijuana gradually evaporates.

Herbal Chef Christopher Sayegh says his mission is to redefine haute cuisine with cannabis-infused meals that are becoming increasingly popular as the stigma surrounding marijuana gradually evaporates Jason Redmond (AFP/File)

"I am trying to give people a cerebral experience," Sayegh, 24, told AFP during a recent interview at The Herbal Chef, his Los Angeles-based company.

"But I'm also really careful in how I take them along on this journey."

Sayegh's foray into edible cannabis comes as more and more entrepreneurs look to capitalize on a new gold rush in California which is set to vote in November on legalizing recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over.

Five other states, including Alaska, Colorado and Washington, have already adopted similar legislation and more are expected to follow suit as cannabis moves out of the shadows and becomes more mainstream.

Medical cannabis use is allowed so far in 23 states -- including California -- and that number is expected to grow, despite the fact that at the federal level the product remains illegal.

According to the Arcview Group, a cannabis investment and research firm based in California, legal sales of marijuana in the United States reached $1.2 billion in 2015, a 232 percent increase over the previous year.

By 2020, sales are expected to surpass $22 billion, the group said in a recent report, with California making up $6.4 billion of that market.

- 'Like a symphony' -

Such projections are enough to make entrepreneurs like Sayegh salivate and quickly move to stake out their place in the burgeoning market of cannabis-laced cuisine.

The young chef, who was studying molecular biology at university before dropping out to pursue his culinary project, said he has seen a huge uptick since starting his business about two years ago.

His services, for now, are exclusively private affairs for people with medical marijuana cards, but he expects that hurdle to come down following the November vote on recreational marijuana.

His meals, at $300 to $500 a head, are aimed at taking diners on a unique "immersive" journey and not just getting stoned, Sayegh says.

"I am literally changing people's brain chemistry as the dishes go on," he says enthusiastically, as his displays the tiny syringes he uses to spice up his cooking.

"By the third course you feel it a little, by the fourth a bit more and by the fifth course, you're starting to hit your groove.

"So it's like a symphony," he adds. "I have to make sure that as the come-up is happening, the dishes correspond with that and as it's coming down, the same happens."

- 'Taking people on a trip' -

Sayegh, who is of Jordanian descent, is even experimenting with cannabis-laced stuffed grape leaves, falafel, chickpea beignets and other Middle Eastern dishes.

His cannabis-infused dishes even include "medicated" oysters.

He says his family was appalled when he entered into his new venture, but they have since come around, even sampling, and enjoying, his creations.

Sayegh and others, however, warn that as the appeal of cannabis-laced food continues to increase and Americans grow comfortable with the concept, consumers need to be made aware that getting high on a cannabis meal is not to be taken lightly.

"This is an inexact science in so many ways because so many factors come into play when you cook with cannabis," said Robyn Griggs Lawrence, author of "The Cannabis Kitchen Cookbook."

"It's not like ordering a Jack Daniels and coke.

"There is a whole discovery going on right now as this is kind of reaching out from the Wild Wild West."

Sayegh said he realizes that his meals can pack a wallop and treads carefully when he gets behind the stove to concoct his recipes.

"Cannabis is not like any other ingredient," he said. "You have to be extremely careful because not only does heat play a very important role when cooking with cannabis, but you're also taking people on a trip, literally, and you have a responsibility to make sure it's done right.

"This is not about throwing butter in a pan to get everyone super high."

Increasingly, entrepreneurs are looking to capitalize on a new gold rush in California, which is set to vote in November on legalizing recreational marijuana for adults 21 and over Jason Redmond (AFP/File)

Christopher Sayegh had been studying molecular biology at university before he dropped out to pursue his culinary project Jason Redmond (AFP/File)
UN formally invites Syria government to new peace talks

UN deputy Syria envoy Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy on Sunday invited Damascus to new peace talks with the opposition at the end of August, drawing a positive response from the government.

On Tuesday, the world body's special envoy Staffan de Mistura told reporters in Geneva he wanted "to proceed with a third round of intra-Syrian talks towards the end of August" after two previous rounds of talks this year ended in failure.

De Mistura has struggled to keep the peace process alive amid a surge in fighting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces and rebel groups.

Syrians walk past heavily damaged buildings in the neighbourhood of Bani Zeid, on Aleppo's northern outskirts on July 29, 2016 George Ourfalian (AFP)

"I informed the minister and his deputy of the intention of the special envoy De Mistura to reconvene the inter-Syrian talks towards the end of August," Ramzy said after meeting Foreign Minister Walid Muallem and his deputy Faisal Muqdad.

"I explained to the minister how we intend to proceed, and we discussed how to render this process of political transition which has already been endorsed by the Security Council to be a credible one, and we exchanged views on that," Ramzy said.

He said Muallem "confirmed the intention of the Syrian government to participate in these talks once they are held".

Muqdad said Syria's government was "ready to resume the talks with no preconditions in an inter-Syrian context with no foreign interference", the official SANA news agency reported him as saying.

De Mistura's announcement comes with the armed opposition facing difficulties, especially in the northern city of Aleppo where government forces are besieging rebel-held districts.

A peace roadmap, endorsed in December by the UN, called for the creation of a transitional body, which should have occurred on August 1, a new constitution and elections by mid-2017.

The UN-brokered talks have so far been deadlocked over Assad's fate.

The government has ruled out negotiations on his possible departure, while the main opposition High Negotiations Committee has said it will not agree to any deal that leaves Assad in power.

Since Syria was plunged into chaos in 2011, more than 280,000 people have been killed and upwards of half the population has been displaced.
Vote ANC, urges S.Africa's Zuma ahead of poll

South African President Jacob Zuma on Sunday urged supporters to vote for the ruling African National Congress ahead of fiercely competitive municipal polls that could see the party lose control of several major cities.

Zuma's ANC, which controls the majority of the country's 278 municipalities, has been weakened by graft scandals and growing public discontent since it led the fight against white-minority rule.

At a massive final rally, the party made a last push for votes, stressing its anti-apartheid history and the legacy of former president and Nobel peace price winner Nelson Mandela.

South African ruling African National Congress President Jacob Zuma delivers his speech during the closing rally campaign for the municipal elections at Ellis Par Stadium on July 31, 2016 in Johannesburg Marco Longari (AFP)

"Millions of our people must vote ANC and enable their movement to continue improving the lives of our people," Zuma told a packed Ellis Park Stadium in the Johannesburg city centre.

"Every vote counts."

An estimated 55,000 supporters decked in the ANC's green, yellow and black filled the stands for the extravagant rally, crowning a campaign the party said had cost it an estimated one billion rand ($72 million).

"We have walked the streets of this country, we have visited every town, every city. We have been to thousands of homes," said Zuma.

The latest Ipsos opinion polls suggest that the ANC, which has ruled since the end of apartheid in 1994, could be under threat in three major cities -- Pretoria, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth -- in Wednesday's election.

The main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), which rules in Cape Town, is hoping for a breakthrough, citing the country's poor economic performance and a series of corruption scandals plaguing Zuma.

Last week, South Africa's highest court ruled that the president pay back $500,000 of public funds spent upgrading his private Nkandla residence with facilities including a chicken coop and a swimming pool.

"A lot of money was wasted there that should have been spent on the people," Frieda Motlatla, 24, told AFP at Sunday's rally.

But with her hair wrapped in an ANC turban, she said Zuma's troubles would not affect her support: "I don't vote for a person, I vote for a party."

"Nkandla is not our business," agreed Simon Machaka, 42. "Some people will always be dissatisfied. They don't focus on the good things."

Zuma, 74, will have completed two terms in office in 2019 and is not eligible to run for president again, but the ANC could replace him ahead of the next general election if the party scores poorly in the local polls.

Speaking to the weekly City Press newspaper, Zuma's predecessor and later his deputy Kgalema Motlanthe said the ANC had "lost its ability to be representative of ordinary people".

"It's almost as though the country is on autopilot. There's no leadership being provided," he said.

"It may be possible at some point to salvage the ANC from this race to the bottom. But it is also possible that the ANC may so thoroughly discredit itself that there may be nothing to salvage."

"If we reach that moment, it would mean a realignment of political forces in South Africa."

The radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party is also seeking to make a major impact in its first municipal elections.

"The ANC is dead," EFF leader Julius Malema told thousands at a rally in a northern city of Polokwane.

"It is buried with Nelson Mandela."

At a massive final rally on July 31, 2016 ahead of the August vote, the ANC made a last push for votes, stressing its anti-apartheid history and past accomplishments Gianluigi Guercia (AFP)
Trump's Russia praise raises 'security issues': Clinton

Hillary Clinton has sharply criticized Donald Trump over his "absolute allegiance" to Russian policy aims, saying it raised both "national security issues" and new doubts about his temperament.

Trump, her Republican rival in the race for the White House, responded defiantly, saying he had "no relationship" with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and had never met nor spoken to him by phone, but that "if our country got along with Russia, that would be a great thing."

He said in an ABC interview that he was not about to disavow it if Putin praised him as a "genius" (some Russian speakers say "colorful" was a better translation of the word).

Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton pictured in Las Vegas on July 19, 2016 John Gurzinski (AFP/File)

But further fanning controversy, Trump added that as president he would at least consider acknowledging Russian sovereignty over Crimea, the Ukrainian territory that Russia annexed in 2014 in the face of widespread international condemnation.

"The people of Crimea, from what I've heard, would rather be with Russia," Trump said.

The territory was the subject of a head-scratching exchange between Trump and ABC "This Week" host George Stephanopoulos.

"(Putin's) not going into Ukraine, okay, just so you understand," Trump said. "He's not gonna go into Ukraine, all right? You can mark it down. You can put it down."

Stephanopoulos responded: "Well, he's already there, isn't he?"

Trump replied, "Okay -- well, he's there in a certain way. But I'm not there."

Clinton senior policy advisor Jake Sullivan called Trump's statement "scary stuff."

"What is he talking about? ... What else doesn't he know?" Sullivan said in a statement. "While Trump hasn't mastered basic facts about the world, he has mastered Putin's talking points on Crimea."

Trump said he was not involved in Republicans' softening of their platform language to remove a call to provide Ukraine with lethal weaponry.

The dispute over Russia is part of a broader disagreement over US engagement abroad, as Trump argues that a weakened America must retrench and demand greater contributions from its allies, while Clinton asserts that decades-old US commitments to foreign partners must be maintained.

- Backlash over emails -

Clinton, in her comments, was responding on "Fox News Sunday" to allegations of Russian involvement in leaks of Democratic Party emails that embarrassed her on the eve of the just-ended Democratic national convention.

As that convention was under way, Trump urged Russia to find and release several thousand emails that disappeared from Clinton's private server while she was secretary of state.

"Russia, if you're listening," Trump said at the time, "I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing. I think you will be mightily rewarded by our press."

That call, of a sort nearly unprecedented in US presidential politics, drew sharp rebukes from Democrats and some Republicans.

US cybersecurity experts said it raised questions about whether Russia had attempted to influence the American campaign in Trump's favor. Leaked emails published by WikiLeaks revealed the distrust of some key Democratic leaders of Bernie Sanders, Clinton's former rival for the Democratic nod.

Trump's seeming encouragement of Russian hacking, Clinton told Fox, "raises issues about Russian influence in our election."

"And for Trump to both encourage that and to praise Putin despite what appears to be a deliberate effort to try to affect the election, I think, raises national security issues."

- 'Not temperamentally fit' -

When an interviewer noted that Trump had claimed he was being sarcastic, Clinton replied: "If you take the encouragement that Russians hack into email accounts, if you take his quite excessive praise for Putin, his absolute allegiance to a lot of Russian wish-list foreign policy issues," it suggests that "he is not temperamentally fit to be president and commander-in-chief."

Trump had earlier unnerved NATO member nations by questioning the long absolute US commitment to defend any member of the Atlantic alliance should it be attacked by Russia.

In an interview, with The New York Times just before the Republican convention, Trump said that if Russia attacked NATO member nations he would decide whether to come to their assistance only if he decided that they had "fulfilled their obligations to us."

Trump has also said he might withdraw US troops from European and Asian countries if they failed to pay more for American protection.

"We are going to take care of this country first," he told The Times, "before we worry about everyone else in the world."
Congo opposition chief demands elections by end 2016

Congo's opposition leader on Sunday called for elections to be held this year, at a rally of tens of thousands of supporters, and demanded President Joseph Kabila step down as scheduled on December 20.

Tensions have been growing in mineral-rich but troubled Democratic Republic of Congo over fears that Kabila, in power since 2001, may try to extend his rule with a third term, beyond the constitutional maximum of two.

In a fiery speech in Kinshasa, Etienne Tshisekedi warned him not to try, saying it would be "high treason" if the electoral process were not launched on schedule in September.

An opposition supporter holds up a banner during a rally organised by political opposition parties in Kinshasa on July 31, 2016 Eduardo Soteras (AFP)

After a two-year absence due to ill-health, Tshisekedi, 83, returned Wednesday to the Democratic Republic of Congo to a warm welcome from supporters.

He told the rally that September 19 was the "first red line which must not be crossed".

"The electoral body must be convened (by that date) for the presidential election. If it is not, high treason will be proved in the person of Mr Kabila, who will take responsibility for the misery of the Congolese people," Tshisekedi said.

"From that moment, his three-month notice period on the presidential palace begins. On December 19 the notice expires and on the 20th the house must be free," he added, to rousing cheers.

An immensely popular figure who emerged as a leading dissenting voice as far back as the 1980s, when he was a critic of strongman Mobutu Sese Seko, Tshisekedi recently accomplished the rare feat of uniting the Congolese opposition.

DR Congo's opposition has never before managed to forge a common front against Kabila, who beat Tshisekedi in the last presidential election in 2011.

Last month, another leading light of the opposition, Moise Katumbi, was sentenced in absentia to three years in jail for property fraud.

The presiding judge in the case has since claimed she was pressured by the authorities into signing off on a guilty verdict, to ensure Katumbi would be ineligible to run for office, according to a letter seen by AFP.

- Rare display of unity -

Tshisekedi travelled to the rally in an open jeep escorted by a swarm of motorbikes along a route thronged with supporters and draped with the flags of various opposition parties.

One group of youths carried a coffin daubed with anti-Kabila slogans.

At the rally itself, opposition supporters waved banners reading "Change is now," and "No dialogue without the release of political prisoners."

"We voted for Tshisekedi in 2011 but still the international community imposed Kabila on us," said one supporter who gave his name only as Martin.

Talk of Kabila hanging on beyond the expiry of his second term on December 20 has whipped up fresh tension in the country of 71 million people.

Protests erupted after the Constitutional Court ruled in May that Kabila, who took power after his father's assassination, could remain in office in a caretaker capacity beyond the end of the mandate.

The government has called for a "national dialogue" and former Togo premier Edem Kodjo has been named by the African Union as the talks' "facilitator."

Opposition groups had shunned the talks, seeing them as a trap, but several leaders appearing with Tshisekedi on Sunday gave them the thumbs up, on certain conditions including the release of political prisoners.

Tshisekedi also called for "an end to arbitrary judicial cases against opposition leaders like Moise Katumbi and Martin Fayulu".

He told the crowd the Congolese would bid farewell to Kabila on December 20 and "inaugurate a new era" in a country plagued for decades by poverty, corruption and war.

In Belgium last month, DR Congo's opposition parties rallied behind Tshisekedi in a new alliance named "Rassemblement" (Rally) that aims to ensure Kabila quits.

On Wednesday former Katanga governor Katumbi, who is currently abroad, welcomed Tshisekedi's return, saying in a tweet "Happy to see Pdt #Tshisekedi back in #DRC!"

Democratic Republic of Congo's opposition leader Etienne Tshiskedi (L) looks on during a rally organised by the political opposition parties in Kinshasa on July 31, 2016 Eduardo Soteras (AFP)

Opposition supporters gather for a rally organised by political opposition parties in Kinshasa on July 31, 2016 Eduardo Soteras (AFP)
Slain soldier's father calls Trump a 'black soul'

The father of a slain Muslim American soldier assailed Donald Trump as a "black soul" Sunday in an impassioned exchange with the Republican presidential candidate over the qualities required in a US leader.

Khizr Khan electrified the Democratic convention last week with a tribute to his fallen son that ended with a steely rebuke that Trump had "sacrificed nothing" for his country.

Trump defended himself in an interview with ABC's "This Week," insisting he had made "a lot of sacrifices" while suggesting that Khan's wife, who stood silent on the convention stage as her husband spoke, had not been allowed to talk.

Khizr Khan addresses delegates on the fourth and final day of the Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Center on July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Saul Loeb (AFP/File)

But Khan shot back in interviews on US television news shows, while his wife Ghazala explained in a Washington Post op-ed that she had been too grief-stricken to speak.

"Without saying a thing, all the world, all America, felt my pain," she wrote. "Whoever saw me felt me in their heart."

Their son, US Army captain Humayun Khan, was killed in Iraq in 2004 in a roadside explosion.

Khizr Khan, speaking on CNN, accused Trump of lacking the moral compass and empathy needed to be the country's leader.

"He is a black soul. And this is totally unfit for the leadership of this beautiful country," Khan said.

Trump has courted controversy and sparked outrage during his drive for the US presidency with disparaging remarks against immigrants, Muslims and women.

His call to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the United States has drawn criticism even from leaders of his own party.

Yet Trump has attracted a fervent following among working class white males, and stands near even with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the polls.

- Jousting -

In an interview with Fox News Sunday, Clinton took aim at Trump's positive view of Russian President Vladimir Putin and accused him of "absolute allegiance" to Moscow's foreign policy objectives.

Trump responded defiantly, saying in the ABC interview that he had "no relationship" with Putin, but that "if our country got along with Russia, that would be a great thing."

The jousting on policy was overshadowed, however, by the emotional back and forth between Trump and Khan.

"I work very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures. I've had tremendous success. I think I've done a lot," Trump said about his sacrifices.

Trump questioned whether Clinton had been behind Khan's address, which the naturalized Pakistani immigrant said he wrote with his wife.

He added: "If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say," Trump said. "Maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say."

Khan said he had invited his wife to speak, but she declined, knowing she'd become too emotional.

He said running for president does not entitle Trump "to disrespect" the relatives of soldiers killed in combat.

"Shame on him! Shame on his family!" he told ABC News. "He is void of decency, he has a dark heart."

- Repudiate -

Khan called on top Republican lawmakers Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan to denounce Trump.

"They have advised him, they have counseled him... he had promised them to mend his divisive ways, harmful ways, hurtful manner and policies. Yet he comes back again on the same thing," Khan said.

He said it was the Republican leaders' "moral and ethical obligation to... repudiate him, withdraw the support."

Both lawmakers stopped short of doing that.

In a statement, Senate Republican leader McConnell called Humayun Khan "an American hero," praised the sacrifices of families like the Khans, and said he agreed with them that "a travel ban on all members of a religion is simply contrary to American values."

House Speaker Ryan noted that many Muslim Americans have "served valiantly in our military, and made the ultimate sacrifice. Captain Khan was one such brave example. His sacrifice -- and that of Khizr and Ghazala Khan -- should always be honored. Period."

In a statement late on Saturday, Trump praised Humayun Khan as "a hero to our country," adding, "we should honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe."

But Trump took issue with the father's convention night speech, including his claim that the billionaire candidate had never read the US constitution.

"While I feel deeply for the loss of his son, Mr Khan, who has never met me, has no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the constitution" and "say many other inaccurate things," Trump said.

Clinton criticized Trump's treatment of the Khans during a campaign stop.

"Mr. Khan paid the ultimate sacrifice in his family, didn't he?" she told an African American church congregation in Cleveland, Ohio.

"And what has he heard from Donald Trump? Nothing but insults, degrading comments about Muslims, a total misunderstanding of what made our country great -- religious freedom, religious liberty.

"It's enshrined in our constitution, as Mr. Khan knows, because he's actually read it."

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks on the last day of the Republican National Convention on July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio Jim Watson (AFP/File)
Jihadists launch offensive to ease Aleppo siege

Jihadist forces allied to rebels attacked regime forces south and southwest of Aleppo Sunday in a bid to ease the siege of Syria's second city, rebels and a monitor said.

Since July 17, President Bashar al-Assad's forces have surrounded rebel-held districts of Aleppo city, one of the main front lines in the conflict ravaging the country since 2011.

Loyalists forces cut the Castello Road, the main supply line into rebel-held neighbourhoods in the north of the city.

Now insurgents have attacked Aleppo from the south, a region divided between loyalists backed by Iranian fighters and Hezbollah on the one hand, and Syrian and foreign jihadists allied with rebel groups on the other George Ourfalian (AFP/File)

Now insurgents have attacked from the south, a region divided between loyalists backed by Iranian fighters and Hezbollah on the one hand, and Syrian and foreign jihadists allied with rebel groups on the other.

On Sunday, Islamist groups such as the influential Ahrar al-Sham and jihadists including from the former Al-Nusra Front -- rebranded Jabhat Fateh al-Sham after breaking from Al-Qaeda -- said they had begun a battle to try to reopen a new supply route.

Fateh al-Sham launched two car bomb attacks against regime positions in suburban Rashidin in southwestern Aleppo and fighting also raged in the early evening, the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights said.

Three children were among 11 civilians killed in rebel rocket attacks launched from Rashidin on the government-controlled district of Hamdaniyeh in western Aleppo, the Observatory said.

Other attacks focused on southern parts of the city towards the regime-controlled suburb of Ramussa, the Britain-based monitor reported.

"It will be a long and difficult battle," said Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman.

"The army is supported by a large number of Iranians and fighters from Hezbollah, not to mention the Russian planes," he said.

Forces from Lebanon's Shiite group have been fighting alongside Assad's men in Syria for years, and Russia at the end of September last year began a campaign of air strikes in support of loyalist fighters.

In Aleppo city itself, regime forces bombarded rebel-held districts Sunday despite the announcement by Damascus and Moscow of humanitarian corridors to allow civilians and rebels ready to surrender to leave.

On Saturday, government media reported that dozens of civilians and rebels had left besieged eastern Aleppo through humanitarian corridors, but residents there and rebels dismissed the claims as "lies".

Elsewhere, at least nine civilians were killed Sunday in an air strike that hit a makeshift hospital at Jassem in the southern province of Daraa.

The International Rescue Committee, which supported the facility, called on the UN Security Council "to act in defence of the most basic principles of the UN".

"The bombing of hospitals is never justified. All those involved must be held to account," said IRC chief David Miliband in a statement.
Nancy Reagan wouldn't like Hinckley's freedom, actress says

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP)  "Killing Reagan" star Cynthia Nixon isn't mincing words about how the late Nancy Reagan might react to the freedom granted the man who shot and wounded President Ronald Reagan.

"Nancy wouldn't like it," said Nixon, who plays the first lady in National Geographic Channel's movie based on the book by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard.

"Nancy's daughter didn't like it," said the film's director, Rod Lurie, referring to Patti Davis, who has opposed John Hinckley Jr.'s release from the psychiatric hospital where he was confined after the 1981 assassination attempt.

"I think we can all understand the emotions of the Reagan family," Lurie told a TV critics' meeting Saturday. But Hinckley was to be held until he was no longer mentally ill and a danger, and in this country "we don't extend confinements willy-nilly" because he shot a U.S. president, Lurie said.

Last Wednesday, a judge finalized Hinckley's transition, ordering that the 61-year-old can permanently leave the hospital. As early as Aug. 5, he'll be able to live with his mother, 90, at her Williamsburg, Virginia home, where he's been staying for 17 days each month.

Lurie was asked about one of the book's more hotly debated allegations, that the president was occasionally mentally incapable to serve, a decline accelerated by the assassination attempt. Several former Reagan administration officials and others have objected to the characterization.

The book covers Reagan's life more extensively than the movie, written by Eric Simonson, which focuses on a six-month period surrounding the assassination and doesn't address that issue, Lurie said.

Reagan, who died in 2004 at age 93, disclosed in 1994 that he had been diagnosed earlier that year with Alzheimer's disease.

Tim Matheson plays Reagan, and Kyle S. More is Hinckley in the movie debuting in October.
Massacres leave 16 dead in neighboring Mexican states

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Two massacres have left at least 16 people dead in the neighboring Mexican states of Michoacan and Guerrero.

A statement from the Michoacan state prosecutors' office said nine burned bodies were found inside an SUV in the municipality of Cuitzeo in an area with pipelines run by state oil company Petroleos Mexicanos.

Prosecutors said there were signs of the possible clandestine tapping of the pipelines and authorities are looking into whether the deaths are related to fuel theft.

Also on Saturday, state prosecutors in Guerrero said seven people, including two children, were shot to death in neighboring houses near Tepecoacuilco de Trujano, a municipality 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Iguala, the city where 43 students disappeared in 2014.
Donald Trump rescued from stalled elevator in Colorado city

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP)  The Colorado Springs Fire Department says that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump had to be rescued from an elevator that was stuck between the first and second floors of a resort.

In a statement released Saturday, the department says that it was called at 1:30 p.m. Friday to rescue about 10 people, including Trump, trapped inside the elevator at The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa resort.

The department says the firefighters opened the top elevator hatch and lowered a ladder into the elevator. Trump and the others used the ladder to climb out of the elevator to the second floor. The department says no injuries were reported.

Trump's security team was given control of the hotel's elevators during the event, said Perry Sanders Jr., an attorney who co-owns the hotel.

"The party were model guests but security insisted on having manual control of the elevators," Sanders said.

After the occupants were rescued, technicians for the company that services the elevator determined that the machine became stuck because someone turned the manual key while the car was in motion, Sanders said.

The problem was fixed and the 4-year-old elevator was immediately put back in service, he added.

The Trump campaign confirmed that the incident occurred but offered no further details.
China's nuclear power ambitions sailing into troubled waters

BEIJING (AP)  China's ambitions to become a pioneer in nuclear energy are sailing into troubled waters.

Two state-owned companies plan to develop floating nuclear reactors, a technology engineers have been considering since the 1970s for use by oil rigs or island communities. Beijing is racing Russia, which started developing its own in 2007, to get a unit into commercial operation.

In China's case, the achievement would be tempered by concern its reactors might be sent into harm's way to support oil exploration in the South China Sea, where Beijing faces conflicting territorial claims by neighbors including Vietnam and the Philippines. Chinese news reports say plans call for deploying 20 reactors there, though neither developer has mentioned the area.

This Feb. 9, 2012 photo shows a China's oil rig operated in the East China Sea. Two state-owned companies, China General Nuclear Power Group and China National Nuclear Corp., have announced plans to develop floating nuclear reactors for use by oil rigs or island communities. If they succeed, the achievement would raise concern the reactors might be sent into harms way to support oil exploration in the South China Sea, where Beijing faces conflicting territorial claims by neighbors including Vietnam and the Philippines. (Kyodo News via AP) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT

Tensions ratcheted up after a U.N. arbitration panel ruled July 12 that Beijing's claim to most of the sea has no legal basis. Beijing rejected the decision in a case brought by the Philippines and announced it would hold war games in the area, where its military has built artificial islands.

The floating reactor plans reflect Beijing's determination to create profitable technologies in fields from energy to mobile phones and to curb growing reliance on imported oil and gas, which communist leaders see as a security risk.

China is the most active builder of nuclear power plants, with 32 reactors in operation, 22 under construction and more planned. It relies heavily on U.S., French and Russian technology but is developing its own.

The latest initiatives are led by China General Nuclear Power Group and China National Nuclear Corp. Both have research or consulting agreements with Westinghouse Electric Co. and France's EDF and Areva, but say their floating plants will use homegrown technology.

"They are keen to develop that because they have a lot of oil drilling everywhere in the South China Sea and overseas as well," said Luk Bing-lam, an engineering professor at the City University of Hong Kong who has worked with a CGN subsidiary on unrelated projects.

"The Chinese strategy is to ensure the energy supply for the country," said Luk. "Oil drilling needs energy, and with that supply, they could speed up operations."

Russia's first floating commercial reactor, the Academician Lomonosov, is due to be delivered in 2018, but the project has suffered repeated delays. The Russians have yet to announce a commercial customer.

Russia has been "aiming to launch this idea for over two decades by pitching the reactor as a plug-and-play option for fairly remote communities," said Mark Hibbs, an expert on nuclear policy for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in an email.

Russia's target market was Indonesia and its far-flung islands, Hibbs said. That prompted concern about control over nuclear materials, leading to a recommendation Russia operate the reactor and take back used fuel.

The Chinese nuclear agency signed a deal with Moscow in 2014 to build floating power stations using Russian technology. It is unclear whether that will go ahead given the plans by CNG and CNNC to develop their own vessels.

Chinese developers can count on sales to the state-owned oil industry without going abroad.

CGN has signed a contract with China National Offshore Oil Corp. to support oil and gas exploration at sea. The company says it will launch its first vessel by 2020, with plans for 20 more. It declined an interview request and did not respond to written questions.

CNNC plans a demonstration unit by 2019.

A floating nuclear plant probably would be too costly just to supply power but could be useful in oil and gas exploration by also providing heat and fresh water, Luk said. He said CGN engineers told him their design is meant for islands or other remote sites.

Tensions with Vietnam have flared over Chinese oil and gas exploration near the Vietnamese coast. In January, Vietnam complained a Chinese oil company had towed a drilling rig into disputed waters. In 2014, the same rig was parked off Vietnam's central coast for two months, leading to violent anti-Chinese demonstrations and confrontations at sea as Chinese vessels rammed Vietnamese boats to prevent them from approaching the rig.

Reactors have been used on warships since the 1950s. But those vessels regularly visit port for maintenance and face little security risk because they are heavily armed.

"The security concerns are clear: such reactors would be tempting targets for military or terrorist attacks," Edwin Lyman, a nuclear specialist for the Union of Concerned Scientists in Washington, said in an email. "Maintaining the full contingent of security officers necessary to effectively deter attack would not be feasible."

Other perils include stormy seas  the South China Sea is buffeted by powerful seasonal typhoons  and the need to exchange radioactive fuel at distant sites.

CGN says its seaborne unit will have "passive safety," or features that function without moving parts or outside power, such as control rods that drop by gravity in an emergency. No commercial reactor operates with such features.

"There are questions about how reliable passive safety systems will be in extreme conditions," Lyman said.

CGN wants to simplify operations by requiring refueling only once every three years instead of the industry standard of 18 months, Luk said. That would require more highly enriched fuel, with the amount of the U-235 isotope raised to as much as 10 percent from the typical 4.5 percent.

"If it were seized by terrorists or someone else, that would be a big problem," he said.

China's aggressive pursuit of nuclear technology has run afoul of U.S. law enforcement.

In April, a Chinese-born American engineer employed by CGN was charged with recruiting experts in the United States to help the company with reactor construction without applying for required government permission. Allen Ho, also known as Szuhsiung Ho, also was charged in federal court in Tennessee with acting illegally as an agent of a foreign government.

Under a 2007 agreement, Westinghouse transferred to another government company, the State Nuclear Power Technology Corp., technology for its latest model, the AP1000. It was to become the basis for future Chinese reactors that could be sold abroad, but CGN and CNNC pressed ahead with development of their own models.

CGN says its 60-megawatt floating reactor, the ACPR50, is a version of the land-based ACPR100 reactor. CNNC says its seaborne unit will be based on another reactor, the ACP100, but has released no other details.

Westinghouse has no role in the ACPR50's development, according to a company spokeswoman, Courtney Boone. EDF and Areva did not respond to requests for information about their possible role.

___

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FILE - In this Wednesday, July 13, 2016 file photo, a construction worker walks past an image of the Diaoyu Island used as the logo for a restaurant with the words "Diaoyu Island little house" in Beijing. Two state-owned companies have announced plans to develop floating nuclear reactors for use by oil rigs or island communities. If they succeed, the achievement would raise concern the reactors might be sent into harms way to support oil exploration in the South China Sea, where Beijing faces conflicting territorial claims by neighbors including Vietnam and the Philippines. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File)

FILE - In this Sept. 14, 2014 file photo, Chinese tourists take souvenir photos with the Chinese national flag as they visit Quanfu Island, one of Paracel Islands of Sansha prefecture of southern China's Hainan province in the South China Sea. Two state-owned companies have announced plans to develop floating nuclear reactors for use by oil rigs or island communities. If they succeed, the achievement would raise concern the reactors might be sent into harms way to support oil exploration in the South China Sea, where Beijing faces conflicting territorial claims by neighbors including Vietnam and the Philippines. (AP Photo/Peng Peng, File)

FILE - In this July 14, 2016 file photo, a woman walks past a billboard featuring an image of an island in South China Sea on display with Chinese words that read: "South China Sea, our beautiful motherland, we won't let go an inch" in Weifang in east China's Shandong province. Two state-owned companies have announced plans to develop floating nuclear reactors for use by oil rigs or island communities. If they succeed, the achievement would raise concern the reactors might be sent into harms way to support oil exploration in the South China Sea, where Beijing faces conflicting territorial claims by neighbors including Vietnam and the Philippines. (Chinatopix via AP, File) CHINA OUT
Coast Guard ends search for abandoned Alaska fishing vessel

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP)  Officials are calling off the search for the fishing vessel Alaska Juris.

The U.S. Coast Guard released a statement Saturday saying it's believed that the ship sank in approximately 5,400 feet of water.

A problem in the engine room Tuesday led to flooding on board the Alaska Juris, forcing the crew to abandon ship. All 46 crew members were rescued by good Samaritan ships, and there were no injuries.

The Coast Guard, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Fishing Company of Alaska coordinated a search of the area northwest of Adak, Alaska, where the fishing vessel Alaska Juris was last seen. There was no sign of the ship.

Unrecoverable diesel sheen was located in the search area believed to be from the Alaska Juris.

Officials say they don't anticipate any shoreline impacts.
KRAKOW, Poland (AP)  The Latest on the pope's visit to Poland (all times local):

11:30 p.m.

Pope Francis says he won't address child molestation allegations against a top Vatican Cardinal who is one of his most-trusted aides until justice officials in Australia have made a determination.

Pope Francis wears a sombrero from Panama which was donated to him by a journalist on board the flight from Krakow, Poland, to Rome, at the end of his 5-day trip to southern Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Francis announced that the next World Youth Day will take place in Panama in 2019. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

The pope told reporters on the plane Sunday returning from World Youth Day in Krakow that the accusations against Cardinal George Pell, Francis' top financial adviser, "are in the hands of justice." He said that the accused deserved the benefit of the doubt, adding that "once justice has its say, I will speak. "

Pell, who has long been dogged by allegations of mishandling cases of abusive clergy when he was archbishop of Melbourne and later Sydney, more recently has been accused of child abuse himself when he was a young priest. Two men, now in their 40s, said he touched them inappropriately under the guise of play at a swimming pool during the late 1970s, according to Australian media who reported the men have given statements to Victoria police.

Pell, 74, has denied any inappropriate behavior.

___

10 p.m.

Pope Francis has landed in Rome after a busy five-day visit to Poland to attend World Youth Day, global gathering of young Catholics that takes place every two to three years.

Francis arrived at Rome's Fiumicino airport just past 9:30 p.m. local time Sunday.

During his trip to Poland, he also visited the former Nazi death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau, celebrated a Mass celebrating Poland's 1,050 years of Roman Catholicism, and held several gatherings with young Catholics who numbered in the hundreds of thousands around the host city of Krakow.

___

7:35 p.m.

A Polish LOT airlines plane carrying Pope Francis has taken off from Krakow and is headed to Rome, ending the pontiff's five-day visit to Poland, his first to central and eastern Europe.

A Polish military band played tunes including "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "My Way," popularized by Frank Sinatra, as Francis arrived on the tarmac in a dark car. The Polish president and other officials bid Francis farewell and the white-robed pontiff then walked up the steps to the plane, which also carried dozens of journalists back to Rome.

Polish security officials are no doubt breathing a collective sigh of relief that the gathering in which the pope encountered huge crowds day after day passed without incident. Security was very high through the trip, which comes after a wave of attacks worldwide.

Polish officials and citizens appeared to give a warm welcome to the pontiff, even though his progressive brand of Catholicism is disliked by some in the conservative Catholic country.

___

7:30 p.m.

Heavy rain has led officials to shorten the farewell ceremony for Pope Francis in Krakow, southern Poland, where he has spent five days attending a global Catholic youth pep rally.

A red carpet ceremony at the Krakow Balice airport with Poland's President Andrzej Duda was changed into a brief conversation inside the terminal building. There were no speeches from the canopied stand Instead, Francis was driven in a car to the plane to the sound of a military band.

Duda and Polish state and church officials, under umbrellas, bid Francis a quick farewell at the steps to the Polish Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner that was to carry him home to Rome.

The departure of the plane is behind schedule.

___

5:15 p.m.

Pope Francis has made a brief unscheduled appearance in Krakow, carrying on the long tradition of a favorite Polish son, John Paul II, by talking to crowds from the window of the bishops' residence.

Responding to hours of calls of "Papa Francesco!" and "Come to us!" from a crowd gathered in the street, Francis appeared in the "papal window" on Sunday. Speaking in Spanish and using an interpreter, he thanked the people for the warm welcome he has received on his first trip to Poland, and then prayed.

He drew applause when he said in Polish "Do widzenia," which means "until we see each other again." Francis was ending his five-day visit later Sunday.

John Paul II, a former archbishop in Krakow before he became pope, used to chat and sing with crowds in Polish from that window.

___

3:40 p.m.

A spokesman for Poland's LOT airlines says that its Boeing 787 Dreamliner plane will carry Pope Francis home to Rome following a five-day visit to southern Poland.

Adrian Kubicki said Sunday that papal emblems have been put on the outside and inside the plane and that Polish wild flowers have been placed near where Francis will be sitting. Polish Oscypek smoked cheese will be on the pope's menu.

It's Vatican tradition for popes to fly out on foreign trips on Alitalia planes, and return on those of the host nation.

Francis is winding up his five-day stay in Poland on Sunday after joining hundreds of thousands of young people from around the world for Catholic celebrations. It was the Argentine's first visit to Eastern Europe.

___

1:30 p.m.

Polish police say no major security incidents have been reported during Pope Francis' five-day visit to the country, which has been protected by top-level security measures including sniffer dogs and anti-terrorism forces with machine guns.

As the pope's visit was drawing to an end Sunday, police spokesman Mariusz Ciarka said unattended bags were biggest problem for security services as each such bag had to be checked.

On Saturday, police vans arrived in large numbers to guard a meadow where at least 1.6 million pilgrims were spending the night camping, ahead of a Sunday Mass with Francis

The slaying of an 85-year-old French priest by two extremists in Normandy on Tuesday had compounded security fears surrounding Francis' trip, which were already high due to a string of violent attacks in France and Germany.

Officials said they deployed tens of thousands of security officials to cover the event.

Ciarka said that uniformed and plain-clothes security forces were deployed on boats on the Vistula River, in helicopters that flew around the crowds and on land.

Before departing Sunday, Francis was to meet the organizers of the event at a sports stadium in Krakow.

___

11:50 a.m.

Pope Francis has announced that the next World Youth Day will take place in Panama in 2019.

Francis made the announcement Sunday as he wrapped up this year's global gathering of young Catholic faithful in Krakow, Poland.

He didn't specify exactly where in Panama the event would be held.

Earlier Sunday, he encouraged hundreds of thousands of young people gathered in Krakow to "believe in a new humanity" which refuses to use borders as barriers and spurns hatred among peoples.

___

10:50 a.m.

Pope Francis has encouraged hundreds of thousands of young people gathered in a vast meadow to "believe in a new humanity" which refuses to use borders as barriers and spurns hatred among peoples.

Francis spoke Sunday as he wrapped up a pilgrimage to Poland that included meditation at the former German Nazi death camp and an unscheduled prayer stop for victims of terrorism.

For a second straight day, a huge crowd filled the meadow in the gentle countryside outside Krakow for Francis, whose five-day visit to southern Poland was the Argentine pontiff's first-ever time in Eastern Europe.

In the final homily of the pilgrimage, Francis said God "demands of us real courage, the courage to be more powerful than evil, by loving everyone, even our enemies."

___

9:30 a.m.

As Pope Francis headed to a large meadow in Poland to celebrate a Mass he made a quick ride by car to bless two buildings run by the Catholic charity Caritas.

One building was built as a day center for the elderly, while the other will be a storehouse for food for the needy and is called "The Bread of Mercy."

On the way out on Sunday morning, Francis nibbled on some dark bread from a big, round loaf offered by women in traditional Polish costumes. He nodded in approval as he chewed away.

___

9:10 a.m.

A journalist for Italy's state broadcaster, RAI, has died at the age of 58 during an assignment covering the visit by Pope Francis to Poland for World Youth Day, a global gathering for the Catholic church.

The Italian news agency ANSA said that Anna Maria Jacobini was discovered dead in the bed of her hotel room on Friday and is believed to have died the previous night. It said she had complained to colleagues Thursday night of feeling tired. Her death was not reported immediately because her 94-year-old mother had to be informed first.

Jacobini led a weekly Catholic affairs program on RAI and in the past had covered other papal trips, grueling affairs for reporters, who usually work from before dawn till late into the night.

___

8:35 a.m.

Young pilgrims have filled a massive meadow near Krakow in southern Poland for a Mass with Pope Francis, the last major event the pope will lead as he wraps up a five-day visit to Poland.

Some of the young people even camped out overnight in the field after an evening with the pope there that drew a massive crowd, estimated at 1.6 million by the World Youth Day organizers.

The Mass is taking place in the Campus Misericordiae in Brzegi, a village near Krakow.

The pope has had a busy schedule since he arrived in Poland on Wednesday on his first trip ever to Eastern Europe, visiting Auschwitz, leading Masses and holding many meetings with the eager young people who have traveled from around the world to be with him.

Pope Francis says goodbye from the window of the residence of Krakow bishops, where he stayed during his visit to southern Poland, on Sunday, July 30, 2016. Francis is winding up his five-day stay in Poland on Sunday after joining hundreds of thousands of young people from around the world for Catholic celebrations. It was the Argentine's first visit to Eastern Europe. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Faithful greet Pope Francis as he arrives to celebrate a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Pope Francis is cheered by faithful as he arrives to celebrate a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis is cheered by faithful as he arrives to celebrate a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Faithful wait for the arrival of Pope Francis on the occasion of a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis is cheered by faithful as he arrives to celebrate a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis followed by a security guard arrives to celebrate a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Prelates wait for the arrival of Pope Francis on the occasion of a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis and Krakow Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, right, arrive to celebrates a Holy Mass on the meadows in Brzegi, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Faithful greet Pope Francis as he arrives to celebrate a Holy Mass on the meadows in Brzegi, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Pope Francis greets the faithful as he arrives to celebrate a Holy Mass on the meadows in Brzegi, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Faithful greet Pope Francis as he arrives to celebrate a Holy Mass on the meadows in Brzegi, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Faithful greet Pope Francis as he arrives to celebrate a Holy Mass on the meadows in Brzegi, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Pope Francis followed by a security guard arrives to celebrate a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis tastes bread he was offered by women wearing traditional Polish clothes during his visit at a Caritas charity organization house, in Krakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. During an earlier mass the pontiff announced that Panama will be the host city of the next World Youth Day . (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis blesses a statue of the Virgin Mary and Jesus during his visit at a Caritas charity organization house, in Krakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. During an earlier mass the pontiff announced that Panama will be the host city of the next World Youth Day . (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis meets the President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela, right, his wife Lorena Castillo de Varela at the end of a Holy Mass celebrated in Brzegi, near Krakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. During the mass the pontiff announced that Panama will be the host city of the next World Youth Day (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis talks with, from left, the President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela, his wife Lorena Castillo de Varela, the President of Poland Andrzej Duda and his wife Agata Kornhauser Duda at the end of a Holy Mass celebrated in Brzegi, near Krakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. During the mass the pontiff announced that Panama will be the host city of the next World Youth Day (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis talks with the President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela, right, and wife Lorena Castillo de Varela, second from right, as Polish President Andrzej Duda, second from left, and his wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda, left, stand next to them, at the end of a Holy Mass celebrated in Brzegi, near Krakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. During the mass the pontiff announced that Panama will be the host city of the next World Youth Day. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Pope Francis leaves after celebrating a Holy Mass in Brzegi, near Krakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Pope Francis blesses a statue of the Virgin Mary and Jesus during his visit at a Caritas charity organization house, in Krakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. During an earlier mass the pontiff announced that Panama will be the host city of the next World Youth Day . (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis adjusts his cross as he meets journalists on board the flight from Krakow, Poland, to Rome, at the end of his 5-day trip to southern Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis wears a sombrero from Panama which was donated to him by a journalist on the occasion of the next World Youth Day, scheduled in 2019 in Panama, on board the flight from Krakow, Poland, to Rome, at the end of his 5-day trip to southern Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis answers reporters questions on board the flight from Krakow, Poland, to Rome, at the end of his 5-day trip to southern Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis speaks to journalists on board the flight from Krakow, Poland, to Rome, at the end of his 5-day trip to southern Poland for the World Youth Days, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Francis announced that the next World Youth Day will take place in Panama in 2019. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
China detains Japanese for 'endangering state security'

BEIJING (AP)  The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed media reports that authorities have detained a Japanese citizen on suspicion of endangering China's state security.

In a statement faxed to The Associated Press on Sunday, the ministry said the Japanese Embassy in China has been notified about the investigation into the Japanese national.

The statement did not provide any other details.

Japan's Kyodo News agency, citing a diplomatic source, reported that a Japanese man who had been visiting Beijing in July might have been detained on possible allegations of spying.
Pope to young on Poland trip: Believe 'in a new humanity'

KRAKOW, Poland (AP)  Pope Francis told young people who flocked by the hundreds of thousands to his words Sunday that they need to "believe in a new humanity" stronger than evil, and cautioned against concluding that one religion is more violent than others.

Organizers of the Catholic jamboree known as World Youth Day estimated 1.5 million youths attended his Mass at a meadow near Krakow, many of them having camped out in sleeping bags from a vigil service of prayer, singing and dance performances the previous evening.

The jamboree, meant to infuse young Catholics with fresh passion for their religion, was the main reason Francis came to Poland on a five-trip, which also took him to the former Nazi Auschwitz death camp, where he prayed in silence and reflected on what he called "so much cruelty," and to a church in Krakow, where he prayed that God protect the world from the "devastating wave" of terrorism.

Pope Francis followed by a security guard arrives to celebrate a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Extremist violence was on his mind when he set out last week, the day after extremists rushed into a church in the French countryside and murdered the elderly priest there, slitting his throat, as he was celebrating Mass.

Flying back to Rome Sunday night from Krakow, he was asked by reporters why he has never used the word "Islam" when denouncing terrorist attacks.

Francis said he thinks "it's not right to identify Islam with violence."

He added that every religion has its "little group of fundamentalists.'" He said that if he speaks of violent Islam, he'd have to speak of violent Catholicism, since Catholics kill, too.

Referring to Isis, also known as Islamic State group, Francis said it "presents itself with its violent identity card, but it's not Islam.'"

Security was very tight throughout the pope's five-day visit, but he encountered huge crowds day after day without incident and arrived back in Rome on Sunday evening.

The pope used his several encounters with the young pilgrims  from mega-gatherings to a private lunch with only a dozen people from five continents  to encourage a new generation to work for peace, reconciliation and justice.

God, said Francis in his final homily of the pilgrimage, "demands of us real courage, the courage to be more powerful than evil, by loving everyone, even our enemies."

"People may judge you to be dreamers, because you believe in a new humanity, one that rejects hatred between peoples, one that refuses to see borders as barriers and can cherish its own traditions without being self-centered or small-minded," Francis told his flock.

Earlier in his pilgrimage, Francis had expressed dismay that many people and places aren't welcoming enough to refugees or those fleeing poverty in their homelands.

After more than 1 million people arrived on Europe's southern shores last year, some nations on the continent, notably in central and eastern Europe, hastily built fences to keep the refugees out. Poland has been among the EU countries that have refused to take in many Muslim refugees, saying it has already welcomed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian immigrants.

Attending Francis' closing Mass on Sunday were some of Poland's top leaders, including President Andrzej Duda and Jaroslaw Kaczynski, head of the conservative ruling Law and Justice party.

Since the Paris extremist attacks in early 2015, concerns have heightened that the Vatican, and the pope in particular, could be targeted because of his role as the most influential Christian leader. When the pope travels, a corps of Vatican bodyguards travels with him, running alongside his popemobile or scrutinizing crowds along the route.

At Sunday's Mass, several Polish police vans followed the pope's open-sided popemobile as he rode through the wide flat meadow in the middle of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Motorcycle police rode close to metal barriers keeping the crowd away.

This pilgrimage marked the first time the native Argentine pope sent foot in Eastern Europe.

Flying back to Rome, he was asked by reporters what he thought about Poland and its welcome to him.

Referring to the enormous crowds he drew day after day in a country where St. Pope John Paul II was born, Francis joked that "Poland was invaded, this time by young people." He apparently was referring to Germany's 1939 invasion of Poland that triggered World War II.

Francis sounded charmed by what he saw, including during his drive a couple hours to the airport in rain that came down in buckets. "This evening, with the rain coming down, along the street there were not only young people but also little old ladies," the pope said, referring to the crowds cheering him as he rode by.

During Mass, Francis announced the next World Youth Day will take place in Panama in 2019. Later, the 79-year-old pope told rally volunteers he did not know if he would be at that one.

___

Monika Scislowska in Krakow and Vanessa Gera in Warsaw contributed to this report.

Frances D'Emilio is on twitter at www.twitter.com/fdemilio

Prelates wait for the arrival of Pope Francis on the occasion of a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis celebrates a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Faithful wait for the arrival of Pope Francis on the occasion of a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis is cheered by faithful as he arrives to celebrate a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis celebrates a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis celebrates a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Faithful wait for the arrival of Pope Francis on the occasion of a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis celebrates a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Faithful wait for the arrival of Pope Francis on the occasion of a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016.The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Faithful wait for the arrival of Pope Francis on the occasion of a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis is cheered by faithful as he arrives to celebrate a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Faithful wait for the arrival of Pope Francis on the occasion of a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis is cheered by faithful as he arrives to celebrate a mass at conclusion of the World Youth Day inKrakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis tastes bread he was offered by women wearing traditional Polish clothes during his visit at a Caritas charity organization house, in Krakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. During an earlier mass the pontiff announced that Panama will be the host city of the next World Youth Day . (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis talks with the President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela, right, and wife Lorena Castillo de Varela, second from right, as Polish President Andrzej Duda, second from left, and his wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda, left, stand next to them, at the end of a Holy Mass celebrated in Brzegi, near Krakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. During the mass the pontiff announced that Panama will be the host city of the next World Youth Day. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Pope Francis talks with, from left, the President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela, his wife Lorena Castillo de Varela, the President of Poland Andrzej Duda and his wife Agata Kornhauser Duda at the end of a Holy Mass celebrated in Brzegi, near Krakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. During the mass the pontiff announced that Panama will be the host city of the next World Youth Day (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP)

Pope Francis leaves after celebrating a Holy Mass in Brzegi, near Krakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. The Mass was the final part of the World Youth Day, a global celebration of young Catholics, on the fifth day of the Pope's visit to Poland. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Pope Francis meets the President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela, right, his wife Lorena Castillo de Varela at the end of a Holy Mass celebrated in Brzegi, near Krakow, Poland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. During the mass the pontiff announced that Panama will be the host city of the next World Youth Day (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP)
Clinton accuses Trump of 'degrading comments about Muslims'

ASHLAND, Ohio (AP)  Hillary Clinton said Sunday that Donald Trump repaid the "ultimate sacrifice" of a U.S. Army captain killed in Iraq with insults and degrading comments about Muslims, as the soldier's bereaved father pressured Republican Party leaders to distance themselves from the GOP presidential nominee.

Clinton's comments came after Trump refused to back down from his criticism of the Gold Star parents' remarks.

"Am I not allowed to respond?" Trump had tweeted. "Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me!"

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton smiles as she speaks with Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., on their campaign bus after visiting Imani Temple Ministries in Cleveland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Clinton and Kaine are on a three day bus tour through the rust belt. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

It was the latest bitter rhetorical volley between the defiant Republican candidate, Clinton and the family of a fallen soldier since the two parties concluded their major conventions last week and the nation looked ahead to a close election this November.

Trump's stand has once again left Republican leaders facing demands to denounce their party nominee and overshadowed Clinton's campaign message with controversy.

"He is a black soul," said Khizr Khan, whose son Humayun received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after he was killed in Iraq in 2004. "And this is totally unfit for the leadership of this beautiful country."

Speaking on CNN's "State of the Union," he said, "It is majority leader's and speaker's moral, ethical obligation to not worry about the votes, but repudiate him, withdraw the support."

Likewise, Clinton told Republicans on Sunday: "This is a time to pick country over party."

In statements released Sunday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan condemned any criticism of Muslim Americans who serve their country and rejected the idea of a Muslim travel ban  an idea proposed by Trump earlier in the campaign. But neither statement mentioned Trump by name or repudiated him.

McConnell praised Capt. Khan as an "American hero," while Ryan noted that many Muslim Americans have served "valiantly" in the U.S. military.

"Captain Khan was one such brave example. His sacrifice  and that of Khizr and Ghazala Khan  should always be honored. Period," Ryan said.

Sen. Harry Reid, the Democratic minority leader, issued a blistering statement of his own, saying anything short of revoking their endorsements of Trump was "cowardice" on the part of McConnell and Ryan.

"This shouldn't be hard," Reid said. "Donald Trump is a sexist and racist man who insults Gold Star parents, stokes fear of Muslims and sows hatred of Latinos. He should not be president and Republican leaders have a moral responsibility to say so?."

On a post-convention bus tour through Ohio and Pennsylvania, Clinton said Trump has a "total misunderstanding" of American values and has inflamed divisions in American society.

"I don't know where the boundaries are. I don't know where the bottom is," she told reporters during a campaign stop at a cheese barn in Ohio.

"I do tremble before those who would scapegoat other Americans," she told parishioners in a Cleveland church on Sunday morning. "That's just not how I was raised."

At last week's Democratic National Convention, Pakistan-born Khan told his son's story and questioned whether Trump had ever read the Constitution and said "you have sacrificed nothing."

During the speech, Khan's wife, Ghazala, stood quietly by his side.

"If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say," Trump said, in an interview with ABC's "This Week."

Ghazala Khan responded Sunday in an opinion piece published in The Washington Post, saying talking about her son's death 12 years ago is still hard for her. When her husband asked if she wanted to speak at the convention, she said she could not.

"When Donald Trump is talking about Islam, he is ignorant," she wrote.

At one point, Trump had disputed Khan's criticism that the billionaire businessman has "sacrificed nothing and no one" for his country.

"I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures," Trump said.

Trump, who had no campaign events scheduled this weekend, released a statement late Saturday night calling Humayun Khan "a hero" but disputing his father's characterization.

"While I feel deeply for the loss of his son, Mr. Khan who has never met me, has no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the Constitution, (which is false) and say many other inaccurate things," said Trump.

Trump's rebuke was unusual in the world of politics where officials only speak well of families whose loved ones die in service to their country. When Cindy Sheehan, who lost her son in Iraq, staged prolonged protests on the war, then-President George W. Bush responded by saying that the nation grieves every death.

When asked about the mother of a State Department official killed in Benghazi, Libya, who blamed Hillary Clinton for her son's death, Clinton told "Fox News Sunday" that her "heart goes out" to the families and that she didn't "hold any ill feeling for someone" who has lost a child and recalls events differently.

Across the country, veterans and their families closely watched the political back-and-forth.

"It was inappropriate on both sides," said Mark Farner of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, as he stood a few feet from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington. "For one to use it as it as the Democrats intended it to be used, and I don't think Trump handled it the way he should have on his end."

Farner had just made a rubbing of the name of his cousin, Calvin Wilson, who was killed in action in February 1967.

Romell Short of Washington, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, said he has no problem with veterans' families being politically active and speaking about their experiences.

"America should know the suffering and the cost of war and part of that is the sacrifice of American troops and the sacrifice of American families," Short said.

But he cautioned that the views of families should be read separately from their family member who served.

___

Associated Press writer Chad Day in Washington contributed to this report.

___

On Twitter follow Lisa Lerer at http://twitter.com/llerer

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at Imani Temple Ministries in Cleveland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Clinton and running mate Sen. Tim Kaine are on a three day bus tour through the rust belt. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, in Denver, Friday, July 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, accompanied by former President Bill Clinton, left, speaks at a rally at David L. Lawrence Convention in Pittsburgh, Saturday, July 30, 2016. Clinton and Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., are on a three day bus tour through the rust belt. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, second from right, accompanied by Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., left, Tim Kaine's wife Anne Holton, second from left, and former President Bill Clinton, right, gives a thumbs up to supporters as they arrive at a rally at David L. Lawrence Convention in Pittsburgh, Saturday, July 30, 2016. Clinton and Kaine are on a three day bus tour through the rust belt. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton greets members of the audience after speaking at a rally at K'NEX, a toy company in Hatfield, Pa., Friday, July 29, 2016. Clinton and Democratic Vice Presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va. begin a three day bus tour through the rust belt. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump holds baby cousins Evelyn Kate Keane, 6 months old, and Kellen Campbell, 3 months old, following his speech Friday, July 29, 2016, in Colorado Springs, Colo. (Stacie Scott/The Gazette via AP)

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton boards her campaign bus after visiting Grandma's Cheese Barn in Ashland, Ohio, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Clinton and running mate Tim Kaine are on a three day bus tour through the rust belt. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at a rally at K'NEX, a toy company in Hatfield, Pa., Friday, July 29, 2016. Clinton and Kaine begin a three day bus tour through the rust belt. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Democratic vice presidential candidate, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., center right, attend a factory tour with K'NEX President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Araten in Hatfield , Pa., Friday, July 29, 2016. Clinton and Kaine begin a three day bus tour through the rust belt. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
The billionaire Koch brothers have refused to back Donald Trump, and will be focusing on the Senate races instead.

Charles, one half of the mega-rich industrialist duo, warned that political leaders are giving 'frightening' answers to America's challenges.

One of his chief lieutenants was more direct as he made clear that Koch's expansive political network would not use its tremendous resources to help Trump win this fall.

'We're focused on the Senate,' said Mark Holden, general counsel and senior vice president of Koch Industries.

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Charles Koch has suggested that he will not be backing Donald Trump for president and will instead focus on the Senate races

He noted that none of the presidential candidates are aligned with the Koch network 'from a values, and beliefs and policy perspective.' Trump's dire warnings of growing crime in America, Holden said, simply aren't accurate.

'We're much safer,' Holden said. 'That's what the data shows.'

Koch described the 2016 'political situation' this way: 'We don't really, in some cases, don't really have good options.'

The comments came Saturday, the first of a three-day gathering for donors who promise to give at least $100,000 each year to the various groups backed by the Koch brothers' Freedom Partners  a network of education, policy and political entities that aim to promote a smaller, less intrusive government.

The ambitious Koch network has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to influence politics and public policy over the last decade, but don't plan to spend anything to help Trump, even if some of the 400 or so deep-pocketed donors gathered in Colorado Springs this weekend think it should.

Trump thumbed his nose at the gathering from Twitter.

'I turned down a meeting with Charles and David Koch,' the New York billionaire tweeted. 'Much better for them to meet with the puppets of politics, they will do much better!'

The weekend's agenda for the estimated 400 donors gathered in Colorado Springs featured a series of policy discussions and appearances from at least three governors, four senators and four members of the House of Representatives, including House Speaker Paul Ryan.

Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin and Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey talked up policy successes in their states on Saturday night, avoiding discussion of the 2016 presidential contest altogether. When it was his turn, Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner touched on the race for the White House, although he did not mention Trump's name.

'Forty years worth of Supreme Court justices are going to be determined this November,' Gardner told donors, a reference to the next president's ability to fill at least one existing vacancy on the high court.

Those yet to appear include Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Texas Sen. John Cornyn, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, Utah Sen. Mike Lee, Rep. Mike Pompeo of Kansas. Rep Jason Chaffetz of Utah and Rep. Mike Coffman of Colorado.

Koch later told his guests that America's frustrated electorate is looking at the wrong place  politicians  for answers.

A spokesman for Koch industries said Trump's dire warnings of growing crime in America, Holden said, simply aren't accurate

'And to me, the answers they're getting are frightening,' he said without naming any politicians, 'because by and large, these answers will make matters worse.'

Charles and David Koch have hosted such gatherings of donors and politicians for years, but usually in private. The weekend's event includes a small number of reporters, including one from The Associated Press.

Koch has put the network's budget at roughly $750 million through the end of 2016.

A significant portion was supposed to be directed at electing a Republican to the White House. It will instead go to helping Republican Senate candidates in at least five states: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Wisconsin and Florida, Holden said, noting that the network has dedicated $42 million so far to television and digital advertising to benefit Republican Senate candidates.

In some cases, the network may try to link Democratic Senate candidates to Clinton, he added, but there are no plans to go after her exclusively in paid advertising. The organization may invest in a handful of races for governor and House of Representatives as well.

And while the network will not be a Trump ally, it won't necessarily be a Trump adversary either.
Erdogan supporters rally in Germany, denounce failed coup

COLOGNE, Germany (AP)  Thousands rallied in the German city of Cologne on Sunday to denounce the failed July 15 coup in Turkey and show support for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

A heavy police presence protected demonstrators. The rally came amid tensions among Turks following the coup attempt and concern in Germany over the scale of the Turkish government's subsequent crackdown on those it says are linked to U.S.-based cleric it blames for the coup attempt. The cleric, Fethullah Gulen, has denied the claims.

Police estimated that between 30,000 to 40,000 people demonstrated peacefully at the riverside rally, across the Rhine from downtown Cologne. Many waved Turkish flags.

A picture of Turkish president Erdogan is framed by national flags during a demonstration in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gathered in the German city of Cologne for a demonstration against the failed July 15 coup in Turkey. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Germany is home to roughly 3 million people with Turkish roots.

Organizers at the rally played the Turkish and German national anthems and held a minute of silence for the people killed in the attempted coup. The slogan of the demonstration was "Yes to democracy. No to the coup."

Police put 2,700 officers in place to prevent any trouble. Four much smaller counter-protests took place elsewhere in the city, including one by a far-right German group that was kept well away from the Turkish rally.

Some demonstrators came from outside Germany, such as French-Turkish protester Aziz Sahin, who said he came from Paris "just to support democracy."

A regional court imposed the condition that no messages from speakers elsewhere  such as politicians in Turkey  could be shown on a video screen at the rally. Germany's highest court rejected a complaint against that ban on Saturday night.

Erdogan's spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, said ruling prevented the president from giving a message to the rally, and called for a "satisfactory explanation" from German officials.

Later Sunday, organizers read a message from Erdogan thanking people with Turkish roots in Germany for their moral support during the coup attempt, the German news agency dpa reported. He said "today Turkey is stronger than it ever was before July 15."

Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said ahead of the rally that there is "no place in Germany" for anyone to "bring domestic political tensions from Turkey to us in Germany."

Police watches a demonstration in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gathered in the German city of Cologne for a demonstration against the failed July 15 coup in Turkey. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Turkish people protest with a picture of president Erdogan during a demonstration against the Turkey coup attempt in support of Turkey's president Erdogan in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gathered in the German city of Cologne for a demonstration against the failed July 15 coup in Turkey. AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Turkish demonstrators protest in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demonstrate in Cologne amid heavy police presence. Some 30,000 participants are expected at Sunday's demonstration, which comes amid tensions following the failed coup attempt in Turkey and concern in Germany over the extent of the Turkish government's subsequent crackdown. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Turkish protesters wait for the start of a demonstration in front of the cathedral in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are expected to demonstrate in Cologne amid heavy police presence. Some 30,000 participants are expected at Sunday's demonstration, which comes amid tensions following the failed coup attempt in Turkey and concern in Germany over the extent of the Turkish government's subsequent crackdown. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Turkish protestors hold a banner reading 'Gulen infiltrers the state also in Germany' during a demonstration in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demonstrate in Cologne amid heavy police presence. Some 30,000 participants are expected at Sunday's demonstration, which comes amid tensions following the failed coup attempt in Turkey and concern in Germany over the extent of the Turkish government's subsequent crackdown.(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Turks demonstrate in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demonstrate in Cologne amid heavy police presence. Some 30,000 participants are expected at Sunday's demonstration, which comes amid tensions following the failed coup attempt in Turkey and concern in Germany over the extent of the Turkish government's subsequent crackdown. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Turkish people demonstrate in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gathered in the German city of Cologne for a demonstration against the failed July 15 coup in Turkey. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Turkish protesters demonstrate in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gathered in the German city of Cologne for a demonstration against the failed July 15 coup in Turkey. .(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Turkish protesters demonstrate in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gathered in the German city of Cologne for a demonstration against the failed July 15 coup in Turkey. .(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Turkish protesters demonstrate in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gathered in the German city of Cologne for a demonstration against the failed July 15 coup in Turkey. .(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Turkish protestors hold a banner reading 'Gulen infiltrers the state also in Germany' during a demonstration in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demonstrate in Cologne amid heavy police presence. Some 30,000 participants are expected at Sunday's demonstration, which comes amid tensions following the failed coup attempt in Turkey and concern in Germany over the extent of the Turkish government's subsequent crackdown.(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Turkish people participate in a demonstration in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gathered in the German city of Cologne for a demonstration against the failed July 15 coup in Turkey. On the other side of River Rhine the Cologne cathedral is visible. .(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Turkish people hold a picture of president Erdogan in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gathered in the German city of Cologne for a demonstration against the failed July 15 coup in Turkey. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Police secure a demonstration in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gathered in the German city of Cologne for a demonstration against the failed July 15 coup in Turkey. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Turkish people protest with a picture of president Erdogan during a demonstration against the Turkey coup attempt in support of Turkey's president Erdogan in Cologne, Germany, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gathered in the German city of Cologne for a demonstration against the failed July 15 coup in Turkey. AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

GERMANY OUT Participants of a leftist counter demonstration march in Cologne, Germany Sunday July 31, 2016. Thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gathered in the German city of Cologne for a demonstration against the failed July 15 coup in Turkey. Police put some 2,700 officers in place to prevent any trouble. Four much smaller counter-protests were taking place elsewhere in the city, including one by a far-right German group that was kept well away from the Turkish rally. (Guido Kirchner/dpa via AP)

GERMANY OUT -Police carry a right-wing demonstrator away in Cologne, Germany Sunday July 31, 2016. Thousands of Turkish supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have gathered in the German city of Cologne for a demonstration against the failed July 15 coup in Turkey. Police put some 2,700 officers in place to prevent any trouble. Four much smaller counter-protests were taking place elsewhere in the city, including one by a far-right German group that was kept well away from the Turkish rally. (Guido Kirchner/dpa via AP
Armenia: 20 gunmen surrender, police station standoff over

YEREVAN, Armenia (AP)  All 20 gunmen inside a police compound in Armenia's capital surrendered Sunday, ending a two-week standoff that left two police officers dead and several wounded on both sides, the security service said.

The standoff involving armed members of a radical opposition group also set off protests that led to unrest in the capital, Yerevan.

The leader of the gunmen barricaded inside the police compound, Varuzhan Avetisyan, said in a telephone interview with local media that they decided to surrender after security forces used armored vehicles to enter the police compound.

A riot police officer installs barbed wire as others block the street towards the Presidential Residence to prevent a march of anti-government protesters, supporters of the armed group who have been holed inside a police station, in Yerevan, Armenia, Saturday, July 30, 2016. Armed members of an opposition group barricaded inside a police station in Armenia's capital shot an officer dead on Saturday, police said. (Hrant Khachatryan/PAN Photo via AP)

Another factor, he said, was that police had started to shoot gunmen who ventured outside. Most were hit in the leg, but a man shot Sunday was hit in the chest, he said.

A total of 31 armed men seized the police compound on July 17 to demand freedom for the leader of the opposition group, who was arrested in June. The group, Founding Parliament, has sharply criticized the government of the former Soviet republic and called for people to take to the streets to force the president and the prime minister to step down.

Several thousand people joined nightly rallies to support the gunmen, occasionally clashing with police. Some of the worst violence took place Friday, when 75 people were injured.

In recent days, four members of the group had surrendered, including two earlier Sunday, and at least seven were wounded.

Avetisyan said the security forces tried to storm the compound Saturday night and used a vehicle to smash a wall, but then retreated. On Sunday, "there was intense shooting, stun grenades exploded and armored vehicles entered the territory," he said.

The gunmen chose to surrender to avoid heavy losses on both sides, he said.

In the initial attack, the gunmen killed one officer and wounded several others. Police accused them of killing a second officer Saturday in a vehicle away from the compound, but Avetisyan denied this.

The gunmen had held four police officers hostage for a week before releasing them unharmed. They later seized four members of an ambulance crew, but freed the last two Saturday.

On Saturday night, the demonstrators marched down Baghramyan Avenue toward the main government buildings and the presidential residence, but were stopped by riot police, who strung coils of barbed wire across the road. The demonstrators blocked traffic for two hours but dispersed peacefully early Sunday.

Anti-government protesters, supporters of the armed group who have been holed inside a police station, prepare to march in Yerevan, Armenia, Saturday, July 30, 2016. Armed members of an opposition group barricaded inside a police station in Armenia's capital shot an officer dead on Saturday, police said. (Hrant Khachatryan/PAN Photo via AP)

Riot police block the street towards the Presidential Residence to prevent a march of anti-government protesters, supporters of the armed group who have been holed inside a police station, in Yerevan, Armenia, Saturday, July 30, 2016. Armed members of an opposition group barricaded inside a police station in Armenia's capital shot an officer dead on Saturday, police said. (Hrant Khachatryan/PAN Photo via AP)

Anti-government protesters, supporters of the armed group who have been holed inside a police station, march through a street in Yerevan, Armenia, Saturday, July 30, 2016. Armed members of an opposition group barricaded inside a police station in Armenia's capital shot an officer dead on Saturday, police said. (Karo Sahakyan/PAN Photo via AP)

Anti-government protesters, supporters of the armed group who have been holed inside a police station, shout as they march through a street in Yerevan, Armenia, Saturday, July 30, 2016. Armed members of an opposition group barricaded inside a police station in Armenia's capital shot an officer dead on Saturday, police said. (Aram Kirakosyan/PAN Photo via AP)
Spain rescues 74 migrants trying to cross Med in 3 boats

MADRID (AP)  Spain's maritime rescue service on Sunday saved 74 migrants crammed into three small boats attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea.

The rescue service said it collected 25 migrants before dawn from one boat, followed hours later by the rescue of 19 others from a second craft, and then a third operation reached a boat bearing 30 more migrants. No casualties were reported.

Captains of passing ships had reported the vessels carrying the migrants as they approached Spain's southeast coast.

The Spanish Red Cross said those aboard the first two boats were examined at the port of Almeria and were unhurt. The 30 migrants from the third craft were being brought to the port of Cartagena, north of Almeria.
Retaking IS-held Mosul likely to be tricky, costly for Iraq

BAGHDAD (AP)  It promises to be the biggest and perhaps last major battle against the Islamic State group in Iraq.

Iraq's government is setting its sights on Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target. The assault is probably months away, but fierce fighting already has been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages and towns south of the city.

The goal is to protect the Qayara air base, which was recaptured from the militants July 9 and is to be a main hub for the final move on Mosul. Some 560 U.S. military personnel, mainly engineers and logistics, security and communications experts, are due to be deployed at the base to upgrade its facilities in preparation for the Mosul attacks, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

FILE - In this Wednesday, June 1, 2016 file photo, Iraqi counterterrorism forces face off with Islamic State militants in the Nuaimiya neighborhood of Fallujah, Iraq. Iraqs government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against IS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages south of the city.(AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed, File)

But that can't happen yet because Qayara base has come under frequent rocket fire. About two-thirds of the surrounding towns and villages are controlled by IS fighters. Iraqi forces need to clear a 20-kilometer (12-mile) radius around the base and to retake the key nearby towns of Qayara and Shirqat, several Iraqi military officials told The Associated Press.

Iraqi forces already have driven the Islamic State group out of the cities of Ramadi, Fallujah, Tikrit and Beiji west and north of the Iraqi capital, rolling back the jihadis' dramatic blitz in summer 2014 that captured nearly a third of the country and linked up with their territory in neighboring Syria.

Retaking Mosul would be far more significant, robbing the IS of the jewel of its self-declared caliphate. While the Syrian city of Raqqa is considered the caliphate's de facto capital, Mosul is the largest city under its control, with an estimated population of between 500,000 and 1 million. IS fighters in Mosul, meanwhile, vary from a few thousand to "not more than 10,000," according to the coalition.

But the presence of hundreds of thousands of civilians in Mosul raises the prospect of a flood of people joining tens of thousands still displaced by previous fighting. The Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross said Friday that up to 1 million Iraqis could be forced to flee their homes in the coming weeks amid worsening fighting. Robert Mardini, the group's regional director for the Near and Middle East, said it is preparing for the worst, particularly in the Mosul area.

A glimpse of the possible humanitarian crisis has emerged. Nearly 4,000 families have fled their homes to escape fighting around the towns of Qayara and Shirqat. The government plans to house them in the town of Beiji, to the south.

"The government is not prepared or equipped to deal with a humanitarian emergency," said Iraqi analyst Hisham al-Hashimi.

The civilians in the city also pose a challenge to Iraqi forces when they assault, said Ahmed Shawki, a retired Iraqi army colonel who is now a military analyst based in the Kurdish city of Irbil.

"Daesh will try its best to disappear among these people, in the civilian neighborhoods of Mosul, to be safe from the airstrikes and hide from the eyes of the intelligence services," he said, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

Iraqi officials estimate that upgrading the Qayara base could take four to six weeks, once the area around it is secured. Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland, the top U.S. commander in the fight against IS, said this month that the U.S. personnel have already received warning orders to deploy and will flow in "relatively soon."

The facility is believed to have been badly damaged by airstrikes since the IS seized it in 2014. The work will include extending the two runways to allow large military transports to land. U.S. and Iraqi fighter jets and helicopter gunships are also likely to be deployed there. Boasting more than 30 fortified hangars, the base was used by the U.S. military between 2003 and 2010, when it was handed back to the Iraqis.

When operational, Qayara will join bases jointly used by the Iraqis and the Americans in the fight against IS. They include Makhmour, east of Mosul, Taqaddum and Assad, west of Baghdad, and Taji, just north of the Iraqi capital.

The actual assault may not take place until the late fall or winter, the military officials said.

"A lot of fighting has yet to be done and a lot of places must still be liberated before we head to Mosul," said a brigadier general with the Iraqi army's special forces who, like other military officials, spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

An official in Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's office said there was no detailed plan yet for retaking Mosul. "For now, the plan is simply that Mosul is next," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.

Al-Hashimi, the analyst, estimated retaking Mosul would require 80,000 men, of whom 15,000 are expected to come from the government-sanctioned Shiite militias.

However, the Shiite militiamen, repeatedly accused of abuses against Sunni civilians, will not join the assault on the city and will instead focus on liberating Shiite areas in surrounding Ninevah province. Tel Afar, a mostly Shiite town about 70 kilometers (45 miles) west of Mosul, would be a likely target for the militias.

Kurdish peshmerga forces deployed east, west and north of the city are expected to assume a support role but not take part on the assault on Mosul as they had requested.

The United Nations has appealed for $284 million to prepare for the likely waves of civilians fleeing the city. When Iraqi forces retook Fallujah in June, tens of thousands of residents who fled were housed in sprawling desert camps with little food, water or shelter. That drew sharp criticism from international relief groups and called into question the extent of the Shiite-led government's commitment to effectively care for minority Sunnis.

___

Abdul-Zahra reported from Boston. Associated Press writers Sinan Salaheddin in Baghdad, Lolita C. Baldor in Washington, Balint Szlanko in Erbil, Iraq, and Jamey Keaten in Geneva contributed to this report.

FILE - In this Monday, June 8, 2009 file photo, residents walk past the tilted minaret mosque in busy market area in Mosul, Iraq. Iraqs government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against IS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages south of the city.(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File)

FILE - In this June 16, 2014 file photo, demonstrators chant pro-Islamic State group slogans as they carry the group's flags in front of the provincial government headquarters in Mosul, Iraq. Iraqs government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against IS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages south of the city. (AP Photo, File)

FILE - In this file photo taken Monday, July 28, 2014, a motorist passes by a flag of the Islamic State group at the entrance of the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, Iraq. Iraqs government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against IS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages and towns south of the city.(AP Photo, File)

FILE - In this photo taken Monday, June 23, 2014, fighters from the Islamic State group parade in a commandeered Iraqi security forces armored vehicle down a main road at the northern city of Mosul, Iraq. Iraqs government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against IS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages and towns south of the city.(AP Photo, File)

FILE - In this June 27, 2016 file photo, a member of Iraqi counterterrorism forces stands guard near Islamic State militant graffiti in Fallujah, Iraq. Iraqs government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against IS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages and towns south of the city.(AP Photo/Hadi Mizban, File)

In this May 23, 2016 photo released by the U.S. Army, U.S. Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), fire an M777 howitzer at Kara Soar Base, Iraq. Some 560 American military personnel, mainly engineers and logistics, security and communications experts, are due to deploy to northern Iraq upgrade its facilities to prepare for a large military operation to re-take Mosul from he Islamic State group, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter.(U.S Army photo by Sgt. Paul Sale via AP)

In this Feb. 9, 2016 photo released by the U.S, Army, Peshmerga soldiers dig a foxhole while conducting defensive skills training near Erbil, Iraq. Iraqs government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against IS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages and towns south of the city. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jessica Hurst via AP)

FILE - In this file photo taken Tuesday, July 15, 2014 with a mobile phone through a car windshield, a fighter with the Islamic State group takes control of a traffic intersection in central Mosul, Iraq. Iraqs government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against IS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages and towns south of the city.(AP Photo, File)

In this Jan. 21, 2016 photo released by the U.S. Army, Peshmerga soldiers pull security while executing a react to contact drill at a training base near Irbil, Iraq. Iraqs government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against IS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages south of the city. Kurdish peshmerga forces deployed to the east, west and north of the city are expected to assume a support role but not take part on the assault on Mosul as they had requested.(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jessica Hurst via AP)

FILE - In this Wednesday, June 8, 2016 file photo, a soldier from Iraq's elite counterterrorism forces monitors radio traffic from an armored vehicle as special forces enter the nearby Shuhada neighborhood in Islamic State-held Fallujah, Iraq. Iraqs government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against IS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages and towns south of the city.(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File)

FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015 file photo, elite Iraqi counter terrorism soldiers raise an Iraqi flag near the provincial council building in central Ramadi, 70 miles (115 kilometers) west of Baghdad after they retook the strategic complex from Islamic State militants who have occupied the city since May. Iraqs government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against IS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages and towns south of the city.(AP Photo/Osama Sami, File)

FILE -- In this Jan. 4, 2016 file photo, Iraqi security forces and allied Sunni tribal fighters help trapped civilians to to cross from neighborhoods under control of the Islamic State group to neighborhoods under control of Iraqi security forces in Ramadi, 70 miles (115 kilometers) west of Baghdad, Iraq. Next on the agenda for Iraqi forces is Mosul, the the largest city under Islamic State control, with a current population estimated at between 500,000 and one million. IS fighters in Mosul, meanwhile, vary from a few thousand to "not more than 10,000," according to the U.S.-led coalition.(AP Photo, File)

FILE - In this Thursday, April 23, 2009 file photo, an Iraqi woman passes U.S. troops and Iraqi police officers as they stand guard in the Bab al-Jadeed area of Mosul, 360 kilometers (225 miles) northwest of Baghdad, Iraq during a joint push through the west side of the northern Iraqi city, considered to be the last urban stronghold for al-Qaida in the country. Iraqs government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against IS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages and towns south of the city.(AP Photo/ Maya Alleruzzo, File)

FILE - In this Thursday, April 23, 2009 file photo, an Iraqi woman passes U.S. troops and Iraqi police officers as they stand guard in the Bab al-Jadeed area of Mosul, 360 kilometers (225 miles) northwest of Baghdad, Iraq during a joint push through the west side of the northern Iraqi city, considered to be the last urban stronghold for al-Qaida in the country. Iraqs government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against IS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages and towns south of the city.(AP Photo/ Maya Alleruzzo, File)

FILE - In this Sunday, March 20, 2016 photo, two boys in a truck in a convoy of families fleeing Islamic State-held Hit, Iraq, wait at a checkpoint on the western edge of Ramadi, Iraq. Iraqs government is setting its sight on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target in the fight against IS. The assault is likely months away, but fierce fighting has already been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages and towns south of the city.(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo, File)
History of World Youth Day events since they began in 1980s

KRAKOW, Poland (AP)  Here is a look at all past World Youth Day meetings, which grew out of encounters between Pope Paul II and youth in Rome in 1984 and 1985. As Pope Francis wrapped up this year's edition of the global celebration in Krakow, Poland, he announced the next will be in Panama in 2019.

 2016, Krakow, Poland; Francis

 2013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Francis

 2011, Madrid, Spain; Benedict XVI

 2008, Sydney, Australia; Benedict XVI

 2005, Cologne, Germany; Benedict XVI

 2002, Toronto, Canada; John Paul II

 2000, Rome, Italy; John Paul II

 1997, Paris, France; John Paul II

 1995, Manila, Philippines; John Paul II

 1993, Denver, USA; John Paul II

 1991, Czestochowa, Poland; John Paul II

 1989, Santiago de Compostela, Spain, John Paul II

 1987, Buenos Aires, Argentina; John Paul II
Muslims go to Catholic Mass in France, Italy for solidarity

ROUEN, France (AP)  Muslims in France and Italy flocked to Mass on Sunday, a gesture of interfaith solidarity following a drumbeat of jihadi attacks that threatens to deepen religious divisions across Europe.

From the towering Gothic cathedral in Rouen, only a few miles from where 85-year-old Rev. Jacques Hamel was killed Tuesday by two Muslim fanatics, to Paris' iconic Notre Dame, where the rector of the Mosque of Paris invoked a papal benediction in Latin, many churchgoers were cheered by the Muslims in their midst.

Interviewed outside the cathedral in Rouen, Jacqueline Prevot called it "a magnificent gesture."

Imam Sami Salem delivers his speech during a Mass in Rome's Saint Mary in Trastevere church, Italy, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Imams and practicing Muslims attended Mass across Italy, from Palermo in the south to Milan in the north, in a sign of solidarity after the France church attack in which an elderly priest was slain. (Massimo Percossi/Ansa via AP)

"Look at this whole Muslim community that attended Mass," she said. "I find this very heartwarming."

French television broadcast scenes of interfaith solidarity from all around France, with Muslim women in headscarves and Jewish men in kippot crowding the front rows of Catholic cathedrals in Lille, Calais or the Basilica of St. Denis, the traditional resting place of French royalty.

There were similar scenes in Italy, where the head of Italy's Union of Islamic communities  Izzedin Elzir  called on his colleagues to "take this historic moment to transform tragedy into a moment of dialogue." The secretary general of the country's Islamic Confederation, Abdullah Cozzolino spoke at the Treasure of St. Gennaro chapel; three imams also attended Mass at the St. Maria Church in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood, donning their traditional dress as they entered the sanctuary and sat down in the front row.

Ahmed El Balazi, the imam of the Vobarno mosque in Italy's Lombard province of Brescia, said he did not fear repercussions for speaking out.

"These people are tainting our religion and it is terrible to know that many people consider all Muslim terrorists. That is not the case," El Balazi said. "Religion is one thing. Another is the behavior of Muslims who don't represent us."

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni thanked Italian Muslims for their participation, saying they "are showing their communities the way of courage against fundamentalism."

Among the parishioners in Rouen was a nun who survived Tuesday's siege in nearby Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray , which began when two 19-year-old attackers stormed a stone church and killed Hamel as he celebrated morning Mass. She joined her fellow Catholics in turning to shake hands or embrace the Muslim churchgoers after the service.

At Notre Dame cathedral in the French capital, Dalil Boubakeur, the rector of the Mosque of Paris, said repeatedly that Muslims want to live in peace. Boubakeur, in a fraternal nod to the Catholic Church, said he was addressing "Urbi et Orbi"  a Latin blessing long identified with the pope and meaning "to the city and the world."

France and Italy are both increasing their supervision of mosques after the spate of jihadi attacks, including Tuesday's attack in France and the July 14 atrocity in Nice in which a Muslim truck driver plowed through a crowd of revelers, killing 84 people. Both attacks were claimed by the Islamic State group.

Italian Interior Minister Angelino Alfano told the Senate this week that authorities were scrutinizing mosque financing and working with the Islamic community to ensure that imams study in Italy, preach in Italian and are aware of Italy's legal structuring.

The Paris prosecutor's office, meanwhile, said a cousin of one of the two 19-year-olds who killed the priest faces preliminary charges of participating in "a terrorist association with the aim of harming others."

The 30-year-old Frenchman, identified as Farid K., "knew very well, if not of the exact place or time, of his cousin's impending plans for violence," the office said in a statement.

In a related development, the prosecutor's office said a man identified as Jean-Philippe Steven J. faces preliminary charges connected to an attempt to reach Syria last month with one of the two French priest's killers.

___

Satter reported from Paris. Colleen Barry contributed from Milan.

___

An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of the imam of the Vobarno mosque. It is Ahmed El Balazi, not Balzai.

Muslims attend a Mass in Milan's Santa Maria in Caravaggio church, Italy, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Imams and practicing Muslims attended Mass across Italy, from Palermo in the south to Milan in the north, in a sign of solidarity after the France church attack in which an elderly priest was slain. (Flavio Lo Scalzo/Ansa via AP)

Muslims attend a Mass in Rome's Saint Mary in Trastevere church, Italy, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Imams and practicing Muslims attended Mass across Italy, from Palermo in the south to Milan in the north, in a sign of solidarity after the France church attack in which an elderly priest was slain. (Massimo Percossi/Ansa via AP)
A passenger plane skidded off the runway and onto the grass causing the airport it landed at to close for four hours.

German air officials said that the Sun Express plane, arriving from Bulgaria, left the tarmac and obstructed the runway after landing in Stuttgart, disrupting services at the airport.

Airport manager Walter Schoefer told news agency dpa the plane stopped on grass as it turned off the runway.

A Sun Express Boeing 737 slid off the runway when landing at Stuttgart Airport at the weekend

It is believed there were around 200 passengers on board the Boeing 737, but none are believed to have been injured as a result of the accident on Sunday.

Schoefer said the plane was too close to the runway for other aircraft to take off or land safely, so arriving flights were being diverted to other airports in southern Germany for a few hours.

It is believed there were around 200 passengers on board the Boeing 737 when it came off the runway at Stuttgart Airport

The accident happened on Sunday after the aircraft had arrived in from the city of Varna at about 11.30am local time.

The airline has not disclosed what caused the plane to slide off the tarmac.

However, aviation account AirLive.net reported that an airport official said the aircraft 'skidded due to heavy rain and aquaplaning'.

And aerotelegraph.com reports that 20 flights were cancelled and '50 were delayed or diverted'.
Israel: Palestinian who tried to stab soldiers shot dead

JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian who tried to stab soldiers at a West Bank checkpoint on Sunday, the military said.

The military said the man came from the direction of Nablus and was running toward troops with a knife in his hand when he was gunned down.

Since mid-September, Palestinians have carried out dozens of stabbings, shootings and attacks using cars against civilians and security forces, killing 34 Israelis and two visiting Americans.

During the same period, more than 200 Palestinians have been killed. Most of the Palestinians have been identified by Israel as attackers while the rest were killed in clashes.

Israel says the violence is fueled by a Palestinian campaign of lies and incitement. Palestinians say it stems from frustration at nearly five decades of Israeli occupation.

Also Sunday, the Israeli police announced the arrest and indictment of two Palestinians who allegedly attacked police and the Jerusalem light rail while protesting the murder of their relative, 16-year-old Mohammed Abu Khdeir.

Three Israelis confessed to kidnapping and killing Abu Khdeir in July 2014. The attackers said it was revenge for the murder of three Israeli teens by Palestinian assailants. They were convicted of murder and sentenced to long prison sentences.
Black Lives supporters seek backing from other minorities

NEW YORK (AP)  The latest deaths of black people at the hands of police led Jaime Sunwoo to undertake something she had always struggled with  a conversation with her parents about race.

After two much-publicized deaths in July, the 23-year-old Korean-American from Brooklyn showed her parents a crowd-sourced letter initiated by Asian-Americans specifically to urge others in their community to support the Black Lives Matter movement. Translated into Korean, the letter led to an unusual moment when Sunwoo's mother talked "about our intentions for the movement and what we want to achieve," her daughter said.

Sunwoo, who said her family did not discuss racial issues when she was growing up, said she had never articulated the ideas "so coherently and all at once" as the letter did.

In this Thursday July 21, 2016 photo, Korean American Jaime Sunwoo shows, from her laptop, a social media collaboration letter written by a host of Asian Americans and translated for their communities to discuss and support the Black Lives Matter movement, in New York. Some Asian and Latino supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement are reaching out to others in their communities to convince them that the movement is their fight too.(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

That letter and similar versions in other languages have been circulating in an effort to enlist Asians, Hispanics and other minorities in the movement and to cast light on connections between different minority groups.

"A system that doesn't value black lives cannot value Asian-American or Asian lives either," said Jenn Fang, who writes about issues including Asian-American activism at the Reappropriate blog.

From the beginning, Black Lives Matter supporters have included protesters and activists of all races. In this latest campaign, minority supporters are turning to the people closest to them, trying to convince them that the movement is their fight too.

"In fighting for their own rights, black activists have led the movement for opportunities not just for themselves, but for us as well," an English-language version of the letter says. "Black people have been beaten, jailed, even killed fighting for many of the rights that Asian-Americans enjoy today. We owe them so much in return. We are all fighting against the same unfair system that prefers we compete against each other."

Karla Monterroso, an advocate for increasing black and Latino representation in the technology field, helped write a letter in Spanish and English aimed at Hispanic communities.

The Spanish letter references the deaths of Anthony Nunez, Melissa Ventura, Pedro Villanueva and Alex Nieto, who were all killed in interactions with police. Their deaths did not receive as much attention as those of some black men whose deadly encounters with officers were caught on video, such as Alton Sterling, who died July 5 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Philando Castile, who was killed the following day in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

For Latinos, "not being able to get their stories told around this leaves the black community alone in a struggle that is really shared," she said.

Latinos and blacks "have very, very intricate and interwoven issues that can almost be spoken to in the same sentence with regards to the criminal justice system," said Maximo Anguiano, an activist in San Antonio, Texas, who has written about the need for Latinos to speak out against police misconduct.

Translating the letter into many languages helps bridge a gap between generations, Fang said, because members of an immigrant generation and those who were born and raised in the United States often understand the political world differently.

"How do we talk about our issues of politics and culture and just being different from our parents when we don't have the language to communicate in a way that both sides would really like to be able to do?" she said. "It's really about finding a common language ... so that we can actually talk about anti-blackness and racial justice."

She pointed to the controversy around the case of Peter Liang, a Chinese-American officer convicted in February in the shooting of Akai Gurley, a black man killed by a ricocheting bullet in a dark public-housing stairwell in New York City.

Several thousand mostly Chinese-Americans rallied around the country to support Liang, saying he was being scapegoated for white officers who killed black men.

Other Asian-Americans demonstrated against that stance, saying Liang's supporters were taking on the wrong fight by supporting an officer who killed an innocent man.

Some of the disconnect between the two sides happened because they were organizing in different ways and in different languages, Fang said.

"We weren't really talking at all until we met in the streets," she said.

Some multiracial people have found comfort in the widening of the movement.

"I think both Asian communities and Latin communities really need to recognize there are black people who exist in their communities already," said Gian-Luca Matsuda. The 29-year-old was born in Brazil to a Japanese-Brazilian father and an Afro-Puerto Rican mother.

The activism behind the letter is a different approach than going to rallies or marches, said Ray Deng, also 29, whose parents are immigrants from China. It's about immigrants and their children being willing to engage in tough conversations about race with the people closest to them.

"We have to speak in our own communities," he said. "When it's the responsibility of the already disenfranchised group to 'be the change' ... there's something wrong with that."

___

Follow Deepti Hajela at www.twitter.com/dhajela. Her work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/deepti-hajela.

In this Thursday July 21, 2016 photo, Korean American Jaime Sunwoo shows, from her laptop, a social media collaboration letter written by a host of Asian Americans and translated for their communities to discuss and support the Black Lives Matter movement, in New York. Some Asian and Latino supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement are reaching out to others in their communities to convince them that the movement is their fight too.(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

In this Thursday July 21, 2016 photo, Korean American Jaime Sunwoo shows, from her laptop, social media activity which as spawned from a collaboration letter written by a host of Asian Americans and translated for their communities to discuss and support the Black Lives Matter movement, in New York. Some Asian and Latino supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement are reaching out to others in their communities to convince them that the movement is their fight too.(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)
The Latest: Sen. Ayotte rejects Trump statements about Khans

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Latest on the presidential campaign (all times local):

6:40 p.m.

One of the more endangered Republican incumbents says she's appalled that Donald Trump would belittle the parents of a U.S. Army captain killed in Iraq with his insults and disparaging comments about Muslims.

Khizr Khan, father of fallen US Army Capt. Humayun S. M. Khan and his wife Ghazala speak during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte said in a statement Sunday that Capt. Humayun Khan made the ultimate sacrifice and was a "true American hero." Ayotte said his family deserves support, respect and gratitude and has every right to express themselves any way they choose.

Ayotte she was "appalled that Donald Trump would disparage them" and that the GOP presidential nominee "had the gall to compare his own sacrifices to those of a Gold Star family."

In the firestorm over Trump's comments, the two Republican leaders in Congress  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan  issued statements praising Capt. Khan. But neither made any mention of Trump or backed off their endorsement of the nominee.

Ayotte has said she supports Trump. She is locked in a tough race with New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan.

___

6:30 p.m.

The Senate's Democratic leader, Harry Reid, is calling on the top Republicans in Congress to revoke their endorsements of GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump in the wake of his criticism of the parents of a Muslim American soldier killed in Iraq.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan have praised the sacrifices of the Khan family and Muslim Americans in the U.S. armed forces. While calling for Americans to honor the Khans, both McConnell and Ryan stopped short of criticizing Trump by name.

In a statement issued Sunday, Reid says anything short of revoking their endorsements of Trump is "cowardice" on the part of the Republican leaders.

Reid says "this shouldn't be hard" and calls Trump "a sexist and racist man who insults Gold Star parents, stokes fear of Muslims and sows hatred of Latinos." The Nevada Democrat says Trump shouldn't be president and that "Republican leaders have a moral responsibility to say so?."

___

4:55 p.m.

House Speaker Paul Ryan says Muslim Americans who serve in the U.S. military should be honored  "period"  and that he would reject any proposal that would require a religious test for entry into the U.S.

The House speaker made the comments in a written statement issued Sunday. He also praised a U.S. Army captain, Humayun Khan, who was killed in a suicide bombing in Iraq in 2004.

The captain's parents have come under criticism from GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump for speaking out against his candidacy during the Democratic National Convention.

The bereaved father, Khizr Khan, has called on Ryan to withdraw his support for Trump after the candidate's remarks about the family.

In his statement, Ryan doesn't mention Trump but says Capt. Khan's sacrifice and that of his parents should always be honored.

___

3:50 p.m.

Billionaire industrialist Charles Koch (Coke) is refusing to support Republican Donald Trump. But he wants his network's biggest donors to know that, contrary to rumor, he won't be supporting Democrat Hillary Clinton, either.

Koch on Sunday called such a rumor "a blood libel" as he addressed his network's top donors at a luxury resort in Colorado.

The 80-year-old billionaire describes his policy and political network's first priority as "to preserve the country's financial future, and to eliminate corporate welfare."

Koch says that since it appears that neither presidential candidate is likely to support his network in those efforts, they are focusing on what he calls "maximizing the number of principled leaders in the House and Senate who will."

The three-day Koch donors conference ends on Monday.

_____

3:25 p.m.

Hillary Clinton's campaign is disputing Donald Trump's claim that she and other Democrats have rigged the presidential debate schedule so that two of the three match-ups would occur at the same time as NFL games.

Vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine says he's "mystified" by what he calls Trump's "bizarre" allegations. Kaine asks, "Is Donald Trump complaining that the framers of the Constitution put the election in the NFL season?"

The nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates says no political party or campaign was consulted about the dates chosen last year for this fall's debates.

Clinton is promising to attend all the debates, which have been scheduled for September and October.

Clinton and Kaine are in the midst of a three-day bus tour through the battleground states of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

___

3:10 p.m.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is stopping short of calling out Donald Trump for his criticism of the parents of a Muslim U.S. Army captain who was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq.

But McConnell says in a statement Sunday that "all Americans should value the patriotic service of the patriots who volunteer to selflessly defend us in the armed services."

The bereaved father, Khizr Khan, has called on Congress' top Republicans, McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan, to withdraw their support for Trump after the candidate's remarks about the family.

McConnell isn't going that far. But he says he agrees with the Khans that a travel ban based on religion  one idea previously floated by Trump  is "simply contrary to American values."

___

1:35 p.m.

Hillary Clinton is defending the bereaved parents of a Muslim U.S. Army captain, saying Donald Trump has a "total misunderstanding" of American values and has inflamed divisions in American society.

Clinton tells parishioners in a Cleveland church that Trump's character is questionable because he repaid a family that made the "ultimate sacrifice" with "nothing but insults" and "degrading comments about Muslims."

Khizr Khan (KY'zer KAHN'), who lost his son in Iraq, gave an emotional anti-Trump speech at the Democratic National Convention; Trump responded by suggesting his wife didn't speak because she wasn't allowed.

Clinton said: "I do tremble before those who would scapegoat other Americans, who would insult people because of their religion, their ethnicity their disability. That's just not how I was raised."

___

10:50 a.m.

Donald Trump took to Twitter on Sunday morning to continue his criticisms of Khizr Khan (KY'-zer KAHN'), the father of a Muslim U.S. Army captain who was killed in 2004 by a suicide bomber in Iraq.

"I was viciously attacked by Mr. Khan at the Democratic Convention. Am I not allowed to respond? Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me!" Trump tweeted.

The tweet came just minutes after interviews with Khan aired on NBC's "Meet The Press" and CNN's "State of the Union." Khan thanked Trump for calling his son a hero, but said the Republican presidential nominee is being "disingenuous" because of his campaign rhetoric.

Khan gave an emotional tribute to his son last week at the Democratic National Convention that was also heavily critical of Trump. Khan's son, Humayun, earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

___

10:45 a.m.

Hillary Clinton says controlling her emotions was her biggest concern walking on stage at the Democrat National Convention to become the first woman to lead a major party ticket.

Clinton says she was afraid she might cry after seeing her daughter, Chelsea, on stage. Clinton says also in her mind was how proud her own mother would have been of her. Clinton's mother died in 2011.

In an interview with "Fox News Sunday," Clinton said the moment was "over-the-top emotional" and that "I was pretty concerned whether I'd make it through the speech."

___

10:25 a.m.

Hillary Clinton says she has "work to do" to earn voters' trust and move past the "caricature" many people have of her.

In a wide-ranging interview on "Fox News Sunday," Clinton said the majority of voters approved of her work as a U.S. senator and as secretary of State under President Barack Obama. But upon running for any office, she said, "all of these caricatures come out of nowhere, and people begin to undermine me."

Polls have indicated that voters question Clinton's trustworthiness. Clinton said: "I think it's fair for Americans to have questions." But unlike her rival Donald Trump, "I have a long record of public service I can point to that's actually produced results for people."

___

10:10 a.m.

The father of a Muslim U.S. Army captain killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq says he appreciates that Donald Trump called his son a hero, but says he finds the Republican presidential nominee disingenuous because of his policies and his rhetoric.

Speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press," Khizr Khan says Trump showed disrespect toward his wife and that the country needs to be run by someone with a "moral compass."

Khan addressed the Democratic National Convention last week as his wife, Ghazala, stood quietly by his side.

Trump's comments that maybe she wasn't allowed to speak sparked backlash. On Saturday, Trump called their son, U.S. Capt. Humayun Khan, a hero but said the issue was about terrorism and the ability of leaders of the current administration to eradicate it.

___

9:34 a.m.

Retired Gen. John Allen says Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has "no credibility" to criticize him about the U.S. battle against Islamic State militants.

Last week, Trump called Allen a "failed general," saying he hadn't done so well in fighting IS.

Allen is a former commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan and also was the president's former special envoy for the global coalition to counter IS. In that job, he worked to assemble a group of nations to counter Islamic State militants.

Allen says he doesn't think he has to justify himself to Trump, who has never spent time in Afghanistan or Iraq and has never served in the military.

___

9 a.m.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is suggesting the U.S. accept Russia's annexation of Crimea if it would lead to better relations with Moscow and stronger cooperation in fighting Islamic State militants.

In an interview broadcast Sunday on ABC's "This Week," Trump suggested that the people of Crimea would rather be part of Russia. That runs counter to the Obama administration, which imposed economic sanctions against Russia for annexing the territory in Ukraine two years ago.

The United Nations doesn't want countries to recognize Crimea as part of Russia, and some top Republicans are staunchly defending Crimea against what they say is Russian aggression.

FILE - In this photo May 22, 2012 file photo, Charles Koch speaks in his office at Koch Industries in Wichita, Kansas. Billionaire industrialist and conservative benefactor Koch is hosting hundreds of the nation's most powerful political donors this weekend in Colorado. The exclusive gathering at the foot of the Rocky Mountains is open to donors who promise to give at least $100,000 each year to Koch-approved groups. The Koch network has avoided supporting Donald Trump's presidential campaign so far. (Bo Rader/The Wichita Eagle via AP, File)

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks on her campaign bus after visiting Imani Temple Ministries in Cleveland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Clinton and running mate Sen. Tim Kaine are on a three day bus tour through the rust belt. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at Imani Temple Ministries in Cleveland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Clinton and running mate Sen. Tim Kaine are on a three day bus tour through the rust belt. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton arrives to speak at Imani Temple Ministries in Cleveland, Sunday, July 31, 2016. Clinton and running mate Tim Kaine are on a three day bus tour through the rust belt. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally, at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, in Denver, Friday, July 29, 2016. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at an event at East High School in Youngstown, Ohio, Saturday, July 30, 2016. Clinton and Democratic vice presidential candidate Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., are on a three day bus tour through the rust belt. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Congressman's combativeness biggest issue in Kansas race

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (AP)  The combativeness that's made U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp of Kansas a tea party favorite has turned major agriculture and business groups against him and could cost him his seat in his sprawling, largely rural district.

The three-term congressman is in a tough race against obstetrician Roger Marshall ahead of the Republican primary Tuesday. Their battle in the 63-county 1st District of western and central Kansas is the state's most notable contest this year  and some tea party conservatives fear it could resonate nationally if Huelskamp loses.

Marshall argues that the sluggish agricultural economy is the biggest concern for a district where wheat fields flow to the horizon and cattle far outnumber people. And a key issue is Huelskamp's loss of the state's near-automatic seat on the House Agriculture Committee late in 2012 after disputes with GOP leaders over farm legislation and measures for keeping the federal government operating.

FILE - In this June 27, 2016, file photo, U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Kan., answers a question during a debate in Hutchinson, Kan., with his Republican primary challenger Dr. Roger Marshall, left, in Kansas' 1st Congressional District. (Travis Morisse/The Hutchinson News via AP, File)

"In the real world, you have to figure out how to work with other people that have different values, different views," said Jim Schmidt, a 40-year-old Junction City-area farmer and father of four. "My goodness, if you're married and you have children, you understand life is a compromise."

While many Republicans consider Huelskamp obnoxious, many also admire his anti-establishment streak. His supporters contend he gives his conservative, safely Republican district a strong voice against President Barack Obama, fellow Democrats and GOP leaders who are too soft on them.

"We can trust him to do the job we need him to do in Washington and not give in to the political pressures," said Mary Reader, a 44-year-old Manhattan nurse and mother of eight, said after a Huelskamp town hall meeting in Junction City. "Consensus usually means you're losing your values."

Supporters of both candidates expect a close race. There's no Democratic candidate  something that's happened regularly over the decades  but Alan LaPolice , an educator and farmer from the small north-central town of Clifton, is poised to run as an independent. LaPolice lost a closer-than-expected race to Huelskamp in the GOP primary in 2014.

Huelskamp, 47, grew up on a farm near the small town of Fowler, in southwest Kansas, and served 14 years in the Kansas Senate before winning the congressional seat in 2010. He still enjoys strong support from the tea party as well as social conservatives  and has an endorsement from Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, a fellow Kansan.

But Marshall, 55, from the central Kansas community of Great Bend, has endorsements from the Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Livestock Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Huelskamp has said repeatedly that with John Boehner's departure from Congress, he's likely to regain a seat on the Agriculture Committee held by Kansas for decades, and he notes that fellow Republicans elected him to the GOP committee that makes assignments. Marshall and his supporters are skeptical, arguing that Huelskamp has alienated too many colleagues to regain a plum assignment.

"Because Huelskamp's reputation is so bad, he has no voice," Marshall said during a recent interview in between campaign stops in Emporia. "He has no influence on the process."

Both candidates have raised more than $700,000 for their campaigns, but Marshall has loaned his campaign more than $280,000. Independent groups have spent more than $2.5 million on the race, favoring Marshall by a wide margin going into the final week of the primary campaign.

Huelskamp, who celebrated when Boehner was forced to step down last year as U.S. House speaker, tells voters that the GOP establishment is trying to get rid of him.

"Are you going to let someone in Chicago or London or Washington, D.C., tell you how to vote?" Huelskamp said near the end of his Junction City town hall meeting.

Locked in a contentious race, Huelskamp appeared at town hall meetings recently with several conservative GOP congressmen, including Rep. Steve King, of Iowa.

"You cannot allow a message to come out of Kansas that says, 'We're going to embrace the establishment wing of the party,'" King said near the end of an event in St. Marys, northeast of Topeka, at Patriot Outfitters, a guns-and-hunting gear seller that has in its offices a large painted statue of the Virgin Mary with arms outstretched.

Though Marshall shied away from the idea, Rich Felts, president of the Kansas Farm Bureau, said the race is a referendum on the tea party.

"At some point, if you don't do what we do in politics and compromise a little bit, you become an obstructionist to the system," Felts said.

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Follow John Hanna on Twitter at https://twitter.com/apjdhanna.
India detains suspects in gang rape of woman, daughter

LUCKNOW, India (AP)  Police in northern India said Sunday that they have detained 15 suspects after a woman and her 14-year-old daughter were gang-raped off a busy highway, the latest incident of sexual violence to shock the country.

The attack took place Friday night near the town of Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh state after the car the victims were traveling in was stopped by a gang of men with an iron rod, said senior local police official Daljeet Choudhary.

The men dragged the woman, the daughter and three male relatives who were traveling with them to a nearby field. They then tied up the males and raped the woman and the daughter, Choudhary said.

He said several police teams were at work to ensure that the attackers were identified quickly. He gave no details about the detained men.

The family was also robbed of money, jewelry and their cellphones.

The attack, which caused outrage across India, highlights the persistence of violence against women in the country despite tougher laws against sexual assault that were imposed following the December 2012 death of a young woman who was gang-raped on a bus in New Delhi.

After Friday's attack, opposition lawmakers in Uttar Pradesh accused the state government of failing to protect women and children.
Tens of thousands in Congo call for elections as scheduled

KINSHASA, Congo (AP)  Tens of thousands of Congolese gathered in the capital Sunday at an opposition rally calling for the president to step down at the end of his mandate in December, and urging elections take place as scheduled in November.

Many wore the blue, yellow and red colors of Congo's flag, and held signs that said "No to a third term."

Opposition leaders say President Joseph Kabila is delaying elections to remain in power. The constitutional court says he can stay in charge if elections are postponed.

Supportes of Congo opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi during a political rally in Kinshasa, Congo, Wednesday, July 31, 2016. Several thousand people, many wearing the blue, yellow and red colors of Congo's flag, gathered near the Stadium of Martyrs in Kinshasa Sunday holding banners that said "No to a third term." (AP Photo/John Bompengo)

Kabila's party has not designated another candidate, and he has not discussed plans for his political future.

"We are attached to our constitution, and it says that the president cannot go beyond two mandates," said main opposition party head Etienne Tshisekedi to the excited crowd. The popular leader returned to Congo last week after being away for two years for medical reasons. "If on Sept. 19 the electoral commission does not convene the electorate, we will talk of high treason."

Congo's electoral commission began voter registration Sunday in the northwest. The head of the commission, Corneille Nangaa, said this would lead Congo into elections, though has Nangaa said it will be difficult to organize the vote by Nov. 27.

The coalition of ruling parties held a rally Friday to support Kabila and a national dialogue in August.

Tshisekedi has said dialogue is needed, but the opposition will not participate with the African Union-appointed mediator, who he says supports Kabila. Opposition parties want international mediators and for political prisoners to be released, Tshisekedi said.

"We have campaigned for 30 years for democracy," he said, calling for no violence.

Junior Mutala, 26, was inspired. "This gives us hope for change," he said.

Supportes of Congo opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi carry a symbolic casket during a protest against a third term for Congo President Joseph Kabila, during a political rally in Kinshasa, Congo, Wednesday, July 31, 2016. Several thousand people, many wearing the blue, yellow and red colors of Congo's flag, gathered near the Stadium of Martyrs in Kinshasa Sunday holding banners that said "No to a third term." (AP Photo/John Bompengo)

Supportes of Congo opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi during a political rally in Kinshasa, Congo, Wednesday, July 31, 2016. Several thousand people, many wearing the blue, yellow and red colors of Congo's flag, gathered near the Stadium of Martyrs in Kinshasa Sunday holding banners that said "No to a third term." (AP Photo/John Bompengo)

Congo opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi speaks during a political rally in Kinshasa, Congo, Wednesday, July 31, 2016. Several thousand people, many wearing the blue, yellow and red colors of Congo's flag, gathered near the Stadium of Martyrs in Kinshasa Sunday holding banners that said "No to a third term." (AP Photo/John Bompengo)
Socially conservative Guatemala sees quiet LGBTQ gains

GUATEMALA CITY (AP)  Alex Castillo knew growing up that he was a boy trapped in a girl's body. It wasn't until recently, 40 years after his birth, that the government of his native Guatemala  or at least some parts of it  agreed.

Castillo, who recounted the humiliation of being groped by border guards unable to square his masculine appearance with the female name on his identity card, has finally been able to legally change it. Life as a transgender person is still a daily battle, but today it's a bit easier thanks to the state-sanctioned ID that matches his male identity.

"I had to change my name legally, for work reasons, because I handle money," said Castillo, who has not undergone gender-reassignment surgery. "Going to the bank with my physical appearance and my (previous) identity document was always very traumatic."

In this March 16, 2016 photo, transgender Carlos Castillo poses for a photo at his office in Guatemala City. Castillo knew growing up that he was a boy trapped in a girls body. It wasnt until recently, 40 years after his birth, that the government of his native Guatemala - or at least some parts of it - agreed. Life as a transgender person is still a daily battle, but today its a bit easier thanks to the state-sanctioned ID that matches his male identity. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Both government and society have long had little tolerance for sexual diversity in this Central American nation. But Guatemala's LGBTQ community has quietly been winning small battles for acceptance. They may seem small compared with other nations, but were virtually unthinkable here until very recently.

In the last year, the prosecutor's office has updated its computer systems to include a box where people can choose their gender identity, in particular to help identify and track hate crimes. Carlos Romero, director of the LGBTQ umbrella group Redmas, said the institution now recognizes not only people's birth names but also social names by which they identify.

Meanwhile, the National Population Registry has also modified its policies to acknowledge transgender identities and trained workers to receive people  and to do so respectfully  regardless of whether their appearance corresponds to the gender listed on their birth certificates.

"We have stories of people who were forced to take off their makeup, to hide their hair, so that they had the image that a bureaucrat thought they should have," Romero said. "Before, they made me take off my earrings because they weren't masculine."

The changes took place quietly beginning in 2014, when the Human Rights Prosecutor's Office set up a Sexual Diversity Defense branch, the country's first official entity dedicated to protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer people. Activists say the reforms were the result of grass-roots lobbying aimed at specific institutions instead of trying to push laws in Congress. Groups are also holding sensitivity training sessions with police officers.

But with no official announcements or media attention, the gains were almost entirely unknown until some people began talking about them in recent months. Most Guatemalans are unaware, and there has been no pushback so far from the Roman Catholic Church or other conservative sectors.

They have been mirrored by other steps toward broader LGBTQ acceptance: In January, Sandra Moran became the first openly gay person to take a seat in Congress. Her agenda includes sexual diversity measures, human rights and women's and children's issues.

Romero said a next step will be to seek a law protecting sexual orientation and gender identity covering education, work and security.

Activists in equally conservative neighboring countries are looking at what's happened here as a model.

"The battles that the LGBTQ community has won in Guatemala are pretty significant achievements and could be an example for other nations in Central America," said Carlos Valdez, president of a network that pushes for gay acceptance in the region.

He noted that Honduras and El Salvador do not have protections such as those won in Guatemala. Groups in the two countries are lobbying for a gender identity law, however.

"Guatemala has advanced quite a bit," said Gabri Mass, a Honduran activist. "Comparing their achievements, we could say that Guatemala has made a 100 percent advance and Honduras just 45 percent. In Honduras there is a lot of intolerance for sexual diversity."

El Salvador's Labor Ministry has assigned staffers to help LGBTQ people find work, although there has been no sign of institutions moving to specifically change policies on gender identity.

LGBTQ communities have won significant gains in some other parts of Latin America and the Caribbean in recent years, although activists say discrimination persists.

Argentina became the first country in the region to legalize gay marriage, in 2010, also conferring adoption rights on same-sex couples. Uruguay and Brazil followed suit in 2013. It's also legal in several states in Mexico, where a 2015 ruling also made it easier for gay and lesbian couples to marry nationwide even without specific laws in many places.

Bolivia passed a bill in May letting people change their names and gender on IDs despite opposition from the Catholic Church. Cuba's free health care system now covers gender-reassignment surgery. And Chile approved a law last year guaranteeing civil unions for both gay and straight couples.

Guatemala still has a ways to go to catch up to those countries. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights recently noted the advances in institutional recognition of transgender people there, but also warned of ongoing, serious "violence and discriminations against lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people."

For Castillo, the administrative and financial director for the Lambda Association rights group, the toughest thing is the rejection he feels from his two children from a previous marriage and from other family members.

"If your own people who are your blood don't accept you," Castillo said, "what can you expect from someone who doesn't have the least amount of empathy?"

In this June 12, 2016 photo, Yusimil Carrazana Hernandez shows a photo of her partner as a child, transgender Alex Castillo, pictured on the left, at their home in Villa Nueva, on the outskirts of Guatemala City. Castillo knew growing up that he was a boy trapped in a girls body. It wasnt until recently, 40 years after his birth, that the government of his native Guatemala - or at least some parts of it - agreed. Both government and society have long had little tolerance for sexual diversity in this Central American nation. But Guatemalas LGBTQ community has quietly been winning small battles for acceptance. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

In this June 12, 2016 photo, transgender Alex Castillo, right, and partner Yusimil Carrazana hold their pet dog as they pose for a photo in their home in Villa Nueva, on the outskirts of Guatemala City. Both government and society have long had little tolerance for sexual diversity in this deeply socially conservative Guatemala. But in the last year the Guatemalan Prosecutors Office has updated its computer systems to include a box where people can choose their gender identity, in particular to help identify and track hate crimes. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

In this June 12, 2016 photo, transgender Alex Castillo holds his pet dog as partner Yusimil Carrazana prepares coffee at their home in Villa Nueva, on the outskirts of Guatemala City. The National Population Registry in Guatemala has modified its policies to acknowledge transgender identities and trained workers to receive people - and to do so respectfully - regardless of whether their appearance corresponds to the gender listed on their birth certificates. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

In this June 12, 2016 photo, transgender Alex Castillo holds his pet dog as partner Yusimil Carrazana prepares coffee at their home in Villa Nueva, on the outskirts of Guatemala City. The National Population Registry in Guatemala has modified its policies to acknowledge transgender identities and trained workers to receive people - and to do so respectfully - regardless of whether their appearance corresponds to the gender listed on their birth certificates. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

This March 16, 2016 photo shows a poster with a message that reads in Spanish; "I am a woman, and I tell my own story," on a stairway wall at Redmas, a LGBTQ umbrella group, in Guatemala City. In the last year the Guatemalan Prosecutors Office has updated its computer systems to include a box where people can choose their gender identity, in particular to help identify and track hate crimes. Carlos Romero, director of Redmas, said the institution now recognizes not only peoples birth names but also social names by which they identify. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)
Greek police arrest 26 anarchists who interrupted a Mass

THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP)  Greek police arrested 26 anarchists who burst into the Greek Orthodox cathedral in the northern city of Thessaloniki on Sunday and interrupted a Mass, chanting slogans and dropping flyers.

Metropolitan Anthimos of Thessaloniki, the city's archbishop who was officiating at another church, said about 30 people burst into the cathedral of St. Gregory Palamas and, aside from interrupting the Mass, "destroyed what they could." He did not elaborate.

The cathedral is named after a 14th-century archbishop of Thessaloniki who is revered in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Police say those arrested included 19 women and seven men. Seventeen are Greek.

The anarchists on Sunday were protesting a police operation Wednesday in the city that evicted anarchists and refugees from three illegally occupied buildings. One of the buildings, formerly an orphanage, is the property of the Greek Orthodox Church and is being demolished to build a hospice for the terminally ill, Anthimos said.

Police arrested 74 anarchists in that operation, 64 of them foreigners. The 33 refugees were released.

Before dawn Sunday, an improvised device exploded outside the offices of the construction company demolishing the church's property but did little damage.

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This story has been corrected to show that 19 women and seven men were arrested, not vice versa.

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Demetris Nellas in Athens, Greece, contributed to this report.

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The Latest: Vigils held for Washington shooting victims

SEATTLE (AP)  The Latest on the Washington state shooting (all times local):

12:10 p.m.

A second vigil is planned for Sunday evening in a small waterfront community north of Seattle after three people were shot to death at a house party.

People hug outside Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, Wash., during a vigil for those who were slain Saturday, July 30, 2016. A shooting at a house party has left three people dead and another hurt in the Seattle suburb on Saturday. State troopers arrested the fleeing 19-year-old suspect three counties away. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)

Hundreds of young people lit candles and exchanged at Kamiak High School in Mukilteo on Saturday night in another event to mourn the deaths.

In addition to the three people slain, another was wounded in the early Saturday shooting.

State troopers say they pulled over and arrested the fleeing 19-year-old suspect on an interstate more than 100 miles away.

The grandmother of one of the witnesses said the gunman arrived with a rifle at the party of about 15 to 20 friends from Kamiak High School  mostly recent graduates aged 18 to 20.

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9:15 a.m.

Authorities in Washington state on Sunday say a man is in custody and they're not actively looking for other suspects following a gunman's attack on a gathering of young adults that left three dead and another wounded.

Police say the shooting took place at a home in the Seattle suburb of Mukilteo early Saturday. State troopers say they later pulled over and arrested the fleeing 19-year-old suspect on an interstate more than 100 miles away.

Police did not immediately release his name but Allen Christopher Ivanov was booked into the Snohomish County Jail on Saturday afternoon for investigation of three counts of murder.

Mukilteo Police Department Officer Myron Travis says there's no reason to believe there are other suspects.

Authorities have not released the names of those who were shot.

People hug outside Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, Wash., during a vigil for those who were slain Saturday, July 30, 2016. A shooting at a house party has left three people dead and another hurt in the Seattle suburb on Saturday. State troopers arrested the fleeing 19-year-old suspect three counties away. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)

Mukilteo police monitor the access point to the crime scene from a block away, after a shooting in Mukilteo, Wash., Saturday July 30, 2016. A suspect was apprehended three counties away, said Officer Myron Travis of the Mukilteo Police Department. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)

A police officer tapes off the the closest proximity to the multiple murder scene in the Chenault Beach neighborhood of Mukilteo, Wash., Saturday July 30, 2016. A suspect was apprehended three counties away, said Officer Myron Travis of the Mukilteo Police Department. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)

An investigator works at the scene of a multiple murder in the Chenault Beach neighborhood of Mukilteo, Wash., Saturday July 30, 2016. A suspect was apprehended three counties away, said Officer Myron Travis of the Mukilteo Police Department. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)
Man killed in shooting with North Carolina deputies

PLEASANT HILL, N.C. (AP)  Authorities say a man has been shot and killed in a confrontation with deputies in northern North Carolina.

Local media outlets report that deputies responded to a domestic dispute Friday evening in the Northampton County town of Pleasant Hill. Authorities say they were trying to arrest a man who had assaulted his wife when a fight broke out, and the man was killed.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting. No other details have been released.
London police chief says more officers armed for next attack

LONDON (AP)  The Metropolitan Police commander says London eventually will suffer another Islamic extremist attack and his force is more committed to use lethal force because of atrocities in neighboring France.

Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe says his 31,000-member force has boosted its anti-terror resources since militants killed 130 people in the Nov. 13 assaults on Paris.

He says 2,800 London officers today carry guns, a quarter more than last year, while an elite counter-terrorist unit is on 24-hour standby. All firearms-equipped officers, he says, have been trained "to take the initiative" to stop a Paris-style attack.
Venezuela attorney general says Congress illegally formed

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  The conflict between Venezuela's socialist government and its opposition-led Congress is growing even sharper.

The country's attorney general says the National Assembly is now illegally constituted because in recent days it swore in three members who'd been ruled out by the government-friendly Supreme Court.

Attorney General Reinaldo Munoz said Saturday that the congressional action threatens democracy and indicated that bills it passes would be invalid.

FILE - In this Jan. 6, 2016, file photo, lawmakers vote on the daily agenda during the first National Assembly session in Caracas, Venezuela. The countrys attorney general said Saturday, July 30, that the National Assembly is now illegally constituted because in recent days it swore in three members whod been ruled out by the government-friendly Supreme Court. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano, File)
Aging workforce puts strain on skilled manufacturing workers

CONCORD, N.H. (AP)  In a small town just south of New Hampshire's capital, General Electric runs two plants filled with workers building jet engines for the world's leading airlines.

With 800 workers, GE Aviation is the largest employer in town. But in the next five to 10 years, about a third of those workers are expected to retire. The company is scrambling to not only fill those jobs, but to find workers with the needed skills to take on jobs that are becoming ever more technologically advanced.

It's a problem expected to play out across the region and the country over the next decade, driven in part by the growth of the economy and a rash of retirements among baby boomers.

CORRECTS YEAR TO 2016, NOT 2015 - Misty Thurston stitches suits for firefighters at Globe Manufacturing Co. Monday July 25, 2016, in Pittsfield, N.H. New Hampshire has a 2.7 percent unemployment rate, but the state's manufacturing industry is struggling to find enough skilled workers to fill open jobs. Northern New England's rapidly aging population means the problem will only get worse as skilled workers retire and not enough young people are available to replace them. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

"What we have found out is that as we raise the bar, we're finding it a little bit difficult to get a pretty good population or a subset of folks that we can pick from to fill those needs," said Peter Haley, a business operations leader at GE Aviation's Hooksett facility.

Nearly 60 percent of New Hampshire's manufacturing workers are over the age of 45, compared to 49 percent nationally, state and federal data shows. And from 2004 to 2014, the number of manufacturing workers in the state between the age of 35 and 44 dropped by nearly half. State projections show about 80 percent of open production jobs in the next decade will be to replace outgoing workers.

On top of that, New Hampshire's 2.8 percent unemployment rate, one of the lowest in the nation, means the labor pool is already shallow.

"We're having to rebuild the entire pipeline of workers," said Katrina Evans, assistant director of the state's Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau. "It's not even so much a skills mismatch as it is a warm body mismatch."

Nationally, a 2015 report from The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte found that the skills gap "is real, and it is substantial," noting that over the next decade, 3.5 million manufacturing jobs will have to be filled and that the skills gap means that 2 million of those jobs will go unfilled.

Of the CEOs surveyed for the report, 82 percent said that the skills gap would impact their abilities to meet customer demands and 78 percent said it would impact their abilities to implement new technologies and increase productivity.

"The basic consensus at this point is that the shortage of skilled labor is so severe that it's actually affecting the ability of companies to grow," said Val Zanchuk, a manufacturing executive and chairman of a new statewide effort to bridge the skills gap. "This is nationwide, and it's certainly reflected in New Hampshire as well."

But some experts think the nationwide skills gap is overblown.

Elise Gould, senior economist at the liberal-leaning Economic Policy Institute, said federal jobs data shows there are two unemployed manufacturing workers for every available job. She said employers looking for workers could be doing more to train available workers or attract more talent by offering higher wages.

"Actually, there's a lot of unemployed workers in that field that you're trying to hire in," she said, noting that she did not have specific data on New Hampshire's manufacturing sector.

New Hampshire and several other states in the region aren't waiting for the debate to play itself out.

Gov. Maggie Hassan announced this month the creation of the "manufacturing sector partnership," an initiative to bring different manufacturing companies to the table with educators to find out exactly what skills are needed.

In addition, community colleges in New Hampshire and Vermont have also bolstered classes to train students to become computer numerical control machinists  those who run equipment that creates machine parts or learn skills like tubing that is a critical to building engines. Businesses, too, are starting their own internship and part-time job programs in a bid to convince young workers that manufacturing isn't the dirty, difficult work of their parents or grandparents. Some are even offering hiring incentives to attract prospective workers and considering busing prospective candidates into New Hampshire from out-of-state, like Hitchiner Manufacturing Co., Inc., which already has a short list of towns it would target for employees.

"In the past, manufacturers were passive about it," Zanchuk said. "The hope here is that we can focus the education and training process at different levels throughout the state to prepare the workforce for the particular needs of each industry."
A look at New Hampshire's aging manufacturing workforce

While New Hampshire's 2.8 percent unemployment rate is largely a good thing  it's one of the nation's lowest  it also means the labor pool is shallow. It's created a squeeze for manufacturing companies in particular for two reasons: The industry's workforce is aging at a faster than average rate, while fewer young workers have the proper skills  or interest  to fill the void of retiring workers.

Some key facts on the state's manufacturing industry, based on state and federal data"

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TOTAL EMPLOYMENT

Manufacturing accounted for roughly 67,000 New Hampshire jobs in 2015, about 12.2 percent of the state's private sector jobs. That's down from a boom in the late 1990s, when the sector employed more than 103,000 workers. Still, New Hampshire employs slightly more manufacturing workers than the national average, with 12 here for every 10 nationally.

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AGING WORKFORCE

Nearly 60 percent of New Hampshire's manufacturing workers are over the age of 45, compared to 49 percent of manufacturing workers nationally. The industry is seeing the bulk of its workforce reach retirement age faster than others: Just 48 percent of the state's overall workforce is older than 45.

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NEED FOR REPLACEMENTS

An estimated 80 percent of open manufacturing jobs in the next 10 years in New Hampshire will be to replace outgoing workers. Just 22 percent of manufacturing workers nationally are between the ages of 35 and 44, and that's even lower in New Hampshire. From 2004 to 2013, the number of New Hampshire manufacturing workers in that age range fell by nearly half.

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WAGES
Pro- and anti-Rousseff demonstrations in streets of Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Brazil on Sunday, some calling for the permanent ouster of suspended President Dilma Rousseff and others demanding her return to office.

Rousseff was impeached and suspended in May for allegedly violating budget laws. A Senate trial on permanently removing her is expected in late August.

A few hundred people gathered on Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana beach Sunday to push for Rousseff's permanent removal. It was one of 20 states to see anti-Rousseff protests.

A demonstrator shouts slogans against suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff during a protest demanding her impeachment, on Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, July 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Meanwhile, demonstrators in 15 states were protests against acting President Michel Temer. Rousseff's allies are also promising protests on Friday as the Olympic Games open.

In Sao Paulo, homeless leader Guilherme Boulos said that the opening of the Rio Games will be "the beginning of a new cycle of struggle."

Boulos said the anti-impeachment protest he helped organized took 60,000 to the streets of Brazil's biggest city. Police didn't offer any estimates.

Many of the pro- and the anti-impeachment protesters were also calling for new elections.

If Rousseff is permanently removed, Temer will be able to stay on the job until the end of 2018.

A demonstrator shouts after singing the Brazil's national anthem during a protest demanding the impeachment of suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, on Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, July 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Demonstrators gather on Copacabana beach, during a protest demanding the impeachment of suspended Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, on Copacabana beach, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, July 31, 2016. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
Lawyers start search for jury to hear Christie bridge case

NEWARK, N.J. (AP)  Even before federal prosecutors indicted two former aides to Gov. Chris Christie in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal last year, the case had already received more than a year of intense media coverage as each new detail emerged about the alleged conspiracy.

This week, attorneys will begin the process of finding 12 New Jersey residents who can  or who will say they can  impartially consider the evidence against the two at a scheduled September trial.

Attorneys are scheduled to submit proposed juror questions this week. Former Christie aide Bridget Kelly and former Port Authority of New York and New Jersey executive Bill Baroni are charged with wire fraud and civil rights violations for allegedly purposely causing traffic jams for four days to punish a Democratic mayor who didn't endorse Republican Christie.

The scandal followed Christie on his ultimately failed bid for the Republican presidential nomination, further reducing the chances of finding a dozen New Jersey citizens who hadn't heard about the case.

That isn't necessarily a bad thing, said Brian Neary, a criminal defense attorney who also teaches law classes at Rutgers and Notre Dame universities.

"If someone hasn't heard about the case, they're not a good juror because they've probably been living under a rock," Neary said. "You just want to make sure what they've heard about it doesn't affect their ability to be impartial."

Therein lies the rub, of course. Absent the ability to read minds, attorneys must rely on potential jurors' responses to questions during voir dire translated from the Latin as "to speak the truth"  to gauge any signs of bias.

That can be tricky since most people don't want to admit they can't set aside their personal opinions and be impartial, according to Mykol Hamilton, a psychology professor at Centre College in Kentucky who has done several studies on juror behavior.

If prospective jurors are questioned in a judge's chambers, Hamilton said, that can increase the pressure.

"If you're sitting in a little room with two to three attorneys on one side, two to three on the other side, the defendant, and the judge is staring at you and you're being videotaped and they're saying, 'Do you think you'd be a good juror,' there's no way you're going to get a lot of people admitting their biases," she said.

In one study, Hamilton and her colleagues found more than twice as many people admitted potential bias when asked if they "might have trouble" putting aside their personal opinions, than did people who were asked if they "would be able to."

Defense attorneys and government prosecutors will submit questions for voir dire this week, and the judge will make a final determination on which ones can be used. None of the attorneys commented last week.

What neither side wants, Neary said, is "an outlier who comes in with his own agenda."

That can be easier said than done, according to Mark Berman, a former federal prosecutor who now works as a criminal defense lawyer.
'No great options' facing ex-sheriff in corruption case

LOS ANGELES (AP)  Former Sheriff Lee Baca, who pleaded guilty to trying to thwart an FBI investigation into abuses at the jails he ran, faces a difficult choice that will influence how he spends the healthiest days of his retirement.

Baca returns to federal court Monday with uncertainty hanging over his future and grimmer prospects than he faced two weeks ago when a judge rejected an agreement with prosecutors, saying a six-month sentence wasn't tough enough even though Baca, 74, is in the early stages of Alzheimer's.

After talks broke down with federal prosecutors to reach a new deal, his choices are down to letting the judge impose a term of up to five years in federal prison or withdrawing his guilty plea and taking his chances at trial.

FILE - In this Jan. 7, 2014, file photo, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca announces his retirement at a news conference at Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau in Monterey Park, Calif. Baca signed a plea agreement that said he ordered deputies to intimidate an FBI agent and "do everything but put handcuffs on her." Baca, who pleaded guilty to trying to thwart an FBI investigation into abuses at the jails he ran, is in the early stages of Alzheimer's and must decide whether he spends the best remaining days of his life fighting to stay out of jail or behind bars. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)

"There are no great options here," said Laurie Levenson, a professor at Loyola Law School and a former federal prosecutor.

The prospect that Baca will serve a longer sentence or go through a public trial is another dramatic twist in a corruption scandal that blossomed after his deputies learned an inmate was an FBI informant.

Baca, who cut the figure of a fit, trim military officer in his crisp khaki uniform, was known for his unconventional approach to running the nation's largest sheriff's department. He jetted around the world to promote a softer style of law enforcement, advocating for jailhouse education and a better understanding of different cultures.

But in his jails, a band of rogue deputies was beating inmates, and supervisors were helping cover up the violence.

After discovery of the FBI mole who was trying to gather evidence of civil rights abuses, Baca and other higher-ups tried to derail the investigation, having underlings shuffle the inmate to different jails under different names and trying to intimidate an FBI agent.

Baca long denied any role in the scandal and claimed he was out of touch with the goings-on in the jails.

He pleaded guilty in February to lying to federal authorities about efforts to stifle the investigation. In the plea, he acknowledged ordering deputies to "do everything but put handcuffs on" a female agent.

More than 20 members of the department have been convicted on charges ranging from assault to obstruction of justice, including his former second-in-command, who was sentenced to five years in federal prison.

Judge Percy Anderson rejected the six-month term prosecutors sought for Baca, saying it failed to address Baca's "gross abuse of the public's trust."

"It's one thing to lie," Anderson said. "It's another thing entirely ... when the chief law enforcement officer of the county of Los Angeles is involved in a wide-ranging conspiracy to cover up abuse and corruption."

Rejection of the plea deal created an awkward situation because federal court rules bar the judge from participating in plea discussions, Levenson said. That left the defense and prosecution in an "unusual posture" to blindly renegotiate a deal the judge might again reject.

Talks collapsed Friday and no new agreement was reached, defense attorney Michael Zweiback told reporters. He wouldn't say what Baca would do Monday and prosecutors refused to comment.

One factor that might come into play in the decision making is the state of Baca's mind.

Doctors have said he's in the early stages of Alzheimer's and able to function, but will probably experience severe cognitive impairment in five to 10 years.

"He's going to be locked up during the healthiest period of his life ... and certainly the most aware period that he's got left," said attorney J. Vincent Aprile II, who has written about defending elderly clients.

Withdrawing the plea and forcing prosecutors to get a grand jury indictment and go to trial would buy Baca more time as lawyers prepare for trial.

If his condition declined during that delay, he could be deemed incompetent to stand trial or appear as a sympathetic figure to a jury and be acquitted.

Discussing the prospect with Baca that any delay would allow him to remain free before his mind diminishes, however, would be a tough task, said defense lawyer Steve Cron, who is not involved in the case.

"I'm not saying it's not going to happen, but that's not a conversation I'd ever want to have with a client," Cron said. "That's a pretty grim choice."
Russian television shows what the Kremlin thinks of Clinton

MOSCOW (AP)  To understand what the Kremlin thinks about the prospect of Hillary Clinton becoming the U.S. president, it was enough to watch Russian state television coverage of her accepting the Democratic nomination.

Viewers were told that Clinton sees Russia as an enemy and cannot be trusted, while the Democratic Party convention was portrayed as further proof that American democracy is a sham.

In her acceptance speech, Clinton reaffirmed a commitment to NATO, saying she was "proud to stand by our allies in NATO against any threat they face, including from Russia."

ADVANCE TO GO WITH RUSSIA US CLINTON FILE In this file photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, meets U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on her arrival at the APEC summit in Vladivostok, Russia. During her recent acceptance of the Democratic party nomination to run for the U.S. presidency, Clinton said Russia is an enemy and cannot be trusted, a statement which clearly stung the Kremlin and seems to have heralded a new era for the coming presidency if Clinton wins. (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel, pool, FILE)

In doing so, she was implicitly rebuking her rival, Republican nominee Donald Trump, who has questioned the need for the Western alliance and suggested that if he is elected president, the United States might not honor its NATO military commitments, in particular regarding former Soviet republics in the Baltics.

While Trump's position on NATO has delighted the Kremlin, Clinton's statement clearly stung.

"She mentioned Russia only once, but it was enough to see that the era of the reset is over," Channel One said in its report.

As U.S. secretary of state, Clinton in 2009 presented her Russian counterpart with a red button intended to symbolize a "reset" in relations between the two countries, one of U.S. President Barack Obama's initiatives. In Russia, the gesture is best remembered for the misspelling of the word in Russian, while the reset itself failed in the face of Putin's return as Russian president in 2012 and Russia's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine two years later.

Clinton once compared the annexation of Crimea to Adolf Hitler's moves into Eastern Europe at the start of World War II, a comparison that was deeply offensive in Russia, where the country's victory over Nazi Germany remains a prime source of national pride.

Trump, on the other hand, told ABC's "This Week" in a broadcast Sunday that he wants to take a look at whether the U.S. should recognize Crimea as part of Russia. "You know, the people of Crimea, from what I've heard, would rather be with Russia than where they were," Trump said.

This runs counter to the position of the Obama administration and the European Union, which have imposed punishing sanctions on Russia in response to the annexation.

"And as far as the Ukraine is concerned, it's a mess. And that's under the Obama's administration with his strong ties to NATO. So with all of these strong ties to NATO, Ukraine is a mess," Trump said. "Crimea has been taken. Don't blame Donald Trump for that."

Putin was outraged by U.S. support for Ukraine and by U.S. military intervention around the world, particularly in Libya, on Clinton's watch. But it was what he saw as interference in Russia that really rankled.

When Clinton described Russia's 2011 parliamentary elections as rigged, Putin said she was "sending a signal" to his critics. He then accused the U.S. State Department of financially supporting the protests that drew tens of thousands of people to the streets of Moscow to demand free elections and an end to Putin's rule.

In the years since, the Kremlin has defended Russian elections in part by implying they are no different than in the United States, a country it says promotes democracy around the world while allowing its business and political elite to determine who wins at home.

The Democratic Convention, which ended Friday morning Moscow time, was given wide coverage throughout the day on the nearly hourly news reports on state television, the Kremlin's most powerful tool for shaping public opinion.

Channel One began its report by introducing Clinton as "a politician who puts herself above the law, who is ready to win at any cost and who is ready to change her principles depending on the political situation." The anchorwoman couched the description by saying that was how Clinton is seen by Trump's supporters  but it was a nuance viewers could easily miss.

The reports ran excerpts of Clinton's speech, but the camera swung repeatedly to a sullen Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, her Democratic challenger, and his disappointed supporters. The Rossiya channel also showed anti-Clinton protesters outside the convention hall who it said "felt they have been betrayed after the email leak that showed Bernie Sanders was pushed out of the race."

Russia is a prime suspect in the hacking of Democratic National Committee computers, which led to the release of emails showing that party officials favored Clinton over Sanders for the presidential nomination.

The Kremlin has denied interfering in the U.S. election. A columnist at Russia's best-selling newspaper, however, said it would have been a smart move.

"I would welcome the Kremlin helping those forces in the United States that stand for peace with Russia and democracy in America," Israel Shamir wrote in Komsomolskaya Pravda.

Trump, meanwhile, has encouraged Russia to seek and release more than 30,000 other missing emails deleted by Clinton. Democrats accused him of trying to get a foreign adversary to conduct espionage that could affect this November's election, but Trump later said he was merely being sarcastic.

___

Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow and Deb Riechmann in Washington contributed to this report.
Soldier charged in wife's death sentenced for child porn

HONOLULU (AP)  An Army medic charged in his wife's death will spend over two years in prison after being court-martialed for possessing child pornography and soliciting payment for sex.

Michael Walker pleaded guilty Saturday to solicitation and not guilty to possession of child pornography, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported (http://bit.ly/2amz0E7).

A military judge ordered Walker's rank reduced from sergeant to private and sentenced the 36-year-old to a dishonorable discharge.

Walker said in court that he placed advertisements in September 2014 and was paid for sex multiple times. "My purpose was to find people to have sex with and at the same time to give me money," he said.

Defense attorneys argued pornographic images and videos of children found on Walker's computer were dumped there in a massive file transfer. They say prosecutors did not prove Walker was the person who accessed the files.

An attorney pushed for leniency, saying Walker is seeking sex addiction treatment.

Stephen Walker said over the phone from Utah that the family wants to help his son "and wants to see him recover from this."

Walker has been in federal custody since he was arrested in November in the case of his wife's stabbing death. Her body was found in November 2014 at the Aliamanu Military Reservation home where she lived with her husband.

Prosecutors say Walker and his lover Ailsa Jackson planned to kill 38-year-old Catherine Walker.

Jackson pleaded guilty to murder in December and said in court that she stabbed Catherine.

Walker was indicted in November on charges of aiding and abetting and conspiring to commit first-degree murder. He faces a January trial in civilian court.

___
Turning back on Trump, Koch network focuses on Senate

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP)  Billionaire industrialist Charles Koch declared Sunday that his expansive political network would not support Donald Trump, questioning whether the Republican presidential nominee believes in free markets.

During an exclusive gathering with some of the nation's most powerful Republican donors, the 80-year-old conservative icon also dismissed any suggestion he might support Democrat Hillary Clinton as "a blood libel."

"At this point I can't support either candidate, but I'm certainly not going to support Hillary," Koch told hundreds of donors gathered for a weekend retreat in a luxury hotel at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

FILE - In this photo May 22, 2012 file photo, Charles Koch speaks in his office at Koch Industries in Wichita, Kansas. Billionaire industrialist and conservative benefactor Koch is hosting hundreds of the nation's most powerful political donors this weekend in Colorado. The exclusive gathering at the foot of the Rocky Mountains is open to donors who promise to give at least $100,000 each year to Koch-approved groups. The Koch network has avoided supporting Donald Trump's presidential campaign so far. (Bo Rader/The Wichita Eagle via AP, File)

With Election Day just three months away, Koch and his chief lieutenants openly refused to support the Republican presidential nominee, focusing their tremendous resources instead on helping the GOP win competitive Senate contests in states like Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Details on Koch's decision emerged Sunday, the second day of a three-day gathering for donors who promise to give at least $100,000 each year to the various groups backed by the Koch brothers' Freedom Partners  a network of education, policy and political entities that aim to promote a smaller, less intrusive government.

The ambitious Koch network has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to influence politics and public policy over the last decade. The network planned to invest heavily in the 2016 presidential contest, but sharply changed its course after Trump became the Republican standard-bearer.

The decision was welcomed by many of the 400 donors who attended the weekend retreat, even though "a reasonably significant" number of attendees wanted the Koch network to support Trump, said Chris Wright, a Colorado-based energy entrepreneur.

"Terrible and truly awful are the two choices," Wright said, suggesting that even if he voted for Trump in November  and that's not decided  he wouldn't go any further.

"We're not going to give any money to support Donald Trump," Wright explained.

Timothy Busch, a California-based donor, said he'd vote for Trump but do nothing more on his behalf.

"He doesn't have enough civility and he's not a man of humility," Busch charged, citing specific complaints about Trump's positions on immigration and trade.

Charles and David Koch have hosted such gatherings of donors and politicians for years, but usually in private.

A few of reporters, including one from The Associated Press, were invited to attend some of the forums. As a condition of attending, reporters were not permitted to identify any donors without their permission.

Koch addressed the presidential contest in a general way on Sunday when reporters were present, but went further during a closed-door meeting later in the day.

He outlined two primary criteria for deciding whether to support a candidate, Wright said: whether the candidate would "believes in and will fight for free markets" and whether he or she has a viable chance to win.

Both Clinton and Trump failed the first test, Wright said.

With reporters on hand, Koch described his first priority as "to preserve the country's financial future and to eliminate corporate welfare."

"Since it appears that neither presidential candidate is likely to support us in these efforts," he said, "we're focused on maximizing the number of principled leaders in the House and Senate who will."

Trump has been embraced by many Republican voters, but David and Charles Koch have deep policy differences. The libertarian-leaning Koch brothers oppose Trump's position on immigration, trade, minimum wage and criminal justice reform, among others.

The day before, Trump thumbed his nose at the Koch gathering from Twitter.

"I turned down a meeting with Charles and David Koch," the New York billionaire tweeted. "Much better for them to meet with the puppets of politics, they will do much better!"

The weekend's agenda featured a series of policy discussions and appearances from at least three governors, four senators and four members of the House of Representatives, including House Speaker Paul Ryan.

Asked about the Koch decision not to endorse Trump, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, said, "I certainly respect their point of view on this."

"I don't endorse everything about him. I certainly don't endorse everything he says," Walker told The Associated Press during a brief interview. But "In the end, choosing between the two, I still believe that any Republican including Donald Trump is better than Hillary."

Koch has put the network's budget at roughly $750 million through the end of 2016.

A significant portion was supposed to be directed at electing a Republican to the White House. It will instead go to helping Republican Senate candidates in at least five states: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Wisconsin and Florida.
Seattle suburb mourns deaths of 3 shot at house party

MUKILTEO, Wash. (AP)  Hundreds of young people lit candles and exchanged hugs in a high school parking lot as a small waterfront community north of Seattle mourned the loss of three people fatally shot at a party of young adults in an upscale neighborhood.

A vigil was held at Kamiak High School on Saturday night where people passed lit candles to one another. Another vigil was planned Sunday at a local church.

"It feels really good to have a community to be connected to," Olga Manko told Q13. "I thank God for that, because not a lot of places have that."

People hug outside Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, Wash., during a vigil for those who were slain Saturday, July 30, 2016. A shooting at a house party has left three people dead and another hurt in the Seattle suburb on Saturday. State troopers arrested the fleeing 19-year-old suspect three counties away. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)

State troopers said they pulled over and arrested the fleeing 19-year-old suspect on an interstate more than 100 miles away following the early Saturday shooting. In addition to the three people slain, another was wounded in Mukilteo.

Susan Gemmer, the grandmother of one of the witnesses, said the gunman arrived with a rifle at the party of about 15 to 20 friends from Kamiak High  mostly recent graduates aged 18 to 20. The gunman walked through the house to the fire pit out back, where he shot two people. Those present knew the gunman, Gemmer said, and he and one of those shot had broken up last week.

Gemmer said of her 18-year-old granddaughter, Alexis, hid in a closet and called her during the shooting.

"We were texting back and forth, telling her to stay quiet, stay calm, we're on our way. She kept saying, 'They're dead, they're dead, I saw them, I was right there and I saw them,'" Gemmer told The Associated Press.

Police did not immediately release the name of the suspect, but a man named Allen Christopher Ivanov was booked into the Snohomish County Jail on Saturday afternoon for investigation of three counts of murder, including one of aggravated murder, which can bring the death penalty.

It was unclear whether Ivanov had obtained an attorney. He was expected to face a court appearance Monday.

"We have no reason to believe there are other suspects and we're not actively looking for anyone else at this time," Mukilteo Police Department Officer Myron Travis said Sunday.

He declined to release more information, including the names of the victims. He said a news conference will likely be held Monday afternoon.

Victor Balta, spokesman for the University of Washington, said a student matching Ivanov's name, age and hometown of Mukilteo has been enrolled at the university's campus in nearby Bothell, where he was going into his sophomore year.

The shooting happened in the upscale Chennault neighborhood of Mukilteo, a town of about 20,000 people, 25 miles north of Seattle.

---

Associated Press writers Gene Johnson in Seattle and Keith Ridler in Boise, Idaho, contributed to this story.

People hug outside Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, Wash., during a vigil for those who were slain Saturday, July 30, 2016. A shooting at a house party has left three people dead and another hurt in the Seattle suburb on Saturday. State troopers arrested the fleeing 19-year-old suspect three counties away. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)

Mukilteo police monitor the access point to the crime scene from a block away, after a shooting in Mukilteo, Wash., Saturday July 30, 2016. A suspect was apprehended three counties away, said Officer Myron Travis of the Mukilteo Police Department. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)

A police officer tapes off the the closest proximity to the multiple murder scene in the Chenault Beach neighborhood of Mukilteo, Wash., Saturday July 30, 2016. A suspect was apprehended three counties away, said Officer Myron Travis of the Mukilteo Police Department. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)

An investigator works at the scene of a multiple murder in the Chenault Beach neighborhood of Mukilteo, Wash., Saturday July 30, 2016. A suspect was apprehended three counties away, said Officer Myron Travis of the Mukilteo Police Department. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)
Fight continues against Big Sur fire; new blaze near Fresno

BIG SUR, Calif. (AP)  Crews battled a massive wildfire near California's Big Sur that is threatening thousands of homes as it burns for the tenth day, while a much newer fire in Fresno County quickly spread, damaging homes as it more than doubled in size Sunday.

The newer blaze had damaged some of the 200 evacuated homes in the area, but it wasn't yet clear how many, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.

The fatal blaze north of Big Sur grew Sunday to 62.5 square miles (161.87 square kilometers), state fire officials said.

A helicopter flies in to make a water drop while fighting a wildfire on a ridge above Rancho San Carlos in Carmel Valley, Calif., Saturday July 30, 2016. Fire officials say a wildfire burning near California's dramatic Big Sur coast has destroyed dozens homes and is threatening over a 1,000 more. (David Royal/The Monterey County Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

The wildfire has destroyed 57 homes and 11 outbuildings and is threatening 2,000 more structures. It was 18 percent contained Sunday morning.

More than 5,000 firefighters are battling the wildfire that killed a bulldozer operator working the fire line.

The blaze, about the size of San Francisco, has also scared away tourists who are cancelling bookings after fire officials warned that crews will likely be battling a wildfire raging in steep, forested ridges just to the north for another month.

In Central California, the fast-moving fire is being fueled by hundreds of dead trees amid triple-digit temperatures and single-digit humidity that are expected to last for several days. Residents of the rural area surrounded by rolling hills told reporters they scrambled to evacuate with their animals as the wind-driven blaze swept through dry slopes.

"We watched it explode, coming across Old Millerton Road, and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger," resident Dana Bays told KFSN-TV.

The nearly 3-square mile (7.27-square-kilometer) wildfire started Saturday afternoon south of the town of Prather about 30 miles northeast of Fresno. The blaze was 5 percent contained Sunday, Cal Fire said.

Highway 168, closed from Millerton Road to Auberry Road in Prather, reopened Sunday, the Fresno County Sheriff's Office said.

On the outskirts of Los Angeles, crews had nearly surrounded a 65-square-mile (168.35-square-kilometer) blaze that killed one man and destroyed 18 homes. That fire was 93 percent contained Sunday, nine days after it broke out in suburban Santa Clarita and spread into the mountainous Angeles National Forest, officials said. Authorities have not determined the cause.

Timber faller Jeff Turpin hikes up a hillside with his chainsaw while cutting a fire break for a wildfire in Carmel Valley, Calif., Saturday July 30, 2016. Fire officials say a wildfire burning near California's dramatic Big Sur coast has destroyed dozens homes and is threatening over a 1,000 more. (David Royal/The Monterey County Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT

Timber faller Jeff Turpin hikes up a hillside with his chainsaw in while cutting a fire break for a wildfire in Carmel Valley, Calif., Saturday July 30, 2016. Fire officials say a wildfire burning near California's dramatic Big Sur coast has destroyed dozens homes and is threatening over a 1,000 more. (David Royal/The Monterey County Herald via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT
University of Washington identifies student killed at party

MUKILTEO, Wash. (AP)  The Latest on the Washington state shooting (all times local):

2:10 p.m.

The University of Washington on Sunday identified one of the three people fatally shot at a party of young adults in an upscale neighborhood as one of its students.

People hug outside Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, Wash., during a vigil for those who were slain Saturday, July 30, 2016. A shooting at a house party has left three people dead and another hurt in the Seattle suburb on Saturday. State troopers arrested the fleeing 19-year-old suspect three counties away. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)

The school in a statement says Anna Bui died in the early Saturday shooting at a house in the Seattle suburb of Mukilteo.

She had been enrolled at the university's campus in nearby Bothell.

The school also identified the suspected shooter, Allen Ivanov, as another of its students at Bothell.

State troopers said they pulled over and arrested the fleeing 19-year-old suspect on an interstate more than 100 miles away following the early Saturday shooting.

In addition to the three people slain, another was wounded in Mukilteo.

___

12:19 p.m.

Hundreds of young people lit candles and exchanged hugs in a high school parking lot as a small waterfront community north of Seattle mourned the loss of three people fatally shot at a party of young adults in an upscale neighborhood.

A vigil was held at Kamiak High School on Saturday night where people passed lit candles to one another. Another vigil was planned Sunday at a local church.

State troopers said they pulled over and arrested the fleeing 19-year-old suspect on an interstate more than 100 miles away following the early Saturday shooting. In addition to the three people slain, another was wounded in Mukilteo.

Susan Gemmer, the grandmother of one of the witnesses, said the gunman arrived with a rifle at the party of about 15 to 20 friends from Kamiak High  mostly recent graduates aged 18 to 20. The gunman walked through the house to the fire pit out back, where he shot two people. Those present knew the gunman, Gemmer said, and he and one of those shot had broken up last week.

People hug outside Kamiak High School in Mukilteo, Wash., during a vigil for those who were slain Saturday, July 30, 2016. A shooting at a house party has left three people dead and another hurt in the Seattle suburb on Saturday. State troopers arrested the fleeing 19-year-old suspect three counties away. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)

Mukilteo police monitor the access point to the crime scene from a block away, after a shooting in Mukilteo, Wash., Saturday July 30, 2016. A suspect was apprehended three counties away, said Officer Myron Travis of the Mukilteo Police Department. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)

A police officer tapes off the the closest proximity to the multiple murder scene in the Chenault Beach neighborhood of Mukilteo, Wash., Saturday July 30, 2016. A suspect was apprehended three counties away, said Officer Myron Travis of the Mukilteo Police Department. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)

An investigator works at the scene of a multiple murder in the Chenault Beach neighborhood of Mukilteo, Wash., Saturday July 30, 2016. A suspect was apprehended three counties away, said Officer Myron Travis of the Mukilteo Police Department. (Alan Berner/The Seattle Times via AP)
Appeal made for fund to support slain social worker's kids

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP)  With the anniversary of the shooting death of a Vermont social worker approaching, the state employees' union is asking again for donations to a fund to support Lara Sobel's children.

The 48-year-old Sobel was the Department For Children and Families social worker shot to death in Barre last Aug. 7, allegedly by 40-year-old Jody Herring, who authorities say was upset the state had removed a child from her home.

Herring has pleaded not guilty to charges that she killed three of her own relatives as well as Sobel and is being held as she awaits trial.
Trump suggests US accept Russia's annexation of Crimea

WASHINGTON (AP)  Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is suggesting the U.S. accept Russia's annexation of Crimea if it would lead to better relations with Moscow and stronger cooperation in fighting Islamic State militants.

That view runs counter to the Obama administration, which imposed economic sanctions against Russia for annexing the territory in Ukraine two years ago. The United Nations also doesn't want countries to recognize Crimea as part of Russia, and some top Republicans staunchly defend Crimea against what they consider Russian aggression.

In an interview broadcast Sunday on ABC's "This Week," Trump suggested that the people of Crimea would rather be part of Russia. However, the U.S. hasn't recognized the legitimacy of Russian referendums in Crimea and believes they were not conducted fairly.

In this photo taken July 1, 2016, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks in Denver. As he turns his attention to the general election, Donald Trump is signaling that he is ready to tone down his fiery rhetoric on illegal immigration _ at least behind closed doors. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Trump also said he wasn't involved in the effort that softened support in the Republican Party platform on assisting Ukraine. Although the platform is not pro-Russia, Trump supporters succeeded in preventing a reference to arming Ukraine from being added.

In the past, Trump's campaign manager, political strategist Paul Manafort, lobbied on behalf of Viktor Yanukovych, a Ukrainian president and supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Manafort has said neither he nor anyone else with the Trump campaign pushed for the platform changes.

On the topic of Putin and Ukraine, the Republican said: "He's not going into Ukraine, OK, just so you understand. He's not gonna go into Ukraine, all right? You can mark it down. You can put it down. You can take it anywhere you want."

ABC's George Stephanopoulos said, "Well, he's already there, isn't he?" Trump replied, "OK. Well, he's there in a certain way."

The Clinton campaign pointed to the exchange to question what Trump knows about the subject and argued that the Republican is repeating Putin's talking points on Crimea.

"This is scary stuff," Clinton campaign spokesman Jake Sullivan said in a statement. "But it shouldn't surprise us. This comes on the heels of his tacit invitation to the Russians to invade our NATO allies in Eastern Europe. And it's yet more proof why Donald Trump is temperamentally unfit and totally unqualified to be commander in chief."

In response to other questions about U.S.-Russia relations, Trump dismissed suggestions that he has any kind of relationship with Putin, saying he has neither met Putin nor spoken on the phone with him. Asked why he had said several times in the past that he had a relationship with Putin, Trump said he doesn't know what "having a relationship" means.

"He has said nice things about me over the years," Trump said of Putin. "I remember years ago, he said something, many years ago, he said something very nice about me. I said something good about him when (broadcaster) Larry King was on. This was a long time ago."

Trump said it would be a "great thing" if the United States got along with Russia and if Russia would help fight the Islamic State group.
Late Eden Hazard brace not enough for Chelsea to prevent Real Madrid defeat

A late brace from Eden Hazard could not prevent Chelsea slumping to a 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in their International Champions Cup clash in Ann Arbor.

First-half goals from Marcelo (two) and Mariano Diaz set a Madrid side missing the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos on course for victory.

Antonio Conte's men responded twice late on through Hazard but were unable to get an equaliser in front of a 105,826 crowd at the Michigan Stadium - the largest ever official attendance for a Chelsea match, according to the Blues.

Eden Hazard scored twice late on for Chelsea but Real Madrid ran out victors

Conte only made two changes to the side that beat Liverpool in midweek, with Oscar coming in for the suspended Cesc Fabregas and Pedro replacing Victor Moses, but the Blues were swept aside by the European champions in the first half.

After John Terry had failed to make the most of an early opportunity for Chelsea, it was virtually all Madrid for the remainder of the opening period.

Asmir Begovic was called on to make a number of saves but he was still beaten three times before the interval, with Madrid captain Marcelo opening the scoring with a shot that took a huge deflection off Oscar.

Marcelo made it 2-0 in the 26th minute before the Brazil full-back set up Mariano Diaz for Real's third, the 22-year-old smashing a long-range strike past Begovic.

Chelsea, for whom new signing N'Golo Kante and injured striker Diego Costa did not feature, pulled a goal back with 10 minutes to go through second-half substitute Hazard.
The end is nigh for Game Of Thrones with eighth season to be the last

Game Of Thrones will end after its eighth season, broadcaster HBO has said.

Casey Bloys, the US cable network's new programming president, talked about a conclusion to the fantasy epic on Saturday.

He also mentioned a possible spin-off during HBO's panel at the Television Critics Association press tour.

Game Of Thrones will end after its eighth series (Sky/PA)

Executive producers David Benioff and DB Weiss have previously hinted that the international phenomenon is drawing to a close.

HBO recently renewed Game Of Thrones for a shortened seventh season of seven episodes, instead of the usual 10.

The penultimate season will be broadcast a little later in summer next year.

The eighth and final season is expected to follow in 2018.

Earlier this month, Game Of Thrones picked up 23 Emmy nominations, the most of any show recognised with a nod.

Adapted from George R.R. Martin's novels, the series stars Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke and Kit Harington, among others.
Novak Djokovic and Kei Nishikori to meet in final of Rogers Cup in Toronto

Novak Djokovic eased into the final of the Rogers Cup with a straight sets victory over Gael Monfils on Saturday night.

The world number one won 6-3 6-2 at Toronto's Aviva Centre to set up a final against Japan's Kei Nishikori.

Top seed Djokovic never looked back after double-faulting to gift 10th seed Monfils a break of serve in the third game of the match.

Novak Djokovic, pictured, will face Kei Nishikori in the final of the Rogers Cup in Toronto

The Serbian's response was instant and emphatic. He won the next four games to take control of the contest, clinching the opening set in 39 minutes.

Monfils did not fare any better in the second set, as Djokovic broke his French opponent in the first game and went on to wrap up the success in an hour and 13 minutes when he took his third match point.

Earlier, third seed Nishikori did well to bounce back from an early struggle to defeat second seed Stan Wawrinka 7-6 6-1.

The Japanese hopeful trailed 5-2 in the opening set before turning things around against f ormer French and Australian Open champion Wawrinka.

The Swiss second seed's loss of form continued in the second set and Nishikori capitalised to build a convincing 5-0 lead which set him up for victory.

Nishikori told the ATP Tour's website afterwards: "He was hitting very good serves and was very aggressive until the 5-3 game.

"I started returning better and he was missing a little bit. I think he had more chances to get the first set.

"After that, he started playing a little slower. I knew I had to step it up, otherwise he's going to come back. I'm just happy to win."

The 26-year-old will bid to put recent struggles against Djokovic behind him on Sunday when the pair return to the action on Centre Court.
Government fostered hostile environment for immigrants, says Liberty chief

The head of civil rights group Liberty has accused the Government of deliberately fostering a hostile environment for immigrants which has helped fuel a spike in hate crime after the Brexit vote.

Martha Spurrier, who has taken over the high-profile role as director of Liberty from Shami Chakrabarti, suggested Prime Minister Theresa May was reaping what she sowed as home secretary.

"Over the last five years, the Tory government have openly said that they would create a hostile environment for immigrants. Their own language, their own policy, is called 'hostile environment'. They make no bones about it.

Martha Spurrier has taken over the high-profile role as director of Liberty from Shami Chakrabarti (Doughty Street Chambers/PA Wire)

"Yet, when they see it pay off in a rise in hate crime, they then say, 'What they really don't want is this hostile environment'. The language is really telling. You reap what you sow.

"Calling it a 'hostile environment' says to people 'you can play a part in that too'," Ms Spurrier told the Huffington Post.

Mrs May used a visit to Warsaw last week to condemn "shameful and despicable" attacks on Poles in Britain which have formed part of a surge in hate crime since the narrow Leave victory in the EU referendum.

Official figures revealed that more than 6,000 alleged hate crimes and incidents were reported to police in the four weeks from the middle of June.

The daily rate peaked at 289 reports on June 25 - the day after the referendum result was announced.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd denied the Government's refusal to guarantee the post-Brexit status of the three million EU nationals living in the UK helped drive the upsurge in hate crime when she launched an initiative to tackle the problem.

In 2013, then shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper accused the Government of using "the language of the National Front" after a billboard campaign told illegal immigrants: "Go home or face arrest."
Ireland warns Britain against fortifying border with Republic after Brexit

Britain has been warned by the Irish government that any attempt to fortify the border with the Republic to prevent migrants slipping into the UK by the back door "won't work".

Irish foreign affairs minister Charlie Flanagan insisted the two countries must keep the "invisible" border that exists at present after Brexit.

"It is absolutely essential that every effort be made to ensure the existence of what is an invisible border.

Irish foreign affairs minister Charlie Flanagan said Britain and the Republic of Ireland must keep the 'invisible' border between the Republic and Northern Ireland

"So, any suggestion that there will be a heavily fortified EU frontier, or a heavily fortified border, be it for customs and trade on the one hand, or for security and immigration on the other, is simply inoperable. It won't work," Mr Flanagan told the BBC.

The foreign minister also expressed concern at reports International Trade Secretary Liam Fox is pressurising Prime Minister Theresa May to pull a post-Brexit Britain out of the EU customs union so the country can cut better global deals.

"I have to say I was very surprised at the comments attributed to Dr Liam Fox, and it would be a matter of concern to Ireland were the UK to withdraw entirely from the customs agreement.

"I believe it would result in a situation where there would be a lot of paper work, and consequent red tape. We need to minimise incumbents and bureaucracy," he said.

Former northern Ireland secretary Theresa Villiers, who was a prominent Leave campaigner, also said the border should remain open, despite the risk of illegal immigration.

"The reality is that would mean there would be, perhaps, some risk that non-Irish EU citizens might enter the UK over that land border.

"But the way you tackle people who come and work in the UK without the appropriate permissions is through measures such as cracking down on employing illegal workers.

"The border between the UK and Ireland has never been policed in a significantly hard way, even during the height of the Troubles, it was very much a free flowing border. The common travel area survived the Troubles.
Tesla crash does little to sway public opinion on self-driving cars

DETROIT, July 29 (Reuters) - Consumers are more aware of self-driving cars, but slightly less interested in riding in them, according to two surveys conducted after a fatal crash of a Tesla equipped with self-driving technology.

An online survey of more than 1,500 Americans in mid-July by AlixPartners found that overall consumer interest in self-driving dropped about three percentage points after news of the May 7 Tesla crash was reported on June 30, according to results released on Friday.

But awareness of self-driving technology rose about 10 percentage points, to 81-85 percent from 71-76 percent in a similar Alix survey conducted just six weeks earlier, before news of the crash.

The Alix survey also noted that consumers still trust Silicon Valley companies, such as Tesla Motors Inc, more than traditional automakers to supply the technology and programming for self-driving cars.

On Thursday, the Boston Consulting Group said public opinion about self-driving cars had not changed significantly in the past year, based on the results of its own survey on self-driving cars, conducted in July among more than 1,500 consumers in the United States, Germany and China.

U.S. and German respondents were more risk-averse this year when asked about their willingness to ride in partly and fully automated vehicles. About 41 percent of Germans and 48 percent of Americans said they'd be willing to try a fully self-driving car, down slightly from a similar survey in August 2015.

Chinese consumers in the most recent BCG survey were more willing to ride in a self-driving car - 81 percent, compared with 75 percent a year ago.

BCG also released the results of a study conducted with the World Economic Forum on the impact of self-driving vehicles, noting that widespread adoption of such vehicles, including fully automated "robo-taxis," could result in a 60 percent drop in the number of cars on city streets, an 80 percent decline in vehicle emissions and 90 percent fewer traffic accidents.
3-Fiery crash of hot air balloon kills 16 in central Texas

By Robin Jerstad

LOCKHART, Texas, July 30 (Reuters) - A hot air balloon burst into flames over central Texas on Saturday after apparently striking power lines and plunged into a field, killing all 16 people aboard in one of the deadliest such accidents on record, police and eyewitnesses said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the fiery crash occurred at about 7:40 a.m. (1240 GMT) near Lockhart, a town about 30 miles (50 km) south of Austin, the Texas capital.

The Caldwell County Sheriff's Office said 16 people were believed to have been aboard the doomed craft and that no one survived. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that 16 people were dead.

Emergency responders in Texas said the basket portion of the balloon, which carries the passenger and crew, caught fire. Aerial television footage from the aftermath of the accident showed remnants of the red, white and blue balloon, adorned with a large, yellow smiley face wearing sunglasses, lying flattened at the crash site.

The National Transportation Safety Board offered no details on what may have caused the accident, which occurred on a clear day. But a spokesman at the scene, Erik Grosof, said teams from that agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were being dispatched to determine how the crash unfolded.

FBI assistance is routine in cases of major accidents, Grosof said.

Margaret Wylie, an area resident, told reporters she believed that before the balloon crashed, it hit power transmission lines, which caused popping sounds like a gun going off.

"It went up like a big fireball," she told reporters.

Grosof said the balloon was believed to have been operated by Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides, a company that serves the Austin, Houston and San Antonio areas.

The sunglass-wearing smiley face and stars-and-stripes design of the fallen craft matched the pattern of a balloon featured in pictures posted on the company's Facebook page, which carried messages of condolences.

Skip Nichols, identified by the company as its chief pilot, was reported by Austin station KVUE-TV, citing close friends, to have been at the controls of the balloon when it crashed.

The crash of the balloon was the deadliest on record in the Western Hemisphere, said Jeff Chatterton, a spokesman for the Balloon Federation of North America.

"There are thousands of balloons that go up every year," he said. "This is unspeakably tragic but it is rather unique."

More than 150 commercial hot air balloon companies operate in North America, he said.

Lockhart, a town of about 13,000 people near state parks, is home to a variety of barbecue restaurants considered to be among the best in the state.

The accident occurred about three years after 19 people, mostly Asian and European tourists, were killed in a hot-air balloon crash in Luxor, Egypt.
Turkey's Erdogan: military to answer to minister of defence

ANKARA, July 30 (Reuters) - Turkey's military commanders will report to the defence minister and military academies will be shut down, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, announcing moves aimed at bringing the military fully under civilian control after a failed coup.

Erdogan, who made the comments in an interview with broadcaster A Haber, said Turkey's military academies would be replaced by a national defence university. The decision would be announced in the government's official gazette by Sunday.
Many Islamic State leaders trying to flee to Syria -Iraqi minister

BAGHDAD, July 30 (Reuters) - Many Islamic State leaders have fled Mosul with their families towards Syria ahead of a planned offensive by U.S.-backed Iraqi forces on the city, Iraq's defence minister said on Saturday.

Khaled al-Obeidi said he had intelligence of increasing conflict, especially over financial issues, among ultra-hardline militants of the group known as Daesh in Arabic by its enemies.

"Many Daesh families and leaders in Mosul have sold their property and sneaked out towards Syria, and a segment even tried to sneak out towards (Iraq's Kurdish) region", he said in an interview on state television.

Islamic State has lost at least half the territory it seized in Iraq in 2014. The group has also lost territory in Syria, where it emerged amid a civil war which is now in its sixth year, but U.S.-backed rebel forces there have had less success in beating it back.

Fighters in Mosul, the group's de facto capital in Iraq and the largest city under its control anywhere across its self-proclaimed caliphate, are thought to number in the thousands but probably under 10,000.

Iraq is expected to mobilise up to 30,000 forces to retake the city in coordination with U.S.-led coalition air support.

The campaign has gained momentum in recent weeks after government forces restored Falluja and retook a key air base south of Mosul, though some officials still question whether the military will be ready and what will happen in Mosul after Islamic State is removed.

Obeidi said the biggest challenge will be protecting civilians, who he said number around 2 million.

"We expect when operations begin in the city proper there will be large displacement. The smallest number we are expecting is about half a million people," Obeidi said.

The International Committee for the Red Cross says up to 1 million people could be driven from their homes in Mosul, and the United Nations estimates the number could be even higher.
Turkey's Erdogan says U.S.-based cleric a pawn backed by a 'mastermind'

ISTANBUL, July 30 (Reuters) - The U.S.-based Muslim cleric blamed by Turkey for orchestrating a failed coup this month is a pawn backed by a "mastermind", President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, hinting that greater powers were behind the attempted putsch.

Erdogan often refers to a "mastermind" in his speeches, a reference widely seen as an allusion to the West in general and the United States more specifically.

The cleric, Fethullah Gulen, who has lived in the self-imposed exile in the United States for years, has denied any involvement in the failed coup of July 15-16.

Conspiracy theories have flourished in Turkey since the attempted coup, with one pro-government newspaper saying the putsch was financed by the CIA and directed by a retired U.S. army general using a cell phone in Afghanistan.
Tunisia lawmakers vote to dismiss prime minister

By Mohammed Argoubi

TUNIS, July 30 (Reuters) - Tunisian lawmakers voted on Saturday to dismiss Prime Minister Habib Essid from office during a no-confidence ballot in parliament, clearing the way for a new government that must push through delayed economic reforms.

Essid, a technocrat in office less than two years, had been under fire for a lack of progress on a financial reforms package to create growth and jobs. President Beji Caid Essebsi also called for a new unity government to speed up reforms.

Out of the 191 lawmakers present for the vote, 118 voted to sack Essid. Only three supported him and others abstained.

A new premier will likely be named after negotiations within the ruling coalition of four major parties. That may include a change in cabinet with a new prime minister.

Essid had earlier this year clashed with President Beji Caid Essebsi, who had called for a new unity government to overcome political divisions in the ruling coalition and respond more quickly to economic and security challenges.

Since its 2011 revolution to oust Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia has emerged as a democracy praised as a model for the region. But militant attacks have tested the government and political infighting has slowed economic progress.

Essebsi has said the country needs a more dynamic government ready to take audacious decisions to bring about the liberalisation and cost-cutting required for an overhaul of the North African state's economy.
Seven family members found dead in Mexico's Guerrero state

MEXICO CITY, July 30 (Reuters) - Seven members of a family, including two minors, were shot dead in the violent Mexican state of Guerrero, the state public safety agency said on Saturday.

The attack occurred in the municipality of Tepecoacuilco de Trujano, according to a statement from the state public safety agency.

Tepecoacuilco de Trujano is close to Iguala, where 43 students disappeared in 2014. The students were apparently massacred.
Yemen peace talks extended by a week-UN envoy

CAIRO, July 31 (Reuters) - Talks aimed at ending Yemen's war, which had appeared on the brink of collapse after a major disagreement between the government and its Houthi militia foes, have been extended by a week, the United Nations envoy to Yemen said on Sunday.

"We hope that the delegations can utilize this remaining week to achieve progress on the path towards peace," Ould Cheikh Ahmed, said in a statement, adding his thanks to Kuwait for agreeing to host the talks for the additional period.

The slow-moving negotiations are aimed at ending a 16-month-old conflict that has killed more than 6,400 people, nearly half of them civilians, and displaced more than 2.5 million.

A truce that began in April has slowed the momentum of fighting, but violence continues almost daily.

On Friday, the delegation of the internationally recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi said it planned to pull out of the talks on Saturday.

The move was in apparent protest at the announcement by Houthi rebels and their allies in the General People's Congress (GPC), the political party of militarily powerful former president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, that they had decided to form a political council to unilaterally rule the country.

Cheikh Ahmed said on Thursday the move gravely violated U.N. Security Council Resolution 2216, which calls on the Houthis "to refrain from further unilateral actions that could undermine the political transition in Yemen".

But on Saturday afternoon, Cheikh Ahmed said on his Twitter account that he had met both delegations, and "suggested a one-week extension to the talks and a framework for a solution to the crisis in Yemen". His announcement of the extension of the talks followed a few hours later.

In one of the worst flare ups in fighting since peace talks began, warplanes of a Saudi-led coalition backing the Yemeni government bombed Houthi fighters from Yemen seeking to infiltrate Saudi Arabia on Saturday, killing tens of Houthi militiamen, security sources said.
Militants storm Iraq gas compressor station - security sources

KIRKUK, Iraq, July 31 (Reuters) - Suicide bombers stormed a gas facility in northern Iraq on Sunday and clashing with police guards, security sources said.

It was not immediately clear if security forces had managed to regain control of the AB2 gas compressor station, about 15 km (10 miles) northwest of Kirkuk. There were expected to be casualties among the police and personnel at the site.
Rights group says ban militias with record of abuses from Mosul battle

BAGHDAD, July 31 (Reuters) - Iraqi military commanders should prevent militias with records of serious abuses from taking part in a planned offensive on the Islamic State-held city of Mosul, campaign group Human Rights Watch said on Sunday.

The battle for Mosul, the ultra-hardline militants' de facto capital in Iraq and the largest city anywhere in their self-proclaimed caliphate, is expected later this year but plans have not been finalised, officials and diplomats in Baghdad say.

Army, police and counter-terrorism forces are expected to participate, backed by air support from a U.S.-led coalition.

The role of Kurdish peshmerga forces and Shi'ite Muslim militias from the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) is unresolved and remains a point of contention. They will likely join in the larger battle but may be restricted to the city's outskirts, the officials say.

"Iraqi commanders shouldn't risk exposing Mosul civilians to serious harm by militias with a record of recent abuse," said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, echoing the positions of many Western diplomats and aid workers who are mobilising humanitarian aid for the population.

Shi'ite militias and peshmerga fighters have been key forces in Iraq's campaign to retake the third of the country seized by Islamic State in 2014 after army and police units collapsed, but they have also been accused of abuses against civilians, allegations they deny or dismiss as isolated cases.

Their participation in the battle for Mosul, a predominately Sunni Arab city which also has diverse ethnic and sectarian communities, risks confrontation with the local population.

Militia leaders say the security forces have not been rebuilt enough to retake the city by themselves in a battle that could see fierce street fighting.

Mosul officials, displaced to other parts of the country, say alleged abuses in Falluja in May, alongside those in previous battles, vindicate their calls to keep the militias out of the northern city.
Philippines may still impose ceasefire with Maoist-led rebels

MANILA, July 31 (Reuters) - The Philippine government may still re-impose a ceasefire with Maoist-led guerrillas, a senior administration official said on Sunday, a day after it was withdrawn by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte lifted the unilateral truce with the communist New People's Army on Saturday evening, six days after it was declared as a goodwill gesture ahead of formal peace negotiations in Oslo next month.

The move came after rebels did not respond to a deadline to reciprocate the government's truce.

"We may work out a negotiated truce with the Communists," Jesus Dureza, presidential peace adviser, told Reuters. "It was in our agenda when the formal peace talks resume in Oslo. The peace talks will go on as scheduled."

The peace talks, brokered by Norway, will resume on Aug. 20, four years after bogging down due to rebels' demand for the release of 500 political prisoners. The government has now promised to free them for health and humanitarian reasons.

Dureza said he welcomed a statement from rebel leader Jose Maria Siso, who was interviewed on local television hours after Duterte withdrew the ceasefire, saying the communists had also intended to impose a truce but it was overtaken by events.

"This is what we have been waiting for," Dureza said in an official statement. "The leadership of the CPP/NPA/NDF announced through the media its belated but still strategic and awaited decision to also declare its own unilateral ceasefire."

Duterte also was angered by reports that Maoist-led rebels had killed a militiaman and wounded four others in an ambush on Wednesday when they were returning to an army base in Davao del Norte to comply with government's unilateral truce.

Renato Reyes, secretary-general of Bayan (Nation), a left-wing political group, criticised the government for imposing "unrealistic" ultimatums, saying the "peace talks are more complicated than some folks think".

"The road to peace is a difficult one, where deadlines and ultimatums cannot just be imposed and where discussions of the substantial agenda are the only sure means to achieve a lasting end to hostilities," he said.

Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier-General Restituto Padilla said army units have resumed offensive action against the rebels.
Al Shabaab says strikes Somalia's CID headquarters with car bomb

MOGADISHU, July 31 (Reuters) - Al Shabaab Islamist militants said they were behind a bomb and gun attack on the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Mogadishu on Sunday.
Many Houthis, seven Saudi troops killed near Yemen border

CAIRO, July 31 (Reuters) - Seven Saudi troops and dozens of Houthi fighters were killed in heavy fighting on the border with Yemen, Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Sunday, as the main combatants in Yemen's war prepared for a further week of peace talks in Kuwait.

The U.N.-sponsored negotiations had been on the verge of collapse after a new row erupted last week between the Saudi-backed government and its Iranian-allied Houthi foes and renewed fighting broke out.

But U.N. Yemen envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said the talks between the Houthis and their General People's Congress party allies and the internationally-recognised government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi had been extended by a week.

"We hope that the delegations can utilize this remaining week to achieve progress on the path towards peace," he said in a statement.

The slow-moving negotiations are aimed at ending a 16-month-old conflict that has killed more than 6,400 people, nearly half of them civilians, and displaced more than 2.5 million.

A truce that began in April has slowed the momentum of fighting, in which a Saudi-led coalition has been trying to restore Hadi to power and roll back Houthi gains, but violence continues almost daily.

UN MAKES NEW PROPOSAL

The coalition said Houthi fighters, backed by troops loyal to former president and GPC chief Ali Abdullah Saleh, tried to breach the Saudi border at the Rabou'a area on Saturday, igniting heavy fighting.

It said in a statement that dozens of Houthi fighters were killed near the border strip and their military vehicles destroyed by coalition aircraft that repelled their assault.

One Saudi officer and six soldiers died in the fighting, the statement, carried by Saudi state news agency SPA said.

Peace prospects dimmed on Thursday when the Houthis and GPC said they had set up a body to unilaterally run Yemen. The move was criticised by Cheikh Ahmed as a breach of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2216, which urges the Houthis to refrain from unilateral acts that could erode Yemen's political transition.

In apparent protest at the Houthi-GPC move, Hadi's delegates to the talks said they planned to pull out of the negotiations.

But Cheikh Ahmed proposed to both sides on Saturday that the Houthis quit the capital Sanaa and Hodeidah and Taiz cities, and talks subsequently be convened on forming a new government that would include the Houthis, delegates at the Kuwait talks said.
At least seven killed in attack on Somalia's CID headquarters

MOGADISHU, July 31 (Reuters) - At least seven people, including two attackers, were killed in a bombing and shooting attack by the Islamist al Shabaab group on Somalia's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters on Sunday, police said.
U.S.-backed forces win control of most of Syria's Manbij from IS - spokesman

By Suleiman Al-Khalidi

BEIRUT, July 31 (Reuters) - U.S.-backed forces have now seized control of almost 70 percent of Manbij in northern Syria from Islamic State after making rapid advances over the past two days, a spokesman said on Sunday.

Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) have pushed back the ultra hardline Sunni militants into the old quarter after seizing most of the western, eastern and southern sectors of the city, Sharfan Darwish of the SDF-allied Manbij military council told Reuters in Beirut by telephone.

"They are now mainly in the old quarter of the city and parts of the north-eastern part of the city," Darwish added.

The SDF, which includes the powerful Kurdish YPG militia and Arab fighters, launched the campaign nearly two months ago with the backing of U.S. special forces to drive Islamic State from its last stretch of the Syrian-Turkish frontier.

Though at least 2,300 civilians have been able to escape from Manbij, thousands of residents are still trapped inside. The presence of civilians, who the militants were trying to stop from leaving, was hampering U.S. air attacks, Kurdish sources said.

Progress in storming the city had also been slowed by militants using snipers and planting mines, the Kurdish sources said.

Manbij's loss would be a huge blow to the militants since it is a vital conduit for the transit of foreign jihadists and provisions from the Turkish border.

"The military initiative is in our hands and the campaign is now being undertaken to liberate what is left of the city and progress is continuing until this moment," Darwish said.

Earlier the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the SDF, with the support of air strikes, had seized much of the eastern part of the besieged city after slower advances in recent weeks mainly in the western sector.

The monitor said they had captured a clinic, school and a roundabout in the heart of eastern Manbij after heavy fighting. There were no confirmed reports of casualties.

Darwish estimated at least 40,000 to 50,000 civilian residents have escaped since the campaign began.

Activists and residents say dozens of civilians have been killed this month in air strikes in the city and to the north, and rights watchdog Amnesty International said the U.S.-led coalition must do more to prevent civilian deaths

Manbij is in the northern province of Aleppo, which forms a theatre for several separate battles between multiple warring sides in Syria's five-year-old conflict.
Turkey culls nearly 1,400 from army, overhauls top military council

By Yesim Dikmen and David Dolan

ANKARA/ISTANBUL, Turkey, July 31 (Reuters) - Turkey dismissed nearly 1,400 more members of its armed forces and stacked the top military council with government ministers on Sunday, moves designed by President Tayyip Erdogan to put him in full control of the military after a failed coup.

The scale of Erdogan's crackdown - more than 60,000 people in the military, judiciary, civil service and schools have been either detained, suspended or placed under investigation since the July 15-16 coup - has unnerved Turkey's NATO allies, fuelling tension between Ankara and the West.

Adding to the acrimony, Turkey's EU Affairs minister hit out at Germany on Sunday after its constitutional court upheld a ban on Erdogan making a televised address to a rally of pro-government Turks in Cologne.

The new wave of army expulsions and the overhaul of the Supreme Military Council (YAS) were announced in the official state gazette just hours after Erdogan said late on Saturday he planned to shut down existing military academies and put the armed forces under the command of the Defence Ministry.

According to the gazette, 1,389 military personnel were dismissed for suspected links to the Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, who is accused by Turkey of orchestrating the failed putsch. Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in the United States, has denied the charges and condemned the coup.

It comes after an announcement last week that more than 1,700 military personnel had been dishonourably discharged for their role in the putsch, which saw a faction of the military commandeer tanks, helicopters and warplanes in an attempt to topple the government.

About 40 percent of Turkey's generals and admirals have been dismissed since the coup, in which Erdogan says 237 people excluding the plotters were killed and more than 2,100 wounded.

The government also said its deputy prime ministers and ministers of justice, the interior and foreign affairs would be appointed to YAS. The prime minister and defence minister were previously the only government representatives on the council.

They will replace a number of military commanders who have not been reappointed to the YAS, including the heads of the First, Second, and Third Armies, the Aegean Army and the head of the Gendarmerie security forces, which frequently battle Kurdish militants in the southeast. The changes appear to have given the government commanding control of the council.

Erdogan, who narrowly escaped capture and possible death on the night of the coup, told Reuters in an interview on July 21 that the military, NATO's second-biggest, needed "fresh blood".

'BACKSLIDING'

German media said authorities had decided to bar Erdogan from addressing a rally via videoconference in the city of Cologne on Sunday due to concerns over public order, prompting an angry response from Turkey's EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik.

"German Constitutional Court's decision on the anti-coup rally in Cologne is an utter backsliding in freedom of speech and democracy," he said in English on Twitter.

Germany is home to Europe's largest ethnic Turkish diaspora.

The rally in Cologne, in which Turks waved national flags and pictures of Erdogan, was one of several planned on Sunday in European as well as Turkish cities and towns.

Erdogan has upbraided Western leaders for not visiting Turkey since the coup. He said it was "shameful" that some in the West seemed more concerned about the fate of the plotters than in standing with a fellow NATO member.

The aggressive military purges come at a time when the armed forces is stretched by fighting with Kurdish insurgents in southeast Turkey and threats from Islamic State militants on its border with Syria. Four soldiers were killed by the Kurdish militants on Sunday in two separate incidents, officials said.

Turkey's military is taking part in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Its Incirlik Air Base is used by coalition forces for missions against Islamic State.

Security was tight in the immediate area around Incirlik on Sunday, Turkish security sources said, before an expected visit by the U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Joseph Dunford.

While there were rumours on social media that security forces were at the ready on worries about another coup attempt, a U.S. military spokesman at the base said they had not seen an increased Turkish police presence.

"It's business as usual here," he said, without giving his name. "We are not seeing anything like that."

Incirlik has seen some scattered protests in the days since the coup as pro-government supporters have called on the United States to extradite Gulen. Washington says it will only do so if it receives clear evidence of Gulen's involvement in the coup.

Dunford's visit comes at a delicate time for Turkey's relations with the United States, given Erdogan's constant demands for Gulen's extradition.

CONSPIRACY THEORIES

With mass purges of suspected Gulen supporters well underway in all state institutions, the media and some private companies, the Turkish Football Federation said on Sunday all its affiliated boards had resigned for the sake of "security checks". It said it was cooperating fully with the authorities.

Erdogan told broadcaster A Haber on Saturday that Gulen was a "pawn" being controlled by a greater power.

"There is a mastermind behind him. That mastermind is the one who took him to the United States and who helped him avoid any judicial process," he said.

Conspiracy theories have flourished in Turkey since the attempted coup, with one pro-government newspaper saying the putsch was financed by the CIA and directed by a retired U.S. army general using a cell phone in Afghanistan.

The United States has denied any involvement and any prior knowledge of the coup attempt.

Erdogan has said that Gulen harnessed his extensive network of schools, charities and businesses, built up in Turkey and abroad over decades, to create a "parallel state" that aimed to take over the country.

The government is now going after Gulen's network of schools and other institutions abroad. Since the coup, Somalia has shut two schools and a hospital believed to have links to Gulen, and other governments have received similar requests from Ankara, although not all have been willing to comply.

In an unexpected move, Erdogan has said that as a one-off gesture, he would drop all lawsuits filed against people for insulting him. He said the decision was triggered by feelings of "unity" against the coup attempt.

It could also be aimed at silencing his Western critics.

Prosecutors have opened more than 1,800 cases against people for insulting Erdogan since he became president in 2014 after serving as prime minister for 11 years. Those targeted include journalists, cartoonists and even children.
Iran's global banking problems deepen with rise of Trump, Brexit

By Jonathan Saul and Parisa Hafezi

LONDON/ANKARA, July 29 (Reuters) - Britain's vote to leave the European Union and the rise of U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump have paralysed efforts by Western governments to encourage already highly reluctant international banks to do business with Iran.

Uncertainty is frustrating Tehran's push for foreign investment to revive its struggling economy: over Britain's political and economic future, over whether Trump - who wants to scrap a nuclear deal with Iran - will get into the White House, and over whether banks will fall foul of U.S. sanctions if they process transactions with the Islamic Republic.

Iran's failure to get full access to the global financial system a year after it signed the nuclear deal with world powers has intensified domestic political infighting. It has also turned up the heat on President Hassan Rouhani, a pragmatist facing re-election next year, who has gambled on attracting foreign investment to help raise voters' living standards.

Under the deal, international financial sanctions on Iran were officially lifted in January this year and yet it has secured banking ties with only a limited number of smaller foreign institutions.

One senior Iranian official said Tehran was examining alternatives. "Iran will continue to work with small banks, institutions as long as major European banks are reluctant to return to Iran," said the official.

"Our estimation is that this uncertainty will continue for a few years. We are in talks with many countries, mainly China, Russia and African countries to widen our banking cooperation aimed at resolving existing banking, financial problems."

U.S. banks are still forbidden to do business with Iran under domestic sanctions that remain in force. European lenders also face major problems, notably rules prohibiting transactions with Iran in dollars - the world's main business currency - from being processed through the U.S. financial system.

Banks remain nervous following a string of heavy U.S. penalties, including a $9 billion fine on France's BNP Paribas in 2014, largely for violating U.S. financial sanctions.

WATCH AND SEE

Britain says it remains committed to tackling the banks' concerns, while the U.S. Treasury says it won't stand in the way of legitimate business with the country.

However, Iranian officials and foreign bankers believe the British political upheaval after last month's referendum has distracted governments in London and other European capitals, while the possibility that the shock will send the British economy into recession has deepened banks' caution yet further.

"Fear over Brexit's financial consequences have made Britain and other European countries more careful over their interaction with Iran. Most of them have adopted the policy of watch and see," another senior Iranian official told Reuters.

"The British banks and authorities have a very big problem to deal with and since the vote, they have been less eager about Iran and I can even say almost not interested. Of course, we believe we can still work with British banks and have told them so."

European banks have generally cited the U.S. elections as a political risk, while avoiding detailed comment on how a victory for the Republican nominee Trump might affect their business.

However, another Iranian official, who also declined to be identified, said the election and Trump's promise to tear up the Iran nuclear deal if he wins was complicating Tehran's efforts.

"Major European banks are worried about its outcome. An official from a German bank told us recently that they could not risk getting involved in Iran especially when Trump was a candidate," the official said.

EXTREME NERVOUSNESS

Many large banks also fear breaking the remaining U.S. restrictions on Iran, including on dealing with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) - a military force that has extensive business interests including through front companies.

"Banks appear to be increasingly reluctant to do business now with Iran," said a sanctions manager at a UK-based bank. "It's the unidentifiable IRGC links - there is extreme nervousness about that whole issue from a reputational risk perspective."

In June, FATF, a global group of government anti-money-laundering agencies, decided to keep Iran on its blacklist of high-risk countries. FATF did welcome Iranian promises to improve and called for a one-year suspension of some restrictions, but this did little to ease the banks' fears.

It's hard to quantify how much financing Iran has received since the sanctions were lifted but the sums are small by international standards.

"The first signs of a real economic improvement will not be seen before 2019, assuming everything goes smoothly," another Iranian official said. "This issue is crippling the economy, blocks the government's economic plans and that is why the government is pushing hard in many ways to resolve this issue."

Hardliners in Iran are blaming Rouhani's faction for the failure of the deal to deliver a swift improvement in living standards, at a time when prices for oil exports are low and the promised foreign investment has yet to arrive.

"The government has to fight on two fronts: at home and abroad. Rivals of the president do their utmost to weaken him, by criticising the shortcomings and the slow pace of economic improvement," a separate official close to Rouhani said.

The search for alternatives is on. The top adviser to Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been to Russia several times since the nuclear deal, while Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has also visited African countries in recent days, with Iran expressing willingness to boost economic cooperation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Iran in January, discussing trade opportunities. That same month a top Iranian central bank official said the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China wanted to open branches in Iran.

FEAR FACTOR

A failure to revive the economy may boost the hardliners who are much more hostile to the West than Rouhani's faction. But any pressure from Western governments on the banks to play ball seems to have achieved little.

The Royal Bank of Scotland declined to comment, but Lloyds Bank said it was mindful that "Iran remains a higher risk country with which to do business".

Standard Chartered said it will not "undertake any new transactions involving Iran or any party in Iran". HSBC reiterated it had no intention of doing any new business involving the country.

A source close to Barclays said a significant number of U.S. citizens held senior roles at the bank and it also offered banking services through its U.S. operations. Iran also presented a higher money laundering and terrorist financing risk, so the bank continued to restrict business activity with the country, the source said.

Americans at Barclays include chief executive Jes Staley.

A senior manager with a German bank confirmed the lack of interest despite the German government's views.

"Berlin is not amused that German banks are so reserved in doing business with Iran," the manager said. "If there is no progress in Iran, there is a risk that the Iranian government comes under pressure and that the hardliners get the upper hand. Iranian hardliners have argued for a long time that you can't do a deal with the West."

KEEPING BELOW THE PARAPET

A U.S. Treasury spokeswoman said Treasury officials were not going to stand in the way of permissible business activities with Iran. They had travelled worldwide to provide guidance to governments, companies, and financial institutions, she noted.

On July 12, Britain's Foreign Office said a meeting between Iran's central bank, the U.S. Treasury, British officials and international banks in London had been postponed.

The resignation of prime minister David Cameron following the Brexit vote and a cabinet reshuffle by his successor Theresa May, who took office on July 13, has complicated matters.

"The new government has bigger priorities related to Brexit and the impetus to push the banking issue is likely to take more of a back seat now. Iran relations will also be affected by officials moving to other offices due to Brexit," a Western source said.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said it was in both countries' interests that legitimate business was supported. "Some challenges remain, but we are committed to working through them with international partners, Iran, and the banking community," she said.

A British trade visit to Iran scheduled for May was postponed. Banking sources said this was partly due to bankers' reluctance to join it.

A British official said the new government was keen for the visit to go ahead this year.
Heavy rains, lightning kill 41 in India, 15 in Bangladesh

MUMBAI/BHUBANESWAR, India, July 31 (Reuters) - At least nine people were killed when a three-storey building collapsed in heavy rains in a Mumbai suburb on Sunday, state media reported, and officials said 32 people were killed by lightning a day earlier in India's eastern state of Odisha.

Authorities had already announced a death toll for Saturday of at least 17 people in heavy rains in the northeastern state of Assam.

Lightning also killed 15 people in Bangladesh in the past two days, disaster management officials in Dhaka said on Sunday, adding to a death toll of 17 in flooding on Saturday. About 300 people have died from lightning in Bangladesh so far this year.

Persistent heavy rains this week have caused widespread disruption across South Asia. At least 68 people died in Nepal by flash floods and landslides.

About 50,000 people from southern and eastern India had to be evacuated in recent days as storms pushed water levels to dangerous levels, damaging crops and causing more than 3,000 houses to collapse.

Most of the 32 who died in Odisha were farm labourers killed in a series of lightning strikes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called the deaths "saddening", his office cited him as saying on his official Twitter feed.

In financial hub Mumbai, at least nine people were killed and 20 people were injured in the building collapse, state broadcaster All India Radio said.

Rescue operations were ongoing, the radio station said in a tweet.
As 'caliphate' shrinks, Islamic State looks to global attacks

By Stephen Kalin and Ahmed Tolba

BAGHDAD/CAIRO, July 31 (Reuters) - Islamic State, losing territory and on the retreat in Iraq and Syria, has claimed credit for a surge in global attacks this summer, most of them in France and Germany.

The wave of attacks followed a call to strike against the West during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in June and July, in an apparent shift in strategy by the jihadist group, which has been hammered by two years of U.S.-led coalition air strikes and ground advances by local forces.

Instead of urging supporters to travel to its self-proclaimed caliphate, it encouraged them to act locally using any means available.

"If the tyrants close the door of migration in your faces, then open the door of jihad in theirs and turn their actions against them," said an audio clip purportedly from spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, referring to Western governments' efforts to keep foreign fighters from travelling to the join the group.

Radicalised followers have responded to that call repeatedly in the past two months, in countries part of the international coalition battling Islamic State, including shooting people at a Florida nightclub, running them over with a truck in the French Riviera, and hacking them with an axe on a train near Munich.

The perpetrators had varying degrees of connection to the Middle East-based jihadists. Some had tried to travel to Syria and were on the authorities' radar, while others displayed few outward signs of radicalism until their deadly acts.

"There's a growing understanding that the idea of the caliphate is dying and more and more the leadership is calling on foreign fighters not even to come to Iraq and Syria but to go elsewhere or to commit violence locally," said Max Abrahms, a professor at Northeastern University in Boston who studies extremist groups.

Looking ahead, security experts and officials in the Middle East and the West predict the military campaign against the group in Iraq and Syria will ultimately end its goal of establishing a caliphate but in doing so may lead to a sustained increase in militant attacks globally.

'LONE WOLF'

For more than a month, Islamic State supporters on social media have been encouraging would-be "lone wolf" attackers in the West to choose from methods ranging in sophistication from bombing and shooting to stabbing and assault.

"Pledge your allegiance in secret or in public to (Islamic State leader) Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and each one of you will be a soldier of the caliphate, no different from those present in the Islamic State," said one supporter.

Claims of credit for recent attacks issued by Islamic State via Amaq news agency, which supports the jihadist group, referenced Adnani's appeal.

The attackers "carried out the operation in response to calls to target nationals of countries that are part of the coalition fighting Islamic State" in Iraq and Syria, said statements following four incidents in Europe this month.

In France, a Bastille Day truck attack killed 84 people in Nice and a raid on a church killed an elderly Catholic priest in Normandy; In Germany, an axe attack and a suicide bombing in Bavaria injured about 20 people in total.

Most of the assailants, in pre-recorded messages pledging allegiance to Islamic State and taking responsibility for the attacks, echoed Adnani's rhetoric and encouraged others to emulate them.

"Brothers, go out with a knife, whatever is needed, attack them, kill them en masse," said Abdel Malik Petitjean, one of two men who killed the priest in northern France last week.

"If you are unable to travel to the Levant (Syria), then fight the apostate armies in your country," 17-year-old Muhammad Riyad, the Afghan refugee who carried out the axe attack on a train in Bavaria earlier this month, urged other Muslims in a similar video.

'LIKELY TO GET WORSE'

As Islamic State is weakened militarily, it is trying to commit violence anywhere in the world, said Abrahms, including by claiming credit for acts even when they have only a tenuous link to the group.

"It's indiscriminate about who can be a soldier of the caliphate ... and it's indiscriminate about which attacks the group will claim as its own," he said.

In the last 18 months, the group has been pushed off a quarter of the lands it seized in Iraq and Syria in 2014, research firm IHS said this month; other estimates put losses closer to half.

Iraqi authorities have pledged to retake Mosul - the largest city still under the group's control - later this year, but the militants will likely maintain safe havens in remote desert areas and revert to more traditional insurgent techniques.

Islamic State's defeat is a longer way off in Syria, and it has established footholds in pockets of lawlessness or instability from Libya to Afghanistan to the Philippines.

FBI Director James Comey said this week he expected the eventual defeat of Islamic State could lead to an increase in attacks in the United States and Europe by drawing militants out of Syria in much the same way that al Qaeda came about from fighters who had been radicalised in Afghanistan in the 1980s.

Analysts including J.M. Berger, a fellow at George Washington University who researches Islamic State, have supported that prediction.

"Projecting strength through terrorist attacks is a factor in the recent violence, but down the road, when (Islamic State) supporters have nothing to lose, things are likely to get worse," he said.
More than 120 migrant bodies washed up in Libya's Sabratha in July

By Ahmed Elumami

TRIPOLI, July 31 (Reuters) - More than 120 bodies of migrants who died trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe have washed up around Sabratha in western Libya this month, the city's mayor said on Sunday.

Hussein Thwadi said bodies had washed up on a daily basis, with 53 found on a single day last week.

Libya is a common departure point for migrants seeking to travel to Europe by boat, many of them fleeing violence, repression or poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.

Political turmoil and armed conflict in Libya have given smugglers the space to work with impunity, running trafficking networks that bring migrants across the Sahara desert to the coast.

Of more than 3,000 migrants known to have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year, about three out of four perished trying to reach Italy from North Africa, mainly Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Nearly 90,000 migrants had crossed the central Mediterranean to Italy as of this week, the IOM said, a 14 percent increase on the previous year.

As the number of attempted crossings from Libya picked up in the spring with the arrival of calmer weather, many of the boats have been leaving from the coastline near Sabratha.

"The whole coast of Sabratha is open," Thwadi told Reuters by phone. "There are patrols but they do not have enough capacity to tackle this crisis."

"Illegal migration existed before, but with insecurity and the lack of state authorities the crisis has become worse and worse."

Thwadi said most of the migrants whose bodies washed up this month were from sub-Saharan African states, though there were also 23 Tunisians. Red Crescent volunteers and local officials have been removing them for burial in a cemetery for unidentified bodies in Sabratha, he said.

A U.N.-backed government that has been trying to establish itself in Tripoli since March says tackling migration is among its priorities.

But the government is struggling to manage complex security and economic challenges, and still faces political opposition on the ground.
Two dead as flood tears through Maryland downtown

By Ian Simpson

WASHINGTON, July 31 (Reuters) - Flooding from torrential rain killed two people in Ellicott City, Maryland, with floodwaters washing through the U.S. town's historic downtown, collapsing a street and sweeping away cars, officials said on Sunday.

Ellicott City received almost 6 inches (15 cm) of rain in two hours late on Saturday as thunderstorms moved through the region, causing the Tiber, a tributary of the Patapsco River, to break its banks, officials said.

Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman said the flooding in Ellicott City, about 35 miles (56 km) northeast of Washington, was worse than that from Hurricane Agnes in 1972.

"I don't believe there's ever been a flood and the devastation that we've had overnight in Ellicott City," he said in an interview with Baltimore's WBAL NewsRadio.

County spokesman Andy Barth said a man and a woman were killed. The woman's body was recovered from the river overnight.

Barth said every business near the river on the town's historic Main Street had suffered major damage, including building fronts torn off and doors stripped away.

In all, at least four properties were completely destroyed and another 20 to 30 buildings were badly damaged, Kittleman said in a statement.

Howard County officials posted a photo on social media of a glass and wood storefront with its foundation ripped away, leaving a void where wooden struts were installed as a work crew tried to stabilize the building.

Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency, as did Kittleman. The declarations allow aid to be released more quickly for Ellicott City, which has a population of about 65,000.

Firefighters rescued about 120 people and emergency workers were also dealing with a water main break, Howard County said in a statement. On a video posted online, men formed a human chain to get a woman trapped by raging waters out of her car.
Dubai billionaire businessman Alabbar behind Aramex stake buys -source

By Tom Arnold

DUBAI, July 31 (Reuters) - Billionaire Dubai businessman Mohamed Alabbar led two investor groups that recently bought a combined 16.45 percent stake in Dubai-based courier Aramex , a source familiar with the matter said.

The source said Alabbar was keen to harness Aramex's footprint in logistics and transport to build an e-commerce platform across the Arab world within areas such as banking and retail.

Dubai-based news website Arabian Business -- known to have close ties to Alabbar -- on Sunday said reports suggested that Alabbar could be planning to build a sizable stake in Aramex, with a view to taking control. It did not say where the reports came from or cite any sources, however. The source refused to be drawn on Alabbar's intentions for further buying of Aramex.

Nobody from Aramex was immediately available to comment.

Aramex said earlier on Sunday in a bourse filing that its founder Fadi Ghandour had sold his 9.9 percent stake held through Levant Logistics Holdings to Cayman Islands-registered Boson Ventures Corporation. The source said Alabbar was a lead investor in Boson.

The bourse filing did not give the value of the sale or elaborate further.

Alabbar was also a lead investor in Jaona Investment, which acquired a 6.55 percent stake in Aramex through a direct trade worth 437.6 million dirhams ($119 mln), according to a bourse statement on Thursday.

The other investors in Boson and Jaona were Gulf-based, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The Arab world's youthful population and improving Internet access -- the UAE and Saudi Arabia, for example, have smartphone penetration rates above 70 percent -- mean the region is well placed to capture the growing popularity of e-commerce.

Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties, the Dubai government-linked builder of the world's tallest building, in April took a 4 percent stake in online fashion retailer Yoox Net-A-Porter (YNAP).

The Middle East accounts for 5 percent of global sales of luxury goods and is seeing growing online sales due to increasing public investments in e-services and telecoms infrastructure, YNAP said at the time.

Alabbar is also chairman of Emaar Malls, the owner and operator of Dubai Mall, which accounts for 50 percent of the emirate's luxury goods spending.

This is not Alabbar's first big play for a listed company in recent months.

Adeptio, an investment group led by Alabbar, in June agreed a $2.4 billion deal to buy a majority stake in Kuwait Food Co (Americana), which owns the Middle East franchises for fast food chains KFC and Pizza Hut and also produces branded consumer foods.

($1 = 3.6730 UAE dirham)
Libya's NOC welcomes 'unconditional' opening of ports, aims for 900,000 bpd by year end

TRIPOLI, July 31 (Reuters) - Libya's state oil company said on Sunday it welcomed the "unconditional" reopening of blockaded oil ports following a deal between the U.N.-backed government and the Petroleum Facilities Guard.
U.N. deputy Syria envoy in Damascus for talks on proposed new peace round

DAMASCUS, July 31 (Reuters) - The U.N. Deputy Special Envoy for Syria on Sunday held talks with Syrian officials in Damascus to sound out their position on how to break an impasse hindering the proposed resumption of peace talks around the end of August.

Ramzy E. Ramzy said he and Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moulem discussed the subject of political transition -- a major sticking point in negotiations between the government of President Bashar al-Assad and opposition groups.

"We discussed how to render this process of political transition which has already been endorsed by the Security Council to be a credible one," Ramzy told reporters.

He did not give details.

U.N. Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said last week he aimed to convene a new round of Syria peace talks toward the end of August, and called for a U.S.-Russia deal to support the talks.

Russia and the United States are both conducting air strikes in Syria against Islamic State fighters, but support opposing sides in a wider civil war, with Moscow backing President Bashar al-Assad's government and Washington saying he must leave power.

Talks held in Geneva broke up last April after the opposition delegation quit, accusing the government of ignoring a U.N. brokered ceasefire.

The Syrian government has said it is ready to attend a next round of talks but the mainstream opposition, which also accuses the government of preventing aid access to besieged rebel-held areas, said it would not attend unless conditions improved on the ground.
California firefighters hopeful on slowing Big Sur blaze

By Michael Fiala

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif., July 31 (Reuters) - Firefighters were hopeful of making progress on Sunday in slowing a deadly wildfire that has raged for 10 days near California's Big Sur coast, destroying dozens of homes and forcing hundreds of residents and campers to evacuate.

The so-called Soberanes Fire, which erupted on July 22 just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, has already scorched 38,000 acres (15,378 hectares) of parched chaparral and timberland in and around the Los Padres National Forest.

Officials said on Sunday that weather conditions appeared to have turned favorable for containing the blaze, with strong winds that had been driving the fire for days starting to abate.

"The weather is cooperating, especially in the coastal region," said Robert Fish, spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

Fire managers believe the calmer conditions could enable teams to establish a wider containment area even as the fire zone grew by several thousand acres (hectares) in the overnight hours. As of Sunday morning, about 15 percent of the fire's perimeter was contained, officials said.

Steep, rugged terrain, combined with extremely hot, dry weather, is till hampering the efforts of some 5,300 firefighters, 16 helicopters, a half dozen air tankers and more than 500 fire engines.

The cause of the blaze, which officials do not expect to fully contain under the end of August, is under investigation.

Flames have already destroyed 57 homes and 11 outbuildings, with at least five other structures damaged, according to the latest tally. Another 2,000 structures were threatened, with an estimated 350 residents displaced by evacuations, officials said.

The fire threat has prompted authorities to close a string of popular California campgrounds and recreation areas along the northern end of the Big Sur coastline, including Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Point Lobos Natural Reserve.

Highway 1, the scenic route that winds along seaside cliffs overlooking the Pacific, remained open, though motorists were advised to allow for traffic delays caused by firefighting equipment entering and exiting the roadway.

The blaze took a deadly turn on Tuesday when a bulldozer operator hired by property owners to help battle the flames was killed when his tractor rolled over. It was the second California wildfire death in a week.
Muslims attend mass in France and Italy after priest killing

PARIS, July 31 (Reuters) - Muslims in several parts of France and Italy attended Catholic masses on Sunday in a gesture of solidarity after the killing of a French priest in Normandy by Islamist militants.

The knife-wielding attackers burst into a Catholic church service in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, western France, on July 26, forced a 85-year-old Roman Catholic priest to his knees and slit his throat. The attack was claimed by Islamic State.

The rector of the Great Mosque of Paris, Dalil Boubakeur, who is also the president of the French Council of the Muslim Faith, attended a morning service in Notre-Dame cathedral in central Paris on Sunday.

The Basilica of Saint-Denis, outside Paris, also gathered hundreds of Catholics but also a large number of Muslims and people of other confessions who showed up after religious authorities in France called on the population to express sympathy to the Catholic community.

"I'm very pleased that we invited Muslims. We also share their pain, the pain of all those who suffer, in every way," Danielle Ludon, a Catholic woman who attended mass, told Reuters.

"The sentiments expressed were very, very strong. Some of them were very poignant," she said.

Among those who attended the service was a Muslim woman called Hayat, who came with her children and husband.

"This was basically a message of unity, aside from peace, it was really about unity," she said.

Imams representing their Muslim communities also took part in mass in many Italian cities and towns including Rome's Santa Maria in Trastevere and Milan's Santa Maria in Caravaggio.

"Thank you to all those Italians of Islamic religion who direct their communities along the path of courage against fundamentalism," Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Twitter.

Italy, like France, is stepping up supervision of mosques after a wave of attacks in France and Germany.
Armed men who seized Armenian police station surrender

By Hasmik Mkrtchyan

YEREVAN, July 31 (Reuters) - Armed men who seized a police station in the Armenian capital Yerevan surrendered to the authorities on Sunday after a two-week stand-off, the country's National Security Service said.

"The anti-terrorist operation is over," the service said in a statement, adding that the authorities had "forced the members of the armed group to lay down their arms".

"Twenty terrorists have been taken prisoner," the police said.

A group of around 30 gunmen had originally seized the police station on July 17, killing a police officer, wounding two others and taking nine people hostage.

A second policeman, outside the building, was killed on Saturday, when the police had given the men an ultimatum to surrender.

Several gunmen were also wounded during the 14 days of the stand-off.

In a sign of the deep divisions within Armenian society, the gunmen had attracted sympathy from several thousand opposition protestors, leading to street clashes with police.

The armed men included veterans of the war in Nagorno-Karabakh with neighbouring Azerbaijan, and were seen as national heroes by their supporters, who want the government to pursue a harder line on the issue.

Within a week, the group had released all its hostages, including two senior police officers, but they then took four doctors hostage and refused to surrender. The doctors were also eventually released.

The hostage-takers' main demand was the release of Jirair Sefilian, an opposition leader accused by the authorities of plotting civil unrest. Sefilian was jailed in June over allegations of illegally possessing weapons.

Sefilian, a former military commander, has accused Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan of mishandling the long-running conflict between Armenian-backed separatists and Azeri forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan.

A Moscow-brokered ceasefire halted four days of violence in the South Caucasus region in April, the worst flare-up in years, but sporadic shooting persists at night and some deaths have been reported.

The gunmen were also demanding the resignation of President Sarksyan, and blamed the authorities for economic and social problems in the country of 3.7 million.

"Our task is fulfilled," Varuzhan Avetisyan one of the gunmen, told Armenian Internet TV and newspaper 1in.am shortly before surrendering to the police.
Brazil's foreign minister: Trump presidency would be 'nightmare'

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 31 (Reuters) - Brazil's Foreign Minister Jose Serra labeled the possibility of a Donald Trump presidency a "nightmare" and urged all Americans to vote for Democratic contender Hillary Clinton.

In an interview published Sunday in the Brasilia-based Correio Braziliense newspaper, Serra was asked "in the case of the USA, Trump or Hillary?"

"I consider the hypothesis of Trump a nightmare," said Serra, a U.S.-educated economist. "Do nightmares, at times, come true? They do, but I prefer not to think about this."

Trump, the Republican nominee for the White House, has often irked those outside the United States with his views and foreign diplomats have told U.S. government officials they are worried about the xenophobic nature of Trump's rhetoric, according to administration sources.

Serra, a two-time losing presidential contender and former health minister who developed Brazil's lauded anti-AIDS program in the 1990s, is serving as foreign minister under interim President Michel Temer.

He could be Brazil's top diplomat for at least a few years under Temer, who took the spot of suspended President Dilma Rousseff. She is facing an impeachment trial for alleged budget irregularities and is widely expected to be permanently ousted by Brazil's Senate in late August or early September.

When Serra took over as foreign minister of Latin America's biggest economy in mid-May, he quickly reversed some foreign policy stances, emphasized that Brazil needs to seek bilateral trade deals, and shifted the nation away from its close ties to Venezuela and other more left-wing nations in Latin America.

But when it comes to the United States, Serra said that he "always cheered for the Democrats, wholeheartedly."

Serra holds a masters and a doctorate in economics from Cornell University, where he studied after being exiled from Brazil after the 1964 military coup.

He said the choice between Clinton and Trump is not a matter of being a Democrat or Republican, "but of being wise."

"Anybody who wants the best for the world should support Hillary, in my view," he said.
Islamic State calls on members to carry out jihad in Russia

CAIRO, July 31 (Reuters) - Islamic State called on its group members to carry out jihad in Russia in a nine-minute YouTube video on Sunday.

"Listen Putin, we will come to Russia and will kill you at your homes ... Oh Brothers, carry out jihad and kill and fight them," a voice said over footage of men training in the desert.

It was not immediately possible to independently verify the video but the link to the footage was published on a Telegram messaging account used by the militant group.
Iraqi Airways plane makes emergency landing in Kuwait

BAGHDAD, July 31 (Reuters) - An Iraqi Airways plane with 230 passengers on board made an emergency landing in Kuwait on Sunday after one of its two engines failed, the company said in a statement.

The incident happened on a Boeing 767 that was heading to New Delhi, it said, adding that the plane landed safely.

The company plans to send an Airbus A321 to Kuwait to allow the passengers resume their trip, it said.
Rebels launch major assault to break siege of opposition-held Aleppo

By Suleiman Al-Khalidi

BEIRUT, July 31 (Reuters) - Syrian rebel fighters launched on Sunday a major assault on government-held southwestern parts of Aleppo in the first major drive to regain ground after major losses last week when the army and its allies tightened its siege of opposition-held parts of the northern city.

A rebel military command centre that includes the newly formed group Islamist Jabhat Fatah al Sham, the former al-Qaeda linked Nusra Front and Ahrar al Sham said they had taken over army positions in the southwestern government-held parts of the city in the first few hours of launching the battle to break the siege imposed on rebel-held areas.

The Syrian army confirmed on state media that rebels had waged an offensive but said its fighters pushed back insurgents from an airforce artillery base and denied insurgents had captured the Hikma school.

A quarter of a million civilians still live in Aleppo's opposition-controlled eastern neighbourhoods, effectively under siege since the army aided by Iranian backed militias cut off the last road into rebel districts in early July.

The army, backed by allied militia forces and air strikes from Syrian and Russian jets, had taken last week significant ground on the northern edge of the city, around the Castello road which leads out of Aleppo and north towards Turkey.

The army and pro-government forced took full control of the Bani Zeid district, on the southern side of the Castello road and was amassing troops to make new inroads into the rebel-held areas.

The U.K. Observatory for Human Rights said the assault was by far the biggest military campaign waged by the insurgents against government forces assisted by foreign mainly Iranian-backed militias in Aleppo since the escalation in fighting in recent months.

The monitor which tracks violence across Syria said the airforce intensified their bombing of rebel positions in Hay al Rashdein, Bustan al Qasr and other quarters in the city.

Jets also bombed rebel-held Khan Touman in the southern countryside of 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.

Seizing control would be the biggest victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in five years of fighting, and demonstrate the dramatic shift of fortunes in his favour since Moscow joined the war on his side last year.

Assad's government and its Russian allies declared a joint humanitarian operation for the besieged area on Thursday, bombarding it with leaflets telling fighters to surrender and civilians to leave.
"Give them a bloody nose": Xi pressed for stronger S.China Sea response

By Ben Blanchard and Benjamin Kang Lim

BEIJING, Aug 1 (Reuters) - China's leadership is resisting pressure from elements within the military for a more forceful response to an international court ruling against Beijing's claims in the South China Sea, sources said, wary of provoking a clash with the United States.

China refused to participate in the case overseen by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.

It denounced the emphatic July 12 ruling in favour of the Philippines as a farce that had no legal basis and part of an anti-China plot cooked up in Washington.

The ruling has been followed in China by a wave of nationalist sentiment, scattered protests and strongly worded editorials in state media.

So far, Beijing has not shown any sign of wanting to take stronger action. Instead, it has called for a peaceful resolution through talks at the same time as promising to defend Chinese territory.

But some elements within China's increasingly confident military are pushing for a stronger - potentially armed - response aimed at the United States and its regional allies, according to interviews with four sources with close military and leadership ties.

"The People's Liberation Army is ready," one source with ties to the military told Reuters.

"We should go in and give them a bloody nose like Deng Xiaoping did to Vietnam in 1979," the source said, referring to China's brief invasion of Vietnam to punish Hanoi for forcing Beijing's ally the Khmer Rouge from power in Cambodia.

The sources requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

President Xi Jinping has assiduously courted and thoroughly cemented his leadership over the PLA and faces no serious challenges to his command.

While he is overseeing sweeping military reforms to improve the PLA's ability to win wars, he has said China needs a stable external environment as it deals with its own development issues, including a slowing economy. And few people expect any significant move ahead of Xi's hosting of a G20 summit in September.

But the hardened response to The Hague ruling from some elements of the military increases the risk that any provocative or inadvertent incidents in the South China Sea could escalate into a more serious clash.

MILITARY "HARDENED"

Another source with ties to the leadership described the mood in the PLA as hawkish.

"The United States will do what it has to do. We will do what we have to do," the source said. "The entire military side has been hardened. It was a huge loss of face," he said, declining further comment.

Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun, asked whether the PLA was pushing for a stronger response, repeated that the armed forces would resolutely defend China's territory and maritime rights, and peace and stability, while dealing with any threats or challenges.

Retired military officers and army-linked academics have pushed home a strongly martial message.

"The Chinese military will step up and fight hard and China will never submit to any country on matters of sovereignty," Liang Fang, a professor at the military-run National Defence University, wrote on his Weibo microblog about the ruling.

It is not clear exactly what steps military hardliners are considering.

Much attention has been focused around the potential establishment of an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) for the South China Sea, which would require international aircraft to identify themselves to Chinese authorities.

Other options floated by those linked to the PLA include putting missiles on bombers patrolling the South China Sea capable of hitting targets in the Philippines or Vietnam.

Yue Gang, a retired colonel, said China's announcement promising regular air patrols over the region showed it was seeking to deny the U.S. air superiority afforded by aircraft carriers. China should be confident enough to provoke an incident and drive the U.S. out, he added.

"China is not intimidated by U.S. carriers and is brave enough to touch off an inadvertent confrontation," Yue wrote on his Weibo account.

China's military build-up in the region looks set to quicken regardless of any action.

"We must make preparations for a long-term fight and take this as a turning point in our South China Sea military strategy," Li Jinming of the South China Sea Institute at China's Xiamen University wrote in the Chinese academic journal Southeast Asian Studies.

WARY OF CLASH

Despite the sabre rattling, there have been no firm military moves that could cause an escalation of tensions. Diplomats and sources said the Chinese leadership was well aware of the dangers of a clash.

"They're on the back foot. They're very worried by the international reaction," said one senior Beijing-based diplomat, citing conversations with Chinese officials.

"They are genuine about wanting to get talks back on track. The leadership will have to think long and hard about where to go next."

Within China's armed forces there is a recognition that China would come off worst in a face-off with the United States.

"Our navy cannot take on the Americans. We do not have that level of technology yet. The only people who would suffer would be ordinary Chinese," said the source with ties to the military.

Those voices appeared to have the upper hand for now, the source said, pointing to a realisation that the 1979 border war with Vietnam did not go as well for China as the propaganda machine would like people to believe.

Even setting up an ADIZ, like the one Beijing set up over the East China Sea in 2013 to anger from the United States, Japan and others, would be difficult to enforce given the distance from the mainland.

China has repeatedly said it has the right to set up an ADIZ but that the decision depends on the level of threat it faces.

A second source with leadership ties put it bluntly: "War is unlikely".

"But we will continue to conduct military exercises," the source said. "(We) expect U.S. naval vessels to continue to come," and "miscalculation cannot be ruled out".

Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stressed the importance of dialogue, saying it now was the time to return things to the "right track" and to "turn the page" on the ruling.

The United States has responded positively to these overtures, sending U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice to China this week with a call for calm.

Washington is also using quiet diplomacy to persuade other regional players not to move aggressively to capitalise on the ruling.

China has been angered by U.S. freedom of navigation patrols in the South China Sea, but its forces have responded only by shadowing U.S. vessels and warning them, showing China's unwillingness to goad the U.S. military unnecessarily, according to Western and Asian diplomats.

China is also wary of any incident overshadowing the G20 summit in Hangzhou in September, the highlight of this year's diplomatic calendar for Xi when he will be host to the leaders of most of the world's economically most powerful countries, the sources said.

The Beijing-based diplomat said it was more likely China would choose the period between the end of the G20 and the U.S. presidential election in November to make any move.

"But that is a misjudgement if China thinks the United States will just sit back and do nothing," the diplomat said.
Over the last few months, there have been a series of arrests and interrogations of MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party, on suspiciously similar lines.

In a substantial number, there are allegations by women who accused AAP MLAs of inappropriate conduct after the alleged event. One stratagem is the claim by a woman that there were problems like disruption of water supplies, for the redress of which when she approached the AAP MLA she was harassed.

The number of such cases which the Delhi Police has dutifully been swift to take up, doubtless under orders from the Union government, has risen to 12 for as many AAP MLAs, and surely by all indications rising.

Significantly, there was no such rash of cases in from May 2014-16.

So, why now? As the proverb goes, in such cases, "once is happenstance, twice it is coincidence, the third time, it is enemy action".

But there are also other irons in the fire for AAP.

AAP MLA Dinesh Mohaniya was arrested on charges of alleged molestation and sexual assault.

There have been several states that have had parliamentary secretaries without problems. In AAPs case, when it had 21 out of 67 (of the 70 total) MLAs in the Delhi Assembly, the opposition raised objections, though both the Congress and the BJP have parliamentary secretaries.

What is intriguing is that the hon'ble President of India chose to send this issue to the Election Commission. The Head of State, of course, is quite active, as seen in the Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh imbroglios. The Supreme Court stood by the Bommai judgement, and the President was overruled.

We will have to see what happens in the latest case. But it is clear as day, that the Union government is trying to cripple AAP before the next round of elections. Even as I speak, a tax raid is going on against an AAP MLA.

I had written in a post after the Panama Papers expose, based in part on Ram Jethmalani's experience, that nothing much may come of it, if previous experience of this regime is any evidence. In certain quarters, it is claimed that violators of tax laws may be let off with a warning and penalty.

But what about offences by BJP leaders?

The Union minister of state, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, in a rally praised "ramazadas" and abused "haramzadas". She was not punished though this statement was abusive, inflammatory and communal.

Minister of external affairs, Sushma Swaraj, and the chief minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje, helped a notorious felon like Lalit Modi escape from Indian law by providing him official guarantees.

But once again, no action. No interest shown by the hon'ble President, the ultimate arbiter.

One set of rules for the Union government and its employees, but another set for AAP.

Unfortunately, the bulk of the secular opposition has stood silently by, many enjoying the charade. A new, unconventional competitor might bite the dust. More votes and opportunities for the politically stagnant and slower growth for truly secular parties. The upstart will get its just desserts.
CHICAGO  Parents of newborns with rare genetic conditions used to hear the grim words that the severe birth defects were incompatible with life. Support groups and social media showing the exceptions have changed the landscape.

So has mounting research suggesting that not all such babies are doomed to die.

The latest study focuses on trisomy 13 and trisomy 18  genetic conditions that typically cause mental impairment, facial and organ abnormalities, breathing problems, heart defects and other medical problems. They involve extra copies of certain chromosomes.

Two decades of data from Ontario, Canada, illustrates how rare the conditions are and how most babies still die. Of the 428 babies born, only 65  less than 20 percent  lived for at least a year. Twenty-nine survived at least 10 years. Theres little previous research on these children surviving that long, and the new results suggest the birth defects are not always as lethal as doctors have advised parents.

The study doesnt include information on survivors quality of life, but severe disabilities are the norm. The researchers say without that information, the study alone cant guide decisions about how to treat children with the conditions.

Former GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorums 8-year-old daughter, Bella, has trisomy 18. His wife, Karen, has said that their doctor told the family there was no need to bring their newborn home with oxygen despite medical problems that included breathing difficulties. You have to learn to let go, she says they were told.

Online images of smiling kids with the conditions has led some parents to doubt the dire warnings and seek aggressive and costly surgeries to correct organ abnormalities.

Ethicists say the power of social media is changing the landscape for how the medical community views these children, although some still say it is acceptable to let newborns with the conditions die.

In the study, about 70 percent of the 76 infants who had surgery lived for one year after the procedures. But whether surgery prolongs survival is unclear, said Dr. Katherine Nelson, the Canadian studys lead author and a palliative care specialist at Torontos Hospital for Sick Children. Most infants in her study who had surgery were at least 3 months old when they had the operations, suggesting they were healthier to begin with.

The study was published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

A separate study from nine states found 5-year survival rates of 10 percent to 12 percent for trisomy 13 and 18 children. The highest rates were in those who had aggressive treatment, according to the research, published in April in the American Journal of Medical Genetics.

Despite the survival of some, an editorial accompanying the Canadian study says it is ethically justifiable to withhold aggressive medical treatment and let some infants die while offering aggressive treatment to others. Parents values should drive the decisions, said Dr. John Lantos, a medical ethicist at Childrens Mercy Hospital in Kansas City who wrote the editorial.

Lantos notes that 30 years ago, new doctors were taught that the two conditions were fatal, but in the social media age, however, everything changed, he wrote.

Sometimes support groups and imagery of surviving children give other parents false hope. But Lantos said it also empowers parents, by allowing them to share stories, to compare doctors and to present their physicians with information that challenge medical literature, he said.

Kara McHenrys son, Corbin, lived for four months after his birth in 2013. Prenatal tests found trisomy 13; doctors recommended an abortion. But she found a support group on Facebook showing happy-looking children learning to walk. She also found a hospital that offered treatment, in Pennsylvania, 400 miles from her home near Greenville, North Carolina.

I couldnt just give up, McHenry said, so the family temporarily moved north.

During his short life, Corbin had pneumonia, a heart procedure and surgeries to help him breathe and to treat a bowel infection. The family was able to bring him back to North Carolina, but he was never well enough to go home.

He was going to be impaired mentally and physically, McHenry said. She chose invasive care in hopes that hed beat the odds, but says she has no regrets.

Jared Hiner is involved with a support group for families whose children have even rarer genetic disorders that include a condition called Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. The groups website provides information about the conditions and a video with inspirational photos and background music.

The Fortville, Indiana, musician said when his daughter Kamdyn was born, doctors told him her chances of living past age 2 were bleak.

They told us she would never talk, never walk, wouldnt have a personality, he said.

Kamdyn is 14 now, mentally and physically delayed, but attending school and able to interact with her family. No one talks much about her future, but for the moment, shes doing fantastic, Hiner said.

He said social media sites help give families needed hope, but I dont think its false hope. I think its more realistic hope that, Hey, we can live with this,  even when the future is uncertain.
Local historians are working to bring Montpelier, James Madisons 18th-century estate, into the digital age.

In November, Montpelier will open a $4 million building combining classroom and recording studio space. It will allow staff to record lectures, podcasts and radio programs that could reach a worldwide audience.

When its finished, the 6,300-square-foot Claude Moore Hall will be a combined lecture hall and recording space, providing an opportunity for more exposure for the estate (and the Founding Father) that is sometimes overshadowed by peer institutions.

One thing were trying to do is spread knowledge about James Madison and his role in the founding of the United States, said Sean T. OBrien, chief operating officer of the Montpelier Foundation. Not only the United States, but democracy worldwide.

Madison is best known as one of the co-authors of the Federalist Papers and the man who introduced the original draft of the Bill of Rights.

Not surprisingly, Montpeliers education and outreach programs focus on the Constitution. In 2002, the foundation established the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution, which provides multi-day, immersive classes on constitutional principles for teachers, law enforcement officers, elected officials and other leverage points in society, OBrien said.

These classes are conducted in person, but staff members began to realize the importance of reaching out via podcasting, radio broadcasts and internet videos. Current offices couldnt support these activities, so the staff has been splitting time between Richmond, Boston and the Piedmont, said C. Douglas Smith, vice president of the Montpelier Foundation.

Well be able to do all of that in Claude Moore Hall, Smith said. That doesnt just mean well be more efficient  it means were going to be able to broadcast much more content.

The new building is part of a plan to establish a broader campus of constitutional learning, Smith said, including two studio spaces and additional residences.

A law enforcement education program, which brings sworn officers to Montpeliers grounds to learn about constitutional law, could benefit from the increased exposure.

Retired Charlottesville Police Chief Timothy J. Longo was instrumental in founding the program, which covers topics ranging from searches and seizures to the rights of participants in a public demonstration. The curriculum is a combination of practical advice and theoretical framework, going into the history, intended purpose and interpretations of Americans rights enumerated in the Constitution.

Everything they do as law enforcement officers has its basis in the Constitution, Longo said. While they may not need to be constitutional scholars, they are some of the most important practitioners.

The new facilities could allow Montpelier to spread its message to a larger audience, Longo said. Many departments screen informational videos during roll call, for example  which provides an opportunity for the Center for the Constitution.

Once we have that capability, well do more of it, Longo said. And Im excited to be a part of it.

Claude Moore Hall is being funded by philanthropic gifts, including a recently approved donation of $200,000 from the Virginia chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution to underwrite a conference room at the new center.

Montpelier is often lost in the crowded field of historical attractions in Virginia  Colonial Williamsburg, Thomas Jeffersons Monticello and George Washingtons Mount Vernon all receive more attention.

Part of that is the relative newness of the estate as an attraction. The duPont family purchased the property in the early 20th century. The National Trust for Historic Preservation acquired it in 1983, but not before the duPonts had made extensive alterations to the house and the property.

A restoration project completed in 2008 brought the house back to its Madison-era authenticity.

OBrien said he sees Montpeliers emerging status as an opportunity to try new things.

Montpelier has been a historic home in a form people would recognize for about 10 years, OBrien said. Were really the new kids on the block, and one of the things that allows us to do is think a little outside the box.
Red Hill Elementary School has been a hub for its surrounding community in some way, shape or form for many years.

Located in rural, southern Albemarle County a little bit off U.S. 29, the school building is one of only a few public facilities in the area, serving the needs of both students and neighbors.

And while the site is filled with history that the school and community have worked to preserve  some of the brick from the old Red Hill School from the 1920s is still there  the main structure of the elementary school, which dates back to the late 1970s, has been in need of renovations for many years.

Art Stow, principal of Red Hill Elementary since 2005, and educators at the school, parents and community members have pushed the county School Board and Board of Supervisors to fund renovations that they say are long overdue.

It had been an extremely long time, compared to most other schools in the county, said Graham Paige, School Board member for the Samuel Miller District. So all of the facilities there were really sort of outmoded, and not really adapted to the needs of the school.

But this summer, after years of collective effort from stakeholders, renovation work began for the schools modernization.

For this renovation, students and their parents will see updates to the multi-age learning spaces, a much larger media center, more daylighting in the building and improved security features, to name a few of the projects highlights.

Much of the project, which hardly extends past the original footprint of the school, is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of the school year. The entire project is expected to be done about halfway through the coming school year.

The Red Hill modernization project, which was secured in the countys most recent Capital Improvement Program, is slated to cost $2.5 million. The work currently underway is referred to as Phase 1, because the entirety of the project was not approved.

Phase 2, which would address other needs in the school, such as gym renovations and expansions, has not been approved yet and likely will be requested in the upcoming budget and CIP processes.

Dating back to the mid-1990s, several requests had been made for capital funding to go toward renovations and modernization projects for the school.

But each year, especially since the recession, only a few projects were approved because of limited capital funds available in the county. The School Board and county schools staff have discussed several capital projects over the years that address both capacity and parity in the schools, but capacity projects in the urban ring have been given a significant amount of attention in recent years as student enrollment continues to grow in those areas.

The problem is that the School Board is facing such tremendous growth in the urban area, and these kids in the urban area are going to schools that are overcrowded, said Liz Palmer, chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors. So you sit there and you go, if youre on the School Board, what are you going to pick? Its a really hard choice.

After seeing project after project approved in other parts of the county, some in the Red Hill area felt it was finally time to have their schools needs addressed.

But even with community input, the nature of the project  funding for a school with a low population that isnt facing capacity issues  is not always seen as the top priority.

If you look for limited funding and how do we make the best possible investment of that limited funding, 160 kids doesnt always rise to the top, said Dean Tistadt, chief operating officer for the county schools. All that said, I think it was time that this be done, for 20 years of the tugging back and forth.

With Phase 1 underway, It shows the community that the county cares about parity in our schools, Palmer said. Its one thing to say you care about it, and its another thing to do something about it.

***

For the modernization aspect of the project, the school is expanding on its multi-age and learning-space mindset.

Multi-age learning combines different grade levels in one space.

Bottom line is we made a very purposeful choice to create a multi-age school, Stow said. But we were limited because we had shoebox classes, right? And so with the walls coming down, it means huge changes, it means sharing spaces and it means giving us more flexibility to teach and provide instructional opportunities for kids.

The old media center, which was considered out of date and too small to accommodate students, has been made into a much larger learning space by knocking down the walls that separated it from two adjoining classrooms.

This area will serve as a multi-age learning space for first- and second-graders.

The learning space for Red Hills third-, fourth- and fifth-graders still will be under construction when students come back to school, Stow said. Until its completion early in the school year, students in those grades will utilize four trailers where other classes have been housed in recent years.

For the kindergarten students, Stow said theyll remain in their traditional classrooms while the learning space for the third through fifth grades is under construction. After those students have vacated the trailers, the two kindergarten classes will use the trailers while their rooms are transformed into a new learning space.

This project wont be 100 percent complete for the first day of school, so there will be some classrooms in trailers as spaces are being finished, said Rosalyn Schmitt, assistant director of facilities planning for the county schools. But at the end of the project, everyone will have a home in the building.

One of the largest changes will be the update to the schools media center.

Palmer said addressing the parity issues in the school, including those in the media center, is about being fair to the children.

Because in todays time, you know how important internet and computer learning and media centers are to kids education and how important libraries are to their education, she said. Thats the center of a lot of learning.

The new media center is in the schools existing octagonal pod. The walls have been knocked down to accommodate it, as well as a new art room and pre-K learning space.

A new key feature in this space, like others in the school, is an emphasis on transparency between rooms and more natural light, using larger windows for both.

Studies have shown that improved daylighting improves attention span, energy, mood, Schmitt said. So any opportunity we have to introduce more lights, we do.

In addition, the schools stage next to the lunchroom will be converted to the new music classroom; a new administrative office space will be built into the new entrance; and staff will get a new work space where the old administration suite was located.

The new main entrance and office space are expected to be completed by late November or early December, Stow said, and it will include a new security feature that has become common in most Albemarle schools. The front entrance will require visitors to enter through the main office before they are permitted to enter the building.

But until the new entrance is completed, students will enter the building through the cafeteria.

And while the new work on the school is aesthetically pleasing and makes more use of the buildings space, Stow said its not just about knocking down walls and putting up beautiful colors of paint and adding windows.

Its really about how are we transforming the learning spaces to better meet the needs of our students, and this is what we believe will do it, he said. It takes a lot of work, and I think were ready for it.

Bottom line is, what Im most excited about is the flexibility that this school will have now and forever with adapting to the needs of its kids, Stow said.

***

For years, residents in the area of Red Hill Elementary made their voices heard however they could  from speaking during public comment times at board meetings to writing letters and emails  to urge elected officials to fund the modernization project.

There have been many people who reached out, but there were some who particularly caught Stows and Palmers attention.

One email from Match 2015 was sent to Palmer, before she was the boards chairwoman, and was signed by Kelly and Patrick Barnett, who sent their children to Red Hill for many years. In it, they argued for more attention to the capital needs in the rural schools, expressing their belief that schools in more affluent and urban areas of the county were treated more favorably.

Supervisor Palmer, we, the Red Hill community, and in fact all of the Southern Albemarle Schools, need you to lead, they said in the email. We need you to work tirelessly to restore a modicum of equity to our school system, to ensure that every child in the county, even those of Red Hill, has the same opportunity for a first rate education as do our most modern and most affluent schools.

Kelly Barnett said she was overjoyed to learn that the collective voice of the community  which her husband, who passed away in September, helped bring together  had been heard.

Kelly Barnett, who has received a special invitation from Stow to see the completed renovations, said her husband would have been pleased to see the work finally being done to the school both of their children had attended.

He was able to put the collective voice together and articulate in a way that made a difference, but it still was a community effort, she said. And I think thats what Patrick would most want to be shared, that it wasnt one person, but it was the whole effort itself and coming together at a time when things had to change.

The Barnetts connection to the school is just one of the many that exist in the Red Hill area, with many having generations of family members who attended the school

And others are residents who use the facility for other reasons, such as a polling place to vote or to attend different community events.

That school wasnt able to handle those types of events too well, and now with the area being modernized and renovated, I think thats really going to enhance any community meetings or any types of events that are held at the school, said Paige, of the School Board.

In 2009, there had been talks and considerations to consolidate three rural elementaries  Red Hill, Scottsville and Yancey  rather than renovating them.

But in the end, the consolidation did not happen, and all three schools remain important parts of their respective communities.

All of them  are important to the communities that they serve, and so with those facilities being renovated and updated, its going to be a much better place to house community events, Paige said.
The Senior Statesman of Virginia will host a forum for the candidates running in the 5th Congressional District from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Senior Center at 1180 Pepsi Place.

According to a news release, former Albemarle County Board of Supervisors chairwoman Jane Dittmar, a Democrat, and Republican state Sen. Tom Garrett, R-Buckingham, have confirmed that they will participate in the forum.

Libertarian candidate Stephen Harmon and independent Yale Landsberg have been invited to participate in the forum, but have not yet confirmed their participation.

The 5th District seat is currently held by retiring Rep. Robert Hurt.

The program will be moderated by Bob Gibson, senior researcher at the Academy for Civic Renewal. Prior to starting in that position in the University of Virginias Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, Gibson served for eight years as executive director of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership.
By now, many Virginians are aware of an excess $2.3 billion at the University of Virginia thats been called a slush fund, unfound money, and the $2.3 billion cover-up. Whatever the label, UVa now admits it accumulated massive surpluses in an account labeled University Operating Funds that has generated unbudgeted investment returns of $700 million since 2009.

And now that citizens and legislators have found the unfound, no one seems particularly happy to hear that the account, administratively relabeled University Strategic Funds prior to obtaining governing Board of Visitors approval, contains enough extra money to educate its entire in-state undergraduate student body for 16 years.

The irritation is compounded because, even while earning billions, the university was simultaneously asking the board to raise tuition by a whopping 74 percent without disclosing that these operating funds werent needed for operations after all.

It has yet to share a record of the specific dollar balances being part of any public deliberation, and admits that only a handful of current members  less than a quarter of the board  may have generically discussed the operating fund years before formal action was requested in 2016.

Despite claimed nuances, its clear that the university didnt come clean with the full board to discuss total dollars at stake until the final hour of our June 10 meeting  and then, only behind closed doors.

Materials circulated days in advance clearly indicated that plans for how to spend the fund were to be discussed out of public earshot. Having learned valuable lessons in 2012 and made sincere promises of transparency, I raised concerns about the legitimacy of excluding the public. Still, the matter was taken up in private.

Once there, leadership detailed a multi-step process for vetting faculty spending requests, generally described the 51 requests already received, and conveyed timetables for first awards. Visitors were reminded that these former operating funds were not to be approved for operational needs. And the brilliance of two former employees most responsible for producing these enormous surpluses was repeatedly celebrated.

It quickly became apparent that the board was about to be asked to rubber-stamp yet another proposal that, if publicly discussed, might upset the academic applecart.

Indeed, board members were asked not to disclose the unfound money and were implored to keep plans for the fund from legislators and the media. When one board member asked what would happen if the public learned too soon of the enormity of dollars involved, the reply was disturbing: Well be ready. Even in private, a top administrator denied a visitors request for a historical accounting of the fund, citing fear that the various originating sources would ask for their money back.

Lost in the subsequent back and forth about where $2.3 billion came from and whether it should be spent on reputations, rankings or lower tuition is a really fundamental question: How  and why  did any of this take place behind closed doors?

Now we have calls from state legislators for three separate investigations. Its important that these inquiries go forward and play out because, over the long term, the way in which the university is run matters to the state, in ways both big and small.

And although these inquiries may prove inconvenient for some, there is good news in this controversy for many. Now that the unfound money has been found, it begs the question: What should be done with it?

And for that, I have a modest proposal.

As the first order of business at its August meeting, the board should roll back tuition by that same 74 percent, saving Virginia students $5,500 per year or $22,000 per degree. Without touching a single dollar of its billions, UVa still would have an extra $40 to $100 million in annual earnings to spend on its reputation.

Its next step should be to freeze tuition for five years by cutting non-classroom spending.

Rest assured there are plenty of places to find savings:

 Aid to out-of-state students: In a bid to raise rankings, each year more than $67 million is spent on financial awards to out-of-state students. With more than 21,000 applications for 1,200 out-of-state, first-year spots, subsidies are unnecessary, and much of that money could be better spent on support to low-income Virginians.

 Administrative salaries: One of many assistants to the UVa president earned $240,000 at the time of his recent retirement, a sum that would pay the 2016 tuition of 18 Virginia students. One vice president responsible for diversity earns roughly $340,000 per year, while African-American enrollment stays mired at only 6 percent of the student body (tuition for another 26 students). One assistant to a secretary earns roughly $115,000 (nine more students); his boss, $200,000 (15 students).

 Construction costs: Excessive costs of almost $1,000 per square foot for a Medical Center waiting room and $425 per square foot for a maintenance building help explain why cash flow from depreciation has fed the surpluses over time.

 Duplicative fundraising expenses: The university has more than 20 related foundations whose combined activities reportedly cost it more than three times the national non-profit average per dollar raised.

All the excess of which leads me to the final part of my proposal: Virginians interested in mission-centered, efficiently run state institutions should engage a team of the brightest MBA candidates to audit the universitys spending. These objective young minds would earn a stipend, gain valuable experience, and play a meaningful role in keeping UVa excellence affordable for the next several generations. The state would benefit from their fresh perspectives and gain a new crop of business school graduates with relevant, impactful experience.

Of course, the work of the student audit team would be completely transparent. That way, board members, administrators, other students, and taxpayers could all benefit from their insights and example.

While others will decide, I hope this proposal is worthy of support by those who see UVa as the asset of the people. Certainly, research and reputations matter, but to suggest that either one should stand in the way of a well-qualified Virginians opportunity to receive an affordable education is to put the welfare of hundreds above that of millions.

Helen Dragas, chief executive officer of The Dragas Companies of Hampton Roads, was appointed to the University of Virginia's governing board in 2008 by then-Gov. Timothy M. Kaine. She was reappointed by then-Gov. Robert F. McDonnell in 2012. She led the Board of Visitors as UVa's first female rector from 2011 to 2013. Her term on the board ended June 30.
The latest shootings are symptomatic of a psychotic outbreak by a nation that has been waging a war against its own citizens for too long.

Instead of focusing our ire on the architects of the American police state, who are responsible for turning the streets into mini-war zones, were getting distracted by the many voices eager to play the blame game by pointing their fingers at someone else.

Police groups are blaming President Obama and the Justice Department for failing to prosecute cop killers. Texas Republicans are blaming the Black Lives Matter movement for fomenting a war on cops mindset.

Gun control advocates are blaming gun lovers and their mouthpieces at the National Rifle Association for Americas gun violence (nydailynews.com/news/national/nra-blame-police-shootings-article-1.2702588), reasoning that if all Americans were unarmed, police would not have to treat them as potential threats.

News outlets such as Rolling Stone and Mother Jones have concluded that racial bias is to blame for the disproportionately high number of African-Americans among police shooting victims (motherjones.com/politics/2014/08/police-shootings-michael-brown-ferguson-black-men).

The Drug Enforcement Administration has suggested that illegal steroid use could be responsible for police officers who exhibit rage, aggression and/or poor judgment (all symptoms of possible steroid abuse) in confrontations with citizens (www.alternet.org/civil-liberties/cop-roid-rage-are-steroids-behind-worst-police-abuses).

Human Rights Watch blames police misconduct and excessive use of force on a systemic lack of accountability within law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system.

And civil rights advocates are blaming police militarization and the abundance of laws (overcriminalization) pushed by lawmakers for the nations over-policing, over-jailing, and over-killing.

Yet in the midst of all this finger pointing, no one is stepping forward to take responsibility for the violence that is tearing the nation apart, deepening racial tensions, heightening police tensions, justifying all manner of civil liberties abuses, and pushing us ever closer to a state of lockdown.

Shame on President Obama for not taking personal responsibility for the blowback resulting from Americas endless wars abroad, the militarization of local police, and the ramifications of allowing police to use battlefield equipment such as drones, assault weapons, tanks, etc. How telling that the first domestic killing of an American citizen by a drone (in this case, a bomb-equipped police robot) should be carried out during the final term of a president whose targeted drone killings abroad have resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians.

Shame on Congress and the countless federal and state policy-making bodies for not taking responsibility for the overabundance of laws that have turned law-abiding citizens into criminals and police into the inflexible enforcers of a legal code that benefits the corporate elite at the expense of the working classes.

Shame on corporate America, particularly the military industrial complex, for not taking responsibility for having militarized Americas police forces and subjected its citizenry to the tyranny of a heavily armed police state.

Shame on government agencies for not taking responsibility for ratcheting up tensions by using military firepower to advance their bureaucratic agendas.

Shame on Republicans and Democrats for not taking responsibility for having sidelined legitimate matters of concern such as police misconduct in favor of party politics and campaign contributions from special interest groups and unions.

Shame on the courts for not taking responsibility for allowing government agents to hide behind the shield of qualified immunity, rather than being held accountable for their actions.

Shame on law enforcement agencies for advancing the notion that the lives  and rights  of police should be valued more than those of citizens.

Shame on communities for not taking responsibility for using SWAT teams that are armed to the teeth and ready for action to deliver mere search warrants, terrorizing and killing American citizens.

Shame on those who embrace violence as an answer to what ails America for not taking responsibility for their part in contributing to an environment that is growing increasingly tense with every new shooting. Its a vicious cycle in which the police are becoming more hypersensitive, twitchy and quick to shoot at the slightest provocation, and the populace is growing more fearful, outraged and unconvinced that if they just obey, all will be fine.

Shame on the religious community for not taking responsibility for its deafening silence in the face of what can only be termed evil, despite its historic lineage of dissenters such as Jesus, Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr..

Shame on white Americans, black Americans, brown Americans and those of every other skin tone for not taking responsibility for their part in allowing racism, prejudice and bigotry to dictate justice in America.

And shame on patriotic Americans who equate good citizenship with blind obedience to government authority and adulation of the military for not taking responsibility for holding their government officials accountable to the nations founding principles. Remember, we the people were entrusted with the power to make and unmake the government whenever it ran afoul of its primary purpose, which is to protect our lives, freedoms and property.

Clearly, theres more than enough blame to go around, but the real question is what can we the people do about it?

For starters, lets all agree that violence can never be the answer. Violence will only give rise to more violence.

Stop buying into the us vs. them rhetoric being pushed by politicians, police unions and those who use the race card as a justification for bloodshed. No matter what color your skin is, what politics you subscribe to, how much money youve got, whom you love, where you live, whom you worship, what school you attend, where you work, or any other superficial label that is used to divide us  we all bleed red.

Put your prejudices behind you and stop dealing in stereotypes. Not all police are bloodthirsty. Not all young black men are thugs. Not all people who challenge government authority want anarchy.

Stop allowing yourself the luxury of distraction and the sin of neutrality. These things happen  the madness and the mayhem  because good people stand by and do nothing.

So what can you do on a practical level?

For starters, find common ground on the issue of gun control, especially as it pertains to government agents. Demilitarize the police. Its worked in other countries.

Demand that police be held financially responsible for official misconduct.

Put your taxpayer dollars to work for you instead of against you for a change. Tell your elected representatives to stop investing in militarization, wars and weaponry that will only be used against you eventually. Instead, apply the same funds being wasted on endless wars abroad on badly needed infrastructure here at home. By putting more Americans to work rebuilding our communities and our economy, well also strike at the heart of the poverty that drives crime.

Get informed about the workings of government. Get outraged about the corruption that has rotted our republic from the core. Get vocal about the need for transparency, accountability and reform. There are so many issues in need of attention. Pick just one to start with and raise hell about it.

Finally, take it upon yourself to interfere. Pay attention to whats going on around you. Use those cellphones to record police interactions in order to hold them accountable to playing by the rules of the Constitution.

Most important of all, take a stand for freedom and humanity. Neutrality, as Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel reminded us, helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must  at that moment  become the center of the universe.

John W. Whitehead is president and founder of the Albemarle County-based Rutherford Institute, a civil-liberties organization, and author of the award-winning book A Government of Wolves: The Emerging American Police State. He can be reached at johnw@rutherford.org. A longer version of this commentary is available at www.Rutherford.org.
All men are by nature equally free and independent and have certain inherent rights  the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.

This should sound familiar to those of us who have read the Declaration of Independence. But what George Masons Virginia Declaration of Rights clarifies is that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are dependent on economics.

Since the last recession, the United States has seen unprecedented damage to our economic health. The symptoms include rising wealth inequality, stagnant workforce wages, record numbers of renters who cant afford homes, and industries that see increasing competition from automation and global competition. In short, the pursuit of happiness has gotten exponentially harder for those not already privileged.

Signs of trouble

At the local level, the trends are equally problematic. According to county reports, approximately 50 percent of Albemarle County staff live outside Albemarle and Charlottesville; senior county leaders, such as the director of planning, county attorney and chief of police; have all left in the last 12 or so months; weve lost police force members to better-paying jobs at Wegmans, and rapidly rising housing prices continue to drive up the cost of living. (See albemarle.org/upload/images/Forms_Center/Departments/Human_Resources/Forms/Reports/2014-2015_Local_Government_Annual_Report.pdf; cvilletomorrow.org/news/article/24519-albemarle-staff-vacancies/; dailyprogress.com/townnews/work/county-faces-problem-in-hiring-police/article_b01d293c-8d18-553e-a04e-6aef92f5be57.html.)

It is increasingly difficult for young families to start here and, based on Census data, weve become an aging community with an influx of baby boomers. This demographic change wont sustain Charlottesville in the long term.

Most telling, Feeding America estimates that Albemarle County has more than 10,000 people who struggle to feed their families every day.

When I attended Western Albemarle High School, I saw the kind of mobility promised to working-class families. Students were able to take advantage of high-quality public education, get into good colleges and contribute in meaningful ways to society as doctors, engineers, artists and the like. These educational opportunities were available because, in the 1990s, living here was a lot more affordable.

Today, that has changed. Home prices have risen far beyond whats affordable for the average family making $68,000 per year in Albemarle. For instance, in Crozet, average new construction housing prices have soared well over $600,000, according to the most recent quarterly real estate report. It should be intuitive that developing housing only for the affluent forces those in need of high-quality education and job opportunities farther away from the areas that provide the most opportunity.

Affordability and the role of land use

We need solutions to our affordability problem.

Access to high-quality education and living-wage jobs represent the best way to help people out of poverty and create opportunities for upward mobility. Further, if we want sustained vibrancy in our local economy, we need diversity in backgrounds, income levels and demographics.

Recent remarks by Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors Jason Furman shed light on the relationship between affordability and land use. In his speech at the Urban Institute, Furman synthesized dozens of research articles and came to several pertinent conclusions.

First, when comparing the cost of house prices with the cost of construction, Mr. Furman found that while house prices have skyrocketed since 1980, real construction costs have remained constant. This trend reflects the fact that land costs have increased substantially, driven by tighter land-use restrictions.

Second, he found that across all major markets, the more restrictive the zoning, the sharper the increase in housing prices. Accordingly, Furman concluded that high restrictions on land use prevent the poorest Americans from improving their financial standing. Excessive or unnecessary land use or zoning regulations have consequences that go beyond the housing market to impede mobility, he says, and thus contribute to rising inequality and declining productivity growth.

This should sound familiar by now: In the current housing climate, it is the poorest Americans who experience the most severe affordability challenges.

The case for fewer restrictions

I would argue, then, that easing land-use restrictions would promote a more vibrant community for all of our neighbors, especially those who are less privileged.

If we follow Mr. Furmans logic, fewer land-use restrictions would increase affordability and encourage development that helps create a vibrant economy.

Importantly, easing restrictions doesnt mean that we need to sacrifice the beauty of our community or turn Albemarle or Charlottesville into something we dont want it to be. What it does mean is that we become capable of creating affordable housing and job opportunities through careful planning.

Moreover, easing restrictions does not conflict with our efforts to preserve rural resources. What it does require is making sure that land marked for growth actually achieves it. In areas close to major transportation arteries and utilities, jobs and housing need to be encouraged to grow to their highest and best use. And we need to enable our workforce, especially people with mobility challenges, to live in close proximity to their places of employment.

Removing restrictions comes down to leadership implementing forward-looking changes.

We must find ways to pay our planners competitive salaries. After all, they are entrusted with our lands future and we want them here for a long time, doing an excellent job.

Currently, it takes years to navigate the complicated and ambiguous entitlement process associated with developing in the growth areas. The irony is that its both incredibly more difficult to develop what Albemarle County wants and substantially more expensive to develop housing for those who need it most. A major comprehensive review of the Master Plan, essentially the map of where development should occur, must remove ambiguity and encourage efficient development in these areas.

If we want to provide housing for average families, that review should also increase density and expand it in areas that are efficiently serviced by existing transportation and other public resources.

We need to reconsider the process by which land-use decisions are made. Citizen involvement is an important part of the process; but often a small, but vocal and biased minority dominates the discourse around implementation.

The land-use entitlement process is subject to the vocal minority of neighbors and anti-growth citizens who fail to see the broader benefits necessary to a vibrant community. We need to trust that professionals, from government staff and professional planners to the engineers, are capable of interpreting the plan better than those with inherent biases.

Combined with the recent state law that allows municipalities to receive only those proffers that are directly attributable to a development, one solution to these problems would be to automatically zone all master-planned areas to their highest and best use, forgoing a lengthy and problematic public process.

And finally, we need to provide land developers with large increases in allowable units and tax rebates for actually building below-market-rate, affordable housing. Without these incentives, below-market-rate, affordable housing will remain unbuilt.

Growing better  together

Combined, these policy changes would direct us toward a better future that provides for all.

As a community, we have a moral obligation to those in need. But we need to realize that we can best fulfill that obligation through the right kind of economic development.

We are already the epicenter of a booming wine, beer and spirits industry. We have a hungry and ready technology sector. Our community is made up of people who want to create businesses and opportunities, and raise their families here. In many ways, we epitomize the spirit of entrepreneurship.

So we need a vision that puts us on the map. Various groups have already experimented with defining this vision, from the Tom Tom Founders Festival to multiple business and community leaders.

Unfortunately, our anti-growth culture halts the discussion, especially in its opposition to rethinking local land use.

While we will never agree on a single vision for our community, we all have a mission to help those most in need. It is in our power to implement the policies necessary to enable all in our community. I believe that our best bet to do so is through a thorough understanding of restrictive land use and its detrimental outcomes. We should realize that change is constant and welcome those who want to create opportunities through entrepreneurial land use.

Kyle Redinger is a serial entrepreneur, founder of CrossFit Charlottesville, SuperFit Games, VividCortex and HawkScan. His most recent endeavor is a land development company currently involved in a rezoning in Albemarle County. In his free time, Kyle enjoys mentoring entrepreneurs, spending time in the gym, and tweeting about land use, startups and other local issues.
Old Fredericksburg Road remained closed Sunday morning as Dominion Virginia Power crews worked to remove several downed trees and restore electricity for folks living on the busy access road located off Route 3.

Frank Lightfoot, who lives near the Galbreath-Marshall Building on Old Fredericksburg Road, said he heard the loud pop when one of the large trees fell near his home.

Lightfoot said he knew those trees were destined to fall one day.

My neighbor kept complaining about those trees to the power company, trying to get them to cut it, shared Lightfoot.

Lightfoot stood on his porch Sunday watching the power crews, hoping his electricity would be restored as soon as possible.

If it doesnt come back soon, I might lose everything in my box, he said, referring to his freezer.

Thats not the only concern.

With temperatures soaring in to the 90s on Sunday, air conditioning is a welcomed relief to escape the heat.

The buzz of chainsaws and the savory aroma coming from Ramiro Bocanegras front porch filled the morning air.

Bocanegra was cooking a huge vat of charros (beans, pork, bacon, onions, celery, tomatoes, red peppers, garlic, cumin and chili powder) around 9 a.m.

Well have charros with chicken (which he purchased from a local store) and then cake, shared Bocanegra, whose friend baked the dessert.

Bocanegra, who lives across the street from Lightfoot, said he was forced to use his propane-powered grill to make a special dinner for his daughters 4th birthday.

Another neighbor Juan Perez Godinez said the noise startled his young children.

The noise made the baby cry, he added. Godinez also pointed to a large tree in close vicinity to his home and other power lines.

When the wind blows [the trees and power lines] move, he added. Its too close and dangerous.

Culpeper Police Officers assisted Dominion Virginia Power Sunday by closing the roads as crews continued to work.

CPD Lt. Lee Rees said about 3,000 customers lost power after the storm damaged several power poles on Old Fredericksburg Road Saturday evening.

Please be patient with the process of repairing the damage, said Rees.
A student at the University of Cincinnati is suing her physics professor for assigning all-female study clutches. The twist is that the professor, a male, says he wants more women in science, and that theres evidence women do better in all-female groups.

Whos right? Should it be illegal for a college teacher to try to advance womens interests by grouping students of the same sex together? Or should we encourage experiments in learning if the goal is to enable women to succeed in the classroom?

The University of Cincinnati student, Casey Helmicki, is a pre-med student who was assigned to a physics lab taught by Larry Bortner and administered by a teaching assistant of his. According to Helmicki, when she showed up for class she was told she would be assigned to a study group with other female students, whether she liked it or not.

She didnt. After raising the issue with the teaching assistant, Helmicki went to the universitys office overseeing Title IX, the federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex, to complain.

The university official responded by starting a confidential investigation and speaking confidentially to the professor, which is the normal process under Title IX at most universities. The goal of university Title IX offices is two-sided. On the one hand, they want to eliminate sex discrimination. On the other hand, they want to protect the university against liability. Confidentiality serves the second of those interests pretty consistently; it sometimes serves the first goal too.

According to the university, the Title IX coordinator told the professor that it was a bad idea to assign females to all-female or mostly-female study groups without giving them a choice. The professor replied that there is some evidence that women in science classes do better when they are assigned to such study groups. He cited a study to that effect.

The Title IX coordinator was willing to consider the advantages of single sex study groups. But she advised Professor Bortner that he should make such groups voluntary, and explain his reasoning in advance to the students. As far as it is possible to determine, Bortner took the advice. It seems that he still assigned students to single-sex study groups, but only if they wanted.

Helmicki was not satisfied with the compromise. Shes filed suit in federal court and has sought an order against the professor and the university to stop the practice.

Helmicki claims that the practice is unlawful segregation even if its voluntary. She adds that the Title IX coordinators guidance was drawn from federal guidelines that are intended for elementary and high schools, not universities.

To figure out the right answer, its worth starting with the evidence. The single study that the professor offered is suggestive, but its by no means definitive proof that putting women into their own study groups works consistently. The positive effects of avoiding male chauvinist students may be counterbalanced by the stigma of being told that women need to study together because they are at a disadvantage.

If the professors policy is justified, then, it wouldnt be because we know that it works, but rather because we think theres a chance that it might. When it comes to a pressing social problem like the dearth of women in science, it seems reasonable to pursue a range of different strategies. Thats the strongest argument for the compromise that the university reached with the professor.
Paul Simons Bridge Over Troubled Water was an obvious choice for a convention striving to be oneand much more apropos than his America, the adopted theme of the Bernie Sanders insurgency.

Fans couldnt help but notice, however, that Simon had chosen a number that was sung by his estranged former partner Art Garfunkel, of whom he recently told NPR, Quite honestly, we dont get along. Simons rendition was in that way analogous to the Democratic National Convention: a paean to building a bridge sung over the unmistakable crackle of a burning one.

Much depends on the Democrats ability to cobble together this particular piece of infrastructure. The enterprise hasnt been helped along, though, by the not entirely shocking (and possibly Russian-engineered) revelation that Democratic officials connived against the candidate who was not a Democrat for most of his career.

Many Sanders supporters are new to politics, and it shows in their frequently heard promises to vote for a minor-party candidate or sit the election out rather than choose between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Sixteen years ago, a similar impulse for perceived purity led many liberals to reject another centrist Democrat, Al Gore, in favor of activist Ralph Nader, which may have helped give George W. Bush his hanging-chad-thin victory. The once popular notion that there was no substantial difference between Bush and Gore looked especially absurd in the wake of the Iraq invasion.

There is no need to wait for such a monumental event to reveal as preposterous the current claims that the choice between Clinton and Trump doesnt matter.

To begin with, Clinton would be one of the more politically seasoned presidents upon her inauguration, while Trump would be the least. Moreover, in his convention speech, Sanders himself reminded the faithful of the stark differences of tone and ideology between Clinton and Trump on immigration, the environment, health care, and more, concluding, The choice is not even close.

The Democratic Party has fired its chairwoman, changed its platform, and made other concessions to Sanders improbably successful but ultimately losing campaign. And after a long and sometimes bitter rivalry, Sanders, in contrast with Trump rival Ted Cruz, offered a remarkably full-throated endorsement of Clinton.

So did Michelle Obama despite her husbands hard-fought contest with Clinton eight years ago. The first lady reminded the convention of the power of breaking historic barriers by noting that she, a descendant of slaves, now lives in a White House built by themand that Clintons election would be another such milestone.

Amid enduring dissent, some of the conventions most successful moments so far have appealed to unity among peopleincluding the kinds of people, like undocumented immigrants and the disabled, who have been targeted by Trumps divisive rhetoric. But the greatest test of the partys tolerance is taking place within.

Excerpted from The Philadelphia Inquirer, via The Associated Press
The Islamic Center of Fredericksburg may stay at its current location in Spotsylvania County after facing anti-Muslim backlash over plans to build a bigger mosque nearby.

But that could depend on whether residents who live near the proposed mosque site at the corner of Andora Drive and Old Plank Road are OK with having up to 20 homes there instead.

Samer Shalaby, an Islamic Center trustee, said his consulting firm sent more than 300 letters last month seeking feedback on an alternative proposal to rezone the 9-acre property.

The Board of Supervisors would have to approve the rezoning, which would increase the number of homes that could be built on the land from three to 20. The Islamic Center bought the property in 2012 for $230,000.

Just a dozen residents have replied to the letter, Shalaby said, with most saying they would prefer homes over a mosque.

But the Muslim congregation would not be getting into the housing business.

They would sell the rezoned land to a homebuilder and use about $500,000 of the proceeds to buy a 1-acre parcel next to the existing mosque on Harrison Road, Shalaby said. The Islamic Center would use that land for parking and possibly to put an addition on its 3,100-square-foot mosque, which was built in 2001, he added.

He said he hopes to move forward with a proposal by September.

If you look at it from a political standpoint, it might help alleviate some of the issues, Shalaby said of the new proposal.

A mosque at the site would require a special-use permit, which supervisors must also approve.

The Islamic Center had been quiet about its plans for a new mosque since December.

A deputy halted a community meeting on the proposal in November after several residents made anti-Islam statements, including a man who declared, Every Muslim is a terrorist. The mosque received national media attention and an outpouring of support after the meeting.

But a follow-up meeting scheduled for Dec. 11 was canceled amid growing fears of an anti-Muslim backlash after a mass shooting in California by supporters of the Islamic State.

Some residents had also voiced concerns about traffic from the mosque, saying religion had nothing to do with their issues.

Spotsylvania Supervisor Timothy McLaughlinwhose Chancellor District includes the proposed mosque sitecalled the plan for homes potentially a good solution because he said a small subdivision would generate less traffic than a mosque with 200 parking spaces.

Still, he said, the county needs to address traffic congestion in the area regardless of the proposal.

The Islamic Center is busiest on Fridays, when it has prayer services at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

McLaughlin said he hasnt gotten much feedback from residents on the latest proposal. But he said he thinks most of them would prefer homes over a place of worship or commercial building.

The homes, he said, would blend into the surrounding area, and its less impact to the people.

I have not heard any real objections to building homes there  but again, the plan hasnt been laid out, he said.

Supervisor Paul Trampe said he thinks the county will be able to work something out with the mosque. I hope we can come to an accommodation without all the controversy, he said.

But Supervisor Chris Yakabouski, who had not heard about the Islamic Centers latest plan, questioned why the county would support either proposal if both worsen road conditions.

If its not good for the area and if it clogs up traffic even more  then why would we do it? he asked.

Shalaby said things have been calm at the mosque since last years controversy, adding: I think people are starting to realize were not the scary people that people think we are.

Residents are welcome to drop by the mosque with any questions or concerns, he said.

We continue to hope that people will understand, just because people do unfortunate, ridiculous things under the name of Islam doesnt mean that is Islam.
Hyderabad: Telangana state and Andhra Pradesh, which had filed complaints against each other with the Centre on theft of electronic data, have topped the rankings in Ease of Doing Business in the country.

The preliminary EoDB rankings were released by the Union commerce ministrys Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. While TS ranked first with a score of 60.24 per cent, AP stood second with 55.75 per cent.

Experts from the World Bank and the global consultancy firm KPMG will visit the states to verify whether the information uploaded by the states on implementing business-friendly reforms were true or not before giving final rankings in September. However, official sources said that the final rankings would be more or less the same.

Final ranks after field verification

Telangana state and Andhra Pradesh have topped the rankings in Ease of Doing Business in the country. Now, even if there are any changes at the last minute, it would be minor and both the states are bound to figure in the top five.

In the final rankings for 2015 released in September last year, AP was placed second and TS at 13th position. Howe-ver, the preliminary rankings for 2016 released in June, came as a shocker for AP as its rank fell to 19th rank while TS jumped to second rank. However, within a month, AP climbed to third rank from 19th, while TS remained at the same 2nd rank.

This led to an ugly fight between both the Telugu-speaking states, with TS complaining to the Centre early this month alleging that AP had stolen the TS data uploaded on Ease of Doing Business website and uploaded the same to get better ranking.

Industries minister K.T. Rama Rao had also written to Union commerce minister Nirmala Sitharaman complaining about AP copying TS data and seeking stringent action against AP.

However, the Centre gave indications to the TS government that there would be no action against the AP government on the ground that uplo-ading or copying of data alone would not fetch good rank.

This is because the final rankings will be given based on thorough field-level verification by experts from World Bank and KPMG, to ascertain whether the data uploaded by states on reforms were actually being implemented or not.
Besides, GCPL would "remain focused on driving our innovation momentum and continue to invest heavily behind our new product launches,"

New Delhi: After witnessing a sluggish first half, FMCG firm Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL) expects demand to be better in the remaining period of the year with implementation of 7th Pay Commission and passing of GST likely to increase consumption.

"Overall, we should see a boost to consumption in India, following the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission and the passing of GST. We are hopeful that the second half of the year will be better than the first," GCPL Managing Director Vivek Gambhir told PTI.

He further said: "We are hopeful to see an uptake in demand with an improved monsoon". The company, which last week reported a consolidated net sales of Rs 2,120.22 crore in the Q1 of financial year 2016-17 and a net profit of Rs 244.27 crore, is extending its offering in the personal care and household insecticides category.

"We already have natural platforms in both hair and soap, we are now we are building the natural Household Insecticides category as well. Neem has strong Indian roots and it is known to be effective and safe to use," he said.

Besides, GCPL would "remain focused on driving our innovation momentum and continue to invest heavily behind our new product launches," he added. The company which has recently launched Cinthol deostick for men and women has plans to extend the brand into a male grooming brand.

"While these are early days, the response has been very encouraging. We will continue to invest behind this and extend Cinthol into a male grooming platform," Gambhir said.

During this quarter, 50.09 per cent of GCPL sales were contributed from the international markets and rest 49.90 was from the domestic market. GCPL's revenue form its Indonesian business was Rs 376.20 crore and the company expects it to be better in the coming quarters.

"Our Indonesia business has delivered good sales growth despite the macroeconomic slowdown in the country. Given the changes the government is introducing we hope to see better growth going ahead," he said.
New Delhi: Less than a year after public backlash forced withdrawal of the controversial draft National Encryption policy, government has restarted the work on drafting the blueprint, asking industry bodies for suggestions.

The Ministry of Electronics and IT recently wrote to leading industry associations including Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), Association of Unified Telecom Service Providers of India (AUSPI), and Internet Service Providers Association of India (ISPAI) seeking their opinions and inputs that will facilitate a "robust and secure" encryption policy, sources said.

The ministry has given the associations a deadline of August 1, for sending their feedback, and said they would be invited for a more detailed discussion in the meeting of an Expert Committee.

However, associations such as COAI and AUSPI have asked the Ministry to bring out a specific discussion paper on the issue. "We have written to them asking for more information on the proposed framework. Banks have a different encryption standard, Telecom Department has a different encryption standard... we need a consistent government approach on encryption," Rajan S Mathews, director general of COAI told PTI.

When contacted, ISPAI President, Rajesh Chharia said the reworked encryption policy, should be in sync with changes in technology. "As per the proposed policy framework, the capability to encrypt and decrypt data should be within government. We will seek more time for giving our suggestions.

The policy framework should be made after comprehensive discussions with all stakeholders," Chharia added. Last September, the government had issued the draft of National Encryption Policy, which proposed to mandate storage of every message sent by people -- be it through WhatsApp, SMS, e-mail or any such service -- in plain text format for 90 days, and to made available on demand to security agencies.

Legal actions that also included imprisonment were proposed in the draft policy. But following a public outcry and concerns over breaching right to privacy, government withdrew the proposal.

In February, previous Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said the government fully respected the upholding of right to privacy of citizens and acknowledged the need for protection of private data against misuse.

"There is no intention by the government to implement an encryption policy breaching right to privacy of public," Prasad had said. The minister had further said encryption has been recognised by the government as means to secure data and transactions, and the provision in the Information Technology Act 2000 enables the use of encryption for such purposes.
Sebi ordered attachment of all assets of PACL and its nine promoters and directors for their failure to refund more than Rs 60,000 crore due to investors

New Delhi: Sebi has cautioned public at large against dealing with any property where PACL and its promoters have interests as the regulator pursues efforts to recover Rs 60,000 crore in the case to refund investors.

Besides, the watchdog has said anyone dealing with such properties will be doing it at "their own risk, cost and consequences". Sebi's latest move follows a recent Supreme Court order that restrained PACL and its promoters, among others, from alienating any of their properties, both within and outside India.

PACL, which had raised money from the public in the name of agriculture and real estate businesses, was found by Sebi to have collected these funds through illegal collective investment schemes over 18 years. The watchdog is looking to recover around Rs 60,000 crore for repayment to investors in the case.

In a release, Sebi has advised the public at large "not to deal with any of the properties wherein PACL Ltd and/or its directors/promoters/agents/employees/group and/or associate companies directly or indirectly have any interest".

On July25, the Supreme Court said PACL, its "directors/promoters/agents/employees/group and/or associate

The watchdog is looking to recover around Rs 60,000 crore for repayment to investors in the case. In a release, Sebi has advised the public at large "not to deal with any of the properties wherein PACL Ltd and/or its directors/promoters/agents/employees/group and/or associate companies directly or indirectly have any interest".On July 25, the Supreme Court said PACL,its"directors/promoters/agents/employees/group and/or associate companies are restrained from in any manner selling/ transferring/alienating any of the properties" wherein the company has an interest, either within or outside India.

The market regulator has initiated sale process for the attached assets of the PACL group.

Last December, Sebi ordered attachment of all assets of PACL and its nine promoters and directors for their failure to refund more than Rs 60,000 crore due to investors - The biggest amount for any such case.

PACL had raised Rs 49,100 crore from nearly 5 crore investors that it needs to refund along with promised returns, interest payout and other charges, which took the total amount due to over Rs 55,000 crore, as per the Sebi order.

Besides, PACL group firm PGFL "illegally mobilised more than Rs 5,000 crore and failed to refund the same in spite of directions of Sebi and SAT", the regulator had said while initiating the recovery proceedings.
The very beautiful Caterina Murino is best known for her stunning presence as Solange Dimitrios in the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale. But there is much more to this Italian beauty than meets the eye. She has done over 50 television shows and films in English, French and Italian. And now shes all set to make her Bollywood debut opposite Rajeev Khandelwal in Fever.

She says, Where do I begin talking about my journey? I am naturally curious about life and all its experiences. I want to experience everything. Ive travelled so far and so long that sometimes I forget where I am. Although in these parts (of the world) I am known as the Bond girl, Ive done innumerable films and television shows in different languages. Now I am trying Bollywood for the first time and its exciting.

So why Bollywood? As I said, curiosity takes me to the remotest places. When Rajeev Jhaveri, the director of Fever, met me in Monte Carlo, it didnt take me long to say yes to his film. The script was absolutely gripping. I felt the film would turn out really well. And I was right. I saw the film the other day. I found it to have everything that I had read in the script. This is not an ordinary film and Rajeev Khandelwal is not an ordinary actor, Caterina enthuses.

She confesses she is not a big Bollywood fan. Ive to admit where I come from, I had not had the chance to see many Bollywood films. But once a friend of mine showed me Jodhaa Akbar, and I was blown away by the exquisite beauty and presentation. My Bollywood debut is different from the usual song-and-dance films. But I am very happy that people here will see me in this film.

Caterina is in India to promote the film and to help a cause far bigger than cinema or her own career. I believe if one has the name and voice to help the needy and the poor, one must do it. As much as I love movies and acting, my biggest passion in life is supporting charitable causes. It is my dream to make this a better world.

The actress visited Dharavi on Thursday as part of her association with NGO Sneha. If my association with Bollywood is the way to put across the message of hope for my cause, then so be it. In Africa Ive been associated with the biggest of NGOs. But cinema is not a powerful medium to convey messages in Africa. Cinema is far more influential in India.

At the moment shes enjoying her stay in India. Ive visited Noida, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Pune. And now I am going back to Paris in a few days. Its been a hectic and fulfilling trip. I spent most of my conversational time with journalists, though. We couldnt resist asking about her love interests. I am single! Why else do you think I am able to travel so much on my own? I am in India for a couple of more days. If theres any eligible Indian man who wants to date me, please let me know.
Mumbai: In the midst of juggling between one project to another, Akshay Kumar has often managed to spend some quality time with his family. Now while its raining cats and dogs in Mumbai, Akshay Kumar is having peaceful fun Sunday, all thanks to his adorable daughter Nitara.

The actor, who is busy promoting his upcoming film Rustom, stepped out for a walk with his daughter. Not missing out on the moment, Twinkle Khanna instantly captured the two as they were lost in their own cute world.

Akshay Kumar shared the picture by writing, When the heavens open,only my daughter can make it feel like a heavenly day!Love her 2 the moon & back #SundayFunday.

When the heavens open,only my daughter can make it feel like a heavenly day!Love her to the moon & back #SundayFunday A photo posted by Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) on Jul 30, 2016 at 9:48pm PDT

This isnt the first time that the actor as shared such a glimpse of happy moment he shared with his family. Earlier, Akshay also his fans a sneak peak from his New York vacation.
There might also be a possibility of another heroine in the film as well.

New Delhi: Just when you thought Parineeti Chopra is going to be the new Rajjo in Salman Khan-starrer Dabangg 3, producer-director Arbaaz Khan came popping your bubble.

In an interview with a daily, the 48-year-old filmmaker confirmed that the original Dabangg duo will be reuniting on the 70mm screen for the third time and also hinted at a possibility of another heroine in the film.

Arbaaz said, Sonakshi is going to be a part of Dabangg 3, in what capacity that is to be seen when the script is ready. But there might also be a possibility of another heroine in the film.

Earlier, there were reports that Sonakshi Sinha has been dropped out of the hit franchise over an alleged friction with Salman Khan, which started when Sonakshi turned down Arbaaz Khans production Dolly Ki Doli.

It was also reported that the two also had a showdown at Salmans sister Arpitas wedding in November 2014, and since then, the two are not on talking terms.

Sonakshi made her Bollywood debut with Dabangg, which not only earned her public recognition but also a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.

On the work front, while the 50-year-old superstar is currently busy with the television show Bigg Boss season 10, after which he will shoot for Kabir Khans war-drama Tubelight while Sonakshi is awaiting the release of her films Akira and Force.

Salman, 50, is rumoured to be playing a man-child in Tubelight, which the director has said, is a mix of emotion and humour with a little political backdrop. While reports are suggesting that Deepika Padukone will play Salmans leading lady in the film, others are suggesting that a Chinese actress will make her debut in the film.
Ranbir will be portraying the Khalnayak actor in the latter's biopic being helmed by Rajkumar Hirani.

Mumbai: Sanjay Dutt has affirmed that Ranbir Kapoor, wholl be playing him in the Munnabhai actors biopic, hasnt been receiving any training or tips from him. The biopic, being helmed by Rajkumar Hirani, will have Ranbir portray the Khalnayak actor through his volatile rise and peak in the industry.

Gossip mills had been on overdrive with rumours of the actor training and passing on tips to the RK scion in preparation for the film, floating around.

The Agneepath star vehemently squashed all the rumours. "As of now there is no training or tips that I have given to Ranbir (Kapoor). I am not giving him any training for the film. Raju (Rajkumar Hirani) is there so he will take care of everything properly", he was quoted as saying.

The 57-year-old actor got released in February, having served his sentence in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case.
Mumbai: After working with each other in Heropanti and Baaghi, filmmaker Sabbir Khan and Tiger Shroff are ready to collaborate for the third time with Munna Michael. Another person who has joined the team is none other than Tigers sister Krishna Shroff.

Krishna, who made headlines for her bold photographs, will be joining the films team as an Assistant Director to Sabbir Khan. The news was confirmed by the filmmaker himself who is excited to have Krishna on board and finds the star kid extremely passionate and focused about being a filmmaker.

Apparently, Krishna was approached to act in couple of films but the aspiring filmmaker turned it down as directing film happens to be her real calling. Coming back to her debut project, Munna Michael, even though the film is yet to go on floors, it didnt fail to attract controversies.

Writer-director Kritik Pandey had filed a police complaint, accusing Tiger of stealing his script, which was titled Munna Michael, which is apparently based on a die-hard fan of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Reacting to the issue, Tiger spoke to reporters at the trailer launch of A Flying Jatt and said, I dont know what the issue is. We are here (and) I dont steal. I am not a thief. I dont lie and I am not a cheater.
The actress is totally owning the bikini in Greece and we can't take our eyes off her. (Screengrab taken off the actress' Instagram profile)

Mumbai: Nargis Fakhri, who last made an appearance in Rohit Dhawan's recent potboiler Dishoom, has been vacationing in Greece, away from all the city chaos. The Madras Cafe actress, has been regularly posting pictures from the trip on Instagram and teasing the wanderlust in everyone.

The actress, who played Sangeeta Bijlani in Emraan Hashmi's Mohammad Azharuddin biopic, 'Azhar', will next be seen opposite Ritesh Deshmukh in 'Banjo'.

The actress, who was recently rumoured to have quit Bollywood for good, had squashed all rumours by tweeting about her vacation.

Lookin forward 2finishing my assignment in daUS &being back 2start promoting #Banjo in a few weeks!#noplanstoquit #allelsearebaselessrumours  Nargis (@NargisFakhri) July 28, 2016

We can't wait to see more pictures from her vacation and gaze on, enviously.
New Delhi: Actor John Abraham, who previously worked with Rohit Dhawan in 'Desi Boyz', says Rohit has become more assured in his direction.

The 43-year-old star collaborated with the filmmaker once again for his just released action-adventure 'Dishoom'.

"Rohit has given his own grammar and language to this film. He is definitely more mature now. He made sure that he covered us from all angles," John told PTI.

Praising the director, who has also cast his actor brother, Varun Dhawan, in the movie, John said, "He is a big scale director who makes films for the big screen and has technically made a far superior film compared to 'Desi Boyz'."

Comparing Rohit to his father, David Dhawan, known for making hit comedies, John said, "Rohit Dhawan will have his own brand of filmmaking like his father and he will create his own brand of films. During the shooting he was like a 'horse with blinkers'. He just wouldn't listen to anyone."

John said 'Dishoom' is a refreshing take on earlier Hindi movies.

"'Dishoom' is a new age film and it's for the audiences of today. People shouldn't expect it to be a film where they would only get to see fighting. It is an upgraded version of what Hindi films used to be. It is very refreshing, new and a roller coaster ride."

The actor-turned-producer also discussed about the difference in stories that he likes to act and the ones he produces.

"When it comes to act in films, I generally concentrate on concepts and that's all we are expected to do as actors. I like comedy so I do roles in such films. I've worked in six comedy films. But while producing, it takes me a lot of time because then I kind of delve into more and try to get stories that are radically different."

John has produced four movies so far including 'Vicky Donor', 'Madras Cafe', 'Rocky Handsome' and 'Satra Ko Shaadi Hai', which is yet to release.

He will next be seen in 'Force 2' alongside Sonakshi Sinha in the lead role.
After playing a crucial role in the much-appreciated film, Rajathanthiram, Regina Cassandra was missing in action in Ktown. Now, the actress has signed a spate of Tamil films and is excited to make her mark in the industry. Speaking to DC about her role in Nenjam Marapathillai, she says, I play a Christian girl who is a nanny as well. What happens after I come into the house forms a part of the story. I am eager to see the reaction of all the women who come out after seeing the film. The response that we got for the first look poster with SJ Suryah as a rockstar, is just like we had expected.

Very few actresses get the opportunity to star in Selvaraghavans movies. Being in his movie is like going to school for every actor, because you learn so much that you didnt even realise you had the potential to do. I went into it with an open mind and I learnt a lot, adds Regina.

Talking about her co-stars, the actress quips, SJ Suryah is a talented actor, and of late the films that he has chosen have justified his creativity. He has done an amazing job and he is going to walk away with all the praise when the film releases.

Meanwhile, Regina also confirmed that she is one of the female leads in director Ezhils upcoming film which also stars Udhayanidhi and Srusti Dange. This untitled flick is an out-and-out commercial film and I am looking forward to work with director Ezhil. I wont be able to disclose anything about my character right now. I will join the sets sometime in September or October after completing my present commitments in Tamil and Telugu, she signs off.
Playing a cop is not new to Ganesh Venkatraman  but hes been offered only supporting roles in all his police avatars so far! But this time around, he has signed a film  Inayathalam (Website) as the lead protagonist and essays an investigating officer. The movie is directed by the duo Shankar-Suresh.

Talking to DC, Ganesh says, The title itself to some extent reveals the genre. Inayathalam is a cyber crime thriller and it talks about how the police department battles to locate online criminals. I portray a special investigating officer and come to thrash a major network to expose the criminals.

Although Suresh is an IT specialist in real life and has done extensive research on the subject, the Unnaipol Oruvan actor says that he also did his bit of homework. I have a few friends in cyber crime department and I spent time with them to know more about how they handle and deal such cases, he quips. Technically speaking, the climax will remind the audience of the famous Hollywood film Speed, he adds.

While Shwetha Menon (who also will be seen as a cop) is paired with him, Erode Mahesh, veteran actress Sukanya and Delhi Ganesh are also part of the movie in crucial characters. Ganesh is also looking forward to Dhanush starrer Thodari, in which he plays a significant portrayal.
Humans may go oblivious to history, but time doesnt. The jewel of a movie Swayamvaram of Adoor Gopalakrishnan appeared on the Malayalam screen, redefining the languages conventional codes of filmmaking in the seventies. And the auteur has been here for half-of-a-century, counting the days and years from his maiden film  the 1965 short film A Great Day. How can the connoisseurs of good cinema sit back at this coveted fete? The event Adoor@50- Adoor @75 celebrates his golden jubilee in cinema and his 75th birthday in the capital city on August 17, the first day of Chingam.

An unostentatious event, as its organisers would like to call it, the fete will have a get-together at Ganesham open air theatre where the cast of Adoors first and latest movie will come on stage and honour the master of avant-garde. KPAC Lalitha and Sharada who acted in Swayamvaram, together with Dileep and Kavya Madhavan from Pinneyum have confirmed their attendance.

The function is minimal in every aspect. Other than the actors, one representative each from film, film society movement and literature would grace the event for which, Girish Kasaravalli, K.R. Mohanan and Perumbadavom Sreedharan are invited. An on-stage live interview with Adoor is another programme we have arranged for the day, says Soorya Krishnamoorthy, a member of the organising committee of the event. Pinneyum would hit the marquee on August 18, the very next day of the fete.

Marking his 50 years of cinema, his six selected movies will tour the state from August 13 to 16 with screenings in all 14 districts. The tour is curated by Federation of Film Societies. Images/Reflections, Kasaravallis documentary on Adoor, is also there in the folio of films. Entry to the event is limited to an audience numbering 500 by issuing passes on a first come, first serve basis.
Its final. Kajal Aggarwal has been chosen to play the lead role opposite Chiranjeevi in his much-hyped comeback vehicle Kathilantodu. Kajal will be seen romancing Chiranjeevi in the film, the shooting of which started some time ago. The actress signed the agreement on Saturday and according to sources, will receive a good remuneration for her role. Sources also add that Kajal will start shooting for the film from the third week of August. Before Kajal was finalised, actresses such as Anushka Shetty and Nayantara were touted to star in the film, however, they couldnt take it up as they were busy with other projects.

After joining politics, Chiranjeevi had taken a long break from films, so he is cashing on this project as his way back in Tollywood. The actor chose to make a comeback with the remake of the Tamil blockbuster Katchi and the film will be directed by V.V. Vinayak. Interestingly, Kajal will be seen in a special song opposite Jr NTR in Janata Garage and has also signed a film opposite Rana Daggubati that will be directed by Teja Manju. It seems like we will be seeing a lot more of Kajal in Twood now.
We travelled in a group of seven girls piled into two 70s Peugeots through Iran. There has been no real development in the country for the past 40 years, giving the country a quaint 1970s feel.

Shiraz was the first destination, though there was nothing spectacular about the city. There was much more to see in our second destination, Yazd.

There is a large Parsi population there, and a few historical sights. We went to the first fire temple in the world, located in Yazd. The food was very fresh, with lots of meat and saffron pulao. I would definitely recommend the beri pulao and the kebabs which arent as spicy and oily as ours. I also fell in love with the dried mulberries that they served. The Iranian are experts of drying and preserving food.

The people of Iran are warm and receptive, and are always ready to have a good time. But it is compulsory for everyone, even visitors, to dress according to local customs. Women have to wear a head scarf and long black robes or coats. Even if you were in a restaurant and your head scarf came off, they would tap you on the shoulder and tell you to cover your head.

After Yazd, we went to Isfahan, a historic and beautiful city. I loved the romantic, old architecture, and there were lots of little rivers that ran through the city with old charming pedestrian bridges across them. There were lots of quaint carpet shops all over Iran, where you can pick up a rug of your own. It is not a place to go clothes shopping, though. Lastly, we went to Tehran, where to the north stood gorgeous snow-capped mountains, but otherwise, Tehran was all hustle and bustle, a lot like Mumbai. In all, it was a memorable experience. Iran is definitely a place I will visit in the future.

 as told to Neel Bhasker
He is literally taking the plunge in to what he loves the most  taking breathtaking underwater videos. Bengaluru boy Bhushan Bagadia, an underwater videographer shot a music video for Randolph Correia and to his surprise VH1 picked it up to play this month on their television channel every hour. And thats not all. He is now shooting for his first feature film as a cinematographer.

Its Kanika Batras film titled Project Papa about a father and daughter and is currently being shot in Bengaluru. We have finished 28 days of shoot already, says Bhushan.

A film-making student from the New York Film Academy and the NYC School of Visual Arts who trained and worked with an underwater film production house called Liquid Media in Koh Tao shares his story.

VH1 was going to launch Randolphs first EP as FUNC called BEAST. When he told them about this video he was working on with me, they decided to wait until it was done, as the idea was exciting. I shoot a lot of underwater marine life, but through all my diving and shooting Ive always liked shooting people underwater. Its an intriguing juxtaposition when you show a person doing something as comfortably underwater that they would do on land. Since I came back to Bengaluru from Thailand, Ive shot a variety of concepts underwater.

When one thinks of underwater videos the most common thing that comes to mind is the marine life videos or diver videos. So whats unique about his underwater videos, we question the ace videographer and he states, The unique thing about this video is that it has none of that, but it has a bit of the world on land as we know it with the only difference being that the water engulfs the artist instead of air. The idea for underwater videos comes from the love of shooting people underwater. This video was a product of one such shoot. I was shooting Randolph for Contraband for their digital campaign and while shooting, we randomly shot a bit of video. It was so good that we shot more for another two days and had some great content for a music video.

Recalling a fun incident, Bhushan adds, Every time I shoot a concept underwater, there had been some damage done. When I shot Randolph for this video, he had to sacrifice his old electric guitar, when I shot Ricky Kej for my photo series Suspended Passion, we sacrificed two old mixers, an old laptop and some other stuff, but we didnt throw those things away, but kept them as props for the next shoot. Its interesting to note how different people behave underwater.

Talking about the challenges, he admits, One of the challenges got us to try something that later became an advantage. We were shooting in a swimming pool in Mumbai. The only two days we had scheduled for this after great difficulty due to Randolph and my schedules, got rained out and the sun decided to hide. We were about to cancel the shoot when I remembered I had an underwater video light. The light worked so well that we shot for the next four hours and the video today was made with that night footage.
New Delhi: Iconic Hindi writer Munshi Premchand has been honoured with a Google doodle on his 136th birth anniversary.

The doodle is inspired from Premchand's last and most popular novel, 'Godaan', which he penned in 1936. It shows the 'Upanyas Samrat' bringing his signature working-class characters to life.

"Today's homepage celebrates a man who filled many pages (of a different kind) with words that would forever change India's literary landscape," said the search engine.

Born as Dhanpat Rai in a small village near Varanasi in 1880, the renowned author produced more than a dozen novels, 250 short stories, and a number of essays, many under the pen name Premchand.

While he began writing under the pen name of Nawab Rai, he subsequently switched to Premchand.

The illustration by Google is a "tribute to the multitude of important stories he told."

Premchand's works were believed to be a reflection of the reality in society and represented, even though as fictional stories, the problems of the poor and the urban middle-class.

He had a rationalist approach towards religion, and used his storytelling to create awareness among the public about national and social issues.

"Although much of it was fiction, Premchand's writing often incorporated realistic settings and events, a style he pioneered within Hindi literature," Google said.

The writer's later works are believed to have been largely influenced by Mahatma, brought to light some of the most prominent problems faced by the country at the time.

According to the search engine, "It wasn't until later in life that Premchand really focused on his writing. He was a teacher for many years until he joined the non-cooperation movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in the 1920s."

Topics like corruption, child widowhood, prostitution, feudal system, poverty, colonialism and India's struggle for freedom were recurrent in his writings.

Among his most popular works are Premashram (1922), Nirmala (1925), (Karmabhumi, 1931), Rangabhumi (1924) and Kafan which he penned the same year as Godaan.
Three of the those held who belonged to Bawariya gang have been identified by the victims. (Representational image)

Bulandshahr/New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday claimed to have held three of the accused involved in the brutal gangrape of a woman and her teenage daughter by bandits on gunpoint on Friday night after dragging the family out of a car near here, even as the Samajwadi Party government came under intense flak over the incident.

Uttar Pradesh DGP Javeed Ahmed, who was rushed to Bulandshahr by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav after the incident at village Dostpur here on Delhi-Kanpur highway came into limelight, identified the three detained as Naresh, 25, Bablu, 22, and Rais, 28.

The incident took place on Friday night when a 35-year-old woman and her 14-year-old daughter were allegedly gang-raped by a group of robbers in Bulandshahr district.

The victims were on their way from Noida to Shahjahanpur with other family members when their vehicle was stopped near a cycle repairing shop in Dostpur village on NH-9, which connects Noida and Bulandshahr.

He said police had taken into custody 15 persons, all of them belonging to a nomadic tribe, on Saturday evening and interrogated them. Three of the those held who belonged to Bawariya gang have been identified by the victims and all the culprits would be booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), he said.

In wake of the incident, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had directed the station heads related to the incident to be suspended. As per sources, Bulandshahr's SSP, CO and Inspector have been suspended.

DGP Javeed Ahmed said there were three women at the spot, adding one among them was an elderly woman.

UP gangrape: Jungle Raj in UP, cries Opposition

Taking cognisance of the brutal gangrape of a woman and her teenage daughter by bandits on gunpoint on Friday night, the National Commission for Women said it has sent a member to meet the victims and officials in Uttar Pradesh but added that it finds little cooperation from the state administration in such cases.

NCW chief Lalitha Kumaramangalam also questioned the genuineness of the detentions made by police in the case. Opposition parties alleged that the barbaric incident showed that goonda raj was at its peak in the state where Assembly elections were due in early 2017.

BJP criticised the state government for laying expressways and highways without caring for the safety and security of the users, while BSP said such heinous crimes indicated towards deteriorating law and order situation and jungle raj in the state.

Hitting out at the Akhilesh Yadav government, Union minister Mahesh Sharma said, When will this end? It shows that the state government has collapsed on every front. They cannot save the honour of a daughter. It is shameful and they should step down.

The SP government and its head must tell the people if they can return the modesty of women in such a painful and henious crime, BSP chief Mayawati said.
The student Aman Patel has been arrested along with his friends Pawan Kumar and Anurag Sharma who formed a gang to steal. (Representational image)

Lucknow: A 20-year-old student in a college in Bareilly district has been arrested along with his friends for stealing mobile phones, purses and a bike. He said he had taken to theft because he needed money for his girlfriends abortion.

The student Aman Patel has been arrested along with his friends Pawan Kumar and Anurag Sharma who formed a gang to steal. According to SP city Sameer Saurabh, an FIR was lodged a few days ago regarding the theft of a bike.

The victim informed us that he had seen a youth driving his bike near Lal Fatak area. We arrested Pawan Kumar from the locality along with the bike and during interrogation, he revealed the names of his friends. Aman Patel and Anurag Sharma were arrested later, the police official said here.

When asked why he committed the crime, Patel confessed that his girlfriend was pregnant and he wanted money to help her get an abortion done, the police official further added.
The undertrial was being taken to a Narwana court from Delhi for a hearing in a murder case registered against him. (Photo: Representational Image)

New Delhi: An undertrial, being taken from Tihar jail to a court in Haryana's Jind district in a roadways bus, on Saturday escaped after a group of unidentified youths sprayed chili powder in the eyes of policemen escorting him near Bahadurgarh.

"The incident took place at 6 am. Around a dozen youths travelling in two cars intercepted the bus near Parle-G factory on NH-10. With the help of four youths travelling in the bus, they sprayed chili powder in the eyes of the policemen escorting the 27-year-old prisoner, Jitender alias Gogi, and escaped with him.

"They also took away a sub-machine gun belonging to one of the police personnel," DCP of the Third Battalion of Delhi Armed Police, Ashok Malik, said.

The police party, which was caught off guard, however, later retaliated and engaged in a brief exchange of fire with the youths. One of the bullets fired by the policemen hit the rear window pane of one of the two cars, he said.

The undertrial was being taken to a Narwana court from Delhi for a hearing in a murder case registered against him.

Jitender, a resident of outer Delhi 's Alipur village, has several criminal cases, including that of loot and murder, registered against him in Delhi and Haryana.

Police had earlier announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for anyone providing information leading to his arrest.

Police said he was engaged in a gang war with Tillu Rajpuria from the same village.
Sikh community, has also jumped into the fray to stake claim over the precious gem. (Photo: AFP)

New Delhi: India will make all-out efforts to get back the famed 106-carat Kohinoor despite the British governments recent statement that there is no legal ground for restitution of the diamond.

With an estimated value of over Rs 200 million, Kohinoor was transferred to the treasury of the British East India Company in Lahore after the subjugation of Punjab in 1849 by the British forces, which had confiscated the properties of the Sikh Empire.

The government is considering both diplomatic as well as legal channels. If India is able to get back the diamond through diplomatic efforts, then it would not go for the legal channel. But if that does not fructify, then the government will explore legal option, a government source said.

The move comes against the backdrop of the UK minister of Asia and Pacific affairs Alok Sharma indicating that Kohinoor could probably never find its way to India. As far as this issue is concerned, there is no legal ground for restitution, he had said during his visit here last week.

Shiromani Gurdwara Prabankdhak Committee (SGPC), which represents the Sikh community, has also jumped into the fray to stake claim over the precious gem.

Kohinoor case is in apex court

India will make all-out efforts to get back the famed 106-carat Kohinoor even as SGPC chief secretary Harcharan Singh has urged the Centre to take up the matter with British government and demand its return to the Sikh community.

Punjab Cabinet minister Daljit Singh Cheema has also said the state has the legitimate right over the diamond and claimed that it was taken away in a deceitful manner by the British from Maharaja Duleep Singh who was last Sikh ruler of Punjab.

As political pressure mounts on government to bring back the diamond, which also is an emotive issue, culture minister Mahesh Sharma had a meeting with external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj recently where it was reportedly decided that India would approach Britain next month on the issue of bringing it back.

The SC is hearing a case seeking Kohinoors return and the meeting had also deliberated on stand to be taken by the government before the apex court.
Water cascades down Bogatha waterfall, also called Telanganas Niagara, at Cheekupally, Khammam district, 270 km from Hyderabad. The waterfall is said to be the second highest in the state. The new bridge at Eturnagaram on NH 202 has made reaching the place easier, but there are virtually no amenities for tourists. (Photo: GANDHI)

Hyderabad: Inflows into the Krishna river-based projects in TS and AP are less than the average for July. What little water has flown into the projects, however, has eased the drinking water problem in the two states. The good news is that the water level is expected to increase in August and September.

The Almatti and Narayanapur dams in Karnataka and the Jurala project in Telangana are full, and water is being diverted to canals before being released downstream.

Inflows into the Tungabhadra dam in Karnataka, however, continue to be discouraging. The dam is receiving about 7,000 cusecs, which is being diverted to the canals. The 100-tmc ft dam has 40 tmc ft of water. Usually, the Tungabhadra is in spate in July, and the surplus water reaches Srisailam, which has not happened this year.

Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar can together hold 550 tmc ft but currently have 150 tmc ft which is below the dead storage level. Srisailam has received almost 40 tmc ft, mainly from the Krishna river.

Following requests from the two states to meet drinking water needs, 10 tmc ft of water is being released from Srisailam to Nagarjunasagar. This has caused not a little heartburn among Rayalaseema farmers who depend on the KC Canal, Telugu Ganga, Srisailam Right Branch Canal and Handri-Neeva projects, as their wait for water has become longer.

Unless the level at Srisailam dam reaches 854 ft against the full reservoir level of 885 ft. water cannot be diverted to Rayalaseema through the Pothireddypadu head regulator and lift schemes.

This apart, farmers in the 25 lakh acres that the Nagarjunasagar irrigates in two Telangana state and three AP districts, are still waiting for water.

Any supply to raise crops is possible only after we receive sufficient inflows and storage improves at the two dams. Given the current water levels and inflows, we will have to wait further, Telangana state engineer-in-chief C. Muralidhar told this newspaper. If not for the Khariff, we may think about (releasing water for) late Kharif or early Rabi.

The Prakasam barrage is receiving Godavari waters through the Pattiseema lift scheme but will have to depend on releases from Nagarjunasagar after transplantation of paddy is completed in another 15 days.

Pattiseema will divert a maximum of 8,000 cusecs but requirement for crops will increase after August 15, which needs to be supplemented from Nagarj-unasagar, a senior engineering official from AP said.

Nagarjunasagar, the principal supplier to AP and Telangana including drin-king water to Hyderabad, had water at 504 ft on Sunday, which is six feet below the minimum draw down level of 510 ft.
Hyderabad: The demand for a Rohith Act to end discrimination against students from marginalised communities in educational institutions was raised on Sunday by student leaders from universities at an event conducted by the All India Thematic Social Forum. The BJP and the RSS came under heavy criticism from all student leaders.

Mr Kanhaiya Kumar, JNU Students Union president, who was arrested on charges of sedition earlier this year, said that while some youths were busy playing Candy Crush, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was playing democracy crush.

He said that the country does not need bhakti or Modi bhakts and called Mr Donald Trump, the US Republican Presidential candidate, an English speaking Modi.

Mr Khushnawaz Rashid, a Kashmiri student at Maulana Azad National Urdu University, said that when she was expelled for holding protests she too felt like committing suicide like Rohith Vemula. Ms Radhika Vemula inaugurated the event and blamed UoH V-C Prof Appa Rao Podile for her son's death.

Mr Kanhaiya Kumar and other students later paid tributes at the Rohith Vemula statue on the UoH campus. Pictures of the event went online and a section of students protested his entry. The UoH had prohibited entry of outsiders in March. When contacted, pro-vice chancellor Prof. Vipin Srivastava said the varsity would inquire into how they had entered the campus.
Telangana discoms expect another 1,500 MW power to be added on by March next. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: As much as 728 MW of solar energy has been synchronised with the grid in Telangana state, surpassing 5 per cent target given by the Centre. This is more than 10 per cent of the 7,000 MW peak demand recorded in the state this fiscal so far.

Telangana discoms expect another 1,500 MW power to be added on by March next. The state purchases solar power at Rs 5.17 per unit on an average. Power from thermal plants costs about Rs 4.70 per unit.

TS southern discom chairman Dr G. Raghuma Reddy said solar power used to cost Rs 18 per unit six years back, and is expected to come further down as cost-effective solar panels become available, and because of competitive bidding.

"TS Discoms have signed PPAs with private producers for setting up 3,814 MW solar plants of which 728 MW has been sycnhronised. The target is 5,000 MW of solar power in two years," he said.

Solar energy is not the base load. It is available only when the sun shines. Due to the rain and cloudy weather over the past few days, solar energy generation fell to 15 MW on Saturday.

Neither solar, wind nor hydel power are base loads as their generation can go down any time. Keeping this in view, we purchase adequate thermal power to cover the loss of renewable energy generation. When solar, wind and hydel generations peak, the generation at TSgenco thermal plants is backed down," said TSGenco chairman and managing director D. Prabhakar Rao.

It is mandatory for every state to generate 5 per cent of its needs from clean energy to avail electricity from Central generating stations and other benefits from the Centre.
Rescue workers stand on the debris at the site of building collapse. (Photo: PTI)

Thane: At least five persons were killed and ten others injured when a building collapsed in the powerloom town of Bhiwandi on Sunday morning amid heavy rains.

The two-storey structure at Gaibi Nagar under Shanti Nagar police station limits in the town crashed at around 9.30 am, Bhiwandi tehsildar Vaishali Lambate said.

About 7-8 families were residing in the building.

Firemen and policemen rushed to the site. It was not known immediately known if people were still trapped in the debris, police said.

People pick up a damaged motorcycle from the debris at the site of building collapse in Bhiwandi (Photo: PTI)

A spokesman of Thane district disaster cell said that at least five persons were killed and ten others injured, including one seriously, in the building collapse.

Nine of the injured were rushed to Thane Civil Hospital where they were being treated for their injuries, he said, adding that one person has been admitted to a hospital in Bhiwandi.

District Collector Dr Mahendra Kalyankar rushed to the site to supervise the relief and rescue operation.

Heavy rains were affecting the rescue operation, officials said.

It was yet to be ascertained whether the structure was in the list of dangerous buildings, sources said.

Following the heavy rainfall since early this morning, many low lying areas were waterlogged in Thane city and surrounding areas.

Thane Municipal Commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal, after visiting the disaster control cell, issued a warning to residents of the city not to step out of their houses unless it was absolutely essential.
New Delhi: Yet another Aam Aadmi Party lawmaker was arrested by the Delhi Police on Saturday night.

According to reports, Sharad Chauhan, a lawmaker from Narela, has been arrested in the suicide case of AAP worker Soni. 7 others have also been arrested alongwith the AAP MLA.

Soni had committed suicide on July 19, alleging that she was urged by fellow party worker Ramesh Bhardwaj to "make compromises with her body" to "rise in the party".

"Ramesh Bharadwaj forced me to take this extreme step. I do not wish to live any further," she had said in a video statement.

Following the arrest, AAP leader Ashutosh hit out at the Modi government at the Centre.

Another AAP MLA arrested.Has Modi gone mad?Has he lost his mental balance? If PM acts with such anger/vengeance then is country safe!  ashutosh (@ashutosh83B) July 31, 2016

Delhi govt dojng great job. Yesterday 16 lacs parents of govt schools 1st time came for PTM.Instead of appreciating he is putting in jail.  ashutosh (@ashutosh83B) July 31, 2016
Srinagar: Amid the unrest in the Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said violence cannot resolve any issue and dialogue is the only way forward.

She also said there was an "issue in the minds" of the people and it needs to be addressed.

Mehbooba, in an interview to a private TV news channel, said: "Many forces have come together to vitiate atmosphere, send children to various areas to create trouble."

"Mufti (Mohammad Sayeed) used to say bullets and grenades cannot solve issues. Gun has not changed anything. There is no way out other than dialogue," Mehbooba said.

Referring to the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir Valley, she said everyone should "feel the pain" of the future generation. "Those who have other ideology should also feel the pain of the younger generation getting affected. What do you want to achieve by this (violence)? What Azadi (freedom), what Pakistan or what India," she said.

Mehbooba said the security forces have been able to contain the situation but there was an issue in the minds of the people which needs to be addressed.

"We brought in security forces and they contained the situation. But there is an issue which is in the minds. It has to be addressed," she added.

The Chief Minister also spoke about destruction of public property during the clashes after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Bhurhan Wani on July 8 saying it was a setback to development process.

"Why attack police stations, court and other buildings. We will have to rebuild them later," she said.
Bengaluru: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday expressed confidence over getting the long-pending the Goods and Services Tax bill passed in parliament.

"We are getting constitution amended for GST on which discussions have been on since long...since Congress' time. I am confident that we will do those amendments and pass the GST," Mr Singh said.

"Due to lot of structural and procedural changes that we have brought in and due to foreign direct investments, also by integrating certain new things to our economic system we can proudly say that India is today the fastest growing economy in the world," he said, addressing 'Karnataka Raju Kshatriya Samavesha' function.

The proposed GST will subsume most of the indirect taxes. Government has listed the Constitutional Amendment Bill for introduction of GST in the Rajya Sabha for consideration and passage next week.

Praising the administration of Maharaja Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara empire, who ruled between 1509-1530, Singh said during his rule the great king had brought in some structural and procedural reforms, like the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is trying to bring in today.

He said Krishnadevaraya for the first time eliminated several old and outdated laws and replaced them with new ones, keeping the welfare of the people in mind.

Highlighting the prosperity of the Vijayanagara Empire, Singh said "For the progress of India there is need for foreign direct investment, you will be surprised that even during Maharaja Krishnadevaraya's reign, foreigners used to come and invest here. That's the reason why his empire was prosperous."

"If you see now, our government also in the same way during the year 2015-16 has got our country USD 52 billion foreign direct investments.."

"Our government has eliminated as many as 1200 old laws in two years and we will replace them with new ones," he added.
New Delhi: Congress on Sunday attacked Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar over his jibe against actor Aamir Khan, accusing BJP and RSS of "concerted conspiracy" to hound Dalits, minorities, writers, actors and whoever dissents against the Narendra Modi government.

"Shameful that @manoharparrikar threatens 'teaching a lesson' to 'actors', instead of training his guns elsewhere," Congress spokesperson Randeep S Surjewala said.

He said it was a "shocking revelation" by Parrikar and showed that BJP and RSS supporters actively disrupted and sabotaged an online trading company on Aamir Khan issue.

"Scandalous," he tweeted questioning whether Parrikar's job is to protect India from external aggressors like Pakistan or threaten fellow countrymen.

"@manoharparrikar's statement proves a concerted conspiracy to curb all dissent, hound Dalits & Minorities. Can this be the 'Raj Dharma'?," he tweeted.

Later in a statement to the media, he alleged that Parrikar has "unknowingly" exposed the conspiracy through which BJP people targeted the online company, booked orders and cancelled in pursuance of a conspiracy to ensure that Aamir Khan was removed as its brand ambassador.

He said the incident "now established that there is a concerted conspiracy against poor, the dalits, the minorities, artists, actors and anybody who dissents against Modi government".

Parrikar had reportedly yesterday said anyone speaking against the country must be "taught a lesson" and had referred to alleged anti-national sloganeering at JNU earlier this year and remarks by an "actor" who "had said that his wife wants to live out of India".

Khan had late last year spoken about a "sense of insecurity" resulting from increasing intolerance in the country, and mentioned his wife Kiran Rao's apprehensions about the future of their child in India.

According to Parrikar, when the actor made the statement last year, many people had protested against his remark and even uninstalled the mobile application of an online shopping site he was associated with, while the firm had also pulled out the advertisement featuring him.
Mysuru: Rakesh Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs elder son, known in his fathers inner circle as Chikka Sahebru, who was undergoing treatment for acute pancreatitis at Antwerp University Hospital, Brussels, breathed his last following multiple-organ failure on Saturday.

Rakesh, who turned 39 last week, in Brussels for a holiday after visiting his son in Germany, was rushed to a local hospitals intensive care unit when he complained of acute stomach pain.

Mr Siddaramaiah, wife Parvathi, Rakeshs wife Smitha and younger brother Dr Yathindra, rushed to Brussels earlier this week on hearing about Rakeshs hospitalisation. Rakesh, who tried his hand at acting in Kannada movies, was projected as the political heir of Mr Siddaramaiah, and fondly referred to as Chikka Sahebru as he worked for his fathers victories in Assembly elections beginning 2004.

He took care of problems in Varuna, his fathers constituency, and worked for the success of candidates in recent local body elections in Mysuru district. A science graduate like his father, Rakesh was emotionally attached to Mr Siddaramaiah His younger sibling is a doctor. Rakeshs last public comments were telecast by a local television channel while he was celebrating his birthday. I will enter politics only after my father retires from politics. I will never sully the image of father, he told the channel.

The CMs office said Rakeshs body would be flown to Mysuru Sunday evening, and laid to rest at Mr Siddaramaiahs farm house at T. Katur village on Monday afternoon.

A BSc graduate from Vijaya College, Rakesh took the political plunge during the 2003-2004 legislative assembly elections and worked for his father's victory. He was also instrumental in Mr Siddaramaiahs victory in 2006 Assembly by-elections from Chamundeswari constituency, in 2008 assembly elections from Varuna Constituency, and in the 2013 elections," Mr Seetharam, a close friend of Mr Siddaramaiah said.

"Rakesh was a simple plain man, without ego, he was secular and treated everyone equally. He was innocent at heart and did not know what cheating was. He was very affectionate of party workers and people from Mysuru district especially, said district Congress president B.J. Vijaykumar.

Condolences

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who reportedly directed the Indian mission at Brussels to help the Chief Ministers family, tweeted: My thoughts are with Siddaramaiahji and his family on the demise of his son.

May God give the family the strength to bear the irreparable loss." Congress president Sonia Gandhi called up Mr Siddaramaiah to console him, while party vice president Rahul Gandhi tweeted: My heartfelt condolences to Siddaramaiahji on the passing away of his son. My thoughts &prayers are with his family in this time of grief.

Janata Dal (S) patriarch, H.D. Deve Gowda, Mr Siddaramaiah's cabinet colleagues and opposition leaders condoled the sudden demise of Rakesh.
The Kashmir Valley has been boiling with protests over the death of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. (Photo: HU Naqash/ DC)

Srinagar: An organisation styling itself Sangbaaz Association Jammu and Kashmir, Azad Kashmir has issued a chilling warning to girls in the Valley: do not dare to drive a scooty.

According to a report in dna, this 'stone-pelters' association in Kashmir has put up posters in Lal Chowk, threatening to immolate girls if they ride a Scooty (to mean two-wheelers) in the Valley. "We request all girls, please do not use Scooty. If we see a girl riding Scooty, we will burn the Scooty as well as the girl (sic)", reads the posters, using a mix of English and Urdu.

Posters of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) also have surfaced in south Kashmir. They ask people to continue agitation till freedom and urge women not to venture out of their homes, and government employees not to go to work.

The stone-throwers association has also named some shopkeepers and banks and asked them to shut down immediately or face consequences. They have also ordered mosques to sing songs of freedom and jihad and to offer prayers, says the report.

The Jammu and Kashmir police have gone into an overdrive to track down the people behind the posters.

The Kashmir Valley has been boiling with protests over the death of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. After 17 days, curfew was relaxed but had to be reimposed soon after due to fresh incidents of violence.
Kharagpur: Faced with budgetary cuts from the central government, IIT Kharagpur has found a new way to raise funds through a "Learn-Earn-Return Fund" scheme, where students will get a fee waiver if they pledge to donate money after getting a job.

Launched from this new academic session, the scheme will help students to learn without burden and shape their career to earn and give back to their alma mater.

"We have asked the students to give a minimum of Rs 10,000 per year after they get jobs. Even if 30,000 of our alumni give the minimum amount then we will raise Rs 30 crore a year. If the alumni starts contributing then we will be able to build a new model. Even the Harvard University gets 60 per cent of its budget from alumni," IIT Kharagpur director Partha Pratim Chakrabarti said.

He said higher education in India is expensive and the government has to shell out Rs 6 lakh every student per year. Recently the government had increased the annual fees for undergraduate courses from existing Rs 90,000 to Rs 2 lakh, a rise of 122 per cent, from the upcoming academic session.

The budgetary allocation of IITs have already been slashed by the Ministry of Human Resource Development which has asked the premier institutes to raise funds on their own.

Under the new scheme, IIT Kharagpur will offer scholarships or fee waiver in a graded manner based on merit and economic background of the students. Full fee waiver shall be offered to students with exceptional academic record.

Also, newly admitted students within the top 100 ranks will get a chance to avail this facility. The funding of students may be floating i.e dependent on the performance of the students every semester, IIT officials said.

In order to be selected for this scheme, students will be required to take an Honour Pledge to give back in the "Lean-Earn-Return Fund" after establishing their career.

Students may also be asked to teach under the Peer Assisted Learning programme or opt as Research assistance at the Institute or other institutional work as intern.

The fund raised for this campaign will be partially channelized to support students and partially to build corpus to ensure self-sustainability of the scheme, officials said.

Chakrabarti said they have already started the campaign with the alumni who are responding positively.
Srinagar: Abu Dojana, the topmost Lashkar-e-Tayyaba commander, appeared at a huge rally at Kareemabad in Jammu and Kashmirs southern district of Pulwama, held on Sunday to pay homage to militants slain in encounters with security forces.

He was accompanied by few other militants, some of them wearing bandanas but they werent carrying weapons, said an eyewitness. The rally was addressed to by a host of political activists, religious and social leaders. Abu Dojana also desired to speak on the occasion but was politely refused permission by the organizers, reports from Pulwama said.

One conservative estimate put the number of the participants of the rally around 50,000. The families of several slain militants also attended. Some of the top Hizb-ul-Mujahedin militants including Naseer Ahmed Pandit, Bilal Ahmed Bhat, Afaq Janbaz and Abdur Rashid Bhat were from Kareemabad.

The crowd was responsive and kept hysterically yelling pro-azadi slogans. Many were carrying Pakistans national flag and that of LeT besides green Islamic and (Syed Ali Shah Geelani-led) Tehrik-e-Hurriyat flags, a video of the rally shows. The locals served the participants of the rally food and beverages, witnessed said.

Abu Dojana, believed to be a Pakistani national, is a most wanted LeT commander, who escaped through the security forces dragnet during three counter-insurgency operations launched in south Kashmir recently. He is wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the August 5, 2015 ambush on a BSF convoy near the garrison town of Udhampur in which two troopers were killed and some other terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

One of his close associates Abu Okasha alias Abu Hanzla, a resident of Bahawalpur area of Pakistans Punjab province, was accidently captured by the members of J&K polices counterinsurgency Special Operations Group (SOG) when he was unassumingly walking down a street in Sogam township of frontier Kupwara district in the third week of June this year and was stopped by them for routine checking.

As during his frisking, they found a hand-grenade and  38,000 in Indian currency in his possession, he was removed to a makeshift interrogation centre where the cops were thrilled to know that he was Abu Okasha.

Kareemabad is about 4 kilometres from Pulwama town and Sundays rally had been organised by the area auquaf committee beside the local Mazaar-e-Shohda or martyrs cemetery. The security forces had sealed Pulwama town but people used diversions to reach Kareemabad. Also, those from neighbouring villages travelled to the venue on foot or in cars, trucks and on motorbikes, reports said. Asked why the authorities didnt stop the rally, a senior police officer told this newspaper any such attempt could have created a major law and order problem.
Cyberabad East police commissioner Mahesh Bhagawat said minors who are now caught driving or who are under the effect of alcohol are more likely to be convicted as enough evidence is being collected against them. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: The TS Government is looking at options to have a Do not drink and drive warning on each liquor bottle.

The excise department is also preparing proposals to make it mandatory for all bars to procure breathalysers and check customers before they exit premises.

The plans were announced by excise commissioner Dr R.V. Chandravadan, who was speaking at a conference organised by the Cyberabad Police drunken driving.

Cyberabad East police commissioner Mahesh Bhagawat said minors who are now caught driving or who are under the effect of alcohol are more likely to be convicted as enough evidence is being collected against them. He said future job prospects could also be hurt by a conviction.

Mr Chandravadan added that said holding the excise department responsible for drinking and driving was not fair and said that the department was responsible for a slew of new programmes as part of Mission Smart ride.

According to the officials, the proposals to make it mandatory for bars, pubs, hotels and resorts to procure breathalysers are in process.

Managements can then identify a drunk motorist and arrange transport facilities for them to reach home. Very soon, an app with guidelines on drunk driving will be released by the department, he said.

Mr Bhagawat added that owners of the vehicles who allow minors to drive them will also be booked. In fact, they will be charged with abetment of the crime  which attracts a Rs 1000 fine and at least a three-month sentence.

We will be using CCTV footage and other evidence while registering a case. It could hurt careers, he said.
Over 20 youths tried to commit suicide during the ongoing protests by Dalit community members against the thrashing of Dalit youths of Mota Samadhiyala village in Gir Somnath district on July 11, when they were skinning a dead cow. (Photo: PTI)

Ahmedabad: A man who had attempted suicide at Dhoraji in Rajkot during the statewide protests against thrashing of Dalits in Una, died at a government hospital here on Sunday, police said.

Yogesh Hirabhai Solanki (25) died after he was rushed to Ahmedabad civil hospital from Rajkot, where he was being treated. He had attempted suicide along with two others at Parabari village in Dhoraji taluka of Rajkot on July 19.

"He was rushed to Ahmedabad civil hospital from Rajkot after his condition deteriorated. He reached here last midnight but passed away soon after," police said.

Over 20 youths tried to commit suicide during the ongoing protests by Dalit community members against the thrashing of Dalit youths of Mota Samadhiyala village in Gir Somnath district on July 11, when they were skinning a dead cow.

The incident resulted in widespread agitation by Dalits following which several political leaders, including Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Aam Aadmi Party's national convener Arvind Kejriwal, had met the victims at their village and Rajkot hospital.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed the 22nd edition of Mann Ki Baat.

Today in Delhi, "Run for Rio" was organised. Similarly, we will organise many more programs to encourage our athletes. We extend out best wishes to the contingent which will be representing India at Rio, this year. Modi said.

Saying he was ready to be the postman of those who wished to extend wishes to the Indian athletes, Modi asked people to send their wishes on the Narendra Modi App.

Speaking about the death anniversary of APJ Abdul Kalam, the Prime Minister hailed him as a man of science and technology. Modi said that the future belongs to technology, which is ever changing. He called for the need to embrace newer and newer technology.

Modi expressed sadness over the loss of lives in floods in some parts of the country. Earlier we were worrying about drought situation, now where on one side we hear about monsoon, on other side, we hear about floods, Modi said.

He affirmed that the Centre was working closely with state governments to help flood-affected people.

Discouraging people from taking antibiotics without the doctors consent, Modi said that antibiotics only give temporary relief and therefore should not be had in excess. He instead called for precautionary measures against illnesses caused typically during the monsoon season.

The Prime Minister then addressed the problem of Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR). Concerned about health of pregnant women, the Govt has started Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, the PM said. He stated that though the MMR had declined over the past 10 years, pregnant women were still at risk of death.

He announced that free check-up will be given in government health centres to pregnant women on the 9th of every month.

Modi, who has been on several foreign tours in two years in office, said his recent visit to South Africa was a diplomatic one, he felt as if he was on a teerth yatra.

The Prime Minister praised the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela to the anti-apartheid struggle in the African country.

Finally, cautioning people against digital fraud, the PM asked citizens to be vigilant against SMSs promising huge profits on investments, which are sent out by conmen to make a quick buck.

In concluding remarks, Modi called on the citizens of the country to contribute ideas for his Independence Day address through the Narendra Modi App.
VISAKHAPATNAM/CHENNAI: In a surprise twist to the search for AN-32 aircraft, the transport carrier is being searched in the dense forests near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh after tribals in the area alerted officials of objects that looked the remains of a plane.

Forest guards began their search for the object in the forest areas of Sarugudu and Daddula villages in Nathavaram mandal of Vizag agency on Saturday, but they could not find any wreckage till late Saturday night.

Confirming the search, additional principal chief conservator of forests N. Pradeep Kumar said the Air Force Station at Suryalanka near Bapatla in Guntur district received a phone call about debris of an aircraft in Sarugudu forest area.

Based on the phone call, the Air Force Station passed the information to divisional forest officer of Narsipatnam, Sekhar Babu Geddam and requested him to launch search operations, officials said.
Parrikar said those who speak against the nation need to be taught a lesson by people of this country. (Photo: PTI)

Pune: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday took a jibe at Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan as he raked up his remark about leaving the country and described it as "arrogant".

"One actor had said that his wife wants to live out of India. It was an arrogant statement. If I am poor and my house is small, I will still love my house and always dream to make a bungalow out of it," he said, without naming Khan.

Parrikar was speaking in Pune after releasing the Marathi version journalist-author Nitin Gokhale's book on Siachen.

In November last year, the "PK" actor had joined the chorus against growing atmosphere of "intolerance", saying he was "alarmed" by the number of incidents with his wife Kiran Rao even suggesting that they leave the country.

"When I sit at home and talk to Kiran, she says 'Should we move out of India?' That's a disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make. She fears for her child. She fears about what the atmosphere around us will be. She feels scared to open the newspapers every day.

"That does indicate that there is this sense of growing disquiet, there is growing despondency apart from alarm. You feel why this is happening, you feel low. That sense does exist in me," Khan had said.

According to Parrikar, when the actor made the statement last year, many people had protested against his remark and even uninstalled the mobile application of an online shopping site he was associated with, while the firm had also pulled out the advertisement featuring him.

In an oblique reference to the alleged anti-national sloganeering at JNU earlier this year, Parrikar said those who speak against the nation need to be taught a lesson by people of this country.

"How come people get guts or courage to speak against the country?

"Such people who speak against the country need to be taught a lesson by the people of this country," he added.
Vijayawada: After hinting at reviewing ties with NDA over special status to Andhra Pradesh, TDP on Sunday softened its stand and sought for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appointment to implement the AP Reorganisation Act "in letter and spirit."

Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party (TDPP) held its emergency meeting on Sunday and demanded implementation of the Act, which led to the creation of Telangana state in 2014, "in letter and spirit".

Read: Chandrababu Naidu calls emergency meeting of MPs over AP special status

The party also decided to organise "Japanese-style" protests to build pressure on the Centre over the Act and special status issue, TDP President and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said, adding they were "life and death issues" for the state and its future.

"We have waited with hope for two years. If the Prime Minister can spare two hours, the problems can be solved," he said.

Addressing a press conference at the end of the TDPP meeting, Naidu once again targeted Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and also lashed out at the Centre for trying to "shirk" its responsibility over issues concerning Andhra Pradesh.

Read: Centre non-committal on special status for AP despite TDPs demand

"What is our mistake that you are doing such injustice to us (AP)? You have no authority to do injustice to us. We are part of India and we are paying every tax, contributing to your (enhanced) income," he said.

"The BJP that supported AP's bifurcation had much more responsibility (in implementing the Act and granting special status). It can't escape from it," he asserted.

"With all my political experience I am requesting. Our MPs will meet the Prime Minister and take up these issues and based on his response we will chalk out our future course of action," the TDP chief said.

Asked about the "Japanese-style" protests, Naidu said people should sport black badges and plant more trees, sweep roads clean, increase productivity.

They could go to Delhi and peacefully protest, he said. "Main objective is to enhance awareness among people. Political parties that are giving call for bandhs and dharnas should desist from such things. Destruction of public property is not a way," the Chief Minister said.

The TDP MPs would stage an act in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Parliament complex tomorrow, he said. "Call it a protest or expression of our anguish. Our MPs will try to draw the nation's attention to the injustice being done to AP," Naidu said.

Yesterday, the regional party had indicated that the emergency meet would decide whether or not to continue in the NDA government. However, in a late night announcement, Naidu said the party was continuing in the Modi government only to protect the state's interests.
Chairman and managing director D. Prabhakar Rao said TSGenco had explained the measures taken and rules followed to set up the thermal plant in the format given by the Union environment ministry. (Representational image)

Hyderabad: The TSGenco has sought environmental clearance for its 5x800 MW thermal power project at Damaracherla in Nalgonda district, popularly known as the Yadadri thermal power plant.

Chairman and managing director D. Prabhakar Rao said TSGenco had explained the measures taken and rules followed to set up the thermal plant in the format given by the Union environment ministry. We expect to get environmental clearance at the earliest as even the public hearing was conducted over a month ago, he said.

Activists of the Human Rights Forum have been opposing the proposed power plant, stating it would pollute a water body flowing in its vicinity. The HRF said there was no clarity on how the 15,000 tonnes of fly ash generated every day would be disposed of. The project-affected people have demanded government.
Agra: The Uttar Pradesh BJP has failed to achieve the target for gathering a crowd of 40,000 Dalits for the much-touted rally of party's national president Amit Shah in Agra on Sunday, forcing the party to cancel the event.

According to reports however, local BJP leaders claimed that the "inclement weather" has forced them to cancel the event. The rally was to coincide with the arrival of Dhamma Chetna Yatra led by the so-called "Modi's monks" in the city.

But sources quoted in the report said that the rally was cancelled because of the lacklustre response it received from the Dalit community and also the looming threat of protests against the chetna yatra

The Uttar Pradesh BJP, which was given the target of collecting 40,000 Dalits for the rally, failed to achieve this number. The fact that the BJP is using Buddhist monks for political purposes has not gone down well with Dalits in the state, said the report.

Also, the Yatra's route was changed on Friday night, from the earlier scheduled visits to Dalit colonies of Jagdishpura to some posh colonies in the city and a night halt at Ambedkar Bhawan was changed to a hotel owned by a BJP leader, causing further resentment among Dalits.

BL Verma, president of BJP Braj region, was quoted as saying that instead of Shah, state president Keshav Prasad Maurya and national general secretary Arun Singh will attend the function.

PM Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the yatra on August 14.
Bulandshahr: Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday claimed to have held three of the accused involved in the brutal gangrape of a woman and her teenage daughter by bandits on gunpoint on Friday night after dragging the family out of a car near here, even as the Samajwadi Party government came under intense flak over the incident.

According to reports, the gangrape took place barely 100 metres from a police post when the family from Noida was from travelling to Shahjahanpur on NH-91.

As the case acquired a political hue, the Chief Minister went into a fire-fighting mode and suspended SSP Bulandshahr Vaibhav Kishan, SP city Rammohan Singh , Circle Officer (Sadar) Himanshu Gaurav and SHO Ramsen Singh of Kotwali Dehat, amid allegations of laxity by police.

Read: Mother, daughter dragged from vehicle, gang-raped on NH-91

UP DGP Javeed Ahmed, who was rushed to Bulandshahr by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav after the incident at village Dostpur here on Delhi-Kanpur highway came into limelight, identified the three detained as Naresh (25), Bablu(22) and Rais (28).

He said police had taken into custody 15 persons, all of them belonging to a nomadic tribe, last evening and interrogated them.

Three of the those held who belonged to Bawariya gang have been identified by the victims and all the culprits would be booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), he said.

Read: 'Complete jungleraaj' in UP: Mayawati after Bulandshahr gangrape

The DGP accompanied by Principal Secretary (Home) visited the site of the incident on the direction of the CM.

The police chief, however, rubbished the charge that police did not act swiftly, saying they reached the spot within 20 minutes of getting information and SSP Vibhav Krishna also arrived there.

Taking cognisance of the case, the National Commission for Women said it has sent a member to meet the victims and officials in Uttar Pradesh but added that it finds little cooperation from the state administration in such cases.



NCW chief Lalitha Kumaramangalam also questioned the genuineness of the detentions made by police in the case.



Opposition parties alleged that the "barbaric" incident showed that "goonda raj" was at its peak in the state where Assembly elections were due in early 2017.

BJP criticised the state government for laying expressways and highways without caring for the safety and security of the users, while BSP said such heinous crimes indicated towards deteriorating law and order situation and 'jungle raj' in the state.

"The SP government and its head must tell the people if they can return the modesty of women in such a painful and henious crime," BSP Chief Mayawati said in a statement, adding comnon people, especially women, were not safe in present SP regime.
Thiruvananthapuram: With over three lakh students from India migrating to various parts of the world to pursue their higher education, Ukraine is keen on attracting Indian students as a destination for medicine and aviation engineering.

Students can choose their foreign universities based on their speciality subject available, global recognition and the value of certification.

Ukraine offers courses in medicine (six years), computer science (four years) nursing (four years), civil aviation (four years), engineering (four years), MBA and PhD (two or three years) ensuring international job prospects. Criteria for a student: Qualification for medicine is +2 with 50 % marks in physics, chemistry and biology and for engineering +2 with 50 % in physics, chemistry and mathematics.

Medical Students are required to take an eligibility certificate before going to Ukraine. To practice in India after their education, they have to pass an MCI screening test, and engineering students need to take AIU equalisation to apply for a government job in India, said Alex Thomas, director of Anix Education. Students looking for cost-effective education, and yet an international degree, can consider Ukrainian as a good destination.

While the fee for medical courses ranges between $ 3500 and $ 4300, engineering programs cost $ 2200 - $ 3000. Around 4000 to 5000 international students are studying in Ukraine. As many as 5000 Indian students have studied there in the last three years. Students can now apply through government authorised Anix Education 9442151525 or 9884830030 for the various courses.
Hyderabad: IT and industries minister K.T. Rama Rao has directed Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC) to regularly monitor both allotted and vacant plots in industrial parks.

Satellite imagery of the industrial parks should be captured and put online. Land under utilisation and vacant plots should be clearly indicated in the images." the minister said.

He also asked zonal managers to furnish plot wise details of the original allottee and the current owner. He told TSIIC to prepare a report on the violations noticed in the industrial parks.
Earlier in February, Saidapet police picked up Vellaiyammal for interrogation, following a complaint from her employer that her valuables were missing.

Chennai: In what appears to be a suicide attempt abetted by cops, a 55-year-old woman maid suspected in a house-theft incident reported in her employers residence in T Nagar attempted suicide on Saturday fearing that the custodial violence she faced about six months ago might recur.

On Saturday, the family took the victim, Vellaiyammal, resident of T. Nagar, from her daughters residence in Vyasarpadi to Saidapet police station in connection with a theft case, since the cops had come looking for her in T. Nagar, the previous day.

Vellaiyammal swooned when we were passing by Nungambakkam in an autorickshaw. We rushed her to the Kilpauk Medical College Hospital (KMCH) where she was being treated.

We think she was sure that the cops would beat her again, and would have wanted to save herself the trouble of getting into the police custody, her son-in-law Kirubakaran, told DC.

Earlier in February, Saidapet police picked up Vellaiyammal for interrogation, following a complaint from her employer that her valuables were missing.

The woman was reportedly beaten up by the cops in the custody to force her admit to the crime. She was sent home after the custodial interrogation, and she appeared battered and bruised. The family took her to a state-run hospital in Saidapet where the doctors suggested her to be moved to the Government Royapettah Hospital (GRH) considering the quantum of the injuries.

She was discharged after day-long treatment at GRH, and the treatment was followed up at private hospitals in T. Nagar. After that episode with the police, Vellaiyammal had stopped going to work. She was spending time with her childrens families.

On Friday, she got a call from her house-owner saying that the cops enquired about her in the neighbourhood. Subsequently, the family contacted the cops and told them that they would produce her for interrogation.
Hyderabad: Saddened by the sudden death of the head of the family, his wife and three children committed suicide by jumping in front of a running train at Ghatkesar on Friday night, cops said.

Satyanarayana, 53, who was working as in-charge divisional engineer in the housing department in Adilabad district, his wife Meerabai, 50, and children Swathi, 33, Neelima, 28, and Sivaramakrishna, 22, were going to Hyderabad in their car.

Satyanarayana developed a medical problem after having food at a hotel in Bhongir. When they took him to Bhongir government hospital he was declared dead.

Saddened at this, his family left his body in the car on the highway and jumped under a train.

Police recovered the hotel bill where they had food, a toll plaza ticket and the death certificate. Meerabai was a housewife. Swathi completed engineering. Neelima completed MTech and was working at Gachibowli, while Shiva had just passed engineering.

On Friday Satyanarayana started from Asifabad in his car. At Hanamkonda he picked up his wife and children. Midway, they stopped at Hotel Vivera and had food.

Later, Satyanarayana became ill and they rushed to Bhongir Government Hospital where he was declared dead.

In shock they drove towards Hyderabad, left the body in the car and jumped before a train, GRP inspector A. Anjaneyulu said.

Police saw a car on the highway in Aushapur and found Satyanarayana's body inside. Later, they found the bodies of four others on the rail track on the SecunderabadKazipet line.

A case of suspicious death was registered at Ghatkesar and at GRP Secunderabad regarding the death of the four others. The bodies were handed over to relatives after post-mortem.

Satyanarayana was a nice man: colleagues

Satyanarayana who was once suspended for irregularities, was posted at Adilabad since three years. His colleagues said that he used to treat his subordinates well.

Relatives said the family was isolated from their relatives. Satyanarayana and Meerabai were worried about their daughters marriage.

His colleagues said that despite ill health, he was always active. He never hesitated to spend for his colleagues, Mr Bhaskar Reddy, his subordinate said.

After his suspension while working at Nalgonda nearly eight years ago, he was reinstated and posted at Karimnagar and later at Asifabad. He was in the process of being deputed to some other department from housing, as the government was shifting all housing staff to other departments after the scam Indiramma Housing Scheme. He was trying to get his deputation cancelled.

On Friday, Shiva called his friends in Hyderabad and said that he will meet them on Saturday. "He wanted to start with some private firm and try for a government job as a civil engineer like his father. He was very attached to his dad that he had his pic in Whatsapp," Shiva's friend Akhilender said.

Relatives stated that Meerabai had high hopes regarding their daughters' marriage and had turned down many proposals. "She wanted only grooms who were in government service. Of late the family never kept in touch with us and we did not even know what disease he had," one relative said.
Kochi: The Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) would launch a new campaign Wear helmet and ask for fuel from Monday after it was forced to step back from its proposal to make wearing of helmets mandatory to avail petrol from fuel stations. Transport minister A. K. Saseendran will launch the campaign at a function to be held at the BPCL petrol pump at Irumbanam. The initiative jointly implemented by the MVD and the Kerala Road Safety Authority aims to make riders take precautionary measures all by themselves rather than forcefully implementing measures, said transport commissioner Tomin J. Thachankary.

The department would distribute pamphlets and carry out other road safety awareness activities based around petrol pumps. Initially the MVD was set to strictly prevent sale of fuel from petrol bunks to two-wheel riders without helmets from Monday. However, the enforcement was delayed by two more weeks and till then the awareness campaign will be held. Well start taking penal action like levying against helmet less riders after that, the official said.
Even small boys come out in large groups to attack us with stones, bottles, pieces of iron scrap and other missiles and often it becomes very difficult to control the situation and we use the force, one of the jawans lamented. (Photo: PTI)

Srinagar: At first light, Gaurav Ram and about thirty of his comrades take a quick breakfast to fuel their day- a couple of puris, aaloo ki sabzi and a mug of hot tea. On a normal day, breakfast is followed by the morning roll call, anywhere between 7-8 am, and is best enjoyed by chit-chatting while seated around tables in the dining hall at their command centre on the outskirts of Srinagar.

But these are tough times in Kashmir. No morning walks or aerobics and no formal roll calls.

Straight to the dining hall from the barracks and then into bunker vehicles and one-tonners which have been turned into virtual cage armours to escape stone-pelting en route or while being at the hot spots.

By 6 or 6.30 am, Ram and others from their 'company' are transported to Batamalloo, categorised by law enforcing authorities as one of the most hazardous locations in Srinagar which continued to be under curfew on Sunday after witnessing days of protests and desperate stone-pelting incidents.

The small CRPF convoy-one bunker vehicle, three one-tonners and one Gypsy-halts outside the J&K Police Control Room (PCR), about 100 yards from Civil Secretariat, the seat of government.

The men on board dismount and after listening to briefing from their assistant commandant (AC) begin vigilantly walking in two lines through labyrinth streets into the heart of Batamalloo, the same place where almost all residential houses were reduced to rubble during the 1965 India-Pakistan war and which had turned into a hotbed of insurgency in early 1990s

They are greeted with pro-azadi slogans and rebellious songs reverberating from mosque loudspeakers.

The other day, local police had confiscated the public address system of a mosque adjacent to an Owaisi-Sufi shrine in Batamallo as was alleged by residents but that did not stop the youth from using the equipment installed at half a dozen other places of worship in the area for the clamour which has now became a regular feature of the unrest triggered by the killing of Hizb-ul-Mujahedin commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani only July 8.

Were now used to such outcries put out through these amplifiers, said the AC who refused to divulge his name and, in fact, had removed the optional name plate from his duty wear which is routine one--only the khaki forage cap has been replaced by a battle helmet.

The boys under his command are, however, in special combat uniform, are equipped with riot gear and holding assault rifles, pellet and teargas guns. Weve strict instruction from the above not to speak to media persons, informed the AC.

But Ram who with two other jawans is standing at the alleyway opening to Batamaloos Recka Chowk agrees to talk on the condition that our photographer who is accompanying this correspondent will not take any photographs of him.

He said that he and five other jawans in the group are from different villages deep inside Uttar Pradesh and the rest from other parts of the country. Ram is posted in the Valley for the past three years but Ive never seen such a horrible situation before.

He said, The entire population seems to be belligerent and hostile towards us. Even small boys come out in large groups to attack us with stones, bottles, pieces of iron scrap and other missiles and often it becomes very difficult to control the situation and we use the force.

He also said, We begin with these (pointing towards a bamboo stick one of his comrades is holding). Then it is tear smoke that is used to quell a mob. The pellet gun is the last option. Weve not used rifles as yet. Not our entire unit, I tell you. Smiles- when asked the CRPF jawans are also using slingshots to throw stones at protesters.

He strongly denied the charge that the CRPF personnel are indulging in vandalism at places, breaking into residential houses or damaging their windowpanes, attacking stationary cars and thrashing even the people who are not part of any protests or stone-pelting pastime.

In fact, it is we people who are at the receiving end most of the time, Ram said. He and others disclosed that during past couple of weeks there have been instances when they couldnt get time even to eat biscuits and fried peanuts they carry with them, not to speak about having midday meals.

They kept us engaged in these bloody exploits whole day, he said. There are no mobile kitchen vans in use here to cater for timely supply of fresh meals to the jawans out in the field. Tiffins are, however, sent to them usually in one-tonners but when stone-pelting is on and the roads and streets en route are overwhelmed by protesters, the authorities avoid doing it.

In such situations we survive on water and are able to eat only when we return to our company headquarters which sometimes is around midnight, Ram said. Even en route we dont know when and where stones will rain on us, he added.

The AC corroborated the tale but said, What is unfolding around is reminiscent of what we faced in 2010.

Asked what he thinks is the way out-a workable solution that could ensure happy ending to the turmoil, Ram said, Yeh aap Commandant Sahib se pochien (Ask this question to the AC).

The AC suggested one should try to get an answer from netas. But no political leader including those in power seems to have a convincing one to offer. While leaving, the AC, however, also said, I told you we have seen this also in 2010. Were quite confident this too will pass.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan came out with a resolute stand on the freedom of mediapersons rather late in the day. The detention of TV news channel crew at Kozhikode Town police station and the widespread protests from mediapersons left the chief minister with no other option but to act tough against the cops. As pressure mounted on him, the chief minister who earlier in the day had refused to react on the issue, gave the go ahead to suspend the sub inspector in the face angry protests from journalists.

Had his statement on Saturday which categorically asked the cops not to prevent mediapersons from discharging their professional duties in courts, came about 10 days ago, a series of violent incidents involving the mediapersons, lawyers and policemen that happened during this period could have been avoided. The chief minister has warned the police against creating any obstacle to the freedom of mediapersons from entering court premises.

Since the issue concerns the courts, the government has its own limitations. But in a democratic system one cannot avoid the media and this is something which the courts should decide, he said. Pinarayi has now stated in no uncertain terms that the police should not create any obstruction to media persons in any form. If anyone attempts to do that it would not be allowed.

It is felt that with the chief minister making strong statement, it should sound a warning to those trying to prevent the media from discharging their professional responsibilities. Many feel that the chief ministers response, be it on M.K. Damodaran issue or the lawyer-media persons clash at High Court, was delayed and came only after the damage had been done.
VIJAYAWADA: The Sangh Parivar has reportedly directed BJP leaders and cadres not to react to AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidus remarks on the Centre rejecting special category status to the state. The RSS directions in this regard have been received by BJP cadres here.

Nagpur wants the BJP to maintain strategic silence on AP affairs, an RSS strategist from Nagpur told this correspondent. The Sangh headquarters has a different game plan to be played by the BJP in Andhra Pradesh, he said.

He said the Sangh leaders had anticipated the situation, as the chemistry between major and minor stakeholders at the Centre would always have a point of confrontation. Accordingly, the war of words has started from the TD end now, the strategist said.

He said that minor leaders of the TD bringing the post-Godhra violence into the forefront did not astonish them, as the RSS had clarity over the attitude of the TD

The example of RSS and BJP restraint for three decades in AP was cited: He said no BJP worker or leader would react to the statements made by the Chief Minister or TD leaders. A senior BJP leader and national executive committee member, he said they were told not to comment.

BJP national general secretary P. Muralidhar Rao said that one cannot arrive at a conclusion immediately that there was no dialogue within the BJP on the special status issue.

When asked how the BJP would face the people of AP now, he said that the strature of the party was not less in AP. He said the party would increase its presence.

In the AP point of view, the BJP cant be seen as a villain, Mr Muralidhar Rao said. He said neither the BJP nor Prime Minister Narendra Modi would react in a hasty manner to the developments.
Chennai: In a new low in conduct of Parliamentarians, AIADMK MP Sasikala Pushpa slapped her DMK counterpart Tiruchi Siva at New Delhi airport on Saturday after he allegedly criticised the functioning of the Tamil Nadu government.

The incident took place on Saturday evening when Pushpa saw Siva criticising the functioning of J.Jayalalithaa and her government to CISF personnel on duty at terminal 3 of the airport. Once he saw me, he started criticising Amma and the government more. Since I could not stomach someone criticising my leader, I slapped him, Pushpa said.

Since he did not expect such an action from me, he left without arguing," Pushpa said. Though reports said Siva dismissed the incident as a minor argument, efforts to reach the DMK Rajya Sabha MP failed.

CISF sources said it was their personnel who separated the MPs as the scuffle went out of control. After the incident, both MPs cancelled their trip to Chennai and returned to their respective official accommodation in the capital.

Pushpa also alleged that her house in the capital was attacked immediately after the incident and that any move on filing a complaint would be taken after consulting the party high command. The incident comes two months after pictures circulated on WhatsApp suggested close personal association between the two.
There is much hype that the Islamic State poses a deadly threat to India. This country has faced thousands of deadly terrorist strikes over decades in Kashmir and the Northeast and Naxalite/Maoist attacks. But so far there has been no Islamic State-related strike here. India hasnt been mentioned in statements listing Daesh (as IS is called by Arab and some Muslim countries, and others) branches across the world. Arrests, deportations and interrogations involving a maximum of 150 persons is the overall alleged Daesh-related footprint in India; this includes Indians said to be fighting in Syria. In contrast to the mayhem it continues to unleash in many nations, Daesh activity in India doesnt even constitute minor pinpricks. If Daesh is indeed making a conscious effort to foment terror in India, it has clearly failed. This is the reality.

Merely declaring India is joining the international coalition wont make the slightest difference to IS fortunes on the ground, but will lead to India being put on its hitlist. If joining the coalition means sending troops or conducting airstrikes, it is worth noting that even Pakistan, a client state of US and Saudi Arabia for decades, has refused pleas to join the war against IS. China turned down all suggestions to join the international coalition against IS. For India, ideological threats have to be combated domestically, not overseas. The US and Russia, along with many others, are heavily involved in the war against Daesh, which is finally succeeding. Islamic State has lost almost half the territory it once controlled, casualties and desertions are rising, financial resources are under strain; new recruitment is falling.

Though the ideology it represents will remain a global challenge, as a political entity in a specific geographical location it is staring at defeat. Its anger will continue to be directed against its tormentors. Prime Minister Modi has paid very successful visits to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Qatar in the past 11 months. All these nations are deeply involved in the wars that are raging; but while the conflicts in the region came up for discussion none of the leaders of these nations sought Indias involvement, being fully aware of our traditional policy of non-involvement in wars. Why should India now try to get involved?

India was not remotely involved with the policies of these countries that led to Islamic States birth  in fact India had opposed these policies. The Frankensteins monster that they created is now fighting them. Why should India invite a blowback from the global jihad by getting involved? Given Indias demography, the rampaging spread of extremism and militancy within Islam, Pakistans seven-decade-old efforts to foment communal discord in India, joining a war against a Muslim entity in a Muslim region is an enterprise fraught with dangerous consequences. A truly impressive fact is that no Muslim community in the world has kept itself further away from extremism than Indias Muslims. It is the worlds third largest Muslim community. There was not a single Indian who went to fight in Afghanistan in the 1980s. Hardly any Indians joined Al Qaeda.

Daesh has served as an ideological beacon to radicalise laiks of Muslims worldwide. Only a tiny number of Indian Muslims have gone to Syria and Iraq to join Islamist fighters. Given that there are around 180 million Muslims in India, and three million of them are in the Gulf region, this is very impressive. I know from personal interactions these realities are greatly admired in West Asia. All Indians should be proud of that. Every single Indian Muslim entity of repute, theological institution and prominent Muslim leader, including Kashmirs separatists, has strongly denounced Daesh. A prominent scholar, Muhammad Qasim Zaman, author of South Asian Islam and the Idea of the Caliphate, wrote: The Muslims of India have seen the promises of a secular state as the best hope for the preservation of their identity.

As they have successfully done so far, the clerics and elders will ensure Indias Muslim youth do not go astray. But while there is no case for India joining the international coalition against Islamic State, it is absolutely imperative to maintain vigilance. Indias security agencies are doing their job, but it is a cardinal principle of counter-terrorism that the fight against terror is always more effective away from publicity. Thus newspapers detailing the arrests of people for ostensible ISIS links is not helpful. Indias greatest contribution to the world has been its pluralistic civilisational ethos that has, over centuries, nurtured inclusiveness. At the November 2015 West Asia conference organised by IDSA, participants from Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Yemen made specific reference to this, suggesting that West Asia had a lot to learn from India. It is absolutely imperative India maintained this civilisational heritage. This is the best guarantee against Indias Muslims getting radicalised, rather than by aggressively confronting Islamic State to counteract imagined threats.
After the national conventions of the two main American political parties, the decks have been cleared for serious campaigning in a presidential election unique in US history. It is unique as Donald Trump, a billionaire, has run away with the Republican nomination against the wishes of its establishment and Hillary Clinton, who stood down for Barack Obama eight years ago, is fighting a trust deficit, despite being the most qualified candidate in history, in Mr Obamas words. In an election that was earlier regarded as a shoo-in for Ms Clinton, polls suggest a close call, largely due to the level of the American voters dissatisfaction with the establishment and the political elite. Mr Trump exploited this situation by presenting himself as the outsider to clean up the political mess and restore jobs.

Ms Clintons handicap is that she is viewed as part of the establishment, perhaps too close to Wall Street, and unlike her husband Bill Clinton, who had two successful terms in the White House despite his peccadilloes, she doesnt seem to have his magic touch to connect with ordinary people. So we have a campaign in which Mr Trump makes the most outrageous policy suggestions such as keeping all Muslim migrants out, building a wall to keep illegal Mexicans out and throwing out an estimated 11 million undocumented men and families. In his convention speech, he cleverly exploited recent mass killings to declare that only he was capable of bringing peace and keeping terrorists out and getting back lost jobs. His main strength lies in the constituency of less-educated middle class whites who feel lost as they are overtaken by the march of technology. Until now, his outlandish proposals dont appear to have hurt him; he has developed a Teflon skin.

Ms Clinton comes from the other end of the scale with enviable experience as First Lady, senator and US secretary of state. But during the primaries, her thunder was stolen by Bernie Sanders who fired the young with his left-leaning remedies even as young women were more receptive to his ideas even as they seemed turned off by Ms Clintons declarations, despite the fact that she is the first woman presidential candidate nominated by a major party in Americas history. For his part, Mr Sanders gave his support to Ms Clinton at the convention. Part of the reason for the American electorates sour mood is in the very high level of inequality in incomes. The rich are getting richer every day while middle class incomes are stagnant and less educated whites have lost their jobs to factories moving to cheaper countries or to automation.

No wonder the nub of Vice-President Joe Bidens speech at the Democratic convention was that the billionaire Trump had no clue about the middle classes. During her speech at the Democratic convention, Ms Clinton pressed all the right buttons and presented herself as the candidate of hope against Mr Trumps gloomy view of America  in a felicitous phrase, she said love trumps hate  and invoked Sanders name in an effort to win over his young constituency, an uphill task. At the end of what promises to be a nasty campaign, given Mr Trumps no-holds-barred methods, the result will in all probability be decided by the doubtful segment. The truth is that many thinking and articulate people are not enthused by either candidate. If for many Mr Trump is more like a cartoon character than a real-life person, Ms Clinton doesnt inspire confidence as a sincere leader working for the public good.

A growing volume of literature is emerging on the crisis of capitalism. The United States is at the centre of it as it is the high priest of capitalism. The fact that innovators of globalisation are facing backlash from their home constituency and

Mr Trumps success in winning sections of doubters are telling examples of the streak of nationalism that is plaguing America. While Americans have lost manufacturing jobs, the richest segments are those in service industries dominated by Internet-related financial mechanisms. Their incomes are out of all proportion to middle class wages, many studies concluding that middle class incomes have even regressed in real terms. No wonder Ms Clinton had a warning for Wall Street in her convention speech, that it should do the patriotic act by retaining jobs at home.

While the world is still betting on Ms Clinton making it as the first US woman President, the political convulsions thrown up by the primaries have consequences for the rest of the world. One of President Obamas legacies, the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal that Ms Clinton has had to repudiate for electoral reasons, is in danger. Second, Mr Trump cast aspersions on the bulwark of the post-World War II military arrangement, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and has been vocal in demanding that European nations pay their fair share in return for protection. President Obama himself has urged Europeans to measure up to paying the agreed two per cent of national GDP on defence, but the Republicans threat is of a different magnitude.

Mr Trumps slogan is to make America great again, to which the Democrats answer is that it remains great. Ms Clinton has sought to castigate a gloomy picture of America by suggesting that on the contrary the country had a bright future while being careful not to decry the nationalist streak Mr Trump is mining. The Democratic convention heard some impressive speeches from President Obama, his wife Michelle, Vice-President Biden, Mr Sanders and Bill Clinton. Replicating the Republican family theme, Ms Clintons daughter Chelsea introduced her mother in suitably adulatory terms. The presidential nominee herself was eloquent. The United States must now get down to what promises to be a dirty election campaign. In Mr Trumps dictionary, civility and manners are expendable for seizing the prize.
An unfortunate aspect of the Twitter era is that matters are rendered dramatic  of course, the catch is that this happens when politicians use their Twitter handles to give themselves a pat or two. Thus we know from external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj that the number of Indian workers facing a food crisis in Saudi Arabia is over 10,000. This cant have been a days development. It seems that Saudi employers are laying off workers on account of an economic downturn due to falling international crude oil prices.

They havent been paying wages. And the government, playing the Good Samaritan, has instructed our embassy in Riyadh to feed the families of the laid-off workers. This is a fine gesture. But for how long? Besides, if those laid off number as many as 10,000, chances are that our embassy may have known about the problem for some time but the country was told about it only when instructions were issued by the minister to feed those who have lost their jobs. The idea was to make a splash. A bit of propaganda is involved here.

If the problem was known and not much could be done to reach a settlement, then the issue has to be escalated. Thats logical. But so quickly to the political level? We learn from Ms Swaraj that one of her ministers of state, V.K. Singh, has been despatched to talk to the Saudi authorities to resolve the difficulty. May be he has been sent to convey the governments thanks at a higher level. Or, perhaps he has been charged with overseeing the return of our compatriots who are stuck in a foreign land.

We dont have the full picture yet. But it does seem a little odd that so many businesses in the oil-rich kingdom are going bust at the same time. Has there been any effort on the part of our government to persuade the Saudi authorities to intercede with the employers in question to pay the wages  in a few instalments if not all at once? Its also not been made clear whether only Indian workers are involved. If employees from other countries too are facing the brunt, then it may be easier to engage in a constructive conversation with the Saudis. It appears it is not just Saudi Arabia but Kuwait too. If our workers have been left in the lurch in these countries, then it is possible our workers may be similarly stranded in other Gulf countries too. Thatll be cause for serious policy intervention.
When Pakistan tries to keep the pot boiling in Kashmir, its malicious intent must be countered with vigour. It is an unsatiated state that is trying to grab the territory, using the bogus argument that it has a proprietary right over a Muslim-majority area. But whats to be said when India  on account of the maladroit actions of its government  ends up creating an unstable and volatile situation in Kashmir, playing right into Islamabads hands? The recent Valley-wide violence in Kashmir erupted after the security forces killed a young commander of the pro-Pakistan terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, Burhan Wani, who had gained Valley-wide popularity through the clever use of social media, a propaganda tool used to great effect by jihadi outfits worldwide, particularly the Islamic State and Al Qaeda.

On this basis the BJP, which runs the Centre and is in a coalition government with Mehbooba Muftis Peoples Democratic Party in Kashmir, is trying to project itself as a political force that is alive to its nationalist responsibility. It has exchanged hostile words with Pakistan and has stuck to the narrative that the violent unrest seen in the Valley since Wanis death on July 8 was the handiwork of Pakistan and its proxies. This is an artificial narrative. It is also an artifice to camouflage the communal agenda unleashed in the Valley whose bitter fruit the country is now harvesting. It is an entirely self-serving and inaccurate projection to conceal how matters have shaped in Kashmir since the PDP-BJP government came into being in March 2015.

Looking at the facts, it is evident that the initial violence after Wanis killing was spontaneous, a sui generis development. Islamabad began to meddle through propaganda interventions, and fish in troubled waters in other ways, after the lapse of a few days  not right away. While misguiding the country, the Centre and the state government are refusing to see that whats confronting us is a pervasive mood of popular dissatisfaction in Kashmir that is akin to the rumblings of an incipient insurgency. If the causes of alienation that has built up in recent times are not addressed, and strong-arm methods continue to be used against the populace as a whole, instead of taking the bull by the horns and getting down to serious political engagement, we cannot get the tactics right to deal with the situation.

A lot of hope had been invested in the PDP-BJP government by the people of Kashmir but these were dashed to the ground by the constant communal needling that the BJP has engaged in since coming into government in the state, instead of seeking to build political capital for itself in the Muslim-majority Valley in the way that Atal Behari Vajpayee did as Prime Minister. The BJPs political campaigns in the state took care to focus attention on themes that were aimed to show that the so-called Hindu interests would be highlighted.

A perverse reading was sought to be imposed that defending the perceived Hindu interests in J&K automatically meant defending the countrys interests  in fact, playing on the subliminal thought among many that Hindus and Muslims have separate interests. (This is exactly the way of thinking that brought about Pakistan.) Beef politics was kept alive for weeks. When a misguided beef party was held by a Valley MLA, Engineer Rashid, to get even with the BJP for its high-decibel cow politics in the rest of the country, the saffron partys state bosses saw red. No one told them that the episode involving the independent MLA was a bait and that the Kashmiri Muslim wasnt even a beef-eater traditionally.

Then the pseudo-politics of nationalism came to be played out in J&K, taking off from developments in JNU in the course of which Union home minister Rajnath Singh made an assertion that was shown to be false, that the involvement of a Kashmiri young man at a JNU protest action was inspired by Pakistans Lashkar-e-Tayyaba mentor Hafiz Sayed. In this period, the shouting of pro-Pakistan slogans by some Kashmiri boys at the Regional Engineering College in Srinagar came to the fore. All hell broke loose. The event was converted into a Hindu-Muslim issue. The Kashmir police was substituted on the campus by the Central Reserve Police Force, as if the latter was a force that reflected Hindu India.

Besides corrupting and polluting the political atmosphere, developments such as these harmed not just the Centres but Indias reputation in the Valley, where only a small section of opinion is deemed to be pro-Pakistan. All meaningful work was neglected while politics around an explicit communal agenda dominated the landscape. It appeared that since the BJP had won all its seats from Hindu-dominated Jammu, the party was trying to pander to the Hindu vote in Jammu. Ms Mufti and her party became worried onlookers, as disgust with the BJP began to take hold amongst the populace, and with her for allying with the BJP. This began to get translated into an anti-India sentiment which was sought to be fanned by the separatist quarters.

Massive floods had ravaged Kashmir, particularly the ancient and throbbing city of Srinagar and all of South Kashmir, in September 2014, months before the election that brought the PDP-BJP coalition. An important consideration for the PDP going with the BJP was the expectation that financial assistance for flood relief would flow if the regional party was aligned with the Centre. But a less than paltry `2,000 crores has been allotted so far to mitigate flood-related damage, when the need was for around Rs 100,000 crores.

The mood among the people had turned grim and sullen long before the Burhan Wani killing, which as an event acted as a catalyst  no more. Besides doing little on the development front, the government failed on the political and security front. The Pakistani infiltration this year is reportedly 200 per cent higher than in 2014, and there has been no move from the Centre to take the Valley people into a fold of constructive politics  a trend continuing since the time of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. It is dangerous that Kashmir has been left adrift at a time when China and Pakistan have been holding joint patrols in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) area.
Attracting investments in the port, industry and IT sectors is not the only forte of Orissa chief minister Naveen Patnaik. He can also give the required boost to agriculture and animal husbandry... this is what he has at least proved by consecutively winning the Krishi Karman Award for the last three years. This feat has provided him a strong shield against the Oppositions attack over the rising farmers suicides. Mr Patnaik is busy highlighting a new success of his government these days: registration of Kendrapara sheep at Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) as the indigenous breed that carries the FecB genetic mutation that enables multiple births and in more numbers than any other breed.

Registration of Kendrapara sheep by ICAR-NBAGR is a matter of pride for Orissa. Kendrapara sheep population is around 1.23 lakh, reared mostly by farmers in the native pockets of Kendrapara and other nearby districts of Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak and Jajpur. Rearing of these indigenous, robust and healthy breeds can drive economic growth and livelihood sustainability for the people in rural areas, read Mr Patnaiks Facebook message. He also posted a graphic slide on the main feature sheep breed. His critics are now stunned to see the English-speaking man taking extra interest in agriculture and animal husbandry! The CM is perhaps certainly aiming at the support of shepherds for the coming panchayat polls, they guess.

BJP-BSP POETIC SLUGFEST

The political slugfest between the BSP and the BJP in Uttar Pradesh may have thrown up a great deal of muck but it has also rekindled a sense of humour in people  those who have forgotten how to smile. Politicians, bureaucrats and even journalists these days wake up to two-liners written on the prevailing situation. These couplets come through WhatsApp and SMS and get bolder by the day. Though these two-liners are decidedly casteist in nature, but then casteism is deeply embedded in the psyche of the people of UP.

One such couplet says, Thakur nahin woh chor hai, jo BSP ki ore hai  an obviously reference to the Thakur anger towards the BSP after the recent Dayashankar controversy. Another one implores brahmins to stay away from the BSP or face the ire of the community. There are several more that remind people of earlier slogans like Tilak, tarazu aur talwar and Haathi nahin Ganesh hai that used to be a part of the BSP campaign. The BSP workers, however, have been strictly instructed not to retaliate and no SMS is to be sent out unless approved by the party president.

MAJITHIAS moustaches

Recently during a court visit in a hearing of a defamation case against Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in Amritsar, revenue minister and youth Akali Dal president Bikram Singh Majithia was seen twirling his moustaches and flexing his muscles. He even posed for the camera and his pictures were flashed on social media.

Reacting to these pictures, state Youth Congress president Raja Brar, who is known for blunt verbal attacks against the Badal government, said: Majithia wont be able to twirl his moustaches after elections as his moustaches wont be able to hold even if it will twirl them after the election results. Mr Brar said Mr Majithia is trying to tease the people of Punjab by twirling his moustaches as he is responsible for the deaths of thousands youth due to drug addiction in the state by selling drugs and patronising it.
There is very little argument now about the syndrome of global warming and its resultant impact on climate change. Extreme climate events are becoming the norm and scientists are devising ways and means to mitigate the problem. Simultaneously, scientists and planners are also trying to find ways and means to adapt to this new world - a world ravaged by extreme rainfall and extreme heat.

One aspect of this extreme heat syndrome is the economic losses countries will incur. While most of the focus has been, and rightfully so, on human life losses, another aspect of this is to look at economic losses to businesses because of extreme heat. Researchers predict that increasing temperatures caused by climate change may cost global economies more than $2 trillion by 2030, restricting working hours in some of the poorest parts of the world.

According to the research published in a paper titled, The Direct Impact of Climate Change on Regional Labor Productivity, the research team led by Tord Kjellstrom, says that, ''Heat strain can occur in arid climates, indoor office environments, and factories''. So in case you though that the impact of heat is only on those who work outdoors, think again. As many as 43 countries, especially those in Asia, including China, Indonesia, and Malaysia, will experience declines in their economies because of heat stress, says the study. As a result, China's gross domestic product would be reduced 1 percent and Indonesia's by 6 percent by 2030.

"With heat stress, you cannot keep up the same intensity of work, and we'll see reduced speed of work and more rest in labour-intensive industries," Kjellstrom said. "Rich countries have the financial resources to adapt to climate change."

In 2030, in both India and China, the GDP losses could total $450 billion, Kjellstrom said. The impact could be reduced by making major shift in working hours and changing how new factories are built to require less power to cool.

Sometimes I feel that we in the developing world, gloss over the syndrome of heat and heat related deaths, because it is becoming so common, and also because most of us do not really understand and feel the heat - literally! The hottest temperature most people can fathom is 40o to 50o degrees C, which we read about in deserts and during the peak summer in places like Rajasthan and Delhi.

Now picture this - what happens when the temperature raises to 74o C! This is what happened in Bandar Mahshahr in Iran on 31st July 2015. The human body has an internal temperature of around 37oC, and it does not like it when that very specific figure shifts in either direction. Changes of as little as a single degree can cause your body's delicate biochemistry to glitch in unpleasant ways. It's a real hazard for workers who need to keep their concentration in such conditions. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) says aside from increased irritability, you start losing the ability to do skilled or mental tasks.

Extreme heat in Southeast Asia already curbs annual working hours by 15 to 20 percent, and that figure could double by 2050 as climate change progresses, according to the paper published in Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health. As unfair as the world is, the truth is that low and middle income countries are more likely to lose productivity from heat, because their ability to adapt to extreme heat is much less than the developed countries. It does not matter that these low income countries are some of the lowest contributors to global warming. "We need to think more carefully about patterns of urban development," said Anthony Capon, a professor at the UN university. "As it is, high income countries have more capacity to insulate their people from health impacts of climate change. People in the poorer countries are the most effected."

How do we adapt to this inevitable situation, protect our workers and at the same time keep productivity high? With great GDP ambitions, countries like India need to factor in economic losses from extreme heat caused by climate change, and devise strategies to adapt to this cold truth.
"Go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America," Khan said to Trump. (Photo: AP)

Washington: Donald Trump hit back at accusations from the father of a slain Muslim soldier that the billionaire has "sacrificed nothing" for his country on Saturday, saying he had employed thousands of people.

Khizr Khan -- whose son died in Iraq -- accused the Republican presidential nominee of vilifying American Muslims in a steely rebuke that electrified the Democratic convention on Thursday.

"Go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America," Khan said to Trump.

"You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one."

Trump brushed off Khan's words in an interview with ABC News, stating that he thinks he has made "a lot of sacrifices".

"I work very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures. I've had tremendous success. I think I've done a lot."

The brash billionaire has alienated many Americans with insults against immigrants, Muslims and women during his nomination campaign.

Among his more controversial policy positions has been his call to ban Muslims from entering the United States and suggestions he would back profiling them.

Trump also questioned whether his rival, Hillary Clinton, had been behind Khan's address, which the father said he wrote with his wife Ghazala.

"Who wrote that? Did Hillary's script writers write it?" Trump said in the interview, which is set to air in full on Sunday.

"If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say," Trump said, adding that "maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say."

Clinton released a statement Saturday defending the Khans as "the best of America".

"I was very moved to see Ghazala Khan stand bravely and with dignity in support of her son on Thursday night," Clinton said.

"This is a time to honor the sacrifice of Captain Khan and all the fallen. Captain Khan and his family represent the best of America, and we salute them."
Muslims put flowers and mourn in front of the church where French priest was killed. (Photo: AFP)

Paris, France: Muslims across France were invited to participate in Catholic ceremonies on Sunday to mourn a priest whose murder by terrorist teenagers sparked fears of religious tension.

Masses will be celebrated across the country in honour of octogenarian Father Jacques Hamel, whose throat was cut in his church on Tuesday in the latest terrorist attack on France.

"We are all Catholics of France," said Anouar Kbibech, the head of the French Muslim council CFCM, in an expression of togetherness in the wake of the attack.

The council said that by attending Sunday's Catholic services, Muslims would show their "solidarity and compassion" over the murder.

Two 19-year-olds, Adel Kermiche and Abdel Malik Petitjean, carried out the attack, which was claimed by the ISIS group. Police shot both of them dead following a hostage drama.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls called today for a new "pact" with the Muslim community in France, Europe's largest with around five million members.

Valls has previously urged a temporary ban on the foreign financing of mosques in France and called for imams to be trained domestically.

The prime minister and his interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, have faced mounting calls to resign over alleged security lapses after it emerged that both attackers were known to the security services.

Police were still questioning Petitjean's cousin as well as a Syrian refugee, after a photocopy of his passport was found at Kermiche's house.

A source close to the enquiry said that a 17-year-old, who had tried to travel to Syria with Kermiche, was arrested in Geneva and sent back to France just a few days before the attack.

However, "nothing suggests he was in any way implicated in the attack" at this stage, the source added.

Today's religious ceremonies follow a "brotherhood march" in the southeastern city of Lyon, supported by a regional Muslim council and a Catholic group.

Hundreds of people marched in silence, as mourners at the front of the crowd carried banners that read: "This is not a religious war" and "We are all brothers and sisters".

"We think it is crucial to leave no room for resignation, resentment or fear, and to take a stand for togetherness," Abdelkader Bendidi, who heads the regional Muslim council, said in a statement.

"Let's not give the agents of terror a second victory by giving in to hate," said Azzedine Gaci, a local imam.

Foucauld Giuliani, of a Catholic group, stressed meanwhile that "these attacks won't divide us. Instead, they will unite us around one idea: reconciliation."
Police officers speak to a driver as they close off a road during a hostage situation in Normandy, France. (Photo: AP)

Normandy: Muslims in the hometown of Adel Kermiche, the teenager who slit the throat of an elderly priest in a church in France, have refused to bury him.

The 19-year-old, along with Abdel Malik Petitjean, also 19, burst into a church on the outskirts of Rouen during morning mass on Tuesday and killed the 85-year-old father at the altar. They were both shot dead by the police soon after.

Read: French church attack: Muslims invited to church to mourn murdered priest

According to a report in the Independent, religious leaders in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray have refused to prepare or bury Kermiches body, saying they do not want to taint Islam by having any connection to the jihadist.

Mohammed Karabila, president of the local Muslim cultural association and imam at a local mosque said, Were not going to taint Islam with this person. We wont participate in preparing the body or the burial.

Kermiche was an attention-seeking child whose behavioural problems frequently led him to a psychiatric hospital and later a specialist school. He died a coldblooded killer who slit the throat of an elderly French priest in the name of ISIS.

The son of a working class Franco-Algerian family living just outside the Normandy city of Rouen, the teenager flipped between model student and aggressor as a youngster. He blipped on the radar of security services in early 2015, when he made his first failed bid to reach Syria.

"He was a loner. He was a troubled soul, he was all alone in his head," said a neighbour of the Kermiche family house in a leafy Rouen suburb where the 19-year-old was forced to live under a court surveillance order. "All he would talk about was Syria."

A judicial source said Kermiche received regular psycho-therapy and medication between the ages of six and 13, at which point he was sent to school for pupils with behavioural problems.

Following the attack, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, calling the pair of attackers soldiers of the Islamic State. Isis Amaq propaganda agency later released video footage of the French attackers pledging allegiance to the terror group.


Hammuda's preachings were secretly recorded at a Halaqa (a type of religious class) at the Al-Manar mosque by an undercover journalist. (Photo: YouTube Screengrab)

Cardiff, Wales: Born in Palestine and brought up in the UK, a British Muslim preacher at the Cardiff mosque in Wales, has been suspected of allegedly radicalising three youths to become jihadists and telling them that it is acceptable to have 'sex slaves'.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, the imam identified as Ali Hammuda, had trained three youths at the mosque before they travelled to Syria to be a part of the dread terror group -- Islamic State.

The three youths who travelled to Syria two years ago in 2014 were identified as -- Reyaad Khan, 20, Nasser Muthana, 20, and Aseel, 17.

The shocking revelation about Hammuda's sex slave comments comes in the wake of increasing ISIS threat in Europe and the deadly attacks across the UK.

Hammuda's preachings were secretly recorded at a Halaqa (a type of religious class) at the Al-Manar mosque by an undercover journalist.

One of the interpretations as to what this means is that towards the end of time there will be many wars like what we are seeing today, and because of these wars women will be taken as captives, as slaves, yeah, women will be taken as slaves. And then her master has relations with her because this is permissible in Islam, its permissible to have relations with a woman who is your slave or your wife, Hammuda was quoted as saying.

He also spoke on the relationship of children with their parents -- especially mothers.

Hammuda said, The one I think is strongest is that towards the end of time you will see a lot of Muslims disobeying their mothers and fathers you see children speaking to their mothers and fathers as if they are your slave.

ISIS militants have time and again boasted about their crimes and execution methods -- but recently they were in the news for selling sex slaves on social media.

The advertisement on the Telegram app is as chilling as it is incongruous: A girl for sale is Virgin. Beautiful. 12 years old. Her price has reached $12,500 and she will be sold soon.

In February, an ISIS sex slave set herself on fire to make herself less attractive to her terrorist captors.

ISIS has regularly targeted minority sects in Syria, especially Shiites it accuses of apostasy, as well as Sunnis who it alleges have violated its interpretation of Islam.
A group identifying itself as Ghost Squad Hackers tweeted from the account. (Photo: Twitter screenshot)

Kabul: The official Twitter account of Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah has been hacked, and a group apparently sympathetic to minority Shiite Hazara protesters has claimed responsibility.

"I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery. #enlightenment #enlightenmentmovement," a group identifying itself as Ghost Squad Hackers tweeted from the account late Saturday.

The hashtags refer to the newly-founded Enlightenment Movement led by Hazaras, who were targeted by suicide bombers loyal to the Islamic State group during a huge protest in Kabul on July 23.

"CEO Abdullah's verified twitter account @afgexecutive has been hacked and our press and (information technology) teams are trying to restore it," said Javid Faisal, Abdullah's spokesman.

Abdullah's office said it had no information about the whereabouts of Ghost Squad Hackers.

"Afghanistan Gov Hacked by GhostSquadHackers #ChiefExecutiveOfficer Can you hear me now?" the group tweeted from their own account @GhostSquadHack.

The group appears to be sympathetic to the plight of the Hazara community which has been persecuted for decades, with thousands killed in the late 1990s by Al-Qaeda and the mainly Pashtun Taliban.

The July 23 attack, the deadliest in the Afghan capital in 15 years, killed 80 people. It came as the protesters demanded that a major power line be routed through the central province of Bamiyan, one of the most deprived areas of Afghanistan with a large Hazara population.

Following the attack Hazaras launched a massive social media campaign -- with the hashtag #enlightenment -- against what they call discrimination.
Prior to her death Qandeel spoke of worries about her safety and had appealed to the interior ministry to provide her with security for protection.

Islamabad: Pakistani social media star Qandeel Baloch, who was killed for bringing shame to the family by posting risque videos and posts on Facebook, was strangled to death by her cousin and not by her brother, according to a polygraph test.

The main accused of the case Muhammad Waseem had earlier confessed that he had strangled his 26-year-old sister. However, the claim was rejected after a polygraph test of both suspects was conducted on Saturday.

Read: My son should be shot, says Qandeel Balochs heartbroken father

According to the test, it was her cousin Haq Nawaz and not Waseem, who had strangled the social media to death on July 15 this year.

They said Waseem was holding the hands and feet of the slain model at the time of murder while Haq Nawaz strangled her, Geonews reported.

Before killing Qandeel, the suspects had drugged the model and her parents, they added.

Read: Yes of course, I strangled her: Qandeel Balochs brother tells investigators

Sources said video and written statements of both suspects have also been recorded.

According to them, it was shown during investigation that the elder brother Arif, who resides in Saudi Arabia, had pressurised Waseem into killing their sister Qandeel for honour of the family.

They said that after the conversation, Waseem and Haq Nawaz planned the models murder.

Prior to her death Qandeel, whose real name was Fauzia Azeem, spoke of worries about her safety and had appealed to the interior ministry to provide her with security for protection.

Read: Qandeel Baloch's brother arrested, says he killed her for 'honour'

In Facebook posts, Baloch spoke of trying to change the typical orthodox mindset of people in Pakistan. She faced frequent abuse and death threats but continued to post controversial pictures and videos.

The so-called honour-killing has sent shock waves across the country and triggered an outpouring of grief on social media for Baloch.

Pakistani police also recorded written statement of cleric Mufti Abdul Qavi who made headlines for appearing in a controversial video with the slain Pakistani model, gave a written statement to police on Saturday.

Qavi did not appear before police to record his statement for the ongoing investigation of the murder of model Qandeel Baloch. The investigation team then sent him a 14-point questionnaire.
Pakistani social media star Qandeel Baloch who was killed for bringing "shame" to the family by posting risque videos and posts on Facebook was strangled to death by her cousin and not by her brother, a polygraph test found today.



The main accused of the case Muhammad Waseem had earlier confessed that he had strangled his 26-year-old sister. However, the claim was rejected after a polygraph test of both the suspects.



According to the test, it was her cousin Haq Nawaz, not Waseem, who had strangled the social media to death on July 15 this year.



They said Waseem was holding the hands and feet of the slain model at the time of murder while Haq Nawaz strangled her, Geonews reported.



Before killing Qandeel, the suspects had drugged her and her parents, they added. Sources said video and written statements of both suspects have also been recorded.



According to them, it was shown during investigation that the elder brother Arif, who resides in Saudi Arabia, had pressurised Waseem into killing their sister Qandeel for the "honour of the family".



They said that after the conversation, Waseem and Haq Nawaz planned the model's murder.



Prior to her death Qandeel, whose real name was Fauzia Azeem, spoke of worries about her safety and had appealed to the interior ministry to provide her with security for protection.



In Facebook posts, Baloch spoke of trying to change "the typical orthodox mindset" of people in Pakistan. She faced frequent abuse and death threats but continued to post provocative pictures and videos.



The so-called 'honour-killing' has sent shockwaves across the country and triggered an outpouring of grief on social media for Baloch.



Pakistani police also recorded written statement of cleric Mufti Abdul Qavi who made headlines for appearing in a controversial video with the slain Pakistani model, today gave a written statement to police.



Qavi did not appear before police to record his statement for the ongoing investigation of the murder of model Qandeel Baloch. The investigation team then sent him a 14-point questionnaire.
The BJP on Saturday launched a fresh attack on the AAP by accusing its national convenor Arvind Kejriwal of being responsible for the suicide of its woman party worker as he asked her to arrive at a compromise to settle the matter.



The BJP has asked the Delhi Police to interrogate Kejriwal in the Narela suicide case. The BJP alleged that an Aam Aadmi Party volunteer from Narela had committed suicide last week after a long fight against molestation and mental torture by AAP leaders.



She had even met Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and told him that she was being harassed and tortured by the party leaders. There is a video that supports this claim. But Kejriwal asked her to compromise, said BJP National Secretary R P Singh. We have asked Delhi Police Commissioner to call Kejriwal for questioning in the suicide case, he told told Deccan Herald.



Singh even tweeted that the victim sought Kejriwals help and he asked her to compromise.



The Leader of Opposition Vijender Gupta has been asking police to investigate the role of AAP Delhi in-charge Dilip Pandey as he was close to the main accused Ramesh in the suicide case. But the AAP has denied having any connection with the main accused.



Even Delhi BJP President Satish Upadhyay had asked Police Commissioner Alok Kumar to order a high-level probe into the torture of the AAP woman worker.



Upadhyay also asked the police commissioner to inquire why the local police did not act tough even after the victim had filed a complaint about her molestation and torture in June, 2016.



Had the local police not succumbed to the pressure of the MLA then and acted tough, her life could have been saved, he had said.



Be it the incident of suicide by AAP worker or domestic violence complaints against AAP MLAs Somnath Bharti and Manoj Kumar or complaint of a woman worker against AAP leader Kumar Vishwas or of overall neglect of women leadership in the AAP, the silence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on such issues has constantly given encouragement to his women basher colleagues.



The way CM is silent over the suicide of AAP woman worker, he had gone into similar silence over the unfortunate killings of farmer Gajender and prior to that of (Santosh) Koli (who was to contest 2013 polls but died in a road accident), he had said.




With an aim to focus on quality education, around 1,000 Delhi government schools held parent-teacher meetings on Sunday and encouraged greater involvement of parents in their childrens education.



Thanking parents for coming to the parent-teacher meetings (PTMs) in a letter, Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia said that it was first-of-its-kind initiative where almost all the government schools organised such meetings on ther same day.

The government is planning to hold such mega PTMs at least twice a year, said Sisodia, while visiting Pratibha Vidayalaya at Civil Lines.



Our teachers dont lack talent, its just that the environment was not right (for teaching) and there werent enough facilities. But in the past one year a lot of improvement has taken place. Teachers and principals have been sent abroad on training (so that they can introduce international teaching techniques in schools here), Sisodia said in the letter.



These PTMs will also help in bringing the level of eduction of government schools at par with private institutions, he added.



There are nearly 16 lakh parents whose children study in the nearly 1,000 government schools in the city and the government now plans to issue I-cards to parents like private schools.



Parents interacted on a one-on-one basis with teachers and discussed their childrens learning and progress. This collaborative process was aimed at facilitating interaction between the parents and teacher on a regular basis.



The Department of Education has also introduced initiatives like Friday meetings wherein parents can meet senior officials from the department to discuss concerns and share feedback.



These meetings will be held on a weekly basis between noon and 1pm. The parents can now meet the teachers, the principal to discuss the progress of their child, good nutrition and hygiene practices, school attendance and other initiatives being planned by the institution, said the Delhi government.



In addition to these, report cards which asses the childs performance will be shared with the parents, it added.



The government has earmarked a separate budget for these meetings and parents will be welcomed by volunteers to the schools for these meetings.



He further added that Department of Education has been working on a slew of reforms and has introduced several initiatives like Chunauti 2018, aimed at enabling students especially of class 9, to overcome the adverse effects of the no-detention policy. To encourage overall learning, schemes for primary and upper primary students, the department has launched programmes like Jodo Gyan, Pragati and others, he added.



Quality education can be imparted when parents and teachers work together for the overall development of their children and Delhi government remains committed in its efforts to strengthen this across all government schools. This initiativeis aimed at opening the doors of the school for all parents and celebrating the occasion with them, Sisodia had said.



We aim to enhance communication between parents and teachers and wish to remove the natural hesitation and bridge the existing gap.The Mega PTMs will be held twice a year across all schools in Delhi and we urge parents to participate in these meetings and celebrate this occasion.


A proposal to grant visa-free travel for business visitors and tourists from BRICS nations has faced the security hurdle with the Home Ministry raising concerns over offering the facility to Chinese citizens.



Home Ministry officials said the Commerce Ministry's proposal to allow visa-free travel for business visitors and tourists from Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa cannot be given the go-ahead as there are security concerns for Chinese nationals.



"As such we have no issues with Brazil, Russia and South Africa. But there are concerns with regard to giving visa free entry to any category of Chinese travellers," the official said.



Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are part of the BRICS grouping. The Commerce Ministry has forwarded the proposal to the Home Ministry for its clearance.



Besides, Home Ministry officials pointed out that visa rejections for business travellers and tourists are very rare and so the proposal lacks merit.



It is practically not possible to allow visa-free entry to citizens of Brazil, Russia and South Africa but deny Chinese nationals, they said.



"The processing for citizens of Brazil, Russia and South Africa, in any case, is always faster than other countries," the official said.



Business visa is given for a maximum of 180 days on each visit. A foreigner is permitted to undertake casual business activities and its validity is 30 days.



The idea of visa-free travel within the trade bloc was first proposed in 2013 at the 5th BRICS Summit in Durban. South Africa has already provided business people from BRICS easier access to the country.



Russia too has relaxed visa norms for tourists and transit visitors from BRICS countries.



India too offers e-tourist visa to citizens of all BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa.



The e-tourist visa enables the prospective visitor to apply for an Indian visa from his or her home country online without visiting the Indian Mission and also pay the visa fee online.



Once approved, the applicant receives an email authorising him or her to travel to India and he or she can travel with a printout of this authorisation. On arrival, the visitor has to present the authorisation to the immigration authorities who would then stamp the entry into the country.






Trump's comments to a news channel about the parents of Army Capt. Humayun Khan drew swift criticism including from his own party and Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.



"Who wrote that? Did Hillary's script writers write it?" Trump said in an interview with ABC News. "I think I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard."



Humayun's father Khizr Khan, in a moving tribute to his son at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia while posthumously receiving a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after he was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq in 2004, stunned a national audience with a speech directly confronting Trump, who has called for a ban on Muslims entering the US.



He asking the 70-year-old real estate tycoon to "go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America". "You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one."



Trump argued he "made a lot of sacrifices" and worked "very, very hard". "I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures," he said. "Sure those are sacrifices."



"I think my popularity with the vets is through the roof," he claimed. Responding to a question, Trump alleged that Khan's wife Ghazala, who was standing besides him wearing a headscarf during the speech, was not allowed to speak.



"His wife, if you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, may be she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me, but plenty of people have written that. She was extremely quiet and it looked like she had nothing to say," he said.



Trump's comments drew sharp reaction nationwide, both for attacking a mourning mother and because many considered them racist and anti-Muslim.



"This is a time for all Americans to stand with the Khans, and with all the families whose children have died in service to our country. And this is a time to honour the sacrifice of Captain Khan and all the fallen. Captain Khan and his family represent the best of America, and we salute them," Clinton said in a statement.



Ghazala Khan said that she was too emotional to speak at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia last week. She said she is still overwhelmed by her grief and cannot even look at photos of her son without crying.



"Please. I am very upset when I heard when he said that I didn't say anything. I was in pain. If you were in pain, you fight or you don't say anything. I'm not a fighter, I can't fight. So the best thing I do was quiet," she said. In a late night statement, Trump called Humayun "a hero".





The statement that came after Trump was being slammed for being critical of Humayun and his parents said: "While I feel deeply for the loss of his son, Mr. Khan who has never met me, has no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the Constitution, (which is false) and say many other inaccurate things. If I become President, I will make America safe again.



"Captain Humayun Khan was a hero to our country and we should honour all who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe. The real problem here are the radical Islamic terrorists who killed him, and the efforts of these radicals to enter our country to do us further harm."



Clinton said she was "very moved to see Ghazala Khan stand bravely and with dignity in support of her son on Thursday night. And I was very moved to hear her speak last night, bravely and with dignity, about her son's life and the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country".



Khizr Khan said he had invited Ghazala to say something. "I invited her  would you like to say something on the stage when the invitation came? And she said, 'You know how it is with me, how upset I get'," Khan said.



Republican leaders, too, criticised Trump for his remarks on Khan. "The (House) Speaker (Paul Ryan) has made clear many times that he rejects this idea, and himself has talked about how Muslim Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country," AshLee Strong, spokesperson of the House Speaker, said in a statement to CBS News.



Tim Miller, a former communication director of Jeb Bush, described Trump's remarks as 'inhuman'.



The Trump campaign also released transcripts of the ABC interview, in which the reality TV star said of the father: "He was, you know, very emotional and probably looked like a nice guy to me... And personally, I watched him. I wish him the best of luck."



"What would you say to that father?" he was asked. Trump responded: "Well, I'd say we've had a lot of problems with radical Islamic terrorism. That's what I'd say. We have a lot of problems, where you look at San Bernardino. You look at Orlando. You look at the World Trade Centre. You look at so many different things.



"You look at what happened to the priest over the weekend in Paris, where his throat was cut, 85-year-old, beloved Catholic priest. You look at what happened in Nice, France, a couple of weeks ago. I'd say you've got to take a look at that, because something is going on. And it's not good."



In his late night statement, Trump alleged that Clinton "should be held accountable for her central role in destabilising the Middle East".



"Clinton's actions have been reckless and have directly led to the loss of American lives. And her extreme immigration policies, as also laid out by American victims in Cleveland, will cause the preventable deaths of countless more -- while putting all residents, from all places, at greater risk of terrorism," Trump alleged. "As Bernie Sanders said on numerous occasions, Hillary Clinton suffers from "bad judgement". She is not qualified to serve as Commander in Chief."



Donald Trump today lashed out at the father of a fallen Muslim American soldier over remarks that the Republican presidential nominee has "sacrificed nothing" for the country, saying he created thousands of jobs and questioned whether his wife was even "allowed" to speak.
The ongoing agitation by Dalits in Gujarat claimed its first victim from the community when one of the over 20 youths who had attempted suicide died today even as thousands of protesters converged at a rally here where the state's BJP government came under attack.



The state dalit leaders while asking their community to give up the work of disposing dead cattle to "send a message" to the government also warned that if atrocities on the community does not stop they will "show their strength" in the Assembly polls in Gujarat due in 2017.



Yogesh Hirabhai Solanki, 25, was rushed to Ahmedabad civil hospital at midnight last night from Rajkot after his condition deteriorated but passed away soon after, police said.



Solanki had attempted suicide along with two others at Parabari village in Dhoraji taluka of Rajkot on July 19 during the statewide protests against thrashing of Dalits in Una for skinning a dead dow on July 11.



A policeman was killed in Amreli town on July 19 when Dalit protesters pelted stones at a police station.



As part of their continuing protests over the assault on their community members, thousands of Dalits attended a mass gathering organised in Sabarmati area here.



At the rally, Dalit leaders also demanded firm steps to curb atrocities on the community.



The leaders also announced a plan to organise a foot march from here to Una town in Gir-Somnath District, where four Dalits were brutally thrashed by cow vigilantes for skinning a dead cow, from August 5 as a mark of protest against the July 11 incident which caused an outrage.



Addressing the gathering, Dalit leader and Convener Jignesh Mevani put forward a slew of demands before the State Government and asked his community to take a pledge to stay away from their traditional work of disposing the dead cattle.



"To give a strong message to the Government, I urge all Dalits to discontinue the work of disposing dead animals. I also want you to take a pledge of discontinuing the work of cleaning sewer lines. We no longer wish to do this work and want Government to allot agriculture land to us, so that we can live a respectable life," said Mevani.



"If atrocities on Dalits does not stop, Dalits will show their strength in the 2017 Assembly polls," he asserted, targeting the BJP Government in the State.



He put forward a series of demands and asked the Government to come to the table for talks, just like it did with the Patel quota leaders.



"We want everyone who thrashed Dalits in Una to be arrested under PASA. If they come out on bail, Government must extern them from five districts," he said. PASA is a stringent law dealing with anti-social activities.



Other demands include withdrawal of cases filed against Dalits during recent protests, speedy probe in the 2012 Thangadh police firing (in which 3 Dalits were killed), allotment of five acres of land for community members who want to discontinue their traditional work and martial arts training to SC members for self defence.



"This agitation will continue till Government accepts our demands. If Government can sit with Patels and accept their demands, it should do the same with Dalits and call them for a meeting," said Mevani.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 31

Trend:

Armenian armed forces have 6 times violated the ceasefire on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops over the past 24 hours, said Azerbaijans Defense Ministry July 31.

Armenian armed forces, stationed in the Berkaber, Paravakar villages of Armenias Ijevan district opened fire at Azerbaijani positions located in the Gizilhajili village of Azerbaijans

Gazakh district, Kohneqishlaq village of the Agstafa district.

Azerbaijani positions located in the Alibayli villages of the Tovuz district also took fire from the positions located in the Aygepar village of Armenias Berd district.

Moreover, Azerbaijani positions took fire from the positions located near the Horadiz village of the Fizuli district and on nameless heights of the Goygol and Fizuli districts.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
A Dalit MP of BJP today cautioned the party that the recent spate of attacks on the community members "will have a bearing" on the Assembly polls scheduled for 2017 and said he would urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that rule of law prevails in the country.



"Any social or political incident (like these) has a bearing and will have bearing (on the election)," BJP MP Udit Raj said.



Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Goa, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Himachal Pradesh are going to polls next year.



"We will take up the issue aggressively in Parliament... I will urge the Prime Minister, the party (BJP), all the Chief Ministers, (UP CM) Akhilesh ji, (TN CM) Jayalalithaa to take up the matter strongly and ensure rule of law is there," he told reporters after the conclusion of a national conference of an SC/ST confederation he leads.



Raj refused to comment on the stand taken by BJP on the issue. He just said "its (party's) reaction is not bad".



The MP attacked Congress and alleged that rule of law was not established during its "long regime". The conviction rate too has been poor in matters of atrocities against Dalits across the country, he said.



Raj asked if the value of Dalits was less than that of animals as he referred to Gujarat's Una incident, in which some community youths were targeted for skinning a dead cow, and attributed such incidents to "mindset" of the people.



He claimed the Gujarat incident was "not an isolated one" as Dalits keep facing attacks and reasoned the issue is being highlighted now given its "inhuman and bitter" nature.



He also questioned the "protectors" of Hindu religion as to who would be responsible if Dalits chose to embrace Islam or Christianity if denied entry to temples as he referred to media reports that following denial of permission to conduct rituals at the ancient Badrakaliyamman temple at Nagapattinam, during the Tamil month of Adi, some Dalits had planned to embrace Islam.



The Nagapattinam district administration had later denied the report.


According to the Indian Heart Association, India is the diabetes capital of the world with a projected 109 million individuals with diabetes by 2035.





The disease currently affects more than 62 million Indians, which is more than 7.1% of Indias adult population. The high incidence is attributed to a combination of genetic susceptibility plus adoption of a high-calorie, low-activity lifestyle by Indias growing middle class. Additionally, a study by the American Diabetes Association reports that India will see the greatest increase in people diagnosed with diabetes by 2030.



With the increase in the incidence of diabetes in the country, DHs Narayan Kulkarni spoke to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson and Managing Director, Biocon, the first company worldwide to develop human insulin on a Pichia expression system to share Biocons programmes to reach the needy and its market share in the country. Excerpts from the interview:



According to a latest WHO report, the number of diabetes deaths in India is about 220,000. What kind of programmes are in place to reach the needy in the country?



Biocon entered the diabetes space over a decade ago when the disease was assuming epidemic proportions in India but treatment was, by and large, inaccessible to most due to the high cost of treatment. We, therefore, focussed on developing an affordable form of insulin in India using an innovative home-grown technology. In 2004, we successfully introduced our recombinant human insulin Insugen at less than half the prevailing prices, compelling MNC brands to drop prices, which hugely benefited diabetes patients. We launched Basalog, a long-lasting basal Insulin Glargine for type 1 and type 2 diabetes, at an affordable price point in 2009. Since then, we have been addressing the large need for affordable insulin therapy in India through our generic rh-insulin, analogs and easy to use devices. We have enhanced patient access to insulin across India through affordable therapy, resulting in improved diabetes management.



Our CSR arm, Biocon Foundation, has been working tirelessly at increasing diabetes awareness among marginalised communities through diabetes camps. Last fiscal, the footfalls at these camps crossed the 6,000-mark. Nearly 6,000 more benefited from the home visits that we conducted under this programme.



Our efforts are aimed at raising awareness about managing diabetes through a holistic disease management and lifestyle modification programme. Our endeavour is to empower people with diabetes with the ability to win with diabetes through treatment compliance, lifestyle modification, nutrition management and regular exercise.



Our patient-support programme, Winning With Diabetes, focuses on creating awareness on diabetes management and leading a healthy life through lifestyle modifications. Cumulatively, almost 3.50 lakh patients have been benefited by our diabetes care helpline. Similarly, nearly three lakh patients have received support through the Insulin Therapy Assistance Programme initiative aimed at better patient compliance to insulin therapy.



Over and above these programmes, we collaborate with the medical community for diabetes detection camps, patient education programmes and walkathons nationwide. Last fiscal year, over two lakh individuals were screened and nearly 25,000 participated in a comprehensive six-month diabetes education programme delivered by trained educators. We also collaborated for a new first-of-its-kind initiative that targeted the general public, The Diabetic Food Trail. Diabetes-friendly healthy food menu options were offered at over 120 restaurants across Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru.



What are the updates relating to oral insulin (Insulin Tregopil) programme and when will it be launched?



Insulin Tregopil, a high potential oral insulin analog for type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients, is one of our key novel molecule programmes. We had declared positive results from the Phase I studies earlier this year in January. At this stage, we plan to take the asset into the next phase of clinical trials.



The next phase of development will look to validate the key findings from the Phase I studies in a larger patient population set. We are being advised by key opinion leaders and experts in the field of diabetes and endocrinology, and this, we believe is going to position us in a very attractive way for this asset. We will evaluate partnering or licensing the molecule for late stage development and commercialisation at a later date.



As a prandial insulin, Tregopil can prove to be a powerful weapon in the battle against diabetes, especially considering that the number of patients globally is expected to increase from almost 387 million in 2013 to 592 million by 2035.



In India, there are over 15 players in generic insulin with over 100 brands. What is the market share you have in this competitive market after launching Indias first human insulin in 2004?



Biocon has a 10% share in the Indian insulin market. Insugen is the biggest Indian brand of insulin. Basalog is the leading brand of Glargine. The launch of Basalog One, a ready-to-use disposable device in FY16, has strengthened our existing Basalog portfolio of vials, refills, and reusable devices. Basalog reported over 30% growth in the first quarter of FY17, which is significantly ahead of the market.



Our key diabetes therapies and our complementary portfolio of affordable treatment options for associated cardiovascular diseases have enabled us to create a holistic treatment portfolio for co-morbid diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia.

(For full interview, visit www.deccanherald.com)



Globally the human insulin market is growing at a CAGR of 8.1%. What about the growth rate of Biocon in this space?



Globally, we are among the top three biosimilars players in rh-insulin and Insulin Glargine in terms of market share. Today, we enjoy market approvals in over 60 countries for rh-Insulin and over 20 countries for Insulin Glargine.



To target the opportunity for rh-insulin in the US market, we have entered into a co-development agreement with our long-standing Mexican partner, LaboratoriosPiSA. Through this collaboration, we will introduce rh-Insulin under the Biocon brand to address the $1.5 billion-market opportunity in the US.



We crossed a significant milestone in Malaysia in Q1FY17 with Biocons rh-Insulin becoming the first product manufactured in Malaysia to be approved for commercialisation by the Ministry of Health (MoH), Malaysia. Biocons Insulin Glargine was also approved by the MoH, Malaysia. These approvals will open up commercialisation opportunities for the company and will enable us to address the needs of nearly 3.3 million diabetes patients in Malaysia. Regulatory filings for several other emerging markets are underway to enable commercial sales from the Malaysian facility.



We recently launched Insulin Glargine in Japan through our partner FUJIFILM Pharma. The Japanese launch for Glargine is likely to open some markets for us that rely on a developed country approval and provides confidence in terms of approvals in other developed markets. We are also developing Insulin Glargine for the developed markets outside of Japan in collaboration with Mylan. We are on track for filing Insulin Glargine in the EU and the US in FY17.



Biocons pipeline of generic human insulin and insulin analogs under development represent a global market opportunity of $18 billion as measured by innovator sales in calendar 2015.
The Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday claimed to have made a breakthrough in the highway gang-rape case. The police said they have arrested three members of the notorious Bawaria gang, who raped a 14-year-old girl and her mother while holding the other members of the family hostage at gunpoint on Friday night.





Two police officers, including the SHO of the local station, were suspended in connection with the incident.



State police chief Javeed Ahmed said that five people, all members of a nomadic tribe, had been taken into custody. The victims have identified three of them. They are the members of the Bawaria gang, Ahmed told reporters in Bulandshahar district, about 500 kilometres from here.



He said that two of the suspects, identified as Naresh alias Thakur and Bablu, hailed from Punjab and Haryana, respectively, while the third, Rahees, was a resident of Bulandshahar.



''We have crucial leads on which we are working. The other culprits will be nabbed soon, he said. Ahmed also said that the police would try to ensure that the trial of the case would take place in a fast track court. The incident occurred near Dostpur village in Bulandshahar on the Delhi-Kanpur highway when the families of two brothers, both residents of Noida, were travelling to Shahjahanpur.



According to Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Daljit Chaudhary, the bandits, whose numbers are yet to be ascertained, threw an object at the vehicle, forcing the driver to stop. They then overpowered the occupants of the car and dragged them into a nearby muddy sugarcane field, where they tied the three men and gang-raped the minor girl and her 35-year old mother. The culprits also looted their valuables before fleeing from the spot, police said. The horror, according to the victims, continued for over two hours. They informed the police around dawn on Saturday.



As the incident triggered a massive outrage, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav ordered the police to crack the case and arrest the culprits in 24 hours or face action.
District In-charge minister Vinay Kulkarni, who had come under sharp criticism from the villagers of Navalgund taluk over the police excesses at Yamanur village, visited Yamanur and Alagwadi villages on Sunday.





The minister along with Deputy Commissioner S B Bommanahalli and SP Dharmendra Kumar Meena held peace meetings in the villages. He appealed people not to resort to violence during their protests against the verdict of the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal.



The incidents which took place in Navalgund taluk in general and Yamanur in particular in the last couple of days are certainly a bad precedent.



Protesters torched several government vehicles. They also set afire and ransacked over 10 government offices and assaulted some policemen. The police officials have tried their best to control the mob, the minister said.



High-level enquiry



But, police beating up women and senior citizens is improper. A high-level enquiry would be ordered into the incident. Based on the enquiry report, action would be taken against the guilty police officials.



The police have been directed not to arrest women,

senior citizens and children, he said.



The irate villagers, particularly women demanded stern action against police.

Some of them showed the bruises they have suffered due to brutal attack by the police. They said the government had created a fear-psychosis in the taluk.

Withdraw cases



The villagers said the police have arrested innocent people, mainly youths who had nothing to do with the protest.



They urged the minister to immediately bring this issue to the notice of the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and request him hold for a Cabinet meeting to discuss the issue.



The government should unconditionally withdraw all the false cases registered against farmers, senior citizens and women and release them immediately, they demanded.



Kulkarni said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would soon convene a meeting of elected representatives and the advocates representing Karnataka before the Tribunal to discuss the States legal recourse.


Curfew, strike and protests continued in Kashmir on the 23rd consecutive day on Sunday with one more person succumbing to injuries, taking the death toll to 52.





Reports said a youth from Sopore, who was injured during protests in his hometown on July 23, succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS Hospital in Srinagar. However, a police spokesman said the youth had fallen from a tree and was not injured in the current unrest.



He said an FIR with regard to spreading of rumours was lodged at the Sopore police station.

Meanwhile, normal life remained paralysed due to separatist- sponsored strike, curfew and restrictions in parts of the Valley.



However, more than 10,000 candidates appeared for the pre-medical and pre-engineering Common Entrance Test. Officials said out of 11,881 registered candidates, 10,803 appeared in the test conducted by the Board of Professional Entrance Examination at various centers in Kashmir.



Reports said Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, who visited a few of the centres in Srinagar, faced a hostile crowd when she reached Government College for Women, Srinagar.

A police official said some aggressive parents tried to block her, however, they were kept at bay.



The protesting parents said the presence of the chief minister and her security disturbed the candidates.



Reports said two people were wounded when forces opened fire in Imam Sahib area in south Kashmirs Shopain on Sunday afternoon. The police used teargas canisters and fired pellets to disperse the protesters due to which two people sustained injuries, reports added.



The separatists on Saturday extended the shutdown call till August 5, the day they intend to take out a march to Hazratbal shrine here.

DH News Service
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 31

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:

Iran has signed a deal with the Georgian International Energy Corporation to export gas to the country within a 4-month period, Ali Reza Kameli, managing director of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC), said.

Almost 40 million cubic meters of gas will be sold to the company under the test agreement, Kameli said, the Iranian oil ministrys SHANA news agency reported July 31.

He further said that the deal will come into force once Armenia issues the needed permissions.

Earlier, Mariam Valishvili, Georgia's deputy energy minister told Trend that the Georgian Ministry of Energy has no information on the conclusion of contracts for the import of Iranian gas to the country.

Valishvili added that the Georgian government has not concluded the contracts for such gas supply.

Theoretically, private companies can sign such a contract, she said. The Georgian legislation does not forbid it. However, in this case, these contracts must be submitted to the Georgian government for registration. But the government did not obtain such contracts.

At present, Azerbaijan is the main supplier of gas to Georgia. Small volumes are also supplied from Russia.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday faced criticism from the Congress for his remarks on actor Aamir Khan, who last year voiced concerns over an air of intolerance in the country.





Shameful that @manoharparrikar threatens teaching a lesson to actors, instead of training his guns elsewhere, tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala. The defence minister was also at the receiving end of social media.



At a book release function in Pune on Saturday, Parrikar reportedly said anyone speaking against the country must be taught a lesson in the same way that an actor and an online trading company were taught.



Parrikar went on to say that his team asked people to order and return the products, which led the online company to remove the advertisement.



The minister said the actors statements were very arrogant. Even though he did not take any names, the references were made to actor Aamir Khan and how the e-commerce firm Snapdeal severed its ties with Khan following the controversy.



Last November, Khan spoke about a sense of insecurity resulting from increasing intolerance in the country and mentioned his wife Kiran Raos apprehensions about the future of their child in India. Khan said Kiran had asked him whether they would leave India.



As his comments triggered a huge controversy, many people had protested against Khans remark and uninstalled the Snapdeal mobile application as Khan was the companys brand ambassador.



The company later took off the advertisement featuring the Bollywood star.

Surjewala said it was a shocking revelation by Parrikar and showed that the BJP and the RSS supporters actively disrupted and sabotaged the online trading company on the issue.

DH News Service
In a sudden twist in the search operations of the missing Indian Air Force (IAF) flight AN-32 with 29 passengers onboard, the defence authorities shifted their focus to Andhra Pradesh (AP).





A major search operation by air and by foot is underway to locate the missing aircraft, following a tip-off from tribals of Nathavaram forest ranges of Visakhapatnam district in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh to the Suryalanka Air force Station in Guntur district on July 30 that they had heard a deafening sound on July 22 from the forest.



The cargo flight AN-32 went missing off the radar enroute to Port Blair from Tambaram Air Force station on July 22 with 29 passengers, including six crew members onboard.



While the initial efforts with the help of an IAF helicopter to locate the so-called object failed to yield results, another such phone call made the officials resume the search operations on land also.



On Saturday, a massive search operation was undertaken in the K Duddugula area, also known as the dense Sarugudu forest. According to the additional principal chief conservator of forests N Pradeep Kumar, two teams of forest rangers have began looking for the debris starting from Rajavummangi, Krishnadevipeta, Ankapalem, Kottadudugula and Asangiri areas to cover maximum area in a short time.



Divisional Forest Officer Geddam Sekhar Babu who is supervising the operations told media on Sunday that the search so far has not yielded any results.



The search for the missing 29 member crew of the Russian-made aircraft destined to Port Blair has become albeit following important claims that the mobile phone of one of the crew members came alive for a while.



It was hoped that the pilot of the missing aircraft might have diverted the plane to safety by turning towards Visakhapatnam coast due to deteriorating weather conditions on Bay of Bengal.



However, forest and revenue officials are also concerned about the Maoist threat in the deep jungles of Visakhapatnam bordering Chhattisgarh and Odisha.



Meanwhile, search operations to locate the AN-32 off the Chennai coast met several hurdles in the last 24 hours with bad weather wreaking havoc. Coast guard officials here said that even after 10 days of search and rescue efforts, no survivors or debris of the aircraft have been found.


Those who dont like discipline are unhappy, says pro-VC



Students of Christ University went on a silent protest on July 29 against several rules that the university has in place. This was followed by a post on the social media with students expressing their anger.



Incidentally, this comes barely days after a BSc students open post condemning the colleges decision to work on a strike day. Speaking about several things that they were unhappy about the institution, the latest post says, To walk around college everyday and know that everything around that place is wrong, and to realise that raising your voice is a far bigger crime is pretty much how most of us feel in college.



Students of Christ University, Bannerghatta Road campus initiated a silent protest on Friday when they dressed themselves in black and stood silently in the quadrangle until the faculty agreed to listen to their issues.



They stated the college did not address students issues contrary to what it had claimed at the time of admissions. Similar to a disagreement voiced by the BSc student in her post, the second post condemns the college for making 85% attendance mandatory for students to write the examinations.



Students also mentioned of they being forbidden to organise or attend any meetings within the University without the Vice Chancellors permission and being not permitted to make complaints in a body or present any collective petition.



Students also claimed that a faculty from the economics department was forced to resign and was humiliated mercilessly. And the reason? He spoke up for the students, the post read.



Fr Abraham V M, Pro-VC, Christ University said: The details mentioned in the post are based on wrong facts. These are simply allegations. However there is no doubt that we are only strict about the attendance. There are a few that do not like discipline. I would say these are in the minority. The majority are happy with the university. Alumni since long ago still come to admit their children because they feel that this place gives quality education.



On the economics professor who was allegedly thrown out, Fr Abraham said the professor had resigned on his own. Asked if some of the rules would be changed following the protest, he said students would be called and their grievances heard. He said the students at the new campus would take some time to adjust to the rules of the University.

DH News Service


Letters of grievances are pouring in and we are doing our best to accommodate as many as possible. Readers may write in to highlight civic problems affecting their locality and we will help address them in an interactive and effective manner.



Grievances and issues related to public utility agencies such as Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (Bescom) would be highlighted in the weekly column.



The writeups, which could be accompanied by photographs highlighting the problems, will be published on Mondays. Mail your grievances to: peoplesproblems @deccanherald.co.in

Shoddy work by BBMP

A tree was axed by the BBMP authorities in front of our house No 65, 3rd Cross, 2nd Stage, RK Layout, Padmanabhanagar. However, the work has left cracks in our compound wall and the stump of the tree remains. If the stump is not removed, it would cause further damages to the compound wall. Due to heavy rains, the tree stump might uproot any time. No action is visible, despite repeated requests.

T S Subramanya, RK Layout, Padmanabhanagar

HSR Layout road flooded

The 16th A Cross of Sector-6, HSR Layout gets flooded during monsoon. Residents are forced to walk in knee-deep water to reach their houses. The rains this week left the road flooded and residents are swimming in the flood water. The corporator has no time to listen to our grievances and the officers are indifferent. It will take 15 days for the water to dry up. The stormwater drains are also non-functional, adding to the woes.

A Obireddy, 491, 16 A Cross Sector-6, HSR Layout



Complete workon underpass

The work on Kodigehalli underpass began much fanfare when D V Sadananda Gowda was the railway minister. But, the work came to a halt within a short period. With this, the link between Tindlu and Kodigehalli Road has been affected and one has to cross the Sahakaranagar railway gate to commute. It has been two years since the work on the underpass has come to a halt. The project site is now filled with rainwater and has become hazardous for people. The Railways is sleeping over the matter.

Bedathur Sankar, G-8, A Block, Nipuna Heritage, Kodigehalli



Lights defunct on Vani Vilas Road

The five streetlights at the traffic signal junction on Vani Vilas Road and Shankar Mutt Road and three streetlights on Shankar Mutt Road are not functional for quite sometime. Motorcyclists find it tough to ride on this dark stretch. The streetlights have not been repaired in spite of repeated appeals to the officials concerned.

Vidya Dhar, 30, Shankar Mutt Road



BMTC bus with no windowpanes

The BMTC bus number - KA 01F 2816 - (route number 63) does not have proper windowpanes. As a result, when it rains, water enters into the bus inconveniencing passengers. The BMTC should take action in this regard.

Francis, No 5,Muniga Layout, MS Nagar



Excess billingby BWSSB

My water connection RR No SE 340237, 218, Sector-2, HSR Layout, was wrongly billed for April, 2016, as Rs 4,263.



I complained to the engineer, Nagendra, (BWSSB, BTM) and got it corrected for the next month for Rs 910. However, the amount in the wrong bill as well as the corrected bill were debited to my bank account on May 21.



I am making multiple visits to the BWSSB office to get back my Rs 4,263, deducted from my bank account. Though the BWSSB engineer and the staff have assured me of getting the mistake rectified, it has been three months since I have been visiting the HSR Layout and the BTM offices. The matter is still not settled.

Uma Ankireddy, 218, 27th Main Road, Sector-2, HSR Layout



Reintroduce BMTC route number 126

A BMTC bus used to ply from Jeevanahalli to the city railway station on route number 126. This was convenient for the commuters to reach the Cantonment railway station and the city railway station as well.



But, the bus has been cancelled inconveniencing commuters, who are now forced to hire auto rickshaws. Most of the time, the auto rickshaw drivers refuse to ply on these routes. And even if they come, the commuters are forced to pay exorbitant fares. We request the authorities concerned to reintroduce the bus on route number 126.

T Prakash Murthy, Jeevanahalli



Vacant site turns into dumping yard

There is a vacant site opposite our house at Number 3, 2nd Cross, Sir MV Nagar, Kalkere Main Road, Ramamurthy Nagar.



The site has turned into a dumping yard by the local people. This is creating lot of problems for the residents as foul smell emanates from the place. The stray dogs drag the garbage onto the roads and the trash is inviting diseases. We request the authorities concerned to put an end to the problem at the earliest.

S S Pandian, Ramamurthy Nagar



Irrational charges by BWSSB

I have an independent house with ground and first floor constructed on a 30x50 sq feet site in RBI Layout, JP Nagar 7th phase.



The BWSSB had been charging Rs 100 towards borewell and sanitary charges. Since March 2016,the Board has categorised my house as multi-house and has hiked the charges to Rs 300. Several houses in our layout have been constructed on a bigger site dimension, with multiple floors. And they are charged only Rs 100.



I have submitted several letters to the assistant executive engineer of S-5 sub division of BWSSB, seeking clarification and refund. But there has been no response.

R Prabhakar, No 687, RBI Layout, JP Nagar 7th Phase


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by Tad Lindley

I love my wifes family. They have been one of the great blessings in my life. So when I hear people make mother-in-law jokes or speak disparagingly about their in-laws I always feel uncomfortable. But I do know of one guy who had legitimate in-law issues, and I am sure if you knew all the details, you would know it wasnt his fault. For all of you out there with in-law issues, this one is for you.

Some serious red flags

This was before David became his son-in-law. He was just a musician in the kings court. One day Saul went berserk while David was playing music and actually threw a spear at him to kill him, in the house! When he realized that he couldnt kill David with his own hand, he made him a military officer so that he might be killed in battle. (I Samuel 18:5-16) Now if my late father-in-law had treated me like this, I most certainly would never have married his daughter, but for whatever reason, David did not see the red flags.

Daughter as murder bait

King Saul was so jealous of David, that he wanted David dead, so he got hardcore dysfunctional. He sent a secret message to David, Ill make a deal with you, if you kill 100 Philistines and bring me a certain body part from each one, I will let you marry my daughter. As mentioned earlier, David certainly had ample warning that this was a dysfunctional family, but he took the deal. Of course Saul anticipated that David would get killed in the process. Come to find out, however, that David killed 200 Philistines and brought their foreskins to the king, double the bride price. Thereby he became the kings son-in-law. (I Samuel 18:17-30)

And you thought you had in-law problems

Soon after the wedding, Saul told his servants to look for a chance to kill David (I Samuel 19:1-7). Then he tried to kill David in the house with a spear again (19:8-10). None of that worked, so he sent a hit squad to Davids house at night, but Davids wife got wind of it and helped David escape (19:11-17). I could keep going and tell you how eventually King Saul began to travel around Israel with his army trying to kill his son-in-law, David. I could tell you how Saul took Davids wife, and gave her to another husband. There is even more, but space does not permit me to tell you. You can read it all in your Bible (I Samuel 18-26).

David gets a chance to kill his father-in-law

While Saul was chasing David around the desert, he needed to take a dump. Not wanting to do that in front of his soldiers, he slipped into a cave. Unbeknownst to him, David and his men were hiding from Saul in that very cave. As Saul laid aside his robe in the dark of the cave David slipped up with a knife and cut a big hunk of fabric off of the robe. Many people think that David should have plunged that knife into his father-in-laws chest cavity, but not David. He waited until Saul left the cave and followed him out. Holding up the fabric to prove that he could have killed him he confronts his father-in-law.

How to be a great son-in-law

You would think that Saul would realize that David was not a threat to him, but after this he still continued to try to track David down and kill him. A second time, as Saul slept surrounded by his soldiers, David snuck in and took the spear and the water bottle from beside Sauls pillow. Once they had snuck away, he called out to Saul and woke him up, again showing him the proof that he meant no evil to his father-in-law.

The power of mercy

Saul did not deserve the mercy of David, but he got it. David was so sold out to God at this point in his life, that when many of us would have said, Look hes coming into the cave alone, this is a sign from God to kill him! that David refused to take vengeance into his own hands. Instead he showed mercy and trusted God to sort it all out (which of course, He did). Because David refused to exact revenge on the man who was both his father-in-law and his king, respecting the position in spite of Sauls dysfunctions, David went on to become the king of Israel and the honor of being described in the Bible as a man after Gods own heart.

If you married into a messed up family

please follow Davids example. Even if the person or people are not worthy of respect or honor, their position is. And when you force yourself to honor those who do not deserve it, you put God in a position to honor you, who perhaps do not deserve it either.

Reverend Tad Lindley is a minister at the United Pentecostal Church in Bethel, Alaska.

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The Department of Public Safety has published the 2020 Crime in Alaska report, the annual report on instances of crime in Alaska reported a decrease in Alaskas overall crime rate by 18.5%. This also reflects the lowest total number of reported offenses since 1975 and continues the downward trend in Alaska crime that started in 2018.

While Alaskas reported violent crime rate decreased by 3.7% last year, the crime rate for rape increased slightly from 2019 to 2020. Alaskas property crime rate decreased 22.9% in 2020, and the total number of reported property offenses were at their lowest level since 1974.

The Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program is a nationwide effort by federal, state, city, county, and tribal law enforcement agencies to report data on crimes reported in their jurisdiction. The report is a resource for measuring the trend and distribution of crime in Alaska. Under Alaska law, law enforcement agencies in Alaska are required to submit UCR data to the State of Alaska. In 2020, 32 agencies reported crime data to DPS. These agencies represent 99.5% of the states population.

The overall decrease in Alaskas crime rate is encouraging and shows real progress in our efforts to make Alaska a safe place to live and raise a family. However, we must continue to double-down on our efforts to eliminate the scourge of sexual assault and domestic violence in our state and invest in meaningful public safety in rural Alaska, said Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell. Every Alaskan, regardless of their address, gender, or race, deserves a life that is free of crime, and the Department of Public Safety is committed to doing our part to meet that goal.

Caution should be exercised when comparing data from year to year and making conclusions as the report does not account for when an incident occurred; it accounts for when it was reported. For example, burglary or theft occurring in November of one year may not have been discovered and reported until February of the next year. The incident is not retroactively applied to a previous years data; it is counted in the year it was reported.

Rape offenses are counted by victim, and each separation of time and place a rape occurs will also be counted. Sexual assaults spanning years will result in numerous counts of rape offenses being reported for a single victim.

The 2020 Crime in Alaska report was authored by the Alaska Department of Public Safetys Division of Statewide Services. The Division of Statewide Services provides technical and specialized services to the Department of Public Safety and law enforcement agencies across the state. Past Crime in Alaska Reports and Felony-Level Sex Offenses reports can be found online.

The UCR and Crime in Alaska reports are based on the Federal Bureau of Investigation UCR Program definitions of crimes to ensure consistency and uniformity in reported offenses on a national level. The definitions do not always echo state definitions; therefore, federal publications cannot accurately be compared to reports that use the state definitions for crimes as these are unique to each state. Additionally, the population counts for Crime in Alaska come from the US Census.

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Baku, Azerbaijan, July 31 By Khalid Kazimov  Trend: The total volume of oil products loaded and unloaded at Iranian ports increased by 50 percent over the last Iranian month (ended July 22) compared to the same period last year. According to the countrys Ports and Maritime Organization, in the mentioned period, 18 million tons of oil products were loaded and unloaded at ports across Iran. In the meantime, the country unloaded 3.1 million tons of oil products at its ports across the country. Iran also loaded 15.5 million tons of oil products in the mentioned period. According to a report by BP's Statistical Review of World Energy, Iran consumed 88.9 million tons of oil as well as 172.1 million tons oil equivalent (mtoe) of natural gas and 1.2 mtoe of coal
Thank you for finding our loved ones

To the Search & Rescue Volunteers of Alakanuk, Emmonak, Kotlik, and Mountain Village

Thank you so much for volunteering your time and resources to help search for our daughters, Patience and Haley, last month. Your willingness to help on short notice is much appreciated and helped contribute to their safe return and a positive outcome. We could not have found them without you. Special thanks goes to Jason Fancyboy and Jeff Unok of Kotlik who found them, fed them, made sure they were warm, and delivered them home safely. God bless all of you that helped with their safe return! Thank you so much, the Alstrom and Moses families.

Audrey Alstrom

Anchorage, AK

A GREAT BIG Bethel THANK YOU!

The 2017 Bras n Bros fundraiser event sponsored by the VFW Auxiliary Post 10041 at the end of January was a success due to the involvement of several state, city and local agencies and businesses PLUS the selfless contributions of time from many individuals.

THANK YOU to the Robert V. Lindsey VFW Post 10041, YKHC and YKHC Injury Prevention, Lynden Air Frieght, Bethel Police Department, Bethel Fire Department, Immaculate Conception Church, the Magic Man, Mike Calvetti, Gold Rush Liquor and Swansons Store.

With everyones support, the VFW Auxiliary raised over $8,000.00 for scholarships, funeral and medical assistance, Americanism, Veterans recognition and Veterans family support.

LaTesia M. Guinn

VFW Auxiliary Bras n Bros Chairperson

Post 10041, Bethel AK

Lets stand as one, not as divided tribes

It has been a while since I last wrote. To my displeasure of some leaders of this region, I dont need to name names as you know who you are. There are a select few of us without getting compensated are trying our best to help this region.

I personally have spent countless hours of phone conversations with some respected and tireless elders and real leaders that affect our economically depressed region. I applaud those that had the courage to attend last weeks first YK Delta Intertribal Conference. Alcohol was the main topic first day and many of the attendees were affected by this very hard topic.

From my perspective it was a good turnout.

Many spoke out mostly because there already have been many preventable and premature deaths. Young and old have died from alcohol since the liquor store opened. I would like for the City of Bethel to reconsider their position with the two that are open now. The AC and BNCs licenses to operate. Needless to say the BNCs store has not been operating after the leaders of that corporation advocated publically that it is time. Time for the younger generation to learn how to drink moderation and what not.

One old man from Bethel testified when the Wild Goose was open back in the late 70s which was heartbreaking. As for the AC liquor store, what has it brought to our delta? Are they going to send food, attention, comfort, and especially LOVE to those children that are being neglected? The money that AC liquor store earns is only benefitting a Canadian company. I can only imagine if they earned 2.7 million last quarter to date this delta contributed over 5 million dollars by now.

It is time that we stand as one not as divided tribes. These organizations that you tribes erected have their own agendas. We tried and cried wolf but never got heard but turned the other way. With that being said I hope you tribes can come together. We can all agree to disagree as united tribes and great people of this Yupik, Cupik, Cupig, and Athabaskans of this great region.

Steven M Alexie

Napaskiak, AK

You, Womens History, and the Power of Social Security

March is Womens History Month  a time to focus not just on the past, but also on the challenges women continue to face. Nearly 60 percent of the people receiving Social Security benefits are women, and in the 21st century, more women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nations history. Knowing this, you can be the author of your own rich and independent history, with a little preparation.

Social Security has served a vital role in the lives of women for over 80 years. With longer life expectancies than men, women tend to live more years in retirement and have a greater chance of exhausting other sources of income. With the national average life expectancy for women in the United States rising, many women will have decades to enjoy retirement. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a female born today can expect to live more than 80 years. As a result, experts generally agree that if women want to ensure that their retirement years are comfortable, they need to plan early and wisely.

You can start with a visit to Social Securitys Retirement Estimator. It gives you a personalized estimate of your retirement benefits. Plug in different retirement ages and projected earnings to get an idea of how such things might change your future benefit amounts. You can use this valuable tool at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

You should also visit Social Securitys financial planning website at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners. It provides detailed information about how marriage, widowhood, divorce, self-employment, government service, and other life or career events can affect your Social Security.

Your benefit is determined based on your earnings. You can create your personal my Social Security account to verify that your earnings are correct. Your account also can provide estimates of future retirement, disability, and survivors benefits.

If you want more information about how Social Security supports women through lifes journey, Social Security has a booklet that you may find useful. It is Social Security: What Every Woman Should Know. You can find it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10127.html.

Robin Schmidt

Social Security Administration

Alaska Public Affairs Specialist

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by Bethel Community Services Foundation Staff

Many of us are at home, heeding the instructions given by national, state and city leaders. Others are at work in fields deemed critical infrastructure- health care, grocery stores, banking, law enforcement, utilities, and many other fields upon which we rely, even at a time when many aspects of daily life have slowed down or stopped altogether.

We know that our neighbors, service organizations, educational institutions, and businesses are struggling- and the majority of us are wondering how we can help- how we can do the most good. We are connected (even when maintaining physical distance), we are resilient, and we are thinking of each other.

Here is some advice from Bethel Community Services Foundation on some ways you can help:

1. Pick the nonprofit of your choice that is providing critical services and, if you are able, send them a financial contribution. Bethel Winter House Shelter, Tundra Womens Coalition, Emmonak Womens Shelter, KYUK and ONC Senior Services are examples.

Any organization that provides housing and homeless-related services, shelter, medical services, communications and food assistance is likely to need your support. They are stretching to meet community needs while also developing and implementing their COVID-19 staffing and stakeholder response plans during this time of crisis.

2. Provide a gift to the YK Delta COVID-19 Response Fund at BCSF. This fund was created to provide urgent funding for the most immediate needs that are resulting from COVID-19. It is a good fit for donors who want to make a financial gift to a COVID-19 relief effort but a) are not sure which local group to choose or b) want the funds to be directed to a range of efforts. BCSF is matching the first $5,000 in individual contributions.

This fund will provide support for a number of specific COVID-19 needs in the YK Delta and will be open to nonprofits and community service providers. Prioritization will be given to emergency shelters, homeless prevention efforts (preventing evictions through rent and mortgage assistance and utilities assistance), food security, support for critical communications and other areas of most immediate need resulting from COVID-19 as identified by these responding groups.

Gifts to the fund can be made at bcsfoundation.org- click on the YK Delta COVID-19 Response Fund, via our BCSF Facebook Fundraiser, mailed to PO Box 2189 Bethel AK 99559, or over the phone at 907-543-1812.

3. Remember groups whose budgets have been devastated by cancellation of fundraising events, or who are experiencing an increase in requests by people who have suddenly lost income. Bethel Friends of Canines is an example of such a group that relies upon pancake breakfast fundraisers and other events to raise money- and a group which will likely experience more requests for helping with pet spays/neuters or help with emergency pet care costs from people who are now experiencing financial uncertainty.

Financial donations are critical; volunteering is also important.

4. YKHC is implementing a plan for community members to volunteer to make masks. BCSF is partnering to distribute mask kits from YKHC to volunteers who wish to help sew masks. The kits include medical-grade material and everything except thread, including instructions. Mask kits are available to pick up at our office at 1795 Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway from 10 a.m.  4 p.m., Monday  Friday. Please return completed masks to BCSF.

5. Bethel Friends of Canines needs foster homes for rescued dogs and cats- and with so many people spending their days at home, now is a great time to save an animal or volunteer to walk dogs in the pound or at the BFK9 kennel.

6. Tundra Womens Coalition is expanding its pool of relief advocates in order to ensure that their doors stay open if their existing staff becomes ill or exposed to the virus (while paid, they need people to sign up and be trained).

7. Bethel Winter House is accepting donations of food for lunches served to homeless guests and for evening nightly shelter meals.

8. Call on elders, people with underlying health conditions and quarantined people who cannot leave their homes, grocery shop for others in this situation, check with ONC Senior Services about their needs, and keep an eye on various community Facebook pages where people ask for and offer to help.

9. Virtual volunteerism- ask your favorite organization what more you can do to help them from your home. Maybe theres a tech-based task, or help spreading their messages through your social media channels, or a Do-It-Yourself project theyve just been waiting for someone to offer to do.

Its not just money and time; our providers also need stuff.

Have a fully-stocked closet, shop or bathroom cabinet? For anyone who happened to have a full inventory of sanitizing wipes, paper towels, cleaning supplies, N-95 masks, other styles/types of masks, gloves, thermometers or hand sanitizer, now is a critical time to share. TWC, the Winter House Shelter and Emmonak Womens Shelter- as well as many of our other responding organizations- are in need of many of these materials.

In Bethel, the Lions Club offers a Food Pantry service to respond to individual food needs and space for a monthly Food Bank distribution. At this time, Lions Club International has suspended activity during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Susan Taylor is willing to pick up food or snack donations (using an appropriate social distancing plan) and ensure they get to an organization or group that can utilize them. Susan can be reached at 545-7524.

ONC Senior Services is also accepting donations of subsistence foods and vegetables for their Meals-on-Wheels program which delivers lunches to elders. Call ONC at 543-2608 and ask for Wilson Green to learn more about how to make a donation of food that they can use.

Finally, regardless of our financial, time or pantry resources, we can all offer this: constant support, encouragement and respect to all of the people in our region who are working in health care and as emergency responders and who are deemed essential employees working in critical infrastructure. These role models are implementing plans to keep as many of us as healthy as possible and ensuring we receive essential services during the pandemic. They continue to report to work despite the risk and deserve our gratitude.

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This week (May 25th), the Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program welcomed more than 50 middle school students to the University of Alaska Anchorage campus for its first STEM Career Exploration component of the summer. During this five-day residential camp, students explored the health sciences career field by participating in several hands-on activities led by industry professionals.

To be eligible, students must have previously completed ANSEPs Middle School Academy component and maintained grades that adhere to ANSEPs high academic standards, including being on track to complete algebra 1 before high school. In addition to the educational benefits, STEM Career Exploration gives students a chance to continue familiarizing themselves with the UAA campus and the rigors of college life as well as interact with like-minded peers from around Alaska. Students from 17 communities across Alaska were chosen to participate, including:

Akiachak: Tyler Charles

Anchorage: Chantell Adams, Omar Adegbola, Danaysia Craggette, Vernadette Fernandez-Alexie, Andrew Gebert, Courtney Hoelscher, Jessica Martinez, Puataunofo Ropati, Kaydence Sara, Dylan Westlake and Audrey Williams

Bethel: Hayden Carlson, Rosemary Chakuchin, Gracie Davis, Kallie Grace Qerrataralria Andrew, Anson Jimmie, Alyssa Motgin, Cheyenne Murphy, Randy Turner Jr. and Greta Rose Whitney

Brevig Mission: Laura Ann Kugzruk, Kelly Tocktoo and Shannon Tocktoo

Galena: Paytyn Cleaver and Ian Esmailka

Golovin: Landon Varga

Hooper Bay: Ravynn Condello

Kenai: Hermoine Lanfear

Kongiganak: Lora Crosley and Sarah Lupie

Kotlik: Amari Akaran

Kotzebue: Frank Beecroft and Leah Jameson-Hatch

Marshall: Melanie Landlord

Noatak: Steven Barger

Palmer: Nicole Bell, Michael Hill and Nathaniel Hill

Pilot Station: Emily Harry and Devon Heckman

Scammon Bay: Joseph Cholok and Madison Ramoth

St. Marys: Ana Joe

Stebbins: Jeri Dan and Cameron Pete

Unalakleet: Mary Arca and Emmanuel Mittelhoelzer

Wasilla: Gavynn Carle

STEM Career Explorations is designed to help students focus on a particular STEM field that interests them and renew their dedication to and enthusiasm for the ANSEP community and pursuit of a degree and career in STEM. Students who participated in the health sciences STEM Career Explorations this week experienced a variety of hands-on activities, from dental health simulations to a heart dissection.

At ANSEP, our goal is to inspire students to pursue their dreams and ensure they have the educational tools needed to achieve them, said ANSEP Founder and Vice Provost Dr. Herb Ilisaurri Schroeder. In addition to providing outstanding learning opportunities, STEM Career Exploration is important for students as they build their support network. All of them have already participated in ANSEPs Middle School Academy, and a big benefit of STEM Career Explorations is the chance for them to reconnect with friends and mentors who are part of the ANSEP community.

This is the first of four STEM Career Exploration sessions that will take place this summer thanks to generous donations from ANSEPs strategic partners, including its most recent $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation. To learn more about ANSEP and its components, visit www.ansep.net.

About ANSEP

The Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program, founded by Herb Ilisaurri Schroeder, Ph.D., is part of the University of Alaska system. The program strives to effect systemic change in the hiring patterns of Alaska Natives in science, technology, engineering and mathematics career fields by placing its students on a path to leadership. Beginning at the middle school level, ANSEPs longitudinal model continues through high school and into undergraduate, graduate and doctorate programs, allowing students to succeed at rates far exceeding national numbers. In 2015, the organization launched ANSEP STEM Teacher to further remedy Alaskas rural education issues by supporting students pursuing STEM-related teaching certificates. ANSEP plans to place one ANSEP STEM Teacher in every Alaska village by 2025.

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European Union Foreign Policy chief Federica Mogherini has expressed support for Iranian accession bid to the World Trade Organization, a senior official from the European Commission in charge of Trade and Tariff said on Saturday, IRNA reported.

Jose Luis Fernandez told the senior official of Iranian Customs Organization Mahmoud Beheshtian that Mogherini declared the EU support for Iranian accession bid to WTO in a statement released after an EU economic delegation visited Tehran after implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Iran has applied for WTO membership for 20 years and is now an observer member of the organization after the US blocked Iranian accession bid.

Prolongation of the process to gain the WHO membership caused crippling damages on Iranian economy and the per capita income of Iranians.

Washington blocked Iranian membership to the WHO over the loggerheads the Islamic Republic of Iran developed with the US since 1979.
Jobs or no jobs, developers kept city property-tax abatements

Columbus routinely offers tax abatements to businesses pledging to create jobs, but when those promises aren't kept there are usually no consequences.
Two medical workers who were held hostage at Yerevan police regiment seized by an armed group have been released, news.am reported.

On Sunday morning member of the armed group Varuzhan Avetisyan told 1in.am that doctors were not held, and that they could leave at any moment.

Spokesperson for the Health Ministry would prefer not to comment on this statement,

Two medical workers remained in the regiment for four days. Two others left earlier.
Baku, Azerbaijan, July 31

Trend:

The member of armed group has been injured in Yerevan, Armenian media reported.

Sounds of gunfire were heard from the PPS regiment since morning.

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.
Around two hundred people marched from the General Post Office (GPO) in the Dublin city centre to Fianna Fail headquarters in a march for Mary Boyle yesterday afternoon.

The march was organised to remind people of the case Ireland's longest missing child. Maryb Boylw was aged six when she went missing from her grandparent's home in Cashelard in 1977.

Her case has come to the fore in recent weeks due to heightened media attention.

Derek Byrne, who organised the march, said that he was satisfied with the number of people who attended the march.

He said: Yeah, we were happy with the numbers. You have to take into account that many people had gone to the countryside due to it being a bank holiday Monday and that there was a game on. We certainly were not expecting thousands anyway.

The crowd marched to Fianna Fail headquarters where they painted the railings in purple and white and tied balloons and ribbons to them.

Mary Boyle was wearing purple and white ribbons on the day that she went missing.

Mr. Byrne added that there will be more demonstrations in the future.

There will be more in the pipeline. This is only the beginning. There are so many people out there who have not been given the justice that they deserve and it's important to give those people a voice, he said.

He said that he the reason he organised the march is because he's a parent.

As a parent yourself, you will do everything to help. You have to think of Mary's twin, Anne Doherty, as well who has been trying everything to find justice and has had every door shut on her. Things have to change, he said.
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.
A: Locust Grove Dairy was started in the early 1900s by three brothers, Floy, Joe and John Veazey Hall.

Martha Moreland, granddaughter of John (Jack) Veazey Hall, said her great-grandfather, John Robert Hall, had a dairy in James, Alabama, a town in Bullock County that is now called Midway.

Moreland said her grandfather went to the University of Wisconsin to study dairy farming. The three brothers moved to Dothan, brought a herd of cows from their fathers farm and started the dairy in a stand of locust trees around 1908.

A photo taken about 1908-09 shows cows near one of the silos and other structures. A photo taken several years later shows a car parked near the silo, dairy barn and hay barn.

Moreland said Floy, the younger brother, got out of the dairy business early on and her grandfather bought the rest of the dairy from Joe in 1928. She said the dairy closed in 1949 when her grandfather had a sudden heart attack and died.

Someone set up an illegal moonshine still in the former dairy and the structure burned in the late 1950s, Moreland said. The silos are about all that remains.
Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain.

Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred.

For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here.
Armed group that has been seizing a police compound in Yerevan surrendered to police on Sunday, 1in.am.

Member of the group Varuzhan Avetisyan said that over the recent days police adopted the policy of disabling members of the group.

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.

According to the message, a criminal case was filed upon Part 1 and Part 2 of Article 225 of the Armenian Criminal Code envisaging imprisonment, from four years to ten years and from three years to eight years accordingly.
The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia has issued a statement regarding the surrender of the Sasna Tsrer armed group. The statement again names the armed group members terrorists.

The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia announces that the anti-terrorist operation aimed at the liberation of the Armenian police regiment on July 30 and 31 has ended.

Through their consistent and coordinated actions, the special task detachment of the relevant law enforcement authorities have forced the armed group members to lay down arms and surrender to the authorities. 20 terrorists have been detained. The territory of the police regiment has completely been liberated, the statement reads.
Sony launches the BRAVIA Z Series as Ultimate 4K HDR TV

Sony has announced the ZD9 series BRAVIA 4K HDR TV, the next generation in television display technology with the ability to reproduce deeper black and the brighter lights and the colour of the real world. The new flagship Z series takes the lead atop Sonys current line-up of premium 4K HDR TVs, which includes the award winning XD93 and XD94. The new Z moniker designates a significant leap forward and the ultimate in display technology. With this advance Sony brings 4K High Dynamic Range (HDR) to a new level with ultra-contrast and even more realistic, accurate colour, in order to express what the content creators really intended.

This new ZD9 series BRAVIA 4K HDR TV features a newly developed 4K image processor, the 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme, and a unique backlight technology, Backlight Master Drive, to attain extraordinary contrast and extremely accurate wide colour expression. It offers an even more impressive visual experience with more depth, texture and realism on the screen than was previously possible.

The new 4K Processor X1 Extreme was developed in order to provide the ultimate 4K HDR visual experience. It is further refined with 40% more real-time image processing as compared with Sonys renowned 4K Processor X1. By incorporating three new technologies  object-based HDR remaster, dual database processing, and Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR, it brings any 4K HDR content to a whole new level.

By analysing images in each scene and correcting colour and contrast of each object individually, object-based HDR remaster can reproduce scenes with the detailed texture and the appearance of real life. This technology also up-scales standard dynamic range HD content to near 4K HDR quality.

On top of the current up-scaling database, 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme has an additional Sony-exclusive database for noise reduction. By searching through thousands of picture patterns, the dual database processing removes unwanted noise and up-scales every image to a super clear 4K image.

Super Bit Mapping 4K HDR creates a smoother, natural picture. With 14-bit powerful signal processing, it breaks up the solid bands of colour of 8-bit (FHD) or 10-bit (4K) source, up-converting 14-bit equivalent gradation with 64 times more colour levels. It delivers graceful reproduction of faces, sunsets and other areas of subtle colour gradation.

With these three technologies, 4K HDR Processor X1 Extreme reproduces a wide variety of content with immersive 4K HDR picture quality.

Additionally, the new ZD9 series BRAVIA 4K HDR TV has adopted the Backlight Master Drive technology which Sony introduced as a prototype at CES 2016. The Backlight Master Drive is a precision backlight boosting technology which allows it to expand brightness and contrast even further in order to truly tap the full potential of 4K HDR. The Backlight Master Drive combines a dense LED structure with a super accurate lighting algorithm and unique optical design.

Previously, local dimming was controlled in zones consisting of several LEDs. In combination with the latest accurate lighting algorithm, the discrete LED control of Backlight Master Drive is able to dim and boost each LED individually. This innovative algorithm delivers total precision for unparalleled contrast and realism.

The unique optical structure with a calibrated beam LED design gathers the emitted LED light in a spot and focuses the drive area more precisely to display higher contrast. This also reduces light diffusion and the flare effect that can be seen on other full-array LED TVs.

Backlight Master Drive delivers unprecedented dynamic range with incredibly deep blacks and dazzling lights for scenes that look more real than ever before, unleashing the full potential of 4K HDR content.

But the viewing experience goes beyond just the screen. ZD9 has a slate design that encapsulates the ultimate experience. From the front, the design exudes sophistication in the form of a simple black slate, letting viewers immerse themselves in the stunning power of 4K HDR. From the back, the design keeps all the cables completely concealed, ensuring that the device strikes an elegant look from any angle.

ZD9 series BRAVIA 4K HDR TV also runs on Android TV with Sonys exclusive user interface. From live TV broadcasting to Internet video services, the new seamless user interface Content bar includes enhanced content navigation along with voice search. The new Content bar features genre filtering function (availability depends on region). Instead of selecting a programme from bunch of channels, users can easily choose from favourite genre such as sports, music, news, and so on.
Yemen's President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi has voiced his approval of a peace agreement for the country's warring sides proposed by the United Nations, media reports said Sunday.

On Saturday, Yemen's Houthi rebels and the General People's Congress (GPC) of ex-President Ali Abdullah Saleh nearly pulled out of UN-backed peace talks with Hadi government representatives before agreeing to extend talks for another week due to what was reportedly a last-ditch effort to pursue peace negotiations by Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, the UN special envoy for Yemen.

The agreement proposed by the UN envoy includes clauses on both the Houthis and Saleh forces laying down arms, withdrawing for the Yemeni capital Sana, as well as the cities of Taiz and Hudaydah, and creating a military committee responsible for overseeing the process, the Sky News Arabia channel reported.

The Hadi government delegation has reportedly told Ahmed that its side would sign the document in case the Houthi side does likewise before August 7. However, the Houthis refused approving the proposal and have insisted on forming a national unity government, according to the media outlet.

Since 2014, Yemen has been engulfed in a military conflict between forces loyal to Hadi and the Houthis, also known as the Ansar Allah movement, which is the countrys main opposition force.

Since March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition of mostly Persian Gulf countries has been carrying out airstrikes against the Houthis at Hadi's request despite a ceasefire agreed in April.

UN-brokered talks to end the Yemeni conflict started in Kuwait on April 21. On July 20, the Kuwaiti government gave the warring sides 15 days to settle the crisis before it would stop hosting the talks.
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By Heather Moyer

This is part 2 (read part 1) on my visit to see mountaintop removal coal mining sites in West Virginia with Coal River Mountain Watch.

Junior Walk and I are standing where a mountain used to be. Were on a pile of rocks surrounded by even more piles of rocks and boulders. But thats not what has our attention.

There it isthe largest earthen dam in the western hemisphere, Junior said.

Were looking at the Brushy Fork impoundmenta massive dam holding back 7.8 billion gallons of toxic coal sludge. Coal sludge contains a scary assortment of chemicalsfrom manganese to cadmium, lead and mercury and more. And were standing in front of a 7.8 billion gallon lake of it. Down below the sludge are hundreds of homes, filled with people hoping that dam never breaches.

https://youtu.be/fHILuSoEADg

Our journey to this shocking site started on a much lighter note down at the Coal River Mountain Watch office in front of a four-wheeler. Junior tossed me a helmet and had me get on the back. Id never been on an ATV, so I was a little nervous and excited.

Do you want to go slow or not-so-slow? he asked with a grin.

You only live once, so I said, Step on it.

To say the trail to Brushy Fork was a gut-rattler would be an understatement.

Its too bad such a fun, muddy ride included such awful stops along the way. We reached a fork and stopped so Junior could show me acid mine drainage. He told me about the man wed just waved at before heading up the trail.

He used to get his water from the creekbut look at it now, Junior said.

The water was orange due to a leak from an underground mine in the mountain in front of us. The man successfully sued the coal company (Thanks to Coal River Mountain Watch, added Junior) and now the company has to bring him all his water.

As we stood staring at the grotesque orange stream, a frog moved in the water. Junior told me how biodiverse the region is and listed different kinds of frogs, salamanders, newts and more that hes seen.

We rode up a very steep trail to a cabin Juniors family and others had built years before he was born. Its a nice little getawaybut just through the trees you can see the Edwight mountaintop removal site the next mountain over. You cant get away from coal in coal country.

As we rounded another steep trail, the massive Brushy Fork coal sludge lake came into view. Its size is mind-boggling. When we first saw it through the trees I thought wed stop to look there. Instead it took another 15 minutes to come around to an entrance point.

Standing near the edge was breathtaking. We were surrounded by high steep walls made by blasting away parts of the mountain. Trees teetered on the edges. It was like someone had taken a knife and sliced around them, like they were the middle of a cake and the other pieces had been cut away.

Junior pointed out how close the company had been blasting next to the impoundmenta scary thought considering the devastation a breach would cause.

This impoundment has been here for years, but theyre still adding to it, he said.

Again, I was struck with silence. What words should one have when seeing something so awful?

All that happened because I want the lights to turn on when I flick the switch. Because I want to watch TV and use my computer. And people die underground or get black lung for the same reasons.

This is all pretty sobering.

What do you think of it all? Junior asked as he got back on the ATV.

I have no words besides this is f**king awful,' I replied.

That about sums it up.

There are sites and sludge impoundments like this all over the regionand even more mountains are permitted for this devastation. How do you not just sit down right there where the mountain used to be and cry and give up?

Back at the Coal River Mountain Watch office I chatted more with Junior and director Deb Jarrell. Their work is an uphill battle, but they do find positives.

Their new office in Naoma, for example. They dont get harassed as much as they used to, said Debbie and some neighbors are even supportive at times.

Many of them do like coal, but some of them have quietly told us that theyre on our side, she explained. I think the biggest issue here is that people dont like what mountaintop removal coal mining does, but it provides their family a job, so they arent going to speak out.

A paycheck vs. mountains and clean water. Its an age-old battle in coal country.

The Coal River Mountain Watch staff does provide as many opportunities as possible for the public to speak out against coal. They regularly spar with state and coal company officials to ask for public hearings on new permits being issued in the area.

I asked what those hearings are usually like and get noises of frustration from both Junior and Debbie. Debbie shook her head. Junior rolled his eyes. Its like talking to a brick wall, he said of all the officials involved.

But they keep fighting. Their latest battle is against the familiar foe of Alpha Natural Resources. The company is in the process of applying for permits to blow the top off of another 5,000 acres of Coal River Mountain.

Neither Debbie nor Junior can imagine not doing this work to protect the mountains they love so dearly. Its their missiontheir calling. And they welcome anyone to come see what they love so much and join them in the work.
By Heather Moyer

The Brushy Fork coal sludge impoundment is only one mile above my parents home. I better know all I can about itnot that itll do much, though, Junior Walk told me as he drove me through the winding roads around Naoma, West Virginia. A West Virginia native and Coal River Mountain Watch activist, Junior knows all about mountaintop removal coal mining, coal sludge impoundments, driving an old truck up the side of a huge mountain and even death threats.

Heather Moyer

The 26-year-old grew up in the area and regularly gives tours of nearby mountaintop removal coal mining sites to groups of college students and other visitors like me.

If youre not familiar with the processmountaintop removal coal mining is when coal companies blow the tops off of mountains to get at the coal underneath. They push all the waste into nearby valleys, filling them. Coal companies have destroyed hundreds of mountains in Kentucky, West Virginia and Tennessee using this practice. The process also poisons nearby waterways with coal waste, threatening communities drinking water.

Fighting the coal industry in coal country is very seriousthe death threats are realalthough Junior said those have quieted down a bit as the industry has slowed in the past few years. Still, he has some scary stories.

I havent had any actual attempts on my life in a few years, he said. People have waved guns around at me before, but it was in public in front of other people so I wasnt too scared. The worst thing was when someone snuck into my parents yard in the middle of the night and cut the brake lines on my truck. In hilly country like this, thats attempted murder. Thankfully I knew something was wrong almost as soon as I turned my truck on the next morning.

Its hard to believe Junior takes such predicaments in stride but he speaks about them matter-of-factly. And hes not alone in those scary moments. Other big-name coal fighters like Maria Gunnoe and the late Larry Gibson have stories of being run off the road by other drivers, having their homes shot at and having their pets killed.

Such is life for activists in coal country.

Heather Moyer

On this hot, sunny afternoon, Junior drives me first to see the Edwight coal site first. In the old but tough Coal River Mountain Watch Dodge truck, we wind our way up a very rough gravel path that once serviced a now-closed mine. The path is very overgrown and steep and there is the occasional glimpse of the bald mountain just across the valley.

When we reach the top we pull into an open clearing. Watch for snakes, Junior warns me as we walk up a short, grassy path to a rocky outcrop.

Across the valley is the Edwight mountaintop removal coal mine that went idle in November 2015. Its a bit of a sucker-punch to see it among the endless green mountaintops in the area.

For more than eight years Ive been writing about mountaintop removal coal mining for the Sierra Club. Ive seen it in photos and videosbut Id never seen it in person until now.

Heather Moyer

The Edwight site used to be known as Cherry Pond Mountain. It used to be covered in trees and hundreds of feet taller. Now the trees are completely gone and in their place are vast flat expanses covered in grass and boulders. Nothing about it looks natural anymore. Apparently now its reclaimedbut that mountain will never be the same again. You cant remove the top of a mountain, all the topsoil and trees and wildlife and insects and biodiversity, shove it into a nearby valley (filling that tree-covered biodiverse valley) and expect anything to grow or live on it again besides scrub brush. Its an ugly scar that is very hard to stomach.

I ask Junior if it still hits him hard.

Im kind of used to it in a way, he said. I mean, Ive been leading these tours for years, its been going on for my entire lifetime. I bring college kids out here and they cry. Theres a site that threatens my parents housethat hits a little harder.

Edwight is also home to a massive coal sludge pondwhere the coal company stores the waste after washing and processing the coal. There are 2.5 billion gallons of coal sludge waste being held back by an earthen impoundment. There are many houses below that impoundment and many like it across the whole region.

It gets quiet as I stare at what used to be Cherry Pond Mountain.

Thats going to look like that for the rest of my lifetime, Junior said.

We walk back to his truck and start the drive to nearby Kayford Mountain. On the way we pass the Upper Big Branch Mine, where an explosion in 2010 killed 29 miners. Out front is a memorial with 29 hard hats, crosses and photos.

My grandpa was a Vietnam veteran and a coal miner, said Junior. When I was younger he made me promise him Id never join the military or go underground.

Junior did once work for the coal industry as a security guard at a Massey coal processing site but hated every minute of it. It didnt take much for Coal River Mountain Watch founder Judy Bonds to turn him into an activist against coal.

Just past the Upper Big Branch Mine is a huge impoundment, holding back billions of gallons of coal sludge. Below that impoundment is the former site of Marsh Fork Elementary, which activists and residents succeeded in getting moved into a new building farther away to protect the kids from a possible disaster if that impoundment gives way. But there are still homes downstream from that massive coal sludge disaster waiting to happen.

As we drove to Kayford, I ask Junior what he loves doing in his free time. Hes an avid hunterIf it moves in the woods, Ill shoot it and eat itbut doesnt see the point in fishingDont see the reason since we cant eat any of the fish in the water around here.

Huge coal trucks rumble by at high speeds and Junior said that never stops being terrifying with how narrow the roads are.

Soon we climb another very steep gravel path to get to Kayford. Its gut-jerkingthere are huge bumps and holes and Junior laughs and said, Im trying to take it easy for you!

After a very rough 10 minute ride with what feels like hundreds of feet of climbing, we reach some houses on the mountaintop. This was home to the amazing anti-coal activist Larry Gibson. He helped set up a land trust for the property he owned near Kayford and created a gathering place for groups. There are cabins and a big open area to sit and eat. Junior was close friends with Larry, who died in 2012.

Heather Moyer

We stop the truck again to get out. At the top of the ridge is Larrys old homeIve seen it in photos with a smiling Larry standing right next to it. Theres a painted message on the front of it:

We are the keepers of the mountains. Love them or leave them, just dont destroy them.

Larry inspired an army of activists over the years, from Junior to Judy Bonds to the Sierra Club Beyond Coal Campaign Director Mary Anne Hitt.

His grave is next to his houseand also in what seems like a very appropriate move, its next to some solar panels as well.

Heather Moyer

Junior and I walk down the gravel path a ways and he tells me how wonderful Larry was. Id only spoken to Larry once; I wish I couldve gotten to meet him in person.

We reach the ridge where the trees end and come out to a horrible view. Kayford Mountain is almost gone. Large sections are flat and covered with scrub grass and bushes. Off in the distance two earth moversdwarfed by the vast scale of the sitepush rocks and boulders around.

Heather Moyer

The coal companies have to return the mountain to the approximate original contour,' he laughs. You can see how well that goes.

In the middle distance sits a massive tire and axle on its end, left over from another earth mover. If I were to stand next to it, it would tower over me.

Heather Moyer

The destruction goes on for miles. Junior pointed out what used to be a valley but is now full of what used to be the top of Kayford Mountain. Its as if someone put a major construction site in the middle of a beautiful wilderness. It sticks out amongst the endless mountains.

Heather Moyer

I can only think of violent ways to describe what Im seeing. Its a smack in the face, a punch in the gut, because the practice is so violent. The mountain will never be whole againits missing part of its body. Birds wont make nests there, deer wont walk the trails, no frogs or salamanders will make their homes in any rocky trickling streams.

No one will walk there to enjoy it or hunt there. Neighbors will always look up and see that jarring empty space. Even worse, many neighbors will never have clean water in their streams and rivers any more. Theyll be in the shadow not of Gods creation, but of an ominous threat to their lives

Larry put his land into a land trust after he saw the beginnings of Kayford getting destroyed, Junior explains. He saw a bulldozer go right through an old family cemetery with no pause. He didnt want that to happen anywhere else. He saved another nearby cemetery from destructionthat one holds my great grandparents graves.

Heather Moyer

We sit again for a while in silence.

It hurts to look at landscapes like Kayford and Cherry Pond. Is this really how we need to get our power? Why does coal have to be the only industry in West Virginia? Isnt there a better way?

You cant put anything on top of those now ruined mountains. Theyre now too low and too unstable for wind turbines. In another part of West Virginia, builders put a prison and a Walmart on former mountaintop removal sites. Because the ground is now so unstable, the foundations of those buildings must continuously be shored up.

Some of Baltimores electricity comes from mountaintop removal coal. I see the coal trains come through my neighborhood. I have a direct connection. But even if I didnt, how could I not say something about this destruction? How could I not stand up against it?

Mountaintop removal coal mining is destroying beautiful land. Its poisoning water supplies with its waste. Its threatening towns with its massive coal sludge impoundments.

On the walk back to Juniors truck, he stops. Want some coal? he asks as he pulled up a small chunk from the driveway. I take it with me as I go up to Larrys home. I stand in front of the house in silence again as Junior continues on to the truck.

Thanks, Larry, I whisper, along with a small prayer that I can be as tough and useful in this fight as he was.

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Pennsylvania Declares Victory on Oil and Gas Regs While Failing to Protect Residents Health
An Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) alumnus has recently been awarded the first APJ Kalam postgraduate fellowship by the University of South Florida (USF). Avijit Sengupta, a design researcher from Kolkata, who graduated from IITB in 2011 received the fellowship which was launched in December last year. The fellowship aims to help Indian graduate students pursue a PhD degree at USF. Sengupta has completed his BSc (Chemistry) from University of Calcutta, a graduate diploma in communication design from Symbiosis Institute of Design and a Masters in design from IIT-B with a specialisation in interaction design. He worked with the National University of Singapore as a research assistant for three years before joining a design research company in Mumbai. Laudable graduates from an Indian university who have good academic credentials and a passion for the STEM fields of study can apply for this fellowship. Applicants must have demonstrated experience in their discipline, research productivity and have made professional contributions and achievements to the field. The Kalam fellow will receive USD 18,000 tuition per year beginning the fall 2016 semester. The USF Provosts office will pay the fellow a nine-month stipend for the first year with the department/college contributing a teaching/ research assistantship for up to an additional three years. Says Sengupta, I got to know about the fellowship from the USF website and applied for it online. At USF, I am planning to pursue my doctoral study in business administration in the department of information systems and decision sciences under Muma College of Business.
Modern living has led to a rise in several illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, mental ailments, orthopaedic issues, among others. Students interested in the medical field have several options and specialisations to choose from. Here are a few popular choices. MBBS Though students have an array of courses to choose from at the UG level, MBBS is the most popular choice. The five-and-a-half year programme trains students in anatomy, physiology and biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology and forensic medicine. They are also introduced to subjects like ENT, ophthalmology, community medicine, medicine, paediatrics, surgery and orthopaedics and obstetrics and gynaecology. They are given exposure to radiology, anaesthesia, psychiatry, dermatology and venereology, emergency medicine, etc. Adds Dr Jyoti Garg, senior resident, Sucheta Kriplani Hospital, Delhi, The course focuses on the theory and practical teaching of subjects and a one-year internship that helps students develop real-time experience in preventive, promotive and curative medical services under supervision. Students who wish to study the course must have completed class XII with biology, physics and chemistry as their subjects. They are also required to clear a test such as the All India Pre-Medical / Pre-Dental Entrance Test (AIPMT)/ National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET  UG). Graduates can practice privately or seek employment in the corporate sector as casualty medical officers. They can also look for a range of opportunities in government-managed initiatives/organisations such as the National Health Mission, state services, railways, army and paramilitary forces, civil aviation units, etc, to work as medical officers. Alternately, they can practice in other countries on clearing the respective licensing exams. A practising doctor never retires. Even after formal retirement from the government sector, a doctor is entitled to practice for as long as s/he wishes. Freshers can earn up to Rs 75,000 per month depending on their skills and job role. Veterinary Science Veterinary medicine is a multidisciplinary subject that focuses on the diagnosis, control, prevention and treatment of animal diseases as well as on the basic welfare and care of animals. Informs Rishendra Verma, retired joint director at Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Veterinary science is a multipotential field. With more animals being bred, the demand for veterinary doctors will increase in the days to come. Students who wish to pursue the Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) are required to pass class XII or equivalent with physics, chemistry, biology and English as their subjects. Admission to most veterinary colleges is on the basis of the marks a candidate obtains in the All India Pre-Veterinary Test. Veterinarians can work as animal inspectors, animal care and service workers, biological scientists, specialists, pharmacy research scientists, etc, with hospitals, dairy research institutes, government projects, animal food companies, zoos and wildlife sanctuaries, etc. Government veterinary centres appoint junior veterinary surgeons at a starting salary that ranges between Rs 10,000 and 15,000. A private practitioner gets more than Rs 300 per patient. Dentistry Dentistry involves the study, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, particularly in the maxillofacial (jaw and facial) area. Students who pursue a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) are trained in subjects like orthodontics, periodontics, operative dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, paediatric dentistry and oral pathology. Candidates who have passed class XII with at least 50% and physics, chemistry and biology as their subjects are eligible to apply to the course. Adds Dr J K Dash, principal, SCB Dental College and Hospital, Cuttack, Apart from an MDS degree, candidates can consider various fellowship programmes to improve their clinical expertise in various universities offering qualifications such as the diploma in implant dentistry/endodontics/orthodontics. The employment scope in central/state government facilities is very limited. The starting salary is about is Rs 50,000 and varies from state to state. Most dentists start their private practice. Doctors can also pursue research, set up their clinics, join dental equipment manufacturing companies or start teaching. Faculty Speak The focus has turned towards skill-based training. Medical institutes are now orienting students to help improve their communication skills with regard to the doctor-patient relationship, medical ethics, health economics, the need for life support, e-learning, sociology and demographics, biohazard safety, environmental issues and community orientation - Dr Suneela Garg , Sub-dean , director professor and head , community medicine at Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi
Tunisian lawmakers on Saturday passed a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Habib Essid, ending his government.

The result, albeit expected, leaves Tunisia in search for a new government and marks continued lack of stability for the country since the 2011 Arab Spring protests.

Speaking ahead of the vote Saturday, Essid said he was "aware that the vote will be against me".

Only 3 MPs supported him, a backing dwarfed by an opposition of 118 deputies. The Essid-led coalition government, which came into office in February 2015, needed 109 votes in favor -- simple majority in a 217-seat parliament -- to stay in power.

Essid announced on July 20 that he would seek a confidence vote citing pressure from various political actors to resign.

President Beji Caid Essebsi, who in June called for a national unity government, is expected to offer the mandate within 10 days.
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
New York, Jul 31 (EFE).- The New York Post published nude photographs Sunday of Melania Trump, wife of billionaire developer and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, that were taken in the 1990s.

The photos were taken during a 1995 modeling session in Manhattan and were published by defunct French men's magazine Max, the tabloid reported.

"This was a picture taken for a European magazine prior to my knowing Melania. In Europe, pictures like this are very fashionable and common," Donald Trump told the Post.

The Slovenia-born model was 25 when the photos were taken and was working under the name Melania K when she posed for French photographer Ale de Basse-ville.

"Melania was super-great and a fantastic personality and she was very kind with me," De Basseville told the tabloid.

The modeling session took place shortly after Melania arrived in the Big Apple and three years before she met Trump at a New York Fashion Week party.

"Melania was one of the most successful models and she did many photo shoots, including for covers and major magazines," Donald Trump said.

The former model, who is now 46, and the billionaire real estate developer were married in 2005 at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida.
Rio de Janeiro, Jul 31 (EFE).- From the early hours Sunday, thousands of Brazilians have poured into the streets in different states around the country to demonstrate either for or against a political trial that could lead to the impeachment of the country's suspended head of state, Dilma Rousseff.

In 11 states - Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, the Federal District, Alagoas, Bahia, Maranhao, Minas Gerais, Para, Parana, Pernambuco and Santa Catarina - those against Rousseff demanded that the Senate, where the case is currently being studied, reach a decision to dismiss her.

At the instigation of social groups like the Vem pra Rua movement, one of the most anti-Rousseff organizations, thousands of Brazilians called on the Senate to vote in favor of her ouster.

Rousseff, political heir of ex-President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, is currently in the final stages of an impeachment trial that began last December and should be decided by early September, Brazil's Federal Supreme Court, or STF, announced Saturday.

Should the Senate move to impeach Rousseff, the current interim president, Michel Temer, will continue in office until the end of the current government on Jan. 1, 2019.

To avoid such an extreme, Rousseff supporters organized demonstrations calling for her reinstatement in the states of Sao Paulo, Goias, Marnhao, Minas Gerais and Para.

The charges brought against Rousseff are based on a series of maneuvers the government carried out in 2014-2015 to cover up incidents of fiscal malfeasance.

These maneuvers could be ruled "crimes of responsibility," which the Brazilian Constitution regards as grounds for impeachment.
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
Egypt and Russia have agreed on all the clauses of the commercial contract on construction of the first nuclear power plant in the country, the Egyptian presidential office said in a statement Sunday.

"The minister [of Energy] during the meeting briefed the president on the final version of the contract on Dabaa [nuclear power plant], informing him on the agreement with the Russian side on all terms in question," the statement read.

The date of contract signing is expected to be announced right after its approval by the country's supreme administrative court, the Council of State.

Russia and Egypt signed an intergovernmental agreement on the construction of the Dabaa nuclear power plant on the Mediterranean Sea coast in November 2015. It is set to become the largest construction project carried out by Russia and Egypt since the Aswan Dam.

The contract for the construction of the nuclear power plant is estimated to be worth over $26 billion. The plant will include four units, each one with a capacity reaching 1200 megawatts. The complete offer of the state corporation Rosatom suggests assistance from Russia in the establishment of an entire nuclear industry in Egypt.
Changes are coming fast and furious for NCIS: Los Angeles' Kensi Blye. Questions of marriage and motherhood are floating in the air, and the agent's answers could send Daniela Ruah's character on an entirely new trajectory.

NCIS: LA's Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) and Kensi (Ruah) are ready to take their relationship to the next level (proposal time!), and Ruah's real life pregnancy has given writers and excuse to mix it up a little. While that does NOT mean the couple is ready for the pitter-patter of little feet, it does mean Densi is in for some major changes.

"Obviously this situation is a catalyst for changing the storyline, and I think it's for the best," Ruah explained at San Diego Comic-Con. "These characters go through a lot this season, including a really fantastic engagement and proposal. It's phenomenal. It's a really exciting year for the show; it's a really exciting year for us."

Despite taking a seven-episode break to welcome her daughter, Ruah will appear in every season 8 episode thanks to eight days of pre-season filming. The premiere will send the OSP over seas, and Kensi may soon find herself question her place in the field.

"Kensi lives for this job. This is her family; she doesn't know anything else. This is actually something she talks about in one of the first episodes, and so what is to come challenges that for her," the actress explained. "It's a big character arc, and [there are] a lot of obstacles that she's going to have to over come and fight through."

That's not say NCIS: LA is planning on relegating Kensi to a life of domesticity. Perhaps Deeks should be the one to step out of the line of fire.

"It's tricky," executive producer Scott Gemmill explained to TV Guide, "because why would Kensi have to be the one to give up her career? But on the other hand, you don't want to damage the character by making her seem like she's not a nurturing individual. Because she has a skill set that she wants to use for as long as she can, because she makes a big difference in people's lives."

Who character do you think should contemplate a career change? Sound off in the poll below!

Find out more when NCIS: LA returns to CBs this October. Click the video below to see a preview for the series' latest episode, "Talion."
Turkey has expelled another 1,389 military personnel from the army and taken counter-measures against Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) infiltration of the state, the state Official Gazette announced on Sunday, just weeks after the defeat of the July 15 attempted coup, Anadolu reported.

Under a statutory decree, seen as part of the Turkey's current three-month state of emergency, military personnel found to be national security threats as well as members of FETO, or linked to FETO, were expelled from the army.

The expelled personnel include Col. Ali Yazici, former aide to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan; Lt. Col. Levent Turkkan, former aide to Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar; and Col.Tevfik Gok, who served as the defense minister's executive assistant.

The new dismissals follow a previous post-coup expulsion of 1,684 military personnel, including 149 generals and admirals.

Under the decree, Turkey's land, naval, and air forces now go under the Defense Ministry.

The decree also closes all of Turkeys war academies, military high schools, and high schools that train non-commissioned officers, to be replaced by a new university called the National Defense University underneath the Defense Ministry.

The university will offer new institutions to train staff officers and give postgraduate education, including war academies and vocational schools that train non-commissioned officers.

In addition, the decree assigns Ankara's Gulhane Military Medical Academy and military hospitals across Turkey under the Health Ministry.

Turkey declared a state of emergency on July 20, just days after a group of rogue military officers were defeated in their July 15 coup attempt.

During a state of emergency, the Cabinet has the right to issue statutory decrees under the president of the republic without regard to routine procedures and restrictions in Article 91 of the Constitution. These decrees are first published in the Official Gazette and then submitted to parliament for ratification.

More than 230 people were killed and nearly 2,200 injured in the coup attempt, which Turkish officials have repeatedly said was carried out by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), led by US-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.
Written by ACM





*Strasbourg/Angelo Marcopolo/(UpDated)/- Immediately after French President Hollande denounced "Islamic Terrorism"'s "Threats", facing the Massacre of 84 Civilian People at Nice by a migrant Truck Driver responding to ISIL's Call to Kill "Americans, Europeans (and)... Citizens of Countries engaged in International Coalition against the Islamic State", controversial Turkish President Erdogan's fans, acting upon Minarets' calls, with cries "Allah Akbar", notoriously Lynched and/or ill-treated Disarmed Young Soldiers POWs (some even "Raped" in Jail, according to Human Rights NGOs), and Launched a Massive Oppression against many Thousands of Political Dissidents throughout all the State sector, Universities, Media and even Private Businesses, due to last during a 3 Months' long period, pretexting of a Strange, Atypical and Failed (Manipulated or Fake ?) "Coup" Attempt of Only "6 Hours", which had Claimed to "Restore ...Human Rights and Freedoms", by a "Peace Movement" (which Immediately ordered Turkish Military Invasion Troops to Withdraw from Iraq, etc), for a "Secular Democracy".



The already almost 18.000 Mass Arrests in Turkey, particularly among Judges (sic !), (reportedly due to be Further Extended also to Many Thousands More later-on), and 50.000 Passports revoked, Hindering Dissidents to Flee Abroad, almost Immediately after a lot of Photos and Videos started to be Published, even at mainstream Media in the EU and accross the World, revealing Horrible Lynching or Grave Ill-Treatments by Brutal Mobs against Young Conscripts Soldiers who had Surrendered, and were either Disarmed, or Abstaining from using their Weapons not even against those who Violently Aggressed them (as a much-sought by Western a.o. Media -including "Skynews", "BBC", "AFP", etc Video clearly proves), obviously Raised several Legitimate Questions.

https://twitter.com/ismailsaymaz/status/754142882282569736





Strasbourg's PanEuropean CoE Secretary General, Thornbjorn Jagland, a former Prime Minister from Norway and NOBEL Peace Prize Committee chair, slamed as "Unacceptable", "any Attempt to overthrow Democratically elected Leaders", but also Reminded the Fact that "Turkey" is "a Member State of the CoE, which defends Democracy, Human rights and the rule of Law". His long-time Spokesman, and CoE's Communication Director, Daniel Holtgen from Germany, subsequently Published a Tweet, after Turkish President Erdogan reportedly promissed to Think about Calls for official Death Penalty to be reestablished by Ankara, Stressing that, as a matter of General Principle, "No CoE Member State can Execute (a) Death Penalty".

Current + Former Turkish Presidents Erdogan + Giul. (British Media "Independent.co.uk"). Ankara said to Consider Resetablishing Death Penalty.

------------------



Turkey had notoriously been Obliged to formally Abolish the Official "Death Penalty" Judicial Sanction as part of its attempts Not to be seriously Condemned by the CoE, and particularly its ECHR Judges, about the ill-elucidated Kidnaping of Kurdish Rebels' Leader Ocalan at Nairobi (Kenya), back on early 1999, where he had been pushed to go after his Earlier, Autumn 1998 Attempt to Call from Rome (Italy) for a Cease-Fire and Peace-process to Settle the kurdish issue had backfired, resulting in various Threats of Prosecution, which Obliged him to Try to Flee also through various Other European Countries, including Russia and Greece, etc., before reaching Nairobi, full then of US security services after a recent Terrorist Attack attributed to Extremist Islamic Groupleader Bin Laden. The move had been Closely Followed by CoE, both through its Secretary General and its Committee of Ministers, as well as ECHR, (See several NewsReports published then by "Eurofora"s co-Founder mainly at "MPA" Press Agency).



But Holtgen's tweet was immediately submeged by Comments Urging CoE to act also against "Mass Arrests of Judges" in Turkey, alleged "Street Executions" at Kurdish Areas, and Erdogan's "Islamic Agenda". CoE's Head Spokesman had already anounced, Earlier, that Strasbourg's PanEuropean Organisation for Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law Asked Turkey to Explain why 3 Journalists, including even the President of its Human Rights Association, had been Arrested recently, as the European Association of Journalists (HQ in Brussels) Strongly Denounced. He also Noted the Fact that CoE's SG Jagland just met with German Foreign Minister Steinmeier in Berlin to discuss various such Topical Human Rights Pending problems, including about Turkey.





(+3 recently Arrested Journalists, including the President of Human Rights' Association -"EFJ" Photo)



Also CoE's Committee of Ministers' Chair, Estonian Foreign Minister Marina Kaljurand, after "firmly Condemn(ing) the Coup Attempt", just "Call(ed) for the Resumption of the Normal Functioning of Public Institutions", while Mobs were reportedly still at the Streets, (allegedly Provoking, f.ex., Fears by the Alewi Community to be Attacked at Instabul, given the fact that one alleged Rebel Officer was from the Alevi Religious Minority). The current Head of CoE's Highest Political Body also expressed her will for Strasbourg's Organisation to work on Turkey "on the basis of the Principles of Democracy, Human Rights and Rule of Law". She was resuming another Call, by German Chancelor Angie Merkel, to "Solve Turkey's Problems inside the Constitutional order", but also to "Stop the Bloodshed" and "Respect Human Rights" at the aftermath of that 6 Hours-long "Coup". This was Echoed also by French President Hollande who "Expect(s) to see" whether the way Turkey would arrest and judge those involved in the Coup will be "in accordance with the Law".



---------------------------

Incirlik Airtrikes against ISIL's Terrorists Interrupted

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Turkish President Erdogan's Controversial policy on Extreme Islamic Terrorism (+ISIS) fuels various Web Critics... (Satirical Cartoon found spread at the Internet)



Moreover, just 1 day after French President Hollande announced an Intensification of AirStrikes against ISIL's Terrorists following the Massacre of 84 Civilians at Nice, the Erdogan regime in Turkey Cut even Electric Power to Incirlik AirBase, used by the International Coalition against ISIL, after Blocking any entrance and Prohibiting AirFlights there.

(Turkey after crashing a "Secular" Coup attempt = Democracy, AutoCracy, or TheoCracy ?)

----



According to French Newspaper "Le Figaro", Turkey would practicaly insist for Gulen's Extradition from the USA, until Incirlik AirBase re-opens, while, according to Greek Media "Naftemporiki", Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglou said that some Putchists had come from Incirlik, and, therefore, that AirBase would remain Closed as long as Ankara felt Necessary for "Operations " to "Eradicate" such remnants there, i.e. apparently sine die.



A pretext seems to be the Fact that the Governor of that Strategic AirBase, General Van, was just Arrested for allegedly Participating at a Strange, Atypical and Short-lived "Coup" Attempt, which Durated, in substance, just a Few ...Hours, between 15 and 16 July, from approximately 11 p.m. until 2.30 a.m., followed by a few local Clashes.



-------------------------

Atypical, 6 Hours Attempt to Oust Erdogan

------------------------------------------



Unlike any other "Coup" of the Past, this time, Naming their Group "Movement for Peace in the Fatherland", those Army Officers, reportedly claimed to act for "Democracy, Human Rights and Liberty", as well as in order to "Restore the Constitutional order", and called their Supreme Body "Peace Council", promissing to Guarantee People's Safety and Freedoms "Independently of Religion, Race or Language".

The First 14 Army Officers arrested + accused to be Members of "Movement for Peace in Fatherland" coup attempt to "Restore Secular Democracy, Human Rights + Liberties"



---



Among the most Important Senior Officers who participated is reportedly included also the Head of the "2nd Army", which deals mainly with the Kurdish and ISIL Challenges in Eastern Turkey, at the Borders with Syria, Iran and Iraq. I.e. some among the "Hottest" Issues, since Erdogan's Governments have been notoriously Accused to Excessively Oppress Kurds, but to have, on the Contrary, some Complicities with ISIL's Extreme Islamic Terrorists.

The First Arrested Army Officers, (the No 1 with Torture traces) - British Newspaper "Telegraph.co.uk"

---





In parallel, the National TV, seized by the Rebels, Anounced also the "Withdrawal of the Turkish Military from Iraq", Austin (Texas, US) based "Stratfor" GeoPolitical Firm reported.

(Turkish Islamists rush to support Erdogan regime)

(Mass Street Muslim Prayers to celebrate the crash of a Secular Coup Attempt by Erdogan's fans)







(Extremist Islamistic fans of Erdogan celebrate Securlar Coup Attempt's Crash - UK Newspaper "Daily Mail")



They also claimed to seek to "Restore a Secular and Democratic State", while, on the Contrary, Violent Mobs unleashed by Erdogan's calls against Young Soldiers who rapidly Gave Up, abstaining from using their Weapons, despite Threats of being Lynched, (as many Photos and Videos revealing Mobs' Brutal Violence, published by mainstream European and International Press, but also several Social Media at the Internet, as well as Turkish Newspapers, clearly attest : See Infra), were often Incited, Led or even replaced by various Islamic Imams (f.ex. using Mosques' Minarets to launch Loud Calls in favour of Erdogan), ostensibly traditionaly dressed Islamists, etc. "At least four Disarmed Soldiers were Lynched" by such Erdogan's Mobsters, who Boast that "the Whole Country Belongs to Us", Shouting "Allahu Akbar !", denounced German Newspaper "Die Welt".

Islamistic Groups at the Turkish Army HQ, celebrate the Crash of Seculrar Coup Attempt (Video in several Turkish Social Media the Day After: 16 July, Censored Afterwards)



Erdogan's fans = "Allahu Akbar" for crashing "Secular" Coup attempt (German Newspaper "Welt")



Turkish President Erdogan at Ankara's Mosque after "Securlar" Coup attempt crash (Greek Media "Naftemporiki")

In a latest development in this regard, Egypt has just "Vetoed" a Draft Paper on Turkey at UNO's Security Council in New York, by arguying that it was Unclear whether Erdogan's Government was really "Democratic", or not.



On the Contrary, Extremist Islamic Organisation "Muslim Brotherhood"'s Chief Haniyev appeared to Celebrate Erdogan's "Counter-Coup" (which has Jailed more than 6.000 People already) also with a Big Fat Chocolate and Cream Pie arbouring a "Shelfie" Photo with Erdogan inside... (See PHOTO).

(Extremist Islamist Egyptian "Muslim Brothers"'Chief celebrates with a Big Pie the crash by Erdogan of a "Secular" Coup Attempt)



Meanwhile, Curiously, more than 2.745 ...Judges (sic !) were reportedly targeted by Arrest Warrants and have Started to be Detained, immediately after that Strange Military "Coup", in relation to which, more than 6.000 People have already been Arrested, according to Turkish Authorities. In Addition, about 1.600 University Rectors and More than 15.000 Teachers are Ousted. Many Dozens of Journalists started to be reportedly Prosecuted, some 50 more Arrested, about 100 Medias were Blocked and/or Prohibited, a lot of Press Workers were Striped of their Professional Card, (etc), even without any direct link to that strange "Coup" attempt.



------------------------

(Helicopter of 8 Turkish Army Officers who asked Political Asylum in Neibouring Greece)



But 8 Officers asked Asylum in neighbouring Greece, while some Groups reportedly still Resisted Arrest around Istanbul and at some Central Mainland Hotspots, added to certain Senior Officers who have Escaped Arrest until now, possibly by fleeing abroad. Meanwhile, Tensions were observed at the Parliament as well as elsewhere, while Erdogan reportedly Blocked all State Agents' trips Abroad unless they might be authorized.



London "Times" reports that "14 Army Ships" would have gone "Missing", are Denied by Ankara, But it's Not yet clear where Admiral Veysel Kosele, the Commander of the Turkish Navy, might be Today. According to British Media "Independent.co.uk", those Ships are "Suspected" to be "Heading towards Greece", but another, perhaps even More Interesting Destination in real practice, may be Egypt, (Comp. Supra).



---------------------------

"Fake" ?

-------------------------------



It's a Fact that this entirely Atypical "Coup", or "Attempt", or "Movement", astonishingly Durated, in substance, Less than ..."6 Hours", as many observers pointed out, Between Friday Evening and Saturday Early Morning (15 to 16 July), too Rapidly "Melting" away OverNight.

(Erdogan staged "Coup" -By famous Brazilian Cartoonist Carlos Latuff)



So that various European and International Commentators started to Suspect a kind of Tricky Smokescreen, or "Theater", Cinema "Film", etc., for a "Fake" Coup, which might have been Staged, in Fact, by the Turkish Government's Secret Services, probably Manipulating a few, already known, Dissidents, (f.ex. as several former Tsarist regimes in Russia of the Past notoriously used to do, mainly via some "Provocators" with whom they Systematicaly Infiltrated most Opposition Movements).

(Erdogan "Oscar" Fiction Film award...)

To this widely ambiant Impression was also Added an Unprecedented and too Spectacular move by Erdogan himself, (who had just met with "Facebook"s USA Businessman Zuckenberg a Few Days ago !), to suddenly use, for the First Time, a..."FaceLine" tool via Apple's "I-Phone", in order to Launch a First Call to his Supporters, (when the National Radio-TV had been Seized by the Rebels, while Istanbul Airport initialy Refused his Plane's demand to Land), spread Furher also through USA-sponsored "CNN - Turk" TV... (See relevant PHOTOs).

(Erdogan speaking by I-Phone + "FaceLine" to CNN-Turk TV, during "Secular" Coup)





The Accumulation of various such obviously Strange, Unusual and Theater-like Events, incited also Press ..."Cartoon" Designers, not only from Europe, but also Overseas, even from Brazil, etc., to Picture the Controversial Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan f.ex. as an ..."OSCAR" Film Prize Winner, or a "FICTION" "FILM ACTOR" in a "FAKE COUP" Play serving to Boost his Popularity, etc, (See PHOTOs)...



Meanwhile, the Stern Warning Revealed by a Long Series of other Photos and/or Videos about reported Lynching and/or Grave ill-treatments Cowardly inflicted by Brutal pro-Erdogan Mobsters against Defenseless, Disarmed Young Conscript Soldiers (usualy Aged 18-22), Added to Growing NewsReports about a still Evolving "Tsunami" of Massive Oppression (Officialy nick-named "Cleansing") against Many Thousands of Political Dissidents, (Comp. Supra), are also often Horrible Facts which canNot be dealt just by Humourists at all (Not even of "Black Humour"), Neither be Hidden from European and International Society, which obviously has to Find adequate Responses, Before it becomes Too Late for its Values.



Already, a Controversial and Unpopular attempt to give a "Visa-Free" status for 80 Millions of Turks to enter into the EU 6 Months Each Year seems Stopped, particularly after that Massive Erdogan's move to Dismiss Thousands of Judges, since among EU Conditions is also an "Independent Judiciary" requirement, observes "Politico" mainstream Media, which finds more likely for the EU to give some More Money to Turkey in exchange of Ankara's acceptance to Drop its Failed EU-bid.



But Facts reveal that the real situation might be even much Worse than than, Now, inside Turkey, and Risking even to be Exported to Europe, since Ankara's Authorities reportedly Ask from their Diaspora to Spy and Denounce various Political Dissidents and/or Critics in EU Countries, (even European Journalists : See f.ex. a Recent Scandal in the Netherlands, etc), while, in addition, various pro- and/or counter-Erdogan Demonstrations are being Scheduled...



DISCRIMINATION EVEN AFTER DEATH ? A pro-Government Victim is Mourned by 4 Women with Islamic Scurfs at a TV-covered Ceremony with Turkish Top Officials, while a Killed pro-Rebels Young Conscript Soldier lies Abandoned alone and Anonymous under Rubble... (Daily Mail/Eurofora).



Turkish Extremist (Gray Wolf) poses on Lynched Young Conscript's body

Young Concsript POWs ill-treated by Turkish Mobsters (German Newspaper "Die Welt")

(POWs Terrorized by Turkish Mobsters - German Newspaper "Die Welt")

(Young Conscripts POWs ill-treated by Turkish Mobsters - "Die Welt")

Many Young Conscript POWs Jailed like Animals by Erdogan's Turkish regime (UK Newspaper "Daily Mail")

Turkish Mobsters ill-treat Young Conscript POWs (Video screenshot by Eurofora)

https://twitter.com/ismailsaymaz/status/754142882282569736



(Young Conscript POW Lynched by Turkish Mobsters)

(Turkish Mobsters' Brutalities - UK Newspaper "Daily Mail")

Young Conscript POWs ill-treated by Turkish Mobsters (German Newspaper "Die Welt")



(Lynching of Young Conscript POW by Turkish Mobsters)

(Human Rights NGOs slamed Reports of "Rape" and/oer Starving of Young Coscripts POWs Jailed in Turkey - "Daily Mail" Screenshot from Twiter)

(Young Conscript POWs Brutalized by Turkish Thugs - German Newspaper Welt)



(Young Conscripts POWs Brutalized by Turkish Mobsters - UK Newspaper "Daily Mail")



Turkish Mobsters Brutalize Dissident Journalists, the Day After "Secular" Coup attempt (Russian Media "Sputnik-News")

(Turkish Mobsters Attack + Brutalize Dissident Journalists after the crash of "Secular" Coup attempr - UK Newspaper "Daily Mail")

(A Civilian Dissident is Brutalized by pro-Erdogan Turkish Thugs - German Newspapzer "Die Welt")

(UK Newspaper "Daily Mail")

(Lynched Young Conscript POW underneath Rubble after Attack of Turkish Mobsters -UK Newspaper "Daily Mail")

(../..)

(NDLR : Partly UpDated)





***
Keep the money outside of UAE of course. This is a no brainer. Also if you die here something very bizarre happens to your money and at best it will take your family a year to receive it and thats if you have an expat will in place.

Same how one day theres no fine for something and the next day without notice a huge fine, maybe withdrawals will suddenly start getting taxed or sending money overseas. You just dont know and as the city changes all the time, a more stable location for the deposit would be the safer option.
Your partner won't be able to sponsor you to be here if you are not married so you can only enter the country on a tourist/visit visa. Without residency (which you can only get with a job if you're not married) you won't be able to have your name on any paperwork anyway.



Unless you are in a highly sought after executive job category or have lots of contacts in the UAE it's going to be practically impossible for you to get anyone to take notice of you while you are still out of the country. You will have better luck speaking to recruitment agencies directly once you get here.



If you're engaged anyway, you really should consider getting married before you get here - especially as you don't have a job.
That thought occurred to me just as I hit "send" on my response.At one time, there was someone who advertised here in the classified section who was offering just the sort of service you're looking for. This was, however, a "few" years back and I see that the classifieds now seem to be available only for a year.You may want to try FUSAC Fusac | Jobs Au pair Housing in Paris which is a want-ad "newspaper" online. Perhaps someone is offering such a service to the newly arrived (though chances are they would be located in Paris). It should be a lucrative service, though it's frustrating work. The other possible source might be through some of the expat associations - though you'd probably have to be a member to find out about such services. I know a couple of the women who were in AAWE (again, in Paris) when I was (years ago) worked for relocation services and would sometimes be available to help fellow members on the occasional specific task or errand.In Paris (again), there is Bloom Where You're Planted - offered through the American Church in Paris. It's more of a general "training" program for newcomers to France and to Paris, but you might be interested in the book they put out, which offers lots of information about getting oriented. About Bloom  Bloom Where You're Planted Cheers,Bev
An ongoing operation against the terrorist group PKK in Turkeys Black Sea region saw three soldiers martyred on Sunday, Anadolu reported.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Irfan Balkanlioglu, governor of the Ordu province, said the terrorists had opened fire at soldiers who were conducting anti-terror operations.

The soldiers had followed a tipoff to a forested area in the Mesudiye district, southwards inland from the coastal city of Ordu, he added.

"Unfortunately three soldiers were martyred and two others injured," Balkanlioglu said.

"The Provincial Gendarmerie Commander has arrived on the scene as well," the governor said. "With our security forces and our people, terrorists cannot find shelter in our region."

The conflict is continuing, he added.

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, over 600 security personnel, including troops, police officers, and village guards, have been martyred and more than 7,000 PKK terrorists killed or neutralized in operations across Turkey and northern Iraq.
A German court preventing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from addressing supporters at a rally in Cologne is unacceptable, said Erdogans spokesman Sunday, Anadolu reported.

Germany's highest court late Saturday upheld a ruling to ban Erdogan from addressing via video call a rally to protest the July 15 coup attempt in Turkey.

The decision by the Federal Constitutional Court came after Cologne police prevented rally organizers from inviting the president to give a speech to thousands of supporters expected to gather for Sunday's rally in Deutzer Werft.

Police said the measure was for "security reasons. A local court agreed with the decision, issuing the ruling that scrapped the plan.

In a written statement, Erdogans spokesman Ibrahim Kalin questioned the real reason for the ban.

"Security measures should be taken against anti-democratic provocateurs, not against people holding democracy rallies," he said.

Kalin said that a rally defending freedom and the rule of law against the July 15 coup attempt should be hailed and encouraged, but instead there were efforts to ban it, contrary to democracy and the freedoms of expression and assembly.

He added that all Turkish citizens and Europeans should take a clear stance against the July 15 coup attempt and with the nation that repelled the attempt.

More than 230 people were killed and nearly 2,200 people injured in the coup attempt, which the Turkish government said was carried out by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) led by U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLA.  Mortality related to prescription opioids is still climbing nationwide but not in centers or regions where there has been widespread implementation of guidelines for appropriate use, according to an expert involved in implementing guidelines in Washington state.

If you follow guidelines for use of opioids, you can do what we did in Washington state and change the direction of those mortality curves, reported David J. Tauben, MD, chief of pain medicine at the University of Washington, Seattle.

Dr. David Tauben

In data presented at the meeting, Dr. Tauben showed that the steep increase in opioid-related deaths and hospitalizations dating back to 1997 plateaued in Washington soon after the guidelines were implemented in 2007 and have followed a steep downward trajectory through the last year of follow-up in 2014.

Those data contrast starkly with nationwide figures updated June 21, 2016, on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. In those figures, which also track data through 2014, the rates of deaths tied to drug overdose overall and to related to prescription opioids specifically have continued to climb. On the CDC website, which states that deaths related to prescription opioids have quadrupled since 1999, it was noted that more patients died from drug overdoses in 2014 than in any previous year. Prescriptions opioids were characterized as the driving force of this ongoing epidemic.

Washington states guidelines were created by the State Agency Medical Directors Group. But Dr. Tauben said that the principles of appropriate use of prescription opioids are well established and most recently were described in the CDCs March 15, 2016, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). He suggested that adherence to these recommendations, which guide who to treat, how to treat, and how to assess for those most at risk for complications from opioids, can be expected to produce the same result.

Not least important, clinicians can keep the risk of overdose low by keeping doses low. Collating data from several studies, Dr. Tauben showed that the risk of overdose remains modest at opioid equivalent doses of 20 mg to about 50 mg per day. Graphically, the daily 50-mg equivalent was characterized as the point of deflection where patients get in trouble. In three of four published studies, the rise of rates in overdose was precipitous at about this point.

Keeping patients at a daily dose of 50 mg or below is further supported by the fact that there is no evidence that a higher dose provides any additional benefit, Dr. Tauben said. He also cited a study showing that patients at higher doses are more likely to have psychiatric comorbidity that complicates the pain complaint and may be better treated by alternative strategies.

At the University of Washington, chronic pain now is addressed routinely with a collaborative team approach that not only includes pain specialists but nursing care coordinators, pharmacists, physical therapists, and others, Dr. Tauben said. He considers increased physical activity, one of the goals in a collaborative multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain, a miracle cure, but acknowledged that designing comprehensive treatment that includes such strategies takes time and, at least initially, increases costs. However, he believes there is a clear return on investment.

The evidence shows that effective control of chronic pain ultimately reduces costs, Dr. Tauben said. Citing several studies, Dr. Tauben explained that chronic pain patients are major consumers of health care services and that consumption diminishes markedly when pain is controlled. He believes that most institutions would adopt and fund multidisciplinary pain care if fully informed of the cost benefits.

Although he acknowledged that many clinicians consider chronic pain patients challenging, Dr. Tauben said comprehensive pain management strategies are effective in most patients. After many years in general practice, Dr. Tauben switched to a focus on chronic pain because of the large unmet need and the success that can be achieved when a multidisciplinary treatment approach is applied.

I became a pain specialist because it was the most satisfying part of my career, Dr. Tauben reported.

To see the June 21 CDC data on opioid overdose, visit http//www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/date/overdose.html. The March 15 MMWR report on the CDC guideline for prescribing opioids for chronic pain can be found at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/rr/6501e1.htm.

The meeting was held by the American Pain Society and Global Academy for Medical Education. Global Academy and this news organization are owned by the same company. Dr. Tauben reported no potential financial conflicts of interest.
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Prime Minister Binali Yildirim will meet the highest ranking US military officer Monday, a source at the prime ministers office said Sunday.

The meeting with Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will come after comments by senior US military figures that have been viewed by Turkey as showing tacit support for the officers behind the July 15 attempted coup. Ankara has also increased pressure on Washington to extradite US-based Fetullah Gulen, named by the Turkish government as the mastermind of the attempted putsch.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on talking to the media, did not give any further details of the meeting, which is due to take place at Cankaya Palace in Ankara.

Dunford, who was the Marine Corps commandant before he was appointed to his new role last October, is President Barack Obamas principal military advisor. He will arrive Sunday from Baghdad, where he met Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi.

As well as NATO ties, the US and Turkey are cooperating in the fight against Daesh. The Incirlik air base in southern Turkey is used by the US to launch air missions in Syria.
Pitts: Fayetteville opens senior center with lake view; tennis complex in future

The Bill Crisp Senior Center, located in west Cumberland County, wows people who attend its ribbon-cutting on Tuesday.
Turkey's security forces have arrested eight military personnel suspected of being involved in an airstrike on a hotel in Turkey's southwestern Marmaris where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stayed during mid-July's attempted coup, local media said Monday.

The arrests were carried out in Marmaris after local residents discovered a suspicious group of people in a corn field, the Anadolu news agency reported.

Earlier, seven members of the military were arrested in southwestern Turkey's Mugla province.
Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid are living together.

Zayn Malik and Gigi Hadid

The 21-year-old supermodel has moved into her boyfriend's Los Angeles home and Zayn, 23, has given Gigi permission to redecorate.

A source told the Sunday Mirror: "Zayn and Gigi have moved in together in LA and he's busy furnishing and buying paintings to change it up and make it more of a couple's pad.

"They cherish every moment together and make sure they're never apart for longer than 10 days so it made sense for her to move in officially."

The couple also share Gigi's New York apartment when they are on the east coast and couldn't be happier since reconciling after a brief split earlier this year.

The insider said: "Zayn prefers a quiet night with Gigi than showbiz parties so it's important she feels comfortable.

"He appreciates her so much more after her support when he had to pull out of the Capital FM Summertime Ball with anxiety.

"Zayn sees how much Gigi is there for him. They're mutually passionately in love."

Speaking about their relationship, an insider previously said: "Things are back to normal with them.

"They got through a rough patch that Zayn was facing personally and it started to put a dark cloud on their relationship. Gigi was there for him when he needed her the most and that brought them closer than ever."

Meanwhile, Gigi may be one of the most beautiful women in the world but Zayn recently insisted he loves her for her mind.

Zayn said: "She's super intelligent. I think that's why it works so well. And we do the same type of job so we get that with each other."


Actor Matt Damon says his "Jason Bourne" co-star Alicia Vikander is the current favourite of Hollywood and everyone wants her in their film. The 45-year-old actor praised the Oscar-winner saying they are lucky to have her in the movie, reported People magazine.



"We were lucky to get her. Everyone in Hollywood is trying to get Alicia in their movie right now," Damon said. "The Martian" star feels the Swedish actress' talent has no boundaries and she is versatile enough to surprise people with her choice of roles in the future as well.



"I just think of these once-in-a-generation actresses who kind of explode onto the scene and what strikes me about her is I can't see where her limits are.

"There's been six or seven (recent) performances and they're all really different and they're all going in different places and I don't see the boundaries yet. I'm really excited to see what she does next," he said. When asked if there is anything people should know about Vikander, 27, but are not aware of yet, the actor said with a laugh, "If I knew something that people don't know, then they shouldn't hear it from me.



WATCH:



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Next Story : Not Your Average Gift: Our Handpicked Thoughtful Diwali Gifts


"When are you getting married?" That's a question every woman has to face once she reaches her mid-20s. Once married, everyone wants to know when she is having a baby. When she does have a baby, there are dos and don'ts she has to strictly follow to qualify as an ideal mom. That's the reality of every woman's life and also the plot of this week's Hollywood release Bad Moms (July 29).



Starring Mila Kunis, the film revolves around three women who earn the Bad Mom tag for getting away from daily life and conventional responsibilities. Their self-indulgence is looked down upon by a clique of devoted perfect moms. Just like in real life. But here's something all women need to remember whenever they stress about not doing enough and feel they are bad moms.



Stop bothering about what others think of you: It is your life and your baby! Don't let the opinions of others alter your decisions. If you want to quit work post a baby and be a full-time mom instead, do that. If you want to continue working and be someone your kid will take inspiration frombe just that.



Rome wasn't built in a day:

Do not put pressure on yourself to meet your daily goals. It is okay if you couldn't tick everything off your checklist. Not doing something one day doesn't matter since it is what you do regularly and continuously that will shape your child.



Admit when you have failed:

You feel you arent doing enough and what the kids will think of you is a thought giving you sleepless nights. Talk to them about your failure and your POA for the future. They will understand your difficulties and also learn a very important lessonfailure is a part of life.



It's okay to be selfish:

It is okay to leave your kids under your partner's care or the nanny's supervision and take a day or evening off and do what you like. And it is not a crime if even a single thought about your kids back home doesn't cross your mind. You shouldnt feel guilty about having a little 'me' time.



Do not berate yourself:

At any point, do not go on a self-deprecation spree and feel bad about your inability to handle things the way you would have liked to. Be it a working woman or a homemaker, being a mother is a difficult job. Just keep trying and have faith that things will be better tomorrow.

Next Story : Not Your Average Gift: Our Handpicked Thoughtful Diwali Gifts
It is a wonderful time to be a Fijian  as our beloved nation puts the wasted years behind us and finally takes its rightful place in the world. Full of promise. Full of opportunities previous generations never had until my Government set us on a proper course. One nation. One people. There is still much to be done. But as the excitement builds and our athletes take the world spotlight in Rio, I urge every Fijian to fix their eyes firmly on the future. Because we are also going for gold as a nation. We are going for greatness.

I am leaving for Rio De Janeiro with the hopes and prayers of every Fijian for our best Olympic Games ever.Our athletes have never been better prepared. And in the case of our men's Rugby Sevens team, they are already World Champions. So Fiji has the best chance it has ever had to bring back our first gold medal in the summer Olympics. I know that every Fijian will be with me in spirit in Rio as I provide the nations collective encouragement to the wonderful men and women who are representing us before the world. Fiji has never stood taller than it does at these Games. And we know that our athletes will do us proud on and off the field. They know that the eyes of every Fijian will be on them in the exciting television coverage of the various events. It is also a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the Fijian spirit to the world - our skills, determination and sense of fair play. So the whole nation joins me in saying to the squad now assembling in Rio: Toso Fiji! Go for Gold!In many ways, our Olympic campaign in 2016 reflects the progress we have made as a nation - more focused, more united and with more opportunity for every Fijian than at any time in our history. We have achieved gold in terms of our economic performance, a record seven straight years of growth that is creating jobs and improving our living standards. We are empowering more of our people, whether it is through our free schooling, scholarships and tertiary loans or free medicine, pensions and a range of other leg-ups. And none of it has been at the expense of any one group. On the contrary, we are taking everyone on our journey forward, with a special emphasis on the most vulnerable - our women, children, the elderly and the disabled.Our commitment to young people is especially strong. So I am very proud of the initiative we announced during the week to provide young iTaukei landowners with a financial nest egg at the age of 18. This is going to come from the lease monies owed to them that we are investing on their behalf and that they can access when they reach voting age. The iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB) is depositing $12.5 million in trust for 30,634 young landowners registered in the Vola ni Kawa Bula. The amount currently held in trust differs for each young landowner and ranges up to $99,000. The interest earned over time will boost these savings. And when the beneficiaries turn 18, the Government will also provide them with proper advice to manage the funds most effectively.My fellow Fijians, just imagine what the future holds for our people with a scheme like this. What this mean for iTaukei landowners who are minors now and those who are still to come. Not only are they benefiting from our education revolution - the free schooling and opportunity to attend a technical college or university - we are giving them a lump sum at the age of 18 to do with what they choose. Keep saving, spend on improving their standard of living or start a business. The choice is theirs. They will be able to determine their own path in life.This is the difference between my Government and previous governments. In the past, someone else decided how lease monies would be distributed. But we have empowered individual iTaukei and given them options. Choices. Given them their fair share of the proceeds from the lease of their lands. My political opponents want that power to be taken away again. But I believe the vast majority of the iTaukei want to be able to choose for themselves. And I am determined to give them that choice, going one step further now to protect the interests of i'Taukei children and ensure that they too obtain their fair share when they come of age. To provide them with a springboard into the future.To every iTaukei I say this: Dont let my political opponents tell you that the iTaukei are worse off under this Government. Because the truth is that our prospects have never been better. We have our ownership of the land guaranteed in our Constitution for all time. We have access to free schooling and higher education that previous generations could only dream about. We have a full range of government services  better access to health care, free medicine, water, electricity, roads and pensions. And our culture has never been stronger, as we see every time we perform the wonderful ceremonies that are at the centre of our national life and always will be. The iTaukei are not only secure, they have more opportunity than at any other time in Fijian history. And now we are ensuring that our children and those still to be born benefit from our ownership of the land by having their share invested so they can use it when they become adults.I was also inspired during the week by my face to face encounters with thousands of sugar cane farmers in our cane growing areas in Viti Levu and the North. They are some of the hardest working people in Fiji and are the power behind our second biggest export earner and the 200,000 Fijians who depend on the sugar cane industry for their livelihoods. While my political opponents do everything they can to talk the industry down and politicise it for their own purposes, I reached out to reassure our farmers that the Government has a solid plan to provide them with a sustainable future. This includes bringing together some of the best minds in the country to confront the industry's challenges. We have much to do but these meetings have transformed the mood in cane growing areas. There is a renewed sense of optimism about the future. And I want to warmly thank the farmers and their families for rejecting the negative messages they have been getting - which offer nothing in the way of long-term solutions - and embracing my message of hope. Because together, we will chart a way forward.
Microsoft has launched a new smart photo app for iOS.

Microsoft, this week came up with a new intelligent smart camera and photo app for devices running on iOS called Microsoft Pix. This app employs the use of artificial intelligence to adjust photo settings in order to automatically enhance the quality of captured pictures. The company claims its app's superiority over Apple's camera app.



Advertisement

The app works on the iPhone 5s and newer models which runs on iOS 9.0 and newer versions. The company is also planning to come up with an android release soon. It's absurd, however, why the company which is claiming that its app is way ahead of Apple's own camera app, hasn't introduced Pix for Windows Phones.



Microsoft Pix takes a burst shots of before and after in order to obtain the very best image, similar to the way a burst of shots is taken in Apple's own camera app. The new app claims to be a step ahead of Apple's app as it intelligently goes through each shot to choose the best image, and itself deletes nugatory ones in order to save memory. The process usually ends up with the app leaving the user with three best Images to choose from.



Microsoft has termed the app as "people-centric," for a number of reasons. One of the reasons being its ability to focus on people and faces in a photograph by enhancing and adjusting the focus, color, and exposure to give optimum results. The app's algorithms is capable of detecting if a person has his/her eyes open or closed. It takes into account this factor too, when choosing the best photo from the lot.



"They are building this for people who aren't photographers but who like to take pictures - and would like to take better pictures - but don't want to take the time to learn what goes in to making better pictures," Reed Hoffman, a Kansas City-based photography consultant with the Nikon School of Photography who tested beta versions of Microsoft Pix, told the Macrumours.



Once a picture has been captured, the app even allows the user to filter back-and-forth between the original shot and the high-quality post-enhancement photo.



When in a picture interesting motion is detected, the app works akin to the way Apple's Live Photo feature in the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus functions. The app creates a live Image from the captured motion-based images, that loop an animation repeatedly rather than waiting for the user to begin their animation, like in Live Photos. There are other features in the app like automatic stabilization or "hyperlapse," syncing with Apple's Camera Roll, and an easy sharing option to social media directly from the app.



Users can try Microsoft Pix for free by downloading it from the App Store.



(Here is the link to the video)


DUBAI, UAE, November 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

ArabiaWeather Inc. - the leading provider of weather products, services and solutions to consumers and businesses in the Middle East - has signed an agreement with the United Kingdom's national weather service, the Met Office, to promote its training products to organizations and governments in the Arab World and across the region. Under the five-year agreement, ArabiaWeather will present the Met Office's extensive training products to prospective customers and third parties, thereby offering meteorological institutions in the Middle East and Africa the chance to benefit from the Met Office's expertise.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151117/288090LOGO )



(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161124/442778 )



According to the terms of the agreement, ArabiaWeather will endeavor to promote Met Office products and training materials across the region. The agreement covers nations across the Middle East and Africa.

On his part, Mohammed Al-Shaker, CEO of ArabiaWeather Inc. said, "This is yet another partnership that is aligned with ArabiaWeather's strategy to bring world class meteorological services to the region. We strive to bring the best weather products into the MENA region, which is suffering from adverse weather effects, costing the economy considerable losses."

In turn, Sally Wolkowski, Head of the Met Office College, said, "The Met Office is delighted to be working with ArabiaWeather on this venture and has been at the forefront of global weather and climate science for 160 years. We combine the latest science with ground-breaking advances in technology and local understanding to deliver operational advantage to our customers.Our knowledge, experience and flexibility allow us to apply our science across business and government, managing the risks and opportunities presented by our weather as they arise."

ArabiaWeather is the leading provider of weather products, services and solutions to consumers and businesses in the Middle East. It provides weather decision-support solutions to businesses across the region, including sectors that are enormously affected by weather conditions such as Media, Aviation, Oil/Gas, Agriculture, Insurance and Retail, in addition to other fields that benefit from weather information. These solutions help businesses reduce costs, enhance safety and drive efficiency in their operations.

For more details, please visit corporate.arabiaweather.com.

Editors' notes:

The Met Office is the UK's National Meteorological Service, providing 24/7 world-renowned scientific excellence in weather, climate and environmental forecasts and severe weather warnings for the protection of life and property. http://www.metoffice.gov.uk

https://twitter.com/metofficeb2b?lang=en-gb https://www.linkedin.com/company/met-office

Contact: Bader Qutteineh, +971504683562
DUBLIN, November 8, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Telco Investment Challenges - CapEx Dynamics" report to their offering.

As the need to deploy superfast systems becomes apparent, telcos are signing more and more cooperation agreements (sharing, pooling, outsourcing) and seeking out new financing models. But they also need to keep up with network investments.

Based on an analysis of the global marketplace and its players (23 countries, 20 telcos profiled), this report provides with fixed and mobile CapEx from 2010 to 2015, and analyses why the pace of investment was maintained in 2015.

Database Structure

Indicators per country for 23 countries

- Total amount of investment or CapEx (capital expenditure)

- Amount of CapEx per market segment (fixed, mobile)

- CapEx/sales (gross revenues of operators analysed), if applicable

- CapEx/retail telecom service revenues, if applicable

Indicators per region for five regions -

- Total amount of investment or CapEx

- Amount of CapEx per market segment (fixed, mobile)

Data

- Historical data 2010-2015

Data conversion

- Country data was converted into euros (EUR).

- Exchange rates (average 2015 exchange rate according to the International Monetary Fund, or IMF) are specified in the tab entitled 'exchange rates' and were applied throughout the period

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive Summary

1.1. Key trends

1.2. 2015: Global CapEx growth driven by mobile and BRIC countries

1.3. USA is the global leader country in terms of CapEx, and Asia-Pacific the leader in the region

1.4. Germany remains ahead of the EU countries in terms of network investments followed by the UK and France

1.5. High expenditure on wireless networks for emerging market countries

1.6. The options for optimizing investment

2. Methodology

2.1. Database list of indicators

2.2. Definitions, sources and methodology

3. The need for streamlining investment in a tight economic context

3.1. A tight macro-economic context

3.2. Operators maintain investment levels to cater for increased traffic...

3.3. and are moving toward better resource management and new models

4. Major CapEx trends

4.1. Golbal CapEx trends

4.2. Regional CapEx trends

4.3. Ranking countries in terms of CapEx

4.4. Ranking operators in terms of CapEx

Companies Mentioned

America Movil

AT&T

BCE

Bharti Airtel

BT

China Mobile

China Telecom

China Unicom

Comcast

Deutsche Telekom

Etisalat

KDDI

KPN

MTN

NTT

Numericable-SFR

Orange

Softbank

Swisscom

Telecom Italia

Telefonica

Telenor

TeliaSonera

Telstra

Time Warner Cable

Verizon

Vimpelcom

Vodafone

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/kbv4lq/telco_investment

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
ANKARA (dpa-AFX) - A total of 1,389 pro-coup soldiers including President Erdogan's military aide were discharged from Turkish Armed Forces, according to reports citing the state Official Gazette. According to state-run Anadolu Agency, the discharged personnel include Col. Ali Yazici, former aide to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan; Lt. Col. Levent Turkkan, former aide to Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar. Out of the total 1,389 names dismissed, 1,196 serve in Turkey's gendarmerie forces. Under the statutory decree, Turkey's land, naval and air forces are now directly answerable to the Defense Ministry. In addition, Deputy Prime Ministers and justice, foreign and interior ministers will also be included to the Supreme Military Council (YAS). The decree also closes all of Turkey's war academies, military high schools that train non-commissioned officers, which will be replaced by a new university called the National Defense University under the Defense Ministry. Meanwhile, the decree assigns Ankara's Gulhane Military Medical Academy and military hospitals across Turkey under the Health Ministry. The new dismissals follow a previous post-coup expulsion of 1,684 military personnel, including 149 generals and admirals. A total of 8,651 soldiers took part in the failed coup attempt of July 15, making up 1.5 percent of the military's total personnel. 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.
In spite of having the most bloated personnel structure in the industry, Air India continues to provide the worst service in the skies. Just recently, its on-time performance was shown to be much lower than other carriers that employ far less people per aircraft. In short, Air India does less work through more personnel. And all this colossal waste is funded by public money, that is, money hard earned and produced by you and me. That Air India still continues to be funded by public money with its very high employee per aircraft number and low on time performance is a matter of shame. Any matter of shame, on the part of who are not shameless, would have provoked some action. However, the government seems to be in no mood to stop funding Air India and stop haemorrhaging of public money. Thus, in an age of republicanism and democracy, the expensive Maharajah burns public money like all maharajahs have done in the past. The turbaned Maharajah icon of Air India is now a cruel, cruel joke.

The amount of subsidy that has been injected into Air India by the people of the various states of the Indian Union is huge. Since the Union government extracts this money directly from states and puts them in a common pool, this element of states is not apparent. I will discuss later how and why this matters. Since April 2012, the Union government has pumped in more than Rs 22,280 crore to Air India's core equity as part of its turnaround plan. This is part of the Rs 30,000 crore committed to Air India by Union government as part of its turnaround plan. Let's realise what this subsidy is for. This is for passenger air services  a service that less than 5% of the population will ever avail and that too is the top 5% earning group of the population. However, the subsidy for this would come from the people of the states at large and hence, this is the worst form of regressive subsidy where the poor are subsidising a company that provides services to the rich. That this scandal continues is broad daylight is probably a huge sign of the classist nature of public discourse and policy making in the Indian Union.

But there is a huge, huge hidden subsidy that no one talks about and that does not seem to matter. Let me explain by example. I am employed in a government-funded institution. One would think that public funds or government funds, since they are funds of the people, should be held to the highest level of thrift and value-for-money when spending and should not be wasted one bit since I am spending money given in trust by the public. The standards of responsibility would have to be high.

So, let's say you want to travel from point A to point B. The best use of public money for such travel is obviously to find the cheapest ticket. However, that's not what Government of India has stipulated.

It says, whatever the cost, the travel has to be on Air India! And Air India is not known for offering cheapest tickets. So for every ticket that is bought by a person of Government of India-funded travel for official duty or otherwise, money is wasted since Air India needs to get the business. Now think of the number of government employees and employees in government-aided institutions including state governments. The number is huge and this huge business goes to Air India without competition, without any concern for saving public money.

This farce of indirectly subsidising Air India by huge amounts goes to even greater farcical and economically damaging lengths when international travel is concerned. Again, any sane individual or institution would opt for cheapest tickets by shortest route. Makes sense, right? Not if the travel is Government of India-funded, that is funded by money managed by Government of India, after the money has been collected from the peoples of the states. So, the travel has to be on Air India, whatever the price. Recently, I checked that on certain India-Europe sectors, lowest Air India economy class fairs were double that of the cheapest available option. That is the colossal waste that is done such that Air India receives indirect subsidy. What if Air India does not go to a place? Then one needs to go to the nearest place where Air India goes and from take a flight by one of its codeshare partners to the destination. In short, it does not matter how far from the final destination this nearest point is, this is what has to be done. Efficiency, financial management and plain and simple logic be damned.

The Air India subsidy and loot of public funds has now been given a more organised structure through its special Leave Travel Concession (LTC) fares. Tens of lakhs of government employees are eligible for holiday travel cost by air and this too has to be booked by Air India. Shamefully, in this captive market, rather than give discounts to save money, Air India actually charges 50% to even 140% more than normal Air India fares, which are not the cheapest anyway. Should citizens of the Indian Union just stand aside and see this colossal loot happening every day? It is very clear that the Union government ministries are in connivance in this scheme of wasting public money like this through these indirect subsidies to Air India. Does the government have no shame? This Air-India-only stipulation should be the subject of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and must be challenged in court.

The reason that the Union government of India does not want to stop subsidising Air India and divest it is because that will stop the use of Air India as a tool of politics. Air India is subsidised by people of all states of the Indian Union in proportion to the revenue such states produce. Which is why Kolkata and Chennai, both major metros and capitals of states where none of the so-called national parties namely Congress and BJP have held power in the last nearly 50 years or have any chance of winning power in the next 10 years, have no direct connectivity to London, in spite of the respective state government's long standing request on this. Contrast this to the direct flight to London from Gujarat's Ahmedabad, announced by the ex-Chief Minister of Gujarat and the present Prime Minister of the Indian Union during his pubic rally amongst cheering NRIs in the Wembley stadium of London. Aren't route announcements supposed to be matters of Air India's corporate policy and not a matter of political decision making and announcements? How does Union government get to politically decide where to spend what money, which routes to start where, when the money for Air India comes from all the states of the Indian Union? Air India is a sign of the Union government's limitless power and control over resources of the Indian Union. It is time that the Union government leaves our resources in the states along and stops the present waste of public resources, including indirect subsidies, by selling off Air India to the highest bidder. In a federal democratic republic, the people shouldnt be forced to fund a white elephant called the Maharajah.
Defence minister Manohar Parrikar seems to have spilled the beans on something everybody knew and has been talking about and his words speak volumes about the business environment in India.

The comment in question is the one reported in The Indian Express on Sunday (31 July 2016). Believably, referring to the Aamir Khan incident of 2015, which had kicked off a storm of protests across the country, the minister has said that "anyone speaking against the country must be taught a lesson in the same way that an "actor" and an "online trading company" were taught".

It is to be noted that the minister did not take the name of Khan or Snapdeal, a company which had the actor as its brand ambassador then. Snapdeal took a hit as a consequence to Aamir's comments. However, it was pretty clear that Parrikar was referring to Aamir and Snapdeal.

Here are the exact words of the minister as reported by the newspaper:

Actorne jeva hey kela, thehva jya company la toh advertise karat hota online trading company hoti. Aple log thoda jaste hoshar ahet. Mala mahite ahey there was a team which was working on this... They were telling people you order and return it... The company should learn a lesson, they had to pull out his advertisement... (When the actor did this... then the company which he was endorsing was... an online trading company. Some of our people are very smart, I know. There was a team which was working on this. They were telling people you order and return it... The company should learn a lesson, they had to pull his advertisement).

Before driving home the point being made in this article, here is a recap of what happened in 2015. Khan at a function in November 2015 had said that there is a sense for fear and insecurity in the face of rising violence against minority communities in India. "That does indicate that there is a sense of growing disquiet. Growing sense of despondency. You feel depressed, you feel low... why is it happening? This feeling exists in me too... I cant deny that I am alarmed... For any society it is very important to have a sense of security," he said.

He also said his wife Kiran Rao, a filmmaker, even wondered whether they should be moving out of the country in order to secure their child's future.

Aamir's comments kicked off a row, with angry Hindutva elements and attacking the actor, who thought that his comments brought bad name to the country. They even questioned his patriotism. The actor himself released a statement pointing out the irony in the reaction, which proved him right on the rising insecurity among the minorities.

Soon after the actor's comments, Snapdeal also faced the wrath of the hate mongers. The company's app was downrated and a few months later the company decided not to renew its advertising contract with the actor.

The minister's comments, however, clearly reveal that Snapdeal's decision to not continue with the actor was a forced one. In all likelihood, referring to the online Hindutva brigade, who was in forefront in attacking the actor and the company, he has said there was team a who campaigned against Snapdeal urging customers to order a product and return it - a strategy that would hit the company where it hurts the most.

Reverse logistics - a term that denotes such returning of products and the costs incurred on that count - has been one of the worst nightmares of the Indian e-commerce companies. This report in the BusinessWorld magazine points out that the courier companies sometimes charge up to 10 percent on the e-commerce companies for a product return.

In 2015, when Snapdeal was under attack, the e-commerce space was witnessing fierce competition. As part of the customer acquisition attempts, the companies were giving discounts and also had extremely lenient product return policies. Such returns have had deeply negative impact on the costs these companies incur and their financial performances. (Faced with new government rules some of these companies have amended their style of functioning.)

The strategy used by the online team, who Parrikar thinks were thoda jaste hoshar (very smart), to teach Snapdeal a lesson needs to be seen in this context. It is clearly a below-the-belt blow.

It is also ironical that this happened at a time when prime minister Narendra Modi shouts at the top of his voice at all platforms available how his government has turned India into an investor's safe haven. He has been consistent in saying that the NDA government has improved the ease of doing business in India.

But what Parrikar's comments show is that the ease in doing business comes with conditions. The first one of these is that businessmen should be careful not to hurt the "sentiments" of the majority community or of those who think are their protectors. It shows that even the business environment in the country is vitiated by hate and violence. It is all the more shocking that this happened in the high-technology-oriented e-commerce, one of the sectors key to Modi's Digital India programme.

This is not no-holds-barred business, which the BJP and Modi promised in the run-up to the elections. Businesses and, in turn, economy can thrive only in an environment of tolerance.

Richard L Florida, professor at University of Toronto supports this contention in his paper on Technology, Talent, And Tolerance. (Read here.)

The paper that analysed high-tech centres of the US such as Silicon Valley found that "a continuing commitment to openness and diversity across all segments of the population is a necessity if the New Economy is to continue to thrive".

This theory holds true not only for the US but all nations, including India.

It is high time the Modi government understood this.
New Delhi: Latching on to BJP MP Udit Raj's criticism of "so-called protectors" of Hinduism, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asked him and other Dalit MPs to resign from the party in protest against the "countrywide assault" on the community.

"Udit ji and all Dalit MPs of BJP shud resign in protest against countrywide assault on Dalits by BJP goons," the AAP leader tweeted.

On Saturday, the Dalit leader had said the Hindu religion is in "danger" not because of conversion but because of its "so-called protectors".

There is no religion in the world where people attack their "own people (from same religion) in the name of the same religion," he had said, asking "... Why only Dalits come forward whenever atrocities happen against them?"

There were reports recently that following denial of permission to the Dalits by upper caste Hindus to conduct rituals at the ancient Badrakaliyamman temple at Nagapattinam, during the Tamil month of Adi, some Dalits had planned to embrace Islam.

The Nagapattinam district administration had later denied the report.
Have television anchors become too powerful in India?

I would say yes, especially English anchors like Times Now's Arnab Goswami. By powerful I mean that they can influence what should be debated daily and what is important. This is a power that print journalists or those in digital medium do not have and have never had.

I also mean that this influence of anchors like Goswami is mostly negative because their focus is on issues that concern upper class anxieties. Those that affect majority of people, hundreds of millions of Indians, like health, primary education and nutrition, are not discussed. And this is not because the anchor is evil or means to do harm.

There are structural reasons why this is happening and why it will not change easily. Let us have a look at them.

First, India is an unusual nation in terms of language. It is the only major country whose elite's first language is a foreign one. This has a very serious cultural fallout, and we can look at that another time. The estimate is that about 10% of Indians can speak some sort of English. I think one quarter of this, or less, is the population for which English is the first language. This upper class is the only linguistically connected population of India because English is a link language. There is no way a poor Tamilian can communicate with a poor Kashmiri or a poor Gujarati. But the upper classes of these states can communicate through English. This is the reason why this class can so easily work in private sector jobs and without difficulty be transferred across a subcontinent that has a dozen official languages.

The second structural reason is that media in India is highly subsidised. Newspapers here cost at the most Rs 4. For this price you could get a broadsheet English paper of 40 pages. In the United States and Europe and elsewhere, this paper would cost Rs 70. Even in our neighbourhood, in Pakistan and Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, newspapers are often four times as expensive as papers in India.

The cost of newsprint, meaning the paper on which news is printed, is the same worldwide. India's major dailies buy Canadian newsprint in dollars and my estimate is that just the cost of newsprint for each copy is over Rs 12. How can the paper's owners afford to sell such a product for Rs 4? Who is subsidising the reader? The advertiser, of course.

Similarly, the Tata-Sky English news pack gives us over 20 English news channels for Rs 60 a month. We can watch Times Now for Rs 3 Fox News in the United States costs 20 times more to subscribe. Again, who is subsidising our English news channels and who is paying for the anchors' salaries? Advertisers.

The advertisers are interested in only certain groups of consumers: those with the capacity to spend. To attract and retain these consumers, TV channels must focus on content and reports and analysis that concern this group above all. This is why we have no prime time debates on malnutrition and the government's inability to run primary schools competently. It is why we have such disproportionate focus on terrorism and extremism and such things that the upper class is interested in.

It is also true that often the anchor confuses these structural aspects of their content's popularity with their personal genius. They may become self-important and lapse into dangerous personal attacks, as we are seeing these days against Barkha Dutt and others who are being called Pakistani agents.

But it is for the structural reasons, we have looked at above, that the English anchor has become overly powerful. And it will remain that way so long as the power imbalance that language has produced exists. For a few years now the government has had to trim its policies and actions in line with what anchors like Arnab demand.

A knowledgeable individual, who is in the government, gave me his analysis, of which I am reproducing a part. The individual said that: "Arnab is now setting the agenda... any visit from or to China or Pakistan was preceded with images or infra-red images of infiltrators from across the border - all designed as campaigns to put off the visit or to dilute its impact."

This should be a matter of grave concern because the television anchor has no higher interest than popularity and ratings. He or she may believe that this popularity coincides with national interest but it is indisputable that on some issues this may not be so. How much damage occurs to us in such instances? That is unlikely to be the subject of a television debate.
Thane: At least eight people were killed when a two-storey dilapidated building collapsed in Thane district's Bhiwandi town, police said.

"So far, we have recorded eight deaths, 22 have been rescued and further rescue efforts are underway to save other trapped victims," a police spokesperson told IANS.

The accident occurred in Gaibinagar locality of this town famous for its powerloom industry, around 35 km north of Mumbai, when the rickety building which housed some 10 families crashed around 8.30 am.

The local municipal corporation had earlier declared the building as hazardous for occupation, but the families continued to live there, locals told media persons.

Teams of the disaster management forces, the city fire brigade and civic body were engaged in the rescue work which was severely hampered by torrential rains that continued to lash the entire coastal Maharashtra since Saturday evening.
Kicking up a fresh storm for the BJP, which is trying hard to mobilise Dalit votes ahead of the crucial Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections next year, party's legislator from Hyderabad Raja Singh on Sunday justified the recent thrashing of Dalits by cow vigilante groups in Una, Gujarat.

In a Facebook post, Singh said that it was a very good thing that happened.

"Jo Dalit gai ke maas ko le ja raha tha, jo uski pitai hui hai, woh bohut hi achhi hui hai (Those Dalits who were taking the cow, the cow meat, those who were beaten, it was a very good thing to happen)," he said.

Singh also condemned the media and political leaders who criticised the assault on Dalits and questioned the necessity of killing cows or eating cow meat.

Singh said that many members of the community had dedicated their lives to the cause of "gau raksha" and extended support to gau rakshaks who took it upon themselves to teach the "galeez" (filthy) Dalits a valuable lesson.

According to Singh, such Dalits malign the name of others in the community, who are patriotic and religious.

Meanwhile, thousands of Dalits protested in Ahmedabad on Sunday against an attack on their members by cow protection vigilantes. The Dalit protesters pledged not to lift carcasses in protest the attacks by upper caste Hindu activists.

The collective pledge was taken at a Dalit rally called by as many as 30 Dalit groups from across Gujarat and backed by the quasi religious body Jamiat-e-Ulema-Hind.

Organisers said the Dalit show of strength was meant to protest what they said were atrocities against the community, in particular the brutal thrashing of four Dalit youths in Una.

This is the first time in Gujarat that 30 Dalit groups from across the state have come together to raise a plethora of issues facing the community for decades.

Violent protests erupted this month after a video footage emerged of an attack on four Dalit villagers who were taking a dead cow to be skinned. Cows are considered sacred by Hindus and killing them is banned in Gujarat, but the villagers said the animal had died of natural causes.

According to Firstpost, on 11 July, seven members of a Dalit family in Gujarat's Una town, involved in leather trading, were attacked and brutally assaulted. Four of them were stripped half-naked, tied to a car, dragged for about a kilometre and then beaten up with iron rods and sticks.

The CID on 28 July arrested four people in connection with the Una Dalit flogging incident, taking the total number of arrests made in the case to 20, reported The Indian Express.

With inputs from agencies
China celebrates World AIDS Day annually to spread information about the disease. (Photo : Getty Images)

The United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Executive Director and Secretary General Michael Sibide praised the Chinese government on the progress of work done to eradicate the disease in the country.



Sibide said that in China, UNAIDS surveys indicate that there are more patients who are treated and that deaths from the disease have decreased.



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He said, "Since 2014, we have not had any babies born with HIV in Beijing, which is very important."



He clarified that control of transmission from mother to child is important. This controls the spread of HIV among children.



This is a major achievement in China. The UN issued a report in 2001 stating the gravity of the problem in the country.



The report said that there was "widespread lack of knowledge and protective life skills, huge internal labour migration, underprivileged minority communities, relative poverty, youth, and gender inequity. A serious outbreak in a country as large as China could significantly affect the economies of both China and the world as a whole."



Now, the country is improving ways to treat patients. Sibide acknowledged efforts by the government to strengthen government policies to fight stigma and discrimination.



"China, particularly the government," he said, "has been very helpful, supporting us to negotiate a new political declaration, which is key for the future."



Sibide was at the Xinhua News Agency to present an award to its president, Cai Mingzhao, for his contribution to the UN's goal of ending the epidemic by 2030.



The media plays a major role in disseminating information about the disease. Many people are gaining pro-health behaviors because of the influence of the press.



"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.



The AIDS epidemic has decreased significantly. In 2010, only less than a million patients were treated. There are over 17 million people treated by 2016.


A senior Assam Civil Service officer has reportedly been suspended by the state government after being held solely responsible for a major goof-up.

In its interim report to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the flood situation in the state, the Assam government included a two-year old world famous photograph of Bangladeshs Noakhali flood, reported NDTV.

Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal had handed over the report to Singh during his day-long visit to the flood-affected state. Singh had conducted an aerial survey of the state and held a press conference later on to apprise the country of the situation.

The 10-page interim report had nine pictures showing the plight of the people hit by the floods in Assam. The journalists who attended the conference discovered that one of the photographs was not from Assam, but from the 2014 floods in Bangladesh, which was published along with a report in The Daily Mail of London.

According to The Indian Express, Dipak Kumar Sarma, chief executive officer of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) put out an urgent corrigendum to the media through an e-mail which said that a pictorial error has occurred inadvertently showing photograph of rescue of a spotted deer which is not related to Assam in the interim report submitted to the union home minister.

Assam Chief Ministers Office too released a press statement, saying Madhumita Bhagaboty, Civil SDO of Kaliabor sub-division in Nagaon district was placed under suspension with immediate effect for forwarding to a government whatsapp group the picture showing a person rescuing a deer and saying it was from Kaziranga National Park that is also currently reeling under floods.

The release also stated, The state government considers deputy commissioners and sub-divisional officers as eyes and ears of the administrative machinery. The government will not tolerate if officers discharged their duties in an irresponsible manner. Stern action will be taken against officers who discharged their duties in an irresponsible manner.

The photograph was taken by wildlife photographer Hasibul Wahab and was distributed by Caters News Agency in February 2014. It shows a boy risking his life to rescue a baby deer.
Efforts to control the situation in Kashmir appear to be going into a new phase. At the beginning of the fourth week after militant commander Burhan Wani was killed, a top functionary of the state government spoke of the need to take some tough steps even while remaining sensitive and restrained to the extent possible. The replacement of the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, last week points towards this new phase.

Restraint was the hallmark of the governments response during the second phase, which began a couple of days after Wanis death, and has continued until now. The first phase of disastrous unpreparedness for the highly emotional outburst of anger lasted for about a day after Wani was killed on 8 July.

Perhaps more than half of the over 50 persons who have died from bullet and pellet injuries suffered those injuries on that disastrous Saturday, 9 July. Many succumbed later. Some remained on respirators for several days.

Trying to explain the large number of close-range pellet injuries, the top functionary alluded to the restraint of the police and other forces: 'They did not fire bullets and, even when crowds attacked police stations and security camps, they held back. Then, when the crowd was almost on them, they fired pellet guns. By then, the crowd was at close range.

So far, the policy of restraint has been largely effective. Apart from Kupwara district in the north, tempers have cooled among the majority in large parts of the Valley. Three weeks after the initial disaster of unpreparedness, senior doctors at Srinagars leading hospital say that most of those with eye injuries seem likely to recover.

Generally, agitations are now being sustained by young boys, often in their pre-teens. These boys throw stones, assault passing vehicles (particularly targeting larger, relatively costly ones) and occasionally assault shopkeepers. One shop in Pampore was reported to have been burnt. A bearded shopkeeper in Parimpora area was said to have been slapped several times by one boy. These incidents reminded many of a trend that came up in 2010.

Boys, often in their pre-teens, appear to be among the most enthusiastic participants in meetings at which slogans and songs of jihad and freedom reverberate every evening at many places.

Meanwhile, volunteers of the Jamaat-e-Islami and other religion-based groups, and some other students organisations, have organised food distribution langars at hospitals. Almost all everyday needs appear to be available in many areas, albeit from the back entrances of shops that keep their shutters ostensibly down.

in tandem with the emergence of evening slogan-and-song sessions, a coercive campaign to enforce hartals has become visible in the past couple of days. Posters appeared in some areas warning specific shops to close.

Some of these posters further warned that girls riding scootys would be burnt along with the scooty. In the murky, propaganda-filled environment of Kashmir, some have questioned whether these posters are an attempt to discredit `stone-pelters.

Either way, the public meetings and pelting mobs are obviously being funded and organized. Jamaat-e-Islami has been reported active. It had been on the back-foot about a decade ago after years of being battered by the horrific mercenaries who are generically called 'Ikhwanis in Kashmir.

In 1990, the more politically driven and militant faction of the Jamaat-e-Islami, then led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, had taken the responsibility for wresting control of the militancy from the JKLF through Hizb-ul Mujahideen.

If indeed a third phase is now underway, it will be tricky. Tough steps might include locking up those orchestrating trouble. This runs the very real risk of alienating afresh the very large proportion of Kashmiris who might at present be somewhat tired of the continued hartals and coercion.

In Kashmir, it is often worth waiting for common people to see through the layered games that might be playing out around them. When vast numbers of troops were inducted in 1994 to fight Hizb and Lashkar, a large proportion of Kashmiris had already been alienated from their restrictive Islamism. But, blind to this reality on the ground, a state apparatus focused on `friendlies and `enemies, alienated people afresh.
Ahmedabad: Thousands of Dalits protested in Ahmedabad on Sunday against an attack on their members by cow protection vigilantes.

Police surrounded the protesters in Ahmedabad, capital city of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat, to prevent any violence, as anger among Dalits mounts over the attack.

Protest organiser Jignesh Mevani said Dalit youths were trying to kill themselves to protest the attacks and said none of the major political parties are willing to help them. "Neither the BJP nor Congress will come to our help," Mevani said of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the main opposition party.

"Only our united strength will help us fight the age-old oppression," the Dalit activist told the crowd, which police put at 5,000-strong.

Violent protests erupted this month after video footage emerged of an attack on four Dalit villagers who were taking a dead cow to be skinned. Cows are considered sacred by Hindus and killing them is banned in Gujarat, but the villagers said the animal had died of natural causes.

Dalit leaders told the rally that a 24-year-old man who drank poison to protest against the attack died of his injuries in hospital on Sunday. A senior hospital official in Ahmedabad confirmed the death.

"This is the failure of the Gujarat development model wherein youths have to consume poison to demand their rights," Mevani said.

The video of the attack showed the four half-naked men tied to a car as the activists took turns to thrash them with belts and batons at a crowded marketplace. Two more Dalits were beaten up after they tried to save the other four.
Muzaffarnagar: Tension prevailed in Kandhla village after a mob attacked a house where an alleged cow slaughter took place with police booking four members of the family on the charge.

The trouble started when irate locals last evening gathered outside Zishan Qureshi's house accusing him and his family members of cow slaughter, they said.

The mob damaged Qureshi's house and tried to set it on fire but police reached the spot and brought the situation under control, police said.

When the mob gathered outside the house, Qureshi along with his wife Shenaz and two others Saddam and Mota escaped from the spot, they said.

A case has been lodged against the family members for alleged cow slaughter, police said.

Heavy police force has been deployed in the village as tension prevailed there, they added.
Five people have been arrested in the Bulandshahr gangrape case and four top cops have been suspended so far, according to CNN News 18.

The officials suspended include SSP Bulandshahr Vaibhav Kishan, SP city Rammohan Singh, Circle Officer (Sadar) Himanshu Gaurav, which takes the total number of policemen suspended on charges of laxity to four, as reported in The Times of India

Reacting to the allegations of dereliction of duty by the Bulandshahr police, Uttar Pradesh administration had earlier suspended the Station House Officer (SHO) Ramsen Singh.

The gang-rape occurred on Saturday night, when a 35-year-old woman and her 14-year-old daughter were allegedly waylaid by a group of dacoits. According to the police, the family's car was stopped on NH 91, the women dragged out of the vehicle, and the family robbed at gun point. The entire episode lasted over three hours.

Special teams have been tasked to probe the incident on a fast-track mode, Javed Ahmed, Deputy General of Police told reporters on Sunday at a press conference in Bulandshahr. The DGP also said that investigation is on and any other officers found guilty of inaction will face similar charges.

The police have detained 15 people so far, DIG, Meerut Lakshmi Singh told Times Now. Singh also said that the suspects may be from the local Banjara tribes squatting alongside the highway. She said the police has a complete database of these people.

According to reports, the victims had approached the Dehat Kotwali police station to file an FIR following the incident. The Indian Express reported that when the family reported the crime to SHO RS Singh, he failed to respond and did not visit the scene of crime. There were also reports that police did not answer calls placed to the emergency helpline number.

The Bulandshahr SSP Vaibhav Krishna also said that an FIR was lodged against seven-eight miscreants on charges of dacoity and gang-rape. "Police teams have been formed to nab the accused, said the SSP.

The Principal Secretary, Ministry of Home affairs Uttar Pradesh and the UP Deputy General of Police visited Bulandshahr to take stock of the situation. After inspecting the spot of crime, they will also meet the victims.

Bulandshahr gang rape case: UP Principal Secy (Home) Debasish Panda and DGP Javed Ahmed inspect the spot of incident pic.twitter.com/WbzgKqX7jv  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 31, 2016

Earlier, the UP police had claimed that they had identified the main accused in the case and had detained 15 people.

#UPRapeHorror | 15 people have been detained in connection with the alleged gang-rape of the woman & her daughter pic.twitter.com/zDcxzdpd9V  News18 (@CNNnews18) July 31, 2016

However, according to Times Now reports, the National Commission for Women (NCW) contradicted the UP police's claim stating only one person was apprehended in the case. The TV channel also reported that the family tried calling the police emergency number but did not get any response.

In view of the conflicting reports coming in from the region, NCW sent a three-member team to probe the incident.

JUST IN | NCW sends 3-member team to Bulandshahr to probe into #UPRapeHorror, team to submit report  News18 (@CNNnews18) July 31, 2016

It was also said that the police overlooked evidence and were not thorough in examining the crime scene. CNN News-18 reported that a gold chain, that could have belonged to the victim, was found lying at the spot one day after the incident. The report further said that evidence from the scene has now been sent for forensic examination. And the fact that a police station was just 100 metres from where the incident happened has also raised eyebrows on the police's response time after the incident.

NCW has also questioned the lack of patrolling on the stretch of highway especially since the incident lasted for more than three hours.

Lakshmi Singh, DIG Meerut, however, defended the forces blaming low visibility due to lack of street lights. She said six patrolling vehicles on duty at the night of the incident but the miscreants had dragged the vehicle off the highway for some distance, as reported by TimesNow.

UP DGP Ahmed also rubbished the claims that police response was delayed. He said the police received a phone call at around 5.30 am in the morning and the cops reached at the spot after 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, politicking around the issue has picked up with all opposition parties attacking the state government alleging that "jungle raj" is flourishing in the state.

Slamming the Akhilesh Yadav government, BSP Supremo and former UP chief minister Mayawati said, "The SP government and its head must tell the people if they can return the modesty of women in such a painful and heinous crime."

BJP also panned the UP government over the incident as Union Minister Mahesh Sharma demanded that the Chief Minister should step down after such a "shameful incident". "When will this end? It shows that the state government has collapsed on every front. They cannot save the honour of a daughter. It is shameful and they should step down."

The ruling Samajwadi Party on the other hand has gone on the defensive. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav had given the cops 24 hours to nab the miscreants and he rushed the Principal Secretary and DGP to the spot after the local police came under fire over allegations of inaction.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia has said that the government will ensure that strict action is taken against the perpetrators, according to CNN News 18

#UPRapeHorror | Will make sure guilty are arrested, chargesheet will be filed at the earliest, says Gaurav Bhatia to CNN-News18  News18 (@CNNnews18) July 31, 2016

The family, comprising the woman, her husband, their two daughters and two other male relatives, were travelling from Noida to Shahjahanpur at around 2.30 am on Saturday night when they were stopped by the dacoits.

According to a report by The Times of India, as the family was approaching Dostpur village, the dacoits who were hiding behind the bushes allegedly flung a rod at the vehicle. The driver stopped the car and stepped out to investigate, when the robbers emerged from the bushes and took the family at gun point.

They forced the driver to take the vehicle off the road and drive into a field where they separated the family. They then dragged the woman and her elder daughter out and repeatedly raped the two victims for three hours.

They then reportedly snatched Rs 11,000 in cash and also stole other valuables like jewellery, ATM card, etc.

With inputs from PTI
The Kerala High Court recently concluded that living together without contracting a marriage was ground to expel a female student. The High Court upheld the decision of the Management of Mar Thoma College of Science and Technology in Kollam to expel a female student  her only crime being to have fallen in love with a classmate.

Though the judgment makes repeated references to the discipline of the education institution being affected, it is silent on how. It does however, refer to the girls excellent academic record. The Punjab and Haryana High Court too, while dealing with the question of live in relationships recently observed that immorality cannot be perpetuated in the name of liberty.

It is puzzling that this is the direction in which High Courts are headed, particularly when the Supreme Court in a series of judgments has held that there is nothing illegal about live-in relationships. Right from the days of the Privy Council, the Courts have always leaned towards protecting such unions, even if they do not have legal sanction. There has always been a presumption that couples living-in together for long periods of time were presumed to be married, and a heavy burden lay on the party trying to dislodge that presumption to prove there was never a marriage at all.

The definitive pronouncement from the Supreme Court on the issue of live-in relationships came in 2010: the Supreme Court noticed that by enacting the Domestic Violence Act, Parliament had taken notice of a new phenomenon which has emerged in the country known as a live-in relationship. It went on to observe that a relationship in the nature of marriage as described in the DV Act was akin to a common law marriage, requiring that a couple hold themselves out as spouses, and otherwise be qualified to marry.

The last bit may be of some significance if the Kerala decision is to be assailed; the boy whom the girl was living with was apparently not of marriageable age. Nevertheless, the fact remains that live-in relationships are not a totally alien notion in the country, having been recognised by both Parliament and the Courts. In fact, in a later judgment rendered in 2013, the Supreme Court has gone so far as to say: Live-in or marriage like relationship is neither a crime nor a sin though socially unacceptable in this country.

All in all, this new view would be a step backwards for Indian society. Should engaging in socially unacceptable behaviour be a good ground for expulsion, even though this type of socially unacceptable behaviour has been given legal recognition by the highest Court in the country? And if living in is neither a sin nor a crime, should anyone (least of all a bright young student with her entire future ahead of her) even have to suffer for it?

The writer is an advocate who practices in Bombay High Court
Sunday, 31 July 2016, marks the release of the highly anticipated book Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. It is the script of the play of the same name that is currently playing in Londons Palace Theatre.

For fans, the date is doubly special  31 July is for them the day of magic: Not only is it Harry Potters birthday, it is also his creators, JK Rowling.

Read our Harry Potter and the Cursed Child review: JK Rowling casts a neat time-travel spell with this eighth book

Back in India, in Kolkata, its a day of magic for another reason  it marks the birthday of the iconic magician PC Sorcar Jr.

This week, Firstpost spoke with Maneka Sorcar, PCs eldest daughter, and a gifted magician herself.

Magic runs in Manekas blood  she is the ninth generation to take up the art (or science, depending on how you view it). Her grandfather was the late, renowned PC Sorcar. Manekas upbringing was unusual, to say the very least  filled with observing her parents on stage, hearing of her grandfathers historic feats, and trying to make her own place in the family practice.

PC Sorcar (senior) came to India as a refugee from Bangladesh, or East Bengal, at the time of Partition. With very few possessions, the family was reduced to living on the platform of the Sealdah Station. He only had his love for magic, and the firm determination to have it recognised as a craft, that drove him to leave the railway platform behind.

What my grandfather did was truly magical, in that his was a real rags-to-riches tale, says Maneka. It was very important to him to make people aware that magic was not about any mantra-tantra. To him, magic was the forerunner of science. He felt that magic had a universal language; a miracle in any language or culture is the same.

If PC Sorcars struggle was to have his art form recognised  he would of course, go on to become Indias most famous magician  for his son (Manekas father) PC Sorcar Jr, it was about convincing his father that his passion for magic was as great as his.

My father was interested in magic and the arts right from the get go, recounts Maneka. But my grandfather was very strict, he knew how difficult it is to gain any kind of recognition or success. So he insisted that my father complete his formal education; otherwise, he felt people wouldnt take his son seriously.

PC Sorcar Jr would go on to get several degrees  a BA, BSc, MSc and even a PhD (Maneka too followed suit; she has an MBA from the University of Ohio, and hopes to earn her doctorate soon)  and carry forward his fathers legacy on stage.

Read on Firstpost: Harry Potter's magical legacy  How JK Rowling's creation endures, 19 years later

For PC Sorcar Jr, the father he had at home (the one who, as Maneka puts it, could be quite stern) was a very different man from the flamboyant personality who walked onto the stage and performed breathtaking illusions.

But Maneka experienced a different atmosphere growing up. PC Sorcar Jr and Jayashree Sorcar were encouraging parents who believed in being very open and approachable with their three daughters (Maneka and her sisters Moubani and Mumtaz). From a very early age, Maneka was fascinated by her fathers magic shows.

"However, she says, the magic that intrigued me was the one that happened behind the scenesall the hard work that goes into imagining and conceptualising an act and presenting it before an audience. And the adulation my father received  I wanted that too!

Stories from Manekas childhood make for lovely listening. Theres the time she ran onto the stage when her mother was performing a dance routine: Maneka  wearing a miniature replica of her mothers costume  was waiting in the wings. When the nanny let her go for a minute, the tot (Maneka must have been about three years old at the time) rushed towards her mother and began performing the steps she knew from watching Jayashree rehearse them at home countless times.

Then theres the time she would replicate her grandfathers famous 'Waters of India' magic trick (where a small pot is emptied a number of times but never runs out of water; symbolic of the perpetuity of life) in the confines of the bathroom: I would fill a mug with water and pour it over myself again and again, and call it Waters of India, Maneka shares with a laugh.

When PC Sorcar Jr would sit in his office and receive visitors, or huddle with workmen over sketches or models of new magic acts, Maneka would be sitting in a corner of the room, copying his actions, with a drawing book and some colouring pens to aid her impersonation.

She also remembers proudly showing her father her first idea for a magic trick  a magician who held his (presumably severed) head by the side of his torso, and spoke to the audience. Her father gently told her that the initial step to becoming a magician was to think of a solution to make something work; Maneka did come up with one, although it was not very foolproof, she tells us.

Manekas inclination for magic may have manifested at a very early age, but when she declared that she wanted to pursue it full-time, her parents did advise her to not rush into it.

My father was elated, Maneka says. But the world has very rarely seen a woman magician. Even in fairytales or folklore, women who practice magic are usually depicted as evil, as witches. If you take a comic book, how many iconic female superheroes do you really have? And how many of them do you find not depicted in a certain sexualised way? I would get annoyed when my father would say, You still have time (but understood his point of view).

Maneka points out that while she certainly isnt the only woman magician in the world, it would be difficult for most people to come up with the name of one off the top of their heads. She doesnt claim to understand fully why that is. One of the explanations she offers is that magicians need to be seen as all-powerful on stage; for some people, seeing a woman take centre stage and wield that much power, might be unpalatable.

What Maneka found unpalatable was when people would look at her father and say pityingly, Oh you have three daughterstheres nobody to carry on the Sorcar lineage. That used to grate on me, says Maneka. It still does. I dont know why we have this idea in India that a familys lineage can be carried forward only by sons.

Such attitudes, however, only made Maneka more determined than ever to establish herself in the male-dominated preserve of magic. I said Im going to barge into (this world) and make my dreams come true, she tells us. After all, making the impossible possible  isnt that the essence of magic?

Read: Beloved Witch  Ipsita Roy Chakraverti on being India's most famous Wiccan, and witchcraft
In connection to the alleged suicide of an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) woman activist Soni, Delhi police crime branch on Saturday arrested AAP MLA from Narela Sharad Chauhan. According to ANI, Chauhan was arrested with seven others including previous investigating officer probing the suicide, taking the total number of arrested party leaders to 12.

AAP worker suicide: AAP MLA Sharad Chauhan along with 7 others arrested including previous investigating officer probing suicide of a woman  ANI (@ANI_news) July 31, 2016

Both Chauhan and the main accused Ramesh Bhardwaj, also an AAP party worker, were questioned by the police for several hours in the past four days.

Soni, a party worker, had consumed poisonous substance at her home in North-West Delhi's Narela and died during treatment at LNJP Hospital on July 19, after alleging harassment by Bhardwaj. In her complaint, she had alleged that Bhardwaj had asked her for sexual favours.

Her family had claimed that she had gone into depression after her molester was released on bail.

The police had registered a case against Bhardwaj on 20 July and arrested him a day after. He, however, got bail the next day and also got a court stay on his arrest.

In a Whatsapp video, Soni had claimed, "I was denied justice".

Meanwhile, AAP party workers have expressed their grievance over the recent arrests of AAP MLAs. Slamming the Narendra Modi government at Centre, AAP spokesperson Ashutosh took to Twitter and attacked the Union government for arresting AAP leaders.

A total of 12 AAP leaders have been arrested up till now.

He accused the Modi government of not appreciating the initiatives taken by the Delhi government and instead sending AAP MLAs to jail.

Another AAP MLA arrested.Has Modi gone mad?Has he lost his mental balance? If PM acts with such anger/vengeance then is country safe!  ashutosh (@ashutosh83B) July 31, 2016

Great initiatives are taken by Delhi govt in education-health instead of praising Modi is sending AAP MLA jail.Is country safe in his hands?  ashutosh (@ashutosh83B) July 31, 2016

In the past few weeks various AAP leaders have been arrested by police including Okhla legislator, Amanatullah Khan, who was arrested for threatening a woman. The BJP has claimed that AAP has an "anti-woman character".

With inputs from agencies
It seems recent incidents like the assault on Dalits in Gujarat's Una or the remark against Mayawati by suspended BJP vice-president in UP Dayashankar Singh has affected the BJP's plans in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

BJP president Amit Shah had to cancel a rally in Agra on Sunday after the UP BJP failed to gather a crowd of 40,000 Dalits, reported Deccan Chronicle.

The report, however, also said that local BJP leaders claimed that the event had actually been cancelled due to "inclement weather". But the report quoted sources in the BJP as saying that the rally was cancelled because of the dull response it got from the Dalit community and the possible threat of protests against the rally.

Another report in The Times of India said that Amit Shah's rally was supposed to coincide with the arrival of the Dhamma Chetna Yatra, led by the pro-BJP "Modi's monks" in Agra.

The report added that party insiders said that Shah's rally had been cancelled because of protests in Aligarh and Mathura. BJP general secretary Arun Singh and UP BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya will address the rally now instead of Shah.

The news reports about the cancellation of Amit Shah's rally come on a day when thousands of Dalits in Ahmedabad took a pledge not to lift carcasses in protest against the attacks on Dalits by upper caste Hindu activists.

The collective pledge was taken at a Dalit rally called by as many as 30 Dalit groups from across Gujarat and backed by the quasi religious body Jamiat-e-Ulema-Hind.

This is the first time in Gujarat that as many as 30 Dalit groups from across the state have come together to raise a plethora of issues facing the community for decades.

They have rallied under the banner of 'Una Dalit Atyachar Ladat Samiti' (Una Dalit Fight against Atrocities Committee), with Jignesh Mevani as their convenor.

Mevani is a young low-profile lawyer who has been single-handedly fighting several court battles for the Dalits.

(With inputs from PTI)
Chinese car manufacturers want to join the global competition for developing self-driving cars but are banned from road testing in public. (Photo : Getty Images)

The Chonqqing Changan Automobile Co recently stopped the testing of its self-driving car due to government restrictions.



The Chinese car manufacturer was responsible for the 1932 kilometer trek with a self-driving car earlier this year.



Liang Fenghua, head of Changan's intelligent vehicle division, said that the joint venture with Ford Motor Co. intended to create real-world situations for the car by driving it on public streets.



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Last week, government regulators were working out an arrangement with the police. However, public testing will be put on hold until the ban is lifted.



Liang said, "Eventually, the tests have to be carried out on real roads in large scale. Simulations are remedial measures we take to reduce the impact as much as possible, but cannot replace real road tests."



Changan, together with Baidu Inc and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., is asking the government to support the initiatives to develop self-driving cars to promote road safety.



Road testing of these high technology cars is crucial to develop their capabilities to navigate through traffic, mastery of road habits and road signs.



Testing of the car through Chongqing to Beijing was followed by Volvo. Other car manufacturers are keen in developing their own technology but are limited due to lack of support from the government.



Steve Man, an auto analyst in Hong Kong, said that there must be a balance of efforts from the private sector and the state.



"If local companies are barred from doing it at all, there's a high risk for them to fall behind. It is of big concern to them," he said.



The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said that they are in the process of finalizing guidelines to govern the testing of autonomous cars.



Liang said that if these guidelines are released, Changan and other manufacturers will be able to meet their target to developing fully functional self-driving cars by 2020.


Lucknow: Condemning the gangrape of a mother and her teen daughter in Bulandshahr, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati has demanded stern legal action against the accused and claimed that there was "complete jungleraaj" in Uttar Pradesh.

The former chief minister said such "heinous" crimes indicate the law and order in the state is deteriorating. Mayawati said these incidents show that the present Samajwadi Party (SP) government has failed to ensure the safety of people, especially women, in the state. "The SP government and its head must tell the people if they can return the modesty of women in such a painful and henious crime," she said in a statement.

The BSP chief alleged that there was "complete jungleraaj" in the state as criminals roam freely. She also demanded action against the policemen "for their negligence".

Congress spokesman DP Singh called the incident shameful. "The manner in which the crime was committed on a national highway indicates poor law and order situation in UP," he said.

BJP state unit general-secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak also claimed law and order has derailed in UP and the police

administration has become lax. "It's a slap on the face of police administration, which makes tall claims of ensuring safety of the people," he said.

On Friday night, when the family was travelling from Noida to Shahjahanpur by car, a group of bandits waylaid them, dragged the women, including a 13-year-old girl, out of their car to a nearby field and raped them while the men were tied with ropes.

They also looted cash, jewellery and mobile phones, SSP Vaibhav Krishna has said. Fifteen people have been detained in connection with the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the country needs to focus on research and innovation in the field of technology to fulfill former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's dream.

"We can only fulfill Kalam's dream if the next generation work towards developing technology to which can be used in day-to-day life," he said during his radio address 'Mann Ki Baat'.

He added, "Technology keeps changing from time-to-time, you can't hold technology. The coming century is technology-driven. Therefore, we must focus on research and innovation in technology."

He further said that the government has launched 'Atal Innovation Mission' to create an ecosystem for innovation in technology.

"Let us aim to innovate. The Niti Ayog is promoting Atal Innovation Mission which will create an ecosystem for innovation, experiment and entrepreneurship. This will also create employment opportunities", he added.

Modi also said that the government has allocated separate funds to set up tinkering labs and implementation centres to for Atal Innovation Mission.

"The government will sanction Rs 10 lakh to set up tinkering labs in schools. The government received as many as 13,000 applications from schools to set up tinkering labs.

"We have also allocated Rs 10 crore to set up new implementation centre strengthen existing ones," the Prime Minister added.

He also sought sought suggestions for his Independence Day address this year. He said, "I will address the nation on 15th August. I seek your ideas for my address. Please share them on the Mobile App or MyGov."

I am the first Prime Minister of the country, born after Independence, says PM Modi #MannKiBaat  ANI (@ANI_news) July 31, 2016

Expressing concern over pregnancy related deaths and other complications, Modi said government hospitals and other facilities will provide free medical care to needy pregnant women in the country.

Modi called upon doctors across the country to join in the government's mission to provide free medical care once in a month to pregnant women in their areas.

"The government of India has started a mission to help such women. Lots of doctors have already written to me, but we will need more," he said, adding that on 9th day of every month pregnant woman will be checked and given medical aid at government hospitals free of cost.

Talking about the floods that have hit some parts of the country, Modi said, "sometime back, we were concerned about drought but now we are enjoying the rains and there are reports about floods. The state governments and the Centre are working closely, making all efforts to help the flood-affected people."

A number of states, including Assam and Bihar, are reeling under floods, which have killed over scores of people and caused widespread damage to property.

"India is going through many problems. We encounter problems in daily life. Now, we will have to look for technological solutions," Modi said.



With inputs from agencies
Vijaywada: After hinting at reviewing ties with the NDA over special status to Andhra Pradesh, the Telugu Desam Party has softened its stand and sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement the AP Reorganisation Act "in letter and spirit".

The Telugu Desam Parliamentary Party (TDPP) held its emergency meeting on Sunday and demanded implementation of the Act, which led to the creation of Telangana state in 2014, "in letter and spirit".

The party also decided to organise "Japanese-style" protests to build pressure on the Centre over the Act and special status issue, TDP president and chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said, adding they were "life and death issues" for the state and its future. "We have waited with hope for two years. If the Prime Minister can spare two hours, the problems can be solved," he said.

Addressing a press conference at the end of the TDPP meeting, Naidu targeted finance minister Arun Jaitley and lashed out at the Centre for trying to "shirk" its responsibility over issues concerning Andhra Pradesh. "What is our mistake that you are doing such injustice to us (AP)? You have no authority to do injustice to us. We are part of India and we are paying every tax, contributing to your (enhanced) income," he said.

"The BJP that supported AP's bifurcation had much more responsibility (in implementing the Act and granting special status). It can't escape from it," he asserted. "With all my political experience I am requesting. Our MPs will meet the Prime Minister and take up these issues and based on his response we will chalk out our future course of

action," the TDP chief said.

Naidu said people should sport black badges and plant more trees, sweep roads clean and increase productivity in a "Japanese-style protest". They could go to Delhi and peacefully protest, he said. "Main objective is to enhance awareness among people. Political parties that are giving call for bandhs and dharnas should desist from such things. Destruction of public property is not a way," the chief minister said.

The TDP MPs would stage an act in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue at Parliament complex on Monday, he said.

"Call it a protest or expression of our anguish. Our MPs will try to draw the nation's attention to the injustice being done to AP," Naidu said.

The regional party had indicated the emergency meet would decide whether or not to continue in the NDA government. However, in a late night announcement, Naidu said the party was continuing in the Modi government only to protect the state's interests.
Beijing: Beijing has confirmed it is investigating a Japanese suspected of "endangering China's national security", following Japanese reports that he had been detained, the latest irritant in relations between the two nations.

The foreign ministry gave the confirmation in a statement quoted by China's Global Times newspaper late on Saturday, but did not specifically state that he had been detained.

The claim of endangering security is often used in cases of suspected espionage. The ministry said the Japanese embassy had been informed of the case.

There have been multiple reports in the Japanese press since mid-July about the man's disappearance. The Nikkei Business Daily identified him as the head of an organisation working to improve ties between the two nations.

He was due to spend four days in Beijing for work but did not return home and has not been answering his mobile phone, Japan's Kyodo news agency said yesterday, quoting Japanese government and other sources.

The Japanese government's top spokesman Yoshihide Suga denied his country was involved in spying "against any nation", Kyodo added.

Chinese authorities earlier this year arrested four Japanese on suspicion of spying.

The two countries have been taking steps for more than a year to improve relations that remain plagued by tensions over the legacy of World War II as well as a maritime dispute.

Ties, however, remain shaky and Chinese allegations of espionage by Japanese have become a new source of friction.
Dhaka: Bachelors in Bangladesh are finding it hard to find accommodation with landlords declining to rent out houses to them in the wake of extra security vigil due to the increased terror threat, prompting police to clarify that there is no directive against bachelor tenants.

"The main thing we want the landlords to do is to keep all information regarding their tenants. We have issued no directive barring them to rent out their houses to bachelors or serve them notice to vacate the houses," Dhaka Metropolitan Police's deputy commissioner Madudur Rahman told a news conference.

"It is entirely the prerogative of landlords who should be their tenantswe just want to ensure security of all," he said.

The police clarification came as media reports stated that a number of landlords served notices to bachelor tenants, particularly who were living in groups in rented houses, or declined to rent out their houses to unmarried youths.

A sense of panic has gripped landlords after a security raid on 26 July killed nine militants who were living in group

at a rented apartment in Dhaka's Kalyanpur area.

After the raid, part of the single biggest anti-terrorist security clampdown in the country, police re-issued a previous

directive reminding an earlier mandatory provision to submit the detailed tenant information to the nearest police station.

Police issued the directive several months ago after Islamist militants were found to have setup their hideouts at rented houses as ordinary tenants.

The Kalyanpur raid was carried out as part of an intensified nationwide security clampdown following the 1 July terrorist attack at a Dhaka cafe and assault on an Eid congregation at northern Sholakia six days later.

Missing youths, hailing from both the affluent and poor families and studying in posh western-style English medium schools and rural madrassas, appeared to be the perpetrators of the attacks.

Several of the perpetrators of the Dhaka's Holey Artisan restaurant and the Shalakia attacks were students of costly private universities at home and abroad.

The regulatory University Grants Commission (UGC), in a related development, on Sunday formed a three-member committee to monitor all public and private colleges along with universities across the country for any militant activity.
Washington: Donald Trump on Sunday hit out at the father of a fallen Pakistani-origin Muslim American soldier over remarks that he has "sacrificed nothing" for the country as the Republican presidential nominee mocked the mother for keeping silent, triggering a bipartisan backlash.

The reality TV star said he "created thousands of jobs and "made a lot of sacrifices" in response to an impassioned speech by Army Capt. Humayun Khan's father Khizr Khan at last week's Democratic National Convention.

The 70-year-old real estate tycoon known for making controversial statements, however, drew sharp criticism from different quarters, including from is own party, when he questioned whether Khan's wife was even "allowed" to speak, both for attacking a mourning mother and because many considered them racist and anti-Muslim.

"Who wrote that? Did (Democratic rival) Hillary (Clinton)'s script writers write it?" Trump said in an interview with ABC News. "I think I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard."

Khizr Khan, in a moving tribute to his son at the Convention in Philadelphia while posthumously receiving a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after he was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq in 2004, stunned a national audience with a speech directly confronting Trump, who has called for a ban on Muslims entering the US.

He asked Trump to "go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America". "You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one."

Trump said: "I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures. Sure those are sacrifices.

"I think my popularity with the vets is through the roof."

Responding to a question, Trump alleged that Khan's wife Ghazala, who was standing besides him wearing a headscarf during the speech, was not allowed to speak.

"His wife, if you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, may be she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me, but plenty of people have written that. She was extremely quiet and it looked like she had nothing to say," he said.

His remarks gathered storm as some Republicans also rounded on their candidate, with Ohio Governor John Kasich, a former rival to Trump for the Republican nomination, tweeting: "There's only one way to talk about Gold Star parents: with honour and respect."

Trump later sought to tone down the remarks, issuing a statement in which he called Humayun "a hero".

Clinton in a statement said Captain Khan and his family "represent the best of America, and we salute them".

"This is a time for all Americans to stand with the Khans, and with all the families whose children have died in service to our country. And this is a time to honour the sacrifice of Captain Khan and all the fallen," she said.
Kirkuk: Militants assaulted a gas facility and a nearby oil field in north Iraq on Saturday, killing five people in rare attacks inside Kurdish-controlled areas of Kirkuk province, officials said.

Gunmen travelling on motorbikes opened fire on the gas facility's guards, then killed four of its employees and planted multiple bombs before escaping, officials from Iraq's North Oil Company and the Kurdish peshmerga forces said.

Militants also attacked the nearby Bai Hassan oil field, the largest in oil-rich Kirkuk province, killing an engineer and sparking a major fire, officials said.

A colonel in the peshmerga said that security forces killed two suicide bombers at the field while a third detonated explosives, setting oil tanks ablaze, and a fourth was still at large.

Police Brigadier General Sarhad Qader confirmed that three bombers were dead.

The attack killed an engineer and wounded seven other people, according to the peshmerga colonel and a police officer of the same rank. The jihadist-linked Amaq agency, which often carries claims of Islamic State group attacks, said that the assault on Bai Hassan had taken place, but did not attribute it to IS.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the assault on the gas facility, and while it may have been carried out by IS, it is more common for the group's militants to fight to the death in such attacks.

Forces from Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region control part of Kirkuk, while IS also holds territory in the province.

The jihadist group overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, sweeping Iraqi security forces aside, though they have since regained significant ground from IS.

After federal forces retreated, Kurdish troops gained or solidified control over a swathe of northern territory that is claimed by both Baghdad and Kurdistan.

Both Baghdad's forces and Kurdish troops are battling the jihadists, but they have fought largely independent wars so far.

That will need to change during the battle for Mosul, Iraq's second city located northwest of Kirkuk, as the operation is expected to require both federal and Kurdish forces to take part.
Nearly 10,000 Indian workers, who were recently laid off, and on the brink of starvation for the last three days in Saudi city Jeddah, got some relief after the Indian consulate and community there pitched in to distribute almost 16,000 kilograms of food to them, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted on Sunday morning.

Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh is travelling to the Gulf nation to sort out the issue.

Indian Consulate n Indian Community Jeddah food stuff distribution mission accomplished at 245 AM today morning. Kudos to all. @123nrs  India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) July 31, 2016

Swaraj said the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has been directed to serve food to them and that she was monitoring the situation on an hourly basis.

Her response came following a tweet by a man who said around 800 Indians are starving for the last three days in Jeddah and sought her intervention.

We have asked the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to serve you food in Jeddah. /1 @Imran_khokhar84  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 30, 2016

Swaraj said Indians in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were facing various problems relating to their work and wage and that the "matters are much worse" in Saudi Arabia.

She said MoS External Affairs M J Akbar will take up the issue with Kuwait and Saudi authorities.

"My colleagues @Gen_VKSingh will go to Saudi Arabia to sort out these matters and @MJakbar will take up with Kuwait and Saudi authorities.

I appeal to 30 lakhs Indians in Saudi Arabia. Please help your fellow brothers and sisters. /1  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 30, 2016

We have asked the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to serve you food in Jeddah. /1 @Imran_khokhar84  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 30, 2016

We have asked the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to serve you food in Jeddah. /1 @Imran_khokhar84  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 30, 2016

As a result our brothers and sisters in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are facing extreme hardship. /2  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 30, 2016

While situation in Kuwait is manageable, matters are much worse in Saudi Arabia./3  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 30, 2016

We have asked @IndianEmbRiyadh to provide free ration to the unemployed Indian workers in Saudi Arabia. /4  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 30, 2016

"As a result our brothers and sisters in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are facing extreme hardship," she said, adding while the situation in Kuwait is "manageable", matters are much "worse" in Saudi Arabia.

Later, Swaraj posted pictures of food being provided to the Indian workers.

I assure you that no Indian worker rendered unemployed in Saudi Arabia will go without food. I am monitoring this on hourly basis.  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 30, 2016

Indian Consulate officials leaving for Highway camp in next 45 minutes. Good job, Nice coordination. United India.  India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) July 30, 2016

Indian Consulate in association with Indian Community Jeddah distributed 15,475 kgs of food stuff besides eggs,spices,salt etc n 1850 no 1/2  India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) July 30, 2016

of food packets 2 Indians during last three days. Efforts r on to reach out to each n every Indian to help them overcome this crisis.  India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) July 30, 2016

There is nothing mightier than the collective will of Indian nation.  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 30, 2016

Meanwhile, an Indian community member who has been actively involved in the food distribution work told IANS over the phone from Jeddah that there are at least seven distribution camps around that Saudi city.

"We have provided food to four camps around Jeddah in the last three days and the remaining three camps will be covered in a day or two," he said.

He said that in the last three days, Indian consulate officials and community members in Jeddah have provided 15,475 kg of foodstuffs besides cooking ingredients and 1,850 readymade food packets. Food was distributed among about 3,000 Indian workers on Saturday, it is learnt.

Low oil prices have forced the Saudi government to slash spending since last year, putting heavy pressure on the finances of local construction firms which rely on state contracts. As a result, some companies have been struggling to pay foreign workers and have laid off tens of thousands, leaving many with no money for food let alone for tickets home.

Workers have been laid off by Saudi Oger, a leading Saudi construction company. The community worker said that there has been a slowdown in the Saudi construction industry because of the fall in global crude oil prices. "Not only Saudi Arabia, it has been happening in all Gulf countries," he said.

While Saudi Arabia has over three million expatriate Indians, there are over 800,000 of them in Kuwait. Most of them are blue collars.

With inputs from agencies
Lahore: A major terror attack bid was foiled on Saturday in Pakistan as security forces killed seven militants who were plotting to attack key government installations in the country's Punjab province.

According to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab Police, it had received information that around 10 to 12 militants were planning to attack sensitive installations and buildings of law enforcement agencies.

"A CTD team along with police commandos raided a house in Chak Char Rasala Sheikhupura district some 50 km from Lahore in early hours today. The team asked them to surrender," the CTD said.

"But instead they opened fire on the raiding team which returned the fire, killing seven militants on the spot. The

remaining three managed to flee," it said.

Explosives, hand grenades, kalashnikovs a large quantity of bullets, three motorcycles and maps of sensitive buildings have been recovered from their hideout.

The CTD has shifted the bodies to a mortuary for autopsy and the outfit to which the militants belonged is yet to be ascertained.
Lahore: A major terror attack in Pakistan was foiled on Sunday, after security forces killed seven militants who were plotting to target key government installations in Punjab province, the latest in a series of similar assaults.

According to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab police, it had received information that around 10 to 12 militants were planning to attack sensitive installations and buildings of law enforcement agencies here. "A CTD team, along with police commandos, raided a house in Chak Char Rasala in Sheikhupura district, about 50 km from Lahore in the early hours of Sunday morning. The team asked them to surrender," the CTD said.

"But they opened fire on the raiding team instead, which returned the fire, killing seven militants on the spot. The remaining three managed to flee," it said.

Explosives, hand grenades, kalashnikovs, a large quantity of bullets, three motorcycles and maps of sensitive buildings have been recovered from their hideout. The CTD has shifted the bodies to a mortuary for autopsy and the outfit to which the militants belonged is yet to be ascertained.

On 23 July, five Taliban militants who were plotting to attack government installations and personnel of law enforcement agencies were killed in an encounter by security forces in Punjab.

At least six militants were killed on 13 July in a shootout with the police in Punjab's Okara city. In April, the Pakistan Army launched a targeted operation against militants in the province, days after a deadly attack in Lahore where 70 people were killed and over 200 injured, when a suicide bomb ripped through a crowded park in Lahore where Christians were celebrating Easter.
After China Launches First Quantum-capable Satellite, Race for Quantum Internet Is Possible: Experts

China will soon launch a quantum-enabled satellite into orbit. (Photo : Getty Images)

China is taking a big leap for mankind as it schedules the launch of a groundbreaking, innovative satellite that would allow them to conduct quantum experiments in space.



According to Nature.com, China is setting up for the August launch of an especially innovative satellite into the Earth's orbit which could mean a significant progress in the quantum internet development.



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This, News Australia notes, could mean that the world will be plunged into a new "global space race" since the breakthrough is a "pioneering experiment" for all of science.



Breakthrough



The launch China's new satellite is quite a significant step in quantum physics considering that it would present great potential in improving digital communication security.



Citing some experts, News Australia said that this would mean that the Middle Kingdom will soon have the capability of sending and receiving encrypted messages that cannot be covertly hacked.



"In physics, we are trying, and we have demonstrated some encryption techniques that rely on the law of physics rather than the mathematical complexity and we call this quantum key distribution," ANU's Department of Quantum Science professor Ping Koy Lam explained.



He further explained how data transfer works through the technology.



"For that to work you need to send laser beams that carry certain information, quantum information, and then you need the senders and the receivers to get together to find a protocol to secure the communication," he said.



The science journal explained that the technology works to provide an ultimately secure communication between two parties because any tinkering on the process would be detectable.



"Two parties can communicate secretly - by sharing an encryption key encoded in the polarization of a string of photons, say - safe in the knowledge that any eavesdropping would leave its mark," Nature.com explained.



This would allow China as well as Austria, its partner for the project, the capability of ultimately introducing a means of communication that cybercrime-proof.



A Race in Science



It is no secret that cybersecurity has remained one of the Communist Party of China's major concerns as it entangles so many possible instances that could jeopardize the country's security.



Because of this, Chaoyang Lu, a physicist from the University of Science and Technology of China based in Hefei who works on the project, believes that China would launch more satellites should the first one become successful.



Talking to Nature.com, he explained that he also believes that there will be a race between countries on who would be able to perfect it first considering this technology's immense potential.



"Definitely, I think there will be a race," he said.






Karachi: A Sindhi separatist outfit has claimed responsibility for twin blasts near Pakistan Rangers headquarters in the province that killed a soldier.

Police in Larkana town said that some pamphlets were found at the scene of the blasts which claimed the Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA) had carried out the attack.

The blasts on Saturday killed a soldier and injured 15 people.

The pamphlet says the SRA has taken responsibility for the attack.

Senior police official in Larkana, Abdullah Shaikh said the pamphlets were being investigated but no one had been arrested in this connection so far.

"We don't know for certain whether what the pamphlets claim is true but once investigations are completed we will know the truth," he added.

The separatism movement in Sindh used to be a burning issue in the 1970s when G M Syed gave the call for an independent 'Sindhudesh' - a separate homeland for Sindhis but in the last two decades it has died down.

Although several nationalist parties exist in Sindh they remain in the framework of the political mainstream but police said the SRA was a different phenomena and indulged in militant activities and armed violence.
Beirut: Advancing Kurdish and Arab fighters backed by US-led air strikes now control 40 percent of the Islamic State stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria, a monitor said on Sunday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had pushed deeper into the town near the border with Turkey, with air cover from the US-led coalition against the jihadists.

Around 2,300 civilians have fled Manbij in the past 24 hours as the SDF fighters advanced, according to the Britain-based monitor.

It said clashes between the joint Kurdish-Arab force and Islamic State fighters were continuing in several parts of the town.

"It's a street battle, and the process of eating away at IS territory is ongoing," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.

He said the SDF had advanced into eastern parts of Manbij, which is located in Aleppo province on Islamic State's main supply route between Syria and Turkey.

The SDF began its offensive to retake Manbij from Islamic State on 31 May, but progress slowed after it entered the town because of a fierce counteroffensive by the jihadists.

Thousands of civilians have already fled but thousands more are believed to remain, and there have been concerns about their fate as heavy fighting continues.

Earlier in the month, the SDF gave Islamic State an ultimatum to leave Manbij within 48 hours, offering to allow fighters to flee with light weapons in what it described as a bid to protect civilians.

The initiative came after at least 56 civilians, including children, were reportedly killed in US-led air strikes near Manbij.

The coalition has said it is investigating the deaths, which provoked a sharp backlash, including a call from the

Syrian opposition National Coalition for the US-led strikes to be suspended.

The 48-hour ultimatum was ignored by Islamic State and fighting for the town has continued.

More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests.

The conflict has evolved into a complex multi-front war that has displaced over half Syria's population.
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Military vehicles with anti-tank missiles, drive past the Tiananmen Gate during a military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two on Sept. 3, 2015 in Beijing, China. (Photo : Getty Images)

China confirmed that it will push through with tests for its own anti-missile systems following a recent announcement that South Korea agreed to deploy the United States' Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) unit.



Tensions are high in the Middle Kingdom after Seoul revealed its decision to allow the U.S. to deploy a THAAD unit that is supposed to detect



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Because of this, China decided to prep its own anti-missile system in order to maintain national and regional security in East Asia.



"To develop suitable capabilities for missile defense is necessary for China to maintain its national security. It will improve the self-defense capability of China and is not targeting any specific country and will not affect international strategic stability," Defence Ministry spokesperson Yang Yujun told Reuters.



According to the South China Morning Post, footages of the tests for China's defense equipment that were conducted successfully have been circulated on Monday and Sunday via the China National Radio, CCTV, and the PLA Daily's TV.81.cn website.



Aside from that, an editorial from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Daily posted on Thursday revealed how China would never "swallow insults and submit to humiliation when facing provocations" with additional reference to the Korean War where the Asian giant fought against a U.S.-supported coalition.



"Obviously, China is very unhappy since the US and South Korea started negotiating the deployment of THAAD on the Korean peninsula," explained Antony Wong Dong, a Macau-based military observer.



Such rare videos matched with the strong editorial from the official mouthpiece of country's military force prove that China is ready and up to the challenge should a war be brewing especially now that part of the Korean Peninsula is siding with the world's superpower it intends to unseat.



Even so, some experts still believe that U.S. remains unmatched.



"Compared with the US army, the Chinese anti-missile system lacks real battle testing, raising questions about its maturity and reliability," explained Song Zhongping who served as an instructor for the PLA's former strategic missile force.


Saving for your kid's college education can seem like a daunting task, but there are a few college savings plans that make it a lot easier. The 529 savings plan and Coverdell ESA offer the two best ways to get a head start and grow those savings substantially over time -- and they're easier to use than you may think.

529 savings plans: high limits and easy investing

Technically, there are two types of 529 plans -- prepaid tuition plans and savings plans. 529 prepaid tuition plans allow parents to pay for their child's college education in advance at today's tuition rates, which could save them truckloads of money down the road if tuition rates continue to skyrocket. However, not many states offer these plans anymore, and some of them are not currently accepting new enrollees. So we'll instead look at 529 savings plans.

Like a Roth IRA, a 529 savings plan does not allow savers to deduct their contributions, but any qualified withdrawals are 100% tax-free. And like a 401(k), a 529 offers a selection of mutual funds for savers to invest in.

529 plans are run by the states, and while you don't have to invest in your home state's plan, many offer incentives to residents, so it's a good idea to check your state's plan first. As a personal example, I use South Carolina's 529 plan for my children, and while contributions aren't deductible on the federal level, I can deduct my contributions on my state tax return. You can check out your own state's plan(s), as well as others, at this excellent directory by Savingforcollege.com.

Contribution limits for 529 plans vary but are generally pretty high -- up to about $400,000 in many cases. In other words, a 529 savings plan can accommodate even the most ambitious college savers.

Money in the account can be used for qualified higher-education expenses, including tuition, room and board, mandatory fees, books, and other supplies required for attendance. If your child doesn't end up using all of the money in the account, it can be easily transferred to another beneficiary, such as another child, a niece or nephew, or even yourself.

Coverdell ESA: more flexible and better investment choices

A Coverdell Education Savings Account, or ESA, is similar to the 529 plan in several ways. Contributions are made on an after-tax basis, and qualifying withdrawals for education expenses are tax-free. Money deposited into the account can be transferred to another beneficiary if the primary beneficiary doesn't need all of the funds.

However, there are a few key differences. First, the contribution limits are much lower -- just $2,000 per year. In other words, over the 18 years between birth and high school graduation, a total of $36,000 can be contributed to your child's Coverdell account. Even if your investments perform well, a Coverdell may not be enough to cover four years of tuition all by itself.

The advantage of a Coverdell ESA is the flexibility it offers, both in terms of investment options and the potential uses of account funds. Unlike a 529 plan, which is limited to a basket of mutual funds, a Coverdell ESA allows you to invest in any stocks, bonds, or funds you want. And qualified uses of the money aren't strictly limited to college costs: Education expenses at any level can be paid for with Coverdell funds. For example, if your child attends a private high school, you can use your Coverdell to help pay the tuition.

One possibility is to use both account types -- a 529 plan and a Coverdell. There's no rule against doing so, and you can take advantage of both accounts' benefits.

There are other options

This is not an exhaustive list of ways to save for college. If you don't want your money committed to educational uses and don't mind giving up the tax benefits, you can use a regular brokerage account to invest.

Better yet, a Roth IRA can be a great option, provided you anticipate having enough retirement savings elsewhere. Not only can Roth contributions be withdrawn at any time and for any reason, but investment gains can also be withdrawn for the purpose of qualified college expenses. To be clear, I'd recommend one of the two college-specific plans discussed above, but this is a valid option.

The bottom line is that there are smart ways to start saving for college, and the sooner you get started, the more time your money will have to grow. So choose the best option for your family and start today.
Overall, it's been a pretty exceptional two decades for the marijuana industry. Sure, there have been a few bumps in the road, like the failure of a medical marijuana amendment in Florida in 2014. But as a whole, the increasing acceptance of cannabis has been almost constant since 1996.

Since California first legalized medical marijuana for compassionate use in 1996, two dozen states have legalized its medical use -- that's half the country! This year alone, both Ohio and Pennsylvania have legalized the use of medical marijuana for certain ailments, and they both did so through the legislative process (i.e., without putting the issue on the ballot for voters to decide).

On top of the 25 states that have legalized medical cannabis over the past 20 years, four states, along with Washington, D.C., have legalized the use of recreational marijuana since 2012. In Colorado alone, trailing-12-month sales came to $1 billion as of February. Legal marijuana sales generated about $135 million in tax and licensing revenue in Colorado in 2015, much of which will go toward the state's education program, as well as its law enforcement and drug abuse programs.

And this could just be the tip of the iceberg. Cannabis industry analysts at ArcView Market Research see the industry growing at an average clip of 30% per year through 2020. This takes into account growth from existing industries and the potential for new approvals, including up to a dozen states that will be voting on whether to legalize medical or recreational marijuana in the upcoming November election.

This decision is a very big deal

The steady growth of the cannabis industry has been overshadowed by an even more exciting event: the potential rescheduling of medical marijuana by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

Currently, the marijuana plant is defined as a schedule 1 substance. This means it has no federally recognized medical benefits and is considered to be an illicit drug. As long as marijuana remains an illicit drug, businesses that sell marijuana face two very big disadvantages.

First, cannabis-based businesses have little to no access to basic financial services. Although banks could probably serve the cannabis industry and add to their profits, most banks fear the potential for legal action from the federal government. Because the marijuana plant is still illegal, allowing a marijuana business to open a checking account or take out a loan could be construed as money laundering. Without access to checking accounts or credit, these businesses are forced to deal primarily in cash, which is both a security concern and an expansion inhibitor.

The other issue for marijuana businesses is that they pay a much higher tax rate than normal businesses. Internal Revenue Service tax code 280E disallows normal tax deductions in instances where the product being sold is illicit. This means companies in the marijuana industry have to pay tax on gross profits, rather than net profits.

If the DEA were to reschedule marijuana to anything other than a schedule 1 substance (i.e., schedule 2 through 5), then cannabis would be deemed to have medically beneficial properties, which would allow physicians throughout the country to prescribe medical marijuana for patients. Furthermore, it would allow medical researchers to study the effects of marijuana on certain diseases without having to jump through a long series of hoops. Presumably, the inherent financial disadvantages would fall by the wayside as well, as banks could serve marijuana businesses without fear of repercussions.

Bad news for marijuana supporters

However, the DEA delivered a buzzkill of epic proportions to marijuana supporters last month.

Originally, the DEA was rumored to be making its decision on whether or not to reschedule medical marijuana by July 1, or, as the Santa Monica Observer claimed, Aug. 1. But the DEA is certainly in no rush to make up its mind on what it considers a critical issue.

In an interview with online publication aNewDomain, DEA staff coordinator Russ Baer noted, "What is under-reported right now is how complex the marijuana plant is." According to aNewDomain, the plant itself contains about 480 compounds, and medical marijuana can be administered in multiple ways, which means the scope of research being conducted by the DEA could be far beyond what marijuana supporters initially expected.

When pressed about the July 1 or Aug. 1 deadlines for a decision, Baer added, "We are not holding ourselves to any artificial timeframe." However, it is worth noting that the DEA has received the scientific and health recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration that are required as part of its own eight-part review process, which may or may not lead to the rescheduling of cannabis.

So what does this mean for the cannabis industry and the potential for reclassification? Essentially, it means a decision is coming, but it will likely come much later than most people had expected. In other words, for the foreseeable future, the marijuana industry will continue to face inherent disadvantages.

Rescheduling may not be a cure-all for cannabis

Even if the DEA decides to reclassify cannabis from schedule 1 to schedule 2, thereby allowing physicians to prescribe cannabis for certain ailments, a number of different obstacles could arise and obstruct growth for the industry.

The biggest concern is that cannabis will be reclassified as a schedule 2 substance -- one that has medical benefits but is considered addictive and prone to abuse. If that happens, then the FDA will have enormous power over the cannabis industry. For example, the FDA could control how the marijuana industry markets to adults, including how packaging material is labeled. It could, and probably would, regularly inspect growing and processing facilities to ensure that consistent manufacturing standards are being met (e.g., consistent THC content).

But most worrisome of all, it could require cannabis businesses to run clinical trials to confirm that marijuana offers the health benefits being advertised. All of these added regulations could be incredibly costly for the cannabis industry, which could wind up pushing smaller players out in favor of bigger businesses that could afford the higher regulatory costs. Strict regulation could also hinder marijuana businesses' efforts to lower their prices and thus make their products more competitive with black-market alternatives.

Don't get me wrong: A reclassification to anything other than schedule 1 should be seen as a step forward for the industry. But how big of a step it will be depends on the DEA -- if it ever reclassifies the drug at all.

For the time being, marijuana supporters, as well as investors hoping to take advantage of a possible reclassification, would be wise to temper their expectations and exercise some patience, as the DEA is in no rush to issue its decision.
Vanguard recently released its annual retirement savings report, shedding light on the savings habits of American workers participating in 401(k) plans. Vanguard's "How America Saves 2016" study finds that Americans' balances in 401(k) plans slipped in the past year for the first time in years. With the current bull market in stocks having lasted longer than average, are you saving enough to put you ahead of your peers?

Coming up shy

Vanguard calculates that the average American came into 2016 with $96,288 saved in their 401(k) plan; however, averages can be deceiving because they can be significantly skewed by high and low numbers. It can be more useful to consider median figures, rather than averages.

The median amount that Americans saved in 401(k) plans, or the midpoint of balances, tells a very different story. Median 401(k) balances were just $26,405 exiting 2015, according to the study.

Average balances within 401(k) plans fell 6%, or a median 11%, last year. Vanguard blames the drop-off on tough markets, rising adoption of automatic enrollment plans, and low contribution rates by participants.

Last year, the average participant earned an anemic -0.4% return, which was a far cry lower than the five-year average annual return of 7.3%. Automatic enrollment in employer plans also reduces overall 401(k) values because it means the calculations include many more accounts with small balances than in the past. Auto enrollment plans often start off at low contribution rates for new participants, which are far south of the 10% rate recommended by industry watchers. Overall, American workers are contributing an average 6.8% and a median 5.9% to their accounts. To put that in perspective, consider that average contribution rates peaked at 7.3% in 2007.

The findings suggest that retirement savings risk coming up short for retirees in their golden years. Withdrawing no more than 4% of your balance per year in retirement is a common rule of thumb, and at that withdrawal rate, Americans with these balances would only be withdrawing an average and median $3,851 and $1,056 per year, respectively. Obviously, that's not going to be enough to live on in retirement.

Making changes now

The average person participating in plans used in Vanguard's study was age 46 and earned $73,000. If you're in a similar age range and income bracket, and you're short of the average and median balances of your peers, now is a good time to make up lost ground.

Using low-fee ETFs and mutual funds and taking a buy-and-hold approach can reduce fees that can drag down balances in the future, so make sure you evaluate your investments with value-minded, long-term focus.

The biggest boost to your account balance, however, will come from systematically increasing your contribution rate every year. Employees often forget to increase their contribution rate, and as a result, few Americans contribute the maximum annual contribution that's allowed every year.

In 2016, employees can save up to $18,000 in a 401(k) plan, and if they're over 50, they can contribute an additional $6,000. Vanguard reports that only 12% of plan participants contributed the maximum allowed last year. If you're not maxing out contributions, and your contribution rate is south of the recommended 10% level, creating a plan to increase your current rate in equal increments over the next few years may make the most sense. Increasing contributions by a little bit every year can pay off big over time -- thanks to compound interest -- without imploding your budget.
Social Security is the hamster that keeps the financial wheel turning for many seniors. According to Gallup, about three in five retirees count on their Social Security check for the majority of their annual income.

Unfortunately, Social Security isn't in great shape. According to the latest report from the Social Security Board of Trustees, the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Trust -- which is what pays benefits to the 60 million-plus Social Security recipients on a monthly basis -- is slated to burn through approximately $2.8 trillion in spare cash by 2034.

The reason? Baby boomers are retiring at a pace of more than 10,000 per day for the next 15 years, and people are living longer than ever. Social Security wasn't designed to account for substantially longer life expectancies or huge generations like the baby boomers, so as more people draw benefits for longer periods of time, the program is under heavy strain.

According to the Trustees, a benefit cut of up to 21% may be necessary by 2034 if lawmakers on Capitol Hill don't make changes that raise revenue, cut benefits, or both. Americans are clearly worried about the program's future -- and thus it has become a major debate subject in this year's presidential campaign.

Clinton and Kaine share many Social Security similarities

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has made Social Security one of her foremost issues, trumpeting the importance of raising benefits for our nation's retired workers, as well as women. Unsurprisingly, we hear similar tunes from Clinton's running mate, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine.

Both candidates have strongly opposed the idea of privatizing Social Security in any way. Privatization would allow Americans to apportion a percentage of their benefits to be invested as they see fit. This would allow workers to buy assets like stocks in an effort to outpace the returns of the OASDI, which invests primarily in special-issue bonds earning around 3%.

Allowing Americans, some of whom have little financial understanding, to invest their hard-earned benefits could prove disastrous. Likewise, lower-income Americans may take unnecessary risks in an effort to "catch up" to the middle class. That's why neither Clinton nor Kaine would support any form of Social Security privatization.

The Democratic duo also supports raising the earnings payroll tax cap. The way Social Security payroll taxes are currently set up, every dollar up to $118,500 is taxed at 12.4% (as of 2016). Workers and their employers split this tax down the middle, paying 6.2% each, while self-employed persons pay all 12.4%. Any income earned beyond $118,500 is free from Social Security taxation. Some people believe this is an unfair advantage for upper-income earners, as around nine in 10 Americans will be subject to the payroll tax on every cent they earn for the year.

Though Clinton and Kaine have not decided on a new payroll tax cap, they both favor making the rich pay more into the system. Clinton was quoted in an Associated Press article in 2014 as suggesting that anything above $200,000 could be subject to payroll tax, while earnings between $118,500 and $200,000 could be exempt. In any case, though the numbers are fluid, Kaine and Clinton agree that the wealthy should pay more.

Not so fast! Here's where Kaine differs from Clinton

However, Clinton's running mate is not a mirror image of her views. In fact, Kaine and Clinton have one notable difference when it comes to fixing Social Security's woes.

Clinton hasn't just promised to keep Social Security steady for our nation's seniors; she has pledged to expand benefits for them. Kaine, on the other hand, says on his website, "As we negotiate a solution to our budget challenges, everything must be on the table, including spending cuts, revenue and entitlement reforms," as noted by Time.

Time "presumed" that entitlement reforms could take the shape of raising the Social Security retirement age. Raising the full retirement age would encourage people to work longer, providing more payroll tax revenue for the program. It could also lead seniors to delay their benefits, which would boost their eventual monthly payout. To be clear, we don't know that Kaine supports such a measure, but it seems he would not immediately dismiss it, as he would privatization.

Clinton, on the other hand, vehemently opposes raising the Social Security retirement age. During the MSNBC/Telemundo Democratic town hall in Las Vegas this past February, here's how Clinton responded to a question about raising the retirement age within the next 10 years:

No. And I'll tell you why. Right now if you look at who draws Social Security for the longest time, people who have worked hard for many years, people who are often really broken down by physical labor or the repetitive labor that they've done. Their lifespan is much lower than the lifespan of people like you and me who had a different sort of life, made our monies different ways, didn't have to work that hard. So right now the average death age for a lot of Americans and Latinos and African-Americans is lower than the average death age of whites. And that's lower still than the age of people who are affluent and well-educated. So raising the retirement age would very well eliminate a lot of the hardworking people from getting much Social Security at all. I will not do that.

What you should watch for

What you as a worker or retiree should be keeping an eye on -- regardless of your political affiliation -- is how Clinton's and Kaine's Social Security ideologies meld in the coming weeks. Rarely do running mates have identical views, so witnessing how Clinton and Kaine might budge in either direction could tell you a lot about what seniors have to gain or lose with a Clinton/Kaine presidency.

We should learn much more in the coming weeks, as Social Security is expected to remain a crucial topic in this election cycle.
Employees at Sotheby's take calls from bidders during an auction. (Photo : Getty Images)

Taikang Life Insurance Co., one of China's biggest insurance companies, has acquired a 13.5 percent share in Sotheby's with the aim to gain a board seat in the prestigious auction house, the Wall Street Journal reported.



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The company managed by the grandson-in-law of Chairman Mao Zedong, made the disclosure during its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Wednesday, July 27.



Taikang's acquisition has made it the largest shareholder of Sotheby's, bigger than the shares owned by hedge fund managers such as Third Point's Dan Loeb, with 11.38 percent, and Point72 Asset Management's Steven Cohen, with 5.5 percent.



Chen Dongsheng, Taikang's manager, is a well-known art collector who helped established China Guardian Auctions Co. Ltd., the first government-run auction house that specializes in Chinese antiques and calligraphy. Chen is married to Kong Dongmei, Mao's granddaughter.



China Guardian, which ranked next to Poly Guardian, the country's leading auction house, has expanded abroad to attract more buyers.



China Guardian held its first auction sale outside the mainland in Hong Kong in 2012, with antique Chinese ink paintings, calligraphy and imperial-era furniture. A year earlier, it opened its New York office and also holds regular events to attract Chinese antique collections.



Tad Smith, Sotheby's chief executive, said they have met with Taikang's executives and "warmly welcome their support of Sotheby's strategic initiatives."



Taikang expressed its support for Sotheby's "broader strategic initiatives" and said in the filing that it has "provided suggestions regarding future director nominations for election" to the board, including those associated with Taikang.



Singapore-based investment firm Shanda Group also showed interest in Sotheby's three months ago. The firm bought a 2 percent share in the New York Sotheby's in May with U.S. antitrust approval.



Sotheby's has sold Asian art worth more than $460 million in the first half of the year.



Sotheby's shares rose 1 percent to $31.80, in the recent trading.


If you want to understand the secret sauce to great banking, you needn't look anyfurther thanWells Fargo(NYSE: WFC),U.S. Bancorp(NYSE: USB), andM&T Bank(NYSE: MTB).They show us that the best banks not only generate reasonably high levels of profitability butthat they do so even through tough times.

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Gaby Lapera: Wells Fargo was no slouch, either, despite it being the only one that didn't beat analyst expectations. Part of that is that Wells Fargo is such a consistent performer that I'm sure, or I'm guessing anyway, that analysts probably didn't lower their expectations as much for a Wells as they would say a Bank of America, but Wells Fargo was up $80 billion in loan growth year over year, which is pretty impressive.

John Maxfield:That's really impressive, and you actually bring up a really good point. When you're thinking about banks and bank stocks in particular, there's really two things that factor into the performance of investment over time. The first is just the size, just the magnitude of your profitability. How high is return on equity? How high is your return on assets? What also matters, in fact to an equal degree, is the consistency of your profit. You don't want a bank to have really, really high profitability, like 20% return on equities like Bank of America and Citigroup had in 2005, 2006, and then give all of that back in a crisis or more some, or more than that.

When you look at say Wells Fargo,U.S. Bancorpor banks like that, that have done really well over time, it is a function of both, and let me throwM&T Bankin there, too, a regional bank based out of Buffalo, New York, which is one of the best performing banks over the past three decades. What these banks have really nailed is not only a reasonably high return on equity, but also that consistency that you talked about with Wells Fargo.

Lapera:One day, I'm going to let you and Jay Jenkins just do a show on M&T Bank. It will be just an ode to M&T.

Maxfield:It could go on; I could talk about M&T for days, I'm a big fan of them. I know this is tangential because they're talking about earnings, but let's just talk about this now that we're here. M&T Bank isthe Warren Buffett, it is theBerkshire Hathawayof banks. Since its current chairman and CEO took over in 1983, it's returned 18,000%, and that just blows not only most stocks out of the water but a lot of banks out of the water. It comes back to just growing responsibly, generating a responsible return on equity, and just not giving that back each time the cycles turns around.

Gaby Lapera has no position in any stocks mentioned. John Maxfield owns shares of U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Berkshire Hathaway (B shares) and Wells Fargo. 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.
The political donation network backed by billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch will essentially sit out this year's presidential election and focus on keeping the Senate in Republican hands.

When Charles Koch addressed hundreds of the nation's most powerful polical donors at a weekend retreat in Colorado Springs Saturday, he lamented the choice in the race for the Oval Office between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump.

"We don't really, in some cases, don't really have good options," Koch said in describing the "current political situation."

Mark Holden, general counsel and senior vice president of Koch Industries, told the Associated Press that the Koch network won't spend anything to help Trump directly in 2016, even though it may evoke Clinton in attacks on Democratic congressional candidates.

None of the presidential candidates are aligned with the Koch network "from a values, and beliefs and policy perspective," Holden said, citing other determining factors such as "running a good campaign" and talking about key issues "in a positive productive way."



"Based on that, we're focused on the Senate," Holden said, noting that the Koch network has devoted around $42 million so far to television and digital advertising to benefit Republican Senate candidates.



Saturday was the first day of the three-day gathering for donors who promise to give at least $100,000 each year to the various groups backed by the Koch brothers' Freedom Partners -- a network of education, policy and political entities that aim to promote a smaller, less intrusive government.



At least three governors, four senators and four members of the House of Representatives are also scheduled to attend, including House Speaker Paul Ryan. Republican presidential candidates have been featured at past Koch gatherings -- but not this one.



Neither Trump nor any Trump representatives participated in the event, even though the White House contender campaigned in the same city the day before. It's unclear if Trump was invited.



"I turned down a meeting with Charles and David Koch," Trump tweeted on Saturday. "Much better for them to meet with the puppets of politics, they will do much better!"



Holden declined to say whether the Kochs sought a meeting with Trump.



The weekend's agenda for the estimated 400 donors gathered in Colorado Springs featured a series of policy discussions and appearances from several elected officials in addition to Ryan: Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, Texas Sen. John Cornyn, Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, Utah Sen. Mike Lee, Rep. Mike Pompeo of Kansas. Rep Jason Chaffetz of Utah and Rep. Mike Coffman of Colorado.



Speaking Saturday night, Gardner addressed the presidential contest indirectly, although he did not mention Trump's name.



"Forty years worth of Supreme Court justices are going to be determined this November," Gardner told donors, a reference to the next president's ability to fill at least one existing vacancy on the high court.



Yet Koch later told his guests that America's frustrated electorate is looking at the wrong place -- politicians -- for answers.



"And to me, the answers they're getting are frightening," he said without naming any politicians, "because by and large, these answers will make matters worse."



Charles and David Koch have hosted such gatherings of donors and politicians for years, but usually in private. The weekend's event includes a small number of reporters, including one from the Associated Press.



Koch has put the network's budget at roughly $750 million through the end of 2016.



A significant portion was supposed to be directed at electing a Republican to the White House. It will instead go to helping Republican Senate candidates in at least five states: Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Wisconsin and Florida, Holden said.



In some cases, the network may try to link Democratic Senate candidates to Clinton, he added, but there are no plans to go after her exclusively in paid advertising. The organization may invest in a handful of races for governor and House of Representatives as well.



And while the network will not be a Trump ally, it won't necessarily be a Trump adversary either.

"We have no intention to go after Donald Trump," Holden said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Donald Trump isn't getting the vote of another billionaire reality TV star.

"Shark Tank" investor and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban said on Twitter Friday that he is voting for Hillary Clinton and will "do my best to convince everyone I know to vote for Hillary."

The tweet came in response to a question on Twitter about which candidate Cuban prefers.

Cuban tweeted out a comment from Trump that said the GOP nominee wants the military to use couriers rather than "wires." "This guy should be commander in chief?" the billionaire investor asked. "Does he know which pipes connect the wires?"

Last month, Cuban told Fox Business he would be interested in serving as vice president for either Clinton or Trump.

Read more on WashingtonExaminer.com
The leaders of the Republican-controlled House and Senate on Sunday made statements regarding the firestorm of words between party presidential nominee Donald Trump and Khirz Khan, the Muslim father of an Army captain killed in the line of duty.

Khan, during a speech at last weeks Democratic National Convention, said Trump has "sacrificed nothing and no one" for America.

Trump responded by essentially saying hes made many sacrifices but drew criticism by questioning why Khans wife, Ghazala, stood silently on stage during her husbands speech.

She had nothing to say, Trump said on ABC. Maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me."

Khan had said she didn't speak because she is still overwhelmed by grief and still cannot look at photos of her son without crying.

Since the controversy started late last week, Khirz Khan has called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Rep. Paul Ryan to condemn Trumps remarks.

In their statements, McConnell and Ryan each praised Khans son, Humayun, who was killed in Iraq in 2004, and said they disagreed with Trumps immigration position.

Trump said this spring, in the aftermath of several terror attacks by radicalized Islamists, that Muslims should be temporarily banned from entering the United States. He has since scaled backed that position, to keeping out people from Syria and other countries that are hotbeds for radical Islamic terrorism.

However, neither McConnell or Ryan directly criticized Trump or his comments about Ghazala Kahn.

Captain Khan was an American hero, and like all Americans Im grateful for the sacrifices that selfless young men like Capt. Khan and their families have made in the war on terror, said McConnell, of Kentucky. And as I have long made clear, I agree with the Kahns and families across the country that a travel ban on all members of a religion is simply contrary to American values.

Ryan, of Wisconsin, wrote: As I have said on numerous occasions, a religious test for entering our country is not reflective of these fundamental values. I reject it.  Many Muslim Americans have served valiantly in our military, and made the ultimate sacrifice. Captain Khan was one such brave example.

Washington Democrats almost immediatley criticized Ryan for also not pulling his endorsement of Trump.

Kahn said Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press that he appreciates Trump calling his son a hero, but said the praise sounds disingenuous.

Trump on Sunday wrote two Twitter posts on the issue:

I was viciously attacked by Mr. Khan at the Democratic Convention. Am I not allowed to respond? Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me!

He then tweeted: Captain Khan, killed 12 years ago, was a hero, but this is about RADICAL ISLAMIC TERROR and the weakness of our "leaders" to eradicate it!

On Sunday, Ghazala Khan further defended her actions on stage and attacked Trump.

Donald Trump said that maybe I wasnt allowed to say anything, she wrote in The Washington Post opinion section. That is not true. My husband asked me if I wanted to speak, but I told him I could not.  When Donald Trump is talking about Islam, he is ignorant.  Donald Trump said he has made a lot of sacrifices. He doesnt know what the word sacrifice means.

Trumps original response sparked immediate outrage on social media -- both because they critiqued a mourning mother and because many considered them racist and anti-Muslim.

On Saturday, Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong said: "The speaker has made clear many times that he rejects this idea, and himself has talked about how Muslim-Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country."

Hillary Clinton campaign spokeswoman Karen Finney tweeted: Trump is truly shameless to attack the family of an American hero. Many thanks to the Khan family for your sacrifice, we stand with you.

Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, later said in a statement: "I was very moved to see Ghazala Khan stand bravely and with dignity in support of her son on Thursday night. ... This is a time for all Americans to stand with the Khans and with all the families whose children have died in service to our country."

Karen Meredith, a member of Gold Star Families, a support group for families who lost loved ones in the Iraq War, said Capt. Humayun Khans parents showed great courage by standing up in front of the Democratic convention and that for Trump to insult their culture by saying that is why she did not speak is offensive.

On Sunday, Khizr Khan also attempted to persuade voters not to vote for Trump, saying, I appeal to them not to vote for hate-mongering. Vote for freedom.

He also implied that about of a third of the responses hes gotten from Americans are from Republican politicians but said he would not disclose names.
A hot air balloon carrying at least 16 people caught fire and crashed in a field in central Texas Saturday morning, officials said, adding that there were no survivors.

Officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety told the Austin American-Statesman newspaper that 16 people were killed when the balloon crashed in Lockhart, about 30 miles south of Austin.

However, federal investigators would not confirm the exact number of deaths. Erik Grosof of the National Transportation Safety Board would only say that there were "a number of fatalities."

Caldwell County says there are no survivors in hot air balloon incident in Lockhart. pic.twitter.com/tAmuAIUxy7  Marcus Officer (@MarcusonFOX7) July 30, 2016

Caldwell County Sheriff Daniel C. Law told The Associated Press that it's the kind of situation where people can walk up and buy a ticket, unlike an airplane, which would have a list of names.

Late Saturday, two officials told the Associated Press that the balloon was operated by Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides, which is based in New Braunfels, outside of San Antonio. Local media outlets identified the pilot as Skip Nichols, who owned the business and was believed to be in his late-40s.



Saturday's crash appears to be one of the worst balloon disasters, possibly the worst in U.S. history. The deadliest such disaster happened in February 2013, when a balloon flying over Luxor, Egypt, caught fire and plunged 1,000 feet to the ground, crashing into a sugar cane field and killing at least 19 foreign tourists.

Saturday's crash happened at about 7:40 a.m. in an area that is mostly farmland, with corn crops and grazing cattle. Cutting through that farmland is a row of massive high-capacity transmission lines about 4 to 5 stories tall. The site of the crash appears to be right below the overhead lines, though authorities haven't provided further details about what happened.

Margaret Wylie lives about a quarter-mile from the crash site and told the AP that she was letting her dog out Saturday morning when she heard a "pop, pop, pop."

"I looked around and it was like a fireball going up," she said, noting that the fireball was located under large power lines and almost high enough to reach the bottom of them.

Wylie, who called 911, said the weather seemed clear and that she frequently sees hot air balloons in the area.

A couple driving near the site of the crash told the American-Statesman they saw the balloon just before it crashed and were concerned that it was flying too low.

"They were hovering in the tree line, and it was barely moving, Joe Gonzales told the paper. The flame was really bright like they were trying to go up."

Gonzales estimated that he and his wife drove within 600 yards of the balloon and said he noticed what appeared to be a large number of people on board.

"Id never seen one like that with that many people, he said. It just didnt look right."

Heart of Texas' website says the company has balloons that can transport up to 24 people.

The NTSB's Grosof said at a news conference that the agency has deemed it a major accident and a full-bore investigation will begin Sunday when more federal officials arrive.

Robert Sumwalt, who will head the NTSB's crash investigation team, said he was studying the board's recommendations to the FAA based on previous hot air balloon crashes. Sumwalt, who spoke to the AP while waiting to board a plane to Texas, said the team was still trying to gather basic information about the accident.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott asked in a statement for "all of Texas to join us in praying for those lost.".

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Authorities say a suspected burglar is dead after an Alabama homeowner tied him to a tree after catching the man breaking into his home.

According to AL.com, Washington County Sheriff Richard Stringer says 68-year-old Nathanial Johnson, of Leroy, caught 31-year-old Cleveland Jones Gully breaking into the back door of his home, about 60 miles north of Mobile, on Friday just before midnight.

Stringer says Johnson chased Gully out and Gully either fell or jumped off the back steps. Johnson jumped on him, tied Gully's hands behind his back, put duct tape on his mouth and tied him to a tree with insulated electrical tape and clothesline.

Johnson then went to call 911. When sheriff's deputies arrived about 10 minutes later, Gully was dead.

Stringer says an autopsy will be performed and no charges have been filed yet against Johnson.
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.
Dr. Louis Chen (Photo : Facebook)

Families destroyed by drug abuse continue to grow in number. On the week that convicted American milkshake murderer Nancy Kissel launched a challenge in Hong Kong to her life sentence for the death of her husband Robert in 2003, a Chinese doctor in Seattle was given a 49-year prison term for the murder of his long-time male partner and their child.



Advertisement

Seattle Times reported that Dr. Louis Chen got the maximum prison sentence on Friday for the death of his partner and their two-year-old son in August 2011. He knifed to death 29-year-old Eric Cooper and this son, Cooper Chen in their penthouse in Seattle.



Chens lawyers said the doctor suffered from mental illness which was worsened by his adverse reaction to medication, including a certain drug in cough syrup. But Don Raz, senior deputy prosecutor, rejected the argument and said the doctor was driven by rage and fear because of a possible separation and a custody battle for Cooper Chen.



Raz pointed out that Chen stabbed Cooper over 177 times and slashed the childs throat from ear to ear. But the toddler did not immediately die from his wounds but instead fled the bedroom to the living room to seek help from Eric but found him dead instead.



According to medical experts who testified for Chen, the doctors depression and paranoia were worsened by dextromethorphan, a drug in cough syrup that the doctor often drinks as self-medication. However, when the drug builds up inside the body, it contributes to psychosis.



Chens lawyer, Todd Maybrown, sought to lower the sentence to 24 years on the ground that before the physicians mental deterioration, he was a hard and dedicated worker, and a gentle, kind and thoughtful person, according to testimonies of Chens colleagues in the medical profession.



Chen, who migrated from Taiwan, was a medical student at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine when he met 17-year-old high school senior Eric Cooper in Tinley Park, Illinois. They lived together in California, Washington and Minnesota and had a son conceived through IVF, using Chens semen and the egg of Taiwanese woman. The fetus was implanted in the womb of an Oregon woman who was their friend.



The family moved to Seattle in 2011 after Chen was employed at Virginia Mason Medical Center. Chen did not report for his first day of work on Aug. 11, 2011 and did not return the calls of his sister. When a hospital employee went to Chens penthouse, the doctor opened the door naked, covered in dried blood and admitted killing the two.



Investigators discovered the couple had a problem and was about to split. On top of that, Chen believed Cooper would report his prescription drug abuse which could work against the doctor in a child-custody battle.


A student at Harvard Summer School apparently drowned in the Charles River after "going into the water off a footbridge," authorities and university officials say.

Massachusetts State Police didn't specify in a news release if the man jumped or fell, but Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said investigators believe the drowning was accidental.

Teen taking part in #Harvard summer school tradition loses his life. Latest on @fox25news at 10. pic.twitter.com/1UALu7EDCt  Christine McCarthy (@ChristineMFox25) July 31, 2016

Ryan identified the man as 18-year-old Tyler Greene, of Georgia. WAGA-TV in Atlanta reported that Greene was from Dallas, Georgia. The prosecutor released no further details.

Witnesses reported seeing the man go into the river off the Weeks bridge in Cambridge around 8:45 p.m. Friday, come up with his arms flailing, go under again and not come back up, state police said. He was found about 25 minutes later by Cambridge Fire Department divers and taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Sandra Naddaff, dean of Harvard Summer School, sent an email to summer school students announcing Greene's death, according to The Harvard Crimson student newspaper.

"It is with deep sadness that I share that one of our students, Tyler Greene, tragically passed away yesterday evening," Naddaff said in the Saturday morning email.

A gathering in Greene's honor was held Saturday in the Eliot House Junior Common Room at the university, with counselors and clergy members present for support, according to The Boston Globe.

Harvard Summer School is the oldest academic summer program in the United States, according to the program's website.
Gretchen Lager's fondest childhood memories involved shooting bullets at tin cans and balloons along the Slippery Rock Creek in western Pennsylvania - but one day in 1995, guns became a far more menacing presence in her life.



Her brother-in-law killed his wife of 30 years - Lager's sister - with a deer hunting rifle. He then turned the gun on himself in a murder-suicide that orphaned their 15-year-old daughter. For years afterwards, Lager was stridently anti-gun.



"I have been hating guns with everything I believe until lately," she said.



But earlier this year, Lager recalled those more pleasant childhood memories, "and I thought, `there's something about guns that I really know and love. There's a mechanical beauty. There's something fun about it."'



Lager, 64, who now lives in Hershey, purchased a .22-caliber pistol more than two months ago to rekindle her target shooting hobby and enrolled in a gun safety class at the Palmyra Sportsmen's Association.



Still, she's far from the stereotype of a gun owner, decked out in camouflage and stockpiling weapons while waiting for the apocalypse. Lager hates the National Rifle Association - "I think they are opportunists" - believes in mandatory training for people purchasing guns, and would never want to use her firearm to hurt an animal, much less a person. Instead, she considers herself part of a "silent majority" between two political extremes on guns.



Lebanon County residents are buying guns and obtaining permits to carry firearms with increasing frequency, according to data kept by the Pennsylvania State Police. Local gun stores said many of their first-time firearms owners are, like Lager, outside of the stereotypical gun-owning demographics: women, older couples, even 80-plus-year-old women and the disabled.



Why people buy weapons



Steve Wier holds one-on-one firearm safety courses for first-time gun buyers at Enck's Gun Barn in Myerstown, and always asks his students why they wanted the training.



One man had agreed to learn to shoot as a bonding activity with his son. After his son passed away, he decided to become trained in firearms anyway in his son's memory. Couples have told Wier they are looking for a sport they can do together when one of them has a physical problem that prevents other activities.



The most frequent reason is a desire to get involved in competitive shooting, and it's not uncommon to meet people who want to dress up as cowboys and cowgirls for Western-style weapon competitions. Personal defense is often a secondary reason, but it's on most students' lists, he said. Some people consider firearm safety to be like knowing how to swim - good general knowledge even if you don't plan to carry a gun.



While Lebanon County still has a strong hunting and sport shooting community, the most commonly growing reason people are seeking firearms is personal protection, local gun sellers said.

Shyda's Outdoor Center caters primarily to hunters, but Vice President Brad Shyda said interest in hunting rifles is down and purchases of semi-automatic weapons for self-defense purposes are up even at his store.



"You can tell all their lives they've been against guns, but now they want to feel safe," he said. "They come in and say, `I want a 9mm' - they don't even know what a 9mm looks like, but they want a 9mm."



Politics probably plays a role. Fears of a possible president Hillary Clinton banning firearms is likely motivating people to purchase guns in the same way President Barack Obama's two elections led to spikes in gun sales, Shyda said.



"We're seeing that deep mistrust everywhere, in every corner of society, whether it be guns, Black Lives Matter, the trans(gender) community," said Craig Good, an Annville resident and salesman for Elizabethtown-based Lanco Tactical. "Just because (government leaders) say one thing, nobody really believes it because our politicians don't stand behind it."



Improvements in the types of tactical semi-automatic weapons available to civilians may also be making such weapons more attractive, said Art Kalbach, a gun salesman for Lanco Tactical.



"When I bought my first AR-15, there were two choices: a long one or a short one," Kalbach said, but there are many more styles and types of semi-automatic guns available now.



"Tactic-cool"



If world emergencies magnified by media hype can fuel the fear of guns, gun store owners admitted they can also boost their sales. The world "tactical" has become such a buzzword that Lanco Tactical Owner Nathan Lamb jokes about being "tactic-cool," although he opened his store years before the fad started, he said.



The word has more to do with a mindset of being "prepared for the unknown" than a type of weapon, Lamb said. That demographic is often also interested in other products Lanco Tactical offers, such as non-perishable food and survival gear.



"I think people are finally starting to realize that just because it could happen to anybody, that doesn't mean it couldn't happen to you," Good said.



Good said gun owners who want to be able to defend themselves from an increasingly scary world find themselves stereotyped by people who don't own weapons. He's heard gun control advocates go as far as wishing someone be shot with their own gun in an attempt to make a point on social media.



"They say unfair things like, `all gun owners are crazy.' I think that's unfair because they don't know me. They don't know that I'm a school teacher, they don't know my friends, they don't know the people I associate with," he said.



But wait - Is there really a trend?



Statistical information about firearm owners is limited due to concerns by gun rights supporters that gun registration would lead to confiscation, so it is difficult to get a handle on the amount of first-time firearm purchasers.



Lebanon County Sheriff Bruce Klingler said in November that he had seen a spike in permit applications after terrorist attacks in Paris, but said more recently that the trend has leveled off.

Statewide, the number of monthly background checks recorded by the Federal Bureau of Investigations for gun permits and purchases spiked in December 2015 and have remained higher than the previous year for each month since then.



Margot Bennett, executive director of Women Against Gun Violence, said claims that more people are becoming first-time firearm owners should be treated with caution due to the lack of available data.



"Although gun purchases are on the rise, they are being purchased by fewer households and by people who already own a gun(s)," Bennett said in an e-mail.



However, several people involved in Lebanon County's gun industry said there is steady demand for new gun owner training classes, and that middle-aged and retired women are one of the most interested demographics.



Does owning a firearm keep you safer?



Andrew Patrick, spokesman for the Coalition to End Gun Violence, also said it is difficult to tell whether first-time gun purchases are really rising - and if they aren't, he thinks that's a good thing.



"The studies we've seen over and over against indicate that buying a gun is more likely to be harmful to members of the family and the person than to harm an intruder," Patrick said.



People living in homes with guns are 90 percent more likely to die of homicides than people in other homes, according to a 2004 story in the American Journal of Epidemiology, and they are also more likely to die of suicide.



Gun ownership may also not make people safer. A comparison study of 27 developed countries published in the October 2013 edition of the American Journal of Medicine found that countries with more guns per capita had more firearm-related deaths, but did not have reduced overall crime rates.



Kalbach, however, said the idea of banning all semi-automatic pistols and rifles would make the possibility of using your weapon for self-defense far more difficult. One of the most likely alternatives would be a revolver, which is limited to six bullets.



"If you've got three people who are breaking into your house, and they're high on PCP, you'd better be accurate with those 5-6 bullets," he said.



Gun advocates also said those people who accidentally shoot themselves or others are simply not using their weapon safely. If proper techniques like always checking if a gun is loaded when first holding it and keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe location are followed, such accidents shouldn't happen, said Vic Buus Jr., a certified National Rifle Association pistol instructor who teaches classes with the Palmyra Sportsmen's Association.



Experience and training

Still, several gun sellers agreed that the possibility of accidental shootings or being ineffective with the weapon in a defensive emergency are good arguments for getting safety training. A person who buys a gun without training is no more likely to be able to defend themselves than they are to buy a guitar and become Jimmy Page, Wier said.



"Instead of buying a super-expensive handgun, buy a good, reliable handgun for less money and spend the rest of your budget on training, because the experience and the training is what helps you defend yourself," Kalbach said.



Both Wier and Shyda said people sometimes come into the gun stores looking to buy a semi-automatic weapon they don't even know how to operate. While people often take offense at being asked why they are purchasing a gun, there are more subtle ways to encourage them to take a safety class, Wier said.



Like driving a car, the more experience you have, the more likely you are to operate a firearm properly in an emergency, Good said.



"Now, who knows what I will do in that moment," he said. "I hope that in that moment I make the right decision, my muscle memory kicks in, and I'm able to either take that shot or, more importantly, not take that shot if I don't have to - because that is an absolute last resort."


Attorneys in the George Washington Bridge lane-closing case are about to tackle a crucial part of the trial process that doesn't get a lot of attention.

They're scheduled this week to submit questions to ask potential jurors in what is called voir dire (vwahr-deer). It enables attorneys to gauge whether any prospective jurors might have biases.

It'll be tough to find anyone who hasn't heard about the case, in which two former allies of Republican Gov. Chris Christie are accused of causing traffic jams near the bridge to punish a Democratic mayor.

Experts say it's important to have people who are well-informed but who can put their personal opinions aside.

Former Christie aide Bridget Kelly and former Port Authority of New York and New Jersey executive Bill Baroni are scheduled for trial in September.
A Rhode Island ex-cop who killed himself after leading New Jersey troopers on a brief chase had his dead wife in the trunk, according to reports Sunday.

The chase began when a trooper spotted Franklin Osgood, 61, on the New Jersey Turnpike in Bergen County Saturday night and tried to pull him over, NJ.com reported.

Osgood then shot himself, lost control of his 2007 Dodge Charger, struck a metal guardrail and then crashed into a troopers patrol car, according to the media outlet. The trooper involved in the crash sustained injuries that were not life-threatening.

Osgood later died. A search of the Charger led to the discovery of his deceased wife Mary Jo Osgood, 55.

Cops said Osgood put her body in the trunk after he killed her in their home in Providence.

We felt that early on, this was going to have a very bad ending, Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements said at a press conference Sunday, the Providence Journal reported.

One of the couples four children called 911 Saturday afternoon to say her father was missing and distraught, the paper reported.

Providence officers then alerted law enforcement agencies in New Jersey and elsewhere to be on the lookout for the Charger, the paper reported.

Osgood joined the Providence Police Department in 1995.
A 42-year-old skydiver with more than 18,000 jumps made history Saturday when he became the first person to leap without a parachute and land in a net instead.

After a two-minute freefall, Luke Aikins landed dead center in the 100-by-100-foot net at the Big Sky movie ranch on the outskirts of Simi Valley.

As cheers erupted, Aikins quickly climbed out, walked over and hugged his wife, Monica, who had been watching from the ground with their 4-year-old son, Logan, and other family members.

"I'm almost levitating, it's incredible," the jubilant skydiver said, raising his hands over his head as his wife held their son, who dozed in her arms.

"This thing just happened! I can't even get the words out of my mouth," he added as he thanked the dozens of crew members who spent two years helping him prepare for the jump, including those who assembled the fishing trawler-like net and made sure it really worked.

The stunt, broadcast live on the Fox network for the TV special "Stride Gum Presents Heaven Sent," nearly didn't come off as planned when Aikins revealed just before climbing into his plane that the Screen Actors Guild had ordered him to wear a parachute to ensure his safety.

Aikins didn't say what prompted the original restriction, and representatives for the show and the Screen Actors Guild did not immediately respond to phone and email messages.

Aikins said he considered pulling out at that point because having the parachute canister on his back would make his landing in the net far more dangerous. If he had to wear it he said he wouldn't bother to pull the ripcord anyway.

"I'm going all the way to the net, no question about it," he said from the plane. "I'll just have to deal with the consequences when I land of wearing the parachute on my back and what it's going to do to my body."

A few minutes before the jump one of the show's hosts said the requirement had been lifted. Aikins left the plane without the chute.

He jumped with three other skydivers, each wearing parachutes. One had a camera, another trailed smoke so people on the ground could follow his descent and the third took an oxygen canister he handed off after they got to an altitude where it was no longer needed.

Then the others opened their parachutes and left him on his own.

Aikins admitted before the jump he was nervous and his mother said she was one family member who wouldn't watch.

When his friend Chris Talley came up with the idea two years ago, Aikins acknowledged he turned it down cold.

"I kind of laugh and I say, 'Ok, that's great. I'll help you find somebody to do it,'" he told The Associated Press as he trained for the jump last week.

A couple of weeks after Talley made his proposal Aikins called back and said he would do it. He'd been the backup jumper in 2012 when Felix Baumgartner became the first skydiver to break the speed of sound during a jump from 24 miles above Earth.

The 42-year-old daredevil 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 several hundred a year ever since.

His father and grandfather were skydivers, and his wife has made 2,000 jumps. His family owns SkydiveKapowsin near Tacoma, Washington.

Aikins is also a safety and training adviser for the United States Parachute Association and is certified to teach both students and skydiving instructors. His business Para Tactics provides skydiving training to Navy Seals and other members of elite fighting forces.
Robert Taylor insists hes a good guy, but says the state of Virginia has treated him like a bad one ever since he got buried under a pile of unpaid traffic tickets, fees and fines.

The 28-year-old Richmond man spends weekends in jail, can't hold a job and does not know how he will ever pay off the nearly $5,000 he owes the state.

Im not a criminal in any sense of the word, Robert Taylor told FoxNews.com.

Without the availability of a payment plan, Taylor had his license suspended, leaving him unable to work. And being unable to work left him unable to make a dent in what he owes the state, he said.

Now, Taylor is part of a class action suit which alleges that drivers have been treated unfairly under the states License-for-Payment system. Virginia is one of nine states that automatically suspends a license if they have not received fines of fee payments within 30 days. The state does so without any inquiry into non-payment or consideration for a drivers financial circumstance.

Im not a criminal in any sense of the word and Ive been sent to jail twice.  Robert Taylor

According to the Legal Aid Justice Center, which filed the suit against Virginias Department of Motor Vehicles, hundreds of thousands of low-income residents are trapped in a cycle of debt and poverty. Nearly one in six drivers in Virginia has a suspended license for failure to pay court costs and fines.

Its a problem for low-income individuals because of the volume and the high amount associated with the fines, Angela Ciolfi, LAJC lead attorney, told FoxNews.com. Its fundamentally unfair to punish people for not being able to pay in addition to being punished for their infractions.

Its easy for someone who makes $100 an hour to pay a $100 fine than for someone who makes $7.25 an hour," she added. "Low-income people are continuously punished under this system, while the wealthier people can atone by simply signing a check.

Ciolfi and the Legal Aid Justice Center say most license suspensions in the state are for failure to pay and not for being a danger to fellow motorists. Roughly 65 percent of all suspension and revocation orders are over unpaid court costs and fines.

Taylor was pulled over in April of 2014 for running a red light. It was discovered during that traffic stop that he had been driving on a suspended license for having improper license plates. Taylor, who blamed the license plate snafu on an auction house from which he bought the car, got his license reinstated a month later.

But the fine and ensuing fees, together with a lack of opportunity to make payments, quickly buried Taylor.

I wanted to give them every cent I owe," Taylor said. But they offered no way to make payments over time.

The Centers complaint filed in the states Western district seeks a reversal of the charges against their plaintiffs because they claim the policy is among other things, a violation of the Equal Protection Clause. They cite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that punishing a person solely for poverty, rather than willful refusal to pay or to make bona fide efforts to, violates the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments.

When reached for comment, officials for the Office of Virginia Attorney General declined to comment due to the Commonwealth having not yet filing a response to the suit.

We are closely reviewing the complaint with our client and will file a timely answer, the official said in a written statement to FoxNews.com.

The Legal Aid Justice Center has said that their research has found that a drivers license is absolutely vital for a persons ability to maintain a job, pursue educational opportunities and provide for family. They also say that nearly 75 percent of these suspended drivers are left with no choice but to continue driving.

Taylor has 11 more weekends to serve in jail, but he'll still owe the state.

I dont believe anyone deserves to go through this, Taylor said.
Pope Francis challenged hundreds of thousands of young people who gathered in a sprawling Polish meadow to reject being a "couch potato" who retreats into video games and computer screens and instead engage in social activism and politics to create a more just world.

Peppering his speech with contemporary lingo, the 79-year-old pope, despite a long day of public appearances, addressed his eager audience with enthusiasm Saturday on a warm summer night.

Francis spoke of a paralysis that comes from merely seeking convenience, from confusing happiness with a complacent way of life that could end up depriving people of the ability to determine their own fates.

"Dear young people, we didn't come into this world to 'vegetate," to take it easy, to make our lives a comfortable sofa to fall asleep on. No, we came for another reason: To leave a mark," Francis told a crowd that Polish media estimated at over 1 million in a huge field in Brzegi, a village outside the southern city of Krakow.

Organizers said 1.6 million people came to hear the pope Saturday night, but police did not give a crowd estimate.

Francis decried a modern escapism into consumerism and computers that isolates people. The same message ran through a ballet performance at the site before his speech: a lonely woman seeks human connections but is rebuffed by people on computer tablets and cellphones until one man emerges from behind a see-through barrier to connect.

For Francis, Jesus is the "Lord of risk ... not the Lord of comfort, security and ease."

"Following Jesus demands a good dose of courage, a readiness to trade in the sofa for a pair of walking shoes and to set out on new and uncharted paths," Francis said.

He challenged his sea of listeners, spread out on blankets, to make their mark on the world by becoming engaged as "politicians, thinkers, social activists" and to help build a world economy that is "inspired by solidarity."

"The times we live in do not call for young 'couch potatoes,'" he said to applause, "but for young people with shoes, or better, boots laced."

Like a politician working a crowd, Francis yelled out to his audience: "You want others to decide your future?" When he didn't get the rousing "No!" he was going for, he tried for a "Yes."

"You want to fight for your future?" he asked.

"Yes!" they roared.

"The pope does not order us to do things, he encourages us," Szymon Werner, a 32-year-old from Krakow who was at the meadow, told The Associated Press. "It's true, there are many temptations, weaknesses in life and we should try to do something about them."

"I will give more attention to my family," he vowed. "Last night, I gave a lift to some foreign pilgrims who missed their bus  so I think the pope's presence is working!"

Francis' evening appeal came hours after he celebrated a Mass with priests, nuns and young seminarians whom he also urged to leave their comfort zones and tend to the needy in the world. He said Jesus wants the church "to be a church on the move, a church that goes out into the world."

That homily came at a shrine dedicated to St. John Paul II, the Polish pontiff whose staunch defense of workers' rights in the 1970s and '80s challenged his nation's then-Communist rulers.

A year after John Paul II was elected pope in 1978, he returned to his homeland, urging millions of his beleaguered compatriots behind the Iron Curtain  in nuanced and coded words  to oppose communism and defend individual freedoms. That visit inspired the birth of Solidarity, a labor movement that eventually became a key factor in the collapse of communism in 1989 in Poland and throughout Eastern Europe.

Francis has carried a grueling schedule since arriving in Poland on Wednesday, making his first-ever visit to Eastern Europe. On Friday he visited the Nazi German death camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau, where he met with concentration camp survivors as well as aging saviors who helped Jews escape certain doom.

The pope ends his visit to Poland on Sunday after a Mass in the same meadow in Brzegi, the crowning event of this year's world jamboree for young Catholics.
An asylum seeker on Sunday stabbed a 65-year-old Belgian priest before fleeing, and the assailant is still on the run, authorities said.

The priest, identified as Father Jos Vanderlee, sustained wounds to his hands and required surgery. His injuries were not life threatening, according to Le Soir, a French language Belgian newspaper.

Prosecutors said the attack, which occurred in Lanaken, is not terror related, and police are searching for witnesses. The attacker is not a resident of a nearby refugee center, Le Soir reported.

Vanderlee celebrated his 40th anniversary as a priest in July and is responsible for eight local parishes.

The attacker allegedly told Vanderlee on Sunday afternoon that he was an asylum seeker, and he asked the priest if he could take a shower at Vanderlees home. The priest agreed, but after showering the man asked for money. When Vanderlee declined, the man allegedly attacked him with a knife and fled.

The attack on Vanderlee comes just days after a pair of terrorists who pledged allegiance to ISIS slit the throat of an 85-year-old priest in France, killing the man. The attackers then used nuns as human shields when trying to leave the church, but both were shot dead by French authorities. ISIS claimed responsibility for the Tuesday attack.


Greek police say they have detained 25 anarchists who burst into the cathedral in the northern city of Thessaloniki and interrupted a Mass, chanting slogans and dropping flyers.

The anarchists on Sunday were protesting a police operation Wednesday that evicted anarchists and refugees from three illegally occupied buildings in the city. One of the buildings, formerly an orphanage, is the property of the Greek Orthodox Church and is being demolished. Police had arrested 74 anarchists in the operation, 64 of them foreigners, from Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Spain and Switzerland. The 33 refugees were freed.

Before dawn Sunday, an improvised device exploded outside the offices of the construction company demolishing the church's property but did little damage.
Hamada Bayloun is not particularly religious, but across his entire upper back spreads a large tattoo of the most revered saint in Shiite Islam, Imam Ali.

He is one of a growing number of Shiite Muslims in Lebanon who have inked themselves with Shiite religious and political symbols as a show of pride in their community since neighboring Syria's civil war broke out in 2011, fanning hatreds between Shiites, Sunnis and other faiths across the region.

The 30-year-old Bayloun got his tattoo a few months after the war began, partly as a response to attempts to bomb Shiite shrines in Syria and Iraq.

"We can't respond with car bombs, but (through tattoos) we can show our strength and love for the prophet and his family," he said, referring to Islam's Prophet Muhammad, who was Ali's cousin and father-in-law.

The Syrian conflict, which began with government forces crushing protests against President Bashar Assad, became a fight between predominantly Sunni rebels against Assad's minority Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiism. The Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah has sent thousands of its fighters to Syria to support Assad, alongside Iranian, Iraqi and other Shiite militias.

That is why one Lebanese man, Tayseer, got the face of the bespectacled Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, tattooed on his chest, right above his heart.

He said it's a show of "deep love" for the man he says is protecting Lebanon from the Islamic State group and other Sunni extremists fighting in Syria and Iraq.

"Everyone should get Nasrallah tattooed," said the 30-year-old civil servant, who asked not to be identified further so as not to jeopardize his job.

Tattoos are forbidden by Sunni clerics but are generally accepted in Shiite circles. Among the most popular tattoos is "313," the number of commanders Shiites believe will accompany their last imam, Mahdi, when he returns to save the world from oppression.

Tattoo artist Hussein Mistrah, 24, says tattoos in general have become fashionable in Lebanon. His small tattoo parlor in Beirut's Shiite district of Dahiyeh is always busy.

He inks an average of three or four Shiite tattoos per week, and among his clients are Hezbollah supporters fighting in Syria. At least 25 of his clients have been killed. "These are the ones I know about," he said.

While an Associated Press photographer visited recently, a 21-year-old fighter name Mohammad Talal came in to get Nasrallah's portrait on his chest. He was told the first appointment would be in two months.

"I could be dead in two months!" Talal shot back. Mistrah said he would try to fit him in sooner.

Mohammad Mehdi al-Ameli, a Lebanese-Australian Shiite cleric who teaches religion in south Lebanon, said tattoos are a visual expression of faith.

"Shiites are under strain ... and have been alienated, and they use this to belong," he said. "The others do it like sheep that follow the flock."

Farah Najm has a tattoo of Ali's sword on the back of her neck. The 21-year-old aviation maintenance student said she got it a few years ago when she was "in a religious state, out of love for Ali."

Although she's no longer observant, she kept the tattoo. She tries to hide it when she's out partying "out of respect."

For some, tattoos have extra benefits.

Zulfiqar, 30, said his tattoos are a magnet for women, especially at the beach. On one pec he has Ali's face, and on the other the name "Zeinab," Ali's daughter and the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad.

"Sometimes I get women's phone numbers because of the tattoo. Maybe they like it more than they like me," he laughed.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said that improving disaster relief is vital for safeguarding the public. (Photo : Twitter)

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged both government officials and the public to help improve the country's disaster relief capabilities.



Xi made the call during the 40th anniversary of the tragic Tangshan earthquake in Hebei Province, China Daily reported. Accor5ding to the president, it is crucial that authorities know how to handle several different disaster relief operations at the same time and not only focus one incident at a time.



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He also said that disaster response should gradually shift from relief to prevention, moving from simply trying to reduce damages to addressing the various risks associated with specific disasters.



For this, Xi said that there is a need to establish an effective early warning system to deal with natural disasters, as well as an increased effort to ensure that all infrastructure are able to withstand any type of disaster.



The president also noted that, in order for the measures to be more effective, the legislation that supports them must also be improved. He said that greater attention will be given to streamlining the various disaster response mechanisms to make them more efficient.



Xi also called on the public to also join in disaster relief and mitigation efforts, hailing the people of Tangshan as an example, hailing its citizens for their unity in dealing with the crisis brought about by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit the city in 1976, Xinhua reported.



The massive earthquake that struck the city that year is believed to have claimed more than 240,000 lives. However, Xi said that it has not only recovered, but also prospered, due to the combined efforts of Party officials and the citizenry.


Syrian rebels launched an offensive aimed at breaking the government's siege of eastern Aleppo on Sunday, where the U.N. estimates some 300,000 people are trapped with dwindling food and medical supplies.

As the powerful, ultraconservative Ahrar al-Sham faction announced the rebels' campaign, residents in the northern city's besieged opposition quarters burned tires to reduce visibility for fighter jets flying overhead, according to local activist Wissam Zarqa.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which gathers information from a network of local informants, said rebels and pro-government forces were clashing along several fronts on the outskirts of the divided city. Aleppo was Syria's largest city and its commercial capital before the war.

Presumed Russian or government jets bombed neighborhoods in the eastern side, the Observatory reported. Earlier in the day, helicopters dropped unguided barrel bombs on the opposition-controlled neighborhood of Bustan al-Basha, it said.

Government forces closed off the last route to the opposition holdout in early July, replicating siege tactics that it has employed with mixed results throughout the war. Opposition neighborhoods in Homs, the country's third largest city, surrendered to government control in 2014 after a two-year siege left residents at the brink of starvation. Other sieges have lasted until today, with devastating humanitarian consequences.

The U.N.'s special envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura warned Friday that basic supplies in eastern Aleppo could run out in three weeks.

The Syrian and Russian militaries announced safe corridors for residents who wanted to leave the besieged area Thursday, but according to the Russian government, only 169 civilians had left by Saturday. Several rights groups have warned that it is illegal to deprive civilians of basic necessities, and that residents should not have to choose between leaving their homes or starving.

In southern Syria, an airstrike on a hospital in an opposition-controlled town put the facility out of service Sunday.

The hospital in Jasem was targeted in one of several airstrikes to hit the town in Deraa province, located some 35 miles (57 kilometers) south of Damascus, according to the Local Coordination Committees activist network. The group said six people were killed in the strikes, blaming them on the government.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said the hospital strike killed a pharmacist and put the facility out of service.

In a statement later Sunday, the president of the International Rescue Committee, David Miliband, said the group was "dismayed" and "angry" at the attack on the hospital, which it was supporting. It said six people had been killed in the strike, and many more wounded. It said that across Syria "aid workers and civilians are being targeted in a merciless way on a daily basis," and called for all those involved to be held to account.

Hospitals are regularly targeted in Syria's war, drawing condemnation from the U.N. and the international community. The New York-based Physicians for Human Rights says over 90 percent of attacks on medical facilities in Syria have been carried out by pro-government forces.

In the capital, Damascus, Ramzy Ramzy, the U.N.'s deputy special envoy for Syria, reiterated the United Nations' intent to resume talks between the government and the opposition in late August, saying he discussed a political transition process with Foreign Minister Walid Moallem. The opposition has demanded that President Bashar Assad step down, after the harsh government crackdown on protests in 2011 sparked a catastrophic civil war.

Whether the opposition and the international community will agree to have Assad rule during a transition period or beyond is a key sticking point in negotiations.

"The minister confirmed the intention of the Syrian government to participate in these talks once they are held," said Ramzy.

De Mistura was simultaneously meeting with the Iranian deputy foreign minister in Tehran, a close ally to the Damascus government.

In Syria's north, a U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led fighting force managed to secure control of 40 percent of the Islamic State-held town of Manbij, a vital satellite to the extremist group's de facto capital in Raqqa, according to the Observatory.

The latest advance by the Syrian Democratic Forces opened the way for some 2,300 additional civilians to evacuate the town, the Observatory said. A spokesman for the SDF, Sherfan Darwish, said between 40,000 and 50,000 civilians have been released from IS control over the course of the campaign for the town, now entering its third month. He said the SDF controlled nearly three-quarters of Manbij.

Over a quarter million people have been killed in Syria's war. The U.N. estimates that half of the country's population has been displaced.
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With 14 scents to date, covering nearly all the fragrance categories, not to mention a host of moods, occasions and seasons, DSH Perfumes' CHROMA Collection surely has something that will delight everyone. We knew 14 scents would be more than a single author could cover, and more than we could cover in a single article. In Part One, we examined Celadon, Quinacridone Violet, Hansa Yellow, Viridian and Albino (A Study in White). We continue our explorations of perfumer Dawn Spencer Hurwitz's interpretations of color through scent in Part 2 of this article.

KOHL GRIS

By: Ida Meister

"Ambergris, Ambery, Art Projects, Australian Sandalwood, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Black Pine, Brown Oakmoss, Centifolia Rose Absolute, CHROMA Collection, Clove Leaf, Clove Tobacco, Espirit de Lavande, Frankincense (Olibanum), Grandiflorum Jasmine, Holiday, Labdanum, Oriental, Orris Concrete, Smoky, Spice, Vintage Style.

Inspired by a collaboration with Three Custom Color Specialists, this aroma-color is 'Charcoal Grey.' The colors for Holiday 2009 are silver, red and grey and Kohl Gris is the scent of the smoky eye; sexy, seductive and smoldering.DSH Perfumes

Confession time: I have sincerely lost count of how many flacons of this I've ordered, used up, shared and decanted since 2010, when I first smelled it and reviewed it.

Six years later, I still envision Johnny Depp as Cap'n Jack Sparrow when I think of kohl. And exquisite Arabic/Indian women veiled or unveiled, their eloquent orbs lined with that smoky, smudgy substance which lends a very real sense of smoldering languor to their appearance.

Then I think of charcoal, of the inexpressible joy of working with it with short deft bold strokes. How one mere facial tissue can alter that bare bones image, soften edges and blend shadows where none existed moments ago. As a girl, I used to ride buses and trains in New York City or en route, sketching the hands of passengers, especially those of the elderly. I was besotted with the stories those hands revealed, how they felt like the roadmap of a lifeand how charcoal felt like the perfect medium.

Kohl Gris feels emblematic of embers, in the manner of profound comfort. It is a soft landing of sorts, a resinous perfumed detente allotted to us in the insistent scurry of modern life.

Lack of light does not always signal despair; it can be the welcome enveloping obscurity of dusk's descending cloak. That shade which bestows respite from an overenthusiastic sun, which Xerxes of Persia extols in his opening aria "Ombra mai fu" (Handel's opera Serse):

Frondi tenere e belle

del mio platano amato

per voi risplenda il fato.

Tuoni, lampi, e procelle

non v'oltraggino mai la cara pace,

ne giunga a profanarvi austro rapace.

Ombra mai fu

di vegetabile,

cara ed amabile,

soave piu.

Tender and beautiful fronds

of my beloved plane tree

let Fate smile upon you.

May thunder, lightning, and storms

never disturb your dear peace,

nor may you by blowing winds be profaned.

Never was a shade

of any plant

dearer and more lovely,

or more sweet.

Dawn's shadow IS benificent. Kohl Gris is lovely beyond reckoning in all its sweet spicy comfort.

Hear me out: my synesthesia craves Bryn Terfel because of all the nuanced warmth of his beautiful baritone, all the shading which embraces and cradles your ear. Dawn couldn't be dealing with a countertenor here: she needs the particular glow of a deeper voice with chiaroscuro while she explores the glowing embers which turn wood into charcoal, no? All the subtle shadings possible with only a few strokes (except that Kohl Gris has to be aromatically intricate in order to render this level of balsamic warmth and refinement).

I love that Dawn uses lavender and grandiflorum jasmine (with its delightful animalic purr) with the noteworthy Kretek aromatics (Indonesian clove-scented tobacco!) and rose to smooth out rough edges. It's a joy to bed down with the resin-heavy base, smoky and sultry but always approachable. I sense a talismanic kind of protection when I wear Kohl Gris; at the same time, it possesses an aromatic beckoning, as it's such a pashmina of a scent. It blooms in the heat as wellonly applying less of it would be recommended. Its longevity is wonderful.

BLUE-GREEN: ARNICA

By: John Biebel

DSH stumbled upon one of the deeper mysteries of color in her CHROMA Collection when she created Blue-Green: Arnica. I liken it to that moment when you are swimming in the ocean, and it occurs to you: what color is the ocean? Is it green? Is it blue? Is it any color at all? That is one of the eternal mysteries that has delighted and confounded artists and mere mortals for millennia. Blue and green are beautifully harmonious, natural siblings, and soothing neighbors, yet they become maddeningly indistinguishable, or do they merge into something altogether new?

Blue-Green: Arnica is a perfume that drives deep into this mystery of blue-green. DSH has taken a cue from a true master of the far off and mysterious landscape, da Vinci, referencing his idea of the bluing effect of atmosphere, in which he suggested that the air and atmosphere around the planet leave a hue on objects. Such can be said in the color interpretation Blue-Green: Arnica, which captures the essence of distance Pacific northwest conifers, air thick with mist and minerals, a blurring of sky and ground where elevations suddenly project upward, and clouds and fog are, like blue and green, indistinguishable.

Arnica is a stoic perfume; it rises tall and stalwart and reveals itself only in gentle stages. Central are the unusual figures: Artemesia or mugwort, arnica, waterlily, petitgrain. They combine to create a fascinating mingling of salt, wood and herbs, with the sweetness of artemesia seeping through but the whole retaining a misty quality. To bring it all higher to the surface, citrus (bergamot) and aquatic notes lift the wood and greens to a new level of atmosphere, but the whole churns gently like rolling fog. This is primarily a mens scent, but the appeal could be vast; what is so enduring here is the beautiful execution of balance, sense of place, a woody aquatic perfume of complexity that embraces the deeper nuances of blue-green, like the complexity of feeling when standing in a forest of ancient trees, as salt embeds itself in ones jacket on an early morning walk through the woods. It manages to smell of the forest but does so without the heaviness of cedar or pine. DSH chooses instead to paint with the color of lichen, moss, and wild herbs. The effect is a beguiling scent of tangy trees in their morning cloaks, waking from a cloudy slumber.

ULTRAMARINE BLUE

By: Bella van der Weerd

Ultramarine Blue is an aroma-color based on an intensely deep, pure blue (with a subtle violet cast) hue which was originally made by grinding lapis lazuli (a deep blue semi-precious stone) into a powder.The name comes from the Latin word ultramarinus, literally "beyond the sea", because the pigment was imported into Europe from mines in Afghanistan by Italian traders during the 14th and 15th centuries.

Ultramarine was the finest and most expensive blue used by Renaissance painters. It was often used for the robes of the Virgin Mary, and symbolized holiness and humility. It remained an extremely expensive pigment until a synthetic ultramarine was invented in 1826.

Together with Viridian, Blue Green: Arnica, Celadon: A Velvet Green, and Quinacridone Violet, Ultramarine Blue belongs to the CHROMA Collection volume 1: Cool hues. My first impression from the get-go was indeed a sensation of coolness: it evoked for me the smell of cool earth, with a sensation of chilly moisture and a moldy nuance you can find in a cold, damp cellar. To some this might sound off putting, but a little research showed me there are many people who crave a bit of mildew or dirt in their fragrance (hence the launching of Demeter Mildew and Dirt and even a thread on mildew on our own Fragrantica member board). And even though I was a bit apprehensive at first, I found myself sniffing my arm for more of that strange aroma over and over again. Obviously, its not only about mildew, theres much more to this scent and it doesnt take long before it settles on the skin as an ozone-fresh veil with a minimal but not typical aquatic side. The notes listed by the house, petitgrain, bergamot, chamomile, cassis bud, ambergris, and musk, create a delightful fresh air effect that can be described with the adjective sweet, but not at all in a sugary way. The mildly mineral-ish vibe brings to mind at times a squeezed out tube of thick paint, but the overall feeling of this scent to me is earth and water. Dawn Spencer Hurwitz says about Ultramarine Blue: This shade of blue is one of my favorites because it is at once comforting and unsettling; the fragrance feels the same to me, and I couldnt agree more.

MARS VIOLET

By: Jodi Battershell

Mars Violet isn't a gourmand scent, per seDawn Spencer Hurwitz describes it as a "fruit-chouli" and that's a good description, but the opening notes are redolent with succulent, pulpy, squishy fruits. My first sniff of Mars Violet brought to mind many of the foods and drinks that are actually similar in color to this unusual shade of mauve-brown: prunes, raisins, dates and figs; the glorious sticky brown caramel tones of burnt sugar; tamarind candies from the Mexican supermarket; a sweet-sour and exotic (to my American palate) soft drink from Mexico called Jarritos Tamarindo.

Mars Violet is one of the most multi-layered and unique perfumes I've had a chance to sample this year. I get something different each time I wear it and each time I sniff my wrist. Despite the opening sweetness, this is no hyperfeminine fruitchouli. If you're looking for Euphoria, La Vie Est Belle or Flowerbomb, this is nothing like those. Men and women will appreciate the modern yet earthy unisex vibe of this potent scent. The fruits fade and the earthier tones emerge as the fragrance progresses. A delightiful soapiness meets a fresh pouch of tobacco in the heart, lingering over warm woods and resins in the base.

A teeny dab is all that's needed and the lasting power is excellent. Overall, Mars Violet is a lush, deep, sensual fragrance whose temperament is perhaps better suited to Autumn and Winter (not unlike the Mars violet color, whose warm purple tone suggests cozy sweaters, plush velvet dresses, chunky scarvesall of which are cooler weather gear.)

So far in this review I've mentioned color, texture, temperature, flavor and scent! With Mars Violet the synesthesia occurs simulatenously and on many levels. It's a startling experience to sniff a fragrance which in turn conjures all of these elements at once. It's also an experience I highly recommend.

And how about you, friends? Have you tried any of the CHROMA scents? Do the notes and scents match your impressions of the colors they represent? Please tell us about in the comments!

A special thank-you to Dawn Spencer Hurwitz for the opportunity to try the entire CHROMA Collection!

CHROMA Collection is available in assorted sizes as well as in 1 ml vial discovery sets and 5 ml flacon collection boxes organized by Cool Hues and Warm Hues on the official website of DSH Perfumes. DSH Perfumes accepts telephone orders for international shipping.

MEH
Indian Prime Minister Modi wants to compete with China's shipping facilities. (Photo : Getty Images)

A conglomerate of the Indian government is building a transshipment port in Vizhinjam built by the Adani Group. The construction costs $240 million.



Another port will be constructed in Enayam. Experts believe that the port here will save Indian companies $200 million in shipping costs.



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Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to expand the potential of India's coastline that extends to major shipping routes around the world. He envisions a port that can carry up to 18,000 units of 20-foot containers.



The government expects that shipping will jump to two-thirds by 2020 as the new port can be a transit port like the ones in Sri Lanka, Dubai and Singapore.



A representative from the Adani Group said, "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."



In a statement, India's Ministry of Shipping said, "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."



A source from India's shipping ministry said that they also want to be cautious with the use of the port for "strategic purposes".



He was referring to a Chinese nuclear submarine surfaced unexpectedly in Sri Lanka in 2014, and the government would like to avoid this.



The Indian government rejected a proposal to build the Vizhinjam port because for the sake of national security.



The government is ready to release $500 million to compete with China. India wants to develop the Iranian port of Chabahar.



Andy Lane, a partner at maritime and port consultant CTI Consultancy, was skeptical if the port will finish soon. It took 25 years for the project to be approved and pass through bureaucratic processing.



Lane also said that shipping lines might not want to divert to India as the Colombo is already "cheap and very effective."


The homepage of KickassTorrents shows the search bar and the different categories (Photo : KickAssTorrents)

The United States government shut down KickassTorrents (KAT) last weeks and it seems like the website will not come back online anytime soon. The piracy community is now turning on alternative sites to access torrent material. The Pirate Bay (TPB), Extra Torrent, and Torrentz are benefiting the most in terms of traffic.



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While there were reports that KAT would return soon, this cannot be substantiated since many misinterpreted the pop-up of clones and mirror sites with cached files as the comeback of KickassTorrents' main domain. Essentially, clones and mirror websites, when legal, could only offer content available on KAT before it was brought down, with no new materials due to the absence of upload capabilities. However, the possibility of clones and mirror surviving is very low since law enforcement agencies will eventually sniff them out, according to Techplz.



When former KickassTorrents users started looking for alternatives, TPB emerged as the best option, with the community claiming to back gone back to the old stalwart. The Pirate Bay has had its own issues when it comes to copyright infringement, but the site has remained remarkably resilient.



Apparently, the former inconsistency of TPB made many torrent users to switch to KickassTorrents. Therefore, they have opted to return to The Pirate Bay because they are familiar with its format and interface.



Apart from TPB, the torrent community has visited the popular Torrentz site. The website not only host any files, but also serves as a Meta search engine that redirects users to other sites on the Internet.



Extra Torrent has seen a remarkable increase in traffic following the shutdown of KAT. In fact, the site was recently rated the third most popular torrent website this year, and one operator on the site confirmed a huge influx of new users just a day after KAT was brought down, according to Torrent Freak. There is a 200 percent surge in signups and a 300 percent increase in traffic.



"It is sad to see an iconic site go this way, and it shows how the torrent community is targeted by all means," the operator said. "But, I guess torrenting will prevail and this doesn't mean the death or end of this era."



Meanwhile, the active and large community of KAT has come together without torrents at a new website, Katcr.co. Former moderators and administrators are also gathering at this website with one objective: to keep the community alive with the hope that KAT main domain will resurrect.



Here is footage for more information on KickassTorrents:






Keycard Ninja Announces New Mobile Service In Orange County

The locksmith service is now able to provide key fob duplication services at customers' residences or other locations, according to keycardninja.com

--

As electronic entry systems, such as hotel key cards or electronic car keys, are rapidly taking the place of traditional physical keys, locksmiths are having to meet a new demand. Specializing in RFID key fobs and cards, Keycard Ninja is a California state-licensed locksmith company that can clone and duplicate any type of key. Until recently a mail-in service only, the company has just announced a new mobile key duplication service in the Orange County area.

"Our mail-in service has been a success, but we understand that our customers would prefer not to go several days without their keys," said Keycard Ninja spokesperson Ryan Smith. "We're excited about being able to offer mobile service. Currently, we're piloting the service in the Orange County area only, but if all goes well, we'll be expanding our service area very soon."

Smith went on to explain how the mobile service works. Customers who want to use the mobile service should first check the map of the company's current service area to make sure their location is covered, and they also need to verify that the type of key they want to copy is included in Keycard Ninja's list of compatible key formats. "We support about 90% of key formats, so the odds are good that customers will find their key type in our database," said Smith. "Moreover, we can transfer the digital signature of the key that we clone into another format, like key fobs, keycards, stickers, and wristbands."

Customers then book an appointment online for onsite key fob duplication, and a locksmith meets them at their residence or other agreed-upon location. The locksmith duplicates the key while the customer waits, and the customer pays at the time of service. "Unfortunately, we can't accept cash or checks at this time, but we can take any major credit card," Smith said.

Customers who are outside of the mobile service area can use the mail-in option from anywhere in the U.S. Mail-in customers are encouraged to use USPS Priority or Express mail, FedEx, or UPS in order to get the fastest service. Once a key is received, it is duplicated right away and is usually in the outgoing mail within 24 hours.

"The service we offer is satisfying a need for a lot of customers," concluded Smith. "Landlords have gotten very restrictive about the number of electronic keys they're willing to give out, and this can cause a problem. Most people need to have one or two extra keys in case of mishaps, but you can't just go get a key fob copy at the local hardware store. Our mobile service, though, offers that level of convenience, and we look forward to expanding into a wider area in the near future."

About Keycard Ninja

Keycard Ninja is a licensed locksmith that specializes in key fob duplication services. Unlike other companies online, Keycard Ninja is licensed by the state of California, and all employees have passed Department of Justice and FBI background checks. Stepping in to play the now-waning role of the hardware store, Keycard Ninja can clone any RFID key fob or card and transfer it to any format the customer chooses from Keycard Ninja's product list.

For more information, please visit https://keycardninja.com

Contact Info:

Name: Ryan Smith

Organization: Keycard Ninja

Phone: 949-243-0003

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/keycard-ninja-announces-new-mobile-service-in-orange-county/125799

Release ID: 125799

For more information visit r



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Nvidias $30 credit to GTX 970 owners will be given in August?; GeForce GTX 1080 more powerful, efficient than Titan X?

Nvidia will be obliged to pay $30 for each person who purchased GTX 970 due to false advertisment. (Photo : Getty Images/STR)

One of the biggest names in the technological industry, Nvidia, has faced a controversy relating to its product - GTX 970 graphics processing unit. Reports say that the company will be obliged to pay $30 for each person who purchased the said GPU.



It is said that the reason why Nvidia has to pay for $30 each is because of its false advertisement about the GTX 970. It was said that the company advertised that the GPU have a 4GB VRAM, but in reality, the 4GB VRAM was partitioned into two, a 3.5GB ad a 0.5GB, Attack of the Fanboy reported.



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According to the same publication, Nvidia said that the partition will not affect the functionality of the GPU, but the users said the contrary. The report did also note that the false advertisement led to the class action lawsuit against the company. It was also noted that Nvidia may have settled the issue by providing $30 to compensate the buyers.



On the other hand, despite the controversy that the company is currently facing, a report on IGN cited why Nvidia is still a top-of-the-line company in terms of manufacturing high end GPUs. The report cited Nvidia's release of the GeForce GTX 1080, which was highlighted to be the next generation GPU in terms of VR performance and display.



It was also noted that GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card is more powerful and much innovated compared to the Titan X. In addition, the company emphasized that GeForce GTX 1080 is using the latest technology which allows it to utilize a small amount of power while providing twice or thrice the efficiency compared to the Titan X.



As a matter of fact, the CEO of the company Jen-Hsun Huang said that the GeForce GTX 1080 is insane, and that its performance is extremely high.



Meanwhile, in regards to when Nvidia will be handing out the $30 compensation, reports are loud that the court still has to give a green light to the settlement on August.



Watch the video below:




The cast of 'The Young and the Restless' pose in the press room during The 42nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards at Warner Bros. Studios on April 26, 2015 in Burbank, California. (Photo : Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

"The Young and the Restless" (Y&R) features intense drama and intriguing twists and turns. The show will see the tension between Phyllis and Billy, Jill threatens to expose Phyllis, Victor and Phyllis are up against each other for revenge and a shocking discovery is made. Here are the detailed spoilers for the next five chapters of CBS' soap opera. Read on to find out what happens next.



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[Spoiler alert! This article contains spoilers for "The Young and the Restless" (Y&R) episodes airing in the week of Aug. 1 - 5. Do not read further if you don't wish to know more about it.]



The week on "The Young and the Restless" (Y&R) opens with drama surrounding Nikki and Victor. According to Soap Central, Nikki urges Victor to be truthful about his intentions. In the meantime, Victor returns to Newman Enterprises and has a new plan in mind.



Nick and Victoria worry about their future at the Newman Enterprises. And Jill warns Victoria that Victor still has revenge on his mind and might be coming after everyone. Phyllis believes Victor is planning a revenge against her and she won't let him win. Phyllis' ambitions might be destroying her marriage. In order to succeed in her plan, she join hands with Nick.



In the meantime, Phyllis and Billy are unable to resist each other. In an unexpected moment, Billy kisses Phyllis and she responds with a slap on his face. All this happens in an elevator and it infuriates Jill.



Jill confronts Phyllis and asks her to save her marriage with Jack. At the same time, she wants him to let Billy work on his marriage with Victoria.



Elsewhere, Sharon makes a sacrifice for her family. Details about it remain unknown. Jack is forced to pick sides. Lily has a plan to pull Hilary down. Mariah and Kevin makes a shocking discovery and Kevin tries to stop Chloe.



In addition, She Knows has reported spoilers for "The Young and the Restless" (Y&R) episodes airing in the week of Aug. 1 - 5. According to the website, Nick pays a surprise visit to Adam. Also, he talks to Dylan about the missing pages from Sage's journal. Kevin receives paternity test results and discover who Bella's father is.



Sharon and Dylan plan to go camping. Hilary and Ashley have a major showdown. Abby makes a significant discovery. Jill wants Billy and Victoria to reunite.



"The Young and the Restless" (Y&R) airs Monday through Friday on CBS. Stay tuned for more spoilers and updates.


Modern Family Season 8 Spoilers, Cast, Air Date: Photo Shoot & Table Read As Cast Gears Up For Next Season, Jay & Claire To Lock Horns?

What's in store for fans when "Modern Family" Season 8 air date arrives this September? Well, according to "Modern Family Season 8 spoilers, more hilariously exciting episodes await for fans of the hit ABC series.

The "Modern Family" cast is gearing up for next season's production. They were recently reunited in Los Angeles for a photo shoot and a table read, reports ET. It's plain to see why the "Modern Family" cast has such great onscreen chemistry. In real life, they actually view each other as one big happily wacky family.

For instance, Sofia Vergara posted some Instagram pics during their photo shoot and photo read. There were pictures showing Vergara with her onscreen family which include husband Jay Pritchett (Ed O'Neill) and sons Joe Pritchett (Jeremy Maguire) and Manny Delgado (Rico Rodriguez) looking very much like a real loving family. Vergara also posted an Instagram picture with the rest of the "Modern Family" season 8 cast which she captioned "So happy to be back with my American family."

Of course, fans can always expect some hilarious complication when "Modern Family" season 8 air date arrives. This time, it appears that Jay could be the cause of trouble this time, according to "Modern Family" season 8 spoilers.

Apparently, the transition from a busy working dad to retirement will not sit well with Jay, according to "Modern Family" season 8 spoilers. While, he really tries to stay on the sidelines at first, his bossy personality will soon reassert itself, predicts MovieNewsGuide.

Pretty soon, Jay would eventually get in the way of how Claire run things back in the office. Fans can expect hilarious verbal tussle in this storyline as the two strong-willed characters are surely going to butt heads when "Modern Family" season 8 premieres.

"Modern Family" Season 8 air date is scheduled this coming September 21, 2016. Stay tune to Game & Guide for upates on "Modern Family" cast and spoilers.
'Deadpool 2' Release Date, SPOILERS, News & Update: Wolverine Cameo Could Happen, But Hugh Jackman Will NOT Play The Mutant?

There are several rumors about "Deadpool 2", mainly about the Marvel characters that will appear in the highly anticipated sequel. So who will appear in the Ryan Reynolds film? Some believe that Wolverine will have a cameo in the movie, but the character will not be played by Hugh Jackman!

Wolverine was a major part of "Deadpool", since most of Wade Wilson's inside jokes were directed at the mutant. Deadpool even wore a mask of Hugh Jackman's face in the first movie. All the references teased on the possibility that Wolverine will pop up in "Deadpool 2".

Wolverine Cameo Teased In "Deadpool 2"! Will Hugh Jackman Reprise The Role?

It's hard to imagine anybody else playing Wolverine after Hugh Jackman retires from the role. However, the actor seems open to seeing somebody else playing the character in "Deadpool 2." "I think you've probably got several other people lined up to play [Wolverine]," Jackman told Yahoo earlier this year.

So will another actor portray Wolverine in "Deadpool 2"? Fans are already expecting a new Wolverine to be introduced in "Wolverine 3", and she (yes, SHE) could pop up in the sequel.

New Wolverine To Face Ryan Reynolds' Wade Wilson In "Deadpool 2"?

There are already rumors that X-23 will debut in "Wolverine 3." The character, who is Logan's female clone, will reportedly be introduced to replace Hugh Jackman. After all, X-23 eventually takes on the Wolverine mantle in the comic books.

But will X-23/Wolverine show up in "Deadpool 2"? Nothing has been confirmed just yet. However, fans are pushing for more Marvel characters to appear in the sequel. There is a huge possibility the new Wolverine is being considered for a cameo.

"Wolverine 3" is scheduled for release on March 3, 2017. "Deadpool 2" is also expected to premiere on the same year.

Do you think the new Wolverine/X-23 should appear in "Deadpool 2"? Which Marvel characters should be in the sequel? Let us know in the comments.
'Stranger Things' Season 2 Air Date, Spoilers, News & Update: What Is Happening To Will Byers? Will Eleven Return To Save Him?

Fans are already looking forward to "Stranger Things" Season 2 after the first season concluded with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger. What will happen to Will Byers? Is everyone still in danger from The Upside Down? Is there any chance that Eleven will return to save the people of Hawkins?

A Quick "Stranger Things" Season 1 Recap

In the "Stranger Things" Season 1 finale, Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) was finally found. Unfortunately, Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) also ended up sacrificing herself to save her friends. In the end, Hopper (David Harbour) left a stack of waffles in the forest for El. Viewers also found that Will is still somehow connected to The Upside Down.

The two scenes suggested that "Stranger Things" Season 2 would once again focus on Will Byers. Although the character only had a small role in the first season, fans believe that Will is set to become a larger part of the series. But this would also mean that the town still needs Eleven.

Will Eleven Return In "Stranger Things" Season 2?

People raved over Millie Bobby Brown's performance as Eleven in "Stranger Things" Season 1. Luckily, her fate seems ambiguous and fans are already speculating that El will return in the second season. But will the young actress have time to reprise her role?

Some fans are already worried that Millie Bobby Brown will be too busy to return in "Stranger Things" Season 2. After all, the cast of the Netflix series are already being picked up for major projects. Game & Guide has previously reported about Brown's costar Finn Wolfhard being cast in Andy Muschietti's remake of the horror classic "It."

Is there any chance that Eleven will return to help her friends in "Stranger Things" Season 2? Netflix has not yet renewed the show for a second season. However, fans are hopeful that the series will return in 2017.
iPhone 8 Release Date, News & Updates: Durable, Advanced Charging, Sapphire Displays Happening In 2017?

The stage is set for the iPhone 7 which is anticipated to come out this September. While the coming flagship has long been billed as coming with minor changes, many are hoping that the souped up iPhone 8 will be worth the wait.

Right now there is no credible information to go by as far as the iPhone 8s possible features. Everything has been purely speculation though the best way to approach it is to perhaps look ahead in the technology sector.

Neurogadget offers a lot of possible features though some would be familiar to most. Leading the pack is the full-glass OLED screen while the others could be minor bumps to what the iPhone 7 carries. A previous post covered on the angle of seeing the iPhone 8 with OLED screens

Better camera, upgraded processors

The iPhone 7 is expected to be equipped with a more powerful processor and a curious dual-lens camera. Right now the safe belief is that all this would be on the iPhone 7 Plus variant.

Picking off from there, these could very well be present in the iPhone 8 at the least and perhaps bumped a bit. Other than that, what is there to look forward to?

Better battery life

First off is a better battery that can last longer. With tons of features, it seems only common to see the iPhones having longevity issues. A larger battery could be of use but that conflicts with the thinner mold that Apple wants on its iPhone models.

Apple may come up with a new kind of battery that is presumed to get better by next year. Lithium-oxygen batteries could be prepped and ready by 2017 so that could be good news for Apple and the iPhone 8 fans.

Fast-charging is expected though Apple could come up with some new technology like motion charging. The tech is used in some watches, using kinetic energy to charge up the battery. If not kinetic energy, perhaps some solar-powered charging available in the market could be of use.

Durable screens coming?

It is believed that the iPhone 8 will come out with a revamped design which could come in the form of a screen made of Sapphire or even a thin substance grapheme to produce a thinner screen display.

This could atone for accidental drops which normally result in a busted and useless iPhone.

The list of potential features seem a lot like a fantasy wish-list though Apple could be pulling off some surprises for a vastly improved iPhone 8, both inside and out.
Next month, 24 randomly selected Oregon voters will gather at Western Oregon University in Monmouth to weigh the pros of cons of Measure 97, the controversial proposal for a gross-receipts tax on certain Oregon corporations.

Think of the group as an impartial grand jury of sorts: Members will hear presentations from proponents and opponents. They'll get to ask questions. At the conclusion of the review, scheduled for Aug. 18-21, the panel will produce a statement to give voters key facts about the measure and arguments for and against its passage.

The panel's report, one of the few impartial sources of information about the most important matter on Oregon's 2016 ballot, will be included in your state voter's guide.

It's all part of the Oregon Citizens' Initiative Review Commission, a uniquely Oregon creation that was launched in 2011. The commission is an innovative attempt to help cut through the noise and heat surrounding far-reaching and complicated ballot measures and provide voters with some badly needed light.

It's also a process that you likely haven't heard much about, in part because it's underfunded.

The Oregon Legislature established the Citizens' Initiative Review Commission in 2011. The state contracts with a Portland-area nonprofit called Healthy Democracy to help run the process.

Robin Teater of Healthy Democracy told me that the original idea was to review at least two ballot measures during each election cycle. (A fresh panel with new members is brought in for each review; panelists receive a daily stipend and their room and board costs are covered.)

Of course, these days, Oregon ballots usually have more than two important measures. In a better world, the commission would be able to set up a review for each important ballot measure.

But this year, because of financial constraints, only one review will be held.

The price tag for each review is about $65,000 in direct costs and another $40,000 or so in indirect costs and staff time.

Given the financial constraints, the state commission elected to do only one review this election cycle, and Measure 97, the "600-pound gorilla" of this election, in Teater's words, got the nod.

The review process has gotten rolling thanks in large part to donations from private sources. But those sources are drying up.

In the meantime, other states are beginning to notice Oregon's experiment with the review commission and are following suit, Teater noted: Arizona has launched a similar process, and Massachusetts is about to launch a pilot program. Arizona's project, which is being coordinated by the Morrison Institute of Public Policy at Arizona State University, is publicly funded. (Healthy Democracy is assisting with the efforts in those states; perhaps ironically, the measures to be considered in both Arizona and Massachusetts involve legalizing marijuana.)

One of the initial selling points for the Oregon project back in 2011 was that it would involve no public funding at all and, in fact, contributions from corporations and unions were barred.

And, again, in a better world, private funds still would be more than sufficient to fund the commission and its work. Or Healthy Democracy would have the resources to try to raise its public profile throughout Oregon to the point where it would be easier to attract additional donations.

We're not there yet. Maybe we won't get there.

But considering that millions of dollars are going to be spent in the battle over Measure 97, investing $100,000 or so to get a fresh and impartial read on such a complicated and important measure seems like an eminently reasonable investment.

And it's not as though Measure 97 will be the last complicated and important measure to go before voters: Oregon ballots typically are loaded with measures on major policy initiatives.

Teater puts it well: The citizens' review process, she said, is "pretty inexpensive. And the stakes are only rising."
The phrase "beer festival" might conjure up some thoughts of long lines, shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, a clutter of plastic cups, no shade and bad seating.

But none of those things were to be found Saturday at Cornelius Orchard & Farm for the fifth annual Craft Beer Picnic. The family-friendly event drew hundreds of people out of the hustle and bustle of most such events and under the farm's more secluded shady grove of oak trees. The 106-acre farm, which helps supply local breweries including 2 Towns Ciderhouse, hosts the annual festival to celebrate Corvallis close-knit craft brewery community.

Jim Bonomo, taproom manager of Reverend Nats Hard Cider in Portland, said Saturdays atmosphere is one every brewer wants to be a part of, but they almost never get the chance because most events focus on sales rather than community.

Youve got a really deep appreciation of craft beer with some of the worlds best cideries and breweries in Corvallis and the camaraderie here is something really special, he said. I feel so comfortable I could just fall asleep on a blanket under one of these trees. What other beer festival could you say that?

Saturdays picnic celebrated 10 breweries from Corvallis and Albany, including Nectar Creek Honeywine, Block 15 Brewing, Flat Tail Brewing, Deluxe Brewing, 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Calapooia Brewing, Mazama Brewing, Oregon Trail Brewery, McMenamins Corvallis and Sky High Brewing.

The event also featured a turnout of several hundred visitors, but there was plenty of space for everyone, said organizer and CCBA co-founder Chris Althouse.

We want this to be fun and family-friendly, but also not a typical beer festival, he said. We dont want people waiting in beer lines or drinking too much. Its not about that, its about hanging out and meeting with friends and family and relaxing under the shade. Its the way for the whole craft beer community to just say thank you to the community for all of the support.

The picnic, which also doubled as a celebration of Oregon Craft Beer Month, featured a dunk tank fundraiser to support fermentation science scholarships, Fire Fingers Music and the Crescendo Show playing live onstage, childrens activities and lawn games.

Drew Salmi, CCBA co-founder who now lives in Portland, said the Craft Beer Picnic is an event he looks forward to each year because of the stark contrast to the competition that typically dominates other festivals and brewery events.

Compared to what youd see in Portland, wed be shoulder-to-shoulder in cramped space. This feels more like community, Salmi said. The way the craft beer scene is going, and Ive been involved in it for a decade, youre getting events that are about bottle releases in front of people you never even see at your bar or restaurant. This is about the community. Its beautiful.
Bonn and Cologne public transportation : Slight decrease in number of passengers without tickets

Bonn/Cologne A year ago, fines were stiffened for those riding public transportation without a valid ticket. It hasnt necessarily proven an effective deterrent.

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Schwarzfahren is one of those terms that every German citizen knows, talks about and has maybe even experienced - whether deliberately or inadvertently. It translates literally into riding black and means riding on public transportation without a valid ticket. For anyone who is new in Germany or not familiar with the public transportation system, they should be aware that passengers who are caught riding on trams or buses without a valid ticket have to pay a fine.

That fine was in the amount of 40 euros until August 1st of 2015. After that, it went up and costs passengers 60 euros now if they are caught riding without a ticket. Since the fine was raised, the number of people caught riding schwarz or black in Bonn and Cologne has slightly decreased from 3.8 to 3.75 percent.

It can't necessarily be proved that raised fine has helped reduce the number of offenders. Cologne transportation authorities (KVB) had already registered a decrease in offenders from 2.8 to 2.3 percent in 2014. Of around 3.18 million guests who were checked for their tickets, around 75,300 did not hold a valid ticket. A spokesperson there says the number of controllers was increased to 90 and that was what made the difference; it was an effective deterrent.

In Dortmund, the increased fine didnt contribute to a reduction in offenders. The number of people caught without valid tickets actually went up, especially on evenings and weekends. They attribute this to more stringent controls. Does the increased fine scare passengers from riding without a ticket? This could be, but we cant prove it with our numbers, was the word from Dortmund.

In Bielefeld, the increased fine had no effect. The estimated number of those riding without valid tickets remained at around 3 percent. Spokesperson Claudia Ohnezorg said, Here, there was no change compared to numbers in the previous year.
Activist Hamdy Kamal, AKA Hamdy Qeshta, was acquitted Saturday by an appeal court of charges related to protests that took place in April against a deal that put two Red Sea islands into Saudi hands.

Qeshta, along with nine others, had been sentenced in May by a lower court to three years in prison and a EGP 100,000 (approximately $11,250) fine each on charges of "belonging to a terrorist group that incites to topple the regime, spreading false news, disturbing public peace and security and inciting protests."

Qeshta, who was arrested for taking part in demonstrations against a government decision to transfer islands of Tiran and Sanafir to Saudi Arabia, will not be released since he still faces separate criminal charges in a different case.

The Egyptian governments decision last April to transfer the islands to Saudi Arabia sparked widespread public outcry.

At demonstrations against the deal in Cairo and elsewhere, dozens were arrested and subsequently tried.

Most of those arrested have received suspended jail sentences and hefty fines.

Egypt's government insists the islands belong to Saudi Arabia and that Cairo has merely been administering them temporarily since the 1950s.

Last month, an administrative court "cancelled the signing" of the deal and said the two islands "remain Egyptian."

A higher court started on 3 July to hear the government's appeal against the verdict.

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The resolution in the UN Security Council passed Friday with 11 votes; Egypt says peacekeeping should not be imposed, but rather based on government consent

Egypt said it abstained from a UN Security Council vote to deploy a UN police force to Burundi for fear the resolution would bring the council into confrontation with the countrys authorities which has not yet consented to the UN's proposals.

The council on Friday authorised the deployment of a 228-strong UN police contingent to the capital Bujumbura in a move to try to end more than a year of violence in the central African country.

Egypt, which currently holds a non-permanent seat on the council, was among four countries on the 15-member council that abstained from the vote.

The resolution passed with 11 votes in favour.

The Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement late Saturday that Egypt abstained because the resolution was to be passed without consultation with Burundis government, which brings the Security Council into confrontation with the government instead of backing it.

Egypt stressed the need to take into consideration Burundis position on the matter to ensure its cooperation in implementing the decision.

Egypts permanent representative to the UN, Amr Abul Atta, said Cairo put forward a number of alternative proposals of conciliatory wordings but were rejected by some delegations who insisted on passing the resolution in its current form.

The approval of hosting countries to deploy UN forces is one of the main principles of deploying peace keepers, the ministry statement added.

The mission of peacekeeping by definition is to preserve peace not to impose it on conflict parties.

More than 500 people have been killed in Burundi and tens of thousands fled the country since President Pierre Nkurunziza announced plans in April last year to run for a third term, which he went on to win.

The turmoil has sparked fears of a deeper plunge into violence similar to the 1993 genocide in the country when tens of thousands of Burundians - mostly members of the Tutsi minority - were killed by Hutu rebels.

This is not the first time Egypt has abstained from voting in the council since it assumed its two-year membership representing north Africa on the council last January.

In March, Cairo was the only country to abstain from voting on a resolution on the repatriation of peacekeeping units whose soldiers face allegations of sexual abuse. It said at the time that the measures passed amounted to the libeling and "branding of entire states, putting forward amendments to the criteria of repatriation that were not adopted.

Earlier this month, Cairo also blocked condemnation of the violence and unrest in Turkey, objecting to the wording of a statement that called on all parties to "respect the democratically elected government of Turkey.

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Samsung Galaxy Note7 official render out ahead of launch: Top 10 Specs and features Features oi -Harshita

There is not much left to be known about Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Note7 smartphone, thanks to the rumors and conjectures so far! The Samsung Galaxy Note7 is its top of the line device that is known for its features and compatibility with Stylus. It is one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year, and will be officially unveiled on August 2.

While there are just a couple of days left for the Samsung's biggie to get official, a new leak has revealed a set of official press renders ahead of its launch. Leaked by @onleaks, the new set of photos of the Galaxy Note7 has given a better look of the upcoming smartphone.

Xiaomi Redmi Pro launched: 7 Reasons why it seems a Killer smartphone!

As seen in the alleged press photos of the Galaxy Note7, Samsung will introduce the phone in black, silver and blue colour variants. The blue variant of the phone dons a gold bezel, which makes it look more attractive than other versions.

Here we give you more details about the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone:

Metal and glass Design:

The Galaxy Note7 is believed to have a metal body design with glass rear panel, like the Galaxy S7. What is to take note is that this time Galaxy Note7 will come in a single variant, adorning curved edge display. Measuring in at 153.573.97.9 mm and 169 grams, it will be marginally thinner and heavier than the previous generation Note 5 smartphone that measures 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6 mm in dimension and weighs in at 171 grams. However, the dimensions also suggest that the new Galaxy Note would be slightly narrower, which could be due to its curved edge display and almost negligible side bezel.

Two million users access high-speed Wi-Fi at 23 railway stations in India: Google

A QHD display:

As per the previous reports, Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Note7 smartphone will feature a 5.7-inch Super AMOLED QHD display, offering 2k 1440 resolution for a crisp and sharp visual experience.

CONFIRMED! LeEco Smart TV coming to India on August 4

SD 820 chipset power:

The Samsung Galaxy Note7 is expected to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 820 chipset, and another variant with Exynos version, which are the same processor variants as available on the Galaxy S7. The chipset is expected to be paired with 4GB of RAM with 64GB of internal storage that can be expanded by another 256GB using a microSD card.

Water and dust resistance:

Rumor reports have also suggested that the upcoming Galaxy Note7 would have an IP68 rating, making it water and dust resistant, just like the Galaxy S7 models.

Xiaomi VR headset to turn into a reality on August 1!

Android Nougat on board!

A recent report suggested that the Galaxy Note 7 would be shipped with Android 7 Nougat out-of-the-box. We are not sure if this would happen, though the new report sourced Android Developers blog, to state that, "Google confirmed that a "consumer release" of Android 7 Nougat will be coming by the end of Summer, not in Autumn, hence there are chances that Note 7 could feature the same OS at the time of launch."

Bigger pixel Camera:

The Note7 will most likely feature the same 12MP Dual Pixel f/1.7 rear camera and 5MP front facing camera specs as the Galaxy S7, which means that the phone should be good to perform in low light conditions, and result in better pictures.

PRICE CUT ALERT! Reliance Slashes Price for Lyf Flame 1, Wind 5 and Wind 7 Smartphones!

Iris scanner as well as fingerprint scanner:

As per the previous reports, Samsung Galaxy Note7 will not only feature a fingerprint scanner, but also come with an iris scanner for enhanced security of the phone.

USB Type C Connectivity:

The latest leak also confirms the presence of USB Type-C reversible port on the Galaxy Note 7. Other connectivity options of the phone are expected to be dual-SIM, 4G LTE, Wifi, Bluetooth and more.

Vivo V3 Price Slashed by Rs 3,000! Now Available at Rs 14,980

Improved S Pen:

It is expected that the Galaxy Note7 will feature an improved S-Pen, which would have 4,096 levels of pressure and a latency of less than 50 milliseconds, resulting in an experience similar to writing on paper with a pen. It will also have an S-Pen feature that will let users translate words by hovering the S-Pen on them. It will also let users create GIFs out of videos.

Samsung Galaxy Note7 price

A new report also suggested that the Galaxy Note7 will be priced at Euro 850 (approx. Rs 63,300) in France. However, this doesn't mean that its India pricing would be same. The company is expected to launch the phone at an aggressive price point in India.

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F-35A program continues to make improvements

By Micah Garbarino, 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs / Published July 29, 2016

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) -- Airmen of the 388th and 419th Fighter Wings have been preparing the F-35A Lightning II for combat readiness since the first operational aircraft was received in September 2015.

Gen. Hawk Carlisle, the commander of Air Combat Command, has said he expects the jet to reach initial operational capability sometime between August and December.

Aircrew and maintainers at Hill Air Force Base's fighter wings say they're confident in the combat ability of the aircraft. So far, they have flown more than 854 sorties with a 91 percent mission effectiveness rate.

Aircrew and mission

The wings' 21 combat-ready active and reserve pilots put the aircraft through its paces during training sorties at the Utah Test and Training Range and a deployment to Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, in June.

The pilots have trained against fourth-generation "aggressors," like the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-15 Eagle, and also low- and high-end surface-to-air threats, said. Lt. Col. George Watkins, the 34th Fighter Squadron commander, a former F-16 pilot with four deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The combination of the stealth and sensor fusion (has) really blown me away," Watkins said. "We can be everywhere and nowhere at the same time. We can cover so much ground and airspace, but the F-15s or F-16s we're going up against don't know where we are. They can't see us and they can't target us."

All the pilots have deployed either live or inert GPS and laser guided munitions against ground targets and the aircraft are performing well in a basic close air support role.

"We've had really good feedback from the (special forces on the ground that) we've been working with over the course of our CAS training," Watkins said.

As a multi-role stealth fighter, the F-35 can perform basic CAS missions, air interdiction and limited suppression of enemy air defenses.

"That's where our capability really comes into play. We can detect (SAM) threats and take those threats out, negating them for the follow on forces while doing close air support at the same time," Watkins said. "(In training,) the only reason the 'enemy' could track us is because we basically told them where we were and said 'try to shoot at us.' We were still able to take out the surface threats. They were only able to fire on us a couple times and they were what we'd call 'low-probability of kill' shots  with both low- and high-end surface threats."

These mission sets will expand with the weapons suite as the program matures, Watkins said.

Aircraft and modifications

Twelve of the 15 operational F-35As at Hill have received the required modifications and software upgrades to deploy. The modifications included a fuel system upgrade that allows for higher "G" limits and another provides protection against lighting.

"These modifications had to be done on our existing fleet, but all of these mods are being implemented on the production line and by the time we get our 25th aircraft those will be done," said Lt. Col. Steven Anderson, the deputy commander for the 388th Maintenance Group. "That's the beauty of concurrent development. Part of the reason we've done a low rate initial production is because feedback from the initial unit gets put into the production line."

The aircraft have also received software upgrades, which corrected radar instability issues that popped up with the initial fielding of jets. Because of their progress in the past 10 months, Airmen expect the improvements and capabilities will only continue.

"I went through F-35 training about a year ago and the jets we're flying now are very different from the jets I learned to fly on at Eglin AFB, (Florida,) just 12 months ago," Watkins said.

Maintenance and systems

There are currently more than 220 F-35 maintainers at Hill AFB, and that number will continue to grow as 78 jets are delivered through the end of 2019 and three F-35 squadrons are stood up.

Anderson said the current cadre is a "dream team" of hand-picked maintainers from Luke AFB, Arizona, and Eglin AFB -- where the Air Force began training Airmen and testing the aircraft.

It takes roughly 12 months to transition a fourth-generation maintainer to a fifth-generation platform. At full strength, there will be approximately 1,600 maintainers. While it will be a challenge, Anderson said, there is an extensive plan in place and he doesn't foresee any shortfalls in maintainers or pilots.

The current version of the Autonomic Logistics Information System is fully deployable and improvements are in the works.

"Capability wise, we're (where we need to be)," said Capt. Richard Palz, a 388th Maintenance Squadron operations officer. "Can there be improvements? Can there be increased efficiencies? Of course, and those are programmed in and some of those are being made with input from the field, which is the great thing about concurrent development, but there is nothing that we lack at all for a deployment."

An IOC declaration is just "the starting gate" for the wings, said Anderson, but Airmen are excited for the future.

"It is a really good time to be at Hill AFB. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to bed down a new weapons set and make it employable for the defense of our nation," he said. "Even the youngest people in this program feel like they are making contributions that will last throughout the life of this aircraft."

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AF maintenance squadron prepares C-130 for US Forest Service

By Jenny Gordon, Robins Air Force Base Public Affairs / Published July 29, 2016

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) -- What started out as an aircraft used by the Coast Guard and later maintained by Airmen will soon end up in the hands of the U.S. Forest Service.

A C-130H that has been revamped by the 560th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is in its final stages of programmed depot maintenance here, having just wrapped up functional test procedures. The aircraft's final visit will be to corrosion control where it will receive a new paint job before it leaves.

The aircraft has remained at Robins Air Force Base and is scheduled to fly out in August when it will serve a different role -- fighting fires.

"The good news about this is we'll be able to get this plane back to the Forest Service right in time for the fire season, and give them a key piece of firefighting equipment," said Stephen Adcock, the 560th AMXS Functional Test flight chief. "We've been regenerating this aircraft and getting ready to offer it up to a flight crew to fly it."

During its time here, the aircraft received a new center wing box, replacement of its outer wings, as well as maintenance actions on the plane's elevator, with parts manufactured with the assistance of the 402nd Commodities Maintenance Group.

To assist with its firefighting capabilities, the plane was installed with a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System control panel.

While the remaining part of that modification will take place at another facility, these portable fire retardant delivery systems, once installed on C-130 aircraft, can provide the Forest Service a unique means to suppress wildfires.

Air Force C-130s equipped with MAFFS provide a surge capability, boosting firefighting efforts when further assistance is needed. Once ready, this particular C-130H outfitted with MAFFS, will be able to discharge a load of up to 3,000 gallons of retardant in less than five seconds, and can be refilled and airborne in less than 20 minutes.

Wildfires typically occur during the summer months in the western states, and are suppressed by not only firefighters on the ground who help contain fires, but from aircraft in the air who either drop water or fire retardant to reduce the intensity and rate of spread of wildfires, according to the Forest Service.

In addition to C-130s, numerous other aircraft can assist, such as helicopters; single-engine air tankers; amphibious aircraft known as water scoopers that can skim a body of water's surface, scooping water into its onboard tank; and DC-10 air tankers that manage fires below.

C-130s assist when needed with the average 7,500 wildfires that burn each year, devastating about 1.5-million acres of national forests and grasslands.

Created by Congress in the 1970s, the ongoing collaboration between the Forest Service and Defense Department continues to be a vital partnership, with several airlift wings throughout the U.S. that deploy throughout the year to assist with MAFFS missions.

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UN Peace Force in S. Sudan to Stay Longer; Expansion Possible

by Tito Justin July 29, 2016

The United Nations has extended its peacekeeping mission in South Sudan until August 12, amid increasing reports of renewed violence in the country's southern states.

The mandate for the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) had been due to expire Sunday. Friday's unanimous vote by the Security Council in New York was seen as a short-term gesture while world powers consider either sending in more troops or imposing an arms embargo on the world's newest nation, or both.

U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power said there had been "very disturbing reports of significant violence" in South Sudan's Equatoria states. The reports followed intense fighting in Juba this month that killed more than 300 people.

The U.N. mission, made up of 10,000 troops, was unable to intervene in the battles in the capital between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and others who back the former first deputy vice president, Riek Machar, because both are equipped with heavy weapons, including tanks and helicopters. However, thousands of civilians gathered at UNMISS bases in search of a safe refuge during the street battles.

On the edge

"All of us need to be on alert this weekend because events could spiral rapidly out of control yet again," Power said before the Security Council vote late Friday. The violence in Juba was "horrifying but, sadly, not unexpected," she noted, because South Sudan's leaders are unable to work together.

"Let us not be fooled that time is on our side," she told fellow council members. "It is not."

Unrest in South Sudan has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 2 million since December 2013.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the Security Council to fortify the peacekeeping mission. He also supports an arms embargo and sanctions against political or military officials in South Sudan who block implementation of last year's peace deal.

In South Sudan, meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced new travel restrictions for most foreign diplomats and all U.N. officials coming to Juba. All travel plans to South Sudan's capital must be presented 72 hours in advance, along with reasons for the visit and the duration of the travelers' stay, ministry officials said.

Authorities instructed passport and immigration control officers to refuse visas to anyone arriving at Juba International Airport who has not complied with the new regulations. The only exceptions are diplomats from South Sudan's neighbor states in East Africa.

Focus on security

Thomas Kenneth, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, said the regulations were not intended to hinder the work of U.N. officials or foreign diplomats, but to improve security, "to monitor things carefully," following the Juba fighting.

Machar left the capital after the clashes began, saying he would return only after international troops were deployed as a buffer force to separate his forces from Kiir's. However, the president announced this week that he had removed Machar and appointed a new first vice president. By doing so, Kiir defied a U.N. warning that any political appointments must comply with the peace agreement Kiir and Machar signed nearly a year ago in Addis Ababa.

"South Sudan has its own rules and regulations, which must be respected by the foreign diplomats [and] UNMISS," Kenneth said. "We are in a very critical time."

A South Sudanese legal expert in South Africa said Juba is creating problems for itself by banning visitors. Remember Miamingi, a professor in the law department at the University of Pretoria, said UNMISS represents the international community, and any move to restrict U.N. officials' movements would be "a diplomatic blunder."

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UN Approves Police Force to Promote Stability in Burundi

by Margaret Besheer July 29, 2016

The U.N. Security Council on Friday authorized a 228-member international police force to deploy to Burundi to prevent human rights violations and provide stability for an intra-Burundian dialogue.

The council said it hoped the police presence would help create a positive atmosphere for substantive talks so the country could move beyond its political impasse.

"Given an increase in violence and tension, the Security Council must have eyes and ears on the ground to predict and ensure that the worst does not occur in Burundi," said French Ambassador Francois Delattre, whose delegation drafted the resolution.

Violence erupted in April 2015 after President Pierre Nkurunziza sought what many viewed as an unconstitutional third term. Since then, more than 450 people have been killed and 270,000 have fled to neighboring countries.

Disappearances, torture

There has also been an increase in disappearances and acts of torture. In the latest troubling report, Human Rights Watch said this week that the youth wing of the ruling party had been gang-raping women with connections to the opposition.

It is hoped that the presence of U.N. police can deter such human rights violations and provide early warning should the situation escalate.

"But we should not harbor any illusions that this will fix Burundi's problems. It will only, at best, observe those problems," U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power told the council.

"Police are not being deployed to protect civilians, even though civilians are in dire need of protection. That should embarrass us," she added, saying the police were effectively being sent as human rights monitors because that was the most the 15 council members could agree upon.

Government not on board

Nkurunziza told the U.N. in a letter earlier this month that his government would consent to a force that included only 50 U.N. police officers.

Friday's resolution was adopted with 11 votes in favor and four abstentions  from China, Angola, Egypt and Venezuela. These members noted Bujumbura's lack of consent, saying its cooperation was necessary to make the mission a success.

In April, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon presented the council with three options for Burundi: a force of about 3,000 police; 228 individual police officers; or a smaller deployment of between 20 and 50 police. At the time, he said that only the first option of 3,000 could "provide some degree of physical protection to the population against increased threats."

The government previously agreed to an increase in African Union human rights observers and military experts to 100 each, but the council noted the significant delays in those deployments. So far, only 32 human rights monitors and 15 military observers have been sent to Burundi.

Political team

The resolution strengthens and expands the U.N.'s small political team in Burundi, while authorizing Ban's office to continue making contingency plans, should the situation deteriorate further.

The council also reiterated its willingness to impose targeted sanctions on those who obstruct the political process and instigate violence, and it urged the government to fulfill its February pledge to release all political detainees and reopen all media outlets.

The 15 members of the U.N. Security Council have made two trips to Burundi in the past year to try to quell the violence, and the U.N. chief traveled there in late February. The visits signal U.N. fears that the country could slip back into another ethnically based civil war, like it saw from 1993 to 2005.

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USS Carney Aids in Rescue of 97 Migrants in Mediterranean Sea

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS160730-01

Release Date: 7/30/2016 10:11:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Weston Jones, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) aided in the rescue of 97 migrants adrift in the Mediterranean Sea, July 29.

Carney provided aid for the migrants until the SOS Mediterranee ship MS Aquarius arrived and took the migrants to safety.

QUOTE:

"Today Team Carney aided in the rescue of 97 migrants while operating in the Mediterranean Sea. Seeing the plight of these desperate migrants and the danger they were in was humbling. As Sailors we make our living on the high seas. We were honored to help these 97 people to safety. My crew acted with the upmost professionalism and compassion and I couldn't be more proud of them."

-Cmdr. Kenneth Pickard, commanding officer, USS Carney (DDG 64)

QUICK FACTS:

* 96 men and one woman were onboard the small craft.

* SOS Mediterranee was founded in 2015 and is an independent European humanitarian association whose objective is to operate in different maritime routes and conduct sea rescue operations.

* Members of Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders) embark with SOS Mediterranee and provide care until the refugees can be turned over to the proper authorities.

* USS Carney (DDG 64) forward deployed to Rota, Spain, is currently attached to the USS Wasp (LHD-1) Amphibious Ready Group that is operating in U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

* U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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UN envoy urges Yemeni parties to pursue peace talks

Iran Press TV

Sat Jul 30, 2016 4:13PM

The United Nations special envoy to Yemen has called on the Yemeni warring parties to pursue UN-brokered peace talks in Kuwait for another week.

"I met today with both delegations (and) suggested a one-week extension to the talks," Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed wrote on his Twitter account on Saturday.

He said he also proposed a "framework for a solution to the crisis in Yemen" without providing further details.

The appeal comes after the Saudi-backed delegation loyal to Yemen's resigned president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, said it was pulling out of the UN-brokered talks.

There was no immediate comment from the Saudi-backed team, but a source close to Hadi said the delegation was considering the UN envoy's proposal.

The news of Hadi delegation's withdrawal from Kuwait talks come two days after Houthi Ansarullah movement and former president Ali Abdullah Saleh's General People's Congress party agreed to set up a governing council to run the conflict-ridden country.

The two parties formed a 10-member "supreme political council', tasked with managing "state affairs politically, militarily, economically, administratively, socially and in security" based on the country's constitution.

Talks between Hadi representatives and delegates representing Houthis and allies resumed in Kuwait on July 16 to end nearly 16 months of conflict in Yemen which has killed close to 10,000 people and created a humanitarian crisis. The negotiations were suspended at the end of June.

The discussions had started in Kuwait City on April 21.

The two sides have managed to agree on some proposals, including how to continue with the exchange of prisoners, but some stumbling blocks remain, marring efforts for a permanent solution to the conflict.

Hadi had earlier said he would not tolerate Houthis as part of any future government, reiterating that the Ansarullah fighters must withdraw from the cities they control and give up their arms.

The Houthis say they will begin to withdraw if someone other than Hadi takes on as the president to manage the transition in Yemen.

The Houthis have set their own preconditions, including a full halt to aerial and ground attacks by Saudi Arabia in support of Hadi.

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US military aircraft landed on Russian airfield: Pentagon

Iran Press TV

Sat Jul 30, 2016 3:51PM

The Pentagon says a US military aircraft has had an emergency landing in a Russian airstrip near the Chinese border because of landing gear malfunction.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when the landing gear of OC-135B observation aircraft did not retract after it took off from a Russian airfield at Ulan Ude, in the Republic of Buryatia, for a scheduled observation flight, CNN reported on Friday.

The aircraft, which had also Russian crew, later flew on to Japan to be repaired.

Pentagon spokeswoman Michelle Baldanza told CNN that the US commander, in cooperation with the Russian escort crew on board diverted the aircraft to Khabarovsk "so the aircraft could exit Russia in the most direct route possible."

"Due to aircraft performance limitations associated with summer temperatures and the landing gear malfunction, the Khabarovsk runway represented the only safe location to land," he added.

According to the report, the Russian airfield is not normally used under the Open Skies Treaty for US aircraft to exit out of Russia.

Under the treaty, both the US and Russia are allowed to fly unarmed observation aircraft over each other's territory.

The Pentagon said the plane was not on a spy mission because all portions of the flight and sensor equipment on board are open to the Russians to observe.

The Russian crew also confirmed that no imagery was collected during the flight.

Back in April, Russia intercepted a US Air Force reconnaissance plane over the Baltic Sea, in a move that was described by the Pentagon as "unsafe and unprofessional."

It claimed that the surveillance plane was flying in international airspace when the Russian jet approached it.

Moscow, however, defended the interception, saying the American jet had turned off its transponder signal which helps others identify it.

Political tensions between Washington and Moscow are high as they support opposite sides of the five-year-old conflict in Syria.

Since September 30, 2015, Russia has been conducting airstrikes against Daesh and other terrorist groups in Syria at the Syrian government's request.

The US and its allies have also been carrying out airstrikes in Syria purportedly against Daesh positions since September 2014. According to a Washington Post report, the Obama administration is now looking to partner with Moscow in the fight against terrorists.

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Armenian Police Officer Shot Dead In Yerevan Standoff

July 30, 2016

by RFE/RL's Armenian Service

Authorities say an Armenian police officer has been shot dead in an ongoing standoff with opposition gunmen barricaded inside a police station in the capital, Yerevan.

Police spokesman Ashot Aharonian said the 30-year-old policeman, Yuri Tepanosian, was killed on July 30 by sniper fire as he sat in a police car parked "350-400 meters" from the compound.

The incident occurred just a few hours before a deadline was set to expire for the gunmen to leave the premises or face a full-scale assault.

The gunmen have been inside the building since July 17, demanding the release of an opposition figure, among other things.

An RFE/RL correspondent heard several gunshots on a blocked street leading to the seized compound at around 6 p.m. local time, about an hour after the ultimatum issued by authorities had expired.

The AFP news agency later reported that hundreds of supporters of the gunmen gathered in central Yerevan late on July 30.

"Bring your relatives and your neighbours onto the streets!" cried protester Albert Bagdassian.

"Our goal is to support the group against which the security services have decided to launch an assault, to march on the street, to paralyze traffic and to show that we are not afraid."

The police station was seized on July 17 by about 30 gunmen, who killed one officer and wounded several others in the attack.

They are demanding freedom for the fringe opposition leader Zhirayr Sefilian, who was arrested in June. They have also demanded that Armenia's president and prime minister step down.

Eight of the gunmen have been wounded since the takeover, including three shot in the legs on July 29, apparently by snipers.

Late on July 29, hundreds of supporters tried to march to the police compound, but were blocked by riot police.

Authorities said earlier on July 30 that 75 were injured in the clashes and more than 20 detained.

Three RFE/RL correspondents were among members of the media beaten with stick and metal bars by men who appeared to be plainclothes police officers.

RFE/RL President Thomas Kent expressed "outrage" over the attack on journalists doing their job.

Authorities on July 30 promised to investigate.

Police said 165 people were rounded up during the demonstration and all but 26 were released.

With reporting by Suren Musayelyan and AFP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/armenia-yerevan- standoff-police-killed/27890220.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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Around 40 people became sick with food poisoning after eating at a wedding party in Kafr El-Sheikh

Over 40 people were hospitalised late on Saturday after they became sick from food poisoning in the Nile Delta governorate Kafr El-Sheikh, Ahram Arabic news website reported.

Fifteen ambulances were sent to those afflicted after they ate from food served at a wedding party in the village of Abu Raya.

Food poisoning is common in Egypt where basic public hygiene standards are poorly enforced.

In April, more than 80 people were hospitalised due to a similar food poisoning incident after they were served at a wedding party in a village in Beni Suef, south of Cairo.

In April 2015, over 700 people in the Nile Delta governorate of Sharqiya contracted food poisoning that was blamed on contaminated tap water.

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Hong Kong Bars Pro-independence Politician From Upcoming Poll

by VOA News July 30, 2016

A top pro-independence politician in Hong Kong has been barred from running in the territory's September legislative elections.

Andy Chan, the founder of the Hong Kong National Party, was one of at least 13 pro-democracy candidates who refused to sign a new required pledge stating that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China. The city government announced Saturday that he has been disqualified from running.

Chan's party, which backs independence for the city-state, issued a statement saying it was "honored" to have a candidate disqualified for political reasons, and called on other parties that support democracy to boycott the election.

Declarations of outright independence from China represent the political extreme in Hong Kong, where most parties still embrace the "one-country, two-systems" model championed by Beijing. China's stance allows for the territory to be self-governed, while remaining part of mainland China. However worries that Beijing is exerting too much control and undermining Hong Kong's democratic liberties, have led to growing separatist sentiments.

Hong Kong and Chinese officials say that independence is inconsistent with Hong Kong law, and activists could face legal consequences for their views.

A rare public opinion poll on the issue conducted in mid-July by the Chinese University of Hong Kong found some 17 percent of Hong Kong residents support the territory becoming independent after 2047.

Under the terms of Hong Kong's 1997 hand-over from British to Chinese rule, the territory is to enjoy a high degree of autonomy for at least 50 years.

The school randomly polled 1,010 Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong residents who were at least 15 years old.

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IAEA denies leaking confidential info on Iran nuclear program

Iran Press TV

Sat Jul 30, 2016 3:13PM

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has denied leaking confidential information about Iran's nuclear program.

On July 18, the Associated Press, citing a classified document, said Iran's scaling back of its nuclear program under last year's agreement with the P5+1 group of countries "will start to ease years before the 15-year accord expires."

Reacting to the report, the spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), Behrouz Kamalvandi, said on July 24 that Iran will submit a note of protest to the UN nuclear agency.

Kamalvandi said "the parts [of the document] published were confidential and were supposed to remain so" and added, "Our assumption is that it has been leaked by the agency."

In a statement on Friday, the IAEA said it has received a letter from Iran this week which referred to a leaked document and to the possibility of leakage by the agency of parts of Iran's initial declaration of its Additional Protocol.

"The Agency has sent a letter in reply strongly disagreeing with and rejecting any statement implying that the Agency has leaked information related to Iran's initial declaration of its Additional Protocol," it added.

The AEOI head, Ali Akbar Salehi, said on July 23 that Iran had asked the UN nuclear agency to keep the data on Tehran's long-term nuclear program confidential as there is no reason to make the information public.

He added that Iran has also agreed that the joint commission which oversees the implementation of the nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), will be notified of Iran's nuclear plans in a confidential manner.

"We do not intend to make this plan known to the public and (IAEA)'s action is a breach of promise," the nuclear official said.

On January 16, Iran and the P5+1 group of countries - the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany started implementing the JCPOA which they reached on July 14, 2015.

Under the nuclear agreement, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program and provide enhanced access to international atomic monitors in return for the termination of all nuclear-related sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

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Russia's military resurgence impressive: NATO

Iran Press TV

Sat Jul 30, 2016 1:38AM

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) says the Russian army has achieved "impressive" progress in recent years to become "a very serious adversary" to the military bloc and the United States.

The Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO Allied Command Operations, General Curtis Michael Scaparrotti, made the remarks at the Aspen Security Forum on Friday, adding that Russia's military is now "more professional" and "agile" at thinking.

"I'm impressed with the fact that they've taken a force that really had some serious problems only a few years ago," said Scaparrotti, who also heads the US European Command, pointing to Russia's major military reforms and re-armament in recent years.

"They've fired long-range precision missiles from submarines, from surface ships, from medium bombers, all at Syria," he added, referring to Moscow's anti-terror campaign in war-torn Syria, which started on September 30, 2015 based on a request from the Syrian government.

He went on to say that much of Russians' military policy is based on the early Soviet doctrine and they are "adjusting their doctrine off that basis, which is impressive."

Relations between Russia and NATO became tense in June 2014 over the crisis in Ukraine, where the government and its Western allies accuse Moscow of backing pro-Russia forces in the east of the country. The Kremlin strongly denies the allegation.

In March that year, the then-Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea joined the Russian Federation following a referendum in March 2014, further angering the West. Since then, Russia has faced an array of economic and military sanctions imposed by the European Union and the US over Crimea.

NATO accuses Russia of massive militarization at the bloc's eastern borders, saying the move is disturbing its allies in those regions, while Moscow says NATO is brandishing the so-called Russian threat to expand eastward and include countries in the Balkan region. Russia says the move directly harms Russia's strategic interests in the Balkans.

As a response to the NATO's growing build-up in Eastern Europe and the worsening security situation in Ukraine, Russia has boosted its southwestern military flank, saying the move is to counterbalance the military alliance's expansion.

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Several militants surrender in E Aleppo, turn in arms

Iran Press TV

Sat Jul 30, 2016 10:1AM

A number of militants operating in the eastern areas of the Syrian city of Aleppo have laid down their weapons and surrendered themselves to government troops, who are making more gains in the embattled province.

The capitulation took place in Aleppo's Salaheddine neighborhood on Saturday, Syria's official SANA news agency reported.

The report further noted that tens of families went out through the corridors set up by army forces for the safe departure of the civilians trapped by terrorist groups in Aleppo's eastern districts.

The families were sent by the Syrian army to makeshift centers upon their arrival to the Salaheddine neighborhood, the report added.

Earlier this week, the Syrian army sent text messages to residents and terrorists in eastern Aleppo, saying it will grant safe passage to people wishing to leave the area.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad also vowed amnesty for those who turn in their weapons, stressing that the policy has been exercised by Damascus since the beginning of the crisis in the Middle Eastern country.

Meanwhile, Russia announced several corridors for civilians and surrendering militants to leave Aleppo's eastern parts.

Aleppo Province also completed arrangements to receive the citizens fleeing militant-held eastern Aleppo and house them in well-equipped temporary accommodation centers.

However, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-base monitoring group, said that several Aleppo residents, who were seeking to exit, were turned back by terrorists.

Since March 2011, Syria has been gripped by militancy it blames on some Western states and their regional allies.

The Takfiri terrorists operating in the Arab country have suffered major setbacks over the past few months as the Syrian army has managed to liberate a number of areas from the grip of the extremists.

United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura estimates that over 400,000 people have been killed in the Syrian conflict. The UN has stopped its official casualty count in Syria, citing its inability to verify the figures it receives from various sources.

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Civilians Flee Syria's Aleppo as Battle for Manbij Continues

by Carla Babb July 30, 2016

Syrian state media report dozens of families have been fleeing the besieged city Aleppo after government forces opened a humanitarian corridor. The city had been sealed off for weeks as Syrian forces bombarded the city. U.N. officials and aid groups have demanded the Syrian government open routes to the city for aid deliveries, warning the estimated 300,000 people there are facing dire food shortages.

Meanwhile the U.S.-led coalition battling Islamic State forces has reported more airstrikes on a key city outside Aleppo, where militants have been fighting to retain control of the city center.

The U.S. military reported 11 airstrikes near Manbij, targeting Islamic State tactical units and fighting positions. The coalition also reported some nine strikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq.

VOA's Kurdish Service reports that fighting in the center of Manbij is continuing amid the airstrikes. An anti-IS militia is battling the militants in the city, street by street, as coalition forces tighten a circle around Islamic State's stronghold in the city.

One fighter told VOA he saw the bodies of several militants killed in Friday's clashes, which started in the afternoon and continued after dark.

Separately, the U.S. military is assessing a third allegation into civilian casualties caused by a coalition airstrike near Manbij.

Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook told reporters Friday that assessment of those claims is in an "early phase." Rights groups claim about 25 civilians were killed by an errant airstrike Thursday, following two similar incidents that are already under investigation.

The Pentagon official said the military's own internal reporting triggered investigation of the incident. He added: "We will continue to work hard every day to execute our mission, while doing our best to minimize the risk to innocent civilians, and to be transparent and accountable about those efforts."

Aleppo humanitarian corridor

Although Syrian state media reported the Aleppo humanitarian corridor open on Saturday, U.N. officials have expressed skepticism that it will be useful while fighting rages on.

The special U.N. envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, on Friday urged Russia to let the world body take charge of any humanitarian corridors in and around Aleppo, allowing civilians to escape the embattled city. Russia has proposed opening up four corridors - to be administered by Russian and Syrian government forces - to allow civilians and fighters willing to lay down their weapons to leave rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

But skepticism remains over the plan.

"How do you expect people to walk through a corridor, thousands of them, while there is shelling, bombing, fighting," De Mistura said.

"The clock is ticking for the Aleppo population," the U.N. envoy said, adding there is probably only enough food in Aleppo to last three weeks. "There is a strong sense of urgency, and that sense of urgency, I want to believe, was one of the reasons, if not the reason for the Russian side to come up with an initiative."

De Mistura echoed calls by the U.N. humanitarian aid chief, Stephen O'Brien, for a 48-hour humanitarian pause in the fighting to allow emergency deliveries of food and other supplies into Aleppo, which has been cut off by pro-government forces since July 17. He also praised a statement from the International Red Cross that welcomed the Russian proposal, but noted such corridors should have the "consent of all parties on all sides."

De Mistura said he was awaiting clarification from Russian authorities on how the plan would work, while reiterating the U.N. position that no civilian should be forced to leave Aleppo.

Details of Manbij investigations

A coalition spokesman announced Wednesday that the U.S. military was formally investigating claims that an airstrike in Manbij on July 19 killed between 10 and several dozen civilians. The military also is assessing whether avoidable civilian casualties occurred during a July 23 strike on a village east of Manbij.

The coalition has conducted more than 520 airstrikes in support of the SAC push to reclaim Manbij from Islamic State fighters. Until now, the U.S. military has said its operations against Islamic State militants have resulted in 55 civilian deaths and 29 civilian injuries.

According to a U.S. Defense Department spokesman, there have been a total of 202 allegations of civilian casualties during operations against Islamic State, but only 59 of those have been deemed credible by the military.

Asked if the U.S. would stop conducting airstrikes until its investigations of the civilian casualty claims are complete, Cook told reporters that halting strikes would only leave local coalition-supported forces vulnerable to attacks by Islamic State extremists.

VOA Kurdish Service reporter Mahmoud Bali contributed to this story.

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Turkish forces 'foil PKK raid, kill 35 militants'

Iran Press TV

Sat Jul 30, 2016 9:11AM

Turkish forces say they have killed 35 militants with a separatist Kurdish militant group who attempted to storm a military base in southeastern Turkey.

The fatalities were reportedly caused on Saturday following an attempt by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants to overrun the outpost in the Hakkari Province from three directions.

Most of them were killed in Turkish airstrikes after warplanes spotted the surging attackers.

A day earlier, the military had engaged PKK militants in the province's Cukurca district. The fighting killed eight soldiers and wounded 25 others.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed since 1984, when the PKK, listed as a terrorist group by many countries, took up arms in pursuit of establishing an independent state in southeastern Turkey.

A ceasefire between the PKK and the Turkish government collapsed in July 2015 and attacks on Turkish security forces have soared since. Thousands of militants and hundreds of civilians and soldiers have been killed since then.

Ankara has come under the spotlight for the civilian fatalities reportedly caused during the conflict.

The Turkish armed forces are, meanwhile, hot from undergoing an overhaul in the aftermath of a failed July 15 military coup, led by one of its factions, during which tanks, helicopters, and soldiers clashed with police and people on the streets of the capital, Ankara, and Istanbul.

The shake-up has seen about 40 percent of all generals and admirals being dismissed.

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OSCE: Monitors In Eastern Ukraine Threatened At Gunpoint By Separatists

July 30, 2016

by RFE/RL

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) says members of its monitoring mission in eastern Ukraine have been threatened at gunpoint near a village in the Donetsk region.

The OSCE said a Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) was stopped by two armed separatists near the separatist-controlled village of Lukove in the afternoon on July 29.

This occurred, the OSCE said, while the SMM was following what it said were fresh tracks, likely left by an infantry fighting vehicle.

The separatists blocked the road with their camouflaged-style jeep and pointed their guns at the monitors and ordered them to leave the area, according to the OSCE.

As the group of monitors was leaving the area, another separatist jeep appeared, traveling at top speed. It almost hit the lead vehicle in the SMM convoy before coming to a stop in front of the patrol, blocking its path.

The OSCE said one separatist made a "cut throat" sign to the monitors and took photographs of both SMM vehicles and the drivers.

The OSCE monitors were led to a separatist checkpoint in Prymorske, some five kilometers south of Lukove.

There, according to the OSCE, nine armed separatists surrounded the first SMM vehicle, swearing and making threatening gestures. One of the monitor's vehicles was dented after a separatist hit it several times with his rifle butt.

The monitors were eventually released and returned safely to their base in Mariupol.

Among those condemning the separatists' actions was Liselotte Plesner, an OSCE ambassador from Denmark.

The OSCE, which includes nations from North America to Europe to Central Asia, is tasked with monitoring the shaky cease-fire in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions, where pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian government forces still engage in regular clashes.



The organization's daily reports on cease-fire violations are of great importance to Western leaders, many of whom say they will not consider lifting sanctions against Russia until the Minsk peace deal that Kyiv and Moscow agreed to is fully implemented.



Russia has long distrusted the OSCE, accusing it of bias. The organization's special monitoring mission includes observers from more than 45 countries, including Russia, as well as 305 Ukrainian staff.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/ ukraine-osce-monitors-threatened- gunpoint-lukove/27890182.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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Behery, an Islamic researcher, has been charged for statements he made questioning the credibility of some of the sources of Prophet Muhammad's sayings

An Egypt appeal court upheld on Sunday a one-year sentence against TV host Islam Behery on charges of "contempt of religion."

Behery, an Islamic researcher, has been charged and convicted based on statements he made on his once popular show providing his own understanding of Islamic doctrine.

The 42-year-old Behery questioned on his show the credibility of some sources of Prophet Muhammad's sayings -- a prime source of Islamic jurisprudence, insisting Muslims are bound only to text of the Quran.

In May 2015, Behery received a five-year sentence which was reduced on appeal to one-year last December.

He has been in prison since his initial conviction.

Behery has repeatedly argued that he only aims to contribute to the renewal of religious discourse in order to protect Islamic theology from the dangers presented by ultra-conservative jihadist interpretations.

The programme, With Islam, which aired on the private Al-Kahera wal Nas satellite channel for over a year, was suspended in 2015 following criticism by Al-Azhar of its content and calls for its cancellation.

Al-Azhar, the world's highest seat of Sunni Islam, demanded authorities cancel the the show, charging Behery was leading a "fierce campaign" against the foundations of Islam and Islamic legacy.

The show was eventually cancelled after the channel said that it does not encourage debates or programmes that stir divisions among Muslims and lead to tensions and strife.

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REIDSVILLE  James Emmet Manion lived in a quiet, upscale community.

Neighbors often exchanged waves with the man they knew as Jay, whom they sometimes saw working in his yard or walking a dog.

Contractors installed wallpaper for Manions Greensboro business before it closed about four years ago.

Workers in neighboring businesses saw him come and go.

But nobody really knew much about Manion, who mostly kept to himself at the house at 1603 Pennrose Drive in Reidsville, which he shares with his wife, Sheryl.

Then federal agents arrived, looking for William Claybourne Taylor, who fled from authorities some 36 years earlier after being charged in the shooting death of one man and a failed attempt to kill another.

FBI agents arrested Jay Manion, 67, on Thursday and said he admitted to them that he is William Claybourne Taylor, who has been on their list of wanted fugitives since 1980.

On Jan. 8, 1977, a man shot and killed former Immigration and Naturalization official Walter Scott and wounded former Williston, Fla., Mayor Eugene Bailey as they drove along a rural Florida road with two other men. Scott died instantly.

Bailey, shot three times, survived. The other two men were unhurt.

It would be a few years before investigators got a break in the shootings. The girlfriend of the accused getaway driver led them to where the guns used in the shootings had been buried.

Authorities accused Taylor, his older brother Ray Taylor and a man who they said drove the getaway car of scheming to assassinate Bailey so that Ray Taylor, then a struggling Florida attorney, could become executor of Baileys multimillion-dollar estate.

They arrested Ray Taylor in Chattanooga, Tenn., where he had moved two years after the shootings and had become a states attorney.

William Taylor was arrested at a dance studio in Chattanooga. He posted $20,000 bail and was released.

And then he disappeared.

In August 1980, federal officials took out a warrant against him on a charge of flight to avoid prosecution. The FBI issued wanted posters describing Taylor as armed and dangerous.

He went by various names, authorities said: William Clay Taylor, Clay Taylor, Michael A. Cauley, Michael Ferris Cawley, Robert J. Cudone and other aliases.

The wanted posters provided more details. He was reportedly a heavy drinker, bisexual and a frequenter of adult bookstores.

He would sometimes dye his hair red.

He was somewhat of a jack-of-all-trades. He could take work in advertising or as a dance instructor, trumpet player, convenience store clerk, painter or welder.

The possibilities were wide.

A Vietnam War veteran, he may have traveled to Brazil, news stations reported.

But how could a 6-foot-4-inch, 200-pound, blond-haired, blue-eyed man avoid detection for 36 years?

As James Emmett Manion, William Taylor got married.

And at one point, he started a business in Greensboro.

Jack Greene said he installed wallpaper Taylor sold at SmartN Up Wallcovering, which was in a rented structure at 2835 Battleground Ave., until about four years ago.

The N.C. Secretary of States Office has no record of any business with that name ever being registered.

A dance studio stands there now.

Greene said he regularly saw the man he knew as Jay Manion.

I saw him on a weekly basis until they went out of business about four years ago, Greene said. I have no idea how hes made a living since then.

Greene said he got friendly enough with Manion and his wife to know that they went to the Atlantic Coast often.

They loved going to the coast, he said. He had a sailboat on the coast. I dont know which place.

Manion apparently kept records under Sheryl Manions name, Greene said.

She always signed the checks, he said. It always struck me as a little odd.

The couples home in Reidsville belongs to her, according to online property records. It appears to have been occupied recently, with the grass cut short and a trash bin set beside the street.

Agents have not said how they learned where Taylor had been hiding out.

He appeared Friday in Guilford County District Court in Greensboro, where he asked for a court-appointed attorney during a video arraignment on a charge of flight to avoid justice, according to The Associated Press.

He remains in the Guilford County jail without bail.

He kept secrets pretty good if he did it for 39 years, Greene said. Maybe, the best place to hide is in plain sight.

Its possible Taylor kept his secrets from his family, too.

Efforts to contact Sheryl Manion were unsuccessful.

Her family has chosen not to speak to media. When reached by phone, her sister said, Were just a little confused.

Taylor has lived for several years in the house on a hill overlooking a corner of the Reidsville neighborhood.

He has lived in Reidsville for about 12 years, WXII-Channel 12 reported, citing court documents.

He lived at the Pennrose Drive home with his wife. Its not clear how long they have been married.

On Friday, no lights shone inside the house.

No cars sat in the driveway.

Only the buzz of an air conditioner in a second-story window  flanked by Carolina-blue shutters with rusty streaks running down the siding  and a trash bin beside the curb gave any indication that somebody might live there.

Leaves and twigs clog the gutters, where small plants are trying to take hold.

The sidewalk to the front door is cluttered with nuts and branches.

No one answered a knock on the door.

The house was quiet a day after FBI agents based in Greensboro arrested Taylor.

As news of his arrest rippled through the community, neighbors said they sometimes exchanged waves with Taylor.

Alberta Morris, 86, smiled as she discussed her neighbor. She said she never spoke to him and wouldnt have been able to identify him if she had.

She told media outlets she sometimes saw him working in his shaded front yard.

The home had changed hands periodically, she said.

Theres no point in being scared, she said. He should have told me he was a murderer. He should have come over and made himself known.

Neighbors said they sometimes saw Taylor walking a black dog and waved at him. They rarely talked, though.

Neighbor Diane McNeill said her family has lived nearby for about four years and never saw the couple, although she admits she and her husband have full-time jobs and work all day.

Everybody over here kind of keeps to themselves, she said. Its scary, I guess.
The legal battle between Gov. Terry McAuliffe and Republican legislators over the civil rights of convicted felons continues.

McAuliffe made this an issue in April when he restored the rights of felons to vote, run for office, serve on a jury and serve as a notary public. To be eligible, the felons had to have served their time in prison and completed their probation or parole requirements.

Virginia governors had been restoring the civil rights of individuals for years while a growing number of states made the process more automatic. McAuliffes executive order simply pushed Virginia to join those other states.

General Assembly Republicans pushed back and successfully sued the governor. In response, McAuliffe has promised to restore the rights of more than 200,000 convicted felons  one signature at a time.

When this debate began in April, Republicans criticized the governor for trying to help Democrats win Virginias 13 electoral votes in November. We now know only about 6 percent of the 206,000 felons who had their rights restored in April actually have registered to vote.

Thats not much of a boost for Hillary Clinton.

But if Republicans are correct McAuliffe used the power of his office to get more votes for Democrats  and we think he did  its also true Republicans dont think they can win the votes of those rights-restored felons.

Other states reformed and simplified the process of restoring the civil rights of felons who have paid their debt to society, so why is Virginia still fighting to keep these people ineligible? Why doesnt the Republican Party work to make voting in the Old Dominion as simple and convenient as possible  even for felons who have paid their debt to society?

One of the primary responsibilities of government is to protect the innocent and enforce the law. But when those who have been arrested, tried, convicted and sentenced pay their debt to society, its time to welcome them back to society.

As we look at the fight between the governor and Republican legislators, the real question is why Virginia is still fighting over what should be an automatic process.

Its worth remembering that of the estimated 206,000 felons who had their rights restored in April, just 13,000 of them have actually registered to vote.

Those 13,000 had the motivation and the determination to complete their return to society. They were  and are  the cream of the crop to come out of this controversy. Gov. McAuliffe has vowed to individually restore their civil rights. Its time for the General Assembly to catch up to most of the rest of the states  and make the process automatic.
Grain sorghum harvest is underway across the Concho Valley and parts of the Big Country, and some early predictions suggest it could be the best crop in years.

Kenny Gully, who farms in the "golden triangle" of Eola, Vick and Vancourt, 21 miles east of San Angelo, is excited about the crop. "We are about a week out from harvest, but it looks good and might exceed average yields this year," he said.

He said the heat, which reached triple digits the past three weeks, brought some stress to the grain sorghum  also called milo or maize  but it was far enough along in its growing cycle that it should be OK.

Donnie Schwertner, owner of Kasberg Grain Co. at Miles, 17 miles northeast of San Angelo, said the firm took in a few loads of milo last week.

"Early reports indicate good yields," he said. "On the little bit we have received, the yields were 4,500 pounds per acre, which is real good.

"There are a few more acres planted in milo this year compared to last year. We have learned how to deal with the aphid situation, which hit hard two years ago by surprise," Schwertner said. "They are in there this year, but they have been controlled by spraying for the most part."

In 2014, the sugar cane aphid (Melanaphis saccchari) was discovered in West Texas for the first time. The pest was first found in Texas in 2013 but was in Florida since 1977 and Louisiana since 1999. Known to feed on grain sorghum in other parts of the world, it had not been recorded on gain sorghum in the U.S. before 2013.

Sugar cane aphids initially colonize on the undersides of leaves near the bottom of plants and then move up the plant as populations increase, said Charles Allen, statewide integrated pest-management coordinator in San Angelo.

In some instances during harvest, the sugar cane aphids can gum up the inside of the combine, and all the grain can ride off the end of the combine because it's all sticky.

"All in all, this year's milo crop is shaping up to be above average for the second year in a row, and we're all pleased about that," Schwertner added.

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, about 30 percent of the milo crop has been harvested in Texas, with 80 percent headed and 50 percent mature and awaiting harvest. The sorghum harvest was near completion in the Coastal Bend last week, with normal yields reported.

Meanwhile, NASS reports 82 percent of the Lone Star State's cotton is squaring, with 36 percent setting bolls and 6 percent of bolls opening.

Cotton is looking good but could have used a rain the past week, Gully said Friday. Dryland cotton  crops that depend solely on rainfall  is holding up despite excess afternoon heat. It just started blooming and is in the flowering stage, and can hold on for several weeks before the next rain.

"I am really proud of the irrigated cotton and pleased that the water wells are holding," Gully said. "The irrigated cotton is in full bloom  it's five or six nodes above white flower and will continue to bloom. The dryland cotton will bloom until it runs out of moisture."

A cotton node is the point on the plant stalk where a joint with a side branch is formed.

There are five developmental growing phases for cotton: germination and emergence, seedling establishment, leaf-area and canopy development, flowering and boll development, and maturation.

On the South Plains, the largest cotton patch in the world, dryland cotton could be in trouble if a soaking rain does not arrive soon, and irrigation on fields was struggling to keep up with water demands, according to the weekly crop and weather report issued by Texas A&M AgriLife Services.

Several fields already have reached physiological cutout at five or fewer nodes above first position white flower. Cotton in Dawson County was having a hard time holding fruit and making bolls.

Jerry Lackey is the agriculture editor emeritus. Contact him at jlackey@wcc.net.
Michelle Gaitan/Standard-Times Steve Wasser, U.S. Customs & Border Patrol officer, speaks with a potential job candidate during the second annual San Angelo Career Fair at the Clarion Hotel in March. Twenty-one local employers set up booths handing out information and applications. Competition among employers for qualified job candidates is keen in public safety fields, as it is in all work specialties.

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By Michael Kelly, mkelly@gosanangelo.com / @kelly_SAST

The paired themes of education and the workforce at this year's West Texas Legislative Summit resonate with state Rep. Drew Darby.

"I consider education the No. 1 role of government in our society," Darby said. "We're a growing state with growing educational needs, and the West Texas Legislative Summit is an opportunity to talk about the issues."

House Bill 5, which changed graduation requirements for Texas public schools and offers more flexibility in course offerings, "takes us in a new direction with the chance to develop a skilled workforce and give opportunities to those who don't feel a four-year college degree is suitable for them," Darby said.

"We'll be able to listen to how things are playing out in public schools, the workforce and colleges."

He described the array of experts and participants as a "star-studded group."

"I don't think I've seen this many senators and representatives before, and that's a tribute to the topic and the region," he said. "Folks will be able to come and meet and greet policymakers and decision-makers for the state."

Darby, along with state Sen. Charles Perry, will moderate the Legislative panel Thursday afternoon.

Funding will form part of a separate panel discussion but will loom over the Legislative session as well.

Darby said funding for community colleges is a particular concern.

"Community colleges are an integral part of training, they're the bridge between the K-12 public education system and the workforce," he said. "We're blessed to have a community college (Howard) that does everything it can to meet the needs of the region, but funding remains a challenge."

"For community colleges, the budget looks ahead and community colleges struggle, they are hurt by the funding formula. with students coming and going unpredictably, it's a push-pull situation from one year to the next," he said.

The problem also affects students, he said.

"Meanwhile, we need to make sure their degree programs are affordable. Students sometimes are studying at these institutions while trying to support a family, and that can be a challenge."

Howard College needs support, but what form it might take is a question. The college is a taxation entity in its home campus area, Howard County, but more than half its students attend the San Angelo campus. The question of whether Howard could seek support from Tom Green County taxpayers carries with it a host of other issues.

"Do we need to support Howard? Absolutely. At the property tax level? I am concerned about that," Darby said. "How to do it would be a challenge  Howard's board is in Howard County. What would the relationship be? It needs a stable source of revenue but taxpayers are frustrated at every level."

Howard is not alone, he said.

"The problem is consistent throughout the state. Some community colleges, like in the Metroplex, have some stability, but how we do the funding across the state is a matter for the 85th Legislature to take up," Darby said.

It's part of the larger issue of the state's attitude toward fostering and encouraging education, he said.

"For the future of the state, either we will have an educated workforce or we won't. If we don't, we'll be a Third World country. If we do, we'll go on to success and prosperity," he said.
Howard College President Cheryl Sparks speaks to a crowd attending the dedication of the new Academic and Student Services buildings in late 2014 on the San Angelo campus. Howard's continued growth is crucial to workforce training in the Concho Valley. Michelle Gaitan/Standard-Times

SHARE Andrew Mitchell/Standard-Times Howard College's Biology Lab Instructor Daniel Guevara helps students focus a microscope on a sample of cells as part of the STEM Camp for High School students in 2014. The community college coordinates it's course offerings with local high schools to meet student needs and the requirements of local employers.

By Michael Kelly, mkelly@gosanangelo.com / @kelly_SAST

Howard College occupies the center in the matrix of education and the workforce in the San Angelo area.

Business and industry rely on the two-year community college to flexibly deliver training and education programs that help prepare students for work ranging from building trades to health care.

Howard operates campuses in Big Spring, San Angelo and La Mesa. Although it is headquartered in Big Spring  the college was founded there in 1945 and given authority to levy an ad valorem tax in Howard County  more than half its students attend the San Angelo campus.

Howard plays a pivotal role in the area economy.

"I would say first and foremost, our role as a community college is to participate in workforce development in concert with business, industry and other local partners," Howard College President Cheryl Sparks said.

That role makes consulting with the community a crucial element in determining the college's program offerings. As the community and economic atmosphere change, the college needs to respond, and that's not always an easy path to follow.

"Community colleges tend to follow the economic ebb and flow in interesting ways," Sparks said. "When times are good our students generally go to work and we see a drop in enrollment. When times are challenging, we tend to see an increase in enrollment.

"For example, we had historic enrollment growth around 2009 for four years, reflecting the recession, but as West Texas began to see a boom from the oil industry, we saw a decline in enrollment."

The college's enrollment data reflects those trends, with an upward arc peaking in 2011 and a gradual slide that troughed in 2014, almost exactly matching the level of employment activity in the Permian Basin oil industry. Enrollment rebounded slightly in the fall of 2015 after a drop in the price of oil precipitated layoffs in drilling and servicing.

At its peak, Howard enrolled 4,681 students in general studies and career technical education courses at Big Spring, San Angelo and Lamesa; at its lowest in the fall of 2014, that number had fallen to 3,808. In fall 2015, it rose to 4,066.

In addition to coping with enrollment numbers that come and go with economic trends and the need to be responsive to community needs in workforce training, Howard also suffers from budgetary whipsawing. A large part of its funding from the state is calculated on student "contact hours" from previous years, so in a year like 2015, when demand begins to escalate, the state funding formula provides money based on the lower enrollment when times were good and its potential students were out earning money in the oil patch or gainfully employed in some other boom-associated work.

"We are actually funded on contact hours already generated, so we find ourselves at times when enrollment is coming back but we're working off a base year when enrollment was down, yet interest from students and industry has picked up," Sparks said. "That can be a challenge."

At times, the college's community supporters pitch in with imaginative forms of help.

Howard received approval last week to start two new nursing programs at the San Angelo campus to help meet the acute demand in the region for health professionals.

"It is a challenge to stay nimble, and the nursing program is one we've been working on for a while," she said. "We've been offering the program in Big Spring and opportunities for San Angelo students to attend there, but this new approval will allow us to extend the local option for students in San Angelo.

"This would not have happened without local support from the city of San Angelo Development Corporation, the Concho Valley Workforce Development Board and both the hospitals (Shannon Medical Center and San Angelo Community Medical Center). They provided startup funding, and that's been a tremendous boon to this project."

The college's goal, she said, is to keep up with or stay ahead of the interests of both employers and students, and those interests often coincide.

"Most times, students express interest in jobs that are available, and most often their desires align with business and industry because it's about jobs," Sparks said. "We attempt to listen to the needs expressed by business and industry, sometimes directly from the businesses themselves or the workforce board or COSADC, and we listen to what our students are telling us.

"We attempt to stay abreast of trending business in the area."

Sparks described Howard, the local school district and Angelo State University as an "educational triad" that works to meet the needs of San Angelo.

The summit this week will be an opportunity to listen and get a glimpse into the future.

"I've been attending the West Texas Legislative Summit for years and I'm always impressed with what the chamber has accomplish and what those who plan it attempt to achieve," she said. "They focus on topics of great interest at the time and they've done that again this year.

"We tend to have a lot of legislative support at these meetings, and it gives the legislators the opportunity to hear what the local business and industry partners have to say about different topics, and they can share topics of interest moving into the next session."
The court's decision stems from a complaint by Egypt's former justice minister El-Zend against an investigative journalist and the editor of Ahram Arabic news website for publishing a report on his 'financial corruption'

An Egypt court has sentenced in absentia Ahram journalist Ahmed Amer to one year in prison and fined the editor-in-chief of the Ahram Arabic website, Hisham Younis, EGP 10,000 on charges of "spreading false news."

The charges against Amer and Younis stem from a 2015 complaint filed by former justice minister Ahmed El-Zend following an investigative report published by Ahram Arabic website.

The report claimed that El-Zend engaged in corrupt financial practices during his tenure as head of the Judges Club, overseeing the selling of land belonging to the club at below market prices to a relative of his wife.

Younis confirmed to Ahram Online that he plans to appeal verdict.

El-Zend had occupied the position of head of the Judges Club from 2009 until 2015, an unofficial but powerful institution, of which 90 percent of judges are members.

In May 2015, El-Zend was appointed justice minister. He was sacked after spending less than a year in office for making public statements that were interpreted as an insult to the Prophet Muhammad.

According to a 2015 report by Reporters Without Borders, Egypt is the second highest jailer of journalists in the world, following China.

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Michelle Gaitan/Standard-Times Katie Terrace gets help looking through available jobs online from John Redwine, assessment coordinator for Workforce Solutions of the Concho Valley. Redwine supervises online job searches for people needing employment.

SHARE Michelle Gaitan/Standard-Times A registered nurse from Shannon Medical Clinic administers a blood pressure test at an event in San Angelo. Health care professionals are in acute demand among the region's employers. shot/archived 0204

By Mike Kelly, mkelly@gosanangelo.com 325-659-8249 / @kelly_SAST

The applicant for an entry-level job with a homebuilder can't read a tape measure.

The newly hired employee doesn't show up for work. Applicants are rejected because of drug and alcohol problems or a criminal record.

With more than 3,000 people unemployed and presumably looking for work, it would seem that there are plenty of people to go around in the Concho Valley pool of idle labor, yet employers pack job fairs with recruiting booths month after month in San Angelo, looking for people ranging from warm bodies to highly educated technical hands.

Lack of skilled workers, or least those with a basic toolbox of reading, writing, math and willingness to learn, is one of the biggest headaches for many local employers. This year's West Texas Legislative Summit, being held at the McNease Convention Center Aug. 4, will examine the problem.

Cathy Ballard at the Concho Valley Workforce Development Board went through the list of job openings her agency had last week, which included in no particular order:

Registered nurses: 347

Food preparation: 165

Health care paraclinicians and technicians: 104

Health care support: 106

Skilled trades, installation, repair and maintenance: 76

Construction: 35

Management: 94

Office and administrative support: 224

Personal care and services: 123

Production jobs: 128

Protective services: 35

Sales and related occupations: 243

Transportation and material moving: 266

Architecture and engineering: 19

Building maintenance: 71

Business and finance: 34

Some fall into more than one category, which means the list adds up to more than the 1,171 job openings, but when compared to the number of people looking for work, it gives the observer some indication that the skills available in the Concho Valley are not well-aligned with the skills being sought by employers. As of the end of June, state data showed about 2,600 people in the San Angelo workforce searching for work.

Although the shortage of highly skilled workers is acute in health care and other professions, Ballard said the demand for people with even the basic skills for work is enormous.

"Of the jobs in demand at any given time, a lot of them are in construction, and employers (are) running up against unskilled people for those positions," Ballard said. "There is a huge gap for entry-level construction workers."

Even hiring workers to train is a challenge.

"Employers want people with a good work ethic, that's No. 1, somebody that will adhere to the rules, be respectful, be on time," Ballard said. "They don't mind training people who have the basics."

Part of the effort to more closely align the workforce with what employers are seeking is the Work Ready Communities program. Created by American College Testing, an organization best known for the ACT college entrance scoring test, Work Ready Communities offers a testing system that evaluates individual job seekers for their workplace qualifications.

"The goal is to measure the emerging workforce," Ballard said. "ACT has a great tool for testing readiness to go to college, but what about readiness to go to work? Prospective workers need to be able to read and comprehend, locate information through spreadsheets and charts, use applied mathematics.  The tests assess people and determines where their skill levels lie and compare them to employers' skill needs."

The program works in both directions, telling employers which workers might be suitable job candidates while at the same time revealing strengths and weaknesses to the individual applicants as an indication of which skills they need to shore up to get a job.

The Work Ready Communities program also involves businesses, government and agencies.

"It was developed in 2006 with the National Association of Manufacturers," Concho Valley Workforce Development Board Executive Director Mike Buck said. "It's a set of assessments to see how well their skills meet workplace needs."

Communities participate in the program by enlisting employers and testing individuals.

Buck said the goal for San Angelo is to sign up about 70 businesses and get more than 500 job seekers to take the test, which is a supervised three-hour session covering three basic areas  math skills, locating information and reading for information  in depth.

"It starts at the basics and gets more difficult as it goes along. It really is a challenging test, and it applies extremely well to the workplace," Buck said. "ACT has 20,000 jobs online, and about 93 percent of them have some portion of those three basic tests."

The test can be retaken as the job seeker acquires more skills, and additional training assessments are available for areas in which they score low, Buck said. Employers participate by assessing which skills they need and to what degree.

Educational institutions have a role closing the skills gap, Ballard said, and Howard College is the primary institution in that role. In addition to responding to workforce needs for instruction, the college also will be a main testing location for Work Ready Communities, she said.

"It's a very timely summit," Buck said in reference to the West Texas Legislative Summit.
SHARE Jack Walker, minister of missions at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, recently went on a mission to Haiti.

Countries outside U.S. account for most growth

By Kimberly Gray Special To Scripps Texas Newspapers

ABILENE ? Many Christian leaders are praying for a spiritual awakening of the American church, but those same leaders are excited about what is going on in other parts of the world.

Although growth of Christianity in the West has slowed, Christianity overall is booming.

Each year, Abilene churches send missionaries around the world to spread their God's word. That isn't unlike what is and what has been going on in American churches elsewhere and could be a significant reason for the escalation in the number of Christians worldwide and notably in Third World countries.

Jim Denison, president of the Center for Informed Faith and theologian-in-residence for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, reported in a paper he wrote last year titled, "The Fifth Great Awakening and the Future of America," that more people than ever are coming to Christ every day.

According to Denison, 82,000 people become Christians every day, which is a statistic he said was first presented by David Barrett, author of the World Christian Encyclopedia.

However, of those 82,000 new Christians, only 6,000 come from North America and Europe combined. There are 32,000 that become new followers of Christ every day in Africa, 25,000 in Asia, and 17,000 in Latin America. The biggest growth is in the Third World.

Jack Walker, missions minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene who served as a missionary in Uruguay for 20 years, said 25 to 30 percent of the people in countries like Brazil, Ecuador, Chile and Peru are now actively evangelical. He also pointed out there is a big renewal movement in Catholicism as well.

Even in Asia, the growth in Christianity has been noticeable. Walker said China's population is now 10 percent Christian, a huge number considering the population of China is over 1 billion. However, he said the numbers are difficult to ascertain since the church in China mostly works underground.

Denison said there are issues at play that have led to the growth in Christianity in other parts of the world. First, he said Christianity has hishistorically grown when faced with opposition.

"There is great persecution now," he said.

Denison has been to Cuba seven times in the last 10 years for mission work, and he has seen how a government persecutes its own people for what they believe or do not believe.

Walker said that when people are in crisis, they more easily recognize their need for Christ.

"Humans have a tendency to think we can run our own lives," he said.

"With less economic stability, people more quickly recognize their need for God," Walker added. "The rest of us live an illusion."

Bob Johnson, president of North Texas Missions headquartered in Frisco, said he believes economic conditions sometimes bring people to the point that they are open to God.

"People seek God in tough times," he said.

And being without water, electricity and health care could easily make people recognize their need for something outside themselves.

It's different in the United States where the average person has all his basic needs met.

"Here we feel self-sufficient because we have all we need," Johnson pointed out.

Carol Davis, a missionary to India who lives in Abilene, said the people she serves don't have the materialism to distract them that Americans do. She deals with very poor people in India, including those in the lower castes.

The second reason for such growth in Third World countries and other parts of the world is the change in strategy of missions. "Historically we (Christian missionaries) have tried to replicate our culture," Denison said. Christians have gone to other countries trying first to turn others into Americans.

Now mission groups are taking an indigenous approach. Missionaries try to build on the established culture.

They go into the individual villages and get to know the people and meet their needs, then share the gospel with them and teach them how to share it with others.

Johnson said that although sharing the gospel is his ministry's "ultimate goal," there is more that needs to be done. "We have to follow Scripture and help those in need," he said.

For example, Johnson has most recently participated in ministering to about 1,700 people in a medical mission in Honduras. During that time he witnessed over 600 people make decisions to follow Christ. He pointed out that many of those decisions were a rededication of faith.

"Some people just need to re-connect to Christ," he explained.

He added that Christians shouldn't just speak about Christ but also show the love of Christ through tangible means.

"The people we serve are in remote villages and have huge physical needs," he said.

Davis and her husband reach out to orphans in India. Her husband was moved to do something when they were in the country on business in 2003.

"Randy saw kids at a train station and was told there were no parents," Carol said.

They later learned some of their parents had sold them into slavery because they were in dire poverty. Then some of those children, mostly girls, ended up in the sex trade.

Now the Davises visit Indian orphanages regularly and are hoping to see a new girls' orphanage completed soon. They also work to get people to sponsor orphans through their ministry and their church, First United Methodist in Abilene.

Serving those needs while sharing the gospel shows the people they serve that they really care about them instead of simply trying to spread their religion, because in every country missionaries work there is already religion.

"We try to help people understand the difference between religion and a relationship with Christ," Johnson said.

He added that he has seen a God-given hunger in people to want to understand what a relationship with Christ really means. Serving in the name of Christ helps make that more visible.

Denison also points out that there is a decline in the career missionary. More people now go on short-term mission trips with more specific missions. In fact, many countries do not allow career missionaries. China would only allow Denison to visit as a speaker. He said many Muslim countries may allow missionaries to teach English, agriculture or business, but they cannot go in as missionaries.

Davis said the ministry she works for, Life Light Ministry, started work in India by establishing a school to teach English.

They are still able to teach orphans about Christ through fun, educational activities.

The third reason for spiritual growth in other parts of the world, according to Denison, is the spiritual passion among the churches.

He said he has heard of Christians in other parts of the world that are so excited about serving God that they wake up every morning at 4 a.m. to pray, or they engage in all-night prayer meetings.

He said his ministry is about bringing that passion here to the U.S. and "becoming a catalyst for a spiritual awakening in this culture."

Johnson said he has witnessed the efforts in other parts of the world in sharing the gospel with others.

However, here in the States, people rarely even share the gospel with their neighbors. "We don't want to bother anyone," he said.

He added that his organization has felt the burden for not only international missions but also missions in the U.S.

Walker pointed out that the U.S. is now receiving missionaries from other countries. "North America is considered a mission field," he said. Many of those missionaries are visiting their own people groups that are now located in the U.S., but there are also many who wish to share with the unchurched.

Although the fact that there are a lot of unchurched people in the U.S. is a concern for Walker, he finds it exciting to see the church now spread across the globe.

"We aren't the only ?sending' nation anymore," he said. "We are now all part of global cross-pollination."

"The American church needs to hear from other countries," Walker added. "We can learn a lot from them."
The trick to meditation is to start small. (Photo courtesy Fotolia/TNS)

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By Suzanne Perez Tobias The Wichita Eagle (TNS)

We were about at the midpoint of our 75-minute yoga class when the instructor told us to sit cross-legged on our mats  hands cupped in our laps, one over the other, as if awaiting communion  and breathe.

Just breathe.

Ahh, I thought. Finally a respite from the stretches and twists. We had just completed a series of simple but horrible poses, holding our arms straight out to our sides for what seemed like hours until our shoulders burned.

Sit and breathe, I nodded. What a relief.

Close your eyes, the instructor said. Focus on your breath. Keep your back straight, the crown of your head reaching toward the ceiling. Inhale, exhale.

So I began.

Within seconds I started to fidget, rocking every so slightly on my mat. Breathe, I thought. Inhale, exhale.

I wiggled my hands, tapping the pads of my fingers one by one against my thumb. I decided to make potato hash for dinner. I wondered when my car might be out of the shop. I counted the days since I had last spoken with my parents on the phone. Too long, I thought. Need to call them when I get home.

I opened one eye and scanned the room. Everyone else seemed to be following the rules, both eyes closed and breathing calmly.

I admired the yoga top the woman in front of me was wearing, its purple straps criss-crossing her back. I thought about buying one like it. I imagined going to the mall, stopping at Orange Julius. I envisioned the food court. I suddenly craved a hot pretzel with cheese.

Monkey mind, as the Buddhists would say. My thoughts were unsettled and restless. My body, consequently, couldnt sit still. This was excruciating.

Having just begun my yoga journey, its little wonder Im easily distracted. But according to the instructor, who has been practicing yoga for decades, the Sukhasana, or easy pose, can be one of the most challenging for people at any level.

We live distracted lives. Its hard to find a waiting room or even a restaurant without television screens everywhere. We talk to friends with one eye on our phones, always checking for that next text, tweet, phone call or e-mail. Our minds go a million directions at once.

Pile on the recent Pokemon Go craze, and the count may be closer to 2 million directions. If you dont open the app and at least look around now and then, how are you ever going to find that coveted Vaporeon or Alakazam?

The trick to meditation, Im told, is to start small. Fifteen breaths, maybe, or just 10.

A friend who often accompanies me to yoga shared a video with me in which Tibetan Buddhist master Mingyur Rinpoche shares advice for taming a monkey mind. The key, he says, is to focus on that chattering in your head and lean into it instead of trying to fight it.

We can meditate everywhere, anytime, he says.

You ask monkey mind, Hello! Watch breath. So monkey mind says, Ah, yeah! Good idea! And be aware of breath: Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in.

This sounds a lot easier, my yoga buddy said when she shared the video.

Easier said than done, no doubt. But Ill keep working on it.
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Today is Friday, June 7, the 158th day of 2013. There are 207 days left in the year.

In 1654, King Louis XIV, age 15, was crowned in Rheims, 11 years after the start of his reign.

In 1769, frontiersman Daniel Boone first began to explore present-day Kentucky.

In 1862, William Bruce Mumford, a Confederate loyalist, was hanged at the order of Union military authorities for tearing down a U.S. flag that had been flying over the New Orleans mint shortly before the city was occupied by the North.

In 1863, French forces occupied Mexico City during the Franco-Mexican War.

In 1892, Homer Plessy, a "Creole of color," was fined for refusing to leave a whites-only car of the East Louisiana Railroad. (Ruling on his case, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld "separate but equal" racial segregation, which it overturned in 1954.)

In 1929, the sovereign state of Vatican City came into existence as copies of the Lateran Treaty were exchanged in Rome.

In 1942, the World War II Battle of Midway ended in a decisive victory for American forces over the Imperial Japanese.

In 1967, the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic opened in San Francisco.

In 1972, the musical "Grease" opened on Broadway, having already been performed in lower Manhattan.

In 1981, Israeli military planes destroyed a nuclear power plant in Iraq, a facility the Israelis charged could have been used to make nuclear weapons.

In 1993, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that religious groups can sometimes meet on school property after hours.

In 1998, in a crime that shocked the nation, James Byrd Jr., a 49-year-old black man, was hooked by a chain to a pickup truck and dragged to his death in Jasper, Texas. (Two white men were later sentenced to death for the crime; a third received life with the possibility of parole.)

In 2003, in a national first, New Hampshire Episcopalians elected the Rev. V. Gene Robinson, an openly gay man, their next bishop. A suicide bomber in Afghanistan killed four German peacekeepers; the blast also killed a teenage Afghan bystander. Justine Henin-Hardenne beat Kim Clijsters 6-0, 6-4 at the French Open, in the first all-Belgian Grand Slam final. Empire Maker beat Kentucky Derby-Preakness winner Funny Cide in the Belmont Stakes.

In 2008, Hillary Rodham Clinton suspended her pioneering campaign for the presidency and endorsed fellow Democrat Barack Obama. Longshot Da' Tara spoiled Big Brown's bid for a Triple Crown by winning the Belmont Stakes. Ana Ivanovic won her first Grand Slam title by beating Dinara Safina 6-4, 6-3 in the French Open. Veteran sportscaster Jim McKay died in Monkton, Md., at age 86.

In 2012, Attorney General Eric Holder clashed with Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee seeking more information about a flawed gun-trafficking investigation in Arizona known as "Operation Fast and Furious." Bob Welch, a former member of Fleetwood Mac who went on to write songs and record several hits during a solo career, died in Nashville; he was 65.
Ngan Ho/Standard-Times Re-enactor Paul Cook was part of a ceremony honoring Buffalo Soldiers on Thursday at Fort Concho.

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By Staff Report

Buffalo Soldier re-enactors, adorned in full uniform, marched in sync for the lowering of the flag and fired the evening cannon under a searing sun Thursday at Fort Concho National Historic Landmark.

About 100 people  including U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, Texas Rep. Drew Darby and Tom Green County Judge Stephen Floyd  attended the ceremony, which celebrated the 150th anniversary of the congressional act that authorized the creation of units made up of black enlisted soldiers in the 9th and 10th U.S. Cavalry regiments and the 24th and 25th U.S. Infantry regiments.

"I'm here because I have family who were Buffalo Soldiers," said Rose Scott, 90.

"Today is extremely important because it brings out the fact that these Buffalo Soldiers are a part of the American history."

Alongside Scott, Anna Ballard, 88, attended because she is a descendant of a Buffalo Soldier through her maternal great-grandfather.

"It's so wonderful to keep up with the history and find out more about it," Ballard said. "As we grow older we find out different things about it and it's very interesting so we can tell our grandchildren."

The ceremony began about 6 p.m. at the fort's Parade Ground, then moved into the Commissary Building. There, John Langellier, a noted historian from Tucson, Arizona, and author of a new book, "Fighting for Uncle Sam: Buffalo Soldiers in the Frontier Army," gave a presentation on the history and achievements of the Buffalo Soldiers from materials in his book.

The book contains more than 150 images gathered from public and private collections that help bring to life the Buffalo Soldiers of the past.

"San Angelo, unlike many cities, maintains its historical integrity of the fort rather than tearing it down and building a subdivision or a strip mall," Langellier said, adding that it makes San Angelo unique. "I had more people at this talk than I had at my talk in Tucson University of Arizona, so it's been an honor."

Scott and Ballard said they enjoyed the program and are active in attending events that honor black history.

Scott said the program taught her "we should all love one another and live in peace."
Patrick Dove/Standard-Times Laticia Lange (bottom left) prepares to take the oath of citizenship during a naturalization ceremony at the O.C. Fisher Federal Building Courtroom in San Angelo. shot 6.01.11 archvied 6.10.11

SHARE photos by Patrick Dove/Standard-Times Leticia Lange receives her certificate of citizenship during a naturalization ceremony earlier this month at the O.C. Fisher Federal Building Courtroom. Top: A few days later, Lange waits in the lobby of Johnson Street Church of Christ for the start of the GED graduation. Patrick Dove/Standard-Times Laticia Lange waits in the lobby of Johnson Street Church of Christ for the start of the GED graduation. Lange, a native of Mexico, was sworn in as an American citizen a few days earlier. shot 6.06.11 archived 6.10.11 Patrick Dove/Standard-Times Laticia Lange makes her way to the stage to receive her GED certificate during a graduation ceremony at Johnson Street Church of Christ in San Angelo. A few days earlier, the 38-year-old was sworn in as an American citizen. shot 6.06.11 archived 6.10.11

Is determined to better her life

By Matthew Waller

The rich smell of soup wafted through Leticia Lange's San Angelo home. The Mexico native was preparing it for people who might come by the next day to help her celebrate. Years of work and study culminated in a trio of events in just over a week for her.

On June 1, the 38-year-old was sworn in as a U.S. citizen, Monday she participated in a graduation service for getting her GED diploma, and Wednesday she passed a state exam to become a certified nurse aid.

The soup would be ready well in advance of the company, and she wanted everything prepared ahead of time, part of the discipline that has helped her through all of her accomplishments, she said Thursday.

"I'm organized, and I block out all distractions," Lange said.

She had gotten rid of her Internet connection so that she wouldn't play games online, and she quit smoking cold turkey.

"I'm very determined," Lange said.

Though she spoke with an accent and occasionally struggled to find the right words in English, her vocabulary and conversation have improved since she came to the United States in 2006, when she barely spoke a word of English.

"My grandmother, she always told me. 'Believe in yourself and do things the right way,' " Lange said.

She came to the United States on a tourist visa after marrying her husband, Lee Lange, who is now retired from Chrysler and would frequent Mexico for the fishing and bar scene.

When he first met Leticia, Lee said, she only knew some words when they were written down.

"We wrote on napkins," Lee said of how they first communicated.

Several months later, they were married, Leticia said.

The couple came to the United States in 2006, and they went to San Angelo three years after that because the taxes and fishing were good, Lee said.

Leticia worked to help pay off credit card debt, stocking shelves at Walmart and housekeeping for hotels, but when their debt was paid off, she became serious about getting her education, with the goal of becoming a nurse.

"I want to serve, to help others," she said.

She wants to join the Army and be a nurse, but her husband doesn't like the idea.

She said she would throw him in her backpack and take him with her.

"I don't want you to go," Lee told his wife, seated beside her on a couch.

Leticia finished her GED certificate in February, although the graduation ceremony was held Monday.

More than her own efforts, she praised her teachers for her success.

"They are like gold to me," Leticia said. "I'm very grateful for them. I feel very blessed. I tell them, 'You are my crutches.' "

Barby Easley, a teacher of adult basic education for Howard College, said Leticia had determination, but she would also help out other students.

"She cared a lot about other students that were in the class, too," Easley said. "She shared things with her fellow classmates. If they didn't understand something, she was eager to help."

Easley attended Leticia's citizenship service.

Leticia was shocked that some people would put their flags on the floor, so she held her flag high, Easley said.

Lee bragged that his wife passed the U.S. history portion of the citizenship test with a perfect score, answering more than 40 questions correctly.

Leticia said she had mixed feelings about the citizenship service, excited to be taking up citizenship in a country she loved but sad to be letting go of her homeland. Her father's birthday is on Mexico's Independence Day.

"That day I was happy and a little sad," she said.

Beyond citizenship, the GED diploma and becoming a certified nurse aid, Leticia also has studied computers, hair cutting and sewing.

In her living room, she also has a painting of an emerald green field with mountains in the background. It's a scene she painted herself.

"As long as I'm learning, it's good for me," she said.

Leticia still has goals, including getting CPR trained and certified to hand out medicines.

She isn't worried and doesn't feel burned out. She feels inspired.

"When you like to do something, it's easy," she said. "I'm going to live like every day is my final day."
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks during a rally at Broad Street Market in Harrisburg, Pa., Friday, July 29, 2016. Clinton and Kaine begin a three day bus tour through the rust belt. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

SHARE Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump walks off after speaking during a campaign rally at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, Friday, July 29, 2016, in Denver. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

By ROBERT BURNS, AP National Security Writer

WASHINGTON (AP)  In their struggle for the upper hand on national security, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are emphasizing strikingly different themes - he as the bold and cunningly unpredictable strongman who will eliminate terrorism; she as the calm, conventional commander in chief who will manage all manner of crises.

Terrorism is Trump's national security touchstone, and the Islamic State group is his target. He promises to wipe it out, and quickly.

Clinton accuses him of fearmongering and of denigrating the U.S. military as gutted and worn out. She presents herself as the anti-Trump.

"America's strength doesn't come from lashing out," she said in accepting the Democratic nomination Thursday. "Strength relies on smarts, judgment, cool resolve, and the precise and strategic application of power." By implication, Trump is cast as bombastic, scattershot, impulsive and fanciful.

National security has emerged as a key focus of the campaign  more the candidates' temperaments than their plans

Trump says he is best suited because he would be a dealmaker and deliberately unpredictable, thus making it more difficult for adversaries to counter his military or diplomatic moves. Clinton pitches her steadiness and depth of experience from eight years in the Senate and four years as President Barack Obama's secretary of state.

Each has zeroed in on what many consider the most worrisome issues: terrorism and an assertive Russia. The next president, however, will face a wider range of problems, to include ending the war in Afghanistan, managing the nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea, coping with a rising China and ending a cycle of bloody instability in Iraq and Syria. There also are challenges in cyberwarfare, nuclear weapons and the modernization of the U.S. military.

Trump calls his approach "America first," meaning alliances and coalitions would not pass muster with him unless they produced a net benefit to the U.S. He drew rebukes from much of the national security establishment when he suggested in a recent newspaper interview that as president he might not defend certain NATO member countries against outside attack if they were falling short of the alliance's defense spending targets. He also has been accused of being too easy on Vladimir Putin, the Russian president whom Trump has openly admired.

Clinton sees international partnerships as essential tools for using American influence and lessening the chances of war. That is an approach rooted in a U.S. tradition of bipartisan support for institutions such as NATO, whose value and future Trump says should not be taken for granted.

Trump has tried to keep his focus on fear. In his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention he decried "war and destruction." He said the long-volatile and often violent Middle East is now "worse than it has ever been before," suggesting Americans are increasingly at risk.

He mocks Clinton's experience as a member of Obama's war Cabinet, labeling her legacy at the State Department as "death, destruction, terrorism and weakness."

She questions Trump's reliability. "He loses his cool at the slightest provocation," she said in her acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention. "Imagine him in the Oval Office facing a real crisis. A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons."

The commander in chief's responsibility in the nuclear arena is not traditionally a hot-button issue on the campaign trail. But it has arisen more regularly this time, mainly because the Democrats see Trump as vulnerable to voter doubts about whether he could be trusted to use nuclear restraint. He raised eyebrows during a Republican primary debate when he seemed unaware of the nuclear "triad," the bombers, submarines and long-range missiles that have comprised the three basic pieces of the American nuclear arsenal for more than 50 years.

Through her supporters, including retired military officers, Clinton has pushed back on Trump's claim that he alone has the right formula for keeping America secure.

"She, as no other, knows how to use all instruments of American power, not just the military, to keep us all safe and free," John Allen, the retired Marine general and former presidential envoy to the international coalition aligned against the Islamic State, told the Democratic National Convention.

Allen presented a counterpoint to Trump's top military supporter, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. In his address to the Republican National Convention, Flynn doubled down on Trump's portrayal of Clinton as unqualified to be president. He blamed her for "bumbling indecisiveness, willful ignorance and total incompetence."
Colorful Playground In A Park During Early Summer

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A little shade will go a long way to protect children

By Special To The Standard-Times

In warmer climates, where 90- and 100-degree air temperatures are the norm for several months of the year, unshaded playground equipment can reach temperatures that cause burns to children. But a pilot study and paper published this past fall could be the first step toward improving safety at playgrounds throughout the country with a simple, obvious solution  providing a little shade.

The study is from Jennifer Vanos, an assistant professor in the atmospheric science group in the Department of Geosciences and a faculty associate with the Texas Tech Climate Science Center, and her colleagues at Arizona State University.

"We need to provide comfortable spaces, especially in urban areas so kids can go out and play," said Vanos, whose area of specialty is the effect of weather and climate on humans. "During the summer, those spaces often aren't available. But we were able to show that even on extremely hot days, a park that had a shade sail was safe to play in considering heat exposure and burning potential."

Vanos, along with Arizona State professors Ariane Middel and Benjamin Ruddell, studied a playground in the Phoenix suburb of Gilbert, Arizona, which had areas of sun where surface temperatures reached near-boiling point levels but where shade made a significant difference.

The study showed even a little shade on the equipment, whether by an artificial shade sail or by natural means such as trees, had a huge impact on the safety and comfort of not only the playground equipment but also the natural and artificial surfaces on which the playgrounds were constructed.

"This is all probably common sense to a lot of people," Vanos said. "Essentially we're showing by just providing the mechanism of shade in the playground it brought temperatures into safe values so kids could actually play. In hotter temperatures they're not going to play and have a high likelihood of burning their skin."

What Vanos and her colleagues found was striking. For example, the rubber surface on which the playground was constructed, which was soft to cushion falls and colored green and black, was recorded at 87.2 degrees Celsius in the sun at noon, less than 13 degrees below the boiling point of water. In the shade of a tree, that same surface was recorded at 42.2 C, and under the shade sail was measured at 46.7 C, both much closer to the air temperature of 41.6 C.

In terms of equipment, a green, molded plastic slide with a high-density polyethylene coating was measured at 71.7 C in the sun and 43.9 C under the tree shade. A beige-colored slide of the same material and coating was measured at 63.9 C in the sun and 40.6 C under the shade tree.

For a point of reference, the burn threshold for the slide's material is one minute at 60 C, five seconds at 74 C and just three seconds at 77 C, meaning a child's skin does not have to contact the surface for very long in the sun to be burned.

"There are so many reports you can find of kids burning themselves on playgrounds that are just too hot, yet there is little in the way of guidelines from the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS)," Vanos said. "But this paper is showing there is a good solution."

But Vanos and her colleagues haven't relied just on temperatures taken at the state.

Since the paper was published, further research has focused on taking microscale data from the children themselves. Vanos said an additional step has been taken where researchers assess how microscale weather variables, such as temperature or radiation, can impact a child's thermal comfort level, i.e., how hot or cold they are.

Another pilot study has undertaken collecting "individually experienced exposures" of temperatures and ultraviolet-b (UVB) radiation and children's heart rates while playing, and the impact that surface type and shade cover have on children's exposures to both parameters.

"With our microclimate weather station, we get a sense for the full playground's environment, but with the personal sensors, we can see the fine-scale environment experienced by each and every child," Vanos said. "The data can help provide the evidence base needed for designers of playgrounds to use when thinking about the impacts of shade, surface type and overall weather parameters on children's activity levels, health, well-being and behavior."

With the continued warming of the planet, temperatures are only going to rise, making playgrounds hotter and the need for shade greater.

"Urban climates also warm with growing urban areas due to the urban heat island effect. That's cumulative with the increasing temperature due to climate change," Vanos said. "We need to be able to make sure kids can still play and not be stuck inside all the time, especially in warmer climates, because we know it happens. Providing shade is something Lubbock could easily do. We've started this pilot study in Phoenix because that's the hottest city in the U.S., but we want to expand it to other cities and climate zones."

This study is one of the first done on the subject, so little information exists on playground surface temperatures. Vanos is hopeful this study begins the discussion to add heat stress and temperature-related guidelines to construction standards for current and future playgrounds.

"Playgrounds are one of the only places kids get a chance to be creative and play and be kids," Vanos said. "To be able to freelance and play and be creative, it's a really important aspect of kids' lives. We need to make sure we provide a good environment process for that."
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By Joe W. Brown, Sonora

Lord, Let Me

Let me see the sun come up over the hills again.

Let me smell the coffee boiling over a country camp fire.

Let me make the West-Pyle wagon once more.

Let me sleep in a bedroll on the ground.

Let me ride a good gentle horse to the rim and look over green grass land.

Let me ride a new squeaky saddle in the cool morning.

Let me see the baby calves arrive every spring.

Let me hear rainwater dripping off of a tin roof.

Let me spell the sage after a summer shower.

Let me live long enough to see my banker smile.

Let me hold my first grandchild in my arms.

Let me know my children will all grow up to be honest citizens.

Let me keep my wife happy for another 60 years.

Let me dance with my wife to a Bob Wills two-step.

Let me be proud of having served my country during wartime.

Let me be proud of the name Brown where all the men wore a uniform.

Let my children carry the name Brown proudly through their lives.

Let my neighbors call me friend.

Let me thank you for giving me the ability to write true stories.

Let me tell the world how proud I am of you helping me publish three books.

Let me serve as an example for my fellow Christians.

Let me never step off the narrow trail you have laid out for me.

Let my family look up to me as an example in years to come.

Let me keep my health and not be a burden to my family.

Let me hang my saddle while I still can.

Let me look back down the road of life and know I did the best I could.

Let the world know I've left some family traditions on this ride.

Lord, I know I've asked a lot of you but when we meet at the Jordan we will discuss these, so grant them now!

Amen.

 Joe W. Brown, Sonora
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Candidate lost by narrow margin last time

By Maria Recio, McClatchy Washington Bureau (TNS)

WASHINGTON  Two years ago, then-Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Texas, lost to a Republican challenger by a little more than 2,000 votes in a vast congressional district that stretches from San Antonio for over 800 miles of border, brush and desert to the outskirts of El Paso.

Gallego is running again, and one factor that he believes cost him the election  Texas' strict photo-identification requirements for voters  is about to change, to his benefit.

Last week the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld earlier rulings that the state's voter ID law violated the Voting Rights Act by making it more difficult for minorities to vote. The case, Veasey v. Abbott, was led by Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, a Fort Worth lawmaker who is African-American. Greg Abbott, a Republican, was Texas' attorney general at the time of the suit and is now the state's governor.

Texas is one of 33 states with photo ID requirements for voters, but it has been at the forefront of setting strict, very limited ID options. It is one of nine states that require voters to comply with a shortlist of identification, such as a driver's license or a passport. Advocate groups, like the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center, say that in large rural areas it is very difficult and costly for some people to reach the Department of Public Safety for state-issued identification. Texas has been offering the ID free of charge, but a birth certificate or another supporting document is required to get it, another costly step.

Wisconsin also had its voter ID law stopped by a federal judge last week, and North Carolina has a pending case on its voter ID rules.

The Texas district judge has to come up with a remedy in time for the Nov. 8 election, with an Aug. 17 hearing set to determine what people have to show to be eligible to vote. The judge signaled her thinking by setting rules for a special legislative election Aug. 2 that enable voters without photo ID to fill out a form and present other evidence of eligibility, such as a utility bill.

"It is without question a boost for Gallego," Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University, said of the court's decision in an interview. He co-authored a study last year of the impact of the voter ID law on the Gallego race in the 23rd Congressional District, which is a majority Latino district with a 66 percent Hispanic voting-age population.

The 23rd District is the only competitive race of Texas' 36 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and one that the state's Democrats, with only 11 members in Congress, are eager to recapture. Republicans are also anxious to keep the district's incumbent, Rep. Will Hurd, a rising star who is one of only two African-American GOP members in the House.

Abbott has said the law was necessary to prevent voter fraud. The state may appeal after the judge acts. The judge-imposed measures may well be temporary if the GOP-controlled Texas Legislature, which will meet in January for its biennial session, decides to write a new law.

In the 2014 election, the first cycle the law was in force, the study on the law by Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy and the University of Houston Hobby Center for Public Policy found that its effect in the district was to suppress voter turnout, with 10,000 to 15,000 staying home either because they were confused by the requirements or, to a smaller degree, didn't have any of the seven photo IDs on the list.

One of the people affected was Margarito Lara, an elderly Mexican-American who was born on a ranch in southern Texas but whose birth was never recorded. He did not have a driver's license and acquiring a birth certificate would have been costly, said his attorneys. Lara, who is now deceased, was unable to vote after the ID law took effect, although he had voted before. He was an intervenor in the case, represented by Texas RioGrande Legal Aid Inc.

"Gallego lost by 2,422 votes. It's very likely the voter ID law cost Gallego the election," Jones said.

Gallego is confident of his chances, not only because of the ruling, he said, but also because of higher turnout in presidential election years and Latinos opposed to Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, who wants to build a wall on the border with Mexico. "People are more enthusiastic about participating in this election cycle than I've ever seen, especially among the Latino community," he said.

Hurd is defending his seat just as hard.

"We are running on our record of achievements that appeals to every voter," said Hurd campaign manager Justin Hollis, who does not plan to change his candidate's game plan. "This ruling ensures Pete Gallego will have to sell his record of zero accomplishments and doing nothing for our district while in office to the voters of Texas."
Adly's defence team withdrew from the Sunday renewal of detention session after their demand an independent judge be appointed to the case was denied

Human rights lawyer Malek Adly saw his detention renewed on Sunday for another 15 days pending further investigations on charges of attempting to overthrow the regime.

Adly's defence team issued a statement announcing they had withdrawn from the Sunday session after failing to secure their earlier demand, presented on 18 July, that a new judge be appointed to the case due to grave violations of Adly's rights by prosecutors.

According to the defence team, prosecution violations include "refusing to recognise Adly as a victim" of bad treatment in jail after being kept in solitary confinement since his arrest in an unequipped cell and denied a visit from his defence team.

Adly's wife, Asmaa Ali, had released several statements about the poor conditions her husband is being subject to, including being kept in solitary confinement and not being allowed to leave his unlit, unventilated prison cell.

His health is deteriorating because his family have not been allowed to provide him with a bed or a mattress, and he has to sleep on the ground, Ali said.

The well-known lawyer was arrested in May in relation to his opposition to the government's April decision to recognise two Egyptian-administered Red Sea islands as belonging to Saudi Arabia.

Adly is one of a group of lawyers and citizens who had filed a court case in April against the Egyptian-Saudi island deal.

Hundreds were arrested during and after protests objecting to the government's decision. Most have since been acquitted or released on bail or fined.

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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 put-downs.

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!

The real problem is that people who tear down whites as a general group in response to the few whites who 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!" in 2001. Chapter 4 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.

Esther Cepeda is a Washington Post columnist. Contact her at estherjcepeda@washpost.com.
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The following editorial appeared in USA TODAY:

Democrats want you to know that they are really, really against big money in politics.

The party platform, adopted this week at the Philadelphia convention, calls for "a government that represents the American people, not just a handful of powerful and wealthy special interests." It demands an end to super PACs. And it calls for a constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision, which opened the door to unlimited corporate and union contributions.

"This election is about overturning Citizens United, (which) allows the wealthiest people in America, like the billionaire Koch brothers, to spend hundreds of millions of dollars buying elections and, in the process, undermine American democracy," Bernie Sanders declared in his speech Monday night.

Perhaps sometime in a faraway world, the blessed day will arrive when Citizens United is reversed. For the time being, however, there's a big difference between what the Democrats are saying and what they are doing. The leaked Democratic National Committee emails, in addition to showing DNC favoritism toward Hillary Clinton in her race against Sanders, provide an unseemly inside look at the care and feeding of major donors.

One of the emails refers to a "$200,000 Tribe Package" that comes with five premier hotel rooms for the convention, credentials and tickets for various events, and "five reserved places for an exclusive roundtable and campaign briefing with high-level Democratic officials."

The DNC's selling of access extends all the way to the White House. The emails reflect much back and forth about which Democratic fat cat deserved to sit next to President Obama at a roundtable discussion in May with 28 major party financiers at the Jefferson Hotel in Washington.

The Republicans are only slightly less hypocritical about all this. The party's presidential nominee, billionaire businessman Donald Trump, routinely criticizes big donors and lobbyists. He vows to upend Washington's rigged system and portrays himself as too rich to be bought. But, after Trump largely self-funded his primary bid, his campaign is actively fundraising and has endorsed a super PAC committed to helping him win the White House this fall.

Despite all the bipartisan talk about rigged systems, both Cleveland and Philadelphia have been awash in corporate cash and special interest money. The conventions outside the convention halls  the parts you don't see on TV  feature the usual whirl of partying, networking, lobbying, fundraising, marketing, influence-buying and influence-peddling. Some of these events occur simultaneously with the prime-time convention schedule.

Big money is a threat to democracy, even more so at the congressional level than the presidential one. In Congress, issues ranging from tax policy to climate change get tilted toward moneyed interests. Congressional candidates spend obscene amounts of time dialing for dollars like telemarketers, instead of doing the jobs they are elected to do.

Potential reforms range from prompt disclosure of "dark money" contributions all the way to public financing of elections. Even the Democrats' boldest proposals wouldn't touch the millions of dollars in questionable and often tax-deductible corporate contributions to the Clintons' family charity, which raise many of the same questions.

Until the campaign-financing system changes, you can't expect the Democrats to unilaterally disarm. But as long as they are slurping at the trough, they shouldn't be so sanctimonious about it.
Militants assaulted a gas facility and a nearby oil field in north Iraq on Sunday, killing five people in rare attacks inside Kurdish-controlled areas of Kirkuk province, officials said.

Gunmen travelling on motorbikes opened fire on the gas facility's guards, then killed four of its employees and planted multiple bombs before escaping, officials from Iraq's North Oil Company and the Kurdish peshmerga forces said.

Militants also attacked the nearby Bai Hassan oil field, the largest in oil-rich Kirkuk province, killing an engineer and sparking a major fire, officials said.

A colonel in the peshmerga said that security forces killed two suicide bombers at the field while a third detonated explosives, setting oil tanks ablaze, and a fourth was still at large.

Police Brigadier General Sarhad Qader confirmed that three bombers were dead.

The attack killed an engineer and wounded seven other people, according to the peshmerga colonel and a police officer of the same rank.

The Militant-linked Amaq agency, which often carries claims of Islamic State group attacks, said that the assault on Bai Hassan had taken place, but did not attribute it to IS group.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the assault on the gas facility, and while it may have been carried out by IS group, it is more common for the group's militants to fight to the death in such attacks.

Forces from Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region control part of Kirkuk, while IS group also holds territory in the province.

The militant group overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, sweeping Iraqi security forces aside, though they have since regained significant ground from IS group.

After federal forces retreated, Kurdish troops gained or solidified control over a swathe of northern territory that is claimed by both Baghdad and Kurdistan.

Both Baghdad's forces and Kurdish troops are battling the militants, but they have fought largely independent wars so far.

That will need to change during the battle for Mosul, Iraq's second city located northwest of Kirkuk, as the operation is expected to require both federal and Kurdish forces to take part.

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The debate about the cockpit protection concept 'Halo' continues to rage at Hockenheim.

GPDA president Alex Wurz is furious that the teams voted to delay it until 2018, arguing that all the drivers signed a document unanimously supporting an immediate debut.

"I didn't sign anything," Nico Hulkenberg told Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

"Our drivers didn't either," agreed Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko.

It was rumoured that Bernie Ecclestone might have moved to appease angry drivers by saying that after tests at Spa and Monza, a 2017 Halo debut might be back on the cards.

But Hulkenberg said: "You can't change everything again in September. The engineers are now flat out designing the 2017 cars without Halo."

He thinks a delay until 2018 is the best idea.

"There are too many scenarios that are unknown, so it's good that we're going to test it more," said the Force India driver.

Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda agrees: "Let all the drivers test it and we'll see what they say. We really don't know if there are visibility problems on certain corners with at certain tracks."

Red Bull's Marko, meanwhile, criticised the recent FIA presentation about Halo that changed the mind of world champion Lewis Hamilton.

"Certain accident scenarios were not even mentioned," Marko said.

(GMM)
A third German circuit has entered the frame as the country's troubled F1 future comes under the microscope.

There was no German GP in 2015, the Nurburgring appears unable to host its 2017 race as scheduled and a notably small crowd has gathered this weekend at Hockenheim.

But Germany's Auto Bild reports that the Sachsenring could be Germany's F1 saviour.

The track, located in Saxony, is already a fixture on the annual MotoGP schedule.

And Auto Bild reports that Bernie Ecclestone regards a German grand prix at the Sachsenring as early as 2017 as a possibility.

The report said the circuit has FIA homologation but would need some modifications to the pit building.

When asked about the report, the pundit for German television Sky, Marc Surer, said: "That would be great.

"The Sachsenring is an excellent race track and could attract many spectators that would otherwise probably not go to a formula one race," he added.

Auto Bild also said Hockenheim and the Nurburgring are similarly in the running for a 2017 German GP, perhaps with a fee increase.

The report said Ecclestone may have dropped his fee amid speculation the races in Canada, Brazil and even the new one in Azerbaijan could be in doubt.

(GMM)
Yemen's government on Sunday accepted a UN-proposed plan to end fighting that has left thousands dead, but there was no word from Iran-backed rebels who have intensified attacks on the Saudi border.

The draft agreement, which follows several months of UN-brokered negotiations in Kuwait, stipulates that the Houthi Shia rebels must withdraw from Sanaa, which they overran in September 2014.

But it was unclear if the insurgents were ready to end their occupation of the capital, which they have refused to cede despite a more than year-long military campaign by a Saudi-led Arab coalition.

Yemen, a key US ally in the fight against Al-Qaeda, descended into chaos after the 2012 ouster of longtime strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Security deteriorated further after the Houthi rebels swept into the capital and pushed south, forcing President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government to flee into exile in March last year.

The conflict has killed more than 6,400 people and displaced 2.8 million since then, according to UN figures.

Over 80 percent of the population urgently needs humanitarian aid.

The proposed peace deal is broadly in line with the demands of Hadi's Saudi-backed government.

It replaces a roadmap previously proposed by UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed that stipulated the creation of a unity government including the insurgents, which was rejected by Hadi's government.

Under the new plan, a political dialogue between various Yemeni factions would start 45 days after the rebels withdraw and hand over heavy weapons to a military committee to be formed by Hadi.

Prisoners of war would also be freed.

The government's acceptance came after a high-level meeting in Riyadh chaired by Hadi.

"The meeting approved the draft agreement presented by the United Nations calling for an end to the armed conflict and the withdrawal (of rebels) from Sanaa" and other cities they have seized, said a statement.

According to sources close to the delegates in Kuwait, the government accepted the deal following pressure from Saudi Arabia which wants to corner the rebels and show they are unwilling to accept a political solution.

Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdulmalek al-Mikhlafi, who is leading Hadi's negotiating team, said he had sent a letter to the UN envoy informing him the government backed what he called the "Kuwait Agreement".

One pre-condition, however, is that the Houthis and allied forces loyal to Saleh sign the deal by August 7, Mikhlafi wrote on Twitter.

There was no official reaction from the rebels.

Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam, however, said on Twitter before the government announcement that the rebels insist on a comprehensive and complete peace agreement, rejecting what he called "half solutions".

The government's announcement came just hours after the coalition said a Saudi army officer and six soldiers were killed in border clashes on Saturday with the Yemeni rebels.

On Monday, five Saudi border guards died in similar clashes.

The rebels angered the Yemeni government last week by announcing the formation of a 10-member "supreme council" to run the country -- which the foreign minister branded a "new coup".

Under the proposed peace deal, that council would be abolished along with all decisions made by the rebels since they occupied the capital.

A defiant Saleh on Saturday defended the new council, which he said aimed at "fill the political void left in the country after the legitimacy of Hadi expired and he fled" to Saudi Arabia.

"This council will govern the country as a presidential council and in accordance with the country's constitution and laws," Saleh said in a speech.

Hadi's government has used the main southern city, Aden, as a temporary capital since it was recaptured from the Houthis last year.

But the authorities have struggled to secure the port city, which has seen a string of bombings and assassinations by the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda.

The militantrivals have exploited the turmoil to boost their activities in the impoverished country on the tip of the Arabian Peninsula.

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Four Turkish soldiers were killed on Sunday in two separate clashes with militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), officials said.

In the first incident, the militants opened fire on soldiers in a forested area of Ordu province in northeast Turkey, killing three and injuring two others, the provincial governor, Irfan Balkanlioglu, said in a statement.

Large numbers of reinforcements were sent to the area and operations are continuing, he added.

In a separate incident, PKK fighters killed one soldier and injured six others during a security operation in a remote corner of Hakkari province in southeast Turkey near the borders with Iran and Iraq, security sources said.

The latest deaths came one day after the Turkish army killed 35 militants when they tried to storm a base in Hakkari province.

Thousands of militants and hundreds of civilians and soldiers have been killed since a 2-1/2-year ceasefire and peace process between the government and the PKK broke down last July.

More than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict since the PKK - designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union - began its insurgency in 1984.

Turkey's military, NATO's second largest, is currently undergoing a major shake-up following a July 15-16 coup attempt, but has played down concerns that the wide-reaching changes will undermine its struggle against the PKK.

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It promises to be the biggest and perhaps last major battle against the Islamic State group in Iraq.

Iraq's government is setting its sights on Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city that has been under IS control since June 2014, as its next major target. The assault is probably months away, but fierce fighting already has been raging as Iraqi forces try to clear the militants from villages and towns south of the city.

The goal is to protect the Qayara air base, which was recaptured from the militants July 9 and is to be a main hub for the final move on Mosul. Some 560 U.S. military personnel, mainly engineers and logistics, security and communications experts, are due to be deployed at the base to upgrade its facilities in preparation for the Mosul attacks, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter.

But that can't happen yet because Qayara base has come under frequent rocket fire. About two-thirds of the surrounding towns and villages are controlled by IS fighters. Iraqi forces need to clear a 20-kilometer (12-mile) radius around the base and to retake the key nearby towns of Qayara and Shirqat, several Iraqi military officials told The Associated Press.

Iraqi forces already have driven the Islamic State group out of the cities of Ramadi, Fallujah, Tikrit and Beiji west and north of the Iraqi capital, rolling back the militants' dramatic blitz in summer 2014 that captured nearly a third of the country and linked up with their territory in neighbouring Syria.

Retaking Mosul would be far more significant, robbing the IS of the jewel of its self-declared caliphate. While the Syrian city of Raqqa is considered the caliphate's de facto capital, Mosul is the largest city under its control, with an estimated population of between 500,000 and 1 million. IS fighters in Mosul, meanwhile, vary from a few thousand to "not more than 10,000," according to the coalition.

But the presence of hundreds of thousands of civilians in Mosul raises the prospect of a flood of people joining tens of thousands still displaced by previous fighting. The Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross said Friday that up to 1 million Iraqis could be forced to flee their homes in the coming weeks amid worsening fighting. Robert Mardini, the group's regional director for the Near and Middle East, said it is preparing for the worst, particularly in the Mosul area.

A glimpse of the possible humanitarian crisis has emerged. Nearly 4,000 families have fled their homes to escape fighting around the towns of Qayara and Shirqat. The government plans to house them in the town of Beiji, to the south.

"The government is not prepared or equipped to deal with a humanitarian emergency," said Iraqi analyst Hisham al-Hashimi.

The civilians in the city also pose a challenge to Iraqi forces when they assault, said Ahmed Shawki, a retired Iraqi army colonel who is now a military analyst based in the Kurdish city of Irbil.

"Daesh will try its best to disappear among these people, in the civilian neighbourhoods of Mosul, to be safe from the airstrikes and hide from the eyes of the intelligence services," he said, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

Iraqi officials estimate that upgrading the Qayara base could take four to six weeks, once the area around it is secured. Lt. Gen. Sean MacFarland, the top U.S. commander in the fight against IS, said this month that the U.S. personnel have already received warning orders to deploy and will flow in "relatively soon."

The facility is believed to have been badly damaged by airstrikes since the IS seized it in 2014. The work will include extending the two runways to allow large military transports to land. U.S. and Iraqi fighter jets and helicopter gunships are also likely to be deployed there. Boasting more than 30 fortified hangars, the base was used by the U.S. military between 2003 and 2010, when it was handed back to the Iraqis.

When operational, Qayara will join bases jointly used by the Iraqis and the Americans in the fight against IS. They include Makhmour, east of Mosul, Taqaddum and Assad, west of Baghdad, and Taji, just north of the Iraqi capital.

The actual assault may not take place until the late fall or winter, the military officials said.

"A lot of fighting has yet to be done and a lot of places must still be liberated before we head to Mosul," said a brigadier general with the Iraqi army's special forces who, like other military officials, spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

An official in Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's office said there was no detailed plan yet for retaking Mosul. "For now, the plan is simply that Mosul is next," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media.

Al-Hashimi, the analyst, estimated retaking Mosul would require 80,000 men, of whom 15,000 are expected to come from the government-sanctioned Shia militias.

However, the Shia militiamen, repeatedly accused of abuses against Sunni civilians, will not join the assault on the city and will instead focus on liberating Shiite areas in surrounding Ninevah province. Tel Afar, a mostly Shia town about 70 kilometers (45 miles) west of Mosul, would be a likely target for the militias.

Kurdish Peshmerga forces deployed east, west and north of the city are expected to assume a support role but not take part on the assault on Mosul as they had requested.

The United Nations has appealed for $284 million to prepare for the likely waves of civilians fleeing the city. When Iraqi forces retook Fallujah in June, tens of thousands of residents who fled were housed in sprawling desert camps with little food, water or shelter. That drew sharp criticism from international relief groups and called into question the extent of the Shia-led government's commitment to effectively care for minority Sunnis.

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When the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union a few weeks ago, among those who I think were more than a little surprised was one of Brexits biggest supporters: Member of Parliament, author and former London mayor, the eccentric  and sometimes buffoonish  Boris Johnson.

After the returns came in and Prime Minister David Cameron resigned, Johnson himself was immediately mentioned prominently for prime minister, but his star faded quickly when many of his Tory Party colleagues withdrew their support.

Then his star rose again, for, upon taking office the new prime minister, Teresa May, immediately named Johnson to her cabinet as Britains new foreign secretary. This means Johnson will be the countrys chief diplomat and undoubtedly play a large part in shaping the countrys now voter-mandated departure from the European Union.

As all this was going on, I just happened to be reading Johnsons biography of the great Winston Churchill, The Churchill Factor (2014)  though the word biography is a bit misleading, because Johnsons book is more a meditation on what made Churchill a great leader.

As its clear that Johnson is a huge admirer of Churchill and strongly identifies with him, his take on Churchill can tell us a lot about what Johnson  who is, if nothing else, the U.K.s chief political celebrity  values in a political leader at a very critical time of uncertainty in Europe, following the Brexit referendum.

Of course, Winston Churchill, who died in 1965, was one of the most extraordinary figures of the 20th century.

He was born in 1874 to an American mother and a descendant of one of Englands greatest military heroes, the famous John Churchill, First Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722). After a long political career with many ups and downs, Churchill eventually became prime minister in 1940 and then led the UKs defiant and successful stand against Hitler and the Nazis during World War II.

But, as Johnson makes abundantly clear, Churchills path to success was a very bumpy one with many mistakes.

Perhaps his most infamous was the attack upon the Turkish Dardanelles, or Gallipoli, during World War I, an idea which he hit upon as First Lord of the Admiralty. The result: allied forces suffered hundreds of thousands of casualties and accomplished nothing.

Later, as colonial secretary in the 1920s, Churchill led efforts to draw the map of the modern Middle East (he coined the term). Ever wonder who created Iraq, combining all the brotherly Kurds, Sunnis and Shiites into one big state?

Yep, it was Churchill.

The fellow could also be just totally out-of-step. In the 1930s, more concerned with the empires prestige and the loss of a large colony, Churchill completely misjudged Indias readiness for self-governance and the power of Gandhis nonviolent resistance.

In sum, Churchill was a risk-taker who put his stamp on the world for both good and ill. Yet, the extraordinary courage with which he led Britain in the fight against Germany and Hitler is undeniable.

As Johnson argues, the countrys very survival was largely owed to this one mans resolute, iron determination not to give up; for it would have been very easy for England to have caved in to the Nazis during 1940-41. They stood alone then; America had not yet entered the war.

Had England surrendered to Hitler, the world of today might be very different indeed. The very survival of Western democracy was at stake.

What then is the Churchill factor, according to Johnson? As best I can understand it, it cannot be defined. He was quite simply a man of remarkable, perhaps unprecedented, eloquence, courage, energy and intelligence, among whom there are few if any equals.

And at a critical juncture for Western civilization, he was destined to be the great and decisive man.

The public library has plenty of other books on Churchill, if youre interested  more than 100, in fact.

If youre like me and prefer a short biography, you might want to try Paul Johnsons (no relation to Boris) brief Churchill (2009)  this book is full of the kind of pithy anecdotes that can make reading history so entertaining.

Churchill himself was a prolific writer and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953.

The library has his six-volume history, The Second World War (1948-53), as well as his popular A History of the English-Speaking Peoples (1956-58).

Boris Johnson, I should also mention, has a new book coming out on Shakespeare, The Riddle of Genius, which is scheduled for publication in November 2016.

Eaton- and Oxford-educated, Johnson obviously is a brilliant fellow, though he does slip up a bit. I was a tad amused by an error I caught in The Churchill Factor: his reference to the 165 senators who voted against the Lend-Lease Act of 1941, the legislation that provided American arms and supplies for Britains war effort.

The vote was of course taken in the House of Representatives and, fortunately, there have never been that many U.S. senators. But I dont know much about the finer points of the British political system either. And, with Brexit and the future of the U.K. and Europe on the line, it will be the big things that matter most.

Britain may very well be on the verge of another of its finest hours, but with Mr. Johnson, beware.

If he is anything like Churchill, it wont always be pretty.
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It wasnt just the political controversy over sea-level rise. Or the Coastal Resources Commissions defense of a sea-level rise report. Or state environmental officials who are allowing 21 eight-bedroom houses to be built on ecologically sensitive and flood-prone land on Sunset Beach.

No, it was really a slow drip drip of politically driven decisions, Dr. Stan Riggs said, that ultimately drove the renowned marine geologist away.

A distinguished professor of geology at East Carolina University, Riggs resigned from the CRCs science panel on July 25 over political conflicts about development and growth on the coast. He co-founded the panel in 1996.

I believe the once highly respected and effective science panel has been subtly defrocked and is now an ineffective body, Riggs wrote in his two-page letter.

Riggs also sent his letter to Braxton Davis, director of the N.C. Division of Coastal Management.

At stake in the states policy decisions are the millions of people who live, work and visit the coast, as well as sensitive marine habitats already jeopardized by development.

For example, thousands of coastal lowland buildings have been removed from designated flood zones; other buildings have been placed in a reduced hazard zone. In total, these policies can give property owners a false sense of security.

The legislature, the CRC and the agencies in state government have the attitude that they dont want to scare anyone away, Riggs said. Its not fair to the people who live and work on the coast, and its not fair to the taxpayers. I want people to realize people and ecosystem are in danger out there.

Since 2010, when the GOP-led legislature took power, coastal policies on development have often dismissed the science that would curb that growth. A 2010 report, produced by 19 scientific experts, projected that the ocean could rise three feet along the coast by 2100.

However, in 2012, the legislature passed a bill  which became law without Gov. Bev Perdues signature  that prohibited local governments from defining rates of sea-level rise in order to regulate development.

NC-20, a group of coastal development and real estate interests, prodded Republican lawmakers to pass the legislation. NC-20s science adviser was John Droz, a senior fellow at the American Tradition Institute, which counts among its experts and fellows many fossil fuel proponents. Droz masterminded a confidential nationwide strategy to undermine public support for wind power, according to a 2010 article in The Guardian.

In 2015, the science panel updated its report, as required by law. But Riggs wrote that it was told to limit the sea-level rise projections to a 30-year timeline, in spite of the fact that the present rate of sea-level rise is already severely impacting the barrier islands and drowning major portions of the low mainland regions of northeastern North Carolina.

There are things that could make this better, Riggs said. Were not saying retreat. But anyone not acknowledging that this is happening shouldnt be in leadership.

Riggs wrote in his letter that the science panel was not allowed to bring in any additional experts to produce the 2015 report; nor has it been encouraged to meet since March 2015.

We have to get serious about coastal development and sea-level rise, Riggs said in an interview. Following the production of the 2015 sea-level rise report, It has become clear that our North Carolina leadership feels there is no longer a need for the science panel.

Riggs co-founded the science panel in 1996 to advise the CRC as it developed short- and long-term policies for the region: inlets, beaches, coastal erosion and the behavior of storms. For the panels first 14 years, Riggs wrote, the meetings were truly exciting learning experiences. But after the legislative regime change, the science panel, Riggs said, has been marginalized. At least two scientists, Rob Young and Antonio Rodriguez, left the panel in 2014, in part because of the clash between politics and science.

Greg Rudolph, who joined the science panel in 2014, called the departure of Riggs, who served as his thesis adviser, disappointing. Hes done a lot of pioneering work on the underpinnings of the coastal plain, said Rudolph, who works for the Carteret County Shore Protection Office. That knowledge not being there is going to take its toll.

Rudolph said that Riggs was instrumental in the 2015 sea-level report findings that showed the amount of sea-level rise varied along the coast. The land rises and sinks in different areas, which affects the rate of the rise. Zones along the coast are now based on that assessment.

Thats a huge accomplishment thats been lost in the controversy, Rudolph said. And Stan was the main person behind that contribution.

Riggs says he is not retiring, but plans to write a series of books and to continue working on environmental issues along the coast.

We were playing games, Riggs said of the panel. And Im tired of playing games. Im trying to make things happen out there in a positive way.
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GREENWICH  Eight-year-old Zoe Legault hesitates before articulating her initial misgivings about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the script of the stage play that premiered this summer in Londons West End and was released in the U.S. at midnight on Saturday.

Legault, who has read each of the seven installments of author J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter series five times, said she raced through the first 40 pages of the script and took issue with chronological jumping around between scenes.

I really like Harry Potter, but I dont know about this book, said Legault, who lives in Old Greenwich and attends the International School at Dundee. Its not put together like the other books. ... I dont, like, really enjoy jumping around in time. It might get better later, ... when I start understanding what is going on.

Legault was among the excited young children at Greenwich Library Sunday with their parents to celebrate the scripts release in print with an afternoon trivia contest and other Potter-inspired activities. The book released at midnight was written by Jack Thorne and the plays director, John Tiffany, from an original story by Rowling, and picks up the saga of Potter as an adult who works for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Potter has three sons with his wife, Ginny Weasley, including Albus, who is sent to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft.

For those in attendance who had not bought a copy of the book, a reserved library copy was compulsory for the occasion.

Magician Christopher Hurlbert, of Middlefield, presided over the trivia game, where children flexed their Potter IQ in a game-show styled faceoff complete with handheld buzzers. Each correct answer earned competitors a different Potter prop, like a wizards hat or glasses, or a box of Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans.

After about 45 minutes, the eventual winner, Rajiv Raval, 9, of Darien won a new copy of the book by correctly identifying the name of the spell that Hogwarts students use to turn their wands into flashlights. The answer: Lumos.

Rajivs win assured that he and his twin brother Kiran had copies in hand of the new book to begin reading Sunday, he said. Rajivs favorite is the last Rowling novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Ive read them all and I like the last one because it has so much action, Rajiv said.

Rajiv mother Aditi Viswanathan said the books spur childrens imaginations.

The series of Harry Potter books really is special. ... It is a different world of creativity and adventure, she said.

Upstairs in the librarys childrens room, preschool-age children were busy making wands and crafting Potters pet owl Hedwig out of construction paper.

Laura Tartaglia, 32, of Greenwich was about to begin listening to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with her younger brother, Alex, 6.

Alex said by far his favorite character is Harry Potter, and that he considers himself a wizard.

Ive listened to the first book and Ive seen some of the movies, he said.

Deirdre Sullivan, head of childrens services and childrens librarian at Greenwich Library said the library incorporated the book release event into its Summer Reading program for children last spring by ensuring it had ample copies of the initial seven installments of the Potter saga.

As she anticipated, Sullivan said the new book release isnt only for nostalgic teenagers but has whet the appetite of this generation of children to read the Potter series.

On Sunday, all 56 print copies and 20 e-books of Cursed Child were snapped up, she said.

We have a whole new crowd of readers who are excited to read the books and are doing it this summer, Sullivan said.

mcassidy@scni.com, twitter.com/martincassidyst, 203-964-2264.
Sunni Islamist radicals in Yemen have blown up a 16th century mosque housing the shrine of a revered Sufi scholar in the city of Taez, a local official said Sunday.

Gunmen led by a Salafist local chief known as Abu al-Abbas blew up the mosque of Sheikh Abdulhadi al-Sudi on Friday night, the official told AFP, confirming media reports of the attack.

Yemen's commission for antiquities and museums condemned the destruction of the site that is considered the most famous in Taez.

It said the mosque's white dome was "one of the biggest domes in Yemen and one of the most beautiful religious sites in old Taez".

Images of the site before destruction showed a white square-shaped, single-storey structure topped by a large central dome circled by smaller ones.

Sufism is a mystical movement of Islam that is frowned upon by the ultraconservative Salafist brand of Islam.

Taez city is besieged by Shia rebels, but the city itself is controlled by a combination of forces loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi and allied militias.

Residents have complained of the growing influence of radical Salafists, who have been imposing curbs on mixing between men and women.

While Al-Qaeda and Islamic State group militants have been under attack by both government and rebel forces as well as US drones, Salafists operate under the banner of pro-government militias fighting the Iran-backed Shia rebels.

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Its been an exciting week in Philadelphia. Weve reached yet another milestone in this ongoing journey, our difficult struggle toward the more perfect union our founders established as a national goal over two centuries ago. Now, nearly a century after ratification of the 19th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which finally gave women the right to vote, a major political party has for the first time nominated a woman for president.

Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton, making history Thursday, stands ready to be the 45th president of the United States.

Its been an uplifting week in the City of Brotherly Love. The Democratic National Convention conveyed a sense of inclusiveness, togetherness, and unity of purpose that reflects America in all its diversity. This was a welcome, and much needed, antidote to the previous weeks Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

The anger, hate, divisiveness, scapegoating, and fear mongering that characterized the Republican discourse was almost too painful to endure. This pervasive ugliness was reflected in Donald J. Trumps acceptance speech, shouted out with hostility. In his dark, dystopian, fearful vision, he managed to transform the American Dream into a nightmare.

And the sexism  the misogyny  expressed in so many Republican speeches and displayed in the ugly campaign paraphernalia so many delegates purchased outside the Quicken Loans Arena, sent shudders through much of America: trump that bitch, guilty, guilty, guilty, lock her up.

It was the same paraphernalia that have been hot sales items at Trump rallies all during the primaries: lifes a bitch, dont vote for one; Hillary sucks, but not like Monica; KFC special, 2 fat thighs, 2 small breasts left wing; if you can read this, the bitch fell off  a depiction of Hillary Clinton falling off a motorcycle driven by Donald Trump, with the message Make America Great Again.

Anti-Hillary passion, expressed in misogynistic rallying cries, seems to be the unifying factor for Republicans in this election.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, whose two former aides go on trial in September for bridge gate, had the audacity to make his convention speech a mock trial of Clinton. Acting as prosecutor, he indicted her on numerous trumped up charges that hardly stand up under close scrutiny, as commentators have demonstrated. He called upon the convention delegates, a so-called jury of Clinton peers, to find her guilty on each count.

Guilty, guilty, guilty, were the wild cries from the convention floor. Lock her up.

This scene brought witch trials to mind, the bitch transformed into witch. Watching the spectacle on television, listening to the repeated cries of guilty and the escalating calls to lock her up, it seemed as if the crowd was a mob ready to burn the witch at the stake. Indeed, one delegate from New Hampshire called for a firing squad to shoot this detested female.

For shame!

It does no good for individual Trump supporters to distance themselves from the hateful, bigoted, and sexist nature of the convention, or to say that the misogynist paraphernalia is sold by outside vendors who have no connection with the Republican convention. Thats because the candidate they support, Donald J. Trump, has been promulgating this hateful bigotry and divisiveness ever since he began his campaign, when he called Mexicans criminals and rapists.

To support Trump, therefore, is to support his bigotry. Its to join him in refusing to forcefully, definitively, and unequivocally denounce the white supremacist, racist, sexist, and anti-Semitic supporters who constitute the true Trump base. History will surely judge the Trump candidacy, and his supporters, harshly.

Love trumps hate. Were with her.

This was the strong counter-message that permeated the Democratic convention. The panoply of participants reflected the beauty of the American Dream as it continues to play out. And the convention showed us a caring, compassionate candidate who has dedicated her entire life to public service, to helping people, especially children, unlike her narcissist opponent, who has devoted his life to himself.

Make America great again? No. Thats about rejecting change and returning all power to non-immigrant white guys.

Consider instead the message we just heard in our nations birthplace. Together, lets continue the hard work of realizing Americas greatness, the ongoing pursuit of liberty and justice for all.

Alma Rutgers served in Greenwich town government for 25 years. Her blog is at blog.ctnews.com/rutgers/.
Published on 2016/07/31 | Source

Ballerina Kang Sue-jin receives a standing ovation after the final performance of her 30-year career in Stuttgart, Germany on Saturday. /Courtesy of the Stuttgart Ballet

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Ballerina Kang Sue-jin brought the curtain down on her long, celebrated career with a performance of "Onegin" in Stuttgart, Germany on Saturday.

As she took her final curtain call to a standing ovation, some audience members held up placards reading "Danke Sue-jin", meaning "Thank you Sue-jin" in German.

As the stage filled with flowers and gifts thrown from the audience, Kang's fellow dancers and Stuttgart Ballet staff members each handed her a red rose.

Kang's final performance came exactly 30 years after she joined the Stuttgart Ballet in 1986. She moved to Monaco to study ballet in 1982, at the age of 15, and won the Prix de Lausanne in 1985. She was the first Asian ballerina to win the prestigious competition.

Asked in a post-performance interview why she was retiring now, Kang said, "I wanted to retire while I could still fully present my abilities on stage. I didn't expect so many fans to hold up placards for me. I was moved. I'm just happy that my last performance went well".

Kang bid farewell to her Korean audience with a performance of the same ballet in Seoul in November last year.

She currently serves as a director of the Korea National Ballet.
Published on 2016/07/31 | Source

Scorching heat has gripped Seoul and vicinity for four days running, with record temperatures hovering around 29 degrees Celsius for the whole month. That is 1.3 degrees higher than the average between 1981 and 2010.

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Tropical nights with the mercury refusing to fall below 25 degrees have robbed many of sleep since last week. Daejeon and Chuncheon in Gangwon Province also saw this year's first tropical night on Saturday.

The Korea Meteorological Administration blamed an influx of hot and humid air brought by the southwesterly winds.

The lowest temperature forecast for Seoul is at 24 to 25 degrees on Monday and Tuesday.

A heat warning or heat alert has been issued for most regions, except for some parts of Gyeonggi, Gangwon, and North Gyeongsang provinces.

The daytime high soared to 36 degrees in Daegu on Sunday, with 34 degrees forecast for Monday. In Seoul the mercury will reach 32 degrees and in Busan 31.

But the heatwave has not peaked. Temperatures in August and September are expected to be even hotter than in previous years.
Fighting broke out Saturday in northeastern Mali between a coalition of Tuareg rebels and a Tuareg group allied with the government of this West African country, killing at least six people.

The fighting took place in Edjerer, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) northeast of Kidal, between the government-allied group GATIA and the Coordination of Azawad Movements, a coalition of groups seeking autonomy in northern Mali that includes ethnic Arabs and Tuaregs.

Fahad Ag Almahmoud, secretary-general for GATIA, said they killed at least six of the coalition's fighters.

Almouzamile Ag Mohamed, spokesman for a group in the coalition, confirmed the fighting. The groups blamed each other for its start.

Residents said French forces were out on the streets in Kidal to protect civilians. Fighting last week between the groups in Kidal killed at least 16 people.

Also on Saturday, residents in a village west of Gossi said a Malian army vehicle hit an improvised explosive device, killing two soldiers and wounding three others. A Malian military official confirmed the deaths, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to the press on the matter. No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida are active in the region south of Timbuktu in Mali's north.

Mali's government also says it will again extend a state of emergency until March 2017.

A state or emergency allows police in Mali to search homes without a warrant, and it bans protests.

The state of emergency was originally put in place in November 2015 after extremists stormed a luxury hotel in the capital and killed 20. The state of emergency has since been extended several times because of violence.

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Published on 2016/07/31 | Source

The average Korean woman is 20.1 cm taller than 100 years ago, the biggest increase in height of any country in the world.

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According to a study presented at the European Science Open Forum in Manchester, U.K. on Monday, the average Korean woman was just 142.2 cm tall in 1914 but now, a century later, measures 162.3 cm.

Japanese women grew by the second biggest margin of 16 cm, followed by Czechs with 15.7 cm.

Korean men also grew from 159.8 cm in 1914 to 174.9 cm two years ago, the third biggest increase after Iran (16.5 cm) and Greenland (15.4 cm).

The study was conducted by some 800 health experts from around the world and the World Health Organization, who gathered 1,500 different types of data on 18.6 million adults from 200 countries and compared them to the same data in 1914.

Koreans are 3 to 4 cm taller than people in China and Japan. The main reason for the growth spurt has been nutrition and improving health conditions on top of genetic factors, according to researchers.

The country with the tallest men is the Netherlands at a strapping 182.5 cm, while Latvia has the tallest women at 169.8 cm. East Timor has the shortest men (159.8 cm) and Guatemala the shortest women (149.4 cm).

Overall, people in Asia and the Middle East grew by the largest margin, but there was no very marked change in the U.S., Canada and Northern Europe.

Height increases in the U.S. came to a standstill in the 1970s and started to go backward in the 2000s, according to the study.

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Muslims attended Catholic mass in churches around France on Sunday in solidarity and sorrow following the brutal jihadist murder of a priest, the latest in a string of attacks.

More than 100 Muslims were among the 2,000 faithful who packed the 11th-century Gothic cathedral of Rouen near the Normandy town where two militant teenagers slit the throat of 85-year-old Father Jacques Hamel.

"I thank you in the name of all Christians," Rouen Archbishop Dominique Lebrun told them. "In this way you are affirming that you reject death and violence in the name of God."

Nice's top imam Otaman Aissaoui led a delegation to a Catholic mass in the southern city where a militant carried out a rampage in a truck on Bastille Day, claiming 84 lives and injuring 435 including many Muslims.

"Being united is a response to the act of horror and barbarism," he said.

The Notre Dame church in southwestern Bordeaux also welcomed a Muslim delegation, led by the city's top imam Tareq Oubrou.

"It's an occasion to show (Muslims) that we do not confuse Islam with Islamism, Muslim with militant," said Reverend Jean Rouet.

The Muslims were responding to a call by the French Muslim council CFCM to show their "solidarity and compassion" over the priest's murder on Tuesday.

Said a woman wearing a beige headscarf who sat in a back pew at a church in central Paris: "I'm a practising Muslim and I came to share my sorrow and tell you that we are brothers and sisters."

Giving her name only as Sadia, she added softly: "What happened is beyond comprehension."

The most poignant moment of Sunday's mass in Rouen was the sign of peace, a regular part of the liturgy when the faithful turn to greet each other in the pews, either shaking hands or kissing.

Archbishop Lebrun used the moment to step into the congregation and greet Muslim leaders attending, as well as three nuns who were at the church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray when Hamel was murdered.

Outside the Rouen cathedral a few policemen and soldiers stood guard but did not conduct searches, seeking to reassure a jittery population after the second militant attack in less than a fortnight.

In addition to prompting fears of fanning religious tensions in the officially secular country, Father Hamel's murder sparked renewed recriminations over perceived security lapses.

Both of the 19-year-olds attackers -- Adel Kermiche and Abdel Malik Petitjean -- had been on intelligence services' radar and had tried to go to Syria.

Prime Minister Manuel Valls called Sunday for a new "pact" with the Muslim community in France, Europe's largest with around five million members.

"Islam has found its place in France... contrary to the repeated attacks of populists on the right and far-right," he said, condemning "this intolerable rejection of Islam and Muslims".

Also Sunday, dozens of prominent Muslims published a joint letter warning that "the risk of fracturing among the French is growing every day."

The signatories, who included academics as well as medical professionals, artists and business leaders, pledged: "We, French and Muslim, are ready to assume our responsibilities."

Meanwhile a Syrian refugee who was taken in for questioning after a photocopy of his passport was found at Kermiche's house has been released, a source close to the investigation said.

"Nothing suggests he had any involvement" in the attack, the source said.

However Petitjean's 30-year-old cousin was to appear before an anti-terrorist judge later Sunday.

Prosecutors said they have asked that the suspect, named as Farid K., be charged with "criminal association in connection with terrorism".

The suspect "was fully aware of his cousin's imminent violent action, even if he did not know the precise place or day," the Paris prosecutor said in a statement.

Media reports meanwhile said investigators had established that Petitjean and Kermiche met through the encrypted messaging app Telegram.

Kermiche described the modus operandi of the attack on the priest in an audio posted on Telegram just a few days beforehand.

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Islamic Stategroup, losing territory and on the retreat in Iraq and Syria, has claimed credit for a surge in global attacks this summer, most of them in France and Germany.

The wave of attacks followed a call to strike against the West during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in June and July, in an apparent shift in strategy by the militant group, which has been hammered by two years of U.S.-led coalition air strikes and ground advances by local forces.

Instead of urging supporters to travel to its self-proclaimed caliphate, it encouraged them to act locally using any means available.

"If the tyrants close the door of migration in your faces, then open the door of jihad in theirs and turn their actions against them," said an audio clip purportedly from spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, referring to Western governments' efforts to keep foreign fighters from travelling to join the group.

Radicalised followers have responded to that call repeatedly in the past two months, in countries part of the international coalition battling Islamic State group, including shooting people at a Florida nightclub, running them over with a truck in the French Riviera, and hacking them with an axe on a train near Munich.

The perpetrators had varying degrees of connection to the Middle East-based militants. Some had tried to travel to Syria and were on the authorities' radar, while others displayed few outward signs of radicalism until their deadly acts.

"There's a growing understanding that the idea of the caliphate is dying and more and more the leadership is calling on foreign fighters not even to come to Iraq and Syria but to go elsewhere or to commit violence locally," said Max Abrahms, a professor at Northeastern University in Boston who studies extremist groups.

Looking ahead, security experts and officials in the Middle East and the West predict the military campaign against the group in Iraq and Syria will ultimately end its goal of establishing a caliphate but in doing so may lead to a sustained increase in militant attacks globally.

'LONE WOLF'

For more than a month, Islamic State group supporters on social media have been encouraging would-be "lone wolf" attackers in the West to choose from methods ranging in sophistication from bombing and shooting to stabbing and assault.

"Pledge your allegiance in secret or in public to (Islamic State group leader) Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and each one of you will be a soldier of the caliphate, no different from those present in the Islamic State group," said one supporter.

Claims of credit for recent attacks issued by Islamic State group via Amaq news agency, which supports the militant group, referenced Adnani's appeal.

The attackers "carried out the operation in response to calls to target nationals of countries that are part of the coalition fighting Islamic State group" in Iraq and Syria, said statements following four incidents in Europe this month.

In France, a Bastille Day truck attack killed 84 people in Nice and a raid on a church killed an elderly Catholic priest in Normandy; In Germany, an axe attack and a suicide bombing in Bavaria injured about 20 people in total.

Most of the assailants, in pre-recorded messages pledging allegiance to Islamic State group and taking responsibility for the attacks, echoed Adnani's rhetoric and encouraged others to emulate them.

"Brothers, go out with a knife, whatever is needed, attack them, kill them en masse," said Abdel Malik Petitjean, one of two men who killed the priest in northern France last week.

"If you are unable to travel to the Levant (Syria), then fight the apostate armies in your country," 17-year-old Muhammad Riyad, the Afghan refugee who carried out the axe attack on a train in Bavaria earlier this month, urged other Muslims in a similar video.

'LIKELY TO GET WORSE'

As Islamic State group is weakened militarily, it is trying to commit violence anywhere in the world, said Abrahms, including by claiming credit for acts even when they have only a tenuous link to the group.

"It's indiscriminate about who can be a soldier of the caliphate ... and it's indiscriminate about which attacks the group will claim as its own," he said.

In the last 18 months, the group has been pushed off a quarter of the lands it seized in Iraq and Syria in 2014, research firm IHS said this month; other estimates put losses closer to half.

Iraqi authorities have pledged to retake Mosul - the largest city still under the group's control - later this year, but the militants will likely maintain safe havens in remote desert areas and revert to more traditional insurgent techniques.

Islamic State group's defeat is a longer way off in Syria, and it has established footholds in pockets of lawlessness or instability from Libya to Afghanistan to the Philippines.

FBI Director James Comey said this week he expected the eventual defeat of Islamic State group could lead to an increase in attacks in the United States and Europe by drawing militants out of Syria in much the same way that al Qaeda came about from fighters who had been radicalised in Afghanistan in the 1980s.

Analysts including J.M. Berger, a fellow at George Washington University who researches Islamic State group, have supported that prediction.

"Projecting strength through terrorist attacks is a factor in the recent violence, but down the road, when (Islamic State group) supporters have nothing to lose, things are likely to get worse," he said.

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Islamic State group on Sunday condemned as an "apostate" a U.S. Muslim soldier killed in Iraq whose story has re-ignited debate in the 2016 presidential election on the role of Muslims in American life.

Dabiq, the militant group's online magazine, showed a picture of U.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan's tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery with a caption, "Beware of Dying as an apostate."

An accompanying article, penned by an unnamed "American convert in the Islamic State group," urged Muslims to resist Western influences and to either migrate to Islamic State-controlled lands or carry out lone attacks.

"Reject these calls to disunity and come together. Live the life of Islam, for which you have already left the path of falsehood," the militant wrote.

"You are behind enemy lines, able to strike them where it hurts them most," the article added.

Khan's death in a bomb attack in Iraq in 2004 re-emerged as an election issue when his father gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday in which he paid homage to his son.

Khizr Khan, a U.S. citizen of Pakistani origin and a Muslim, also criticised Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for proposing a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States and asked if the candidate had read the U.S. Constitution.

Trump rejected the criticism and questioned whether the soldier's mother was allowed to speak during the couple's appearance at the podium.

Ghazala Khan later said the outspoken billionaire was ignorant of Islam and of sacrifice.

Trump has stoked outrage during his unorthodox campaign by supporting racial profiling for Muslim Americans in the wake of a deadly shooting by a U.S.-born Muslim man killed 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando in June.

Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee, has said the comments and other pointed remarks about American minorities show Trump is unfit to be president.

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WASHINGTON  Congressional Democrats and Republicans havent agreed on much lately, but theyre together on one issue that affects condominium buyers and sellers across the country: The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has bungled its condo finance program.

In a rare moment of bipartisanship before heading home for the summer, the Senate unanimously passed legislation that will require the FHA to lighten up on its condo financing regulations and make low down payment FHA loans more available to the people they are supposed to serve  moderate-income buyers, many of them minorities and first-time purchasers, who turn to condominiums as their most affordable option. The vote in the Senate followed a 427-0 vote in the House earlier this session.

Passage of the legislation came after several years of complaints by housing, community association and other groups about FHAs overly strict requirements. Critics pointed out that FHA once was the go-to source of condo financing for first-time buyers, but since 2010 its role has shrunk drastically. FHA helped finance 80,000 to 90,000 condo mort-gages a year during the previous decade and a half, but more recently production has dwindled to barely a quarter of that volume. FHA condo lending in the first three months of this year plunged by 8.6 percent from the previous quarter, according to Inside Mortgage Finance, a trade publication. In the final quarter of last year, volume declined by 20.3 percent from the third quarter.

The agencys restrictions on condo community eligibility for financing became so onerous  requiring complicated re-certifications of entire developments every two years  that thousands of condo associations abandoned the program. According to the Community Associations Insti-tute, fewer than 14,000 of the 152,000 condo associations in the U.S. are now eligible for FHA loans. Individual units are not eligible for FHA financing unless the entire associations finances, reserves, insur-ance, budget and other items have been approved by the government.

The bill (H.R. 3700) aims at correcting a number of key problems by:

 Ordering the FHA to streamline the entire re-certification process for condo associations and make compliance substantially less burden-some. Condo experts predict this alone could convince significant num-bers of associations to return to the FHA fold, thereby opening up sales and purchases to thousands more condo units.

 Reducing the minimum owner-occupancy ratio from the current 50 per-cent to 35 percent, unless FHA can provide justification for a higher percentage. Seth Task, a realty agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Professional Realty in Solon, Ohio, says the 35 percent ra-io will allow substantial numbers of developments that cant quite meet the 50 percent test to get back into the FHA program. In an inter-view, he cited the case of an elderly condo owner who listed her unit for sale with him recently, but the owner occupancy ratio in her development was 49 percent. Ineligible for buyers using low down payment FHA loans, she tried unsuccessfully to sell and ultimately had to accept an offer $10,000 below what she could have obtained if her building qualified for FHA financing.

 Allowing transfer fees. The legislation directs the FHA to stop rejecting condo communities because they collect small transfer fees when units are sold. The funds collected are used to support association activities  they benefit all residents. FHA will now have to follow the lead of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, both of whom consider community-benefit transfer fees acceptable.

 Providing more flexibility on the amount of commercial space permit-ted in condo developments. Some urban condos are designed for mixed-use  residential and commercial combined  because thats what makes economic sense in their locations. Under current rules, some of these developments are ineligible because FHA considers their commercial component excessive. The legislation directs the agency to be more flexible and to take the local market context into account.

Will these changes be sufficient to revive FHAs sagging condo pro-gram? We are cautiously optimistic, said Dawn Bauman, senior vice president at the Community Associations Institute, which represents nearly 34,000 condo communities and management organizations. Rita Tayenaka, past president of the Orange County (Calif.) Association of Realtors, told me the bill is a good thing but will not be the end-all in resolving FHAs condo woes.

Most analysts agree that the actual effects will depend on two things: how quickly FHA puts its revised procedures into the field, and whether thousands of condo associations whove fled the program conclude, OK theyve cut the red tape, maybe its time to jump back in.
Greek police say they have detained 25 anarchists who burst into the cathedral in the northern city of Thessaloniki and interrupted a Mass, chanting slogans and dropping flyers.

The anarchists on Sunday were protesting a police operation Wednesday that evicted anarchists and refugees from three illegally occupied buildings in the city. One of the buildings, formerly an orphanage, is the property of the Greek Orthodox Church and is being demolished.



Police had arrested 74 anarchists in the operation, 64 of them foreigners, from Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Spain and Switzerland. The 33 refugees were freed.

Before dawn Sunday, an improvised device exploded outside the offices of the construction company demolishing the church's property but did little damage

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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.
A group of anti-government gunmen who have been holed up in an Armenian police station for two weeks surrendered Sunday, security services said, ending a tense stand-off that left two police officers dead and saw several people taken hostage.

"The security forces' anti-terrorist operation has ended and led to the members of the armed group laying down their weapons and surrendering to the authorities," the national security services said in a statement. "Twenty terrorists were arrested."

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The Ministry of Antiquities is to publish two periodical journals to give archaeologists and antiquities lovers up to date information on Egypt's antiquities

The Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities Scientific Publications Department is to issue two new peer-reviewed journals.

The first is Archaeology in Egypt and is concerned with publishing archaeological fieldwork from expeditions working in Egypt across all periods.

The second, Conservation in Egypt, is concerned with conservation and restoration works carried out in Egypt

Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany described the decision as "great" and an attempt to inform archaeologists and antiquities lovers on ongoing work in the different fields of archaeology, including discovery, conservation and site management.

Hussein Abdel-Bassir, general supervisor of the Scientific Publications Department, told Ahram Online that the first journal on archaeological discoveries would appear in January and July of each year, while the second, on conservation, would appear once a year.

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The defendants were sentenced over the killing of a senior police officer during a 2013 raid in Giza

A Giza criminal court sentenced on Saturday 13 people to death in a retrial over the 2013 killing of a senior police officer during a raid on an Islamist stronghold in Giza.

The defendants stood trial over the death of high-ranking police officer Nabil Farag, who was killed in a shootout with militants during a security raid in Gizas Kerdasa district.

Kerdasa has been known to be a stronghold for supporters of the banned Muslim Brotherhood group and ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

The defendants faced other charges including the attempted murder of police personnel and the possession of firearms and explosives.

The court said on Saturday that it referred the death sentence against the 13 defendants to the Grand Mufti, the country's highest official interpreter of Islamic law, for his opinion, a judicial source said.

Under Egyptian law, the Mufti is consulted for his religious opinion on verdicts of capital punishment, though his opinion is not binding.

The court set 24 September for the final ruling in the case

The defendants were first sentenced to death in absentia in 2014, and then retried after they were in custody.

Saturday's sentences can still be appealed.

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There has been a steady erosion of goodwill for India in Nepal despite extending such huge developmental support, interactions through an open border, and absorbing the major shocks of conflicts there. The present trust deficit has its origin in Nepalese King Mahendras dissolution of the 19-month-old first democratically elected government of BP Koirala in December 1960. The king, in his astute attempt to insulate India from Nepalese affairs, took five key decisions.

Read: Olis departure marks an Indian comeback

First, in pursuance of his policy of equidistance between India and China, he invited China, for the first time, in 1967 to build the Kathmandu-Kodari Highway, connecting China with Nepal. India had by then built the Tribhuvan Highway, connecting Kathmandu with India.

Second, he devised the East West Highway (Mahendra Rajmarg) to link two extremely difficult geographical flanks of Nepal.

Third, he encouraged the Paharis to settle in the Terai to counterbalance the Madhesis, who are of Indian origin, and selectively patronised the Madhesis and ethnic groups in the name of representation.

Fourth, despite the pegging of the Nepali rupiah with the Indian currency, which protected the Nepali rupiah from huge volatility, the use of the Nepalese currency in all parts of Nepal was made compulsory.

And finally, the redrafting of the constitution in 1962, which started the panchayat-based regime, not only swayed the masses but consolidated the religious importance of the monarchy.

The gains for the monarchy were immense. One of those was the death knell of the Indian variety of democracy. An anti-Indian feeling became the core of Nepalese nationalism. Against the backdrop of Sikkims merger with India, King Birendra added a new dimension by declaring Nepal as a Zone of Peace in 1975. By the late 1980s, Indias share in Nepals trade had come down to 22% from 98% in the 1960s. Nepal consciously diversified and departed from the 30-year-old bilateralism. It made multilateral assistance overwhelmingly dominant.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Nepal in 2014 and the instant and significant earthquake relief that India gave to the country generated unprecedented support and goodwill for India. However, bilateral relations soured again in the aftermath of what the Nepalese called economic blockade by India, the first after 1988-89. Full-throated anti-Indian feelings once again erupted. India was forthright and clear about its stand on the constitution in Nepal. It wanted the new constitution to accommodate the aspirations of the people of Madhesh, ethnic groups, the Dalits and other minorities, who got a raw deal. In fact, the Maoist movement was heavily based on these constituencies. The highly upper caste-driven and Kathmandu-centric Nepalese political economy and governance did not let it happen. This hardened Indias attitude because this could even lead to a more serious Maoist-like uprising in Nepal.

Read: From suspicion to collaboration: How Nepal Maoists tilted to India to oust Oli

However, India-Nepal relations are intertwined with their geography, history, politics, natural resources, culture and human security. The contexts and perspectives are changing fast. India and Nepal must deploy non-conventional approaches to transform their relations. A new generation of policymakers, civil society stakeholders and a young critical mass are emerging fast. They want to see things happening, grab every growth-led opportunity in India, and cut down on red tape.

After the monarchy was abolished and the first constituent assembly was elected in 2008, Nepal has had eight prime ministers. This is likely to continue till a new generation of inclusive leadership takes over. Against this backdrop of protracted political instability, China has started meddling in Nepal, making inroads into the country and using the One Belt One Road and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank as critical instruments. Adverse cross-border impacts of climate change like the Kosi floods in Bihar and the Bhoteykoshi deluge on the Chinese side and harnessing natural resources for third-country markets require a new set of institutions and deft handling. When the proposed seven states emerge in Nepals federal structure, their cross-border implications vis-a-vis evolving cooperative federalism in India will inject a more complex dimension.

All these provide opportunities to India to design a new Himalayan policy that transforms the colonial legacy into a grand vision to surmount the mountains and penetrate Central and South-East Asia through land routes. This calls for a new orientation to its strategic and development participation. Nepal has to be engaged more extensively, using far-reaching liberal and non-traditional instruments like the common market strategy. Under this, besides a common customs policy, Nepalese traders and investors could access any global market through India. And macro-economic policies will remain harmonised and institutions integrated.

Read: Olis departure will be good news for Kathmandu and New Delhi

If projects like Pancheswar happen in time, Nepal could sell its electricity anywhere, using the extensive Indian power grids. Besides the modern physical infrastructure, it is in Indias interests to set up institutions that would serve Nepals polity, governance, economy and, more crucially, social and ecological requirements. It is through India-Nepal borderlands that the former quietly absorbed millions of displaced people during the Maoist war. It can never be equated with the northern frontiers. The Chinese have not taken a single Nepali refugee and also ensured that no Tibetan refugees are entertained in Nepal. Therefore, demanding a review of the open border looks academic if the cost of closing down the borders is scientifically, historically and realistically calculated by Nepal.

For all these to happen, incremental moves and the I decide attitude of the Indian bureaucracy should be put behind. New-generation agreements and treaties have to be signed to make Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh an integral part of Indias Act East policy.

Mahendra P Lama is professor at the School of International Studies, JNU, and member of the Eminent Persons Group set up by the governments of Nepal and India in 2016

The views expressed are personal
An upcoming five-day festival is set to give theatre lovers a chance to experience Marathi theatre like never before. From August 5 to August 9, the Pratibimb Marathi Natya Utsav will stage eight plays, in genres ranging from comedy and tragedy to social satire.

Marathi theatre is a rich and evolved art form. It is also witnessing an influx of fresh talent. People are writing new plays all the time. They are experimenting in terms of form and content. The festival will showcase whatever is happening in Marathi theatre at the moment. It will be a mix of commercial and experimental works, says

Deepa Gahlot, head of programming (theatre and film), NCPA, Nariman Point. Gahlot says no other language has such a rich body of talent in terms of writing. It (Marathi theatre) has some of the best writers. Here, people are interested in writing because they know that their work will be shared. You cant be writing in a vacuum. Maharashtra also has a rich intercollegiate theatre culture. Young people are constantly being drawn in. They do commercial plays, and then move on to doing television and films, she adds.

Read: Found in translation: Dario Fos Accidental Death of an Anarchist gets a Marathi makeover

LITERARY WORKS

Some of the experimental acts that will be staged at the festival are based on the works of famous authors. Director Mandar Deshpandes play, titled Me, Pandurang Sangavikar is an adaptation of Padma Shri Dr Bhalchandra Nemades novels Kosla and Dekhani.

Another drama called Tichya Aaichi Goshta, Arthat Mazya Athavanicha Phad (A Mothers Memories Of Her Performance), written by Sushama Deshpande, is based on Yogesh Bahulkars book, Tamasha Vithabaicha Ayushyach, about a lavani dancer. Sindhu Sudhakar Rum Ani Itar is based on a 20th century Marathi classic, titled Ekach Pyala Interestingly, Khidki (Window), which won the Second Best Play at the Maharashtra State Government Theatre

A still from the play Tichya Aaichi Goshta, Arthat Mazya Athavanicha Phad. (HT Photo)

Festival, among many other prestigious awards, is based on Italian Nobel laureate Dario Fos An Accidental Death Of An Anarchist. During a police interrogation, a man commits suicide; but the question is, was it a murder or a suicide? I have added real events to the story to make the play morerelevant and relatable for the audience. The play has been adapted in many languages, and is a social satire, says Vipul Mahagaonkar, the director of the play.

Read: Marathi film industry has to compete with Hindi cinema, says Mohan Agashe

Sahitya Akademi Award winner Jayant Pawars story will also be part of thefestival. Theatre director Atul Pethe, who is participating in the festival for the third time, says, I will be doing a dramatised reading of Tarkachya Khunteevaroon Nistalele Rahasya (The Mystery Stripped Of Logic). It is a performance, in which we use lights and music as we read the novella. This form of theatre is known as Abhivachan, which is a combination of abhinay (acting) and vachan (storytelling).

A still from the play Tarkachya Khunteevaroon Nistalele Rahasya. (HT Photo)

CROWD PULLERS

Besides theatrical adaptations of popular books, a host of award-winning plays will also be staged at the festival. Dont Worry Be Happy, written by Mihir Rajda and directed by Adwait Dadarkar, Ha Shekhar Khosla Kon Aaahe? (Who Is Shekhar Khosla?), directed by Vijay Kenkre, and Kalat Nakalat, written and directed by Anil Kakade, have received accolades at several theatre festivals. Kalat Nakalat (Known And Unknown), which revolves around the issue of mental health, has also been staged in Gujarati with the title Half Ticket. Later this year, it will be produced in Hindi and Sindhi. I wrote my first play on eunuchs, followed by another play on a frustrated writer. My last play was on cross-dressers. This new play was inspired by a young boy, who lives in my neighbourhood, and is mentally challenged. I had been observing him for a while, and thinking of writing something on him. His mother and sister take care of him currently. But I have always wondered who will take care of him once they are gone, and hence, I wrote this play from the perspective of the boy, says Kakade.

A still from the play Kalat Nikalat. (HT Photo)

Read: Marathi theatre and film actor Nandu Pol dies

Whats in store:

August 5: Dont Worry Be Happy, Experimental Theatre, 7pm

August 6: Tarkachya Khunteevaroon Nistalele Rahasya, Experimental Theatre, 12pm

Tichya Aaichi Goshta, Arthat Mazya Athavanincha Phad, Godrej Dance Theatre, 4pm

Me, Pandurang Sangavikar, Experimental Theatre, 4pm

August 7: Khidki, Godrej Dance Theatre, 4pm

Sindhu Sudhakar Rum Ani Itar, Experimental Theatre, 7pm

August 8: Kalat Nikalat, Experimental Theatre, 7pm

August 9: Ha Shekar Khosla Kon Aahe?, Experimental Theatre, 7pm

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Gurmeet Choudhary doesnt mind going the extra mile for his work. Even if that means he has to temporarily move out of his own house. Last month, the actor checked into a hotel in Mumbai for three days as he wanted some peace and quiet. He did so because his Goregaon (W) house was being renovated at that time, and he was in the middle of preparing for a crucial scene for his next.

Read: Gurmeet has no time for wife Debina, but shes not complaining

Gurmeet says, I always take a few days off before shooting for my films to understand the character. This time, my role involved a lot of emotional drama, and I wanted it to look natural. I knew I couldnt have got that kind of energy at home, since too much was happening with the renovation work, and with so many people going in and out. So, I moved into a hotel in Malad (W) for that period. In the end, the climax turned out to be an emotional scene, and both the actor and his director were thrilled with the result.

Read: Behind closet doors: Gurmeet Choudhary

Gurmeet reveals that his wife, Debina Bonnerjee, supported his decision. She understands, as an actor, what is required of me, he says.

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Buying a home in Mumbai is a dream for many, including Bollywood stars. One such actors dream is about to come true. Sidharth Malhotra is close to finalising a new pad in Bandra (W).

I am in the midst of it right now. Hopefully, if the stars are in my favour, next year, Ill have a new home. I looked at a lot of apartments. It takes a while (to zero in on a house), but I am excited to shift, set the house up and then throw a party (laughs), says the 31-year-old.

Read: From Priyanka to Katrina: Bollywood stars are on a house hunting spree

Sidharths Ek Villain (2014) co-star Shraddha Kapoor has also got herself a new apartment close to her parents (Shakti and Shivangi Kapoor) home in Juhu. But the actor doesnt have any plans to move out of her family home so far. She says the new house is meant for her meetings and work-related activities, so that she does not have to take over her parents space.

Sidharth and Shraddha arent alone. A number of other actors have shifted or are in the process of shifting homes. We take a look.

Sushant shifted from his Malad home to Bandra a few months ago. (Pramod Thakur/HT)

Sushant Singh Rajput

Moved: From Malad (W) to Bandra (W)

From a plush pad in Malad (W), Sushant has moved into a sea-facing 3BHK in Bandra (W). It is a good place. It has ample space to watch films, read and hang out. Also, the view of the sea is beautiful, he says.

Varun has got a house just a floor lower than his parents. (HT Photo)

Varun Dhawan

Moved: Within Juhu

Varun will soon move into a four-and-a-half BHK in the same building, where his parents, David and Karuna Dhawan, reside. His pad is on the first floor. Earlier, I was worried, thinking that yeh bahar chala jayega toh (if he leaves) we will always be worried. Now, we will be like, Chalo neeche hi hai (its okay, he is on a floor below ours), says David.

Alia Bhatt will move into her new home in Juhu with her sister, Shaheen.

Alia Bhatt

Moved: Within Juhu

In March this year, Alia bought a house, which is close to her parents home in Juhu. But due to her packed schedule, the 23-year-old hasnt been able to shift yet. Some finishing touches and interior decoration work is still on, she says. Her sister, Shaheen, will also move in with her. She is likely to shift later this month.

Read: Celebrity homes: A dekko at actor Jay Bhanushalis home

Parineeti now lives in her new home in Bandra (W). (HT Photo)

Parineeti Chopra

Moved: From Andheri (W) to Bandra (W)

Earlier this year, Parineeti  who also has a house in Andheri (W)  moved into a 4BHK sea-facing apartment on Carter Road. My new home is nice. I love the rains, so standing in the balcony and watching the rain makes me feel good (smiles), says Parineeti.

Priyanka Chopra has reportedly moved into a new Juhu pad after house-hunting for a long time. (Getty Images)

Priyanka Chopra

Moved: From Andheri (W) to Juhu

Although Priyanka travels extensively between India and the US owing to her work, she has reportedly finalised a five-bedroom apartment in Juhu. This is the first time she will live alone, as her mother Madhu Chopra wont be living with her.

Ranbir Kapoor has reportedly roped in Gauri Khan (Shah Rukh Khans wife) to do the interiors of his new Bandra home.

Ranbir Kapoor

Moved: Within Bandra (W)

Ranbirs new sprawling abode is reportedly worth `35 crore. Apparently, the actor, who purchased a new property post breaking up with Katrina Kaif, will move into the house in October. Shah Rukh Khans wife Gauri Khan has been working on the interiors of his home.

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After directing Amitabh Bachchan in his unreleased project Shoebite, and then in Piku (2015), Shoojit Sircar is now set to helm a thriller with him. Speaking about his professional journey with the angry young man of Bollywood, Shoojit says, Im fortunate enough to have always found an appropriate character for Mr Bachchan. This is also about the trust we share.

Read: Scripts are like candy for Amitabh Bachchan: Piku director Shoojit Sircar

The director points out that though Bachchan is his favourite actor, he has made it a point to work with other actors as well. So, he isnt worried about being typecast as a film-maker who doesnt step out of his comfort zone. I have confidently worked with all kinds of actors, and they have all fit their characters. I never thought Deepika (Padukone) would do a film like Piku. Im only worried about being typecast with regard to the kinds of films I do, he says.

Watch: Shoojit Sircar and his Piku heroine Deepika Padukone playing identity swap

Shoojit adds, When you work with certain actors, you start understanding them, and you become friends with them. So, you want to come up with ideas so that you can work with those actors again. Its a two-way communication. I get something from them and they get something from me. Its all about the bonding. I always think about films that I can do with Mr Bachchan, Irrfan (Khan), Deepika, Ayushmann (Khurrana), etc.

Read: We dont have to compete with budgets of Hollywood films: Shoojit Sircar

Aside from Shoojit, many other film-makers such as Sujoy Ghosh and Pradeep Sircar have depicted Bengali culture on the silver screen. Ask him if he thinks such representation lacked in Hindi films before, and the director says, Yes, its been that way. In Piku, Kolkata was an inherent part of the story, and we shot it differently. Kolkata is such a beautiful city. You have so many places to explore.
Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt has shared his fondest memories about his early life, his parents and struggles he faced in his life on the occasion of his 57th birthday.

In a candid interview with 92.7 BIG FMs show BIG Talkies, Sanjay talked about the transformations he experienced from being a teenager to a matured personality.

I think every teenage boy is like how I was when I was young but I was always misunderstood for being a bad boy. People think that Sanjay Dutt must have had a special life as a young boy being Nargis and Sunil Dutts son but that was not the case, he said.

Actor Sanjay Dutt along with his wife Manyata Dutt celebrates his 57th birthday at his residence, in Mumbai, on July 29, 2016. (IANS)

We 3 siblings were raised just as normally as any other kid. Rest I guess you always mature with age and learn a lot of things like you become more calm, more understanding and more accepting. Its very important to accept things in life, he added.

Talking about his new movie directed by Mahesh Manjarekar, the Munna Bhai star said, De Dhakka has a very different concept. Its about a disjointed family that comes together for a cause. The journey afterwards is very interesting.

Read: Sanjay Dutt to star in Mahesh Manjrekars De Dhakka remake

Recently, the Khalnayak actor addressed the media on the occasion of his 57th birthday at his residence Imperial Heights in Bandra, where he also cleared the air on his rumoured cold war with close friend Salman Khan.

On the professional front, Sanju Baba has a lot on his plate this year. He would be seen in Munnabhai 3 and in Marco Bhau.

Follow @htshowbiz for more
Actor Rishi Kapoor has once again landed himself in the soup. This time for his sexually loaded tweet demeaning the US Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton. He is being called a sexist and misogynist.

He posted a meme showing Hillary coughing with Monica, is this right? written on the picture. The obvious sexual connotation that makes a reference to Monica Lewinsky, the White House intern with whom her husband and former US President Bill Clinton has had a torrid affair, is tough to miss. He captioned the meme as, History being checked! Tx for it ABjr. If it wasnt RIGHT, it would have LEFT a bad taste (sic).

History being checked! Tx for it ABjr. If it wasn't RIGHT,it would have LEFT a bad taste pic.twitter.com/p6MmEnC5uh  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) July 27, 2016

Immediately after his lewd tweet, people started lambasting him. Male Chauvinism at its best! wrote @shradaH41. Another user

@faiyazasm wrote: Cheap. Crass. Misogynistic. In response, Kapoor tweeted back: ... Dont like it,delete me, like I do. F&#k you!

When HT contacted him, he defended himself saying, People have a perverted mind. It could be Hillary clearing her throat and asking Monica if this is the right way to speak on the mic. All of this is their dirty mind.

The 63-year-old added,I keep telling people who follow me, that its all in jest and fun. I know it came across as a sexist and misogynistic remark but that was not the intention. I had also put up Donald Trumps picture saying expect a howler, maybe I shouldnt have.

Actor Rishi Kapoor faced a lot of backlash for his tweets.

He also blames the person who forwarded it. It was a meme... a forward, and just because it comes under Rishi Kapoors name it becomes a big issue, says the actor, whose tweet thanks ABjr for forwarding it, hinting that actor Abhishek Bachchan, popularly called AB junior, forwarded it.

Why are people so judgmental and moralistic on this platform? Don't like it,delete me,like I do. Fuck you! It's my prerogative to comment  Rishi Kapoor (@chintskap) July 27, 2016

He says, I dont mind if people take offence... People have absolute liberty to say what they want to. Even I do things I want to... If I make a mistake, I apologise.

Read: Rishi Kapoor continues Twitter rant on Gandhi family

In the past, he was called out for body shaming actors Huma Qureshi and Sonakshi Sinha.

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Sidharth Malhotra is leaving no stone unturned to promote his upcoming film Baar Baar Dekho as after treating his fans to its first song Kala Chashma, the actor has now released a picture featuring him and his female co-star Katrina Kaif.

Sidharth, 31, took to his Twitter handle and shared a still, wherein both stars could be seen sharing an intimate moment, writing, Falling deep into love @BaarBaarDekho_ trailer out soon ! #KatrinaKaif.

Read: Katrina Kaif, Sidharth Malhotra heat up the screen with Kala Chashma first look

In the pic, bare -chested Sid is seen flaunting his chiseled body while the Fitoor actress flaunted her hot-bod in an orange bikini.

Read: Sidharth Malhotra thanks fans for showering love on Kala Chashma

The upcoming movie, which has been shot in Glasgow, Scotland, Krabi, Thailand and Delhi, would see the pair teaming up for the first time.

Nitya Mehras directorial has been in news because of its much trending wedding song Kala Chashma, which has crossed 10 million mark within two days of its release.

The movie, which also stars Sarika and Ram Kapoor, is slated to hit the theaters on September 9.

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Its only when you sit down and really think about it that you realise how difficult it is to sum up and predict fashion trends today. You know, the sort of thing fashion consultants say: oh, do wear neutrals with the new pastels, did you know that skinny jeans are out, and anti-fit silhouettes arent. High waist, low waist. And the palazzo, and the anarkali, and yes, lets not forget about gender and androgyny too.

We live in exciting and anarchic times now. Fashion is truly all over the place. And we are, all of us, direct participants. The old hierarchies of style are crumbling around us. Digital media has made everyone a direct participant in the documentation and shaping of trends. The fashion magazines we once depended upon to tell us what to wear and what to buy, now face competition from upstarts who wield camera phones and get more eyeballs on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Fashion images are everywhere. In colour, in HD. Everything is instant. We share our selfies, along with Kim Kardashians and Sonam Kapoors. And as fashion designers show collections on catwalks all over the world, images are now uploaded in real time. Geographical style boundaries have dissolved and what we see today is what we want. Now!

The digital world has ensured that everyone is a direct participant in the documenting of trends

Problematically, for the fashion industry, todays fashion obsessions are not dictated by a few influential stakeholders.

This dislocation is now reshaping fashion around the world as consumer tastes change rapidly and get increasingly difficult to predict. No real solution to all this upheaval seems to be emerging, but with the ever increasing rate of change in technology, learning to live with constant change, uncertainty and upheaval is going to be the new norm. Well adapt. And so will fashion.

What we see on our screens influences our tastes, our aspirations. And now thanks to our digital worlds, we are simultaneously inspired by what is being worn in the Ginza, in Shoreditch and in Hauz Khas Village. Everything is up for grabs, so maybe today Ill wear an Ikat sari with a pair of oxford lace ups and team it with a new designer trench coat. A nod to my heritage, a reference to menswear and androgyny, all combined in one style statement.

So who sets the trends, and who follows the trends?

I think we all do.

Fashionistas in the Western world, and indeed, here too, are all atwitter over the recent revolutionary collections of two new designer stars. Guccis designer Alessandro Michele, and the Vetements (now Balenciaga too) designer Demna Gvasalia, have succeeded in turning things upside down. And inside out too, in a few cases. The past two or three seasons have seen the Western worlds fashion media hailing the two as the most directional designers of the time.

The old hierarchies of style have crumbled. Fashion magazines now face competition from upstarts who wield camera phones and become influencers on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

The Gucci approach is to throw opposing looks, colour, print and silhouettes from the 70s and the 80s along with something from a grandmothers closet. Gvasalias sensibility, as I read in endless editorials, was shaped by urban life in the old Soviet Union, a bleak urban environment of grey concrete and a very particular street culture. This has thrown up collections of deconstructed and re-proportioned hoodies and anoraks, re-appropriated blue jeans and a much photographed T-shirt with DHL emblazoned on it. Also printed floral frocks like no others you have seen, worn with stern footwear. Both designers catwalks feature both women and men models dressed indeterminately in gender-fluid clothing.

Strong statements of post-modern irony, their messages are reverberating in Paris and Milan. But shaped by histories so alien from ours, the messages will need to be translated into different vocabularies to reverberate with quite the same resonance on the Indian urban scene.

The important takeaway here, however, is that both these very talented designers are speaking to our dislocated, multitasking, multicultural smartphone world where the more the world shrinks, and the more we are exposed to, the more we lean to our roots for both reassurance and context.

Fashion in India is subject to the same forces. While the trends of the world are there for us, for the picking, what really works is being able to weld the schizophrenia of our international digital lives to the roots that anchor us.

On the Fall Winter (F/W) catwalks of influential Indian designers, the sari can be seen often, sometimes worn with a bra, sometimes a Nehru jacket, or even a baggy linen shirt. Juxtaposed with slinky cocktail dresses designed for a red carpet. Whatever.

Some designer collections extol and reinvent old Indian handloom weaves, and others experiment with polyester and neoprene and decorate it with all the glitter and bling only a true Indian can understand and love. Nawabs, Bollywood sirens and university campus intellectuals.

And all this works. Because this is the way we live now. Global local, as someone once said.

The writer is a well-known fashion designer based in Delhi

From HT Brunch, July 31, 2016

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There is one question chefs tend to ask me: what do you think of my presentation? It is a question I hate answering because I have quite strong views on the subject.

If you are as old as I am then you probably remember something called nouvelle cuisine. This was a movement launched in France in the late 1960s that really came of age in the 1970s. Though it was caricatured at the time as a revolt against rich food, it did not, in fact, cut down on butter or cream (there would be no cuisine in France without dairy products). Instead, it eliminated the flour-thickened sauces of old, reduced the protein content in dishes, went easy on starches (such as potatoes), and tried to preserve the flavour of the original ingredients.

But this, as we tend to say these days, was only the screen-saver. In reality, what the nouvelle cuisine chefs did was take power away from the dining room and put it back in the kitchen. The old silver service, where waiters brought serving dishes to the table and put food on to plates was abolished. So too were dishes that the maitre dhotel finished at the table by flambeing them or whatever.

Instead, the food went out already finished and plated from the kitchen. The chef decided how large each portion would be, exactly what vegetables you would get with the dish (and how many) and what the right proportion of sauce per dish should be. (In the old days, when you were being served at the table you could ask for more vegetables or extra sauce.)

Because chefs had taken control of the plates, they competed to make them look prettier. So the plates became huge. Often they became black rather than white. Portions became smaller. The sauce rarely went on top of the meat. Instead, it went under the meat/fish/chicken. Because starchy vegetables were frowned on, unusual fruits (Kiwi fruit was one nouvelle cuisine cliche) came to adorn the plate.

By the late 1980s, nouvelle cuisine had become such a joke that eventually the chefs felt ashamed enough to return to normal-sized white plates, to stop importing Kiwi fruit and to resume pouring jus or sauces over the meat. With the exception of Michel Guerard, none of them had made particularly light food anyway and some  like Paul Bocuse, even in the days when his restaurant served good food  had probably kept hundreds of dairy farmers in business.

But even now, chefs like retaining control of the plates. So the food will always come prettily plated from the kitchen. Somebody (a chef presumably) invented the cliche people eat with their eyes. (So shoot me, pal. I eat the normal way.) And every second-rate chef will quote it back to you to explain why, even though his food is rubbish, his plate is pretty.

In my view, the French take this stuff about pretty plates much too far. I once asked Alain Passard, one of Frances greatest chefs, why he stopped cooking meat at his three-star restaurant. It is because I wanted colour, he said. How can you get colour on the plate with meat? With vegetables, there is so much colour to make the plate look beautiful... (Try and imagine all this said in a French accent.) It didnt last of course  Passard is back to cooking meat.

The truth is (or used to be  but more about that later) that you only look at a plate for a minute or so before you start eating. After that, it is about taste, not beauty.

All the best meals Ive had recently have been cooked by chefs whove moved beyond presentation and focused on flavour (Getty Images)

The next big revolution after nouvelle cuisine took several decades and it came from Spain, not France. Influenced by Ferran Adrias elBulli, chefs started using science to play with form. So, what looked like a whole olive dissolved into a liquid essence of olive once you popped it in your mouth. Instead of a squeeze of lemon, you got a lemon air. No slices of truffle but a truffle foam. And so on.

I had hoped that the molecular gastronomy revolution (though Adria hates the term; it was coined by Herve This) would end this obsession with pretty-pretty plates. In fact, it has made things worse. In Adrias world, presentation was only about wit, not prettiness.

But now the mixture of Adrias molecular technology and Frenchified pretty-pretty presentation by lesser chefs has begun to drive me mad. Chefs will create a soil (a fancy term for some granular powder), will scatter freeze-dried fruit around the plate (freeze-drying was popularised by Adria), will smear dabs of a lurid sauce around the plate, will top it all with some kind of foam and then serve the plate in a cloud of dry ice smoke.

My real objection to all of this is that it might just about make sense (though I doubt even that) with Western food but it makes no sense at all with Asian food.

Asian food is meant for sharing. When we go to restaurants we do not say, I will have the chicken korma and my wife will have the sabzi. We expect that all of us will share everything. That, after all, is how we eat at home.

So I have a problem with the plating of Indian food. If you dont plate food in the kitchen and let it come to the table in serving bowls, the way we do it at home, then, of course, the whole question of presentation does not arise.

But more and more Indian chefs like plating. When Indian food went upmarket in London in the 1980s, restaurateurs realised that Brits liked ordering individual dishes and did not necessarily enjoy the Indian concept of sharing. So many Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi chefs began plating their food.

The useless ones ignored taste and flavour and just concentrated on poncy presentation. I have no real problem with that (as long as I dont have to eat the food  some of it was quite vile) because they were catering to a foreign audience which expected Frenchified presentation at expensive restaurants. (I minded later when they started claiming that London was the capital of Indian food and that this was how all Indian food should be served, but that is an old story.)

My worry is that too many Indian chefs (that is to say, chefs who cook in India), are now falling into the presentation trap. I sometimes want to shake them up and say, Why dont you just learn how to cook and leave your pretty plates and your canisters of foam behind? Unless you have the imagination of say, Vikramjit Roy, leave that liquid nitrogen alone.

A platter at the iconic Noma , Sydney (Getty Images)

It is nobodys case that a plate should look bad. And all the best meals I have had recently have been cooked by chefs who have moved beyond poncy presentation and focused on flavour, while retaining a certain basic aesthetic: at Steirereck in Vienna, the Clove Club in London, the Noma residency in Sydney, Narisawa in Tokyo, Masala Library and Indian Accent in Delhi etc. Even the great Gaggan Anand, who knows a thing or two about molecular gastronomy, has moved away from fancy presentation to simpler, starker plates.

And all would be well  except for one thing.

You guessed it: Instagram.

All chefs will now acknowledge that almost the first thing most customers of a certain age will do is take pictures of the food. Even before a single mouthful is consumed, the photos will have been Instagrammed around the world and throughout the meal, diners will keep checking their phones to see how many likes their photos have got.

I pass no value judgements about this. It is a fact of life and to varying degrees, all foodies do it. And most big-name restaurants recognise that Instagram is an important (and free!) way of getting recognised and talked about.

My worry is that we have now gone full circle again. Just as we were getting away from needlessly fancy presentation, chefs are now under pressure to turn out plates that photograph well.

We may not really eat with our eyes. But all too often, chefs are being judged visually by people who never eat their food but only see photos of it on Instagram.

So heres my answer to chefs who ask what I think of presentation: I think too much presentation is a complete waste of time. Focus on food that tastes good, not food that looks good.

But hey! This is the 21st century, the century of Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and whatever comes next.

So pay no attention to me. Just do what the times demand!

From HT Brunch, July 31, 2016

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ROHTAK/NEW DELHI: In a scene straight out of a Bollywood potboiler, over a dozen unidentified aides of an undertrial prisoner freed him from police custody by throwing chilli powder in the eyes of the cops escorting him in Haryanas Bahadurgarh on Saturday morning.

Four Delhi Police personnel were escorting murder suspect Jitendra Goga from Tihar to Jinds Narwana town for a court hearing in a Haryana Roadways bus when his accomplices struck in Bahadurgarh.

They also snatched a weapon from a policeman.

The incident took place at about 6.15 am at a secluded place between Parley Biscuit factory and Surya Roshini factory in Bahadurgarh, Ashok Malik, DCP (3rd battalion) said.

Goga was booked in over 10 cases, including murder, and hailed from Delhis Alipur area.

The policemen said they were attacked by 10-12 men. A group of men came in two cars and stopped them in front of the moving bus on the outskirts of the Haryana town near Delhi.

They divided themselves into two groups and boarded the bus from the front and rear gates.

Before the policemen realised what had happened, the goons threw chilli powder at them. Passengers said four of the suspects accomplices were already in the bus and they threw the chilli powder, Bahadurgarh police investigating officer Telu Ram said.

Ram said they took around 60 passengers in the bus hostage and fired several gunshots in the air to scare them. They took away the keys of the bus.

The injured policemen tried to retaliate by opening fire but the miscreants managed to escape with their accomplice and took away an MP5 machine gun of the police, he said.

Police said a case had been registered in Bahadurgarh and hunt was on to nab them.

The area where the incident happened is secluded and so there were no CCTV cameras. We are trying to locate their vehicle, police said.

Three of the four attacked policemen were admitted to Bahadurgarh hospital after they complained of irritation in the eyes, police said.

A team from the Delhi Police 3rd battalion had been sent to the crime scene. A parallel probe has been launched by Delhi Police and the role of the four policemen was being verified, said a senior Delhi police officer.

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Dont be surprised if you see municipal school teachers doing a march-past every day. The North Delhi Municipal Corporation has made daily exercise and physical training compulsory for teachers in its schools to make them fit and active.

Officials said the move has already been initiated in some schools. The east and south civic bodies will follow suit.

The corporation says daily exercise will ensure teachers can keep up with the kids and ensure interactive learning. There are 765 schools under the North MCD with 9,000 teachers and 4.5 lakh students.

Initially the exercises and physical activities are being held every day. But later they will be held every week.

The aim is they remain fit and focused on the students, said Mamta Nagpal, chairperson, education committee, North MCD.

Some teachers welcomed the initiative, saying it will help in their mobility. Others were not too happy.

Initially the exercises and physical activities are being held every day. But later they will be held every week. (Handout)

The move will increase the mobility and concentration of teachers. Initial learners (students of classes 1 and 2) require continuous attention and need to be chased around to make them study, said Surender Singh, a teacher of MC primary school, Sarai Peepal Phala.

Another teacher questioned the move. She said it will increase their responsibility and add to their working hours.

This would mean teachers will have to come earlier than usual time, said a teacher.

Nagpal said exercise will help teachers perform their duties well. Most students are very young and need special attention, said Nagpal. She said the north corporation would soon launch other initiatives, including special training for teachers.

Teaching students in a manner they enjoy is our priority. We plan to initiate weekend training programmes for teachers to highlight how they can improve the student-teacher relationship, said Nagpal.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has transferred the case of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Manoj Kumar, who has been embroiled in a case of domestic violence, to the Delhi Police for further action.

DCW had received a case, wherein the wife of Kumar had accused him of domestic violence and mental cruelty.

The commission had summoned both parties on three dates  July 18, July 23 as well as on July 30 and after counselling the parties and understanding the issue in detail, found it fit to transfer the case to the Delhi Police for further action.

Therefore, the case has been forwarded to the Delhi Police on Saturday by the commission for necessary action as per law.

The MLA from Kondli, Kumar also faces charges of cheating and land grabbing for which he was arrested in July 2015. He was later released on bail.
GURGAON: Traffic movement returned to relative normalcy after two days of waterlogging on the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, barring some spots near the Hero Honda Chowk and a three-kilometre stretch from the crossing till the Kherki Daula toll plaza, after Saturday noon.

A large force of civic officials, police and construction workers were on the job throughout the day to undo the damage after the incessant rains. Morning rain along with kanwarias movement caused traffic snarls towards Gurgaon. But there was lesser traffic due to the weekend and most stretch es were clear after 11 am.

At many stretches on the crisis epicentre Hero Honda Chowk and stretches near Kherki Daula  roads had caved in. The Badshapur drain breach had caused a lot of water stagnation on the service roads.

At least 50 police officials (including traffic police) were present at the Chowk to clear traffic throughout the day. Municipal Corporation of Gurgaon officials and their contractual workers were also repairing roads.

The caved roads were barricaded, potholes were covered with metal sheets to let vehicles pass, a few damaged roads were cemented and bricks were laid as an interim measure to make a path to junctions.

Traffic moved slowly on the stretch, but it was a lot faster compared to a day before when it took two hours to cross.

The services lane on either side of Kherki Daula Toll was unusable because of knee-deep water stagnant on them. Many pumps were flushing out the water. It will take at least 48 hours for the water to drain away completely, provided it doesnt rain anymore, said MCG and NHAI officials at the spot.

Heavy traffic moved slowly through the plaza. But there was no stagnation of water.

At low-lying areas near Rajiv Chowk, heading towards New Delhi, water levels were still high near the service lane. At many places, people had created artificial embankments to stop water from entering their houses or offices. MCG workers were pumping out the water and desilting drains.

Heavy police deployment on either side of the main road ensured smooth flow of traffic.

There was heavy traffic from Mahipalpur in New Delhi till Signature Towers (Exit 7) between 9 am and 11 am. But traffic returned to normalcy only after another 100 policemen were deployed.

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NEW DELHI: The government plans to bring a larger section of other backward classes (OBCs) under the reservation net by relaxing the annual income ceiling, which denies quota benefits to some of them, from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh.

The proposal  part of a cabinet note prepared by the ministry of social justice and empowerment  indicates another attempt by the BJP to woo OBCs in states going to polls early next year, especially in Uttar Pradesh where they make up 40% of the population.

OBCs are at present entitled to a 27% quota in public-sector jobs and higher education if they earn Rs 6 lakh or less a year. Those who earn above this cap referred to as the creamy layer  are not eligible.

The cabinet is likely to approve the proposal after Parliaments monsoon session gets over on August 12, official sources said.

OBCs make up 52% of Indias population, according to a 1980 report of the Mandal commission setup to identify socially or education ally backward sections for quota considerations. The report drew the number from the 1931 census. The findings of a caste-based census conducted in 2011, the first in 80 years, are not out.

The National Sample Survey Organisation in 2006 put the OBC population at 41% but this is not considered accurate by many as the NSSO looked at consumption expenditure and not population.

The Congress Manish Tewari called it a move to deflect attention from the BJPs anti-backward, anti-Dalit and anti-poor credentials. Naresh Agarwal of the Samajwadi Party, in power in UP, refused to comment.

Political commentators called it an image-makeover exercise after Rashtriya Swayamsangh Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwats remarks in September  before the Bihar elections  calling for a review of the reservation system, though he later clarified that the Sangh was not in favour of scrapping quotas. The last revision of the creamy layer income cap was in 2013 when it was increased from Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh.

In May 2015, the department of personnel and training requested the ministry to re-examine the criterion for determining the creamy layer for OBCs. The ministry gave the job to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), which recommended that the ceiling be raised to Rs 15 lakh per annum.

The ministry revised this to Rs 8.16 lakh, and a source said the figure may be appropriately rounded off.

The NCBC recommendation was based on the salaries of group A officers, a certain level of defence forces and paramilitary officers, etc. We have revised the income limit based on Consumer Price Index, said an official.

Ashok Kumar Saini, a member of the NCBC, said, Even after 23 years of caste-based reservation, data reveals the representation of OBCs is 0-12% in many departments. This is due to the unrealistic determination of annual income for the creamy layer limit.

But, he added, a revision to Rs 8 lakh will also not serve the purpose and will be equally unrealistic.
NEW DELHI: Delhi Police have busted an online international lottery scam and arrested four Nigerians and one Indian agent on Friday.

Police said the gang was wanted in more than 500 cases of cheating and duping job seekers.

Investigators said that in order to make their online lottery scheme look genuine, the accused were illegally using the name of Nokia, a Finnish multinational communications and information technology company. They used terms like Nokia award to fleece potential clients, said police.

A total of 996 SIM cards  the largest such seizure in the history of Delhi police  were recovered from the accused. All the SIM cards were procured on fake IDs. Apart from that, 24 SIM cards of Nigeria, 49 mobiles, seven laptops, 13 data cards, six Nigerian passports, six bank passbooks, one car have been recovered from the accused.

A senior investigator said that three of the arrested Nigerians had come to India in 2009. They were illegally staying in India as their VISAs had expired long ago. The fourth Nigerian, a woman, arrived in India two years ago.

Rishi Pal Singh, deputy commissioner of police (east), said the five accused were arrested following investigation into a cheating case registered filed by one Bhupinderjit Singh,a resident of east Delhis Hargobind Enclave. Bhupinderjit was duped of Rs 60,000 by the gang who impersonated themselves as officials of an international online lottery company.

According to the DCP, the gang used to send SMSe in bulk on random mobile numbers.

In May this year, Bhupinderjit responded to one such SMS. The fraudsters contacted him through emails and telephonic calls. They sent him the details of the lottery scheme.

Bhupinderjit was asked to deposit various mandatory charges like taxes, legal fees, currency exchange charges, so that the winning amount could be released. They made him pay Rs 60,000 but didnt release the winning money, Rishi Pal said, adding an FIR was registered after the complainant realised that he was being cheated.
NEW DELHI: Parent-teacher meetings were held across 1,000 government schools in Delhi on Saturday. For many of them, it was their first experience of an interaction that is routine in most educational institutions.

Attendance was high  to the joy of the Aam Aadmi Party government that organised the event. Parents turned up despite the heavy rain, many of them skipping work for the special day.

Catering to 16,00,000 students, these schools are categorised as Rajkiya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalayas (17), Sarvodaya Vidyalayas (686) and government / girls / boys senior secondary schools (297).

The first two hold PTMs every few months but attendance is usually thin. This year, 90-95% of parents turned up, said the Directorate of Education. In the senior secondary schools that were hosting parents for the first time, attendance was between 65% and 70%.

Rakesh Maurya, who has two daughters at the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in northeast Delhis Sonia Vihar, said, I rarely get time to help them with their studies. Such meetings will help me know where they stand. The only thing that matters is a good education for my girls. First-timer Mohammad Akram, whose daughter is in Class 7 in the same school, said, I was told my daughter comes late for classes and I also saw her marks. Now I know where I need to help her.

The teachers, too, said they were now better informed about students backgrounds and problems. The schools made a special effort. Some rolled out the red carpet, others welcomed the parents with tilak, hand-made cards and banners. The tea and biscuits on offer were a hit.

Parents were given a copy of a letter from deputy chief minister and education minister Manish Sisodia listing the governments achievements and its vision for improving education in Delhi.

Sisodia promised to organise such an event twice every year, saying ,I visited a lot of schools and there is enthusiasm among parents. We will continue this effort so that the quality of education improves in government school.

And there is room for improvement, as the event exposed the schools infrastructural inadequacies. Despite staggered timings for better crowd management, parents in some schools had to line up on playgrounds for lack of space.

The government  which had publicised the event on radio, social media and through door-to-door messagescalled the event a win-win for parents and teachers.

But a section of the Government School Teachers Association called it a flop show. Its president CP Singh said, The teachers were busy deciding who will serve tea instead of focusing on teaching. Why call it a mega event when PTMs are being held in schools every quarter since last year?

Ravinder Malik, a parent at Veer Savarkar Sarvodaya Kanya Vi dy a lay a in south Delhi sK alkaji, said ,It was not surprising for me to attend aparent-teacher meeting in a government school. The management has held such meetings in the past. The only difference was that all schools across Delhi were involved.

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NEW DELHI: The rivalry between Tamil Nadus big parties  the AIADMK and DMKled to a scuffle between two parliamentarians at the Delhi airport on Saturday.

Sasikala Pushpa, an MP of the states ruling AIADMK party, slapped DMK parliamentarian Tiruchi Siva after he refused to travel in the same aircraft, airport security officials said. The two, both Rajya Sabha members, were scheduled to fly to Chennai.

Airline officials said Siva requested to be offloaded because he didnt want to share an aircraft with Pushpa. Seeing Siva emerge from the security hold area, the upset AIADMK MP ran towards him and slapped him.

Security personnel separated them before things got out of hand. While Siva left the airport without lodging a complaint, Pushpa proceeded on her journey.

The matter can also be probed by a panel if any MP lodges a formal complaint with the House chairman, a Rajya Sabha official said. Neither Siva nor Pushpa could be reached over the phone.

AIADMK and DMK MPs dont even talk to each other in Parliament.
Aam Aadmi Party legislator Sharad Chauhan and seven others were arrested on Saturday night in connection with the alleged suicide of a woman party worker.

The volunteer accused Ramesh Bhardwaj, believed to be a close associate of Narela MLA Chauhan, of sexual harassment and committed suicide about two weeks ago. Bhardwaj, the prime suspect in the case, was arrested from Sonepat in Haryana.

Chauhan had earlier been questioned about his 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.

The woman, who alleged that the accused was being protected by the MLA, consumed poison at her home in northwestern Delhis Narela and died during treatment at LNJP Hospital on July 19.

After Chauhans arrest, AAPs Ashutosh hit out at the Centre and alleged vengeance.

Another AAP MLA arrested.Has Modi gone mad?Has he lost his mental balance? If PM acts with such anger/vengeance then is country safe! he tweeted.

The fresh arrest came at a time the AAP was grappling with multiple cases filed against more than a dozen legislators --ranging from criminal intimidation and molestation to rioting and faking educational qualification.

The city-state government was also locked in a legal battle with the central government over the administrative control of capital Delhi.

Read | Malerkotla sacrilege: AAP Mehrauli MLA Naresh Yadav arrested by Punjab Police

Read | AAP MLA Aamanatullah Khan arrested for allegedly threatening, abusing woman

Read | AAP to move Delhi high court against arrests of party MLAs
For six months, she shuttled between the offices of various AAP functionaries and the police to seek help. Defeated by the system, she consumed poison and ended her life, on July 18.

The investigation in the suicide of AAP worker has so far revealed that Ramesh Bhardwaj had got the victims daughter expelled from school after she refused to compromise with him. Bhardwaj was MLA Sharad Chauhans nominee in the school management committee, police said. Bhardwaj also hired goons to terrorize her. Wherever she went, masked men followed her. Some threw stones at her parlour. Sometimes they even sent letter threatening to kill her daughter, a senior police officer said.

When the woman tried approaching the MLA, she realised that he was close to Bhardwaj. She then approached AAPs Delhi convener Dilip Pandey. When she went to Pandeys house, she found Bhardwaj and Chauhan sitting there with him. Pandey reportedly told the woman to settle the case to protect the partys image. Pandey asked Bhardwaj to apologize to her and asked the woman to withdraw the case. She said that though Bhardwaj apologized before Pandey, he got vindictive later, a police officer said. He added that soon after, the woman started getting threat calls.

Read more: MLA held for abetting AAP workers suicide

This is when the police came into the picture. When the woman approached the police on June 2, the investigating officer, sub-inspector Mukhtiar Singh, connived with Bhardwaj and the others to make the case weak. When the MLA found out that the womans case was being handled by Singh, he roped in Virender Kala, a notorious criminal and also Singhs friend to influence the probe. Singh tutored Bhardwaj and others on how to make the case weak and to frame the woman in a fake case of extortion, he added.

MLA Chauhans PA, Amit, too started spreading lies about the woman in order to defame her. He circulated a fake recording stating that the woman was demanding `15 lakh to withdraw a complaint. Amit not only labeled the woman as an extortionist but also questioned her character, an officer said.

The court has sent all the men, except Bhardwaj, to 14-day judicial custody. Bhardwaj is on five day police remand. The police may also call AAPs Delhi convener Dilip Pandey for questioning.
The crime branch of Delhi Police on Sunday arrested AAP MLA Sharad Chauhan, his personal assistant, a sub inspector and five others in connection with the suicide of an AAP volunteer on July 18.

Chauhan is the 12th AAP MLA to be arrested by the police.

The woman was allegedly molested by AAP worker Ramesh Bhardwaj in December last year. When she filed a complaint against him on June 2, Bhardwaj and his associates started torturing her to withdraw the complaint. The woman had reportedly approached the police after trying to seek help from senior members of the party.

Police said that the AAP workers even influenced sub-inspector Mukhtiar Singh  the investigating officer of the case against Bhardwaj  to not include proper evidence and make the case weak. Singh also allegedly gave bail to Bhardwaj.

The accused arrested on Friday include AAPs Narela MLA Sharad Chauhan, his assistant Amit Bhardwaj, sub-inspector Mukhtiar Singh, AAP worker Ramesh Bharadwaj, a local criminal Virender Kala and two of MLA Chauhans close aides Mohan Verma and Sanjay. The police have also arrested a schoolteacher, identified as Rajnikant, for helping Bhardwaj. The arrested accused have been charged with criminal conspiracy, concealing information, destruction of evidence and abetment to suicide.

Police said that MLA Chauhan, in connivance with Bhardwaj and others, also sent masked men to the womans residence to threaten her to withdraw the case. For six months, the woman kept pursuing her case within the party. She even went to the partys Delhi convener, Dilip Pandey, who also asked her to withdraw the case. She stated that she also went to the CMs residence, but was asked to come through a proper channel. She was pressured to commit suicide by these men, joint commissioner of police, crime, Ravinder Yadav said. He added that the woman was being harassed on a daily basis. Men used to go to her parlour and smash windows. Some entered her home to threaten her daughter.

Read more: AAP MLA Aamanatullah Khan arrested for allegedly threatening, abusing woman

Police said that one of MLAs associate, Mohan Verma, also allegedly recorded a fake conversation with Ramesh Bhardwaj. In the recording, Verma was heard demanding `15 lakh on behalf of the woman to withdraw the case. The men later allegedly tried to pass off the case as that of extortion. Verma conspired with the MLA and Bhardwaj to frame the woman in a case of extortion. After the recording of the fake conversation was leaked, it was circulated in Whatsapp groups to tarnish the womans image and attack her character, Yadav said.

After this, the woman reportedly poisoned herself. Before committing suicide, she recorded a message on her phone naming the men responsible for her death.
More than 16 months after they were ousted from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Yogendra Yadav, and Prashant Bhushan announced the formation of a political party on Sunday.

The leaders, along with some other former AAP leaders, have been raising socio-political issues under the banner of Swaraj Abhiyan ever since. However, they will announce the party name, symbol, and office-bearers by October 2.

They decided to form a party after getting the approval of 93% of the executive delegates from 114 districts of the country. They are yet to decide on contesting the elections.

Elected delegates decided on the issue over the weekend. We will register the party with the election commission by October 2, said Yogendra Yadav, Swaraj Abhiyan leader.

Yadav, however, clarified that Swaraj Abhiyan would continue to exist even after the new political party was launched. The two will function independently.

Swaraj Abhiyan key meet this Sunday, party launch on table in Punjab

The group leaders said a six-member committee had been formed to complete the formalities. Meanwhile, the leaders didnt disclose where the party would contest from.

Being a political party, we will contest elections. However, we dont want to contest merely to mark our presence. The decision, as to where we fight elections, will be taken collectively, said Yadav.

Yadav, however, didnt rule out contesting the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab and municipal elections in Delhi. Our teams are really excited about contesting the municipal elections in Delhi. But we are yet to take a final call, said Yadav.

Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan, Ajit Jha, and Anand Kumar were ousted from AAP in March 2015 for anti-party activities. The rebels had then formed a political group called Swaraj Abhiyan, and started various movements across the country.

Swaraj leaders also took a jibe at AAP, saying though it didnt pursue its campaign of fighting corruption, Swaraj Abhiyan had constituted three independent Lokpals to ensure transparency.

We want to offer people an alternative politics without making the mistakes our former colleagues made, said Bhushan.

Swaraj Abhiyan president Anand Kumar said they would not form an alliance with any political party, but would urge Jan Andolan groups to join them.

Kumar said they had launched a youth wing of the Swaraj Abhiyan to reach out to the youth. They would target over 100 universities across the country.
The approval of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Bill, 2016 in the Rajya Sabha comes as a breath of fresh air into the otherwise stagnant debate over environmental concerns getting short shrift in the face of the development agenda.

The Bill, passed in the Lok Sabha earlier, will create an institutional mechanism to use around Rs 48,000 crore to mitigate the impact of diversion of forest land for non-forest use. The positive thing about this Bill is that 90% of the fund will be spent by the states on afforestation and related work. Odisha will get the maximum amount of funds with Jammu and Kashmir getting the least. The Congress expressed concerns, and justifiably so, about the rights of tribals and forest dwellers, the latter guaranteed under the Forest Rights Act 2006.

Read | Ghaziabad to get 78,500 trees in green drive

There are certain pitfalls that must be guarded against as the government proceeds with squaring development with environmental protection. For example, development projects should not be pushed as far as possible in the middle of protected forest areas as this would result in fragmentation of the forest land. In turn, this could affect the movement of animals and create areas that would be exposed to degradation. The waste from development projects, which invariably in the Indian context means industrial plants, are often dumped in these vulnerable ecosystems with disastrous results. When reforestation is undertaken, it is important to understand that it is best to go in for native species and not ones that either do not flourish in the area or adversely affect the ecosystem. The government must learn from past mistakes. In Karnataka, for example, despite massive investments in afforestation, the area under cover actually went down from 1997 to 2011. Today, 40% of Indias forests are classified as degraded. Now that the Bill has been passed, there is a real chance that India can also go in for natural regeneration of its degraded forests, which in the long run can work out cheaper than creating new plantations. For this, the government needs to study best practices from across the world. Environment minister Anil Madhav Dave must be held to his word that the fund will be spent in a transparent manner.

Read | Butchering of trees has South Delhi residents fuming

The management of forests, as things are now, is prone to large-scale corruption, which ranges from shortcuts in identifying and buying saplings to the actual planting and protection work. It is understandable that a developing country cannot put its economic agenda on hold. But environmental security has to be attended to simultaneously to secure the rights of those who depend on the forests for their livelihood and also as an antidote the ill-effects of climate change.
The 2016 edition of the Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for a seat in their management programmes, will be held on December 4. CAT will be conducted in two sessions on one day across 138 cities. Online registrations for the exam open on August 8 and close on September 22.

According to Professor Rajendra K Bandi, convener for CAT 2016, IIM Bangalore, candidates will be given the option to select four test cities in order of preference. Test cities and centres will be assigned to the candidates only after the last date for registration. This means that candidates need not rush to block slots and sites in the initial days of registration.

We will try our best to assign candidates to their first preferred city. In case it is not possible, they will be assigned a city following their given order of preference. In the rare case that a candidate is not allotted any of the preferred cities, he/she will be allotted to an alternate city. However, candidates will not be able to select the session because it will be assigned randomly, says Bandi.

Read | A few surprises for CAT 2015 test-takers

Registration fee will have to be paid online. Once the application process is complete, candidates will be permitted to download their admit card from October 18 till December 4.

The test, which lasts 180 minutes, will have three sections on verbal ability and reading comprehension, data interpretation and logical reasoning and quantitative ability. This time, some questions in each section will not be multiple-choice type. Direct answers have to be typed on the screen instead. This will be clearly explained through CAT tutorials. The tutorial to understand the test format will be available on the CAT website from October 18, 2016. Use of basic on-screen calculator for computation will be allowed.

Further, this year, sectional time limits (60 minutes per section) introduced in CAT 2015, will be retained this year too. This means students cannot switch between sections until they have completed the section they are answering.

CAT results are likely to be released in the second week of January 2017. Candidates can email any queries related to the test at cathelpdesk@iimcat.ac.in. A bachelors degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent Cumulative Grade Point Average is necessary for general category students to be eligible for CAT.

IIMs shortlist candidates for the second stage of selection, which may be different for each IIM. The process may include a written ability test, group discussions and personal interviews.

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Civil aviation regulator DGCA suspended 62 pilots in the last six months for safety violations, up 30% from the corresponding period last year, an RTI query by HT has found.

The Director General of Civil Aviation took action against 93 pilots in 2015  an average monthly suspension rate of less than eight. This has gone up to 10 in 2016. Suspensions can last 15 days or go up to several years, depending on the severity of the offence.

The regulator declined information on the break-up of violations, but sources said in 45% of the cases, pilots failed the breathalyser test that checks alcohol levels in blood. This was followed by runway violations (30%), flight and duty time limitations (20%) and miscellaneous violations (4%).

The details of airlines cannot be provided as the information is exempt from disclosure, the DGCA said, while a senior official added, If we start disclosing airlines names, they will start hiding violations.

However, minister of state for civil aviation Dr Mahesh Shrama had told Lok Sabha in May that of 122 cases in three years of pilots failing alcohol tests pre-flight, Jet Airways, Indigo and SpiceJet topped with 33, 25 and 20 cases, respectively.

Aviation experts said the DGCA was not dependent solely on airlines for reports on safety violations. It also received information from air traffic control, aerodrome operators and flight crew.

In the era of the Right to Information Act, there should be no opaqueness. If an airline has defaulted, the regulatory body should make it public, said former Air India executive director Jitender Bhargava.

DGCA spokesperson Lalit Gupta declined comment.

The experts believe the high suspension rate is linked to the United States Federal Aviation Administrations move to downgrade Indias safety ranking in January 2014. After the downgrade, the DGCA is doing its work more earnestly, said Bhargava.

A source said, In 2012, we acted against 109 pilots. The figure dipped to 89 in 2013 but rose to 92 and 93 in 2014 and 2015, respectively. It looks significantly high till now in 2016. Its because we are seeking out violations more minutely.

The source said breathalyser tests were earlier conducted randomly on 60% of crew of scheduled (regularly operated) airlines but since August 2015, all crew and non-scheduled airlines had been covered.

A civil aviation ministry source, however, said the higher suspensions were due to a 20-25% jump in flight operations and stricter enforcement.

Some pilots accused the DGCA of punishing them for reasons beyond their control and sometimes, in minor cases. If the breathalyser reads 0:01 instead of 0:00, we are served a suspension order. Such a reading could be due to several factors, not just because you have consumed alcohol, said one pilot.

Another said, There are circumstances where a pilot has to deviate from maintaining a particular descending speed while approaching the runway. But the DGCA takes punitive action without asking the pilot for the reason. He added that frequent rule changes by the regulator also complicated matters.

But the DGCA official said the body took action only in cases of major violations that put flyers lives at risk, leaving the small issues to airline operators.
Heavy rains over past three months have crippled Tripuras only physical link to the rest of India, leaving the landlocked northeastern state stranded amid a mounting fuel crisis that has upset its economy and people.

National Highway 8 turned unusable across its course down the hilly Tripura, which is surrounded by Bangladesh on three sides. Locally called Assam Road, it is now mostly a slushy stretch where trucks carrying essential commodities are stranded.

The state with 37 lakh people currently gets only half the goods it requires. This has pushed prices steeply high, upsetting school education and newspaper circulation too. A litre of petrol in the state capital costs upward of Rs 300, while it is above Rs 150 for diesel. Two-wheelers lined up in long queues at the only pump that sold fuel on Saturday.

There is extreme shortage of cooking gas as well. LPG cylinders are being sold at above Rs 2,500 in the black market.

Read | Railway services in northeast India disrupted due to rain, landslides

Indian truck drivers and assistants are joined by others as they look at an overturned truck stuck in mud on National Highway 44 (NH-44) at Khasiapunji, some 205km north of Agartala on the border of the north-eastern states of Assam and Tripura, on July 6, 2016. (AFP)

Petrol shortage

The petrol crisis deepened on Sunday as four pumps in the state capital are shut. The closure of pumps at Siddhi Ashram, Bardowali, Radhanagar and Durga Bari marks a paradox: it comes on a day Tripura is making a stride in rail connectivity. Sunday is the historic inauguration of the first Agartala-Delhi broad-gauge train service. The weekly Tripura Sundari Express covers 2,460km in 47 hours, stopping at 16 stations.

The state government first resorted to rationing for fuel products and, last week, enforced a system where vehicles with odd registration numbers will get fuel on odd dates and the even-numbered ones on other dates. The implementation sparked protests, and the odd-even was till August 1.

School break

The fuel shortage has forced schools, especially private, to suspended classes. Many educational institutions have curtailed bus services for students. CBSE-run schools such as Pranabananda Vidyamandir and Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan declared holiday for two days.

At some places, students need to walk close to 10 km to attend classes.

The break in studies is worrying parents. More so, of those who are appearing in the board exams next February-March.

Students are distraught, too. Classes have been irregular this monsoon, said Sunita Saha, a tenth standard student. Teachers will struggle to cover the syllabus in time.

Read | Tripura remains cut-off, essential supplies to be transported through Bangladesh

A submerged house due to flooding following rains in Dharmanagar, North Tripura (PTI file photo)

Thinning newspapers

The print media is paralysed for the last two months. Trucks carrying newsprint are aground in Assams Lowerpoa area. If the circulation of dailies has trimmed owing to transportation problem, shortage of newsprint has prompted a few of them to stop publishing supplementary pages.

Tripura, which has 70% Bengali population, has 66 publications23 of them dailies. A chunk of the newspapers and weeklies are Bengali.

Rulers and traders

The Left-ruled state government complained of laxity on the part of the BJP-led NDA government at the centre in addressing Tripuras current issue. We get little support from Delhi, said food and civil supplies minister Bhanulal Saha.

On Friday, Saha and chief minister Manik Sarkar had their residences turning into venues of protests by people angry about price-rise and fuel shortage.

Businesses are down. Traders, faced with thin supplies and low sales (owing to high price), have requested the union government to take counter-measures. The Bharatiya Udyog Vypar Mandal, an organization of traders of small-scale industries, sent a letter to Union minister for surface transport Nitin Gadkari, seeking restoration of the arterial NH-8.

The All Tripura Merchants Association (ATMA), too, has taken up the issue. We have already highlighted before the state government the plight of us merchants since May, an ATMA functionary said. As we are yet to get a reply, we will meet ministers Manik Dey (transport) and Saha on Monday.

Labourers work to clear a landslide on the National Highway 44 at Khasiapunji some 75 km north of Karimganj on the border of the north-eastern states of Assam and Tripura on July 11, 2016. (AFP)

Read | Monsoon fury claims 40 lives across the country; Tripura facing fuel crisis

Tripura Lok Sabha MPs Jitendra Chaudhury and Shankar Prasad Datta also approached Gadkari to make NH 8 fit for use.

Last week, Trinamool Congress staged a chakka jam in protest against the fuel crisis and price-rise.

The BJP in Tripura is optimistic of a recovery soon. The vehicle movement on NH-8 has smoothened now, said Biplab Deb, the partys state president, when contacted.

With the Assam governments initiative, the 7-km road between Lowerpoa and Churaibari has been restored, he added.

Also, the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation has restored the alternative highway to make vehicular movements normal, he claimed.
In light of the attack on Dalits in Una, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, on Sunday, said all Dalit BJP parliamentarians should resign in protest of the assault by BJP goons.

Udit ji and all Dalit MPs of BJP should resign in protest against countrywide assault on the Dalits by BJP goons, the chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party supremo said.

Kejriwals remarks come in the wake of BJP MP Udit Rajs statement on Saturday where he said that Hinduism was in danger because of its so-called protectors.

...and then those people (the custodian of Hindu religion) have problems with Dalits entering Church or Mosque. They say Hindu religion is in danger. It is because of them only and not because of us (Dalits), said Raj, who is also the national chairman of All-India Confederation of SC/ST Organisations.

Rajs remarks came amid rumours of some Dalit families planning to embrace Islam after they were allegedly denied entry into a Tamil Nadu temple. The Dalit leader raised apprehensions over survival of Hindu religion in the country, and said its in danger not from the conversion of Dalits to other religions.

He claimed that in countries like Burma, Thailand, Iran, Phillipines, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan, the Hindu population has decreased significantly, and its difficult for Hindu religion to survive in India also and we will not be responsible for that.

Read | Una flogging incident: Muslim body to join Dalit rally in Gujarat

The BJP has been facing heat over the flogging of Dalit community members in Gujarats Una on July 11 for alleged cow slaughter, a state where the saffron party is in power.

Read | In village of Una thrashing victims, anger, hope after politicians come visiting
A passenger was rushed to hospital in critical condition after he was allegedly pushed out of a running train by a travelling ticket examiner (TTE) near Barsoi railway station of Katihar rail division in eastern Bihar on Saturday.

The incident took place when the victim, Anil Nuniya, 45, a resident of Sidhani village under Balrampur police station of Katihar district, was travelling with his wife by North East express. He had boarded the train in New Delhi and was going to Barsoi.

The government railway police have lodged an FIR on the basis of the complaint of victims wife, Mainawati Devi.

Detailing the incident, sources said Nuniya, who was travelling in the general compartment of the train, got down at the Katihar station to fetch water. By the time he could return to his compartment, the train started moving. Out of panic, he boarded an AC compartment.

There, a TTE allegedly asked him to pay a fine for boarding a reserved AC compartment on a general ticket. A verbal duel between the two ensued and the TTE allegedly did not allow Nuniya to disembark at Barsoi, which was his destination station.

The argument soon got acrimonious and the TTE alleged pushed Nuniya out of the train soon after it left Barsoi station. Seriously injured, he was found by locals lying beside the track between Sanjay Gram and Sudhani stations.

Nuniya was rushed to Barsoi Referral hospital from where his relatives took him to Siliguri for better treatment.

The victims wife said he got off the train at Katihar for taking water but could not get back to his compartment as the train started moving. He got on in AC bogey in haste as the train suddenly left the station she said, claiming the TTE started asking him for money.

Katihar rail DSP BL Ram, while confirming the incident, said, An FIR has been lodged on the basis of the complaint of victims wife at Barsoi station. Further probe is going on.
BJP demanded on Sunday Ashok Chakra, the countrys highest peacetime military decoration, for the soldiers who killed Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani, saying he was a militant who had to die.

Burhan Wani was a militant who had to die and the security personnel who killed him need commendation. The personnel should be awarded Ashok Chakra, former state BJP president and member of legislative council (MLC) Ashok Khajuria said.

BJPs point of view to deal with militancy is clear that the one who picks up a gun to disintegrate the country has to be dealt with an iron fist, Khajuria said.

Our viewpoint is clear, for us it is the message from Bhagwad Gita, BJP viewpoint is clear and we in no way support the policy of appeasement.

What I am saying is that Burhan wani was a militant and he met the end of a militant and security forces need to be appreciated for the same, Khajuria said.

Protests broke out across Kashmir Valley on July 9, a day after Wani was killed in an encounter.

In the ensuing clashes between protesters and security forces, 49 persons, including two policemen, have been killed and over 5,500 others injured.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested suspended Gujarat-cadre IAS officer Pradeep Sharma on Sunday in connection with a money laundering case.

Officials said Sharma had been booked under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on an FIR of the Gujarat CID. He was arrested after he reached the office of the ED for interrogation.

The investigative agency claimed that the custodial interrogation was necessary as the 1994-batch officer was not cooperating. The Supreme Court had recently vacated an interim stay on his arrest after the ED filed an affidavit seeking his arrest in the case.

The case pertains to sanction of government land in Bhuj for industrial use to Ms Welspun India Limited, and its group companies, Welspun Power and Steel and Welspun Gujarat Style Roharan, in 2004 when Sharma was the district collector and chairman of the District Land Evaluation and Pricing Committee.

The central agencys probe in the case found that Sharma had allegedly sanctioned huge land at cheaper price to Ms Welspun India Ltd. and its sister concerns Ms Welspun Gujarat Stahi Rohren, Ms Welspun Power and Steel company by manipulative acts in gross violation of norms, instructions and guidelines as laid down by the state government of Gujarat.

Through this allotment, Sharma allegedly caused financial losses to the state government to the tune of Rs 1.20 crore (approx), the agency said.

Against this favour, he has received gain to the tune of Rs 22 lakh in the name of his wife Shyamal P Sharma within a short period of 15 months by just investing Rs 1 lakh (in January 2008) in one Ms Value Packaging, the ED probe report said.

The ED invoked PMLA alleging that the money was first deposited in his wifes overseas bank account and then transferred to his account in violation of the Act.

Sharma was arrested by the CID in this case. He later received bail.

Read | Snoopgate fame IAS officer arrested over corruption

The ED suspects that Sharma is the beneficiary of an alleged undisclosed Swiss bank account. It has attached Sharmas assets worth Rs 75 lakh to the case.

Sharma had earlier filed a petition in the Supreme Court alleging that he was being victimised by the then Narendra Modi government in Gujarat and had sought a CBI inquiry into the cases against him. However, the apex court rejected his application.

The suspended IAS officers name had figured in the so-called snoopgate tapes released in the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls by two private portals, which had conversations between Amit Shah, the state home minister at the time, and IPS officer GL Singhal regarding surveillance on a female architect in Ahmedabad.
The government plans to bring a larger section of other backward classes (OBCs) under the reservation net by relaxing the annual income ceiling that excludes them from these benefits from Rs 6 - 8 lakh.

The proposal  part of a cabinet note prepared by the ministry of social justice and empowerment  indicates another attempt by the BJP to woo OBCs in states going to polls early next year, especially in Uttar Pradesh where they make up 40% of the population.

OBCs are at present entitled to a 27% quota in public-sector jobs and higher education if they earn Rs 6 lakh or less a year. Those who earn above this cap  referred to as the creamy layer  are not eligible.

The cabinet is likely to approve the proposal after Parliaments monsoon session gets over on August 12, official sources said.

OBCs make up 52% of Indias population, according to a 1980 report of the Mandal commission  set up to identify socially or educationally backward sections for quota considerations. The report drew the number from the 1931 census. The findings of a caste-based census conducted in 2011, the first in 80 years, are not out.

The National Sample Survey Organisation in 2006 put the OBC population at 41% but this is not considered accurate by many as the NSSO looked at consumption expenditure and not population.

The Congress Manish Tewari called it a move to deflect attention from the BJPs anti-backward, anti-Dalit and anti-poor credentials. Naresh Agarwal of the Samajwadi Party, in power in UP, refused to comment.

Political commentators called it an image-makeover exercise after Rashtriya Swayamsangh Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwats remarks in September  before the Bihar elections  calling for a review of the reservation system, though he later clarified that the Sangh was not in favour of scrapping quotas.

The last revision of the creamy layer income cap was in 2013 when it was increased from Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh.

In May 2015, the department of personnel and training requested the ministry to re-examine the criterion for determining the creamy layer for OBCs. The ministry gave the job to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), which recommended that the ceiling be raised to Rs 15 lakh per annum.

The ministry revised this to Rs 8.16 lakh, and a source said the figure may be appropriately rounded off.

The NCBC recommendation was based on the salaries of group A officers, a certain level of defence forces and paramilitary officers, etc. We have revised the income limit based on Consumer Price Index, said an official.

Ashok Kumar Saini, a member of the NCBC, said, Even after 23 years of caste-based reservation, data reveals the representation of OBCs is 0-12% in many departments. This is due to the unrealistic determination of annual income for the creamy layer limit.

But, he added, a revision to Rs 8 lakh will also not serve the purpose and will be equally unrealistic.
A 23-year-old man, who attempted suicide to protest against the thrashing of four Dalit men in Gujarats Una, died in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Yogesh Sarikhada, a resident of Rajkot town, consumed poison on July 19 and was admitted to a hospital in the city. He was later shifted to a hospital in Ahmedabad, where he died.

He was rushed to Ahmedabad civil hospital from Rajkot after his condition deteriorated. He reached here last midnight but passed away soon after, police said.

The death is likely to fuel anger in the state that is already on the boil over the thrashing of the Dalit youth  who were skinning a dead cow -- in Una by self-styled cow protectors.

Thousands of Dalit people have come out in protest against the incident on July 11, forcing the government on the back foot and shifting the spotlight back on festering caste discrimination across India.

(With inputs from PTI)

Read: Conspiracy to grab land behind Una Dalit youth thrashing: Relatives

Read: In village of Una thrashing victims, anger, hope after politicians come visiting

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Nearly 30 years after the Hashimpura massacre, the then superintendent of police of Ghaziabad district has come out with a book giving his version of the gory incident in which 42 Muslims were gunned by jawans of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC).

Still weighing heavy on my conscience is that horrifying night of May 22 in the humid summer of 1987. And the subsequent days, similarly, are etched in my memory like as if on stone - it was something that overpowered the cop in me. The Hashimpura experience continues to torment me, says Vibhuti Narain Rai.

Hashimpura 22 May 22: The Forgotten Story of Indias Biggest Custodial Killings is a blow-by-blow account of the massacre and its aftermath. Translated by Darshan Desai from the Hindi version, it is published by Penguin Books.

It was around 10.30 pm and I had just returned from Hapur. After dropping the district magistrate, Nasim Zaidi, at his official residence, I reached the residence of the superintendent of police.

Just as I reached its gates, the headlights of my car fell on the frightened and nervous sub-inspector, V B Singh, who was then in charge of the Link Road police station. I could guess something terrible had happened in his jurisdiction. I asked the driver to halt the car and got out, Rai recalls.

According to him, Singh seemed too scared to explain coherently what had happened exactly.

Even then, his string of broken words was enough to shock anyone. I could make out that the jawans of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) had killed some people, most likely Muslims, near the canal crossing the road leading to Makanpur, he writes.

Why were they killed? How many were killed? From where were they picked up? All these questions came to Rais mind.

After several attempts of trying to get Singh to be more coherent about the details, this is what I gathered about the incident: It was around 9 pm when V B Singh and his colleagues sitting at the police station heard gunshots from near Makanpur and they thought there were some dacoits in the village.

Singh turned his motorcycle towards that track, with another sub-inspector and a constable sentry riding pillion. They had barely travelled a few metres down the road when they spotted a truck driving towards them at breakneck speed.

If Singh had not swerved his motorcycle off the road, the truck would have knocked them down. Just as he was trying to control his vehicle, Singh looked behind at the yellow coloured truck with 41 written on it and some men in khaki uniform sitting at the rear. It was not difficult for professional policemen to figure out that the vehicle was from the 41st Battalion of the PAC.

Wondering why a PAC truck was on that road at that hour of the night and if it had any connection to the gunshots they had heard, they proceeded towards Makanpur.

They must have driven just a kilometre further when Singh and his colleagues saw something very scary. Just short of Makanpur, there were bodies strewn in a pool of blood in the ravines around the canal. The blood was still oozing out of the bodies and was slowly seeping into the ground.

From what Singh could see from the glow of his motorcycles headlights, there were bodies lying in the bushes, on the canal banks and floating in the water as well. It did not take the sub-inspector and his colleagues long to link the speeding PAC truck with the gunshots and the bodies in the canal, Rai writes.

He says the story is a sordid saga of the relations between the Indian state and minorities, the amoral attitude of the police and a frustratingly sluggish judicial system.

Last year, 16 Uttar Pradesh policemen who were accused of killing the 42 Muslims were acquitted by a court.

What triggered their killings?

Rai attributes these to the horrifying period when this incident occurred.

It was nearly a decade since the Ram Janmabhoomi agitation had hopelessly divided the entire nation. The agitation that started in the late 1970s, and was getting more aggressive each day, had driven the Hindu middle-class towards communalism.

The maximum number of inter-community riots post Partition took place during this phase. It was obvious that the PAC and the police could not have remained insulated from this social chasm for long.

Rai says Hashimpura experience continues to torment him.

Between May 22, 1987 and March 21, 2015, when the verdict on the crime came, it would seem that Indian society had undergone a sea of change. The changes that have taken place in the political, economic and social spheres have metamorphosed the social milieu of the country.

But the fact that the case dragged on endlessly in the courts actually serves as a grim reminder that nothing has really changed.

Rai says that just a few days after the Hashimpura massacre, he decided to write about it and bring its details out to the open but his writing began at a slow pace because of his busy schedule.

But when the National Police Academy, Hyderabad, granted me a research fellowship in 1994, my prospects brightened. My subject was related to the image of the police among Hindus and Muslims during communal riots, and I deliberately chose this topic in order to work on the book; it also provided me with a year-long relief from regular routine, he says.
At least 20 people, including a girl, sustained pellet, bullet and teargas shell injuries as the Valley continued to remain tense due to clashes between security forces and civilians in many areas.

Huge pro-freedom rallies and candlelight protests were held in different places in the summer capital and elsewhere to protest the spate of civilian killings that has enraged the Valley.

Thousands of people visited the Martyrs Graveyard at Kareemabad village in South Kashmirs Pulwama district following the separatists call to pay tributes to the slain militants.

Reports from the area suggested that banners eulogising militants were put up across the town. Residents had decorated the graveyard and also erected food and water stalls for those visiting the area.

Leaders of both moderate and hardline factions of the Hurriyat Conference, including Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, remained under house arrest. Also, separatist leader and JKLF chief Yasin Malik was shifted to Central Jail Srinagar after remaining under police custody at Kothibagh police station since July 8.

Meanwhile, a solemn wreath laying ceremony was held at Leh on Sunday to honour the two brave army soldiers who lost their lives on July 29.

The two soldiers were martyred while patrolling along line of control (LoC) in Kargil sector when they were caught in a mine blast.

Due to effect of the blast subedar Basappa Patil, who was the patrol leader and sepoy Hasansab Khudavand, the leading scout, suffered grievous injuries, which proved to be fatal.
The government is considering evacuating about 10,000 Indian workers laid off in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, who are grappling with hunger as they have little money to buy food, let alone for tickets home.

Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj said the condition in Saudi Arabia was worse and the government had asked the consulate in Riyadh to provide free ration to the unemployed Indians.

Sources said a decision on airlifting the stranded workers will be taken after junior foreign minister VK Singh visits the west Asian kingdom, possibly next week.

Thankful dat Saudi authorities hv assured @IndianEmbRiyadh Exit visas of our Indian workers will be processed Wage claims will be registered, tweeted MJ Akbar, the second junior minister in the external affairs ministry.

The consulate in Jeddah distributed more than 15,000kg of food to their distressed countrymen over the past three days in association with the Indian community.

Necessary assistance continues to be provided to our distressed citizens with the heartening support of Indian community in Saudi Arabia, Akbar tweeted.

Indian Consulate in association with Indian Community Jeddah distributed 15,475 kgs of food stuff besides eggs,spices,salt etc n 1850 no 1/2  India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) July 30, 2016

of food packets 2 Indians during last three days. Efforts r on to reach out to each n every Indian to help them overcome this crisis.  India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) July 30, 2016

All 5 camps, Shumaisi, Sisten/Macrona,Sojex, Highway,Taif taken care wid supply of food materials. An effort of last four days succeeded wel  India in Jeddah (@CGIJeddah) July 30, 2016

The crisis happened after low oil prices have forced the Saudi government to slash spending, putting pressure on the finances of local construction firms which rely on state contracts. As a result, struggling companies laid off thousands of foreign workers, leaving many with no money.

The Saudi government says it investigates any complaints of companies not paying wages and if necessary, obliges them to do so with fines and other penalties.

India has a history of evacuating its nationals from Gulf countries, mostly from conflict zones  more than 175,000 people during the Kuwait war, and about 6,000 people from war-torn Yemen recently.

But this will be the first time an economic crisis may force the government to explore the option.

The government is facing political expediency in the current crisis. Many of the jobless workers are from Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP is making a concerted effort to win the 2017 state elections. A sizeable number is from Rajasthan, a BJP-ruled state.

Large number of Indians have lost their jobs in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The employers have not paid wages closed down their factories. As a result our brothers and sisters in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are facing extreme hardship, foreign minister Swaraj tweeted.

The hardships faced by Indian migrants are often exacerbated by the illegal ways agents employ to hire them. Oil-rich Saudi Arabia has often been criticised for human rights violations and difficult working conditions for migrant workers, a charge its government denies.

The kingdom has the largest number of Indian passport-holders outside India, and most of them are employed as blue-collar workers.

(With agency inputs)
There is no stepping down of search operations for the Indian Air Forces missing AN-32 plane despite no signs of debris or oil slick on the sea surface, said a senior Indian Coast Guard official on Sunday.

Whether it is Coast Guard or Indian Navy or IAF, the search operations have not been slowed or stepped down, the official, who did not want to be named, told IANS.

He said now hopes are pinned on the the Sagar Nidhi vessel belonging to National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) that is expected to join search operations soon.

The ship has the capacity to search under water and is expected to join search operations on August 2 or 3.

The plane with 29 people on board went missing shortly after taking off from Chennai for Port Blair. 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.
The Uttar Pradesh police said on Sunday they have identified three suspects involved in gangrape of a woman and her teenage daughter in Bulandshahr district.

The three have been brought in for questioning and may be arrested soon, UP DGP Javed Ahmed said. Seventeen tribals from nearby villages have also been detained.

The family of six  three men, two women and a 13-year-old girl  were stopped by five to six armed men on the Delhi-Kanpur highway near Dostpur village at 1.30am Saturday, according to a first information report filed later that day. The group allegedly dragged the victims to nearby fields where they tied up the men and an elderly woman and raped the teen and her 35-year-old mother.

The girl and her mother picked out the three suspects from 200 photographs we pulled out of our database of tribal criminals, said Meerut DIG Laxmi Singh, confirming that medical reports pointed to sexual assault.

Meanwhile, the state government released suspension orders for seven police officials in this regard.

The state government has suspended Bulandshahr senior superintendent of police (SSP) Vibhav Krishna, superintendent of police(city) Ram Mohan Singh and circle officer (city) Himanshu Gaurav. Inspector in-charge (Kotwali Dehat) Ram Sen Singh, police outpost (highway) in-charge Pramod Kumar, highway patroling in-charge Rustam and beat constable Anurag Yadav have also been suspended. Five persons have been taken into custody. The victims have identified three of them, principal secretary (home) Debashish Panda said.

A special team of 300 police personnel from Ghaziabad, Noida, Hapur and Meerut with experience in dealing with tribal criminals has been formed.

Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said he had given the Bulandshahr SSP 24 hours to arrest all the culprits. Arrest all those involved and the state government will pursue the case strongly in court, his spokesperson quoted him as saying.

The police suspect the criminals are tribals familiar with the landscape. Citing victims statements, sources said the men disappeared into the darkness on foot, taking away money and jewellery. They left behind the car, camouflaging it in the blades of bajra.

Two attackers were heard saying they did not want to be part of the rape, Singh said, adding that the tied-up male members were hit with hammers when they protested the sexual assault.

Read: Noida woman, daughter raped near Bulandshahr highway, 15 detained

The police reached the spot at 4.15 am after one of the family members untied himself by biting off the ropes. He called the police from his mobile phone, which had been left underneath the car.

Singh said two iron axles were recovered from the spot. The robbers had thrown these at the car to stop it.

The family was attacked while driving to Shahjahanpur village for a relatives tehravi  a ritual for the dead.

According to their statements, the criminals appeared to be in their 20s and 30s and one in his 40s. They were dressed in half-sleeved T-shirts and jeans and trousers  which they had folded to avoid the muck in the fields.

A case of rape, illegal confinement, robbery and dacoity, and under the provisions of the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act has been registered.

The incident prompted opposition parties to attack the Samajwadi Party government over jungleraj in the state. The SP government and its head must tell the people if they can return the modesty of women in such a painful and heinous crime, BSP chief Mayawati said.

Union minister Mahesh Sharma of the BJP said, When will this end? It shows the state government has collapsed on every front. It cannot save the honour of a daughter.

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Defence minister Manohar Parrikar said on Sunday that the government has put a check on infiltration along the Pakistan border and over 70 terrorists who were trying to enter India from Pakistan have been shot dead so far this year.

Parrikar cited a ratio of the martydom of jawans to slain terrorists while speaking to reporters in Jabalpur.

14 jawans have attained martyrdom this year so far, Parrikar said adding the figures reveal that if India lost one jawan, 5 terrorists had been killed against it. The ratio come to 1:5, Parrikar said adding earlier it was 1:1.5.

Denying that the Chinese Army breaches Indias border, the defence minister said several points have been made for dialogues along the Indo-China border. Border of India and China have not been demarked, he said, adding it is because of several historical reasons. As a result of this, Parrikar said Chinese Army by mistake enters India thinking it was its areas.

We stop them and send them back. Sometime they return on their own. Such incidents are being reported since last 20-30 years but such cases have dropped by 40%, Parrikar claimed.
Defence minister Manohar Parrikar faced political outrage on Sunday for his remarks that Bollywood actor Aamir Khan should be taught a lesson for commenting last November about growing religious intolerance and bigotry in the country. The minister later clarified that he was not opposed to freedom of expression, but opposed to unrest.

Parrikar, speaking at a book launch in Pune on Saturday, called the actor arrogant without naming him.

One actor had said that his wife wants to leave India. It was an arrogant statement. If I am poor and my house is small, I will still love my house and always dream to make a bungalow out of it, he said. He also referred to the alleged anti-national sloganeering at JNU in February.

His comments attracted opposition fire, with the Congress accusing the BJP, and its ideological mentor RSS, of a concerted conspiracy to hound Dalits, minorities, writers, actors and whoever dissents against the Narendra Modi government.

RSS & Parrikarji want to teach everyone a lesson. Heres a lesson for you: hate is the preserve of the coward and it never wins, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi posted on Twitter.

Party spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Parrikars statement indicated nobody would be allowed space to dissent in India.

For his part, the defence minister said on Sunday he did not target any specific person, and that he was not opposed to freedom of expression, but feels the country is supreme.

I have not taken anybodys name. I had said that people who dont respect the country should be opposed ... I am opposed to upadrav (unrest). Such people should be opposed in a democratic manner, he said in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

In November last year, Khan joined the chorus against growing intolerance. The cine start said he was alarmed by the number of incidents and his wife, Kiran Rao, even suggested that they leave the country.

When I sit at home and talk to Kiran, she says Should we move out of India? Thats a disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make. She fears for her child. She fears about what the atmosphere around us will be. She feels scared to open the newspapers every day.

Parrikar said when Aamir made such a comment, people discontinued their association with an online trading company he was associated with.

Read: Heres why Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh retracted statements on intolerance

His reference to the e-retailer prompted the Congress to allege that Parrikar has unknowingly exposed the conspiracy of BJP supporters to hound the online company to remove Khan as its brand ambassador.

The Congresss salvo comes at a time protests and criticism were mounting against attacks on Dalits, Muslims and other minorities in the two years of NDA rule.

Shocking revelation by @manoharparrikar that BJP supporters actively disrupted, sabotaged Snapdeal on Aamir Khan issue. Scandalous!  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) July 31, 2016

Read | Stop people spreading hatred in tolerant India, Aamir Khan asks Modi
A poster of hitherto-unknown group of stone-pelters has appeared in Srinagar, threatening girls against riding two-wheelers or they would be set on fire.

We request all girls, please do not use Scooty (two- wheeler). If we see any girl who rides Scooty, we will burn the Scooty as well as the girl, reads the poster by Sangbaaz (stone-pelters) Association Jammu and Kashmir that was found pasted at the city centre here.

The so-called association has also warned shopkeepers, vendors and banks against opening their establishments till the end of this fight.

The group warned for the last time that they should shut down or face consequences.

It also asked all private transport to cooperate with us.

The association also asked mosque management committees to raise slogans and play anthems after every prayer.

A police official said the poster is being examined and those behind it are being traced.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) cadre will visit Dalit localities on August 18 to celebrate the Hindu festival of Rakshabandhan.

The Sangh asserts the initiative, which will be repeated on other festivals, is part of its ongoing Samajik Samarasta (social harmony) programmes but the timing of the effort is not lost on anyone.

With the BJP coming under sharp attack for the growing intolerance against Dalits  reinforced by the recent atrocities in Gujarats Una and now Karnataka, where Bajrang Dal activists have been accused of attacking a family on suspicion of cow slaughter  the BJPs ideological mentor has been forced to step in and fire fight.

Karyakartas have been asked to create awareness that Dalits are being used as a votebank and their so-called leaders have not delivered. There are no jobs, benefits of reservation have not reached the poor and needy and RSS is the only organisation that walks the talk on casteless society, a senior functionary said.

The outreach that has been planned with an eye on elections will include underlining the representation of the Dalits in BJP as opposed to other political parties and campaigns to end discrimination faced by Dalits in temples, crematoriums and workplaces.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis reference to his past is also being used as a big draw. Addressing a forum of Dalit entrepreneurs in December 2015, the PM had said, Ask me, I know how it feels to be humiliated. From my personal experience I can tell you, the elite still cant stand it when they see a Dalit wearing nice clothes.

A senior RSS functionary said the BJP was told to discipline its members and ask them to refrain from derailing the positive work being done by the Sangh cadre.

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Its a forenoon hour, and the small post office alongside the Ganga is bustling with activity. Ratan Rawat, the postmaster, is busy taking phone calls on the landline as well as his cell phone.

Ho jayega sir, saari cans jald aa jayengi (Yes sir, will ensure that all the cans reach soon), he speaks reassuringly to his senior at the other end. As the head of the staff totaling six, Rawat inspects the plastic cans filled with Ganga jal collected from the river bank, just across the road.

For a month now, this post office in this pilgrim city in Uttarakhand is sending the holy water to Delhi. At a facility in the national capital, it is filled in bottles of 200 and 500-ml capacity before they are distributed for retail sale to post offices across the country.

It was in May this year that Union communication and information technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad announced making Ganga jal available at post offices and on e-commerce platforms. The idea of selling the holy water proved to be an instant hit after the scheme launched on July 10.

The Ganga jal is collected from two places in Uttarakhand: Rishikesh and, further up, Gangotri. Initially, we used to pack and dispatch 25 cans of 20 litres each a day, says Rawat. These days, we collect 100 cansor 2,000 liters per day. That is enough to make 10,000 bottles of 200ml each.

A 200ml Ganga jal bottle collected from Rishikesh costs Rs 15, while the price is Rs 22 for 500 ml. The Gangotri water is collected from Gomukhthe origin of the 2,525km river. The purity quotient is up at the glacier area, and so are the costs. Its Rs 25 for the 200ml bottle, Rs 35 for 500ml.

The post office at Gomukh, which is situated 13,200 feet above the sea level, is opened for only six summer months any year. July being a monsoon month, its roads face repeated blocks. So, we have temporarily stopped collecting water from Gomukh says GD Arya, superintendent (postal) for Tehri Garhwal zone.

At the Rishikesh post office, the staff members take turns to monitor the water-collection work and count the packed bottles. At times, we feel a little overloaded, shrugs Rawat. But it is all about service to society.

At the Ganga bank that overlooks the famed suspension bridge called Ram Jhula, young Ram Singh collects muddy Ganga jal in cans. Two fellow labourers join the 32-year-old local man.

Its an earning season for us, says Singh. We get Rs 1000 for 3 to 4 hours of work. Not bad.

Rains in the upper stream have made the Ganga water particularly muddy. Our job is to collect in the raw form, adds Singh.

A Hindu pilgrim known as Kanwaria carrying holy water in New Delhi collected from river Ganges to be offered to local Shiva temple. (Burhaan Kinu / HT File Photo )

The business of Ganga jal

As one of the worlds longest, Ganga is a trans-boundary river originating from the Himalayas in northern India. On hitting the plains at Haridwar, it takes a southeast course and enters Bangladesh before finally merging with the Bay of Bengal. The rivers water is holy for millions of Hindus living across the globe. Lakhs of pilgrims visiting Gangotri, Rishikesh and Haridwar, among other spots along the river, collect its water and store them back home.

The Indian postal department is not the first in the country to sell Ganga jal. For long, several small traders sell the rivers water, employing varied kind of packaging. Most of them do the business without registration.

The governments entry has upset themmore so those who run the business legally.

For instance, middle-aged Pradeep Kumar of Haridwar opened a firm in his name this February, sensing lucre out of selling Ganga water. Five months thence, the postal department stepped in a big way. Today, Kumar is anxious about his future.

I am ready to negotiate with the postal department to save my new business he says, standing outside the Rishikesh post office. My business fetched me a turnover of Rs 26,000 so far.

The state had its first Ganga jal firm in 2004 when Uttarkashi Mineral Corporation (UMC) was registered with the plan to sell the river water in both domestic and overseas markets. Anita Sharma, its manager, says the company has a sizeable share of market.

We maintain quality; we have a plant near Gangotri that has 20 employees, says Sharma. The company ensures total treatment of Ganga jal before sending the product for sale.

She claims that the postal department is selling muddy water that cannot be used.

UMC has been doing good business with an annual turnover of around Rs 4 crore.

The Ganga is no less than Ma (mother) to a chunk of the 966 million Hindus living in the country. Many of them believe that its water has medicinal valuesand have an undiminished trust in its quality despite growing industrialisation in a contemporary world.

Of late, the government is keen to learn more about the subject. Last month, Union water resources minister Uma Bharati instructed National Environmental Engineering Research Institute to undertake a study on the properties of the Ganga water.

As the Ganga jal business is gaining momentum, the priests at Haridwar downstream are not happy with the postal departments business initiative. Purshottam Sharma, president of Ganga Sabhaan umbrella organisation of priests in Haridwarsays Ganga is a goddess, implying impropriety in commercial use of its water.

Pilgrims pray to Ganga Ma and collect the water, the sabha head says. We fail to understand what the BJP government is up to. Why it is selling water? It is wrong.

The Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad differs. The powerful body of saints finds nothing wrong in selling Ganga jal. Baba Hathyogi, a spokesperson of the Parishad, says the project would further strengthen peoples bond with Ganga. Not everyone can visit the pilgrim places along the river, he points out.

Devotees taking holy dip at Ganga on the first day of Ardh Kumbh fair 2016 in Haridwar on Jan 14, 2016. (Vinay Santosh Kumar/HT file photo)

Is the Ganga clean?

For the record, the Ganga is one of Indias most contaminated rivers. Studies on the quality of its water have suggested that beyond Rishikesh, Ganga jal is not potable. It is not fit for even aachamana sip taken before worship, says one survey.

Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board (UPCB) says the Ganga water quality is good at Rishikesh and upstream. Vinod Singhal, its member-secretary, shows data to substantiate the point.

We collected samples at Rishikeshs Laksham Jhula, which is 1.5 km from Ram Jhula. The water has biological oxygen demand in healthy range, suggesting that it is drinkable, he reveals. A similar test in Haridwar shows high presence of harmful coliform bacteria.

The Narendra Modi government has promised to rejuvenate the Ganga. A separate ministry for Ganga rejuvenation is headed by Bharati, who has given nod to constitute a committee that will prepare guidelines for de-siltation of the river from Bhimgauda (Uttarakhand) to Farakka (West Bengal).

The four-member panel has been asked to establish the difference between desilting and sand mining. And also look into the need for desilting for the ecology of the Ganga.

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Thousands of Dalits took a pledge here on Sunday not to lift carcasses in protest against the attacks on Dalits by upper caste Hindu activists.

The collective pledge was taken at a Dalit rally called by as many as 30 Dalit groups from across Gujarat and backed by the quasi religious body Jamiat-e-Ulema-Hind.

Although the Acher ST Depot ground here can accommodate only about 5,000 people, witnesses said the venue was swelling, with thousands taking up every inch of space available in the vicinity.

An Indian stray dog feasts upon a dead cow on the outskirts of Bhuvaldi village of Ahmedabad district on Friday. (AFP)

Organisers said the Dalit show of strength was meant to protest against what they said were atrocities against the community, in particular the brutal thrashing of four Dalit youths in Una.

This is the first time in Gujarat that as many as 30 Dalit groups from across the state have come together to raise a plethora of issues facing the community for decades.

They have rallied under the banner of Una Dalit Atyachar Ladat Samiti (Una Dalit Fight against Atrocities Committee), with Jignesh Mevani as their convenor.

Mevani is a young low-profile lawyer who has been single-handedly fighting several court battles for the Dalits.
Muslims joined thousands of Dalits in protesting against the Una incident at a mega-convention in Ahmedabad on Sunday, even as a person who consumed poison during a July 19 rally succumbed at a city hospital.

Cow protection activists had brutally assaulted four partially stripped Dalit men for skinning a dead cow at Una town on July 11, spreading shockwaves across the country. The police went into damage-control mode, arresting as many as 26 people in this connection.

Around 5,000 Dalits from places across the state gathered at Acher Depo ground in Sabarmati area, and appealed for unity in the fight against injustice and atrocities. They also pledged to stop skinning cattle carcasses and cleaning manholes as a mark of protest against the flogging incident.

Dalits in some parts of Gujarat  including Surendranagar and Mehsana districts  have already stopped skinning cattle for two weeks now, forcing local administration officials to do the work.

Read: Gujarat man who attempted suicide to protest Una Dalit thrashing dies

Targeting the Anandiben Patel government, they demanded land and provision of sixth pay commission benefits to Dalit sanitation workers. The protesters also sought the invocation of the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Act against the accused in the Una case, and a ban on their entry into four Dalit-dominated districts of the state.

Members of the Una Ladat Samiti (ULS)  an umbrella organisation of 20 Dalit outfits  were joined by activists of the Jamiat-e-Ulema-e-Hind Gujarat (JeUHG), which maintained that the upper caste communities in the state were discriminating against Muslims too. Hindu-Muslim Ekta Zindabad Comwad Murdabad! shouted ULS convenor Jignesh Mevani, as members of the JeUHG stood by his side.

The protest overflowed into the main road because the allotted space was waterlogged due to heavy rains the previous night. The agitators shouted Jai Bhim slogans, and waved flags and banners.

The Una victims kin were joined by relatives of the Dalits killed in the Thangadh police firing incident on the main stage. While the Una incident was shocking, I am glad that it has united the community, said Jatin Savriya, a relative of one of the Una victims.

Read: Conspiracy to grab land behind Una Dalit youth thrashing: Relatives

Three Dalit youngsters were killed in police firing following a clash with members of an upper caste community at Thangadh in September 2012.

Earlier that day, a 23-year-old Dalit who had consumed poison during a Rajkot rally died at an Ahmedabad hospital.

Yogesh Sarikhada was initially admitted to a local hospital after he took the step on July 19. He was rushed to the Ahmedabad civil hospital from Rajkot after his condition deteriorated. He reached here at midnight on Saturday, but passed away soon after, a police officer said.

The death is expected to further fuel Dalit agitations in the state against upper-caste communities as well as the state government, which the protesters view as unsympathetic to their cause.

Read: In village of Una thrashing victims, anger, hope after politicians come visiting

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NEW DELHI: A Delhi court convicted on Saturday Mahmood Farooqui, the co-director of popular Bollywood movie Peepli Live, of raping an American woman when she was in India for research in 2015.

The sentence will be decided on August 2.

The 35-year-old woman, a student at Columbia University in New York, had told the police that she was raped by the filmmaker at his Sukhdev Vihar house in southern Delhi on March 28 last year.

She alleged Farooqui raped her when she had gone to meet him to get help for her research work. She claimed to have met Farooqui in Varanasi where she had gone to collect information.

Last September, a senior police officer told HT that the woman returned to the US soon after the rape and wrote an email to Farooqui who apologised for misbehaving with her.

The woman later approached Delhi Police through diplomatic channels. She then returned to India and lodged a formal complaint on June 19.

The woman alleged that Farooqui got drunk at a party and took her to a separate room where he forced himself on her, the officer said.
The health department has asked all civil surgeons to start the facility of dropping women home after delivery in government hospitals.

The facility was discontinued by ambulance 108 in February.

The department has ordered them to hire a small and non-air conditioner vehicle to drop the women at their homes without any problem.

They have been asked to use National Health Mission (NHM) funds for the purpose. The facility will be restarted in each delivery centre of the district.

The decision was taken at a recent meeting held at Chandigarh.

Meanwhile, ambulance 108 is continuing to bring the women to health centres for delivery.

Since the dropping home facility was stopped, the families were ferrying the mother and new born of their own back to home and facing difficulties. Several complaints were also lodged on the state health helpline 104 in this regard by the people.

Madho Dass, a resident of Gohir, whose wife gave birth to a baby girl a few days ago at the civil hospital, said that hiring private ambulance is a costly affair as they charge between Rs 500-600 to drop them at their house.

He said that the dropping facility should be restarted by the department to help poor people.

The department had recorded 11,625 deliveries in government hospitals, including 5,909 only in Shaheed Babu Labh Singh civil hospital, and other 12 community health centres (CHCs) at Nakodar, Phillaur, Kala Bakra, Kartarpur, Shahkot, Adampur, Nurmahal, Bara Pind, PAP and other primary health centres (PHCs) from April 2015 to March 2016 in the district.

A senior official said that the Central governments Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) envisages free dropping back facility, but the state government failed to follow the directions.

Senior medical officer Dr Sangeeta Kapoor said that the department was finalising proceedings in this regard and very soon, the facility would be started by the department.

The NHMs managing director Hussan Lal was unavailable for comments

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Look, Assam can have its floods, and Gurgaon can get as jammed as it wants to. In Chandigarh, we get neither, and we couldnt care less. But hey, Lord Indra, that does not mean we dont need rain, man!

Monsoon has been here for a month now. Technically. But rain has hardly showed up, and that too mostly late at night. Worse, you have to chase it.

Take the case of the Thursday night that just went by.

No rain at all in Mohali as we leave office. But thats all right. Progressive Punjabs regressive drains can hardly handle it. The sky is overcast and the weather extremely pleasant after a day in the furnace. Its only somewhere in Sector 21, the middle of Chandigarh, that the skies open up. Where was it through the day? Why an hour past midnight? It seems the rain wants to remain a secret.

Anyway, instinctively, we drive towards the lake with the hope that the northern, posh sectors of our class-obsessed city would, as usual, get a better deal from God too. The plan is to do some legal things such as drinking coloured water in the car, and then relive childhood by jumping in the temporary puddles that would go away as soon as the rain stops. Chandigarh is fancy like that.

We exit Sector 21. Rain stops. Smiles recede.

I know monsoon rain can be funny like that. But, in Chandigarh, you cannot have a situation where sectors north of Madhya Marg get a raw deal. Sector 8 is no Sector 42, if you know what I mean, OK! So we try another route, and, lo, its raining in Sector 17. We cross Madhya Marg and enter Sector 10, and then it starts losing momentum. Abruptly, it stops, and we brake the car too. Heres the situation. Half of our car has rain pounding at its roof, but the bonnet is in dry land. No, seriously, true story. An older friend, who clearly has some experience in having fun, hits upon an idea. On cue, we go around the car in circles, moving from monsoon and back, round and round. Coloured water has had effect.

Round and round is all that this monsoon too has been up to. Weve had to faux-sympathise with our friends in bigger cities, many of them drowned in traffic jams made worse by the rain gods. Here in Chandi-lala-Land, where the idea of a traffic jam is five metres long and drains actually work, we could have handled that rain better. Yet, it rains where people hate it. In Modern Love terminology, this is clinginess. It has rained even in nearby towns such as Patiala and Ludhiana, and even in that faraway desert called Bathinda, and we have only got to go roundand round.

Our seasonally-accurate weatherman has said this July has been among the driest Julys in years for Chandigarh. With the benefit of hindsight, I could have told you that. Where are those rain-inducing devices and planes and stuff that we keep hearing about?

And, if not rain, what are we getting instead? Front-page headlines.

When it was not raining pre-monsoon, in local pullouts for the tricity and neighbourhood, we were wondering where the clouds were. When we did not have that making news, we were wondering if the drains were ready for a deluge. Are we rain-ready, we wrote and read. Look, a polythene bag stuck in that drain in Sector 7! We need to haul up officials for this. Where is the mayor? The rain is here, almost, and hes busy messing up the parking system? Mixed-up priorities, I tell you.

Worse, slowly we are losing the headlines too. Not only is the weather story getting underplayed on Page 1, but on some days it is being relegated to inside pages. Thats plain unfair. After all, we can always scale the story up by adding the climate-change angle.

But, here again, a tragedy of Chandigarh is playing out. The city is not big enough to merit coverage that Delhi and Bombays too-much-rain/too-little-rain stories get in print and on TV. Yet, its not as exotic and distant enough as Assam to merit compensatory front-page, high-decibel coverage for a couple of days after that.

Dont do this to us. Granted, we dont live in some urban ghetto of the NCR, nor do we curse our engineering degree and working hours on Facebook all day while sitting in a glass-and-plastic-obsessed office in Bangalore. But who cares about Assam and rhinos and people there? If the metros are getting so much coverage for so much rain, why is our metro-in-waiting getting so little coverage for so little rain? Put us on TV too.

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In a new twist to the killings of four members of a family here on Friday, the post-mortem reports suggest to a bigger conspiracy to eliminate the family. Prima facie, it was concluded that 45-year-old Sandeep Singh Mangat of I-Block of Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar here shot dead his wife Aman Kaur (42), daughter Dinaaj Kaur (15) and mother Bachan Kaur (70) with his licensed rifle.

Read more: Ludhiana man murders 3 of his family before killing self

As per the post-mortem report, Mangats body bore seven cuts and doctors suspect that bullets could have been pumped into him after his death.

Besides the bullet injuries, the bodies of Aman and Dinaaj too had cut marks. The bullets retrieved from their (Aman and Dinaaj) bodies are different from the ones found in those of Mangat and his mother Bachan.

Initially, the police were of the belief that Mangat killed his family members in a fit of rage following some unfavourable verdicts in property cases, but on Saturday, the police found that all cases were in his favour. Verdict in some cases is under revision.

Police said though Mangat was short-tempered and addicted to drugs, but what prompted him to go on a killing spree was unclear. On Saturday, the police visited suspects ancestral village (Mangat). He owned about eight acres in the village, but had sold the land years ago.

Deputy commissioner of police Dharuman Nimbale said the case had not been closed. The police will examine the post-mortem report and will act accordingly. He said police have found shells of .32-bore and .315-bore from the crime spots, pointing that two guns were used.

Mangat perceived threat to life?

Before shifting to Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, Mangat used to live on Tajpur Road. Police said he perceived threat to his life and had hired private security guards and procured arms licence for self defence. Police said Mangat had three guns. Neighbours said the family didnt mingle much.

Harinder Singh of Dugri, who is a family friend of Mangats in-laws said, Aman Kaur was like a sister to him. He said things will be clear after the arrival of Amans parents, who were on way from Canada.

Harinder said police had no arrangement to take the bodies to hospitals.

I had to send the bodies to the civil hospital. The body of Sandeep was sent to civil hospital at about 8pm on Friday evening, 15 hours after his death. At the civil hospital, the employees demanded `1,000 from me to take the bodies for X-ray to another building 150 yards from the mortuary.
A day after BRS Nagar resident Sandeep Singh Mangat allegedly shot himself to death after killing his three family members, the statement of the two maids Pinky and Sunita were recorded in court on Saturday.

Police have started proceedings under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The bodies were sent to the civil hospital for post-mortem on Saturday. Mangat allegedly went on a killing spree before turning the gun on himself. The 15-year-old housemaid Pinky hid in a bathroom during the bloodbath.

Also read | Autopsy points to cuts on bodies, different bullets add to mystery

Police recreated the crime scene with the help of the teenager who is the lone eyewitness. She said she came out of her room on Friday after she heard a shot, only to see that Mangat had killed his 16-year-old daughter Dinaz. Hiding inside the bathroom, she heard four more gunshots.

When asked if Mangat was involved in a feud with any family member, the girl said she did not know anything and would go to her room after finishing work.

The other maid Sunita said she reached Mangats residence at around 10.45am on Friday. She raised an alarm and alerted neighbours after she found his mother, Bachchan Kaurs dead body in the lobby. She went inside and found the other three bodies, blood spattered everywhere.

No relative to record statement

Police have also been waiting to record statements of relatives. On Saturday, Mangats maternal uncle and aunt visited the Civil Hospital, where the bodies were kept, but returned home.

Balbir Singh, Mangats father-in-law is in Cananda with his wife. They are expected back on Sunday. Former Samrala MLA, Jagjivan Singh Khirnia, also visited the crime scene. He is Mangats wife, Aman Kaurs cousin.

Sandeep son from first marriage

Mangats stepfather Sukhchain Singh is a retired government employee. This was the second marriage for both Mangats mother Bachchan Kaur and Sukhchain. Sandeep is from Bachchan Kaurs first marriage. Sukhchain has three sons from his first marriage. The eldest is a doctor settled in the US. The other two are dead.

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Demanding re-opening of cases related to killing of 127 people during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, the Sikh community has threatened exodus from Kanpur to Punjab from January 1.

A total of 127 people had died during 1984 riots in Kanpur. The state government must act fast on the cases, said chairman of the All India Riot Victim Relief Committee and office-bearer of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee Kuldeep Singh Bhogal.

People know about the killers in Delhi, here no one knows, said Bhogal. Kanpur was second worst-hit by riots recording maximum deaths after Delhi. In all the cases the police have filed closure reports for want of evidence.

Also read: Special probe team to reopen 75 cases of 1984 anti-Sikh riots

The Samajwadi Party has been in power the most of the time after Congress and the BSP in Uttar Pradesh. None of the government cared to get justice to the families of 127 people who were brutally murdered, he said.

The Rangnath Mishra Commission that investigated the riots puts the casualty at 127 while the community says more than 300 were killed.

If the cases arent reopened at the earliest, the Sikhs will begin moving out of Kanpur and may settle in Punjab, he said. Closure reports in all the cases stir nothing but suspicion.

In the first phase, five families would go to Punjab and meet the chief minister showing the world that Uttar Pradesh wasnt for them. All the cases should be re-opened by December 31 and the government of the day should ensure the killers are arrested, he said.

Head of Gurdwara Banno Sahib Mohkam Singh issued a white paper on the compensation and government orders issued.

More than 30 women, who lost their husbands in the riots, were given Rs 11,000 each. The DGPC pays these victims Rs 1,000 every month as pension. The Sikh leaders also lambasted the jail minister Balwant Singh Ramoowalia. They said he was imported from Punjab and if he could not help the riot victims he would have to face opposition back in his home state.

The relief committees office-bearers met the additional city magistrate -7 and handed him a memorandum about reopening of cases and compensation that hasnt been paid to 200 people.
Lieutenant General KJ Singh retires on Sunday, July 31 as Western Army Commander after a distinguished career spanning four decades.

Commissioned in 1977 in 63 Cavalry, he established a bond with the men he commanded; a professionals hallmark. He did the staff course with the Navy in an experiment in jointmanship. Valuable lessons were learnt by him in a stint with the UN mission in Angola. Command of an armoured regiment, brigade and division followed while commanding XXXIII Corps tasked with the defence of Sikkim and Bhutan brought him the greatest satisfaction as a tankman. Additional armoured and mechanised units were inducted bringing about a change in the nature of operations. The previous defensive mindset prevailing until then was changed. Now any intruding enemy armour or infantry was to be decimated in killing areas.

The achievements continued in his last posting at Chandimandir. Orientation of operational plans for the Ravi-Chenab corridor was changed.

An aggressive, layered defence against infiltration and terrorist movements in the Jammu region brought results in the Arnia, Samba and other encounters.

Vigilant citizens were enlisted into the Jagruk Hindustani scheme, a grassroots information system. Other innovations included overcoming the shortage of officers by introducing JCO-led mobilisation for war. Developing the Dhar-Udhampur road as an alternate to the vulnerable Pathankot-Jammu highway was a strategic initiative. Setting up of the think tank Gyan Chakra and the command museum displayed KJ Singhs vision and drive in full measure.

The achieving zeal was also displayed in welfare measures for ex-servicemen including the senior veterans home, additions to the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and a host of other administrative initiatives.

As the general rides off into the sunset today in the tank he commanded as a subaltern (hes actually doing it in his old regiment), he can certainly look back with satisfaction at having served his country well.

Naval coastal surveillance operations

A naval detachment (NavDet in Service parlance) has taken up guard at Androth Island in Lakshadweep. Another NavDet will soon be operational on Bitra in the same island group.

These NavDets are small details consisting of 2-3 officers and 25-30 ratings tasked with maintaining surveillance initially establishing a presence in far-flung territories building up to full-fledged bases. The NavDets will maintain surveillance to frustrate moves by terrorists, arms smugglers and pirates. For this purpose they will employ coastal radars networked to the BEL-developed Coastal Surveillance System.

The system can watch over the complete Indian coastline from a consolidated focal point. For local operations, the NavDets will be equipped with Gemini rigid-inflatable boats and Solas Marine fast interceptor craft (FICs). The general nautical and coastal security scheme envisages a networked surveillance system with a chain of radar stations and small and large naval forces working in conjunction to deny our space to any hostile elements.

Northern Command takes to Twitter

Northern Command with its active involvement in counter-insurgency and cross-LOC operations not to speak of engaging with the Chinese interacts with the media on a daily, even hourly basis. The need to be in sync with the new communication super-highway is imperative.

Therefore, it was in the fitness of things that the formations media team now operates a Twitter handle (NorthernComd_IA) for regular updates on operations, encounters, military news and most importantly to squelch rumours and counter disinformation. Good luck to the Dhruvas!

(Please write in with your narratives of war and soldiering to msbajwa@gmail.com or call on 093161-35343)
Articulate, suave and not afraid to speak her mind, author and columnist, Shobhaa De, clearly hogged the limelight at Model United Nations, a conference at Strawberry Public School, Sector 26, on Sunday.

Talking about media trials, and journalists fighting over their authority on viewers, De responded to a variety of questions on issues that concerns the country. On how to draw a line between righteousness and self-righteousness from a writers ambit, De said, Well, who is self-righteous is something even the nation wants to know.

She added, Their (journalists) job is to comment and report in an objective manner, not to decide who should go to jail or not. Merely screaming on a bunch of people in studio does not make you an authority on any issue.

Commenting on yellow journalism, she said, In a democracy, it could be red, green, blue or pink or anything other colour of journalism. If you dont like itdont read. You could always settle for the black and white.

She also lauded the social media for democratising everything, though she added truth is the victim here.

DIVERSITY BIGGEST STRENGTH, WEAKNESS

Maintaining her earlier stance on tolerance and intolerance, she said weve always been an intolerant nation, and continue to be so.

But, to say that we are living in the most intolerant times is just a catch phrase. What is rising is awareness than intolerance. So lets say we are more aware than intolerant.

Asking the audience, especially young students, she urged them to bring about neutrality over anything else in building global policies. Diversity is our biggest strength  and the weakness too.

UDTA PUNJAB MEANT TO OPEN PUNJABS EYES

Answering a question on actor Salman Khan-starrer movie Sultans revenue bypassing that of the movie Udta Punjab, she said the success of a film cant be determined from its revenue. Taking a jibe at Salman, she said, He must be a blessed person, a superstar, who gets away with many acts

She added Udta Punjab was meant to open Punjabs eyes than silencing the state.

In Punjab, it is being reported, one person each of 67% families has lost his/her life due to drugs. So, its is important to see how many people are affected due to the film, added De.

OPTIMISTIC ABOUT PRESENT GENERATION

She said that her generations effort towards building a better future fell short, but she has a sense of tremendous optimism in the present one, regardless of challenges it might have to face. Showing a high level of engagement with young minds to propel them forward is a requisite for building a better world.

Choosing to speak on the elite, and the pseudo liberal, as she put it in her inimitable style, she said being born into a wealthy family merely means that one has good fortune to escape the indignities that have befallen the underprivileged.

The writer finished by saying that one should use the power we have been gifted with to provide the downtrodden with a better future.

Also present on the occasion was Dr IC Pathak, former president of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. Dr Pathak gave away prizes to the delegates.

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Aa ja, meri laado

We often come across images of terrified leopard cubs rescued by forest officials from a mob that lynched their mother. The unreported parallel to such a contingency is when a cow/buffalo is killed by a leopard and she leaves behind a calf that had not been weaned off her. On July 24, a leopard killed a cow in the jungles of Choti Nagal village, about 15 km from Chandigarh, and ate her udders before abandoning the carcass. The cow, of a foreign gene pool, left behind a six-week-old calf. The leopard had pounced on the cow when she was left unattended while grazing.

The calf is pining for his mother and has shrivelled up in just a few days of her loss. He does not eat anything. Every time someone comes into the village hovel, the calf gets up, eyes wide open and strains at its tether, expecting mother would be trailing behind. The cows owner, a humble peasant, Paramjit Singh, has resorted to force-feeding milk to the calf via an improvised plastic pipe. Unlike other farmers, Paramjit has not succumbed to an easy option: abandon the male calf.

It is not only the calf, which is missing the benign bovine. Paramjits kids, Reena, Dalvinder and Baljit, would stick a tumbler under her udders, extract milk and down it like fresh juice. Ever-patient and generous to a fault, the cow would never deliver a nasty kick to the kids. Paramjit, who was being offered Rs 40,000 for the cow, was emotionally attached to her having reared her for six years. She returned his devotion with an unspoken, unconditional love. Before her death, the cow was delivering 12 kg milk daily, a solid income for this family of the Harijan ghetto.

Whenever I would call for her with the loving words, Aa ja, meri laado, she would come bounding to me, recollects Paramjit. His eyes are stoic, the colour of ripening neem balls.

Hunting hospitality

The Charles Lancaster .10-bore shotgun made for Maharaja Bhupinder Singh. (HOLTS AUCTIONEERS)

The late Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala possessed one of the finest collections of sporting weapons, reckoned as the top-three armouries of that era along with the royal houses of Alwar and Bhopal. One of his weapons, that ticks all the boxes while judging such pieces, is the .10-bore shotgun made by Charles W Lancaster of London in 1910. This exceptionally well-preserved gun weighing 11 pounds eight ounces, with 3.25-inch chambers, 36-inch barrels (both full choke) and side-lock ejectors was for water-fowling at Bhupinder Sagar that lay near Patran, 37 miles south-west of Patiala. The gun surfaced in public memory when Holts Auctioneers of Norfolk fetched 31,000 English pounds on its sale.

Thats a very good sum, exclaims the Maharajas grandson and Phulkian scion, Malvinder Singh, who first shot at the Sagar in 1953. I was firing (in 1953) with a .410 shotgun by Westley Richards (WR) and dropped nine waterfowl with the 100 cartridges allotted to me. I was nine then, Singh told this writer. Most of the Patiala armoury was sold to gun collectors from London like Paul Roberts, Malcolm Lyell and Walter Clode when privy purses were abolished in 1971.

The Sagar, which still exists on dusty government records, has since been drained for agriculture. It had originally been carved out of a vast swamp by erecting sand dunes and measured 1,280 hectares and was three miles long. My grandfather allowed only one shoot a year at the Sagar and the Viceroy was a special invitee. The waterfowl bags at the Sagar matched those at Bharatpur. The species bagged in good number were Bar-headed geese, Teal and Mallards, said Singh. The Maharajas hospitality revealed itself in the fact that each invitee to the Sagar shoot would be handed a pair of new, custom-made Holland & Holland (H&H) shotguns, which he/she would take back as a royal gift. The Maharajas legendary flamboyance also authored the royal rebuff he subsequently delivered to H&H. My grandfather placed an order for one of the Sagar shoots with H&H. However, that consignment en route to India was torpedoed during World War I. An urgent cable was dispatched to H&H to repeat the order but H&H refused saying they were preoccupied with another order. My grandfather never went back to H&H and patronised WR after that, recalls Singh. Singh has no such issues. He deploys a custom-fitted H&H shotgun with 30-inch barrels whenever he takes off for the Scottish moors to hunt Red grouse.

The mystique of risk

Kruger National Park's Regional Ranger, Don English. (SANPARKS)

Most tiger hunters, including the late Maharaja of Sarguja who bagged 1,100-plus, fired from the safety of padded machans and Rolls Royces. The legendary Jim Corbett tracked most of them alone and on foot. Corbett, whose 141st birth anniversary was celebrated on July 25, pushed this risk to the extremities by pursuing the wounded man-eater of Talla Des on a moonlit night. At that time, half of Corbetts head was full of pus and abscess due to a blasted eardrum. His eardrum had suffered grievous injury earlier when a hunter sitting next to him on elephant back discharged a heavy, high-velocity rifle next to Corbetts ear while on a Terai shoot at Bindukhera. There can be few more pursuits more dangerous than the Talla Des hunt, with the exception of Spanish bull-fighting of yore.

The other wild quarry that comes close to presenting an ultra-risky challenge is pursuing Cape buffalo on foot in the African bush. Buffalo can get lions to run with the tails between their legs. Many a formidable hunters head adorns the trophy rooms of buffalo herds! The latest came on July 26 when Don English, the vastly-experienced regional ranger at the Kruger National Park, was undertaking a routine buffalo sustainable offtake exercise (a cull).

A wounded buffalo bull charged English at close quarters and hit him in the chest before throwing him repeatedly in the air. Using his presence of mind, English managed to grab onto the buffalos horns knowing that he must not allow the bull to gore him. English hung on for dear life till the bull succumbed to bullet injuries. English was air-lifted with broken ribs, bruising and bashing (no major internal injury) but has since stabilised in the ICU.

vjswild1@gmail.com
Donald Trump, aspiring to be the next American president, has been left red-faced after making three spelling mistakes in one tweet with the twitterati mocking him for his gaffe.

In a tweet criticising his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, Trump wrote, Hillary Clinton should not be given national security briefings in that she is a lose cannon with extraordinarily bad judgement and insticts.

Hillary Clinton should not be given national security briefings in that she is a lose cannon with extraordinarily bad judgement & insticts.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2016

Trumps tweet echoed a statement made by Clinton in May, when she called him an unqualified loose cannon.

Twitter users were quick to point out the three spelling mistakes in his short tweet -- lose instead of loose, insticts instead of instincts, and judgement instead of the correct US spelling of the word judgment.

Three out of 21 words in this tweet are misspelled, wrote journalist Olivia Nuzzi.

Make America Spell Again @realDonaldTrump, tweeted another user.

This is not the first time the Republican presidential nominee has misspelled words or made typos on the social network.

Every poll said I won the debate last night. Great honer! Trump wrote in February, in a tweet that has since been deleted after people pointed out the correct spelling was honor.
Afghanistans chief executive officer Abdullah Abdullahs Twitter account was hacked by unknown hackers, his office reportedly said on Saturday.

Javid Faisal, a spokesman for CEO Abdullah confirmed the hacking in a tweet which said, CE Dr Abdullahs Twitter Account @afgexecutive has been hacked by unknown hackers. Our press and IT teams are trying to restore it.

A tweet posted by the hacker on the account read, I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery, and was hash-tagged #enlightenment #enlightenmentmovement, Khaama Press reported.

The Enlightenment Movement, comprising of civil society activists, took out a massive demonstration on July 23, participants of which had started the hashtags as a Twitter campaign.

The second largest rally in Kabul within the past two months, the demonstration was attacked, leaving at least 80 people dead and over 200 others wounded.

Three suicide bombers had joined the crowds to launch the attack. While one bomb was detonated, one of the bombers was killed by security forces before he could trigger the bomb. The third bomber also failed to detonate his device.

The demonstration was in protest against the change of the route of a massive power project from its original path of central provinces to Salang.

The attack took place shortly after participants gathered in Deh Mazang area of the city.

The 500kV power line project that the Afghanistan government intends to roll out will run from Turkmenistan through Salang to Kabul. The Enlightenment Movement wants the line to be routed through Bamiyan to Kabul, Tolo News reported

Though loyalists of the Islamic State claimed responsibility behind the incident, a commission has been formed by the Afghan government to investigate the attack.

Protesters, however, called for an independent and international probe.
All 20 gunmen inside a police compound in Armenias capital surrendered on Sunday, ending a two-week standoff that left two police officers dead and several wounded on both sides, the security service said.

The standoff involving armed members of a radical opposition group also set off protests that led to unrest in the capital, Yerevan.

The leader of the gunmen barricaded inside the police compound, Varuzhan Avetisyan, said in a telephone interview with local media that they decided to surrender after security forces used armored vehicles to enter the police compound.

Another factor, he said, was that police had started to shoot gunmen who ventured outside. Most were hit in the leg, but a man shot Sunday was hit in the chest, he said.

A total of 31 armed men seized the police compound on July 17 to demand freedom for the leader of the opposition group, who was arrested in June. The group, Founding Parliament, has sharply criticised the government of the former Soviet republic and called for people to take to the streets to force the president and the Prime Minister to step down.

Several thousand people joined nightly rallies to support the gunmen, occasionally clashing with police. Some of the worst violence took place Friday, when 75 people were injured.

In recent days, four members of the group had surrendered, including two earlier Sunday, and at least seven were wounded.

Avetisyan said the security forces tried to storm the compound Saturday night and used a vehicle to smash a wall, but then retreated. On Sunday, there was intense shooting, stun grenades exploded and armoured vehicles entered the territory, he said.

The gunmen chose to surrender to avoid heavy losses on both sides, he said.

In the initial attack, the gunmen killed one officer and wounded several others. Police accused them of killing a second officer Saturday in a vehicle away from the compound, but Avetisyan denied this.

The gunmen had held four police officers hostage for a week before releasing them unharmed. They later seized four members of an ambulance crew, but freed the last two Saturday.

On Saturday night, the demonstrators marched down Baghramyan Avenue toward the main government buildings and the presidential residence, but were stopped by riot police, who strung coils of barbed wire across the road. The demonstrators blocked traffic for two hours but dispersed peacefully early Sunday.
Islamic State, losing territory and on the retreat in Iraq and Syria, has claimed credit for a surge in global attacks this summer, most of them in France and Germany.

The wave of attacks followed a call to strike against the West during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in June and July, in an apparent shift in strategy by the jihadist group, which has been hammered by two years of U.S.-led coalition air strikes and ground advances by local forces.

Instead of urging supporters to travel to its self-proclaimed caliphate, it encouraged them to act locally using any means available.

If the tyrants close the door of migration in your faces, then open the door of jihad in theirs and turn their actions against them, said an audio clip purportedly from spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, referring to Western governments efforts to keep foreign fighters from travelling to the join the group.

Read: Back by US, Afghan forces mount offensive against Islamic State

Radicalised followers have responded to that call repeatedly in the past two months, in countries part of the international coalition battling Islamic State, including shooting people at a Florida nightclub, running them over with a truck in the French Riviera, and hacking them with an axe on a train near Munich.

The perpetrators had varying degrees of connection to the Middle East-based jihadists. Some had tried to travel to Syria and were on the authorities radar, while others displayed few outward signs of radicalism until their deadly acts.

Theres a growing understanding that the idea of the caliphate is dying and more and more the leadership is calling on foreign fighters not even to come to Iraq and Syria but to go elsewhere or to commit violence locally, said Max Abrahms, a professor at Northeastern University in Boston who studies extremist groups.

Looking ahead, security experts and officials in the Middle East and the West predict the military campaign against the group in Iraq and Syria will ultimately end its goal of establishing a caliphate but in doing so may lead to a sustained increase in militant attacks globally.
Scaling up its propaganda on South China Sea, China has booked a huge screen at New Yorks busiest commercial intersection, Times Square, which broadcasts 120 times a day a video that gives its own take on the territorial dispute in the region.

The footage, which features foreign experts, states the recent tribunal in the Hague vainly attempted to deny Chinas territorial sovereignty, has come under fire for misrepresenting the views of a British politician on Chinas island-building project, a report published in the Guardian said on Sunday.

British Labour Party MP Catherine West has issued a statement, saying her views were misrepresented in the video and that she was also misidentified as Labours shadow foreign secretary.

I think talks are crucial and thats why we have to be careful that, yes, we need to resolve something very locally and have a grown-up approach to dialogue, she says in the footage.

In a statement published by the Japan Times, West said: I was unaware that these comments would be used in this manner.

She added her intention behind agreeing to appear in the video was to lend support for a peaceful resolution to the South China Sea dispute and that she didnt expect to be portrayed as supporting Chinas stance.

Meanwhile, Chinese state media claims the Times Square video is drawing a huge response and is helping China correct falsehoods propagated by the Hague ruling.

However, China itself is being accused of spreading falsehoods with this kind of a propaganda video.

Another expert quoted in the video is John Ross, identified as a former policy director of economic and business policy of London. But the video does not mentions that Ross is a professor at Beijings Renmin University and a frequent defender of Chinas policies in state-run media.

According to state media, China plans to play its three-minute-long video in Times Square 120 times a day until August 3.
With the expiry of a deadline given by President Bidhya Devi Bhandari for formation of a new government based on consensus, Nepal is set to elect its new prime minister based on majority votes.

A voting will be held in Parliament on Wednesday to elect the new premier in the wake of the second largest party Communist Party of Nepal (Unified MarxistLeninist) deciding to sit in opposition. The results of the election will be out on the same day.

The parliament will form a panel headed by secretary general of the House to hold the elections and call for nomination from candidates on Tuesday.

According to the Constitution of Nepal, parties should make an effort to form a national consensus government, bringing on board at least the major parties in the House. If the process fails, a new government will be installed based on majority votes.

The president decided on the election after holding a meeting with outgoing prime minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba, PM-in-waiting Pushpa Kamal Dahal  Prachanda, Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa and Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Democratic Chairman Bijay Kumar Gachhadar.

The president decided on the election after holding a meeting with outgoing prime minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba, PM-in-waiting Pushpa Kamal Dahal  Prachanda, Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal Chairman Kamal Thapa and Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Democratic Chairman Bijay Kumar Gachhadar.

Prachanda, who is also the Chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre), said it was impossible to install a government based on national consensus.

Due to some reasons, UML has decided to sit in opposition so it was impossible to have a new government based on consensus, he told the president.

We urged the president to call formation of the new government based on majority votes as chances of formation of the national government ended, Deuba said after the meeting.

Prachanda, who is the sole candidate for the top post as of now, is backed by Nepali Congress, the largest party in the Parliament, making it sure he will become the 39th prime minister of Nepal.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said he wanted to introduce constitutional changes to bring the Turkish spy agency and military chief of staff directly under his control as he seeks to tighten his grip on the country after the failed coup.

Turkey meanwhile pressed ahead with a crackdown on the alleged accomplices of the coup, which Erdogan said has resulted in the detention of almost 19,000 people but has also sparked international concern.

We are going to introduce a small constitutional package (to parliament) which, if approved, will bring the National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) and chief of staff under the control of the presidency, Erdogan told A-Haber television in an interview.

The government would need support from opposition parties to push through the shift as a super majority of two-thirds of deputies is needed to make constitutional changes.

Erdogan added that in the wake of the July 15 coup bid military schools will be closed... and a national military university will be founded as part of a wide-ranging shake-up of the military.

He also said that in future the heads of the land, sea and air forces will have to report directly to Defence Minister Fikri Isik.

The changes, announced just over two weeks after the coup, appear aimed at giving Erdogan more control over the armed forces and intelligence.

Rogue elements in the military -- who Erdogan says were controlled by the US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen -- surprised the authorities by launching the coup, while the president has also complained of intelligence failures.

Erdogan said he was unhappy with the information received from the MIT and its chief Hakan Fidan on the night of the coup, complaining that valuable time had been lost.

There was unfortunately in all of this a serious intelligence failure, he said.

Turkey on Thursday already reshuffled the upper echelons of its military after nearly half of its 358 generals were sacked for complicity in the coup.

A senior official said on Saturday that Turkey had intercepted encrypted messages sent by followers of Gulen on the app ByLock well before the coup attempt, giving Ankara names of tens of thousands within the preachers network.

Gulen denies any involvement in the attempted putsch.

Erdogan met with Hulusi Akar, the four-star general who retained his position as chief of staff following a Supreme Military Council meeting, as well as other top military brass of the Turkish armed forces. (AP)

Extend state of emergency

Erdogan also said a three-month state of emergency declared in the wake of the coup could be extended, as the French authorities did after a string of jihadist attacks in the country.

If things do not return to normal in the state of emergency then like France we could extend it, Erdogan said.

The president said that until now 18,699 people had been detained in the post-coup crackdown, with 10,137 of them placed under arrest.

Seventeen journalists remanded in custody by an Istanbul court over links to Gulen woke up in jails across the city on Saturday as international concern grows over the targeting of reporters after the thwarted putsch.

Twenty-one journalists had appeared before a judge in hearings lasting until midnight on Friday. Four were then freed but the rest were placed under pre-trial arrest, charged with membership of a terror group, the state-run Anadolu news agency said.

Those held include the veteran journalist Nazli Ilicak as well as the former correspondent for the pro-Gulen Zaman daily Hanim Busra Erdal.

Its not right to arrest journalists -- this country should not make the same mistakes again, said Bulent Mumay, one of the four freed.

Erdogan also announced that as a gesture of goodwill after the coup he was dropping hundreds of lawsuits against individuals accused of disrespectful insults against him.

This April 10, 2016 file photo shows police cordoning protesters during a "Peace March for Turkey" organized by the new German Turkish Committee in Hamburg. Tens of thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan plan to rally in the German city of Cologne on Sunday as tensions over Turkey's failed coup have put authorities on edge. (AFP file photo)

Students released

Thousands of those detained after the coup have now been released, with an Istanbul court freeing 758 soldiers late on Friday, adding to another 3,500 former suspects already set free.

Among those released were 62 students from Istanbuls military academy -- many said to be in their teens -- who left Maltepe jail to an emotional reunion with relatives, Dogan news agency said.

Erdogan has complained loudly about the lack of Western solidarity for Turkey but on Saturday met with foreign minister Mohammed Abdulrahman al-Thani of Qatar, one of Ankaras closest allies.

Tens of thousands of Erdogan supporters are due to rally in the German city of Cologne on Sunday with the local authorities on edge to prevent any clashes.
Pope Francis challenged hundreds of thousands of young people who gathered in a sprawling Polish meadow to reject being a couch potato who retreats into video games and computer screens and instead engage in social activism and politics to create a more just world.

Peppering his speech with contemporary lingo, the 79-year-old pope, despite a long day of public appearances, addressed his eager audience with enthusiasm yesterday on a warm summer night.

Francis spoke of a paralysis that comes from merely seeking convenience, from confusing happiness with a complacent way of life that could end up depriving people of the ability to determine their own fates.

Dear young people, we didnt come into this world to vegetate, to take it easy, to make our lives a comfortable sofa to fall asleep on. No, we came for another reason: To leave a mark, Francis told a crowd that Polish media estimated at over 1 million in a huge field in Brzegi, a village outside the southern city of Krakow.

Organizers said 1.6 million people came to hear the pope last night, but police did not give a crowd estimate.

Francis decried a modern escapism into consumerism and computers that isolates people. The same message ran through a ballet performance at the site before his speech: a lonely woman seeks human connections but is rebuffed by people on computer tablets and cellphones until one man emerges from behind a see-through barrier to connect.

For Francis, Jesus is the Lord of risk ... not the Lord of comfort, security and ease.

Pilgrims participating in the World Youth Day 2016 hold candles at an evening vigil with Pope Francis at the Campus Misericordiae in Brzegi, near Krakow, Poland on Saturday (AP)

Following Jesus demands a good dose of courage, a readiness to trade in the sofa for a pair of walking shoes and to set out on new and uncharted paths, Francis said.

He challenged his sea of listeners, spread out on blankets, to make their mark on the world by becoming engaged as politicians, thinkers, social activists and to help build a world economy that is inspired by solidarity.

The times we live in do not call for young couch potatoes, he said to applause, but for young people with shoes, or better, boots laced.

Like a politician working a crowd, Francis yelled out to his audience: You want others to decide your future? When he didnt get the rousing No! he was going for, he tried for a Yes.

You want to fight for your future? he asked. Yes! they roared.
Gullies on Mars are likely not being formed by flowing liquid water, scientists using data from NASAs Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have found.

The finding will allow researchers to further narrow theories about how martian gullies form, and unveil more details about Mars recent geologic processes.

The term gully is used for features on Mars that share three characteristics in their shape: an alcove at the top, a channel, and an apron of deposited material at the bottom.

Gullies are distinct from another type of feature on martian slopes, streaks called recurring slope lineae, or RSL, which are distinguished by seasonal darkening and fading, rather than characteristics of how the ground is shaped.

Water in the form of hydrated salt has been identified at RSL sites. The new study focuses on gullies and their formation process by adding composition information to previously acquired imaging.

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in the US examined high-resolution compositional data from more than 100 gully sites on Mars.

The data, collected by the orbiters Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM), was then correlated with images from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera and Context Camera (CTX).

The findings showed no mineralogical evidence for abundant liquid water or its by-products, thus pointing to mechanisms other than the flow of water - such as the freeze and thaw of carbon dioxide frost - as being the major drivers of recent gully evolution.

Gullies are a widespread and common feature on the martian surface, mostly occurring between 30 and 50 degrees latitude in both the northern and southern hemispheres, generally on slopes that face toward the poles.

On Earth, similar gullies are formed by flowing liquid water; however, under current conditions, liquid water is transient on the surface of Mars, and may occur only as small amounts of brine even at RSL streaks.

The lack of sufficient water to carve gullies has resulted in a variety of theories for the gullies creation, including different mechanisms involving evaporation of water and carbon dioxide frost.

On Earth and on Mars, we know that the presence of phyllosilicates - clays - or other hydrated minerals indicates formation in liquid water, said Jorge Nunez of APL.

In our study, we found no evidence for clays or other hydrated minerals in most of the gullies we studied, and when we did see them, they were erosional debris from ancient rocks, exposed and transported downslope, rather than altered in more recent flowing water, he said.

These gullies are carving into the terrain and exposing clays that likely formed billions of years ago when liquid water was more stable on the Martian surface, Nunez said.

The findings were published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.
At least 16 people were left dead in two massacres in the Mexican states of Michoacan and Guerrero.

A statement from the Michoacan state prosecutors office said nine burned bodies were found inside an SUV in the municipality of Cuitzeo in an area with pipelines run by state oil company Petroleos Mexicanos.

Prosecutors said there were signs of the possible clandestine tapping of the pipelines and authorities are looking into whether the deaths are related to fuel theft.

Forensic technicians work at a crime scene where nine people were found dead in the municipality of Cuitzeo, in Mexico's western state of Michoacan on Saturday. (Reuters)

Also on Saturday, state prosecutors in Guerrero said seven people, including two children, were shot to death in neighbouring houses near Tepecoacuilco de Trujano, a municipality 15km from Iguala, the city where 43 students disappeared in 2014.

Local media reported the seven dead were members of the same family.
Prime Minister Theresa May on Sunday announced the setting up of a task force that will coordinate government action to deal with modern slavery in Britain and across the globe.

In her previous role as home secretary, May had piloted the Modern Slavery Act in 2015 to address the scourge, whose victims include Indians brought to UK as domestic staff and others forced into prostitution or workers in fields, factories and fishing boats.

May wrote in a signed article in The Sunday Telegraph that the government will work collaboratively with law enforcement agencies across the world to track and stop the pernicious gangs who operate across borders and jurisdictions.

Noting Britains role in getting the eradication of modern slavery into the UNs Sustainable Development Goals, she said her government will use 33 million from the aid budget to create a five-year International Modern Slavery Fund focused on high-risk countries.

It is hard to comprehend that such sickening and inhuman crimes are lurking in the shadows of our country. But the most recent estimates suggest that there are between 10,000 and 13,000 victims in the UK alone and over 45 million across the world, May wrote.

Just as it was Britain that took an historic stand to ban slavery two centuries ago, so Britain will once again lead the way in defeating modern slavery and preserving the freedoms and values that have defined our country for generations, she added.

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In a gesture of solidarity following the gruesome killing of a French priest, Muslims on Sunday attended Catholic Mass in churches and cathedrals across France and beyond.

Reporters on the scene said that between 100 and 200 Muslims gathered at the towering Gothic cathedral in Rouen, only a few kilometers (miles) from Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, where the 85-year-old Rev. Jacques Hamel was killed by two teenage attackers on Tuesday.

Were very touched, Archbishop Dominique Lebrun told broadcaster BFMTV. Its an important gesture of fraternity . Theyve told us, and I think theyre sincere, that its not Islam which killed Jacques Hamel.

Outside the church, a group of Muslims were applauded when they unfurled a banner: Love for all. Hate for none.

Similar interfaith gatherings were repeated elsewhere in France, as well as in neighbouring Italy.

Christian and Muslim worshippers gather at the entrance of the Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles Church to attend a mass in tribute to Father Jacques Hamel on Sunday in Bagnolet. (AFP)

At Paris iconic Notre Dame cathedral, Dalil Boubakeur, the rector of the Mosque of Paris, said repeatedly that Muslims want to live in peace.

The situation is serious, he told BFMTV. Time has come to come together so as not to be divided.

In Italy, the secretary general of the countrys Islamic Confederation, Abdullah Cozzolino, spoke from the altar in the Treasure of St. Gennaro chapel next to Naples Duomo cathedral. He said there was a need of dialogue, more affirmation of shared values of peace, of solidarity, of love, out of respect for our one God, merciful and compassionate.

Three imams also attended Mass at the St. Maria Church in Romes Trastevere neighborhood, donning their traditional dress as they entered the sanctuary and sat down in the front row.

Mohammed ben Mohammed, a member of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy, said that he called on faithful in his sermon Friday to report anyone who may be intent to damage society. I am sure that there are those among the faithful who are ready to speak up.

Mosques are not a place in which fanatics become radicalized. Mosques do the opposite of terrorism: They diffuse peace and dialogue, he added.

Muslims take part in a mass in Santa Maria in trastevere church in Rome on Sunday. Muslims participated in Catholic ceremonies in churches of Italy, as in France, in solidarity after the jihadist murder of French priest priest Jacques Hamel, the latest in a string of attacks. (AFP)

Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni thanked Italian Muslims for their participation, saying they are showing their communities the way of courage against fundamentalism.

Like in France, Italy is increasing its supervision of mosques. Interior Minister Angelino Alfano told the Senate this week that authorities were scrutinizing mosque financing and working with the Islamic community to ensure that imams study in Italy, preach in Italian and are aware of Italys legal structure.


A pocket version of the US Constitution has become a best-seller on Amazon.com.

The 52-page pamphlet printed by the National Center for Constitutional Studies sells for $1 and was in the Top 10 best-selling books on Amazon on Saturday afternoon. The site produces an hourly list of its best sellers.

The Constitution emerged as a best-seller days after Muslim-American lawyer Khizr Khan, whose son was killed while serving in Iraq, flashed a pocket Constitution and offered to lend it to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during a speech at the Democratic National Convention.

The version Khan used at the convention did not appear to be the same as the one that became popular on Amazon.

A message sent to Amazon seeking sales details for the Constitution pamphlet was not immediately returned.

Read| Donald Trump targets Muslim soldiers parents over sacrifice remark

Read| What did Donald Trump sacrifice? Twitter has some funny, sarcastic answers
A terror attack on UK was a question of when, not if, the countrys top cop said on Sunday while detailing several steps taken to deal with a situation similar to the attacks in Paris in November 2015.

Britain has been under a terror threat level of severe for some years, which means an attack is highly likely. The last terror attack in the country was in May 2013, when Lee Rigby, a fusilier in the British army, was murdered in Woolwich, south-east London.

After every terror attack in Europe, there was a greater sense of fear that Britain will be the next victim, Scotland Yard chief Bernard Hogan-Howe said.

People wanted him to give reassurance, he said adding he could not do that entirely.

I realise that some of what I am telling you today is not reassuring. I hope that some of it is more so, he said in a statement.

The threat we all face is very real, no one watching events in Europe can think otherwise, but it is important that we have a shared understanding of the work that goes on every day to stop attacks happening and to prepare for the time when we are faced with this terrifying threat.

Hogan-Howe listed the counter-terror mechanism, including the relationship between MI5, MI6 and the police, which he described as world-beater. Gun controls and the fact that Britain is an island mean terrorists would struggle to get the firearms required to repeat attacks similar to those in Europe.

This gives a solid base as it means the UK environment is immediately hostile to the terrorist. I would also add to this the British way of life and cultureOur approach to Muslims is no different because these attacks purport to be committed in the name of Islam. We don't stigmatise the millions of British Muslims whose values and faith completely reject the terrorists' litany of hate, he said.

But even with this solid foundation to prevent attack, I have renewed our focus on what we will do when terrorists breach these defences. Within hours of the terrible events in Paris last November, I recognised that the attack we had witnessed just 200 miles from London required a huge response, Hogan-Howe added.

Britain has increased the number of specially trained and equipped officers to confront heavily armed terrorists, and is also training hundreds of extra officers to supplement numbers during an attack similar to that in Paris.

For the first time our team of Counter Terrorism Specialist Firearms Officers who train for the very highest attack risk are ready 24 hours a day. They have the rope, marine and other advanced skills needed to tackle the toughest of challenges, Hogan-Howe added.

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Donald Trump responded to Khizr and Ghazala Khan, parents of a fallen American Muslim soldier, in the only way he is known to: by disparaging and insulting them.

Who wrote that? Did Hillary's script writers write it? Trump said in an interview that aired on Sunday, about Khans now-famous remark addressed to him: You have sacrificed nothing and no one.

I think Ive made a lot of sacrifices, Trump said. I work very, very hard. When pressed for details, it was still just his work and how he employed thousands of people.

Trump then turned upon Ghazala Khan. If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say, he said. She probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say.

His attacks on a family that lost their son triggered a national, bipartisan outrage, with furious commentators warning that the nominee may have gone way over the line this time.

As outrage mounted, Trump released a statement saying Captain Humayun Khan was a hero and should be honoured as one. But he inisted t he issue at hand was radical Islamic terrorism.

His campaign also released a transcript of the interview, seeking to give an impression that Trump may have been quoted out of context. But no one was convinced.

Least of all the Khans, who are of Pakistani descent and came to the US in 1980. Their son died at the age of 27 in a suicide bombing while serving in Iraq in 2004.

Speaking movingly about his son at the Democratic convention last week, Khan had attacked Trump in a seven-minute speech that continued to reverberate around the country and the world.

Encouraged by the support they received since, they continued to speak out. Khizr Khan called Trump campaigns statement about his son being a hero faked empathy.

In an interview to The Washington Post, Khan, a trained lawyer from Harvard, said Trumps words were typical of a person without a soul.

His wife Ghazala Khan explained her silence in a signed piece, also in the Washington Post, on Sunday: I cannot walk into a room with pictures of Humayun. For all these years, I havent been able to clean the closet where his things are  I had to ask my daughter-in-law to do it. Walking onto the convention stage, with a huge picture of my son behind me, I could hardly control myself. What mother could?

Donald Trump has children whom he loves. Does he really need to wonder why I did not speak?

She went on to call Trump ignorant about Islam: If he studied the real Islam and Koran, all the ideas he gets from terrorists would change, because terrorism is a different religion.

In conclusion, she delivered another powerful rebuke to the Republican nominee, saying Trump may claim to have made sacrifices but he doesnt know what the word sacrifice means.

That parents of a fallen soldier have to explain themselves has offended many. Republican Governor John Kasich said in a tweet only way to treat such parents is with honour and respect.

Russian chess great Gary Kasparov said, in a tweet, As I wrote in March, Trump is useful as a litmus test for political decency. Anyone still backing him doesn't have any. Even clearer now.
Donald Trump has set Twitter abuzz.

His reply to the father of a fallen Muslim soldier has become the talking point on the micro-blogging site.

I think Ive made a lot of sacrifices, the Republican presidential nominee told ABC News, apparently in response to Khizr Khan who said Trump had sacrificed nothing and no one.

Khan, a US citizen of Pakistani origin and a Muslim, won praise when he spoke on Thursday at the Democratic National Convention, telling the story of his son, US army captain Humayun Khan, killed by a bomb in Iraq in 2004.

Read: Donald Trump targets Muslim soldiers parents over sacrifice remark

Trumps apparent response to Khan led to some outburst and lots and lots of funny tweets, as #TrumpSacrifices started trending within hours.

There was some chatter about food

Once @realDonaldTrump had to pick up the check when dining with @ChrisChristie #TrumpSacrifices  Mike LaNeve (@mln63) July 31, 2016

Missed lunch today #TrumpSacrifices  Ben Silencing (@BenSilencing) July 31, 2016

...And his dress and lifestyle

Once misplaced his cufflinks and actually had to have someone button his sleeves. #TrumpSacrifices  Phillip Humphries (@PhillipHMiami) July 31, 2016

#TrumpSacrifices anything for money  The Night Light (@The_Nite_Light) July 31, 2016

One day it rained and he did NOT have an umbrella.  #TrumpSacrifices  Aliya Hasan (@A2theH) July 31, 2016

#TrumpSacrifices Once had to fly over a poor neighborhood. pic.twitter.com/YriED7WZnN  PoliticalGroove (@PoliticalGroove) July 30, 2016

Some politics and sarcasm, of course

#TrumpSacrifices

Integrity

Humanity

Reality

Intelligence

Unity

Grace

Kindness

Empathy

Humor

Dignity

Honor

Trust

Justice

Temperance

Courage  LMI (@LMIatty) July 31, 2016
After 20,000 emails from the Democratic National Committee were hacked and posted online last week, there are now reports of online breaches of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and a Hillary Clinton campaign analytics programme. Western cybersecurity experts say the needle of suspicion points to Russia.

With the national security division of the US Department of Justice being chosen to head the investigation, Washington clearly believes a foreign player is responsible. The New York Times reports that US intelligence agencies have told the White House they are relatively certain these cyber intrusions were done by two Russian hacking entities, dubbed Fancy Bear and Cozy Bear, both linked to GRU, the Russian intelligence agency.

That Russia has the capability to carry out such a straightforward hack is not in doubt. The question is whether Russian leader Vladimir Putin has sufficient motive. Governments, including the US, regularly hack each other, but they rarely let this spill out into the public domain. Handing over the hacked emails to Wikileaks, an organisation head by Julian Assange who has long disliked Clinton and would be expected to post them, was unusual for a state actor.

The motive being touted is a Russian preference for Clintons Republican rival, Donald Trump, as the next US president. Putin is known to have no love for Clinton who, as US secretary of state, supported dissidents against Putin in Russias 2011 and 2012 elections. She remains a strong critic of his takeover of Crimea and eastern Ukraine. During her convention speech, Clinton said, Im proud to stand by our allies in NATO against any threat they face, including from Russia.

Trump, on the other hand, has expressed admiration for Putins style of leadership, questioned the purpose of NATO and spoken in favour of Russias intervention in Syria. Whats wrong with Russia bombing the hell out of ISIS and these other crazies so we dont have to spend a million dollars a bomb? he once asked. Most strikingly, lines calling for the US to arm anti-Russian Ukrainian fighters were removed from the Republican Party platform by Trump aides.

Many of his advisors have had close business ties with Moscow. One of his foreign policy advisors, Carter Page, was an advisor to Russian state-owned gas firm Gazprom. His campaign manager, Paul Manafort, worked with pro-Russian oligarchs in the Ukraine and managed the election of the pro-Putin Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych.

Read| Russia should find Clintons missing emails, says Trump

Dov Levin of Carnegie-Mellon University has carried out an extensive study of overseas electoral interventions by the US and the Soviet Union/Russia from 1946 to 2000. He found the two nations intervened 117 times, Moscow doing so 36 times.

Levin said one of two prerequisites had to be met before such interventions took place. One, a great power must perceive its interests as being endangered by a certain candidate or party within a democratic target and that the candidate was inflexible in his or her hostility. Two, a significant domestic actor must consent to, and willingly cooperative with, a proposed electoral intervention by the great power. Levin calculated that such interventions could swing an electorate, on average, by about three percentage points.

One example: Soviet attempts to help Indira Gandhi avoid defeat in the 1977 election. Levin has calculated these efforts helped Gandhi increase her vote share by 2.2 per cent, but failed to save her from defeat at the hands of the Janata Party.

Do either of these prerequisites apply in the case of Putin and the US presidential race?

There is no evidence Trump has any direct connections or communication with the Kremlin  especially as he has been inside a Secret Service envelope for months. Trump simply seems to see Russia as a business opportunity, an ally in fighting terror and not as a strategic adversary.

Putin may, however, have sufficient reason to want a Trump victory. Partly thanks to Western sanctions, Russias GDP shrank between two to three percent in 2015 and it has been forced to accept humiliating terms for economic deals with China. Having a non-hostile US president would be a relief for Moscow. If that is sufficient motive and given that loose emails are Clintons forte, more embarrassing posts may be forthcoming before November.

Read| A Russia shadow over Trump vs Hillary script after cyber attack twist
Prayer was not the only thing on the minds of hundreds of thousands of young Catholics at the World Youth Day extravaganza in Poland this week: some were also looking for love.

Headlining the event in a village near Krakow, Pope Francis, 79, was an enthusiastic matchmaker, offering his top tips for happy relationships.

World Youth Day (WYD) can be a bit of a marriage agency, Sophie Jubin, a 20-year-old Swiss, told AFP as she spent a hot summer night under the stars.

People greet Pope Francis as he arrives for the World Youth Day. (REUTERS)

Some 400,000 young Catholics travelled from 187 countries around the world for the event and at least a million more people, many of them Poles, attended a lively papal mass on Sunday.

You want to find someone with the same values as you, said Jubin, lamenting that in our group - its funny - there are 250 girls and 50 boys, so lots of girls are disappointed!

Finding love isnt the main topic of World Youth Day, its just a little extra, but Im very happy Aleksandra is here, Ignacio, a smiling 18-year-old Spaniard, told AFP of his new Polish friend, a 22-year-old student.

Were nearly a couple! he chuckled as Aleksandra chimed in, saying it was easier to meet someone at World Youth Day because the atmosphere makes you more open.

We dont notice other peoples faults as much because were focused on the positive. And we open up to other cultures too!

They plan to see each other again, this time in Madrid.

Pilgrims leave in a rain after the mass celebrated by Pope Francis at the end of the World Youth Day. (AFP)

The heart of the medieval centre of Krakow was overrun all week by flag-waving groups from China to Samoa and Mexico -- among them, smiling pilgrims strolling hand in hand.

Pope Francis cracked jokes and offered advice for a happy love life earlier in the week to youngsters gathered nightly beneath his window, cranking up the party spirit at an event dubbed the Catholic Woodstock.

Young people often ask me how to create a happy family -- I propose three words. They are: please, sorry and thank you, the folksy Argentine pontiff said to rapturous applause from a window at the Archbishops palace in the old town centre.

Its normal for a husband and wife to fight, sometime plates fly... dont be afraid of these situations, warned the head of the worlds 1.2 billion Roman Catholics.

But never to sleep without making peace, because a cold war the next day is very dangerous, he said.

You always have to ask your wife or husband their opinion, and never to impose yours.
PESHAWAR: A delegation from the Taliban visited China earlier this month to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, sources in the Taliban said. A delegation led by Abbas Stanakzai, head of the Talibans political office in Qatar, visited Beijing on July 18-22 at the invitation of the Chinese government. We have good terms with different countries of the world and China is one among them, said the Taliban official.

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NEW DELHI: A probe by Bangladesh authorities into a gun battle between security forces and suspected militants earlier this week has thrown up key information about six suspected militant commanders, investigators and a news report said on Saturday.

During a major drive on Tuesday, nine suspected militants were gunned down in an apartment in Dhakas Kalyanpur area. Authorities described the overnight operation as very successful as only one police official was slightly injured. A tenth suspected militant, Rakibul Hasan alias Regan, was captured by security forces as he tried to escape from a multi-storey building that was raided. He was questioned by investigators while being treated for bullet injuries .

Jugantor, a leading Bengali newspaper, reported on Saturday that Regan told investigators about militant commanders operating in Bangladesh and details about them had been confirmed by security officials.

The newspaper said these commanders, who have all been identified, have arms and grenades.

Investigators said they also found important information in a laptop found at the scene of Tuesdays raid. They also found a detailed plot to target places across the country and an audio message stored in electronic devices, Jugantor reported.
BRUSSELS: Belgian police arrested two men and charged one of them for plotting a terror attack in Belgium as Europe remained on the edge on Saturday following a rising wave of jihadist bloodshed on the continent.

An investigating judge charged Nourredine H, 33, with attempting to commit terrorist murder and taking part in the activities of a terrorist organisation, the federal prosecutors office said. It said the charges come in the case opened concerning a possible terrorist attack in Belgium.

Noureddine H and his brother Hamza H were arrested after the police raided houses late on Friday in Belgiums French-speaking areas of Mons and Liege, federal prosecutors said.

The prosecutors office said there was for now no connection with the bombings on March 22 at Brussels airport and a metro station near the European Union headquarters that left 32 people dead. Those attacks were claimed by Islamic State.

No weapons or explosives were found in Fridays raids ordered by a judge specialising in counter-terror cases, it said.

Several of those involved in the Brussels bloodshed were directly linked to the November 13 bombing and gun attacks in Paris which left 130 dead and were also claimed by the Islamic State.

Belgian authorities last month charged two men with terrorist offences amid reports of a planned attack on a Euro 2016 fan zone in central Brussels.

Belgium then beefed up security for its July 21 national day celebrations after the truck attack that killed 84 people in the French city of Nice on Bastille Day, July 14.

The authorities in Belgium, which hosts the headquarters of the 28-nation European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, had previously anticipated a possible truck-style attack before the Nice carnage.
KABUL: An elderly Afghan cleric has been arrested after he married a six-year-old girl, officials said on Friday. Mohammad Karim, said to be aged around 60, claimed her parents gave him the girl as a religious offering, but the family of the girl reportedly said she was abducted.

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KARACHI: A 32-year-old Hindu doctor in Pakistan, Anil Kumar, has been found dead under mysterious circumstances inside the intensive care unit of a civil hospital in Karachi. It appears he had administered an injection on his hand as it was bandaged, said Eidgah SHO Naeemudin.

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WASHINGTON: Khizr Khan and his wife Ghazala were difficult to miss as they moved about the Democratic National Convention: he is very tall, and she wore a distinctive salwar-kurta. But hardly anyone took note.

That was before they took the stage and he delivered Donald Trump a brief but profound and powerful rebuke for his remarks against Muslims that have outraged people around the world.

Khan, whose son, US Army Captain Humayun Khan, died in a suicide car bombing in Iraq in 2004, went on to tell Trump,You have sacrificed nothing and no one.

Neither Trump, who has said he wanted to hit a number of those speakers critical of him at the Democratic convention, nor his campaign, has responded to Khans remarks yet.

Khan and Ghazala were born and brought up in Pakistan, and then moved to Dubai, where their two elder sons were born  Humayun was the second. Their third was born in the US.

Aftab Siddiqui, also a Pakistani-American, said Khans speech will help in softening of American Muslim perception in the society. The community has sought to address the issue through increasing out reach and now, faced with Trumps remarks, mobilising the community to vote to defeat him.
LAHORE: A man killed his two sisters on the eve of their weddings in Pakistans central Punjab province, police said on Saturday, in the latest case of so-called honour killings.

Kosar and Gulzar Bibi, aged 22 and 28, were shot dead by 35-year-old brother Nasir Hussain on Friday as they prepared to marry men they had chosen themselves, senior police officer Mehar Riaz told AFP.

Hussain objected to the love matches and had wanted the women to marry someone within the extended family, he said.

The brother shot dead both the sisters yesterday (Friday) and fled the site, the officer said, adding a search was underway.

It is a simple case of killing for honour, Riaz said.

Father of the family Atta Mohammad told reporters Hussain had destroyed everything. He ruined my family, he destroyed us, he destroyed everything, Mohammad said.

The murders came days after social media starlet Qandeel Baloch was strangled to death by her brother, who said he was not embarrassed to have killed her, reigniting calls for action against the crime.

Hundreds of women are murdered by relatives in Pakistan each year on the pretext of defending family honour.
PARIS: French authorities have filed terror charges against two men from Pakistan and Alegria who are suspected of being members of the Islamic State cell that massacred 130 people in Paris last November. The 29-year-old Algerian Adel Haddadi and the 35-year-old Pakistani Mohamad Usman were charged on Friday with criminal conspiracy with terrorists, a judicial source told AFP. Usman is reportedly thought to be a bomb-maker for Pakistani extremist organisations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The men were turned over to France by Austrian authorities on Friday.

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Dam No. 5

Please note that the picture on page 54-55 of the September 2000 issue is mislabeled. The canal boat is parked in the intake lock at Dam No. 3 on the C&O Canal, a long way from Dam No. 5in fact, more than 44 miles. The lock pictured served as both a feeder lock and an inlet-outlet to the Potomac River above Dam No. 3.

In the background is the towpath bridge over the feeder canal and lift lock 35 with the lock tenders shanty. Although the bridge and shanty are gone, the feeder lock and lift lock 35 are in good shape and have been preserved as a part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The inlet lock is blocked, thus there is no water in the canal.

John C. Frye

Hagerstown, Md.

Editors note: Thanks for the correction. We obtained the images from the C&O Canal National Historical Park, and they informed us the image was of Dam No. 5. Well pass along your note and information to them.

Although I am not a regular subscriber, I recently looked at your magazine (the September 2000 issue) at a local bookstore. I found the article entitled Stonewall Assaults Dam No. 5 so interesting that I purchased the issue. I felt compelled to write a letter to both you and the author, Jason Barrett.

My attraction to the article stems from my interest in both the Civil War and my employment by Allegheny Power, which owns and operates the hydro stations at both Dam No. 4 and Dam No. 5. The hydroelectric station at Dam No. 4 on the Potomac River near Shepherdstown, W. Va., has been generating power since 1909, and Dam No. 5 since 1919. Dam No. 4 hydro station is listed on the Historic American Engineering Record WV-27 and is unique in that it may be the last operating hydro unit in the United States running with a rope drive and wooden bearings. It continues to operate every day, as water is available.

I enjoyed the article and your magazine.

James Flaherty

Greensburg, Pa.

Confederate Chaplain

It was a joy to read the May 2000 Personality department on Father Emmeran Bliemel. I mounted a lengthy campaign to have a Confederate Medal of Honor awarded to Father Bliemel, and received the Southern Heritage award for my work.

One item mentioned in your story should be corrected. He was not just the first Catholic chaplain killed in battle during the Civil War, as the title states; he was the only one. No wonder a monument in his memory stands before the Clayton County courthouse in Jonesboro, Ga., not far from where he was killed.

If you visit Patrick Cleburne Cemetery at Jonesboro you can see the lonely grave of Ignatius Brook. It was next to this soldier that Father Bliemel was previously buried before being removed to Tuscumbia, Ala., by Father Kopf.

It should also be noted that Father Bliemel is listed as the chaplain of the 4th Kentucky (part of the Orphan Brigade), a unit that he also served during this period.

Rev. Peter Meaney, O.S.B.

Morristown, N.J.

Jeb Stuart Monument Ignored

On this past Memorial Day weekend, my wife and I went shopping in the Glen Allen suburbs, just north of Richmond. We visited the memorial to J.E.B. Stuart at the site of Telegraph Road, where he was mortally wounded at the Battle of Yellow Tavern. The 1864 battle was a blocking action to prevent Union cavalry access to Richmond.

The monument, built in 1888, sits along side Telegraph Road in a miniature park, about 80 feet by 80 feet, adjacent to the side yard of a residence in a housing subdivision. One of the biggest shopping malls in the Richmond area is about one mile away. The remnant of Telegraph Road is now cut off by Interstate 64, overgrown with trees and with weeds growing up through the crumbling pavement.

It is ironic to consider that noble Jeb Stuart was mortally wounded trying to hold ground that would be a subdivision and shopping mall 136 years later. It is sad that on this past Memorial Day weekend the only additional symbol of respect for Jeb Stuarts sacrifice at the monument was a postcard-sized Confederate battle flag, hidden on the back side of the monument, away from the road. There was no wreath, no flowers, no laminated picture of Stuart, nothing! While our society tolerates questionable morals, it dares not embrace the sacrifice of a gallant 31-year-old who risked and gave his all to create a Southern nation.

It is sad that in 1888 men who had been physically, psychologically and financially drained by the Civil War could piece together the money for the monument, while 112 years later the only thing that the entire populace of the Richmond area could add to it was a tiny plastic Confederate battle flag hidden out of view.

Please do me the favor of mentioning, when you are among Civil War reenactors and others who might care, that such has become the state of this monument erected by men who made sacrifices for the South from 1861-65 and again in 1888. It is not right that, because their cause was lost, their sacrifices should be construed as politically incorrect and meaningless. Their sacrifice is an honorable part of our heritage.

Charles Bly

Charlottesville, Va.

Editors note: Often the battlefields and monuments that commemorate the Civil War are ignored, abused, misunderstood or lost to progress. The editors of Americas Civil War are avid preservationists and belong to several preservation organizations. Hopefully, our new Preservation department will alert readers to the potential destruction that endangers Civil War sites.

Chancellorsville Reenactment

Just a quick note to tell you how much my wife and I enjoyed the reenactment of Chancellorsville at Fort Pickett this past weekend. I have been to many reenactments but none that was as organized and eventful as this one. All of the sutlers were gracious and polite, and the reenactors were the best as a group of any I have ever watched. All in all, it was the best reenactment I have attended. I look forward to your staging more.

This was my wifes first event, and she learned so much! Ed Bearss was as always the most entertaining historian I have ever listened to. Once again, my hat is off to you and your staff. Job well done!

Marvin Goin

via e-mail

Editors note: Primedia History Group sponsored this event, which took place September 22-24 at Fort Pickett, near Blackstone, Va. While the weather did not cooperate as we had hoped, plenty of folks still came out to see close to 5,000 reenactors in action. A particularly bright note was that more than $9,000 was raised for the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust, a non-profit organization that buys endangered battlefield land in the Rappahannock River valley. Look for information about future Primedia-sponsored reenactments in upcoming issues.

Send letters to Americas Civil War Editor, Primedia History Group, 741 Miller Dr., SE, Suite D-2, Leesburg, VA 20175, or e-mail to AmericasCivilWar@thehistorynet.com. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited.
Washington, D.C., buzzed with war fever. Each day eager young would-be soldiers stepped off trains in the U.S. capital, around which a massive Federal army was being organized and trained. Technically, war on the ground had already begun: On June 10, 1861, a 2,500-man Federal force had clashed with 1,200 Confederates at Big Bethel, Virginia. The Union had lost 18 men and the Southerners only onejust the smallest foretaste of the national bloodletting that would begin at Bull Run six weeks later.

President Abraham Lincoln was still receiving reports of the fight the following morning as a small group of men met in the Planters House hotel in St. Louis to discuss the fate of Missouri. This key border states future had been hanging in the balance for months as uncompromising Unionists led by Captain Nathaniel Lyon and stalwart Republican Frank Blair Jr. struggled to prevent governor and Confederate sympathizer Claiborne Fox Jackson from leading it into the Confederacy. Political maneuvering and threats had already led to military action: On May 10, Lyons 7,000-man army of Missouri Home Guards, German volunteers and U.S. Regulars captured a pro-secessionist militia force camped on the citys outskirts (see Firebrand in a Powder Keg, June 2005). The subsequent increase in violence and military preparations on both sides had led to the Planters House meeting. Few thought any good would come of it.

The doubters were right. Governor Jackson and Sterling Price, a former Missouri governor now in command of the state militia, offered to cease all military preparations if Lyon would do the same. But Lyon and Blair were unwilling to compromise Federal authority in a bargain with Jackson  a man openly committed to Missouris secession. After several fruitless hours, Lyon, a red-bearded 20-year Army veteran with unshakable beliefs and a volcanic temper, rose and declared that due to a failure on the part of the chief executive to comply with constitutional requirements, the time for talking had reached an end. Standing before Jackson, Lyon laid his cards on the table. Better, sir, far better, he swore, that the blood of every man, woman, and child within the limits of the state should flow, than that she should defy the federal government. With these stunning words still hanging in the air, Lyon added: This means war. In an hour one of my officers will call for you and conduct you out of my lines.

Within hours, Lyon was ready to unleash his small but grandly named Army of the West by rail and river. By moving quickly he hoped to encircle and capture Jackson, Price and whatever forces they could muster. Now a brigadier general of volunteers, Lyon would lead the main attack force  about 2,000 troops  west, securing the Missouri River and the northern part of the state. He planned to link up with Major Samuel D. Sturgis 2,300 Kansas volunteers and U.S. Regulars at Clinton as Sturgis moved southeast. Meanwhile, 500 men under Brig. Gen. Franz Sigel would ride the rails southwest toward Rolla, then continue overland to Neosho. With luck, the two wings would squeeze the secessionist forces between them above Springfield, in the states southwest corner.

Jackson and Price knew Lyon meant business and rushed back to Jefferson City, ordering key bridges burned and telegraph wires cut. On June 12, after issuing a statement to the press warning of the coming Federal offensive and calling for volunteers, the two raced north to Boonville, one of several key Missouri River towns. There, they expected to gather recruits and to find a small army prepared to at least stall Lyons advance. But the hard-charging Union commander was fast on their heels: Steaming out of St. Louis early on June 13, Lyon occupied the capital two days later, and on the afternoon of June 17 a detachment of his men humbled Colonel John S. Marmadukes inexperienced State Guards at Boonville, sending the governor and militia leader scrambling south to reorganize.

Everything was progressing smoothly for the Federals. In short order Lyon had secured the northern half of Missouri and sent his foes scurrying into the mouth of a trap. Meanwhile, nattily dressed newspapermen dashed off colorful reports on the progress of Lyons lightning campaign to Northern newspapers, which hailed the general as evidently the right man in the right place.

At Boonville, however, Lyons advance stalled, the nagging teeth of attrition nipping at his army. Short on wagons, horses, food and clothing, and also beset by heavy rain and muddied roads, the Federals were stranded until July 3. By the time Lyons army, which now included Sturgis men, arrived in Springfield 10 days later, a 4,000-man force under Governor Jacksons personal command had defeated Sigel at Carthage, and the governor and General Price had traveled south to the Arkansas border in search of Confederate help. As for the supposed supply depot of Springfield, it held no relief for Lyons hungry and unpaid men, many of whom were dressed in rags. Worse yet, his three-month recruits were beginning to desert the cause in droves.

Lyon sent waves of letters and junior officers to new Department of the West commander Maj. Gen. John C. Fremont in St. Louis in a desperate bid for help. None was forthcoming. Everything seems to combine against me at this point, the exasperated general wrote on July 17. In another letter Lyon described what he foresaw if his army was not supported: Loyal citizens will be unprotected, repressed treason will assume alarming boldness, and possible defeat of my troops in battle will peril the continued ascendancy of the Federal power itself, not only in the State, but in the whole West.

By August 1, Lyon faced a tough decision: retreat and risk pursuit by growing enemy forces, or stage a hit-and-run attack designed to leave his enemy too stunned to pursue him. Desperate to punish the secessionists while he still had the semblance of an army, Lyon chose to go on the offensive. On August 2, his advance guard encountered a body of Southern cavalry at Dug Springs and sent it scurrying. But his exhausted and thirsty men could stand little more, and Lyon returned to Springfield.

Lyons struggling army had nearly come to grips with a larger force recently assembled on Missouris southern plains. This new Western Army totaled about 12,000 men, including Prices Missouri militia, Brig. Gen. Ben McCullochs Confederate Brigade and Brig. Gen. Nicholas B. Bart Pearces Arkansas state troops. It was a shaky alliance from the start. After fleeing headlong across Missouri, the 52-year-old Price was eager to turn the tables on his pursuer. But the fiery 50-year-old McCulloch, whose service in Texas fight for independence, the Mexican War and with the Texas Rangers had made him a legend in the Southwest, was hesitant to attack.

The truth was, McCulloch thought little of Prices ragged militia, with their decrepit old fowling pieces, shotguns and hunting riflesespecially on the heels of the Dug Springs debacle. But when he received word of a possible Confederate movement farther into Missouri from New Madrid to the east, the emboldened general decided to strike. In the early hours of August 5, McCullochs Western Army set off in search of Lyons Federals. A day later blinding heat forced him into camp again, this time on Wilsons Creek, 10 miles southwest of Springfield. The Southern army remained there until August 9, when McCullochpressed by the impatient Priceordered an attack for the following morning on Springfield, where Lyons army was now known to be situated.

But fate and weather would combine to deny McCulloch the initiative. As the Southern soldiers molded bullets and tinkered with their weapons that evening, Lyons legions were already lining up to take the offensive. Lyons staff had taken heart from the words of fiery, one-armed Captain Thomas Sweeny, who had vowed to eat the last bit of mule flesh and fire the last cartridge before we think of retreating. Now, riding slowly up and down his lines on his conspicuous gray charger, Lyon addressed his weary men by company. His wordsa straightforward, common-sense reminder of a soldiers dutysuited his style and personality: Men, we are going to have a fight. We will march out in a short time. Dont shoot until you get orders. Fire lowdont aim higher than their knees; wait until they get close; dont get scared; it is no part of a soldiers duty to get scared.

Lyons attack plan was risky. While his subordinates all favored taking the fight to the enemy, each had opposed a proposal by Sigel to divide the army and attack from two sides. But Lyon  perhaps hoping that backing Sigel would produce greater results from his adoring German troops, or for a smashing victory to throw in the face of Fremont, who had apparently abandoned himdecided to roll the dice. Lyons wing totaled about 4,300 men, most of them infantry, and 10 cannons. Trying to preserve surprise, the general ordered complete silence in the ranks and directed that the wagon wheels be muffled. At about 1 a.m. on August 10, Lyon halted his army within reach of the enemys camps. Meanwhile, Sigels 1,100-man column managed to swing wide around the Southerners right flank and make camp, perched on the enemys southernmost doorstep.

As his men tried to sleep, a melancholy Lyon sat alongside Major John Schofield, his chief of staff. Weeks of frustration, worry and anger over his armys plight had eaten away at his vigor and confidence. I am a believer in presentiments, he confessed to his aide, and I have a feeling that I cant get rid of that I shall not survive this battle. After a few minutes reflection he admitted, I will gladly give my life for a victory.

Shortly after 5 a.m., as the smell of boiling coffee and fried green corn wafted out over the Southern camps, the ground to the north began to rumble. A horseman galloped into General Prices camp, spewing forth a harried report of twenty thousand men and 100 pieces of artillery just to the north. McCulloch, who had postponed his own offensive due to the threat of rain and was now breakfasting, was not concerned. He had already dispatched a body of cavalrymen to investigate an earlier such report. But when Federal cannons began booming to the north and south, the generals mounted their horses and galloped off to organize a defense.

By the time Price and McCulloch had put down their breakfasts, the battle was unfolding on two fronts. Resuming the march at about 4 a.m., Lyons soldiers had trudged quietly along the western side of Wilsons Creek, tramping through wet fields and scattering Southern foragers. With Captain Joseph Plummers battalion of Regulars on his left, Captain James Tottens 2nd U.S. Artillery and the 1st Missouri in his front and the 2nd Missouri Battalion on his right, Lyon turned south, where the waterway bent in the same direction. The rolling ground immediately ahead of him rose gradually to a crest long known as Oak Hill, which would soon be rechristened Bloody Hill. Covered with thigh-high prairie grass, rough underbrush and trees, it was awful ground for a fightbut it did limit the Southerners advantage in numbers, as nearly half the Western Army was mounted and armed accordingly. South of the height the ground sloped downward, intersected by a tributary of the creek (Skeggs Branch) before rising sharply again to fields owned by local farmer Joseph Sharp. The areas main thoroughfare, the Wire (or Telegraph) Road, ran southwest diagonally across the battleground, fording the creek southeast of Bloody Hill. The situation of Prices camps put his men in a position to confront Lyon first.

As he approached the hill, Lyon ordered Plummers battalion and a handful of mounted Home Guards to cross the creek to the left and sweep up its eastern bank. He called up the 1st Kansas to replace Tottens artillery in his center and pressed forward toward Colonel James Cawthorns shaky line of 700 dismounted cavalrymen, who had scrambled to slow the Union advance. Lyon sent a portion of his forceMajor Peter Osterhaus 2nd Missouri (just 150 men), the 1st Iowa, Lieutenant John V. DuBois four-gun battery and another battalion of Regularssweeping around to the right, from where he planned to deploy them later. The 2nd Kansas formed his reserve. To the southeast Generals Price and McCulloch were just springing into action as Lyons infantry and artillery drove Cawthorns Missouri troopers from Bloody Hill.

Before Lyon could exploit his advantage, a Southern battery on a rise to the east began dropping shells on his advancing lines. Captain Totten, a hard-boiled Pennsylvanian and an extremely capable artilleryman, quickly swung his six guns around to answer. But the Arkansas men handling Captain William E. Woodruff Jr.s Pulaski Battery bought desperately needed time for Price, who had by now reached the hill. As the Federal line slowed, Prices militia units scrambled to respond to his calls for reinforcements. After rallying some of Cawthorns troopers near the foot of the hill, the general extended his line to the left with each Missouri unit that arrived, including 650 troops of Brig. Gen. William Y. Slacks Division under Colonel John T. Hughes; battalions under Colonel John Burbridge and Colonel Joseph Kelly (of Brig. Gen. Mosby Parsons Division); and two more regiments under Colonels John Foster and Edmond Wingo (of Brig. Gen. James McBrides Division). Captain Henry Guibors Missouri Light Artillery went into the line between Kelly and Foster. When Colonel Richard H. Weightman arrived with two regiments and plugged them into a gap on the right, Price had the makings of a tough defense.

His drive stalled, Lyon strengthened his line. Tottens gunners moved forward to split the 1st Kansas, while the Iowans marched over from the right to anchor the left flank. DuBois also rushed his battery to the left rear, supported by Captain Frederick Steeles Regulars. While Totten and DuBois dueled with their Arkansas counterparts to the east, Lyons troops surged through brush and high grass toward Prices line. But a sheet of lead spat from 2,000 rifles, shotguns and various small arms in the hands of Prices kneeling and prone militia stopped them cold. The next move was Prices, and he sent McBrides state guards circling around to assail Lyons right flank, held by Lt. Col. George Andrews 1st Missouri and Osterhaus 2nd Missouri Battalion. Twice Tottens quick-firing gunners drove the attackers back into the woods west of Bloody Hill. McBrides men seized the high ground on their third try, just as Parsons Division charged Andrews line on its front. Suddenly things looked bleak for the Federals. The tired 1st Missouri fell back toward the crest of Bloody Hill, pursued by infantry and Guibors artillery. But before the Southerners could blast into the gaps left by the retreating Missourians, the 2nd Kansas arrived to steel the line.

Meanwhile Plummer had been stopped cold. Hoping to silence Woodruffs nagging guns, Plummer had led his men across the creek and south into the cornfield of local farmer John Ray. There, the bluecoats ran into the 3rd Louisiana and the 2nd Arkansas Mounted Rifles, led by McCullochs second-in-command, Colonel James McIntosh. After nearly an hour of confused firing McIntosh sent his two regiments howling through the corn, driving the Federals back across the creek. Nineteen Regulars were killed; DuBois four cannons firing from Bloody Hill saved the others from the same fate.

As if agreed upon beforehand by the opposing generals, the fighting suddenly stopped around 8:30 a.m. With Price in charge on Bloody Hill and Plummers force dealt with, McCulloch scrambled to take on Sigel. Hearing firing from the north at about 5:30 a.m., Sigel had unleashed his artillery on the Southerners camps, scattering sleepy-eyed Confederates. With his confidence brimming, the former German army officer had marched his men northwest, stopping briefly to scatter a body of enemy cavalry, until he struck the Wire Road. There, he had placed the 5th and 3rd Missouri regiments, plus four guns of Major Franz Backofs Missouri Light Artillery, in a defensive position straddling the turnpike, about a half-mile south of the smoke-shrouded lines on Bloody Hill. A company of Regular cavalry guarded each flank. To Sigel, all that appeared to be left for his men to do was to gather up prisoners when Lyon sent them scurrying south.

With several units (the 3rd, 4th and 5th Arkansas State troops, plus the four guns of the Fort Smith Light Battery) of Bart Pearces command positioned on high ground covering the confluence of Skeggs Branch, the Wire Road and Wilsons Creek, McCulloch quickly rallied several companies of the 3rd Louisiana  which had just returned from its fight with Plummer  and rushed south down the Wire Road. At the last minute two eager regiments of Missouri state infantry and one of artillery attached themselves to McCullochs right flank. The Confederates would exploit a blind spot left unattended by Sigel, who often neglected to send out skirmishers or properly scout new ground.

Sigel watched as the troops approached. Outside of the regulation blue uniforms worn by the Regulars, there was little to distinguish the Union men from their enemies, and to him these soldiers looked like Lyons Iowans. Private Charles Todt was within a stones throw of the approaching line when McCulloch called out for him to identify his unit. Sigels regiment, he called. The young private apparently realized his predicament just as a Rebel bullet cut him down.

Turning to a Louisiana officer, McCulloch ordered, Captain, take your company up and give them hell. With a shout McCullochs men charged uphill toward Sigels soft center. The sudden attack paralyzed and terrified many of the green Germans, who thought their own men were firing on them. Southern cannons from heights to the east and from now-quiet Bloody Hill dropped iron into their midst. When scores of Missouri and Arkansas troops crashed into Sigels distracted left flank, the rout was on. Forgetting their devotion to their leader, the panicked Germans ignored Sigels curses and ran for their lives. Within minutes Sigels entire force was out of the battle, racing for any roads that led back to Springfield. The beleaguered generalhiding his uniform with a blanket and yellow hatescaped capture only after Rebel horsemen chased him for six miles.

As Sigels wing disintegrated, Price prepared for another lunge at the Federals with reinforcements dispatched by McCulloch and Pearce. After shifting Fosters regiment to his right, he sent the troopers of Colonel Elkanah Greers 2nd Kansas Battalion and Colonel Dandridge McRaes 2nd Arkansas Battalion to his left. Colonel Thomas Churchills 500 dismounted Arkansas cavalrymen and another 100 Louisianans arrived to solidify the middle of Prices bristling line. The silver-haired general was determined to punch through Lyons center.

The Union commander had fewer resources on which to draw, but he moved Steeles Regulars up to support Tottens gunners and shifted his lines where necessary. At about 9 a.m. Prices onslaught began. For an hour heavy firing continued, with one participant reporting,some of the best blood in the land was being spilled as recklessly as if it were ditch water. Impenetrable smoke drifted over the rough terrain, making the confused fighting even more perilous. To the left of the Union center, the 1st Kansas launched a stunning bayonet charge. But the Kansans soon recoiled under heavy pressure and were saved only by the sudden arrival of the charging 1st Iowa, which Lyon hurried into the fray from its position on the far left.

Around this time the sullen and stunned Union commander  on foot after his horse was killed  made his way to the rear of his lines, where concerned officers and aides quickly surrounded him. Blood dripped from gashes in his head and leg. The general remained ignorant of Sigels fate, and his spirit, which had been wavering since Boonville, was again flagging. Major, I am afraid the day is lost, he mumbled to Schofield. But his aide quickly rallied him. No, General; let us try it again.

Minutes later, as a remounted Lyon rode along the Union center, he spotted a pair of Confederate officers off to the left. Certain that one was Price, Lyon wheeled and directed his escort to draw pistols and follow. An aide talked him out of such a rash action, but when Lyon heard Iowa troops calling for him to lead them, the reenergized general did not hesitate. I am but doing my duty, he told worried staff officers. Sending Captain Sweeny to lead the 1st Iowa, Lyon joined Colonel Robert Mitchell at the head of his 2nd Kansas, which he had called over from the right center. Waving his hat, Lyon yelled, Come on, my brave boys, I will lead you forward! As the cheering Kansans started forth, fire and smoke exploded in the generals front. Lyon, his heart punctured by a bullet, fell from his horse into the arms of his aide, Private Thomas Lehmann. Lehmann, the general choked, I am going. He was dead a moment later.

Savage fighting erupted all around the Federal left center as Prices grim Missourians toted their weapons uphill. The 2nd Kansas rushed forward, and alongside the Iowans doggedly held their ground. After 20 minutes of back-and-forth probing, the Southerners fell back. Meanwhile, Greers Texas horsemen launched a poorly coordinated attack on the Federal right flank, which Tottens gunners ended in quick fashion.

As Price regrouped for another assault, Federal command passed to Major Sturgis, who would have little time to choose the armys next move. Although Lyons stubborn Army of the West continued to hold its ground, time was against it. The Federal troops were exhausted, thirsty and short on ammunition. The enemy, Sturgis believed, had thousands of untapped reserves, and even now Sigels fate remained unknown. Retreat seemed the logical move, but disengaging from an army just yards away would take timing and skill. Sturgis did his best to quickly firm up his lines, moving Andrews 1st Missouri (led in the wounded Andrews absence by Captain Theodore Yates) and Osterhaus battalion to his left flank, and shifting four companies of the 1st Kansas to the right.

The situation on the other side was uglier than Sturgis might have guessed. The Southerners were suffering as much as the Federals were. What Price and McCulloch did have, however, was more men (though not the 20,000 Sturgis believed), and they rushed to round up as many as possible for one last charge. Pearce delivered the 3rd Arkansas, which Price sent to anchor his left, and seven companies of the 5th Arkansas, who took their place a step to the right. Price also ordered the four guns of the Fort Smith Battery into line alongside Guibors Battery (the Missouri Light Artillery, now led by Lieutenant William Barlow).

At approximately 10:30 a.m., the strengthened Southern battle line1,000 yards long and up to three ranks deepstepped forward. On the left, Colonel John Gratiots 3rd Arkansas men strode firmly uphill through entangling brush and weedsinto hot lead and canister fired by Kansas infantrymen and a section of Tottens Battery under Lieutenant George Sokalski. Off to the right of the incline Prices militia tangled with their Missouri brethren. A shortage of projectiles hampered the Southern artillery here, allowing DuBois four Union guns to rake approaching troops. And in the center, where the incessant roll of musketry was deafening, and the balls fell thick as hailstones, Prices Missourians fought desperately to get at Tottens four remaining guns, closing to within 20 feet at times. But Steeles battalion of Regulars, troops from the 1st Iowa and 1st Kansas, and Tottens gunners held them off. For a solid hour Missourians and Arkansans plugged away at the thinner Union line, but it never wavered.

The Union troops, in fact, seemed to be doing their best fighting of the day. But when the 2nd Kansas reported a near total lack of ammunition, reality set in again. At about 11:45, as Prices troops again retreated back down Bloody Hills southern slope, Sturgis began his withdrawal. The 2nd Kansas pulled out first, followed closely by DuBois gunners and the 2nd Missouri from the left. A body of Confederates rushed toward the gap left by the Kansans, but Sturgis sent Steeles Regulars tramping over to the right to plug the hole. Tottens tired artillerymen, the 1st Iowa, the 1st Kansas and Missouris Home Guards fell back next. Another column of Southern infantry appeared on the left but quickly fled when a patchwork force led by veteran Captain Gordon Granger ambushed them. DuBois gunners halted north of the hill to protect the infantry as it passed them, then they joined the long Union column on its march back to Springfield, and then on to Rolla. Somewhere along the dusty road a small band of Sigels refugees rode up with news of their defeat hours before.

Wilsons Creek had witnessed one mighty mean-fowt fight, in the words of a Rebel officer. Reflecting on the battle years later, Bart Pearce wrote, it is difficult to measure the vast results had Lyon lived and the battle gone against us. The Western Army left 277 men on the field; another 945 had been wounded. Union casualties amounted to 258 killed and 873 wounded. The South held the field, but Lyons army had fought well enough to ensure its safe retreat. It almost didnt matter who had won: Lyon had long since secured the states vital waterways and railways for the Union, and Missouri had by now seated a pro-Union legislature. Still, after occupying abandoned Springfield in August, Price marched north without the skeptical McCulloch, seeking to ignite anti-Union sentiment. He even captured an isolated Federal garrison at Lexington. But his army of Missourianslacking transportation, supplies and the numbers to face a larger Union army finally assembled by the awakened Fremontrapidly melted away.

Left with just a toehold on Missouri, the secessionists lost even that in early March 1862 after the Union victory at Pea Ridge, Ark. There a sharpshooters bullet killed McCulloch, who had been serving along with Price as a wing commander under Maj. Gen. Earl Van Dorn. In December, Claiborne Jackson, the now-deposed governor of Missouri, died of cancer. It fell to Price to try to win the state for the Confederacy. In 1864 he led a massive force of cavalry across the state  only to be driven back to Arkansas once again. Roughly 40,000 young Missourians would fight for the Confederacy, and four years of guerrilla fighting would ravage the states countryside. But Missouri remained in the Union.

The first Union general to die in combat, Nathaniel Lyon was hailed across the North as the Savior of Missouri. Yet he would soon be forgotten, eclipsed by heroes with longer resumes. (His body, in fact, was forgotten on the battlefield and nearly lost.) His coarse, opinionated manner had made him nearly impossible to like, and his uncompromising stance in St. Louis had alienated many. But until the rise of tough Union commanders like Grant and Sherman a couple of years later, his hard-driving style would be sorely missed in an army filled with too many Sigels and Fremonts. And few could have argued with Samuel Sturgis, who after Lyons death remembered him to have been as brave a soldier as ever drew a sword, a man whose honesty of purpose was proverbial, a noble patriot, and one who held his life as nothing when his country demanded it of him.

This article was written by Eric Ethier and originally published in the December 2005 issue of Civil War Times Magazine.

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Captain Sally

SUBMITTED BY REED ALVORD OF HAMILTON, NEW YORK

NAME: Sally Louisa Tompkins

DATES: 1833 to 1916

ALLEGIANCE: Confederate

HIGHEST RANK: Captain

UNIT: N/A

SERVICE RECORD: Opened Robertson Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, on August 1, 1861. Commissioned captain of cavalry on September 9, 1861. Ceased operating the hospital on June 13, 1865.

Born into a wealthy and altruistic family in coastal Mathews County, Virginia, in 1833, Sally Louisa Tompkins was destined for a life of philanthropy. After moving to Richmond, Tompkins spent much of her time and a considerable portion of her fortune assisting causes she considered worthy. With the onset of civil war, she labored tirelessly on the behalf of the Souths wounded soldiers, and for this she became the first and only woman to receive an officers commission in the Confederate army.

After the First Battle of Manassas in July 1861 left northern Virginia littered with wounded, the fledgling Confederate government pleaded with its citizens to open their homes to the wounded. Tompkins was among the first to respond. She sought help from her friend, Judge Robertson of the Circuit Court of Richmond and Henrico County, and he offered her his home at the corner of Third and Main Streets in Richmond. At her own expense, Tompkins transformed the house into a hospital, naming it in honor of the generous judge. Tompkinss keen eye for detail and her obsession with cleanliness made Robertson Hospital, which opened on August 1, one of the Souths most vital institutions, and Confederate authorities hurried their most desperate cases to her.

Tompkinss reputation grew, and soon wounded Rebel soldiers, calling her the little lady with the milk-white hands, begged to be sent to her hospital. Soldiers of all ranks proposed marriage to her. She turned them all down, saying, Poor fellows, they are not yet well of their fevers. She never married.

Only a few weeks after the hospital opened, President Jefferson Davis placed all Southern hospitals under the control of the Confederate Medical Department. In recognition of Tompkinss service, Davis commissioned her a captain of cavalry on September 9. Flattered, Tompkins refused all pay but accepted the rank because it enabled her to obtain supplies far more easily than she would have as a civilian. Her patients soon gave her the affectionate nickname Captain Sally.

Tompkins worked exhaustively until the hospital closed on June 13, 1865, two months after Union soldiers had occupied the Confederate capital. In four years as chief, Tompkins had admitted 1,333 patients, losing just 73 of them, a remarkable 94.5 percent survival rate. After the war, Tompkinss continued philanthropy wiped out her fortune and compelled her to enter Richmonds Home for Confederate Women. She died in 1916 and was buried with full military honors at Kingston Church in Mathews County. Years later, two chapters of the United Daughters of the Confederacy were named for her, the Confederacys only woman officer.
Years ago, and well before my hotelier days, I traveled to Bentonville, Arkansas selling ergonomic furniture, mouse pads and the like. The Walmart offices were huge then and I can only imagine how much they have grown since. Today, Walmart is the world's largest company by revenue ($288 billion) and employees (2.2 million), rivaling the GDP of many nations, including some that are traditionally defined as first-world.

What's most interesting to me is that hoteliers, by and large, have never really looked to this retail titan to see what they can glean. Perhaps it's a stigma whereby Walmart is perceived as 'beneath us' or that a discount retailer is totally unrelated to our heads-in-beds raison d'etre. In any event, here are a few initiatives that Walmart does exceptionally well that should be on our radar.

They advertise. Walmart did not grow on its own. They are among the world's heaviest TV ad buyers. Their recognition had been bought through countless GRPs (gross rating points) of continual media buying. Many hoteliers these days, I'm afraid, do not consider advertising  broadcast or digital  as a major component of their brand support program.

They have not diluted the brand. Just two names  Walmart and Sam's Club  seem to work for 11,500+ outlets. They do not create 'lifestyle' property categories or other sub-brands on a marketing whim. A chain with 18-20 brands is going to have a challenge with any sort of clear recognition or differentiation.

A strong environmental commitment. Walmart has universally adapted LED lighting as just one of the green conscious approaches they have taken. Apart from the lucrative financial ROIs, they are leading the way for other companies.

One, unswerving consumer strategy. "The lowest price is the law." Remember this statement? It is hammered in through their advertising and followed up in-store. By having a single-minded focus, both the company and the consumer are on the same wavelength. Most hotel plans that I've read have trouble distilling the strategy down to a half-dozen unique or semi-unique approaches.

The masters of data. Walmart knows their POS data in real-time. They manage inventory down to the store level and can refill stores to meet on-shelf requirements effectively. Do you know who exactly is staying with you tonight? Last night? Tomorrow night? How about 365 days from now?

They have greeters. Comedians like to make fun of the Walmart greeter program. But, they serve a valuable purpose in reassuring the customer and helping out at the store entry. It's part of the brand guarantee to service the consumer as best possible. Ever consider having a greeter standing out in the open in the hotel lobby instead of sequestered behind the physical barrier that is the front desk?

They test and they plan. New items just don't appear across all stores; they are tested in store panels to ensure their success. Shelves are planned with perfect store-to-store consistency. With hotels, there is much more variation across each chain, and while the parallel might be considered a bit of a stretch, standards must nevertheless be adhered to, or at least suitably adapted to meet regional quirks and demands.

These are just a few that I have come up with. Can you add any more relevant practices that have hospitality applicability?

(Article by Larry Mogelonsky, published by Hotel Interactive on May 3, 2016).

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Soulja Boys 26th birthday at a studio in Hollywood reportedly ended in gunfire Friday, leaving rapper and party guest Killa J with a bullet wound to the arm.



According To TMZ, Soulja and his entourage had spotted a black Ford SUV with four men inside as they arrived at the studio, but it wasnt until they checked the security cameras and saw the same vehicle there as they were finishing up that they became suspicious. When Killa J went to see what was going on, the men approached him and demanded that he give them Soulja Boys Gucci bag.

The source claims that Shots were fired after Killa J did not comply, and was struck by a bullet in the arm, a wound hes expected to recover from. It is said that Soulja and his crew believe the attempted robbery was an inside job. The police do not have any suspects.
WASHINGTON - Doctors are improperly billing poor people on Medicare for deductibles, co-payments and other costs from which they are supposed to be exempt, the Obama administration says.

Federal officials have warned doctors that they may be subject to penalties if they persist in these practices. They could be fined or excluded from Medicare.

The people who are being billed improperly are "qualified Medicare beneficiaries" who also are enrolled in Medicaid.

They are 65 and older or disabled and have low incomes, generally less than $1,010 a month for an individual or $1,355 for a married couple.

Federal law says that such beneficiaries do not have "any legal liability to make payment" to a doctor or a hospital beyond the amounts paid by Medicare and Medicaid.

The Obama administration recently told doctors that they "must accept the Medicare payment and Medicaid payment (if any) as payment in full for services rendered to a qualified Medicare beneficiary."

A study by the Department of Health and Human Services found that improper billing still appears to be "relatively commonplace" because "some Medicare providers unlawfully bill enrollees" after receiving payments from Medicare and Medicaid.

In some cases, the study said, beneficiaries "curtail their use of needed services due to concerns about their ability to pay."

About 7 million low-income people receive financial help through the program for qualified Medicare beneficiaries. State Medicaid agencies help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, co-payments and coinsurance.

But states do not have to pay doctors the full amount of such costs, and in some cases they pay nothing, leaving doctors with hundreds or thousands of dollars in unreimbursed expenses.

"Because of this gap in payment, many doctors and other health care providers try to bill the beneficiaries or refuse to provide services to them," said Denny W. Chan, a lawyer at Justice in Aging, a nonprofit legal advocacy organization.
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At a first glance, the notion of an NHS "reset" conjures up images of Jeremy Hunt as an inexperienced IT technician, examining your faltering piece of equipment studiously but having absolutely no idea what the problem with it might be. Rather than admitting any shortcomings, the technician instead confidently tells you to "turn it off and on again" in the vague hope of a miraculous solution emerging, leaving his lack of knowledge unexposed.

The truth about the reset, revealed in a document entitled, Strengthening Financial Performance & Accountability in 2016/17, slipped out on the last day of term to avoid Parliamentary scrutiny doesn't quite fit in with this simplistic image, but it isn't far off.

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The document is effectively an admission of failure from the Government, one more lengthy than that of the NHS Improvement Chief Executive, Jim Mackey, who recently acknowledged that "the NHS is in a mess" but it is no less frank or astonishing for that. So while the scale of the problems facing the Health Service is now finally being acknowledged, there is a critical failure from the Health Secretary about the causes of the current crisis and some of the solutions mooted risk exacerbating the situation.

The problems facing the NHS have never been more serious. Trusts currently face a 2.45billion deficit and the Department of Health only avoided busting its 118.3billion budget in 2015/16 through what the Health Committee called "accounting devices to balance the books" and the good fortune of receiving 417m more than planned in extra national insurance receipts because of an "administrative error" for which it will not be punished.

So what of the solutions offered? Many of the actions in the Report appear to offer only a short-term focus, which it is difficult to square with Tory rhetoric about long-term plans, while others seem to continue the failed policies which got us into this mess.

The short-term focus is exposed on page nine of the Report, which calls for measures for "tackling excessive paybill growth" which any NHS worker who has has year on year pay freezes will struggle to recognise. As the Health Committee found only a matter of weeks ago, "a long-term pay squeeze has unintended consequences for recruitment and retention, which may drive higher costs." Some of these higher costs include the surge in spending on agency staff, which has been found to be one of the key drivers behind the record NHS deficit. It is therefore impossible to see how further pay restraint will actually help reduce costs. It will certainly do little to improve staff morale which is already suffering hugely.

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The short-termism of the Health Secretary is made even clearer by the very next bullet point, which calls for implementation of Lord Carter's recommendations on efficiency savings, "with a particular focus on quick wins." After six years in charge of the Health Service, the Government really ought to have moved on from "quick wins".

The Government also continues to expect Trusts and CCGs to make efficiency savings by asking them to agree lower spending totals. In a demand led system where demand increases year on year, reducing the amount spent will be a false economy, creating greater cost further down the line. It also fails to acknowledge the systematic under funding of the service over the last six years-the truth is that in a system where the vast majority of providers are in deficit, missing spending targets can no longer be deemed only to be a local management issue. As the Head of NHS Clinical Commissioners, Julie Wood, put it, "The simple truth is there is no spare money in the system - we urgently need a cross-governmental review into the overall financial position of the NHS and an open debate about what can be realistically delivered with the current level of funding.". The debate is therefore artificially framed by the financial parameters rather than the kind of service I believe most of the public want to see and would, in the main, be prepared to pay for.

The Report continues the recent obsession with failure regimes, introducing new measures to be applied to Trusts and CCGs who are not meeting the new financial commitments that they have been required to sign up to. Given the unrealistic nature of these targets it's probably only a matter of time before we'll see the Secretary of State announcing grandiose new plans to introduce a failure regime for failing failure regimes. The most worrying savings suggestion to many people though will be what is euphemistically termed "the consolidation of unsustainable services," which will go well beyond the usual efficiency savings to be found from back office consolidations and could well mean front line closures. These "consolidations" are being driven through the Sustainability and Transformation Plans (STPs), about which I have previously written. They represent a hidden reorganisation with rocket boosters on and we are only months away now from seeing the impact.


Ancient cannons stand guard over a Caribbean island.

Chances are you've seen the oft-played TV commercial about gorgeous places to settle down in Belize on the Caribbean coast of Central America. In the ad, we learn about the laid-back style of living there on idyllic, palm-dotted islands and along the mainland's sugary white beaches - but for some reason, all to a rather dreary mood set by elevator music.

Actually, visitors to Belize (formerly British Honduras) will hear several peppy brands of homegrown music.

One is called "brukdown," said to mean something like "broken down calypso." Whatever it means, you can't help shaking your body line to lively, accordion-backed tunes like "Good Mawnin' Belize," played there each morning on a number of radio stations to help get their listeners' juices flowing for the day. A particularly spunky brukdown ditty is "Run, Mr. Peters, Run" recorded by the father of the genre, Wilfred Peters.

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Tagged "the King of Brukdown," Peters and his Boom and Chime band entertained brukdown lovers all over the world before he died a few years ago at 79.



Belizean supermarket sells farm-fresh fruits and veggies.

Another popular booty-shaker along the coastal villages of Belize (and also in nearby Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua) is "punta" music. This one comes from a mish-mash of cultures, starting with the Carib Indians whose ancestors from South America started migrating up the chain of Caribbean islands thousands of years ago. Later on, African blacks from a wrecked slave ship ended up on the island of St. Vincent, bred with the Caribs and produced a race of "Black Caribs" (aka "Garifunas").



Garifunas settled on the pristine beaches of Belize.

The cultural stewpot next boiled over with French spices when the tricolor flag was raised over St. Vincent. Then, English mutton was stirred in for body when Great Britain's Union Jack replaced the tricolors. The Brits - to punish the Black Caribs/Garifunas for siding with the French in several wars - moved them to the Honduras Bay island of Roatan, after which a good number of them drifted over to settlements on the Central American mainland.

Garifuna villages along the coast of what's now Belize popped up in 1802, prompting a national holiday celebrated each year.

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The holiday's superstar, of course, is punta music (which over the years evolved to today's "punta rock"). Its distinctive African-style call-and-response singing is backed by maracas and drums made from hollowed tree trunks covered on one end by animal hides.



Youngsters celebrate a holiday.



A note to tourists: If you're lucky enough to be in Belize on Nov. 19, don't be surprised to see thousands of Garifunas parading, partying, dancing and otherwise celebrating their Afro-Caribbean/French/British roots. That day is their annual "Garifuna Settlement Day," marking the settlement of the villages long ago on the beaches of Belize.
(This post was originally published as part of the World Economic Forum's Globalization series.)

In aggregate terms, the human race has never had it so good. Life expectancy has risen by more in the past 50 years than in the previous 1,000. When the Berlin Wall fell, two-fifths of humanity lived in extreme poverty. Now it's one-eighth. Global illiteracy has dropped from one-half to one-sixth in the same span of time. With a few tragic exceptions, a child born almost anywhere today can expect to grow up healthier, wealthier and smarter than at any other time in history.

And more connected, thanks principally to the end of the Cold War, fresh waves of democratization, China's emergence from autarky, and the advent of the internet. The political map of the world has been redrawn. Market economics has circumnavigated the globe.

A divided world

At the same time, we have rarely felt so divided. While walls between countries are coming down, within countries they are going up everywhere. Statistical proof of overall well-being is cold comfort to a middle class whose real wages have stagnated, or to poor people in the US and other so-called "rich" countries whose poverty has deepened. The bottom-fifth of Americans were earning more money 25 years ago. They also had a greater chance of moving up the economic ladder, the lower rungs of which have now been sawed off.

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And we have rarely felt so vulnerable. As populations, capital and production systems have shifted - massively and rapidly - we as individuals have become ensnared in a transnational tangle of choices and burdens, enablers and obstacles, interdependencies and conflicts. Pensioners and home-owners have seen their savings decimated by unforeseen financial risks. Workers have lost their jobs to overseas strangers escaping from poverty; those whose jobs stayed onshore are losing them to machines. Farmers suffer crop failure due to climate change. Citizens rage against elites who siphon off urgently needed public monies into foreign bank accounts.

Other people's everyday choices on the other side of the world - about what energy they use, what products they consume, what medicines they take or how they secure their data - threaten us unintentionally. Equally, our choices impact them. In an increasingly open world, we've begun to blame more and more of our frustrations on each other.

Looking to the past for fresh courage

Europe's "age of discovery" in the 15th and 16th centuries was likewise a time of historic connections and divisions, of singular achievements and shocking new dangers, of bold genius and violent rejection. Columbus's ships found the New World - and spread conflicts and pandemics in their wake. Vasco da Gama found a sea route to the spice riches of the Indian Ocean - and caused the collapse of Silk Road economies that had flourished for centuries. The Gutenberg press shifted human communication to a new normal: information abundance, cheap distribution, radical variety and wide participation. But it also put scribes out of business and enabled a single disillusioned friar (Martin Luther) to ignite a century of religious wars. Copernicus flipped Europe's very notion of heaven and earth with his new sun-centered theory; when Galileo pushed it, he was excommunicated.

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Through three decades of feverish connecting, integrating and tangling together - from the fall of the Berlin Wall to the rise of social media - we have built a precious but, history tells us, fragile new world. In so many ways, we are starting to flourish. But equally, we are starting to fray. An age of discovery, then and now, is a time of upheaval. And upheaval makes both winners and losers.

But it does not make us powerless. This extraordinary age of discovery is not simply the condition of our lives, but the contest as well.

In the 1990s, many people bought into a simplistic fantasy that the benefits of greater openness and connectedness - of "globalization" - would trickle down to everyone equally. Today we've replaced such naivete with a sober realization: when some walls are flattened, the world's precious resources pool into those places and into those hands that hold an advantage along whatever dimensions of difference remain. Popular usage of the term "globalization" has plummeted.

Where next?

We've outgrown the fantasy. That's a healthy step. Now the question is: will we abandon the dream? One option is to seek to smash the global agreements, protocols, supply chains and exchanges we have built with one another, and in their place build new, higher walls. From the surging popularity of Donald Trump, to Britain's shockingly close vote on Brexit, to the electoral successes of nationalist, protectionist and xenophobic politicians in democracies worldwide, this project is well under way.

Or we can seek to make our entanglement work. For ourselves. For poor people and poor countries. For the planet. The great service that Donald Trump, Brexit and similar campaigns in Germany, France, Greece, Brazil, Austria, the Philippines and other countries have performed is to shock us all into remembering that our new openness and connectedness cannot be taken for granted. Globalization was never merely a trend; it is also a test of the human character. In an age of discovery, change is rapid. How change unfolds depends on us. Will we allow the weight of unearned gains and undeserved losses to break society, or will we shape outcomes to deliver on the promise that opening and connecting with one another is in all our best interests? Not least because we need to work together to solve climate change, transnational crime and corruption, migration crises and other great global challenges.

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Anxiety in a time of rapid change is understandable. Pessimism is in vogue. Anger and despair are infectious. Middle-class wage stagnation is real, and the list of fixes is difficult.

But courage is infectious, too. The present age is a contest. We're all being drawn into it, more and more. Some are harnessing a prevalent pessimism to seize power for themselves, to tear apart the open society we've built and shorten our reach so that we do not exceed our grasp.

Who will dare to stoke our optimism? To accept responsibility, to start fixing the mistakes we've made, and with bold actions remind us all that, while we may be more vulnerable, our collective potential has never been greater?
By Evan Przesiecki of Carleton University

A one-way ticket that cost less than a Big Mac combo got me from Moscow to Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. But that doesn't mean Ukraine is cheap or that other stories I heard about the country were true.

I remember lugging my rucksack off the baggage belt and walking out to a bus outside the Kyiv Boryspil International Airport. The man at customs stamped my passport and I was on my way in an almost empty bus toward the city centre. I was one of about maybe six or seven people going to the city in the afternoon.

When I got off the bus, I went to a small kiosk outside the central station, hungry and tired after a 3-hour flight from Moscow. The young man at the kiosk grabbed me a beer and a chocolate bar. I had a DSLR camera on me - he thought I was here for work. But I told him I was here for tourism. He smiled at me and asked, "Why?"

I'd been seen the headlines. From the Euromaidan revolution, to an illegal annexation of Crimea, to a civil war that still - to this very day - still goes on. My friends had raised their brow when I told them I was on a one-way to Kiev. "Why would anyone ever go there?"

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Travellers don't learn about other cultures through headlines and hearsay. They got on that flight and come to their own conclusions. They travel. And that's just what I did.

A week of metro rides in Kiev cost less than a day of taking the tube in London. The value of Ukraine's currency, the Ukrainian hryvnia, has dropped immensely, especially since the outbreak of the civil war. It's a developing country, where much of the population lives in poverty. My dollar didn't go nearly as far anywhere else in Europe than it did in Kiev.

I went to a 5-star restaurant just outside the city centre and paid $7.50 Canadian dollars for a three-course meal. My Airbnb in the city centre cost 21 dollars a night. My one-way flight from Moscow, using Wizz Airlines, cost $14 Canadian. Of course, it also cost me the price of one Big Mac meal to fly to Ukraine on a budget airline. But that doesn't mean Ukraine is cheap.

"Cheap" devalues a place. Kiev isn't cheap. It's inexpensive. Not only is travelling to Ukraine more affordable than it arguably has ever been, the value you get for travelling there is immense. There's a lot you get out of a trip to Kiev rather than just an inexpensive vacation.

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Kiev shouldn't be seen as a compromise. It shouldn't be seen as the cheap destination. There's a rich history in the city that still breathes through it's pre-WW2 architecture and the selfless locals.

Yes, Ukraine is a country that is still at war. A war escalates in the eastern parts of the country, particularly in the regions known as Donetsk and Lugansk. As well, the region of Crimea in the south has been annexed by Russia for the past two years -- though this isn't legally recognized under international law. Assuredly, Kiev is well and distant from all these locations and there's soldiers at the border on the east of the country who will not permit tourists to enter these territories. Life goes on in Kiev.

Pedestrians on the street may ask for money to donate to the war effort and there are dozens of sites paying tribute to revolutionaries who died in the 2014 Euromaidan protests. Nonetheless, the urban core still functions as per usual.

A developing country at war. It doesn't paint a colourful image. But quite the contrary, Kiev is painted with a golden skyline. Churches, thousands of years old, dominate the cityscape. Their walls painted in vibrant colours and decorated with finely detailed mosaics. The churches of Kiev are as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. And they were unlike any I had seen anywhere in Europe.

The differences weren't necessarily in the Orthodox architecture, but the people. I had been to the Vatican numerous times and attended a mass with the Pope around New Years'. I'll never forget when Pope Francis was walking down the centre aisle for mass. Hundreds were looking at him, but not with their own eyes. Arms stretched out into the aisle with selfie sticks, phones, and the clunky DSLR cameras. It made me wonder why people really were there.

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I hadn't seen a single camera inside the Kievan churches. Not only because photography was generally prohibited - but that never stopped people at the Sistine Chapel - but people observed the architecture and prayer in silence. They sang with mass. They made prayers to the soldiers in the war. They paid respect to the beauty that was the churches and entered through their tall doors with authentic intentions. I hadn't seen that on as big as a scale than in Kiev.

The air you breathe in Kiev is untouched and clean. The capital of Ukraine has even garnered the international reputation of being the "Green City." Trees grow seemingly everywhere. It's hard to differentiate where the city ends and nature begins. It's a natural city. But the genuineness wasn't confined to the churches or the parks.

There's one observation I took away with me on my one-way flight to London and that was that people are people. In a country that has dealt with decades of political corruption and mismanagement and an ongoing war, people still go to church. Friends still go to the park. Nightlife is quiet, but the youth still go out for a drink.

The Ukrainian capital is welcoming and I saw that firsthand myself. My Airbnb host, Oleksii, and his wife welcome me into their home with open arms. I had food poisoning during the first few days of my trip and he went to the pharmacy himself to get medication and to the supermarket to get tea for me. He sat down and we had long conversations about the situation in his country and even decades before. During the Chernobyl fallout, he had to leave his home city to live in Moscow for a few years.

I remember him telling me that despite all this, he loved this city. This was his home.
Premier Li Keqiang made an inspection visit to the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and chaired a special meeting on July 29, making arrangements for the next step of flood control, relief and resettlement work.

Premier Li learned about the overall situation of floods across the country, including changes in water levels of the Yangtze and Huaihe rivers and Dongting and Taihu lakes, water conservancy arrangements, and flood control measures taken by cities affected by floods.

The Premier urged related departments not to slack off, as flood control is still at a critical juncture. Precautionary and effective emergency measures are needed to guard against even minor dangers, he said. The Premier lauded the tremendous flood control efforts made by related departments in the previous months.

Senior officials from the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters and the weather forecasting authorities briefed the Premier on flood control work at the meeting. Due to the strong EI Nino phenomenon this year, China has experienced abnormal weather conditions, such as rare severe flooding in the countrys many areas, including the north and the south, the Premier said.

The countrys top leadership has attached great importance to flood control work, and all regions and departments involved must cooperate and fully implement flood control measures taken by the State Council and the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, Premier Li noted.

Some regions have shown their weak capabilities to respond and ineffective emergency measures when facing flooding that is more serious than in the same period in previous years, although prevention efforts have helped minimize losses and ensure peoples safety, he pointed out.

Governments at all levels must be fully prepared for possible dangers posed by the current grim situation of flooding and shoulder their responsibilities to prevent and reduce casualties, the Premier said.

Premier Li asked for concerted effort in flood control and resettlement of the affected. Continued efforts must be made to guard against dangers in rivers and lakes in the countrys north and south, he said.

The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters should beef up flood control guidance, while related departments at local levels should take major responsibility to ensure the safety of people and major projects and facilities. Local authorities need to overcome difficulties, including continuously high temperatures, strengthen monitoring and early warning, and eliminate hidden dangers, the Premier said.

Premier Li urged vigilance against potential disasters, including waterlogging, floods and mudslides, which could be triggered by typhoons and heavy rainfall. He also called for making plans to resettle affected people in the event of abnormal rain in some regions, especially northern areas. Early warnings should reach residents in towns and villages, and casualties that are caused by related departments ineffective responses to dangerous situations will not be tolerated under any circumstances, the Premier stressed.

The Premier also called for promoting stability through resettlement. Related departments must allocate funds and supplies in a timely manner, offer adequate food, clothes, medical treatment and shelters to people in disaster-hit regions. He also asked that measures be taken to ensure students in affected regions can go to school.

Meanwhile, Premier Li called for strengthening post-disaster epidemic prevention. He also asked for scientific planning in reconstruction work, which will prioritize the reinforcement and repair of damaged school buildings and hospitals, as well as the water supply, roads, electric power and telecom facilities. He also required that efforts be made to improve water conservancy facilities by attracting funds from various channels. The Premier urged that market regulation be strengthened to stabilize prices and ensure supplies in flood-affected regions.

Moreover, the Premier asked related departments to keep a strong sense of responsibility. Reducing casualties to the greatest extent, ensuring the safety of essential dams and reservoirs, and properly resettling affected people are major tasks for flood control, he said.

He also urged for reinforcements in the coordination work in flood control and resettlement, and that officials earnestly respond to public concerns.

Vice-Premier Wang Yang and State Councilor Yang Jing accompanied Premier Li during his inspection visit and also attended the meeting.
Vladimir Putin's Defense Minister has announced that Syrian forces loyal President Bashar al-Assad will let civilians leave through three corridors, and rebels through another, to escape besieged districts of Aleppo. We have seen this movie before.

It is the same tactic Russian used when its air and ground forces were besieging Grozny, capital of the breakaway province of Chechnya back in 1999 and early 2000, while trying to flush out Islamic rebels from the city. This permitted Moscow to declare Grozny a free-fire zone, all the better to batter the already ruined city and deal less with the messy business of killing civilians and fighting door-to-door with insurgents.

From videos of Aleppo, large parts of the city are in ruins. About 300,000 civilians still reside in the eastern sector. The rebels are mostly grouped under an Islamic alliance known as the Ahrar al-Sham. The corridor suggests that the final assault, with Russian jet bombers backing Syrian troops, and pro-Assad Lebanese and Iranian forces, is on the way. Please note that the invitation to leave does not mean the bombing and artillery fire stops in the meantime. One day when I was in Grozny back in 1999, Russian artillery pounded the city at a rate of a shell every three seconds. Some reports say the Syria insurgents are prohibiting a civilian exodus from Aleppo.

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In Chechnya, civilians fled Grozny through an open corridor and the city was largely flattened. Putin's government issued a leave or die warning. In January, rebels left the city, supposedly with Russian acquiescence. Their escape route, though, ran through a mine field. Islamist insurgent leader Shamil Basayev hit one and his right foot was amputated in the village of Alkhan-Kala. He escaped in a van through Russian lines and lived to fight on until 2006, when he was killed by the explosion of a carelessly handled mine. In the meantime, Basayev masterminded numerous terrorist attacks on civilians inside Russia--a preview, perhaps, of the possible ramifications for Syria.

Grozny's fall heralded Russia's victory. The city was eventually rebuilt and placed under the command of a Chechen client clan notorious for human rights abuses.

Assad's re-conquest of all of Aleppo--the government has long controlled western areas of the city--would boost his chances of staying in power. Aleppo is the north's commercial hub and Syria's largest city. It once had a population of 2.3 million, though hundreds of thousands have fled. It has already been badly battered by Assad and Putin's air force and now faces a siege that could totally cut off food supplies to rebel held areas-a frequently-used Assad starvation tactic.

All this going on while Secretary of State John Kerry tries fruitlessly to get Russia to stop bombing and help put a ceasefire in place. Having failed to forge a military coalition capable of unseating Assad and focused mainly on bombarding the Islamic State, the irresolute Obama Administration simply has no way to influence the course of the war. Kerry's diplomatic shuttling is cosmetic.

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Aleppo's return to Assad will represent a defeat no only for US-sponsored (so-called) moderate forces as well as Saudi Arabia and Turkey, both of which backed Islamist rebels in an effort to oust Assad.
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton waives as she walks on stage to accept her nomination during the fourth and final night of the Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Center on July 28, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. / AFP / Patrick T. Fallon (Photo credit should read PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP/Getty Images)

Months ago, I wrote here about how Bernie Sanders reflected a sea change in American religiosity. At the time, if it was not explicit, I was a supporter of Sanders and was happy to see him come to the current political debate from the Left. And more importantly, he was providing an alternative to many issues that, for me, placed Hillary Rodham Clinton too closely aligned with neo-conservative, imperialist and interventionist positions I normally associate with the Right.

Since that piece was published, Bernie lost the Democratic nomination, and I have seen many of my fellow Bernie supporters shout down at Hillary supporters, both at the convention and on social media. No more than three weeks ago, I too was telling a good friend that there simply was no way I would ever vote for HRC as I proceeded to list our differences on Latin America, the Middle-East, her tardy evolution on LGBT rights, her seeming cozy relationship with big banks, and her insensitivity on matters pertaining to criminality and the prison industrial complex. Her words at a convention won't change my mind about these issues since I see her as having a long history of saying what suits her politically at the moment.

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These are some of the same reasons that people on the Left, including many of my closest friends, still refuse to vote for her. And on this point, in my opinion, they are not only misguided; they are forgetting one of the most critical pieces written by the Leftist revolutionary, Antonio Gramsci.

Gramsci, an Italian Marxist imprisoned by Mussolini in the 1920s, is a commonly assigned theorist in college courses on political theory and social movements. He is mostly known for his concept of an "organic intellectual," those people who exercise their political awareness and critique of governmental power outside of the structures of state sponsored training, including standardized educational paths and technical training. That's an over-simplification of course, as is this short reminder to other liberals and Leftists about Gramsci's concepts of War of Maneuver and War of Position.

We might benefit here of thinking about Gramsci's War of Maneuver as direct action: protests, marches, rallying at electoral meetings, and ensuring our voices are heard and bodies are seen by people who would rather we not take space. Bernie supporters have been effective at this type of strategy, as has the #blacklivesmatter movement, just to name a couple examples. Writing from prison, Gramsci offered another mode of achieving political revolution: a War of Position. The long and slow battle for political revolution, for Gramsci, required people to switch from one type of strategy to another, depending on the social context. In the War of Position, people wanting social change would focus on gaining influence in society, in securing a more opportune future for more direct action at a later point, and in mapping out how to shift power relations for the longer, more substantial structural changes.

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If you care about Bernie Sanders' positions, you now have a decision to make. Of course you could refuse to vote for Hillary because you want to prove a point about the lack of democracy exercised by the Democratic Party. But then you would be hurting your long-term goals, because one viable candidate gets you closer to those goals (while possibly not sharing the goal with you), and the other not only takes you farther away, but also erodes viable paths toward those goals. (If you don't think a Trump presidency would be that bad, simply read the news about Turkey these days, or look at what happens in despotic regimes).

Sanders already pivoted to a War of Position with his backing of Hillary Rodham Clinton. He pivoted when he created his "Our Revolution" plan. He knows that we need more people to engage politics locally. He knows that we need to consider which senators and representatives need our support. He knows that Supreme Court changes are too valuable to throw to chance. To achieve his goals, Sanders knows he needs a Hillary Clinton presidency. Now if only his supporters would pivot with him.
Chelsea Clinton shares a moment on stage with her mother Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia , Thursday, July 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

The roaring crowd, the balloons, the celebrity musicians and the respected politicians waving from center stage at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) this past week were expected.

But something unexpected happened too.

Motherhood was front and center as a source of power in and of itself.

Why unexpected? To be blunt: Motherhood -- and discussion of family economic security policies like paid family leave, childcare, and fair pay -- have often been avoided as a weakness and liability by women candidates who want to be taken seriously in the past. This avoidance isn't all together surprising: Being a mom is now a greater predictor of wage and hiring discrimination than being a woman. Moms are judged harsher in the labor force and are taken off the management track for fewer late days.

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Many women can't even make it into a room with a glass ceiling because a maternal wall is blocking the door into that room in the first place: Fewer than 20% of Congress are women, and even fewer are moms. Less than 5% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women, and again even fewer are moms.

Just four short years ago, a controversy erupted when at the 2012 Democratic National Convention First Lady Michelle Obama included that she was "Mom-In-Chief" during her remarks. Simply for uttering those words, the First Lady, among other accusations, was accused of pushing back on equal pay and access to reproductive health care, policies that the First Lady has long vigorously supported.

We've come a long way since then. Motherhood -- and family economic security policies that lift our economy, businesses, and families like childcare, fair pay, and paid family leave -- were in the room in powerful ways at the 2016 DNC. In fact during the DNC this past week, as Hillary and as speaker after speaker took the stage centering their remarks and power in motherhood, the maternal wall crumbled a bit with each word. After all, it's hard to discriminate against what's front and center in effective, powerful and high impact ways that not only lifts moms, but also lifts our nation.

"I am here as a proud mother..." said Chelsea Clinton.

"Most of you know me as United States Senator from New York. But during school drop off and pick up, I'm better known as Theo and Henry's mom," remarked U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

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It takes leaders standing up with mothers and standing up for family economic security policies -- like fair pay, childcare, and paid family leave -- front and center to change the way we view motherhood, to end pay discrimination, and to break down the maternal wall.

For those reasons, and so many more, the words shared on the DNC stage had rippling impacts that went beyond anything that has to do with the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Arena this past week:

I'm here as a proud American, a proud Democrat, a proud mother, and tonight in particular, a very, very proud daughter. My mom can be about to walk on stage for a debate or a speech, and it just doesn't matter. She'll drop everything for a few minutes of blowing kisses and reading Chugga Chugga Choo Choo with her granddaughter.

Were among the very first words of Chelsea Clinton's speech at the Democratic National Convention as she introduced her mom.



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If fighting for affordable childcare and paid family leave is playing woman card, then deal me in... If you believe your working mother, wife, sister or daughter deserves equal pay, join us! -Hillary Clinton in her Democratic National Convention remarks .

I am here with Hillary Clinton tonight because she is a leader and a mother who will say our children's names. She knows that when a young black live is cut short, it's not just a loss, it a personal loss, it's a national loss, it's a loss that diminishes all of us. -Geneva Reed-Veal, the mother of Sandra Bland, one of nine women, Mothers of the Movement, whose unarmed African-American children were killed by police officers or gun violence who spoke at the Democratic National Convention.

Our policies are stuck in the Mad Men era. We are the only industrialized nation that doesn't guarantee workers paid family leave. Many women can't even get a paid day off to give birth. Most parents work outside the home, yet child care can cost as much as college tuition. Families rely on women's income but we still don't have equal pay for equal work. This makes no sense because we know that when families are strong, America is strong. Hillary Clinton gets it, not just because she's a working mom and Charlotte and Aiden's grandmother but because for her, it's about her core values -- the idea we have that we have a responsibility to one another. It's who we are as a nation. -U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

First Lady Michelle Obama centered her remarks in motherhood to lift Hillary Clinton, take down Trump, and invite us all to build a better nation for everyone, referencing the "hateful language" that's been on TV to remind us all that:

With every word we utter, with every action we take, we know our kids are watching us. In 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.

As a business woman I can tell you how important family and medical leave is for 21st century jobs. Hillary fought for that. She fought for a higher minimum wage. She knows we build our economy from the middle out. - U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell

With each syllable, these words resonated and reverberated far outside of the Wells Fargo arena, breaking down the maternal wall that is holding our nation back. Hillary Clinton's bold and brave leadership in centering her power in motherhood and in embracing family economic policies -- like affordable childcare, paid family leave, and fair pay -- that lift our businesses, economy, and families has opened the door already to more leaders coming behind her.
The Puerto Rico you knew was a tropical destination. White sandy beaches and vibrant blue hues from the sky were the picturesque scene you'd expect. Pastel colored houses and people chattering about in the cobblestone streets of Viejo San Juan were just the norm.

The Puerto Rico I experienced two months ago was true to the new stigma of debt, poverty, and disparity. Everyone knows the U.S. territory is suffering with a debt toll of $70 billion. From years of mismanagement by the government, the people of Puerto Rico are left with this tiresome burden.

What news reports do not show is just how desolate Condado, Pinones, and Isla Verde have become. Granted I stayed mainly in the country's capitol, where one would expect it to be populous and buzzing during the vacation season. Surprisingly, I saw nothing but vacant bars, restaurants, and rooftops during "happy hour". Taxi drivers were nothing short of desperate for their next customer. It was apparent Puerto Rico had become deserted. Even as a first timer I knew something was off. It wasn't until my friend said, "Last time I came here there were so many people. I've never seen the streets so empty" that I came to terms with how bad the island was suffering.

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The debt crisis in Puerto Rico has not only crippled the country but it has crippled the tourism industry tenfold. Abandoned hotels and apartment complexes stood high while overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean. Endless "For Sale" signs displayed without a consumer base financially able to buy. The most shocking part was the actual absence of tourists. Puerto Rico is no longer the quick Caribbean getaway it once was. While close in proximity to the United States it is apparent we aren't going there. Not only have the Puerto Rican government and its people given up but Big Brother America has closed its doors as well.

Puerto Rico cannot sustain a tourism industry when their own flee to the United States to seek refuge for the centuries old notion of the "American Dream". Puerto Rico is in crisis and they need help.

Also on HuffPost:
There's a must see on Times Square these next few days! For free. 120 times a day until August 3rd. Tourist or local, it is very difficult to miss it, if you happen to pass through Times Square in New York.

The Chinese state news agency's screen, second from top, is said to cost China $200,000-300,000 per month  Mette Holm

Every 10 minutes or so a video is broadcast to promote "China's historical role and standing in the South China Sea" on the Chinese state news agency Xinhua's mega screen at the Northern end of the Times Square at the intersection between 47th St., 7th Avenue and Broadway, and visible from afar. The screen normally shows commercial videos of scenic spots in China or the excellence of Chinese political and economic initiatives like the mega infrastructure plan to connect half the world in One Road, One Belt - all part of a China's massive plan to control the new narrative of the Middle Kingdom, both domestically and abroad. According to the state-run China Daily the video "showcases the beauty of South China Sea and the Nanhai Zhudao (South China Sea Islands)" and "details the history of the region and stresses that China is the first to have discovered, named, explored and exploited the islands and relevant waters." China's version of history, that is.

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Surprise! China is angry and upset by The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague's ruling a few weeks back; the court found neither legal base nor "evidence that China has historically exercised exclusive control over the waters or their resources."

China has divulged its fury in diplomatic circles, at press conferences and to anyone else who cares to listen. And while the world anticipates China's reaction with some worry, the Chinese propaganda machine has produced the video with the Chinese version in an attempt to win the hearts and minds of "ordinary" world citizens (whomever might fit that description) - or at least the 1.6 million people that pass through Times Square every day.

It is interesting that China seems to seriously believe it can influence international perception through a flat screen in New York. Or perhaps it's for domestic consumption, to be able to point out at home that China thus influences public opinion in America.

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Anyway, several countries lay claim to the disputed islands in the South China Sea, which is believed to be rich in resources and is busy with maritime traffic. The Philippines brought the dispute to The Hague, saying that China's claim is in contravention of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). China refused to take part in the process, deeming it outside meddling in internal Chinese affairs, a common way for China to dismiss uncomfortable international attention.

The court rejected China's claims to the disputed islands in no uncertain terms, and thus granted the plaintiff a considerable victory. The court has no sanctions to force China to accept the ruling. Many territorial disputes have been solved in The Hague, and other countries respect and abide by the Permanent Court of Arbitration's decisions.

The court also ruled that China has caused considerable environmental harm to the area through construction of entire islands as well settlements to back her demands, and both China's navy and air force maintain a presence in the area. The day of the ruling really wasn't a good day for China, which has decided to ignore it and calls the court all sorts of names.

The propaganda video has breathtaking shots of the disputed area, accompanied by texts intended to back China's claims. The beginning is quite low key. Next a Chinese official tells us that, "China is the true owner" of the islands. Then China angrily rejects the court and its decision and insists on following the "dual-track approach." This approach is China's most favoured model of international negotiation, dealing with countries bilaterally, rather than negotiating with organisations that represent several countries, like the EU, and in this case ASEAN, of which most of the countries that lay claim to all or parts of the disputed islands are member. China prefers to handle countries individually and quite masters the art of sowing discord.

Over the last seven years China has invested billions of dollars in trying to create and control her own narrative, domestically and internationally. China Central Television (CCTV) produces international news and other programming, which is meant to challenge and even replace BBC World, CNN, al-Jazeera, and other respected international media outlets, but as foreign viewers will know CCTV is not quite there, and hardly the channel you tune in to to be informed on international affairs.

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At home China's Communist Party exercises strict media control and harsh censorship. No doubt, the Chinese have more freedom - and outlets - to express themselves than ever before, but that certainly doesn't mean that they actually enjoy freedom of expression. Way before the Communists came to power in 1949, the Great Helmsman Mao Zedong decreed that Chinese media must serve the Party and their duty is to educate - not inform - the masses.

Also to this end, over the last 8-10 years, spectacular and very modern museums have sprung up all over China to replace the mouldy old revolutionary history museums, whose most revered exhibits were the respected and much loved leader and revolutionary Zhou Enlai's equipment from The Long March; his rush shoes, his small spade and his flask. I have personally seen several sets of this, much more than even Zhou Enlai could have worn to pieces during The Long March. But at that time China was very poor, and until 1992, the Chinese didn't enjoy freedom of movement within their own vast country, so the chances of their actually seeing the same exhibit in more than one local museum were quite slim.

Now the new fabulous museums tell the expertly exhibited and carefully narrated version of China's history that the leaders want to promote, may it be showing the wonderful dinosaur skeletons from the Gobi Desert as proof that mankind originates in China rather than Africa, unlikely pieces of cloth to prove that Kashgar West of the Taklamakan Desert has always been Chinese. Or - as is the case in the newly renovated history museum in Beijing - simply ignoring important, uncomfortable and devastating political facts in Chinese history, e.g. The Great leap Forward that caused the death of tens of millions of Chinese from starvation in the late 1950es, the disastrous Cultural Revolution, 1966-1976, at one point well nigh a war between fractions in the armed forces, with millions of youth forced into internal exile, massive torture, forced suicide, death and destruction, and most recently the brutal crushing of the uprising for democracy in Beijing in 1989.

These hugely important, disastrous and defining events in recent Chinese history are simply and very resolutely consigned to oblivion as part of the new Great Narrative of China.

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In his recently published article, "Why Voting for Donald Trump is a Morally Good Choice", Christian professor Wayne Grudem suggests that not only is Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump fit for the highest office in the world, but also advances the idea that voting for Donald Trump is a "morally good choice" for Christians.

I was surprised to see Grudem's article. Unlike him, I elsewhere have been critical of evangelical support of Donald Trump and have compared Trump's worldview to that of the Gospel of Jesus. They could not be further apart.

Like Dr. Grudem, I've taught theology, philosophy, and ethics. While my name may not be as influential as Dr. Grudem's, I want to take an opportunity to respond to his article. Specifically, since Grudem calls voting for Trump a "morally good choice," I want to respond by referencing, however brief, various approaches to ethics. I believe that regardless of approach, when combined with biblical standards of love and charity, that there is no realistic avenue to calling Trump a "morally good choice."

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I would first like to agree with Dr. Grudem insofar that voting for a flawed candidate is not a morally wrong choice. Despite it being plainly obvious (what candidate is not flawed?), it is a often considered a duty to vote in a free society. Duty is an ethical term, often associated with deontological (duty-focused) ethics. If it is a duty to vote, as Grudem says, then we ought to vote for the candidate that is least objectionable and will promote freedom to the greatest amount of people.

However, if that is Grudem's standard for the presidency, then it must exclude Donald Trump. This is especially the case for Christians whose ethic, no matter what approach to ethics one takes, must be centered on love. Jesus makes it clear that this is the highest command and it is our duty to carry out (Luke 10:26-28).

Love is a topic never discussed by Trump. As Dr. Grudem has willingly admitted, Trump embodies a character that is "egotistical, bombastic, and brash." In virtue ethics, classically associated with St. Thomas Aquinas, Trump's characteristics are called vices and stand in opposition to virtues - characteristics of the good. Grudem goes on to write, "(Trump) often blurts out mistaken ideas (such as bombing the families of terrorists)..." Grudem calls Trump's ideas and characteristics flaws, but he doesn't think "they are disqualifying flaws in this election." This appears to be one of Grudem's arguments: Trump is a flawed individual but his flaws can be overlooked due to the policies he would enact. Despite the fact that Trump has not elucidated any policy position further than offensive sound bites, Trump's character ought not to be separated from his vision for America. If Grudem had given any serious thought to Aquinas' Cardinal Virtue (prudence, temperance, courage, and justice) he would come to realize that Trump manifests the opposite of Christian living.

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Grudem also excuses Trump for racist, sexist, and Islamophobic language. Instead of holding accountable a presidential candidate for statements which would be fireable and disqualifying offenses in any workplace, Grudem instead shifts the blame on a "hostile press" for exaggerating "careless statements." This downplaying of racism and sexism only heightens the probability of further normalizing this hateful worldview and extending injustice to those who have been historically oppressed. This stands in stark contrast to the teachings of Jesus, who made every effort to stand with those who were oppressed. Jesus called the marginalized "blessed." Trump wants to further marginalize those people.

Grudem spends a portion of his predictions of a Trump or Clinton presidency on religious liberty. Under Trump, Grudem says that religious liberty would thrive. Yet in reality, it would only thrive for Christians. Muslims, as Trump has vowed, would be banned from entering the country. This is a restriction based on religion, an outpouring of religious persecution. In the last year or so, evangelicals have been increasingly worried about religious liberty and their freedom to express their Christian faith. If this is the case, then how can they in good conscience vote for a man who so openly speaks about violating that right for others? If Trump is willing to subject Muslims to that treatment, is it outlandish to think that Christians could also have their rights restricted under a Trump administration?

In the subsection titled "Seek the Good of the Nation," Grudem returns to the idea that it is a moral duty to vote. Here he takes and additional step. Grudem writes, "I think Christians today have a similar obligation to vote in such a way that will 'seek the welfare' (referencing Jeremiah 29:7) of the United States. Therefore the one overriding question to ask is this: which vote is most likely to bring the best results for the nation?"

Yet for Grudem, the question he poses above is not open for discussion. It's a leading question, and he reveals that in the two paragraphs that follow. Grudem invokes a series of loaded political language meant to entice frustration and fear in many conservatives. In this year, Christians "have an unusual opportunity to defeat ... the pro-abortion, pro-gender-confusion, anti-religious liberty, tax-and-spend, big government liberalism." Invoking James 4:17, Grudem insinuates Christians have an obligation to vote Republican because they hold the correct beliefs. A failure to do so is sin. Let's be clear on precisely what Grudem is advocating as a moral decision: If you're a Christian, and do not vote for Trump, you are intentionally avoiding the "moral choice" and are thus in sin. Grudem's clear moral imperative is to Republicanism, not religious conscience.

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If anything other than a non-Trump vote is sin, then Grudem is advancing the historical conflation of Republicanism and Christianity that has permeated religious communities in this country for decades. It seems to me that the only rational reason that Grudem (and the likes of Jerry Fawell, Jr., James Dobson, and others) can advance for Trump being the "moral choice" for Christians is because Trump is the option that will make this confused political-religious idealism a reality for Christians. However, what Christians need to instead realize is that a Trump vote is indeed an anti-Christian vote. Yes, Trump promises to make American "Christian" again. But can we not see through this thin veil and recognize that many of his policies directly contradict the teachings of Christ? A Trump vote is a vote for the oppression of minority groups (Muslims, Palestinians, Mexicans, the LGBT+ community). A vote for Trump is a vote for increased violence in the form of torture. A vote for Trump is a vote for the characteristics that the Church has encouraged its constituency to avoid. I can't help but think that the evangelical support for Trump is the gravesite for evangelicalism.

I understand the reality that many evangelicals fear liberal politicians. Yet going so far to defeat liberalism to vote for a man who embodies the antithesis of Christian values is itself an abandonment of the very values Christians have proclaimed to hold dearly. The ethic that Grudem is suggesting is that political ideology trumps the characteristics that Christ has called Christians to embody: love, humility, charity, and kindheartedness. And by insinuating that a non-Trump vote is a sin, Grudem puts the fear of divine punishment in the hearts of Christians. Philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre provides an explanation for why this is so powerful in his book, A Short History of Ethics. MacIntyre writes, "If I am liable to be sent to hell for not doing what God commands, I am thereby provided with a corrupting, because totally self-interested, motive for pursuing the good. When self-interest is made as central as this, other motives are likely to dwindle in importance and a religious morality becomes self-defeating."

If Grudem wants to vote for Trump, fine. But let's not mince words. He cannot soothe his conscience by convincing himself that this is the moral or Christian choice. There is no reconciling the worldviews of Trump and Jesus. Jesus' ethic of love is often evidenced by his interactions with the Pharisees - the religious leaders of his time. The Pharisees were focused on obedience to the law, which in turn gave them power and authority over others. When Jesus' ethic of love was lived out and pressed against this organized political-religious structure, the Pharisees fought back, made threats, and ultimately plotted to kill Jesus.

Grudem ended his article with a series of predictions on the supposed impending doom of a Clinton presidency versus the supposed freedoms which Christians will enjoy under a Trump administration. Such predictions are cyclical with every election and have become devoid of any substance. But I suppose I'll end my article with a prediction as well based on the evidence that Trump has given us for over a year. A vote for Trump is a vote for bigotry. It's a vote that will restrict religious freedom for anyone that is not a Christian. It will lead to bullying and violence.
It has been exactly three years since my cancer miracle took place during the 2013 "Year of Faith" when Pope Francis began his papacy honoring Holy Mother Mary with prayers and a bouquet of roses. I feel inspired to share my Marian experience with others who may need gifts of grace with renewed faith, hope and love. I completely understand skepticism of miracles but sometimes it can be the only rational explanation. I respect and love people of all religions or no religion. But coming upon this personal anniversary at a time when there is much pain and despair in the world inspires the need for added physical and spiritual strength. I feel compelled to bear witness to the loving healing power of Jesus Christ and offer gratitude for the many graces received by Him through devotion to Holy Mother Mary.

The month of August is dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Just as the Holy Mother of Jesus intervened for the first miracle her Son performed at "The Wedding at Cana" recorded in the Gospel According to John (2:1-11), our family has received many graces from God by requesting her prayers and gifts of sacramentals including her miraculous medal, rosary and scapulars. Beautiful inexplicable accounts of miracles have happened by asking Mary, "Our Lady of Grace" to be "on the case." It seems evident that God uses her to unite us. Mary is a good Jewish Mother, first Christian and beloved in Islam and other faith traditions.

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Kiwi Story First

My 25-year-old brother Kiwi was in a devastating car accident on July 19, 2008. During the following days the doctors in Bakersfield told us he was "brain-dead," so without permission they removed his life support and pushed for his organs to be donated. He was in a deep coma and not moving. Providentially, Father Ralph from St. Francis of Assisi Church baptized him. We then placed a holy relic of Mother Teresa on Kiwi and we all prayed to her to jointly intercede with the Immaculate Heart of Mary to ask Jesus to help Kiwi, according to God's Will. Kiwi instantly responded, the pupil in his eye came back, he moved his leg and then he breathed on his own. This startled his skeptical doctors and made them realize that "faith and science" are a team, but faith comes first. Kiwi survived and to this day he continues to improve, illustrating "where there is life, there is always hope" and "where there is hope with faith and prayers, there is always love and life." Please remember Kiwi in your kind prayers.

My Testimony

Five years later to the exact same date, on July 19, 2013, I received frantic messages from my Persian-Jewish gynecologist at UCLA. As she was arriving at the airport to leave for Italy, I returned her call while leaving my office. She spoke in a consoling voice telling me that the result of the biopsy she took was read that day by several pathologists and it was very bad so I needed to have major surgery by an oncologist surgeon as soon as possible. She would return in a week and would help in the operating room and we would see where we go from there. She already secured an appointment for me to meet the surgeon at UCLA early Monday morning. We hung up, I took a deep breath and said a mental prayer. I remember how surprised yet how calm I felt as I got off the freeway on my way home. First I stopped at St. Michael The Archangel Orthodox Chapel where I lit a candle and prayed at the Sacred Icon of Holy Mother Mary. I placed my prayer intention on the altar. Next stopping at the Pauline Bookstore Chapel, I sat in contemplation and deep prayer with The Blessed Sacrament. Afterwards, I went home and put a "green scapular" around my neck saying the prayer inscribed on it, "Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen." From the moment I heard the scary news I said that prayer repeatedly. I remember how much deep peace I felt immediately. I was in the Holy Mother's reassuring hands, placing my heart in her Immaculate Heart and my sick womb in her pure womb. I informed my husband of the news and then spent the weekend in quiet prayer of the rosary and I went to Mass to receive the Holy Eucharist.

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Monday morning, I was gently led into the surgeon's private office, where his assistant sat with her head bowed down and softly said to me, "I am so sorry for your sad news." I comforted her and pulled my "green scapular" out of my blouse and smiled responding, "Thank you for your kind concern but do not be troubled for I have given everything to Our Lady of Grace, the Holy Mother Mary and her Immaculate Heart. Whatever her Son desires, I support." The oncologist came in wearing his scrubs and casually sat on the credenza behind the desk and blurted out, "How did you get this problem? You do not fit the profile." I smiled and said, "Guess am supposed to have it for some reason, yet to be revealed." I told the good doctor what I had informed his assistant of my total surrender and consecration to Our Lord through Holy Mother Mary and he said, "You must be Catholic." I said, "I am." And he said, "So is my wife." And then he went on to share his recent experience visiting Rome and Assisi with her and how he was inspired by it and was given a rosary by his mother-in law. I said, "I will pray the rosary to Our Lady of Grace and I give my health entirely to God, the Divine Physician. I will let you do what you need to do for me with your God-given talent as a surgeon."

He sent me to do all my pre-op with my wonderful primary-care Indian Sikh doctor who ordered a ct- scan. The two health professionals performing the test were cheerful when they greeted me, but hung their heads low after they took the pictures telling me sheepishly "good luck." The results indicated a "mass" was present, and not the Catholic Mass which brings life. I told my dear primary-care doctor what I told the other doctors, "I am in Our Lord's hands and Holy Mother Mary's Immaculate Heart." He said with a smile, "Keep the faith." I told him, "Do not be troubled, I will keep the faith."

Throughout this entire process, I felt as light as a feather, being lifted from one doctor's office or lab or hospital to the next, always feeling joyful and at peace. I was not on any drugs nor drink. I could feel Our Lady of Grace was "on the case." I spent every day in "Adoration" with The Blessed Sacrament, saying the rosary and receiving Holy Eucharist at daily Mass and repeating the efficacious prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I asked that Holy Mother Mary intercede to her Son, desiring only that God's Will be done, not mine unless it was His Will. I received the powerful Sacrament of the Sick trusting in Jesus.

"You Have Had a Miracle"

To make a long story a bit shorter, my surgery was scheduled by the doctors for Tuesday August 6, 2013, the feast-day of "The Transfiguration of Our Lord." The perfect day for me to be "transfigured," figuratively and literally. To illustrate God's goodness and sense of humor: on July 31st, the Wednesday before surgery, the oncologist surgeon did an ultrasound to determine the current growth of the "mass." He kept looking and looking, moving the baton while watching the screen, but could not find it. He finally said "the mass is gone." I responded curiously, "So why are you taking everything out then?" He informed me because the biopsy result is very clear, all must be removed and through a lymph node procedure they can determine whether it has spread.

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When I got home I was inspired to call his nurse and ask that the biopsy be reviewed. After all, I thought, if the ct-scan changed maybe the biopsy did too. She said they have already reviewed the biopsy twice including by the head pathologist and it is the same result, but she asked if I wanted a third review. Given the inexplicable change in the ct-scan and that three has a special significance, I said "Sure let's see what The Father, Son and Holy Spirit-the Holy Trinity will say of the results this time."

On Friday morning the doctor's office notified me that the results were determined to be the same so surgery was definite for Tuesday. Then at 5:30 that same evening I received a call from the surgeon personally telling me the surgery was off. That it was an inexplicable mystery, in 30 years at UCLA never had he or the pathology department seen a biopsy change like mine did. The next day, on Saturday morning, my gynecologist called me and her words were more theological in nature. She excitedly exclaimed, "You have had a miracle!" She then informed me that UCLA was abuzz with the inexplicable change which took place in my biopsy and ct-scan. Transfigured, so to speak. God does have a wonderful sense of humor as He pours out infinite graces when we trust Him.

On the day I was scheduled to have surgery instead I delivered a batch of rosaries, miraculous medals and green scapulars to the surgeon's office as gifts from Holy Mother Mary with the message do not be troubled-she won't put you out of business. She will simply bring graces and patience to your patients. The assistant who had been gloomy smiled and happily accepted the maternal gifts of grace.



I give total credit to God alone for everything good in my life, in our family and in our work. But I am also grateful for the help emanating from going to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, as both Mother Teresa and Pope Francis encourage us to do. Most importantly during these harrowing times in life, I discovered that the greatest gift of grace is to experience a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Holy Mother Mary together with The Holy Spirit helps make that happen. This and other grace-filled life experiences inspire me to help those who are sick and dying.



For anyone reading this who desires to receive sacramental gifts of grace including the green scapular, the miraculous medal and a rosary, please provide your contact info in the comment section. I will happily send you a heavenly gift of Holy Mother Mary's "care package," with the infinite love of Jesus.

And to sweet skeptics, it can't hurt! God bless you.
In this defining moment in America's ongoing story, I find myself mystified by seemingly "good people" who refuse to support Hillary Clinton. They see her, they say, as imperfect. In the same breath, they refuse to offer viable alternatives. While I'm accustomed to the messiness of democracy, such crazy-making orneriness is self-indulgent at best and willfully destructive at worst.

If Americans hope to keep alive our sometimes flickering aspirations to govern ourselves, engaging in the process of voting (add "strategically" if that feels better) is, simply put, mandatory. Whether it's a vote for Secretary Clinton or a vote against Donald Trump -- whatever rocks your boat -- the all too real RW demands nothing less. Actively campaigning is also important.

What is it about the RW -- the Real World -- that eludes those aggressively hostile to Secretary Clinton because she doesn't sync perfectly with their worldview? What's with the willful naivete that demands Hillary be Bernie? How do we keep America's personification of our Darkest Side from morphing the Presidency into Trump's obscene plaything? By petulantly sitting back (arms crossed, pouty-lipped) opting out? Serious YUK.

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I wanted Joe Biden to be our next President. Not going to happen. Is Joe perfect? Is Bernie? Am I? Are you? Does the fact that the nuances of a life lived beyond the cradle is complicated license me to "just say no" and become a spectator? Surely, the only acceptable answer is "No!"

Is Hillary part of the Establishment? Yes. Do I want to change that Establishment? Yes. Is she my best bet to make progress in that direction in this Real Time, Real Place, Real World? Yes.

Engage. It is the hardscrabble RW in which we must save humanity from self-aggrandizing predators in general, and specifically from the Republican candidate now representing his Party much too well.

Then, we can -- and must -- pull the political class along with us into a better tomorrow. Making this particular thousand mile journey toward "liberty and justice" for ALL the (sovereign) people does require a first step, time and time and time again. Look to the future while engaging with and in the moment. Just don't tell me that it does not matter who sets the agenda as President of the United States of America!

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Really now. Unless one is blinded by some rigid belief system or comatose to the full-bodied threats the entire Republican gang poses, all wrapped up in the overblown persona of a noisy blunderbuss, what else needs to be said?

Today many soon-to-be-former British citizens of the EU would love to be able to recall their protest vote for Brexit. Many more will be joining them. Brexit is only a terrible idea. Trump is a disaster-in-waiting.
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton waves on stage at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. July 28, 2016. REUTERS/Scott Audette

Bernie Sanders might be the best thing that ever happened to Hillary Clinton. I don't just mean persuading most of his delegates not to walk out.

Think about it. Without the Sanders campaign, Clinton would be running mainly on three things: her exceptional experience, her breakthrough status as the first woman president and her embrace of the cultural left that so dominated the Democratic National Convention.

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All three elements have as many negatives as positives. Clinton may be the most qualified candidate ever to run for president, but her experience includes some awkward baggage. The first potential woman president runs into headwinds of misogyny, personified by Donald Trump. And the cultural left risks alienating as many voters as it mobilizes.

What Sanders added was to push Clinton and her allies, sometimes kicking and screaming, to advocate a far more progressive pocketbook program. On economics, Clinton has begun to move well beyond her comfort zone -- to attack Wall Street, to call for breaking up big predatory banks, to tax the rich to pay for needed infrastructure and jobs, even to challenge dubious trade deals.

All this is the necessary antidote to the risks. And she needs to do a lot more.

With more of that emphasis, Clinton can securely carry swing states like Ohio and Pennsylvania. Without it, she remains vulnerable.

The narrative of cultural mosaic has been contested territory for Democrats, at least since the 1970s. The Democratic Leadership Council was founded in part to push Democrats to the center-right on issues like national defense and social spending, but also to discourage Democrats from campaigning as a rainbow. What emerged in 2008 and 2016 as a splendid tapestry was disparaged by the DLC in the 1980s as a tangle of narrow interest groups that alienated regular Americans.

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In a famous 1989 paper, DLC theorists William Galston and Elaine Kamarck wrote: "The real problem is not insufficient liberalism on the part of the Democratic nominees; it is rather the fact that during the last two decades, most Democratic nominees have come to be seen as unacceptably liberal."

The DLC lost that fight, big time. The Democratic base is more liberal than ever, and the party has moved left -- but left on what?

Barack Obama's election and re-election, and continued emphasis of such issues as LGBT rights and immigant rights certified that the cultural left had won. Unfortunately, however, the DLC and its progeny won on such pocketbook issues as deficit reduction, alliance with Wall Street, disrespect for unions, support for corporate trade deals and acceptance of lousy jobs and pay.

The mosaic of cultural pluralism on display at Philadelphia was nothing short of astonishing. Lesbian, gay, and transgender people at the podium, joined by Americans with disabilities, immigrants without documentation, lots of black, Latino and Asian-American speakers, proud -- even fierce -- feminism. All of this is cause for great celebration.

Yet, despite the projections of America as a majority/minority country, despite growing acceptance of same-sex marriage, in the present electorate, that tapestry by itself doesn't quite add up to an automatic election win for Hillary Clinton. If it did, a moral cretin like Donald Trump would not be running even with Clinton in the polls.

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Being culturally avant garde and economically status quo doesn't do it.

Here in the progressive bubble, the Philadelphia parade felt joyous. But for tens of millions of American workers and their families, the embrace of undocumented immigrants and LGBT rights suggests a Democratic Party that is on a different planet. If Clinton can start sounding as emphatic on the pocketbook issues as she did on all the other issues, then Democrats can begin savoring a victory over Trump, maybe even a crushing one.

Another stunning thing about the Democratic National Convention was the sheer, glorious feminism of it. All spring and most of the summer, the fact that Bernie Sanders stole the hearts of the young denied Clinton some of the drama and appeal that she deserved.

Now, as Sanders both stood aside and vowed to continue to fight for pocketbook issues, the power of electing the first woman president could start to command the excitement that it hasn't quite had until now. Based on a small sample, plenty of young voters, especially young women voters whose first choice was Sanders, are genuinely moved and exhilarated by the Clinton who they saw at the convention.

Having doubled down on her feminism -- from the white dress of the suffragists to the somewhat overplayed fight song and the display of strong womanhood at the convention -- Clinton will need the largest turnout of women and the biggest gender gap in history. But she will also need more than a few good men.

Her campaign gestured towards the fact that it isn't just blacks and immigrants and LGBT people who are are suffering in America today. There was acknowledgment of general pocketbook distress in her acceptance speech, but not enough. Her three-day post-convention bus tour through the two must-win states of Pennsylvania and Ohio provided more emphasis but did not get enough national press.

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Trump is vulnerable on several grounds. One is his lack of specifics, another is his hypocrisy. On pocketbook issues, Clinton needs to show up Trump by being both very specific and a lot bolder bolder than her recent predecessors.

For too long, the Democratic Party of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama has addressed the calamitous downward slide of America's working people with gestures and with policies too feeble to make enough of a difference. At the same time, that Democratic Party, especially at the presidential level, has gotten into bed with Wall Street.

Barack Obama, passing the torch to Hillary Clinton, delivered one of the greatest presidential convention speeches ever, pointing to both ideals and accomplishments. The contrast with Donald Trump could not be greater. Yet by a margin of 73 to 18, most Americans say that the country is going in the wrong direction. Thus Donald Trump.

For the liberal elite, life is sweet indeed. The food is better than ever, the cities are more vibrant, the technology cooler. It isn't sweet at all for the broad working class. To win big, Hillary needs to be their champion, too.

--
In July, I had just returned from working in Kenya on The Nobelity Project's education and conservation projects and received some heart-breaking news. Ringo the baby rhino had died.

As I reported on HuffPost in February, our friends and partners at Ol Pejeta Conservancy had found and rescued an orphaned baby white rhino. The Conservancy was facing substantial cost to raise this baby and release him into the wild, and I'd offered to reach out to Ringo Starr and ask if we could name the baby rhino in his honor. Ringo The Beatle has long been a supporter of rhino conservation issues, and we hoped a baby rhino sharing his name would help shine a light on the decimation of rhinos. Illegal poaching over the past 20 years has reduced global rhino populations by over 90%. Without global action, all rhino species may be wiped out.

Ringo Starr quickly gave his name to the baby, and also joined The Nobelity Project and many individual donors who joined us as sponsors of Baby Ringo's care. In the months following my HuffPost announcement, stories by BBC, CNN, The Dodo and many others began to turn Baby Ringo into the poster child for saving the rhinos.

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Raising an orphaned baby rhino is no simple task. I spent time with baby Ringo in June and posted a Father's Day story on the budding father-son relationship between Ringo and 7,000-pound Sudan, the last remaining male Northern White Rhino in the world.

TO RINGO WITH LOVE - OUR NEW FILM ON THE CONTINUING WORK OF OL PEJETA CONSERVANCY

The weather was cold when I was with Ringo in June, and perhaps his Masai blanket, his bed of straw and even his caretakers sleeping with him were not the same as huddling with a mother rhino. The giant baby bottles of formula given to the infant rhinos can only be only an approximation of mother's milk. Some rescued babies survive; many do not. Knowing that did not lessen the emotional toll of the news of Baby Ringo's death.

So many people loved this little rhino. How could Ol Pejeta and The Nobelity Project respond to those who had reached out to assist in this effort?

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For the past four years, I've been filming the integrated conservation work at Ol Pejeta. I'd documented the conservancy's efforts to save the Northern White Rhino species. The last three Northern Whites live there under heavy security, and an effort is underway (and currently seeking funding) to use in-vitro fertilization and a surrogate Southern White Rhino mother to save the species.

I had assisted and filmed the relocation to Meru National Park of two fence-breaking elephants who'd been invading neighboring communities. Darted from a helicopter and attended by a big team of rangers and veterinarians, the first elephant was lifted by crane onto a transport truck where Dr. Henrik Rasmussen of Savannah Trackers had drilled a hole into his trunk and embedded a tiny electronics package that would secretly track the tusk if the elephant was killed by poachers. "It's not enough to stop a poor poacher with a rusty rifle," Henrik told me as we drilled. "This could help us track the buyers and sellers, possibly all the way to a final buyer in Asia."

I'd come to know the rescued chimps at Ol Pejeta's Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, including Poco, who had spent years of his life in a tiny cage suspended from the roof of a petrol station in the Congo. After he was rescued from this imprisonment, Poco was brought to Ol Pejeta, and had been in his tiny cage so long, he was unable to walk on all fours. Though he has since learned normal chimp mobility, he often strolls around upright like a human as he shares this large sanctuary with 38 other rescued chimps.

I'd learned that the last two female Northern White Rhinos tolerated my presence, and that the Southern White female who we hope will be a surrogate mother, is not so friendly to me. Trying constantly to do an end-around to get to me while I film, she still responds to verbal communications to stand down from head keeper Zachary Mutai who lives night and day with these rhinos. "I think like a rhino," Zachary told me once as I was filming. "I love use animals and they teach me about animal behavior."

I met the 39 armed rangers who protect the rhinos and other wildlife in this 110,000-acre conservancy. Following a scent trail, I was unable to keep up with a beautiful bloodhound who'd previously tracked and located a poacher after a 30 kilometer pursuit. There are eight wonderful bloodhounds, brilliant explosive/gunpowder sniffer dogs and ferocious attack dogs at Ol Pejeta. Stopping poachers is serious business, and the jobs of African wildlife rangers - and their dogs - are some of the most dangerous on earth.

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I'd also come to love the tourist side of Ol Pejeta, having enjoyed the hospitality at Sweetwaters tented lodge, at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Pelican House and other visitors accommodations. The more I go, the more I want to go back.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a nonprofit, with proceeds from tourism and integrated cattle operations generating funds for improving livelihoods in thirty surrounding communities. "If you asked me what is the most important thing we can do to combat poaching," Ol Pejeta CEO Richard Vigne told me, "it would be to have good relations with our neighbors."

These good relations provide critical intelligence about strangers coming to the area with offers to purchase a horn or a tusk. Though poachers sometimes succeed, the rhino population at Ol Pejeta is increasing. This is a model that works.



ERERI PRIMARY WATER SYSTEM FROM THE TURK WINE, TURNING WINE INTO WATER

Inspired by Ol Pejeta's community partnerships, and funded by Treana Winery's the Turk Wine, The Nobelity Project partnered with Ol Pejeta this year to build a clean water system at remote Ereri Primary on the northern side of the Conservancy. After a celebration with the kids, we all had a clean water toast to their friends at Ol Pejeta.

So how could we respond to the death of Baby Ringo? By honoring his brief and wonderful life and highlighting the ongoing critical conservation work at Ol Pejeta. Our new 9-minute film (near the top of this post) show all this work sand more, and is dedicated to the memory of Ringo the Baby Rhino.

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I have a deep love for the animals and the people of Ol Pejeta. If you take a few minutes to watch some of what I've witnessed first-hand, I think you'll share in some of that love.

Together, we can Save the Rhinos. Together, we can honor Baby Ringo by guaranteeing countless generations of baby rhinos to come.

Learn More / Lend Your Voice at:

www.olpejetaconservancy.org

Learn More about The Nobelity Projects conservation films and work for Education for All at: www.nobelity.org

FB: https://www.facebook.com/nobelityproject/

Twitter: @turkpipkin @nobelityproject
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
Dileep, in his petition, argued that the revelations of director Balachandra Kumar in the report were false, and therefore asked the court to reject the remainder of it from impeding the case.
Imperial Valley News Center

NASA Orders Second SpaceX Crew Mission to International Space Station

Washington, DC - NASA took another important step Friday in returning U.S. astronaut launches from U.S. soil with the order of a second post-certification mission from commercial provider SpaceX in Hawthorne, California. Commercial crew flights from Floridas Space Coast to the International Space Station will restore Americas human spaceflight launch capability and increase the time U.S. crews can dedicate to scientific research, which is helping prepare astronauts for deep space missions, including the Journey to Mars.

"The order of a second crew rotation mission from SpaceX, paired with the two ordered from Boeing will help ensure reliable access to the station on American spacecraft and rockets," said Kathy Lueders, manager of NASAs Commercial Crew Program. "These systems will ensure reliable U.S. crew rotation services to the station, and will serve as a lifeboat for the space station for up to seven months."

This is the fourth and final guaranteed order NASA will make under the Commercial Crew Transportation Capability (CCtCap) contracts. Boeing received its two orders in May and December of 2015, and SpaceX received its first order in November 2015. Both companies have started planning for, building and testing the necessary hardware and assets to carry out their first flight tests, and ultimately missions for the agency.

At a later time, NASA will identify which company will fly the first post-certification mission to the space station. Each providers contract includes a minimum of two and a maximum potential of six missions.

SpaceX met the criteria for this latest award after it successfully completed interim developmental milestones and internal design reviews for its Crew Dragon spacecraft, Falcon 9 rocket and associated ground systems.

"Were making great progress with Crew Dragon, with qualification of our docking adapter and initial acceptance testing of the pressure vessel qualification unit completed" said Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX president and chief operating officer. We appreciate the trust NASA has placed in SpaceX with the order of another crew mission and look forward to flying astronauts from American soil next year."

SpaceX is building four Crew Dragon spacecraft at its Hawthorne facility -- two for qualification testing and two for flight tests next year. The company also is in the process of modifying Launch Pad 39A at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, from which the company will launch future crewed missions to the space station.

A standard commercial crew mission to the station will carry as many as four crew members and about 220 pounds of pressurized cargo, and remain at the station for as long as 210 days, available as an emergency lifeboat during that time.

With the commercial crew vehicles from Boeing and SpaceX, we will soon add a seventh crew member to space station missions, which will significantly increase the amount of crew time to conduct research, said Julie Robinson, NASAs International Space Station chief scientist. Given the number of investigations waiting for the crew to be able to complete their research, having more crew members will enable NASA and our partners to significantly increase the important research being done every day for the benefit of all humanity.

Orders under the CCtCap contracts are made two to three years prior to actual mission dates in order to provide time for each company to manufacture and assemble the launch vehicle and spacecraft. Each company also must successfully complete a certification process before NASA will give the final approval for flight.

NASAs Commercial Crew Program manages the CCtCap contracts and is working with each company to ensure commercial transportation system designs and post-certification missions will meet the agencys safety requirements. Activities that follow the award of missions include a series of mission-related reviews and approvals leading to launch. The program also will be involved in all operational phases of missions.
Lower American River Salmonid Spawning and Rearing Habitat Project to Begin at Sacramento Bar

Sacramento, California - The Bureau of Reclamation, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Water Forum, Sacramento County Regional Parks, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will begin work on the 2016 Lower American River Salmonid Spawning and Rearing Habitat Restoration Project in early August.

This eighth year of the Project continues the work of improving spawning and rearing habitat for steelhead trout and Chinook salmon in the lower American River. The amount of available juvenile salmonid rearing habitat limits the production potential in the river. Much of the existing spawning habitat consists of large rocks and fine sediment that reduces the ability for these fish to construct redds (nests) and may reduce the number of eggs surviving and emerging as juvenile fish from the redds. A 1,200 foot long side channel will be will be excavated along the north side of the river at Sacramento Bar and spawning gravel will be added to the main channel of the river. This Project is one of many to help meet the requirements of the 1992 Central Valley Project Improvement Act, Section 3406 (b)(13), to restore and replenish spawning gravel and rearing habitat.

Work will begin August 1, 2016. Heavy equipment work is expected to be completed by the end of September with any planting expected to be done later. Sacramento Bar is at river mile 19 on the American River, one mile downstream of the Sunrise Boulevard bridge over the river.

The side channel will be excavated and gravel will be sorted, washed, and then placed in the river using excavators, front-end loaders and bulldozers. Safety is a priority and it is very important for the public to pay attention to the informational signage located around Sacramento Bar.
Bakersfield brothers charged in bust of synthetic drug lab

Fresno, California - Three Bakersfield brothers were arrested Friday on charges of manufacturing and distributing synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as spice, following a probe by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the California Highway Patrol, the Bakersfield and Fresno police departments.

Yousef Aezah, 27, Adhim Aezah, 22, and Dirar Aezah, 18, all of Bakersfield, were arraigned following their arrest before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. In addition to manufacturing and distributing spice, the men are charged in a four-count indictment handed down Thursday with conspiracy and maintaining drug-involved premises. During their Friday court appearance, the men pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to court documents, the Aezahs operated a website through which they distributed large quantities of synthetic cannabinoids, including AB-CHMINACA, a Schedule I controlled substance. The Aezahs manufactured the synthetic cannabinoids at a warehouse in Bakersfield and shipped the substance using the U.S. Postal Service to customers across the country. During the investigation, authorities executed search warrants at the warehouse and the defendants residences, resulting in the seizure of $300,000 in cash from the residences and approximately $949,000 from a bank account controlled by Yousef Aezah.

Spice consists of plant material sprayed with ever-changing active chemical ingredients often produced in clandestine laboratories in China. These chemicals mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.

Synthetic drugs pose grave dangers to public health, said Ryan L. Spradlin, special agent in charge of HSI San Francisco. Users of these substances rarely know exactly what chemicals they are consuming, which all too often leads to a very dangerous outcome.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Grant B. Rabenn and Jeffrey A. Spivak are prosecuting the case.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for manufacturing and distributing a controlled substance, and conspiracy; and 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine for maintaining a drug-involved premises.
Man Previously Accused in Investment Schemes Charged in New Indictment that Adds Allegations of $3.2 Million Green Energy Scam

Santa Ana, California - A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment that now accuses a Laguna Beach man of defrauding victims out of more than $3 million in an investment fraud scam related to green energy.

Peter Heinrich Conrad Reinert, 61, was arrested in April 2015 after a grand jury charged him in two investment fraud schemes that allegedly caused $3.6 million in losses. Since that time, federal authorities have continued to investigate Reinert for additional crimes.

According to the 35-count superseding indictment filed yesterday in United States District Court, in addition to the two scams outlined in the 2015 indictment, Reinert ran a third scheme out of the Irvine-based Income from Waste Corporation (IFW). Reinert told victims that IFW was developing a technology to convert used tires into oil. As part of the scheme, to gain legitimacy with victims, Reinert falsely claimed to be a United States Secret Service agent and a veteran.

Between January 2014 and his arrest on April 14, 2015, Reinert used IFW to fraudulently obtain $3.2 million dollars from victims from across the country, including a family of farmers in Missouri. Instead of spending the money to develop the purported green energy technology, Reinert used the money to pay for personal expenses and luxury automobiles, sales commissions and purchases at Apples iTunes store, as well as sending money to an account in Poland.

In addition to the IFW scam, the superseding indictment alleges that Reinert fraudulently obtained and used a United States passport in the name Peter Michael Berger after falsely claiming he was born in Maine. During the investigation, authorities learned that Reinert actually was born in Germany.

Finally, the superseding grand jury adds charges alleging that Reinert failed to file a corporate tax return for 2010 for another company he controlled, Green Energy Enterprises, Inc.

This defendant is charged with operating a series of fraudulent companies, falsely claiming that the companies were good investments, said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. Worse still, Mr. Reinerts schemes preyed upon his victims desire to contribute to the public good, either by improving the environment or increasing the security of identification documents. This defendants fraudulent activity was widespread and harmed victims across the United States.

Reinert has been in custody without bond since he was arrested on the original 14-count indictment, which alleges he fraudulently raised money for two other companies that were purportedly developing technology to increase gas mileage and prevent the counterfeiting of government-issued identity documents. The original charges were included as part of the superseding indictment.

These latest allegations against Mr. Reinert suggest he is a serial con artist who continues to cheat investors into funding his schemes and his lifestyle, said Deirdre Fike, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Field Office. Investors can verify federal and military employment and, in many cases, the legitimacy of an investment, by doing research before handing over their savings.

The superseding indictment, which alleges that victims cumulatively suffered losses of approximately $6.8 million, charges Reinert with 19 counts of wire fraud, 13 counts of mail fraud, two counts of passport fraud, and one misdemeanor tax count.

Reinert is expected to be arraigned on the superseding indictment in United States District Court in Santa Ana on August 8. United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton previously ordered Reinert to stand trial on September 20.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

The fraud charges for the investment scams each carry a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The passport fraud charges each carry a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years. The charge of failure to file a tax return carries a statutory maximum penalty of one year.

The investigation into Reinert was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vibhav Mittal of the Santa Ana Branch Office.
Younger Onset Alzheimers Disease Is Poorly Recognized in Men Compared to Women, Mayo Research Suggests

Rochester, Minnesota - Mayo neuroscientist Melissa E. Murray, Ph.D., led the study, which suggests a high number of men are not accurately diagnosed during their lifetime. The Alzheimers Association issued a news release today about the research findings, which Dr. Murray is presenting at the 2016 Alzheimers Association International Conference in Toronto.

While it is well accepted that age is the strongest risk factor for Alzheimers, there is an enormous need to understand interacting factors that contribute to the development of the disease, says Dr. Murray, assistant professor of Neuroscience on Mayos Jacksonville campus.

Dr. Murrays team queried the state of Floridas brain bank for Alzheimers cases and identified 1,606 individuals ranging in age from 37 to 102. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including education, family history, age of onset, disease duration, cognitive test results, and presence of known Alzheimers risk genes.

At autopsy, the prevalence of women with Alzheimers disease was lower in those who died before age 70 and higher in those older than 80.

This study goes much deeper than just looking at the difference between the number of women and men diagnosed. It calls attention to the process of diagnosis and other lifelong factors that may influence diagnosis and timing and duration of the disease, says Maria C. Carrillo, PhD, chief science officer, Alzheimers Association.

Dr. Murray previously led research that identified tau, rather than amyloid, as the protein driving cognitive decline in Alzheimers disease.

This work was supported by the generosity of the Gerstner Family Foundation career development award as well as the Florida Department of Health Ed and Ethel Moore Alzheimers Disease Research Program.
Secretary of State John Kerry's Meeting With French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault

Paris, France - Secretary Kerry met in Paris today with French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault to discuss a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues, including counter-terrorism efforts; Ukraine and Minsk implementation; Syria; tensions in the Middle East, and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

The Secretary again expressed his condolences for the victims of recent terrorist attacks in Nice and Normandy. He made clear America's commitment to leading international efforts to defeat Da'esh and to debunk their false narrative. He also discussed our deep concern about the situation in Aleppo and our efforts to address it, as well as US-Russian efforts to reach an understanding on technical details of recent proposals to better enforce the cessation of hostilities and create space for the resumption of UN-led talks between the opposition and the Asad regime.

On Ukraine, Secretary Kerry reiterated the need for full implementation of the Minsk agreement and made clear our intention to continue working to that end bilaterally with both Ukraine and Russia, in support of the Normandy group's efforts.

The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed the potential benefits of TTIP for transatlantic economies and recent developments in negotiations aimed at reaching a high-standard agreement that benefits all parties.

Finally, on the issue of ongoing tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, the Secretary and the Foreign Minister discussed international efforts to achieve a two-state solution, including initiatives put forth by France and Egypt. They agreed that strong leadership was required by all parties to help reduce the violence and take practical steps that can lead to meaningful discussions.
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Is Vin Diesel the First Human Being Created By God? '3D Model' of Adam Goes Viral on Twitter
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After months of waiting, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has finally hit bookshelves, many eager fans having now read the entire script back to front, analysing every small scene.

Already, the first review has appeared online in thanks to a 10-year-old speed-reader, while Twitter has been discussing the scripts many merits and flaws.

Notably, there are numerous cameos for fans to enjoy throughout. Not only do Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny return, but also a whole host of other characters, some completely unexpected.

For those who have read Cursed Child (and for those who dont want to but are interested anyway) weve rounded up the eight best cameos. As you may have suspected, there are some major spoilers ahead. Youve been warned.

First look at Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Show all 11 1 /11 First look at Harry Potter and The Cursed Child First look at Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Anthony Boyle as Scorpius Malfoy First look at Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Alex Price as Draco Malfoy First look at Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Anthony Boyle and Alex Price as Draco and Scorpius Malfoy First look at Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Noma Dumezweni as Hermione Granger First look at Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Paul Thornley as Ron Weasley First look at Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Cherrelle Skeete as Rose Granger-Weasley First look at Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Paul Thornley, Noma Dumezweni and Cherrelle Skeete in The Cursed Child Pottermore First look at Harry Potter and The Cursed Child James Parker as Harry Potter First look at Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Poppy Miller as Ginny Potter First look at Harry Potter and The Cursed Child Sam Clemmett as Albus Potter First look at Harry Potter and The Cursed Child The Potter family in The Cursed Child

8. Bane

Having foretold Harry Potters fortune years previously by looking at the stars, Bane is back once more, this time to see the future of Albus Severus Potter. After telling Harry a black cloud hangs around his son, the Boy-Who-Lived makes it his mission to split up best friends Scorpio and Albus. Its a short inclusion of the centaur, but a pivotal one, and a nice nod to a minor character.

7. Minerva McGonagall

Arguably not really a cameo, McGonagalls return as headmaster of Hogwarts will surely make fans smile. As always, she lays down the law of her school, sticking to Dumbledore's principles, leading to an argument with Harry.

6. Cedric Diggory

Another call-back many fans were probably not expecting, the entire plot of Cursed Child revolves around the death of Cedrick Diggory by the hand of Voldemort. Only once do we actually see Cedric, during the tri-wizard tournament, the Gryffindor student helping Albus and Scorpio. Surprisingly, in an alternate reality, Cedrick kills Nevil, something none of us saw coming.

5. Hagrid

Yes, the lovable giant returns, and better yet, he delivers the now-infamous line You're a wizard, Harry during a nightmare scene. For those in attendance at the theatre, seeing Hagrids huge body burst into the Dursleys holiday home was a goosebumps moment, reminding everyone just how this whole franchise started.

4. Dolores Umbridge

Having taken over Hogwarts during The Order of the Phoenix, it turns out that - if Voldemort had won the Battle of Hogwarts - the devilish Dolores would still be in charge. Her appearance leads to many laughs in thanks to her quirky and terrifying persona, marking her return as one of the scripts many highlights.

3. Moaning Myrtle

Another character the audience was likely not expecting to see, Moaning Myrtle once again plays a pivotal role in the story while also, once again, flirting with our titular hero and Draco Malfoy. Its a fun moment in the story, and a lovely call-back to the previous books.

2. Albus Dumbledore

(Warner Bros

One of the biggest moments from the whole production was Dumbledores magnificent entrance. Of course, the old headmaster wasnt there in person, merely as an old portrait, but his numerous appearances bring wise council to Harry, the last of which gives way to an emotional scene in which the two share their love for each other.

1. Severus Snape

Its only right Snape holds the top spot; the unsung hero of the original saga once again helps save the world from Voldemort. His brief appearance in part two will no doubt stir memories of the late Alan Rickmans portrayal of the Potions master, leading to the most emotional cameo in the play and also one of the most surprising.

Meanwhile, JK Rowling has said Cursed Child could very well be the last adventure for Harry Potter, the author recently saying: Harry is done.
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It seems like were in the midst of the 456th pop punk revival at the moment. Blink-182s new album just went straight to number one on both sides of the Atlantic, Fall Out Boy are headlining Reading and Leeds, and Good Charlotte are about to embark on a world tour, so one could be forgiven for thinking weve woken up in 2004.

But while the aforementioned are relying heavily on nostalgia to sell their shiny, juvenile brand of American rock, there are a host of bands whove been representing the scene solidly through its peaks and troughs, and doing so with a sense of sincerity lacking from their forefathers.

One of these is Philadelphias The Wonder Years, who stopped at north Londons Tufnell Park Dome, in a small headline tour that frontman Dan Soupy Campbell said has taken too fucking long to come around.

The scruffy six-piece dominated the small stage of the Phoenix Nights-esque venue, coming on with Brothers &, the opener from last years fifth album No Closer to Heaven, with its gang-chanted refrain naturally leading into Cardinals, in which the chugging guitars and thudding drums created a sensation of being grabbed by the shoulders and shaken in a bid to draw attention to Campbells desperate shouts. Every word yelled from Campbells gravelly throat was packed with a pained honesty, whether that was in older raucous numbers like Hostels and Brothels (a Leeds name-checking ode to touring the UK) or the overtly honest mental illness-challenging Devil in My Bloodstream.

Taken on paper, some of the bands lyrics arent far removed from their predecessors (Im not a self-help book, Im just a fucked up kid/ So fuck the world and what it wants me to be), addressing the common themes of heartbreak and millennial angst, they included just enough literary cliches and were delivered with a distinctly grown-up emotional intensity, that they were elevated well above the disposable adolescence that has unfortunately come to define pop punk in its most accessible form. Indeed, where Blink-182 have penis jokes, The Wonder Years have Allen Ginsberg-inspired concept albums.

While their singalong hooks in the likes of Dismantling Summer and Passing Through a Screen Door, ardently recited by a largely-male late twenties crowd, nailed the pop side of the equation, Campbell and Co didnt shy away from their punk counterpoint, despite their music not being overtly political. The Democrats may have been the party making headlines in The Wonder Years hometown this week, but Hillary Clinton was not the nomination Campbell wanted to talk about in London. The free thinking people of the US are not represented by that bright orange motherfucker, he angrily told the room to a resounding cheer.

A seven-minute song which pulls together elements of the bands back catalogue may seem rather over-ambitious for a pop punk band in such a tiny venue, but I Just Want to Sell Out My Funeral worked well, switching between full-and-double time, tying up the disparate parts of what constitutes The Wonder Years sound. Ahead of the final track Campbell pleaded with the by-now hoarse audience: I want you to walk out of here thinking this was the best show ever, and while Blink sell out stadiums, Green Day produce Broadway musicals and Fall Out Boy pen tracks for the latest Hollywood blockbuster, its hard not to think that sweaty dive bars and humid clubs like the Dome are where the real spectacle is in this much-maligned genre.
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Semonkong, or Place of Smoke, sits high in the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, southern Africa. Most of the regions villages are inaccessible by car and locals rely on horsepower to navigate the winding, precarious trails between settlements.

In May this year, British-born photographer Thom Pierce joined horsemen, herders and traders to produce a striking series of portraits detailing some of the worlds most picturesque commutes.

"The Horsemen of Semonkong series came about as a consequence of another project, almost accidentally," says Pierce, 37. "I was in Lesotho shooting another series but couldnt help but notice the beauty of the landscape."

Thabo Lekhotsa, Ha Lesala, Lesotho (Thom Pierce)

I loved the way that the blankets and balaclavas they wear made such a strong visual statement. I promised myself that once I had a chance I would go back and make some formal portraits of them.

With no specific journey in mind, the Cape Town based photographer spent 8 days wandering the high altitude paths, meeting travellers as they rode up to four hour distances from their villages to Semonkong town.

Lehlohonolo Phethoka  Ha Molajafe, Lesotho (Thom Pierce)

"I wandered around the mountain paths talking to people, slowing down and not feeling rushed. The most powerful part was seeing how seamlessly the people fit into their environment, with minimal infrastructure and almost none of the modern luxuries that we have come to expect."

Many of the Semonkong communities live simply without electricity or modern conveniences.

Thapelo moiloa with his dog Limo  Ha Salemore, Lesotho (Thom Pierce)

Wearing rich, colourful textiles to protect them from sun, wind and rain, the riders appear timeless  set against dramatic mountain landscapes that add an ethereal quality to the portraits.

There is a real majestic quality to the horsemen, their horses and the landscape in Lesotho. The combination is something quite dramatic and reminded me of heroic paintings of knights going in to battle.

Mamasisi and masisi letsapo  Mohlakeng, Lesotho (Thom Pierce)

The horseback commuters are typically men, with women traditionally staying at home in the villages to tend to house and family. But this is gradually changing, explains Pierce, who says he met a surprising number of women on his travels.

Boys as young as 12 can also be seen powering across the high altitude trails between villages for work, since its not unusual for them to have full-time jobs watching sheep or cattle at this age.

Thabo ntoi- Ha Muaholi, Lesotho (Thom Pierce)

One of the days that I was there was a public holiday and some of the herd boys were at a meeting in town, says Pierce.

The really young boys  as young as 8  had been brought in to look after the animals for the day as school was out and everyone else was busy. The way that these young kids can ride horses and control a group of animals is amazing.

Thom Pierce - thompierce.com
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A renowned Bollywood director has been convicted of raping an American student last year.

Mahmood Farooqui, who is known for co-directing the 2010 satire Peepli Live, was found guilty of the attack by a special fast-track trial court in New Delhi.

Farooqui was accused of raping a 35-year-old woman at his south Delhi residence on 28 March 2015. The woman, who was a Hindi Studies scholar, had travelled to the city from Columbia University for research work for her doctoral thesis and had gone to meet him for help on her research.

The woman stood by her complaint in court and alleged that Farooqui had raped her and later apologised via a number of emails exchanged between the two of them.

People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015.

Farooqui denies the allegations and has said he was falsely implicated.

Farooqui, who had been placed on bail, was taken into custody soon after the court pronounced him guilty. The court will hear arguments on sentencing on 2 August. The offence of rape carries a minimum punishment of seven years rigorous imprisonment and a maximum punishment of imprisonment for life.

Farooqui directed the 2010 Bollywood hit Peepli Live film about farmer suicides along with his wife Anusha Rizvi.
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Men in Iran have been wearing hijabs in Iran in a show of solidarity with their wives and female family members. Their photos are being sent to Masih Alinejad, an Iranian journalist and activist living in New York, in response to her #meninhijab campaign launched earlier this week.

Women have been forced to cover their hair in public since the Islamic Revoloution of 1979. This law is strictly enforced by morality police and women deemed to be in contravention face fines and even imprisonment.

Alinejad has led the campaign against enforced hijab with her My Stealthy Freedom Facebook page and thousands of women living inside Iran have shared their photos of the moment they defied enforced hijab.

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

The Independent spoke to two men living in Iran about why they are wearing a hijab and joining the protest against gendered laws.

A does not want to be identified.

Recommended Read more Men in Iran are wearing hijabs in solidarity with their wives

"I decided to stand by my niece and wear the hijab because the truth is I don't want anyone to take my freedoms away from me. I can't be indifferent to the violation of freedoms of half of my people.

"When I wore the hijab, even just for a short period, I felt I was not myself anymore. This is the worst feeling in the world and absolutely unacceptable for any liberated person. It means that women when they leave their house everyday have to leave their real identity back at home. It's a horrible feeling to have a double identity for a lifetime.

"My message, as a liberated human being, is that everyone, as intelligent beings, should be able to decide for themselves how to dress. The way it is now is not acceptable for anyone and I hope one day this becomes reality in my homeland."

Mehdi, 40, lives in Tehran.

Mehdi, from Tehran, says the campaign is 'the least of what men can do to show their support to women'

"The reason I participated in this new #MenInHijab campaign is that I wanted to offer my own support to the women of Iran who have long been forced to wear the veil.

"Our women have been obliged to wear the veil for more than thirty years whereas mine was only a momentary experience. This is the least of what men can do to show their support to women, especially within the context of Iran where the Islamic Republic constantly propagates the notion that a mans honour depends on his wifes veil.

"I simply wanted to show that my understanding of honour has got nothing to do with compulsion or forcefully imposing a dress code on women.

"Wearing the veil, even for a short stretch of time, was something that conjured up a bad feeling in me. I cannot imagine how horrible it must feel for women who are obliged to wear it throughout the rest of their lives. I want to make it clear that I have no problem with the veil; I am merely against the compulsory veil. I do not like the fact that my sister and my mother have been obliged to wear the veil out of fear because we have a repressive government.

"The biggest problem that women in our country face is the mentality of the conservatives in power. These conservatives have been imposing their way of living on ordinary people by means of insults and threats.

"However, I think people in Iran have grown enlightened enough not to fall for the bigotry of the officials. It is indeed poignant to realise that in this day and age, while women are running for presidency elsewhere in the world, women of Iran, who constitute more than 60 per cent of university students in the country, are simply deprived of the freedom to choose their own dress.

"I sincerely hope that the voice of Iranian women will be heard world-wide and that they will get to enjoy their most basic right."
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An eight-year-old boy has been questioned by Prevent officers after his teachers mistook his T-shirt slogan for Isis propaganda, a report has claimed.

The unnamed boy wore a T-shirt with the words with the words I want to be like Abu Bakr al-Siddique - a key early Muslim leader in the first years after the death of Prophet Mohamed who is regarded as one of the founding fathers of Sunni Islam.

But teachers at his East London primary school mistook the slogan for praise of the self-styled Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi - the leader of Isis in Syria and Iraq.

The boy's mother said she had been contacted by a social services representative in February 2016 who said they wished to discuss the incident with the boy and she recalled the word "deradicalisation" being used.

At the interview, his parents said they were kept out of the room as the boy was asked questions about Isis - which he did not know anything about.

The child later said he had also been asked about his religious beliefs such as whether he believed Christians go to hell when they die and what he liked to watch on TV.

The mother said she had been told by social services that they had recorded a "form of caution" against him but she did not know whether this was a formal caution and how it would affect him in the future.

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

At eight, the boy is below the age of criminal responsibility.

Prevent is the Home Offices anti-extremism programme which aims to target young people in particular who are at risk of radicalisation.

The incident was one of several highlighted in a report by human rights charity, Rights Watch UK, as evidence of Muslim pupils being made to feel unwelcome at school due to the Prevent strategy.

Other incidents included a 16-year-old student with learning difficulties who was referred to Prevent after borrowing a book about terrorism from the school library and a 17-year-old boy who was questioned by police officers after being referred to the programme for expressing support for Palestinian nationhood.

Recommended Read more How the Prevent strategy affected my school

The director of the charity, Yasmine Ahmed, said: It is completely unacceptable that the Government is collecting, retaining and potentially sharing information on children in the United Kingdom without their consent and with no apparent regulation and oversight, particularly in instances where these children are not even accused or suspected of engaging in unlawful activity.

It is time for the UK Government to acknowledge that the Prevent strategy is infringing the human rights of children across the United Kingdom and is counterproductive.

She said the boy in question had been suffering from stress related health problems and was reluctant to go to school since the incident.

Ms Ahmed said their report showed the complete lack of consideration of the impact of the Prevent strategy on children.

She said there was no acknowledgment the strategy may impact children's human rights, particularly their rights to freedom of expression, education and freedom of religion and called for it to be abolished.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Schools should be a safe place where young people can discuss any issue and develop the knowledge to see extremist ideologies for what they are and challenge them. The Prevent duty is about safeguarding children from extremist ideologies, not about shutting down that debate  to suggest otherwise is just wrong.

"Our recent teachers' omnibus survey shows the impact of that with 83 per cent of school leaders confident in how they should implement the Prevent duty. We have also published a range of advice and resource materials via our Educate Against Hate website.
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The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is facing criticism for spending tens of thousands of pounds on luxury hotels for senior military personnel, including a five-star superyacht in Gibraltar.

According to figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, the MoD spent 222m on travel and hotels in 2014-15.

Senior military officials spent more than 300 a night on 75 stays last year, totalling a cost of 121,463.

12 best luxury hotels in the UK Show all 12 1 /12 12 best luxury hotels in the UK 12 best luxury hotels in the UK Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire This 18th century mansion house has more of a feel of a private country club (probably because it doubles up as one) and the benefit is two-fold. First, its relaxed, while remaining sophisticated. Second, it means guests get use of all the club facilities  spa, tennis and championship golf course. The grounds stretch to 300 acres and theres a superb spa and exceptional restaurant, run by head chef Chris Wheeler. Word of advice - rooms in the Pavilion are more bland and less opulent than those in the main house. Double rooms from 290 (room only) www.stokepark.com Check availability Getty Images 12 best luxury hotels in the UK Hambleton Hall, Rutland The Michelin-starred restaurant is so good that its ranked among the top 50 restaurants in the UK. But thats not all that keeps this calming, unpretentious 17-roomed hotel a firm favourite, particularly among TripAdvisor travellers. The lakeside setting is spectacular and whilst you can go on long walks, cycle rides and go sailing, theres a very good chance youll just wind up succumbing to the sheer comfort of the hotel  with its sophisticated yet homely interiors. Double rooms from 265 B&B www.hambletonhall.com 12 best luxury hotels in the UK The Vineyard, Berkshire Inspired by the vineyards of California  which is home to the owners personal winery  this 49-roomed hotel used to market itself as a restaurant with rooms. The contemporary bedrooms have exceptionally comfy beds and Ren products in the bathrooms, while the stunning restaurant has some of the best tasting menus around, with staff who will help select matching wines that are truly memorable. Bring your costume for the spas inviting facilities and extensive treatment menu and pack your glad rags too. Double rooms from 235 B&B http://the-vineyard.co.uk/ Check availability 12 best luxury hotels in the UK Ynyshir Hall, Eglwysfach Once the childhood retreat of Queen Victoria, this five-star country-house hotel in west Wales is the perfect rural getaway, with Richard Gere and Eddie Izzard among fans. Take a ramble in the 14 acres of landscaped gardens, climb a mountain, walk on a wild beach, book a treatment in the new therapy centre or just read by the fire. Every one of the 10 bedrooms and suites, as well as the reception areas, are individually and stunningly designed and the restaurant is so good under head chef Gareth Ward that a Michelin star surely cant be far away. Above all though, its the personal touch of owners Rob and Joan Reen, that make this place so special. Double rooms from 230 B&B www.ynyshirhall.co.uk 12 best luxury hotels in the UK Calcot Manor, Berkshire Somehow, Calcot manages to be everything to everyone, so whether you want a romantic spa weekend, family break or girlfriends getaway, your expectations will be surpassed. The rooms are chic; the spa is blissful and huge; and there are two restaurants  an inn for gastro-pub style informal dining and a finer dining experience in the conservatory. There are free bikes for cycling locally, a creche thats open daily and we love the fact that its spread out across different (all stunning) buildings. Double rooms from 280 B&B www.calcotmanor.co.uk/ Check availability 12 best luxury hotels in the UK Chewton Glen, New Forest This 58-roomed hotel wins award after award. Its secret seems to be the perfect balance of elegant extravagance, attention to detail and a willingness to adapt. The black-and-white restaurant is classy without being stuffy, with flexible menus, and the spa (which alone is worth the visit) is divine, always offering new and imaginative treatments. For sheer indulgence, stay in one of the new treehouse suites, complete with private hot tub on the deck. Double rooms from 325 (room only) www.chewtonglen.com Check availability 12 best luxury hotels in the UK Holbeck Ghyll, Cumbria The first thing that hits you at this country-house hotel is the awesome views over Lake Windermere. As for the interiors, think Parker Knoll chairs and roaring fires, which keeps it blissfully old-fashioned. The Michelin starred cuisine is imaginative and theres an award-winning wine list. All 13 rooms and suites have great views and there are more rooms in cottages and lodges. Theres an on-site boutique spa with ESPA products and the hotel has recently started offering 4x4 off-road driving opportunities to experience the Lake District at its best. Double rooms from 160 B&B www.holbeckghyll.com/ Check availability 12 best luxury hotels in the UK Belmond Le Manoir aux QuatSaisons, Oxfordshire Start saving  youll need to. Dinner at Raymond Blancs two Michelin starred restaurant generally works out at several hundreds of pounds for two and thats before youve even started on the wine. To stay the night here too is, for most, simply not affordable. It is, however, unforgettable, with unsurpassed attention to detail and themed rooms and suites that are startling beautiful, while the gardens are both beautiful and fascinating. Despite all this, staff engage informally, keeping the atmosphere surprisingly relaxed and laid back, whilst also keeping it feeling really special. Double rooms from 555 B&B www.belmond.com/lemanoir 12 best luxury hotels in the UK Gidleigh Park, Devon Set in 107 acres of gardens and woodland, this hotel has held two Michelin stars for the last 15 years, making it a popular destination for foodies. There are oodles of other awards and the hotel itself is just beautiful, with 24 gorgeous rooms and suites, including Dartmeet, the spa suite that features a steam room, sauna and statement bath where you can soak whilst overlooking views of Dartmoor. Theres a self-contained two-bed thatched cottage too. All have an Arts & Crafts feel about them. Doubles from 345 B&B www.gidleigh.co.uk 12 best luxury hotels in the UK The Witchery by the Castle, Edinburgh The Witchery restaurant, close to Edinburgh Castle and arguably just as famous, opened on Halloween in 1979 and although it only has eight suites, my god they are good  all theatrical, decadent, moody and gothic. Cosmopolitan magazine named it one of the seven wonders of the hotel world and the list of celebrity guests is long. The most gothic of all the suites, Vestry, an opulent mix of red and black, and with an organ pipe headboard, overlooks the Royal Mile. Double rooms from 325 B&B www.thewitchery.com/ Check availability 12 best luxury hotels in the UK Claridges, London This is, quite simply, the best address in town and arguably the most famous five-star hotel in the capital, attracting everyone from royalty to tycoons and celebrities to fashionistas. The seven-storey Mayfair hotel originally opened in 1898, with an Art Deco makeover in the 1920s, and has kept its top-notch reputation ever since. Rooms are every bit as fabulous as youd expect  and all so different - and the roof-top spa offers wonderful treatments. The bar is buzzy, afternoon teas are faultless and the restaurants are fabulous. Double rooms from 425 www.claridges.co.uk/ Check availability 12 best luxury hotels in the UK Barnsley House, Cirencester Now run by the same owners of Calcot Manor  which has led to a much-needed refurbishment - this 17th century, 18-roomed Cotswold hotel is first-rate. Its got one of the most stunning hotel terraces weve seen and service is impeccable without being over the top. Get a room overlooking the garden  famous in itself  and be sure to leave the kids at home. Dont bring your swimming costume  theres no pool. But there is a spa, with fabulous Aromatherapy Associates treatments. Double rooms from 290 B&B www.barnsleyhouse.com

The findings were published just weeks after a House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts report revealed: The Ministry of Defence and its contractor CarillionAmey are badly letting down service families by providing them with poor accommodation.

The MoDs expenditure on extravagant accommodation also starkly contrasts with the pay freezes and job cuts experienced by more than 35,000 personnel since 2011.

The most lavish hotel bill resulted from a stay onboard a 120m five-star superyacht, which houses two restaurants, a sun deck and a casino. The 20 nights spent on the Sunborn Hotel totalled 8,880.

MoD personnel also spent 3,639 on 10 nights at the Four Points by Sheraton overlooking Sydneys Darling Harbour.

Hotels used by the military in Abuja, Abu Dhabi, Djibouti, Dubai, Nigeria and NDjamena in Chad were redacted from the report due to security concerns.

The Ministry of Defence even paid 35,600 at 24 hotels in London where there are a number of military barracks for service personnel. One employee spent 312 for a night at the Park Lane Hotel, which is only a mile from the MoDs barracks in Hyde Park.

1,696 was spent on three nights at the Royal Horseguards hotel, which is located immediately opposite the MoDs headquarters in Whitehall.

The MoD justified its decision by claiming military accommodation in London was in short supply and the use of hotels in the capital was confined to essential business.

Yachts with champagne showers tempt the world's super-rich to Germany Show all 2 1 /2 Yachts with champagne showers tempt the world's super-rich to Germany Yachts with champagne showers tempt the world's super-rich to Germany 547382.bin EPA Yachts with champagne showers tempt the world's super-rich to Germany 547381.bin

Clive Lewis, Labours shadow defence secretary who served a three-month tour in Afghanistan in 2009, claimed it was crass and insensitive to splash out on such luxury accommodation, The Times reported.

He noted: Some of these hotels are charging eye-watering amounts of money, far beyond what most families on a soldiers salary would even dream of being able to afford.

The MoD, however, assured: We are making significant savings in travel costs and always expect our staff to demonstrate the highest standards of responsibility when incurring travel expenses."
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Prominent campaigners from the Remain camp of the EU referendum are reportedly in line for knighthoods and lavish titles in David Camerons resignation honours list.

The leaked list shows that the former Prime Minister, has applied to reward 48 Tory donors, personal aides and a range of supporters who campaigned to keep Britain inside the EU. It also reveals that four Cabinet ministers  David Lidington, Patrick McLoughlin, Philip Hammond and Michael Fallon  could be rewarded with knighthoods.

George Osborne, the former Chancellor and one of Mr Camerons closest political allies during his six-year tenure in Downing Street, will, according to The Sunday Times, become a Companion of Honour. The reward, to recognise services of national importance, was created in 1917 by George V and only 65 individuals can hold the title at any one time. Current holders of the exclusive title include Stephen Hawking, Sir John Major, Desmond Tutu and Dame Maggie Smith.

The director of the Remain campaign during the EU referendum, Will Straw, has also been nominated for a CBE in the list, which is likely to reignite calls to scrap the list and allegations of cronyism. OBEs have been requested for Thea Rogers, a close aide to Mr Osborne, and Isabel Spearman, who worked as Samantha Camerons stylist and assistant in Downing Street since 2010.

Ian Taylor and Andrew Cook, both significant Tory donors who contributed to the Remain campaign funds, will reportedly receive knighthoods when the list is approved. From the civil service Helen Bower, the Prime Ministers official spokeswoman, has been nominated for a CBE.

A Whitehall source told The Sunday Times: They must have gone through the No 10 staff list when they were compiling the nominations. Im surprised Larry [the cat] is not in there.

Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson added: I hope Theresa May is not going to stake her reputation on David Camerons old boys network. That Mr Cameron proposes to reward his friends network on such a huge scale will not only bring the honours system into disrepute, it will undermine the reputation of Theresa May. Its cronyism, pure and simple and proof the Tories will always put their own interests before those of the country.
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The battle against modern slavery in Britain is to get a 33 million boost, Prime Minister Theresa May has announced.

Mrs May said the money would be targeted at dealing with the routes of the people trafficking trade in countries like Nigeria, as she unveiled a new taskforce which is to co-ordinate the Government response to slavery.

Ministers estimate there are between 10,000 to 13,000 potential victims of slavery in the UK.

Recommended Read more Modern slavery is thriving thanks to the British culture of privacy

A review by barrister Caroline Haughey to mark the first anniversary of the Modern Slavery Act found that 289 modern slavery offences were prosecuted in 2015, and there was a 40% rise in the number of victims referred for support.

The Government has also asked Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) to assess the police response to modern slavery.

Mrs May said: "This Government is determined to build a Great Britain that works for everyone and will not tolerate modern slavery, an evil trade that shatters victims' lives and traps them in a cycle of abuse.

"Last year I introduced the world-leading Modern Slavery Act to send the strongest possible signal that victims were not alone and that those responsible for this vile exploitation would face justice.

"We must do more and the historic 33.5 million funding will allow us to go even further to support victims.

"Alongside this, the Haughey and HMIC reviews send a clear message that the criminal justice system must ensure that perpetrators have nowhere left to hide. I am pleased to see progress but we will not stop until slavery is consigned to the history books."

Ms Haughey, who has prosecuted a variety of servitude, slavery and human trafficking cases including the first case of modern slavery, said: "The Modern Slavery Act has set an international benchmark to which other jurisdictions aspire. The Act itself is fit for purpose and our priority should be to maximise the impact of the provisions that came into force a year ago.

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. 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"One year on, law enforcement agencies are using the powers in the Act and the number of prosecutions and of victims supported has increased. But this is a generational fight to protect the vulnerable and voiceless and I believe we need to do more.

"There is a lack of consistency in how law enforcement and criminal justice agencies deal with the victims and perpetrators of modern slavery. We need better training, better intelligence and a more structured approach to identifying, investigating, prosecuting and preventing slavery, including learning from what works and what does not."

The move came as the UK's anti-slavery commissioner warned that people trafficking cases are not being investigated properly.

Kevin Hyland expressed concern at the levels of potential slavery incidents being recorded as crimes.

"What's alarming about that is that we do have people reporting to the authorities, but then they are not being properly investigated.

"The real concern that I have is that in 2015 we had 986 cases involving minors, yet the official figures show that there's only 928 actual crime recorded incidents. So that means ... potentially the cases involving minors are not being investigated properly.

"The fact that the number of crimes recorded hasn't even reached the number of minors actually tells me that all these cases ... they are not being investigated properly because until they are recorded properly, and there are the resources put into it to see what the circumstances are behind that, we can't be satisfied that we can say it is, or it isn't, a crime of modern slavery," the commissioner told the BBC.

The global trade in people is estimated to cost 113 billion, with human trafficking for sexual exploitation believed to cost the UK 890 million.

Press Association
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Steven Woolfes application to succeed Nigel Farage as leader of Ukip could be declared void after he submitted his paperwork 17 minutes late due to a technical issue.

A spokesman for Mr Woolfe, who is also an MEP and Ukip's migration policy chief, said a situation with the partys system had held up the application process ahead of the Sunday noon deadline but they insisted he remains in the contest. The party, however, is yet to confirm whether he is still in the running.

"However, due to technical problems on the party system, it did not successfully go through until 12.17pm. Mr Woolfe was speaking to party officials responsible for handling the application process throughout this time and right up to the deadline, the spokesperson said.

"He informed them that he was having technical problems. These problems were resolved and the paperwork submitted," the spokesman added.

The comments came following speculation on social media that Mr Woolfe was no longer in the race due to missing the deadline. If the technical issue is resolved, the partys migration policy chief will be the favourite to succeed Mr Farage  but councillor Lisa Duffy and MEPs Bill Etheridge and Jonathan Arnott have also announced their intentions to run.

The rise and rise of Ukip  the new party of the protest voter Show all 3 1 /3 The rise and rise of Ukip  the new party of the protest voter The rise and rise of Ukip  the new party of the protest voter 30-ukipprotest-gt.jpg Getty Images The rise and rise of Ukip  the new party of the protest voter 30-ukipprotest2-gt.jpg Getty Images The rise and rise of Ukip  the new party of the protest voter 30-ukipprotest3-gt.jpg Getty Images

Huntingdonshire councillor Ms Duffy has pledged to heal factional fighting in the party. Despite its relatively small size, Ukip is deeply split between friends and foes of Mr Farage. The outgoing leader has had a public falling out with Ukips only MP, Douglas Carswell, who announced: "I'm totally neutral in Ukip leadership contest  and indeed rows. Disinterested and possibly uninterested."

Mr Farage announced he was quitting after the narrow Leave victory in the EU referendum, saying: I want my life back, and it begins right now. The candidate list will be announced on Tuesday after a vetting procedure is carried out by Ukip top brass.
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One person has died and four others have been wounded following two separate shootings in downtown Austin, Texas.

Officials say a woman in her twenties has been pronounced dead at the scene.

Four other people have been wounded. Three of the injured have been transported to the University Medical Center Brackenridge, where they are receiving treatment. However, a fourth victim delined treatment at the scene. Their injuries have been described as "serious but not life threatening".

Reports of gunfire emerged shortly after 2am local time.

 Austin Texas shooting

It was initially thought that one incident had occurred with multiple shooters, amid confused and confliting reports. However, authorities say they believe two separate and unrelated incidents have occurred in close proximity.

A video posted online to social media by an eye witness appears to capture multiple gunshots being fired.

The Austin Police Department has warned members of the public to avoid the area, tweeting: "Active shooter incident downtown, multiple victims. Stay away from downtown."

Both areas are now secure.

Eye witness Dorian Santiago told Sky News: We heard five shots and then people started running crazy ... We don't hear any more shots ...The cops were running behind someone.

"There was a girl freaking out who was injured ... The other one was already on the floor - they were doing CPR to help her but it looked like she was already dead.

Eye witnesses posted images to social media showing emergency services at the scenes.

In one video posted online, armed authorities appear to be stationed outside a shop, while crowds watch on.

Police have not yet confirmed if any arrests have been made and it is unclear if any of the perpetrators are in custody.
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At rock gigs, hysterical fans throw knickers and their house keys onto the stage.

On the political campaign trail, followers are desperate to hand over their babies.

From president Obama and Hillary Clinton to Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, all candidates are expected to adopt a charmed smile and accept the fleshy gifts with flailing limbs, damp nappies and all.

It is almost a rite of passage. Take a baby. Don't drop it. And then onto the White House.

In Donald Trumps case, the father of five knows the value of a photo opportunity. At a recent rally in Colorado Springs, the Republican nominee took not one baby but two, one in each arm.

He turned to face the cameras, bounced them around a bit, puckered up and landed them two smackaroos on the head.

The risk was that he had turned away from the parents. As the noise of the delighted crowds reached fever pitch - Baby! In Trumps Arms! Ahhh! - the bamboozled babies looked like two lost little lambs indeed. Their little eyes blinked in the swarm of reporters and the blinding lights of their cameras. Surely a terrifying moment.

Candidates and babies Show all 5 1 /5 Candidates and babies Candidates and babies Bernie Snaders The baby and Bernie see eye to eye Candidates and babies Donald Trump This baby seems a bit wary Candidates and babies Hillary Clinton The baby has a bird's eye view Candidates and babies Barack Obama Silly faces make the crowd go wild Candidates and babies John Kasich A cute mascot never fails

The secuity guards faces remained unmoved, even if their hearts were bleeding.

"They're so cute!" Mr Trump crooned.

When one of the babies started to bawl, Mr Trump, who once said he had never changed a nappy, maintained his grin as he quickly handed the child back to the mother.

The video, oddly enough, has been proudly displayed on Mr Trumps twitter page.

It isnt called "Look how bad I am with babies", rather its called "Thank you Colorado Springs!"

If a baby cries in your arms, it will not be taken kindly.

Whether the Republican candidate has advocated for the expulsion of Muslims, encouraged the Russians to spy on the Democrats or cosied up to the Ku Klux Klan, all that will be forgotten amid the great arc of history.

The babys memory, after all, is likely to outlive the rest of us.
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The mother of a slain Muslim soldier in the Iraq war has hit back at Donald Trumps criticism that she did not speak alongside her husband at the Democratic National Convention.

Ghazala Khan, whose son Humayun Khan was posthumously awarded a bronze star and the purple heart for heroism in Iraq, stood beside her husband at the DNC as he delivered a powerful address to the Republican nominee, urging him to not smear Muslims character.

Ms Khan was later criticised by Mr Trump for being silent, and he questioned whether she had been allowed to speak.

Here is my answer to Donald Trump: Because without saying a thing, all the world, all America, felt my pain. I am a Gold Star mother. Whoever saw me felt me in their heart, she wrote in an op-ed for the Washington Post.

Her son and middle child, who was an army captain, signed up to the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at the University of Virginia before the 9/11 attacks, and she and her husband, Khizr Khan, had worried for his safety when he went to Iraq.

She said she had begged him not to run around trying to become a hero but he had responded: Mum, these are my soldiers, these are my people. I have to take care of them.

She last spoke to him on Mother's Day in 2004. On 8 June he was later killed by car bomb at the gates of his military base.

She wrote that she still prayed and cried for her son every day, even though 12 years have passed, and she still cannot walk into a room with his pictures in it.

 Father of Muslim-American soldier killed in action tells Donald Trump: You have sacrificed nothing

Walking onto the convention stage, with a huge picture of my son behind me, I could hardly control myself. What mother could? Donald Trump has children whom he loves. Does he really need to wonder why I did not speak?

Her husband had asked her if she wanted to speak, but she declined. She said that her religion teaches her that all human beings are equal in the eyes of God, and marriage is based on love and respect.

"When Donald Trump is talking about Islam, he is ignorant. If he studied the real Islam and Koran, all the ideas he gets from terrorists would change, because terrorism is a different religion," she said.

"Donald Trump said he has made a lot of sacrifices. He doesnt know what the word sacrifice means."

Mr Khan said during an MSNBC interview: I am much weaker than she is in such matters. Forty years of marriage [have] brought us in a position where we are a strength for one another, so her being there was the strength so that I could hold my composure.

Mr Khan had indirectly asked Mr Trump at the DNC whether he had made any sacrifices for his country.

The Republican nominee told ABC news that he had made sacrifices: he had worked very hard, he had created jobs for thousands of people and raised millions of dollars for military veteran charities.

His answers were mocked and spurred a hashtag on twitter called Trump Sacrifices.
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Hillary Clinton has accused Russian intelligence services of hacking into the Democratic National Committee computers and she said her Republican rival Donald Trump has shown support for Russian president Vladimir Putin.

We know that Russian intelligence services hacked into the DNC and we know that they arranged for a lot of those emails to be released and we know that Donald Trump has shown a very troubling willingness to back up Putin, to support Putin, Ms Clinton said in an interview with Fox News, as reported by Reuters.

US officials and cyber security experts have previously said they believed Russia had something to do with the release of the emails in order to influence the election.

Russia has previously denied the allegations, saying they were nothing more than horror stories.

Ms Clinton said she was not going to assume that Mr Putin wanted Mr Trump to become president.

But I think laying out the facts raises serious issues about Russian interference in our elections, in our democracy, she responded.

(AP)

"For Trump to both encourage that and to praise Putin despite what appears to be a deliberate effort to try to affect the election I think raises national security issues, she said.

Mr Trump invited Russia to search for the tens of thousands of missing emails sent and received by Ms Clinton's tenure as secretary of state.

Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing, the New York-based businessman told reporters.

House speaker Paul Ryan quickly released a statement to distance himself from Mr Trumps comments, and former CIA Director Leon Panetta said Mr Trumps remarks called into question his loyalty to the US.

 Trump 'accused of treason' after urging Russia to hack Hillary Clinton's email

Brian Fallon, national press secretary for Hillary for America, responded that Mr Trump seems to be openly inviting the Russian government to continue to sponsor acts of cyberterrorism and intrusions against US interests.

It was certainly unprecedented in the history of American politics to see a major party presidential nominee engage in that type of rhetoric, openly suggesting that espionage be conducted against any US interest, he said.

Ms Clintons campaign manager, Robby Mook, also said his comments were a national security issue.

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

The Republican nominee later said he was being sarcastic in his comments.

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 controversy comes after around 20,000 emails from DNC computers were published last week by WikiLeaks, exposing the DNCs attempt to smear former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. The former DNC chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, said Mr Sanders campaign manager, Jeff Weaver, was a damn liar and that they planned to call Mr Sanders an atheist to discredit him among voters in the southern states.

The furore resulted in Ms Schultz resigning from her position, and being shouted down at a speech on economy in Florida, where she is congresswoman, as people shouted Shame!

Ms Clintons email scandal started when it was revealed she sent and received top secret and classified information on her personal email server for years, and she had deleted about half of her emails that contained personal information. Attorney General Loretta Lynch decided not to pursue criminal charges against the Democratic nominee.
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Donald Trump's ascent from wealthy political outsider to Republican presidential nominee has confounded many Americans, as well as the political establishment.

But a neuroscientist says Trump's popularity can be explained by how he triggers certain emotions  anger, fear, and aggression  in the fear center, which is part of the limbic system in people's brains.

We have the same brain we had 100,000 years ago when we were living on the plains of Africa, R. Douglas Fields, neuroscientist and author of Why We Snap, told Business Insider. These defensive triggers exist for a good purpose but politicians are pushing on them to motivate people to do what they want.

Widespread modern fears  of terrorism, war, and gun violence  as well as economic uncertainty make people even more responsive these triggers.

Fields says Trump uses four main human instincts to get people's attention:

1. Being part of a tribe

Any social animal is dependent on its group and will defend the group, Fields said. We live only because we're part of a society.

Trump's at-times inflammatory rhetoric toward minority groups elicits tribal them vs. us instincts in the human brain. When people are told there is a threat to their tribe, their brain automatically tells them to defend it.

Fields says that many violent criminals are acting out of this type of tribe mentality. For instance, young people who don't have a stable family or community are more likely to join gangs, where they find some sense of belonging. The gangs then lash out at opposing tribes.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in Springfield, Illinois, November 9, 2015. Reuters/Jim Young

2. Threat to environment

Humans are fiercely territorial because protecting family and home are basic instincts needed for survival, Fields says.

Trump's comments on immigrants play into this instinct, according to Fields.

Consider what Trump said at his presidential announcement in June 2015:

When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending the best. Theyre not sending you  theyre sending people that have lots of problems and theyre bringing those problems with us. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.

Fields says that by portraying immigrants as dangerous threats, Trump is inciting anger in people's brains. Saying he will build a wall is an attempt to protect that territory.

Think of a cat: It might be friendly, but if you walk up to its food dish, he will snap, Fields said. He's wired like many of us are to protect our resources.

When a human witnesses a trespasser, often his or her first reaction will be to turn violent.

A supporter of Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump stands across the street from a protest held by a number of Latino organizations outside of NBC Studios on November 7, 2015, in New York City. Andrew Renneisen/Getty Images

3. Insults

Politicians have long used insults to get people fired up and on their side.

Trump's trademark use of monikers like Crooked Hillary (for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton) and Little Marco (for former GOP primary rival and Sen. Marco Rubio) are meant to incite rage in his supporters.

As a social species, we are dependent on rank in society, Fields said. Rank, especially among males, is established through aggression.

Because people have stopped physically dueling over a disagreement, verbal sparring has taken its place.

Trump's insults get people to rally with him, Fields said. It's his mechanism of engaging.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump shows off the size of his hands as rivals Marco Rubio, left, and Ted Cruz, right, look on at the start of the Republican presidential-candidate debate in Detroit, Michigan, March 3, 2016. REUTERS/Jim Young

4. Life-or-death situations

Talking about life-or-death situations elicits an emotional response in most people.

Almost anyone will defend themselves in what is perceived as a life-or-death attack, according to Fields.

In an article for The Daily Beast, Fields noted that the word kill was used 53 times during the December 15 Republican primary debate. This language was not used at all during previous GOP debates.

Here's a sampling:

Ted Cruz: 'we will hunt down and kill the terrorists.' Donald Trump: 'These are people that want to kill us' Trump also advocates killing family members of ISIS terrorists. Lindsay Graham: 'Theyre trying to come here to kill us all' Mike Huckabee: 'We have to kill some terrorists and kill every one of them.'

Fields has a tip for voters who want to make rational decisions.

Whenever you feel angry, you have to ask yourself if you're being manipulated, Fields said. Let the moment pass and ask yourself if aggression or violence is really the right way to fix a situation.

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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A Brazilian drug lord was found to be a life of luxury in a three-room cell complete with a conference room, plasma screen TV and library.

Jarvis Chimenes Pavao had been serving an eight year sentence for money laundering since 2009 at Tacumbu prison in Ascuncion, the capital of Paraguay, when police raided his cell after learning he was planning to escape.

Pavao had planned to use explosives to blow a hole in the wall of the prison.

Pavao's bedroom at Tacumbu prison had a treadmill (EPA)

Pavao's cell had a conference room, library and DVD collection (AFP/Getty Images)

Although he was due to be released next year, it is thought he feared being extradited back to Brazil.

He has now been transferred to a cell in a police "special operations unit" and his luxurious cell, which had air conditioning and en-suite bathroom, has been destroyed.

Jarvis Chimenes Pavao had his own clothes in his cell (AFP/Getty Images)

Jarvis Chimenes Pavao had a TV series about the life of Pablo Escobar among his DVD collection (AFP/Getty Images)

Pavao even had the full collection of DVDs for the series Pablo Escobar, which follows the life of the notorious Colombian drug lord known as the "King of Cocaine".

Prisoners at Tacumbu told AFP anyone wanting to stay in the luxury unit had to pay Pavao a one-off fee of $5,000 (3,778) and a weekly rent of $600, the BBC reported.

An investigation is now under way to see how the drug lord set up his luxury cell within the jail.
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Wherever Manoel Pereira Costa goes, his neighbours are eager to greet him in maze-like Rocinha, one of the biggest and best-known slums, or favelas, that dot the Rio de Janeiro landscape.

Mr Costa, or Master Manel as he is known, is revered for helping local youths in the troubled neighbourhood by teaching capoeira, a Brazilian martial art.

With thousands of athletes now descending on Rio for the Olympics, which start this Friday, local dance groups are in training for coveted spots in the opening ceremony and Master Manel believes that his impoverished students are feeling a connection to something bigger. Even in this community, with our problems, we are part of the world, he said. And the students have to know that they can step out into it, that they can do anything they want.

Manoel Pereira Costa, known as "Master Manel", walks in the Rocinha favela (Reuters)

Master Manel came to Rio at the age of 19 from the north-eastern state of Bahia. Over the past three decades, he has run neighbourhood workshops that give kids a chance to immerse themselves in a tradition with roots in the dance, fighting and percussion practices of Africans brought to Brazil as slaves. In a favela with a history of violence between police and drug gangs, or armed battles between traffickers themselves, capoeira is an outlet that gives kids a sense of community  its practice a collective exercise blending characteristics of drum circles, sparring and tag-team gymnastics.

Members of the Acorda Capoeira group train at a local school (Reuters)

Currently with some 300 students, Master Manel does not charge for the courses. His program, known as Awaken Capoeira, instead relies on financing from donors that include the city government and local businesses.

Master Manel plays the berimbau next to his three sons (Reuters)

As the city gears up to host the first Olympics in South America, Master Manels class has recently been visited by famous Brazilian gymnast Lais de Souza, who competed at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, and Rios secretary for sport and leisure Rodrigo Vizeu, who has been an important figure in the lead up to the summer games. The visits, Master Manel believes, have a positive impact on his students, who can often feel marginalised and ignored by the authorities.

There is a very negative image of this neighbourhood, said the 56-year-old. We more than anything want to teach about community, about citizenship, so that kids understand that they are part of something.

Additional reporting by Reuters
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A daredevil has leapt from a plane 25,000 feet into a giant net, becoming the first person in the world to complete a skydive without a parachute.

Luke Aikins was in free fall for around two minutes after jumping from a small propeller plane above Simi Valley, California on Saturday.

The 42-year-old was not wearing a wing suit or emergency parachute for the jump, which was broadcast live on television.

"I'm almost levitating, it's incredible," Mr Aikins said of the jump. "This thing just happened. I can't even get the words out of my mouth.

He thanked the dozens of crew members who spent two years helping him prepare for the jump, including those who assembled the net and made sure it worked.

While Mr Aikins has made over 18,000 skydives, he admitted being nervous before his latest feat.

During his fall, Mr Aikins was accompanied by three other skydivers, who did have parachutes.

One collected an oxygen mask Mr Aikins discarded at around 10,000 feet. Another was wearing a smoke canister to make the jumpers visible to those on the ground, while the third jumper was filming.

Luke Aikins lands in the net while falling at 120mph (Mark Davis/Getty Images for Stride Gum)

As the group neared the ground, they backed off, giving Mr Aikins space to complete the jump without distraction.

Lights guided Mr Aikin as he fell into a large trawler-like net, suspended above the ground by poles, which measured 30 metres by 30 metres. He hit it at around 120mph.

Later, on his Facebook page, Mr Aikins said: We did and cannot thank everyone enough for the support. My vision was always proper preparation and that if you train right you can make anything happen. Thank you!

A spokesman for him said: Aikins leap represents the culmination of a 26-year career that will set a personal and world record for the highest jump without a parachute or wing suit.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

An experienced skydiver, Mr Aikins works at the US Parachute Association and also trains Special Forces troops in parachute techniques. He was the backup jumper in 2012 when Felix Baumgartner became the first skydiver to break the speed of sound during a jump from 24 miles above Earth.
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When the father of a slain Muslim soldier asked Donald Trump if he had read the US Constitution, it may have prompted a wave of collective national guilt.

The pocketbook of the Constitution, sold for $1 on Amazon.com, is one of the 10 best-selling books over the weekend.

The 52-page pocket edition, which also includes the Declaration of Independence, has been printed by the National Centre for Constitutional Studies and is based on the original text.

The Amazon best-seller has a picture of former president George Washington on the cover and does not appear to be the same version which Khizr Khan held up while he was speaking at the Democratic National Convention.

"Donald Trump, you're asking Americans to trust you with their future," said Mr Khan.

"Let me ask you, have you even read the United States Constitution? I will gladly lend you my copy. In this document, look for the words, look for the words, liberty and equal protection (under) law."

Mr Khan is the father of Humayan Khan, a soldier who died when a car bomb exploded during the Iraq War in 2004 and who was posthumously awarded the bronze star and the purple heart.

 Father of Muslim-American soldier killed in action tells Donald Trump: You have sacrificed nothing

Mr Khan told CNNs State of the Union that Mr Trump was "totally incapable of empathy".

I want his family to counsel him. Teach him some empathy. He will be a better person, but he has a "black soul".

Mr Trump hit back at the soldiers parents, saying he had made sacrifices like working "very hard" and questioned whether the soldiers mother, Ghazala Khan, had been allowed to speak as she stood on the stage next to her husband.

Ms Khan responded in a Washington Post op-ed that although she had been silent, America had "felt her pain".

Mr Trumps campaign manager, Paul Manafort, defended his employers view and said that the death of Humayan Khan was an enormous loss and a "tragedy", but it was not "the issue".

"The issue is not Mr Khan and Donald Trump, the issue really is radical Islamic jihad and the risk to the American homeland. That's the issue," he told CBS news.
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Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump had to be rescued from a lift after it became stuck between the first and second floors of a spa resort in Colorado Springs.

Colorado Springs Fire Department said it was called to help 10 people trapped inside a elevator at The Mining Exchange, A Wyndham Grand Hotel & Spa.

According to Perry Sanders, a lawyer who co-owns the hotel, Mr Trumps security team had control of the hotels lifts at the time.

The party were model guests but security insisted on having manual control of the elevators," he said.

He explained an investigation into the mishap on Friday afternoon by technicians revealed the elevator stopped working because someone turned the manual key while it was moving.

People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Show all 8 1 /8 People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Miley Cyrus 'God he thinks he is the f***ing chosen one or some shit!  Honestly f*** this sh*t I am moving if this is my president! I dont say things I dont mean!' Jemal Countess/Getty Images People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Whoopi Goldberg 'I dont think thats America. I dont want it to be America. Maybe its time for me to move you know' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Samuel L. Jackson 'If that mother**er becomes president, Im moving my black ass to South Africa' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Raven Symone 'My confession for this election is, if any Republican gets nominated, Im gonna move to Canada with my entire family. Is that bad? I already have my ticket. I literally bought my ticket, I swear' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Cher 'If he were to be elected, I'm moving to Jupiter' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Neve Campbell 'Im terrified. Its really scary. My biggest fear is that Trump will triumph. I cannot believe that he is still in the game ... [I'll] move back to Canada' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Jon Stewart 'I would consider getting in a rocket and going to another planet, because clearly this planets gone bonkers' People who will flee America if Donald Trump wins Randy Blythe 'He could just be a clown. If he is the president, though, I am leaving America 'till he's gone'

On arriving at the boutique 4-Diamond hotel and spa, firefighters opened the lifts top hatch and lowered a ladder into the compartment. Mr Trump and nine others used the ladder to escape out of the lift onto the second floor. No injuries were reported.

According to the resorts co-owner, the problem with the four-year-old lift was solved and it is working again.

 Charlie Sheen Donald Trump cufflinks

Despite being saved by the Colorado Springs Fire Department, the Republican nominee criticised the citys fire marshal at subsequent rally at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

Mr Trump said he was disappointed a number of people were not able to attend his speech due to a limit imposed by the fire department.

He claimed it was unfair that people were unable to attend the event and explained it was because the fire department dont know what the hell theyre doing - adding that fire marshal Brett Lacey was probably a Democrat.
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Two days after delivering one of the most memorable speeches of the 2016 campaign season  a moment one commentator described as the fulcrum of the election  Khizr Khan was checking into a DC hotel, preparing for television appearances on Sunday morning and still trying to come to grips with the sudden spotlight.

I was in line, and a group of people gathered behind me and one of them said: Sir, can we shake your hand?" Khan said in a phone interview from his hotel room in Washington on Saturday night.

Khan was still overwhelmed by the response to his speech.

He had paid tribute to his son Humayun Khan, a 27-year-old Army captain killed in Iraq in 2004, and had asked Donald Trump whether he had ever read the US Constitution or visited Arlington National Cemetery.

All of it had amounted to the most direct and personal challenge so far to the GOP presidential nominees rhetoric concerning Muslim immigrants in America.

Khan said it is the massive response to his speech, not the speech itself, that is causing the trouble to Trump.

Humayun Khan was an American Muslim Army soldier who died serving the US after 9/11. His father, Khizr Khan, 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)

They begin to see this person who can hardly speak correct English, who has an accent  and they are saying, How dare he say something of that profound nature? Not profound in their eyes, but profound in how many people have responded, said Khan, a Harvard-trained lawyer who lives in Charlottesville, Va.

In a series of statements Friday and Saturday, Trump responded to Khans speech, first telling the New York Times that he wondered whether Khans wife, who stood silently by his side as he spoke, was "allowed" to speak, a response that drew widespread, bipartisan condemnation.

In a written statement later Saturday, Trump  who has proposed suspending Muslim immigration to the US  elaborated that Khans son, who was posthumously awarded a Gold Star and Purple Heart, was a hero who should be "honored".

He went on to say that the real problem here are the radical Islamic terrorists who killed him, and the efforts of these radicals to enter our country to do us further harm".

Responding to Trumps latest statement, Khan said: "This is faked empathy."

What he said originally  that defines him . . . People are upset with him. He realises, and his advisers feel that [his original statement] was a stupid mistake.

"That proves that this person is void of empathy. He is unfit for the stewardship of this great country. You think he will empathize with this country, with the suffering of this countrys poor people? He showed his true colors when he disrespected this countrys most honorable mother all the snake oil he is selling, and my patriotic, decent Americans are falling for that.

"Republicans are falling for that. And I can only appeal to them. Reconsider. Repudiate. Its a moral obligation. A person void of empathy for the people he wishes to lead cannot be trusted with that leadership. To vote is a trust. And it cannot be placed in wrong hands.

In response to Trumps attack on his wife, Khan said the Republican nominees words were "typical of a person without a soul".

Khan said his wife didnt speak because she breaks down when she sees her sons photograph  a huge one of which was projected onto a screen behind the stage at the convention.

Emotionally and physically  she just couldnt even stand there, and when we left, as soon as we got off camera, she just broke down. And the people inside, the staff, were holding her, consoling her. She was just totally emotionally spent. Only those parents that have lost their son or daughter could imagine the pain that such a memory causes. Especially when a tribute is being paid. I was holding myself together, because one of us had to be strong. Normally, she is the stronger one. But in the matter of Humayun, she just breaks down any time anyone mentions it.

Khan said he asked his wife whether she wanted to address the convention.

 Father of Muslim-American soldier killed in action tells Donald Trump: You have sacrificed nothing

I asked her, Do you want to say something? Thank you? We are glad? Khan said. She said, You know what will happen. I will sob. Would any mother be able to utter a word under those circumstances?

Khan also said that he is now turning his attention to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), appealing to them to repudiate what he considers to be Trumps divisive rhetoric. He said the matter of Trumps candidacy has become a moral issue beyond policy or political disagreement.

I am saying to them that this is your moral duty  and history will judge you . . . This will be a burden on their conscience for the rest of their lives, Khan said near midnight Saturday.

Speaking of Trumps proposed suspension of Muslim immigration, Khan said that the candidate is simply pandering for votes.

This is my country too," he said, adding that Trump lacks understanding, that most Muslims are victims of terrorism, not perpetrators  and they condemn it. He lacks awareness of these issues. He doesnt realize there are patriotic Muslim Americans in this country willing to lay their lives for this country. We are a testament to that.

Khan said since his speech Thursday, hes received a unexpected flood of emails from judges, lawyers and others around the country who he thinks have become emboldened since his appearance.

What has caused this stir is how those words have strengthened the hearts of people, he said. These are scholars, very prominent judges, prominent lawyers  one said very clearly: I have never voted Democrat. I will vote Democrat this year. I want you to know that somehow you have touched my heart.

Copyright: Washginton Post
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First a heatwave hit Siberia. Then came the anthrax.

Temperatures have soared in western Russias Yamal tundra this summer. Across Siberia, some provinces warmed an additional 10 degrees Fahrenheit beyond normal. In the fields, large bubbles of vegetation appeared above the melting permafrost  strange pockets of methane or, more likely, water. Record fires blazed through dry Russian grassland.

In one of the more unusual symptoms of unseasonable warmth, long-dormant bacteria appear to be active. For the first time since 1941, anthrax struck western Siberia. Thirteen Yamal nomads were hospitalized, including four children, the Siberian Times reported. The bacteria took an even worse toll on wildlife, claiming some 1,500 reindeer since Sunday.

According to NBC News, the outbreak is thought to stem from a reindeer carcass that died in the plague 75 years ago. As the old flesh thawed, the bacteria once again became active. The disease tore through the reindeer herds, prompting the relocation of dozens of the indigenous Nenet community. Herders face a quarantine that may last until September.

The governor, Dmitry Kobylkin, declared a state of emergency. On Tuesday, Kobylkin said all measures had been taken to isolate the area, according to AP. Now the most important thing is the safety and health of our fellow countrymen  the reindeer herders and specialists involved in the quarantine.

Anthrax has broken out in Russia several times, including one outbreak stemming from a 1979 accident at a military facility. To the south of Yamal, anthrax may rarely appear when infection spreads from cattle; a man died from such exposure in 2012, the Siberian Times reported.

Zombie bacteria that awaken from old corpses might sound like the stuff of an X-Files episode. The premise is far from a complete fiction, however.

For one, anthrax bacteria are hardy microbe. As University of Missouri bacteriologist George Stewart told the Missourian in 2014, the organisms turn into spores in the cold. They play the long game, waiting in the soil for the temperatures to rise. Once it hits a certain threshold, they morph back into a more mobile, infectious state.

In Missouri, anthrax tends to be more worrisome for farmers than for consumers. Its more of a threat if youre a cow, Stewart told the Missourian. Cows are killed by anthrax when they pick up the spores when theyre grazing in grass or drinking water out of ponds, and that sort of thing.

In Russias north, however, the situation is different. If the link between an old deer corpse and a new outbreak is confirmed, it will solidify concerns about anthrax some scientists have harbored for years. In 2011, two researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences writing in the journal Global Health Action assessed the conditions required for anthrax to appear in Yakutia, a region to the east of Yamal that contains 200 burial grounds of cattle that died from the disease.

Citing earlier work from 2007, they estimated anthrax spores remain viable in the permafrost for 105 years. Buried deeper, the bacteria may be able to hibernate for even longer. At the same time, where meteorological data were available they indicate temperatures in Yakutia are increasing.

As a consequence of permafrost melting, the vectors of deadly infections of the 18th and 19th centuries may come back, the scientists warned, especially near the cemeteries where the victims of these infections were buried. Cattle grave sites should be monitored, they concluded, and public health authorities should maintain permanent alertness.

Anthrax microbes are not the only permafrost bacteria that have environmental scientists hackles raised. As University of Florida geologist Thomas S. Bianchi wrote at the Conversation in October, as the Arctic warms up it provides more organic matter for cold-climate bacteria to eat. Although the organic matter is ancient, it appears modern bacteria can still digest it. And as they consume the permafrost, the microorganisms excrete carbon dioxide  adding to the greenhouse gases already present in the atmosphere.

Copyright: Washington Post
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A man has killed his two sisters on the eve of their weddings because they had chosen their own husbands, in the latest case of so-called honour killings" in Pakistan.

Nazir Hussain, 35, from the countrys central Punjab province, shot dead 22-year-old Kosar and 28-year-old Gulzar Bibi on Friday, as they prepared to marry men they had chosen themselves.

Hussain had objected to the marriages, wanting the women to marry within the extended family instead, senior police officer Mehar Riaz told AFP on Saturday.

He is now on the run and a police search is currently underway.

The brother shot dead both the sisters yesterday and fled the site, the officer said. It is a simple case of killing for honour.

Atta Mohammed, the father of the family, said Hussain had destroyed everything.

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

He ruined my family, he destroyed us, he destroyed everything, said Mr Mohammed, the Express Tribune reports.

The murders took place two weeks after the 26-year-old Pakistani social media star Qandeel Balocj was drugged and then strangled to death by her brother Waseem in the Punjab province.

Hours after murdering his sister on 15 July, Waseem told reporters: I am proud of what I did [] Girls are born to stay at home and follow traditions. My sister never did that.

"Honour killings" are an acute problem in Pakistan. Last year, three people a day were killed in "honour" crimes in the country: a total of 1,096 women and 88 men, according to the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.

In 2014, the number was 1,005 women, including 82 children, up from 869 women killed a year earlier. The true numbers are believed to be higher, with many cases going unreported, activists say.

Some human rights and women's rights activists believe "honour killings" have been inching up and showing greater brutality as the older generation tries to dig in against creeping change.

Pakistans interior law minister announced earlier this month that bills aimed at tackling honour killings and boosting rape convictions will be voted on by parliament, following mounting pressure to tackle the crime, the Express Tribune reports.
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The UK Government has previously fund the police force who have detained an elderly British journalist without charge in Bangladesh, a charity has claimed.

Dual British-Bangladeshi citizen Shafik Rehman, 81, was arrested on 16 April after being accused of plotting to kidnap and kill the prime ministers son.

The editor of Bangladeshi magazine Mouchake Dhil, who is diabetic and has a stent in his artery, has been held without charge ever since and his family claimed in May that he had been held in solitary confinement and denied medical care while in prison.

Since his arrest the police have missed multiple deadlines to present evidence to the court, and he was briefly hospitalised.

His son, Shumit Rehman, told The Independent that he has since been moved to a better part of the prison, is allowed food from home and has been promised a bail hearing at the end of August - but the family is not holding their breath.

Mr Rehman is the third pro-opposition journalist to have been arrested in the country since 2013 as it continues to crack down on free speech.

Reprieve said Mr Rehman, who lives in the UK six months a year, was arrested when officers from Bangladeshs Detective Branch entered his Bangladesh home without a warrant while posing as film crew.

He has been accused of sedition, a crime which carries the death penalty.

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

Now it has emerged that the UKs own Department for International Development (Dfid) contributed 10m to a five-year UN scheme to train the Bangladesh police, according to legal charity Reprieve.

A spokeswoman for Dfid told The Independent said it the money was used for a programme to improve the way police used evidence to investigate crimes involving the poor - especially women and girls - and there was no evidence it was used improperly.

She added that they had stopped funding the programme at the end of 2015 - just four months before Mr Rehmans arrest.

She said: No Dfid money is going to the Bangladesh Police and it is wrong to suggest that Dfid funding contributes to human rights violations.

Recommended Read more Growing concerns for elderly Bangladeshi journalist in prison

The UK Government is committed to protecting human rights and holding to account those responsible for the worst violations and abuses.

But Reprieve said Dfid had admitted last year that it had concerns about the Polices lack of operational independence from the government in power.

Maya Foa, director of Reprieves death penalty team, said: Britain must demand answers from Bangladesh about whether UK aid has contributed in any way to the arrest of journalists like Shafik Rehman.

Months on from Mr Rehmans arrest, the Detective Branch has failed to make any case against him  meanwhile, his family in Britain are desperately worried that he could face the death penalty if charged, or that his health will fail in detention.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has cracked down on free speech after coming under pressure for her handling of increased terrorism (AFP/Prime Minister's Office) (AFP)

The ruling government under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has come under increasing pressure as Islamist terror groups step up the number of attacks on the country - and its secular bloggers in particular.

An Isis siege at a Dhaka cafe killed at least 22 people earlier this month and one of the survivors, a British-Bangladeshi man called Hasnat Karim, was also arrested and imprisoned without charge shortly after the ordeal.

In 2015, there were a spate of brutal murders of secular bloggers by Islamist extremists who appeared to go unpunished despite secularism being enshrined in the Bangladeshi constitution.
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The Armenian security service has said all 20 gunmen remaining inside a police compound in the capital have surrendered, ending a two-week standoff.

A group of 31 men seized the building in Yerevan on 17 July, demanding the release of Jirair Sefilian, an opposition leader and former military commander, who was arrested in June.

Sefilian has strongly criticised Armenia's President Serzh Sargsyan and is unhappy about the way the government has been handling a long-running conflict between pro-Armenian separatists and the breakaway Azeri region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The group had lambasted the government of the former Soviet republic and urged people to protest to force the president and the prime minister to step down.

Varuzhan Avetisyan, the leader of the gunmen barricaded inside the police compound, told local media they decided to surrender after security forces used armed vehicles to enter the compound.

Opposition supporters march along the streets to the Erebuni police station seized by gunmen on Friday (AFP)

He also said that police shooting at gunmen who ventured outside was a further factor. Most were hit in the leg, he said, but one man was hit in the chest on Sunday.

All those inside the police station have now been detained, according to reports.

The standoff, involving armed members of the radical group, has left two police officers dead and several wounded on both sides.

A police officer was shot dead from inside the police station on Saturday, after police issued a deadline for the group to surrender.

Several thousand people also joined night rallies in the capital supporting the gunmen, some of which involved clashes with police.

Police issued an ultimatum to the group to surrender following violent clashes between police and protestors on Friday night.

At least 60 people were injured and more than 100 arrests were reported on Friday. Three gunmen were also wounded, after they were allegedly shot by police snipers.

In recent days, four members of the group had surrendered, including two earlier on Sunday, and at least seven were wounded.

The gunmen had held four police officers hostage for a week before releasing them unharmed. They later seized four members of an ambulance crew, but the last two were allowed to leave on Saturday.

Additional reporting by agencies
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France should build its own Guantanamo Bay-style prison for terror suspects, the man overseeing the government's response to the Paris attacks of 2015 has said.

George Fenech, the chairman of the French parliamentary investigative commission on terrorism, has proposed the construction of a "Guantanamo a la francaise", according to Le Figaro.

He warned the government should expect a tidal wave of people currently fighting in Iraq and Syria to return to France due to the decline of Isis territorial standing.

Shaker Aamer: Guantanamo's last British detainee Show all 10 1 /10 Shaker Aamer: Guantanamo's last British detainee Shaker Aamer: Guantanamo's last British detainee 332063.bin AP Shaker Aamer: Guantanamo's last British detainee 332066.bin DAVID SANDISON Shaker Aamer: Guantanamo's last British detainee 332062.bin REUTERS Shaker Aamer: Guantanamo's last British detainee 332053.bin AP; PA Shaker Aamer: Guantanamo's last British detainee 332054.bin AP Shaker Aamer: Guantanamo's last British detainee 332055.bin REUTERS Shaker Aamer: Guantanamo's last British detainee 332056.bin REUTERS Shaker Aamer: Guantanamo's last British detainee 332057.bin PA Shaker Aamer: Guantanamo's last British detainee 332058.bin DAVID SANDISON Shaker Aamer: Guantanamo's last British detainee 332059.bin DAVID SANDISON

Mr Fenech claims a detention centre would be an effective option for incarcerating radicalised people.

According to a speech delivered by French Prime Minister Manuel Valls earlier in July, a total of 2,147 French nationals had travelled to fight in Syria and Iraq. He said more than 1,000 were still abroad.

He highlighted 203 Islamist extremists who he said were in the process of returning to France.

Mr Fenech belongs to Les Republicains, the right-wing party of ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy.

His call for the construction of a Guantanamo-style prison complements a number of schemes proposed by other far-right lawmakers.

Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, who also belongs to Les Republicains, has suggested banning Salafism, the ultra-conservative, fundamentalist form of Sunni Islam.

Meanwhile, Marie-Christine Arnautu of Front National has called for the reintroduction of the death penalty.

Le Pen's legacy: bitter battle for future of the French far right Show all 3 1 /3 Le Pen's legacy: bitter battle for future of the French far right Le Pen's legacy: bitter battle for future of the French far right 506411.bin Le Pen's legacy: bitter battle for future of the French far right 506506.bin REUTERS Le Pen's legacy: bitter battle for future of the French far right 506507.bin

Mr Fenech believes an ideal location for the new detention centre would be Ile de Re, an island off the coast of La Rochelle.

Ile de Re is already home to a dilapidated prison in the town of Saint-Martin de Re, which Mr Fenech believes could be renovated and turned into the new prison.

The detention centre at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba was built to house people accused of terrorism after the 9/11 attacks, which killed almost 3,000 people.

Seven French nationals were held in Guantanamo Bay, but they were all released by 2005.

Commenting on Mr Fenechs proposal, French President President Francois Hollande added: "Opening up retention centres that are outside the law is not France."

 France boosts regional security after ISIL-claimed church attack

The continued use of Guantanamo Bay by the US Government has attracted continued criticism from human rights groups. In February, US President Barack Obama reiterated his hope that the facility be closed.
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Turkish president Recep Erdogan has ordered that at least 131 media outlets suspected of inciting or sympathizing with this month's failed military coup be permanently shut down.

That includes three news agencies, 16 TV channels, 23 radio stations, 45 daily newspapers, 15 magazines, and 29 publishing houses, according to Al Jazeera.

Erdogan's post-coup purges have targeted at least 50,000 people  including soldiers, police, civil servants, and academics  suspected of inciting or sympathizing with the military uprising. At least 15,000 have been detained so far.

Journalists  long a favorite target of Erdogan's  have also been hastily targeted in the post-coup crackdown. As of Thursday, 42 journalists had been detained, according to Turkish analyst and journalist Mahir Zeynalov.

Zeynalov has been sharing photos on Twitter of the journalists as they are hauled away by Turkish police.

These are just a few of them:

The massive purges have given many analysts reason to believe that Erdogan  who called the failed coup a gift from God  is using the incident as an excuse to rid society of those who oppose his rule.

In the wake of roughly 14 terrorist attacks on Turkish soil in just over a year, Erdogan has attempted to significantly expand his presidential powers and quell dissent.

The US generally tries to avoid criticizing Turkey, which has the second-largest military in NATO and is a crucial ally in the fight against ISIS. President Barack Obama has expressed concern in the past about Erdogan's repressive tendencies, however.

I've said to President Erdogan to remind him that he came into office with a promise of democracy, Obama said during a press conference at the end of the Nuclear Security Summit in April.

And Turkey has historically been a country in which deep Islamic faith has lived side by side with modernity and an increasing openness. That's the legacy that he should pursue rather than a strategy that involves repression of information and shutting down democratic debate.

The US quickly condemned the attempted overthrow of Erdogan's government on July 15, however, and called on all parties in Turkey to support the democratically elected Turkish government.

In any case, the coup attempt  and the mass purges that have followed  presents a dilemma to the United States and European governments, Richard N. Haass, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations, told The New York Times shortly after the uprising was put down.

Do you support a nondemocratic coup, or an increasingly nondemocratic leader?

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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Two men have been placed under formal investigation in connection with the killing of an elderly priest in a church in France, including a cousin of one of the attackers.

Adel Kermiche, 19, along with Abdel Malik Petitjean, also 19, took six people hostage at a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, near Rouen in Normandy, before slitting the throat of its 86-year-old priest, Father Jacques Hamel, during a morning mass at around 10am local time on Tuesday.

Both Kermiche and Petitjean were later shot dead by police.

Following the attack, Isis claimed responsibility calling the pair of attackers soldiers of the Islamic State. Isis Amaq propaganda agency later released video footage of the French attackers pledging allegiance to the terror group.

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

Farid K, 30, a cousin of Petitjean, has been arrested on suspicion of terrorist association, the BBC reports.

A 20-year-old man, named as Jean-Philippe Steven J, is under formal investigation for attempting to travel with Petitjean to Syria in June.

The two men were arrested on Sunday and are being held in custody, the Paris prosecutors office has reportedly said.

Muslims in France and Italy flocked to Mass on Sunday in a gesture of interfaith solidarity following the attack.

French television broadcast scenes of interfaith solidarity across France and there were similar scenes in Italy.

France and Italy are both increasing their supervision of mosques after Tuesday's attack and the 14 July atrocity in Nice, when a Tunisian man killed 84 people and injured 300 more when he ploughed a lorry into crowds celebrating Bastille Day.

The French government has come under increasing criticism for failing to prevent atrocities.

Security services were tipped off that Petitjean was planning an attack but police were reportedly unable to identify him from photos and video footage. He was already on countrys fiche S terror watchlist for attempting to travel to Syria in June.

Kermiche was also known to security services and was wearing an electronic surveillance tag while on bail as he awaited trial for membership of a terror organisation at the time.
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An Afghan cleric has defended his marriage to a six-year-old girl, saying she was a religious offering to him.

Mohammad Karim, who is believed to be in his sixties, was arrested after marrying the girl. He has told officials that he had been given the girl as a religious offering by her parents, Agence France-Presse reports.

However, her parents reportedly claim she was abducted without their consent from the Herat province.

 Social experiment reveals people's reactions to seeing a child bride

He is being held by authorities in the central Ghor province, while investigations are underway.

Head of the Women Affairs Department in Ghor, Masoom Anwari, said: This girl does not speak, but only repeats one thing: I am afraid of this man.

The legal age for marriage in Afghanistan is 16 for women and 18 for men. However, child marriages continue to be common, particularly in rural areas.

According to Afghan Ministry of Public Health research, among women aged 25-49 in Afghanistan, 53 per cent were married before the age of 18.

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

It is believed child marriage is partly responsible for the countrys unusually high maternal death rates, as young girls can die in childbirth if their bodies are not sufficiently developed to withstand labour. According to Human Rights Watch: Child marriages expose girls to early pregnancy and childbirth, which entail significant risk of damaging consequences for girls and their children.

Women and girls in rural areas who do not have access to timely emergency obstetrics services are at particular risk of developing fistula a hole in a woman or girls birth canal caused by labour that is prolonged.
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Fears are growing that a man on death row in Saudi Arabia may be imminently executed for crimes he committed while still a teenager.

Concerns have been raised for Ali al-Nimr, who was sentenced to death in 2012 after he was found guilty of anti-government activity at the age of 17.

He claims he was tortured into making his confession and was charged alongside two other juveniles with throwing explosives at police, buying and distributing water for protestors and explaining how to give first aid to protestors.

He denies taking part in any violent activity. He was sentenced to death, despite international human rights legislation which stipulates that people should not receive the death penalty for crimes committed before they turn 18.

Concerns have been raised as Mr al-Nimrs name and case have been cited on a Twitter account under the handle @KSA24' which has 2.5 million followers and has been linked to the Saudi government. In previous cases, such action has indicated an individual was about to be executed.

The Saudi government does not announce executions publicly, prompting speculation that the Twitter account may be run by a government employee or someone else with insider knowledge on the cases.

The account has previously accurately identified the death of Mr al-Nimrs uncle, Sheikh Nimr, who was executed after also being convicted of crimes against the state. It said that Sheikh Nimr's family were spending their last days with him, shortly before his execution was revealed.

Ali Adubisi, director of the European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights in Berlin, told International Business Times: The account @KSA24 has shown renewed interest in young protester Ali Al-Nimr case, based on past accuracy of tweets from this account regarding Sheikh Nimr, this is a worrying signal.

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office told The Independent they are aware of Mr al-Nimrs case and are advocating with the Saudi government on his behalf. They said: The governments position is clear, and understood by Saudi Arabia: we oppose the death penalty in all circumstances and in all countries.

We regularly raise the case of Ali al-Nimr, and the two others who were juveniles when they committed the crimes of which they have been convicted, including during the former Foreign Secretarys most recent visit to Saudi Arabia.

"We expect that they will not be executed. Nevertheless, we continue to raise these cases with the Saudi authorities.

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

Saudi Arabia has executed 108 people thus far in 2016. These include 47 people who were convicted of murder, 13 who were drug smugglers and one who was convicted of rape, according to Human Rights Watch.

Last year, the country executed 158 people for various criminal offences and concerns have been raised that the total number of people executed this year could exceed this.
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Q In July we were booked on a two-week self-catering family holiday in Portugal via Lowcostholidays. But the easyJet flight was cancelled because of a strike by French air-traffic controllers. The airline did not have an alternative flight for several days. As my wife and daughter had fixed holidays from work we were desperate to resolve this problem and made several attempts to contact Lowcostholidays for assistance that evening  finally making contact with an overseas adviser who told us to contact the main number from 9am the following day.

To ensure that we could still have our holiday we booked a separate package with Monarch, which enabled us to be back in time for my wife and daughter to return to work.

When we contacted Lowcostholidays the following day they advised that the accommodation element could not be refunded as they had to honour their contract with the supplier. They suggested we claim via easyJet or our insurers and provided an email confirmation that the cost of the accommodation and private transfers would not be refunded.

Who, if anybody, should I approach for recompense for the cancellation of the flight, accommodation, transfers and parking  easyJet, our insurers or my credit card company?

FW

A Your case might appear to be especially complicated because Lowcostholidays has gone bust in the past couple of weeks, but in fact I dont think that dimension is relevant.

When you chose to book separate elements of your trip through this online travel agent, you took the risk of exactly the issue that has unfortunately affected you: the hotel room and transfers are available as booked, but the flight is not.

I cannot see that you have a claim with your credit card company  again because the only element of your trip that failed, from a legal point of view, was the flight, and you should get a refund for that part.

I can see only two possible options, neither of them particularly favourable. When easyJet cancelled your flight because of the air-traffic controllers strike, it should have offered alternatives on other airlines as the law insists. If you can demonstrate that you were misled by the firm you may be able to claim from it.

Alternatively, if you have a really good insurance policy that covers the intricacies of bookings through online travel agents, then your loss should be mitigated. But I fear that neither course of action is likely to produce results. If that is the case, all I can suggest is that you stick to proper package holidays in future. Then, if your flight is grounded, the company either has to find an alternative swiftly to rescue the holiday, or give you a refund for the full cost of the trip.

Every day, our travel correspondent, Simon Calder, tackles a readers question. Just email yours to s@hols.tv or tweet@simoncalder
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As the virus spreads to Florida, this is what you need to know about the risks for travellers - and the options for people who decide to cancel their trips

What is Zika, and what dangers can it pose?

Zika is a mosquito-borne infection caused by Zika virus. It is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is present in hot, humid locations. The infection was first identified in the Zika forest in Uganda in 1947. Sporadic outbreaks have occured since then. Since 2015 a large outbreak has been occurring in the Caribbean, Latin America, the Pacific, some parts of Asia and now the US state of Florida. On 1 August 2016, Governor Rick Scott announced another 10 locally transmitted cases of Zika in the state's largest city, Miami.

Only about one in five people who are infected with Zika virus develop symptoms, which include a fever, a rash and aching joints. There have also been isolated links with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. But the most serious concern, in terms of numbers and threat, is when the virus is caught by pregnant women. It may cause microcephaly, a condition where a baby is born with an unusually small head. It is a disability that causes life-long problems. That is why the World Health Organization deems Zika a public health emergency of international concern.

The Zika virus - in pictures Show all 5 1 /5 The Zika virus - in pictures The Zika virus - in pictures A three-month-old, who has microcephaly, in Recife, Brazil. A rise in microcephaly cases is thought to have been caused by the spread of the Zika virus in affected countries Getty Images The Zika virus - in pictures A mother holds her baby who has microcephaly Getty Images The Zika virus - in pictures A five-month-old baby, who has microcephaly, in Recife, Brazil Getty Images The Zika virus - in pictures A pediatric infectologist examines a two-month-old baby, who has microcephaly, in Recife, Brazil Getty Images The Zika virus - in pictures A baby affected with microcephaly

For people who are not pregnant and not likely to become pregnant, theres no significant risk - just take precautions to minimise the chance of being bitten. The mosquito bites during the day, and indoors. To avoid mosquito bites, wear long sleeves and long trousers tucked into socks, and use Deet-based insect repellant on exposed skin. Women should avoid becoming pregnant while travelling in, and for eight weeks after leaving an area with active Zika virus transmission.

Q How significant is the Florida outbreak?

Until now the only cases in Florida have involved people who caught the virus elsewhere and brought it back. Miami is the aviation hub for Latin America and the Caribbean, and it was therefore inevitable that there would be such cases. But now there is local transmission - i.e. someone with Zika has been bitten by a mosquito which has then bitten someone else and passed on the virus. State officials say: "Active transmissions of the Zika virus are still only occurring in the one small area in Miami-Dade County, just north of downtown."

Nearly two million visitors from the UK go to Florida each year. I estimate that upwards of 10,000 people a day will be flying to the state in August.

Public Health England has added the US state of Florida to the list of locations where there is a risk of contracting Zika virus by being bitten by a mosquito.

The organisation has rated the risk as moderate (compared with high in Mexico, Brazil and most Caribbean islands), and says Pregnant women should consider postponing non-essential travel to the state. The key word there is "consider"; for high-risk countries, the advice is that pregnant women should definitely postpone travel.

Q What should pregnant women do immediately?

Talk to their GP. He or she should be able to advise based on the plans for the trip and the very latest information from the NHS. For example, someone planning to fly into Orlando or Tampa and then embark on a fly-drive trip to the north of Florida or the rest of the US may be considered to be at negligible risk. But someone booked to spend a fortnight in Miami could well be advised to postpone or cancel their trip.

If the GP says dont go, get a letter explaining his or her recommendation, which you can then show to your travel company and/or travel insurer.

Q What are the travel companies saying?

I asked the three leading tour operators, who sell package holidays, and the two leading scheduled airlines, for their policies for customers who are pregnant and booked to travel to Florida.

The basic policy for each is the same: if you can provide proof that you are pregnant, you and your travelling companion(s) can switch to another destination without the usual charges.

Thomson says: Customers who would like to amend to an alternative holiday offered by Thomson and First Choice, and have a doctors note confirming they have been advised not to travel to the affected areas due to medical reasons, can do so without incurring an amendment fee. This also applies to its subsidiary First Choice.

Thomas Cook says pregnant women and their travelling companions planning to travel to Florida between now and the end of the year can have "free amendments to alternative destinations. Thomas Cooks customer service team is contacting customers due to travel to Florida to advise them of the situation. For women who are planning on getting pregnant and are concerned about a future holiday booking, the firm says they should call so that we can support them appropriately.

Virgin Holidays says: "Customers who are pregnant have the option to amend or cancel their booking free of charge. Passengers in the UK who are due to depart can contact our Customer Service Team on 0344 557 4321 for assistance."

Virgin Atlantic, like its sister company, is offering cancellation as an option. The airline will allow customers who are pregnant to cancel with a full refund, or postpone or change destination free of charge. Customers who are trying for a baby can postpone or change destination (but can't cancel).

British Airways is offering customers the flexibility to rebook to a non-Zika affected destination of their choice".

Anyone who has booked car rental or accommodation separately - i.e. not as part of a package holiday - may not be able to get a refund for these elements, and should contact their travel insurer. The Association of British Insurers says if a doctor tells someone not to travel to a particular destination, then most travel insurance policies will cover cancellation costs that cannot be reclaimed elsewhere. Of course, this is provided that the trip and insurance were bought before the advice changed.

Q What's the advice for couples who are trying to conceive?

They can probably switch destination. For example, Thomas Cook says: All those due to travel who are planning on getting pregnant and are concerned about a future holiday booking should call us so that we can support them appropriately.

Its important also to remember that the UK health authorities are concerned about the possible sexual transmission of Zika, and theres a warning that men who have been in areas where Zika prevails should not have unprotected sex for a couple of months after they return - or longer if they have any symptoms of Zika.

Q What about other parts of the US?

The Aedes aegypti mosquito is abundant in Florida for much of the year. It also exists in a number of other American states, with a concentration in the extreme south-east. But so far there is no indication of any local transmission by mosquito anywhere outside a small area of Miami.
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After five years of conflict, it is hard to imagine that the war in Syria can get any worse. But it can get worse, much worse. On 14 July, President Bashar al-Assads forces captured the high ground overlooking Castello Road, the last major access route to what once was Syrias economic centre and largest city. Three hundred thousand people are now effectively besieged in Aleppo.

A minimal commitment to human rights is absent in Syria as demonstrated by the despicable attack on a maternity ward last Friday. The UN has rightfully described the current situation as both medieval and shameful. Not unlike Rwanda or Srebrenica, there is a real risk that the name Aleppo will become synonymous with the worlds failure to act.

Disaster can only be averted through international pressure. The UN, the International Syria Support Group (ISSG) and other states should be more vocal in calling for the Assad regime to lift the siege. We know that this kind of pressure works. When key countries came together in Munich in February they brought about a ceasefire that largely held for several months, and they obtained humanitarian access for an unprecedented one million Syrians. This is diplomacy in action.

 Syrias war: Confusion over Aleppos humanitarian corridors

Recent talks between the US and Russia are a welcome development. At the same time, it will be crucial to see what can be accomplished for Aleppo. While the continued US-Russian dialogue over Syria is both positive and necessary, an exclusionary international focus on combating terrorist groups such as Isis, Jabhat al-Nusra and others risks playing right in the hands of the Assad regime. At best, an intensified military campaign against Jabhat al-Nusra could encourage the group to split, with more moderate fighters joining other rebel forces. At worst, the military campaign will feed the false narrative being put out by the Assad regime, namely that the root cause of the Syrian conflict is extremism  an assertion that ignores the fact that the regime employs brutal violence against its own people on a daily basis.

To Assad, Isis and Jabhat al-Nusra are strategic assets. These terrorist groups allow Assad to portray himself as the lesser of two evils, urging the world to back him in the fight against terrorism. Such a policy ignores the majority of Syrians, who do not want to be ruled by either Assad or extremist groups. It would also be dangerously short-sighted. As long as Assads brutality is allowed to continue, civilians will suffer; instability will persist, and extremism will continue to flourish.

Global efforts should now be geared towards a two track approach, fighting terror and leveraging a political solution. Humanitarian access, restoration of a ceasefire and resumption of the peace talks in Geneva are first priorities. The international community has committed itself to these goals in UN Security Council resolutions. For political talks to succeed, compromises have to be made by all sides without exception. The continuation of talks depends on whether sufficient international pressure can be brought to bear on the warring parties to implement the UN resolutions in practice.

Aleppo bears the brunt in another day of carnage and defiance Show all 3 1 /3 Aleppo bears the brunt in another day of carnage and defiance Aleppo bears the brunt in another day of carnage and defiance IA11-4-Syria-main.jpg EPA Aleppo bears the brunt in another day of carnage and defiance IA11-4-Syria.jpg AP Aleppo bears the brunt in another day of carnage and defiance IA11-4-syria-3.jpg AP

To avert starvation and the deaths of thousands more of Aleppos citizens, the UN humanitarian agency has proposed opening regular 48-hour humanitarian corridors. These corridors would allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and should not be blocked by the Security Council. Humanitarian aid should be beyond dispute and delivered to all regardless of whether they flee the city or decide to stay. Access to the most essential aid is the lowest common denominator, a starting point. As we move ahead, we owe it to the citizens of Aleppo to ensure that any agreement is led and facilitated by a neutral third party, like the UN. It should be clear that the 300,000 people in this city cannot be left to the Assad regime and its supporters. That is a legacy we cannot afford.

Bert Koenders is Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. The Netherlands is a member of the International Syria Support Group
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You don't have to be a Sinophobe, or indeed a Francophobe, to wonder whether the Hinkley Point nuclear power project is entirely in the British national interest. The new prime minister wants a fresh look at it, and that is entirely wise. This is a commitment that will still be operating when babies born now will be approaching their retirement. It makes assumptions that may look realistic in today's world, but not tomorrow's.

China's general outlook on the world is peaceful and friendly: but it is certainly jealous of its special position as an east Asian superpower, and the extravagant territorial claims it makes in the South China Sea are a direct challenge to her neighbours, and their ally, the United States. China also has an ambivalent relationship with the semi-sane regime in North Korea. As an international partner, China has few, if any, direct quarrels with Britain, even over Hong Kong, but its emergence as a military as well as industrial force means that we should be cautious about the extent of our co-operation. A half a century is a long way to look ahead, and Theresa May is right to want to assess thoroughly whether British security interests could be, one day, compromised by the Hinkley deal, and the other nuclear projects that have been suggested may follow it.

Against that is our need to maintain close cooperation with the second largest economy in the world. It could be that we could go ahead in partnership with the Chinese, but raise more of the money by issuing UK bonds, for example; or require more of the technical expertise to be based in Britain.

Theresa May would also be well advised to look at the economics of nuclear power, and whether such a huge and expensive project with a guaranteed price double the current rates is really the best way to spend 18bn.

If the voting on the French EDF company board is anything to go by, this is one deal that could be bad for the British and the French parties. The price of the electricity to the UK consumer and business could be too high, and yet also not high enough to generate much, if any, profit for EDF. Such are the vagaries of the economics of nuclear power, and that is leaving aside safety and environmental concerns in an age of terror.

Ironically, perhaps, the argument the Government relies on for the UK having an independent nuclear deterrent  that the world is an uncertain place and we cannot know what threats will emerge in decades to come  applies equally well to this civil nuclear project. We cannot know how our relations with China will evolve. We cannot know where energy prices will go, how renewables technology will evolve or much else. The chances are that UK-Chinese relations will be overwhelmingly warm and positive, but we would be wise not to be over-reliant on anyone to keep our lights on.
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Fossil fuels. Polluting, dirty and soon to be scarce substances. They have been edged out into the gloomy shadows as Britain starts to adopt a new approach to energy. There is one problem though. Which energy source should the consumer put their hard-earned money into paying for?

For me, nuclear energy is the answer. Hinkley Point C on the other hand, is not. The idea of French and Chinese influence over vital British infrastructure concerns me. It is imperative that we have full control. Our respective countries have varying interests which may clash at some point. And if anything, Brexit has made that prospect more likely.

Britain needs nuclear energy but it needs smaller projects, run by British energy companies (funded by the government), which are spread out over the country. Thousands of jobs will be created evenly throughout the UK and prices for consumers are likely to be less than what they would be with Hinkley due to the cost of these individual projects being a lot smaller. Most importantly though, the government would be in control.

Lewis Chinchen

Sheffield

Brexit has provided us with opportunities

I strongly disagree with Paul Warren (Letters 31st July - Brexit doesnt make me proud to be British) when he writes that as a true Englishman I am diminished by the Referendum result. Well, Id claim to be as true an Englishman as he but whilst I too voted Remain and was in shock for days after the result I've since been greatly heartened by the political developments that have followed and the rapid installation of a fresh administration.

Moreover, in my small way I'm personally aware of a new, optimistic mood amongst many people who want to get on with things and quickly be free of the inhibiting bureaucracy that they perceive as characterising daily life and which, in their view, always puts Britains interests last. For many the Leave result is as if a cloud has lifted to reveal blue skies. They have rediscovered their national pride and such optimism is infectious and probably worth millions in increased productivity from a more positive attitude.

Inevitably, for years, there will tricky business and political realignments. People who were happy in the labyrinth of EU procedures and prospered from EU grants or regulations will loudly bleat their despair. Others will just seize upon the opportunities that change always brings.

But heres the thing. We are leaving the EU, not Europe. Do we really need to negotiate our exit with that great circumlocutory office in Brussels? Why should the UK, as an independent country, bother to talk tediously with a professional bureaucracy when we could speak directly to other national governments and the interests of their citizens? If countries want to sell to our 64 million people and benefit from our tourist money then surely theyd be better talking directly to us. EU bypass anyone?

Alan Gwyer

Basingstoke

I have lost my pride in Britain

Paul Warrens letter (30th July) perfectly describes my feelings post Brexit. Everything that made me proud to be British seems to have been taken away but there is nowhere to escape to.

Valerie Morgan

Leigh Sea

We need to distribute the power in this country more equally

Jasdeep Bhalla (Voices, 30 July) must be right to identify geographical inequalities as the source of our current woes, and the redistribution of wealth and power away from London as the solution.

Nothing less than the re-imagining of England is required, game-changing transformation is already afoot in the rest of the UK. As Jasdeep suggests, Parliament out of London, HS2 North to South, and Enterprise Zones are excellent ways forward.

But how to break through the political inertia, and give the debate some traction? One hope is the chaotic Labour Party. Owen Smith is likely to lose the leadership contest and the greater part of the Parliamentary group will probably split from Mr Corbyn and his new grassroots, who have turned themselves into a seminar without end.

At that moment the breakaway MPs are free to become the politicians they ought to be. Free to think the thoughts that should have been thought long ago.

Owen Smith is already bringing forward courageous ideas. In due course he and his colleagues may be open to even more radical ones. Jasdeep should stand ready to bend their ears, and the ears of their advisers and constituents!

John Gemmell

Birmingham

The Government has decimated our core industries

There are times when I really despair when considering past actions of the governments of this country as one by one they have sold, or decimated, the industries that made us great.

Thinking back to my time as a young boy we had great industries that built ocean liners, cars, locomotives, produced steel that manufactured products that put Sheffield on the world map and led the world in nuclear power. Today, as a French Minister said recently, The British build nothing.

The Government is closing all coal power stations because of global warming, while the Chinese are building one new one every week. One way and another the government has devastated one of the best railway systems in the world. The result of their past actions are obvious to all, especially the commuters in the south-east.

A once thriving film industry no longer exists as a result of government actions. While other countries do all they are able to support their various industries, ours are hindered by crippling tax regulations.

Where are the politicians who care more about the country than their fear of losing their seat at the next election?

What will they do when they have sold what remains of our manufacturing industries? Probably visit the Tower of London and auction the Crown Jewels!

Colin Bower

Sherwood

Fly to avoid the chaos at Dover

In her latest column, Janet Street-Porter informed us that last she did the smart thing and took the Eurostar and TGV from Ashford to Turin.

Surely the smart thing to do would be spend lot less money and time and fly?

Mark Mullins

Worthing
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Happy birthday, Malia Obama.

She has not even been 18 for one month and the media sensation around her - as a woman, with - gasp - the body of a woman - is in full swing.

Having graduated high school, the presidents daughter will no longer enjoy that protective wall of "childhood" which does a relatively good job at keeping the media at bay.

Recommended Read more Malia Obama to attend Harvard in 2017 after taking a gap year

Much like other candidates daughters before her, including Chelsea Clinton, she is in for a rude awakening as she becomes fair game in the eyes of the public.

There are more than 17 million Google search results for Malia, and around half that number for her 15-year-old sister Sasha.

A video of her dancing - some are calling it twerking - is already going viral. She chose to attend the Lollapalooza in Chicago, instead of going to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, like any young adult would.

In the video, girls in the crowd are screaming their appreciation as Malia smiles and dances along. They are delighted that she, the presidents daughter, is just like them. This is the same girl who prompts a reported White House "security probe" when she takes a selfie.

 Obama lays into Trump during Democratic Convention speech

But the decision to skip the convention has caused upset among conservatives, and will no doubt give most media outlets a reason to zero in on those dance moves.

The notion that a young woman can enjoy herself at a festival! And the audacity that the presidents daughter can act so care-free while her parents are giving moving speeches about her and her sister Sasha at the Democratic National Convention!

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

This is not the first time she had gone to the festival. Nevertheless, the New York Post, along with many other publications, has gone berserk. ABC was harassing a teenage boy about whether they could use his pictures of her at the concert with the Secret Service in tow within minutes of him uploading it.

Its wrong. The obsession with Malia Obama, from what she wears, to her 18th birthday party and her internship with Lena Dunham last summer, is being fueled by misogyny and bigotry, by people who believe young women should act in a certain way.

Perhaps, if she's going to dance, it should be more of an awkward shuffle? If she's going to dress up, surely it should be a buttoned-up cardigan and jeans, and God forbid she show her midriff.

While she was letting her hair down, her mother was telling the story of how her two daughters have grown up in the White House.

"I also told you about our daughters, how they are the heart of our hearts, the center of our world," said Michelle Obama. "And during our time in the White House, weve had the joy of watching them grow from bubbly little girls into poised young women, a journey that started soon after we arrived in Washington."

With only six months left in Washington DC, it will not be long before Malia and her sister are freed from personal bodyguards and bullet-proof cars. She will have a gap year and go on to Harvard University, and hopefully continue to retain some semblance of a normal life.

But the media scrutiny of Malia, what she says, how much skin she shows and how she dances, is not going away any time soon.
Gardai said three masked men broke into the pensioner's home in Swords, Co Dublin, on Friday morning

A man in his 80s has been beaten in a burglary at his home.

Gardai said three masked men broke into the pensioner's home on Kettle's Lane, Swords, Co Dublin, between 3am and 4am on Friday.

The gang demanded money and assaulted the man who was treated in Beaumont Hospital.

In their appeal for information, gardai said the burglars wore dark clothes and balaclavas and two of them spoke with Dublin accents.

They stole a small amount of cash.

Any witnesses or anyone with information about the aggravated burglary is asked to contact officers in Malahide or use the Garda Confidential Line or call any Garda station.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE: Protesters march at Bridgwater, Somerset, over plans to invest 18 billion in the nuclear power station at Hinkley Point. Photo: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

senior Government officials have raised serious concerns over the impact Brexit will have on Ireland and Britain's nuclear power agreements, the Sunday Independent can reveal.

A risk assessment compiled by the Department of the Environment in the wake of the Brexit referendum warns of a "high operational risk" to arrangements Ireland has with the UK on nuclear policy.

The briefing document says environmental assessments and mandatory consultation processes "may prove more difficult" to enforce when Britain leaves the European Union (EU).

Ireland has bilateral agreements with Britain which entitle the government to information on the UK's nuclear programme.

The UK will no longer be tied down by strict EU laws which underpin these agreements once it officially leaves the union.

Documents released following a Freedom of Information request reveal high-ranking civil servants fear information exchanges will be under threat once Britain leaves the EU.

Concerns were first raised two years ago in a risk assessment compiled by the Department of the Environment for the Taoiseach's Office.

"There could be some issues for Ireland in the event of a change in the current EU/UK relationship in the area of nuclear policy," the report said.

The briefing document noted "good progress" has been made in recent years in the area of information exchanges relating to Sellafield - the controversial nuclear power plant in the north west of England.

"By and large this has been done outside of our common membership of the EU but undoubtedly the common membership has been a factor," the report added.

The report also raised concerns over the impact of Britain's plans to build more nuclear power plants. The UK was recently given the green light to build two new power plants after years of negotiations with other EU member states.

However, the British government last week decided to pull back from a 21bn deal to begin construction on the first nuclear power plant to be built in Britain for more than 20 years.

The Hinkley Point power station in Somerset was to be built in conjunction with France's state-owned energy company EDF and the Chinese government. But the new Conservative government decided to review the project.

Britain has 15 nuclear reactors which provide more than 18pc of the country's energy.

There have always been concerns in Ireland over Britain's use of nuclear energy as we do not have nuclear power plants in this country.

The Sellafield site's close proximity to the Irish Sea has proven controversial in the past.

However, a 2012 report compiled on behalf of the Irish government by international experts said a leak at the plant would give rise to "no observable health effects in Ireland".

A review carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency also examined the potential radiological impacts on Ireland from the construction of new nuclear power plants in the UK, including the Hinkley Point project.

This assessment considered both routine operations and a range of possible accident scenarios at the plants.

The report, published in May 2013, concluded that the routine operation of the proposed nuclear power plants will have "no measurable radiological impact on Ireland or the Irish marine environment".

There is currently confusion over which Government department oversees Ireland's interest in the UK's nuclear energy programmes.

Simon Coveney's Department of Housing Planning and Local Government was responsible for the environment before his appointment.

However, issues relating to the environment have now been moved to Denis Naughten's Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
Noreen McManus, wife of JP, has applied to demolish a bungalow to the rear of her Ailesbury Road home and replace it with a two-storey dwelling

Noreen McManus, the wife of the wealthy businessman and racehorse owner JP, is looking to extend the reach of her palatial home in the heart of Dublin's embassy belt.

Records held at Dublin City Council's planning department show that Mrs McManus's architects, de Blacam and Meagher, submitted an application on June 30 to demolish an 861 sq ft single-storey bungalow to the rear of her 16,000 sq ft Ailesbury Road mansion, and replace it with a 2,152 sq ft two-storey dwelling which, upon completion, would be ancillary to the main house.

A further inspection of the planning files shows that council planners issued a social housing exemption certificate for the proposed development at 14A and 16A Ailesbury Road on July 19.

Mrs McManus acquired the main house - Nos 22-24 Ailesbury Road - the former home of developer Bernard McNamara, towards the end of 2011 for 10m. While the figure represented a 2.5m reduction on the 12.5m which had been sought by selling agents Sherry FitzGerald, the fact that no mortgage was recorded at the Registry of Deeds suggests that it was purchased outright for cash.

The original house at 22 Ailesbury Road had been home to the Japanese embassy in the late 1990s before it was purchased along with the neighbouring No 24 by McNamara. Having demolished No 22, he retained architect Brian O'Halloran to design a new three-storey house with numerous reception rooms, entrance hall, lift and indoor swimming pool which can be transformed into a dance floor, thanks to the addition of a retractable, transparent glass cover.

Within months of buying Nos, 22-24, Mrs McManus bought Nos 14A and 16A, both of which had also been owned by McNamara, paying a total of 2.7m. While the monies raised from both sales were expected to go towards the repayment of McNamara's debt to his main creditor, Nama; the agency does in certain cases make allowances for debtors whom it has placed in receivership.

Explaining Nama's position to the Sunday Independent at the time, a Nama spokesman said: "This is decided on a case-by-case basis but a portion of the sale proceeds may be made available in these situations not least because of the influence of the Family Home Protection legislation in this area, the fact that a debtor's partner [who may not be a Nama debtor] may be co-owner of the family home, and the likely attitude of the courts to any dispute."
Costs in the action involving Nolan Transport and AIB will be determined in October, but details of the settlement were not revealed in court

AIB Bank has reached a settlement with Nolan Transport and 13 members of the well-known haulage and logistics dynasty.

Nolan Transport, which owns and operates one of the largest fleets of road transport equipment throughout Europe, sued AIB in 2012, alleging that it had breached a number of loan facilities relating to the development of the Isaacs Hotel in Dublin and the Lismore House Hotel in Co Waterford.

AIB counter-sued the Nolan family seeking judgment of almost 23m arising out of a series of loans issued to the family in relation to the two hotels.

Law firm Byrne Wallace (formerly BCM Hanby Wallace), which had acted for AIB on a number of the loan facilities, was later joined as a third party to the proceedings.

This followed an application by AIB to join the law firm as a third party in the event that the court found against the State-owned lender.

Two years ago, the High Court sat for 33 days to determine a number of preliminary issues in the case, with final legal arguments heard in July 2015.

Judgment was issued last June dismissing the Nolans' preliminary claims, paving the way for AIB to pursue the Nolans.

AIB was set to seek full judgment of 23m, with interest, on Tuesday.

However, a settlement was agreed last Friday when the matter came before High Court judge Mr Justice Robert Haughton who presided over the mammoth preliminary case.

Costs in the action will be determined in October.

However, details of the settlement were not revealed in court.

AIB became lenders to Nolan Transport around the start of the last decade.

The High Court heard the bank refinanced a loan first made by ACC Bank to the company, for the purposes of investing in the Isaacs Hotel.

It later approved loans in 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2009 for further investment in the Isaacs Hotel and the development of 1 and 2 Beresford Place and the Lismore Hotel.

Difficulties between the two arose around mid-2009 when repayments on some of these loans dwindled or stopped altogether as operating companies controlled by the promoters of the Isaac investments failed to pay rent, and 'put and call' options were not exercised on certain phases of the hotel in 2010 and 2011.

AIB issued a letter of demand to the Nolan family in October 2012, seeking the repayment of 12.8m.

The High Court heard that this encompassed personal loans outside of the Isaacs Hotel or Lismore developments.

The Nolans, however, claimed that AIB had agreed to certain arrangements for the loans, including ensuring a "sinking fund" - contingency funding - was available to the hotels' promoter/operators for various purposes.

AIB's failure to uphold these arrangements put it in the wrong, the Nolans argued.

In a 251-page ruling on the preliminary issues, Judge Haughton said AIB never agreed to maintain a "sinking fund" or other commitments linked to loans on the Isaacs Hotel or Lismore Hotel, as claimed by the Nolans.

The judge ruled that AIB did not represent that an adequate sinking fund would be put in place by Basil Good and Richard Evans, who promoted the Isaacs Hotel-related property investments and who were to operate the hotel.

Judge Haughton also ruled that AIB did not represent to the Nolans that it would provide finance for the exercise of options.

The Isaacs investments were designed to allow the Nolans to benefit from capital allowances available at the time for specific categories of business, including hotels, known as Business Operation Schemes, as well as claiming building allowances on listed buildings.

In relation to the Lismore Hotel, that property, the court heard, was to be developed by the "Lismore Partnership" - an SPV in which the Nolan family had an initial 75pc stake, later reduced to 55pc.

The High Court heard extensive evidence on a series of disputed letters that were alleged to have been sent by Ann Nolan, who acted as solicitor for both Nolan Transport and the Nolan family in respect of a number of the developments.

Joan Nolan and Sally Nolan also had a large part to play in the developments as they dealt with the financing end of the projects, said Judge Haughton, who noted that the three women communicated most frequently with AIB.

It is not the first time that the Nolan family has experienced difficulties with its investments.

Four years ago the family was awarded almost 15m by a Jersey court after they fell victim to fraud when they invested in a raft of investments sold by a businessman.

The court described Irishman Gerard Walsh, who induced the Nolan family to invest in the schemes, as a "fraudster" and noted his own business empire collapsed in 2009. One company which Mr Walsh was behind, Arkaga, at one time controlled Cork City FC.

Between 2005 and 2006, the Nolan family had a total of 15m in eight schemes presented to them by Walsh as investment opportunities in an array of assets including German nursing homes, a ferry company, a TV production firm and IT businesses.

But the investments were all destined to fail badly.

Three years ago, Nolan Transport was fined 1m after it pleaded guilty to safety breaches when one of its trucks shed its load in Co Kilkenny. Two women were killed.

In 2011, the firm was refused a licence to operate in Wales after its drivers and vehicles notched up over 4,000 breaches of traffic and vehicle safety legislation.

AIB and Nolan Transport did not comment on the action.
Tayto crisp owner Ray Coyle is one of the Everseen backers. Photo: Gerry Mooney

A posse of high-profile, wealthy Irish investors are backing a Cork firm that has signed up some of the world's biggest retailers for its breakthrough technology.

Everseen has just raised 3.5m from backers including Total Produce chairman Carl McCann, former Tayto crisp owner Ray Coyle, and technology entrepreneur Cyril McGuire.

London-based Marcol Capital has stumped up 1m of the latest funding, making it a first-time investor in the Irish business. Marcol's involvement is a huge coup for Everseen. The UK firm, headed by Terence Cole and Mark Steinberg, have invested hundreds of millions of euro across Europe in property, healthcare, retail and technology sectors.

Everseen, whose technology helps to prevent fraud, theft and irregularities at the point of sale in stores, also raised 500,000 earlier this year.

It brings the total raised by the firm, founded by chief executive Alan O'Herlihy, to about 8.5m since it was founded in 2008. It aims to help retailers combat the $40bn in annual losses that are racked up globally by them due to non-scanning and other irregularities at points of sale.

Other investors in the company include Eamonn Rothwell, the boss of ferry firm Irish Continental, and the former executive chairman of Grafton Group, Michael Chadwick. Tech entrepreneur Pat Brazel has also invested in the Cork firm, and is a director of the business.

Financier Paul Keenan, the founder of investment firm Capnua, has taken a stake in Everseen.

So too have Philip Nolan, a partner with Dublin law firm Mason Hayes & Curran, and Terry Buckley, the managing director of advertising firm Clear Channel Ireland. Buckley is also a non-executive director of Independent News & Media.
Independent TD Mick Wallace has claimed that up to 40 different individuals - including developers, solicitors, former Nama employees and businesspeople - have contacted him with allegations of serious misconduct involving Nama.

The figure may well grow even further in the coming weeks with Wallace's establishment of Namaleaks, in conjunction with Intercept, the online forum that assisted CIA whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The establishment of the whistleblowing site, which has prompted fears that underbidders for Nama loan tranches may seek to sue the State, is expected to go live within days.

"We're just about there. It's a vehicle that's never been in Ireland before," Wallace told the Sunday Independent. "This is the first of its kind. If people have worked in Nama or with investment funds and they have seen poor practice, and they want to see that exposed, we're creating a vehicle where they can send proof of it."

Anyone who provides information in relation to alleged wrongdoing involving Nama or agents acting on its behalf can rest assured that their identities "will be 100pc protected", Wallace insisted.

"We won't be protecting it [their identities], because we won't know who they are. This is being structured by an organisation in America," he said.

Referring to those developers, former Nama employees and others who had already come to him with allegations of wrongdoing involving Nama, he said he was "well aware" the majority of them have a "vested interest" and don't necessarily agree with his politics, but he has listened to them and sought with the assistance of his team to establish the truth or otherwise of their claims.

"The truth is a lot of people out there have a vested interest in the truth being told about how Nama operates. That's why so many people have contacted me," he said.

The Independent TD is due to meet with Taoiseach Enda Kenny in the near future to discuss his repeated calls for a commission of inquiry into Nama's sale of its 5.6bn Northern Ireland loan book to US private equity giant Cerberus.

When contacted, Nama declined to comment.
Tullow Oil is best as a stand-alone entity, chief executive Aidan Heavey told the Sunday Independent.

Analysts have repeatedly flagged the company as a potential takeover target for a larger oil and gas explorer in recent times.

But Heavey told the Sunday Independent that the company hadn't been approached and he believes the status quo is best.

"I think we are best as a stand-alone entity, we're very much an Africa-focused business, it's a very unique type of business in Africa, and I think we'll add more value to shareholders by doing what we do best, which is focusing on Africa... we're basically alone there now because most of our competitors are gone.

"There's a lot of talk about major oil companies buying Tullow but the last few years have caused a dent in the pocket of most of the companies. Nobody has the cash any more, and we're quite a big bite.

"I don't think the majors will be able to match us in relation to speed of doing things, and there will be a lot of opportunities in this new era for oil."

The company, which has a market capitalisation of 1.75bn and net debt of $4.7bn, is set to begin producing oil next month at a major project in Ghana known as TEN. Heavey wants to bring Tullow's debt - which has attracted negative commentary from assets - down to around $4bn over the course of the next year.

"Our debt is not as bad is people think it is... we can handle the debt levels that are there at these oil prices and lower because all our commitments are finished in TEN," he said.

"The bulk of the debt was built up because of the TEN project, now that TEN comes on stream, it adds 50pc to our production in West Africa and we're very cash positive for the second half of this year, so our debt will naturally come down."

Heavey said Tullow will also look to sell assets in places like Norway, the UK and Denmark when the market improves. "That will impact debt as well. So we can adjust our capital spend to suit our cash flow. With TEN finished, it transforms the ability of the business to do what it wants to do," he said.

Its next target for development is in East Africa.

"It's an onshore so it's a less costly thing than TEN. TEN was a big, big project - you spend a lot of money up front and that's where the bulk of our debt came from. Whereas East Africa is onshore so costs are a lot less and they're easily funded out of cash flow.

"We have big percentage interests in East Africa so our long-term plan is, when we get to development stage, that we will sell down part of the interest in those to fund the development costs," Heavey said.

The company posted a pre-tax profit of $24m in the first half, compared to a $10m loss in the same period last year. It lost $1bn after tax in 2015, fuelled by writing off $749m in exploration costs - with the industry hit by a plunge in oil prices.

Heavey (63) reiterated that at the very least he would see out the current oil cycle before looking to step down.

"I'll see out this cycle - the cycle's not over yet! I haven't even thought about it. The focus is just getting the business back profitable again, and seeing out the cycle and getting through it. Hopefully by the end of this year we'll make further strides on that, we're back to investing on the upside again which we'll be doing in the second half of this year.

"We've got, like any properly run business, plans in place for any eventualities of people leaving or whatever, so it's not going to be an issue."

He said that while most companies can be profitable with oil at $40-$50 a barrel, the price makes it difficult to do major developments.
"A pension can be a very valuable asset and should be considered, like all other assets, when finalising separation agreements or a divorce."

I am considering separating and possibly divorcing my husband. However, I am concerned that with about 10 years to go to retirement, I'll lose out as I was a stay-at-home mother and will be wholly dependent on my husband's pension.

Will I get a fair proportion of his pension should we separate or divorce? Our children are now financially independent.

Jessica, Baldoyle, Dublin 13

A pension can be a very valuable asset and should be considered, like all other assets, when finalising separation agreements or a divorce.

A judge can make a pensions adjustment order as part of a judicial separation or divorce. This will specify how the pension should be divided. Any other type of agreement between you and your husband would not be recognised in family law.

There is also a useful checklist and guide on the Pensions Authority's website (www.pensionsauthority.ie) which you should read.

Pensions are quite complex so it is necessary to get legal and financial advice. That will ensure the value of the pension is taken into account and also what steps you need to take after the order is in place.

I run a small business and am thinking of setting up a pension scheme for my employees. However, I read that the Government is likely to bring in a universal retirement savings scheme.

Should I wait for that?

John, Dundalk, Co Louth

The simple answer is no. While the Government has indicated its desire to deliver a pension solution for those without a pension and there appears to be support for such an initiative, major undertakings have to happen - and these can take years to put in place.

Furthermore, when it comes to pensions, time is more important than money, so you should start now if at all possible as there's no benefit to waiting for the universal scheme.

A pension scheme for your employees can be an important recruitment and retention tool. It is also important to help ensure your employees can afford to retire and the sooner they join a scheme, the greater likelihood of that.

In Britain, it is now illegal to have a set retirement age. Here, you need "objective justification" for making someone retire because they have reached a specific age. Many employers would like to be able to bring new workers into the workforce but this may become difficult if your existing workers cannot afford to retire.

Having a pension scheme in place with good contributions can help with this.

My wife and I are in our late 30s and, having just started a family, are pretty pushed for money. We each have incomes of about 35,000. My wife believes that if the Government keeps pushing up the State pension as promised, it should be sufficient for us in retirement. I'm dubious about this though and think we should start our own pension. What should we do?

Jack, Crumlin, Dublin 12

In this instance, I'd probably side with you. The future costs of the State Pension for all of us represents the country's single largest debt - bigger even than the cost of bailing out the banks.

Unfortunately, we haven't put aside any money towards this future liability and no one has set out a plan that shows how we, as a country, will be able to continue to afford to pay the current level of State pension.

Furthermore, as we are an aging population, many more of us will be in retirement and there will be fewer workers paying taxes to fund such pensions. Already the age at which the State pension is paid has changed to 66 and will rise to 67 in 2021 and 68 in 2028.

In addition, not everyone receives the full State pension as you need to have PRSI contributions paid over a number of years and a certain yearly average to qualify. The criteria for qualifying for the full State pension has also been made harder in recent years. Time out of the workforce could mean you don't get the full amount.

The State pension is designed to keep people out of poverty, and at just over 12,000, it is about one-third of your current salary. It is estimated that you need between half and two-thirds of your salary to maintain a similar lifestyle in retirement. With this in mind, most people will need to have additional savings to ensure they can enjoy retirement.

I'm in a defined benefit pension scheme but have almost 30 years to go before I collect my pension. I'm debating whether my contributions are going into a pot for me - or to pay the pensions of my older colleagues? The fund was in deficit, but there's a 'plan' of increased contributions and reduced benefits to address this. My specific worry is that the pension I ultimately receive may not reflect my length of service and contributions made. Should I stick with the scheme - or open a separate personal pension?

Tommy, Mallow, Co Cork

Defined benefit pensions were regarded as the 'Rolls Royce' of pensions - but there are conditions. They work as follows - the employer and (usually) the employees contribute to a fund which promises at the outset to pay a set amount to each member when they reach retirement.

That set amount is usually a percentage of final salary. The money is pooled and isn't separated into individual accounts for each employee. The promises given are predicated on there being enough money in the fund when the time comes to pay out. As each employee reaches retirement, money is set aside to cover their pension need for the rest of their lives.

Your key concern appears to be that the needs of your older colleagues will exhaust the scheme before you get to retirement, leaving you with less than you were promised or possibly nothing at all.

Firstly, such a scenario is possible and there have been cases where defined benefit schemes have paid out lower-than-promised benefits. There is a Pension Protection Fund in Britain which can take over schemes that are underfunded and where the employer fails - but we don't have one here. You should speak with your pension trustee on a regular basis to see how the fund is performing to ensure it's on track to deliver the promises made to you. Any plan to reduce the deficit will also be monitored by the regulator, the Pensions Authority.

Secondly, while you could consider an alternative pension option, the sheer cost of trying to compete with a defined benefit scheme would probably bankrupt you and your family, so my advice is to stick with the plan but to educate yourself to ensure you can monitor this concern on an ongoing basis. You might also consider paying additional voluntary contributions (AVCs, or pension top-ups) which will be held separately in your own account.

Jerry Moriarty is CEO of the Irish Association of Pension Funds
Shane Byrne, co-founder of Showoff, the Co Wicklow firm which has grown in four years into a business with 15 staff. Photo: Garry ONeillI

The near loss of his father about two years ago gave Wicklow man Shane Byrne the idea for Responder - a ground-breaking product which is set to put his company on the international stage. Byrne is co-founder and CEO of Showoff, a Wicklow company which is behind a life-saving mobile phone app.

Showoff, which was set up in November 2012, designs and develops mobile phone apps. In July 2014, Byrne's father, who suffers from epilepsy, had a bad seizure.

"We nearly lost him," says Byrne. "I wanted to use mobile and wearable technology to help people like my Dad."

So Byrne and his team set about developing Responder - a wearable app which can detect if the person wearing it has had a fall or a seizure. The app then notifies the wearer's first responder - that is, the person nominated to come to their aid should there be an emergency. As the app uses GPS technology, it can pinpoint the exact location of the wearer when they need help. It is this use of GPS which gives Responder an edge over other monitors of this kind, according to Byrne. Unlike most other monitors, Responder is not tied to a specific location - so when the wearer leaves their home, the app will still work.

"The app is for anyone who is aged or isolated," says Byrne. "In particular, it is good for people with epilepsy or early-onset Alzheimer's. If someone has an incident, the app will allow you to find the person at the location they are at - and get them the right help."

Responder is being built for use with Apple and Android smart watches, as well as Android phones and iPhones.

Showoff expects to launch Responder by mid-2017. "We are taking on investment at the moment and setting up a brand new company for Responder," says Byrne. "Responder will be sold initially in Ireland, with sales commencing in Britain and Europe in mid-to-late 2017. The US market will be targeted in 2018."

Byrne set up Showoff with his old school friend Philip Kirwan.

"Philip and I went to secondary school together in Wicklow," says Byrne. "We have been friends since the age of 13."

Both men have very different backgrounds, with Kirwan being the more technical of the two; Byrne the more financial. Kirwan studied software engineering in Dublin City University - and he then went on to complete a masters in web technologies in the National College of Ireland.

Byrne, who worked as a relationship manager with AIB for a few years, has a degree in finance.

So what prompted the duo to set up an app-development company together in late 2012?

Byrne had decided to finish his job in AIB to travel in Australia for a year. However, he cut those travels short and returned to Ireland when his father's health deteriorated.

"At the time, Philip was working for a company which was no longer interested in developing apps," says Byrne. "But apps were the market we both wanted to be in.

"We both saw there was a gap in the market for well-crafted apps. A lot of the apps out there are quite poor and they're not showing off the company behind the app that well. So we set up Showoff to address that. We wanted to set a standard with apps."

Byrne, who grew up on and still runs a farm, was also keen to set up his own business.

"I come from a farming background so I've always been involved in being self-employed," says Byrne. "I wanted to become full-time self-employed."

The company started small, but has grown fast. "We started the business with 4,000 and 80 sheep," says Byrne. "It's gone from two guys with an iPhone in November 2012 to a business with 15 staff today. We'd like to have 50 people working with us within the next three to four years."

Showoff has developed more than 120 apps and software solutions over the last three-and-a-half years. These include well-known apps such as the weight-mate app used during RTE's Operation Transformation earlier this year - and the 99 Ice-cream finder app.

"We built the weight-mate app for Safefood," says Byrne. "Phase 2 of that app is coming out later this year. Safefood sponsored Operation Transformation this year and so the app was used during the programme. That was a great project to work on."

The 99 Ice-cream finder app, which helps you to find the nearest shop that sells 99 ice-creams, was a clever marketing tool for Showoff. "In 2014, we decided we didn't have the money to pay for marketing," says Byrne. "So we created our own marketing - through the 99 Ice-cream finder app. The app was really well received and got us a lot of coverage."

Even the name Showoff was a clever choice for the company, from a marketing point of view. "The name got a bit of attention," says Byrne. "People always remember the name. The name also gets across the idea of a company showing itself off to its customers through its apps, to the best of its ability."

One of the more recent apps developed by Showoff is its WicklowLife1916 app, which was built for Wicklow County Council to give a sense of what everyday life in Wicklow was like during the 1916 Rising.

"It was very well received," says Byrne. "It was nice to build something in our own county which reflects modern Ireland but shows where we came from too."

Along with Wicklow County Council and Safefood, Showoff counts Glanbia and the ISPCC's Childline amongst its clients.

Byrne says his company takes a "cradle to the grave" approach when developing apps for companies.

"People come to us and we build their apps for them," says Byrne. "We help them build their app, we work with them on their business case, and after the first phase of the app hitting the market, we help them maintain and look after the app, and we work with them going forward on future development [of the app]."

Phelan and Byrne run the business from Rathnew in Co Wicklow - not far from their home village of Rathdrum.

"Philip and I love living in Wicklow," says Byrne. "I had done the commute to Dublin - where I was driving for five to six hours a day. I decided I wouldn't do that anymore - and so when we set up Showoff, we chose to run the business from Wicklow. At least 60pc of our staff are from Wicklow. We are trying to give job options to people in the south-east."

The company hopes to set up an office in Britain by the end of this year.

Byrne believes the successful apps of the future will largely be around medical and agricultural technology. "We're starting to see a lot more apps in the health and medical technology side of things," says Byrne. "I think the way we interact with apps will change. Unless apps offer a service to make your life better, they won't survive. We'll get a lot of information from apps about how we live our lives. We won't see as many gimmicky apps going forward."

Byrne doesn't yet use an app to manage his farm. "I have a small holding and everything is stored in Dad's brain - that's the only app we need on the farm," he says.

Byrne has fond memories of growing up on the farm - a pedigree Angus cattle farm.

"My fondest memories of growing up on the farm are probably lambing sheep and setting up my own egg selling business by the age of nine," says Byrne. "I had Dad as my first member of staff - delivering eggs to relatives and neighbours. We ended up with nearly 100 hens and ducks. I don't think we made much out of it - but I thought I was Michael O'Leary or something with my few bob in my pocket."

Byrne also remembers his father bringing him along to nearby Ashford Mart to buy sheep. "That was a major learning curve," says Byrne. "If you could do business and deal with the locals in the mart, you'd do business anywhere."

Who knows, maybe the locals in Ashford Mart - from whom Byrne no doubt learnt some valuable business skills - will be using an app developed by this young Wicklow company someday.
The custom of sending greeting cards dates to ancient China where people first began to exchange messages of good will to celebrate the New Year.

The early Egyptians were also known to have sent greetings to each other by way of papyrus scrolls.

And while the tradition seems to have started in Europe in the 15th century, the custom only became widespread following the emergence of postage stamps and the printing press, developments that helped move the practice from the expensive to the affordable.

Even today, one of the nicest feelings in the world is when we receive a card in the post from someone we care about.

So last week, I met up with husband and wife team Alan and Jackie MacNamee to learn about their growing greeting card business.

Based in Rathnew, Co Wicklow, they run Garlanna - one of Ireland's most successful card companies. Set up in 1996, the pair employ 40 staff and have an annual turnover of more than 4m.

The first thing that hits me when Alan and Jackie take me on a tour of their expansive headquarters is the display area. Like a sea of colour, it is packed with thousands of cards in every shape and size imaginable.

"We design and print all manner of greeting cards ranging from the traditional birthday and wedding cards, to anniversary cards, cards that celebrate the arrival of new-born babies, to offering congratulations to those who have successfully passed their driving test. And we have the more traditional seasonal ranges such as Christmas, Easter, and St Patrick's Day," explains Alan.

Flicking through the displays, Jackie points to an extensive range of Mother's Day and Father's Day cards as well as a host of different type of 'thank you' cards.

"We see new trends in cards emerging all the time, the 'thank you teacher' card is one of them, which has really grown in popularity recently. It's a lovely business to be involved in," explains Jackie. "Because cards are really like hugs in an envelope," she adds with a smile.

While not totally unexpected, I am still surprised to learn that as many as 85pc of all greetings cards are purchased by women.

"Our primary route to market is directly through retailers such as SuperValu and Centra stores, part of the Musgrave Group and Spar, Londis and Mace which are part of the BWG group. We are delighted that we have been recently appointed as the greeting card Category Managers for the former Superquinn stores within the SuperValu group," says Alan.

Alan MacNamee is originally from Deansgrange in Dublin. Growing up, he was surrounded by art and design. His father was an accomplished illustrator whose work heavily influenced him and encouraged his creativity.

"My father was responsible for designing the Galtee cheese box," explains Alan proudly.

After school, he got a job working in the warehousing department of Marks & Spencer before becoming a trainee manager with Dunnes Stores. While he made his way up the ranks, he was becoming increasingly restless and keen to try his hand at working for himself.

Looking around for ideas, he was introduced to the card sector by an uncle who was selling mass cards and birthday cards to local cash-and-carry dealers in the Dublin area.

"I realised that there was a gap in the market for well-designed quality cards," says Alan.

Starting out in a small way initially, he began by sourcing a range of birthday cards and general cards, bought a small van and took to the roads selling these to small retailer shop owners. Once he had sold all his stock, he then used that money to buy more stock and so on until he had built up a thriving business. Over time, he had grown to become one of the largest wholesalers of greeting cards in the country. It was at that point that he met his future wife and business partner, Jackie.

From Rathfarnham, Jackie had grown up beside the Hallmark card factory. Her father was also an artist and poet. While at school, she worked in a local newsagents where, among other things, she was responsible for ordering the store's supply of greeting cards.

After school, she got a job with Benetton in their retail fashion store, and while she enjoyed working there, she found the weekends trying. She switched for a time to dental nursing, but found that too boring.

"Looking around, I noticed that many of the retail shops in my area had a very poor selection of greeting cards," explains Jackie. "I decided to approach the owners of these stores with a proposition: if I could source better cards than the ones they were selling would they buy these from me? Thankfully they said yes," she laughs.

Having invested in a small van, she began to expand and soon found that she had built up a thriving business selling something she loved - greeting cards. That was when she came across Alan from whom she began sourcing cards on a wholesale basis. The following year, the couple joined forces professionally to set up Garlanna. And then later married.

At that point, they decided to focus their attention exclusively on the retail sector rather than the wholesale market. Getting listed in retail stores, especially those that are part of a larger chain, would prove more challenging than they had expected. They also found themselves up against larger UK companies, with much larger teams and bigger budgets than they had.

Fortunately a number of Spar retailers around the country provided them with the opportunity they needed - and not long after, they were listed by retail giant Musgraves. From there, business began to grow.

"The decision to create our own brand was a major turning point for us," says Alan. "Instead of relying on wholesalers to supply a limited range of generic designs, we were now able to create our own catalogue of cards, gift wrap and gift bags for the Irish market," he adds.

"Most people are initially attracted by the image on the card before they read the verse," says Jackie. "So getting the design right is critical. Setting up our own in-house design team and having our own illustrator was hugely significant. We've also been very fortunate to have built up a very loyal staff here, all of whom are very creative and who have had a significant input into the company's success," she adds.

Other developments in recent years have seen the company move to the wrapping of individual cards in plastic cellophane - something that helps protect the card and prevents envelops from going missing.

"Individual pricing of cards has also been something that has been warmly welcomed by both our retailers and customers," explains Jackie. "Most people find the old system of cross-referencing price codes far too cumbersome to operate," she adds

Currently working on new card and gift wrapping ranges, the pair are focused on growing their Irish business as developing export sales particularly in the UK.

"We see huge potential if we can get into stores there such as Morrisons, ASDA and Tesco UK. That would be absolutely great," says Alan excitedly.

Do they still enjoy what they do? I ask.

"It's such a wonderful feeling to see new cards being created," explains Jackie. "After months of work by the team, there's great excitement every time we get together in the office to open up the finished samples for the first time. Even more exciting when you walk into someone's home and see one of our cards on their mantelpiece. That's so incredibly satisfying for all us," she adds.

For further information: www.garlanna.com

Alan & Jackie's advice for businesses

1 Do something that you love

"To be successful, you have to live and breathe your business. Therefore, it is essential that you are passionate about what you do. You have to really believe in yourself and the products or services you are selling. How you feel about your business comes through in everything you do."

2 Jump straight in

"Like most things in life, there is never a perfect time to start a business. Sometimes you just have jump straight in and make things work as you go along. If you have passion as well as a good plan, then go for it. Much of the rest you can figure out as you go."

3 Team is everything

"The people you work with are the backbone of your business. These include your customers, your suppliers and especially your staff. Nurturing a strong team spirit is essential in ensuring that all parts of the business are pulling in the same direction."

Overview

Company: Garlanna

Business: Design and print of greeting cards

Set up: 1996

Founders: Alan and Jackie MacNamee

Turnover: 4m

No of Employees: 40

Location: Rathnew, Co Wicklow
In Ireland, assessing whether there is a problem in hiring ethnic minorities in tech companies is harder to gauge as there are less technical design roles here than in tech companies based in the US.

How important is diversity at tech companies? By some metrics, it's not very important at all.

Facebook, which last week reported record revenue and user numbers, recently admitted that it remains largely a white male firm. The number of women working at Facebook is stuck at 33pc, while black employees make up just 2pc of the social networking giant's staff.

The figures are for Facebook's US operations. But it's a common story across the world and here in Ireland: tech companies largely hire white men for the vast bulk of senior technical, engineering and management roles.

These companies blame 'the pipeline' from schools and colleges, claiming that not enough women and men of ethnic minorities are coming through the required educational and training channels.

"It has become clear that, at the most fundamental level, appropriate representation in technology or any other industry will depend upon more people having the opportunity to gain necessary skills through the public education system," said Maxine Williams, head of diversity at Facebook.

But others say this excuse sidesteps a critical factor: that companies founded by rich young men who went to elite colleges are overly-focused on recruiting similar people from similar backgrounds in similar colleges.

Tech companies sometimes call this "culture".

In trying to guess who will be a success and who will be a failure if hired, recruiters go with what they know - rich young white men who largely took the same classes as them and use the same vernacular.

Even in Dublin, which is a satellite base for lots of Silicon Valley tech firms, big firms' recruitment processes can involve four or five interviews and 'vocation' tests to check whether the candidate's personality 'matches' what they're looking for. This is over and above any qualifications you actually have.

Deviating from this is seen as a risky move that might "lower the bar".

Aside from the problematic societal implications of this culture, there is actually evidence that it may not work to advance tech companies' progress.

"Years ago, we did a study to determine whether anyone at Google is particularly good at hiring," said Laszlo Bock, senior vice president of people operations at Google in a 2013 interview with the New York Times.

"We looked at tens of thousands of interviews, and everyone who had done the interviews and what they scored the candidate, and how that person ultimately performed in their job. We found zero relationship. It's a complete random mess. After two or three years, your ability to perform at Google is completely unrelated to how you performed when you were in school."

This message doesn't seem to be getting through to recruiters for some of the biggest tech companies. Web giants, especially, seem to be the most white, male and conservative.

For example, black employees make up just 2pc of Google's staff, 2pc of Facebook's staff and 2pc of Twitter's staff. And that's for all roles: it's just 1pc for technical positions.

Older, non-web tech firms are a little better, though not by much. 3.5pc of Microsoft's staff are black while 8pc of Apple's staff are black.

"The lie is that there is some sort of pipeline problem preventing tech companies from hiring more black people," wrote Microsoft engineer Dare Obasanjo in a blogpost on the issue earlier this month. "The reality is that tech companies shape the ethnic makeup of their employees based on what schools and cities they choose to hire from and where they locate engineering offices."

Obasanjo is strongly critical of what he regards as self-congratulatory lip service from seemingly-liberal white tech company founders who talk the talk but rarely the walk the walk on straying from hiring rich young men.

"One of the things I noticed is how these tech companies feel they are extremely open minded and tolerant," he wrote. "But when the rubber meets the road about hiring more diverse candidates it turns into a discussion of 'lowering the bar'."

In Ireland, assessing whether there is a problem in hiring ethnic minorities in tech companies is harder to gauge as there are less technical design roles here than in tech companies based in the US. However, there is no lack of evidence about how scant the numbers are of female participation at top levels in local tech companies.

Research I undertook this year found that under 3pc of tech-related venture capital, a central sources of funding for tech firms in Ireland, goes to firms led by women.

What's more, the average individual investment (591,000) in a female-led Irish tech company was nine times less than in the male-run firms (5.46m).

And while almost one-in-eight VC-funded tech firms here has a female co-founder, only one in 20 has a female chief executive.

The problem isn't limited to men choosing men over women. According to my research, two-thirds of the tech companies founded or co-founded by women last year also chose a male chief executive to run the business. (Of the four firms run by a female chief executive, all were founded by women.) Where women are involved at a senior level, it is still typically in the roles of marketing, HR or project management roles.

How much does all of this matter?

To society, it matters a lot. Tech companies are now the biggest, most important companies in the world. Other industries now look up to their working practices.

So if they say that hiring more women or ethnic minorities is an act of philanthropy that risks "lowering" the performance "bar", others will feel empowered to do the same.
US authorities have granted a three-month stay on a court order directing the seizure of hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of assets held in Irish bank accounts to enable further talks in a bid to reach an out-of-court settlement.

The assets are linked to one of the world's biggest corporate bribery cases and allegedly linked to the daughter of Uzbekistan president Islam Karimova.

In court filings lodged last week, US authorities have postponed activating seizure orders over assets of 269m that reside in bank accounts in Ireland, Luxembourg and Belgium, which they allege are the proceeds of corrupt payments to Uzbekistan officials by two of Russia's largest telecoms companies.

A new stay - lapsing on October 31 - has been put on a court order to seize the Irish-based assets to enable high-level talks between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the US Department of Justice over a potential resolution.

Gulnara Karimova, the eldest daughter of the Uzbek president, is named in US court filings as the alleged beneficial owner of at least six Irish bank accounts.

The US Department of Justice claimed the money is linked to corrupt payments totalling $114m made by MTS, Russia's largest mobile operator, and Vimpelcom, the world's sixth largest telecoms company, to Karimova and her business associates from 2006 to 2012.

The money was laundered in a complicated series of transactions involving US financial institutions and the purchase of investment portfolios and assets in Ireland.

The funds are held at Bank of New York Mellon Investment Servicing (International) in Ireland.
Hundreds of eager wizards flocked to the city centre on Saturday night for a special midnight launch of the latest instalment in the Harry Potter series.

It was like Flourish and Blotts the day before term began, as fans of all ages donned Hogwarts robes and brandished Ollivanders wands inside Hodges Figgis book shop on Dublins Dawson Street.

Nearly 10 years since the release of JK Rowlings last book in the franchise, some 700 people crammed into the shops four floors to get their hands on a copy of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

They enjoyed several rounds of Quidditch practice, face-painting and live music from the Dublin City Rounders from 10pm before the midnight release.

We are huge Harry Potter fans, my daughter in particular, said Christine Desmond Cleary from Trim, Co Meath, who had come up for the launch with her 13-year-old daughter Charlotte.

Weve been going to the midnight launches since she was born - we were at Easons when she was two for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and we went to Waterstones when she was four for the last one, but shes never been at one as an adult.

The excitement is building. Doors open at 10pm. #CursedChild pic.twitter.com/AYQ91ILhsZ  Hodges Figgis (@Hodges_Figgis) July 30, 2016

She added that she had dressed little Charlotte up for both occasions, and the pair spent last night preparing their costumes for the party.

While Christine wore an elaborate witchs hat and a homemade howler, featuring a paper monster bursting out of a red envelope around her neck, her daughter was decked out in Hufflepuff colours and accessorised with Golden Snitches.

Weve waited a long time for another part of the story, and this one takes place 19 years later. Of course, JK Rowling has told us loads about what happens when Harry has a job and all of his kids, but this adds more on. Im really into theatre too, and I love how its a play, Charlotte said, adding that they hope to get tickets to see the sold-out West End theatre spectacle later this year.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the official script for the two-part play of the same name, which debuted in London earlier this month to rave reviews. The play is based on an original story by JK Rowling and written by Jack Thorne.

Husband and wife Joe and Patricia Kellegher went to impressive lengths for their costumes as Gilderoy Lockhart and Bellatrix Lestrange, while their daughters, aged 11 and 13, dressed up as adorable Hogwarts students.

The Dublin-based family of four are all enthusiastic fans of the books, and couldnt wait for the release of the latest one.

Video of the Day

The whole Harry Potter series is really good for kids to get them reading, its been really captivating for them right from the first book, Patricia said.

When Olive first started, she was familiar with the stories from her big sister, but she was just six and she could hardly read. One tiny paragraph was all she could manage and she was exhausted, until the next night and shed be dying to try again.

Shes flying through them now, I think its just fantastic. The girls have been waiting for it and they plan on staying up tonight to read it, but well be trying to chase them to bed!

Sorcha Fitzgerald (23) and Patrick Sturgess (24) from Dublin grew up reading Harry Potter, and each attended several of the midnight launches for the original series of books.

Ive always queued up on the street outside the shop before - when we went to Waterstones on Dawson Street the queue would be nearly around at the Dail. This is kind of nice because you get more of a sense of it with the kids and everything, she told Independent.ie.

Im so excited to get back into the story. I know some people say she should have left it where it was but I am always eager to delve into more material.

She channeled Luna Lovegood for her costume, with a pair of blue-and-white striped Ravenclaw leggings, while Patrick wore a green-and-white pair to represent the house of Slytherin.

Read More

Socha said shell be heading to London to see the production in October, but she needs to get through the new book first.

I fully plan on staying up all night to read it!
PRIVACY: TV providers may have to hand over client data

TV licence dodgers will be tracked down under a radical scheme to force Sky and Virgin to hand over their subscriber database.

In a radical move to clamp down on those refusing to pay the 160 fee, An Post could be given unprecedented access to customer information in the possession of cable and satellite providers.

One in seven Irish people is currently not paying their TV licence, costing over 100,000 a day in lost revenue.

The revelation comes a week after RTE published financial returns showing it had a deficit last year of 2.8m.

Communications Minister Denis Naughten has promised an urgent crackdown on TV licence evasion.

Last month, he scrapped plans drawn up under the previous government to replace the licence fee for TV owners with a broadcast charge for all homes.

It is felt the move would infuriate voters following controversies over the local property tax and water charges.

Minister Naughten has also indicated he will look into asking the Revenue Commissioners to help pursue evaders.

However, the Sunday Independent has now learned he is considering new legislation which would give An Post access to subscriber data held by companies such as Sky, Virgin and Eir.

Read more: Time for a major overhaul of the TV licence scheme

In a statement, a spokeswoman confirmed Minister Naughten was considering the proposal as part of a range of measures.

"A decision on which measures might be pursued will only be taken once the minister has fully considered the available options."

Video of the Day

But the initiative has already been hit by a wave of opposition.

Sky, Virgin and Eir have all expressed strong reservations about handing over information on the habits of multi-channel subscribers.

A Sky spokesman said that it took its responsibilities to protect its customers' data very seriously, recognising the "trust" its customers place din it.

"We note the Department of Communications' potential policy initiatives to deal with TV licence fee evasion, and [Sky] has made its views clear to the department on this issue.

"We will continue to ensure that customer data is safe in compliance with all legislative requirements applicable."

In a statement, Virgin said it would not hand over customer data in the absence of a legal obligation to do so.

"A piece of legislation such as this would require significant review and discussion at industry level, to ensure the privacy rights of individuals were suitably protected, while endeavouring to balance the needs of the State where appropriate."

Eir said it also took the privacy rights of its customers very seriously.

The initiative was first proposed by former communications minister Pat Rabbitte, and later vigorously pursued by his successor Alex White.

However, the legislation never came to fruition.

Ireland still has one of the highest levels of licence fee evasion in Europe.

Minister Naughten said proposals for funding public service broadcasting would be tabled by the Government later this year.

RTE's deputy director general, Kevin Bakhurst, described the broadcaster's financial position as challenging.

"Without a meaningful review of public funding, RTE will remain financially challenged, and unable to maintain or increase investment in the sector, or to invest in important investigations, drama development and landmark factual programming," he said.

He blamed a high evasion rate, of 14pc, but also said there had been a steady increase in homes without a television set.

Those who don't have a TV can watch content on mobile devices but are exempt from the licence fee.

Since the crash, RTE has been forced to cope with dramatically reduced resources.

State funding was cut by 5m in Budget 2014.

On the commercial side, TV advertising added some 83m to RTE's coffers; 19m was from radio and 7.5m from digital.
A MAN in his early 20s has been killed after the car he was a passenger in struck a wall on Sunday evening.

Gardai are investigating the fatal road traffic collision which happened at 5.55pm at Station Road, Cootehill, Co.Cavan.

"One man, in his early 20s, was killed when the car he was a passenger in struck a wall," gardai said in a statement.

"He was pronounced dead at the scene and his body has been removed to Cavan General Hospital where a post mortem examination will be carried out."

The driver and a second passenger both in their 20s were taken to hospital. The driver was removed to Cavan General Hospital and the passenger was airlifted to St James' Hospital in Dublin.

The road at the scene is closed to facilitate an examination of the area by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.
A man and woman have escaped injury in a petrol bomb attack in County Armagh. Photo: Justin Kernoghan

A man and woman have escaped injury after a petrol bomb was thrown at their home in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police are appealing for witnessing following the incident which took place in the Austin Drive area of Tandragee, Co Armagh.

It was reported that at around 3.15am a petrol bomb was thrown at the front of a house in the area.

Police and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended and the fire was extinguished.

Smoke damage was caused to the kitchen of the property as a result of the incident.

A man, aged in his 30s, and a woman, aged in her 20s, who were in the property at the time were not injured.

Inspector Lynsey Barr said: Police are working to establish a motive for this attack and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact officers in Armagh.
Dublins housing crisis is forcing students to consider alternative courses and institutes. (Stock picture)

Ireland's housing crisis is set to worsen in the coming weeks, with unprecedented demand for student accommodation across the country forcing universities to appeal for support.

With CAO results due in the coming weeks, a shortage of student housing is set to become more apparent as demand for places reaches unprecedented levels.

It comes as property experts warn the Government's new housing action plan should prioritise delivering smaller housing units, such as apartments, student housing complexes and retirement villages.

This would also help to free up three- and four-bed semi-detached houses occupied by students and empty-nesters - parents whose children have moved away.

The clamour for student housing was so great in Limerick last year that one student was found sleeping rough on the University of Limerick (UL) campus.

The student was discovered under a stairwell by security guards after failing to secure accommodation before the start of term.

Staff at the university then intervened and found accommodation for the student.

UL has issued an appeal for landlords to provide digs this year to meet demand in the city and surrounding suburbs.

Every August, up to 60,000 Leaving Cert students are left scrambling for the last remaining student accommodation spaces across the country after the first round of CAO offers.

However, many purpose-built student complexes and off-campus housing near universities are already fully booked up for next term.

Dublin's housing crisis is forcing students to consider alternative courses and institutes, with Limerick seeing a spike in demand for accommodation. Those who are best prepared have had accommodation booked as early as March this year.

Daft.ie economist Ronan Lyons stressed that the problem could be resolved in the long term if the Government decided to build apartments instead of houses as part of its new housing plan.

"The only property that we have enough of is three- or four-bed semi-detached houses. What we are missing is pretty much everything else," he said.

"We are missing student accommodation, we are missing options for downsizers and the result is that everyone ends up getting thrown into the three- or four-bed semi-ds. You end up with students and older people living in them so what we need are other types of accommodation.

"There are plenty of people in their late 50s, 60s and 70s who would love to downsize but there are no options."

The situation has become progressively worse in Limerick, Cork and Galway in recent years.

This year, UL is inviting homeowners and landlords to come forward and consider making spare rooms available to prospective students.

The university's student residences manager Ellen Fitzmaurice said its aim is to find safe and affordable accommodation for students.

"Rental fees are usually charged inclusive of utility bills and range between 70 and 110 per week depending on the facilities and services offered to the student."

NUI Galway met with 170 homeowners last week to offer advice on renting to students and the Government's rent-a-room initiative.

Homeowners can earn up to 12,000 tax-free per year by letting a room for residential accommodation in their sole or primary residence.

Director of student services at NUIG John Hannon said: "The social benefits, such as company for the house owner, and the provision of semi-structured accommodation for students leaving home for the first time, result in a 'win-win' situation for all involved."
HORROR: Gardai examine the scene in Clondalkin where a woman was sexually attacked last week. Photo: Gerry Mooney

The Ninth Lock Road is almost always busy. The road, also known as the Lucan Newlands Road, cuts through Ronanstown in west Dublin. It links Lucan to Clondalkin, shaving past the Neilstown Road and the Clondalkin Industrial Estate.

Local people say that even at night cars zoom past. There are clusters of shops along the route. The Mill Shopping Centre is down at the Clondalkin end. Walking up the road towards Neilstown, there is a 24-hour Esso Service Station that serves customers through a hatch after dark.

Like most service stations, its late night customers encompass everyone from passing motorists, party goers, local youths and shift workers.

In the early hours of Thursday morning, one young woman cycled along this busy road, coming from the Clondalkin area, on her way home.

Gardai have released scant details about this young woman in order to protect her identity. However, it is believed that she is aged in her thirties, and was coming home from work.

On the way, she stopped off at the Esso station after 3am, ordered what she wanted, paid and left. The young woman continued up the Ninth Lock Road but, according to garda sources, she did not get back on her bike but pushed it as she walked along. Judging by the distance, it probably would have taken her a little over five minutes to reach the junction with the Neilstown Road.

Gardai said it was 3.20am when she was attacked. It happened as she pushed her bike along the footpath, running beside a small park. Dense bushes bordering the path may have concealed her attackers as she approached. When she passed by, three men jumped on her and dragged her into the park. One of the men produced a knife. Two men held her down while the third man allegedly raped her, according to sources.

After the attack, the three men fled on foot. The young woman somehow managed to dial 999. Detectives from Ronanstown Garda Station, less than 500 meters farther along the road, were with her in minutes.

Distraught and traumatised, she told them what had happened before being brought to the sexual assault unit in the Rotunda Hospital in the city.

The young woman's bike lay on the ground, marking the spot where she had been dragged away.

By 9am forensics officers covered the area in plastic sheeting and cordoned it off.

Within hours 'Woman Raped in Park' screamed the chilling headlines. As many people commented last week, she had lived through a nightmare universally dreaded by women - to be attacked by total strangers lying in wait under cover of darkness.

Most horrifying was the opportunistic and random nature of this attack. As the People Before Profit councillor Madeleine Johansson said in the days after the attack: "The news emerging that this rape was committed by more than one person and by strangers in an open space makes this crime particularly frightening, and leaves the community feeling vulnerable."

There have been at least two unprovoked attacks in the Clondalkin area in the past year - both of them were assaults on women.

This was different. The revulsion in the local communities was palpable and loud. Mark Ward, a Sinn Fein councillor who lives in Clondalkin, said: "What happened here was at the extreme level and it just horrified people...It just unified a lot of people."

Out canvassing in Neilstown on Friday morning, calling door to door, all people talked about was how angry they were at what had happened to this young woman.

That local anger has proved invaluable to the garda investigation. As word of the attack spread, calls began coming in to Ronanstown Garda Station, at first a trickle and gaining momentum throughout the day.

Read more: Men questioned over horror rape attack of woman in park were out on bail

Read more: Massive public response led to arrest of two men over horrific Dublin rape attack

According to sources, many of the calls were from local people, offering information about some of the gangs of youths that prowl the neighbourhood at night. Other callers gave more specific information about people of interest that gardai should check out.

Garda took CCTV footage from the Esso Service Station. The footage captured not only the young woman minutes before she was so brutally attacked, but also captured the faces of some of the youths out in the area that night, who stopping off to buy cigarettes or sweets or drinks at the 24-hour service station.

By Friday morning, detectives had enough information to identify two suspects. One was 19, and the other 21. They were local and they were known to gardai for minor theft and public order offences. According to reports yesterday, they had 30 convictions between them.

It has also transpired that both men were on bail for other offences at the time of the attack on Thursday.

The men were arrested at their homes early on Friday morning and held at Lucan Garda Station.

They were released without charge late on Friday night. This weekend, gardai are hunting the third suspect, who has apparently gone on the run.

The young woman is recovering from the attack. She spoke to gardai on Friday and specialist detectives are expected to take a detailed statement from her in the coming days. DNA, and forensic evidence taken from the woman's clothing, is likely to yield further clues as to who the attackers were.

Public anger has fuelled the investigation. The community was horrified, but local politicians also believe that people should take heart in the community's powerful response.

According to Mark Ward, the area has its social problems but the community is strong.

"There is a really, really good community spirit here. That's where the anger is coming from," said Ward.

"I have a young daughter myself. It is just horrific."

Breda Bonnar, a Labour councillor and school principal, said gardai have forged a strong bond with local communities, and they have a "success rate" in solving crimes.

The attack last week was "a crime of violence and domination, it is a heinous crime", she said. But there is a bigger picture, which is the prevalence of rape and sexual violence, and what society can do about it.

Noelin Blackwell, the chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said that the attack last week in Clondalkin was a "classic nightmare attack" by a stranger on a victim.

One-in-four victims of rape treated at the Rape Crisis Centre is attacked by a stranger, and it results in "huge levels of stress and trauma".

Most women who are raped are likely to know their attackers, and rape continues to go under reported in Ireland.
Shortly before 10am yesterday, the families of John Bowe (52), Willie McAteer (65), and the former group chief executive of Irish Life and Permanent, Denis Casey (56) arrived a half an hour early to Mountjoy prison's training unit, eager to see the husbands and fathers.

Huddled in a group outside the garish blue gates, they chatted for a while about how they were feeling. One visitor was overheard saying she had great difficultly sleeping the night before.

The families looked exhausted, but keen to get inside.

Although refusing to talk to the media, they were extremely polite to journalists - and one woman carried a newspaper inside for her husband.

The men had spent their first few hours on Friday evening getting accustomed to their new surroundings - after Judge Martin Nolan ruled all three must pay for conspiring in a 7.2bn scheme to artificially boost Anglo's accounts.

On arrival, they were met by medical staff and the prison's psychiatric services and told the services were there if they needed.

Expand Close FIRST VISIT: Niamh Horan talks to John Bowes wife, Frances, outside Mountjoy prisons training unit yesterday morning / Facebook

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Whatsapp FIRST VISIT: Niamh Horan talks to John Bowes wife, Frances, outside Mountjoy prisons training unit yesterday morning

They were also told that a chaplain was on hand in the event that any of the men needed to talk.

They are allowed three changes of clothes - one to wear, one spare and one for laundry - and access to the library and education courses.

This morning their cells were unlocked at 8.15am so they could collect a breakfast of cornflakes or toast before returning to their cells to eat.

The basic unit contains a television and a kettle for making tea.

For 16 hours a day the men will be locked in their cells. Any additional time they choose to stay after that is optional.

Read more: How the top man in Irish banking ended up in jail

Read more: Can we be sure that a disaster like this won't occur again?

A prison source told the Sunday Independent: "They have the choice to stay in their cells if they want to get used to their new environment for a few days but they will be strongly encouraged to come out and mix with other prisoners.

He continued: "They would have been asked on Friday evening if they know anyone inside or if they have any reason to believe their life could be under threat.

"The prison would also rely on information on the ground, coming back from prison staff who have spoken to prisoners to see what the general feeling is towards them. If everything is okay they will be put on a normal wing with everyone else. There is no guarantee the three men will be together on the same wing, it is all down to cell availability."

As their sentences were handed down last Friday, one onlooker described the scene:

"It was extraordinary in a sense that there was complete silence. One young girl shed a quiet tear and they all walked out together."

Denis Casey came with a hold-all bag and sat separately to Willie McAteer and John Bowe, who sat together on a bench.

The back of the court was packed with media and onlookers.

The same source told the Sunday Independent: "The judge spoke for a half an hour and it was torturous because you didn't know what he would do in the end."

The characters of each man were described in court.

Former Anglo Bank executive McAteer, is self-made and worked on buses and building sites in England to get money together to put himself though a chartered accountancy course in college.

Former Anglo Bank executive Bowe had been working with drug addicts in the Merchants Quay project for the past year.

Casey started at the very bottom rank, as an insurance clerk, and worked his way up to group chief executive of Irish Life and Permanent.

Judge Nolan, a former garda, found all three guilty of criminal conspiracy in the longest trial in the history of the State.

He said that "following orders" was no defence in the eyes of the law.

However, he pointed out that the three men did not benefit financially from the transaction.

He also stated that certain State authorities turned a blind eye to "optically driven balance sheet management", which he said was a euphemism for banks entering into transactions which have little or no effect.

And he criticised the auditors who signed off on the bank's books.

He said it beggared belief that Anglo's auditors, Ernst & Young (now EY), had signed off on Anglo's end-of-year accounts.

"They should have known what was occurring if they were doing their job properly," he said, and commented as to whether it was a case of "blindness or wilful blindness".

As the men face into their time behind bars, questions remain as to how much was known at the highest level.
Four units and a district officer from the Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene to tackle the blaze. Photo: Twitter/Dublin Fire Brigade

Four units and a district officer from the Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene to tackle the blaze. Photo: Twitter/Dublin Fire Brigade

Four units and a district officer from the Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene to tackle the blaze. Photo: Twitter/Dublin Fire Brigade

A derelict house in Portmarnock, north Dublin, was destroyed by a fire that broke out overnight.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident shortly after 11.30pm on Saturday night.

Expand Close Four units and a district officer from the Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene to tackle the blaze. Photo: Twitter/Dublin Fire Brigade / Facebook

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Whatsapp Four units and a district officer from the Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene to tackle the blaze. Photo: Twitter/Dublin Fire Brigade

Four units and a district officer from the Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene to tackle the blaze.

Images from the scene show the house, located next to a service station on the Coast Road, was gutted by the flames.

A spokesperson for Dublin Fire Brigade told Independent.ie that no injuries were reported.

A Garda spokesperson said that gardai in Malahide and Dublin Fire services are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire, but no arrests have been made.

Expand Close Four units and a district officer from the Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene to tackle the blaze. Photo: Twitter/Dublin Fire Brigade / Facebook

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Whatsapp Four units and a district officer from the Dublin Fire Brigade attended the scene to tackle the blaze. Photo: Twitter/Dublin Fire Brigade

"As investigations are ongoing its not known at this time if this fire was accidental or suspicious," she said.
FATAL: The scene on the Clane to Kilcock road last week, where a young man lost his life. Photo: Gerry Mooney

A week of carnage has prompted gardai to launch a 72-hour nationwide road safety blitz following the death of 13 people since last Sunday.

While gardai will mostly be on the lookout for speeding and drink drivers, all traffic offences, including seatbelt compliance, will be targeted.

Checkpoints will be operated on routes across the country, from Dublin to Galway, Cork, Limerick and on other major arteries.

Dublin Traffic Corp tested 856 drivers at 11 mandatory alcohol testing checkpoints on Friday night. One driver was arrested for drink driving and five vehicles were seized.

Superintendent Aidan Reid, of the Garda National Traffic Bureau, said that drink drivers remain a key area of concern and are being specifically targeted.

A woman driver became the 13th road death in just days on Friday night when her car careered off the road into a field.

This latest fatality brings to 107 the number of people who have died on Irish roads since January.

Twenty people have been killed to date in July alone, meaning road deaths are up over 18pc on last year.

The latest accident occurred near Miltown Malbay in Co Clare at around 11pm.

The woman, who was believed to be from Quilty in the county was the only occupant of the car.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) has now demanded that the Government increases the number of gardai in the traffic corps.

Read more: Road deaths are rising - we need to talk about young men and alcohol

Read more: Revealed: Irelands worrying new road death figures ahead of Bank Holiday weekend

RSA chairperson Liz O'Donnell has appealed to Transport Minister Shane Ross for his support on adequate resourcing of visible policing.

"We do need more visible policing and we discussed this at length with the minister this week. We need his support to get the resources for road policing back up there."

Some 597 people have been arrested on suspicion of drink driving since the beginning of July.

Cork was the worst county for drink driving deaths, official figures showed.

Galway was next, followed by Dublin, Donegal and Cavan.

Sunday remained the most dangerous day on Irish roads, while the greatest number of deaths were among those aged 16-25 and 66 and older.

Some 76pc of drivers killed are men, with younger drivers accounting for 25pc of all deaths.

Those aged 66 and older are the next highest at risk, according to the RSA.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that gardai hit drivers with nearly a thousand traffic prosecutions every day.

Figures for 2015 also showed that 623,318 drivers have penalty points at the end of last month, with around 17,000 with seven or more points and on the verge of six-month disqualification.

Last week garda speed camera vans were parked at spots on some of the biggest 'catch' points, such as the point on the M4 where the motorway speed limit reduces suddenly from 120kmh to 80kmh at Lucan.

While the official line is that the speed camera vans are deployed only in locations that have had fatal accidents, local gardai said there has never been any fatalities at this point on the M4.

Similarly, the vans and other speed traps are often located at motorway slip roads and stretches of otherwise safe roads where speed limits reduce suddenly.

Speeding is the main factor in most fatal accidents, and last week's nine deaths included seven people in their twenties killed on country roads as well as two men in their thirties and forties.

Garda sources told the Sunday Independent yesterday that despite the preponderance of deaths in known blackspots, there is still a tendency for traffic corps gardai to 'shoot fish in a barrel' - by which he meant putting speed cameras on busy motorway or urban roads, despite the fact there are little or no fatalities at those spots.
Garda are appealing for witnesses after the aggravated burglary of the home of an elderly man in Co Dublin.

The home owner - a man aged in his early 80s - was assaulted when three men broke into his home at Kettle's Lane in Swords.

The incident occurred between 3am and 4am on Friday morning, July 29.

Three men, in possession of weapons and wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, entered the man's house and demanded money.

At least two of these men spoke with Dublin accents.

The men later fled the scene with a small amount of cash.

The elderly homeowner was later taken to Beaumont Hospital with non life threatening injuries.

Gardai in Malahide, investigating an aggravated burglary are appealing for witnesses.

The scene was preserved and technically examined.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information is asked to contact them at Malahide Garda Station on 01 6664600, The Garda Confidential Line, 1800 666111 or any Garda Station.
SNAP: Martin said the slogan cover-up in the online photo of Adams was part of the long-standing Sinn Fein mantra. Picture: Arthur Carron

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has reignited the debate surrounding Gerry Adams's links to the IRA after Sinn Fein inadvertently published a photo showing its president standing alongside the slogan: "The IRA will never be beaten."

The black and white image was accompanied by a caption imposed by the Sinn Fein press office which covered up the IRA slogan.

"I was calling for a United Ireland before it was cool," the caption read. It was accompanied by the bizarre hashtag 'Hipster Gerry'.

However, Fine Gael backbencher Noel Rock sourced the original image and released it on social media.

Read more: Sinn Fein left red-faced after IRA message hidden in Gerry Adams meme promoting united Ireland

The gaffe will prove deeply embarrassing for Mr Adams, who still denies IRA membership and claims the terror group has "left the stage".

But last night, Mr Martin said the "cover-up" of the slogan is part of the "long-standing mantra" of Sinn Fein.

And the Fianna Fail leader, who was boosted by another opinion poll this week, accused Sinn Fein of treating the campaign for a United Ireland as a means to satisfy its own electoral base.

"The greatest single barrier to Irish unity has been, and will always be, Sinn Fein/IRA," Mr Martin told the Sunday Independent. "The Provisional IRA did enormous damage to the campaign of unity, to Protestants and Catholics.

"Look at Kingsmill, the Shankill bombing and other atrocities, PIRA killed Protestants because they were Protestants. As a result they have posed a great barrier to unity.

"The logo being covered up this week is part of the constant mantra of Sinn Fein and the Sinn Fein leadership - particularly Gerry Adams himself who has steadfastly made clear he does not disassociate himself from the IRA and those atrocities."

Mr Martin said that since Brexit, it has become clear that Sinn Fein's campaign towards unity is disingenuous and will prove divisive.

"It has always been my view - and the view of Fianna Fail - that a United Ireland is about people, about uniting people from different backgrounds and different communities.

"The narrow border polls advocated by Sinn Fein recently will do nothing to achieve the unity of people of this island," the Cork South Central TD said.

"In fact, their knee-jerk reaction to the Brexit poll was one that was divisive and could inflame and harden opinions in unionist and loyalist communities. It was simply to satisfy their own electoral base," Mr Martin added.
Under the terms of the 1885 Criminal Law Amendment Act, homosexual acts were a criminal offence in Ireland when Charles Self arrived in Dublin to work in RTE. Yet despite the stigma, the city had a thriving gay scene.

The famous Gate theatre duo Micheal Mac Liammoir and Hilton Edwards were openly gay. Norman Scott, who later attained notoriety as the lover of UK Liberal Party leader Jeremy Thorpe, was living in Kildare Street in Dublin in the late 1970s and frequented the local coffee shops and pubs.

There was an underground scene comprised of married men, priests and prominent public figures who lived in constant fear of being 'outed'.

The more obvious gay scene was centred around the theatre and RTE, which was known by some in both the gay and political communities as 'Fairyhouse'.

Bartley Dunne's pub, along with Rice's and Tobin's nearby, formed a triangle of 'gay-friendly' pubs before the term was widely in use. None of them were strictly gay and they liked to keep an eclectic clientele so that prominent figures in the legal profession, actors and the like would not stand out as being obviously homosexual at a time when it was illegal.

The murder of Charles Self shone a spotlight on this world.

"The Garda response was to round up 1,500 known gay men and build a data bank of fingerprints and photographs and ask who they slept with and for their partners' names," said Brian Merriman, director of the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN). "This action traumatised and destroyed many lives."

The Garda investigation into Charles Self's killing noted: "Many of his friends and acquaintances can best be described as an arty set with different attitudes and behaviour patterns from that of ordinary and conventional members of society."

Homosexuality was decriminalised in Ireland in 1993, mainly at the instigation of Senator David Norris, by the then Minister for Justice Maire Geoghegan-Quinn.
Mary Jones, with Volvo Ambassador, Francis Brennan and Patricia Greene of Volvo at the RNLI Ladies Lunch and Fashion Show. Photo: Darragh Kane

Conor and Lisa O'Donovan from Cobh were presented with their 1,500 prize by Paul Whelan, Assistant Manager of Wilton Shopping Centre

Hats and horses, my week was full of both as I raced around the RDS Showgrounds to judge the Dundrum Town Centre Ladies Day Best Dressed competition last Thursday.

Selfies were the order of the day and smiles were wide. I bumped into Sarah Lynch with Jeanette Jordan, marketing manager of DTC (pictured below) who hosted a lunch in the Dundrum VIP suite overlooking the band lawn. Depending on who you sat beside, they were either looking at the fashionable hats, or the sleek equine beauties below.

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Congratulations are in order for Faith Amond from Carlow. Resplendent in red, this Best Dressed veteran was attending her 40th Dublin Horse Show and should give masterclasses in grooming.

That night, the glamazons headed to the Shelbourne Hotel where the style squad were out in force and I met up with my fellow judges in the Best Dressed competition, Carol Kennelly and Marietta Doran who were photographed chatting with designer, Heidi Higgins.

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The winner on the night was Louise Allen, above, from Slane, Co Meath. People in the Shelbourne Hotel thought the judges were having a row as we sat in the lounge and consulted about the visions we had just witnessed in the No. 27 Bar.

Melanie Morris, editor in chief of Image Publications, could be heard declaring, "Well you are overruled", but far from being a row, I can reveal that three judges - myself, Melanie and Marietta - were standing firm that we wanted Louise to win and our fellow judge, milliner Carol Kennelly was kind of bashful to agree... because she had made the hat.

Victorious Louise Allen almost didn't turn up at the Shelbourne on Thursday night. "I was up writing my thesis until 5am and lost track of time. Then I ripped the lining of my dress and someone ran into the back of my car on the way," she told me, but luck was on her side in the end!

Spotted

Expand Close Conor and Lisa O'Donovan from Cobh were presented with their 1,500 prize by Paul Whelan, Assistant Manager of Wilton Shopping Centre / Facebook

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Whatsapp Conor and Lisa O'Donovan from Cobh were presented with their 1,500 prize by Paul Whelan, Assistant Manager of Wilton Shopping Centre

It was lovely to be back in Cork, if only for a short break. The Irish Independent Laurels finals at Curraheen Park was a fun night and I was there to judge the Best Dressed Couple competition. Conor and Lisa O'Donovan from Cobh were presented with their 1,500 prize by Paul Whelan, Assistant Manager of Wilton Shopping Centre (above).

Expand Close Mary Jones, with Volvo Ambassador, Francis Brennan and Patricia Greene of Volvo at the RNLI Ladies Lunch and Fashion Show. Photo: Darragh Kane / Facebook

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I also donned my nautical stripes and headed to Crosshaven for Cork Week at which the new Volvo S90 was showcased. I met lunch organiser (above) Mary Jones, with Volvo Ambassador, Francis Brennan and Patricia Greene of Volvo at the RNLI Ladies Lunch and Fashion Show, hosted by Francis, in the Royal Cork Yacht Club

@bairbrepower
Every Friday afternoon, hordes of stressed out Millennials travel to peaceful Co Westmeath for a weekend retreat. But this is no ordinary minibreak. They have come to Grouse Lodge to detox from technology and to learn how best to live lives that are not utterly dependent on smartphones, tablets and laptops.

It is the brainchild of a company called unplug.ie and there's significant demand - and not just from professional couples and families: corporate Ireland is using their services to help employees who feel overwhelmed by information overload and the sense of always being 'on'.

Such a retreat would have made no sense in August 1991, when the notion of an 'internet' was understood by only a small proportion of tech enthusiasts. Although the net, in an exceptionally crude form, had existed since the 1960s, it was the preserve of agencies like the Pentagon and selected universities. It had no impact on our everyday lives and the closest the man or woman on the street might have come to the concept was in an item on the BBC future science programme, Tomorrow's World.

But that summer 25 years ago marked the beginning of something that would change our lives forever. On August 6, British scientist Tim Berners-Lee published a short summary of a project he called the World Wide Web and the internet as we understand it today was born.

As one of the most visionary scientists working at the Cern research facility in Switzerland, Berners-Lee did his utmost to help the public understand just how far-reaching the web could be, but even he could hardly have envisaged how transformative it has been. It is difficult to think of any aspect of our lives that has not been touched by the internet and something that not so long ago felt strange and novel is now so engrained in our worlds that we hardly give it any thought. It's as fundamental to our being, seemingly, as the air we breathe.

Chris Flack believes the web has been a source of extraordinary good, something that has enriched our lives and helped educate us. But he is adamant that many of us have simply become too attached to our phones, to social media, to 24-hour breaking news and to apps that are designed to hook us. It was this belief that encouraged him to co-found unplug.ie and the response he's seen has convinced him that such a service is necessary.

"The internet is with us everywhere, all the time," he says. "The arrival of the smartphone seven or eight years ago has made sure of that. Now, many people find it impossible to shut it off. They feel they always have to be contactable and they're bombarded with information, much of which is of no use to them whatsoever."

Flack used to be one of them -constantly checking social media and emails and being interrupted by notifications, WhatsApp messages and texts. Now, he rations his use carefully - limiting himself to a strict half-hour for social media every weekday - and deliberately turning off his phone for stretches of time. They are small steps, he says, but they have helped greatly improve the quality of his life. There's very little mindless browsing any more.

There are three steps in the unplug.ie programme, according to Flack. First up, 'Awareness' - becoming conscious of something that's not normal, and that might involve taking a long hard look at the amount of time we spend online. "The true extent of the time," Flack argues, "would probably shock most people."

Secondly, 'Filter' - deciding what we want to browse. The issue isn't information overload, he says, it's learning to prioritise the stuff that's important. Lastly, 'Focus' - being mindful about the time we spend online and the quality of our interactions on it.

Simple procedures, such as switching off social media notifications, or using an app which temporarily converts a smartphone into a 'dumb phone', can free up time and help us live in the real world.

"There has to be a societal change too," he says. "We have to try to get away from the idea that we should be contactable all the time." Many modern workplaces have created a culture where employees feel they must always be at the end of an email, but Flack points out that some companies are actively trying to ensure that their staff can switch off when they leave the office. "Volkswagen have a policy of not emailing employees between 6.30pm and 8.30am which makes it far easier for them to 'unplug'."

Joanna Fortune, a clinical psychotherapist specialising in child and adolescent counselling, believes the unplug sentiment is just applicable to today's children as it is to adults. "While nobody could dispute how much we've all benefited from the internet, I am concerned that young people in particular are connecting with others in a way that is increasingly virtual and decreasingly real," she says. "There's so much talk that we're all more connected than ever, but the quality of human relationships have been diminished. And it's not just children: so many of the relations that adults have are with people on social media whom they will never actually meet."

Fortune saw for herself the allure of the virtual world on a recent holiday to the US. "I was in the Natural History Museum of Chicago and they've got one of the largest skeletons of a dinosaur anywhere in the world but I saw a two-year-old child who wasn't interested in it and just wanted to browse on an iPad." The skeleton may have dated from Jurassic times, but for this child it couldn't compete with the CGI-version he might have been familiar with.

"Then, elsewhere in the city," she says, "I was mesmerised by the sights but you had people who were missing what was real around them because they were favouring imaginary Pokemon on their phone screens."

It's impossible to know if this augmented reality game will be simply a fleeting sensation or something that's here to stay, but for Joanna Fortune it's yet another example of the erosion of real, inter-personal contact. "I find the justifications that Pokemon gets the kids outside utterly bizarre," she says.

"It's another thing that has helped us lose the value of the idea of 'me in the now'. Rather than be fully engaged in something, we're addled by distractions and young children are seeing this too. Is it any wonder that from a young age they can seem so easily distracted and hard to please? They're often not getting the sort of engagement they need from their parents because those same parents are too engrossed with their phones or tablets."

And there's a good reason they are glued to their phones. Some of the most commonly used apps today have virtually hijacked them, according to ex-Google executive Tristan Harris, who argues that app designers "play your psychological vulnerabilities (consciously and unconsciously) against you in the race to grab your attention".

Harris, founder of Time Well Spent, says: "Western Culture is built around ideals of individual choice and freedom. Millions of us fiercely defend our right to make "free" choices, while we ignore how those choices are manipulated upstream by menus we didn't choose in the first place. This is exactly what magicians do. They give people the illusion of free choice while architecting the menu so that they win, no matter what you choose."

Anyone who might consider Harris's words to be fanciful, should consider Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products by Israeli-American web-designer Nir Eyal. According to Eyal's official website, the book is "a guide to building habit-forming technology, written for product managers, designers, marketers, and start-up founders to provide practical insights to create habits that stick; actionable steps for building products people love and can't put down and behavioural techniques used by Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and others."

"It's virtually impossible, for instance, to leave Facebook," Chris Flack says, "because you'll keep getting notifications about which friend liked a picture and so on." Twelve years ago, Facebook didn't exist: now 60pc of Irish adults have a Facebook account, while two-thirds of those engage with it every single day.

Joanna Fortune also felt she had let the internet impinge too much on her life and has reaped the benefits of taking decisive action. She tries to stick to a no-internet rule in the hours before bed and when she went on a two-week holiday, she switched off email notifications. "People feel they can't do without it, but of course they can. It becomes self-perpetuating, this idea that we need to be switched on all the time, but there's rarely anything that's so important that it can't wait.

"And we need to go back to living in the moment, to enjoy a concert in real-time rather than watching it through the screens of our phones. Of course, one of the underlying messages of taking all those photos and posting them on social media is to show how 'with it' we are, that we're doing something to make others envious. And yet, we're missing out because we're not truly in the moment."

Her message is stark: "We're running to stand still."
Fashion-wise, it's all a little difficult right now. As exciting as it is to see next season's offerings trickling into shops, it's hard to think about coats and boots while the weather, in the main, is still pleasant.

And as tempting as a peasant dress on a sale rail might be, can you really see yourself wearing it in autumn? Steer to a middle ground and opt for items that will still work into the winter months. We love this lace co-ord from Miss Selfridge. It's the ideal late summer outfit and the skirt can be teamed with a slouchy knit and boots later in the year.

BUY: Skirt, 23.95, top 20.36; missselfridge.com

Softly does it

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It's now the fifth year of Tread Softly, the Sligo summer arts festival celebrating Jack and WB Yeats, with theatre, music, exhibitions, lectures, children's events, walks and talks. Highlights include Diarmuid Delargy's 'Sleeping Venus' and other works at Hamilton Gallery and WB Yeats' play The Cat and the Moon performed outdoors by Blue Raincoat Theatre Company on Dooney Rock at 6pm, which is a free event.

DETAILS: treadsoftly.ie

Up the yard

Dun Laoghaire Harbour plays host this weekend to the Beatyard Festival with all boxes imaginable ticked, from music to food, drink, tech, science, games, sports, arts and design. Headliners are Boney M, George Clinton, Lee Scratch Perry, Jape and the Rubberbandits. For children, there's a fully supervised area called Kidsyard while the Eatyard area features up to 30 food and drink vendors.

DETAILS: Adults 49, children 2-12 are 5, the-beatyard.com

Animal crackers

If you'd love an animal but space constraints and your schedule will not allow it, interiors online shop April and the Bear have come up with a quirky solution. They've teamed up with some of Ireland's best illustrators to create a collection that includes golden pugs for your mantelpiece, sarcastic cats on mugs and some bear portraits.

BUY: Pug, 110, aprilandthebear.com

Turning back

Birr's history and heritage is being celebrated with the Birr Vintage & Arts week, which runs until next Friday. Over 100 events are planned to showcase the town including local man Mundy in concert, an antiques fair, aerobatic displays at the Ormand Flying club and the festival parade on Sunday with its procession of vintage vehicles, marching bands and floats through the town. There's also a strong visual element with artist talks, workshops and more.

DETAILS: birrvintageweek.com

In a knot

A jaunty touch is the way forward and Kate Moss, Olivia Palermo and Jessica Alba are style icons who always have one such scarf in their arsenal. We love Irish print designer Susannagh Grogan's new AW collection, with its splashes of colour and made of 100pc silk. This multi-coloured stripe print with overlay of flowers works when tied in a French knot.

BUY: 125; susannaghgrogan.com

Sample this

Bargain hunters should head to the pop-up sample store featuring six of Ireland's leading designers taking place from Thursday, August 4 to the following Sunday. The designers selling their wares include milliner Martha Lynn (see right), and ethical jewellery label Edge Only. Depending on the brand, discounts range from 30-70pc.

DETAILS: Fumbally Exchange, 5 Dame Ln, Dublin 2. facebook.com/events/1332192586810303/

Next weekend...

Arts extraordinaire

As ever, this year's Kilkenny Arts Festival has plenty to delight the senses and stir the soul. Legendary travelling theatre Footsbarn are presenting their unique version of cult masterpiece One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, while actor Stephen Rea reads Heaney's work, with a live soundscape by composer and cellist Neil Martin (right), to name but some of the events. You can also pop into James Stephens Barracks to see artist Mick O'Dea in action as he captures the sights, sounds and personalities of this year's festival.

DETAILS: August 5-15, kilkennyarts.ie

Comic turn

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Time to dig out the Batman or whatever superhero costume you fancy for the MCM Ireland Comic Con, taking place in the RDS next weekend. It's a must for all lovers of everything comic book-related, as well as the chance to get to pick up collectibles, play some newly released games and buy some highly sought-after merchandise. Celebrity appearances include Brian Krause, Scrubs' Robert Maschio and comic book artist Kevin Eastman. There's also a hotly contested costume contest on Sunday.

DETAILS: Adult tickets 20, child from 8, dublincomiccon.com

hotlist@independent.ie

Upwards

Pineapple earrings

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Yes we'd love the Gucci ones, but equally we'll make do with the cheap-as-chips version from H&M.

Nathan Carter

From serenading a terminally ill lady in her home, to his speedboat selfies in Fermanagh, NC is a country star, a legend and a gentleman.

Curating your holiday snaps

Going to the effort of printing them out is far more rewarding than leaving them to languish on your iPhone.

Dominic West turns hotelier

Don't mind if we do book in for a lengthy stay when his wife's ancestral home, Glin Castle, opens up as a boutique hotel.

Margot Robbie's red carpet style

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This is proper, old-school Hollywood glamour. Goddess-like, you could say.

Onwards

Zara

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Given that a huge majority of us spend our pay cheques in their stores, surely they can afford to pay for the artists' designs they've allegedly copied?

Linen woes

The ideal high summer material but it's hard to look fresh and cool when it becomes a crumpled mess.

Lindsay Lohan's return to form

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After a lengthy period on the straight and narrow, her latest crisis includes police visits and tweeting about her relationship problems.

Pippa Middleton's engagement

Congrats to the happy couple but it's going to be a long year of dress designer and wedding-plan guessing before she finally ties the knot.

Air travel

Flying makes you retain water. This is the thought to keep upper most in your mind when freaking out about post-holiday weight gain.
At the end of 2015, James Sheridan and Soizic Humbert took the decision to close their restaurant in Blackrock Market. The couple had recently become parents and were finding the long commute tough going with a new baby. There's a lot of talk these days about the shift in culture that's needed in order to make restaurants family-friendly workplaces for both men and women, something that's desperately needed if the nationwide shortage of chefs isn't going to develop into more of a crisis than it is already. For Sheridan and Humbert, it was the location of their restaurant that was making life difficult, so they moved closer to home.

The locals were distraught. In the few years since it opened, Canteen Blackrock had established a committed following in a village that is poorly served by restaurants despite its affluent population. In Blackrock there was a short, no-choice, fixed-price menu, necessitated in part by the tiny kitchen in which James had to work. And customers had to leave the restaurant and venture out into the market if they wanted to use the lavatory. Neither of these facts appeared to diminish the enthusiasm that they felt for the restaurant - nor do they seem to be standing in the way of James and Soizic's successors, Andrew Heron and Damien Grey, who have a big hit on their hands with Heron & Grey - for my money the best new restaurant in Dublin this year. The locals are appeased.

We arrive at Canteen Celbridge for Sunday lunch and admire the smart, modern interior - shades of grey, colourful art. Soizic says that her favourite thing about it is that the loos are inside the restaurant. The short menu (priced at 26 for two courses and 31 for three) strikes an astute balance between ensuring that there's plenty to appeal to fans of Sheridan's distinctly contemporary, French-influenced, flavour-focused food, yet nothing to scare the horses. In other words, Canteen Celbridge is somewhere that you can bring anyone, from a foodie to a plain eater, and they will all be happy. I'd defy anyone not to be seduced from the outset by the fresh-out-of-the-oven mini-baguettes that arrive on the table as we're looking at the menu.

On the day of our visit, the 'safe' option by way of starter is a salad of Macroom buffalo mozzarella bocconcini, heritage tomato, violet artichoke and basil pesto, that's simplicity itself and very lovely both to look at and to eat. More exciting are a vibrant green pea soup topped with a perfectly poached duck egg and slices of intense smoked duck breast and - our favourite - a wonderful dish of charred mackerel served with an oyster mayonnaise and little spheres of Granny Smith apple, discs of cucumber and slivers of radish.

Confit shoulder of lamb has depth of flavour from long and slow cooking; it comes with a little sweetbread, fondant potato, leeks and charred grelot onion, while Sheridan serves a tranche of just-cooked cod with bouillabaisse sauce, fregola, confit tomato and juicy bread-crumbed deep-fried mussels, accompanied by what I think were wilted sorrel leaves, all topped with a fine crisp of sourdough and a smattering of aioli. The star main course for us is the slow-roast rump of beef alongside a tasty croquette of unctuous blade steak, heritage carrots, chard and sauce Choron, essentially a bearnaise with the addition of tomato paste. On the side are dishes of vegetables - broccoli, leeks and courgettes - doused in butter and topped with breadcrumbs, and the floury potatoes that are back in fashion this summer, cropping up in all the best restaurants.

For pudding, there is a dense piped mousse/ganache of Belcolade chocolate with poached apricots and candied almonds served with a dollop of vanilla ice-cream, plus an impeccable salted caramel creme brulee that has the proper ratio of crunch to custardy smoothness. Wexford strawberries, some macerated, some not, come with a delicate elderflower and yoghurt sorbet, tiny meringues and a sliver of sable breton, and the cheeses are Mossfield and Young Buck accompanied by a cider and apple chutney. James comes out to say a quick hello, and tells us that the baby has spent the morning sitting in the kitchen in a high chair, eating broccoli, and has gone to granny's down the road while service is on. So the move has had the desired lifestyle impact, and Blackrock's loss is Celbridge's gain.

Lunch for four, including a bottle of Bardolino (31), water and espressos, but before service, came to 175.20.

ON A BUDGET

The early evening menu, served from Tuesday to Friday, is priced at 24 for two courses and 27 for three courses.

ON A BLOW OUT

The three-course dinner menu is 38.

THE HIGH POINT

It is great to see the evolution from the modest premises that were home to Canteen in Blackrock, to somewhere that feels more grown-up, with no loss of charm in the process.

THE LOW POINT

The location is a problem for fans of the original Canteen in Blackrock, who now have to get into the car and appoint a designated driver before embarking on the journey to deepest Kildare.

The rating

9/10 food

9/10 ambience

9/10 value for money

27/30

Whispers from the gastronomicon

Coppinger Row is a modestly-priced lunch option close to Grafton Street, an area in which it can be hard to find somewhere to eat that doesnt feel as if its meant for tourists rather than locals. Until now the restaurant has not taken reservations, other than for groups, which is no good if you are under time pressure. Now you can book Monday to Friday. The two-course Menu Del Dia with tea or coffee is 14.50  you might get something along the lines of mixed sausage linguini, rocket, parmesan and salsa with rhubarb Eton mess to follow.
On Friday July 29 2016 - almost eight years after these events and after the longest trial in Irish criminal history - the three main players in this saga became the first senior bankers to be jailed in Ireland in the modern era.

Willie McAteer (65) of Tipperary town, former group finance director at Anglo Irish Bank, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison by Judge Martin Nolan for conspiracy to mislead investors and depositors in Anglo Irish Bank. Denis Casey (56) of Raheny, Dublin, former chief executive of Irish Life and Permanent, was sentenced to two years and nine months. John Bowe (52), of Glasnevin, Dublin, of the Capital Markets division at Anglo Irish Bank, was sentenced to two years.

A fourth defendant, Peter Fitzpatrick (63) of Portmarnock, Dublin, a finance director of Irish Life and Permanent, was found not guilty of the same charges.

Judge Nolan took into account the chaotic nature of 2008, the dysfunction in the capital markets and the stress involved for those trying to ensure the survival of the financial institutions.

"But this was a conspiracy to defraud two blue-chip companies by manipulating the accounts of Anglo Irish Bank.

"Manufacturing 7.2bn in deposits was a sham," he said. "The public is entitled to rely on the probity of blue-chip banks, if we can't do that we will lose public confidence in our financial institutions. Honesty and integrity were sorely lacking."

He castigated accountancy firm Ernst & Young for signing off on the accounts of Anglo Irish Bank in October, 2008. He said it "beggars belief" and was "incomprehensible" that they didn't know what had happened, adding it was "wilful blindness".

Recognising that the transaction "did not cause the financial collapse" and none of those involved benefited financially, he said it was, nevertheless "extremely wrong" and he had no choice but to impose a custodial sentence on those involved.

Each of the three bankers stood in turn to hear their sentence, making no comment.

There was almost utter silence after the sentences were delivered and families filed quickly from the courtroom to gather in little knots outside talking to their legal representatives.
The case of Ibrahim Halawa is dominated by two competing narratives. There is the well-known story in Ireland of the young Irish Leaving Cert student who was spurred to demonstrate for democracy amid a violent military coup.

And then there is another version of Ibrahim's story, one which plays a more substantial role in the case against him in the Egyptian courts. That is the story of the son of an influential Muslim Brotherhood family promoting dissent after the secular military intervened in President Morsi's increasingly autocratic and Islamist government and restored order to a country on the 'brink of civil war'.

The Egyptian Ambassador to Ireland, Soha Gendi, tends to side with the latter case against Ibrahim Halawa.

Referring to Ibrahim's father, Sheikh Hussein Halawa, who is Imam to the Clonskeagh Mosque (ICCI), she says: "(He) sent his son and daughters to talk to the people, to try to mobilise the crowds from the Muslim Brotherhood".

This is not the first time Sheikh Halawa has been linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. In US cables from 2006 published by WikiLeaks, US authorities raised suspicions over the conservative leanings of Sheikh Halawa, noting how other moderate Muslim leaders in Ireland had accused Halawa and other ICCI leaders of membership in the Muslim Brotherhood.

One journalist was even quoted in the leaked WikiLeaks cables as saying that, other than in Qatar, the Muslim Brotherhood has its strongest base in Ireland, making it the largest in Europe.

According to the report however, "when queried, Halawa and others failed to clarify their position regarding the organisation, but distanced themselves and other Muslims from any groups that espoused violence to achieve ends."

Ibrahim's sister, Somaia (29) who was also arrested and briefly imprisoned, denies the Muslim Brotherhood was an influence in their actions.

"Whether or not my dad is Muslim Brotherhood or not has nothing to do with myself. (My father) never forced us to be a part of anything."

Rather, she explains, she and her siblings joined the protests not in defence of Morsi, but the democratic process.

"I'm pro-democracy, even if it's someone I did not vote for, if there was a coup, I would still protest. No one has the right to do that, to take my voice, your voice or anyone else's voice."

These competing narratives about the Halawas' purpose in Egypt are most stark when it comes to the night of Ibrahim's arrest, now the subject of a major trial in Egypt.

On the night in question the Halawas have claimed they had arrived late to a protest in Ramses Square and found military violence against protesters.

"The army were firing at protesters. We had to seek shelter in the mosque, because this was the safest place."

However, the Egyptian government's account of events is substantially different. Ambassador Gendi claims the Halawas did not just find escape to the mosque, but led a crowd to Ramses Square in an effort to mobilise the city after curfew, and ended their march purposefully in the Al-Fateh Mosque, the largest most sacred mosque in downtown Cairo.

Read more: Amal Clooney invited to appear in front of Oireachtas committee

Read more: More must be done to help free Ibrahim from Egyptian jail hell

This led to a stand-off with anti-Morsi vigilantes, spurring the military to intervene. Ambassador Gendi claims it was the pro-Morsi protesters that fired the first shots from inside the mosque, killing a policeman and sparking a gun battle with security forces.

This is something Somaia Halawa disputes. "This is not true. If we were to witness a place with a gun we would never be around it".

One of the biggest sticking points of the case is the question over why the Halawas did not leave the mosque. Ambassador Gendi claims the Halawa siblings refused safe passage out of the mosque, even turning down the Irish Ambassador's offer to send a car.

Somaia strongly denies these claims.

"The security officers were surrounding the mosque... We were showing our passports saying 'we are Irish, we just want to leave' but they didn't care, they (security) said if you leave you will either be arrested or shot. (We said to the ambassador), 'you have to come and take us'. And they said 'no we can't, it's not safe'. So, how could we leave?"

International reporting from this so-called 'day of rage' in which protestors and the military clashed across the country, says 60 people died that day, 52 civillians and eight police officers. But there is very little conclusive evidence of what happened that night in Al-Fateh mosque in the public domain, except for some footage that surfaced of Ibrahim speaking from inside.

"People are killing us," he said. "They have us surrounded in a mosque to kill us. Back in Ireland, a dog has more freedom than we have here. I want what's happening back in Ireland to happen back here."

He goes on: "Everyone is willing to give themselves until the last bullet. We are Allah's, willing, to give our lives for any, any, price because this is now an Islamic matter."

That night Ibrahim and his sisters were taken into custody. Ibrahim has now been in prison for nearly three years, where he faces charges (alongside approximately 490 other protesters) of "being a culprit in the felony of participating in a mob that led to the crimes of deliberate and premeditated murder, also crimes of initiating arson in buildings causing destruction and of possessing arms not licensed for possession."

His last trial date on June 29, was adjourned for the 14th time until October, but many feel this will bring a final verdict. Some fear the death penalty, but Ambassador Gendi says this won't happen as Ibrahim was a minor at the time of his arrest. However, she rejects Irish Government-backed calls for presidential decree securing his release before the trial, saying that even in the oft-compared case of Australian Peter Greste, he was only released post-conviction. Ambassador Gendi declined the invitation to appear at a Oireachtas Hearing last Thursday.

"This is a huge terrorism case," she says. "People were murdered and people were victimised during that case. And people were wounded as well. If it was vice versa, and there was an Egyptian in your jail and he has been accused of involvement in a terrorism case and there are people who have died due to that case, would we just have the face even to ask you to disregard the court of law and disregard the judiciary system?"

Some dispute that this is a fair trial.

Citing repeated adjournments to the mass trial, Amnesty International's Colm O'Gorman says the Egyptian government has "scant regard now for fair trial or due process or even the international standards that should apply if you have regard for international human rights law."

Amnesty International question whether Ibrahim should be on trial at all. Having examined the prosecution files they determined that there is "no evidence" to link him to the serious charges made against him, and that he is being "detained solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly". They have declared him a prisoner of conscience.

Away from the criminal court however, how does Ibrahim's case fair in light of wider politics in Egypt?

While Egyptian authorities will say politics will play no role in the outcome, Somaia confirms that early on in the case when all four Halawas were still imprisoned, the Egyptian government offered to release the three sisters if Sheikh Halawa and the Irish government agreed to recognise the coup. Sheikh Halawa refused to do so.

This is an ideological battle between the assumed wider Muslim Brotherhood network and General Sisi's military-led government struggling to gain legitimacy in Egypt, with 20-year-old Ibrahim considered by some as a pawn.

But three years on, in a more stable Egypt, what of Ibrahim?

On the one hand, Egyptian authorities may fear they will appear weak if they are too lenient on Ibrahim, giving hope to Muslim Brotherhood supporters to rise up again. However, on the other hand, if the judiciary system is seen as being too harsh, it could further martyr the defendants, stoking an angry backlash from Muslim Brotherhood sympathisers and significantly damaging Sisi's desired image as a peacemaker in Egypt.

Indeed, Soha Gendi admits she already suspects those facing charges to be purposefully postponing the trial in order to do so.

"It's in the overall benefit of the Muslim Brotherhood to martyr themselves as being the legitimate people, to make themselves look like they are the ones who have been wronged by this kind of 'bad bad regime'."

However, Somaia Halawa believes it is the Egyptian authorities who are delaying Ibrahim's verdict to avoid this dilemma.

"The problem is they can't give them a sentence because they have no evidence and at the same time they can't come through and say, 'I'm sorry he's actually innocent', so they're in a very difficult position."

Meanwhile pressure from Ireland is another dimension.

While the outcome for all the 490 inmates could influence Egyptian politics from within, Ibrahim's case has international influence and a punishment deemed too harsh could cause Sisi's government to fall out of favour in Ireland and the West, as well as putting Egypt's important trade and political links with Ireland at risk.

For her part, Ambassador Gendi is optimistic the case may finally be resolved.

"Once he's charged... a political decision can happen in the light of the good relations between the two countries. The presidential decree is likely in the case that the government of Ireland and his lawyers, of course, presents this demand."

Somaia remains on guard: "They have no respect for human rights whatsoever so they can do anything at any time.

"We can see the Irish government are working very very hard. There's a whole parliament calling for Ibrahim's release."

2013: Egypt's Summer of Discontent

June 24: Ibrahim Halawa arrives in Egypt to spend the summer with family after completing his Leaving Cert.

June 29: Anti-Morsi Tamarod (Rebel) Campaign says it has 22 million signatures asking for Morsi's resignation (far exceeding the 13 million that voted Morsi into office one year earlier). He refuses to resign.

JUNE 30: An estimated 14 million people take to streets across Egypt calling for Morsi's resignation.

July 1: As protests continue, Egypt's military give Morsi 48 hours for a political solution or it will impose its own.

July 3: Military ousts Morsi, replacing him with an interim administration. New elections are to be called in a year.

July 4: General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi steps in as Egypt's interim president. Morsi supporters begin sit-ins vowing not to move from their protest camps until he is restored.

July 8: Violent clashes at the Republican Guard club leave 54 dead.

July 26: Hundreds of thousands rally across Egypt in support of military. Sisi appears on TV asking for a mandate to fight 'terrorism'.

July 27: More than 70 people killed in clashes with security forces at Rabaa protest camp.

August 14: Security forces clear the Rabaa sit-in protest, killing 817 people in what Human Rights Watch call "one of the world's largest killings in a single day in recent history".

August 16: Muslim Brotherhood call for a 'Day of Rage' with protests across Egypt. 52 civilians and eight police officers are killed. That night Ibrahim Halawa and his sisters are arrested.
Fine Gael politicians are the only group of people who will directly benefit from Enda Kenny stepping down as Taoiseach and leader of their party.

Independent ministers, who took a gamble on Kenny's credibility and went into government with the unpopular leader, may also see a much-needed boost in public confidence when he goes.

But for the rest of us, what is the advantage of the Taoiseach moving aside and allowing a new leader take the reins of Fine Gael and the Government?

We know Kenny has promised to step aside before the next election. Opinion polls show he is far from the most popular leader in the country, although public confidence in Kenny was up in Friday's Paddy Power Red C survey.

All the same, Fine Gael backbenchers are concerned about the poor levels of public support for their leader.

The realisation that Fianna Fail has the power to pull down the Government whenever it so wishes has also fed into the fears of Fine Gael TDs who are bruised from the outcome of the election.

Depending on who you ask, backbenchers want him gone before or just after Christmas, or at the very least by next summer.

The last Sunday Independent/Millward Brown poll showed little more than half of Fine Gael supporters want Kenny to stay on.

In short, Fine Gaelers want him gone because the public see him as toxic and they are worried his presence is detrimental to their own chances of re-election.

But who cares about what they think? The majority of voters who voted in the General Election didn't seem to care, so why start now?

Kenny's departure certainly doesn't benefit any of the established or smaller political parties.

For starters, Fianna Fail sees the Mayo man as its greatest asset in Government and the party is anxious he remain in place for as long as possible before the next election.

Micheal Martin and his minority government-facilitating TDs are chipping away at Kenny's authority week by week by kicking up a fuss about every policy decision and threatening to pull the house down if their demands are not fulfilled.

Sinn Fein, which has its own leadership problems, should also be happy to capitalise on the public's dislike of Kenny. However, the Red C poll showed 69pc of its supporters want him gone now, compared to 15pc of Fine Gael voters.

Sinn Fein is more concerned with targeting Fianna Fail voters as there is little gain from pursuing the Fine Gael vote.

The Shinners even created a new slogan for Fianna Fail - 'the U-turn party' - and keep accusing Martin of keeping Fine Gael in power, even though the Government is just three months old.

Kenny at the helm of Government and in the limelight is also a plus for the Labour Party, the Social Democrats and whatever other lefty party you're having yourself.

Replacing him with any of his heirs apparent will reinvigorate Fine Gael and give the party the bounce in the polls it has been craving since the election.

Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar is the public's favourite to replace Kenny, but the increasingly competent Housing Minister Simon Coveney is impressing colleagues with his handling of the housing crisis. Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald is also in the mix.

All three will inject new life into the party and also be forced to stand up to Fianna Fail in Government as this is sure to be a precondition of members supporting the next leader.

But as for the rest of us, there is little to no advantage in Kenny handing over his party, and the keys to the Exchequer, to a new leader.

The public at large is better served by a leader in their final term in office who is free from electoral concerns.

Whoever succeeds Kenny will be immediately on campaign footing, no matter how far away the next election is. Matters of party will supersede matters of Government and every decision will be taken with the election in mind.

On the other hand, a lame duck leader can be more daring and socially conscientious when they are not burdened by the weight of returning themselves and their party to office.

They can be steely in the face of resistance from colleagues, the Opposition or even the public when pursuing the implementation of politically sensitive policies.

US President Barack Obama tried to take on the powerful American gun lobby, albeit unsuccessfully, over the past four years and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair tirelessly pursued LGBT rights during his final years in office.

By the time the next election rolls around, Kenny will want to ensure he has secured his legacy as the country's first two-term Fine Gael Taoiseach.

At present, he will be remembered as the leader who began the process of dragging the country back from the economic abyss.

Kenny's stewardship of the country during its journey from the dark days of the financial crisis would soon be forgotten if we were to return to the era of austerity budgets.

And this is a real possibility as we enter the unknown political and economic realities of a post-Brexit EU.

Kenny will be eager to ensure the final deal is favourable to Ireland and that history shows he played an instrumental role in these negotiations.

The relationships he has developed with EU leaders over the years undoubtedly make him the best politician to represent Ireland at the table during these talks.

The Taoiseach will be aware his cynical attempt to shore up support through his ministerial and Seanad appoints rankled with the public.

There is no going back on this but it has bought him time to work on his legacy.

We have already seen some evidence of this in the Mayo TD's decision to personally head up the Government's north inner-city Dublin taskforce, which is aiming to regenerate one of country's most disadvantaged areas.

Kenny will be anxious that the housing crisis and ongoing water charges fiasco do not define his leadership.

Finding a lasting solution to both matters will weigh heavily on his mind.

Kenny can and should now make decisions on key issues without considering the next election. These decisions should be scrutinised - but his leadership is a matter for Fine Gael politicians worried about their own election chances.
Not for nothing was Barbara Bush known as 'The Enforcer'

Barbara Bush, tougher than her husband and known to her family as 'The Enforcer', is probably the most popular of all ex-US first ladies of recent times. Jackie Kennedy is remembered across the globe for elegance and tragedy, but she was not loved. Rosalynn Carter worked hard and was a noted campaigner on issues of mental health, but she has suffered in retrospect because of her bitterness at his defeat by Ronald Reagan, who is widely perceived to have been as great a success as Carter was a failure. The brittle Nancy Reagan was an essential support to her husband, but was thought to care little for anyone else. Hillary Clinton was loathed by those who thought her a careerist. The likeable Laura Bush did a lot of useful work but lacked her mother-in-law's commanding personality. And although Michelle Obama had rock-star status, that has diminished as she and her husband embrace luxury and celebrity. Betty Ford is probably the closest rival, having been far more effective and formidable than her husband Gerald, the 38th president, and still having a posthumous reputation for her prowess as a campaigner on addiction, not least because so many of the famous troop to the Betty Ford Clinic.
THE NAKED HORSEMEN AND WOMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE: Presenter Anna Richardson with a pair of contestants on show like at a horse fair. Photo: Channel 4/PA Wire

Memo to the boss: I want double the usual fee for this column because I've just had to watch the most execrable muck so I can make the following important announcement to our readers: "It's official. The End of Days has come."

If you're into divine intervention, then the great purge must be upon us soon. If you take a humanistic approach, then our self-immolation may take a little longer. If the global warming or gluttony doesn't get us, perhaps it'll be some sexually transmitted plague. The means is unimportant. The point is: civilisation is over. The Apocalypse isn't merely inevitable; it's necessary.

What has prompted this declaration? The editor requested that I watch a programme called Naked Attraction on Channel 4. I can't believe it exists. I can't believe it got 1.4 million viewers, not including all the playbacks on the website. Including mine. I feel dirty.

Here's how it works. Do you remember Blind Date? A candidate interviewed potential dates hidden behind a screen and picked one based on personality. This is the opposite. This is Full Frontal Date.

On Naked Attraction, six potential dates are displayed in glass cases. They have no clothes on. Totally starkers. I'm talking willies and labia here folks. A screen is gradually raised to expose their bodies, bit by bit. We get the bottom half first. The presenter Anna Richardson, and the man or woman looking for a date, peer into the cases to examine the genitalia of each candidate. The dates are asked to turn around so we can examine their bottoms and repeat the process.

The screens are raised again to reveal their chests and nipples. Finally, we get to see their faces and the dates actually get to speak! About what? Why? Their bodies of course!

At each stage, candidates are rejected until two remain, and one is picked. Then for a few seconds at the end, we see the pair on a date - with their clothes on - looking all perky and nervous.

Do you know what it reminded me of? Slave auctions. I think I saw one on Roots, that old television series about slavery, when the bidders examined the merchandise as if they were animals. They'd look at their teeth, like horses. It was disgusting.

Read more: There's a new dating show called Love At First Kiss and it looks very disturbing

Read more: 'I cannot believe this programme was aired' - Twitter reacts to Channel 4's Naked Attraction

This is not to say that I think the human body is disgusting. But this show is not about liberating us from bodily shame. It's about intensifying bodily shame. It's about objectification, narcissism and the poisonous idea that sexual attraction is based entirely and exclusively on how one looks.

A good sex life is important and, as anyone with any experience of life will tell you, the best sex in the world is not with the best looking person in the world. It's with the person you fell in love with, and people fall in love for all kinds of reasons. It's the meeting of souls, not bodies, that raises making love above the drunken bonks. Not that the odd drunken bonk can't be a bit of craic. But for great sex, you have to give yourself up, and that's about trust and intimacy and smell and not the shape of your labia.

Anyway, one reviewer described Naked Attraction as a meat locker, and that's exactly what this programme tells us about society. We've become meat.

People have been talking about the pornification of society. It means that the norms of porn have become mainstream. It's why young women get boob jobs and young men develop that weird small head syndrome. It's from exercising so much at the gym that their chests have outgrown their heads.

That's probably a neat metaphor for the problem. Big boobs and over-developed chests dwarfing the only thing that separates us from the animal kingdom: our brains.

Let no one think I've any issues with nudity. I'm the woman who visited a nudist colony last year and felt thoroughly liberated parading around in the nip whilst philosophically musing on our attitudes to the human form and getting my bottom tanned.

There are three political points about being naked when everyone is naked. The first is that the nakedness is entirely desexualised. It's a thoroughly non-erotic experience. The second is that perfection becomes freakish. The supposed flaws of the standard human body become the norm in astonishing contrast to the perfected image we're brainwashed into believing is normal by various media.

The third is that it shows how social norms can be created very quickly. In a nudist colony, wearing clothes is offensive. In the clothed world, nudity is offensive. So there's nothing intrinsically offensive about the human body - its appearance just has a context. In a nudist colony: grand. In a glass case on the telly: gross.

I'm not sure there's any way to fight back against this. The availability of porn on the internet means an entire generation has grown up thinking, just as Victorians did, that women have no pubic hair.

Apparently men are turned on by the smell of fake tan because it reminds them of one-night stands. A GP told me recently that the people most at risk from sexually transmitted diseases are men who aren't gay but who have sex with other men anyway.

And prime-time television consists of faceless people standing in glass cases being rejected because their genitalia are the wrong shape. It's Sodom and Gomorrah time.

There's no other solution. Someone, pass me the Kool Aid because it can't be long now.
It was at one of the dusty stalls, at the end of our tour of the Karnak Temple in Luxor, that we got chatting to the young man with the odd tattoo on the inside of his right arm. It looked like a Celtic cross, but surely it couldn't be - not in Muslim Egypt. And it wasn't. What it was, explained our new friend, was a symbol of his religion, Coptic Christianity.

Actually it was more than a symbol, it was also a mark of protection. In a region where Christians often had cause to complain of persecution, many churches needed to check that those entering were in fact, Christians, and not religious terrorists. I thought of this young man last Tuesday, when news that an 85-year-old priest saying Mass was forced to his knees, on the altar of his church, so religious terrorists could murder him.

The church is situated in the tiny village of Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, near Rouen, in France, a place not noted for religious violence since the 16th century Wars of Religion. But this wasn't the first time I had thought of that young Egyptian in the context of religious terror. I remembered him in February of 2015 when Daesh [Isil] released a video of the public beheadings of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya. I had remembered him when I saw the hashtag #EgyChurch being used on social media to inform an astonishingly deaf world of the mass destruction of Coptic churches, businesses and homes in Egypt by the "peaceful" Muslim Brotherhood in 2013.

And I had remembered him in 2011 when 23 Coptic Christians were killed at the Maspero Massacre, Cairo, by the Egyptian army and a Salafist mob. Unfortunately, I was not surprised by news of these events, though I was surprised by the reaction - or rather lack of reaction - to them in the West. Christianity has been under attack worldwide in recent decades. "Christians are fast disappearing from entire regions - most notably a huge chunk of the Middle East [and] ... In large part, this migration is the product of an ethnic cleansing," said a report published in October 2015 by the Catholic campaign group that monitors persecution, Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Its 2014 report on religious freedom said that, although Muslims also face terrible and systemic persecution  and Jewish communities have also suffered increased threats and violence, Christians were by far the most persecuted faith group.

In 2003 in Iraq, Christians comprised 8pc of the population, today they are less than 1pc. In Syria the Christian population has "lost" two-thirds of its members in the past five years. And while we often hear of the horrors inflicted on the Yazidi people and other minorities targeted by groups like Daesh and Jabhat al-Nusra, we seem reluctant, embarrassed even, to look clearly at what is happening to the Christians there and to be outraged by the genocide. Because genocide it is.

The European Parliament this year backed a resolution asserting that Daesh [Isil] was committing genocide against Christians, Yazidis and other religious and ethnic minorities as did the UK parliament, and US Secretary of State, John Kerry.

But the West seems unable to fully confront the possibility that every Christian in the Middle East could be ethnically cleansed from there. Yet the atrocity that shocked us so much last week in Rouen has been occurring all over the Middle East in recent years. For example, do we remember the murder of Fr Thaer Abdal at the altar of the Syrian Catholic Church in Baghdad in 2010? No? In total, 57 other Catholics died with him, murdered by an Iraqi faction of Al-Qaeda... but we didn't notice, did we? It's not like they were Muslims being killed by Jews, is it? Then there would have been Western outrage.

So, why do we - and by "we" I mean the liberal West - ignore, or at best give lip service to the annihilation of members of the church in which most of us were reared? Is it because, as the French philosopher Regris Debray said, "the victims are 'too Christian' to excite the Left, and too 'foreign' to excite the Right"? The American Right has belatedly awoken to the fact that there is a genocide of Christians taking place, but it seems that this may be because of their irrational fear of Islam, stoked by the likes of Donald Trump, rather than their love of their "foreign" co-religionists.

The bigoted and racist Muslim-banning Trump declared in April: "We have done nothing to help the Christians in the Middle East.. We left Christians subject to intense persecution and even genocide." But what liberal Westerner wants to admit that the likes of Trump may have a point?

But what is even more relevant about our refusal to acknowledge the plight of Middle Eastern Christians is that it goes against the accepted narrative that the only victims in the wars of the Middle East are Muslim and that this is all our fault. Due to centuries of Western meddling (which completely ignores the impact of the Ottoman Caliphate), Christians are seen as being somehow to blame for their own annihilation.

In a 2015 report the ACN organisation said that "Christians have been targeted [because]... Christianity [is seen] as a foreign 'colonial' import. Christians are seen as linked to the West, which is perceived as corrupt and exploitative." In another report it said that "the Western media has avoided covering the story of the Islamic genocide of Middle East Christians because of 'misplaced embarrassment about the 19th-century colonial powers evangelising the natives in far flung places'."

In effect, our grasp of history is so poor and our colonial guilt so great that we view Middle Eastern Christians, communities which pre-date Islam, as Western imports.

This would imply that we believe the only 'authentic' people of the Middle East to be some type of homogenised Muslim group - despite the fact that there are as many Muslim sects as there are Christian, and that both Jewish and Christian communities have lived in the Middle East for hundreds of years (thousands in the case of Jews) before the birth of Muhammad.

Then there is also the Left's great cause, the Israel/Palestine question with its British/French colonial history and American involvement. Protesting the slaughter of Christians by Muslims is not quite such a righteously attractive cause as fighting Western Imperialism.

What groups like Daesh are trying to recreate is an medieval war of Muslims against Crusader. Obviously no decent Muslim, Christian, Jew or atheist etc wants to ignite a war of religion, but ignoring the ethnic cleansing of an entire faith group is just helping the cause of the religious terrorists.

We may have been able to turn a blind eye to the destruction of the West's mother church in far-away-lands like Egypt, Syria or Iraq, but it is not so easy to ignore it on our doorstep.
Attackers set off two car bombs outside a police base in Somalia's capital before gunmen stormed inside on Sunday, leaving at least seven people dead, police said.

Islamist group al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the assault on the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Mogadishu, saying fighting was ongoing.

It was the second major operation in the city this week by the Islamist militants who have kept up their guerilla war on the Western-backed government in the face of U.S. drone strikes and African peacekeeping forces.

Heavy gunfire rang out inside for about half an hour after the first blast, said witnesses.

The bodies of four civilians lay in the street near the compound which was partially destroyed. A kiosk near the wall caught fire.

"We have confirmed seven dead including civilians and two militants," Ali Mohamed, a police officer, told Reuters.

Al Shabaab's military operations spokesman, Abdiasis Abu Musab, said one of its suicide bombers had started Sunday's attack by ramming a car bomb into the building's gate.

In al Shabaab's first attack this week, 13 people were killed when two car bombs went off at the gate of the African Union's main peacekeeper's base on Tuesday.

Security analysts had warned that the group could step up its attacks, taking advantage of the distraction caused by campaigning for a presidential election due in August.

Al Shabaab, seeking to impose its harsh form of Islam on the Horn of Africa nation, has also launched attacks in Kenya and Uganda, which have contributed troops to the African Union peacekeeping force.
FLAG WAVING: Turks gathered in solidarity to oppose the July 15 coup attempt. The banner on the right reads 'Chief Erdogan I came to die.' Photo: Umit Bektas/Reuters

Because the attempted July 15 coup in Turkey failed within a day, there is a temptation to gloss over it and focus solely on the huge purge that has followed it.

This would be a mistake.

The coup came as a profound shock to a country that rightly views as one measure of its progress in recent decades the fact that the military no longer retains the right to step in when it does not like the outcomes of the political process. There is much that is wrong with the way democracy works in Turkey, and growing despair among many there at the country's worsening trajectory. But there is no appetite for a suspension of civilian rule.

The sheer scale of the purge ensures that it will cause lasting damage to society. The thousands of detentions, the tens of thousands of suspensions and firings, the casual suppression of free speech, the reports of brutal extrajudicial retribution against those involved in the coup attempt: all of this is deeply corrosive of the already-fraying fabric of Turkish politics and society.

The purge hurries Turkey on its way to what was already looking increasingly inevitable as its unfortunate destination: an illiberal executive presidency with a fading democratic lustre and Recep Tayyip Erdogan ruling more or less unchecked and unrivalled until he dies or steps down.

This is a grim prospect, but consider the counterfactual in which the coup had not failed. Success would not have entailed a neat and tidy period of government by technocrats from the armed forces, followed by a smooth handover of power to a new cadre of civilian politicians fired with enthusiasm for liberal democracy. Had the coup succeeded, Turkey would have reaped a violent whirlwind. The coup leaders would have struggled for legitimacy and so would have had to lean on coercion and intimidation to enforce their will. Whether killed or captured, Erdogan would instantly have become a martyr figure and a rallying point for resistance, not just among huge swathes of the public but throughout the various branches of the state. The conditions would have been much more conducive to a slide into civil war than is currently the case.

This backdrop of what might have been underpins the disproportionate scale and frequent arbitrariness of the purge that Erdogan has now embarked upon. Decisions are not being made in an environment of calm deliberation, but of fear and retribution.

Many senior politicians in Turkey - reportedly there are lists circulating that include opposition names as well as government ones - believe that they could have been sent to the gallows if the coup had succeeded. They are willing to err on the side of firing or detaining too many people rather than too few. So too is much of the public. That probably wouldn't be the case in countries with stronger institutions and stronger traditions of the rule of law. But Turkey is mired in a situation that is unlikely to be faced by those more fortunate countries, where tanks are unlikely to roll onto the streets unbidden, F-16s unlikely to take off with the objective of bombing parliament.

Hovering in the background of the coup's aftermath is the figure of Fethullah Gulen, the US-exiled cleric whom Erdogan blames for masterminding the coup attempt. The two men used to be close allies.

In the first half of Erdogan's time in power, when the key cleavage in Turkish politics was still between the secular and the religious, Erdogan leaned heavily on Gulen's extensive networks of supporters -particularly in the police, the judiciary and the media - to undermine his opponents in the old secular establishment.

One of the reasons there is relative consensus in Turkey on the need to purge the state's institutions of Gulenist influence is that all sides have unhappy experience of the power Gulen and his associates can wield. Perhaps the starkest instance of this power is the Gulenist purge of the military that took place in 2010-12 with the so-called Balyoz trials, which saw hundreds of senior military personnel jailed on trumped-up accusations of coup-plotting that rested on fabricated evidence. When he was still allied with Gulen, President Erdogan acquiesced in this injustice because it served his ends. However, once the two men's paths diverged - in late 2013 associates of Gulen made an unsuccessful push to topple Erdogan over allegations of corruption - the president had second thoughts.

The Balyoz defendants were released pending retrial in 2014 and acquitted in 2015. Some of them are now returning to the military to fill positions that have become empty in the wake of the coup attempt.

The current purge is likely to continue until Erdogan feels confident that Gulen is no longer a threat. There may not be many more detentions, but there will be waves of suspensions and firings as suspected Gulenists are moved from positions of influence and Erdogan loyalists installed in their place.

A lot of this is taking place in the education sector, for the simple reason that Gulen is one of the biggest players in the Turkish school system. (He is also one of the biggest operators of charter schools in the US, as it happens.)

But the purge will also continue to affect the military, the police, the judiciary and the media. Domestically, the aftermath of the coup attempt will consume all available political energy, leaving Turkey without the day-to-day policymaking that any healthy country needs.

Internationally, key alliances are showing signs of fraying.

No one will come out and say it yet, but the prospect of EU membership - already a fading dream before the coup attempt - is now all but inconceivable.

Meanwhile, relations with the US are set to be tested in the weeks ahead if the Turkish government continues to call loudly for the extradition of Gulen without formally filing an extradition request and accompanying evidence.

The damage the last few weeks have caused to Turkey is huge.

We may never know the full truth of what transpired on July 15, but we will be living with its consequences for many years to come.

Aengus Collins is chief EU analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit. He was based in Istanbul from 2007 to 2011
About 30 people were involved in the protest

Police have arrested 26 anarchists who burst into the Greek Orthodox cathedral in the northern city of Thessaloniki during a Mass.

Roughly 30 people burst into the cathedral of St Gregory Palamas and, aside from interrupting the service, "destroyed what they could", a spokesman said.

The cathedral is named after a 14th-century archbishop of Thessaloniki who is revered in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Police say those arrested included 19 men and seven women. Seventeen are Greek, with the rest from Germany, the UK, Austria, Switzerland and Morocco.

The anarchists were protesting against a police operation on Wednesday in the city in which anarchists and refugees were evicted from three illegally occupied buildings.

One of the buildings, formerly an orphanage, is the property of the Greek Orthodox Church and is being demolished to make way for a new hospice.

Police arrested 74 anarchists in that operation, 64 of them foreigners. The 33 refugees were later released.

Before dawn on Sunday, an improvised device exploded outside the offices of the construction company hired to demolish the church's property, but caused little damage.

AP
Somalis carry a wounded person to an ambulance after a suicide car bomb attack in Mogadishu (AP)

An attack on a security facility in the Somali capital has left at least nine people dead, including four attackers, police said.

Captain Mohamed Hussein said suspected militants from the Islamic extremist group al-Shabab carried out the attack on the Central Investigations Department in Mogadishu.

He said the assault started with twin suicide car bombings at the gates of the security facility, then at least two gunmen on foot fought their way inside.

Ali Hassan, a police officer at the Central Investigations Department, said security forces foiled the assault and shot dead the gunmen who tried to storm the heavily fortified complex.

AP

Al-Shabab is waging an insurgency against Somalia's weak UN-backed government with the goal of establishing an Islamic emirate, ruled by a strict version of Shariah law.

More than 22,000 peacekeepers are deployed in Somalia in the multinational African Union force. Al-Shabab opposes the presence of foreign troops in Somalia.

Although al-Shabab was ousted from Mogadishu and most Somali towns in 2011, it continues to wage a deadly guerrilla campaign.

AP
Last week's Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia was mission accomplished for the party - in spite of real concerns earlier in the week that, like the Republican National Convention, it would be beset by controversy and drama.

On the eve of the convention's opening gavel, revelations confirming that Democratic headquarters actively sought to ensure Hillary Clinton won the nomination during the primary phase looked, at one point, set to make the party implode.

Supporters of Clinton's closest rival, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, lined up for their candidate, protesting loudly around the city of Philadelphia. So much so that there was a glaringly noticeable absence of any sign of a Hillary Clinton network or fanbase around the city.

The sea of Sanders fans was angry; they'd been proven right that an intentional bias against their once-in-a-lifetime candidate existed - and now it was too late for him to contest. In an effort to quell the hostility, DNC Party Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned her post and apologised to Sanders. Then Hillary Clinton moved in and hired her for her campaign.

Protests and anger, and loud booing at the mention of Clinton's name characterised the early part of the first day. It looked as if the unity and cohesion the Democrats needed to project in order to set themselves apart from their Republican Party opponents was slipping away. It was going to be another 'shitshow', and, what's more, preliminary polling showed Donald Trump edging ahead of Hillary Clinton for the first time.

Then came the breakthrough that was needed: a magnanimous, pragmatic agreement by Bernie Sanders to work on a progressive platform enabling some of his policies, including the fight for free tuition fees for the middle classes and the essential renewal of the Glass-Steagall Act - a groundbreaking piece of legislation from 1933 that separated risky trading and investment activities from consumer lending and finances.

In her final speech on Thursday night, Clinton vowed to make universal access to third-level education part of her policy plan, and said she believes that "Wall Street can never, ever, be allowed wreck main street again."

What's not clear yet is whether disaffected Bernie supporters are suitably satisfied with the long and wide-ranging list of policies Clinton said she stood for, and which were name-checked in order to hit the right notes with prospective voters.

She also clarified that she in no way wanted to alter the Second Amendment - the right under the US constitution to bear arms. Although she had invited the mothers of young men and women slain as a result of easy access to guns, she also promised to pursue "common sense" reforms to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and "terrorists".

"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."

It was lines like this that explain why so many people are reluctant to choose Hillary Clinton as their next president.

At the same time as she vowed to work on accomplishing some of the policy aims of the Sanders camp, Hillary was also courting the many Republican voters who cannot bear to vote for Trump, a man characterised as insolent and ridiculous, but "dangerous" nonetheless.

On Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid suggested that intelligence agencies "fake" briefings should they be "forced" to give Trump classified information during the campaign.

"Don't tell him anything; this man is dangerous."

Many Republicans have similar views.

There were few very high-profile speakers willing to defend the candidacy of Donald Trump in Cleveland - no former presidents or would-be presidents like Senator John McCain or former Governor Mitt Romney showed up. One of the few who did, former mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani, stoked up foreign policy fears about refugees coming to "kill us", as well as fears about the death of America as it once was.

While Clinton's speech packed a punch and delivered much of the optimism and just about enough policy to counter the apocalyptic diatribe that emanated from Trump during last week's Republican convention, it was clear that, with Hillary for president, it would be business as usual and the established norm of politics would remain.

The Bernie Sanders supporters are demanding a dramatic shift in American politics towards a social democratic movement - with a view to fundamentally transforming American politics and society into a system in line with that of Nordic or Western European countries.

At the same time, so many of those supporting Donald Trump are doing so because he is simply "not a politician", in spite of the fact that as an incredibly wealthy man he has donated to both Republicans and Democrats in a bid to influence decisions. And, as Hillary pointed out on Thursday night, he has profited from the various trade deals and from the globalised world that allows the manufacturing of his goods, as well as that of his daughter's clothing empire, in China, Mexico and Turkey.

In an all-too-typical Trump episode this week, the man who claims to have the finesse and smarts required to be president of the United States said that he'd heard Russian president Vladimir Putin say the 'N' word when describing US President Barack Obama and that Putin has an apparent lack of respect for his American counterpart.

In any normal world, this bizarre and incredibly offensive remark would spell the end for any one person's campaign. For Trump, it was yet another example of his bombastic style and willingness to 'speak his mind' - his most revered trait.

He appears untouchable, no matter the consequences of his words or actions.

US President Barack Obama's stirring speech and optimistic message also laid bare the stark contrast between Republicans and Democrats and the darkness and paranoia that emerged from some of the main speakers at last week's Republican Party Convention in Cleveland.

Regardless of whether one views his tenure as president as a success or not, and his approval rating is 51pc, his impeccable style, intelligence and conviction still embodies everything that is right and possible in the US.

But that is not what this election is about.

Obama painted a portrait of a country whose values and prospects were brighter than ever, and reminded people of the noble words of the nation's forefathers, that "all men are created equal" and "free in the eyes of God".

Obama added that "we're not done perfecting our union", and listed the areas that need immediate focus - more employment, safer streets and a fairer criminal justice system.

Polling following both conventions and ahead of November's election will begin in earnest as of next week; but it's likely that Clinton will receive a bounce from last week's successful display of competence from Hillary's camp.

Unfortunately, it will all depend on turnout, not enthusiasm.
The plane that democratised air travel could soon be consigned to the aviation scrapheap. REUTERS

The end of the world-changing jumbo era is nigh.

The plane that democratised air travel could soon be consigned to the aviation scrapheap. Boeing, which began building the 747 half a century ago, has quietly conceded that sales of the jumbo have slowed dramatically. In a brief statement, the aircraft maker said: "It is reasonably possible that we could decide to end production of the 747."

The double-decker plane revolutionised the world when it started flying in 1970, more than doubling the capacity in a single aircraft. As well as transforming the economics of air travel to allow far more people to travel, it also bestowed unprecedented levels of luxury for the fortunate few in the upstairs "bubble".

Richard Branson chose the name "upper class" for his business product because it initially comprised just eight seats in the cabin immediately behind the flight deck.

Nearly 50 years on, the 747 still meets the transportation needs of the US president. As recently as three years ago, it was giving lifts to a hitch-hiking space shuttle en route to its final resting place. The jumbo has been the backbone of many long-haul fleets for its 45 years of existence.

The reputation of the 747 remained strong, especially in comparison with its ill-starred rival, the Douglas DC-10. In 1989, the new long-range 747-400 flew a demonstration flight non-stop from London to Sydney - a distance of around 17,000km. "They were flying on fumes by the end," recalls one long-serving member of the Qantas cabin crew.

Telegraph

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Pope Francis is cheered by thousands as he arrives to celebrate mass near Krakow (AP)

Pope Francis encouraged hundreds of thousands of young people at a global gathering on Sunday to "believe in a new humanity" that is stronger than evil and refuses to see borders as barriers.

His appeal came at the end of World Youth Day, a week-long event held in southern Poland this year that draws young Catholics from around the world every two to three years to a different country for a spiritual rally.

The youth gathering was Francis' main focus during his pilgrimage to Poland, but over five days in this deeply Catholic nation he also prayed in silence at the former Nazi Auschwitz death camp and implored God to keep away a devastating wave of terrorism now hitting the world. He also met with Poland's political and church leaders.

For the second straight day, a huge crowd filled a vast field on Sunday in the gentle countryside outside the city of Krakow to see Francis, who was visiting central and eastern Europe for the first time.

Security was very tight throughout the pope's five-day visit, but he encountered huge crowds day after day without incident and arrived back in Rome on Sunday evening.

Many of the faithful had camped out overnight after an evening of entertainment and prayer with the pope in the same field Saturday night that drew 1.6 million people, according to World Youth Day organisers.

Sunday's faithful numbered at least in the hundreds of thousands. Father Federico Lombardi, a Vatican spokesman, referred to an estimate by Polish authorities of 1.5 million at Sunday's closing mass.

The pope used his several encounters with the young pilgrims - from mega-gatherings to a private lunch with only a dozen people from five continents - to encourage a new generation to work for peace, reconciliation and justice.

God, said Francis in his final homily of the pilgrimage, "demands of us real courage, the courage to be more powerful than evil, by loving everyone, even our enemies".

"People may judge you to be dreamers, because you believe in a new humanity, one that rejects hatred between peoples, one that refuses to see borders as barriers and can cherish its own traditions without being self-centred or small-minded," Francis told his flock.

Later Sunday, on his way to the airport, Francis met with hundreds of young volunteers to thank them for their work. He had a speech prepared but looking at the pages in his hand with annoyance he said, "five pages?" and then began speaking freely in his native Spanish.

"Do you want to be hope of the future?" he asked, getting an enthusiastic "Yes!"

Earlier in his pilgrimage, Francis had expressed dismay that many people and places are not welcoming enough to refugees or those fleeing poverty in their homelands.

After over one million people arrived on Europe's southern shores last year, some nations on the continent, notably in central and eastern Europe, hastily built fences to keep the refugees out. Poland has been among the EU countries that have refused to take in many Muslim refugees, saying it has already welcomed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian immigrants.

Attending Francis' closing mass on Sunday were some of Poland's top leaders, including President Andrzej Duda and Jaroslaw Kaczynski, head of the conservative ruling Law and Justice party.

The World Youth Day events took place amid very high security following a string of extremist attacks in Western Europe, with an elderly French priest being killed in his Normandy church Tuesday, the day before Francis arrived in Poland.

Since the Paris extremist attacks in early 2015, concerns have heightened that the Vatican, and the pope in particular, could be targeted because of his role as the most influential Christian leader. When the pope travels, a corps of Vatican bodyguards travels with him, running alongside his popemobile or scrutinising crowds along the route.

On Saturday, at a mass attended mainly by Polish priests, nuns and seminarians, sniffer dogs patrolled the perimeter, searching for explosives. Police opened every bag of those entering and waved metal-detecting wands carefully over each person.

At Sunday's mass, several Polish police vans followed the pope's open-sided popemobile as he rode through the wide flat meadow in the middle of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. Motorcycle police rode close to metal barriers keeping the crowd away.

Francis also spoke of terrorism in some of his remarks and made an unscheduled stop on Saturday at a Franciscan church in Krakow, where he implored God in prayer to "keep away the devastating wave of terrorism" in much of the world and to "touch the hearts of the terrorists, so that they recognise the evil of their actions and return to the path of peace and of good".

At the end of Sunday's mass, Francis announced that the next World Youth Day will take place in Panama in 2019. Later, he told rally volunteers he did not know if he would be at that one.

AP
The incident took place in the capital, Yerevan (AP)

All 20 gunmen who remained inside a police compound in the Armenian capital have surrendered, ending a two-week stand-off.

The capitulation by the armed members of a radical opposition group ended a siege which left two police officers dead and several wounded on both sides.

The stand-off triggered protests which led to wider unrest in the capital, Yerevan.

The leader of the gunmen, Varuzhan Avetisyan, said in a telephone interview that they had decided to surrender after security forces used armoured vehicles to enter the police compound.

Another factor, he said, was that police had started to shoot gunmen who ventured outside. Most were hit in the leg, but a man shot on Sunday was hit in the chest, he said.

A group of 31 armed men seized the police compound on July 17 to demand freedom for the leader of their group, who was arrested in June.

The group, Founding Parliament, has sharply criticised the government of the former Soviet republic and called for people to take to the streets to force the president and the prime minister to step down.

Several thousand people joined nightly rallies to support the gunmen, occasionally clashing with police.

In recent days, four members of the group had surrendered, including two earlier on Sunday, while at least seven were wounded. The gunmen killed one officer and wounded several others in their initial attack.

Police accused the opposition gunmen of killing a second officer on Saturday as he sat in a vehicle away from the compound, although Mr Avetisyan denied this.

The gunmen had held four police officers hostage for a week before releasing them unharmed. They later seized four members of an ambulance crew, but the last two were allowed to leave on Saturday.

On Saturday night, demonstrators marched down Baghramyan Avenue toward the main government buildings and the presidential residence, but were stopped by riot police, who strung coils of barbed wire across the road.

The demonstrators blocked traffic for about two hours, but dispersed peacefully early on Sunday.

AP
For several years, Germans have looked on as terrorist attacks hit their neighbours.

There was a feeling that it was only a matter of time before such incidents crossed the border. Even still, many wanted to believe that the circumstances in countries like France, Belgium and Britain were fundamentally different from the situation in Germany.

Such a notion was challenged last week. Germany was hit by not one, but four attacks in just a few days. It comes in the context of a wave of terrorism across Europe this year. These attacks have taken on increased frequency this summer, particularly in France.

As the facts emerged last week, it became clear that the German attacks were not related to each other, and only two had even a tenuous connection to Islamist terrorism. But all the incidents had a connection to refugees, and that has spooked a country already on edge about the welcoming asylum policy put in place by Chancellor Angela Merkel.

So far, the political and media reaction has been restrained. Merkel remained on holiday after the attacks rather than rushing back to Berlin to hold dramatic crisis meetings, as has been the model in France. When it came time for her annual summer news conference on Thursday, she insisted she would not bend in her determination to take in refugees. She said some small changes to security would be considered, such as adding more police officers.

Her tepid response will not be enough for some. The events have made an already jittery nation more nervous about a refugee policy that has seen one million people enter the country in the past year.

Some people are questioning whether the country can really handle the influx.

"There's always been a lot of criticism about Merkel's refugee policy, but it's growing now because these are the first cases of refugees doing attacks," says Tobias, a 36-year-old who lives in Berlin and works in social media. "But the politicians are still being very cautious this week, they are not saying very much."

The first attack came in the Bavarian town of Wurzburg, where a teenage asylum seeker from Afghanistan attacked people on a train with an axe, wounding four. He had arrived in Germany as an unaccompanied child refugee last year, first living in a refugee camp and then with a German foster family. Witnesses say he shouted "allahu akbar" before striking. After the incident, a group affiliated with the so-called Islamic State in Syria (ISIS) released a video of the attacker proclaiming himself to be an ISIS soldier.

Only a few days later, a lone gunman opened fire at a mall in Munich, killing 10 people and injuring 35. The perpetrator was another teenager, born in Germany. His parents fled there from Iran in the 1970s after the revolution, claiming asylum.

There was immediate speculation that the Munich attack was also related to ISIS. But it later became clear that the teenager had no connection to Islamist terrorism and was in fact obsessed with mass shootings carried out by white Europeans. It appears he picked the date of his attack because it was the five-year anniversary of the massacre by Norwegian far-right terrorist Anders Breivik.

Even before all the facts were known about the Munich attack, word came two days later that a 21-year-old Syrian asylum-seeker had attacked four people in the southern German city of Reutlingen, killing a pregnant Polish woman. That, too, turned out to be unrelated to Islamist terrorism. It was instead an episode of workplace violence (the woman was his co-worker). But before that information was clear, another attack had unfolded.

It came only hours later, again in southern Germany, in the Bavarian town of Ansbach. A 27-year-old Syrian refugee blew himself up outside a music festival. His crude explosive device injured 12, but killed only him. He had entered Germany two years earlier as a refugee. His request for asylum was denied several times, but his deportation was delayed because of his mental-health issues. He had been in and out of mental institutions and tried to kill himself two times before the attack.

In a video found on his mobile phone after the bombing, he claimed allegiance to ISIS. But there is no evidence he ever had any contact with the group.

The events have set Germany on edge, but it would be an exaggeration to say people are panicked. There is nothing even approaching the huge fear and anger felt in neighbouring France at the moment. It is, rather, a feeling of confusion.

Karena Detweiler lives in Munich, and says the shooting was frightening because details were so unclear. At one point, police said three gunmen could be on the loose in the city, when in fact there was only one and he was already dead. But she says the police reaction did make people feel safe.

"I was astounded how quickly, within hours, thousands of military, police and special-forces personnel from Germany and neighbouring countries descended on the city after the mall shooting," she says. "You never want to be in the middle of that kind of situation, but it was somewhat reassuring to see that when we needed the help of these specialised forces, they were there."

Now, she says, things have gone back to normal. "I have not noticed a big difference in how people are carrying out their day. I have noticed an increase in visible police presence. I work in the city centre, and I see a lot more police vehicles around than I did before."

Part of the reason for the relative calm is that as more information came out, it became clear that this was a traditional mass-shooting event rather than a terrorist attack.

"The Munich shooting was not related to the so-called IS but committed by a German, albeit with a migrant background, very much like the countless shootings in the USA, most of them committed by white Americans," says Sascha Rux, an architect who lives in Berlin. "The character, scale and intention of the attacks are very different [from what has happened in France], thus the reaction must be appropriately different. One feels concern, but no panic or increase of xenophobia.

"It is reassuring to see a strong sense of solidarity during and after the attacks among citizens Germans or not, on the one hand, and a 'keep calm and carry on' approach on the other," he adds. "Personally, I lived in London during the 7/7 attacks, which was very different both in character and in reaction."

The Germany attacks were vastly smaller in scale than what has been seen recently in neighbouring France and Belgium, and, for the most part, they were failures. While the attacks of 2015 and 2016 were co-ordinated, large-sale attacks by ISIS cells, the events in Germany have been small attempts by lone wolves. While the other attacks have had clear links with ISIS, the Germany links are tenuous or non-existent.

The difference in political reaction in the two countries may also be due to the fact that unlike in France, Germany does not have a powerful far-right to contend with. While Hollande must counter the increasing influence of the Front National, Merkel does not face the same level of threat from the significantly smaller Alternative for Germany party.

"I think we have a different situation in Germany, the integration of immigrants has been much better than in France," says Tobias. "France has a long history of attacks by immigrants, we do not. But if we had a very big attack with a lot of deaths, I think the politicians would not be as silent as they are being now."

Public-opinion polls show that support for Merkel's decision to grant asylum to all Syrian refugees remains high, despite recent events.

But there are increasing voices of disquiet, and the refugee connections in these recent events will inevitably inflame this. Wolfgang Bosbach, an MP from Merkel's own centre-right CDU party, warned this week that among the many migrants coming from Germany "are also persons who are a considerable danger for internal security".

Another Merkel ally, Bavarian politician Horst Seehofer, told a press conference that after the four violent attacks, Germans are "riled up" and "full of fear".

Such alarmist voices have been few and far between within Germany's centrist parties, and have mostly been confined to the far-left and far-right. But questions are being asked about Merkel's policy.

While Germans generally agree that taking in the refugees is the right thing to do, they are increasingly less certain that it is being done in an intelligent way. There has been concern that the refugees, scarred by their experiences in the Syrian war, will have psychological problems that Germany's mental-health facilities cannot accommodate. The recent attacks will only add to these fears. The concerns about mental-health converge with cultural concerns. These were exacerbated at the start of this year when a mob of around 2,000 men - many recent immigrants and asylum-seekers from Syria and Iraq - sexually assaulted round 1,200 women in Cologne's main train station during New Year's Eve celebrations.

There is concern that young men coming from cultures with different attitudes toward women and who have been through the traumas of war might have difficulty adjusting to their new circumstances.

The Cologne incident also stoked distrust of the media's coverage of the refugee issue. The full extent of the incident only came to light recently after the leak of a police document. Many Germans are still furious about the media blackout following the incident. It took almost a week for German politicians and media to acknowledge that the event had occurred, and for days only people on social media were sharing the stories of what had happened.

"People have been using this word 'lugenpresse' (lying press) after New Year in Cologne, in the past week we are hearing it even more," says Tobias.

Unlike their cousins in France and Britain, the German media tends to be very cautious about stoking flames of hatred against immigrants. While French papers were emblazoned with fearful headlines about refugees the days after the Nice and Rouen attacks, no mainstream German paper dared to make a connection between the Ansbach attack and the refugee situation the day after it occurred.

"We have this idea that the media is not telling us the truth because they don't want the people to be angry with refugees," says Andrea, a graphic designer in Berlin. "People now go to social media to get their information."

It is on social media that anger with Merkel and with refugees is most visible, with the hashtag #MerkelSommer trending in Germany this week. It implies the summer of terrorist attacks is Merkel's fault. Things may be calm in the mainstream media for the moment, but the discourse on social media is growing more dramatic.

But Tobias says he does not believe this social-media chatter represents the majority of people in Germany.

"On social media people are shouting loudly, and the one who shouts loudest is heard the best. But I don't think the society as a whole is so hysterical."

Dave Keating is an American journalist based in Europe
Information gleaned from airline companies will be used to track the movements of terror suspects plotting massacres. Photo: Sean Dwyer/Bloomberg News

The Government intends to establish a powerful new State agency which will, for the first time, be able to monitor airline passenger records for suspected jihadi terrorists, the Sunday Independent can reveal.

The first-of-its-kind multi-agency security unit will monitor confidential customer information collected by airline companies to identify potential suspects plotting terror attacks across Europe.

It will also have unprecedented access to the US government's terror watch list which tracks some of the world's most dangerous terrorists.

The State body will be styled on the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) and harness the power of the gardai, custom officials and the Revenue Commissioners office.

Information gleaned from airline companies will be used to track the movements of terror suspects plotting massacres in the name of jihadi groups such as the so-called Islamic State.

Europe has been convulsed by more than a year of barbaric terror attacks by radicalised Islamic terrorists which was compounded last week by the vicious murder of French Catholic priest Fr Jacques Hamel on the alter of his own church.

Read more: Garda and Army on alert for lone wolf attack

Read more: Cases show we are hugely reliant on foreign intelligence

At a State security meeting on Friday, Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan told Taoiseach Enda Kenny, "it is possible but not likely" that jihadi terrorists will target Ireland.

However, gardai remain on high alert for an attack in the wake of the rise of international terrorism.

When asked what were the two most important issues facing the EU at the moment, Irish and EU respondents to a new Eurobarometer poll published last week, were most likely to say immigration and terrorism.

In April, Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald signed off on a deal with her EU counterparts to allow security forces in member states to access airline passenger records when investigating terrorist offences and organised crime.

Under the agreement, each member state is required to establish a Passenger Information Unit which will screen personal airline passenger records which are then exchanged with other EU countries. The information on anyone flying in or out of an EU country can be stored initially for six months.

After this period, certain personal details are removed and the information is then stored securely for another four-and-a-half years.

A senior Department of Justice source said access to airline records was a "proven tool" in the fight against international crimes and was an "invaluable support in combating international terrorism".

"The ability to prevent attacks is as important as an ability to deal with such an eventuality. The gathering of intelligence both domestically and from international sources plays a priority role in ensuring An Garda Siochana can perform this task," the source added.

The source insisted there will be "strong safeguards" on protection of private and personal information.

Separately, Ms Fitzgerald recently received Cabinet approval to sign off on a deal with US authorities which will give Irish officials access to state-of-the-art passenger screening software.

Implementing the hi-tech US computer system in Ireland is part of an agreement which guarantees the future of the visa waiver programme which allows Irish citizens to travel to America without a visa. The new software will also allow Irish security forces to access profiling information collected on terrorist suspects by US state agencies.

Ms Fitzgerald has also held high-level meetings with the director of Europol Rob Wainright about Ireland's participation in an EU-wide IT system which allows security authorities to exchange customs and border control information.

Ireland is one of only three member states yet to sign up to the Schengen Information System (SIS).

Funding has been set aside to introduce the system in Ireland and it his hoped the project will be completed in six months.

Government plans for establishing the Passenger Information Unit are still at an early stage but it is hoped the agency will also target international crime gangs smuggling drugs and weapons into Ireland.
Muslims put flowers and hold a minute of silence in front of the church if Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, western France, where French priest Jacques Hamel was killed on July 26. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Figures for interpreter services in the Irish Courts Service show that 7,490 foreign nationals with little or no English appeared in front of a judge last year. On only 118 occasions did the courts need Arabic language assistance. It's an indication of what is already known; that Ireland's Muslim community, possibly 80,000 to 100,000 strong, is probably the most law-abiding section of our population.

The Mandarin-speaking population are equally respectful of the law, with only 251 Chinese interpreters' services retained by the courts. Indeed, many of these cases would undoubtedly have been non-criminal immigration or civil matters. African languages interpretation services are also rarely needed.

About 90pc of the interpreter services are for Eastern European languages, which indicates that our fellow 'white' Europeans are equally inclined to law breaking as the indigenous Irish.

That being said, I personally have experience of how sections of the Sunni Muslim community here support the 'lone-wolf' terrorism that is erupting around Europe.

In the week after the Paris attacks last November, I was called a 'kuffar' by a group of Muslim men at a food shop in Dublin. One of the group of five - it was late and the shop was nearly empty - also decided to make what he thought was a joke about the recently occurred Paris attack which left 130 dead, most of them young people in the Bataclan theatre. He said, in a raised voice: "Yes, it was a tragedy... a tragedy they (the attackers) ran out of bullets."

I was momentarily stunned and moved away. I reported the matter unofficially to gardai, though it didn't seem quite to register as an incitement crime.

Gardai do not generally record racially motivated or hate crime involving speech. There is no other way to explain why the Republic has the lowest reported level of racially motivated crime in the EU.

The term 'kuffar' should be understood better by Westerners. It is taken to mean, in the teachings of the Wahabist Sunni preachers, that all unbelievers must be converted or killed, preferably by having their throats cut.

Wahabist teaching is at the beliefs core of the Muslim Brotherhood and shared by Isil and al-Qaeda. It is also spreading across the Sunni world and the world's biggest Muslim state, Indonesia.

What the incident in the food shop brought back to my mind was the occasional encounters I had with southern IRA supporters during the Troubles. Men who had never heard a shot fired or bomb explode would speak of what a great job 'the Boys' were doing in the North.

The early Provisional IRA shared many of the same characteristics of Isil and al-Qaeda. Hate preachers played a major part in the IRA's foundation, as they have done in the spread of fundamentalism among young Muslims. Priests, including one at my own school, spread the version of Irish Catholicism that preached that 'fighting the British' was a duty during 'occupation' and that it was not a sin to kill in defence of one's people and country. Some priests, like some Muslim clerics, were key recruiters for the IRA.

What Europe is experiencing is the opening onslaught in a campaign that is intended to grow and create international havoc. As with previous terrorism campaigns, the initial police response is lacking and poorly directed. That will change.

Last year, according to figures from the EU policing agency, Europol, police forces on mainland Europe arrested 17 people for suspected 'jihadist' terrorism, 15 in France and two in Denmark. Europol last year flagged the rise in 'right-wing' terrorism in response to the Islamist terrorism long before it became a media theme last week.

The police agency pointed out, in a restricted report sent to member police forces that last year, that there were nine arrests for 'right-wing' terrorism compared with none in 2014.

If that 'right-wing' figure rises very significantly this year then Isil will have achieved one of its main goals. It wants a violent reaction against innocent Muslims. This will lead to greater anger among young militants and more recruits.

The Provisional IRA in its early campaign targeted innocent Protestants and unionists. This caused what was known as the 'Protestant backlash' up to and including the kidnapping and torture murder of entirely innocent Catholics. Lenny Murphy, the west Belfast Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) man, and his gang were cutting Catholic throats long before Isil or Wahabism was heard of.

The only significant difference between the 'Shankill Butcher' UVF gang and Isil is that the internet didn't exist to allow them to broadcast their handiwork.

But, as the IRA was eventually eradicated as the death cult element of Irish nationalism, so Isil will also be eventually eradicated. No European country has so far introduced internment without trial or enacted extra judicial executions, though there may be over-reaction and innocent deaths at the hands of law and order forces.

What is clear is the current phase of Isil action in Europe is to prompt, mainly over the Internet, young Muslims of limited intelligence or mental illness to commit atrocities. Europol reports that one in three lone-wolf attackers has psychiatric issues.
PHOTOS BY KATIE MCLEAN/INDEPENDENT MAIL Keeten Page, 3, of Calhoun Falls, looks at an exhibit in the Anderson County Museum during the Summer Superhero Bash.

SHARE Riley Dempsey, 2, has his picture taken with Batman during the Summer Superhero Bash at the Anderson County Museum. Sophia Anderson, a 4-year-old dressed as SpiderMman, looks at an exhibit during the Summer Superhero Bash at the Anderson County Museum. Dakota Todd, 8, (center) jokes around with her brother, Mason Todd, 10, (left) and her mom, Sybil Todd, (right) during the Summer Superhero Bash at the Anderson County Museum. Related Photos Superhero Bash at the Anderson Museum

By Kirk Brown of the Independent Mail

Young superheroes lined up outside the Anderson County Museum on Saturday morning.

When the museum's doors opened at 11 a.m., the children eagerly headed inside to pose for photos and take part in a scavenger hunt amid displays highlighting the county's history.

Kristen Smoak's Batgirl costume didn't help the 4 year old overcome her shyness. She hid behind her mother when a stranger asked her a question.

"She loves superheroes," said Kristen's mother, Anderson resident Crystal Smoak. "She had a superheroes birthday party."

Crystal Smoak said Saturday marked the first time she visited the museum.

"It's really cool," she said.

That type of reaction is precisely why museum officials hosted the Summer Superhero Bash. Their goal is to build awareness of what they see as one of the county's best-kept secrets.

"It is great for the museum and it is really great for the community," said John Tucker, who is one of the museum's board members.

Hosting events for youngsters "stirs their interest" in the museum, Tucker said.

"It also brings their parents out," he added.

A number of children at the museum had photos taken with Sybil Todd of Anderson and her 10-year-old son, Mason, and 8-year-old daughter, Dakota, all of whom were wearing X-Men costumes.

Mason was dressed as Cyclops, a character who wears a visor to prevent his eyes from emitting beams of energy. Dakota portrayed Pixie, who has the ability to fly and teleport. Their mother was costumed as Phoenix, who has telekinetic powers that she said "every mom needs."

Sybil Todd runs a cosplay business and she and her children attend numerous events like Saturday's Superhero Bash.

"It is something that we can do as a family," said Todd, who will be judging a costume contest at Electric City Comicon, which takes place next Saturday at the Anderson County Main Library.

Todd also is part of a Georgia-based group called Heroes in Force, which makes presentations at schools and churches urging children to be heroes and not bullies.

Copper, a 3-year-old bloodhound that works with the Anderson County Technical Rescue Team, was another popular attraction at Saturday's event.

"He is super nice," the dog's handler, Anderson police Sgt. Don Hodges, assured one child who appeared reluctant to approach Copper.

Two-year-old Ashton Debos came to the museum dressed as a hybrid superhero. He was wearing a Batman mask and a Superman cape.

"We call him Super Batman," said Ashton's mother, Anderson resident Meagan Debos. She said her son couldn't take his eyes off an adult dressed as Spider-Man, who is his other favorite superhero.

Debos said she and Ashton both enjoyed the Summer Superhero Bash.

"It is really awesome," she said.

Follow Kirk Brown on Twitter @KirkBrown_AIM
By Kirk Brown of the Independent Mail

Early Saturday, Jennifer Poore reached out to Jordan Hart on Facebook.

Responding to Hart's request for prayers, Poore wrote in a 1:55 a.m. post that she would help "anyway I can."

In the same post, Poore expressed concern about "disturbing things" that she had heard about Hart, adding that she would "love to see" her soon.

Hart, 21, and 23-year-old Chevis Morris, both of Anderson, are expected to be formally charged this morning in connection with Poore's shooting death on Saturday night, Anderson County Sheriff's Office Capt. Garland Major said. They are being held without bail at the Anderson County Detention Center.

Poore, 38, died at 9:43 p.m. after being flown by helicopter to AnMed Health Medical Center, Anderson County Coroner Greg Shore said.

She was shot in the back about an hour earlier in a mobile home at 106 Russell Drive, which is south of Anderson, Shore said. The bullet hit Poore near her left shoulder and traveled down into her chest, he said. Shore said that Poore was sitting or kneeling on the floor in the den of the mobile home when she was shot.

According to Shore, Poore was with a man and a woman when her live-in boyfriend came home Saturday night. The man and woman requested a ride and Poore's boyfriend walked a short distance to his father's house to borrow a pickup. When he returned a few minutes later, Shore said, Poore had been shot and the man and woman were gone.

Major said he didn't know about Poore's post on Hart's Facebook page. But investigators are aware that the two women knew each other, he said.

Morris and Hart both have criminal records.

Morris was arrested on July 12 and charged with unlawfully carrying a pistol, jail records show. He was released from the county detention center two days later on $4,000 bail.

According to court records, Morris pleaded guilty to two courts of first-degree assault and battery in 2012. He received a youthful offender sentence not to exceed six years in prison.

Hart pleaded guilty to grand larceny and was found guilty of criminal domestic violence in 2014, court records show. She was classified as a youthful offender and placed on probation for five years for the grand larceny charge. She was ordered to undergo counseling in the domestic violence case.

A week before her death, Poore wrote a melancholy post on her own Facebook page: "When does my time come to finally be happy? Don't i deserve to know wat real happiness is or am I cursed for life and this is it for me? Just want peace joy and for once a little bit of happiness!! Am I asking for too much? Please!!!!"

Poore's friends flooded Facebook on Sunday with condolences.

Courtney Alexander wrote: "Jennifer had a lot of struggles. But she always was positive and upbeat and knew how to put a smile on your face! She helped me through the darkest time of my life, when my little brother died."

Gary Poore was grieving for his daughter on Sunday.

"She was loved immensely," he said.

Follow Kirk Brown on Twitter @KirkBrown_AIM
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PENDLETON  Development rules for the 350-acre Grove at Pendleton lead the busy agenda for Monday night's Pendleton Town Council meeting.

The council will vote on the town planning commission's zoning recommendations for the Grove site, located between U.S. 76 and the Pendleton High School campus along S.C. 187.

Developer Richard Bennett has proposed single and multifamily housing, retail and offices for the land. The town has already voted to build a lift station there and extend its sewer lines down S.C. 187 to service The Grove and the Pendleton High School campus.

In other business:

 Police Chief Doyle Burdette is expected to update the council about Sunday's kickoff party for the department on the town square, as well as his impressions from the first full day of patrols  which is also set for Monday;

 There will be a second reading of plans to renovate the town hall to create office space for the police department;

 The council will also consider an amendment to the town's animal control ordinance that would spell out duties for an enforcement officer.

The Pendleton Town Council will meet Monday at 7 p.m. at town hall, 310 Greenville St.
CONCORD  More than 100 Ford Mustang cars lined up to park on the dusty strip of land that will soon be home for the Mustang Owners Museum with car enthusiasts gathering for a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held at 60 Pitts School Road NW, Concord, featured new and old Mustangs among them, including a 1967 GT500, a 1970 Boss 302 and a 1978 King Cobra, among others.

Officials said they expect the Concord museum to have a soft opening in Summer 2017 and a grand opening that Fall.

Ford calls the Mustang its heart and soul, said Cabarrus County Commissioners Chairman Steve Morris during the groundbreaking ceremony. So we are incredibly proud that the national Mustang Owners Museum decided on Cabarrus County to be the right place to call home.

When officials announced the development of the museum in May it was initially called the National Mustang Museum. But since then, officials have changed the name to make the title more inclusive to Mustang fans, letting them know this is their museum.

More than 9.6 million Mustangs have rolled off of assembly lines and the best of the best will shelter right here, Morris said to the crowd of Mustang enthusiasts gathered at the groundbreaking ceremony. Theres no doubt that the Mustang faithful, like yourselves, will make a special trip to the museum. You will reminisce about the days you dreamed of owning your own and the nights you spent tinkering in your garage, somehow trying to improve on what is already one of the worlds top performance machines.

The development of the museum here stems from the organizers of the 50th Anniversary of Mustang which was celebrated in Concord in 2014.

While not affiliated with Ford Motor Company, Mustang Club of America or any other Mustang related business venture, the project is the concept of long-time Mustang enthusiasts Steve Hall, from Atlanta, Georgia and Ron Bramlett, from Morada, California.

Hall said they look to spend more than $1 million just in the construction of a new building that will house the museum. That does not include the cost of the exhibits themselves.

The building looks to be in the range of 24,000 to 30,000 square-feet.

The building should be able to house about 50 cars on display at any given time, depending on the size of the plan developers go with. The museum will have rotating exhibits throughout each year.

Bramlett said they expect to be able to have a rotating exhibit thanks to the support of Mustang fans in the community, such as the Carolina Regional Mustang Club.

The only one of its kind, this attraction will serve as a gathering place for Mustang aficionados from across the globe, said Donna Carpenter, Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau president/CEO. A place where stories are shared, friendships are formed and memories are made.

The project is coming to Concord thanks to a relationship with the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The bureau established a relationship with Hall and Bramlett after working to attract and host the Mustang 50th Birthday Celebration held in Concord in April 2014. Bramlett served as the executive director of the event.

In addition to Mustang-related driving events and various events at the museum, Hall and Bramlett are also aiming to host a number of yearly Mustang gatherings to benefit the museum which will be announced at a later date.

With the selected location just two miles from Charlotte Motor Speedway, Hall and Bramlett have also started exploring partnership opportunities with track officials.

Hall said they chose Concord for the museum, because of the success of the 50th anniversary of the Mustang event held in 2014.

Hall added Concord had a natural fan base for car enthusiasts, making a good spot for the museum, in an area known for its NASCAR ties.

Known as Where Racing Lives, Cabarrus County is a destination that not only shares the history of the sport, but allows all who pass through our area to be immersed in the automotive culture, Carpenter said. By showcasing this iconic car, the Mustang Owners Museum will provide a new interactive way to discover horsepower in the heart of racing country.

Economic impact

Fans discovering that new attraction could have a huge economic impact on Cabarrus County, just based on the 50th anniversary of the Mustang celebration in 2014.

More than 50,000 Ford Mustang enthusiasts spent about $8.3 million in Cabarrus County during the five-day celebration marking the Mustangs 50th anniversary in 2014, according to estimates.

Officials said the estimates are based on the Destination Marketing Association International event calculator, which takes what type of event is being organized  in this case sports: adult amateur  and calculates spending based on room nights and other criteria. The results are based on an estimated 9,600 room nights used by visitors during the event, which ran from April 15 through April 20.

Of the estimated $8.3 million spent by visitors during the event, about $5 million of that was direct sales, such as a person buying an item from a store, or buying a dinner from a restaurant. The remaining $3 million came from indirect sales, such as the supplier bringing in items for the store to sell, or a distributer selling food to a restaurant.

CVB officials estimate that 50th anniversary of Mustang fans spent $1.2 million in lodgings just in Cabarrus County. Fans, organizers and media/sponsors spent another $458,878 in transportation costs.

The event also generated nearly $1.7 million in food and beverage sales, and $1.2 million in retail sales. In addition, the event generated $421,401 in local taxes.

That economic activity served to support 1,849 jobs during the celebration, officials estimate.

More than 4,000 Mustangs were registered to participate at the events at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2014, with cars from around the world.

Officials could see the presence of the National Mustang Museum having a similar impact on Cabarrus County on an annual basis.

The Mustang is more than a car, its a part of American culture, Morris said. That is why the national Mustang Owners Museum will appeal to the millions of people that visit our area each year. The Mustang is everywhere, it is recognizable to all of us. Its the most widely featured car on big and small screens and its an inspiration for songs, its featured in apparels, toys and games.
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Kebabs may not find their origins in India, but their exotic melt-in-mouth taste oodling with spices makes them more Indian then anything else.

With this flavorful tinge of kebab in the mouth, we've compiled a list of places you can savor the best in class kebabs across the nation. Behold - the best places in India to dig in to some kebabs!

1. Peter Cat, Kolkata

letsfoodaround.in

Kebabs and Kolkata remain incomplete without the mention of Peter Cat, a place known for its variety of Indian kebabs, sizzlers and more. Chelo Kebab in both veg and non-veg variants is an all time favorite among foodies in Kolkata.

2. Karim's, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi

timescity.com

This needs no introduction when it comes to the yummiest non-vegetarian delicacies in Delhi. The iconic Karims is known for its culinary fanfare with kebab being its specialty. This Mecca-Medina for meat lovers serves the finest tasting kebabs starting from smoky-dry and crisp mutton burrah kebabs, mutton seekh, chicken tikkas, tandoori fish to a lot more. Tender and juicy flesh flowing with spices is sure to make you gorge on every bit of it.

3. Siddique Kebab Center, Hyderabad

buzzintown.com

Small but only when it comes to the sitting space. Otherwise the Siddique Kebab Center at Kondapur in Hyderabad is nothing less than a heaven for non-veg lovers. Their chicken dishes are simply outstanding with crispy and juicy chicken marinated in home ground spices. The must-try masterpieces include barbeque chicken, stuffed chicken and grilled chicken. Do not go there for ambiance as the place is really small - their food is enough for them to steal the show.

4. Tunday Kababi, Lucknow

buzzintown.com

Okay, some might find this very mainstream and cliched, but the fact is that the original Tunday Kababi at Naaz Cinema Road, Nazirabad, Aminabad, near Akhbari Gate in Lucknow, is till date, the best place to sample the authentic Mughlai kebab taste. Their two signature dishes, mutton kebab and beef kebab, made using special unani spices are the frontrunners for food lovers. Another must try from them includes Galauti kebab with ulte tawe ka parantha.

5. Gulati Spice Market, Delhi

redfoodie.com

I think this is the only kebab place in Delhi where a vegetarian foodie will not be disappointed. No denying that they serve some of the best in class non-vegetarian kebabs in the city, but their vegetarian kebab menu is equally exotic. Especially their paneer bhare papad, which is yum. Their prices may seem to be on the higher side as compared to others in this list, but rest assured that there will be no compromise on their taste and quality.

6. Ayubs, Mumbai

freepressjournal.in

If you are in Mumbai and craving some late night snack or quick bite on the go, head straight to D. VB Gandhi Marg and look for Ayubs, a small eatery serving kebabs to die for. In fact, even their baida roti is worth every penny you spend on it. Chicken bhuna roll and chicken drumsticks will definitely give your tummy much-needed relief from hunger while satiating your taste buds.

7. Kabab Corner, Chennai

zomato.com

Endless variety with amazing taste - that's how people flocking over to this awesome kebab place in Chennai describe it. Kabab Corner at Greams Road is one of the oldest Mughlai eateries in Chennai that serves the best kebabs. Right from the steak to chicken tikka, beef roll, double seekh roll, you name it and they have it on their menu. All these kebabs must be relished with their famous roomali roti for that extra pinch of flavor.

8. Paradise, Hyderabad

bytplus.com

Agreed, the place is known for its marvelous Hyderabadi Biryani, but thats not the only thing you can find here. Choti and Boti kebab from Paradise are legends in themselves and a definite try alongside its biryani. Another best from the menu is Checken Kalami kebab. If you are too full to try it there, get it packed, but do not give it a miss.

9. Piccadilly Cafe, Mumbai

zomato.com

Tucked in the busy and cramped street of Colaba in Mumbai amidst tiny shops is an age-old gaudy place called Piccadilly Cafe. The place is known for its Iranian delights that also include some of the best kebabs served in town, such as Chello Kabab, Juje Kabab, Shish Tawouk and more. If the spicy tinge of Mughlai flavors is your thing, this place is certainly a blessing in disguise for you.

10. Rajinder Da Dhaba, New Delhi

grabhouse.com

Do you love street food? So do I and and I cannot thank God enough for the day he made me explore Rajinder the Dhaba, a heavenly food joint near Karnal Cinema Complex in Delhi. Whether you want to grab a quick bite or want a lavish non-veg feast, they will give you ample options to celebrate your meat venture. Their tikkas and burra kebabs are hot, spicy and finger licking. Mutton galauti kebabs, mutton burra, and Afghani chicken are some of the personal favorites.

11. The Mughal's Dastarkhwan, Lucknow

tripadvisor.com

This list would have remained incomplete without the inclusion of this place. The most authentic place for real Nawabi flavors right from their ambiance to their food to their people, whether it's food or their tehzeeb. The original Dastarkhwan at Hazratganj is the place you want to be for the best kebabs served with luxury of Nawabs and Mughals. Mutton shami and galauti kebab with roomali roti an all time favorite among the food lovers.
Sounds surreal right? It actually did happen and we kid you not! In Northern Italy, many people actually walked on water, all thanks to artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

Wolfgang Volz

This summer, they opened a 3KM stretch of floating cloth on top of the water of Italys Lake Iseo.

It was opened to the public on June 18th this year. Named The Floating Piers, this artwork moved with the waves and was stretched across the lake linking two islands to the mainland. All thanks to this project, that an otherwise tranquil island Monte Isola turned into a tourist hot-spot for 16 days this summer.

This golden walkway was made from floating polystyrene docks topped with 100,000 square meters of shimmering golden yellow fabric, a stark contrast to the green mountainous landscape that surrounds the lake.

"We chose this lake because of its marvelous location, the islands reach hundreds of meters above the sea and only 2,000 people live there," said Bulgarian-American artist Christo, who conceived of the idea back in 1970 together with his now late wife, Jeanne-Claude.

Wolfgang Volz

The concept was conceived almost 46 years back. Christo along with wife Jeanne wanted to build this together but unfortunately, Jeanne passed away in 2008 from a brain aneurysm. The passing away of his wife, did not deter Christo from fulfilling their dream.

Unfortunately for the world, Christos art is nomadic. He says,  Our works are nomadic, just like people. They appear somewhere for a short time and then they are gone forever.

Wolfgang Volz

Now that the exhibit is over all the materials used will be recycled.

Check out some of the spectacular images from their exhibit:

Wolfgang Volz

Wolfgang Volz

Wolfgang Volz

Wolfgang Volz

Wolfgang Volz

Wolfgang Volz

Wolfgang Volz

Wolfgang Volz

Wolfgang Volz

And here's the awesome video from their jaw-dropping exhibit:
Photographer-Blogger Deepak Chauhan and his friend Bhishma Choudhary who travelled 30,000 km in 300 days across India on a Royal Enfield Bullet? Well, they're back with new travel tales. This time it's North East and Bhutan.

Deepak, along with his friend Bhishma and Mrigank covered another 12,000 km in 150 days. They started off from Dhanbad and ended their journey at Mechuka, a small village in Arunachal Pradesh. To complete this journey, they decided to raise funds, via a travel platform called Trip Mapic.

During their memorable trip, the trio captured some amazing pictures which are giving us some major travel goals! You can read the full story here.

Image Credit: lonelyindia.com

Image Credit: lonelyindia.com

Image Credit: lonelyindia.com

Image Credit: lonelyindia.com

Image Credit: lonelyindia.com





Image Credit: lonelyindia.com

Image Credit: lonelyindia.com

Image Credit: lonelyindia.com

Image Credit: lonelyindia.com

Image Credit: lonelyindia.com
1. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar slams Aamir Khan for his remarks on intolerance.

"An actor had said his wife was afraid of living in this country.... How does someone dare to talk about this country? If anyone speaks like this, he has to be taught the lesson of his life. It was an arrogant statement. However poor my family is, however, small my house is, I have to love my house!



2. Actor Varun Dhawan is not happy with Pakistan's decision of banning his latest film Dishoom!

Twitter

Dhawan took to Twitter to express his displeasure. He tweeted, "Really upset that #Dishoom is banned in Pakistan. I don't think the film eventually shows any country in a bad light. It's a wrong decision

3. Mahmood Farooqui , co-director of the satirical comedy Peepli (Live) has been convicted of raping the 30-year-old research scholar from Columbia University.

Newsd

After the verdict of a special fast track court, Farooqui has been convicted of raping the US-based research scholar.

4. For the first time after her break up with Actor Upen Patel, Karishma Tanna spoke about the reason why duo chose to part ways.

MTV India

In an honest and heart-warming interview, Tanna said, "Sometimes there is no answer to what went wrong. Sometimes two wonderful people or good souls are not meant to be together. That's what happened to us. He (Upen) is a wonderful soul. We connected very strongly, but things didn't move the way we wanted it to." She ended the conversation saying she solely wants to focus on the dance reality show she is doing currently.

5. Actor Vivek Oberoi donated computers for underprivileged children.

chitramala

After actor Vivek Oberoi got to know that they want to learn more, he chose to donate computers to girls in his charitable trust!
Be it Hollywood or Bollywood, superstar Priyanka Chopra is sure on one thing: She is NOT going to compromise on anything.

After conquering America with her television series Quantico last year, in a recent interview with PTI, PC said that she never wants to be stereotyped by her beauty or her origins. She said,

#Quantico mid season party last night! thank u all for coming! Crew cast.. U made this season so far amazing! @jacobartist @thejohannabraddy @jazmasri @thedogchuck A photo posted by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on Dec 6, 2015 at 11:43am PST



"I didn't want to do a show that would stereotype me or put Indian people into a box. I'm a leading actress in India and I wanted to make sure I was a leading actress in whatever I did.

PC, who was in Paris on a visit to promote Quantico told news agencies that she loves the tag of "strong-willed feminist", she chuckled saying that she wants to have lots of babies but she is yet to find the 'right guy'!

Talking more about the roles she turned down, PC said that she rejected roles in Britain because she was "always asked to play the stereotype of an Indian."





Talking about her role in Baywatch, where she will be playing the bad girl is also due for release in May, she said, "I make the good guys' lives miserable.

Haaaaappy birthday DJ.. @therock have a wonderful year and lots of happiness to u.. God bless you and your kind heart. See you back on set.. #Baywatch A photo posted by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on May 2, 2016 at 11:34am PDT



Chopra, who has always rooted for equal pay in Bollywood revealed that she has borrowed all these feminist principles from her mother, a doctor who served in the Indian army. She added,

Missing mommy @chopramm2001 on the sets of #quan2co A photo posted by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on Jul 22, 2016 at 5:36pm PDT

"She raised me to be the kind of girl who thinks, who has opinions too. For so many years women were told to act a certain way, to dress a certain way, to think a certain way, even not to think at all. People misconstrue the word feminism. It is not hating men, or making men small. It is just saying, 'We want our independence to make our own choices the way men have done for so long!



PC is also working as a UNICEF ambassador and for the UN's Girls Up campaign and in addition to this, she supports her own foundation run by her mother supports underprivileged girls across India. She added,

So grateful to my parents for giving me a #FairStart...boys & girls do deserve equal opportunities. #ChangingMindsets @unicefindia @unicef A photo posted by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on Jul 5, 2016 at 4:17am PDT



"Philanthropy is not something to do because I'm a famous person, but because I was raised like that" with a strong spirit of public service, she insisted.
Flash floods and landslides across India are ravaging Eastern India and Nepal, and the death toll here is steadily rising. Rescue teams of soldiers and police personnel are attempting to rescue and evacuate survivors using rubber boats and helicopters, who took shelter on rooftops and trees. The flood situation aggravated in Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar and West Bengal on Saturday with the toll reaching 32 even as another 27 people died in lightning strikes in Odisha.

BCCL

Assam was the worst affected with 27 killed even as home minister Rajnath Singh made an aerial survey of the state's flood-hit districts. "Over 30 lakh people and 28 districts have been affected. The problem is enormous," said Singh, who was accompanied by chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The minister also announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the flood victims. "Just declaring floods a national problem is not the solution. The need of the hour is to find out what measures can prevent such a calamity," he added.

Three deaths were reported from lower and central Assam , in the downstream region of the Brahmaputra. With no rain in the past 24 hours, the situation in upper Assam improved on Saturday. Floodwaters receded from parts of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Jorhat and Lakhimpur districts.

BCCL

Around 400 relief camps and 102 highland shelters, housing more than 2.40 lakh people, were in operation on Saturday. Over 1.95 lakh hectares of crop area is still under water, mostly in Morigaon district in central Assam and Barpeta in lower Assam.

Among the downstream districts, Darrang is the worst hit with 1.85 lakh people affected as of Saturday. More than three lakh have been affected in the western districts of Goalpara and Bongaigaon. Meanwhile, a rhino, which escaped the floods at Kaziranga National Park and took shelter on a highland outside the protected area, succumbed to bullet injuries on Saturday after it was accidentally shot at by forest guards in self-defence on Friday.

In Meghalaya, about three people were killed and two went missing as flood waters submerged the West Garo Hills district on Saturday, an official said.

BCCL

In Bihar, many rivers were flowing above danger level as floods continued to wreak havoc, affecting 26.19 lakh people.

Two more districts, East Champaran and Muzaffarpur, were declared flood-hit on Saturday. An official said two minor girls were swept away by the waters of Burhidangi river in Kishanganj district and their bodies were fished out with help of NDRF personnel.

In Odisha , eight deaths were reported from Bhadrak, seven in Balasore, five in Khurda, three in Mayurbhanj and one each in Kendrapara, Jajpur, Keonjhar and Nayagarh. More than a lakh people were affected in Madhya Pradesh with traffic coming to a standstill at many places. Two culverts were washed away in Chhatarpur district due to incessant rains.

Weather office issued a warning of heavy rainfall in Bhind, Morena, Datia and parts of Bundelkhand over the next 24 hours.
In the recent Excise Amendment Bill circulated by the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar, measures to enforce the prohibition law include jailing adult members of a family in case liquor is found at their house.

Reuters

The proposed Bill was circulated before the opening day of five-day monsoon session, for feedback, and has already been cleared by the Nitish Kumar cabinet. However, the BJP does not support it, calling it "draconian" and plans to protest against it. The bill also seeks to punish liquor advertisements in the media and social media with a jail term of five year or Rs 10 lakh penalty or both.

But toddy is not covered under this proposed amendment

But toddy is suddenly back on the menu, removed from the list of banned intoxicants in Bihar, making a U-turn within 24 hours of tabling of the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Bill 2016 in the assembly, the Times of India reported.

The decision reportedly is a result of the pressure from RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, who put his foot down on a toddy ban.

Also Read: Here Are The Indian States That Drink, Smoke And Smoke Up More Than Others. [Surprises Ahead]

Amila Tennakoon/flickr.com

Deputy CM Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Lalu's younger son, said the state government must find alternate jobs for the toddy-tapping community (pasis) before banning the liquor:"Government is working to develop Nira (a non-fermented drink produced from palm), so that toddy tappers get alternate employment. Till that time, there will be no ban on toddy," he said.

State excise minister Abdul Jalil Mastan had on Friday strongly advocated complete prohibition including ban on toddy. On Saturday, he changed his tune and said the old provisions on toddy would continue. At present, toddy can be sold at a distance of 100 m and 50 m in urban and rural areas, respectively, from public places like educational institutions, health centres and places of worship.

Also Read: Kerala Is About To Become The Udta Punjab Of The South In The Next 5 Years
The Indian Army fought off an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Naugam sector of Kashmir's Kupwara district, and killing two militants in the operation that also left two soldiers dead. Sepoy Vishal Chaudhary and Sepoy Babloo of 61 Rashtriya Rifles have been identified as the valiant martyrs who gave their life to defend the LoC.

#ArmyCdrNC& All Ranks salute & condole supreme sacrifice of Sep Babaloo for foiling infilt bid in Naugam@adgpi pic.twitter.com/ISwbzxZfw6  NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) July 30, 2016

After spotting suspicious movement along the LoC in Naugam sector during the intervening night and the soldiers challenged the intruders, who opened fire, an army official said.

#ArmyCdrNC & All Ranks salute & condole supreme sacrifice of Sep Vishal Chaudhari for foiling infilt in Naugam@adgpi pic.twitter.com/jbIoLjpJqT  NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) July 30, 2016

The soldiers returned fire leading to the gunbattle in which two militants were killed, the official said.

#JKOps In an ops to foil infiltration 2 Jawans made supreme sacrifice in Naugam ,Kupwara. 2 terrorists eliminated. Ops in progress @adgpi  NorthernComd.IA (@NorthernComd_IA) July 30, 2016

Indian army has recovered two AK assault rifles, one under barrel grenade launcher from the possession of those slain.
A man in Pakistans Pujab province allegedly shot his two sisters dead on the day of their wedding, for "honour"  they had chosen their own husbands, police sources revealed.

It is a simple case of killing for honour

Azlan DuPree flickr

"Nasir Hussain killed his two sisters, Ghazala and Kausar for marrying outside their caste and later fled the area," said Station House Office (SHO) Mitro police station Mehar Riaz. The Rasm-e-Hina function of Kosar and Gulzar, aged between 20 and 25, was underway yesterday evening when their brother Nasir Hussain opened fire on them, killing them on the spot and fled, he added.

The victims' father Atta Muhammad Bhatti registered a First Information Report (FIR) in Mitro police station against his son Nasir Hussain for killing Ghazala, 22, and Kausar, 20, days before their formal wedding ceremony. The brother shot dead both the sisters yesterday and fled the site, the officer said, adding that a search was underway. It is a simple case of killing for honour.

The father of the family, Atta Mohammad told reporters that Hussain had destroyed everything.

reuters

He ruined my family, he destroyed us, he destroyed everything Mohammad said. The attack comes weeks after controversial Pakistani artist Qandeel Baloch was shot dead for 'honour' by her brother, drawing attention to the nations history of honour killings. Pakistan loses 1000 lives every year to honour killings, and victims are usually women

Pak Model Qandeel Baloch Was Shot Dead And Sickeningly, Parts Of The Internet Are Celebrating It
Two Nigerian children were pictured crying profusely in photos gone viral after losing their mum on their way to Europe from their overcrowded boat off the coast of Libya while trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Italy.

In a bid to escape the crippling economic conditions in Nigeria, countless Nigerians on a daily basis embark on a journey to Europe, through the back door, and while many make it, for many others, it is their last journey before finding cold solace among the sea beds of the Mediterranean sea except if their corpses are recovered.

In some heartbreaking photos making rounds online and social media, two Nigerian siblings aged 10 and 11, recently lost their mother on one of those ill-fated trips embarked upon by African migrants to Europe.

The pair, whose collective anguish, was captured on camera, were among 150 migrants recently rescued from an overcrowded rubber boat along the coast of Libya as they attempted to transverse the Mediterranean into Italy.

The heartbreaking photos shows the siblings pain as they cried their lungs out just as they sought to console one another.

Source: Blackberry Babes
The Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdulfatai Buhari, has warned against unnecessary sentiments and sympathy for looters, who are standing trial and called on Nigerians to support the anti-corruption war.

The senator spoke when he featured on a live radio and television network programme of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), Guest of the Month at Ile-Awiye, Oke-Baale, Osogbo.

Senator Buhari also expressed confidence that majority of Nigerians still have faith in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

He, however, said that if the anti-corruption efforts of President Buhari must succeed, Nigerians must retain their confidence in the federal government and allow the anti-graft agencies to do their job.

People of this country know that Buhari will not steal and he would not tolerate stealing of public fund by his aides. But the president needs more encouragement in the area of anti-corruption war.

For those claiming that the anti-graft bodies are doing selective prosecution, they must understand that the looters were also selective when they were stealing the public funds. Therefore, we must shun unnecessary sentiment and support the war against corruption, he added.

Speaking on the push for immunity for presiding officers of the National Assembly, Senator Buhari described the move as uncalled for.

According to him, the Senate President, House of Representatives Speaker and their deputies do not need immunity for any reason and declared that the bill cannot scale through.

Senator Buhari explained that the bill that is seeking to alter the 1999 Constitution to provide immunity for the presiding officers of the National Assembly, shouldnt have come at this moment, asserting that Nigerians would oppose the bill till it eventually dies.

The lawmaker opined that the timing of those clamouring for immunity for NASS leadership, especially when all eyes are on them, was very suspicious, and expressed confidence that Nigerians would mobilise across the country to kill the proposed legislation in their determination to tackle what he termed selfishness.

Senator Buhari noted that even state governors and their deputies do not need the immunity that they enjoy currently, saying that only the President and the Vice President actually deserve the immunity.

Any politician that is popular among the people would not be seeking immunity which cannot last forever. Even if you are given the immunity, it is only for the period when you are in office. You will still go back to the people after your tenure and meet what you ran away from, Buhari said.
Senator Ali Wakili (APC, Bauchi South) has denied an allegation that he is opposed to President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC), on whose platform he was elected.

The senator, in a statement by his spokesman on Saturday, Mohammed Ladan Ahmed, also denied allegations that he is fighting Bauchi Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, or any elected official from the state.

He was reacting to the recent clash of interests between groups supporting lawmakers from the state and other groups supporting Governor Abubakar.

He said I have never declared war on any elected or appointed officer and I am not fighting with anybody in the state as well as the federal level.

I am in total support of the change mantra of President Muhammadu Buharis administration and I will continue to support him for the development of the nation.

Mr. Wakili, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation, said, I am yet to complete even half of my tenure, not to talk of 2019 because its only Allah that knows who will be alive to witness 2019 general elections.

I am only working to better the lives of my people by providing constituency projects for them. In the last one year, I have donated laboratory equipment to 35 schools in my constituency as well as embarked on drilling of boreholes, distribution of fertilizers, motorcycles, cars and other items to uplift the living standard of the electorates, he said.

The senator, however, stated that he remains grateful to people of his constituency and the people of Bauchi state for electing him, promising that he will never let them down.
President Muhammadu Buhari called on Nigerians to promote qualities that foster national unity with a view to tackling the problems confronting the country.

The president made the call at the Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Conference in Kaduna State yesterday.

Represented by the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Danbazau, he urged Nigerians to remain patriotic to national cause to foster better integration.

Buhari, who hailed the qualities of late Usman Katsina, described him as a consequential and courageous Army General, who mentored more than a generation of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Similarly, a former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), described the late Katsina as a soldier who had total loyalty and commitment to his region.

Gowon stressed that as his boss, he can testify that General Hassan was absolute in every aspect and was called the Governor of Governors.

In his paper titled Restructuring Nigeria for Greater National Integration and Democratic Stability, a former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, said as a country, not much has been done to realize national integration.

The fight in this country over resource control, while it may still be significant today, is really a fight belonging to the past, he said.

According to Mr. Abubakar, even the discovery of large quantities of oil and gas in the north can only bring temporary relief but cannot change the fact that world is fasting looking to alternative and cleaner sources of energy.

The Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Aminu Masari represented by his deputy, Mannir Yakubu, said late General Hassan Katsina had always propagated the values of education as a fundamental human right essential to ensure inclusive, equitable and sustainable democratic development.

Gov. Masari insisted that the quality of education provides people with the skills, knowledge and values they need to tackle various challenges they are likely to face in the society.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) and the Federal Government currently engaged in a dialogue through the oil companies and security agencies have reached far-reaching compromises, including the release of former militant leader, Henry Okah, in prison in South Africa and Charles Okah, incarcerated in Nigeria.

They also agreed that ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo , alias Tompolo, would not be harassed by government if he makes himself available as a delegate on MEND Aaron Team 2, while the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, would be released on condition that he renounces the agitation for Biafra Republic.

MEND in a statement by spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, today (Saturday) announced other breakthroughs in the discussions that will end the revolt in the South-South and South East regions in a jiffy.

However, it said the recalcitrant Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, still has opportunity to embrace peace failing which a combination of military forces and volunteers in the region, would smoke them out.

The statement read: The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is the only militant group from the Niger Delta region who are presently engaged in a dialogue with the Federal Government of Nigeria  through oil companies and security agencies -with a view to resolving the current Niger Delta crisis.

Thus far, the deliberations have been fruitful, various concessions and guarantees have already been secured. Some of which include, but are not limited to: Release of Henry Okah, Charles Okah and Obi Nwabueze; Review of the life sentence handed to Mr. Edmund Ebiware based on a proposal put forward by the Aaron Team representative for Abia and Imo states, Senator Adolphus Wabara.

Also, conditional release of IPOB leader, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu and others if they renounce their agitation for a Biafra Republic, the group said.

Furthermore, MEND said they agreed: That Mr. Government Ekpemupolo shall not be arrested, harassed and/or intimidated whenever he makes himself available as a delegate of the MEND Aaron Team.

It added: That international arbitrator and conflict negotiator, American Dr. Judith Asuni shall be accepted as the representative of the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) on the MEND Aaron Team; that the criminal charges against Urhobo freedom fighter, Mr. Kelvin Prosper Oniarah shall be reviewed.

That the life sentence which was handed to seven soldiers in 2008, who actively supported the Niger Delta struggle be reviewed under the Presidential Amnesty Programme. The affected persons are: Suleiman Alabi Akubo, Major. Mathias Peter, SGT, Alexander Davou, L.Cpl., Moses Nwaigwe, L.Cpl., Nnandi Anene, L.Cpl. Taatihi Emmanuel, L.Cpl and Caleb Bawa, PTE, it said. .

However, one of the most immediate and urgent fallout of the ongoing dialogue is the imperative for the Federal Government and MEND to jointly and separately take proactive steps to rescue and secure the region. This is in the event that the recalcitrant Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) continuing on its senseless and politically-motivated path of attacks on the countrys oil assets, it noted.

MEND asserted: To this end, both parties agreed that the Special Forces of the Nigerian Army should commence the purely routine but strategic military exercise code-named Operation Crocodile Tears; while MEND would commence a meet-the Government-Actors-and-People tour of the Niger Delta region code-named Operation Moses.

More details soon

Source: Vanguard
Ijaw elders in the Niger Delta after a meeting during the weekend have come out to warn the militants who vowed to declare a Republic of Niger-Delta come August 1.

SEE: Niger Delta To Be A Republic August 1  Militant Group

The meeting was held in Warri, Delta state and hosted by Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark.

Attendees of the meeting included Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, governor of Bayelsa state; Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, deputy governor of Delta state; Sir Gabriel Toby, former deputy governor of Rivers State; Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas, former minister of culture; Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo, ex-minister of police affairs.

The leaders released a statement saying: The Elders and Leaders of Thought of the Ijaw nation call for the immediate restructuring of the Nigerian nation along the lines of peaceful federalism, and noticed that this is the panacea for the sustainable development of Nigeria.

Also stating on the current dialogue with militants and stakeholders in the region, they said: as a demonstration of sincerity of commitment to dialogue, Federal government should immediately withdraw the military from all occupied Ijaw communities, particularly Gbaramatu kingdom.

They also addressed the federal government on failing to implement some policies.

Non-inclusion policies of the present administration, which has led to the alienation of some components of the federation, particularly the Ijaw nation from the main stream of national development, they said.

They called on the President to redress this ugly state of affairs.

They condemned the scrapping of the Nigerian Maritime University at Kurutie, Delta state, saying, The meeting passed a vote of confidence on the Chief Boma Obuoforibo-led leadership of the Ijaw National Congress. We condemn the move to scrap the Nigerian Maritime University approved by the preceding Federal Government with temporary site at Kurutie and call for the immediate takeoff of the university.

Chief Clark stated that any ongoing dialogue between the federal government and militants without the involvement of Ijaw leaders will not be recognised.

He made this known during his opening remarks before the leaders proceeded to a closed door meeting.

He further said, this is not the first time this kind of crisis is happening. In 2008 and 20o9, similar incident happened and Gbaramatu was affected, elders, leaders intervened and we got Amnesty.

Today we hear that federal government is planning, already talking or negotiating with militants and nobody has consulted us. That will not work. These children are our children and we cannot fold our hands when they attack them and pretend not to notice. We must be involved in what government wants to do.

Also at the meeting were former national chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria, HRM Pere Charles Ayemi-Botu, Mbene III, Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh kingdom, Alabo Tobin-West; Chief Boma Obuoforibo, INC National Chairman, and Sir NGO Martins Martyns-Yellowe, Chairman Civil Service Commission.

SEE ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu, Okah Brothers To Be Released By Govt  MEND
The Federal Government has banned the procurement and distribution of conference bags, T-shirts and other souvenirs at events such as Conferences and Seminars funded by Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Salisu Dambatta.

It said President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the ban following recommendations by the Efficiency Unit.

It said the Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari, had forwarded the directive to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Ministers of Finance and Budget and National Planning, for implementation.

According to the statement, the ban was in continuation of the on-going cost-cutting and efficiency drive in the utilisation of public funds by the present administration.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that President Buhari had set up the Efficiency Unit to review all federal governments overhead expenditure to reduce wastage, promote efficiency and ensure quantifiable savings for the country.

The Minister of Finance, Head of Service of the Federation, Accountant-General of the Federation, Auditor-General of the Federation and Director, Budget Office of the Federation are members of the Unit.

The Unit identified procurement as the area to begin the execution of its mandate of reducing overhead costs and wastage resources.

The Efficiency unit had already recorded success in cutting government overhead cost in areas such as travels, welfare, honorarium, sitting allowance, training, adverts and publicity as well as refreshments.

It had gone a step further to relocate some of federal governments MDAs into recovered looted properties as ways to reduce overhead cost.

The directive which is a recognition of the fact that in a period of lean financial resources unnecessary expenditure on overheads such souvenirs are luxuries that the government must eliminate.

This will enable release of funds for infrastructure and services such as health and education that would have direct positive impact on the well being of the citizenry and promote economic development.

The directive also contained specific guidelines that would reduce the cost of printing Invitation Cards, Programme of events, Brochures, Folders and Note Pads.

Among the guidelines are that they should be in black and white and limited to only one page and in the case of Brochures they should be streamlined to contain only essential information, it said.

Also, the statement said the printing of unnecessary publications and books of short shelf life which have no real value to the concerned public institutions or the citizens has also been banned.

MDAs were encouraged to save costs by uploading such publications on their websites which has the added benefit of wider visibility, it said.

Source: The Guardian
An official of Diamond Bank, Damola Otuyalo, has told officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that he personally handed over N1.2bn to a former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and his son, Gbolahan.

The entire exercise was said to have been captured on a Closed Circuit Television.

According to the EFCC, the N1.2bn was part of the N4.7bn paid into the company account of Obanikoros sons by the Office of the National Security Adviser during the build-up to the Ekiti and Osun states governorship election in 2014.

Otuyalo, who is the Head of Cash-in-Transit Services, told detectives that his duty was to evacuate excess cash from banks branches and move it to locations where money was needed.

The bank official told investigators that on June 16, 2014, he received a call from the Head of Operations and Technology, Mr. Premier Oiwoh, to arrange N1.2bn and pay six beneficiaries.

He said he was asked to pay the following persons: Saturaki Bello N200m; Yusuf Bulama N120m; Chimenum Njoku N250m; Franklin Tolani N150m; Josiah Moses N280; and Abubakar Sadiq Zanna N200m.

Otuyalo, however, explained that he was unable to pay them the money and that his director then instructed him to move the N1.2bn to the private wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos on June 17.

The bank official was quoted to have said, The beneficiaries were not available to be paid as I did not see them and I was later directed by Mr. Premier Oiwoh to move the money to the airport where I will be given further instruction.

We moved the cash to the airport through the Cash-In-Transit vendor, Bankers Warehouse Limited. I contacted the vendor who made the bullion van available for movement. I personally supervised the loading of the money into the bullion van and escorted them to the airport.

Otuyalo said on getting to the airport around 7am, he was not allowed into the private wing because he and the security detail did not have a gate pass.

He said a few minutes later, Obanikoros son came to the main gate and asked the security to let the bullion van in.

The bank official further stated, When Gbolahan got to the gate, he cleared us and we drove in. My boss, Mr. Premier Oiwoh, called me on the telephone and confirmed to me that Obanikoro was the beneficiary of the money.

I handed my phone over to Gbolahan and he spoke to my boss. Obanikoro came to meet us at the private wing with two policemen and some friends. I recognised Obanikoro very well because he is popular.

Otuyalo told detectives that due to the large amount of money involved, it took them several hours to offload the cash unto the aeroplane.

He explained that it took three aeroplanes to carry all the money.

Otuyalo added, We loaded the first aircraft with money and Obanikoro flew with his friends on the first flight. The second aircraft was loaded with money but it could not carry all the cash due to the size of the aircraft and the weight it could carry.

I recall that another aircraft was also used to move the final batch of the money from the bullion van. The second and third movements were supervised by Gbolahan after Obanikoro had left with the first flight.

The operation took several hours because we got to the airport around 7am and left around 4pm. The cash was bagged in cash bags totalling about 65 and everything was offloaded from the bullion van after which I reported to my boss, Mr. Oiwoh.

Detectives told our correspondent that the N1.2bn was flown to Akure Airport and Obanikoro allegedly handed over the money to an associate of Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, Mr. Abiodun Agbele, who had since been detained by the EFCC.

He added that Officials of Zenith Bank arrived at the Akure Airport tarmac in a bullion van to convey all the cash to the banks vault located at 13, Alagbaka Estate, Akure.

He also said that the detective, who presented bank tellers, added that Agbele gave the bank instructions at different times to pay in money into Fayoses Zenith Bank account even after the elections.

He added, Agbele directed the bank to pay N137m into the account of Ayodele Fayose with number 1003126654 and Bank Verification Number 22338867502. The bank teller dated June 26, 2014, was filled by Agbele with teller number 0556814.

Agbele directed the bank to transfer N118, 760, 000 to the same account and paid in N50m cash into Fayoses account.

On April 7, 2015, several months later, Fayose personally moved N300m to his fixed deposit account at Zenith Bank with number 9013074033 with his same BVN. The account is domiciled at 15 Olusola Abiona Street, Estate, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos.

The source added that on the instruction of Fayose, Agbele deposited N100m to the account of Spotless Investment Limited, a hotel which is owned by Fayose and his wife, Olayemi.

Fayose allegedly used part of the money to buy houses in Abuja and Lagos. The houses had since been seized while his bank account with a balance of N380m was frozen.

Both Fayose and Obanikoro have denied the allegations levelled against them.

One of Obanikoros media aides, Mr. Jonathan Eze, told one of our correspondents on Saturday that he was driving and would call back. He was yet to do so as of press time.

When contacted, Head, Media Relations/Corporate Communications of Diamond Bank, Mr. Mike Omeife, told one of our correspondents that he could not confirm the report.

He said, I have not been able to confirm from the unit what he (Otuyalo) said. I need to get the information from the unit; I need to get clarifications, and will then, get back to you.

This is weekend. I need to get authentic information from the unit before speaking to you.

Source: Punch
Jeffersons 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 is not respected, that means that this is no longer a country that upholds the law, nor human rights, he said.

Lawyers said there was evidence to suggest Jefferson was not guilty of the crime for which he was condemned to death  possessing 1.7kg of heroin  including an admission of guilt on his deathbed by the man who allegedly framed him.

Amnesty International described the execution as 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 wont be compounded, said Rafendi Djamin, Amnestys director for south-east Asia and the Pacific.

Source: The Guardian
The National Legal Adviser and member of the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barrister Bashir Maidugu, has faulted the decision of the national caretaker committee of the party to go ahead with its August 17 national convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He said it will be contempt of court if the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led committee goes ahead with the convention of the party hold the planned National Convention slated for August 17, 2016, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Maidugu explained that based on the order of an Abuja High Court last Thursday, which affirmed Sheriff as the only authentic national chairman of the party and declared all the actions of the caretaker committee from May 21, to date as null and void, Makarfi should accept defeat and allow peace to reign in the party.

The legal adviser, who made this position known on Saturday in Abuja, said that the best thing to do was for the caretaker committee to collapse into the mainstream and work collectively with Sheriff for the party to convene an acceptable convention to elect new leaders.

He threatened that Sheriff would file contempt charges against any group that holds a convention, adding that the so-called delegates and other party stalwarts preparing for the exercise were risking their chances in the party.

Well, if they are going ahead with the convention, I wish them good luck but the people who will participate in the convention should know that there is a pronouncement by a court of competent jurisdiction with regards to the activities that will be conducted during the convention and the law is very clear on contempt.

The judgement of Thursday, was very emphatic on the legality or illegality of the situation on ground. So at this juncture, I will not trade blames. I urge those in the other group to come and join us in building a better party for Nigeria. They are PDP like us. They have interest in the party, nobody doubts that but the judiciary has pronounced the obvious.

It is very unfortunate that people are behaving in such a way that I will call very unreasonable. We are reasonable people. We are supposed to abide by decisions of courts. Anything based on illegality cannot stand the taste of time. It will be declared so by the courts, he said.
A man who has now been identified as Adeyemi Ogunleye was electrocuted on Saturday during a sanitation exercise in Akure, Ondo State.

The man who happens to be an electrician was said to have been trying to repair a faulty cable supplying power to his residence.

Neighbours said the man climbed a ladder to the top of a shop in front of his residence to repair a cable, then got electrocuted while making the attempt. The man got a shock and dropped on the roof flat.

An eyewitness said the man is known in the neighbourhood to repair faulty cables.

Fire service men were called to rescue the man but the man had died before their arrival.

The fire service men were said to have refused to bring down the corpse from the shops rooftop.

The corpse of the man was later brought down by the people around after cutting off the cable from the pole.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the Ondo State Command, Mr. Femi Joseph said the man tried to carry out an illegal connection.

He said the command had begun investigation into the incident.
A man in Kentucky, USA, is having difficulties getting a licence to marry his woman.

Bradley Jones just has to bring his fiancee to the clerks office to get a Kentucky marriage license, but the problem is Shes in prison and cant make the trip.

It is said that state law requires both applicants to apply in person.

So the Louisville man on Thursday sued Carole Perry, a County Clerk in federal court.

According to the lawsuit, Perry on July 14 denied Jones a license to marry Kathryn Brooke Sauer, who is serving sentences for robbery and other charges at a Kentucky prison.

Sauer isnt scheduled to be released until 2026.

Perry says she believes the law prevents her from issuing a license unless both people come to her office, and she cant issue it to just one person.

I dont see that the law says that I can do that, she said.

Since Sauer cant visit in person, the lawsuit states that the in-person marriage application law infringes on Jones constitutional right to marry. It seeks to bar Perry from enforcing the law.

Janet Conover, a warden at the prison where Sauer is serving time, said she told Jones she had no objection to the marriage. However, she also told him both parties must be at the clerks office to apply for a license, and that the prison doesnt transport inmates for that purpose.

The lawsuit said Jones did not want to wait to marry Saur because he is deeply religious.
At least 114 militants are feared killed and scores of others injured in attacks on their camps in Ogun and Lagos states.

The attacks by the Army, Air Force and Navy, began on Thursday night under the operation Crocodile Laugh in readiness for a confrontation with militants in the Niger Delta.

The Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Rabe Abubakar, confirmed the operation.

He said it was conducted to flush out militants and saboteurs from the area.

The attacks reportedly sent the local residents scampering, but they have been assured of safety and advised against sheltering any of the fleeing militants.

The creeks in Lagos and Ogun states recently became a safe haven and operational hideout for militants from Niger Delta.

Besides oil pipeline vandalism and petroleum theft in Arepo in Ogun State and parts of Lagos, the militants have been attacking innocent residents and stealing from them.

Military analysts say the dislodgment of the militants was carried out to drive them back to the Niger Delta where a full scale attack was imminent.

Militants have in the last three months inflicted massive damage on the economy through the destruction of gas and crude oil pipelines.

Lagos police spokesperson Dolapo Badmos also confirmed the operation in a statement released early Friday.

We are sweeping through the waterways where we share boundaries with Niger Delta to end the activities of the militants, she said.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Bayelsa, Mr Seriaki Dickson, met with President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday to ask for more time to initiate dialogue with the rampaging militants.

The Niger Delta Avengers have refused entreaties from government and have insisted on autonomy for the region or complete control of crude oil.

The Avengers, who emerged in May 2016, did not give the new government prior notice before embarking on massive destructions of oil and gas infrastructure. They have also resorted to killing and kidnapping of security personnel.

Source; Today.ng
A Nigerian businessman who allegedly hacked into a banks electronic mail and stole GH25,000, is in the grips of the police.

Godwin Onwuneme Udu allegedly transferred the cash from the customer and transferred it into his personal account at a different bank.

He was on his way to withdraw the money from his bank at Haatso when bank officials and the police accosted him.

The suspect, according to information, had been operating with other gangsters, but failed to mention the names of his accomplices when he was arrested.

He is said to have engaged in another fraud case also being handled by the Documentation Fraud Unit at the police headquarters in Accra.

The deputy director in-charge of the Unit, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Eugene Nyavor, said on July 19, the management of the bank (name withheld) arrested and handed over Godwin Onwuneme Udu to the police.

He said Godwin hacked into the banks email account and transferred the money from a customers account into a different account.

The bank noticed the fraud and mounted surveillance, which led to his arrest at the Haatso branch of the bank where he had gone to withdraw some money using a check book.

He has provisionally been charged for stealing and is being prepared for court.

ASP Nyavor urged banks to consult expects to monitor their control systems to save them from any financial losses.

Bankers must also ensure that they get authorization from customers before huge sums of money are given out, even when the bearer has a check book, he admonished.

Source: Daily Guide Africa
The Nation

Imagine what effort goes into loading 65 bags containing N1.2billion raw cash into a plane.

Vanguard

ELDERS and Leaders of Thoughts of Ijaw ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, weekend, warned Ijaw militants against their vow to declare a Republic of Niger-Delta, saying that what Ijaw nation wants is true federalism.

Punch

Some governorship aspirants on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State on Saturday, kicked against the alleged plan by the partys leadership to pick its candidate from the Central senatorial district of the state.

The Sun

IMO State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Austin Chilakpu, has declared that Governor Rochas Okorocha does not have the power to determine working days in the state contrary to what the Nigeria constitution has already prescribed.

Thisday

Segun Adewale is the factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State. He fielded questions from newsmen on the crisis rocking the party and the path to reconciliation. Segun James was there

Daily Times

A former Chairman, Committee on Appropriation, Mr. Abdulmumin Jibrin, has vowed to continue making fresh allegations against the four principal officers until they were prosecuted.

Daily Trust

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has blamed the Nigeria Customs Service for the corruption at the nations sea ports. The Minister made the remarks during the commissioning of the Command, Control, Communication and Intelligence System, (CCCIS) by the Nigerian Ports Authority.

Leadership

The Central Naval Command, (CNC) Yenagoa, on Saturday said it seized a vessel laden with 600,000 litres of suspected illegally refined automotive gas oil also known as diesel.

Daily Independent

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has again reiterated that the restructuring of the countrys system was inevitable.

New Telegraph

Apparently dissatisfied with the suppressed musings in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the perennial crisis in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), key figures in both parties are mulling what a source called a strong third force.
The House of Representatives Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, on Saturday frowned at the involvement of the State Security Service, SSS, in the budget padding crisis currently rocking the House.

He, however, said the police and the two anti-graft bodies  the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC)  were more appropriate to wade into the scandal.

The recently removed Chairman of the House Appropriation Committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin, had last week alleged that the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, who he accused, alongside some other principal officers of padding the 2016 budget to the tune of N40billion, stormed the secretariat of the committee and removed computers and some other materials for the purpose of stalling investigation.

It was learnt that based on the allegation, the SSS on Saturday sealed off the office, located in Room 16, White House, at the National Assembly Complex.

But Mr. Ogor said his colleague was wrong to involve the SSS, vowing to do everything in his powers to clear his name.

Aside Dogara, the other principal officers mentioned by Jibrin as having padded the 2016 budget include Deputy Speaker Yussuf Lassun; Majority Whip Alhassan Doguwa; and Mr. Ogor.

Reacting to the intervention of the SSS, the minority leader said The right authority to investigate this matter is the Nigeria Police and not the State Security Service, adding But because my name is involved, I would go to any extent to clear my name.

The internal security of the nation is the function of the SSS. This is clearly the work of the Nigeria Police. EFCC can also investigate the matter, he stated.

Mr. Ogor also refuted Mr. Jibrins allegation that he (Ogor) was living above his means, saying it is very insulting for anybody to tell me Im living above my means because I live in Apo Legislative Quarters for 14 years.

Is it because Im not living in Maitama or Asokoro? Mr. Ogor queried.

He also urged the public to dismiss the former Appropriation Committee chairs allegation that he colluded with Mr. Dogara and others to manipulate line items in the budget in order to fraudulently award public funds to themselves.

He said Nigerians should ask Mr. Jibrin why he presided over a mutilated budget as chairman of Appropriation Committee.

The president said I wont sign until I see the details. So, the question youre supposed to ask yourself is, why did the president refuse to sign the budget? Because the budget was mutilated, he said.

When the president returned the budget back the budget was now referred to the National Assembly. The National Assembly set up an ad hoc committee to now restore the budget from that mutilated nature, the minority leader added.

Mr. Ogor said he had no influence over budget decisions in the House.

Do I have access to appropriation? For Christ sake, let all of us grow up, Mr. Ogor said. Somebody is busy lying there and everybody has accepted.
Also on this day in 1969; Albertina Sisulu, the wife of Walter Sisulu who was serving a life sentence Robben Island had her ban order renewed for another five years after the expiry of a previous one.

Reasons for the renewal of the banning order were based on a mixture of fact and lies by the police.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, on Saturday condemned the shooting of workers during a joint visit of the organised labour to Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State in Lafia on Friday.

The TUC in a statement by its National President, Bobboi Kaigama, and Acting Secretary General, Simeso Amachre in Lagos, said that a worker died and two others were injured after the shooting.

According to the statement, leadership of TUC and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, went to visit the governor when the police stationed at the gate of the State Government House opened fire on the delegation.

We are distraught that labour leaders who went to dialogue with the government over the unlawful 50 per cent cut in workers salaries in the state were confronted with such act.

We are especially shocked that the incident happened while the new Commissioner of Police in the state was also there visiting the governor, the TUC said.

It explained that the shooting was uncalled for because the workers were unarmed and their protest was very legitimate and peaceful.

It said that there was no reason to use bullet to intimidate and cow workers from insisting on their fundamental rights.

It was inexcusable to employ force against innocent workers who, apart from not being paid promptly, had their salaries unlawfully cut by 50 per cent.

Security operatives are supposed to protect life not waste same. We urge the workers in the state to remain calm and law-abiding, it said.

The TUC called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure that officers responsible for the shootings are prosecuted.

It warned that unless justice prevailed within the next few days, the workers would embark on indefinite nationwide protest against police brutality.

It also advised the Nasarawa state government to immediately pay the workers their full salaries and other entitlements to avoid industrial face-off.

(NAN)
Un ottobre da sogno per Antonio Conte: lex ct della Nazionale italiana, attualmente alla guida del Chelsea, nelle ultime quattro gare di Premier League ha collezionato solo successi, conditi da 11 reti segnate e addirittura nessuna incassata. Numeri da record che non sono certo passati inosservati alla Federazione inglese, la quale ha conferito al tecnico leccese lambito premio di Manager del mese.

Unavventura oltremanica iniziata in sordina, quella di Conte, pur a fronte di tre vittorie nelle prime tre gare di campionato. A far vacillare, anche se solo per un momento, le certezze del patron del club londinese, Roman Abramovich, i risultati conseguiti tra la 4a e la 6a giornata, coincisi con un pareggio sul campo dello Swansea City e, soprattutto, con le due pesanti sconfitte subite dal Liverpool, sul terreno casalingo di Stamford Bridge, e dallArsenal. In particolare, la debacle interna coi Reds, aveva irritato non poco il numero uno russo, poiche occorsa proprio nel giorno della sua 250esima partita da presidente della societa.

Come detto, solo un momento. Dopo lincontro dellEmirates, il tecnico salentino cambia modulo, adottando un piu equilibrato 3-4-3 e inserendo elementi di corsa come lo spagnolo Pedro. Una svolta totale perche, di li in poi, il Chelsea inanellera solo e soltanto vittorie: 2 gol allHull City e al Southampton in trasferta, 3 ai campioni dInghilterra del Leicester e 4 allo United in casa, con un meraviglioso numero zero nella casella delle reti subite. Un fantastico poker, ottenuto tra l1 e il 29 ottobre. Un cambio di marcia sbalorditivo, confermato dal 5 a 0 rifilato ai toffees dellEverton nel primo match di novembre, e una scalata che, man mano, ha portato i blues al secondo posto in classifica, a soli 2 punti dal Liverpool capolista.

E allora, non poteva mancare il riconoscimento di migliore allenatore del mese, ottenuto surclassando tecnici del calibro di Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool), Arsene Wenger (Arsenal) e Mark Hughes (Southampton). Tanta, ovviamente, la soddisfazione: E un grande onore e voglio condividerlo con i giocatori e con la societa  ha dichiarato Conte sul sito ufficiale della Premier League -. E la prima volta che lavoro in un altro Paese, con una cultura diversa, e portare la propria filosofia non e facile, ma ora sono contento di questa scelta.

A completare la festa, la premiazione del fantasista belga, Eden Hazard, come miglior giocatore di ottobre. Due risultati importanti per il club, ottimo incentivo per la rincorsa al trono dei campioni, occupato dal Leicester di Ranieri. Il prossimo appuntamento per l11 di Conte sara al Riverside Stadium, tana del Middlesborough neopromosso. Il tempo di festeggiare e gia finito.
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A cat confined to a wheelchair after being hit by a car last year has defied the odds and is walking once again thanks to his dedicated new owners care.

Chance, who was unable to use his back legs following the life-changing collision and was fitted with a novel animal wheelchair, has now regained 80 percent use of his legs due to physiotherapy.

Paul Dempsey, from Baltinglass, Co Wicklow, adopted Chance from rescue group Cats Without Homes after the cat's original owner gave him up following the accident, the Irish Independent reports.

Initially, X-rays showed that Chance suffered spinal injuries and nothing could be done to help him other than rest and physiotherapy, but I really wanted to see if I could do more for him, said Dempsey.

Dempsey, who was worried his cat would develop ulcers on his back legs from dragging them along the ground, took Chance to see veterinary surgeon Dr Pete Wedderburn in Bray, Co Wicklow.

They decided to try and fit Chance with a wheelchair. Dempsey was able to buy the 420 ($469) piece of equipment after a fundraising campaign.

Chance didnt like it (wheelchair) much and despite spending a few weeks gradually getting him use to his hind legs being supported by wheels, he was not enjoying it and he seemed depressed, said Dempsey.

We sent the wheelchair back to the UK company and got a 70pc refund. It was worth a go, but Chance was just not going to be a wheelchair cat.

Chance, who is now two, is still very wobbly but is getting around without dragging his legs which is just mind boggling. To me, he is just an amazing cat and full of determination.

Dempsey is now setting up Irelands only home for disabled and special needs cats called TLC/The Last Chance Sanctuary.

He has inspired me so much that I had started another campaign on gofundme.com/the-last-chance to set up a small cat sanctuary to cater for up to 10 special needs and disabled cats near Baltinglass.

Not only has Chance inspired me and many others who support and follow him on his Facebook page.

So far, Dempsey has been able to raise more than 3,800 ($4246), but he still needs another 1,000 ($1117) to pay for the unit and 700 ($782) a month to run the sanctuary.

Moss Veterinary Hospital in Naas, Co Kildare will be helping with the medical care.

To make a donation, go to gofundme.com/the-last-chance.
Here's what the world will likely look in 2017. The United States will, all going well, have its first female president, and she will shortly meet with the U.K.'s female prime minister, Northern Ireland's female first minister, Scotland's female first minister and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, Europe's most powerful leader.

It means that richest and most powerful nation on earth and two of the world's top military powers may be led by women. That we aren't even talking about this is a heartening sign that real progress is being made toward gender equality on the world stage.

It's probably also not an issue for many voters because in recent months we have seen the difference in leadership offered by Scotland's Nicola Sturgeon when compared to bumbling upper class oafs like Boris Johnson.

Read more: Donald Trump versus Hillary Clinton - the battle begins in earnest

Scotland's first minister immediately took control of the Brexit vote to push for a second Scottish referendum while Johnson simply watched his career and reputation ignite.

As Johnson threw shapes and made increasingly unbelievable claims in the press, he was out maneuvered and out performed by the now British Prime Minister Theresa May. A daughter of a Protestant clergyman and the granddaughter of a sergeant major, she clearly had the discipline and self-control the party and the country needed.

Not that we should put the flags out or the champagne on ice just yet. We are very far away from a world that offers true equality to women, sadly.

Still, the number of female leaders around the world has more than doubled in the past decade, although women in the most powerful posts is far from the norm worldwide.

When a women succeeds at this level the victory is usually twice itself. It's a man's world after all, where most of the rules were written by men and most of the laws and holy scriptures were too, and they certainly didn't do this to foster equality.

If a woman can rise and beat these formidable odds to wield power on the world's stage her struggle has been harder and her commitment stronger than most of the men who, thanks to the rules of patriarchy, had an easier ride.

And they may be women but their political viewpoints vary dramatically. After Brexit First Minister Arlene Foster wants Northern Ireland to remain within the U.K., but Sturgeon wants precisely the opposite.

Read more: Michelle Obama utterly steals the show at the Democratic Convention

One viewpoint is insular and defensive; the other outward looking with an eye to Europe, and it already looks like the dynamism that will be needed in the 21st century is likely to out perform the frightened fortress option offered by Foster and May.

There are some men out there who are genuinely worried about what Hillary becoming president will make of Bill Clinton. Will he be known as the First Man? Wasn't that role already filled by Adam in the bible?

I find this kind of hand wringing hilarious because it puts some men in the traditional position of women  asking how can you be what you can't see?

We have never had a female president which means the question of what to call her husband has never been addressed. The message behind all that is that you can't get there from here ladies, so it's better that you don't try.

Women ignored the advice, and for Hillary things have already worked out better than she could ever have hoped. Her orange faced opponent looks, sounds, thinks and speaks like a throw back to the 1950s, which he clearly wants to take us all back to.

That was the time before women were asked for their political views, before African Americans were permitted to use the same rest rooms, before gay people were allowed to marry or even identify themselves without fear of reprisals, before minorities were afforded the same respect given to everyone else.

If you vote to elect Hillary simply to stop Donald Trump from driving us all back into an even more authoritarian past, you'll certainly being doing the nation some good. Since the dawn of time women have found themselves cast as helpmates, not heroes, or second fiddle where their rights were not being totally overlooked. They know well how to spot a man who will stand between them and their own advancement.

So for many women, stopping Trump won't just be a political decision but a deeply personal one. His openly expressed racism, his anti-Muslim hysteria, his divisive us-versus-them rhetoric strikes at the root of the American society and turns an immigrant nation into a frightened fortress.

Because it's not just Donald Trump women are worried about: it's that he's opened the door and rolled out the welcome mat for a man even smarter and more dangerous to their personal progress four years from now.

As the Middle East has shown us, once you embolden anti-women fanatics they can quickly over run the map.
A 12-year-old boy is a murder suspect after a man in his 40s was assaulted outside a McDonald's restaurant.

The youngster was held on Sunday morning along with another youth aged 17, after the earlier arrests of two boys aged 16.

All are being held in custody for questioning on suspicion of murder, said Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Police were first called shortly before 10.50pm on Wednesday to an assault, which reportedly began outside the McDonald's on Warrington Street in the town centre of Ashton-under-Lyne in greater Manchester.

A man in his 40s was found injured and was taken to hospital where he died in the early hours of Thursday.

Formal identification of the victim is yet to take place. His name is expected to be released by police on Monday.

Detective Inspector Kevin O'Regan from GMP's Major Incident Team said: "This has been quite a fast moving investigation and we have now made three further arrests, bringing the total number of people we have in custody to four.

"Our investigation continues and I would urge anybody with information to please contact police, no matter how insignificant you think it may be."
Muslims have attended Catholic Masses in churches and cathedrals across France in a gesture of solidarity after the gruesome killing of a priest in Normandy.

Father Jacques Hamel (pictured) was killed when two men stormed into his church in Saint-Etienne-Du-Rouvray on Tuesday.
Although Taoiseach Enda Kenny has reappointed James Reilly as Fine Gael deputy leader, Mr Martin said there is no such position in his party.

Mr Martin said that his aim, now, was for the party to gain a seat in all constituencies where they had none, and a second in other constituencies.

Fianna Fail have not appointed a new deputy leader since the front bench reshuffle of July, 2012. Eamon O Cuiv, Brian Cowen, Bertie Ahern, Ray McSharry and Mary ORourke have all been deputy leader in the past.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Martin said: There is no position, it just doesnt arise.

It hasnt been on for a long time. On the issue of Brexit, Mr Martin said it is now up to all parties  and not just those in government  to push for and protect Irelands interests, in the context of negotiations.

All of us in Europe should use all of our contacts, in the grouping that we are a part of, to articulate Irelands key interests, the common travel area, trade and the all-island single market, he said.

The Cork South-Central TD praised Mr Kenny for endeavouring to make sure that the other leaders get it that Ireland is a special case, because of its uniquely historic relationship with the United Kingdom.

Mr martin said that he supported Mr Kenny in raising, at the EU council just days after the Brexit vote, Scotlands unique place in negotiations.

There is no issue with raising Scotland, there is no big deal about that. I raised it myself in the Dail. Its a fair point. A lot will depend on how Britain approaches the negotiations and, ultimately, the optimal outcome for us is that Britain signs up to some sort of Norwegian deal, where Britain still remains part of the single market.

If Britain has access to the single market, then the issue of tariffs doesnt really arise in relation to Ireland and Britain.

That will determine the strength and health of our small- to medium-size enterprises, food companies in particular, Mr Martin said.

Despite poor poll ratings prior to the general election, Mr Martin said that he was confident that Fianna Fail would do much better than expected and he now hopes to build on this success.

My target, all along, was 40 seats-plus. Privately, I would have felt it was always possible to get to the 44.

I had a lot of self-belief throughout the four years, but the national polls would have continued to sap morale.

We knew, from our own work on the ground and the calibre of candidates, that we would surprise people.

We still have a lot of work to do. In the end of the day, we got 25% of the vote. Its not huge, so I think there is room for growth.

But I am acutely aware that there are many twists and turns and we are in a very uncertain world, Mr Martin said.
The young woman has called her infant daughter Joy after the LE James Joyce and in tribute to its crew that gave her medical attention on board.

In so doing, she also names her baby after one of the worlds most influential writers, Dubliner James Joyce, author of Ulysses.

The maternity emergency happened during a busy day of operations off the coast of the Libyan capital, Tripoli, on Thursday during which the Irish crew brought 594 refugees to safety.

The operation was called Mare Sicuro (Safe Seas) and was the latest humanitarian collaboration between the Irish and Italian naval authorities in the ongoing Mediterranean refugee crisis.

A young woman went into labour on board (LE James Joyce) and was transferred, under medical supervision, to the Italian Navys ITS Bettica, the Irish Navy told its Facebook followers.

The admiral in charge of Operation Mare Sicuro presented his compliments to Officer Commanding LE James Joyce this morning and advised him that the young woman transferred to ITS Bettica (Thursday) had been safely delivered of a healthy baby girl. She has chosen to name her Joy.

The post was greeted with scores of good wishes including some from relatives of the Irish naval crew.

A big well done to all crew members of the LE James Joyce. All your families are so proud of you. Keep up the good work. 61 days until ye are home to us, wrote one.

Flying the flag with pride and compassion, added another.

The happy baby news contrasts starkly with the reported 87 people who washed up dead on a beach 60km east of Tripoli last week. More than 3,000 migrants are estimated to have died attempting to cross the Mediterranean so far this year.
ITS hard to imagine a time when social media didnt exist. An era when twitter was birdsong and friends were people you actually knew. Born in 1932, Petula Clarks generation was free from the tyranny of internet and mobile phones. But instead of a cacophony of ring tones, the soundtrack to Clarks childhood was more sinister. As World War II raged across Europe, life was constantly interrupted by the shriek of sirens and exploding bombs.

During the war, life was hard for everyone and most children missed out on a lot of things. Yet, there were also some very special times. Somehow children can find joy, even in the darkest moments.

For Clark, 83, some of her happiest moments were spent at her grandparents home in South Wales.

I was very close to my grandparents. They lived in a tiny village in a house, with no electricity or running water. Grandad was a miner and nana was plump and a little bossy. They spoke very little English so I learned to speak Welsh, although, Ive forgotten most of it now. Nana was always going to chapel and liked to take me with her. I sang there many times. Ive some very fond memories of playing with my cousin. We used to slide down the tips on the lid of a biscuit tin.

MUSICAL CHILDHOOD

Considering her Welsh heritage its little wonder that music has always featured in Clarks life.

Her mother Doris, a gifted soprano, is credited with teaching her daughter to sing, but when the nine-year-old used her talent to calm a BBC audience during an air raid, no could have imagined the result. Her impromptu rendering of Mighty Lak a Rose launched her into the limelight and brought her some very important fans, among them George VI and Winston Churchill. Although neither dignitary made much of an impression.

It didnt matter to me who was in the audience. I suppose, as a child, I wasnt really aware of the VIP side of things. I just loved to sing. Im still the same today.

Her father gave her the name Petula Sally Olwen Clark but to the public she was affectionately known as Our Pet. Adopted by the nation, she began her career entertaining troops on radio as well as appearing at venues across the UK. Touring, often accompanied by Julie Andrews, another child star, could be exciting. But there was one obvious drawback.

My schooling was rather skimpy, and naturally, my education suffered. I was so busy performing that, when I was in school, I felt as though I was constantly playing catch-up with my classmates. Not easy.

In 1944, when film director Maurice Elvey cast her in his wartime drama, Medal for the General, he unwittingly made Petulas dream come true.

I was around six years old when I made up my mind to become an actress. My dad had taken me to see a 1938 production of Mary Tudor and from that moment, my dream was born. In fact I wanted to grow up and become Ingrid Bergman.

A string of films followed in quick succession, among them a popular series of Here Come the Huggetts. Gradually, as adolescence approached, the role of child star became an uncomfortable fit. The young girl was growing up but Rank Organisation wouldnt alter their script. In an attempt to delay the more obvious signs of maturity they insisted she wear a band to flatten her bust.

As an artist, I felt frustrated that my choice of songs and the roles I was offered were too young for me. Growing up is a natural process but the Organisation wanted to hold it back. The crepe bandage I wore didnt cause any physically pain but as a young teenager, it probably caused a few psychological bruises.

The 1960s ushered in a cultural revolution, changing everything from fashion to music. The era was also to mark a new chapter in Clarks personal life.

Id been invited to appear at the Paris Olympia but at the time I was suffering a bad cold and almost turned it down. Fortunately, I decided to go and the French went crazy. The next morning, I went along to the office of Vogue records to discuss a contract and during the meeting, the light went out. A guy came in to replace the bulb and as soon as I saw him I was smitten. I didnt speak a word of French but I knew he was the man for me.

WOLFF IN CHIC CLOTHING

The good looking stranger turned out to be Claude Wolff, the companys PR man and although he had a girlfriend at the time, Cupids dart had found its mark. We started dating and although conversation was a bit halting, we managed fine.

The couple married in 1961 and as well as gaining a husband Petula found herself with a new manager.

Until then, my dad had always been my manager. But, there were times when the situation was difficult. Combining the role of boss with parent wasnt easy and sometimes the two clashed. Working so closely with family can be tricky. It sounds great but in reality, it has its challenges. By the time Claude took over, we had learned from previous mistakes and recognised which dangers to avoid. He was very good, understanding and supportive. When I was away, he looked after the home and took care of the kids.

Initially, her decision to move to France, ruffled a few British feathers but her records continued to sell and her popularity soared, especially when Downtown hit the charts.

When Tony Hatch came to see me, he had a few bars of a song inspired by his trip to New York. There was something about it I liked and I asked if he could come up with lyrics that were equally good. The rest is history.

The 1960s continued to be a golden era both sides of the channel. The song Romeo sold over a million copies globally and won her first gold disc. In France, she became the only female artist to have a successful recording of Ya Ya Twist. By this stage, America was also clamouring for attention but with two small children, Petula was finding it increasingly harder to balance home and career.

My success in America came at a time when my career in France was already taking off. I was inundated with work and obligations I had to fulfil. I felt torn between the demands of work and the needs of my family. In the beginning when the kids were small, we could take them with us. But as they started school, it wasnt always possible.

It seemed we were always saying goodbye. For a long time, I felt guilty that I hadnt spent enough time with them. Now, they assure me that far from feeling neglected, they understand how the hard work paid off and they appreciated the good things, such as education and a nice home.

FAMILY TIME

In the early 1970s, Clark decided to scale back her work and spend more time with her family. A decade later and with her childrens blessing she returned to the stage, starring as Maria von Trapp in the Sound of Music.

In 2004, Irish fans flocked to see her at the Cork Opera House where she gave a repeat performance of Norma Desmond (from Sunset Boulevard by Adrew Lloyd Webber).

I had a great time in Cork and have been back a number of times since then. Unfortunately, Ireland isnt on this tours schedule but, who knows, what will happen? All that can change in the months ahead.

Its been seven decades since she sang to a wartime audience. Today, as her latest album, From Now On, proves, her voice is as youthful as ever. So whats her secret?

In all honesty, I dont do anything special for my voice. I just get up and sing.

Today, many celebrities advocate the use of cosmetic surgery and Clark admits to having a scar above her eyebrow removed. How did she get the scar?

I was admiring my new shoes, she laughs. My mum had bought me new shoes and I was so busy looking at them, I wasnt watching where I was going and walked straight into a lamp post.

But, in all honesty, I dont have a particular beauty regime. I just accept life and make the most of it. At the end of the day, its all anyone can do.
Scammers Go Phishing: Business Email Compromise on the Rise

Ive been following the coverage of the Wikileaks release of the DNCs hacked emails, and Im more interested in what isnt being talked about. Was it embarrassing for the DNC? Well sure, just like it would be embarrassing for any of us to have our conversations made public. Yes, it revealed strategies and ideas that were ethically questionable, but some of that is politics as usual, sad to say.

What neither the media nor the politicians have done is take advantage of the leak to put cybersecurity front and center as a national discussion. Yes, Donald Trumps comments encouraging Russia to find Hillary Clintons missing email shifted the conversation to the concerns over cyber espionage, but in a very singular way.

Were missing the opportunity to discuss the bigger picture of this hack and its Wikileaks release on a very public stage: Cybersecurity is a serious threat to our national, corporate and personal well-being, and not just because some emails and voice mails were made public. What about all of the donors whose personal and financial information was included in that release  folks who, according to ABC News, have yet to be alerted. According to the news site, the DNC kept a spreadsheet called Big Spreadsheet of All Things:

 which appears to list data about every check written to the party, Hillary Clinton and President Obama going back to 2013. The file includes email addresses, phone numbers, and in some cases additional personal information not publicly available on FEC reports. Under FEC rules, contributors are required to reveal the amounts of their gifts and provide a mailing address, but not email or phone contact information.

This attack is personal to a lot of people and organizations, so where are the conversations that cyberattacks have very real consequences?

Cyberattacks arent one-time events, either, and as Mark McArdle, CTO at eSentire, a leader in managed cyber threat detection and response services, told me in an email comment, that malware is repurposed and reused once it is used successfully, and as time goes on, it gets more difficult to identify the actual attacker. He explained it this way:

Consider you have an attacker in China, who identifies a key target in the United States. The attacker in China wont use the same tools theyve used before  they wont want to provide any breadcrumbs to help build an identifiable profile. So, the attacker decides to start from scratch. In doing so, they can leverage tools (malware) already seen they can mimic them, tweak them as they like to create something new that ultimately cloaks their identity. Once the tool is ready, the attacker deploys it to their endpoint target in the U.S. Once they successfully access the network, they need to exfiltrate data, but they wont exfiltrate it to back to China  thatd be a clue to their identity. Instead, the attacker will pick a nondescript host, bouncing the data through compromised servers, to cover their trail.

In other words, it can be very difficult, if not impossible, to detect the attackers identity without a serious forensic study, so immediate accusations become a slippery slope and can create unintentional tensions between nation-states. Were so certain the DNC attack was by Russia, and there is a very good chance it was  but what if it wasnt?

Were witnessing how cybersecurity concerns can influence our politics and our governance. As Chenxi Wang, chief strategy officer for Twistlock, told me in an email comment, were entering a new cyber reality, where attacks and our response to them are entrenched in every facet of life  technology, economics, health, and now politics:

Going forward, we really have to be much more vigilant than we have been in the past. Because now, its not just individual companies or data belonging to tens of thousands of users that are at stake. Instead, it could be an entire nations political future that hangs in the balance, entailing significant consequences on a global scale that last longer and reach farther than they ever have before.

Sue Marquette Poremba has been writing about network security since 2008. In addition to her coverage of security issues for IT Business Edge, her security articles have been published at various sites such as Forbes, Midsize Insider and Toms Guide. You can reach Sue via Twitter: @sueporemba
The vice-president of Samsung Australias Mobile Division, Prasad Gokhale, is leaving after just three years with the company.

Gokhale, who joined Samsung in November 2013, will the leave on Friday (5 August) to pursue new opportunities.

Samsung said the decision to leave the company was made by Gokhale.

A former Vodafone executive, Gokhale oversaw the successful launch of Samsungs Galaxy S7 smartphone in the Australian market.

Samsung Electronics Australia president, Harry Lee said, We thank Prasad for his contribution to Samsung over the last 2 years. During his tenure, Prasad has led the launch of numerous flagship Samsung mobile products as well as new product categories and services such as wearables, virtual reality and mobile payments.

Prasads passion for consumers and strategic alliances with partners has seen Samsung continue to be a leader within Australia and ensures we are well positioned for the future. We appreciate Prasads dedication to Samsung and wish him every success in his future endeavours.

Gokhale said he was proud of the accomplishments that he and his team had achieved.

When I joined Samsung, my objective was to transform the Mobile Division into a more customer-centric business. We have overhauled the way we interact with our consumers; from our service and after-sales support, to marketing communication, and retail execution.

It has been a privilege for me to lead this business, which is at the forefront of new technologies such as virtual reality and fintech. Im proud to have launched these innovations in Australia and driving strategies to ensure these products and services meet the needs of businesses and consumers in this country.

The Galaxy S7 was the most successful launch of any Samsung Galaxy smartphone in Australia, achieving our highest market share. On this note, I feel that I have achieved the goals that I set when I accepted the position at Samsung Australia.

I leave the business having established an excellent team and solidifying commercial relationships, which I believe will help to drive the next stage of Samsungs growth in Australia. I look forward to supporting the team in the lead-up to my departure.
This Week in Review

A weekly review of the best and most popular stories published in the Imperial Valley Press. Also, featured upcoming events, new movies at local theaters, the week in photos and much more.
Lori Berquam, UW-Madison dean of students, shakes hands with incoming freshmen during an orientation program at Sterling Hall in July. Credit: Calvin Mattheis

By of the

For many freshmen arriving at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall, it will be the first time they interact with students who don't overwhelmingly look, love, experience and identify in the same way. Often that's a mind-broadening experience.

But after a series of disturbing incidents last year  Swastikas taped to the dorm room door of a Jewish student; heckling of a Native American elder with "war cry sounds" during a healing circle and racial threats in an anonymous note to a student of color  the university is planning to give incoming freshmen more than just an academic education.

This fall, the campus will test a diversity program with up to 1,000 freshmen that officials hope will offer an opportunity for students to learn both about themselves, and about others.

"That's what the collegiate experience is all about," UW-Madison Dean of Students Lori Berquam said. "Some of our students are joining us from small towns and they're going to live in a residence hall that's bigger."

More than half of UW-Madison students  about 53%  are from Wisconsin, which was 87.6% white in 2015, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Some small communities in the state virtually consist of only one ethnic group.

The state's flagship campus is part of a national wave of universities that view mandatory cultural competency orientation as one way to help relieve racial tensions and help graduates ultimately be more adept at navigating diverse work environments.

Designers of the diversity program, dubbed Our Wisconsin, said they consulted with University of Oklahoma and other colleges implementing diversity programs, including Oregon State University, the University of Maryland and the University of Michigan.

The university already has hired a program director, whose name has not yet been publicized, along with undergraduate student assistant Katrina Morrison and 45 faculty and students to be program facilitators. A diversity consulting firm was hired to write the program's curriculum.

The pilot program's estimated cost for up to 1,000 freshmen this fall is $150,000 to $200,000, which Chancellor Rebecca Blank set aside from a special fund.

Overreach or step forward?

Such diversity training efforts have at once been cheered by student activists pushing for more diversity initiatives and questioned by critics who suggest that it is unnecessary or even counterproductive.

Detractors, through platforms like The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, have characterized the trend as an expensive overreaction that does little more than waste money.

That reaction isn't necessarily surprise  diversity training in general has a checkered track record. In the corporate world, multiple studies have suggested that diversity programs are more likely to stir backlash than understanding among employees.

The University of Delaware shut down its compulsory diversity training program in 2011 after coming under fire for a curriculum labeling all white people as racists.

W. Lee Hansen, professor emeritus of economics at UW-Madison who has written several op-eds questioning the program, predicts there will be a backlash among students.

"There seems to be a lot of anger out there and I think that a number of students will resist," Hansen said.

Hansen asserts that the university's population of more than 43,000 students is always going to include some people who have unshakable views on race. Diversity training only serves to deepen this strife by pitting students against each other based on social enclaves, he said.

"They're trying to accentuate differences rather than pulling people together," he said.

But diversity training does not inevitably downplay similarities between students, said Steve Quintana, a UW-Madison psychology professor who has helped craft the new program.

"The general research shows that when you have personal connections and similarities with others from different backgrounds, this is what helps people develop greater appreciation for others," Quintana said.

According to Quintana, finding common bonds between superficially different individuals is a way to better understand diversity.

"A lot of research shows that it's not exactly deficit of knowledge that leads to attitudes that are problematic, but it's the absence of interpersonal interactions," he said.

Incoming freshman Brandon Haughey of Whitefish Bay predicts the campus' cultural and racial palette will be a big change for him.

"Madison is going to be a lot more diverse than I'm used to," Haughey said. "I'm going to get a broader image of how other people live their lives that I haven't really considered."

Haughey said a cultural competency program would help him integrate into a diverse campus. "I think it's necessary."

Proponents of Our Wisconsin emphasize that, by attending UW-Madison, many students will be living in the most diverse environment they've ever encountered and that conflict would be inevitable.

Entering a new world

The orientation will try to help students understand why disputes arise, enabling them to prevent tensions from escalating.

"It's less about how you should respond than about understanding how different people are going to respond to what you do," Quintana said.

The team aims to execute a nuanced approach that helps participants recognize both disparities and commonalities in order to foster a culture of mutual understanding.

In doing so, Our Wisconsin will shirk previous diversity training models that treat minorities as enigmatic puzzles that must be handled in a particular way for fear of triggering controversy.

For the pilot program this fall, groups of about 50 students from four residence halls will attend two sessions of 2 1/2 hours that introduce them to diversity concepts such as social patterns that exclude certain groups.

The students will then do journaling and other exercises to encourage them to think about the concepts. They will break up into smaller groups for discussions that probe the experiences of different social groups, and how those experiences may lead them to see certain conduct as an affront to their identities.

The program will be tweaked based on surveys from students who have undergone the training. The surveys will not only test knowledge, but also whether students actually implemented what they learned in their personal lives.

'We desperately need something'

Katrina Morrison, the program's undergraduate student assistant, proposed the "Our Wisconsin" diversity training program to the chancellor while she was interning for the student government. She based it on the University of Oklahoma's five-hour, in-person Diversity Experience Training program for freshmen and transfer students.

"I thought it would be great to bring that to UW-Madison, because we desperately need something that is going to make this a safer and more inclusive campus," Morrison said.

Blank approved the program along with other initiatives to improve campus climate.

Morrison said she was optimistic that in five years, when every student on campus has gone through diversity training, "we'll start to see a new type of community being built."

The team for Our Wisconsin is well aware of the pitfalls that have bedeviled other diversity orientations.

"I've gone through a lot of really bad cultural competency trainings that were annoying and damaging," said Joshua Moon Johnson, director of the university's Multicultural Student Center who has been provisionally leading the program's development.

According to the team, past diversity programs tried to dictate ironclad rules for appropriate behaviors toward minorities and came off as preachy.

Given this history of ham-handed training, those developing the program are treating it as a more nuanced task emphasizing empathy over hard and fast rules.

"It's not a checklist of things you're going to do to be culturally competent," Moon-Johnson said.
Many parents reject new teaching methodology

VietNamNet Bridge - Vietnam Escuela Nueva (VNEN) is considered an innovative teaching method, but many parents have opposed its use.

If VNEN cannot be improved, it is only suitable to schools in mountainous areas.





The Ha Giang and Ha Tinh provincial authorities have decided that the VNEN model will not be applied on a large scale in their localities.Seventy parents whose children go to the Dat Do Secondary School in Ba Ria-Vung Tau decided to withdraw their children from VNEN classes. This also occurred in Dak Lak province when the 2015-2016 academic year began.Explaining their decision, the parents whose children go to Dat Do Secondary School, said at the open dialogue with the schools board of management that their childrens learning results were worryingly bad.The problem is that there are too many students in every class in the province, about 60, where good students sit together with bad ones.Since students sit in groups, bad students dont want to do exercises, but just want to copy from good students, PT, a parent, said. I feel that students tend to be lazier."Meanwhile, Tran Thi L complained that her son could not understand lessons because the teachers did not give explanations. Teachers only raised questions and topics for students to discuss.L feared that if continuing to follow the VNEN model, her son would fail the national exams.Another parent complained that her son could not understand the lessons though he was rarely absent from the class."I wish I could help him. But I dont have textbooks designed in accordance with the VNEN model, he said.Even teachers dont like teaching in accordance with the VNEN model, though experts say with the model, teachers wont be too busy because they dont have to compile lesson plans.What teachers have to do at VNEN classes is put forward issues for students to discuss before they summarize the discussions and give final conclusions. Students will become independent and self-confident.However, a teacher in district 2, HCM City, denied the experts thought that teachers dont have to be busy with VNEN classes, saying that she had to spend a lot of time decorating and designing the classes to meet the requirements. She also had to prepare diagrams, tables and pictures for the lessons.Vu Thu Huong, a lecturer from the Hanoi University of Education, said that if VNEN cannot be improved, it is only suitable to schools in mountainous areas.Huong said though the model has many advantages, it will be helpful only if parents and teachers change their minds and adapt to new circumstances.PLO
Before summer starts its disappearing act, I've got a few hot items for you, particularly if you factor in the heat index:

Immaculate misconception?A recent Journal Sentinel ad pitching a Wisconsin lake cottage for sale said "serious inquiries only," but my curiosity compelled me to call anyway.

It's not every day you see property described as: "The front windows have what appears to be the image of the Virgin Mary on them."

A guy who gave his name only as Steve answered the phone. The cottage has been in his family 60 years and is in Oconto County, but he would not say which lake for fear of a rush of religious pilgrims on the place.

He sees three bluish images of Mary in the glass, depending on the light and time of day. Not everybody else does. Steve declined to send me a photo.

"My best bet probably is to bring a couple priests up there, I'm thinking," he said. "I mean if a couple priests see this, too, then we got something here."

The price in the classified ad was listed as "asking several million," though Steve admits he would have to find just the right fervent believer to get that much. The more earthly value of the place is about $200,000, he admitted.

Slipping into history: For a while there, you could still get a Milwaukee-area white pages telephone book if you called YP and asked for one. Not anymore.

"We no longer produce residential directories," said the person who answered the customer service number at YP, which used to be called AT&T whatever. I have one of the final Milwaukee white pages, from 2014-'15, on my desk at work.

OK, under my desk actually. But I still find it useful sometimes to track people down or see a quick list of everyone with a certain last name. WhitePages.com works all right, too, but they're always trying to get you to pay for certain info.

The reason for the death of the hold-in-your-hand white pages is obvious, but the woman I reached at YP said it anyway. It has seen a drastic drop in use. Trees were being killed needlessly to produce it.

The paper version of the ad-driven Yellow Pages lives on, though I never see anyone using that either in these internet times.

Come and get it: Two interesting names showed up recently in a 14-page listing of people and businesses that have unclaimed property  money, stocks, bonds and items abandoned in safe deposit boxes  coming to them.

Among the zillions of names compiled by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, and published in the Journal Sentinel, are Friends of Justice Louis Butler and also Friends of Scott Walker.

It's not a lot of money, and certainly nowhere near enough to cover the debt faced by Walker from his unsuccessful presidential run last year. The unclaimed amount in the Walker account is $211.

The Butler campaign has $50 coming. David Hase, who served as a campaign treasurer to Butler when he ran for state Supreme Court in 2008, said he and Butler were unaware of the money sitting there.

"No claim has been made for it, at least as yet," Hase said.

Butler and Hase are both at DeWitt Ross & Stevens law firm in Brookfield.

Nice try: It didn't take long for a flaw on the new sign at Humboldt Park to be noticed. It read Humbolt Park.

The sign went up last week near Oklahoma and Howell avenues, and people quickly noticed the misspelling and contacted Milwaukee County. Workers came out and took it down. A new sign will be erected soon, presumably after more careful proofreading.

Melissa Baldauff, spokeswoman for County Executive Chris Abele, said people here clearly care about their parks, right down to the signage.

"No matter how you spell Humboldt Park, we have hundreds of people enjoying it every day," she said.

Call Jim Stingl at (414) 224-2017 or email at jstingl@jrn.com. Connect with my public page at Facebook.com/Journalist.Jim.Stingl
Milwaukee native and entrepreneur Floyd Berggren died July 20 from respiratory failure at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., at the age of 85. Credit: Family photo

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More than 40 years ago, Scott Berggren was picked up from school by the River Hills police and taken to St. Mary's Hospital so he could say goodbye to his father, Floyd.

He was told his father had been injured in an explosion while working in the foundry he owned, Badger Alloys, and wouldn't make it. Floyd Berggren didn't die that day. In fact, three days after the accident he put on a hospital gown and took a taxi cab back to the foundry where he had been injured.

"His doctor who worked with him for 27 years said he defied medical science," Scott Berggren said. "Work was his inspiration."

Milwaukee native and entrepreneur Floyd Berggren died July 20 from respiratory failure at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., at the age of 85. His son said "he was tired" and for the first time in his life was starting to "sit still."

"He never really retired," he said. "Every year he would still put 40,000 miles on his car seeing different people and looking for different business opportunities."

Berggren started numerous small businesses. In 1964, he opened and served as president of Badger Alloys in Milwaukee. He sold it in 1987 because he had been in too many accidents while working in the foundry, his son said. Around the same time, Berggren started buying real estate all over the city to seek out business development opportunities.

He was an independent operator for Roundy's and opened multiple Pick 'n Save grocery stores throughout the city, including the first one in South Milwaukee.

He turned a vacated Adelman Cleaners into a flagship Pick 'n Save store for Roundy's. In 1985, his east side Pick 'n Save store at 709 E. Capitol Drive, now a Piggly Wiggly, was featured in Progressive Grocer magazine as store of the month.

"He was always looking for the deal," Floyd's sister Dorothea Berggren said. "He wasn't into fancy restaurants, but was all about the people. He wanted to transform grocery shopping into a quality experience for the everyday person."

Scott remembers how, at the end of each week, his father would take the produce from the grocery stores that had started to turn brown and donate it to rescue missions. "He was a special person and loved by so many," his son said.

Dorothea said her brother was always attracted to the "blue collar work ethic" style of Milwaukee. While he loved the city, Berggren was born on a farm, which prompted him to buy several farms in Wisconsin and in Montana. She said he had a fascination with learning different cultures and meeting different people.

"He was such a unique guy," she said. "By the end of a conversation with him, he would know all about you."

Floyd Berggren is survived by his sister, Dorothea Berggren; his son, Scott Berggren; his daughter, Lisa Wey; and three grandchildren.

Floyd Berggren

Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Feerick Funeral Home, 2025 E. Capitol Drive, Shorewood, and from 10 until a service at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday at Wisconsin Memorial Park in the Chapel of the Chimes, 13235 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield.
More than 150 activists protest outside of Flint City Hall to protest Michigan Gov. Rick Snyders handling of a water crisis in that city earlier this year. Credit: Associated Press

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"Is the water safe to drink?"

The ancient question evokes anxieties that are deeply embedded in the human psyche, but have been long forgotten by modern Americans. Yet recent crises in Flint, Mich., and other places have rekindled an earlier era's ambivalent relationship with drinking water.

When the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock, for example, they shunned the pristine New England water sources and quickly began construction of a brewhouse. That may seem entirely natural to Milwaukeeans, but the decision did not result from a particular affinity for craft beers. Instead, it was rooted in a centuries-old, deeply held distrust and dislike of drinking water. Most Europeans of that era were ignorant of waterborne diseases and bacteria. But they had enough experience with the resulting illnesses to believe that drinking water meant taking your life into your hands.

We've come a long way since 1620. Our drinking water is collected, purified, and pumped to our taps by complex and unappreciated systems of equipment. Routine disinfection of American community drinking water supplies has virtually eliminated diseases such as cholera and typhoid. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assures us that "American drinking water supplies are among the safest in the world." Today, most Americans simply take it for granted that when they turn on the tap, a clean, unlimited drinking water supply will flow.

Yet cracks in the armor are beginning to appear. The American Society of Civil Engineers recently estimated that it will cost at least $1 trillion over the next quarter-century to restore existing water system infrastructure elements reaching the end of their useful lives. This dire warning is reinforced by increasing evidence of infrastructure, management and oversight failures  and sometimes all three at the same time, as happened in Flint. Lest we think "it can't happen here," Milwaukee officials recently announced the presence of more than 70,000 lead-lined pipes in the city, requiring at least $511 million to repair. And unease here persists among those who remember the deadly cryptosporidium outbreak of 1993.

All of this is to say nothing of the often-unreliable, unsafe or even nonexistent drinking water supply in the developing world.

While public health concerns related to water quality are paramount, maintaining a steady supply of drinking water also is important. Recent debates over climate change have led to increased awareness of the carbon "footprint" of our everyday activities. Perhaps we also should consider our water footprint. With water invisibly "embedded" in everything from the food we eat to the clothes we wear, our everyday decisions affect the stability of drinking water supplies throughout the world in ways that we scarcely consider.

These challenges defy easy categorization or analysis. Solving them cannot be the sole province of engineers, scientists or policy-makers working in silos. It will require a fundamental and societal rethinking of the way we look at water. At Marquette University, researchers from a variety of disciplines  including engineering, law, mathematics, the sciences, economics, education, art, and others  are working collaboratively to make a reality of our vision for Milwaukee to become a leader in helping to solve the world's water problems. One outward sign of this work is that Marquette researchers spanning a variety of disciplines now occupy about 8,000 square feet in the Global Water Center in Milwaukee's Walker's Point neighborhood.

To facilitate these continued interactions, and in keeping with its larger public policy initiative, on Sept. 7 Marquette University Law School is convening an interdisciplinary conference titled "Public Policy and American Drinking Water." Leading figures from a variety of disciplines, including Virginia Tech engineering professor Marc Edwards, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp, will take an interdisciplinary approach to exploring the legal, scientific, engineering and environmental water issues that fill today's news and touch all of our lives.

The speakers and attendees will discuss lead and aging infrastructure, privatization of water systems, public perceptions of water quality issues, the (under)valuation of water and quality and quantity concerns related to groundwater. Edwards will deliver a lunchtime presentation discussing lessons learned from his experience uncovering the Flint water crisis.

So, "is the water safe to drink?" In Milwaukee today, the answer is a resounding yes  as a group of Marquette University biology and engineering professors discussed earlier this year. But where do we go from here? It's up to all of us, working together, to keep it that way.

Michael R. Lovell is president of Marquette University, and David A. Strifling is director of Marquette Law School's Water Law and Policy Initiative. The Sept. 7 conference, "Public Policy and American Drinking Water," is free and open to the public, but advanced registration is required. See the Marquette Law School website for details.
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton waves after addressing the delegates during the final day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on Thursday. Credit: Associated Press

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Does Hillary Clinton understand that the biggest divide in American politics is no longer between the right and the left, but between the anti-establishment and the establishment?

I worry she doesn't  at least not yet.

A Democratic operative I've known since the Bill Clinton administration tells me, "Now that she's won the nomination, Hillary is moving to the middle. She's going after moderate swing voters."

Presumably that's why she tapped Tim Kaine to be her vice president. Kaine is as vanilla middle as you can get.

In fairness, Hillary is only doing what she knows best. Moving to the putative center is what Bill Clinton did after the Democrats lost the House and Senate in 1994  signing legislation on welfare reform, crime, trade and financial deregulation that enabled him to win re-election in 1996 and declare "the era of big government" over.

In those days a general election was like a competition between two hot dog vendors on a boardwalk extending from right to left. Each had to move to the middle to maximize sales. If one strayed too far left or right, the other would move beside him and take all sales on the rest of the boardwalk.

But this view is outdated. Nowadays, it's the boardwalk vs. the private jets on their way to the Hamptons.

The most powerful force in American politics today is anti-establishment fury at a system rigged by big corporations, Wall Street and the superwealthy. This is a big reason that Donald Trump won the Republican nomination. It's also why Bernie Sanders took 22 states in the Democratic primaries, including a majority of Democratic primary voters under age 45.

There are no longer "moderates." There's no longer a "center." There's authoritarian populism (Trump) and democratic populism (which had been Bernie's "political revolution" and is now up for grabs).

And then there's the Republican establishment (now scattered to the winds) and the Democratic establishment.

If Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party don't recognize this realignment, they're in for a rude shock  as, I'm afraid, is the nation. Trump does recognize it. His authoritarian populism ("I am your voice") is premised on it.

"In five, 10 years from now," Trump says, "you're going to have a worker's party. A party of people that haven't had a real wage increase in 18 years, that are angry."

Speaking at a factory in Pennsylvania in June, Trump decried politicians and financiers who had betrayed Americans by "taking away from the people their means of making a living and supporting their families."

Worries about free trade used to be confined to the political left. Now, according to the Pew Research Center, people who say free-trade deals are bad for America are more likely to lean Republican.

The problem isn't trade itself. It's a political-economic system that won't cushion working people against trade's downsides or share trade's upsides. In other words, a system that's rigged.

Most basically, the anti-establishment wants big money out of politics. This was the premise of Sanders' campaign. It's also been central to Donald ("I'm so rich I can't be bought off") Trump's appeal, although he's now trolling for big money.

Hillary Clinton doesn't need to move toward the "middle." She needs to move instead toward the anti-establishment  forcefully committing herself to getting big money out of politics, and making the system work for the many rather than a privileged few.

She must make clear that Donald Trump's authoritarian populism is a dangerous gambit, and the best way to end crony capitalism and make America work for the many is to strengthen American democracy.

Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert B. Reich is a professor of public policy at the University of California at Berkeley and the author of "Aftershock: The Next Economy and America's Future." He blogs at www.robertreich.org.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence speaks at the Waukesha Expo Center July 27. Credit: Michael Sears

I have at least one Waukesha County Facebook friend who wants his money back. And I can't blame him.

My friend, a retired journalist, wrote that part of his annual property taxes goes to pay the salaries of Waukesha County Sheriff Department deputies. And he figures that with that money deputies frisked and denied entry to a credentialed Washington Post reporter who was in town to cover Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence at the Waukesha Exposition Center. "On top of that assault on freedom of the press," my friend wrote, "a deputy inspector condoned the behavior of his deputies. I am embarrassed. Give me my money back."

He has a point: Since when does law enforcement act on behalf of a political campaign at an event open to members of the public in a building paid for by the public to suppress the free flow of information in a democracy? Because, make no mistake, whatever the intent, that's what happened in Waukesha County last week. It certainly flies in the face of Wisconsin's tradition of openness (albeit, a tradition that is under siege), as Bill Lueders, president of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, told the Journal Sentinel.

The Trump campaign has refused to issue press credentials to reporters from the Post and several other news outlets, although they have been allowed in with the general public. In this case, the Pence folks barred Post reporter Jose A. DelReal from entering the event even as a member of the public and even without a computer and a cellphone, which is what the deputies were looking for.

County officials showed no embarrassment for the deputies' actions nor did they even acknowledge that maybe, just maybe, there was a First Amendment issue here. Instead, they condoned the behavior of the two deputies, identified by DelReal as Deputy John Lappley and Capt. Michelle Larsuel. County Executive Paul Farrow and the Sheriff's Department issued a joint news release in which they praised the "good work and professional conduct" of the deputies.

Requested by the Secret Service to help with security at the campaign rally, the release said, "The Waukesha County Sheriff's Department deputies responded to a concern in a respectful way, according to standard, professional protocols...This was a standard request from a client, and it was fulfilled in a professional way by two outstanding deputies."

Farrow forcefully reiterated that point in an interview Friday, maintaining that the deputies were simply doing their jobs as deputies have done in dozens of similar situations. He also argued that although the event was in a public facility, the event itself was a private affair organized by the Pence campaign, which had contracted with the county and that the deputies had a responsibility to those clients, including the Secret service. He also maintained that the deputies had not violated the rights of DelReal, who consented to the pat-down.

I accept Farrow's word that there was no intent on the part of the deputies to suppress DelReal's rights. Nevertheless, the effect of the Pence campaign's ban was to suppress those rights, and the fact is that the deputies helped to do that.

I get that local law enforcement is going to help out with security at such events. I also understand that it was overzealous local rally volunteers who  as the Pence campaign acknowledged  went too far in barring DelReal from entering. But the deputies don't have to simply follow orders or a request; they could have exercised discretion and refused to be part of Donald Trump's vendetta against The Washington Post.

The rules should apply equally, regardless of whose event it is or which news organization is involved. Farrow says the rules do apply to all; that under similar circumstances, the same thing would have happened at any other event. OK, but then maybe what's needed is a better protocol for handling such matters. The Sheriff's Department  and all local officials in Wisconsin  should consider changes before the next campaign event.

Ernst-Ulrich Franzen is the Journal Sentinel's associate editorial page editor. Email: efranzen@jrn.com; Twitter: @efranzen1
Eastbound traffic on I- 94 near the S. Elm Grove Road bridge backs up due to construction along the Zoo Interchange. Credit: Sam Caravana

By of the

Madison As Gov. Scott Walker talks about cutting Milwaukee highway megaprojects to avoid gas tax hikes, he's telling federal officials that he'll green-light another nearly $1 billion job in southeastern Wisconsin.

This month, Walker told a Northwoods television station the state is going to focus more on outstate roads and "not going to do, in the foreseeable future, any big projects, particularly in the Milwaukee area." He's made similar comments elsewhere.

But in a May 13 letter, the GOP governor told the Federal Highway Administration that his administration wants to kick off an $850 million project to widen an east-west stretch of I-94 between the Marquette and Zoo interchanges from six lanes to eight.

"I support the advancement of this project and believe there is a reasonable expectation our 2017-2019 budget will be passed with the appropriate level of highway funding needed to advance the state's highest priority needs," Walker wrote to Michael Davies, an administrator at the federal agency.

As with most highway projects, it would be funded jointly by the state and federal governments, which both heavily rely on gas taxes to pay for roads.

The state already has years of work ahead to finish two other megaprojects: the Zoo Interchange connecting I-94 eastbound to I-41 northbound; and the north-south section of I-94 between Milwaukee's south side and the Illinois border.

On top of that, the state faces a $939 million expected shortfall in the road fund over the next two years. Even if lawmakers closed that gap, some delays of scheduled projects could still occur.

Future years could see even further financial pressure if the state moves forward with the widening of I-94 around Milwaukee and continues the $1.2 billion widening of I-39/90 between Madison and Beloit, which would increase from four lanes to six.

Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette), co-chairman of the powerful Joint Finance Committee, said that if all these massive projects proceed, he's not sure if the state can cancel or delay enough smaller ones to still balance its budget.

"It's an honest question," said Nygren, who sees a gas tax increase as one way to help bridge the gap in the transportation fund.

A year away from the signing of the next state budget, Walker is carrying out an impassioned debate with fellow Republicans who control the Legislature about how to balance the shortfall in the road fund.

After the Walker administration signaled in late 2012 that the state might need to raise gas taxes to solve budget challenges, the governor settled on an aggressive no-new-taxes approach. He also opposes hiking vehicle registration fees, saying he would be willing to raise fees or taxes for roads only if there were an equivalent cut in other fees or taxes.

Some conservatives have jumped to Walker's defense. Eric Bott, director of Americans for Prosperity-Wisconsin, issued a statement raising the alarm that Assembly Republicans' ideas could lead to a "dramatic increases in taxes."

"We are disappointed by Assembly Republican leadership's calls to increase taxes and fees on Wisconsinites but remain committed to working proactively towards a transportation solution," his statement said.

So far, Walker hasn't offered a detailed plan for avoiding a tax increase and still paying the state's bills, saying the proposal will be out on Sept. 15.

"The governor has been very consistent in saying our top priorities are safety and maintaining our existing network moving forward," Walker spokesman Tom Evenson said in a statement. "If both can be addressed, then we will look at our priority list for additional projects."

Walker sent his letter telling federal authorities he planned to start the east-west portion of I-94 "because we need the federal government to step up and provide funding," Evenson's statement said.

The letter is in stark contrast to Walker's comments that there would not be "any big projects" in Milwaukee. Evenson noted Walker had told his transportation secretary, Mark Gottlieb, in a June letter that such megaprojects "should be minimized."

Nygren said he expects the administration to offer a plan this fall that doesn't rely on new taxes. That will have to happen mostly by canceling or delaying projects since there are only so many other savings to be found, he said.

"If we find $100 million of efficiencies in transportation, I'd be impressed," Nygren said.

But that amount in efficiencies would be nowhere what's needed to close the budget gap, thus forcing project delays.

In a conference call with reporters on Wednesday, Nygren stressed the need for more money for roads, saying he saw raising the gas tax as the best way to do that. But he downplayed that notion the next day, issuing a statement that said, "I do not support tax-and-spend tactics."

His statement acknowledged he supported finding more money for highways, but also wanted to find cost savings and streamline the Department of Transportation.

Neither side has articulated a detailed plan. Walker hasn't said what projects he would delay to prevent tax or fee increases. GOP lawmakers have not spelled out which taxes or fees they would be willing to raise  or by how much.

Widening I-94 along the nearly 3.5-mile section between 16th and 70th streets could have been even more expensive than what is currently being requested by Walker. The state flirted with  but then rejected  a costly double-deck option for 2,000 feet of the corridor through the cemetery area immediately west of the Stadium Interchange.

The work would be part of the state's so-called Southeastern Wisconsin Megaprojects program. Currently, the state is spending $414.6 million for that program over the two-year budget, but three out of four of those dollars are coming from borrowed money. Walker sought those loans and the GOP-controlled Legislature grudgingly agreed to them as part of a budget compromise last summer.

Walker has used borrowing to help hold down taxes but some lawmakers from his party like Nygren have argued against relying so heavily on loans, setting up a likely showdown in next spring's follow-up budget.

Liberals have been even more eager to criticize Walker's transportation policy, with Madison Mayor Paul Soglin calling it "nonsense" and "gibberish."

"As we grow in this state, as we add more capacity, as we attempt to have more businesses, if we're moving more people to and from work, school, recreation, we have to have more of an investment," Soglin said.

Journal Sentinel reporter Haley Henschel contributed to this article.
Construction signs alert motorists in the westbound lane of the closed Greenfield Ave. bridge over I-894 as part of a massive project to rebuild the Zoo Interchange. Credit: Mike De Sisti

What will legislators do about transportation funding? And when will they actually do it? Those are two good questions that voters should be asking of every state representative and every state senator who faces election this fall.

Dealing with the crisis in transportation can't be put off any longer. And finding Band-aid solutions that just kick the problem down the road is no longer sufficient.

Legislators need to find a long-term sustainable answer to how to fund road maintenance, transit options and new roads. And they need to make sure that it's based on a user system by which those who use the roads pay for them.

Everyone pretty much agrees on that; but there's little agreement on how to solve the problem. A long-term solution requires a combination of tools and strategic thinking. What do we want and what are we willing to spend? It also requires that all the players come together for a healthy discussion.

We think the answer lies in a combination of modest gax tax and fee hikes, cutting back or delaying some road projects and finding more efficient ways of building them (as Gov. Scott Walker has suggested) and considering alternative revenue such as a vehicle miles traveled system or tolls. Borrowing might be necessary, too, but that should be kept to a minimum.

Legislators were just given another reminder of the seriousness of the issue by the state Legislative Fiscal Bureau, which reported that the state will need another $939 million over the next two years to match what lawmakers approved in the last state budget. So the state is nearly $1 billion short at the same time that a growing chorus of local government officials, citizens, transit users and road builders say Wisconsin is falling woefully short on meeting its infrastructure needs.

Reports by TRIP, a national transportation research group, and a 2013 state commission detail the problem: TRIP reported that, statewide, 42% of major roads are in mediocre to poor condition; in Milwaukee, it's 56%; in Madison, 68%. More than 2,000 (14%) of the state's bridges are in need of repair or modernization.

And those are just maintenance issues. What about the need to complete major projects such as the Zoo Interchange and the I-94 and I-90 corridors? Yes, the state can delay some projects  and perhaps there are some that aren't necessary at all  but how long before increasing traffic and an increased desire for more mass transit options put a real crimp on the state's economy?

Walker says he won't allow gas tax or fee hikes unless corresponding funding is cut from other state programs. OK, but how does he propose to pay for roads aside from cutting projects? And where else would he cut? Corrections? Education? Aid to local communities? Health care?

In a conference call with reporters, Rep. John Nygren (R-Marinette) said he was open to other ideas, but considered raising the gas tax the best option because it is paid by state residents as well as visitors to Wisconsin, the Journal Sentinel reported.

"It's not necessarily the fiscally conservative position to simply say no and to continue to delay projects and delay growth of our system and capacity in our transportation system that's going to drive our economy for the next 30 years," Nygren said.

Nygren makes a good point, but he's missing a larger one. With ever more fuel-efficient vehicles and hybrid and electric vehicles, gas tax increases cannot provide a long-term solution by themselves. They'll have to be part of the picture, but so will other revenue, including perhaps a VMT system or tolling, which every good Badger loathes but which the state is nevertheless studying.

The transportation problem is a bipartisan issue: Democrats in Milwaukee County suffer just as much as the Republicans in Waukesha County when roads go to pot. It requires a bipartisan solution. And it requires one soon.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally last Thursday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Credit: Evan Vucci

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With the possible exception of Jefferson Davis, Donald Trump will be the worst president in American history. I know that sounds extreme. No, not the Jefferson Davis part. Everyone agrees about that.

But with the Democratic National Convention barely over and the sound of Hillary Clinton's voice still grating in the ears of Bernie Bros across the land, I understand how it could seem a little early to write off candidate Clinton.

Clinton's historic candidacy has a special appeal to the smarter half of the American electorate, and it is backed by both of America's first black presidents. The Clinton machine features such finely tuned fundraising machinery that Tesla engineers turn greener at the very sight. Its battle-hardened communications apparatus already has set records in selling high efficiency American-fueled natural gas furnaces to Saudi royalty.

Despite polls showing the deeply unpopular Clinton behind in the race against reality-TV Republican Donald Trump, only a fool would bet against her. And yet, every time a Clintonite attacks Trump, it is getting hard not to giggle, or at least titter, depending on your jocular orientation.

When Trump launches into a spittle-flecked tirade against those #BlackLivesMatter radicals who think police should shoot fewer unarmed black men, the racism is so obvious it might as well have been written in the sky by the Blue Angels.

But no one is listening anymore. When mild-mannered technocrat Mitt Romney was running for president, Clinton's obscure Obama administration colleague Joe Biden told a black audience that Republicans "are going to put ya'll back in chains." If you listen to Democrats, every Republican who has run for anything in my lifetime has Klan robes in their closet and secret Confederate memorabilia collection.

When Trump joked that maybe Russian President Vladimir Putin could find Clinton's missing emails, the Hillary-friendly precincts of Twitter erupted with accusations of #TrumpTreason. In a nationally televised speech, Clinton's obscure Obama administration colleague Leon Panetta tut-tutted at an "irresponsible" Trump asking one of our "adversaries to engage in hacking...against the United States of America."

Of course, foreign data theft is nothing to laugh at. But the pilferage of old yoga schedules and plans for a wedding long-consummated hardly seem the kind of thing to require the involvement of an old CIA director long-retired.

And, well, calling Russia an "adversary" seems unnecessarily dramatic. It wasn't long ago that Clinton's obscure Obama administration colleague Barack Obama was laughing at the previous wild-eyed lunatic nominated by Republicans as their presidential candidate. Mitt Romney had called Russia a "foe."

"The 1980s are now calling to ask for their foreign policy back because the Cold War's been over for 20 years," Obama smirked. Perhaps it was funny because Romney used a one-syllable word when any worthy Oval Office aspirant would use at least three or, preferably, seven.

Before the convention, Hillary Clinton herself launched an attack on Trump that blew past titters and giggles and straight into guffaw territory. Trump is terrifying enough with the power of social media, she intoned, but "imagine if he had not just Twitter and cable news to go after his critics and opponents, but also the IRS."

Yes, imagine a president who would abuse the powers of the IRS. Not to paint Clinton with the unfair and overbroad brush of guilt by association, but the administration in which she served as secretary of state, twice, accidentally, released the private taxpayer information of its political opponents at moments that, perhaps inadvertently, were politically damaging. And then there was the "targeting" of the administration's tea party opponents by the Obama administration IRS while Clinton was coincidentally serving as secretary of state. For non-political reasons no doubt, the Obama administration is still fighting in court to keep the full details of those events from the public eye.

Then on Thursday night in her big speech, Clinton attacked him again. She rightly pointed out that all a foreign leader has to do to get a rise out of Trump is launch a malicious tweet. God save us when Trump can respond to digital provocations by replying with megatons instead of megabytes. No tweet would ever get a response from Clinton. She doesn't respond unless she gets served with a subpoena; engraved in stone; in triplicate.

Which brings us to another Trumpian weakness. The guy is hiding his tax returns in an effort to avoid public scrutiny of whether he has fulfilled his most basic duty as an American: to pay his fair share to support the nation we all love. He should release those tax returns now.

But...and here come those titters again...who are the very last people on the planet who could possibly lecture Trump on the need for openness? That would be anyone who thinks Clinton should be the next president of the United States.

Yes, when Trump becomes our president in January, it will be a disaster. There is no way I would ever vote for a guy with the temperament of a rabid weasel, the maturity of a drunken kindergartner and the depth of a California reservoir. If we're lucky, he'll get himself impeached during the transition.

But I don't care how much Hillary Clinton spends on attack ads revealing the full awful truth about Donald Trump. As long as she is talking, nobody is going to hear a word over all the laughter.

David Mastio is the deputy editorial page editor of USA TODAY. Follow David Mastio on Twitter: @DavidMastio
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Madison  In a summer filled with state legislative primary races, Democratic candidates in the Milwaukee area are hoping to appeal to voters by painting themselves as more progressive and outspoken than their incumbent opponents.

There are eight state Senate and Assembly primary races in the Milwaukee area Aug. 9, with the victor all but guaranteed the seat.

Perhaps hoping to appeal to Democratic voters frustrated by years of Republican dominance, first-time candidates challenging incumbents are explicit in their characterization of them as passive or ineffective.

"We as a Democratic Party are failing to outline a progressive vision about what reform looks like," said Stephen Jansen, a first-time candidate running for the 16th Assembly District.

Like many of his fellow candidates, Jansen called for reforms to the educational and criminal justice systems, often calling to inject funds into the state's budget.

While incumbent Democrats often tout those same visions themselves, they acknowledge that many of those goals simply can't come to fruition given the reality of a Republican-held governorship, Assembly and Senate.

"My opponent seems to think I have not been progressive enough on education and on labor," Rep. Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee) said, referring to teacher Julie Meyer. "I don't understand how (challengers) think they can do better than us when it comes to standing up for the people we represent. It's very difficult to get anything done when you're as deep in the minority as we are."Republicans control the Assembly 63-36 and the Senate 19-14.

"There is no grand scheme of things. We're outnumbered," said Rep. LaTonya Johnson, vacating her seat to run for state Senate. "I understand I'm a Democrat coming to the table, I may not get everything that I want. But what can I get? In Milwaukee, there's so much need, if you can get something  then you're off to a start."

The race that has garnered the most attention is Rep. Mandela Barnes' (D-Milwaukee) challenge to Sen. Lena Johnson (D-Milwaukee). In that election, Barnes has sought to portray himself as a young progressive upstart; Taylor in turn has touted her years of experience.

Other races:

6th Senate District. Three candidates are battling to fill Sen. Nikiya Harris-Dodd's seat after she announced she would not seek re-election. Johnson is vacating her Assembly seat for the race, touting her experience in the lower house and presenting herself as a strong advocate for early childhood education and criminal justice reform.

Michael Bonds, a member of the Milwaukee Public Schools Board and a former board president, has also entered that race, and points to his background in education and over two decades of policy and budget analysis experience as giving him the edge over his opponents.

Thomas Harris, a former staffer for Taylor, is also running. Harris, who is not related to Harris-Dodd, emphasized his experience and relationships with legislators. He said he would look to repeal mandatory minimum sentences and address the partisan divide in Madison.

11th Assembly District. Two hopefuls are looking to fill Barnes' seat.

Jason Fields, who represented the north side district from 2003 to 2013, is seeking to win back his seat. He was defeated after Barnes ran a campaign that focused on Fields' support for voucher schools. In a July interview, Fields said that he would advocate for increased science, technology and math programming in schools and focus on training and job placement to help bolster the economy.

Fields was charged with his second drunken driving offense in 2014. In a statement released this spring, he acknowledged that he had struggled with alcoholism.

Darrol Gibson, a community organizer, has won support from area legislators. Gibson said he is ideologically similar to Barnes but would be more outspoken on issues of racial injustice.

17th Assembly District. Two Democrats are vying for the seat Johnson is vacating.

David Crowley, Harris-Dodd's policy director, said he hopes to reform the criminal justice system, raise the minimum wage, and bridge the urban-rural divide. He also called on Gov. Scott Walker's administration to better address problems at the troubled Lincoln Hills School for Boys, a youth prison.

Marcus Hart, a business consultant, minister, and Iraq war veteran, said he is running because he believes Wisconsin is at a pivotal point. He said criminal justice efforts should be focused on crime prevention and improving and expanding mental health resources.

Hart pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree sexual assault in 2010. He said the incident was a "misunderstanding" that occurred while he was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder after returning from Iraq.

Kim Burns is also running but could not be reached for comment.

16th Assembly District. Rep. Leon Young, who has served in the Assembly since 1992, is facing three challengers  Jansen, who works with at-risk children; Milwaukee public defender Edgar Lin; and community organizer Brandy Bond.

Young touted the Bucks' arena agreement and allocating more money toward job training as achievements from last session, and said he looks forward to continuing to fight for jobs and higher wages next session.

Lin cited criminal justice reform and education as being among his top priorities. He is critical of voucher schools and is in favor of the community schools model. He also has called to decriminalize marijuana.

Jansen said he wants to get big money out of politics and hold a statewide referendum on whether money is speech. He also said that "too much attention has been spent on prioritizing downtown" Milwaukee. He wants to direct some of those resources to fixing boarded-up homes.

Bond could be reached for comment.

8th Assembly District. Rep. JoCasta Zamarippa (D-Milwaukee) is facing a challenge from activist Laura Manriquez, who has unsuccessfully run for that seat twice before. Zamarippa cited the passage of a bill she co-authored allowing local distilleries to distribute small samples of their products to consumers as an important win allowing small businesses to compete with national brands.

Manriquez did not respond to requests for comment.

9th Assembly District. Immigration attorney Marisabel Cabrera is challenging Rep. Josh Zepnick (D-Milwaukee), who was first elected in 2002. Cabrera, the chair of the Latino Caucus of the state Democratic Party, touted her public safety expertise  Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett appointed her to the city's Fire and Police Commission in 2013.

Zepnick said he was proud of securing millions of dollars to rebuild Milwaukee's historic Layton Blvd. He said he was also pleased that wages for jobs at the Bucks arena in Milwaukee had increased.

Zepnick was arrested for drunken driving in October.

20th Assembly District.Sinicki, who was first elected in 1998, is being challenged by Meyer. Meyer said she would use her 29 years as a public school teacher to advocate for education and criticized both voucher schools and a Republican-backed law allowing the takeover of failing Milwaukee schools. Though Meyer characterized her beliefs as similar to Sinicki's, she said she felt Sinicki was failing to engage her community.

Sinicki dismissed that charge. She listed as her top priorities boosting education funding and rolling back the "right-to-work" law that bars labor contracts that require workers to pay union wages.
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |  

Donald Trump lashed out on Saturday against Ghazala and Khizr Khan over their speech Thursday night in which they criticized the casino and hotel moghul for his unconstitutional tirades.

The Khans said at the Democratic National Convention in a speech they crafted, that Trump had sacrificed nothing for America. It was read by Khizr because his wife said she would break down if she had to talk about her son Capt. Humayun Saqi Muazzam Khans death in action in Iraq. The Khans are originally from Pakistan but came to the US in 1980 from the United Arab Emirates, where Pakistanis make up about 12% of the population. Khizr Khan did a masters in law at Harvard University and works as a legal consultant in Charlottesville, Va.

In response, Trump said,

I work very, very hard. Ive created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures. Ive had tremendous success. I think Ive done a lot.

I never see anyone point out that some of those great structures have been casinos, which are a way for the rich to steal from poor and middle class people. (Most games in a casino are rigged 8-11% for the house. If you keep playing, over time the house will end up with more and more of your money. Some games are rigged a third for the house. Gambling doesnt help people it redistributes wealth upwards, acting like a Robin Hood in reverse. That vast act of theft from people who cant afford it is what Donald Trump gave as his sacrifice for the country.

Trumps reply demonstrated that he simply cannot conceive of the idea of sacrifice. His response was about himself. How he worked hard. How many jobs he created. Hotels and casinos he had built. His success. How much he has done.

He did not say what he had sacrificed for the country.

Trump alleged that he avoided being drafted to serve in Vietnam because of a high lottery number. But by then he had had four college deferments and a medical examination that downgraded his eligibility because of a bone spur in his heel.

I dont think you had to agree with the Vietnam War or want to serve in it to be a patriotic American (I didnt, either). But I do think that not having served should make you cautious about making blanket criticisms of those who did and do. Trump dismissed Sen. John McCains sacrifices as a POW on the grounds that he was captured (implying that McCain is a yuuj loser.)

Trump attacked American Latinos as criminals, but they comprise 11.4% of those on active duty in our armed forces.

Trump, given his four deferments and his alleged bone spur, doesnt get to do that. He doesnt get to dismiss the sacrifices of those who did serve and do serve.

He doesnt get to diss on Muslim-Americans like the Khan family, who gave us their son, Capt. Humayun Khan.

Trump implied that the Khans didnt write their own speech. He attacked Mrs. Khan for not having spoken, saying maybe her Muslim family had kept her silent. (The Khans replied that she had felt too much grief over her son to speak publicly about his sacrifice, but had been key to crafting the speech). Trump clearly doesnt know any Pakistani women.

Attacking a grieving mother with an easy racist piece of stereotyping was just about Trumps speed.

Late Saturday Trumps handlers managed to convince him to praise Captain Khan as a hero to our country and we should honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe.

But Trump has to square that statement with his assertion that Capt. Khan should have been kicked out of the United States or never allowed to come here in the first place, because of his faith.

Trump also remonstrated with Khizr Khan over his allegation that Trump hadnt read the constitution. Trump insisted that he has.

But Mr. Khan did not say Trump had not read it. He asked Trump if he had read it, and offered to share his own copy.

The Donald still doesnt get it. Khan is not interested in merely reading the document. He is talking about abiding by it. He was implying that Trump makes one unconstitutional proposal after another, in contravention of the constitution.

The constitution forbids cruel and unusual punishment. Trump wants to torture people with blowtorches to the genitals.

The constitution forbids a religious test for office and forbids Congress from installing or establishing an official US religion that would be favored above others. The 14th Amendment mandates equal protection of the law to all Americans. Trump wants to ban Muslims.

Khans emphasis on the constitution shows that he thinks the idea of America is rooted in a rule of law. It is rooted in duty to country. It is rooted, as well, in principled dissent, as he demonstrated in his speech.

Trump dismisses the rule of law. Indeed, he is a serial scofflaw, as with his phony university and other scams. Trump displays no sense of duty to country and never has. He clearly wants to be president to stroke his own ego. And, Trumps discourse is at the level of a self-absorbed five-year-old, so he wouldnt recognize principled dissent if it ran him over in a Mack truck.

The Muslim Khans are a thousand times better Americans than Trump will ever be, because they understand what America is about, and because one of their own made the ultimate sacrifice. If we have to expel somebody, as Trump insists, I know which Id choose.



Related video added by Juan Cole:



Khizr Khan & Ghazala Khan Exclusive Interview on MSNBC


[JURIST] In a brief [text] filed on Friday, Apple [corporate website] asked the Supreme Court [official website] to rule against Samsung [corporate website] in its patent infringement lawsuit. Apple contended in its brief that Samsung has been unable to provide sufficient evidence [Reuters report] that design patent damages should be decided based on the value of the individual component, as opposed to the entire device. Apple won its patent dispute with Samsung in 2012, where Apple was to receive $930 million from Samsung. A federal court of appeals would later reverse damages on trademark liability charge, and so reduced Apples award to $548 million, $399 million of which is based upon design patents. While Samsung has already paid Apple the $548 million in damages, Samsung has reserved the right to recover a portion of those damages, if the Supreme Court chooses to rule against Apple, holding patent damages to only pertain to the individual component. The decision is highly anticipated and several groups and corporations have filed amicus curiae briefs, including the Department of Justice, the Computer and Communications Industry Association and Nike [websites].

This is the most recent installment of the ongoing patent dispute [JURIST op-ed] between the two electronics giants. In March the Supreme Court agreed to hear [JURIST report] Samsungs current appeal. In February the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit [official website] overturned [opinion, PDF] a 2014 verdict [materials] against Samsung in its patent infringement conflict with Apple. In January the US District Court for the Northern District of California [official website] granted [JURIST report] Apples motion for a permanent injunction against Samsung for infringing upon three software patents. In August 2014 the US District Court for the Northern District of California denied [JURIST report] Apples request to ban Samsung from selling any of its products that infringed on Apples patented technology. Earlier in August 2014 Apple and Samsung agreed to drop [JURIST report] all patent infringement lawsuits in courts outside of the US. In June 2014 Apple and Samsung also agreed to dismiss [JURIST report] their appeals of a patent infringement case at the US International Trade Commission [official website] that resulted in an import ban on some older model Samsung phones.
A judge for the US District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin [official website] on Friday struck down [opinion, PDF] several Wisconsin election laws, passed in recent years, stating that parts of Wisconsins election regime fail to comply with the constitutional requirement that its elections remain fair and equally open to all qualified electors. In making that determination, Judge James Peterson stated:

The heart of the opinion considers whether each of the other challenged provisions unduly burdens the right to vote, in violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments. This analysis proceeds under what is known as the Anderson-Burdick framework, which sets out a three-step analysis. First, I determine the extent of the burden imposed by the challenged provision. Second, I evaluate the interest that the state offers to justify that burden. Third, I judge whether the interest justifies the burden.

Performing the analysis above, the court rejected the plaintiffs facial challenge to the entire set of voter ID laws in order to comply with the US Supreme Court and Seventh Circuit precedents, but specifically struck down: 1) most of the state-imposed limitations on the time and location for in-person absentee voting (although the state may set a uniform rule disallowing in-person absentee voting on the Monday before elections); 2) the requirement that dorm lists to be used as proof of residence include citizenship information; 3) the 28-day durational residency requirement; 4) the prohibition on distributing absentee ballots by fax or email; and 5) the bar on using expired but otherwise qualifying student IDs. Granting the plaintiffs request for a permanent injunction against the enforcement of the stricken-down laws, the court ordered the state to Promptly issue a credential valid as a voting ID to any person who enters the [ID Petition Process] or who has a petition pending. The Wisconsin State Department of Justice [official website], which defended the laws, has expressed its intention to appeal [ABC News report] the ruling.

Voting rights have been the subject of numerous legal challenges across the US, particularly in a presidential election year. Also Friday a three-judge panel for the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit [official website] struck down [JURIST report] several provisions of North Carolinas House Bill 589 (HB 589) [text, PDF], most notably its voter identification requirements. Last month a federal judge ruled that Ohios elimination of the states early in-person voting [JURIST report] was unconstitutional and in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Earlier in May a federal judge ruled that Virginias voter identification law, which requires that voters have a valid form of ID either before voting or within three days after voting, is constitutional [JURIST report]. Also in May a federal judge ruled that Kansas cannot require voters to provide proof of citizenship [JURIST report] when registering to vote. In February the Maryland Senate overrode a veto by Governor Larry Hogan to pass a bill that will allow felons to vote [JURIST report] before they complete parole or probation.
A Brazilian judge announced Friday that former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will stand trial for obstruction of justice. Federal court judge Ricardo Leite in Brasilia concluded [NDTV report] that there is sufficient evidence to charge the former president and six other individuals. Da Silva is alleged to have conspired to buy the silence of a former Petrobras director who was arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation into corruption at the state-run oil company. The other individuals that will be tried for their involvement are former senator Delcidio do Amaral, Diogo Ferreira, Andre Esteves, Edson Ribeiro, Jose Carloes Bumlai and Mauricio Bumlai. Amaral alleges [NYT report] that he and the former president arranged to have the legal fees paid for the arrested former Petrobras director in exchange for his silence. Da Silva has denied the charges.

More than 100 individuals and 50 politicians have been arrested in connection to the Petrobras scandal that continues to plague the country as it prepares for the upcoming summer Olympics. This week da Silva filed [JURIST report] a petition with the UN Human Rights Committee, claiming that his corruption investigation has been riddled with impartiality and abuse of power by the judge. In May Brazils Supreme court suspended [JURIST report] lower house speaker Eduardo Cunha after being suspected of obstructing investigations into his allegedly corrupt activities. Also in May, local media in Brazil reported [JURIST report] that the countrys top prosecutors had requested an investigation into sitting-President Dilma Rousseff over alleged connections to the Petrobras corruption scandal. In April, The Supreme Federal Court in Brazil ordered [JURIST report] the legislature to commence impeachment proceedings against Vice President Michel Temer.
A county judge ruled [ACLU press release] Friday that Kansas must count thousands of votes from people who registered without providing citizenship documents. Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach had imposed [AP report] a rule that directed local election officials to not count votes for state and local offices from people who registered to vote at a state motor vehicle office without providing proof of their US citizenship. The rule would have allowed election officials to count the votes from this demographic for federal offices. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sued [materials report] on behalf of three prospective voters shortly after the rule was approved by a state board. Approximately 17,600 people registered at motor vehicles offices without providing citizenship papers. Fifty thousand people may be affected in November as the judge plans to revisit the issue on September 21 ahead the US Election Day. District Judge Larry Hendricks said in reference to voting that there is no right that is more precious in a free country.

Issues relating to immigration and voting in elections have been hotly contested. In April Assistant Professor Michael Morley at Barry University School of Law discussed [JURIST op-ed] a Supreme Court ruling that dealt with voting rights and illegal immigration. Last November New Jersey lawmakers advanced a bill [JURIST report] that allowed undocumented immigrants to obtain New Jersey drivers licenses. Last January the US House of Representatives passed [JURIST report] a $40 billion funding bill for the Department of homeland Security that included amendments to repeal two key facets to President Barack Obamas immigration action. In 2014 Obama announced [JURIST report] executive actions on immigration that would allow 4.7 million undocumented immigrants to stay in the US.
US President Barack Obama [official profile] signed Senate Bill No. 764 [bill, PDF] into law on Friday, which requires labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products under a single national standard. The law requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) [official website] to write the rules for a national mandatory bioengineered food disclosure standard no later than two years after the signing of this bill into law. According to the bill, the disclosure may be in the form of a text, symbol, or electronic or digital ink. The USDA has also been directed to conduct a study to identify potential technological challenges that may impact whether consumers would have access to the bio-engineering disclosure through electronic or digital disclosure methods, no later than one year after the enactment of this bill. The most important provision in this bill is perhaps contained in Section 293 (e) which states that:

Notwithstanding section 295, no State or political subdivision of a State may directly or indirectly establish under any authority or continue in effect as to any food in interstate commerce any requirement relating to the labeling or disclosure of whether a food is bioengineered or was developed or produced using bioengineering for a food that is the subject of the national bioengineered food disclosure standard under this section that is not identical to the mandatory disclosure requirement under that standard.

This essentially means that any state which has enacted GMO labeling laws that are not identical to the federal standard will now be overridden. The passage of this law has sparked outrage [WP report] in the Vermont congressional delegation, which strongly objected to this law. Former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, and Senator Patrick Leahy [official websites] especially pointed to the tougher Vermont laws on GMO product labeling. Among other things, opponents state that the federal labeling standards are too lax and do not carry tough penalties for failure to comply.

GMO labeling has been a cause for concern in the US. In February 2014 Obama signed into law [press release] a $956 billion farm bill [text, PDF] providing expanded crop insurance and other benefits for the agricultural sector and also requiring changes in food labeling. The recent prevalence of GMO crops has been a point of contention in courts around the world. In May 2014 Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin signed a bill [JURIST report] requiring the labeling of food containing GMOs. In May 2013 the US Supreme Court ruled unanimously [JURIST report] in Bowman v. Monsanto [SCOTUSblog backgrounder] that a farmer who buys patented seeds may not reproduce them through planting and harvesting without the patent holders permission, even though the seeds are altered to self-replicate. In March 2011 the European Court of Justice declared [JURIST report] that a ban on cultivating GMO crops is illegal after France attempted to prohibit the production of a strain of genetically modified maize developed by Monsanto in 2008. In December 2010 a US federal judge ordered the destruction [JURIST report] of a crop of genetically engineered sugar beets due to its potential harmful effect on surrounding flora.
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Startups looking to partner with health systems: This list is for you.

So often, it seems like new technologies being developed for health care dont address the areas of largest need. We sat down with nursing leaders at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to get a sense of what clinical problems could be best addressed by technology.

The following list was compiled from interviews with Sheila Antrum (president and senior vice-president, health adult services, UCSF Medical Center), Daphne Stannard (director and chief nurse researcher, Institute for Nursing Excellence, UCSF Medical Center), and Alberto Garcia (patient care director, health adult services,UCSF Medical Center).

Why are we sharing this? UCSFs Center for Digital Health Innovation was formed three years ago to help improve patient care using technology, and wed like to see more collaboration between health systems and entrepreneurs in health care. Please reach out to us if youre working on any of these issues!

1. Patient and family navigation technology. Health systems employ many people as navigators to guide patients and their families from one location in a hospital or clinic to another. We like the idea of such technology that in addition to guiding patients through the hospital, helps patients and family members stay abreast of clinical updates. For example, for a patient getting surgery, the app would help guide the patient from the waiting area to the preoperative area and then would later alert the patients family members when the surgery has been completed. This solution relies on deep integration with existing hospital technologies, including the electronic health record (EHR) and hospital scheduling software.

2. Virtual hospital sitters. UCSF and other health systems spend millions of dollars each year hiring people to sit at the patient bedside to monitor for falls, self-harm, or other deleterious behaviors. If sitters could be partially replaced with robots or other virtual technology, UCSF could keep patients safe while saving huge amounts of money on workforce costs.

3. Artificial intelligence for the hospital. Advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have opened the door for predictive modeling to enhance patient care. From ICU monitoring systems that model patients vital signs and produce patient-specific care recommendations, to identifying patterns in care that can have significant impacts on patient outcomes, the future potential for AI in health systems is substantial. Beyond the use of patient data, Sheila and her colleagues expressed interest in AI for the hospital environment  a system in which the environment adapts to patient needs. Such technology could be used for better managing inpatients with pain, delirium, or for promoting mobility for hospitalized patients.

4. Automated documentation within the electronic health record. Its well accepted that both nurses and physicians spend too much time documenting in electronic health records (EHRs). Nurses, in particular, spend large amounts of time transcribing information from pumps and other patient devices to the EHR. Automated documentation between connected devices and the EHR would improve workforce efficiency and also allow hospitals to more quickly and accurately assess risky states for the institution and the patient, and optimize accordingly. Why hasnt this happened already? EHR integration between devices is notoriously cumbersome, leaving nurses to take on this effort manually.

5. Virtual home-health communities. Telehealth is rightly a huge area of interest for healthcare innovation. But most telehealth companies are focused on 1:1 patient and provider visits. We see a future in which one provider is able to hold virtual group visits, for example for patients discharged from the hospital with similar conditions. Using population health management tools and the hospital discharge team, these patients could also be matched with a community of patients in their neighborhood, or connect with each other through a virtual platform with relevant resources and communication functions.

6. Price transparency tools for the inpatient setting. There needs to be a better way to track the costs patients face on an ongoing basis. In addition, price transparency tools need to interface with EHRs. Differing reimbursement offered by different plans to each health system have made this issue an ongoing challenge for patients and providers.

7. Pain management dashboard. Current stand-alone technologies exist for chronic disease management, but a pain management dashboard embedded within the EHR could lead to a better and safer tracking of patients with chronic pain issues. With the growing pain medicine epidemic, better and safer pain management is hugely important. Right now, pain management is a fragmented process, requiring patient, pharmacy, nursing, and provider input. An integrated dashboard that allows for cross checking with outpatient pharmacies and the CURES database, pain scoring, and ordering would help ease this currently manual process.

8. Technology to enable safe patient handling. Care teams constantly have to move, position, and lift patients  even when they shouldnt. And these tasks can be taxing to staff and result in significant hospital liabilities. Similarly, the safe handling of hospital waste is still a very manual process. Robotic technologies that automate these tasks are appealing from a time, cost, and safety perspective.

9. Research management application. For providers and care teams, it is difficult to know if a patient is enrolled in a clinical trial, which can create significant safety issues. For example, if a patient enrolled in a clinical study is admitted to the hospital and is administered a medication that interacts with a study drug, the patient could be at significant risk for a drug interaction. At present, there is no automated way of managing and flagging patients enrolled in trials. With a better research management application that connects to the EHR, an automated research interface would flag patients who are part of a trial and provide additional supporting materials regarding safety measures that must be followed.

10. Apps for frontline staff. Frontline nurses attend to almost all of a patients basic needs. In doing so, they often juggle up to 25 pieces of paper with critical information. Ideally, nurses could use charting software that would help manage and streamline all this information.

What do you think of these technology needs? Know of any great companies working to address these issues?

Thank you to Michael Blum, Rhona Snyman and UCSF Nursing.

Priyanka Agarwal is a hospitalist and lead, startup and early-stage partnerships, Center for Digital Health Innovation, University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). Desiree Matloob is manager, startup and early-stage partnerships, UCSF. Fiahna Cabana is an MPA candidate.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
The Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract for the Kilkenny to Dublin bus service is to be retained for a further year, while the Castlecomer to Naas service is to terminate just before Christmas.

Thats the outcome of a meeting last Thursday with National Transport Authority (NTA). Speaking to the Kilkenny People, local councillor Maurice Shortall was full of praise for the team who travelled and left everything on the field of play.

The NTA had undertaken an extensive review of the two PSO services on Route 817 between Kilkenny and Dublin and Naas and Castlecomer. The all-party working group led by Chairman of Castlecomer Development Association John Brennan was supported by Cllr Maurice Shortall, and other local councillors. Operations Manager of the NTA Michael Warnock-Smith left the locals in no doubt as to their intention.

He told those in attendance that due to extremely low passenger usage, it is intended to terminate the contract for the Monday to Friday Naas to Castlecomer service provided by Bus Eireann on August 19. He said it is also intended to withdraw services on Sundays on Sundays on the Kilkenny to Dublin service provided by Bernard Kavanagh and Sons Ltd with effect from Sunday August 21, 2016 also due to extremely low passenger usage.

Cllr Maurice Shortall was first to respond.

 Castlecomer is at long last beginning to witness the seeds of prosperity with the re-development of the Avalon Inn into a 34 bedroom hotel and extensive dining facilities, he said.

This will complement the activities at the Discovery Park while the impending purchase of the former Comerama site will provide an economic stimulus employment-wise.

We are open for business 24/7 and simply cannot accept any reduction is services to Dublin. There is an urgent requirement to advertise the service to Dublin at the moment its just a plain white coloured bus why not purchase a couple of bands for both sides of the bus indication all of the towns which enjoy the service. We cannot judge the service simply on euros returned there is a social dimension and an obligation here to protect rural Ireland.

The Labour Party councillor was supported by every member of the working group. Following intensive negotiations, the position changed for the better with the promise to put what was agreed in writing.

CEO of the NTA Anne Graham said the NTA had agreed to extend for the Monday to Friday Naas to Castlecomer service up until Christmas with a last day of operation on Friday, December 23. It has also agreed to extend the contract for the Kilkenny to Dublin service for a further 12 months in its entirety.

This means that the service will continue to be provided on Sundays. The NTA has also committed to work with elected representatives and members of the local community to further promote the usage of the service.
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By Kristine M. Berg, Special to the Kitsap Sun

Dinner parties can bring people together, drive them apart, create scandals, motivate innovation and just be a fun time. Whether you prefer a rousing block party with the entire neighborhood or an intimate get-together with just your closest friends, these books will inspire you to host your own party  or remind you why you prefer to be a guest.

During a dinner party that is plummeting from awkward and snarky to miserable and downright mean-spirited, one guest leaves the table  ostensibly to use the washroom  and locks himself in the guest room and doesn't leave for two weeks. Though practically a stranger, this man's bizarre self-imprisonment in "There but for the" by Ali Smith impacts the other guests in the following weeks in unexpected ways.

Unlike Ali Smith's dinner party, where the guests are openly rude and occasionally hostile, the two dining couples in Herman Koch's novel, "The Dinner" are the models for Emily Post-perfect manners. However, beneath the veneer of civility, anxiety festers. Each couple has a son who participated in an unspeakable act that was caught on camera, and a nationwide manhunt is launched. Their sons have yet to be identified by anyone other than their parents, but as dinner wears on, it becomes apparent just how desperate they are to keep their children safe.

Despite what the two previous works of fiction might have you believe, not all dinners end in disaster. "Dinner with Edward: The Story of an Unexpected Friendship" by Isabel Vincent is a heartwarming memoir detailing the friendship between widower Edward and Isabel, a woman with a troubled marriage who can benefit from slowing down and enjoying the luxury of dinner with a good friend.

In the Western world, it is hard to imagine attending a dinner party that doesn't have a fork or some sort of silverware, but it wasn't until industrialization that forks were commonly used. "Consider the Fork: How Technology Transforms the Way We Cook and Eat" by Bee Wilson discusses the evolution of cutlery and how it impacted not only the sort of food we eat, but also the way in which we eat and our social norms.

Though World War I has ended, the tension from past conflicts, both global and personal, remains just beneath the surface in Virginia Woolf's classic, "Mrs. Dalloway." Clarissa Dalloway, a middle-aged high-society woman, encounters past lovers who prove to be a persistent presence throughout the day as she prepares for a party that evening.

"Crazy" Captain Jack Staples returns home from Waterloo only to find that life without his regiment is not as boisterous or as exciting as he likes. After one excruciatingly boring dinner party, Crazy Jack decides enough is enough and sets out to find adventure. Along the way he unexpectedly discovers romance as well in Georgette Heyer's Regency romance classic, "The Toll-Gate".

Full of sumptuous dinner parties, delectable afternoon teas, delicate pastries and vampires and werewolves, "The Parasol Protectorate" series by Gail Carriger is a steampunk comedy of manners featuring Alexia Tarabotti, a near-scandalously unmarried woman. Alexia might just be the answer to keeping the Victorian London paranormal world from coming to ruin, and she'll do so with impeccable manners and the utmost taste in fashion and accessories. The series should be read in order, so be sure to start with "Soulless."

Six years before the story begins, a hostage rescue went terribly and tragically wrong. Now, a new mission reunites several spies as dinner companions, and each wonder what role the other played in the betrayal in "All the Old Knives" by Olen Steinhauer.

A carefully curated guest list can make or break a party, but when President Theodore Roosevelt extended an invitation to Booker T. Washington, he did not realize the scandal that would ensue. Deborah Davis explores the social and political implications of the dinner between the two men in "Guest of Honor: Booker T. Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, and the White House Dinner That Shocked a Nation."

Meals bring people together, and sometimes important decisions are made. Such is the case in Cita Stelzer's World War II history, "Dinner with Churchill: Policy-Making at the Dinner Table." Using documents such as guest diaries and dinner menus, Stelzer demonstrates Churchill's predilections for fine dining and fine conversation as well as his mastery of political navigation.

Are you feeling inspired to throw a party of your own? "How to Host a Dinner Party" by Corey Mintz will guide you from planning to implementation to cleanup. According to Mintz, a successful dinner party starts with a solid plan, and this slim volume is packed full of information making your planning process straightforward and your parties memorable.

These books are available in a variety of formats at Kitsap Regional Library. Do you want more suggestions you can sink your teeth into? Just ask! Visit your local library or submit a BookMatch request online at http://www.krl.org/bookmatch and receive a personalized suggested reading list.

Kristine M. Berg is an adult services librarian at the Port Orchard location of Kitsap Regional Library who reads printed books and downloadable audiobooks in a variety of genres. Special thanks to the Kitsap Sun.
SHARE Steve McCombs of Steilacoom waves a sign Saturday at a rally of sport fishermen protesting the closure of a portion of the Skokomish River to sport fishing by the Skokomish Tribe. (LARRY STEAGALL / KITSAP SUN) Jameson Mange, 6, of Olympia joins protesters at the George Adams Salmon Hatchery on the Skokomish River. (LARRY STEAGALL / KITSAP SUN) A sign near the Skokomish River by Hunter Farm tells of the closure of fishing to sport fishing. (LARRY STEAGALL / KITSAP SUN) David Richardson (right) from Tacoma listens to Fish and Wildlife Officer Mike Cenci following a rally at the George Adams Salmon Hatchery on Saturday. (LARRY STEAGALL / KITSAP SUN) Related Coverage Tribe limits salmon fishing on Skokomish River

By Christina Henry of the Kitsap Sun

SKOKOMISH  For John Giese Jr. of Bremerton, fishing the summer salmon run on the Skokomish River has been a tradition for as long as he's been able to hold a pole.

The lower portion of the river is closed this year to nontribal anglers, as the Skokomish Tribe, backed by the federal government, reasserts control over its namesake river.

Giese and about 200 other recreational fishing enthusiasts gathered Saturday at the state-run George Adams Salmon Hatchery to protest the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife's acquiescence to the tribe's position. The event was hosted by the Puget Sound Anglers with support from other sport fishing organizations.

Like many at the protest, Giese sees closure of the Skokomish as part of an escalating trend toward tribal control of fisheries. The closure comes amid contention over this year's protracted negotiations over the Puget Sound salmon fishing season.

"I grew up on this river," Giese said. "What about my children? Where are they going to fish?"

The U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs, recently issued a legal opinion backing the tribe's long-standing assertion that the portion of the Skokomish River running alongside the reservation is part of the reservation and falls under tribal control.

The popular and productive river draws great crowds of anglers. Tribal officials, who were not available for comment on the protest, have in the past said they want to protect the water and the surrounding habitat.

"I would like to know if this is going to set a precedent for the boundaries of all reservations," said John Ecklund of Port Orchard.

He's not alone. State DFW officials don't agree with the tribe's claim, but they say they need time to study the federal opinion before launching a legal challenge.

Protesters stood on Highway 101 waving signs that said, "Sportsmen Matter," "Fisheries Equality," "Something Smells Fishy on the Skokomish River" and "Where's Our 50 Percent?"

The last is a reference to the 1974 federal Boldt Decision that reaffirmed the rights of Washington's Native American tribes to fish in accustomed places. The ruling allocates 50 percent of the annual catch to treaty tribes.

Norm Reinhardt of the Kitsap Poggie Club said the federal government has ignored nontribal interests implicit in the ruling. Reinhardt called to task the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries, which provides management for sustainable fisheries and plays a key role in annual catch allocations.

"NOAA has the responsibility to ensure the fish we produce is for the benefit not only of the tribes, but of all U.S. citizens," Reinhardt said.

"We need fairness," said Daniel Fallstrom, a Port of Manchester commissioner at the rally, who lobbies on behalf of sportsmen's rights. "If we pay for the hatchery (through license fees), we should get our fair share of the fish. It's about equity."

Scott Sigmon of the Coastal Conservation Association, one of the speakers at the protest, was harshly critical of the North of Falcon process in which state, federal and tribal fishery managers negotiate annually on seasons and limits.

"Recreational fishing in Puget Sound and its tributaries is under assault, not for conservation concerns, but as a result of a broken system of state-tribal comanagement in Puget Sound," he said. "What river or marine area will be next? The closure of the Skokomish is just the most recent example of why the North of Falcon process is in need of desperate reforms."

Hal Boynton of the Steelhead Trout Club of Washington, another speaker, lit into the state for taking a "defensive" position on the federal ruling.

"We've got the tribe encroaching on us, bullying the state and playing chicken all the time, and this has got to stop," he said to loud applause and shouts of approval.

In contrast, Boynton hailed as a "model of good cooperation" an agreement this year between the state and the Nisqually Tribe that is favorable to sportsmen fishing on the Nisqually River.

Boynton suggested a proposal by the state to raise fishing license fees could be a point of leverage. Fees provide part of the funding needed to manage hatcheries like the one on the Skokomish. Recreational anglers are more than willing to pay their fair share, Boynton said, "if we get something out of it. If not, we need to take the hard road and oppose it."

Frank Urabeck of Puget Sound Anglers, who organized the protest, said his group recognizes and supports the tribe's interest in habitat restoration. PSA has worked successfully with other tribes on conservation, he said. "We want to continue that. The tribe says habitat is a priority, and we agree with that, but in order for people to be motivated to give up their time and spend their money for licenses, which help pay for this, they have to have some chance to fish. If you don't have the fishery, you don't have the motivation for people to get engaged."

Urabeck acknowledged reports of trash and human waste along the river in the past, but he said conditions have improved.

At the rally, Urabeck shared information he got from the DFW that even if the tribe were to change its mind, the process to reopen the river is convoluted and could not be accomplished for the 2016 season. But he urged people to contact their state and federal representatives to gather steam for a renewed effort next year.

"We're at a turning point. We've got to fight," Urabeck said. "We've got to pull all the political levers we can."
This billboard on Sedgwick in Port Orchard, seen Thursday and which was installed and sold by Rick Engley, is part of the case that resulted in the city paying his Gig Harbor company $250,000.

By Christina Henry of the Kitsap Sun

PORT ORCHARD  Port Orchard will pay $250,000 to the owner of a Gig Harbor advertising company to resolve a six-year legal battle.

Rick Engley of Engley Diversified Inc., which also is known as Gotcha Covered Media, claims the city in 2010 wrongfully delayed issuing him a permit for eight billboards within city limits. Engley sued the city in Kitsap County Superior Court. The case was moved to federal District Court in Tacoma, where in 2012, Engley prevailed.

In 2011, Engley filed another suit for damages and violation of his civil rights. Through recent mediation, he settled with the city, and the case  also in federal District Court  was dismissed last week.

Engley, following resolution of his first claim, obtained permits for six of the eight billboards, which were installed along Sedgwick Road and Mile Hill Drive, but he sold five of them for a total of $500,000 to pay his attorney fees, according to court documents. His attorney William Crittenden said Engley's lost revenue and legal fees total roughly $400,000.

"It was justice in a rough sense. I don't think the city's ever going to do this again," Crittenden said.

"It's nice to have some resolution to it, putting it to rest," Engley said. "That and having some accountability."

The settlement does not amount to an admission of liability on the city's part, according to the document to which Engley agreed July 20.

"Both parties decided it was best, rather than go to trial, to resolve the matter through the mediation process," said Patrick McMahon, the Wenatchee attorney assigned by the city's risk management pool to represent Port Orchard's interests as the case progressed.

The settlement will be paid by the Association of Washington Cities Risk Management Service Agency, in which the city participates for its insurance. McMahon is one of at least three attorneys to work on behalf of the city in this case.

The legal dispute originally centered on whether Engley's permit applications vested before the city imposed a ban on billboards.

Engley's initial applications were turned down by the city's development department in part for lacking information. The parties also haggled over whether Engley's billboards fit the city's definition of "off-premises signs." The code at the time allowed for billboards but not off-premises signs.

Engley appealed the department's decision. The city and he disputed whether he met the 14-day deadline for appeal. Meanwhile, the city enacted an ordinance banning billboards. In September 2012, U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle sided with Engley. The city had to process Engley's applications, which were grandfathered in despite the ban, the judge said.

Litigation in Engley's second suit was long and tortuous. In 2016, Settle granted concessions to both parties, which McMahon said created "uncertainties" about the outcome of the case, leading to the settlement agreement.

"This was definitely a unique and uncommon experience," said Engley, who has owned or leased billboards in Nevada, Oregon and Washington. "I think there might have been a lot of ways we could have resolved this."

Mayor Rob Putaansuu said his is not at liberty to discuss the case at this time.
By Josh Farley of the Kitsap Sun

BREMERTON  At a ribbon-cutting Friday for the recently expanded Blue Sky Hobbies on Fourth Street, Bremerton Mayor Patty Lent expressed optimism about the city's future. But then she abruptly pivoted toward its past, in just one sentence.

"We are, what we now call a 'legacy city,'" Lent said to those gathered in the store.

Three years into her second term, Lent said she's finally landed on a motto for the city. She hopes to make "Bremerton: The Legacy City" an integral part of the city's marketing efforts. She plans to discuss the slogan with the City Council.

It will get a prominent start. The city's arts commission is tasked with selecting 16 works of art for the Chimacum, the new ferry that will ply the waters between Seattle and Bremerton in early 2017. Each work will include the work's title, artist and phrase "The Legacy City of Bremerton."

The mayor expects to roll out the motto over her next year and a half in office, and  if re-elected  in her next term.

She landed on "legacy" in part because of developing plans to honor music legend Quincy Jones on Fourth Street. A group, including architect Steve Rice and landscape architect Emily Russell, has been meeting for 1 1/2 years pondering how best to revitalize the one-way stretch of Fourth between Washington and Pacific avenues. The mayor has embraced the idea of honoring Jones and has invited him to come to the city as the proposal materializes.

The legendary musician, producer and winner of 27 Grammy Awards discovered his love of music in Bremerton one night when he and some friends broke into an armory and his fingers first touched a piano. "Every cell in my body said 'this is what you're gonna do the rest of your life,'" Jones told "The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert earlier this year, after he'd referenced his time in Bremerton.

Lent had searched for a theme, akin to maritime in Gig Harbor or "Little Norway" in Poulsbo. But she realized this year that Bremerton's motto should instead focus on people and the "fingerprints" they leave.

"These are things that make us different than Poulsbo as a Little Norway or Gig Harbor being a maritime city," she said. "And we're more than a Navy town."

The mayor said the idea has solidified throughout several events through spring and summer, citing the Armed Forces Day parade in May  the proclaimed longest running in the nation  and a reunion of sailors from the spy submarine Parche, the sail of which now adorns the area around the Bremerton ferry terminal. She even cited the Bremerton Summer BrewFest, wondering if the thousands-strong crowd rivals that watching President Harry Truman speak at the corner of Fifth Street and Pacific Avenue on June 10, 1948.

Lent said that it's difficult to walk anywhere in Bremerton without finding a commemorative plaque or a war memorial. And she expects more legacies to come. She's going to add memorabilia to the building that bears the name of retired longtime congressman Norm Dicks as the city attempts to purchase its first and fifth floors.

And she sees future legacies in that of Marvin Williams, whose namesake center is being constructed at Eighth Street and Park Avenue, and Nathan Adrian, the Olympic swimmer who will compete in the Rio Olympics next month  and who already has a street named for him.

"So (as) a legacy we're going to find all the different things that came here before us  and the things that are exciting for someone to experience when they're visiting the city of Bremerton," she said.
The West Coast Lutheran School and Charity Association built the Poulsbo Orphans Home on properties donated by I. Tollefson in 1902. In 1903, the trustees purchased a 40-acre tract nearby for wood cutting, farming and pasture. This provided fruit, vegetables, dairy products, beef and pork needed at the home and gave the boys valuable work experience. In 1908 with funding from a bequest, the association sectioned-off 5 acres on the southeast corner of the property and built Ebenezer Old Folks Home, which today we know as Martha and Mary. To see more photos from the Kitsap County Historical Society Museum archives, visit www.facebook.com/kitsaphistory, Twitter KitsapMuseum, or stop by the museum at 280 Fourth St. in Bremerton. Call 360-479-6226 for information.

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In 1941 (75 years ago)

Front page editorial: "The Sun's editorial request for an explanation of why the city garbage department is $10,500 in the red is not going to receive a public answer.

"Yesterday's editorial solicited such an explanation from city officials, but today the commissioners declined to give any. Which of course is their privilege and right.

"The city officials will not make any public promise on The Sun suggestion that the 50-cent garbage rate be restored after the deficit is wiped out by invoking the 75-cent charge for garbage service.

"They 'hope' to be able to lower the rate after the emergency, but they will make no definite public commitment.

"The commissioners are men of goodwill and they will no doubt make an effort to lower the rate. There is no sarcasm in that statement and none is intended."

In a decision rendered by Judge E. D. Hodge this morning, Fred H. Cohen was awarded the office of prosecuting attorney in Kitsap County Superior Court.

Hodge, Pierce County Superior Court judge, held in his decision that Ralph E. Purves, duly elected prosecutor who was called into active naval service, was illegally withholding the office from Cohen.

The judge signed an order declaring "that the defendant, Ralph E Purvis, be and is hereby adjudged guilty of usurping and unlawfully holding the office of prosecuting attorney of Kitsap County, Washington; and that the said defendant be excluded from the name and the privileges and emoluments thereof. And it is further ordered that Fred Cohen is entitled to have and hold and exercise the rights of the office of prosecuting attorney."

Cohen was appointed to the office of prosecuting attorney by the county commissioners on July 2 at a special meeting and his appointment was confirmed at the next regular meeting of the commission on July 7.

In 1966 (50 years ago)

A petition protesting the proposed Kitsap Lake annexation, bearing the names of 69 lake-area residents, was given to the Bremerton city clerk's office Friday afternoon.

The petition is meant to be a counter-petition to the one now being considered that would bring the lake area into the city.

The new petition states: "In those instances where we have signed a petition in favor of the proposed addition we hereby withdraw such approval. This withdrawal is based upon further consideration, inquiry and public discussion of this matter.

Peter Fschmickrath of West Kitsap Lake, who presented the petition, said the opponents were unhappy because the city officials failed to come up with "some type of figures on what it would cost to put sewers in."

In 1991 (25 years ago)

ABOARD USS MISSOURI  A lot of ships saw more combat action in World War II, but none saw more significant action than what took place aboard USS Missouri the day Fleet Adm. Chester W. Nimitz and Gen. Douglas MacArthur accepted the battle swords and the signatures of the Japanese command.

Today USS Missouri came "home" to the Puget Sound.

The historic battleship, commissioned toward the end of the war just in time for Iwo Jima and Okinawa, spent 30 years in mothballs in Bremerton. Its destiny is to return for the same treatment next April.

But this week, it's the flagship of the Navy flotilla sent to help the region celebrate its most important seasonal festival, Seattle Seafair.

The 1,200-man crew will be down to 200 when the mighty Mo comes back next year.

In 2006 (10 years ago)

The Bremerton City Council is poised to OK spending the money needed to bring free wireless Internet access downtown.

At the meeting Wednesday. councilmembers will consider spending $54,300 to install the network that would offer the service between Pacific Avenue and the waterfront in between Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Sixth Street.

The project originally was scheduled for 2007, but Mayor Carey Bozeman called for an earlier implementation to make sure the network is in place by the time the city opens the first phase of its downtown Waterfront Park.
Bonnie Block's grand-prize winning photo will be featured in the Nature's Best Photography exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution Museum of Natural History.

SHARE Bonnie Block, of Kingston, was the 2016 grand prize winner in the Audubon Society photo contest. The winning photo captured an eagle and great blue herrons competing for fish at Big Beef Creek in Seabeck. She is inside her garage studio, with the 500-millimeter lens she used. (LARRY STEAGALL/ KITSAP SUN)

By Christian Vosler, christian.vosler@kitsapsun.com

On June mornings for the past five years, Bonnie Block has risen early, loaded her camera gear and made her way from Kingston to Big Beef Creek in Seabeck in search of the perfect picture.

Now, she has a national award to show for her persistence.

In May, Block's image of a bald eagle and great blue herons competing for fish won the 2016 Audubon Photography Awards grand prize. The avian-focused nonprofit conservation group National Audubon Society puts on the contest, and it received over 7,000 entries this year. Grand prize comes with a $5,000 cash prize. Beginning in October, Block's photo will be featured in the Nature's Best Photography exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.

"It's a home run," Block said.

Born in Pennsylvania, Block has lived in Kitsap County for 35 years. Before she retired, she worked at Town & Country Market on Bainbridge Island. Her background in horse training and competitive sheep dog trialing made the transition to wildlife photography natural.

"It's just kind of combining my love of animals and what I know with some artistic talent and skill with a camera," Block said.

Block's photo shows a bald eagle, wings spread, swooping down on a great blue heron. Block took the photo during the "golden hour," an hour of time just after sunrise where light is considered to be the best. After five years of shooting the birds, Block said she knows what to look for.

"It's really hard, it's very fast action, you kind of have to anticipate," she said. "I'll watch where the herons are catching fish before I watch where the eagles are."

The reason has to do with the interaction between the two birds, Block said. Each year in late May, plainfin midshipman fish come to the area to spawn, and low tides leave them exposed for the heron. Instead of just catching their own fish, bald eagles attempt to disrupt the herons and challenge their catch.

The action draws a large number of photographers, all in pursuit of a photo similar to what Block managed to capture.

"When this happened, (other photographers) said, 'Well, I was standing right next to you,'" Block said. "That's what it's about, getting the next great shot."

Melissa Groo, a contributing editor to Audubon Magazine, won the grand prize in 2015. Groo was one of five judges for this year's contest, which included amateur, professional, youth and fine art categories. Judges looked for photos that captured birds in an interesting or unique way and were well-composed, Groo said.

The technical proficiency and story told by Block's photo pushed it to the top.

"Bonnie's photo jumped out at us all because it was so spectacular," Groo said in an email. "It was pretty clear we had a winner on our hands."

Winners of the contest receive a substantial boost to visibility, according to Groo. Block has experienced this; she laughed that when her name is typed into a search engine, the photo is one of the first things to appear. She has been featured on CBS News and in The Washington Post.

"It's been kind of amazing, I've had contact from people all over the place," she said. "My Facebook page exploded."

With this new recognition comes the danger that people from out of state  who may not be educated about the particulars of the environment  will be drawn to the area. While Kitsap County is a prime location for this type of photography, Block said it's important to know the details of the animal being photographed.

"I think it's your responsibility when you win one of these things to make people aware of the environment and to be as respectful as we can," she said.

Block will be the featured artist next month at Liberty Bay Art Gallery in Poulsbo.
Alex Malley, CEO of CPA Australia writes:

As an Australian business leader, most Kiwis would expect me to back the local horse, Kevin Rudd, when it comes to choosing the next United Nations secretary general.

They would be wrong. I back Helen Clark, and heres why.

If ever the world needed a strong United Nations secretary general, surely that time is now.

The news cycle is moving so fast, as author Zadie Smith recently put it, the wheels might come off: wars, terrorism, coups, humanitarian and refugee crises, financial crises, far-right nationalism, mass shootings, famine, drought and the return of the spectre of nuclear conflict.

Each line item requires a multi-faceted and coordinated response from the global body, which in turn necessitates enlightened, principled and strong leadership from the very top. Now more than ever.

The world is full of capable professionals, people who are expert in their fields, but the requirements for a great leader are actually quite different. Leaders need to be solution-oriented, consensus builders and eloquent advocates and inspirers of their constituency.

In the case of the UN secretary general, the constituency is the world. Theres no bigger brief and surely that demands we eschew parochialism and get the best person for the job.

I know both antipodean candidates for the post, having met and interviewed Helen, an enlightening experience, I can assure you.

I also have a strong sense of Kevins qualities, through his various travails in charge of Australia but also through the lens of his brother Greg Rudd, who I interviewed when he was standing as an independent senator for Queensland.

The picture Kevins own brother paints is of a leader who doesnt build consensus and who does not utilise the best talent around him.
Vernon Small writes:

National has prepared a tasty meal for the Opposition by adopting its goal of a predator-free New Zealand by 2050. Ever since the late, lamented and saintly scientist Sir Paul Callaghan set the challenge  and argued it was feasible  it has been waiting for a political party to pick it up. He was supported three years ago by a group of 18 scientists who met at a Ruapehu lodge to nut out its practicality and decided it was technically possible.

A few years ago it was not possible, but it now is.

It has become the holy grail for a network of conservation groups, who see it as the equivalent of the nuclear-free policy in terms of a source of national pride. In his last speech before he died, Callaghan said it was like the Apollo Moon mission. Its crazy, its ambitious but I think it might be worth a shot. That the two main Opposition parties  in their own natural hinterland  left a policy like this for National to seize, and brand as its own, is a major lapse.

Indeed, and it isnt new. I recall hearing about it from someone in National a couple of years and getting very excited at the ambition behind it.

The response has been to deride the policy as an empty stunt, lacking the required funding and based on as-yet-uninvented pest-eradication measures. All true to a point but just a spoonful of sugar to help the expired rat slip down. It doesnt change the fact National has scored a major PR coup. It is akin to a Green version of the 2015 Budget move to lift benefits. It was limited to those with children and the full $25 was not available to all. But as a headline National increases base benefits was as effective a theft from the Oppositions playbook as you could wish for. (NZ First can be excluded from being on the same page, or even the same planet. The reaction of its spokesman, Richard Prosser, included the assertion that our birds and lizards have co-existed alongside ferrets and stoats for more than 130 years, cats for 200 years, and rats for more than 800 years, yet we still have birds and lizards. If thats NZ Firsts view of co-existence then parties planning any sort of coalition arrangement have been warned.)

Only NZ First could consider stoats and rats etc killing 25 million birds a year as co-existence. Its co-existence of the kind that Hutus and Tutsis had in Rwanda.

At the same time the projected national cost has come down sharply since 2013, when the $25b figure was all the rage, to a still huge $7b-$9b. The Government argues the costs are continuing to fall, as new and better techniques are developed to kill the pests. Still, any forecast cost is a quantum leap from the initial $28m over four years provided to Predator-Free NZ  or even the extra $56m expected from the private sector. Even adding in $26m for the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge over five years, about $80m for DOCs pest control and $70m over four years to eradicate bovine TB carried by possums and ferrets, the numbers still lack a few zeros. So will there need to be more Government cash? Ministers official response is maybe. The honest answer is yes, quite a lot if it wants to show significant progress even towards its 2025 interim goals  which only double to two million the area of DOC land where predators are suppressed.

I agree the government funding will have to ramp up  could well exceed $100 million a year. But as surpluses get bigger there will be more room to do this.

The claimed long-term economic benefits would be huge for farming. The cost of pests is put at $3.3b a year now. And for tourism it would be priceless. A country bigger than Britain without a rat, possum, feral cat or mustelid in sight would be a fantastic drawcard. A policy so cunning you could pin a tail on it and call it Steven Joyce.

Yep the economic and tourism benefits are potentially immense.

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Child poverty rates have not improved much since the Great Recession, an issue so far unaddressed by Presidential candidates. (Pixabay)
SHARE Bessom Becca Boyd Rachel Carvell Marcum

Dr. Matthew Bessom has joined Summit Medical Group at Deane Hill as an internal medicine physician. He currently is accepting new patients. Bessom most recently served as an internal medicine hospitalist at the Greenville Health System. He is board certified in internal medicine.

Becca Boyd has been hired as vice president, director of human resources for SmartBank. Boyd most recently served as director of human resources for Weigel's.

Rachel Carvell has joined Barge, Waggoner, Sumner and Cannon, Inc. as talent management lead and human resources business partner. Carvell was previously with Community Health Alliance.

The Paralegal Association announced that April L. Denard of Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC, and Jennifer McCampbell of Legal Walk-in Center have successfully completed the Certified Paralegal examination and are now entitled to use of the "CP" professional credential.

The American Physical Society honored the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility, located at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, as an APS Historic Physics Site. The APS is one of the world's top professional societies for scientists. The Holifield Facility is the first designated APS Historic Physics Site in the state of Tennessee.

Littlejohn Engineering Associates announced the addition of David Marcum as project engineer at its Knoxville office. His expertise includes stormwater management, erosion control, permitting, flow monitoring, and civil site design.

Jeremy Price has joined CRS Data as a marketing product analyst. Price most recently was vice president of human resources and marketing director at American Trust Bank of East Tennessee.

Dr. Justin W. Quinn has joined Summit Medical Group as a family physician with Fountain City Family Physicians. He currently is accepting new patients.

Katrina Roberts, former creative director for The Daily Beacon, the campus newspaper serving the University of Tennessee, has joined Moxley Carmichael as graphic and digital media designer.

AMS Corporation has hired Jeremy Rogers as a software tester.

Architecture and planning firm BullockSmith announced the promotion of B. Michelle Sheppard to associate.

Kelly Taylor has joined The Trust Company as a relationship manager. She previously was a private banker at SmartBank and a trust advisor at Regions Bank.

Clay Jones of Naples, Fla., the former chairman and CEO of Rockwell Collins Inc., began serving as president of the University of Tennessee alumni board of directors on July 1. Robert Lewis of Stamford, Conn., vice president of global packaging and engineering technology for PepsiCo Inc., is the alumni board's president-elect. Terry Begley of Kingsport, retired vice president of supply chain and chief procurement officer of Eastman Chemical Company, and Jason Little of Eads, president and CEO of Baptist Memorial Healthcare Corporation, will serve as immediate past president and past president, respectively. The alumni board added eight new members: Stacey Becker, case manager for vascular surgery, Vanderbilt Medical Center, Nashville; Don Frieson, executive vice president of operations, Sam's Club, Bentonville, Ark.; Mike Keith, director of broadcasting, Tennessee Titans, Nashville; Joe McDonald, president and CEO, Catholic Health System, Buffalo, N.Y.; Linda Hampton Starnes, disability advocate and public speaker, Parent Educational Network of Florida, Orlando; Gary Wade, dean, Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law; Charlie Wagner III, vice chairman and legal counsel, Jewelry TV; Mary Beth West, principal, Mary Beth West Communications, Alcoa, The board also added five new ex officio members: Elliott DeVore, UT doctoral student and special interest and diversity councils representative; Carson Hollingsworth, UT senior and Student Government Association representative; Alan Moore, trust officer, First Tennessee Bank, and Young Alumni Council representative; Bonnie Ownley, UT professor and Faculty Senate representative; Hannah Swanner, UT senior and Student Alumni Associates representative.

Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero has appointed Bob Whetsel, retired city of Knoxville director of redevelopment, to a five-year term on the board of commissioners of Knoxville's Community Development Corporation. Whetsel was named director of redevelopment in 2008, a position he held until his retirement in 2015.
Prospective Tesla Model 3 owner Ray Nash, left, hands over his credit card to a sales associate to place a deposit on the new electric car model expected to go into production next year, in Santa Monica, Calif., on March 31, 2016. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

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By Russ Mitchell, Los Angeles Times (TNS)

SPARKS, Nev.  On a lonely mountain plain half an hour east of Reno, off a street named Electric Avenue, Tesla Motors Co. is building a massive battery plant called Gigafactory 1.

It's a huge bet for a company known for taking risks: When it's fully up and running, the $5 billion plant will almost double the world's production of lithium-ion batteries by 2018.

So far, the factory is only partly complete, but the electric car maker is racing to speed up its schedule and get as much built as possible by the time the company's new Model 3 starts exiting the assembly line late next year.

"We are laying the foundation for battery construction, which is probably the biggest constraint" to the success of the Model 3 and future Tesla vehicles, Chief Executive Elon Musk said during a media tour of the factory Tuesday.

For now, 1.9 million square feet of factory space has been built in the form of a giant four-story rectangle sided in white, with a red stripe running along the top.

Eventually, Gigafactory 1 will stretch across a desolate landscape with more than 10 million square feet of space, making it one of the world's largest buildings.

What's more, Musk predicts that stationary energy storage "will eventually be the size of (Tesla's) auto business."

Speaking to a few dozen reporters after Tuesday's tour, the co-founder called the factory "incredibly romantic" and said he sees more gigafactories down the road for Tesla  and from other companies.

"It makes sense to have a gigafactory in Europe, one in China, one in India  wherever there is a huge demand for the product," Musk said. He hopes that the factories could one day combine cell, battery pack and vehicle assembly at the same location.

Tesla is planning a "grand opening" of the giant new battery factory Friday, although it will be many more months before it's fully operational.

It's "extremely crucial to their success," Jessica Caldwell, senior analyst at Edmunds.com, said of the factory. Tesla hopes that the plant will ensure a steady battery supply for its vehicles and cut battery costs at least 30 percent.

That's especially important as Tesla positions itself, for the first time, as a carmaker for the masses  which means it needs to be prepared for mass-market production numbers.

More than 373,000 potential customers have already put down Model 3 pre-order deposits, surprising even Tesla executives. Now the company  which has been plagued by missed production targets in the past  has to deliver on its promise to roll out the first of the cars by late 2017.

The gigafactory will help make that possible. By bringing all of Tesla's battery production under one roof, and at such a large scale, Musk said Tesla would be able to meet customer demand for the Model 3 and its other vehicles.

And it wants to do that sooner than previously expected. After the windfall of pre-orders, Musk announced that he would accelerate Tesla's production plans by two years and pushed workers to speed up work on the gigafactory so that it would be ready to handle the load.

The Model 3 will come with a starting price of $35,000, around half the price of the luxury flagship Model S. Tesla delivered about 50,000 Model S cars last year but expects sales of all three of its models to hit 500,000 vehicles in 2018.

Musk has grand plans for the company. Last week, he said Tesla would introduce light trucks, heavy trucks and buses to sell in addition to its Model S, Model 3 and Model X SUV.

Gigafactory 1 is part of an even more ambitious Musk plan to create a new kind of sustainable energy company to provide technologies necessary to prevent, as he puts it, the collapse of civilization.

If Tesla's recent bid for solar panel maker SolarCity goes through, a customer could run a house on solar power, recharge the electric car and store surplus power for later, all with Tesla products and services.

"Considering that he is moving much more beyond transportation, this gigafactory and the batteries it produces is the linchpin for everything else," said Edmunds.com's Caldwell.

"If Musk can't achieve the economies of scale and decrease production costs while increasing battery efficiencies, the future of Tesla would seem in question," she added.

The factory now makes battery packs for rechargeable home and business storage units called Powerwall and Powerpack, with battery cells provided by Japanese electronics giant Panasonic Corp., a Gigafactory 1 investor.

The batteries in modern electric cars don't resemble the familiar square black box under the hood on gasoline-powered cars. Instead, thousands of lithium-ion cells  the same kind of batteries that power laptop computers  are folded into packs and installed under the car.

Gigafactory workers are busy fitting out the battery cell production part of the plant, which will be run by Panasonic. Right now, Panasonic cells are made in Japan and shipped to Tesla's Fremont assembly plant.

When the battery factory starts full-run production, it will all be done there. Raw material will be fed into one end, battery cells will be manufactured, then assembled into modules and formed into battery packs.

Within three or four years, Musk said, he expects 10,000 employees to work at the gigafactory.

The plant's $5 billion cost is financed through Tesla stock offerings and cash from Panasonic, which is dropping $1.6 billion on the project.

The investment pile is topped with incentives worth $1.25 billion from Nevada  no property tax for 10 years, no sales tax for 20. Plus, $195 million in tax credits that Tesla can sell for cash.

Tesla could use more cash: The capital required in auto manufacturing is massive.

If the Model 3 is produced in volume with no major hitches, and sells as well as Tesla hopes, some of that pressure will ease.

Until then, cash will be tight and short-sellers will continue to bet on failure. The most recent financial reports show Tesla's free cash flow in negative territory.
CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL Construction continues on nine new classrooms to be added to Pond Gap School in West Knoxville on Wednesday. The construction, which began at the end of the 2015-16 school year and will add 58,000 square feet to the school, also includes a gymnasium, cafeteria and administrative offices.

SHARE Construction superintendent Lonnie Henderson works on cleaning an existing classroom at Pond Gap School in West Knoxville on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The construction, which began at the end of the 2015-2016 school year, will add 58,000 square feet to the school, including nine new classrooms, a gymnasium, cafeteria and administrative offices. (CAITIE MCMEKIN / NEWS SENTINEL) Construction continues on nine new classrooms to be added to Pond Gap School in West Knoxville on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The construction, which began at the end of the 2015-2016 school year will add 58,000 square feet to the school, including a gymnasium, cafeteria and administrative offices. (CAITIE MCMEKIN / NEWS SENTINEL) CAITIE MCMEKIN/NEWS SENTINEL Doug Frady of Strawberry Plains works in an existing classroom at Pond Gap School in West Knoxville on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The construction, which began at the end of the 2015-2016 school year, will add 58,000 square feet to the school, including nine new classrooms, a gymnasium, cafeteria and administrative offices. Lee Huffine of Knoxville and Cory Harris of Clinton, clean an existing classroom at Pond Gap School in West Knoxville on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. The construction, which began at the end of the 2015-2016 school year, will add 58,000 square feet to the school, including nine new classrooms, a gymnasium, cafeteria and administrative offices. (CAITIE MCMEKIN / NEWS SENTINEL)

By Lydia X. McCoy of the Knoxville News Sentinel

On the day construction work began at Pond Gap Elementary, Principal Shelly McGill took a few photos and sent them to her staff.

"I think it's really exciting that it's starting," she said. "I know the people who have been here the whole time were almost at the point of, 'Is it really going to happen?' Now they're just so pumped that they wouldn't believe it until ground was broken.  At this point, we're just ready to get our state-of-the-art school going."

After various delays  which included the project having to be bid twice  the renovation at the school has finally begun.

The construction project is one of three that will greet students as they return to classes on Aug. 8. The other two projects are the building of new middle schools in the Gibbs and Hardin Valley communities.

While both middle schools aren't scheduled to open until 2018, the two communities will see progress at the sites through the school year. School and county officials said all three projects are on schedule for completion.

POND GAP

Doug Dillingham, Knox County Schools' director of facilities and construction, said the Pond Gap renovation is being done in phases. The first is the construction of the new classroom wing.

Dillingham said the classroom wing, which includes nine additional classrooms, is expected to be completed in late October or early November.

"We have to build the classroom wing so we can get the kids out of the portable (classrooms) that are in the way, so we can build everything else," he said.

The $8.56 million project will ultimately add about 58,000 square feet to the school and includes a new administrative space, special education classrooms, a new media center, a new gymnasium with a stage, music and art rooms, and a new kitchen and cafeteria.

A secure vestibule will be built, which will also create a new entrance to the building facing Papermill Drive.

"This is what I do for kids, and it's always exciting to break ground, whether it's on a major addition, renovation or a new school knowing that we're going to provide the kids with a better place to seek their education," Dillingham said. "This one takes an old building and adds new stuff based on our current program standards."

Dillingham said as part of the project, the older part of the building will also get some improvements such as paint and an upgrade of the bathrooms.

STAYING PATIENT

McGill said she is excited about the addition and will be able to use it to ramp up programming.

"It will be nice to have everybody in the building. I think it's just a safer way to be. The really cool, bigger picture part of it is phase two," she said. "Our hope is to do some more community outreach and have some areas for the community to be able to come in and get some more resources. We do that now with what we've got, but we've got some ideas of what that could look like."

McGill said as students return it will be business as usual for them.

"There will be a little noise, but I've listened to it, listened to it in the rooms it will be closest to, and it's not going to be anything that will impact instruction.  We're just going to keep giving good instruction no matter what's going on," she said.

McGill said she's asking parents and students to be patient with the process.

"We're very grateful that this is happening at all," she said. "Everyone (has) to be patient and have the end goal in mind, and it's going to be great when it's done."

'MOVING DIRT'

The Gibbs and Hardin Valley communities have a little longer before their middle schools are open, but work will begin this year.

The two schools have been a long time coming  and the building of the Gibbs school remains under a cloud due to an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights.

The investigation was prompted by a complaint from the local chapter of the NAACP, which claimed a discrepancy in school construction for minority communities. Over the past five years, the county and school system have invested between $70 million-$100 million in capital funds for new schools, records  all in communities with a population 95 percent white or greater.

The complaint cited the building of the new Carter and Gibbs elementary schools as well as the county and school system's agreement to build the new middle schools in Hardin Valley and Gibbs, both predominantly white areas.

Knox County Schools has submitted all requested documents to the OCR as part of the investigation except for a position statement being drafted by the county law department. That statement, officials said, could be submitted before the end of the month.

But the controversy isn't stopping the building of the schools.

"We will start foundations right after Labor Day," said Matt Myers, the county's deputy director of procurement and one of two project managers for the Gibbs school. "By Thanksgiving or Christmas, you will be able to see structure at both schools."

In addition to the construction of the buildings, one of the first parts of the project is improvement to the roads surrounding the two sites.

At Gibbs, "you'll see a new road coming into the property as well as all the road improvements that the (Tennessee Department of Transportation) is doing with the widening of roads, turn lanes (and) sidewalks," said Hugh Holt, the county's director of procurement.

At the Hardin Valley property, the county is building a new road off Steel Road. Holt said two bridges have also been completed, with all the roadwork scheduled to be finished by Sept. 12.

"As soon as the roadwork is complete, the contractor will begin moving dirt," Holt said.
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By Tom Humphrey of the Knoxville News Sentinel

NASHVILLE  In their final disclosures before Thursday's elections, three political action committees advocating vouchers and charter school expansion spent more than $1.2 million in Tennessee political campaigns with almost all the money coming from outside the state.

The reports also show the groups are poised to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars more in the final days of campaigning. That spending won't be disclosed until October.

In several campaigns for seats in the state Legislature, a PAC spent more in the period covered  July 1 through July 25  than the candidates themselves have spent in their entire campaigns.

For example, Tennessee Federation for Children, reported "independent expenditures" totaling $79,587 in attacking state Rep. Gary Hicks, R-Rogersville, during the period and another $6,339 on a mailer supporting his opponent in the Republican primary, real estate agent Cynthia Bundren Jackson. Under relevant laws, such spending cannot be coordinated with a candidate.

For the entire campaign, Hicks has spent $46,123, according to his disclosures dating back to last year, while Jackson has spent $63,266.

Much of the criticism directed by the group against Hicks accuses him of "double dipping" by continuing to draw his salary as technology director for the Hawkins County school system while also drawing a legislator's salary and does not mention school vouchers  the prime focus of TFC's advocacy efforts. Hicks opposed voucher legislation that passed the state Senate but failed in the House during this year's legislative session.

Besides Hicks, TFC also targeted Rep. Curry Todd, R-Collierville, and two Memphis Democrats  Reps. Antonio Parkinson and Johnnie Turner  with attack advertising. Incumbents supported by the group include Republican Reps. Mike Carter of Ooltewah, Courtney Rogers of Goodlettsville, Mike Sparks of Smyrna, Tim Wirgau of Buchanan and Democratic Rep. John DeBerry of Memphis. TFC also helped candidates in some open seats and a few incumbent challengers.

The TFC PAC reported receiving $486,000 in donations during the July period  including $270,000 sent from its Washington-based parent organization, American Federation for Children, and $200,000 from James C. "Jim" Walton of Bentonville, Ark., son of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton.

TFC spent $361,000 during the 26-day period and had $186,000 cash on hand for spending in the final days. That, of course, could be supplemented by post-July 25 donations to TFC.

But TFC was outdone in overall political spending during the July period by the Tennessee political arm of Stand for Children, a national group that has focused more on supporting charter schools than on vouchers.

Stand for Children operates two PACs in Tennessee, one devoted to independent expenditures and the other to making direct donations to candidates. Together, they have reported spending almost $830,000 on state political operations  all but $50,000 of the money flowing into the PACs during the period coming directly from the group's Portland, Ore., headquarters without disclosure of sources of that money. The exceptions were two $25,000 donations each from brothers John and Orrin Ingram, Nashville businessmen and sons of Ingram Industries founders John and Martha Ingram.

The lion's share of Stand for Children spending is listed in its July 1-25 pre-primary independent expenditure disclosure. It reported $713,968 of incoming money and spent $708,080 of that during the period. Unlike TFC, which focuses almost exclusively on legislative campaigns, Stand for Children also gets involved in local school board races  most notably disclosing more than $200,000 spent in races for Nashville school board seats, attacking incumbents who have opposed charter school expansion and supporting their opponents.

Still, Stand reported about $250,000 in July spending on legislative campaigns with substantial amounts spent in a handful of races. The biggest beneficiary in July was Christy Sigler, a Murfreesboro lawyer who is one of four Republicans competing in the primary for the seat being vacated by Rep. Rick Womick, R-Rockvale. Womick has endorsed one of Sigler's opponents, Tim Rudd. Stand's PAC has spent $78,488 on ads supporting Sigler; the candidate herself has spent just $11,739 for her entire campaign.

Stand is sponsoring ads attacking incumbent Republican Reps. Judd Matheny of Tullahoma, Jeremy Durham of Franklin and Rogers while backing their challengers. Attacks on Durham, who has suspended his re-election campaign and faces possible expulsion from the Legislature in a scandal involving his alleged sexual harassment of women, total almost $90,000 if combined with spending in support of his primary challenger, Sam Whitson, and expenditures reported before July 1.

The group's PACs are in conflict with TFC on at least two races: supporting Hicks and Rogers, who are opposed by TFC. A couple of legislators have suggested  and an anonymous political blog contends  that Stand for Children is allied with Gov. Bill Haslam in opposing some of the state's most conservative Republicans while pushing more moderate primary candidates.

A gubernatorial spokeswoman said in an email that's not true and the governor is not involved, noting Stand for Children was initially established before Haslam was elected  the direct donations PAC in 2008, the independent expenditure PAC in 2010.

"He doesn't know who their donors are and has never raised money for them," said Jennifer Donnals, the governor's spokeswoman.

Haslam used his own PAC to send $150,000 in direct donations to 43 incumbent Republican legislators in July, most of them facing no opposition to re-election. One exception was Hicks, who got $5,000 from Haslam.

Stand's independent expenditure PAC had a July 25 balance of a little more than $18,000, while its separate PAC held about $185,000.

A third major player in Tennessee education legislation and politics based outside the state, Students First, is currently undergoing "restructuring" of its state operations following a merger earlier this year with another group known as 50CAN Action, according to spokesman Ted Boyatt.

Students First closed its Tennessee PAC, which in past years as funneled more than $1 million into Tennessee legislative races, in June. Instead, the merged organization has set up a new state-level PAC under the name Tennesseans For Putting Students First, which reported in its July 1-25 first disclosure receiving $310,000 from the 50CAN Action Fund PAC in Washington, D.C., and spending just $18,000 in direct donations to candidates  leaving $292,000 available for distribution after July 25.

Collectively, the three groups thus spent just over $1.2 million within the state during the July reporting period and had more than $680,000 cash on hand available for spending in the last days of campaigning  which, of course, could be supplemented by transfers of funds from the parent organizations.

The Tennessee Education Association, known as the state's teachers union and adamantly opposed to vouchers and charter school expansion, reported $120,891 in spending as of July 1 with a balance of $214,866 cash on hand in its PAC. The group's July 25 report was not available on the Registry of Election website this weekend. TEA's PAC is funding primarily by dues deductions from teacher members' paycheck and the group traditionally has not engaged in independent expenditures.
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Seventy-five years ago, the world blew up in just six months.

World War II ostensibly started two years earlier, when Germany invaded Poland. In truth, the conflict was mostly confined to Western Europe for nearly the next two years.

The dormant European war only went global on June 22, 1941, when Germany suddenly surprise-attacked the Soviet Union, its former partner. America and Asia were still not directly involved in the 1941 expansion of the war until the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and British Malaya on December 7-8.

Yet the war was even then not truly global until Germany and Italy inexplicably declared war on the United States on December 11. America was suddenly mired in a two-front war on land, sea and in the air against the Axis powers.

These three calamitous events of 1941 marked the real beginning of World War II, in which some 65 million perished, more than 60 percent of them civilians.

Hitler had no need to attack the Soviet Union, a vast country that even Napoleon could not successfully invade and one that was supplying vast amounts of natural resources to his German war machine.

Japan likewise had no reason to bomb the British and Americans in the Pacific. Neither democracy was planning to start a war with the Japanese.

Industrial Japan could have gotten most of its oil from the Dutch East Indies, modern Indonesia. Its colonial master, the Netherlands, had been conquered by Germany and was no longer a colonial power. An aggressive Japan likewise could easily have had all of Indochina and other orphaned European colonies without triggering a war against the world's two largest navies.

Had Germany not declared war on the United States after Pearl Harbor, it is likely that America would have focused on Japan and left Britain alone to fight Germany, just as it had done since 1939.

So why did the three Axis powers commit such blunders that would lose them the new global war in less than four years? Nations, like people, are irrational.

After conquering all of Western Europe, Hitler's Germany felt itself invincible. It saw the Soviet Union as weak and ripe for a double-cross. Japan had carved out large swaths of China and likewise felt all-powerful. It had little respect for an isolationist America, in the same manner that Hitler had discounted Russia.

Italy and Germany ignored the obvious industrial might of the United States. They declared war without calculating that they could not even make an aircraft carrier or four-engine bomber, while America could produce them in huge numbers. Hitler and Mussolini also never stopped to think that neither power could reach America, while the United States had the potential to bomb Europe and make a military landing there.

All three Axis powers boasted of the superiority of their fascist militaries. But the Germans, Japanese and Italians never paused to add up the populations, resources and economies  not to mention the morale and determination  of their new global enemies: Britain, the Soviet Union and the United States. Collectively, the Allies enjoyed vastly greater assets than the Axis powers.

What can we learn about the Axis powers' disastrous choices of that fateful year, 75 years ago?

Weaker nations often stupidly start wars against stronger ones, especially if they think national strength is judged only by willpower and not by factories, oil, resources, arms and men. Wars also take on a strange logic of their own. Once the shooting starts, leaders whip up public opinion, seek out new enemies and allies, and delude themselves that their conflict will be neither long nor costly.

Today, terrorist groups such as the Islamic State and nations such as Russia, China, North Korea and Iran all wrongly believe that much stronger but sometimes directionless Europe and the United States are weakening and have lost deterrence.

In a sane world, it would be utter folly for ISIS to try to repeat a 9/11-like terrorist attack. It makes little sense for Russia to annex the Baltic states in the manner of the Crimea. It would be stupid for China to prompt a sea or air fight with Japan or Taiwan. Nonetheless, all these powers may convince themselves the perceived benefits outweigh the costs.

We should be careful this anniversary year. War starts when weak but aggressive nations are deluded into believing that they are powerful and wrongly conclude that the truly strong and rational are somehow weak.

Victor Davis Hanson is a classicist and historian at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He may be reached at author@victorhanson.com.
New Jersey Senator Corey Booker addresses delegates during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 25, 2016. / AFP PHOTO / Brendan SmialowskiBRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images

SHARE Actress Eva Longoria welcomes New Jersey Senator Corey Booker on Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center on July 25, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. / AFP PHOTO / Brendan SmialowskiBRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images New Jersey Senator Corey Booker addresses delegates Monday during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Clem Murray/Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS First lady Michelle Obama waves before speaking to delegates during the 2016 Democratic National Convention on Monday at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa. Delegates hold Michelle Obama signs during the 2016 Democratic National Convention on Monday, July 25, 2016 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa. (Clem Murray/Philadelphia Inquirer/TNS)

Bernie Sanders was supposed to get his supporters to line up with Hillary Clinton. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren was supposed to energize the progressive base. Sanders was cranky and still focused on his failed revolution. Warren forgot her A-game and brought low-energy Jeb! instead.

So it fell on the shoulders of Cory Booker, the first black U.S. senator from New Jersey, and Michelle Obama, the first black first lady of the United States, to remind the audience watching the first night of the Democratic National Convention that America is very much a place of opportunity.

Booker offered an inspirational vision of America and a pointed condemnation of Donald Trump. Obama spoke of her family in a deeply personal voice, giving perhaps the best first lady speech  ever.

Yet Booker had the harder task, to be both preacher and pit bull. Preacher fits Booker better. Spend time with him, and his infectious optimism lifts you up. His critics would say the elevation is temporary. Maybe. But it is easier to motivate someone to climb to the mountaintop if he already knows how great the view is in advance.

In a phone interview Tuesday, Booker said, "It is hard for me to accept that we (as a nation) have fallen from grace." He said he wanted to begin his speech talking about the Founding Fathers and their pledging their "scared honor" in the creation of the United States. As Booker said Monday, America is dependent on "interdependence."

The Trump movement is predicated on the opposite: one American against another. And Trump was clearly annoyed Booker said the billionaire has stiffed contractors and left a Boardwalk of failed promises in Atlantic City.

Trump tweeted: "If Cory Booker is the future of the Democratic Party, they have no future! I know more about Cory than he knows about himself."

On Tuesday, Booker said he wishes Trump nothing but love. "He can't make me hate."

The fact is Trump can tweet till his thumbs go numb; his failed casinos speak for themselves in paragraphs longer than 140 characters. But at least he had the self-restraint not to attack Michelle Obama for making a similar numerical reference to his tweeting in her speech.

The first lady, in about 15 minutes, did what Republicans failed to accomplish over four days. She spoke of family values, her family's values. She described the anguish of seeing her young girls go off to school in an SUV filled with a heavily armed Secret Service detail. Her girls' childhoods were forever altered by their parents' choices.

And then Obama spoke a profound truth: "I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves, and I watch my daughters  two beautiful, intelligent black young women  playing with their dogs on the White House lawn."

There it was. Not a tacky slogan. A truth. An American truth  that despite the racial divisions and the vitriol spewed by Trump, America is a pretty great place.

The People's House built with the labor of black slaves is now home to America's black president and his family. Trump wants to make America great again. He is late to the party  240 years late.

Nearly 50 years ago, Booker's parents moved to New Jersey from Washington, D.C. They looked at a house in Harrington Park. They wanted to make an offer on the home but were told the house had been sold. That was a lie. With the help of the Fair Housing Council, they were able to prove the home was not under contract; it was tied up by racism. Booker in his tome, "United," describes the scene when his father and a fair-housing advocate confront the agent blocking the sale: "My father said he knew there would be trouble when he saw a large Doberman pinscher curled up in the corner of the office."

This was not a bridge in Selma. This was a real estate office in Bergen County.

To to see Booker claim a prime spot Monday night, followed shortly by Obama, is to realize how far America has come despite the fact that some Americans still refuse to accept that a nation under God must be worthy of God.

Obama said the family motto is: "When they go low, we go high." Booker said as much near the end of his speech when he referred to Maya Angelou's poem Still I Rise. It begins:

"You may write me down in history,

"With your bitter, twisted lies.

"You may trod me in the very dirt,

"But still like dust, I'll rise."

Booker, like a preacher, used "We will rise" to end each following cadence. It was effective because he, as did the first lady, did not "go low." They went high.

We will rise. We will rise. We will rise.

None of this changed a single opinion about Clinton's worthiness for the White House. But it showed the differences between the two major parties. Maybe that isn't enough to win an election, but it should be enough to start a national conversation.

Booker was on to something when he talked about how each generation is charged with making America greater. There is no Destination Greatness. It is a moving target. And it is a collective endeavor.

Some Americans are uncomfortable talking about race; they want to get past this issue. But it is not so simple, as we have seen in places as diverse as Baltimore and Ferguson. Disagree with the politics of Booker and Obama, but not with their experiences. This is our history.

We are not at the mountaintop. But we are getting closer.

Alfred P. Doblin is the editorial page editor of The Record, where this column first appeared before being republished by USA TODAY.
Jul 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Joseph P. Kennedy III, (D-MA) conducts an interview during the 2016 Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-USA TODAY NETWORK

SHARE PHILADELPHIA, PA - JULY 24: CBS Late Show host Stephen Colbert interviews Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA )at the Wells Fargo Center on July 24, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Preparations continue for the start of the Democratic National Convention that formally kicks off on Monday. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) SCRANTON, PA - JULY 27: Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump signs autographs and poses for photos after his speech on July 27, 2016 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Trump spoke at the Lackawanna College Student Union Gymnasium. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

Dear Mainstream Media and Democrats: It's your turn. Now that Donald Trump has been formally nominated, the formal responsibility to stop him passes from the right to the left, from Republicans to Democrats and the journalists who amplify their values.

You're going to find it a very tough slog. And it's your own damn fault.

During the primaries, the task of exposing the true nature of the Trump takeover fell disproportionately to a few conservative magazines, columnists, renegade radio hosts and behind-the-scenes activists. We all failed. There will be plenty of time for recriminations and "we happy few" speeches later. (If you detect a note of bitterness on my part, I'm not being clear enough: I contain symphonies of bitterness.)

We failed in part because the mainstream media was having too good of a time to help. Last spring, Stop Trump operatives told me they brought damning stories to mainstream outlets. The response was usually: "We're not interested in covering that  right now."

By May, Trump had already received roughly $3 billion worth of free media, thanks to ratings-hungry TV networks. CBS chief Les Moonves summarized it well at an investor conference in February: Trump's rise "may not be good for America, but it's damn good for CBS."

Many in the media were so willing to put clicks and ratings before country because the conventional wisdom was that Trump would fade or implode eventually. Why not gawk at the spectacle? And if Trump did get the nomination, many journalists calculated, all the better. What fun it will be to watch Hillary Clinton destroy Trump and Trump destroy the GOP.

Only slowly has the media come around to the realization that Trump is an actual threat, but now it may be too late because it has a serious "cry wolf" problem. Millions of Americans firmly believe that journalists are water carriers for the Democrats and will tune out much of what they have to say about Trump now that he's the nominee.

You can start the timeline as far back as the World War II era. In 1944, Franklin Roosevelt told the country that if Republicans were returned to power, "even though we shall have conquered our enemies on the battlefields abroad, we shall have yielded to the spirit of fascism here at home." The press nodded along.

In 1964, CBS News' Daniel Schorr claimed that Barry Goldwater's planned post-convention vacation in Europe was really an effort to coordinate with "right-wing Germans" in "Hitler's one-time stomping ground."

In recent years, as the distinctions between news and opinion, analysis and advocacy, reporting and click-baiting has blurred, the problem has only gotten worse.

Every election cycle, the GOP nominee is smeared as a racist by the Democrats, the press or both. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia trades in a bit more of his hard-earned moral authority each time he insinuates that the GOP nominee is like George Wallace or wants to bring back Jim Crow, and political columnists relinquish a bit more of their claim to objectivity each time they let his comments pass without condemnation or criticism.

In 2012, pundits said Paul Ryan wanted to throw old ladies over cliffs because he wanted to reform Social Security.

When Mitt Romney spoke to the NAACP, the response from many in the media was, per usual, "Racist!"

(It's ironic that many of the notable Republicans rebuking Trump this year are the ones pundits were only too happy to paint as racist not long ago.)

I have no doubt many journalists would defend their smears and professional failures, but that doesn't change the fact that many Americans outside the mainstream media/Democratic bubble find it all indefensible. More important, they find it all ignorable  because the race card and the demagogue card have been played and replayed so often they're little more than scraps of lint.

Already, editorial boards are preparing their indictments of what they believe to be Donald Trump's incompetence, bigotry and authoritarianism. Trump operatives will undoubtedly respond: "That's what they always say about Republicans."

And they'll be right.

Jonah Goldberg is an editor-at-large of National Review Online and a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He may be reached at JonahsColumn@aol.com.
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The leadership in the Tennessee House of Representatives is circulating petitions among members for a special session to consider the expulsion of disgraced state Rep. Jeremy Durham.

Members should take a day off from campaigning to make the trek to Nashville before the Aug. 5 deadline. Disciplinary action against Durham would send a clear message to the women who work in the Legislative Plaza that sexual harassment will not be tolerated.

The drive began last week in reaction to a report from Attorney General Herbert Slatery III that found the married Williamson County Republican sent inappropriate text messages and made unwanted sexual advances to legislative staff members, interns and lobbyists, and conducted a brief affair with a 20-year-old college student.

The report covers Durham's interactions with 22 women between 2012, when he was first elected to the Legislature, to early this year. According to the report, many of the women were shaken by his behavior. They avoided him or refused to meet him without another person present. Some either left government work altogether or decided not to enter politics.

Durham did not agree to an interview with investigators, then labeled the report as unfair. He has suspended his re-election campaign but has resisted calls for his resignation from Gov. Bill Haslam, House Speaker Beth Harwell and others.

Holding a special session on Aug. 15 would be an extraordinary step, but it is the right thing to do. Two petitions are being considered. One calls for a special session to address Durham's behavior in isolation, while the other would include consideration of the expulsion of state Rep. Joe Armstrong as well. Armstrong, a Knoxville Democrat, is scheduled to go on trial next week in federal court on income tax evasion charges.

A special session can be called by the governor or by a two-thirds majority of the House membership  66 of 99 representatives. House rules do not allow electronic signatures, so members will have to go to Nashville in person to sign. As of Wednesday morning, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reported, only four lawmakers had signed the each petition.

Primary Election Day is Aug. 4, one day before the deadline, so many lawmakers might be loath to interrupt their campaigns to travel to Nashville. They should take the time.

Durham's outlandish behavior  according to the report, he used his office for a tryst and told lobbyists he wanted something in return for his votes  that action is necessary, even if Williamson County Republicans reject him at the polls. The women who work at the Capitol and the people of Tennessee need to know that such behavior will not be condoned.

Armstrong's situation is much different. He was arrested last year on charges he helped pass a cigarette tax increase, bought $250,000 worth of tax stamps at the lower rate, sold them at the higher rate and failed to pay taxes on his profits. He trial is set to begin on Aug. 2 in U.S. District Court in Knoxville.

Unlike Durham, Armstrong is unopposed in the primary and will not face a Republican in the November general election. Independent Pete Drew, a former legislator who has unsuccessfully run for numerous offices in recent years, will be on the November ballot.

House members can afford to wait for the outcome of Armstrong's trial, which could yield valuable information for them, before possibly taking action. If convicted, of course, Armstrong should resign.

Durham, on the other hand, does not face charges in connection with his behavior. With his refusal to resign, he can escape sanctions if House members do not act.

Act they must. Durham has embarrassed and cheapened the Tennessee House of Representatives. To restore some measure of respect for the institution and obtain a semblance of justice for the women involved, the state's representatives should hold the special session and expel Durham.
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As a veteran of the United States Army, I place great value on our right to vote. I also realize that we must wield this power in a way that ensures the liberties that this country holds dear are protected. That is why I felt compelled to voice my support for the candidate I believe has the track record and capability to best defend these freedoms  state Rep. Martin Daniel of Tennessee's 18th District.

I have known Daniel personally for some time now, and one thing is abundantly clear to anyone who speaks with him  he is a passionate defender of our personal liberties and economic security. He is not a cookie-cutter politician who merely sympathizes with his constituents' problems and promises to make things better next time. He is a good man who actually cares about his constituents, and he is a proven businessman who knows what it takes to get the job done. These characteristics are evidenced in the numerous town hall meetings that Daniel has held throughout his first term and the myriad bills he has passed to limit unnecessary government bureaucracy.

This kind of caring efficiency is refreshing in a time of such political strife. Daniel knows what his constituents want, and he has a track record of actually passing legislation to further these goals. I am aware of Daniel's many endorsements from local business and community leaders, but I wanted to take the time to throw in my humble support.

The bottom line is this  Daniel has worked awfully hard for us in Nashville the past two years, and no one will work harder than Daniel if we send him back to Nashville to continue his good work.

Sean Francis, Powell
Knoxville Area Urban League CO.STARTERS winner receives $10,000







Randy Boyd, CO.STARTER funds donor along with his wife, Jenny, and commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development, presents a $10,000 prize to Brian Sheely, CO.STARTER winner and owner of CrossFit ex libro gym. The check presentation took place on July 29 at the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center in Market Square. Pictured from left are Boyd; Sheely; Terrence Carter, Knoxville Area Urban League director of economic and business development; and Ben Landers, United Way of Greater Knoxville president and CEO.br /> KNOXVILLE  On July 29, Randy Boyd, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development, presented Brian Sheely with $10,000 from the Knoxville Area Urban League.



Sheely recently completed the 10-week CO.STARTERS training program, which allows entrepreneurs to build and test small business ideas with customer feedback and input from local, successful business owners. At the conclusion of the program, participants pitch their businesses to a panel of judges.



Sheely was selected as the first-prize winner of $10,000 for CrossFit ex libro gym, which provides CrossFit, weight training, functional fitness and open gym classes. The gym also offers self-defense classes for women.



CO.STARTERS has been a great experience to see what is needed to help make a small business successful, Sheely said. The guest speakers really provide helpful advice for the participants and prepare us for the pitch contest.



Sheely, who opened the CrossFit gym in West Knoxville earlier this year, plans to use the money as working capital and for marketing purposes.



The Knoxville Area Urban League hosts the CO.STARTERS training program for entrepreneurs at all stages. Whether the business is just an idea or already in operation, the program gives participants the knowledge and experience to turn their passion into reality.



Small business fuels our economy, said Phyllis Y. Nichols, president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League. Were proud of all the participants, and we cant wait to see how Sheelys business grows from his success in the program. Our community needs more entrepreneurs, business growth and economic development to sustain the local economy.



Boyd funded the grant through the United Way of Greater Knoxville.



The next CO.STARTERS class begins Sept. 10, and the Knoxville Area Urban League is looking for applicants who are serious about starting or growing their business. The Urban League also offers loans from $5,000 to $250,000 to businesses that cannot qualify for loans at banks or credit unions.



In addition, the Knoxville Area Urban League recently received a $10,000 grant to launch a community-wide pitch contest called The Paradigm Challenge. The funding was awarded by Launch Tennessee (LaunchTN) through its Creative Communities Grants program, and the goal of the competition is to spur economic and business development in the East Knoxville business corridor.



Anyone residing in Knox County can submit a pitch idea. Pitch participants must propose creative ideas that lead to business growth in one of three industry-specific areas in East Knoxville, including health care, retail or light manufacturing and technology.



For more information on the Knoxville Area Urban League and its programs, visit www.thekaul.org. Published July 31, 2016


















Most affordable online colleges in the US







NASHVILLE  /PRNewswire/ -- OnlineSchoolsCenter.com has recently released their list of the Most Affordable Online Colleges.



Unfortunately, tuition costs can keep outstanding and highly motivated online students from applying to college, simply because it would create an unreasonably large college debt. Upon graduation, some students are burdened by tens of thousands of dollars in repayment to their alma mater. However, these twenty colleges provide students with incredibly practical tuition rates, exceptional financial aid and award programs, interest-free payment plans, and/or tuition based on time spent, rather than credits earned. These twenty distance education institutions provide their students with marvelous coursework and additional benefits within their degree programs, as well as, excellent resources inside and outside of their academic careers.



Without sacrificing educational structure or thoroughness, these schools provide students with the best available tuition rates. Many of the institutions on this list have been repeatedly recognized for their achievements and academic prowess by respected journalistic resources and accrediting agencies/commissions. Online students attending one of these schools have the same opportunities as on-campus students, and receive the same amount of attention and recognition from world-class professors.



According to lead researcher and writer, Rowan Jones, "Affordability should not stand in one's way of going to an online college. These institutions provide students with fantastic programs, as well as highly beneficial channels through which they can pay for their schooling, without stretching their budgets too thin."



Schools that made the listing:



Western Governors University - Salt Lake City, UT

Fayetteville State University - Fayetteville, NC

Fort Hays State University - Hays, KS

Penn State World Campus - University Park, PA

Liberty University - Lynchburg, VA

Great Basin College - Elko, NV

University of Illinois at Springfield - Springfield, IL

Murray State University - Murray, KY

Bellevue University - Bellevue, NE

Washington University in St. Louis - St. Louis, MO

South Texas College - McAllen, TX

University of Wyoming - Laramie, WY

American Public University - Charles Town, WV

Hodges University - Naples, FL

Darton State College - Albany, GA

Lee University - Cleveland, TN

Kaplan University - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Marylhurst University - Marylhurst, OR

Georgia Southern University - Statesboro, GA

University of Maryland, University College - Upper Marlboro, MD



These colleges were chosen for several factors that put them ahead of other online graduate programs, due to the: nature of the coursework, degree of thoroughness and complexity of the curriculum, 100% online availability, sufficient financial aid availability, and an education that give students more than just classroom experience.



OnlineSchoolsCenter.com is an online web publication that is committed to enhancing the information available to students when choosing an academic institution. The editors collect the most important and relevant data about colleges, universities, and campus facilities from various highly respected sources and offer them in a simple format that is easy to understand. In developing this list, we chose not to list the schools in an ordered way, but instead highlighted twenty of the very best programs, all of which have their own unique strengths.





SOURCE OnlineSchoolsCenter.com Published July 31, 2016
USS Carney aids in rescue of 97 migrants in Mediterranean Sea

JULY 31, 2016 at 1:57 a.m.







A visit, board, search and seizure team from the guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) approaches a migrant vessel in the Mediterranean Sea. Carney provided food and water to the migrants aboard the vessel before coordinating with a nearby merchant vessel to take them to safety. Carney is forward deployed to Rota, Spain, and is conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. navy photo by Chief Information Systems Technician Wesley R. Dickey/Released)

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS)  The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney aided in the rescue of 97 migrants adrift in the Mediterranean Sea, July 29.



Carney provided aid for the migrants until the SOS Mediterranee ship MS Aquarius arrived and took the migrants to safety.



"Team Carney aided in the rescue of 97 migrants while operating in the Mediterranean Sea. Seeing the plight of these desperate migrants and the danger they were in was humbling. As Sailors we make our living on the high seas. We were honored to help these 97 people to safety. My crew acted with the upmost professionalism and compassion and I couldn't be more proud of them, said Cmdr. Kenneth Pickard, commanding officer, USS Carney.



There were 96 men and one woman onboard the small craft. SOS Mediterranee operates in different maritime routes and conduct sea rescue operations. Members of Doctors without Borders embark with SOS Mediterranee and provide care until the refugees can be turned over to the proper authorities. Published July 31, 2016


Search giant's Korean unit faces antitrust inspection

By Kim Tae-gyu

For Google, a monopoly may not seem inherently evil or wrong. Otherwise, watchers ask why the search giant, famous for its corporate mottos of "Don't be evil" and "Do the right thing," is being investigated for antitrust activities around the world.

Google Korea, for instance, is facing competition charges  the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) raided its Seoul office last week to check whether it is abusing its dominant market position.

Based on the dominance of its Android mobile operating system (OS), which has carved out more than 90 percent of the market, Google Korea is accused of having compelled handset producers to pre-install its browser and search apps in their products.

The antitrust agency is also addressing another charge, that Google has hampered the development of competing OS providers through exclusive contracts with phone producers.

In addition, complaints were raised that Google Korea has tried to unduly favor its affiliate in in-game ads.

The FTC has carried out preliminary scrutiny on Google Korea over the past few months after the European Commission formally charged the tech giant with monopoly abuse in April.

Fresh suspicions also sprang up this month that Google's European operations breached EU antitrust rules through levying strict contract terms in its advertising services.

Google could reportedly be fined up to $7 billion for each charge because the European Commission has the authority to fine the firm a maximum of 10 percent of its annual turnover.

Last year, reports came out that U.S. trustbusters were keeping an eye on Google.

"A few years ago, the Korean FTC wrapped up its anti-competition inquiries into Google empty-handed, so it would be very cautious and thorough this time," said an industry source who asked not to be named.

"If Google Korea is found to have hampered fair competition, its reputation will be hurt greatly because the company has been respected on the back of its don't-be-evil and do-the-right-thing approach."

In 2013, the FTC also investigated Google Korea over complaints that it had required handset makers to pre-install its apps on Android phones. Back then, it was cleared of the charges thanks to its low 10 percent market share in mobile search services.

From "Don't be evil" to "Do the right thing"

The don't-be-evil motto was not the brainchild of Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. But it was the two super-wealthy entrepreneurs who instituted the famous slogan.

Just ahead of its initial public offering in 2004, the cofounders sent a letter to employees to repeat the mantra. Later, it was called the "Don't-be-evil manifesto."

"We believe strongly that in the long term, we will be better served  as shareholders and in all other ways  by a company that does good things for the world even if we forgo some short-term gains," it read. "This is an important aspect of our culture and is broadly shared within the company."

Critics contended that the philosophy has been compromised because Google opted for commercial opportunities over the interests of end customers in hot-button privacy issues and monopoly concerns.

"Google has kneeled to commercial appeal. Any company can do so in this capitalistic society. But we are particularly disappointed because it is Google," said an engineer at a local gaming company.

"I expected that Google would eventually belie its motto but hoped that such a gloomy day would come as late as possible. Now I feel it's the end of the don't-be-evil era."

He added that it is scary if a company like Google turns evil because it has access to vast amounts of personal data  people's emails, search keywords, shopping habits, appetites and even their careers.

Google itself seems to be modifying the don't-be-evil imperative. The sixth of its official corporate philosophies, titled "10 things we know to be true" is "you can make money without doing evil."

After Google became the subsidiary of conglomerate Alphabet, the slogan was replaced in the Alphabet corporate code of conduct by "do the right thing."

There were grievances within Google that the decade-long don't-be-evil slogan is ambiguous as a guiding principle of such a big company. And a decreasing number of people talk about it.

This seems to prompt some people to think that Google has turned its back on the don't-be-evil credo. Some half-jokingly say that Google still sticks to its don't-be-evil philosophy "unless it's profitable."

Brief history of Google Korea

In 2006, a decade after its establishment in the United States, Google tapped into Korea with great fanfare. Overshadowed by strong homegrown rivals, however, the company failed to make its presence felt throughout the 2000s.

Back then, its unique ad-free interface had attracted global attention but it was nothing more than an also-ran from the perspective of Koreans who were so accustomed to the interfaces of domestic portals Naver and Daum.

As far as the online search market was concerned, Google Korea was far from a monopoly. Rather, it was closer to a victim of the local players' duopoly. In fact, rumors swirled around several times that Google would leave Asia's fourth-largest economy.

But things changed in favor of Google Korea with the full-fledged advent of smartphones in the 2010s and the Seoul-based outfit established its footing in tandem with the meteoric rise of smartphones. Android accounts for up to 92 percent of the mobile OS market here.

Thanks to the popularity of Android, the firm is estimated to rake in around 1 trillion won in sales a year, though that figure has not been confirmed by Google Korea.

Despite that exponential growth, it suffered from a series of challenges on top of the monopoly charges.

For example, it recently asked the Korean government for a license to use the nation's maps so that it would be able to host geographic data on its overseas servers. Its earlier request was turned down in 2007.

Criticisms followed that Google was attempting to make money on Korean map data without paying taxes by not housing the servers in Korea.

Google countered that the government's reluctance to share its map data will cause some Korean companies to miss out on business opportunities, but few appear to buy the explanation.

The Korea Times tried several times to contact Google spokespeople for comment but they were not available.
German carmaker Volkswagen has decided to voluntarily suspend sales of its vehicle models implicated in an emissions scandal in South Korea, market sources said Friday.

In a recent letter to local dealers, Audi Volkswagen Korea, the South Korean unit of the German carmaker, said it will stop delivering 79 models of 34 vehicle types starting next week.

The country's environment ministry earlier said it might revoke its certification of the 79 vehicle models, based on the outcome of a prosecution investigation that suggested the German automaker may have obtained sales approval for the vehicles with faked documents on their noise level, fuel efficiency and emissions.

A Volkswagen Korea executive has already been indicted on various charges that include forgery and a violation of the Clean Air Conservation Act.

The 79 vehicle models account for over 70 percent of the some 300,000 Audi and Volkswagen cars sold here since 2007.

Volkswagen Korea was earlier expected to face the local government in a standoff after it said it will consider all available measures, including legal actions.

The carmaker will still require sales approval from the very same government at the end of the day, market observers noted.

A public hearing, hosted by the environment ministry, on the Volkswagen emissions scandal will be held Monday.

The company has said it will attend the hearing and work to remove any misunderstanding should there be any. (Yonhap)
Exports of South Korea-made cars sank 13.1 percent in the second quarter from a year earlier due mainly to contracted demand from emerging countries and intensified market competition, customs data showed Thursday.

The total value of car exports reached $9.6 billion over the April-June period, down 13.1 from $11.1 billion tallied a year earlier, according to the data by the Korea Customs Service.

Meanwhile, that of imports jumped 21.5 percent on-year to $3 billion from $2.4 billion over the cited period.

From three months earlier, however, outbound shipments of automobiles gained 8 percent from $8.9 billion, with imports jumping 41.6 percent from $2.1 billion.

The customs agency attributed the sharp decline in auto exports to a slowdown in resource-exporting countries hit hard by a low oil price trend, while South Koreans' demand for imported cars was boosted by the government's excise tax cut program.

The number of exported cars tumbled 13.6 percent to 686,000 units during the three-month, while 93,000 units were imported, up 16 percent from a year ago.

Exports to the United States fell 12.3 percent on-year to $4.1 billion, with shipments to Saudi Arabia slumping 22.5 percent and those to Russia diving 27.5 percent. (Yonhap)
#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...

#football S. Korea coach Bento says doors to World Cup roster 'not closed' As the clock ticks down on this year's FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the decision time is nigh for South Korea head coach Paulo Bento. Save for a few obvious choices, there are sever...
A weeping woman shows a picture of her late son at a press conference in front of the Ministry of National Defense building in Yongsan, Seoul, Aug. 6. She and other bereaved families called on the ministry to help restore the honor of soldiers who died from hazing while serving their mandatory military service. / Yonhap



Activists urge military to uphold human rights



By Park Ji-won, Chung Hyun-chae, Nam Hyun-woo



Koreans are outraged over the death of an Army private first class, surnamed Yoon, who suffered brutal abuse and violence at the hands of his superiors.



Yoon, who belonged to the Army's 28th Division, was brutally beaten by five senior soldiers, then put on an IV drip to recover  only to be beaten again and endure more torture before his death in April.



Ranking military officials and politicians have vowed to uphold soldiers' rights and prevent future tragedies by establishing a human rights council within the armed forces.



For some men who have already completed their mandatory military service, however, Yoon's story came as no surprise. They have experienced, witnessed, or at least heard of similar cases.



An office worker in Seoul, surnamed Lee, 32, finished his military service in 2007. His superiors subjected him to abuse too, he recalls.



"I still don't understand why I was beaten," he said.



Lee, then a private, was responsible for managing an ammunition depot. He worked with a sergeant, who was younger than him and constantly picked fights to remind Lee of his inferior rank.



"I'm younger than you," the sergeant repeatedly pointed out to Lee. "Is that a problem for you?"



The sergeant often kicked Lee in the stomach and punched him in the neck when

they were alone in the depot.



"I never said anything about his age, but he picked fights with me and repeatedly attacked me," Lee said.



Lee required medical treatment for his injuries, but the sergeant bullied him into remaining silent about how he got his bruises and why he was bleeding. The assaults continued until the sergeant was discharged.



"If I ever met him again, I would definitely have him killed," Lee said.





A soldier holds a rifle while attending a special lecture on human rights at an Army camp in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, Aug. 8. All soldiers are required to attend such lectures amid mounting criticism over hazing in the barracks following the death of an army private first class, surnamed Yoon, who suffered from brutal abuse from his colleagues. / Yonhap



"I still suffer trauma, but there is no one I can complain to about this and get redress," he added. "The government should also come up with measures to help victims like me."



Kim, 28, who was discharged from the Army two years ago, said he had witnessed hazing.



"Many say there is no violence in the military anymore, but I don't believe that," Kim said.



"Some people are slow to understand or do something. And one of my colleagues was like that. Superiors always used foul language when talking to him, and often they even cursed his parents and attacked him."



The victim was bullied for absurd reasons, Kim recalls.



"Verbal abuse and assaults happened because the victim did not follow stupid customs, which obviously had nothing to do with improving combat readiness," he said.



For example, Kim said his colleague was forced to lick shoe polish because his boots were not shiny enough. Another colleague reported the violence to a ranking officer, and the victim was transferred to another barracks. The attackers were sent to the guardhouse.



"It was a rare case, given that other units' officers tend to cover things up to evade close investigation, because officers don't want a mess," he said. "I heard from one of my friends that his colleague committed suicide because of hazing, but the death was recorded as an accident."



Kim declined to elaborate.



An office worker, surnamed Gil, 28, said one of his colleagues served time in the guardhouse for beating an underling.



"While on night duty, he ordered a private first class not to move off a small tile on the floor.



A single move outside of the tile's borders would be followed by assaults," Gil recalled.



Noh, 24, a college senior who completed his service last year, witnessed sexual violence. The victim was a private first class and the perpetrator was a corporal.



"The private first class reported the corporal's deed to the authorities, and the offender was given a military prison term and transferred to a different unit," he said.



These stories are a source of anxiety for young men who still face conscription, and for their parents.



College student Oh, 21, finished his four weeks of basic military training on Aug. 1. Now he works at a food company as part of an alternative civilian service program.



Though he braved the training without any problem, his parents were not as brave.



"Even though the training lasted only a month, I couldn't help worrying about my son," said his mother, surnamed Yoo. "Who knows if something bad will happen within that short time?



"In the photo my son sent, some of his colleagues had tattoos on their arms. After I saw that, I started to worry. What if they bully my son?" she said.



"Other parents [whose sons don't qualify for alternative programs] must have bigger worries, but I also worry about my son's safety."



According to data from the Ministry of National Defense, between 2003 and last year, 874 servicemen died either as a result of suicide or accidents. An average of 80 men died every year.



Human rights activists have long urged the government to take action on violence and bullying in the military. But the response remains tepid, consisting only of vague orders.



In 2012, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) suggested guidelines to safeguard servicemen's human rights. Those were the strongest measures the agency believed it was capable of taking, but apparently they were insufficient.



The NHRC's role is limited  it can only make suggestions, not binding regulations. However, critics say the watchdog should have been more active in carrying out its duties  at the very least, it could have disclosed problems to the public.



It was the Center for Military Human Rights that revealed the details of Yoon's case

to the media.



"We have repeatedly urged the military to open itself to the public, allowing civilian human rights experts to visit the barracks and meet with soldiers," said Lim Tae-hoon, a representative of the center. "However, the military kept saying no to civilian experts  that it would handle intra-military matters by itself."
A woman pushes a stroller away from a cafe after being asked to leave. More restaurants and cafes are refusing patrons with children for etiquette and safety reasons. / Korea Times file



Restaurants' ban on children stirs pro-and-con debate



By Baek Byung-yeul, Kwon Ji-youn

A local court recently ruled that two restaurants should pay 10 million won and 47 million won to two children, respectively, who were scalded while dining. One child ran into a restaurant employee carrying hot water and another was burned by charcoal fire.

Once the verdict was announced, some restaurant owners started to refuse customers with children as they didn't want to be held responsible for any accidents their child could cause. This issue has emerged as a hotbed for online debate ever since.

Korea isn't the first to join the movement. In two U.S. states, Texas and Pennsylvania, restaurants have banned kids, while cafes in Berlin have created child-free zones for their patrons. Some have even barred strollers, which are considered safety hazards in densely populated areas such as malls or restaurants.

Even some airlines are following suit. Malaysia Air banned children under two from flying first class, while AsiaAir created a "quiet zone" for fliers above the age of 12.

Restaurant owners blame children for reckless behaviors in a potentially dangerous environment involving fire and other cooking equipment, as well as disturbing other patrons' dining experience.

The question is this: Do parents have the right to bring their children to cafes and restaurants, where they are at risk of getting burned, where they may be bothersome to fellow patrons? Or do restaurants have the right to refuse patrons with children for safety and etiquette reasons?

Many parents with children protested, saying that this is a violation of equal rights.

Choi Jung-soon, who raised two children, aged six and eight, said this is a clear example of an equal rights violation.

"My kids have the right to enter any cafe or restaurant," the 33-year-old Seoulite said.





A sign posted on the door of a restaurant located in Seongnam City, Gyeonggi Province, bars children who are elementary-school age or younger.

/ Korea Times



"People who say parents bringing their toddlers to restaurants do not discipline children inside and let their kids run loose, but this is completely wrong.

"I definitely do try to pay attention to my kids, making sure they don't go on a rampage inside a restaurant, but they should understand that kids aren't able to completely control themselves," she said.

Heo Eun-mi, a 32-year-old mom, hadn't heard about the movement to ban kids until recently.

"When I heard that a group of restaurants were banning kids, I thought to myself, no way,' because my kid loves to eat out" she said. "Before such a policy takes effect across the city, restaurants should designate child-friendly zones, where families with children can dine free from the glares of childless patrons and the narrow confines of a restaurant."

She stressed that this should be the first step restaurant owners take before implementing a no kids' policy.

"Then, at least they've made an effort to satisfy all customers. We're customers, too," she said. "If that still didn't work, then sure, ban kids. Also, where else will kids learn proper restaurant etiquette?"

She emphasized that with a little caution, restaurant owners and parents will definitely be able to find a way to coexist.

"I think the responsibility falls with both parties. Parents should be a little more attentive, and restaurant employees should be a little more careful," she said. "That's as simple as it gets."

Another mother, with a seven-year-old daughter, said she had to order take-out at a coffee shop because her daughter wasn't allowed in, but she didn't mind.

"When I saw the news, the first thought that came to my mind was, aren't the parents responsible for the safety of their children?'" she said on condition of anonymity. "How are restaurant owners supposed to control children while working?"

Jeong Soon-ok, a college student, does admit that her experience at a restaurant in Sinsa-dong, southern Seoul, wasn't all that enjoyable because of a child who walked from table to table stealing peoples' salt and pepper shakers.

"At first it was cute, but when the meals were served, we needed the salt shaker. So we took it from him and he just fell on his bottom and started screaming," she said. "The mother then came and started telling us off for forcibly taking the child's toy' away. I didn't know what to say in response."

Jeong recalled another incident in where a child slipped while running in a dining room.

"I remember the mother started yelling at the employees for wiping the floor down with a wet mop," she said. "I thought to myself, should they have used a dry mop?'"

Ryu Seung-min, who runs a Korean-style barbeque restaurant in Seoul, agrees with ban, adding that "parents sometimes just cannot control their children."

"I don't implement that kind of policy in my restaurant as my customers are mostly office workers, but I definitely agree with the food establishments that do ban kids," said the restaurant owner.

"I think parents who bring their children to restaurants and don't pay attention to them seem to not understand how dangerous this place actually is. They should know that we are dealing with hot food that could burn someone if dropped.

"In addition, parents who don't even try to control their careless kids are unaware they are disturbing those around them. They may have gotten used to their loud kids but this doesn't apply to the customers around them," he said.

Ryu also pointed out the necessity of campaigns urging parents to better observe public etiquette while in restaurants.

"I guess we need to find common ground between owners and parents. I think educating parents the virtue of paying more attention to their kids while dining is a good, first step," he said.

The National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRC) states that it is illegal for a business to ban children from entering restaurants, adding that it is against the rights of equality.

However, this presents a catch-22. If restaurants ban children, then these establishments are breaking the existing laws. But if a restaurant has put forth clear grounds as to why it restricts access to kids, then there is no way to impose sanctions on the offending restaurant.

To illustrate this point, NHRC dismissed a case in 2010 filed by an anonymous informant that a restaurant implements a "no kids" policy in their judgment that the restaurant had clear reason to do so.

"As long as we, restaurant owners, are responsible for any accidents involving children, it is crystal-clear that more and more restaurants and cafes will adopt the no kids' policy," Ryu added.


By Park Ji-won and Chung Hyun-chae



Housekeeper Lee Won-hee, 57, reminisced that when she was in her 20s she spent little money on her dates.



"During my time, teahouses, movie theaters and parks were pretty much the only places we could go for dates," she said. "Needing a lot of money for dating wasn't as much of an issue back then as it is now.



"It was natural among young people to have no money, hang out at a park with a lunch box, and eventually get married down the road. Women had fewer roles in society a few decades ago. In my time, a woman's duty was doing house chores and rearing the children, while a man's obligation is earning money and providing food and housing. Life was a lot more simple back then."



It was OK for young couples to spend time without much money a few decades ago. These days, people in their 20s and 30s in Korea feel this is some kind of myth. But why is this so hard to believe? Today's generation think they need a certain amount of money or a decent job to even go on a date.



Of course, money is necessary for survival. But why is today's youth so obsessed about having money just to go on a simple date?



Some people say today's young people are the generation with three no's _ no dating, no marriage and no job.



This is a sad portrayal of Korea today where many believe that love, let alone going on a date, is not possible without money.



Some statistics supports the three no's phenomenon.



According to a Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA) report released on July 27, people in romantic relationships have distinct features _ they are aged 25-29, they have graduated from college, and they earn 25 million to 35 million won a year.



The institute surveyed about 1,500 single men and women aged 18-49, last November and December



The results show that people are considered to be in a relationship when society believes they are "stable" _ having a good job with money _ and their parents are proudly willing to introduce their son or daughter to others.



About 45.5 percent of men and 43.1 percent of women in their 20s, and 38.7 percent of men and 38 percent of women in their 30s and who are dating, feel their partner is marriage material.



The problem is that their income is likely to be the most important factor in even accepting a first date. As long as they earn money, they are more likely to be in a relationship.



About 43.2 percent of men and 52.8 percent of women whose annual salary ranges from 25 million won to 35 million had romantic relationships. But only 27.3 percent of men and 28.1 percent of women who earn less than 15 million won per year had a past relationship.



Nearly 70 percent of single men who have a regular income said they wanted a girlfriend.



Meanwhile, about half of the men without an income said they are unwilling to have a romantic relationship.



A male college student surnamed Kim, 24, intentionally had not had a girlfriend during the past year.



"I promised myself to improve and not date until I get a job even if I like someone," Kim said.



"At some point, I would regret investing in a girl who I don't truly love. Now I feel that loving someone is some sort of investment or the accumulation of mileage points in a supermarket so that it could be exchanged as cash at a future date," Kim explained.



He added that he felt sad that he thought it was necessary to avoid dating until earning money.



This way of thinking is not so different for women.



A college student surnamed Gu, 24, who lived in Seoul while at school, failed to get into one of the nation's big conglomerates last year.



Depressed, she decided to return to her hometown, Busan, to concentrate fully on her studies in the hope of landing a job. To do this, she disconnected with all her friends in Seoul.



She also broke up with her boyfriend.



"I have little time to enjoy dating before getting a career," Gu said.



For her, love is not as important as starting a career and earning money.



Other women agree with Gu.



"When I wanted to be alone with my boyfriend, I had to pay to find a private place," said Park Ji-min, 25, a job seeker.



"Because I was on a tight budget and was unemployed, I often became nervous whenever I had to spend money.



"Soon I became exhausted as I always worried about money and calculated the exact amount I spent rather than feeling happy when I saw my boyfriend.



"Because lack of money was stressing me out on each date, I finally told him I wanted to break up."



Experts point out that worrying about not having enough money and choosing to be single is probably contributing to the nation's falling birthrate.



"Given that romantic relationships depend on one's income and position today, it is crucial to create an environment where young people can eventually land a career and plan for the future," said KIHASA researcher Cho Sung-ho.



"Adopting this attitude of getting a job first will also contribute to increasing the birthrate, which is one of the world's lowest."
Lawmakers belonging to the ruling and opposition parties are generally in favor of expanding the anti-graft law to encompass the country's labor unions and civic groups, a poll showed Sunday.



The survey carried out on lawmakers sitting on parliament's National Policy Committee showed 10 supporting the expansion versus five who were opposed with four saying they did not have a view on the matter.



The poll carried out by Yonhap News Agency shows awareness among lawmakers that the law can be revised down the line to make it more comprehensive and better reflect public calls to root out graft.



The Kim Young-ran anti-graft law, named after the former Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission chief aims to tighten loopholes in existing anticorruption rules under which public officials cannot be punished for accepting expensive gifts and services unless there is evidence of reciprocity.



The law passed by the National Assembly in March 2015 and set to go into effect on Sept. 28 subjects public officials, journalists and private school faculty to a maximum penalty of three years in prison or a fine of five times the amount they accept in money or valuables if they exceed 1 million won ($896) in one lump sum or 3 million won in total annually, regardless of whether it is in exchange for favors or related to their work. The rules make it illegal to accept meals exceeding 30,000 won, presents in excess of 50,000 won, and money for congratulations and condolences over 100,000 won.



"Although it may seem excessive by some because of the considerable influence civic groups and labor unions exert on society, it only makes sense that they are covered by the law," a ruling Saenuri Party lawmaker said.



He pointed out that it makes no sense to include journalists and school teachers who are not public servants, while leaving out unionists and civic group members.



The same survey showed lawmakers were on the whole opposed to reducing the coverage of the law.



This past Thursday, the country's Constitutional Court ruled that including journalists and teachers is valid. It also upheld the law's clause that makes it mandatory to report gifts received by spouses.



With the introduction of the law, Seoul aims to shows its commitment to rooting out graft and other illegal activities that hurt public cohesion and the countries' competitiveness on the international stage.



Besides revising the law, lawmakers were for the most part against changing the rules to exclude agricultural and fishery goods from being classified as bribes.



On the other hand some lawmakers called for raising the upper limit of what would constitute a bribe that could allow more leeway and not hurt the local economy.



Local farmers and fishermen have been opposed to the implementation of the Kim Young-ran law because they fear it could hurt demand and their earnings. (Yonhap)




/Courtesy of Flickr



By Park Jae-hyuk

Korean media have massively misreported Islamic terrorists' order to attack the Rio 2016 Olympic Games because the outlets misunderstood English.

The problem arose after SITE Intelligence Group (SITE), a for-profit U.S. based company that tracks jihadist organizations' online activity, posted an article on Friday with the headline "Telegram Channel Calls for Crossbow Attacks amid Ongoing Incitements against Rio Olympics."

The lead paragraph says, "A jihadi Telegram channel posted a call to attack Rio 2016 Olympics attendees with ongoing calls for violence at the upcoming event."

But Korean media translated the phrase "attendees with crossbows" into "Olympic archers."

The media reported on Saturday that jihadists were preparing an attack on the archery range.

Some media also posted pictures of Brazilian police guarding a stadium and wrote that security was "becoming tighter on the archery range."

Moon Hyung-chul, general manager of the South Korean national archery team, has reportedly received hundreds of text messages from family and friends concerned about his safety.

The Korea Archery Association said it paid $99.95 to subscribe to SITE to read the full text of the post.

The association said it did not find any direct mention of archery and that the article contained only a call for terrorists to use crossbows to attack participants.

However, as terrorist threats to the Olympic Games have continued, the association said participants' safety was always the top priority.
Drunks are giving police a hard time by causing public disturbance. / Yonhap



By Hong Dam-young

Korea is suffering from sweltering summer heat and so are police who have to deal with the drunks. As night creeps in, people start going to outdoor bars to cool off.

It could be one way to forget about the heat, but when drinkers become a public nuisance, the situation can pose problems for police, too.

The number of cases resulting from "disturbance caused by drinking" has surged over the past few days.

Last year, the number of such cases in July and August, 504 and 588, respectively, was almost double the average of rest of the months (300). This summer is no different.

People living near outdoor bars have been complaining about drunks who yell and sing loudly in public, regardless of police.

One resident in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, said it was difficult living in a neighborhood where outdoor drinking parties took place every night.

"Drunk people start fighting and making noise as night goes on," she said. "I see the police stepping in sometimes."

Some drunkards even fight police.

On July 10, a man, in his 6os, in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, was charged with resisting arrest after being reported for singing loudly at a public playground.

In Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, the same happened to a 50-something man who resisted police who tried to stop him drinking in a public park.

Adding to the problem, the streets are filled with trash and cigarette butts.

The owner of a convenience store who set up an outdoor patio at night said, "We are just offering places for people who want to enjoy a cold beer outdoors. It's not against the law at all."

South Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency has designated 65 regions with the highest rates of public disturbance reports as "Clean Areas" from July to August.

Repeat offenders face a 100,000 won ($89) fine.
Students at Ewha Womans University protest against the school's plan to establish a night college for workers, on the school campus in Seoul, Sunday, the fourth day of a sit-in. / Yonhap



By Kim Bo-eun

Around 100 students at Ewha Womans University continued their sit-in for the fourth consecutive day Sunday in protest against the school's plan to establish a night college for workers in 2017.

Hundreds of students initially began the sit-in after school officials refused their demand to scrap the plan during a meeting between them and student representatives, Thursday.

With the sit-in, the protesters blocked four professors and a school worker from leaving the meeting room for 46 hours. Then school officials requested police intervention and around 1,600 policemen were mobilized to suppress the protesters and took the professors and the worker out, Saturday.

Some students sustained injuries amid the scuffle and another was taken to hospital after showing signs of dehydration amid the sit-in in the hot weather. After the scuffle, about 100 have kept on with the protest.

The night college is part of the education ministry's plan to help the financial difficulties of universities which face a substantial decrease in the number of students amid a low birthrate.

The ministry will provide 3 billion won to selected schools for the project. At Ewha, a night college named the Light up Your Future in Ewha (LiFE) is set to be established for those who chose to work after graduating high school instead of going to college or women who have been unable to return to work after marriage or giving birth.

Majors of the college will be fashion, health and new media. Students will be provided the same bachelor's degree as regular students.

In a statement on Friday, the school said the plan will benefit women in the workforce who have not had the opportunity to attain higher-level education. "Studying after gaining work experience will also contribute to enhanced professionalism in the female workforce," the school said.

However, Ewha students criticized the school for trying to "make money by selling diplomas."

They say existing colleges have similar majors and that the school has a separate life-long education institution with a similar purpose.

"We can only see the school as attempting to earn more money through the new program," the student council said.

Students also say creating majors in fashion and health will reinforce gender stereotypes.

In addition, they are concerned that the night college will negatively affect the image of the top women's university here. They say it would be unfair for "less competitive" students to be offered the same opportunity as students who have to obtain high college entrance exam scores to study at Ewha.

Students have started collecting signatures for the plan to be scrapped.

"We are angered by the school's decision-making process, which excluded the student body's opinions on the plan," the council said. "We will continue our protest until the plan is scrapped."

The school said while the plan was part of a long-term vision drawn up in 2014, the actual discussions on the plan with the ministry resumed in mid-May, and it was required to submit the plans in June. "This did not allow us time to discuss the matter with students," it said in the statement.

It said the school has undergone the proper procedure for the project such as discussions among faculty leaders and the school's board of directors.
/Courtesy of Pixabay



By Park Jae-hyuk

A college student has drowned after a rider on a water tube being towed by a speedboat  also known as "banana boat" in Korea  was thrown from the tube and knocked the student off a dock.

According to Yangpyeong Police Station, the body of the student surnamed Kim, 24, was found beside a boat dock in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province at 3:17 a.m. on Sunday.

Kim was reported missing at 12:00 a.m. on Sunday. Police presume he was drowned at about 4:48 p.m. on Saturday.

"Banana boats often throw passengers into the water for fun," a police official said. "A passenger appears to have been thrown to the dock and crashed into the victim. The passenger did not realize someone had been thrown into the water."

Police are investigating whether the boat operator was negligent in any way.
Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, right, shakes hands with his Maltese counterpart George Vella during their talks in Malta, Friday. / Yonhap



By Jun Ji-hye

Malta has stopped issuing work visas for North Koreans to join international efforts to cut off cash flow to Pyongyang and resolve matters related to human rights abuse of migrant workers, according to Seoul's Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, Saturday.

"Valletta has stopped extending visas for North Korean workers and will not issue new ones," Yun told reporters after chairing the meeting of heads of overseas diplomatic missions in Rome.

The comment came after the top diplomatic official held talks with Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and the island nation's Foreign Minister George Vella, Friday, to discuss joint measures to encourage the communist state to give up its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

Last week, it was also reported that Malta has deported about 20 North Korean manual laborers by refusing to extend their visas when their work permits expired.

Malta is the first European Union (EU) member to deport North Korean laborers in line with international calls to protect their human rights and prevent the North from pocketing their wages and diverting the wages from contributing to nuclear weapons development.

Malta has maintained a close relationship with the North since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1971. But following the latest measure, North Korean workers will no longer be allowed to enter the island.

Yun, the first South Korean foreign minister to visit Malta, said starting with the island nation, European countries that still host North Korean workers, such as Poland, are expected to take similar actions to cut off cash flowing into the Kim Jong-un regime.

Yun noted that Vella made it clear that Valletta is taking a strong position on the North Korean workers issue.

Yun then said he conveyed to his Maltese counterpart a wish to ink an agreement that would permit working holiday arrangements and other ways to expand exchanges between South Korea and Malta.

"Although Malta is small, it is situated between Europe and Africa, and its position will grow when it assumes the rotating chairmanship of the European Union (EU) in the first half of next year," Yun said.

Regarding the talks with his Italian counterpart Paolo Gentiloni also held on Friday, Yun said Rome confirmed its firm position on implementing United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2270.

In March, the UNSC adopted Resolution 2270, which includes the harshest sanctions yet on the North for its fourth nuclear test in January and the launch of a long-range rocket in the following month.

The Italian official stressed Pyongyang's weapons of mass destruction program not only posed security problems for South Korea and Northeast Asia, but a real threat to world peace, according to Yun.
Egyptian Ambassador to Korea Hany Selim, right, speaks during a reception to mark his country's 64th National Day at the Embassy of Egypt in Seoul on July 26. Korea's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kang Ho-in attended the event. / Courtesy of the Embassy of Egypt



By Rachel Lee

Egyptian Ambassador to Korea Hany Selim believes his country and Korea have "upgraded" their level of cooperation since President Fattah Al-Sisi's visit to Seoul in March.

At a reception to mark Egypt's 64th National Day, held at the embassy in Seoul on July 26, the envoy said he felt satisfied with Korea for achieving a breakthrough in bilateral relations with the signing of 17 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) that have been translated into reality.

"Looking back at the three years me and my colleagues have passed in Korea, we claim that our satisfaction goes far beyond the enjoyment of life in this beautiful country and with such nice people," Selim said.

The Egyptian president and his Korean counterpart, Park Geun-hye, agreed to strengthen their cooperation in Egypt's infrastructure development projects, worth $3.6 billion (4.37 trillion won). Under the MOUs, the two sides will also work together in the bio-energy industry and seek ways to expand trade volume, which was $2.4 billion last year.

This was the first visit by an Egyptian president since 1999, when Hosni Mubarak came to Seoul.

Egypt has been expanding infrastructure development projects since the launch of its new government in May 2014. This has included construction of the New Suez Canal from August 2014 to July 2015, to expand the capacity of the existing Suez Canal.

The reception also celebrated the 21st anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Hundreds of people attended the event, including foreign and local envoys and Korea's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kang Ho-in.

During a speech, the minister highlighted remarkable economic achievements that included a trade volume that increased twelvefold in just two decades.

Kang also said Korea, a construction powerhouse, set a record of over $700 billion for accumulated orders for overseas construction projects, which included Cairo's various energy plant projects.

"I believe there is still much room to further strengthen cooperation in the fields of infrastructure and plant construction," Kang said.

Korea's Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced last week that it will conduct a feasibility study on the redevelopment of Egyptian port city Alexandria following the signing of the MOUs. The project is one of the Egyptian government's biggest.

Selim said: "Standing on a solid ground of vigorous and sincere determination of this embassy, of our Korean partners and the Egyptian government, I am confident that together we shall keep the momentum to develop our new partnership towards further horizons to achieve strategic mutual interests. It takes two to tango, therefore together we can make it."

The Egyptian Revolution of 1952, also known as the July 23 Revolution, was led by a group of young army officers who called themselves the "Free Officers Movement." The revolution led to the overthrow of King Farouq and the establishment of an independent republic. Muhammad Naguib was first president.
Csoma Mozes, third from left, a professor in Eotvos Lorand University's Korean studies department, receives an award from Dankook University President Chang Ho-sung, third from right, for his contribution to academic exchanges between the two education institutions and to cooperation between Korea and Hungary.

/ Courtesy of the Embassy of Hungary



By Rachel Lee

The Embassy of Hungary held a special seminar to mark the 60th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, at Dankook University's Jukjeon campus in Gyeonggi Province on on July 21.

From 1945, Hungary was under the Soviet Union's oppressive control.

The revolt in the Central European country began with a student demonstration and spread nationwide, and the government collapsed.

The seminar, co-hosted by Dankook University and Eotvos Lorand University (ELTE) in Budapest, discussed the significance of Hungary's transformation in the aftermath of the uprising.

"When the revolution began in Budapest in search of freedom, Hungary had very close ties with North Korea," Csoma Mozes, a professor in ELTE's Korean studies department, said at the event.

"About 1,000 North Korean students were in our country back then, and the North Korean government had them back home to protect them from any consequences of the Hungarian Revolution."

The professor also mentioned special relations with the South, which supplied necessities to Budapest during the uprising. The two countries connected at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and established bilateral relations a year later  when democracy replaced Hungary's communist system.

Following his presentation, Dankook University President Chang Ho-sung presented the Hungarian professor with an award for his contribution to academic exchanges between the Korean university and the ELTE and to cooperation between the two nations.
By Rachel Lee



Students from around the world have gathered in Korea to discuss the sustainability of marine resources.



The "2016 ASEAN-Korea Youth Network Workshop," organized by the ASEAN-Korea Centre, invited 80 students from 13 countries, including China and ASEAN countries. The organization designed the event to provide an opportunity for the "future leaders" of the world to gain a deep insight of one of ASEAN's key goals: "achieving a sustainable and resilient community."



"Since 2013, the ASEAN-Korea Youth Network Workshop has served as a platform for the youth from ASEAN and Korea to engage in a dialogue on a wide range of issues, and over 300 young people from the two regions have built friendships so far," ASEAN-Korea Centre Secretary General Kim Young-sun said. "I want this year's workshop to offer a meaningful opportunity for the future leaders of ASEAN and Korea to gain perspective and knowledge on one of the key issues for ASEAN, to achieve a sustainable and resilient community.'"



The workshop, with the theme "Marine Conservation  Promoting the Sustainable Use of Coastal and Marine Resources," takes place in Seoul, Busan and Suncheon from today until Aug. 4. The same will happen in Bangkok, Amphawa and Chanthaburi in Thailand on Aug. 5-10, the organization said.



During the program, participants will visit the National Maritime Museum, Marine Environment Research and Training Institute and several other spots related to the maritime sector.



"With a coastline of 173,000 kilometres, the ASEAN region houses 35 percent of the world's mangrove forests and about 30 percent of the coral reefs," the ASEAN-Korea Centre said. "However, the non-sustainable utilization and exploitation of marine resources in ASEAN have led to grave environmental degradation."



To achieve a sustainable marine environment, the region has made efforts in sustainable management of ecosystems and natural resources with major partners such as Korea, which has given support in various ways, the organization said.




The Embassy of Oman contributed this article on the occasion of the country's Renaissance Day on July 23.  ED.



Once again, the Sultanate of Oman celebrates Renaissance Day on July 23 with a deeply felt enthusiasm and pride for the myriad achievements brought to fruition under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos.



In the 46 years since the sultan launched his vision for the country, Oman, represented by its government and its citizens, has become an oasis of safety and security, and stable nation-building in the modern age.



Part of the phenomenal success of the Omani Renaissance has been due to its multi-pronged approach, which drafted human, geographical and historical factors into the foundations of its development strategy. The outcome of this approach was to place Oman exactly where and how the sultan wanted it to be, an oasis of security, peace and prosperity where citizens may be assured of healthy, valued lives.



There is a delightful spirit at the heart of Renaissance Day celebrations. It radiates to all corners of the country. Omanis love to avail of this opportunity to renew their pledge of allegiance and loyalty to the sultan.



Their enthusiasm is sincere, a mark of their gratitude for his pioneering leadership, which acknowledged past glories in establishing the foundations of the modern and uniquely stable nation that is Oman today.



This year's anniversary is a particularly significant one, marking a transition to a new phase of development, which will revolutionize whole sectors of the economy and society, capitalizing on the many and varied investment potentials of the sultanate's respective regions.



The government, responding to the directives of His Majesty, has drawn up plans that enhance social progress and that improve the living standards of citizens through training, scientific and scholarly development.



This program builds on the success of existing projects, such as those that promote economic diversification and investment in productive projects of public benefit, that support small and medium enterprises and help entrepreneurs deal effectively with changing economic scenarios in the world.




ECUADOR



Galapagos Islands exhibit heads for Seoul



The Ecuadorian Embassy will show the essence of Ecuador's Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, at a photo exhibition in Seoul next month.



The South American country designed the "Enchanting Galapagos Islands" exhibit to commemorate the 207th anniversary of its independence. It will be staged at the Daesung Arts Center on Aug. 10-17.



The islands, in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 kilometers from the Ecuadorian coast, are known for a unique "living museum and showcase of evolution," according to the official UNECO website. The islands are subject to continuing seismic and volcanic activity and have some rare animals, including land iguana and giant tortoises.





PAKISTAN



Rally held to protest against Kashmir conflict





The Pakistani community in Korea held a rally at the foreign ministry in Seoul, Wednesday, to protest against clashes in the disputed Kashmir region that have

killed about 50 people and injured more than 350.



Conflict between the Indian army and protestors erupted in the area after military leader Burhan Wani, 22, died in a gunfight with the army.



India and Pakistan have claimed the entire Kashmir region for over 60 years, provoking clashes between the two sides.



Pakistan has the northern part while India controls the other half. "The Pakistani organization in Korea gathered to express our message against the inhumanity

of the Indian army," Mudassar Ali, Pakistan Business Association Korea president, said. "After a short rally, we submitted a petition to Korea's foreign ministry

and U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon."



The statement said: "Such naked and abusive use of force by the so-called largest democracy of the world  India  has invoked international concern.



"In the 21st century, it is a moral obligation on the world and upon all democratic and liberal governments and peoples to play their due role in stopping the systematic human rights abuses being committed by the Indian forces and to put pressure

on the so-called largest democracy in the world and bring it into compliance with

UNSC (Unites Nations Security Council) resolutions," the statement added.




French Ambassador to Korea Fabien Penone, fourth from right in front row, poses with students and teachers of the Alliance Francaise at the education institution in Daejeon on July 26. On the same day, the ambassador met Daejeon Mayor Kwon Seon-taek to discuss opportunities to expand cooperation between France and the city. The visit was part of events for the France Year in Korea, the French Embassy said.



/ Courtesy of the Embassy of France
By Stephen Costello

I would rather not write about THAAD, Trump and China. In all three cases, immediate issues are a diversion from the real, central questions. The media is not often good at remembering how we got here. These cases provoke so much confusion that clear thinking is hard. So sometimes we old-timers need to bring up recent history, hoping that the larger picture will become clearer.

Take THAAD. Like nuclear weapons for South Korea, it would never have come up except for bad analysis and the incompetence of leaders. The THAAD deployment is not the problem. The problem is the long trail of bad decisions, faulty analysis and wishful thinking that led to this. "But the North Koreans tested a rocket" is no answer to the question: How could you lack the strength and wisdom to talk directly to your North Korean neighbors for the past seven years? Big and important things require discussion between you, including denuclearization and human rights. There have been, and there could be again, ways to move forward.

Among the costs of the THAAD deployment to South Korea, as some leaders surely knew, is that Seoul can now have no role in advising, confronting or balancing against China's bad behavior in the region. Regardless of whether that behavior is motivated by strategic security concerns, wounded pride, or misplaced nationalism, Xi Jinping will now act with less regard for what Koreans think. Was this a smart move, balancing real threats against real diplomatic opportunities?

Or take Donald Trump. His misunderstanding of the US-Korea alliance, and his promise to make Korea "pay more" should not be cause for concern. US governments will pay for troops on the Peninsula for a long time, almost entirely due to perceptions of the US interest. Concern over the US's "reliability" are myths and distractions. In the highly unlikely event of military trouble from either North Korea or China, the ROK military and its US partners will be able to handle it. Because of the failed approaches to the Korean Peninsula over 16 years by presidents Bush and Obama, the North Korean problem can't get much worse. Even if Trump were elected  which is highly unlikely  very little would change.

Far more important to Korea is what to do if Hillary Clinton is elected in November. In that event  which is most likely - would it really be acceptable for Korea to miss out on opportunities during her presidency? That is what will happen if the next Korean leader cannot accept his responsibility and resume leadership of the Peninsula problem. Clinton and Tim Kaine, her vice presidential nominee, are both lifelong moderate-progressive policy wonks. She would be one of the most experienced and competent people ever to become US president. For Korea, this is not a left-right thing. It is more a matter of military tension vs development and security. More a matter of the dangerous status quo vs realistic progress.

Or take China. South Korean relations with China seem to be deteriorating. But the real expansion and maturing of that relationship began in 1998, when Korea opened a second diplomatic initiative, parallel to the US work that had been done since the early 1990s, and began changing regional power relations. The new rapport was far better for Korea, but was downgraded again by the Lee Myung-bak administration in 2008. There is little evidence that the Chinese have ever believed President Park Guen-hye had realistic proposals for improvement, so the failure of her ill-considered ploy to pry them away from North Korea is not surprising. Both sides may make colorful statements regarding the deployment of THAAD batteries, but the relationship has been in trouble for eight years.

Public attempts by the Chinese to bully South Korea  as they did at the ARF meeting in Laos this week - only serve to expose their insecurity. A country that locks up artists and booksellers, and opposes democratic expression, will always be respectful of South Korean economic vitality and its wide and deep diplomatic reach, but only if Koreans know how to demand it. All countries must protect themselves, but Chinese power will remain limited.

Finally, concern is also increasing in Korea that current trends threaten a Cold War-like division in the region, between China, Russia and North Korea on one side, and South Korea, Japan and the US on the other. It was precisely to make this less possible that the 1994 Agreed Framework and 1998 North-South engagement were negotiated and pursued. When the agreements were opposed and then overturned, beginning in 2001, analysts and diplomats here in Washington publically worried that such a division would return.

Current leaders in Washington and Seoul do not seem concerned about this. Maybe a return to simple blocks of opposing allies makes it easier for them to score political or ideological points. But they will both be gone in 6 and 18 months, respectively. Xi, Putin and Kim will be around for a while. The biggest question is whether the next leaders in the White House and Blue House will do better than their predecessors at providing security and progress. Skill at using power and influence are two of the keys. But a third key is having someone lead the way.

Stephen Costello is a producer of AsiaEast, a web and broadcast-based policy roundtable focused on security, development and politics in Northeast Asia. He writes from Washington, D.C. He can be reached at scost55@gmail.com.
Suh Yoo-hun is one of the trailblazers in Korea's brain research. / Courtesy of Hong So-hyun



Serious efforts initiated to uncover mysteries of human brain

By Jung Min-ho, Kim Eil-chul

At a physiological level, humans and animals are remarkably similar. Just like humans, mice and chimpanzees, for example, have organ systems that are nearly identical as those of humans; the same organs that perform the same functions.

Of all the physical components of the human body, the brain, especially the cerebral cortex  the brain's outer layer of neural tissue  is pretty much the only one that separates humans from the rest of the living creatures.

"Yet much of the human brain remains unknown to scientists," Suh Yoo-hun, president of the Neuroscience Research Institute (NRI) of Gachon University, said in an interview. "But for the next few decades, I think humans will find answers for some of the mysteries of the most complicated biological structure. Many developed nations, including Korea, are now making serious efforts to do so."

The first, and perhaps most vital, step of brain research is to visualize the organ's anatomy, including the integrity of its structures and their interconnections.

The NRI was Korea's first institution to adopt a 7-Tesla MRI system 10 years ago. "Now we are building an 11.74-Tesla MRI. When completed, it will be the first in Asia," Suh said.

Dissection used to be the only way to look inside the brain, and a chronic shortage of brains was always an issue for researchers. Thanks to the development of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in recent years, today they can look at detailed three-dimensional images of the brain without opening it.

Suh's aim is to find the mechanisms of brain disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, in the course of developing drugs to beat them eventually.

Better MRIs would help researchers observe small, functional groups of nerve cells (neurons), how they function and malfunction and hopefully much more, he said. "I'm hoping that they soon unlock the mysteries of neurofibrillary tangles and Lewy bodies (clumps of protein that develop inside nerve cells), which are microscopic markers of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, respectively."

In cooperation with General Electric, the NRI is also planning to develop a "detector of brain disorders," which would be something like IBM's Watson supercomputer capable of detecting some types of cancer through big data analysis.

"We verbally agreed on the development of such machine, and now we are discussing how exactly to do so. It won't take long," Suh said.

In 2013, U.S. President Barack Obama announced the launch of the BRAIN (Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies) Initiative to improve the understanding of the human brain, with the goal of supporting the development of innovative technologies. Other nations, including Japan and China, have also launched their version of such project. In Korea, Suh has been among the scientists at the forefront.

When the field of brain research was barely known in Korea, he led fellow neuroscientists to convince politicians to found a legal basis for steady investment into the field. Thanks to his efforts, the Brain Research Promotion Act was passed at the National Assembly in 1998.

"However, because Korea was faltering through the Asian financial crisis at that time, we had to wait many years to see the government's serious investment into the field," he said.

After the government established the Korea Brain Research Institute in 2013, Suh served the first president of the organization for three years, solidifying the groundwork for the nation's brain research.

"One of the things I focused on was a brain-mapping project," he said. In May, the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning said it will invest 190 billion won ($170 million) for the project alone, with the goal of creating a "specialized atlas" of the brain focusing on the structure and function of the parietal lobe by 2023.

Yet, compared with other countries, Korea invests relatively less into brain research. "This is why Korea needs to be smarter in allocating its resources," he said. "I think the government should focus more on studying the areas directly related to brain disorders."





Human brain models, books, pictures and Suh's science awards are displayed at his office in the Neuroscience Research Institute of Gachon University, Incheon. / Courtesy of Hong So-hyun



Stopping Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

Twenty years ago, many doctors and scientists were confident that conquering Alzheimer's disease, which is typically accompanied by cognitive dysfunction and memory loss, would be just a matter of time.

Today, however, the disease remains incurable. "Some of the developed treatments bring temporary relief, but none succeeded in curbing its progression. None," Suh said.

Now he reckons the biggest hope lies in stem cell therapy. In 2012, he found that injection of adipose-derived stem cells helps mice with early-stage Alzheimer's disease recover normal cognitive functions. He also found that the disease can be prevented by that injection.

"The animal testing was very successful. If this year's clinical trials on humans also prove to be successful, the method will be the first meaningful treatment for the disease," Suh said.

His first major discovery about the disease came in 2010 when he found that the S100A9 gene, also known as MRP14 or calgranulin B, dramatically increases in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. The study, which established the link for the first time in the world, was published in the online edition of the peer-review journal, PLoS ONE.

Last year, Suh also demonstrated that adipose-derived stem cells can ease the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement, in the science journal, Neurobiology of Aging.







I was fascinated by the wonders of the brain'

As a child, Suh enjoyed gazing at the stars. "While doing so, I wondered about the size of the universe, how it was created and things like that. And one day, I realized that it was the small brain in my head that recognizes the entire universe," he said. "I was fascinated by the fact."

"During my years at Seoul National University College of Medicine, I also felt that there are many people who can, and want to, be clinical doctors. So I decided to study the brain."

After receiving his doctorate in neuropharmacology at the school in 1981, he went to Cornell University, where he studied molecular biology research in neuroscience, and spent years in Germany and Japan as a visiting scholar.

"The brain still interests me. Yeah. It still interests my brain," he said.
/Courtesy of Twitter



By Lee Han-soo

North Korean diplomats are threatening media outlets in Africa that exposed the country's illegal activities, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA), a broadcasting agency operated by the U.S. government, Friday.

"We will never tolerate such dirty articles criticizing our supreme leader who is our nation's destiny and future," wrote Kim Chang Ryop, the North Korean ambassador to South Africa, to the Daily Maverick, a South African newspaper.

The Daily Maverick had published an article on July 12 that said North Korean diplomats have been implicated in the smuggling of rhino horns.

On June 7, four North Korean doctors barged into the office of The Citizen, a Tanzanian daily newspaper, which had reported on illegal clinics operating inside Tanzania. The doctors made violent protests against the daily for describing their clinic as a "rouge clinic," RFA said.

On May 2, two North Korean embassy employees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) made a ruckus in the office of Le Potential, a DRC daily newspaper, for publishing an article about a North Korean prison camp inside Equatorial Guinea. The two employees wanted the newspaper to give up its source.

North Korea has been putting effort into advertising the hermit state and its supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, using media outlets across the world. But their efforts seem fruitless as a press request by a North Korean ambassador to Angola was denied by ANGOP, a news agency in Angola.
By Liang Tuang Nah

The progress of the North Korean ballistic missile program seems inexorable. In his quest to build a credible ability to threaten U.S. Pacific territories like Guam with a nuclear strike, DPRK leader Kim Jong-un has pushed his missile program through five unsuccessful tests of the Hwasong-10 IRBM on April 15, 2016, April 28 (two on the same day), May 31 and June 22 respectively, before a successful sixth test on the same day as the fifth failure.

On July 9, Kim's missile program attempted to test a Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM), a Bukguekseong-1 SLBM, which exploded shortly after launch. However, if history is any guide, this failure should not be dismissed as the North Koreans are known to disregard surrender as an option, striving for a successful test over the long run. Excluding this launch, the KN-11 has already been tested nine times since October 2014. While Korea's national intelligence agency has predicted that Pyongyang could deploy an operational SLBM by 2019, it would not be surprising if this goal is reached much earlier.

If the deployment of effective North Korean IRBMs and SLBMs is inevitable, it would only make sense for the U.S.-ROK alliance to deploy the U.S. made Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system on South Korean soil in order to intercept any North Korea missiles. However, the range of the THAAD radar and interceptor missiles will enable this system to intercept missiles fired from China, eroding the efficacy of the PRC's strategic deterrence. Hence, Beijing bitterly opposes Washington's and Seoul's joint decision taken on July 8 to deploy THAAD.

However, Beijing cannot have its cake and eat it too. In all previous Pyongyang instigated nuclear or missile crises, China has always insisted that North Korea be negotiated with, while concurrently persuading the U.S. and ROK from implementing punitive measures, and refusing to apply any economic sanctions that would seriously pressure the DPRK. Cynically, it can be argued that the PRC's leadership wants both Washington and Seoul to maintain a policy of strategic patience, and treat North Korea with "kid gloves" while respecting Chinese deterrence sensitivities.

It can be seen that the Kim regime is all too willing to use nuclear and missile aggrandizement as part of a coercive negotiation to obtain aid from the U.S. and/or South Korea. Hence, since carrots do not work in bringing about any lasting positive change in North Korean behavior, it is reasonable to resort to the stick.

Additionally, since the DPRK can, given sufficient time, develop successful IRBMs, SLBMs and possibly Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, action must be taken to limit Pyongyang's strategic missile arsenal to the low dozens or even less. Considering that previous United Nations Security Council Resolutions have already prohibited all North Korean missile tests, China as the DPRK's only significant global conduit, must strictly prohibit all rocket fuel or fuel production chemical exports, along with any materials components that might be useful for missile production to the latter.

Lastly, it would be hypocritical of Beijing to object to THAAD deployment while refusing to apply coercive economic leverage against Pyongyang to influence the Kim regime. If Kim chooses to consistently thumb his nose at Beijing using nuclear and missile shenanigans, perhaps a two week closure of all land crossings and sea ports to North Korean commercial traffic would remind young Marshall Kim that as his grandfather and father could not ignore the strategic interests and dictates of the PRC, neither can he.

Liang Tuang Nah, Ph.D., is a fellow at the Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University. Write to isltnah@ntu.edu.sg.
By Tong Kim

Many have reached a point of fatigue and a sense of futility in talking about denuclearization. There is

plenty of blame to go around for Pyongyang, Washington and Seoul.



North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho, speaking to reporters in Vientiane, Laos, where he was attending this year's ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), said on July

26, "The United States dissipated the possibility of denuclearization into the air," and added whether his country would conduct another nuclear test "would depend on the United States."



On July 26, toward the end of the ARF meeting, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said, "North Korean actions present a very serious threat not just to this region but to international peace and security." After suggesting that an Iranian type of solution

can still apply to North Korea, Kerry said, "The DPRK is the only country... that continues to develop its nuclear weapons and missiles."



Kerry called for full enforcement of U.N. sanctions to make sure that the North understands there are "real consequences" for flouting its international obligations.

The ARF chairman's statement expressed "shared concerns over current developments in the Korean Peninsula, confirming that the recent nuclear and missile tests by North Korea were in violation of the U.N. resolutions and supporting an early resumption of the six-party talks to make progress in denuclearization." "Most ministers" not all in attendance "urged the DPRK to comply with all relevant U.N. resolutions."

At every venue of multilateral diplomacy under U.S. influence, there has been a statement of concern or condemnation for North Korean provocations. Nevertheless, none of these statements or U.N. resolutions has produced a positive impact on North Korean behavior. In reality, with the absence of genuine dialogue with the North Koreans, these unilateral measures only made them more provocative in action and rhetoric.

Under these circumstances, there are basically three groups of thinking in Seoul with regard to an exit strategy from the current box of the nuclear dilemma.

One group mostly consists of conservative views that support the official policy of Washington and Seoul and believes there would be no denuclearization unless the Pyongyang regime changes. This group does not believe Pyongyang will change on its own and, therefore, it should be further pressed by sanctions until it changes or collapses.

The same group also believes that it is time to develop a strategy of regime change, or to undertake a massive information program to the North Korean people to undermine their support for Kim Jong-un and eventually rise up to subvert his regime. This group even thinks it is time to consider military action to take out Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal.

The second group is made up of progressive views, which are often branded as "pro-North Korean" by the Seoul government and its conservative supporters. This group believes a proactive government role in fixing the deteriorated inter-Korean relations and in persuading Washington to engage Pyongyang in dialogue would be helpful to the eventual resolution of the nuclear issue. This group urges dialogue and engagement. It encourages efforts to improve relations with the North.

In contrast to the conservatives, who do not exclude military action or unification by force, the progressive group thinks reconciliation and cooperation with the North is still possible, as it was during the days of the two progressive governments of Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun. This group believes Seoul's decision to deploy the THAAD system in the South was the final straw. Many in this group describe the Terminal High Altitude Air Defense system as a system incapable of destroying all incoming North Korean missiles if they are launched in multitudes, outnumbering the 48 interceptor projectiles from a THAAD battery.

Now there is a third emerging group that includes non-activist, pragmatic pacifists. This group is pessimistic on the prospect of denuclearization. Like progressives, this group strongly opposes any dangerous military moves  that is more likely to contribute to tensions than to peace. This group understands that Pyongyang claims its behavior is the consequence of U.S. and South Korean hostile policy provocative to them. And, it prefers a new creative approach, not the same old-fashioned cuddling, be pursued to avoid further confrontation with the North.

This third group finds both sides  Pyongyang and Seoul  responsible for the current situation of insecurity on the peninsula. This group believes the maintenance of peace is possible without capitulation. Even the status quo of temporary peace or in the name of "peaceful coexistence" is better than risking a costly war. Denuclearization by coercion  by economic or military means  might backfire in volatility. Is it the time to learn how to live with a nuclear North Korea? What's your take?

Tong Kim is a Washington correspondent and columnist for The Korea Times. He is also a fellow at the Institute of Korean-American Studies. He can be contacted at tong.kim8@yahoo.com.
It is both sad and alarming that some former North Korean women, who have defected to the South, end up working at entertainment spots as prostitutes to make a living.



What an irony! They came to Korea in the teeth of life-threatening adversity and pain of leaving the family for a better life than the gulag that was their previous home, escaping from the tyranny of the dynastic Kim family and an ever-dwindling ration. Here in what was supposed to be the land of new opportunity, they are living a life that they can't say is much better than their old one.



This is a failure of the current "adaptation programs" for northern defectors, running the risk of relegating them to the permanent lot of poverty and hopelessness, and turning them into a new class of discontents in our society.



Reports have it that these women in their 20s and 30s work at "ticket" tea rooms where they have sex with customers for the duration of the ticket purchased while delivering outside orders, or serve at singing rooms as sex partners for paying customers.



There are a cluster of such places in Yongin and Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, with some of them being run by owners who themselves are from the North. These women have professed that they have turned to prostitution because they couldn't make a living, much less find a decent job. The government offers job training programs and helps the defectors find jobs but fresh from the programs, they as novices are paid little without the strongest social safety net  families to back them up.



According to the Korea Hana Foundation, a quasi-government organization for defectors, about 18 percent of them make between 500,000 won and 1 million won per month, although slightly over 70 percent make between 1 million won and 2 million won. Another Hana survey of 2,444 defectors aged 15 or over tells the situation most vividly as about 61 percent think they belong to a lower class, while about 36 percent think they are middle class. As a matter of fact, one in five wanted to go back to their old home in the North. Currently, about 29,000 North Koreans have defected to the South with 70 percent of them or nearly 26,000 being women.



If they are left without stronger bootstrap programs, more of them could sink to the bottom of the social ladder. The defectors offer us a trial run for unification, and obviously by the plight these northern people face we are failing. Unless we start to prepare now, we will fail even more miserably when unification that requires the integration of 25 million North Koreans comes.




Gov't needs more than threats, fines



A string of scandals has landed some big foreign multinational companies on the wrong side of public opinion, while the government is pressuring them on behalf of consumers.



As with domestic companies, these firms are required to play by the rules and, if they don't, they should be penalized in proportion to the lives endangered and damaged inflicted. There shouldn't be any question about this.



However, the process by which these firms' wrongdoings are investigated and penalties determined should be fair and transparent to all parties involved  both perpetrating firms and victimized consumers. To ensure a fair process is the government's job but so far it has not done this well by any set of standards. Rather, it appears to be trying to cover up its incompetence by channeling the public's anger to these foreign firms and make scapegoats out of them.



First, Oxy Reckitt Benckiser should be punished for its deadly humidifier disinfectant; however, the government had a chance to deal with it earlier and reduce the number of victims. The first known incident occurred in 2011 but it was only this year that the case of epidemic proportions has been brought to the fore, creating a belated big fuss over it.



It is because the government was incapable of debunking Oxy's arranged manipulated lab tests or establishing the sterilizer as the cause of death. People were left naked to the dangers of untested chemicals.



Second, Volkswagen is under fire for cheating on diesel car mileage and emissions, and its failure to treat Korea and the United States equally with regards to compensation. The government says a paper trail has been found to confirm systematic cheating was done not just at its headquarters but also here in Korea. The company argues that there were errors in the documents. Still, the government can slap a sales ban as an administrative action. Still, it remains to be seen whether such an action, if taken, will withstand the scrutiny of the courts.



In both cases, the government paraded foreign CEOs and made them the lightning rod of public animosity.



Thirdly, Qualcomm faces a big fine for using its market dominance as the world's biggest smartphone chipmaker to gain huge royalties from LG and Samsung. Qualcomm may pay the large fine but appears to be taking it as a kind of quasi tax. The Fair Trade Commission's case against the company is quite shaky because device-level licensing is indeed the norm of the industry as Qualcomm claims.



These cases offer Korea a lot to think over. Above all, it is worthy checking whether the current way of handling them, as a Qualcomm official said, is as crude as in China  this must not be the case in a market many times smaller than the neighboring country.



Korea has come so far thanks in a large part to its globalization efforts and will likely depend on this more so in the future. It is necessary to treat foreign firms fairly and keep them safe from political ups and downs so that more of them will keep investing.



To the outside world, the cases of Volkswagen, Oxy and Qualcomm could be another test of how good a place Korea is for doing business. The jury is out, but Korea Inc. can't afford to lose these cases.




By Shim Jae-yun

What is the key to success for a company when it starts conducting business in another country? There are many cases of rises and declines of foreign companies doing business here. Also, numerous domestic firms undergo similar experiences in overseas markets.

In 2001, I did a series of interviews with some 50 CEOs of foreign-invested companies active here. I could draw a clear conclusion about the possible success of a foreign company here through conversations with them. What mattered is what we call "Glocalization."

With effective implementation of glocalization, they became successful. As a coinage of globalization and localization, glocalization refers to the need for a firm to pursue marketing and managerial tactics tailored to the local consumers and employees coupled with their tradition of global standards.

Most successful companies were those that managed to see peaceful and cooperative relations with their employees including unionized workers, in particular.

Take BMW Korea for instance. Under the leadership of Kim Hyo-joon, the German-based company has had steady growth, taking firm root in Korea. At a luncheon meeting with the writer in April, Kim underlined the need to initiate innovation to cope with the rapidly changing business environment. He also stressed the importance of human resources by respecting company employees as the basis for growth.

In contrast, foreign outlets like Carrefour and Wal-Mart had to bow out of the local market, unable to adopt efficient tactics to attract Korean consumers. They largely failed to read the locals' minds and were unaware of cultural differences, only pushing for their own business styles that worked in their home countries.

French-based L'Oreal Korea and Pernod Ricard are suffering from conflicts with their unionized workers. Recognizing the significance of peaceful relations with workers, GM Korea CEO James Kim has frequent contact with the unionized employees, sharing working launches with them.

Volkswagen of Germany has become a public enemy here, fiercely criticized by the people and the government.

Despite its apparent practice of cheating fuel efficiency and emissions tests with faked documents and rigged software, the company has so far failed to make a sincere apology to its customers and come up with appropriate compensation for them.

This triggered a strong public outcry because the German firm compensated U.S. customers with 17.4 trillion won ($15.3 billion), but nothing like that here.

British-based Oxy Reckitt Benckiser also aroused public anger after it was found to have sold humidifier disinfectant that killed more than 100 people and injured hundreds from 2001 to 2011. Though its Korean division head Ataur Safdar apologized, the controversy is expected to linger because the company sold the products only in Korea and tried to hide and contract the cases. As Safdar put it, five years have passed and they were late in making the claims.

Swedish self-assembly furniture maker Ikea has recalled 360 Malm dressers in the U.S. and 9 million in Canada. But it has yet to take any measures in Korea, just pledging compensation on request.

Experts say that the overseas companies' apparent discrimination against Korean consumers is chiefly due to loopholes in domestic law regarding the foreign-invested firms, offering diverse incentives in terms of land use, taxes and so on.

Given this background, Rep. Park Young-sun of the opposition Minjoo Party of Korea drew attention to the matter by initiating a class action bill targeting foreign-invested companies that commit discriminatory business practices against domestic consumers.

The bill features the punitive "opt-out" rule as seen in the U.S., obligating companies to compensate all victims once it loses a lawsuit filed by just one consumer. This will surely alert the foreign companies over their alleged mistreatment of Korean consumers.

But the bill, once in effect, will also likely have far-reaching impact on local companies as it will also probably lead to numerous lawsuits, causing huge burdens on them. U.S. companies had to prepare $265 billion in case of class action suits in 2010, accounting for 1.8 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) of the U.S. It is now high time for the foreign-invested firms to cherish the value of glocalization by honoring the interests of local consumers based on their global standards. That is the only way for them to ensure sustainability here without taking a huge toll, including their possible exit from here.
West Point cadets Daniel Whitfield, left, and Travis Moody, second from left, hold a discussion in a lab at Sogang University in Seoul, Friday, with Prof. Shin Kwan-woo, right, who chairs the Department of Chemistry and the Institute of Biological Interfaces at the university. / Courtesy of Sogang University



By Jun Ji-hye

Two U.S. Army cadets are currently visiting South Korea to participate in a joint research program operated by Sogang University, Harvard University and the United States Military Academy.

During the three-week program that kicked off on July 17, cadets Travis Moody and Daniel Whitfield, along with graduate researchers from Sogang University in western Seoul, have been attempting to hone a certain paper-based microfluidic device with relevant military applications under the leadership of Prof. Shin Kwan-woo, who chairs the university's Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biological Interfaces.

The annual program first began last year as part of efforts to foster intellectual and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Whitfield explained in an interview that the device can detect many dangerous substances from heavy metals to dangerous bacteria.

"Further, it is adaptable, cheap and portable as it works using circuits printed onto paper with conductive ink," Whitfield said, noting that the program definitely helps enhance the friendship between Seoul and Washington.

Moody echoed Whitfield's view, saying, "The biggest takeaway has been the development of friendships and connections that bridge the cross-cultural divide between the United States and South Korea."

When asked about their feelings as future officers visiting Seoul when military tensions between the two Koreas have been raised due to the North's ongoing provocations, Whitfield said, "I feel that it is our duty to support South Korea as our ally against North Korea."

The authoritarian state fired three short-range ballistic missiles on July 19, which was the latest in a series of provocations.

But Whitfield said he did not think much about the tensions on a daily basis as he believes that the South Korean Army is world-class and easily outmatches what the North fields, and the U.S. Army stationed here provides additional support to its friends.

For his part, Moody said North Korea's recent actions have not changed his attitude about visiting Seoul because he has full confidence in the abilities of the ROK Army backed up by the U.S. Army.

The two West Point cadets also expressed their expectation for an opportunity to visit the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) during the program.

"I think the DMZ will be very interesting to visit," Whitfield said. "It is really a physical representation of the uneasy tension between the Korean nations. Maybe some would consider visiting dangerous, but I definitely trust in our military forces. It will be cool to see such a unique site."

Moody also said, "I am excited to have the opportunity to tour the DMZ. There is a lot of historical significance as well as a certain ominous connotation associated with the area."
Chung Hyun-suk, president of Hilti Korea, poses in the company's office in Gangnam district in southern Seoul. Hilti Korea was one of the 10 companies to win the "Best Employer" recognition by Aon Hewitt this year.

/ Courtesy of Hilti Korea





Power tool company wins best employer recognition after 30 years in Korea



By Kim Ji-soo

The Hilti brand's familiarity is noticeable for a professional power tool manufacturer, perhaps because of its signature red tool box seen on construction sites or in the backyards of do-it-yourself guys who use its tools for home repairs and other chores.

"We call it the red marketing  the red tool box and the red car," said Chung Hyun-suk, CEO of Hilti Korea, in a recent interview with The Korea Times.

Hilti Korea provides innovative products, equipment and services for construction professionals. Its bestsellers, namely anchors, nailing machines, chemical firestop and power tools are often used on landmark construction projects, including the Lotte World II high-rise and the second passenger terminal at Incheon International Airport.

But in addition to its commercial success, the company was voted this year one of the top 10 best employers in Korea by Aon Hewitt, one of the world's largest human resource consulting companies. For Hilti Korea, which marks its 30th year in Korea, it was the first inclusion in the recognition that rates companies based on assessment and feedback of employees, the CEO and human resources people.

"One of the main reasons it was voted so high is that Hilti Korea shifted to putting people first, in accordance with the Liechtenstein-based group's core values," Chung said. Until only two years ago, the company had been focused on increasing sales since entering the market in 1986.

Interestingly, the company's foray into the Korean market was faster than those of other industry power players such as Bosch and Stanley Black & Decker, because its construction materials products such as anchors were already familiar to Korean construction workers, many of whom used the products while working overseas.

"Hilti products are familiar to the Korean construction workers who worked on construction sites in the Middle East in the late 1970s," Chung said. In the heyday of industrialization, Korean workers went to the Middle East to earn higher wages and valuable foreign reserves. He said once professionals use Hilti products, they realize that their quality and durability make the higher prices worth it.

"Our products' value allows users to finish tasks early, which means lower labor costs; our tools last long and do not break down or malfunction often, which means that overall labor and personnel costs will likely be lower also," Chung said.

The significant size of the Korean construction industry, ranked 15th in 2015 in terms of investment according to IHS Construction Outlook, provides opportunities for growth for companies in related industries, like Hilti.

Hilti's horizontal corporate structure, which promotes communication and initiative among employees, also helped the company gain the Aon Hewitt recognition. Hilti has adopted its parent company's corporate culture and core values  "integrity, courage, teamwork and commitment."

Asked if the concept of commitment is recognized by today's young workers, Chung said that it is at Hilti Korea. Each Hilti worker recognizes the concept and appreciates their fellow workers' efforts. "These core values and our corporate culture prevail across Hilti companies around the world." The company, which started in the European principality of Liechtenstein in 1941, employs around 24,000 employees in over 120 nations. It is interesting to note the number of worldwide employees when Liechtenstein has a population of around 36,000.

Yet at the same time, each company adapts to its local market, which translates into further growth for both the company and its workers.

Hilti Korea has 184 employees, including 18 engineers. It has seen both profits and losses. But last year, the company turned into the black, with 68.4 billion won in sales and 2.8 billion won in operating profit.

As more affordable competing products, particularly those from China, enter the market, Hilti needs to continuously promote its products to consumers, primarily through "direct contact" with customers and "direct distribution," which are Hilti Korea's strong marketing capabilities. Chung said the company hopes to further sharpen its "direct contact" with customers  where salespeople go directly to the sites and conduct demonstrations for would-be buyers. The company currently has about 7,000 clients, mostly in construction, and the plan is to have its salespeople cultivate more specialties in reaching out directly to them.

Chung earned bachelor's and master's degrees, both in architectural engineering, from Yonsei University in Seoul, and earned an MBA at INSEAD in France. He was an engineer with Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology and worked in Korean firms such as Yehwa Construction. He joined Hilti Group in 2008, and took the helm of Hilti Korea in January 2014.

As a young CEO at a multinational company, he said he is well-suited to the corporate environment where people can rise up the ranks as they put in more effort. "You have to be really a hands-on person," he said, as you go up the corporate ladder. Chung said his role models include Hilti board members such as Matthias Gillner, an executive board member of Hilti, who visit sites, and meet employees and customers.

As Chung himself has the support of his bosses, the company's board members and the company, he said he is most fulfilled when his employees perform well.

"As a leader, Icannot do everything,"Chung said, expanding that a leader must trust and delegate. "Also, I believe stellar people should be working for me. That makes my life easier," he said, laughing.

When he first took the helm of the company, he said he faced the dilemma of focusing on what was important versus what was urgent.

Asked about his plans for the company, Chung said the goal is to work toward "Champion 2020."

"That is, to double the 2014 sales by 2020 and to become one of the top 10 companies within Hilti Group," while retaining the distinction that it is a great place to work, Chung said.

Chung also said he hopes Hilti Korea will become one of the top three companies within the group in the Asia-Pacific region; it is currently in the top five in the region, following the branches in China, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong.

"The competition is always tough, but we have our specialties," Chung said.
By Lee Min-hyung



The government is in an all-out war to stop multinational corporations from artificially shifting profits to low or no-tax locations, mandating them to submit country-by-country tax reports.



The Ministry of Strategy and Finance on Thursday announced its proposed tax revision, outlining that international companies here should notify the nation's tax regulator of their income taxes for each country they operate in.



The aggressive and wider range of tax revision is aimed particularly at global IT giants  such as Google and Microsoft  which have been at the center of a series of controversies here over their suspected tax evasion.



The ministry plans to receive the reports  which include details of the companies' income taxes and sales by country  no later than the end of next year and share the relevant tax information with other countries, as part of its cross-border bid to prevent the companies from using tax havens.



The move reflects the government's bid to be in line with the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project.



Google Korea said it will maintain its previous position in its tax-related dispute here.



"Google Korea has always complied with tax rules in all the countries where we operate, and will follow new rules to be implemented," a Google Korea spokeswoman said.





Reverse discrimination on overseas firms?



Google's local counterparts  such as Naver  have expressed frustration over the government's failure to determine the issue in a more transparent and active way.



"Nothing is unveiled over how much Google or Apple reaps profits here from their app stores," Naver founder and chairman Lee Hae-jin, said at a recent press conference. Naver is the nation's top portal operator. His remarks reflect that Google should also be under the same regulations as Naver.



"Things are no different for YouTube or Facebook. If Google can establish its own data center here, all the tax-related issues may be put to an end," he said.



Google Korea, however, said the company has to consider various factors  including local infrastructure and experienced manpower to manage the facility  before establishing a data center here. But the nation has yet to meet its standard over the plan, according to the company.



Kwon Beom-joon, software engineer at Google Korea, said: "Google is fully complying with not just the Korean tax system, but that of other countries where it operates its business.



"We take a very comprehensive approach over the establishment of data centers before making our final decision. They include how stable the local technology infrastructure is and whether the nation has a reasonable regulatory system."




U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday issued a new policy directive laying out how U.S. government agencies should respond to significant cyber attacks from China, Russia, North Korea and other actors, White House officials said.

The Presidential Policy Directive on United States Cyber Incident Coordination is the latest in a series of measures the U.S. government has taken to battle cyberattacks.

"When it comes to cyber actors, the global landscape is increasingly diverse and dangerous. Nations like Russia and China are growing more assertive and sophisticated in their cyber operations. Iran has launched denial of service attacks on American banks -- and North Korea has demonstrated it will conduct destructive attacks -- against other nations and companies alike," Lisa O. Monaco, Obama's counterterrorism aide, said at the International Conference on Cyber Security in New York.

Monaco said the new directive establishes a clear framework to coordinate the government's response to cyberattacks and spells out which federal agencies are responsible.

The North's cyber capabilities have been a greater focus of attention since a massive hacking attack on Sony Pictures in late 2014, which Pyongyang is believed to have carried out in retaliation for Sony's release of a comedy film ridiculing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. (Yonhap)
By Lee Han-soo

Japan's Mt. Sakurajima volcano, in the country's southwest, had an explosive eruption early Tuesday, spewing ash 5,000 meters into the air.

Kyodo News said the eruption in Kyushu Prefecture also created a spectacular thunderstorm.

This is the first eruption since August 2013 with such magnitude, according to the Kagoshima Meteorological Office.

It was Japan's 47th volcano eruption this year. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has raised alert levels for 34 of the watch-list of 37 active volcanoes in the country.

The JMA also warned residents and travelers in the area of the danger of traffic accidents because of falling ash.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said the U.S. could end up in a "massive war protecting somebody" if North Korean leader Kim Jong-un suddenly becomes "frisky."



Once again displaying deeply negative views of U.S. security commitments to allies, Trump also said in a campaign speech Wednesday that the U.S. would find itself in "essentially World War III" if Japan comes under attack, arguing that the Asian nation does not have to do anything if the U.S. gets attacked.



"The man that we know so well who's always threatening everybody in the region, North Korea, if he all of a sudden gets a little more frisky than just words, we end up in a massive war protecting somebody," Trump said, referring to the North's leader, Kim.



Trump has long argued that the U.S. should no longer be the "policeman of the world," claiming it makes no sense for the U.S. to pay to defend such wealthy allies as Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia in exchange for little.



He says allies should pay 100 percent of the cost of stationing American troops, or the U.S. should be prepared to end their protection. He even suggested allowing South Korea and Japan to develop their own nuclear weapons for self-defense so as to reduce U.S. security burdens.



Trump has stepped up the argument since clinching the nomination last week.



"We don't want to be the stupid people anymore," Trump said. "Before I ran, did anybody know that we were protecting and paying for a large portion of the protection of Japan, which sells us cars by the millions, and Germany and Saudi Arabia and South Korea?"



South Korea currently pays about half the costs, about US$900 million a year, to help finance the troop presence, and U.S. officials, including new U.S. Forces Korea Commander Vincent Brooks, said it would cost more to keep those troops stationed in the U.S. than it does in Korea.



Apparently referring to Brooks, Trump quoted "this general" as pointing out that Japan pays about 50 percent of the troop presence cost, and adding, "Why aren't they paying for 100 percent?" (Yonhap)




Melania Trump took down her personal website after a controversy over her college degree. / Korea Times file



By Yeo Ye-rim

Melania Knauss Trump, wife of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, deleted her personal website on Wednesday after doubts were raised about the validity of her college degree.

The website had claimed she received an undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Ljubljana before going into modeling. But the statement was at odds with what her biography, "Melania Trump: The Inside Story," claimed. According to the biography, Trump gave up college after a year to focus on her modeling career.

Trump's older website years ago claimed Trump had obtained a degree in design and architecture at the University of Slovenia.

After the website was taken down, Trump said through Twitter: "The website in question was created in 2012 and has been removed because it does not accurately reflect my current business and professional interests."

On July 19, Melania Trump's speech at the Republican national convention triggered controversy over allegations of plagiarizing Michelle Obama's speech of 2008.
Description

The Antique and Appraisers Road Show & Sisterhood and Mens Club at Temple Or Elohim are excited to announce that we are bringing you The Antique and Appraisers Road Show (similar to but not affiliated with The Antique Road Show) on Sunday, July 31 from 9 AM until 6 PM. This is a ONE DAY ONLY event that you will not want to miss! There is a $3.00 event admission (persons under 16 enter for free).

Have you ever wanted to know what the painting hanging on your living room wall is really worth, or great-grandmas gold necklace that forever has been sitting in a drawer? Well, we will have appraisers who are former top associates at Sothebys and Christies available to verbally appraise your antiques and vintage articles. There will be a $5.00 appraisal charge per item as you interact with experts in all areas that include art of all types, military items, toys, oriental pieces, jewelry, stamps, coins, objets dart, furniture and so much more. There is always the possibility that these esteemed appraisers could offer to buy your items for cash on the spot!

In addition to the expert appraisers on hand, there will be vendors who sell vintage and antique items for your home or collections. Prints and maps, estate jewelry (gold, silver and costume), fine art, Oriental Rugs, bric-a brac and more! Cash or credit! Vendors available 9 am until 5 pm.

In addition, we are selling vintage fur coats for a fraction of the retail cost. This will be an incredible opportunity! Buy a pre-owned fur and repurpose, keep it as is or change its look! Prices range from $100-$700none higher. Great deals that cant be passed up! Mink, lynx, raccoon, beaver, lambs wool and more!

So, if you have items for appraisal, here is your chance to have them verbally appraised...and no appointment is necessary!

Bring your items, bring the kids, have a snack at our food court, but save the date: Sunday, July 31, 9 AM to 6 PM, and remember the place:

Temple Or Elohim, 18 Tobie Lane, Jericho, New York. Free lot parking available.
QUESTION: Our homeowners association is located in Los Angeles. We have eight employees: two office workers, two groundskeepers, two maintenance personnel and two security guards. No one has complained about their hourly pay, which has been the bare minimum. Instead, they seem pleased that they have had their jobs for a long time giving them job stability. Recently, a homeowner said that we have to give all employees an hourly raise in pay because it is the law. We are not a wealthy association and we want to keep the monthly dues low. If this is true, we will have to raise the associations monthly assessments to pay this new wage increase. If we do not increase the monthly assessment, we may need to decrease our number of employees. If the employees say they dont want a raise do we still have to pay them the higher hourly rate?

ANSWER: It is understandable that the board wants to keep monthly dues low, but complying with the law is a priority.

Unless your association wants to reduce services through layoffs or reduced hours for certain employees, the board has a duty and a mandate to fund operations through assessments. Without a vote of the owners, the board can impose a 20% regular assessment increase that is not greater than the regular assessment for the associations preceding fiscal year. The board can also unilaterally impose special assessments, which in the aggregate do not exceed 5% of the budgeted gross expenses of the association for that fiscal year. These board powers are intended to be used for increases in the cost of operation resulting from changes in the law, such as minimum wage increases.

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The argument that employees dont want the increase is simply not credible. Most employment laws are mandatory and are applied to business whether or not an individual employee requests enforcement. The rationale is that employees are unlikely to risk upsetting their employers by asking for raises, sick days, or even safer working conditions. If an employee is encouraged to forgo the statutory minimum wage increase in exchange for keeping their job, that is a violation of labor laws. Any remedial legislation written for the protection of employees, such as minimum wage laws, may not be violated by agreement between the employer and employee, according to Civil Code sections 1668 and 3513.

As an employer in Los Angeles your association is subject to both federal and California state employment laws, as well as Los Angeles County and city specific provisions.

As of July 1, Los Angeles employers with at least 26 employees are required to pay employees the new minimum wage of $10.50 an hour. The wage increases annually for four more years until it reaches $15 on July 1, 2020. The new wage schedule and its series of annual increases kicks in July 1, 2017, for employers such as your association, which have fewer workers or are nonprofits that apply for a deferral with the Franchise Tax Board. In addition to these increases, employers in Los Angeles will be required to increase the number of paid sick days provided to employees.

Employers that fail to pay the minimum wage may be subject to a claim for the difference between all wages paid and the amount due under the law. Failure to give employees required sick leave could result in a penalty of either three times the value of the paid sick leave withheld from an employee or $250, whichever is greater, up to a total of $4,000. Lawsuits by employees against their employers also frequently result in a reimbursement of fees and costs.

To find out more, call the Minimum Wage Hotline at (844) 924-3752.

Zachary Levine, a partner at Wolk & Levine, a business and intellectual property law firm, co-wrote this column. Vanitzian is an arbitrator and mediator. Send questions to Donie Vanitzian, JD, P.O. Box 10490, Marina del Rey, CA 90295 ornoexit@mindspring.com

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HBOs Westworld, a sci-fi/western based on Michael Crichtons 1973 film, made a buzzy debut at the Television Critics Assn. summer press tour Saturday in Beverly Hills.

For months the premium cable network has kept information about Westworld a closely-guarded secret. But this week the details of the robot-filled universe finally began to emerge, as did the premiere date: Oct. 2.

The cast of Westworld  Jeffrey Wright, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Evan Rachel Wood, James Marsden, Thandie Newton and Ed Harris-- joined co-creators Lisa Joy and Jonathan Nolan to talk robots in cowboys hats, and the new Westworld sounds intense.

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Set in the future, Westworld takes place inside a fantasy-fulfilling theme park populated with humanoid robots (a.k.a. hosts).

This army of hosts is programmed to think it lives inside an American frontier town during the late 19th century. For a price, guests can act out their wildest fantasies. Whether that means merely participating in a bit of costumed old-timey fun, or murdering a collection of hosts followed by a salacious night at the local brothel, the experience is entirely up to the guest. Think Pleasure Island but with horses and more dust. But what happens when the Fantasy Island experience goes dark?

Spoilers ahead:

The first question from the reporters helped demonstrate how Westworld straddles the dueling genres.

In the Westworld saloon, its player piano (which gets more than its fair share of screen time) has a tendency to crank out familiar tunes such as Black Hole Sun and Paint it Black.

One of the advantages of being able to make a western, that is actually a synthetic western set in the future, is you get to play with contemporary music, Jonathan Nolan explained.

My brother [Oscar-nominated director Christopher Nolan] never wanted to put any of it in his films. I had this pent-up appetite of 10 years not being able to do it.

The creators wanted to avoid introducing audiences to Westworld in a traditional western manner.

We made a very conscious choice to start the series through the point of view of [the host] Dolores, Joy said of Woods character. So that we could fully be with her in believing the reality and the familial connections that she had. And after establishing that empathy, we start to broaden the world. Not only examining the lives of the guests who come into the park, but also the technicians who work in the park below the ground.

Wood detailed the process of finding the physical and emotional tics of her character, which could change instantly. We call them acting Olympics, she said. You have to shift from a panic attack, into a complete freeze-computer analysis mode in the span of seconds.

The producers also tackled a question about rape and physical violence towards women in the pilot. (It was an issue that spilled over from the earlier executive panel with Casey Bloys, new president of HBO programming, who was asked three different times about sexualized violence in Game of Thrones and now Westworld.)

It was definitely something that was heavily discussed and heavily considered as we worked on this, Joy said. The series, she explained, is an examination of human nature including both love and enlightenment and also its baser instincts.

Violence and sexual violence have sadly been a fact of human history since the beginning of human history, Joy continued. So when we were tackling a project about a park in which the premise is you can come there and do whatever you want, whatever desire you have with impunity, without consequence  it seems like its an issue that we had to address.

Now, when addressing it, theres a lot of thinking that goes into it. Sexual violence, not only for me but for everybody on our team, is an issue that we take seriously. Its extraordinarily disturbing and horrifying. In its portrayal we really endeavored for it to not be about the fetishization of those acts. It is about exploring the crime and establishing the crime, and the torment of the characters within this story. And exploring their stories, hopefully with dignity and depth.

Twitter: @MdellW
Hello! Im Mark Olsen, and welcome to your weekly field guide to a world of Only Good Movies.

This week was so jammed with new releases that were skipping our typical older rep-house selection to spotlight four new films. And even then, just this week in local theaters theres the action blockbuster Jason Bourne, the decidedly smaller The Land, Into the Forest with Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood, Anna Gunn in Equity, the docs Dont Blink  Robert Frank, Gleason and The Seventh Fire and plenty more.

Also, I reviewed Bad Moms, which features performers I like very much in a movie that I wish did better by them.

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And the Coen Brothers debut, Blood Simple, is playing in L.A. in a new remastered version. It holds up.

So go ahead and tell me again how theres nothing in movie theaters.

We also have another screening and Q&A event coming up soon with The Intervention. Check events.latimes.com for more info.

Dont Think Twice

Mike Birbiglia writes and directs Dont Think Twice, an earnest and insightful film about an improv comedy troupe. The film touches on ambition and failure and is dramatic, funny, warm and really one of the years delights so far. Birbiglia costars as a member of the troupe alongside Gillian Jacobs, Keegan-Michael Key, Kate Micucci, Chris Gethard and Tami Sagher. As with his previous movie, Sleepwalk With Me, the film features NPRs Ira Glass as a producer.

In his review for The Times, Gary Goldstein noted, For a movie that involves creating laughs on the fly, the story is tightly told and acted, which adds to its buoyant pacing, astute observations and well-judged poignancy.

Mike Birbiglia (in blue checkered shirt) with actors Gillian Jacobs, Keegan-Michael Key, Kate Micucci and Chris Gethard. (Jennifer S. Altman / For the Los Angeles Times )

At the Chicago Tribune, Michael Phillips declared it an unusually delicate movie about the brutal business of being funny for a living.

At BuzzFeed, Alison Willmore compared the film to others that drew from the personal experience of its creators, noting, Its tender and believable while maintaining enough distance on its material to give it form, telling a story rather than a series of anecdotes.

Times colleague Steve Zeitchik wrote about the film after its SXSW premiere earlier this year. I also spoke to Birbiglia, Glass and some of the cast for a recent story.

And I sat down for an extended conversation with Ira Glass at SXSW.

Indignation

James Schamus has had a long and illustrious career in film, as a producer and screenwriter and former head of Focus Features. But he makes his feature directing debut with Indignation, which he adapted from the 2008 novel by Philip Roth. In the film, set in 1951, a young man (Logan Lerman) goes to college in a small town in Ohio and finds his stern assumptions about the world challenged by both a sophisticated, troubled girl (Sarah Gadon) and a strict but genuine administrator (Tracy Letts).

Reviewing for The Times, Kenneth Turan called the film an impressive directing debut, adding that it tells a very particular story, one thats bittersweet, heartbreaking and bleakly comic all at once, and it gets it right.

At New York magazines Vulture site, David Edelstein noted that Schamuss style is deliberate but not cold, and the performances he has elicited are passionately deliberate. He also added, Is there a better Roth adaptation? Its not close.

James Schamus directing a Philip Roth adaptation? Sign me up, is what Letts said to me for a story I wrote on Schamus and the film. Viewers would also be advised to follow his decision.

Tallulah

In her feature debut, Tallulah, filmmaker Sian Heder, also a writer for Orange Is the New Black, creates a dramatic comedy about a young woman (Ellen Page) who impulsively takes an infant she was babysitting when she decides the mother (Tammy Blanchard) is unfit. With nowhere else to go, she takes the child to her boyfriends mother (Allison Janney). The film becomes a delicately sincere treatise on motherhood.

Reviewing for The Times, Katie Walsh said that its unlikely youll see a film more refreshingly honest and incisive about motherhood than Tallulah. 

At MTV, Inkoo Kang called the film a disturbing yet compassionate tale of being forced into a decision in a situation where there are no good choices.

In the New York Times, Neil Genzlinger wrote that its a deft mix of emotions: heart-rending, occasionally funny, even harrowing, as the police get involved. And if there were an Oscar for best performance by children too young to know theyre in a movie, the twins playing this baby (Liliana and Evangeline Ellis) would be a shoo-in.

Back just before the film premiered at Sundance, I spoke to Heder about the unmistakable irony of her having been pregnant with her second child while shooting the movie, meaning she was going through some of the same issues as her characters to get the film made.

There is so much pressure on women to be nailing it all of the time, Heder said. The irony is my experience of having to leave my child to make the movie made me feel like I was failing in some way like the mothers in the movie are failing.

The Childhood of a Leader

It became something of a running joke among the festival crowd just how often the young actor Brady Corbet would pop up in small cameo roles in films like Saint Laurent or Clouds of Sils Maria alongside his larger roles for Lars von Trier or Michael Haneke. His European excursion seems to have now paid off in his debut as a filmmaker with the fascinating The Childhood of a Leader, something of a fictionalized fantasy origin story of a Mitteleuropean dictator starring Robert Pattinson, Stacy Martin, Berenice Bejo, Liam Cunningham and Tom Sweet. The movie picked up two prizes when it premiered at last years Venice Film Festival.

Reviewing for The Times, Gary Goldstein called the film intriguing and haunting while also singling out the rare score by the elusive musician Scott Walker.

Calling the movie a slow-boil freakout in the New York Times, Manohla Dargis noted it as a persuasive portrait of a monster-to-be.

At IndieWire, David Ehrlich called the film an unusually accomplished directorial debut while adding that for Corbet its a strange and startling film that reflects the unique trajectory of his career, as well as the influence of the iconoclastic directors with whom hes already worked.

Email me if you have questions, comments or suggestions, and follow me on Twitter @IndieFocus.
Twelve years after Carrie and the girls shared their last brunch on HBO on Sex and The City, Sarah Jessica Parker will make her return to television in another series that examines the perils of modern romance.

As the title suggests, Divorce follows the dissolution of the decades-long marriage between Frances (Parker) and Robert (Thomas Haden Church). Premiering Oct. 9 on HBO, the comedy was created by Sharon Horgan, the Irish writer-actress of the Amazon series Catastrophe.

Carrie Bradshaw may still loom large in the collective memory, but for Horgan, fellow showrunner Paul Simms and Parker  an executive producer on the series  it was surprisingly easy to distinguish between Parkers new role and the character who inspired a generation of women to lust after Manolo Blahniks.

Frances was so much her own person from the moment I read the pilot, said Parker on Saturday at the Television Critics Assn. Press Tour in Beverly Hills. She was so distinct from not only Carrie, but any other character I have ever played. Somebody who was so weary in ways that I had not seen or had a chance to play, and used language in a way I hadnt ever and had a relationship with a man and children in a way Id never had a chance to do.

Speaking of those Manolos, fashion was the one area where Parker was determined to draw a clear line between her two HBO alter egos. You wont see her character on Divorce wearing nameplate necklaces or oversized corsages.

Instead, she wears a slightly more functional, vintage-heavy wardrobe sourced from Etsy and thrift shops throughout the Northeast (including some truly enviable outerwear). The look, devised with costume designer Arjun Bhasin, was inspired by the cinema of the 70s.

For Parker, returning to the grind of series TV after more than a decade required only minor adjustments.

Its like a muscle, slightly atrophied, and you sort of have to remind it of the routine, the actress said. It just reminded me, frankly, of how much I love television.

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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
Los Angeles police on Saturday arrested a man who they said opened fire at a busy South Los Angeles intersection, injuring a woman aboard a public bus.

The incident occurred about noon at the busy intersection of Slauson and Vermont avenues, police said. Officers responding to the scene found a man firing a handgun.

Three to four rounds struck a Los Angeles Department of Transportation DASH bus, Los Angeles Police Sgt. Thomas Bojorquez said.

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A female adult, about age 60, was grazed in the head by one of the shots and was transported to a local hospital, where she was listed in stable condition, Bojorquez said. It is possible the woman was injured by shattered glass, but police are treating her injury as a gunshot wound, he said.

The suspect initially fled in a vehicle, then abandoned his car and fled on foot, Bojorquez said. Meanwhile, officers set up an eight-block perimeter and eventually found the suspect using police dogs, Bojorquez said.

It was not immediately clear how the suspect arrived at the scene, or what or who he was targeting, Bojorquez said. Police believe the incident may have been gang-related.

matt.stevens@latimes.com

Twitter: @ByMattStevens

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The fight continues.

An appellate court last week sided with a Los Angeles real estate developer who has been embroiled in a legal battle for years with a group of activists over their right to use a popular hiking trail that cuts across his property, which he is seeking to develop.

The courts decision is a relief, said Mohamed Hadid, who has developed buildings all over the world, including more than a dozen Ritz-Carlton hotels. This has been very costly for me, mentally and financially over the years, he said. Now I can continue the process of development.

But the battle isnt over for the group of passionate nature-lovers who filed the original lawsuit against Hadid four years ago. They plan to seek a rehearing. And if that doesnt work, they will petition the California Supreme Court.

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Friends of the Hastain Trail is a group of about seven activists, led by Ellen Scott, seeking to preserve the Hastain Trail in Franklin Canyon, situated between the San Fernando Valley and Beverly Hills.

Since the group was founded in 2011, hundreds have pledged their support and contributed to the effort. Scott, age 58, has been hiking the trail since she was in her 20s and was shocked by the courts recent ruling.

When I got the e-mail, I was shaking, said Scott. Its a beautiful trail, People have been hiking it for 50 years.

Ellen Scott, left and John Mirisch, walk up Hastain trail in L.A.'s Franklin Canyon Park. Scott has led others in protesting development that would prevent hikers from enjoying the trail. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times )

In 2013, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Yvette M. Palazuelos ordered Hadid to stop interfering with public recreational use of the land. The 2013 ruling was based on a 1970 law that said the public can obtain an easement, or a right to cross or use, private property that has been openly traversed for at least five years. The law was revoked in 1972, but remains applicable to cases that occurred before that time.

To win the case, Friends of Hastain Trail recruited a group of seven legacy hikers to testify that the trail was popularly traversed for more than five years before 1972. They also provided dated photos and aerial shots as evidence.

But Hadid maintains that he did not receive a fair trial.

I dont believe the lower judge really understood the case, Hadid said. I dont think she even had a clue about real estate. She just decided to side with the hikers rather than the ownership.

Hadid and his attorneys appealed the lower courts decision, which was overturned this week, arguing that just because people have been allowed to walk on the land doesnt mean they should have a right to it.

The land, which Hadid has owned since 2002, is zoned for up to 13 houses and covers about 100 acres.

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He said he plans to build just four or five homes that will blend into the landscape and be surrounded by lots of vegetation. The development would bring revenue to the city from permit costs and taxes as well as jobs, Hadid said.

There is a lot of benefit to projects like this, and I hope the city will allow me to go forward, he added.

In addition, Hadid said that allowing strangers to walk on private property brings various liabilities. He expressed concerns about hikers leaving trash and getting injured.

If someone falls, its your responsibility, he said.

Hadid said he once volunteered to pay a womans hospital expenses after she was bitten by a dog that was unleashed by another hiker on the property. Other accidents included a hiker falling into a hole, and another being stung by bees, but Hadid did not pay for those injuries.

Still, he said he does not plan to totally block the hikers out. He wants to gift some of the land to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, which manages the nearby Franklin Canyon Park, and create an alternate trail loop for hikers.

My plan is to include lookout points, areas to rest and have a drink, and safe entry and exit points, he said. I want to make it comfortable for hikers, and even bicycle riders.

Franklin Canyons Hastain Trail offers views of Century City, Westwood and more. (Charles Fleming / Los Angeles Times )

Stephen L. Jones, attorney for Friends of the Hastain Trail, said Hadids alternative trail is not satisfactory. He said the land is at a much lower elevation, does not reach any peaks and only has lookouts facing only west.

Its not even close to being the same thing, he said.

Scott said she doesnt believe Hadid will follow through on these promises anyway.

He says stuff, but that doesnt mean anything will happen, she said.

In 2011, Scott attempted to halt the developers grading work, which she said he was doing without a permit, by sitting in front of a bulldozer on the property.

I would probably do that again, she said after this weeks ruling.

In response to the bulldozing incident, Hadid said, What I do on my property is between me and the city.

I could have had her arrested, he said, adding that he is seeking more than $7 million in legal fees against her.

Scott is optimistic that the Court of Appeal will grant her group another hearing.

If theyre following the letter of the law, they should, Scott said.

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The deadly wildfire raging north of Big Sur continued to grow in size on Sunday and has now burned 40,000 acres and destroyed nearly 70 structures.

About 5,300 firefighters are battling the Soberanes fire, which is now just 18% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Since it began July 22, the fire has also claimed the life of a bulldozer operator.

Pushed by strong southerly winds, the blaze has shifted away from coastal homes and is moving southeast into the heart of the Los Padres National Forest, said Maria Lara, spokeswoman for Cal Fire.

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Its good in a way, but it means there will be more acreage burning, Lara said. Its also more steep terrain to put our crews in, and sometimes we dont have access to those areas.

Cal Fire said that the blaze, which is larger than the area of the city of San Francisco, remained active on Sunday, traveling uphill and sending out embers that sparked spot fires.

Since it started at Soberanes Creek in Garrapata State Park, the fire spread and now threatens 2,000 homes and structures, according to Cal Fire. Some 57 homes and 11 outbuildings have been destroyed. Three homes and two buildings have also suffered damage.

The wildfire killed Robert Reagan III, a bulldozer operator called in Tuesday to help battle the fire. At some point, he suffered fatal injuries in a remote area on the southeast end of the fire in Garrapata State Park in Carmel, authorities said.

The fire has prompted the closure of six state parks along the Central Coast through Aug. 6, and all trails and roads in the Monterey District of Los Padres National Forest, Cal Fire said.

About 500 residents have been evacuated in Palo Colorado and the areas of Rocky Creek, Weston Ridge Road, Garrapatos Road, and Highway 1 at Old Coast Road south to Old Coast Road at Bixby Creek Road.

Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter >>

On Sunday morning, the Monterey County Sheriffs Department issued evacuation warnings for parts of the communities of Tassajara and Cachagua.

Palo Colorado, Robinson Canyon Road and Weston Ridge Road at Highway 1 were closed.

Flames have also encroached on illegal marijuana growing operations and led to unexpected rescues.

On Monday, two people were tending to marijuana plants when they became trapped by flames. They were found by Monterey County sheriffs deputies. All 900 marijuana plants were destroyed by the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Times staff writer Matt Hamilton contributed to this report.

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UPDATES:

10:50 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details about the growth of the fire.

This article was originally published at 11:15 a.m.
A gun stolen from the mayors home whose theft he failed to immediately report was used to kill a 13-year-old boy, prosecutors said.

The San Joaquin County district attorneys office said in a report that one of two guns stolen from Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva was the weapon in the 2015 killing of Rayshawn Harris, the Stockton Record reported Saturday.

Rayshawn was shot to death Feb. 23, 2015, while he stood in his driveway. The .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol was registered to Silva, according to the report released Friday.

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The report on Silva and his stolen gun was released in response to a California Public Records Act request, the Record reported. The district attorneys office said its prime motivation in releasing the report was a present request by law enforcement for public assistance in solving Rayshawns killing.

The Record reported on March 25, 2015, that Silva had said his unoccupied home had been robbed a second time the previous day. Silva has said that multiple items, including a gun safe, were stolen from that house.

Silva, 42, has said that another gun theft, which he reported this past February, occurred while he was on a Sister Cities tour of the Philippines that month. It was stolen from the north Stockton rental home where he lives. Silva said in April he had an idea who stole that gun.

The gun used in Rayshawns slaying was recovered by the Stockton Police Department on June 9 when officers responded to a domestic disturbance in Stockton, according to the district attorneys office. The other stolen gun has not been recovered.

Silva, who is seeking reelection and has been involved in multiple high-profile controversies, said in a statement he feels terrible about the teens death. He added that he couldnt comment on the report because he hasnt been provided any details.

Words cannot describe my sorrow and heartbreak for the victim and his family. I feel terrible, and I feel sick to my stomach, Silva said. I only can react to what the news is claiming. Everyone please pray for Stockton.

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A man and a woman were in critical condition Saturday night after a fire broke out in the attic of a hacienda-style home in Sun Valley, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The fire was reported shortly after 8 p.m. It took 63 firefighters 28 minutes to extinguish the blaze in the 9000 block of La Tuna Canyon Road.

When firefighters and paramedics arrived at the home, they found the man and woman in grave condition. They were not breathing or showing any signs of a pulse, the department said.

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Paramedics restored the victims pulses and their breathing in the ambulances as they headed to the hospital, the department said.

They are now listed in critical condition.

A third victim, a woman, was in serious condition after experiencing smoke exposure and burns to her hand.

A firefighter was taken to the hospital after exhibiting effects of extreme exertion, according to the fire department.

The names and ages of the victims were not immediately available.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

alice.walton@latimes.com

Twitter: @TheCityMaven
Charena Lafayette served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 13 years, but no amount of military training prepared her for the challenge of completing a rigorous four-year college program.

How do you analyze an authors underlying message or frame a thesis in an academic paper? What exactly are you supposed to say in a seminar, and are you allowed to disagree with your classmates? And how do you discuss democracy and foreign policy with 18-year-olds  and socially fit in?

At USC, the Warrior-Scholar Project aims to help veterans like Lafayette hone academic and social skills that may be lacking or forgotten, dissuading many from considering a top-tier school.

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Fifteen participants, active-duty and retired, recently completed the weeklong intensive program, which is in its second year at USC, the boot camps only West Coast campus. For those who may have put off their academic ambitions for military life, the program teaches them how to adapt to college and study effectively.

The program also aligns with the USCs mission to encourage more community college students and those who are the first in their family to attend college to consider competitive four-year universities, said Vice Provost Mark Todd.

Military veterans enrolled in the Warrior Scholar Project at USC walk across campus July 28. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times )

Veterans and other nontraditional students often spend years chipping away at online courses or taking community college classes that fail to yield a degree. The boot camp, which began last Sunday, immersed participants in a learning environment akin to being full-time students at a university.

By the time theyre done here, theyve succeeded in something that they previously thought they wouldnt be able to succeed at  hanging in there with some of our best faculty in a really rigorous curriculum, on campus, living as a student, Todd said. USC plans to host the Warrior-Scholar program again next year.

Channeling the familiar structure of military training, seminars run back-to-back for 16 hours a day, instructors drill in tactical skills such as note-taking and time management and debriefings focus on the emotional and cultural adaptations critical to succeeding in higher education. The syllabus also includes crash courses on the GI Bill, the admissions process and social dos and donts (off-color humor from the barracks may not go over well with politically correct college students).

In the military, youre told where to be, what time to be there and what uniform to wear. Its all laid out for you, said Sid Ellington, executive director of the Warrior-Scholar Project, which brings the boot camp to multiple universities each summer.

To go back to college and be surrounded by 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds who know all the written and unwritten norms  its intimidating, he said. So we try to fill in those gaps.

Most nights, Lafayette was up until 2 a.m. in her dorm dissecting classics like Alexis de Tocquevilles Democracy in America and The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois. There are no grades, but mastering the reading assignments was a holy grail for the 36-year-old, who hopes to transfer from Saddleback College to an electrical engineering program at USC or another university. The former Marine Corps sergeant worked as an electrician before retiring from service in 2013.

Were used to reading technical manuals.  And this reading right here, this is knowledge, she said, thrilled with the amount of work she had to do. This is more than intense. Its scary. I want to say this is worse than [military] boot camp.

This is more than intense. Its scary. I want to say this is worse than [military] boot camp.  Charena Lafayette

The Warrior-Scholar Project grew from a nine-student pilot in 2012 at Yale University to an annual program at Harvard University, the University of Michigan and nine other campuses. By 2015, more than 260 veterans had received rigorous training from some of the universities most esteemed faculty. An additional 230 participants are on track to complete boot camp this summer.

Each camp is run by student veterans and faculty who volunteer to teach a syllabus structured around the theme of democracy. (Two campuses, Yale and the University of Oklahoma, also are testing a STEM curriculum for the first time this year.) The Warrior-Scholar program covers all costs, including room and board, and is funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Bob Woodruff Foundation, among other donors.

Connecting veterans with top-tier schools is crucial to the programs mission, Ellington said, citing a statistic from a 2015 study by Syracuse Universitys Institute for Veterans and Military Families: Since Sept. 11, 2001, veterans make up 1% of all undergraduate students attending a school on the U.S. News & World Reports list of top 20 colleges and universities.

About 17% of the programs alumni are now enrolled in these schools, and Ellington hopes that number will grow. When it comes to applicants, he said, theres no real criteria, other than were looking for how badly somebody wants to go through this very difficult program.

At USC, sessions began at 6:30 a.m., and the universitys 40-hour freshman composition class was crammed into five writing workshops. Prominent professors in law, English and political science agreed to teach two-hour seminars the way they would to USC students. No kid gloves.

We dont do them any justice if we bring them here and have them think its a breeze, Todd said.

In William Handleys English seminar, students sat attentively in a wood-paneled classroom in Doheny Memorial Library, flipping through three-ring binders stuffed with notes as they discussed Abraham Lincolns Gettysburg Address.

Four score and seven years ago  why not just say 87? Handley asked, launching the class into a discussion on word choice and cadence as well as race and the evolving interpretation of the phrase all men are created equal.

Its kind of hard to sit here in front of an instructor, and have him say, Tell me what you think. In the military, its Im telling you what to think,  said Lafayette, who had never taken a discussion-based class before. You have to put yourself out there and make statements about your readings.

As the group headed for lunch, two men hung back. Gabriel Barruetas third paper of the week was due in a few hours, and the active-duty Army corporal said he wanted more time to analyze the passages he had highlighted in de Tocquevilles 900-page book.

Jacob Wessel, whos about to start school at the University of Texas-El Paso after 21 years as a U.S. Army combat engineer, also reached for his notes.

Coming out of the military, one of the biggest hurdles is not knowing whether I could succeed in an environment like this, said Wessel, who deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan. And being here, talking to the professors that weve been able to talk to  you come to realize anything is possible. I can do this.

rosanna.xia@latimes.com

Twitter: @RosannaXia

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Two Chicago police officers have been relieved of their powers after department brass made the preliminary determination that they violated policy when they fired their weapons in an incident that killed an 18-year-old man.

Three officers fired their weapons in the incident that left Paul ONeal dead after police say he sideswiped a squad car and hit a parked car while driving a stolen Jaguar, injuring some officers about 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

ONeal died from a gunshot wound to the back, the Cook County medical examiners office determined in an autopsy Saturday.

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The medical examiner classified the shooting as a homicide.

Police Supt. Eddie Johnson spent most of Friday afternoon with top advisors and command staff reviewing the preliminary information from the incident. [Police] investigators determined 3 officers discharged their weapons in the course of their duties and given what is known thus far, it appears that departmental policies may have been violated by at least 2 of the police officers, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi wrote in an email Friday night.

The officers involved initially were placed on administrative duties for 30 days per department policy. They now will be on administrative duty but will not have their police powers and will not return to regular duty unless they are cleared by the Independent Police Review Authority and in internal investigations.

After the fatal shootings of Quintonio Legrier and Bettie Jones in December, the department started putting officers involved in shootings on 30-day administrative leave.

The policy also was instituted after the Department of Justice announced it was launching a civil rights investigation into the agency; that probe was prompted by the shooting death of Laquan McDonald.

A wave or protests swept Chicago last year after the release of a video that showed Jason Van Dyke, a white police officer, shooting McDonald, a black 17-year-old, 16 times. Van Dyke has since been charged with murder.

Friday night, a group of activists and ONeals friends held a vigil at the site of the shooting.

The candlelight vigil of about 200 people briefly became chaotic after one man ran through the crowd and pushed ONeals sister, Briana Adams, 23, who was quietly asking everyone to respect her brother.

The crowd ran in all directions, and more than a dozen officers rushed to the scene. No one was hurt.

Crepeau and Eltagouri write for the Chicago Tribune. Chicago Tribune staff writers Patricia Callahan and Annie Sweeney contributed to this report.

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Cook County prosecutors recently notified defense lawyers in at least 10 criminal cases that a judge had found the court testimony of a veteran Chicago police officer to be false, a determination about the officers credibility that could affect the cases as they move to trial.

The states attorneys office also told defense lawyers in at least three other cases that another Cook County judge had cast doubt on testimony from two other police officers, raising questions about those cases as well.

Prosecutors notified the lawyers through a type of court filing commonly called a disclosure notice, after a Chicago Tribune investigation in May found police were rarely punished when a judge found they had testified falsely or in a way that raised questions about their credibility.

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The states attorneys office, in fact, had done nothing about any of the officers testimony until the Tribune investigation raised questions about the cases. The office then issued the disclosure notices, which the Tribune obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Although prosecutors should routinely file the notices when judges make adverse credibility findings about officers testimony, a number of longtime criminal defense lawyers said in interviews that they had never received one or even heard of them. Veteran Judge William Hooks even summoned a supervisor in the states attorneys office to his courtroom recently to explain the notices after a defense lawyer received one in a case before him.

The states attorneys office alerted the Police Department about the most recent notices, following new protocol it established after the Tribune investigation. The department had already launched an internal affairs inquiry and sought to talk with judges about the officers testimony.

The judges told internal affairs investigators that any transcripts memorializing the officers testimony speak for themselves, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said.

These investigations remain open and internal affairs is conferring with the states attorney and searching for objective, verifiable evidence for possible rule violations, Guglielmi said.

The disclosure notices filed in court in May and June concern three officers, all of whom were identified in the Tribune investigation: Jorge Martinez, James Lynch and Wahbe Askar. The notices told defense lawyers that Hooks found Martinez to have falsely testified in one case and that Judge Joseph Claps had questioned Lynch and Askars credibility in separate cases. The disclosure notices could be filed in every case in which the officers are listed as potential prosecution witnesses.

Martinez, Askar and Lynch could not be reached for comment.

The disclosure notices regarding Martinez stem from a major drug case in 2013, in which he said he and a colleague abandoned an undercover surveillance operation to stop a minivan on Chicagos southwest side that had turned without signaling. The officers found a $50,000 brick of cocaine in the vehicle.

Hooks, who presided over the drug case, at a 2015 hearing called Martinezs testimony a very clear falsehood. The judge said he did not believe that the officers would break from drug surveillance to make a routine traffic stop and threw out the evidence, according to a hearing transcript. That prompted prosecutors to drop the case. Hooks demanded prosecutors explain why Martinez was not being investigated criminally for his testimony.

The states attorneys office recently filed additional disclosure notices in cases involving Lynch and Askar, who testified in front of Claps in separate cases involving gun seizures.

Claps made it clear that he found the testimony of the officers lacking credibility, transcripts show. He said in August 2015 that he did not believe for a second a key part of Askars testimony. In January, he said that Lynchs testimony was not credible or believable. The rulings led the prosecutor in both cases to dismiss the charges.

Hooks summoned a states attorney supervisor to his courtroom in the case of Gregory Fikes, who was arrested after police in March 2015 seized about $43,000 worth of marijuana. At a hearing in late May, Hooks quizzed Assistant States Atty. Jennifer Coleman about the disclosure notice involving Martinez. He said he had talked with colleagues as well as with some defense lawyers; none, he suggested, had ever received one.

Fikes lawyer, Jayne Ingles, said in an interview that Martinez had obtained a search warrant based on information that he said was from a confidential informant. Ingles said that she was skeptical an informant existed, and hopes to use the disclosure notice to attack Martinezs credibility as the case moves forward.

Mills and Lighty write for the Chicago Tribune.

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A black-and-white Sandy Hook Elementary School sign is back up on Dickenson Drive, and at the end of that reconfigured road, scene of an incomprehensible massacre, stands a sparkling new school with treehouses, brightly lit atriums and state-of-the-art security features.

Officials opened the doors to the new Sandy Hook Elementary School on Friday, the first time it has been open to the public since Dec. 14, 2012, when a lone gunman fired 151 shots in five minutes, leaving 26 people dead, including 20 first-graders.

There is no memorial to the victims inside the new school, although administrators promise there will be one. The classrooms where the students were gunned down are now part of an unmarked grassy area in the middle of the parking lot.

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The $50-million school, paid for by the state, will open on Aug. 29 when 355 students walk through the front doors. About half the teachers who were in the school during the mass shooting will be returning to bright, new classrooms, each with its own digital whiteboard.

The space is beautiful. The children are very excited for their new school. The adult reactions are a little bit less because they have a sense of why we are here, Sandy Hook Principal Kathy Gombos said. You cant stand in this space without thinking about the 26 people who lost their lives.

Many of the pre-K through fourth-grade students who will be attending have already seen the inside of the nearly 87,000-square-foot school, as have residents.

There are about 35 kindergartners from 2012 who will be attending this fall as fourth-graders. The first-graders who survived have moved to intermediate school.

This large mosaic greets students, staff and visitors at the front of the lobby of the new school. (Patrick Raycraft/Hartford Courant )

Listening to the excitement in the voices of the students is a resounding endorsement we were hoping for, Supt. of Schools Joseph Erardi said.

Erardi was reluctant to talk about security measures at the new school other than to say the safety and security in this building will be second to none.

Some of the changes are obvious  there is a gate at the entrance to the driveway where a guard will be posted to monitor who enters the parking lot. The front entrance has two sets of doors through which visitors must be buzzed to enter, and the windows have bulletproof glass. Authorities have said the gunman entered the school by shooting through the front windows.

Other security measures are more subtle. The doors to every classroom look like standard wood doors but are made of stainless steel and weigh 350 pounds. They automatically lock when closed and cant be opened from the outside.

The security at the old school is the subject of a lawsuit filed by two of the victims families. The lawsuit alleges that security was lax and notes that substitute teacher Lauren Rousseau did not have a key to lock her door when she heard gunfire. The assailant entered her room first and killed 14 of 15 students as well as Rousseau and aide Rachel DAvino.

The old school was demolished in late 2013, and residents voted to build the new school on the same site. New Haven-based Svigals + Partners architects and Consigli Construction Co. of Milford, Mass., were hired.

The new school is farther back on the property. A committee of parents, teachers, administrators, security experts and first responders provided an outline for what the new school should include.

The result is a wide-open, two-story campus with playgrounds, the latest in computer equipment and several nods to the old Sandy Hook  including a tank that holds 26-year-old Shelley the turtle, and a weather vane with a duck on it. Small plastic ducks became a symbol of the school after the shooting.

Tom Kuroski, president of the Newtown Federation of Teachers, said many teachers have started moving in to their new classrooms. He said although many were reluctant to have the school built on the same spot, the excitement is building.

The teachers are pretty excited to be able to come back home, Kuroski said. What they have done over the past few years is simply remarkable. This is one more step in our collective recovery.

The students and teachers never returned to the old school after the massacre, instead using a former middle school in nearby Monroe for the last 3 years.

Kuroski said many of the teachers have already personalized their classrooms. In the one classroom opened to the media Friday, the teacher had placed a green-and-white sticker stating Proud Newtown teacher and a green-and-white ribbon decal that said 12/14 Well Always Remember.

If there is anything in the new school that could become an iconic reminder of the shootings, it is a large green mosaic on a wall in one of the school entrances that reads, Be Kind. It was donated by an Arizona-based group called Bens Bells, which was started by a Tucson family after the death of their 2-year-old son in 2002.

Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra, the citys elected chief executive, said the motto plays off something that slain Principal Dawn Hochsprung always taught. Hochsprung was the first person killed when she ran out of a meeting and confronted the gunman in the hallway.

Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra reflects during a news conference on the opening of the new Sandy Hook Elementary School. (Patrick Raycraft/Hartford Courant )

Our school is built on being nice to each other, as our principal, Dawn Hochsprung, always said and preached, Llodra said.

Llodra thanked Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, legislators and state residents for paying for the new school that she hopes will be a place of laughter, community and learning.

Our focus has always been on bringing our students home, and we are very grateful to the residents of the state. There is no way we would be here today if the town had to pay for this ourselves, Llodra said. We would trade in a minute this beautiful school if we could change the past.

Altimari writes for the Hartford Courant.

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Its a toothy giant that can grow longer than a horse and heavier than a refrigerator, a fearsome-looking prehistoric fish that plied U.S. waters from the Gulf of Mexico to Illinois until it disappeared from many states half a century ago.

Persecuted by anglers and deprived of places to spawn, the alligator gar  with a head that resembles an alligator and two rows of needle-like teeth  survived mainly in Southern states in the tributaries of the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico after being declared extinct in several states farther north. To many, it was a freak, a trash fish that threatened sport fish, something to be exterminated.

But the once-reviled predator is now being seen as a valuable fish in its own right, and as a potential weapon against a more threatening intruder: the invasive Asian carp, which have swum almost unchecked toward the Great Lakes, with little more than an electric barrier to keep them at bay.

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Efforts are underway to reintroduce the alligator gar to the northern part of its former range.

Asian carp, jolted by an electric current from a research boat, leap from the Illinois River. An effort is underway to reintroduce alligator gar in several states to control the carp. (John Flesher/Associated Press )

What else is going to be able to eat those monster carp? said Allyse Ferrara, an alligator gar expert at Nicholls State University in Louisiana, where the species is relatively common. We havent found any other way to control them.

Alligator gar, the second-largest U.S. freshwater fish behind the West Coasts white sturgeon, have shown a taste for Asian carp, which have been spreading and outcompeting native fish for food.

The gar dwarf the invading carp, which themselves can grow to 4 feet and 100 pounds. The largest alligator gar caught was 8 feet and 327 pounds, and they can grow even larger.

Native Americans once used their enamel-like scales as arrow points, and early settlers covered plow blades with their tough skin and scales.

But a mistaken belief that they hurt sport fish led to widespread extermination throughout the last century, when they were often shot or blown up with dynamite.

Some horrible things have been done to this fish, said Ferrara, adding that sport fisheries are healthier with gar to keep troublesome species like carp under control. Its similar to how we used to think of wolves; we didnt understand the role they played in the ecosystem.

Gar now are being restocked in lakes, rivers and backwaters  sometimes in secret locations  in several states. In May, Illinois lawmakers passed a resolution urging state natural resources officials to speed up its program and adopt regulations to protect all four gar species native to the state.

But the extent to which gar could control carp now is not well understood, and some people are skeptical.

I dont think alligator gar are going to be the silver bullet that is going to control carp, by any stretch of the imagination, said Rob Hilsabeck, an Illinois Department of Natural Resources biologist who says the best hope is that carp will sustain an alligator gar fishery to draw trophy hunters.

Others are more optimistic about the effect once the larger fish is established, which might require cutting notches in canals to give them access to spawning sites.

Asian carp reproduce more quickly, but alligator gar also grow fast: Those stocked in one Illinois lake six years ago already are more than 4 feet long.

Quinton Phelps, a Missouri state fish ecologist, said the only way to effectively control carp is when theyre smaller, before they can spawn. Which is where alligator gar come in.

There is potential for them to be a wonderful weapon, but its just potential right now, he said.

One challenge is that huge gar could become a temptation for trophy fishermen, even before theyre old enough to spawn.

It will be interesting to see if fishermen have enough integrity to pass up a 7-foot fish thats 200 pounds, said Christopher Kennedy, a Missouri fisheries supervisor whos working on catch regulations. Wed love to create a self-sustaining population that we can turn into a trophy fishery.

Still, the fish has a public relations problem in some circles, including a boating group in Illinois, whose members recently derided it as a trash fish and questioned reintroduction efforts.

But avid angler Olaf Nelson, who in 2013 was the first to catch an alligator gar in Illinois in 50 years  a 2-footer in a stocked lake  said theyre important whether anyone wants to fish for them or not.

Whether theyre loved or hated, theyre a natural part of the Illinois ecosystem, he said. Its pretty rare that we can fix a mistake.

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Dont let the aw, shucks fool you: Tim Kaine is a force for Clinton on campaign trail

(Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

Wherever Tim Kaine goes these days, he says its a treat to be there.

It didnt matter whether the bus he was riding with Hillary Clinton, for their first campaign swing since the Democratic convention, deposited him in a wire factory or a toy manufacturing plant.

Not only was it a treat, Kaine told his audiences, but he was so honored to be Clintons running mate that he just cant put it into words.

Read More
In response to Muslim father of fallen soldier, Donald Trump insists hes made a lot of sacrifices

(Alex Wong/Getty Images )

Donald Trump responded Saturday to criticism from the Muslim father of a fallen soldier, who in an emotional speech at the Democratic National Convention said the billionaire businessman has sacrificed nothing for the country.

In an interview on ABC News This Week, Trump insisted that Khizr Khan, whose son, Humayun, was killed in 2004 by a car bomb in Iraq, was misguided in his criticisms. Trump said he has sacrificed, mostly when it comes to his business dealings.

I think Ive made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard. Ive created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures, Trump said in the interview. Ive had tremendous success. I think Ive done a lot.

On Thursday, Khan, with his wife, Ghazala, at his side, castigated Trump for his calls to ban Muslims from entering the country.

Go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America, said Khan, whose son was awarded a Bronze Star. You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one.

Trump also questioned if Ghazala Khans silence during the convention appearance was perhaps related to her Muslim faith.

Donald Trump to Army Gold Star father Khizr Khan: I've made a lot of sacrifices" https://t.co/ZOHLGCaOyChttps://t.co/Myp4oyHyX4  This Week (@ThisWeekABC) July 30, 2016

While speaking on MSNBC on Friday evening, Khan called on GOP leaders, such as House Speaker Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, to repudiate Trump.

What he has said, what he has threatened to do  you must say enough,  Khan said.

In the ABC News interview, Trump said that Khans speech was written by Hillary Clintons script writers.

Moreover, Trump suggested that as a Muslim woman, Ghazala Khan was able only to stand at her husbands side and was not allowed to speak during his speech.

If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasnt allowed to have anything to say. You tell me, he said.

Ghazala Khan said Friday the whole experience, on stage with her husband at the DNC, was very nerve-racking.

In a statement, Clinton said she was moved by the Khans sharing their story.

This is a time for all Americans to stand with the Khans, and with all the families whose children have died in service to our country, she said. And this is a time to honor the sacrifice of Captain Khan and all the fallen. Captain Khan and his family represent the best of America, and we salute them.

Updated - 2:41 p.m. This post was updated to include a comment from Clinton.
Borders are in the news as never before. With Muslim refugees flooding into the European Union from the Middle East, and with terrorism on the rise, a popular revolt is taking shape against the so-called Schengen Area agreements, which give free rights of movement within Europe. The European masses are not racists, but they now apparently wish to accept Middle Eastern immigrants only to the degree that these newcomers arrive legally and promise to become European in values and outlookprotocols that the EU essentially discarded decades ago as intolerant. Europeans are relearning that the continents external borders mark off very different approaches to culture and society from what prevails in North Africa or the Middle East.

A similar crisis plays out in the United States, where President Obama has renounced his former opposition to amnesty by executive order. The populist pushback against unchecked immigration from Mexico, Central and South America gave rise to the presidential candidacy of Donald Trumppredicated on the candidates promise to build an impenetrable border wallmuch as the cascade of asylum-seekers into Germany has fueled opposition to Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The truth is that formal borders do not create difference  they reflect it. Elites continued attempts to erase borders are both futile and destructive.

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Driving the growing outrage in Europe and North America is the ongoing elite push for a borderless world. Among elites, borderlessness has taken its place among the politically correct positions of our age  and, as with other such ideas, it has shaped the language we use. The descriptive term illegal alien gave way to the nebulous unlawful immigrant, then undocumented immigrant, immigrant, or the entirely neutral migrant  a noun that obscures whether the individual in question is entering or leaving.

Todays open-borders agenda has its roots not only in economic and political factors  the need for low-wage workers who will do the work that native-born Americans or Europeans supposedly will not, and the desire to flee failed states  but also in several decades of intellectual ferment, in which Western academics have created a trendy field of borders discourse. What we might call post-borderism argues that boundaries are mere artificial constructs, methods of marginalization designed by those in power, mostly to stigmatize and oppress the other  usually the poorer and less Western  who arbitrarily ended up on the wrong side of the divide.

Where borders are drawn, power is exercised, as one European scholar put it. This view assumes that where borders are not drawn, power is not exercised  as if the Middle Eastern immigrants pouring into Germany do not wield considerable power by their sheer numbers and adroit manipulation of Western grievance politics.

Dreams of a borderless world are not new, however. Plutarch claimed in his essay On Exile that Socrates considered himself not just an Athenian but instead a citizen of the cosmos. In later European thought, Communist ideas of universal labor solidarity drew heavily on the idea of a world without borders. Workers of the world, unite! exhorted Marx and Engels. Wars broke out, in this thinking, only because of needless quarreling over obsolete state boundaries.

The solution to endless war, some argued, was to eliminate borders in favor of transnational governance. H. G. Wells prewar science-fiction novel The Shape of Things to Come envisioned borders eventually disappearing as transnational polymaths enforced enlightened world governance. Such fictions prompt fads in the real world, though attempts to render borders unimportant  as, in Wells time, the League of Nations sought to do  have always failed. Undaunted, the Left continues to cherish the vision of a borderless world as morally superior, a triumph over artificially imposed difference.

Yet the truth is that formal borders do not create difference  they reflect it. Elites continued attempts to erase borders are both futile and destructive.

Borders  and the fights to keep or change them  are as old as agricultural civilization. In ancient Greece, most wars broke out over border scrubland. The contested upland eschatia offered little profit for farming but possessed enormous symbolic value for a city-state to define where its own culture began and ended.

Throughout history, the trigger points of war have traditionally been such borderlands  the methoria between Argos and Sparta, the Rhine and Danube as the frontiers of Rome, or the Alsace-Lorraine powder keg between France and Germany. These disputes did not always arise, at least at first, as efforts to invade and conquer a neighbor. They were instead mutual expressions of distinct societies that valued clear-cut borders  not just as matters of economic necessity or military security but also as a means of ensuring that one society could go about its unique business without the interference and hectoring of its neighbors.

Few escape petty hypocrisy when preaching the universal gospel of borderlessness. In 2011, open-borders advocate Antonio Villaraigosa became the first mayor in Los Angeles history to build a wall around the official mayoral residence. His un-walled neighbors objected, first, that there was no need for such a barricade and, second, that it violated a city ordinance prohibiting residential walls higher than four feet. But Villaraigosa apparently wished to emphasize the difference between his home and the street, or was worried about security, or saw a new wall as iconic of his exalted office.

While elites can build walls to insulate themselves, the consequences of their policies fall heavily on the nonelites who lack the money and influence to navigate around them. The contrast between the two groups  Peggy Noonan described them as the protected and the unprotected  was dramatized in the presidential campaign of Jeb Bush. When the former Florida governor called illegal immigration from Mexico an act of love, his candidacy was doomed. It seemed that Bush had the capital to pick and choose how the consequences of his ideas fell upon himself and his family  in a way impossible for most of those living in the southwestern United States.

Those who deride borders are unwilling to address why [people choose to cross them], leaving their language fluency and native soil  at great personal risk.

More broadly, those who deride borders are unwilling to address why tens of millions of people choose to cross them in the first place, leaving their language fluency and native soil  at great personal risk. The answer is obvious: migration, as it was in the 1960s between mainland China and Hong Kong, as it is now between North and South Korea, is usually a one-way street, from the non-West to the West or its Westernized manifestations. People walk, climb, swim, and fly across borders, secure in the knowledge that boundaries mark different approaches to human experience, with one side perceived as more successful or inviting than the other.

Western rules that promote a greater likelihood of consensual government, religious tolerance, an independent judiciary, free-market capitalism, and the protection of private property combine to offer the individual a level of prosperity and personal security rarely enjoyed at home. As a result, migrants make the necessary travel adjustments to go westward  especially given that Western civilization, uniquely so, has usually defined itself by culture, not race, and thus alone is willing to accept and integrate those of different races who wish to share its protocols.

Many unassimilated Muslims in the West assume that they can ignore Western jurisprudence and yet rely on it in extremis. Todays Pakistani new arrival in London might wish to follow sharia law as he knew it in Punjab. But implicit are two unmentionable constants: The migrant most certainly does not wish to return to face sharia law in Pakistan. Second, if he had his way, institutionalizing his native culture into that of his newly adopted land, he would eventually flee the results  and once again likely go somewhere else, for the same reasons that he left home in the first place.

Similarly, when undocumented Latino youths disrupt a Donald Trump rally, they often wave Mexican flags or flash placards bearing slogans such as Make America Mexico Again. But note the emotional paradox: In anger at possible deportation, non-citizens nonsensically wave the flag of the country that they most certainly do not wish to rejoin, while ignoring the flag of the nation in which they adamantly wish to remain.

Borders are to distinct countries what fences are to neighbors: means of demarcating that something on one side is different from what lies on the other side. Borders amplify the innate human desire to own and protect property and physical space, which is impossible to do unless it is seen  and can be so understood  as distinct and separate. Clearly delineated borders and their enforcement, either by walls and fences or by security patrols, wont go away because they go to the heart of the human condition  what jurists from Rome to the Scottish Enlightenment called meum et tuum, mine and yours. Between friends, unfenced borders enhance friendship; among the unfriendly, when fortified, they help keep the peace.

Victor Davis Hanson is a contributing editor of the Manhattan Institutes City Journal and a fellow in Classics and Military History at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. This essay was adapted from the summer issue of City Journal.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook

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Campaign insiders and TV pundits may have overlooked an important factor coloring our politics: germs.

Worries about all manner of pathogens  disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and larger parasites  are an underappreciated contributor to prejudice, distrust of foreigners, and resentment toward those who spurn traditional values, according to a growing body of psychology research.

To understand why, it helps to be acquainted with the behavioral immune system, our defense against infection thats shaped by natural selection and further embellished by learning. Largely below the level of our conscious awareness, we constantly scan our surroundings for any potential source of contagion. If we encounter one  a bug, garbage, dog feces  our minds warn us to retreat by triggering feelings of disgust. But this germ radar is not guided by sophisticated reasoning, and it pays particularly close attention to other people, a leading source of infection. It can lock onto any abnormality  contagious or not. Someone with an oozing eye, runny nose, acne or even excessive body fat can raise our disgust level.

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So too can a person whom we perceive to be of a different race or ethnicity  particularly if were squeamish by temperament or prompted to think of germs. This finding, brought to light by psychologist Mark Schaller at the University of British Columbia and confirmed by several labs, may stem from a protective adaptation or prejudice rooted in history. Especially in centuries past, the researchers point out, foreigners were more likely to carry exotic germs that could be highly virulent to local populations.

When were experiencing high levels of visceral disgust, were also more likely to be repulsed by those who violate societal norms. Schaller and other scientists speculate one reason could be that many customs  washing before prayer, marrying only within ones religious group, bowing instead of handshaking  arose at least in part to protect us from infection.

So how does this connect to politics? It turns out that conservatives typically require less provocation to feel nauseated. An experiment conducted by John Hibbing and collaborators at the University of Nebraska provides a simple demonstration of this physiological response at work. Compared to liberals, they found, conservatives who looked at stomach-turning images such as a person eating worms sweated more profusely (as measured by galvanic skin conductance).

Large population surveys have shown a relationship between germophobia and xenophobia.

Further, large population surveys have shown a relationship between germophobia and xenophobia. In a study led by Danish political scientists Michael Bang Petersen and Lene Aare, a representative sample group of roughly 2,000 Danes and 1,300 Americans took an online test that ranked their sensitivity to disgust, and then their attitudes toward allowing foreigners into their respective countries was assessed. After controlling for every variable the researchers could think of  race, age, gender, education, socioeconomic factors  scientists found that opposition to immigration increased in direct proportion to individuals disgust sensitivity in both samples.

A habit of fretting about germs may even predict voting behavior. A Cornell University team led by psychologists David Pizarro and Yoel Inbar conducted an online disgust-sensitivity survey of 25,000 Americans during the 2008 U.S. presidential election. Respondents with the highest contagion-anxiety scores were the most likely to indicate that they would vote for Republican nominee Sen. John McCain, the more conservative candidate, over Democrat Barack Obama. Moreover, a states average level of disgust-sensitivity actually predicted the proportion of votes cast for McCain. The Cornell team went on to show that disgust sensitivity similarly tracked with political beliefs in 122 other countries  basically wherever a nations response rate was high enough to obtain a statistically meaningful result.

Microbes and parasites may even affect geopolitical trends more broadly. A radical new theory posits that the prevalence of infectious disease is a major sculptor of geopolitics. Proponents of this view  called the parasite-stress model of values and sociality  believe that where pathogens are rampant citizens are more pressured to obey hygiene rules, sexual practices and other cultural traditions that have the hidden purpose of shielding them from germs. As a result, anyone who bucks convention is treated with hostility  and those conditions favor repressive political regimes.

Two champions of this controversial perspective  evolutionary biologists Randy Thornhill at the University of New Mexico and Corey Fincher at the University of Warwick in England  sought support for their thesis by correlating nations levels of infectious disease and their systems of governance. Countries where parasites (including tiny pathogens) were a huge threat, they discovered, were indeed more likely to be ruled by dictators. In contrast, nations with much lower parasite loads were overwhelmingly democracies. Thornhill and Fincher have since gone on to connect parasitic hot zones around the globe to higher levels of social unrest, ethnic violence, religious intolerance and racial and class stratification. Whether their theories  currently a topic of intense scientific debate  will hold up to scrutiny remains to be seen.

That being said, it certainly makes sense that the trauma parasites have inflicted on us down through the ages has left a deep mark on the human psyche. Malaria alone has claimed the lives of half of all humans born since the Stone Age. Next to parasites, saber-toothed tigers and the worlds worst tyrants look like pussycats.

Whether or not pathogens shape the contours of entire societies, we can say with confidence that a dread of contagion can warp our personal values. If people are made aware of this unconscious bias, will it tilt attitudes leftward? Democrats might want to find out because Donald Trump  a self-professed germophobe  is doing an excellent job exploiting the disgust of the Republican base.

Kathleen McAuliffe is a science writer and author of the recently- published book This Is Your Brain On Parasites: How Tiny Creatures Manipulate Our Behavior and Shape Society.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
The first task of any political campaign is to frame the question it wants voters to answer. Donald Trump wants this election to be a referendum on change: Are you happy with the way things are going in America? Hillary Clinton wants the election to be a referendum on Trump: Are you ready to hand the nuclear codes to an authoritarian with a hair-trigger temper?

Theres more to the campaign, of course: conflicting worldviews, competing policies. But the battle to frame the question was a significant part of what the conventions in Cleveland and Philadelphia were about. Trumps message was that the United States is in crisis and that he alone can change its course; Clintons was that the countrys problems are solvable, but Trump doesnt have the temperament to be commander in chief.



For the record: This article originally stated that, according to an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, 46% of voters said they preferred a steady approach with fewer changes. The correct number is 41%.

Both questions are potentially effective.

The desire for Big Change is broad and deep; in the most recent Pew Research Center poll, 71% of Americans said they are unsatisfied with the countrys direction. Thats what has propelled Trumps candidacy.

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From the beginning, Trump has cast himself as an iconoclastic  indeed, gleefully disruptive  change-maker: a non-politician who denounced the establishments of both parties and promised to scrap traditional policies on everything from the federal debt to trade.

The Pew poll found that 77% of voters were convinced that he would bring about real change  although most of them thought the change would be for the worse.

When it comes to change, Trump can fairly claim to own the brand.

Democratic pollster Geoff Garin, who works for Clintons SuperPAC, Priorities USA, says satisfying the thirst for change is probably his candidates biggest challenge. He pointed to an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll in which 56% of voters said they preferred a candidate who will bring major changes to the way government operates, even if the changes are unpredictable; only 41% said they preferred a steady approach with fewer changes.

Clintons task, he said, is to persuade voters that she will make [voters] lives better as president.

That was, of course, a theme in Philadelphia  but only one of many; its not clear that it broke through the clutter.

Instead of change, Clinton wants to focus on Trumps temperament, his biggest flaw in voters eyes.

Its an important pitch for two kinds of voters: white working-class men and women who have felt neglected by the Obama administration, and Bernie Sanders voters, especially young people, who arent enthusiastic about turning out for Clinton.

But some are skeptical that she can get there at all. I dont think she can plausibly campaign as the candidate of change, David Axelrod, Obamas chief strategist in 2008, told me. She has been a fixture in American politics for such a long time.

Instead of change, Clinton wants to focus on Trumps temperament, his biggest flaw in voters eyes. In the NBC-Wall Street Journal poll, voters said that was their top concern about the Republican; 65% called him too volatile, slightly ahead of the percentage who called him offensive and intolerant. (Clintons biggest flaw was dishonest, at 69%, followed by wont make needed changes.)

This issue of temperament is central to the whole debate, Axelrod said.

He cited a line from Clintons speech: A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man you can trust with nuclear weapons.

I really think the race comes down to this, he said. This is the critique I think that has the power to move the most people.

Indeed, Clinton devoted more than twice as much time in her speech to lambasting Trump as to outlining her plans for the economy.

Trump doesnt seem to notice that his bull-in-a-china-shop style makes voters worry that hed be a bad fit for the White House.

His own wife has beseeched him to be more presidential, but hes ignored the advice. Instead, he has frequently disrupted his own campaign  most recently by suggesting that Russia should hack into Clintons private email server. (He later said he was joking.)

So it shouldnt be hard for Clinton and her surrogates to keep the question of his temperament alive.

But that hasnt knocked him out of the race; far from it. Judging from the head-to-head polls, change is narrowly beating temperament as the top question on voters minds. As long as thats true, Trump  for all his gargantuan flaws  has a real chance to win.

doyle.mcmanus@latimes.com

Twitter: @DoyleMcManus

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook

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A sea of waving flags, standing ovations for generals and admirals and praise for police officers and President Reagan made last weeks nominating convention here unlike any Democratic conclave in recent memory.

In tone and content, whole stretches resembled a typical Republican convention  for good reason. The convention represented an effort by Hillary Clinton and fellow Democrats to reclaim ground lost as far back as the 1960s by taking advantage of Donald Trumps idiosyncratic candidacy.

Their pitch was less issue-oriented than cultural  an attempt by Democrats to portray themselves as a haven for voters shaken by terrorism at home and abroad.

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The attempt to transcend traditional differences between Republicans and Democrats has been made easier by Trump, who has scorned longtime GOP imagery and policy stances. Democrats have accused him of harboring an authoritarianism that runs counter to American values.

The country is trying to find a balance and equilibrium, said Democratic pollster Peter Hart. Rather than dividing along the hawk and dove divisions of earlier decades, he said, Democrats are hoping to cast the election as stability versus flailing around.

The show that they put on said, This isnt your old Democratic Party; this is a Democratic Party you can be comfortable in in 2016, he said.

The message was aimed at a wide range of voters who have leaned toward or voted wholly with Republicans in recent elections: married women, white women in particular, worried about national security; and both blue-collar and college-educated men.

Some of them turned away from Democrats as far back as the protesting days of the Vietnam era; others moved right in the 1980s either due to Reagans mix of sunny toughness or the Democratic partys lean to the left; still more shifted to the GOP, at least for a time, after Sept. 11, 2001.

The Philadelphia emphasis on patriotic, sometimes martial, imagery came at a cost: Some convention speakers drew vocal objections from antiwar delegates on the partys left.

Perhaps more important, Democrats spent relatively little time talking about the economy, which is likely to be a deciding issue in the fall. Clinton began emphasizing that issue this weekend on a bus tour of Pennsylvania and Ohio.

But the absence of a full-throated economic pitch from Clinton wasnt as harmful as it might have been, because Republicans, too, spent little time at their convention talking dollars and cents.

The GOP convention in Cleveland, one week before the Democratic gathering, focused largely on the nominee himself. To the extent there were policy messages, some were at odds with Trumps own positions. And nearly everything was overshadowed by harshly anti-Clinton rhetoric that focused more on the past, such as the extent of her responsibility for the attack on a U.S. compound in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012, than on the feasibility of her plans for the economy.

The turf being played on by Democrats melds patriotism and appreciation for those in public service with regalia that wraps all of it together for television viewers.

The party is also seeking to redefine patriotism to celebrate the countrys increasing diversity and its openness to previously excluded groups.

When Clinton arrived onstage Thursday to accept the nomination, she was greeted by a lush tableau: thousands of rippling flags, many so large they were carried by sturdy convention volunteers. At her first post-convention event Friday in Philadelphia, audience members were handed flags to wave.

Such packaging aims at themes Republicans have long highlighted to Democrats detriment.

Whether voters cognitively realize it or not, the merchandising matters, said Rob Stutzman, a veteran Republican political strategist based in California who praised the Democratic conventions execution.

People feel like they are buying something special when its Apple packaging as opposed to the cheaper competitor at Radio Shack. It all matters.

The longtime Republican edge in this area has stemmed in part from a close relationship with the military. The GOPs emphasis on the exceptionalism of America  and its castigation of Democrats as questioning U.S. supremacy  served as the icing.

Historically, as Republicans positioned themselves alongside soldiers and cops, Democrats favored military cutbacks and were more prone to protest in the streets, creating an image as just a little less red, white and blue.

But the ascent of Trump has challenged those long-held stereotypes.

He has talked of resuming actions deemed as torture, curbing 1st Amendment rights and backing out of longstanding alliances with other nations even as he has seemed to cozy up to longtime adversaries, notably Russia. He has insulted many groups of voters and American leaders.

He questioned whether U.S. senator and former prisoner of war John McCain was a war hero, saying he preferred soldiers who hadnt been captured. He said in a debate that the U.S. military was a disaster.

On Friday, he called a retired four-star Marine leader a failed general.

That came the day after Gen. John Allens appearance at the Democratic convention, during which he led a conspicuously multi-ethnic band of military figures onstage to deliver a forceful endorsement of Clinton.

As the crowd chanted USA, USA  in part to mask a few protesters  Allen vowed that under Clinton the U.S. would defeat ISIS and protect the homeland.

For more on politics 

The speech  along with those by Vice President Joe Biden, President Obama, Michelle Obama and Khizr Khan, the father of a Muslim U.S. Army captain killed in action in Iraq  boasted of pride in the nation. (Trump, on Saturday, responded by questioning why the captains distraught mother had not spoken.)

A common emotion for Republicans who were watching was: Where was all of that at my convention? said Stutzman.

Thats not to say Republicans ignored patriotic themes entirely. Trump talked about imposing law and order. The highest-profile military speaker at the Republican convention, retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, also criticized Clinton and warned of dangers ahead more than he praised patriotism.

My message to you is very clear: Wake up, America! he declared.

There are crosscurrents aplenty in the race between Clinton and Trump; voters unsure of Trump may decide to cast their lot with him to avoid another Democratic term. Voters who liked the Democratic convention display may object to Clintons positions on a host of other issues.

But the voter groups the Democrats are targeting are all in the Republican camp, meaning that even small gains would improve her chances and those of Democrats farther down the ballot.

For his part, Trump has made few inroads among Democratic voters beyond working-class whites. To win, he will likely need to substantially improve his standing among groups now firmly against him, such as Latinos and women.

Putting together a coalition as broad as the one Clinton seems to have in mind  from far-left Bernie Sanders supporters to centrist establishment Republicans  would be almost impossible were it not for the presence of Trump.

Blue-collar Reagan Democrats could look at this and say maybe Hillary Clinton isnt my cup of tea, but this isnt a party that is anathema to me, Hart said, predicting down-ballot benefits.

Stutzman, who opposes Trump, was more pessimistic about his partys future after watching the Democratic festivities conclude Thursday night.

If Clinton is able to win by good margins by clearly attracting those voters to her side, it will be an opportunity for the Democratic Party to start to have a much broader coalition than they now have, he said.

cathleen.decker@latimes.com

Twitter: @cathleendecker

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Wherever Tim Kaine goes these days, he says its a treat to be there.

It didnt matter whether the bus he was riding with Hillary Clinton, for their first campaign swing since the Democratic convention, deposited him in a wire factory or a toy manufacturing plant.

Not only was it a treat, Kaine told his audiences, but he was so honored to be Clintons running mate that he just cant put it into words.

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At each stop on this trip, which is taking them through Pennsylvania and Ohio, the senator from Virginia eagerly embraced his new role as Clintons most enthusiastic booster. With an aw, shucks demeanor, he skewered Republican nominee Donald Trump and never failed to tell the audience how much he likes and trusts Clinton, a candidate who has struggled with voters in both of those crucial departments.

Weve got the right leader in Hillary Clinton, Kaine said, adding she was a candidate we can believe in. At another point, he said, I admire Hillary so very, very much.

Pumping up Clinton is only half of Kaines job on the campaign stump. The other half is tearing down Trump, whom he paints as a dishonest businessman who refuses to pay his contractors for work on projects like casinos he used to own in Atlantic City.

Hes got a track record of people believing him and getting stiffed and getting hurt, Kaine said.

 There was plenty of substance at the two political conventions. But also a whole bunch of insults thrown around by members of each party. Here are some of the most memorable. Full convention coverage at latimes.com/conventions.

But Kaine always makes sure to attack with a twinkle in his eye. At one point he emphasized the optimistic tone of the Democratic convention, contrasting it with a darker portrayal of the country from the Republican convention the week before in Cleveland.

Oh my gosh, Kaine said. It was a dark and twisted journey through the mind of Donald Trump, a very scary place to be. His voice took on a ghoulish tone, as if he were reading a ghost story to a child.

Kaine has been with Clinton every step of the way on this trip, riding on the same bus as her and her husband, former President Bill Clinton. Kaines wife, Anne Holton, is also on board, having stepped down from her job as Virginias secretary of education to help campaign.

Out of everyone that Clinton considered as a potential running mate, Kaine wasnt the person she knew the longest or knew the best, said John Podesta, Clintons campaign chairman. But its been an easy transition, he said, and theyve enjoyed each others company.

Were really happy, from the moment he hit the stage in Miami, Podesta said, referring to their debut as a political team one week ago.

Kaine seems overjoyed with his new gig.

For us to just be sitting on a bus shooting the breeze with Hillary and Bill Clinton, I mean, I gotta tell ya, Im still sort of pinching myself, he told union workers in Johnstown.

Kaine was mayor of Richmond and governor of Virginia before he became a senator  a long track record that neatly meshes with Clintons emphasis on contrasting her experience with Trumps lack of a government background.

The campaign also hopes his background in Virginia will give him the political dexterity to be an asset in campaign battlegrounds like Pennsylvania and Ohio, the two states being visited on this bus tour.

Clintons campaign is hoping to undercut Trumps appeal to white, working-class voters who have been drawn to the New York businessmans promises to stop illegal immigration and protect manufacturing jobs.

Kaine has leaned on his own familys story during the bus trip, talking about his fathers ironworking business in the Kansas City area. His mom helped sell the product, Kaine said, while he and his brothers helped in the shop.

If you grow up in a small-business family, its all hands on deck, just like this campaign, he said. Everybody comes down  the kids come down if youve got to get an order out, if its a holiday or a weekend.

Kaines debut has inspired gentle jokes about his jovial yet vanilla demeanor on the campaign trail. The gags paint the senator as an affable father figure, the kind that makes teenagers roll their eyes but is always quick to lend a helping hand.

Tim Kaine left you some yogurt in the fridge because he knows how you like yogurt, joked a columnist at the Washington Post.

Its a dad meme going on right now, Podesta chuckled. A favorite on the campaign bus is Tim Kaines Secret Service code name is Tim Kaine.

There have been a few growing pains along the way. Kaine told CNN on Friday that he still supports the Hyde Amendment, a ban on federal funding for abortion that Clinton wants to end.

When a CNN reporter got close enough in Harrisburg later that day to ask Kaine about policy differences with Clinton, he said, My job is to support the president, and thats what I do.

Clinton seems pretty pleased with her choice.

In front of a cheering crowd in Harrisburg, she said, I think I made the right call when I called Tim Kaine last week.

chris.megerian@latimes.com

Twitter: @chrismegerian

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Nearly a half-century after tobacco ads were kicked off television in the United States, an initiative in California would take a first step toward allowing TV commercials promoting pot to air alongside advertisements for cereal and cleaning products.

Proposition 64, which is on the November ballot, would allow people age 21 and older to possess and use up to an ounce of marijuana and would allow pot shops to sell cannabis for recreational use.

The initiative also includes a provision that could someday allow cannabis sellers to advertise their products in print ads and on digital sites and radio and television stations, but would prohibit the marketing and advertising of non-medical marijuana to persons younger than 21 years old or near schools or other places where children are present.

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Television ads are not likely to appear soon, even if voters approve the initiative. There are other impediments to pot ads hitting the airwaves in California, including the fact that cannabis is still seen by the federal government as an illegal drug.

Still, the possibility that television commercials will some day pop up featuring people smoking marijuana has been seized on by opponents of the ballot measure, including Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California.

It rolls back anti-smoking advertising protections weve had for decades and allows marijuana smoking ads in prime time, on programs with millions of children and teenage viewers, Feinstein said this month in announcing her opposition to Proposition 64.

Health officials are also concerned. The American Heart Assn. of Greater Los Angeles has not yet taken a position on the initiative, but its board president, Dr. Ravi Dave, said it would be tragic if television was opened to ads for smoking marijuana.

We dont want to see smoking re-normalized, and exposure to marketing and advertising does that.  Ravi Dave, UCLA Health cardiologist

We view marijuana advertising in the same light as cigarette and e-cigarette advertising  we dont want to see smoking re-normalized, and exposure to marketing and advertising does that, said Dave, a UCLA Health cardiologist.

In 1970, then-President Richard Nixon signed legislation barring cigarette ads on television and radio amid health concerns about tobacco causing cancer and heart disease.

Proponents of Proposition 64 say it includes rules to make sure the ads are not seen by minors, even going so far as to prohibit the use of marketing techniques that are appealing to young people, such as the use of symbols, music or cartoons.

Concerns that marijuana ads are somehow going to flood the airwaves are the same tired scare tactics from the anti-marijuana opposition that were tried in other states and ultimately proven false, said Jason Kinney, a spokesman for the Yes on Proposition 64 campaign.

A key provision of the initiative says: Any advertising or marketing placed in broadcast, cable, radio, print and digital communications shall only be displayed where at least 71.6 percent of the audience is reasonably expected to be 21 years of age or older, as determined by reliable, up-to-date audience composition data. Colorado has a similar standard.

That provision is dismissed as a joke by Wayne Johnson, a chief strategist for the opposition campaign, the Coalition for Responsible Drug Policies, who said a study conducted by his group found that the standard would still allow marijuana ads on shows whose audiences include many minors.

Proposition 64 would break a 45-year-old ban on smoking ads on television, including on programs with huge audiences of adolescent viewers like the Olympics, and The Voice, Johnson said. The initiatives 71.6% adult audience threshold means almost every show on television will have ads promoting smoking marijuana.

Kinney said the initiative does not roll back rules prohibiting tobacco ads. And the approval of the ballot measure alone is not enough to allow cannabis ads.

The fact is TV and radio broadcasters are governed by federal, not state law, and federal law does not allow TV and radio ads for marijuana because it remains illegal under federal law, Kinney said.

In the far-down-the-road circumstance that such ads are one day allowed under federal law, we wanted voters to be assured that they would be governed by the same strict standards that are currently applied to alcohol ads, he added.

The thorny issue was a hot topic on the agenda of a conference of the California Broadcasters Assn. in Universal City this month, where television station owners met with a representative of the Federal Communications Commission.

David Oxenford, a Washington D.C.-based attorney who represents broadcasters, said the ban on tobacco advertising has no direct impact on marijuana ads.

Recreational marijuana use has been legalized in Alaska, Colorado, Washington and Oregon, but Oxenford said the ability of broadcasters to run marijuana ads in those states is hindered by federal law. Marijuana is still classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency as an illegal, Schedule 1 drug, along with heroin and LSD.

As broadcast stations are federal licensees, most have been very cautious about running ads for a federally controlled substance even where, as in Colorado and Washington, the states declared it legal, Oxenford said.

He said the ambiguous state of affairs and questions about who will head federal enforcement agencies after the November presidential election have so far meant that most broadcasters have been very cautious about accepting the ads, even if legal under state law.

Keith Shipman, vice chairman of the Oregon Assn. of Broadcasters, said about 10 radio stations in Medford, Bend and Eugene have run marijuana ads, but he knows of no television stations that have done so.

One television station, ABC affiliate KMGH-TV in Denver, indicated last year that it planned to run marijuana business ads, but the decision was rescinded after managers at the station and its parent company, E.W. Scripps, said it appeared such ads would run afoul of federal law.

Sacramento FOX affiliate KTXL-TV ran ads for a medical marijuana dispensary some years ago, but has since adopted a policy of not accepting such advertising. An Arizona TV station has aired ads for a physician who refers patients to marijuana dispensaries.

Updates from Sacramento 

Representatives of the Alaska and Colorado broadcasters associations said they are not aware of any television stations in their states that have run marijuana ads, and they have recommended that members not accept such ads.

We discourage them from doing so because they are a federally licensed entity, and the federal government deems the sale and possession illegal, said Cathy Hiebert, executive director of the Alaska Broadcasters Assn.

All that could change if federal officials follow the lead of states to shift the law. There is an active campaign to reclassify marijuana as a lesser drug, officials said.

If federal officials allow such ads, At that point, it would not be different than alcohol ads, said Joe Berry, head of the California Broadcasters Assn. You could not target children or promote over-consumption.

That scenario will be fully plumbed by the campaign against Proposition 64.

A ban on tobacco ads has been a huge part of reducing smoking among minors, Johnson said. Why would we adopt exactly the opposite policy when it comes to smoking marijuana?

patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com

Follow @mcgreevy99 on Twitter

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The last time state lawmakers tried to place limits on drones in the skies above California, they were met with the veto of Gov. Jerry Brown, who said he did not want to create new crimes to enforce bans on the use of such devices.

This year, the pushback to new rules is coming not from the governor but through the lobbying efforts of a budding industry that hopes to influence policy at the state Capitol and nationwide.

As drones multiply in number and category, cities and states want to set boundaries. But drone manufacturers and associations this legislative session boosted their politicking, successfully beating back several bills they said would create a patchwork of laws that vary by state and hinder innovation.

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We want to solve problems and address concerns, but to do it in a way that is constantly clear across the country, said Brendan Schulman, vice president of policy and legal affairs for DJI Technology Co., the worlds largest drone maker. Otherwise, it will be too confusing for commercial users and consumers to understand what the rules are when they travel from place to place.

The Consumer Technology Assn. expects 2.4 million drones to be sold nationwide this year, up from 1.1 million in 2015.

California has been home to some of the most innovative uses of the technology and is now also a central battleground over industry policy as it has become more commercialized.

Farmers are employing unmanned machines to spray pesticides over vineyards, first responders are using them to train for chemical spills, and Realtors are sending them into the air to capture aerial photos of homes and businesses.

But cities are seeking to pass their own rules and ordinances to prevent hobbyists from wreaking havoc. Just this month, a Placer County man was arrested on suspicion of flying a drone into a firefighting effort northeast of Sacramento.

Brown last year signed a bill prohibiting the use of drones to record audio or video on private property. But he stopped short of signing bills that would have made it illegal to use drones over wildfires, schools, prisons and jails.

Industry opposition this year has helped block two sweeping pieces of California legislation: One would have outlined drone regulations for law enforcement and another sought to drastically reduce the space in which the devices can be flown near power lines and critical infrastructure, private property and parklands and wildlife refuges.

Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, a Santa Barbara Democrat who authored the latter bill, said she had spent months working on an approach that would balance the need to protect privacy, public safety and parkland with promoting the benefits of the technology.

But she said tech industry leaders had not been willing to come to the table.

The rules should be clear, she said. The rules should be fair. The rules should be a coordinated effort by all the stakeholders, but until we get the tech industry to sit down and participate, we are going to have to go at it alone.

Opponents of the bill contended it would have required drone operators to obtain insurance, though there is no data that accurately reflects the danger the drones pose. And they said it created inconsistencies and contradictions that undermined federal law regarding aircraft operations.

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Debate has raged in recent years over just where federal authority begins and ends. Lawyers with the Federal Aviation Administration have said their agency has jurisdiction over any airspace above a blade of grass, though it has typically only regulated spaces at least 500 feet above the ground. The agency has also been slow to release regulations, revealing its latest set of rules for commercial users only late last month.

In Washington, major firms with an eye toward drone delivery services, among the most aggressive of which has been Amazon, have poured millions of dollars into lobbying Congress as a way of pushing the FAA along. Major drone manufacturers have even created their own industry advocacy group, the Drone Manufacturers Alliance, focused on the consumer market.

But industry experts say the battles with the highest stakes could play out at the state level, where lawmakers are trying to balance the needs of cities with those of drone operators.

In California, DJI Technology Co. and GoPro, a body-wearable camera maker working on its own drone, doled out more than $125,000 for the first time this session to hire lobbying firms. And even Google and Amazon have added the unmanned machines to their lobbying priorities in Sacramento.

The opposition helped stall another bill by Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-Hayward) that would have required law enforcement to issue policies and obtain a search warrant before using drones. It has remained on the Senate floor since last year but is expected to be withdrawn.

Of the five remaining proposals in the Legislature, criticized by some as piecemeal solutions, two of the most significant bills would ban the use of drones in state parks without permission and would hold that emergency responders and volunteers who damage a drone are not subject to liability.

Another would mandate that the devices must be sold with a copy of FAA rules and that those with GPS technology must turn off near airports, sensitive infrastructure or fires.

Jackson, whose drone legislation was vetoed by the governor last year, said she will try to pass statewide regulations for the third time next session. Cities are already moving forward, she said  with or without the state.

jazmine.ulloa@latimes.com

Follow @jazmineulloa on Twitter

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Updates on California politics
Retired Police Chief Jay Johnson could be back on the Newport Beach payroll temporarily if the City Council approves a contract Tuesday night.

Johnson, 50, officially retired in late December but offered to stay on as acting chief for the first several months of 2016 while the city selects his replacement.

The draft agreement would guarantee Johnson hourly pay of $111.03 for his time as interim chief, if the council approves. Johnson could work a maximum of 960 hours annually, the contract states.

The city would not be responsible for the cost of Johnsons medical benefits and would not contribute further to his retirement, according to the contract.

The city charter requires officials to open the position to candidates both inside and outside the Police Department.

City Manager Dave Kiff, who ultimately will choose the next chief, said the process will take at least two months and possibly up to six months.

I considered naming one or more of the current Police Department leadership team members as interim chief, but some are likely to be candidates for the top job, Kiff said. For fairness, it makes a lot more sense to have Jay come back.

Deputy Chief Dave McGill, who oversees detectives, and Deputy Chief Jon Lewis, who heads operations, have expressed interest in the top job.

If I had my way, it would be one of those two deputy chiefs, Johnson said.

If Johnson returns as chief, even temporarily, he would have to do something he hasnt done since his last day on the force  shave.

During his appearance at the Chamber of Commerces Wake Up Newport forum Thursday morning, which focused on crime statistics and other public safety issues, Johnson took a few minutes to discuss the chief recruitment process and poke fun at his new beard.

He explained that police officers are required to shave every day, so when he announced that he was leaving his post to spend more time with his family, he decided to see how he looked with facial hair.

My wife and mother both tell me it does not look good, he said with a laugh. So Ill get rid of it next week.

Johnson began his tenure as Newport Beachs ninth police chief in June 2010.

Before that, he was a commander in the Long Beach Police Department, where he spent most of his career. In his later years there, he oversaw the citys South Division, which included the downtown and harbor areas.

During Johnsons time in Newport Beach, the city saw record low crime rates in 2013 and 2014.

However, in 2015, crime levels began creeping up for the first time in about a decade. Johnson attributed the increase to legislation including the states prison realignment plan in 2011, which aims to move some offenders from state prisons to county jails; Proposition 36 in 2012, which relaxed the states three-strikes law; and Proposition 47 in 2014, which reclassified many low-level felonies as misdemeanors that carry lesser penalties.

Despite the uptick, crime is still below Newports five-year average, Johnson said.

You are safer in Newport Beach today than you were 30 or 40 years ago, he said.
Residents got the chance to step back in time during a 50th-anniversary celebration Saturday for University Park, Irvines first village.

A picnic at University Community Park featured a residents parade, along with root beer and Thrifty ice cream for 10 cents a scoop.

The weekend celebration will end Sunday with an Irvine Kiwanis all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. at the park, which is next to the University Park Library, 4512 Sandburg Way.

A photo and art exhibit will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parks community center.
Regarding Stuck on a PIane at LAX, by Catharine Hamm, July 24: I was stuck on a runway at LAX for almost two hours on an American Airlines plane after returning in June from Quito, Ecuador.

When I got home, I emailed American a complaint, and the airline compensated me with 5,000 miles for my frequent-flier account.

I didnt know if I would be compensated or if American would even reply, but it doesnt hurt to ask.

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Kathleen Battersby, Culver City

::

I just read the response to Stuck on a Plane at LAX. The two paragraphs about friends picking you up at LAX were the most entertaining journalism I have read in many months, but unfortunately so true.

My question: Why not utilize the surrounding regional airports more, especially Ontario, which has unused gates and parking lots that are mostly empty?

Ken Scofield, Redlands

::

I marvel that every week Hamm can write a well-researched On the Spot column that does not make ones eyes glaze over.

In her July 24 column, the visuals of Southwest getting a smack on the behind and the Department of Transportation shaking its finger produced a chuckle.

As for trifecta of tardiness, I will steal that phrase for my annual holiday letter and cite three reasons for missing  yet again  the Christmas deadline.

Is this plagiarism?

Carol Clark, Los Feliz

Tips on tipping

Regarding tipping: I have tried to follow the guidelines from previous L.A. Times articles [Tips on Tipping, by Catharine Hamm, June 26] and also information found on the Internet.

Some guidelines say waiters in Spain are well paid and do not care about tipping. In October, I ate at a restaurant a block from La Rambla in Barcelona, Spain, and the waiter stared at me when I was counting my 3.50 euros in change after paying for a 16.50 euro bill.

It was awkward. We looked at each other. I left 1.50 euros.

As for the currency used for tipping, I often use U.S. dollars. Who does not like U.S. dollars? Just dont leave change. I left a couple dollars in change at a hotel once, and the maid did not take the tip.

Pat Lee, Arcadia

Eight Basic Tips for Travelers on rental cars [June 12, On the Spot, by Catharine Hamm) didnt mention that some credit cards dont offer protection if the rental car contract is for more than 15 days. It also suggested that people rent an exotic, but failed to mention that those may not be covered by credit card collision damage waivers.

I use a travel search engine to figure out pricing, but I try to make the reservation with the rental car company. On returning the car, make sure you get a receipt. You might want to record that the car was returned in proper condition.

As for prepaid cars, I would do that only if I were certain I was going. Non-prepaid car reservations dont require a credit card, so its easy to book and cancel and rebook if need be.

Lachlan Cooke, Seattle
A massive explosion, caused by a bombing at a residential compound for foreigners, rocked the Afghan capital early Monday morning, authorities said. The Taliban claimed responsibility, and there were conflicting reports about casualties.

The blast occurred at 1:25 a.m. at the Northgate compound, known for housing foreign contractors, east of Kabuls international airport.

We are in touch with the residents in the compound and there have been no casualties so far, Deputy Police Chief Sayed Gul Aqa Rohani said several hours later. All Afghan security forces are standby and assessing the condition, then will launch an operation soon.

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An Afghan police officer near the scene of an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Sultan Faizy / Los Angeles Times )

In an email, the Taliban said a Mazda type of truck full of explosives targeted the Northgate guesthouse and some other armed suicide attackers stormed the compound following the blast and the operation is going on.

A later statement from the Taliban added: As the powerful explosion destroyed all security barriers and a large part of the building, a team of martyrdom seekers armed with heavy and light weapons, flame throwers, rocket launchers and machine guns entered the hotel and began engaging the remaining foreigners.

That statement claimed the assault had killed or wounded more than 100 foreigners, but the Taliban often wildly exaggerates its claims.

Afghan security forces were exchanging fire with the apparent assailants. The area was cordoned off by police.

A police official from Kabuls 9th precinct said Crisis Response Unit, National Directorate Security and police forces were trying to reach the guesthouse, but were hampered by the dark and gunfire coming from within the compound. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly.

The scene near a compound for foreigners in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Sultan Faizy / Los Angeles Times )

Such guesthouses have been a common target of Taliban attacks. The Northgate compound reportedly had been attacked before in 2013.

On July 23, the Islamic State extremist group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a demonstration in Kabul that killed at least 81 people and injured more than 250. That attack was among the most lethal since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan.

Faizy is a special correspondent.

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UPDATES:

6:35 p.m.: This article was updated with a new statement from the Taliban.

6:15 p.m.: This article was updated with background information.

4:45 p.m.: This article was updated with police comment and details.

This article was originally posted at 3:55 p.m.
On a busy day, the Rosalind Rendu Pediatric Clinic deep inside Cite Soleil, a densely populated slum in Haitis capital of Port-au-Prince, is crammed with some 300 patients by 7 a.m. Mothers come with babies and toddlers suffering a gamut of illnesses, from coughs and fever to skin infections and malnutrition.

Even so, these children could be counted lucky. The clinic is private, run by the Catholic missionary group Daughters of Charity, and the youngsters might have the opportunity to be treated by two veteran Haitian pediatricians and Dr. John Carroll, an internist from West Peoria, Ill., who regularly travels to Haiti to treat children.

They are the fortunate ones because they are being seen that day and treated that day, and there is a pharmacy right there at the clinic, Carroll said.

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Fortunate, indeed. The reality is far grimmer for patients seeking help from public facilities, especially now that a strike that has ground on since March is exacerbating the already dismal and desperate state of healthcare in this impoverished Caribbean nation.

Carroll, who recently returned from his seventh visit to Haiti in 18 months, offered first-hand accounts of the strikes impact. Few of the other international humanitarian organizations that work in Haiti were willing to comment on the general impact of the walkout for fear of jeopardizing their status in the country.

According to news reports, at least four public hospitals are closed, and others hobbled by the strike are limping along without the mainly young doctors and interns who have walked off the job.

The physicians, who earn the equivalent of about $140 a month, according to international medical staff acquainted with Haitian doctors, are demanding better pay, improvements in sanitary conditions and more medical supplies, including basics like surgical gloves and gauze.

The public healthcare system is just deplorable in Haiti, said Carroll, who founded Haitian Hearts, a nonprofit that since 1995 has facilitated surgery for about 200 Haitians, mainly pediatric heart surgery that is not routinely performed in Haiti. It was bad even before the hospitals went on strike. But its the only thing the majority of poor people had to turn to.

The doctors had originally demanded a pay rise to $500 per month but have now agreed to accept $360, the Associated Press reported. The governments latest offer of $200 a month was rejected, the news agency said.

At one hospital, the news agency described empty halls abuzz with flies with rats scampering through the wards at night.

The conditions are not only bad for patients at public facilities, but also physicians, Carroll said. Some of his Haitian medical colleagues describe being overwhelmed by the number of patients, getting threatened by patients relatives, working without running water and performing operations under the glow of handheld flashlights because of the lack of regular electricity.

Haiti reports some of the worlds worst health indicators, according to data published by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

About 40% of the population lacks access to essential health and nutrition services, and only 45% of all children between 12 and 23 months old are fully vaccinated, according to USAID. Public expenditure for health represents only 10% of all health financing for the country, and there are as few as four health professionals per 10,000 people, according to the agency.

Now with the strike dragging on, the Haitian public hospitals are now more dysfunctional than usual, Carroll said.

At St. Catherine Laboure Hospital, a public facility with a three-stretcher emergency room not far from the clinic where Carroll works, there were only four infant patients at the pediatric ward in early July, Carroll said, a horrifyingly low number for the high population of the slum.

When I go into that hospital, I am depressed, Carroll said. I see beds with no mattresses on them, just springs, and no babies.

The ward should be overloaded with pediatric patients, he said.

During the last 15 years, Carroll said, he had referred babies he had examined at the clinic to St. Catherine, and many babies lives were saved with simple medicine, such intravenous fluids and basic antibiotics. Haitian doctors have delivered thousands of babies there, Carroll said.

If the hospital were correctly run, it would be one of the best teaching hospitals in the world for young resident physicians, Carroll said. But the hospital has now become so dysfunctional and too expensive for the person in the slum to afford.

It is unclear when the strike might end. Past walkouts have dragged on. And for the poor, strikes are frequently a death sentence when they become ill, Carroll said.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Dr. Gabriel Thimothe, director general of Haitis Health Ministry, called striking doctors radicals who had trained in Cuba.

Were open to negotiations Thimothe he told the news agency. But we cant give everything they demand due to the economic situation of the country.

Thimothe told the AP that at least three deaths, including a pregnant woman who died outside the State University hospitals gates, have been attributed to the strike. But Carroll said the toll was likely much higher.

I would say there have been many, many deaths since the strike started due to no medical care for the poor, he said.

When he questions Haitian medical colleagues about their professional obligation to patients, Carroll said they typically respond as follows: What are the ethics of giving very poor treatment in public hospital when we frequently send these patients away because we cant treat them?

Without public healthcare, the poorest Haitians have few options. Most cannot afford to pay the equivalent $1 fee charged for a basic medical consultation, much less the cost of prescription medicines or private treatment from non-charitable organizations, Carroll said.

If youre a poor Haitian, you can do very little, Carroll said. They are really up the creek right now.

ann.simmons@latimes.com

For more on global development news follow me @AMSimmons1 on Twitter

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In a gesture of solidarity following the gruesome killing of a French priest, Muslims on Sunday attended Catholic Mass in churches and cathedrals across France and beyond.

Reporters on the scene said that from 100 to 200 Muslims gathered at the towering Gothic cathedral in Rouen, only a few miles from Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, where the 85-year-old Rev. Jacques Hamel was killed by two teenage attackers on Tuesday.

Were very touched, Archbishop Dominique Lebrun told broadcaster BFMTV. Its an important gesture of fraternity. Theyve told us, and I think theyre sincere, that its not Islam which killed Jacques Hamel.

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Outside the church, a group of Muslims were applauded when they unfurled a banner: Love for all. Hate for none.

Similar interfaith gatherings were repeated elsewhere in France, as well as in neighboring Italy.

At Paris iconic Notre Dame cathedral, Dalil Boubakeur, the rector of the Mosque of Paris, said repeatedly that Muslims want to live in peace.

The situation is serious, he told BFMTV. Time has come to come together so as not to be divided.

In Italy, the secretary general of the countrys Islamic Confederation, Abdullah Cozzolino, spoke from the altar in the Treasure of St. Gennaro chapel next to Naples Duomo cathedral. He said there was a need of dialogue, more affirmation of shared values of peace, of solidarity, of love, out of respect for our one God, merciful and compassionate.

Three imams also attended Mass at the St. Maria Church in Romes Trastevere neighborhood, donning their traditional dress as they entered the sanctuary and sat down in the front row.

Mohammed ben Mohammed, a member of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy, said that he called on faithful in his sermon Friday `'to report anyone who may be intent to damage society. I am sure that there are those among the faithful who are ready to speak up.

Mosques are not a place in which fanatics become radicalized. Mosques do the opposite of terrorism: They diffuse peace and dialogue, he added.

Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni thanked Italian Muslims for their participation, saying they are showing their communities the way of courage against fundamentalism.

Like in France, Italy is increasing its supervision of mosques. Interior Minister Angelino Alfano told the Senate this week that authorities were scrutinizing mosque financing and working with the Islamic community to ensure that imams study in Italy, preach in Italian and are aware of Italys legal structure.

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Pope Francis lamented the mass drowning of African boat people off the Italian island of Lampedusa on Thursday as shameful evidence of human indifference to those in despair.

President Giorgio Napolitano of Italy, where tens of thousands of desperate migrants cast up on remote shores each year, deemed the deadliest migration accident in the Mediterranean Sea this year a massacre of innocents.

But U.N. officials tasked with protecting those fleeing their homelands put into unemotional perspective the tragic end to a boatload of migrants dangerous gamble for a better life: an everyday occurrence.

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Poverty, injustice and armed conflict have long been the instigators of African migration to Europe. And in todays ever more unstable world, where Islamic militants terrorize much of Africa and political instability grips the Arab world, the numbers willing to risk perilous sea voyages for a chance to start over in affluent Europe have exploded.

Lives are lost every day in the most cruel of circumstances because people flee out of despair and try to cross the sea in rickety boats, said Volker Tuerk, director for international protection with the Office of U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Because of human misery, because of despair, for reasons of persecution in their home countries, these people have nothing else but to take an unseaworthy boat to a European haven, Tuerk said. He called on the European Union to halt overcrowded boats leaving Northern Africa and come to the aid of those who encounter peril when they do manage to set off.

The search for better jobs and higher incomes still drives much of the human tide across the Mediterranean. But the economic migrants are now joined by swelling crowds of Syrians fleeing their civil war-racked country, by Somalis escaping lawlessness and sectarian strife, and by political refugees from the Arab Spring, the pro-democracy movements in the Middle East that have traded authoritarian rule for near-anarchy in countries such as Libya, Egypt and Yemen.

Italian rescue crews plucked about 150 survivors from the waters off Lampedusa, where the 66-foot fishing boat that sank Thursday had caught fire and capsized just half a mile offshore. Few among the estimated 500 Eritreans, Somalis and Ghanaians on board could swim, and recovery workers expected the death toll to reach or even exceed 300 when the emergency operation was over.

Tragedies at sea have been a fixture for decades in the global movement of the miserable. And the intervention of professional smugglers who charge the desperate upward of $1,000 per head for a space on the boats has accelerated the traffic.

UNHCR figures show that nearly 22,000 migrants have arrived in southern Italy so far this year, a shocking rise over last years total of 7,981. Eritreans and Somalis make up the biggest groups, but Syrian arrivals have increased more than tenfold from 2012 and now rank third behind the Horn of Africa migrants.

In a 40-day stretch between August and September, 3,300 Syrians, of whom more than 230 were unaccompanied children, have come ashore, mainly in Sicily, said Adrian Edwards, a UNHCR spokesman in Geneva.

The Syrian influx swelled noticeably as fighting ground down this past summer between rebels and government troops loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad, culminating in the now-confirmed use of chemical weapons on Aug. 21 in suburbs of Damascus.

Most of those in the surge of Syrians reaching Italy fled Damascus, which has been the scene of intense fighting for months. Many of them are Palestinian refugees born in Syria, forced to flee from one shaky refuge to another, Edwards said.

In a July report, the U.N. refugee agency took note of increasing arrivals in Southern Europe from Egypt, Pakistan, Gambia, Mali and Afghanistan, all scenes of political, ethnic or religious conflict.

Afghans, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and others from the impoverished Asian underbelly north of the Indian Ocean have mostly set sail for Australia and its outlying islands in attempts to escape turmoil and repression at home. But there, too, shipwrecks occur with numbing regularity, like the June capsizing near Christmas Island of a smugglers overloaded boat in which at least a dozen perished. In December 2011, more than 200 asylum seekers drowned or went missing when their overcrowded ship sank off Indonesias main island of Java.

In addition to the risks migrants face in crossing vast water bodies in unseaworthy vessels, they often find the circumstances awaiting them more difficult than those they fled, the International Organization for Migration reported last month.

Migrants are less likely to feel satisfied with their lives than the native-born population, the Geneva-based IOM said in its World Migration Report 2013. Referring to the Southern Hemisphere, which suffers a marked deficit in prosperity compared with Northern countries, the organization concluded that migrants in the South often fare the same or worse than if they had not migrated.

Would-be migrants to Europe also find less-than-hospitable refuge in the Northern African ports where they go to await boat passage, enduring abuse by local residents in Moroccan, Libyan and Tunisian ports.

The IOM report on a Gallup World Poll survey of 25,000 migrants from 150 countries also challenged the assumption that most people leave their native country to earn money to send to relatives left behind.

A minority of migrants send remittances, IOM said. In fact, only 8% of adult migrants in the South, and 27% in the North, report sending financial help to family in another country.

Still, stable governance, better-paying jobs and longer life expectancy prove powerful lures for the millions of discontented willing to brave one perilous voyage for a better future, as the BBC reported Thursday in the wake of the Lampedusa disaster.

Italian and international relief officials urged the European Union to invoke stronger penalties for human smuggling and for Mediterranean states to respond with more humanity to tragedies at sea. But they seemed to concede that the dangers driving refugees to take risks continue to be ascendant.

Said the U.N. high commissioner for refugees, Antonio Guterres: Im dismayed at the rising global phenomenon of migrants and people fleeing conflict or persecution and perishing at sea.

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More than a week after a massive wildland blaze erupted, the Soberanes Fire in Monterey County near Big Sur has now grown to engulf 33,000 acres and remains just 15 percent contained.

As of late Friday, fire officials added the fire destroyed more than 50 structures and led to at least one death, as more than 4,000 firefighters continued to struggle to get control of the situation.

Nearly 400 Evacuated, Thousands More in Danger

Roughly 350 residents have already been forced to leave their homes and an evacuation warning remains in place for some 2,000 other residents. Sometime during the week, fire officials identified a private contractor who died while battling the blaze when his bulldozer overturned on him as 35-year-old Robert Oliver Reagan III.

Firemen are battling the blaze using both air and ground equipment. Of the properties already destroyed, authorities reported a breakdown of 41 homes and 10 outbuildings.

Weather Hampering Effort

In the coming days, crews expect to continue to face sweltering conditions with low humidity, combined with the areas steep and rugged terrain.

With that, investigators don't expect to have the blaze under control until the end of August. The entire county has already been declared under a state of emergency.

As of now, all trails and roads leading into the Los Padres National Forest are closed, in addition to all state parks in the vicinity.

All week long, firefighters have been flooding into the California area trying to lend a hand in getting the blaze under control. Palo Colorado Canyon, on the west side of the fire, is where the most houses have burned to the ground because it's located close to where the Soberanes Fire first ignited.

Residents there are reported to have had only one way out, Palo Colorado Road, as they fled for safety.

Basic Information (Info Obtained from Inciweb)

Current as of 7/30/2016, 9:47:20 PM Incident Type Wildfire Cause Under Investigation Date of Origin Friday July 22nd, 2016 approx. 08:45 AM Location Soberanes Creek, Garrapata State Park, north of Palo Colorado/Big Sur. Incident Commander Todd Derum - Cal Fire IMT 4 With Gary Helming, USFS



Current Situation

Total Personnel 5,343 Size 35,550 Acres Percent of Perimeter Contained 15% Fuels Involved Chaparral, tall grass and timber Significant Events Slightly cooler weather, but the fire remained active on the eastern and southern sides of the fire.

Outlook

Remarks Currently: 25,079 acres is on Cal Fire - San Benito-Monterey Unit and 10,461 acres is on Los Padres National Forest - Monterey Ranger District

Current Weather

Weather Concerns Marine layer remains fairly shallow at around 2000 feet along the west side of the fire and 1500 feet in Carmel Valley but not impacting the main fire area. Continued hot and dry across most of the fire area above 1500 feet except cooler along Highway 1 with good humidity recovery. General winds remain from the southwest and pushing smoke towards the Carmel Valley helibase and higher populated areas. Overall trend for Sunday will be slight cooling and higher humidity. Longer range trends suggest a seasonal weather pattern with light winds. Tonight's temperature is expected to be between 65 to 75 degrees. Southwest winds will be from 3 - 6 mph and relative humidity between 20 - 40% above the marine layer and 60 - 80% in the lower slopes below 1000 feet.



The Fire Maps & Satellite Photo
Read a full match report on Leicester City's 2016 International Champions Cup tie against Paris Saint-Germain at StubHub Center on Saturday 30 July, 2016

- Paris Saint-Germain inflict a first defeat of pre-season on Leicester City

- City have a host of chances but are unable to convert









Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani gave the French champions a lead from the penalty spot midway through the first half while the dangerous Jonathan Iknoe bundled home from a counter attack to made it 2-0 just before the break.

The Foxes had excellent chances through Daniel Amartey, Riyad Mahrez, Leonardo Ulloa, Ahmed Musa and Marc Albrighton, but were made to pay again as Lucas headed PSG into a 3-0 lead just after the hour mark.

Substitute Odsonne Edouard then beat the offside trap to stroke a finish into the bottom corner in the final minute and cap a fourth consecutive pre-season victory for the French outfit.









It was a tentative start from both sides at StubHub Center, as they both adopted a cautious approach on a pitch that was only a few days old.





The first real opportunity to get a decent delivery into the box came for PSG in the 10th minute after Hernandez brought down Maxwell on the left. The City man picked up a booking for his trouble but Kasper Schmeichel was alert to the free kick and gathered ahead of Cavani.

Former Real Madrid and Manchester United winger Angel Di Maria then tried to find the same target from the same flank moments later, but his delivery was just out of reach.

PSG's threat was growing, and but for a goal line clearance from Amartey they would have had the lead after Thiago Motta powered a header at goal from Di Maria's corner.

It was from the spot that the French champions eventually took the lead on 26 minutes after Amartey collided with Ikone right on the edge of the area. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, where Cavani sent Schmeichel the wrong way with a thunderous strike.





On the half hour a brilliant combination between Ben Chilwell and Shinji Okazaki put Jeffrey Schlupp through before he was tripped on the edge of the box by Motta. Mahrez stepped up and forced a fabulous fingertip save from





CITY: Schmeichel; Hernandez (Simpson 46), Huth, Morgan (c), Chilwell (Fuchs 46); Mahrez (Gray 66), Amartey (Drinkwater 46), Mendy (King 66), Schlupp (Albrighton 46); Ulloa, Okazaki (Musa)

SUBS NOT USED: Wasilewski, Zieler

PSG: Areola, Kimpembe, Stambouli, Motta (c), Cavani, Pastore, Di Maria, Meunier, Maxwell, Luiz, Ikone

SUBS: Trapp, Silva, Verratti, Lucas, Aurier, Kurzawa, Ben Arfa, Edouard Krychowiak, Nkunku, Rabiot, Georgen, Deschamps, Callegari

GOALS: Cavani pen 26, Iknoe 45, Lucas 65, Edouard 90

REFEREE: Ismail Elfath

ATTENDANCE: 25,667
Robert Legaspie, a patient who received CAR-T immunotherapy. Credit: Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego

By Jamie Reno, Yahoo Finance Contributor

Sometimes, a cancer patient just knows when enough is enough. Robert Legaspi, 27, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) when he was 9 years old. Since then, his cancer has recurred several times. The chemotherapy regimens have been long and brutal, and its taken two years each time for him to get back into remission.

When Legaspis cancer returned for the fourth time earlier this year, his oncologist, Dr. Ted Ball at Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, asked him if hed be interested in trying an experimental new treatment that would harness his own cells to fight the cancer.

Ball expressed to Legaspi that there were some potential serious side effects in this treatment including neurotoxicities.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that after a different trial from another company for the same kind of treatment, three patients died from cerebral edema (brain swelling), posing a potential roadblock to a very promising treatment.

But Legaspi was undaunted by the risks. He immediately enrolled as the first participant in the clinical trial at UCSD of an immunotherapy called CAR-T, which engineers the bodys T cells to recognize and kill cancer cells. The trial is sponsored by Kite Pharma (KITE), a biotechnology company in Santa Monica, Calif.

Today, Legaspi is in complete remission, just two months after taking part in the trial, which involved a very short regimen of pre-conditioning drugs followed by a one-time infusion of the CAR-T cells. While doctors dont know just how long Legaspi will remain cancer-free, the data so far is showing durable remissions in most patients.

Im a homebody who likes video games, but now Im riding my bike, taking long hikes, kayaking, and doing things I never had the energy to do, said Legaspi in an interview with Yahoo Finance.

He had some complications from the treatment, including high fevers, some confusion and even blackouts. But that lasted only a week or so. It wasnt nearly as hard as my chemotherapy treatments Ive had in the past, or as long, he said. I encourage others to do CAR-T. Its the greatest thing you can do for yourself.

Story continues

Immunotherapy is the new rock star in the cancer pharmacology world. One of the fastest-growing areas of oncology research, its garnered lots of media attention this year, from Time to The New York Times.

While multiple immunotherapy technologies are being studied, among the most promising is chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, or CAR-T, whose human clinical trial data shows a remarkably high percentage of total remissions. In these trials, Legaspis response is the norm, not the exception: CAR-T trials often see a 70% to 80% complete response rate  and these are in cancer patients who are gravely ill and have failed other treatments.

Dr. Januario Castro, the principal investigator of the CAR-T studies at UCSD, said Legaspi is not only leukemia-free now but could be potentially be cured from this deadly medical condition.

Toxicity a concern

Two American biotech companies  Kite (KITE), and Juno Therapeutics (JUNO) from Seattle  along with Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis (NVS), are competing to reach the clinic first with their respective CAR-T cell treatments for various leukemias and lymphomas.

Despite sunny results in CAR-T trials from each of these companies, a few clouds have appeared on the horizon.

Earlier this month, after Legaspies trial concluded, Juno announced that three patients in its CAR-T trial for ALL died from cerebral edema (brain swelling) following the trial. That trial included a pre-conditioning regimen employing familiar chemotherapy agents fludarabine and cyclophosphamide to suppress the immune system before infusing the engineered T cells. The company later revealed that a fourth patient had died from the same cause in a separate CAR-T trial.

While Junos policy is not to discuss open trial numbers except at medical conferences when it releases all the data, a spokesperson for Juno, Christopher Williams, said the CAR-T trial for ALL in which three patients died had more than 20 participants.

Juno had reported all four patient deaths properly to the Food and Drug Administration, but after notifying the FDA of the two most recent fatalities, the agency placed a clinical hold on the trial.

News of the neurotoxicity issues with CAR-T cast a pall over the national cancer community, which has excitedly monitored the progress of CAR-T as it quickly makes its way to FDA approval.

Junos stock dropped more than 30% from $40 on Thursday, July 8, the day after the FDA placed the hold on the trial. The stock value at Kite  which uses the same two chemotherapy drugs as pre-conditioning agents but at a substantially lower dose  also took a hit.

Following a brief hold, the FDA allowed Juno to resume its trial after the company recommended that fludarabine be removed from the trial regimen but that cyclophosphamide remain.

The FDA would not comment to Yahoo Finance specifically on why it resumed the trial, but industry analysts say the federal agency was satisfied with Junos assertion that the trials are safer now that fludarabine has been removed.

After the trial resumed, Junos stock shot back up and has been hovering around $30, not quite at the level it was before the FDA announcement. Kites stock has also rebounded. Wall Street seems mollified, for now. But the publicity surrounding the trial deaths and FDA hold has brought new scrutiny to CAR-T and the potential toxicities of this vaunted new cancer treatment.

How does CAR-T work?

An image of lab technicians provided by Juno Therapeutics.

According to the National Cancer Institute, CAR-T trials for both adults and children with leukemia and lymphoma use a patients own T cells, which play a large role in a persons immune response. Those cells are engineered to target the CD19 antigen  which can be found on most normal and cancerous B cells (a kind of white blood cell).

The process involves collecting white blood cells from the patients own blood and genetically engineering the cells to boost their potency and recognize cancer cells.

Through CAR-T therapy, receptors known as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are produced on the surface of a patients T cells. In turn, these CARS allow the T cells to identify a specific antigen located on cancer cells. The so-called CAR-T cells are then grown in the lab until there are billions of them and ultimately they are returned to the patients body.

At that point, the CAR-T cells ideally multiply even more and end up knocking out cancer cells that have the antigen on them, according to the National Cancer Institutes description of the process. The T cells bind only to the cancer cells that express target proteins, such as CD19, a molecule found on cancerous B cells involved in most lymphomas and leukemias.

Like with any experimental cancer treatment, CAR-T is still being perfected. And toxicity is a concern  both from the older chemo drugs used to pre-condition the body for optimal immune suppression and from the CAR-T cells themselves.

In 2014, Junos CAR-T clinical trials were stopped temporarily at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York due to several patient deaths as a result of cytokine-release syndrome (CRS), a potentially deadly toxicity associated with increased levels of cytokines in the body including interleukin (IL)-6 and interferon .

Cytokines, which according to the National Cancer Institute are chemical messengers that help the T cells carry out their duties, are released by the infused T cells. Cytokine-release syndrome is a common problem in patients treated with CAR-T cells.

With cytokine-release syndrome, theres a rapid and massive release of cytokines into the bloodstream, which can lead to dangerously high fevers and precipitous drops in blood pressure, the National Cancer Institute notes.

In the current trials, patients with the most extensive disease prior to receiving the CAR-T cells were more likely to experience severe cases of cytokine-release syndrome. But for most patients, the side effects can be managed with standard supportive therapies, including steroids.

In the Sloan Kettering trial, the dose of cells in patients with large tumor burdens was reduced, as the degree of tumor load appeared to correlate with the severity of CRS.

Juno responds to the controversy

In separate interviews, the CEOs at Juno and Kite and a spokesperson for Novartis each spoke about the CAR-T toxicity issues, how each company is working to address them, and what they see as the still-bright future of this therapy.

Hans Bishop, Junos CEO, said that safety and lessening the side effects in its CAR-T trials is a top priority, and noted that patients who are enrolling in these trials have failed other treatments and are very ill.

Our goal now is to educate people and share our experience, Bishop said, adding that the removal of fludarabine from the specific trial does not mean it is a bad drug. He said Juno will continue to use it in other CAR-T trials, as will Kite and Novartis.

Bishop, who previously was chief operating officer for Dendreon, another Seattle-based biotech company focused on immunotherapy, said Juno has ongoing efforts to better understand and mitigate neurotoxicity in CAR-T treatments.

We have an internal team focused on this issue, including developing intervention strategies. We are also consulting with external scientific advisors in both academic and clinical settings, he said. We are being very careful and we will be updating our timeline in August. But the recent situation could move our expected time of FDA approval for this treatment from 2017 to 2018.

At Kite its business as usual

The same week that Juno put out a press release announcing the trial deaths, Kite issued a press release announcing that it had reached full enrollment for its Zuma 1 CAR-T clinical trial for patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLCBL), the most common type of non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Thats just one of several CAR-T trials Kite is running for blood cancers.

Kite CEO Arie Belldegrun, who started with the National Cancer Institute and has been working in the immunotherapy field for 30 years, said that while safety is always a top priority for Kite, there have been no deaths in the companys CAR-T trials and theyve not seen any cerebral edema to this point.

For us, there is no controversy. The path is clear, said Belldegrun, a UCLA urology doctor and professor who noted that the Kite protocol uses the same two chemo drugs in the pre-conditioning phase of the regimen as Juno used, but often in significantly smaller doses.

The field is currently talking about high-dose cyclophosphamide versus low dose, Belldegrun said. Five years ago, we chose to go with low-dose cyclophosphamide for pre-conditioning, together with fludarabine. Our best understanding from what I have seen in public statements is that Junos study that had safety issues with using the high dose. That fine point is being forgotten. The media is paying unnecessary attention to fludarabine. Its not the regimen, its the dose that matters.

Belldegrun said he and his team at Kite are so confident in this treatment that the company is already building the manufacturing facility so that, after the drug is approved in 2017, We will be able to deliver it to patients almost immediately.

Novartis says safety is a top priority

Swiss drug giant Novartis

None of the Novartis senior leadership was available to comment. But Eric Althoff, head of global media relations for Novartis, which is working closely with the University of Pennsylvania on CAR-T trials for patients enrolling with ALL and adult diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), said Novartis will continue using fludarabine as a pre-conditioning regimen in its studies.

This is a clinical standard as a conditioning regimen, he said. Patient safety and well-being in these trials are of paramount importance to Novartis and the investigators with whom we work.

Althoff said that without intervention, patients in these trials will eventually succumb to their disease.

Although we have seen promising results in our clinical trials, serious adverse events and mortalities associated with disease, disease-related complications and treatment-related complications have occurred, he said. The majority of mortalities that have occurred in our clinical trials are due to underlying disease. There have only been a small number of deaths related to the treatment; most of these are associated with cytokine release syndrome (CRS).

Althoff would not say how many patients have suffered treatment-related deaths, or why, if there have been deaths, the FDA has not scrutinized the company to the extent it has looked at Juno.

At this time, we do not have any clear cases that are primarily due to neurotoxicity alone, he said, though some neurotoxicity symptoms have occurred in conjunction with underlying disease, cytokine release syndrome CRS or other confounding issues.

FDA intervenes

Tara Goodin, a spokesperson for the FDA, would not say specifically why the agency decided to stop the Juno trial, or why it decided to resume its so quickly.

But she noted that cellular therapies, including CAR-T therapies, hold a lot of promise in the treatment of life-threatening diseases.

We therefore do everything possible to assist sponsors in advancing clinical development programs in an effort to bring promising therapies to patients, she said.

Goodin said the FDA recognizes that investigational products intended to treat serious diseases also have the potential to pose risks to patients.

To that end, Goodin said, The FDA constantly looks at the risk-benefit profile of experimental therapies and when we have concerns about the risks, we may place the clinical trials on hold.

CAR-T generating hope for patients

Dr. Ezra Cohen, an oncologist and head of the immunotherapy department at the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center, said CAR-T therapies are generating hope and excitement among cancer patients.

There is clear evidence that both adults and pediatric patients who are refractory to standard therapies, including chemotherapy and stem-cell transplants, can respond to CAR-T cells and then can go into remission for a substantial amount of time, he said.

Cohen said that current CAR-T therapies are not meant as first-line therapy.

The first option is still usually chemotherapies, he said. When those fail, these offer a very promising option. The alternative is the person is going to die.

But one day, some scientists believe, immunotherapy could replace chemotherapy, and without the need for a pre-conditioning immunosuppressant.

Junos Bishop said his research team, led by Dr. Hy Levitsky, is investing significantly in research that we believe may one day allow us to safely and effectively administer CAR-T therapy without any pre-conditioning chemotherapy.

Despite setbacks, an industry analyst is still bullish

Biren Amin, managing director and senior biotechnology analyst at Jefferies, a global securities and investment banking firm, said that while the pre-conditioning in CAR-T treatment is inherently risky, it is controllable by selecting the right dose.

He said that despite the recent tragic deaths in the clinical trials, safety and toxicity issues with CAR-T are nothing that should surprise or shake the market.

When you look at CAR-T and compare it to BLINCYTO, a CD19 antibody for leukemia from Amgen that is FDA approved, the approved drug had more adverse events in clinical trials and also caused more fatalities, Amin said. One patient who was 5 years old died from cytokine release syndrome. There is precedent that FDA will look at risk/benefit profile of this drug.

Amin said the difference between getting chemotherapy and using a chemo drug as a pre-conditioning agent is significant. Patients take them for three days, he said, its not like chemotherapy with its multiple cycles.

Amin added that one advantage Kite may have in this space is that its VP for research & development and chief medical officer, David Chang, came from Amgen (AMGN), which has another antibody drug targeting the CD19 like CAR-T.

David Chang knows the CD19 target, Amin said. Granted, that program was acquired from another company, but he is aware of the data set, he has a certain knowledge that Juno didnt have.

Legaspi is getting on with his life

Robert Legaspie Credit: Erik Jepsen/UC San Diego

Meanwhile, Robert Legaspi, whos been fighting leukemia seemingly his entire life, is moving forward and enjoying his health and spending quality time with his wife, whom he married shortly before his recurrence earlier this year. He recently enrolled at Southwestern College near San Diego and hopes to become an oncology nurse.

I know all the hospital departments, he said. I know pretty much what you need to know to be a good nurse.

And Legaspis team of doctors could not be more pleased with how he is doing.

Were so happy to see Robert respond this quickly and positively to the CAR T-cell therapy. This was a first for us in San Diego and it was exciting to see it work, said Legaspis oncologist, Ted Ball. We are motivated to provide this therapy option to more patients, but were also cautious, as CAR T-cell therapies are still in early-phase clinical trials, and there have been serious side effects, though generally manageable, and we do not know the long-term effects of the treatment.

Castro, principal investigator of all the studies using CAR-T cell technology at UCSD, said his team follows CAR-T patients closely.

He explained: They need to stay hospitalized for a minimum of nine days after infusion of CAR-T cells and after discharge they need to be followed sometimes daily. Patient selection is critical. Early, published and unpublished data suggest that the amount of residual disease at the time of CAR-T cells infusion determine the degree of CRS. Castro said the consent form for would-be CAR-T trial participants is comprehensive.

Patients typically are well informed and ask those questions about side effects and what they read in the news, he said. However, the patients that are eligible for these trials usually do not have treatment alternatives, so any risk is minimized and justified by the serious and many times lethal outcome of their disease.
Jul 31, 2016, 5:01pm ET

Final Ford Falcon Ute rolls off the assembly line

After 55 years, the Ford Falcon Ute is no more.

Rest in peace, Ford Falcon Ute. Time of death: July 29, 2016, 2:45 pm, Australian Eastern Standard Time.

The final Ford Falcon Ute, a car-based pickup, rolled out of its Melbourne factory this week, marking the end of an era. Utes have been part of the Australian automotive landscape for decades. The first Ford Falcon Ute debuted in 1961, but whereas utility vehicles in the style of the Ford Ranchero and Chevy El Camino disappeared from the US market in the 80s, they've continued strong Down Under for several more decades.

Ford and Holden, General Motor's Australian subsidiary, were the major manufacturers of utes, but both announced they were pulling manufacturing out of the Australian market and discontinuing region-specific models, marking the end of the Falcon Ute.

The last Falcon Ute was a white XR6 model, reports Motoring. Falcon sedans will continue until October 7, when Ford shutters is Australian plants altogether. Ford cited the strong Australian dollar and manufacturing costs as reasons why they needed to pull production out of the country.

Ford's announcement caused a domino reaction from GM and Toyota, Australia's two other manufacturers as suppliers were expected to either dry up or raise prices. The move has effectively ended the Australian auto industry.
Allentown police said a man attending a family party was was stabbed early Sunday by an intoxicated male who then fled the scene.

The incident occurred just before 3 a.m. in the 800 block of Chew Street. Allentown Police Assistant Chief Glen Dorney said the victim was talking to some friends when the suspect approached him, words were exchanged and then he felt something sharp enter his abdomen.

Dorney said police are unsure what kind of weapon was used during the attack. The suspect then ran and the victim was taken by a family member to Lehigh Valley Hospital's Chew Street campus.

The suspect and victim were strangers, Dorney said.

The victim later was transferred to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township with non-life threatening injuries. City police continue to review video surveillance footage of the area in hopes of the nabbing the suspect.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Downtown Easton shoppers meandering down Northampton Street who turn south on Second Street will find the "X" marks the spot at Tobermory.

That's the gift shop Sandra Caldwell opened two years ago and renamed last fall.

It's full of an eclectic mix of soaps, candles, jewelry, antiques and gifts.

"It's got a little bit of everything," said the British transplant to the Valley.

The shop even boasts a pirate, Caldwell's fiance Gary Crivellaro.

Crivellaro dresses up as Captain Jack Sparrow for parties and events. He owns a huge pirate ship on wheels he brings for these occasions.

He plans to gradually introduce nautical or fantasy-themed gifts into the inventory.

"It will be a good blend of both of our personalities, both our likings, something for everyone, kind of like if you went into a 'oddities' shop," Crivellaro said.

The shop is named for Tobermory, a small town on an island off the coast of Scotland. Legend has it a Spanish galleon sank off its coast.

The shop emphasizes natural, locally made products.

Already the nautical theme has crept in with some silver and bronze octopus necklaces and some mermaid-themed products.

Caldwell admits her taste can be "a bit staid," and she welcomes the influence brought to the store by her beau.

"He's brought out the theatrical in me. I need that help sometimes," Caldwell said.

DROP IN

Tobermory is at 13. S. Second St in Easton. You can connect with Tobermory on Facebook. You can also check Facebook for more about Crivellaro's pirate business, Main Deck Productions.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
Sixty-Eight U.S. war veterans Sunday dove into Dutch Springs in Lower Nazareth Township and had scuba certifications once they resurfaced.

The Wounded Warrior Project and the Handicapped Scuba Association made their annual visit to the township's spring-fed lake. The program is designed to keep veterans active.

The 15-hour course included several open water dives before each could become scuba-certified. The program also included another 71 veterans becoming certified on Saturday, said Stuart Schooley, owner of Dutch Springs.

Schooley praised the large turnout this year, noting, "There were a lot of new faces."

"We love working with the veterans," he said. "We give them the admissions for free and thank them for all they do for us. We're proud to sponsor them and look forward to sponsoring them next year."

The organization offers an array of programs for veterans injured on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike

Tolls are scheduled to go up every year for the next 28 years on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

( lehighvalleylive.com file photo)

Is it possible that a toll road could price itself right out of its market? That's essentially what the Pennsylvania Turnpike is prescribing for itself. Last week the Turnpike Commission informed us that tolls will go up a ninth consecutive year in 2017 -- and stay on a steadily upward trajectory until 2044.

And of course, there's no guarantee after that.

By then, we can only hope, the turnpike will have morphed into a giant solar-powered car-train -- for self-driving cars, of course.

"Unsustainable" is an overused word these days, but it applies to the toll road's future. The turnpike isn't just a labor-intensive operation that requires constant maintenance and rebuilding, it's also a cash cow for Pennsylvania's mass transit systems. Since 2007 the Legislature has required the turnpike to turn over $450 million a year for public transportation, and the turnpike is racking up massive debt as a result. It's borrowing to make the transfers; almost two-thirds of its annual $980 million budget goes to debt service.

That's unsustainable, even though the annual payment is projected to dip to $50 million after 2023, because the turnpike is embarking on a $5.7 billion, 10-year schedule of capital improvements. Earlier this month, the commission's chairman and vice chairman voted against the capital plan, saying the turnpike doesn't have the means to pay for it, despite toll increases projected to 2044. It's no surprise that the commission is asking legislative leaders to roll back the annual payment.

Even if that happens, the turnpike is looking at toll increases that will send drivers looking for alternatives -- local roads and toll-free options such as Interstates 80 and 78.

In announcing the 2017 toll hikes, the commission said the most common tolls for passenger vehicles will go from $1.16 to $1.23 (E-ZPass users) and $1.80 to $1.95 (cash customers). Yet the costs for regional commuters and truckers is much higher. Overall, tolls have nearly doubled since the Legislature began diverting turnpike money eight years ago.

For Lehigh Valley drivers, the Allentown-to-Philadelphia commute on the northeast extension will continue to get pricier. Next year the one-way Lehigh Valley-to-Mid-county trip will go from $5.05 to $5.35 (cash) and $3.46 to $3.67 (E-ZPass), if our 6 percent calculation is correct. Multiply those numbers by 20 or more round trips a month, and it adds up to real money -- enough to send some commuters to other routes.

This is a recipe for severe debt backup and not-too-distant crises, all the more staggering in light of a 28-cent-a-gallon gasoline tax enacted a few years years ago. The Legislature and Gov. Tom Wolf need to look at transportation funding that is more direct and responsible -- and stop treating the turnpike like it has a license to print money.
At least one person was injured following a Saturday evening wreck along Route 519 in White Township, according to a witness account.

Police were dispatched at 7:47 p.m. for crash involving a Dodge Durago and Chevy Sonic near Belvidere Road. The Dodge overturned following impact, according to the witness.

The witness said multiple people were involved and at least one person was taken to an area hospital for treatment of injuries. It's unclear what led to the crash and the accident remains under investigation by New Jersey State Police in Washington.

Road conditions were slick Saturday evening following a heavy downpour.

State police did not have additional information Sunday morning and a trooper said more details could be available Sunday evening.

Also responding to the scene was Belvidere Fire and Rescue, Oxford Rescue Squad and paramedics from Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Township.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
By Philip Pullella KRAKOW, Poland (Reuters) - Pope Francis wrapped up his Polish visit on Sunday with a huge outdoor Mass where he told young people to look beyond the instant gratification afforded by technology, and instead to try to change the world. Hundreds of thousands of young people, many of whom camped out for the night, waved national flags and cheered as Francis arrived to say the Mass in a large field on the outskirts of Krakow at the end of his five-day trip to Poland where he presided at the Catholic Church's World Youth Day festivities. Francis, 79, who has said he is a "disaster" with technology, sprinkled his sermon at the last major event of the trip with social media and technology terms. He urged the young people to "'download' the best 'link' of all, that of a heart which sees and transmits goodness without growing weary." He said their response to the challenges of life cannot be "texting a few words," that prayer should be given pride of place over their internet "chats", and that God's memory was not a "hard disk" filled with files on everyone, but more of a compassionate heart that wants to help them "erase" evil. Francis encouraged them to continue "to be dreamers (who) believe in a new humanity, one that rejects hatred between peoples, one that refuses to see borders as barriers". The trip has been marked by heavy security, including metal detectors and sniffer dogs at most events. During an unscheduled stop in a Krakow church on Saturday night, Francis condemned the "devastating wave of terrorism" and war that has hit the world. When he started the trip on Wednesday, Francis said the killing of an elderly priest in France by suspected Islamist militants and a string of other attacks were proof the "world is at war" but that it was not caused by religion. He announced that the next World Youth Day would take place in Panama in 2019. (Reporting By Philip Pullella; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)
Laois Councillors are rallying the troops to go and meet the Minister for Health and demand a secure future for Portlaoise A&E.

This morning, Tuesday July 26, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Tom Mulhall is getting on the phone to Minister Charlie Flanagan to ask him to arrange a meeting with Minister Simon Harris.

He promised such at Monday's council meeting, where Cllr Willie Aird and Cllr Noel Tuohy both had motions concerning the future of the county's hospital.

It's one thing to talk the talk, we have to walk the walk. In 2015 we went with the CEO and TDs and met Leo. The buck stops with Simon Harris, We have a population of 85k people, and two motorways, it would be terrible to say we don't have a county hospital. I will get on the phone first thing in the morning. The report is with the minister since September 2015. Staff in the hospital are flat out, running, worked to the bone, he said.

Cllr Willie Aird said the minister held the power, and is calling on him to give a unequivocal commitment that the A&E services will not be touched.

We're not pushing hard enough. We know it needs funding. Just put the funding in. A lot of people out there think it's top heavy with administration staff, I can tell you they are dragged ragged. They are going in on a Saturday to catch up with their work. Politicians know that. They make the decisions, Give the money, he said.

Cllr Noel Touhy said services need to be enhanced as well as retained.

Part of the argument from the HSE is that units aren't safe at night because there are no consultants, the answer must be to resource the place. People don't mind paying good money for health, once it's ringfenced. I'm calling on Charlie to give people the commitment that he will not tolerate a downgrade. Hands off our hospital. And Sean Fleming too. I believe thay can, he said.

Cllr Jerry Lodge also demanded action.

We are all saying things we want to hear, but the Minister doesn't hear you, he doesn't give a tupenny bit. We are passively accepting rumours. It must be 20 years since I pushed Cllr Tuohy in a bed up the town to save oncology. I am asking for leadership from our cathaoirleach, push it to the limit rather than wait. We should be leading the hospital action committee. If she (Dr O'Reilly) doesn't know the pressure of what Laois people want, she will do what the figures say, in the comfort of a Dublin office, he said.
This week, the Scottish Government was told by the Supreme Court tae think again about the controversial Named Person law. The Court said that it couldnt be implemented as it currently stood following an application from parents and organisations, among the the equally controversial Christian Action Research and Education (CARE). This law makes sure that there is one person with responsibility for bringing information together about a child and co-ordinating necessary interventions.

The Court was at pains to point out that the intention of the legislation was benign but there were concerns that some of the information sharing provisions in it conflicted with the Right to Family Life as outlined in the Human Rights Act.

If a court says that aspects of a law are unlawful then you have to think again. Thats an important part of the checks and balances of a democratic country. I have never felt as worried by the named person scheme as some. Liberal Democrat MSPs cautiously backed the bill when it went through Parliament. When it was discussed at our Conference, members voted to support it, although there were very strong feelings on both sides. Its one of these issues where very fine liberals whom I trust and respect have come to different positions on it.

I have to confess that when it first came out I did think that it sounded way too draconian. It was only after talking to people like Alex Cole-Hamilton who worked for a childrens charity before becoming an MSP and to young people themselves that I started to see that it wasnt quite such a binary issue. Im not about to stand up for every single provision in the legislation, but I do think it has been subject to a sensationalist and inaccurately hyperbolic campaign that would make Vote Leave proud. It is worth noting that some of its most vocal opponents are screaming about parents rights yet they are vehemently opposed to being able to marry the person you love or being able to adopt if you are in a same sex relationship. We should not forget that the loudest opponents are not in any way liberal.

For me, the provisions about a childs wellbeing are important. Opponents say that resources should be concentrated on only the most vulnerable children  but children can become vulnerable very quickly if there is a change of circumstances. A health professional telling a school of a change in a parents condition might lead to earlier support for a young carer, for example. Whats happened is that lots of middle class parents have been frightened into thinking that their childs head teacher will be ransacking their food cupboards for e-numbers and telling them that they have to buy more broccoli.

The SNP government has failed to gain parents confidence on this. They have not won the arguments. Now that changes have to be made to the legislation, there is time now to get it back in committee and re-examined. The Scottish Liberal Democrat role in this should be to be as constructive as possible in building a system that parents can trust and will be effective in giving support to the children who need it. Its not for us to dig the SNP out of the mire its in, but if were going to be responsible, it also isnt for us to help the Tories put the boot in. We need to be the grown-ups in the room.

Scottish Liberal Democrats initially called for Holyrood to be recalled to discuss the way ahead. That is not quite so urgent now as the laws implementation, which had been planned for the end of August, has been put back indefinitely by Education Secretary John Swinney. This is an opportunity to get this right and to also listen to the concerns of professionals who feel that they are being asked to take on roles and responsibilities that they feel that they dont have the time or resource to fulfil.

The SNP Government has not done enough to reassure those who were concerned about it. Complying with the Supreme Court judgement may be technically enough but John Swinney needs to put effort into winning people over. SNP truculence at the opposition, however hyperbolic that opposition has on occasion been, hasnt helped.

I want to end by encouraging you to read this blog post by a friend of mine, Chris Creegan. Chris wrote very movingly about his experiences as a young child, and the effect that his mothers mental ill health had on him. He wished that someone had been there to speak up for him. Its powerful stuff. First of all he shares what his life as a child was like:

I didnt experience physical violence on a daily basis by any means but it happened enough for the fear it generated to linger. And that was in part because it was completely out of proportion to the thing that had apparently provoked it. One incident thats always stuck in my mind was accidentally losing my dads car keys on a holiday visit to Hadrians Wall. It was a pretty daft thing to do and it did result in us frantically searching for them in driving rain. But even now I struggle to understand the viciousness of the response it generated once we were back in the car; my mother lashing out at me, urging my dad to do the same, which he did albeit without the same vigour while my four younger siblings screamed for it to stop. I was 13. And yet somehow this moment of childish carelessness on my part became an indicator of everything that was wrong with me and the justification for physical assault. My dads collusion stung. But sometimes he just wanted out and no wonder. Sometimes we did too. We would fantasise about a time when it would all just stop. And always there was the unspoken sense that we werent like other families. Always you would go home from school not quite knowing what youd find, a mum who was okay or a mum who wasnt. I used to measure it by the colour of the soup we got for tea. Good mum days meant thick, bright and hearty soup. Bad mum days meant soup that resembled dishwater. We ate it all the same of course.

How does that fit into what the law should do?

My word of caution about how we judge the Scheme is not from the perspective of parent or professional but from an adult who recalls a childhood where no one asked about my wellbeing, where the assumption can only have been that because we lived in a nice house in a leafy village nothing can possibly have been wrong. Yet in fact, everyone knew that something was. If only someone had asked. If only someone had had the guts to think beyond family privacy. If only there had been a minor busybody. Ripping up the scheme and starting again would be unnecessary. I think they should take it back to a parliamentary committee and incorporate change that addresses the concerns of the court, professionals and parents but doesnt throw the baby out with the bathwater.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
In his regular column for the Standard, Nick Clegg predicts that the current harmony in the Conservative Party will be short-lived and they will soon be just as divided as Labour again as the dogma of the Brexiteers gets in the way of what is actually good for the country.

The signs of trouble are already there.

Stories have emerged that the awkward squad on the Tory backbenches are organising themselves to oppose anything other than a hard Brexit, whatever that means. And their outliers in the press, such as columnist Melanie Phillips, are already issuing breathless warnings that there will be a revolt if May doesnt do exactly as they say.

He describes an encounter with two of the main proponents of Brexit.

When I recently bumped into Douglas Carswell and Daniel Hannan  two arch-Brexiteers  I pointed out that they are now key members of the new Brexit elite which runs our country. They both looked startled. They have spent so long acting as anti-establishment insurgents that they are clearly unprepared for the responsibility that comes with actually getting their way.

This mirrors the ashen faces of Gove and Boris on 24th June.

She cant get away with Brexit means Brexit for much longer. As soon as she says what that means, shell annoy the right.

At some point in the autumn we need to know what she prefers: to protect British jobs and investment by accepting the rules of the single market or to bend to the threats and imprecise ambitions of her hardline Brexit backbenchers. Her new Foreign Secretary may famously have a policy on cake that is pro-having it and pro-eating it, but its not a policy a government can deliver. For the Conservatives, the sabre rattling of the hardliners is ominous. The schism over Europe that has claimed the scalps of three prime ministers  Margaret Thatcher, John Major and David Cameron  is unbridgeable. There are two sides to the Tory brain: the desire for untrammelled economic liberalism that created the Citys Big Bang, embraced globalisation, sold off numerous state assets and drove the creation of the single market in the first place and the socially conservative, village-green Englishness that values tradition, defence of the realm and a 19th-century view of parliamentary sovereignty.

You can read the whole article here.

* Newshound: bringing you the best Lib Dem commentary in print, on air or online.
My time in the US is drawing to a close, and its been great to get to see the way they campaign first hand. Ive not got as many tales from the campaign trail this week because I took the chance to go and do a bit of sightseeing. Sadly, I didnt manage to get into the Daily Show, as Id hoped to at the end of my last post. Although, I was in the office phonebanking when Hillary became our official nominee for President, and the cheering from the staff and volunteers was something Ill never forget.

I think its important to note that a lot of people over here genuinely support and admire Hillary Clinton. That gets lost in the media coverage  sure, some people will cast a tactical vote. But most of us are here because we think shed make an amazing President. Obama said on Wednesday that she is more qualified for the job than he or Bill ever was. Thats still too often the case  women have to be stellar and massively outdo men to even get a foot in the door of top positions. I support Hillary because I think she did great work for women and girls at the State Department. Her passion about womens rights and disability rights absolutely shone through in her acceptance speech. This isnt just a case of stopping Trump. Im with her because shes with me.

Having said that, it is vitally important that we do stop him. The unthinkable happened in Britain, and a vote for Hillary is a vote to protect the modern liberal order from people who would turn away from the world. He wouldnt make America great. Hed make it smaller and more insular on the world stage. Thats why Putin is rubbing his hands with glee about Trumps candidacy.

On a more personal note, there are so many people here that dont have the luxury of a protest third party vote. Many of our activists would be directly victimised by the Republicans, whether that be recently married LGBT couples whose futures would look uncertain, or BAME people who are at risk from police violence.

I would appeal to my fellow liberals: you may not share my love for Hillary, but there is only one viable candidate who gets the importance of gender issues, who will act on gun violence, and who understands foreign policy. I am proud to have campaigned for her and to have met all these people who are passionate about defending a progressive and outward-looking programme for America. There are many things we could learn from the Ohio Democrats  but thats a post for another day!

* Hannah Bettsworth is a member of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats Council for Europe, and the Liberal Democrat Federal International Relations Committee. Outside of politics, she works in European affairs consultancy on health policy.
On July 23, 1996, 70-year-old Limerick sailor Pat Lawless was hailed as a hero after sailing single-handedly around the globe. It had taken him three years and three days to complete and was his third attempt, the first two having ended in near disaster.

Now 20 years on - and six years after his death - Pats extensive archive of journals, photographs, interviews, newspaper clippings and video diaries has been put online at www.patlawlesssolocircumnavigator.com.

There was a lot of drama to the whole thing as well as the romance of it all, his son Dan said of his late fathers exploits on the high seas.

Pat first developed his love of boats as a child when he joined Limerick Boat Club and got the opportunity to train in a sailing dinghy which the club owned. At the age of 16, he bought his first boat - a 16-foot sloop - and sailed it up and down the Shannon, in Lough Derg and around the coast of Ireland.

He continued to sail throughout his adult life, while also running a furniture making business with his brother Peter.

Then in 1986, at the age of 60, he fulfilled one of his lifes dreams by sailing across the Atlantic to Newport, Rhode Island, in a 28-foot yacht, Iniscealtra.

The following year, in 1987, aged 61, he sailed from Newport back to Limerick.

But Pat was only getting started. Two years later, at the age of 62, he set sail on his first attempt to circumnavigate the globe in a boat sponsored by the Limerick Leader as well as family and friends. However, his bid ended in near disaster after his rudder broke 1,200 miles west of Cape Town in South Africa. He drifted for 40 days, rationing himself to half a cup of water and half a tin of food per day, before finally being rescued by a Norwegian freight ship.

Undeterred, he set out again the following year on a 32-foot yacht named Loon, having secured sponsorship from the late Tony OMara and others. This voyage also had to be abandoned in Brazil after storm damage to the boat.

During his travels, Pat suffered various injuries at sea, including broken ribs and a hernia, at one point having to undergo surgery in Chile. He never dwelt on it though, Dan said of Pats various mishaps. He was a tough nut.

Following his third - and successful - circumnavigation bid, Pat wrote a 350-page autobiography based on his notes and logs. Unfortunately, it has gone missing but the family is hoping that it may yet turn up. In the meantime, anyone who is interested in finding out more about this remarkable man can now do so via the website. At least this way you have the entire archive - 800 pages of his journal written while at sea as well as photos, logs, videos and interviews he recorded, said Dan.

The website was launched last Friday in the Hunt Museum by Keith Wood and Mayor of Limerick Kieran OHanlon who, in a twist of fate, last held the office of Mayor in 1996 and was there to officially welcome Pat home after his successful circumnavigation. Pats old boat, Loon, was docked in the marina at the rear of the Hunt museum during the launch.

More pictures city edition page 14
Limerick has no shortage of high street clothing stores with designer labels and price tags, but often shoppers fail to notice where the real bargains and treasures are hidden - inside one of Limericks many charity shops.

One such shop is the Limerick Animal Welfare Shop on William Street, where one generous donor recently handed in a brand new wedding dress, complete with a matching veil, tiara and shoes.

Director Mary Tuohy estimates that the whole set is valued at a minimum of 2,000, but they are selling in on for an unbelievable price of 180.

Not only is this an incredible bargain - one of many available in charity shops throughout Limerick - but it also serves a great purpose to those less fortunate.

We have fantastic bargains. We get in a lot of new clothes, designer clothes and clothes that have never been worn. Lovely shoes, handbags, suits, trousers tops... everything you can think of, says Mary as customers browse the many colourful rails in the shop.

Were ticking over all the time. As soon as the stuff is out the summer stuff is going so were just constantly filling up the shelves all day here. We get tons of stuff coming in as donations and we never have to ask for them. We also have lovely people working here.

Volunteer at the Limerick Animal Welfare shop Katherine McCrann also praised the kindness of their customers, thanking them for their donations and loyalty.

This year has been better than last year. Its been up in the first four months in comparison to last year. 100% of the money that comes in here to the shop all goes to Limerick Animal Welfare. The customers are great.

The volunteers who work in these kind of shops are to be admired for the endless unpaid hours that they give up for charity, both inside the shops and out.

One of our volunteers makes unique decorations from paper, priced at under 5. She also makes lovely homemade scarves to sell in the shop. Our manager makes handmade cards for every occasion and we sell them for 2, says Katherine gesturing towards the many quirky items and glittering cards behind her.

The generosity of both staff and customers is without question, as this is one of many charity shops which are constantly kept busy throughout the year.

The Irish Cancer Society Shop has even had to move to a bigger premises to give their many customers a more enjoyable shopping experience.

The new shop, located on William Street, is bright and colourful and has plenty of room for shoppers to browse their diverse range of items.

We moved shop about three weeks ago. The other shop was so small that we needed more room. We got a lot of donations and we couldnt show them so we ended up moving here and ever since, the space we have is fantastic. Even the customers are saying that its a fantastic shop with more space to move around, explains shop manager Debra Devereux.

Everything in our shop is reasonably priced and we dont overprice anything. We keep things as reasonable as possible because there are families out there who cant afford big prices.

The shop recently received a beautiful collection of costume jewellery, which is silver in colour with red or blue gems. The jewellery is valued at 250, but any interested buyers can purchase it for just 25 a piece.

The window of the shop showcases four designer dark-coloured dresses worth over 100 each, ranging in price from 25 to 35.

Right across the road from the Irish Cancer Society shop, the Enable Ireland shop window displays a designer watch, bag and shoes, as well as a vintage silver set and a 9 carat silver bracelet.

Weve a silver and diamond Dolce and Gabbana watch priced at 100 but it would have been worth nearly 800 in the boom time. We buy batteries ourselves so theyre included, says staff member Mary McDonough as the busy city traffic moves behind us.

We dress the window every second Wednesday and youd actually have people queueing up for stuff. Weve always been kept busy. Were here 25 years last week, explains Mary proudly.

Inside the shop, pleased customer Joe Maher from Carew Park happily shows off the ornament which he has just purchased - a wooden object in the shape of an angel.

Im not too sure what it is, but it reminds me of an angel. Ill make some kind of a candle holder out of it. It cost me 12.50. Itll be something for me to do in my retirement. Its a kind of a talking point as well, laughs Joe as he points to the price tag on the bottom, which shows an original price of $69 - a real bargain.

Similarly, you can always find a good bargain in The Milford Hospice shop on Thomas Street, which is crammed with clothes, books and gifts, without the hefty price tag.

Some high street stuff comes in that still has the label on. It could be worth between 100 and 150 and we sell it for 20 usually, but theyre going for 10 at the moment in the sale in our half price sale, says shop supervisor Marie Enright, pointing to her impressive collection of sale items.

Sometimes we save gift items and collectors items for Christmas but we get so much of it in that were happy to let it go this time of year as well. We get a lot of unwanted presents that still have the box and everything, theyre like brand new.

As with all of the shops, Mary says that its the caring customers and selfless volunteers that allow them to keep their doors open.

Were very lucky at Milford. Thanks to sponsors we get so much lovely stuff. For that reason we can sell all day long. Were very busy.

The same can be said for the St Vincent de Paul shop on Thomas Street.

We get a lot of generous donations. All of the work here is done through volunteers and people on schemes. We could have 20 people working at one time to make this the biggest and best charity shop in town, says staff member John Bromell.

The shop is also full of fantastic bargains, including great back to school offers such uniforms for 1 and exam papers and school books for 50c.

The shop also has an impressive window display of porcelain dolls, designer dresses and designer bags, priced between 10 and 40 each.

One thing which all of the charity shops around town have in common is their unbeatable value. A complete outfit can be purchased for under 20. An armful of books and toys can be bought for under 10 - prices which are unheard of elsewhere.

These shops are always packed with humble, hard working staff who dont reap any monetary benefits, but instead benefit those who need it much more.

In future, shoppers should consider a charity shop - and their wallet - next time they browse the streets of Limerick.

For more information on charity shops around Limerick, visit the Irish Charity Shops Association on http://www.icsa.ie/shops/limerick/
A COUNTY Limerick man says he will go to jail before knocking his agricultural shed to the ground, as ordered by a judge.

John Morgan, of Montpelier, was prosecuted by Limerick City and County Council over not having planning permission for the structure at nearby Portcrusha.

Judge Marie Keane described the relationship between Mr Morgan and his neighbours - Conor Hourigan and Ailish Drake - as toxic.

John Devane, solicitor for Mr Morgan, applied for the case to be adjourned on health grounds as it was his first day back in court after a year and a half in hospital.

I genuinely tried to make myself available. My GP advised me not to attend. I am not able to keep standing, said Mr Devane.

Will Leahy, solicitor for the council, said he meant no disrespect to Mr Devane but that the matter goes back to 2004.

It is a disagreement between neighbours and the council is stuck in the middle of it. It is an unusual criminal prosecution in that if peace broke out there would be no criminal element, said Mr Leahy.

Judge Keane said it had been before the court on 12 separate occasions and was going ahead. Mr Devane said he had no choice but to come off record. Mr Morgan then represented himself.

Mr Leahy said the case was quite straightforward and hinges on one issue. He said under planning laws an agricultural building less than 200 sqms is exempt from requiring permission unless it is 100 metres from a house.

Mona Lodge - where Mr Hourigan and Ms Drake live - is 65 metres from the shed. Thus it requires planning unless they give their consent. They moved into the house in 2006/2007 and Mr Hourigan, who is an architect, gave consent. Something happened between 2007 and 2010, they contacted the council and withdrew consent, said Mr Leahy.

Michael OBrien, planning inspector, said in 2004 the previous owner of the house wasnt happy with the shed.

We served an enforcement notice in September 2005, said Mr OBrien. He added that two days before the court case in 2007 they received a letter not objecting to the shed subject to a number of conditions including it must be returned to 200 sqms and height reduced.

We withdrew the case, said Mr OBrien.

In 2010, the Hourigans withdrew their consent and the council sent an enforcement letter to Mr Morgan to remove the unauthorised structure within a month. In 2011, Mr Morgan was refused planning by the council and in 2012 by An Bord Pleanala. Mr Hourigan took the stand and said one of the conditions of giving consent was that there would be horses and not cattle in the shed.

There are no slatted units for waste. The head of our well is 20 metres from the shed. An Bord Pleanala upheld that. In 2009, it was full of cattle and obviously animal waste, said Mr Hourigan.

Mr Morgan said he just asked for a letter of consent from Mr Hourigan. I didnt know about stipulations, said Mr Morgan, who asked Mr Hourigan when did they discuss horses only?

Mr Hourigan said: I added that condition to the letter. As far as I am concerned all matters were agreed when he asked for a letter for the council. Mr Morgan said: We never had a discussion about horses.

Mr Morgan said the council are saying the case has been put back and put back due to him but I uncovered Mona Lodge had no planning. Judge Keane outlined the hearsay rule and said they were dealing with the summons and nothing else.

Mr Morgan said: I had seven or eight meetings in County Hall. There are two different sets of rules - one for the Hourigans and one for my family. I engaged with the council throughout.

Mr Leahy said this is to do with you [Mr Morgan] and your shed. You say the council treat you differently, take it up with the ombudsman, said Mr Leahy.

Mr Morgan said: I went to the council to seek justice. As I produced evidence they saw injustice.

Judge Keane reiterated that the case is about his shed which doesnt have the consent of the Hourigans. I put my hands up. I didnt know about conditions. As a gesture I gave him limestone, said Mr Morgan. Judge Keane put it to Mr Morgan that he asked for a letter for consent and didnt read the letter? He sent it in, said Mr Morgan.

Judge Keane said the onus was on Mr Morgan to liaise with Mr Hourigan. I just asked for a consensual letter. I didnt get the letter. He sent it to the council, said Mr Morgan.

The defendant accepted that he never had planning permission for his shed. I thought I could be accommodated by the council the way Mr Hourigan was accommodated. I came here seeking justice, said Mr Morgan. Judge Keane said only a local authority can grant planning.

Mr Leahy said the argument was between Mr Morgan and the Hourigans and asked Mr Morgan about making peace.

I never fell out with the Hourigans, said Mr Morgan.Judge Keane said: I am satisfied the relationship is toxic. She suggested to Mr Morgan that he engage positively with the Hourigans.

Discussions took place and later that afternoon Mr Leahy informed the judge that, unfortunately they were not able to completely agree.

Judge Keane was satisfied the prosecution had proven its case and ordered Mr Morgan to pay the councils costs of 3,452. Regarding the fine, the judge mitigated it from 5,000 to 3,000 due to the significant cost of removing the structure. She gave Mr Morgan one month for this structure to be removed and the site restored to a greenfield site. Speaking after the court case, Mr Morgan said: I will go to jail before knocking the shed. I am going to appeal it.
Donald Trump

Many Republicans are moving closer to Donald Trump's trade platform, breaking with decades of their party's orthodoxy on the issue.

Trump has championed a fierce anti-free-trade agenda along the trail. The Republican presidential nominee frequently rips the North American Free Trade Agreement as the worst trade deal in history and has said the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which is pending congressional approval, will continue the "rape of our country."

Traditionally, Republicans have been on the side of unrestricted free trade with foreign nations.

Take Gov. Terry Branstad of Iowa, for example. Branstad's state relies heavily on exports for its rich agricultural economy. In 2011, he wrote a letter to President Barack Obama asking his administration and Congress to enact pending trade agreements, estimating that the agreements would add roughly 5,000 jobs in the beef, pork, and poultry industries in his state. In 2015, Branstad, along with Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa, led trade missions to South Korea and Brazil, with Branstad saying in a release that his state had "reaped benefits" from such missions.

Speaking with Business Insider at the Republican convention, the longest-serving governor in US history labeled Trump's position as "not really antitrade  he's just anti-stupid decisions."

"And what I take it is as constructive criticism that we need to cut a better deal that treats America better," he said at a lunch for the Iowa delegation in Cleveland, adding: "We got to continue to break down barriers. We need free trade. It's absolutely critical for agriculture and for job growth."

He mentioned Trump's running mate, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, and his prior defense of free trade as proof that Trump's position would not be too far from his own.

"So I believe that Trump understands that we need to do a better job of protecting America's interests, but that doesn't mean we don't negotiate and try to get the best agreements we can get," he said. "We just got to quit doing stupid things like the Iran deal and some of these things."

Story continues

Terry Branstad

Just this week, Trump hammered Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for flipping her position on TPP from when she was secretary of state, saying that she "lied" about it and insisting that she would pass the landmark trade agreement among pacific-rim nations while in office.

The strong position against America's trade agreements is more typical of the country's left wing. During this week's Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, some of the strongest anti-Clinton sentiment at the convention came from supporters of Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont cheering "no TPP" and holding up signs that said the same.

"I think in the end of the day, with the choice between the Democratic stand and our stand, I think people like farmers and businesses that are interested in this understand that Trump's a better choice," Branstad said. "Now, I understand and I think there's some validity to the criticism that he's made."

Rob Portman, a Republican Ohio senator who is locked in a tough reelection bout against Ted Strickland, a former Ohio governor, is more connected to free trade than pretty much anyone else in Washington. Portman was a huge proponent of NAFTA and of the Central American Free Trade Agreement while he served in the House. And Portman served as the US trade representative under President George W. Bush.

He has found himself frequently under attack from Strickland, who voted against NAFTA while he served in the House, for his support of free trade.

With Trump in town for the Republican convention last week, Portman, who is supporting Trump, was asked by reporters how his position on free trade could jibe with Trump's. He said both he and Trump had "pushed back on China."

"I've pushed back on Republicans as it relates to China," he said, adding that the Senate Finance Committee, of which he's a member of, has had "some success" with "cracking down on Chinese imports."

Rob Portman

Rep. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee echoed some of Portman's sentiment, saying that Trump and his supporters were for "free and fair trade" but just didn't like "what we have with China."

"I think that what we hear from people and Mr. Trump is right in-line with people, and that is if they are for free and fair trade," she said. "Indeed, you know people like to be able to manufacture for export.

Marsha Blackburn

"What they don't like is what we have with China, where we have a $380-million-dollar-a-year trade deficit," she continued. "They're tired of jobs going overseas, and the money for products on our shelves is going overseas."

Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, one of Trump's top supporters, told Business Insider on the floor of the convention that he thought his fellow colleagues were moving closer to positions held by Trump and himself on trade. During his convention speech last week, Sessions said Trump would help end "Obamatrade."

"The data that's coming in that I don't think a lot of our people knew," he said. "The economic models that predicted how the trade agreements would work have not been accurate. They're very flawed."

"I mean I voted for the trade agreements too in the past, but I think the American people are getting wise," he said. "They felt it before the Wall Street and academic economists felt it."

He called for all of America's trade agreements to be "bilateral"  negotiated solely between the US and one country on a deal-by-deal basis.

Jeff Sessions

Rep. Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania, another early supporter of Trump, said he didn't think TPP was going to be making it through Congress in a Trump presidency.

"He has said and I take him at his word that he will renegotiate them to make them fair for America," Shuster told Business Insider at a breakfast for the Pennsylvania delegation last week in Cleveland.

The chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee said that, while he "can't speak" for all of his fellow House Republicans, people he is close to have "always been very leery of these free trade agreements."

"It happens under Republican presidents, but it's really happened under this one," he said. "We need a fair deal."

Bill Shuster

Rep. Tom MacArthur of New Jersey agreed with Shuster. He told Business Insider that he thought Obama's biggest problem was that he wanted "to get deals done at all costs."

The congressman  the only Republican from New Jersey's House representation attending the Cleveland convention  said the new platform language on trade in a post-nominee Trump world was not all that different from where the party had been in the past.

"All it does is say that trade for trade's sake is not ... it's trade that's good for America, trade that creates jobs here at home, trade that doesn't allow places to take advantage of us," he said. "I support that, that is what we need, and by the way we haven't had that. We have a president who wants to get deals done at all costs. So we can say he got the deal done, and we've had bad political deals and bad trade deals as a result."

Shuster's fellow Pennsylvania congressman Rep. Keith Rothfus also expressed "doubts" that TPP would be approved, adding that he was "one of the Republicans who was very concerned with where the Trade Promotion Authority was going under this president."

He also said he lacked confidence that Obama was able to get the best deal done for America.

"I think Donald Trump will be looking out for that," he told Business Insider last week. "Look, 95% of the consumers are outside of the United States, 75% of the wealth is outside the United States, we've got to be engaged in the world, and I would expect that Donald Trump would be looking for places for our products."

NOW WATCH: Heres the footage that Republicans suggest shows Hillary Clinton lied under oath





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Jul 31, 2016, 10 AM

Thought to be the only known three-color franking of Haitis first stamps on cover, this 1884 Austria postal card traveled from Austria to Haiti and back. It sold at Cherrystones June auction for $16,100.

The largest multiple of an error of which only 50 were printed, this block of 10 of Argentinas 1899 5-peso with inverted center was sold by Cherrystone Auctions in June for $17,250.

By Matthew Healey, New York Correspondent

While summer can seem to be a slow season for philately  many clubs are on hiatus when members leave for vacation  auction firms nonetheless continue a steady offering of exciting things to bid on.

Here is one of three international stamp auctions were profiling from July:

Cherrystone Auctions in New York held a sale June 7-8 of United States and worldwide material.

One of the more extraordinary items was a block of 10 of Argentinas 1899 5-peso definitive, with the black vignette of an allegorical Liberty Seated printed upside down in relation to its orange frame (Scott 140a).

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Only a single sheet of 50 of this invert was printed. Despite its rarity, the misprint lists in the Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940 at just $2,750.

The extraordinary block in the Cherrystone sale, dubbed one of the piezas notables (notable pieces) of Argentinian philately, is the largest multiple and comprises 20 percent of all known examples of the error. Including the 15 percent buyers premium added by Cherrystone to all lots, it sold for $17,250.

An interesting combination of Austria and Haiti postage graced an 1884 postal card in the Cherrystone sale. The Austria 2-kreuzer Correspondenz-Karte was sent from Graz, Austria, to Cap-Haitien in late April 1884, reaching its destination on May 29. But the recipient forwarded the card back to Graz on June 8, using Haitis first three stamps  the 1-centime, 2c and 3c imperforate issues of 1881 (Scott 1-3)  to pay the return postage.

The card passed through New York a week later and returned to its city of origin on July 1. Thought to be the only known three-color franking of Haitis first stamps on one cover, it sold for $16,100.
* MAS examining GS Singapore unit's role in bond deals

* MAS has seized S$240 mln assets linked to 1MDB probe

* Goldman Sachs HK spokesman declines comment (Adds more MAS comment, background)

By Saeed Azhar

SINGAPORE, July 30 (Reuters) - Singapore's central bank said on Saturday it is examining the extent of involvement by Goldman Sachs' local unit in bond deals for Malaysian state investor 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB).

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has been questioning banks and financial institutions since last year as part of investigations into possible money laundering in the city-state linked to 1MDB..

"MAS supervisory examination into the extent of Goldman Sachs (Singapore) Pte's involvement in the 1MDB bond deals is still ongoing," an MAS spokeswoman said in an emailed statement to Reuters.

Last week, Singapore said it had seized assets worth S$240 million ($179 million) as part of a money laundering probe linked to 1MDB and would take action against some of the biggest banks based in the city-state for handling transactions linked to the Malaysian fund.

"MAS will take decisive regulatory actions against any financial institution or individual in Singapore that has breached regulations or failed to meet the expected anti-money laundering standards," MAS said in the statement.

A Goldman Sachs spokesman in Hong Kong declined to comment on the Singapore inquiry.

The U.S. government alleged this month that billions of dollars were diverted from bond deals arranged by Goldman, for the personal use of officials and some people associated with the state fund.

U.S. prosecutors have filed civil lawsuits to seize more than $1 billion in assets they said were tied to money stolen from the Malaysian fund.

1MDB has said in the past it is not a party to the civil suits, does not have any assets in the United States, nor has it benefited from the various transactions described in the civil suits. 1MDB was not available for comment on Saturday.

Story continues

Goldman Sachs, which earned close to $600 million to arrange and underwrite the 1MDB bonds, has not been accused of any wrongdoing by U.S. authorities.

These bond deals were arranged and underwritten by Goldman Sachs International.

The Wall Street Journal, which earlier reported the MAS inquiry, also said U.S. authorities had issued subpoenas to Goldman Sachs for documents related to the bank's dealings with 1MDB..

1MDB, founded by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in 2009 shortly after he came to office, is being investigated for money laundering in at least six countries including the United States, Singapore and Switzerland. (Reporting by Saeed Azhar; Additional reporting by Praveen Menon in KUALA LUMPUR; Editing by Denny Thomas, Christopher Cushing and Dale Hudson)
millennialstravel

Rainmakers are betting on tourists to bring in some serious profits.

The Carlyle Group, the private-equity giant with $178 billion in assets, recently invested in Inca Rail, which provides a scenic ride to Machu Picchu in Peru.

Apollo Global Management announced its $2.2 billion purchase of Diamond Resorts, a timeshare operator based in Las Vegas, and KKR is set to open a new hotel in Waikiki Beach with partners CoastWood Capital Group and Chartres Lodging Group this winter.

So far this year, the value of global private-equity deals in the dining and lodging sectors reached $4.6 billion, according to Dealogic data, surpassing the $4.4 billion invested in all of 2015.

"Global travel continues to be an attractive investment area," Sandra Horbach, cohead of Carlyle Group's US buyout team, told Business Insider. "Consumers are increasingly shifting their spending from things to experiences. Travel will also benefit from rising discretionary incomes in many emerging markets."

The tourism industry saw steady growth over the past five years, helped by the explosion of a global middle class and a decline in unemployment rates around the world. Inbound and outbound trips are especially high in emerging economies like Asia and South America, where tourism spending has outpaced that of developed economies, according to research firm IBISWorld.

It also helps that millennials are craving adventure and are more willing to spend on experiences over material objects.

Emerging markets

For Carlyle, the bet on travel and leisure in Latin America has paid off.

The firm bought a majority stake in late 2009 in CVC Brasil Operadora e Agencia de Viagens, Brazil's biggest travel-tour operator by revenue. CVC said that it expects Brazil's tourism market to benefit from hosting events like the 2016 Olympic Games.

The company had booked sales of $43.8 million in the second quarter this year, compared to $40.9 million a year earlier. Its shares have jumped about 40% since it went public in 2013.

Story continues

"It's an asset-light model, which we like, and an opportunity for us to benefit from favorable secular trends in Latin America," Horbach said. "Despite a slowdown in emerging markets, CVC has performed very well as people still want to travel and explore new places."



"Asset light" refers to businesses that aren't capital intensive or have high overhead to deliver their services. This approach is generally perceived as nimbler and able to scale more quickly.

Online push

KKR, which manages $131 billion in assets, is also bullish on the digital-travel boom. Stephen Shanley, principal at the firm's technology, media, and telecommunications team, sees the opportunity in travel tours and activities booking platforms, which he said is very under-penetrated compared to hotels and flights.

"Online booking rates for hotels and flights are above 40% across most Western European and North American countries," he told Business Insider.

That has prompted Shanley's team to look into Berlin-based GetYourGuide, which aims to be a one-stop shop for vacationers to find and book activities online. KKR led a $50 million investment into the startup last November to help it scale, joining backers such as Kees Koolen, former CEO of Booking.com, and Fritz Demopoulos, founder of Qunar.com.

GetYourGuide covers more than 27,800 activities in over 2,500 destinations around the world, according to the company's statement.

"We see strong demand [for Get Your Guide] in Europe, the company's core market, and we are seeing outsized demand in its newer markets, which include Asia, North America, and South America  it's a highly diversified user base," Shanley said.

Carlyle's investment in luxury-tour operator Bonotel Exclusive Travel is another example of buyout shops' broader push into online-travel platforms.

"Some of our investments are about finding places where we can leverage Carlyle's strengths to these tourism and travel-related businesses," Adam Glucksman, managing director in Carlyle's equity-opportunity fund, told Business Insider.

That includes helping companies gain access to other regions where Carlyle has a local presence, or providing contacts in hotels or other travel-related industries to help the investment drive growth, he added.

NOW WATCH: 4 major issues for any American who wants to visit Cuba





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A Polish man has been convicted and fined after being found in the possession of two 50 counterfeit notes at a discount retail store.

Sebastian Niewiadomski, 22 Oaklands Dale, Longford was charged in relation to an incident at Mr Price, Athlone Road, Longford on August 18, 2015.

He was later charged under Section 35 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

Speaking through an interpreter, Mr Niewiadomski was asked by Judge Seamus Hughes how he obtained the two fraudulent notes.

Was it a Paddy Power betting slip or something? joked Judge Hughes.

In defence, solicitor John Quinn said resulting CCTV footage taken from the scene had cleared up any lingering ambiguity over the matter.

He thought he was actually tendering the money to buy goods, but I actually got CCTV footage and thats not the case, said Mr Quinn.

Judge Hughes asked Mr Niewiadomski if he came home richer than when he left, a question which the defendant claimed he couldnt recall.

Well I will help him remember, snapped Judge Hughes.

Superintendent Fergus Treanor added that gardai were satisfied Mr Niewiadomski had a case to answer.

He did go into the shop and look for other denominations, said Supt Treanor.

But the shopkeeper noticed it (counterfeit notes) straight away and held onto it.

Mr Quinn said his client was in gainful employment but was on a basic wage and had to support his partner who was not working.

Judge Hughes asked if Mr Niewiadomski had a bank account and any savings.

He said he did and had around 200 to his name.

Judge Hughes let the matter stand for a short period to allow Mr Niewiadomski hand over a solicitors fee to Mr Quinn before later fining him 200.
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Columnists Press Releases
Earlier today, Shabaab launched a large-scale suicide assault on Somalias Criminal Investigation Departments (CID) headquarters in Mogadishu. The attack, which is the second of its kind in Somalias capital in the past week, left at least six people dead and several others wounded.

According to reports, Shabaab began the operation by detonating two suicide car bombs near the perimeter of the headquarters. Following the car bombings, a small assault team was able to breach the perimeter and enter the complex. Five civilians and one police officer were killed in the assault, while the four Shabaab fighters who entered the CID headquarters were killed, according to Al Jazeera. The number of casualties released by Shabaabs Shahada News largely matches the numbers given by Al Jazeera.

The suicide raid, or coordinated attack using one or more suicide bombers and sometimes a follow-on assault team, is a tactic frequently used by al Qaeda and its branches, as well as allied groups such as the Afghan Taliban, the Movement of the Taliban in Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. The Islamic State also often employs this tactic. Suicide strikes are commonly executed by jihadist groups in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, and Nigeria.

Todays invasion in Mogadishu, comes just days after Shabaab mounted a similar strike near an African Union base near the Mogadishu airport. In statements released by the al Qaeda branch, it confirmed that Saleh Noh Mohamed, a former Somali Member of Parliament who joined the group in 2010, took part in one of the suicide bombings on the base. The attack left 13 people dead and 19 others wounded. [See Threat Matrix report, Shabaab claims former MP involved in Mogadishu suicide attack.]

In addition to the attack on the CID headquarters, Shabaab launched an assault on a Somali military base near Afgoye just outside of the Somali capital. The Somali military claimed to have repelled the offensive while Shabaab said it inflicted heavy casualties on the military, Shabelle reported.

Shabaab continues to demonstrate that, regardless of a large presence of African Union forces, it retains the ability to strike high-security areas. Since 2014, Shabaab has attacked the parliament, the presidents compound, and a high security intelligence headquarters, as well as numerous hotels where government officials meet. In June 2013, a Shabaab team struck at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) compound in Mogadishu; several UNDP employees were killed and the jihadist group briefly took over the compound. And in 2010, Shabaab was able to launch a suicide assault on an African Union medical clinic in the Mogadishu airport.

Despite an African Union-led offensive that has been backed by covert US airstrikes and has cost Shabaab territory in the south over the past several years, the jihadist group remains a potent force in the country. It continues to exhibit the ability to launch complex operations in the capital, and has harassed African Union and Somali forces in both southern and central Somalia. In the past seven months, Shabaab has even retaken the towns of Marka, El Ade, and Badhadhe after African Union and Somali troops were forced with withdraw.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of The Long War Journal. Caleb Weiss is a research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal and a senior analyst at the Bridgeway Foundation, where he focuses on the spread of the Islamic State in Central Africa.

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.
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Properties / Homes

Architects around the world are coming up with new ways to provide residents with that private island feel thanks to the new floating villas.

Oct 23, 2016 | By Sophie Kalkreuth

Flying over the Maldives in a prop plane, islands appear like green pebbles in a blue-green sea. From above, constellations of resorts are also visible, their villas often snaking out from the edge of the land, hugging the sides of boardwalks and perched atop wooden stilts.

Not all villas are tethered to docks, however. At some new resorts, the bungalows have been designed to float on the Indian Ocean. One such project is named The Ocean Flower and includes 185 floating villas arranged in the form of a Maldivian flower. Designed by Dutch architecture firm Waterstudio, the two level villas have three bedrooms, private plunge pools and are priced from around $2.5 million.

What we tried to do with our office is to take the difference between a normal house and house boat and make them the same, says Waterstudio founder Koen Olthius. He began designing floating homes in the Netherlands, but now exports the concept to worldwide locations.

The Ocean Flower forms part of The 5 Lagoons, a master-planned resort in North Male atoll, a 20-minute boat ride from the capital of Male that is a joint venture between Dutch Docklands International and the Maldives Government. Waterstudio is also designing the Amillarah, another phase of The 5 Lagoons that will feature10 floating private islands arranged in an archipelago configuration. Each will have a private beach, pool, greenery and a jetty to moor yachts.

In the Maldives, where natural islands are small, scarce and vulnerable to tides and rising water levels, resort developers are progressively turning to floating architecture. The concept suits [the Maldives] perfectly, says Dymitr Malcew, a Singapore-based architect. He designed a luxurious floating home concept for a French developer in 2012 and has since received inquires from resort developers and private investors around the world, including the Maldives.

Malcews house concept features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a terrace and full-height windows that provide optimal daylight and views. The home is built on a floating platform that can be easily moved and electricity is supplied via solar panels, or a network if it is docked at a marina. It also has a water purification system. I was inspired by the automotive and luxury yacht markets rather than a typical architectural approach, Malcew explains.

The floating house concept is not confined to the Maldives, however. In Thailand, resorts like The Float House River Kwai Resort in Kanchanaburi features floating villas made of teak wood and bamboo, each having a private balcony and pier. Thai design firm Agaligo Studio has also introduced a modern take on the floating vernacular with the X-Float, a series of floating resort villas on the River Kwai that are made from lightweight steel framing clad with fiber cement siding and plywood. The units are all oriented to maximize river views while also shielding the intense tropical sun.

Hong Kong-based consultancy BMT Asia Pacific has also created floating home concepts it likens to a stationary yacht, designed to create novel experiences for holidaymakers. The Sea-Suite debuted in 2014 with three models  Floating Lodge, Houseboat, and Beach Cabin, each of which use an egg-shaped mold as the basis for transportable, easily adaptable and nautically minded lodging designs. The newer SeaScape edition features expansive 40-foot decks on a triangular floor plan. Each villa is customizable and can be expanded with the option to add on a variety of units, including a sun deck or covered pool, making the floating resort up to 1,800 sq. ft. in size. The design also features an underwater bedroom housed in a 13-foot diameter acrylic column that creates an aquarium effect with 360-degree views of marine life.

A new project in the Middle East unveiled in December also proposes an underwater bedroom. Kleindienst Groups new development is called The Floating Seahorse and features a collection of floating villas off the coast of Dubai. The structures are designed like unpowered boats and have three levels: a submerged master bedroom and bathroom designed to offer views of the surrounding marine life, a main level with a kitchen, dining area and deck, and an upper level that has an informal bed, kitchenette and glass-bottomed Jacuzzi. Developers sold around 60 units when the first models went on sale. The remaining seahorses are priced from $2.8 million.

We are seeing a trend worldwide, where High Net Worth Individuals are looking not only for a penthouse, but that private island feeling, says Koen Olthius. In his home country of the Netherlands, 50 percent of the population lives below sea level, and the Dutch have spent centuries constructing dikes, pumps, and drainage systems to keep the encroaching North Sea at bay. Floating houses have provided an alternate solution  as far back as the 17th century, barges were repurposed as homes.

In recent years, floating structures have again grown in popularity, particularly in the face of extreme weather. The obvious advantage is that they move vertically with fluctuations in water levels caused by tides, heavy rainfall or other flooding. They are also easily relocated.

But beyond the pragmatic reasons, floating homes are also appealing to prospective residents because they afford an intimate proximity to water, and a feeling of openness, with light and views that are more akin to a boat than a house. A normal house requires a large margin with the water level to prevent flooding. With a floating home, openings in the facade can safely be placed just 35 cm above the water level.

In the United States, floating homes are most common on the West Coast, particularly in Seattle where Lake Washington, Lake Union, and The Locks offer sheltered water edge conditions ideal for floating structures. Standing inside the floating home is an incredible feeling, says Eric Cobb, a Seattle-based architect who works on floating homes. When you are on the first floor, you are maybe a foot off the water level and it feels like you are on a boat. Its an amazing experience to have a sliding glass door off your bedroom and the water right there.

In recent years floating homes in Seattle have become increasingly regulated due to their impact on the shoreline. They are big, they create massive shaded areas and it impacts eco systems, says Cobb. Municipal regulations now prevent the development of new floating home slips, although the resale market is thriving.

Koen Olthius at Waterstudio believes such municipal regulations reflect an old-fashioned way of thinking and stands in the way of allowing floating homes to proliferate into the mainstream market and create what he believes is a more sustainable housing model. The experience we have in Holland makes us experts in how large and small foundations can be, he says.

Many architects argue that since floating systems are adaptable and can be moved at short notice without leaving scars on the environment, this makes them a more sustainable and durable way to build. BMTs SeaScape model, for example, is designed for offshore locations around small islands where a minimal footprint is key. The overall power load is also mitigated by the option of installing solar panels on the roof, as well as by natural ventilation. While we havent specifically focused on green features in the design, a number of them are intrinsic to a waterside location  improved natural ventilation from sea breezes and temperature moderation through the hull from seawater, says Sichard Colwill, Managing Director of BMT Asia Pacific.

The concept also provides a solution for humanitarian causes, particularly in low-lying, flood-prone regions. Luxury developers have funded much of the recent innovations to floating homes, but Olthius says a new wave of demand is coming from land-strapped and flood-prone cities from the Ukraine to China.

In the UK, design firms have proposed similar typologies as a means to deal with flood-stricken areas of the nation and as a solution to Londons housing shortage. Baca Architects recently developed a buoyant home for an NLA competition to address the capitals housing crisis. The project aims to install prefabricated floating housing on disused space along the 50 miles of rivers and canals in Greater London, as well as the 150 hectares of additional bluefield space in its docklands, marinas and basins. For Koen Olthius, the transition to water homes is simply a matter of plugging them into the existing grid. The demand for floating homes is clear, he says, now its a matter of negotiating with municipalities and insurance companies and educating them on the long life span of water homes, and their low maintenance costs.

If sea levels begin to rise as predicted, municipalities may have no choice but to embrace the floating home model. For the moment, some countries are more open to the idea than others. Waterstudio has spent the past two years working on a project in Florida, but have encountered considerable resistance from the local community. If I have an empty space of land, you understand that I can build there, but if I have a piece of water, everyone complains, Olthius says. In the US people have a stronger feeling of rights and of privacy compared to other parts of Europe or Asia. These homes can benefit the whole community.

However, even if there isnt a dramatic rise in sea levels, Olthius says he is committed to building on water. We are concerned with urbanization, with the price of land, the need for land, he says. Water gives us three things: space; safety and flexibility, and a very short response time to changes we cannot foresee.

Story Credits

This article was first published in Palace Magazine.
Lifestyle / Travel

A new ranking places French Polynesia top of the most expensive beach holiday list, while Vietnam is on the opposite end.

Jul 31, 2016 | By Staff Writer

Luxury living is mainly about choosing the best possible experiences life has to offer, something we often equate the most expensive indulgences, but is your beach holiday better because it was more expensive? A new ranking places French Polynesia top of the most expensive beach holiday list, while Vietnam is on the opposite end, recognized as the most affordable destination for a beach holiday. What does this mean, really, when it comes to choosing a holiday destination? This news gives us the perfect reason to have an objective look at the options.

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.

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.

You might be thinking, what about the quality and price of the hotel stays but you can easily control that. The quality of meals can vary widely too so there might be some doubt about that but sunscreen is sunscreenwell, apparently not.

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. Remember, that is not inclusive of flights or any other transportation as well as the nightly rate of the hotels and resorts. This is about the bare necessities.

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. Think about that for a second and zoom in that sunscreen. The price of sunscreen at Hoi An is literally less than 10% what it costs in Tahiti. It really speaks for itself.

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.

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 (below) and, a different perspective on the best beaches of 2016:

Top five most expensive beaches around the world

La Plage de Maui, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Mareto Plage Publique, Moorea, French Polynesia

Anse Vata, Noumea, New Caledonia

Anse Georgette, Praslin, Seychelles

Anse Soleil Beach, Seychelles

Top five cheapest beaches

Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An, Vietnam

Ho Coc Beach, Ho Coc, Vietnam

City Beach, Nha, Vietnam

Long Beach, Phu, Quoc, Vietnam

Varkala Beach, Kerala, India

Top five surf beaches

Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica

Watergate Bay, Newquay, UK

Cote des Basques, Biarritz, France

Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia

Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

Top five family beaches

Tulum Beach, Mexico

Phra Nang Beach, Ao Nang, Thailand

Coronado Beach, California, USA

Plaka Beach, Naxos, Greece

Palolem, Beach, Goa, India

Top romantic beaches
It is quite usual for the devotees to offer prayers to the gods to grand them wish. But surprisingly a temple in Hyderabad is known for its powers in granting US Visa. As per the reports, many devotees who plan to go to America will pay a visit to the Chilkur Balaji temple in Hyderabad for getting their visa smoothly.

Known as the 'Visa temple', a wish making ceremony at the 500-year-old temple involves making 11 laps around the temple. And worshipers offer passports and make offerings of coconuts. If the wish comes true, they must return and make a further 108 laps. However the temple had gained a huge reputation for helping to get abroad visas smoothly.
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Dubai-based port operator DP World has signed a long-term lease agreement for the expansion and operation of the multi-purpose Rodney Container Terminal (RTC) at Saint John in New Brunswick, Canada.

The global trade enabler will start running existing operations on 1 January 2017 and work in partnership with the Saint John Port Authority on a planned expansion programme expected to be completed in 2021, with the lease continuing for 30 years after.

The Rodney Container Terminal is a multi-purpose terminal handling container traffic in Saint John, the only Atlantic Canada port that is served by the countrys Class I railways, Canada National Railway (CN) and Canada Pacific Railway (CP) and is CPs only Atlantic gateway port.

The lease will follow the Port Authoritys completion of the expansion works, which will create a 350 metre deep-water berth, an enhanced stacking area and a 12,000 foot intermodal rail yard capable of handling a full train.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World, said: We are delighted to further extend our presence in Canada to the Port of Saint John, New Brunswick. We believe that the future growth prospects for the port are strong and we are excited to be participating with Saint John Port Authority in their expansion plans."

He added: "Our investments and commitment to Canada are for the long term, contributing to trade and the development of its national and local economies as well as providing employment for people with a leader of world trade. Our international experience and expertise will be further enhanced with this project.

Jim Quinn, CEO, Saint John Port Authority, said: We are delighted to welcome DP World as the new operator of Rodney Container Terminal and to share in the expansion project for the terminal. The commitments that DP World has made to invest in equipment and systems, commercial promotion and sustainability are critical for the long-term success of the project.

DP World is already a major investor in Canada operating the CENTERM terminal in Vancouver, the Fairview Terminal in Prince Rupert and the Duke Point Terminal in Nanaimo. Its entry into Saint John will focus on Canadas trade with Europe and Latin America increasing sector competition in eastern Canada.

DP Worlds involvement in Saint John is expected to bring significant benefits to importers and exporters in New Brunswick and the Maritimes, a region of Canada that also includes other Atlantic provinces Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
London welcomed home the 12-strong fleet of the biennial Clipper Round the World yacht race, Saturday, July 30, 2016.

Twelve teams celebrated the completion of the 40,000-nautical-mile ocean race  the world's longest  by sailing up the River Thames and under London's iconic Tower Bridge.

The fleet began its parade at the Thames Barrier, and passed London landmarks such as Greenwich's Old Royal Naval College, The O2 Arena, Canary Wharf and historic Wapping.

Tower Bridge lifted twice for the twelve teams, which all passed through in front of thousands of spectators on supporter boats who turned out to cheer home the international sailors into the UK capital.

The Clipper 2015-16 Race prizes have been awarded at a ceremony in St Katharine Docks following the conclusion of the global series in London.

First, the pennants were awarded for Race 14, the finale of the series, with Derry~Londonderry~Doire taking the first place pennant for its victory last night.

Visit Seattle was awarded the second place pennant, and LMAX Exchange the third place pennant for Race 14.

Each of the twelve teams then took to the stage and were presented with a framed photo of their boat.
The ocean has gotten noisier for decades, with man-made racket from oil drilling, shipping and construction linked to signs of stress in marine life that include beached whales and baby crabs with scrambled navigational signals.



The United States aims to change that as a federal agency prepares a plan that could force reductions in noise-making activities, including oil exploration, dredging and shipping off the nation's coast.



"We've been worried about ocean noise for decades, since the 1970s," said Richard Merrick, chief science adviser to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fisheries agency and a key author of the agency's more detailed 10-year plan to be released publicly later this year. "The question is, what should we do now?"



The draft plan calls for developing noise limits and setting up a standardized listening system. It would also call for the creation of an online archive of noise data that could hold thousands of hours of recordings, which scientists could then cross-reference against data on where marine life congregates.



The plan urges more research on the effects of noise on sea creatures and more coordination with environmental and industry groups, the military and government.



Some data is in short supply, since NOAA has assessed the abundance of only 17 percent of the marine mammal species that it is mandated to monitor. Noise also takes on greater urgency with Arctic seas increasingly open to shipping and development with the melting of ice from global warming.



DEAFENING NEMO



The scientists behind the project admit the ocean was never quiet. For millions of years it was filled with sounds ranging from the thunder of storms to the songs of whales. But fish and marine mammals evolved to coexist with those sounds, scientists note.



"A hundred years ago the ocean wasn't quiet, it was a dynamic acoustic place. But now there is a lot more human noise out there," said Jason Gedamke, head of the NOAA's ocean acoustics program.



Man-made noise from such work as pile driving, dredging, seismic air guns used in the search for oil, sonar, power-producing windmills and ice-breaking has raised the sound level dramatically.



Researchers have shown that off the coast of California, for example, underwater noise has risen several-fold in a few decades, in part from an increase in shipping.



The increased noise interferes with the sounds that marine animals use to communicate, hunt and navigate. For instance, blue whales twice the size of school buses and sleek fin whales, known as the "greyhounds of the sea" for their speed, use songs to find food and mates.



Bottlenose dolphins - the kind made popular through the 1960s TV series "Flipper" - locate objects by bouncing sound waves off them.



Fish and crab larvae use reef sounds for directions. Snapping shrimp produce collapsing bubbles whose sound waves stun prey and ward off predators.



NOAA has long required noise permits for one-off events, like drilling. The draft plan would be the first to broadly set long-term rules around noise levels.



Many oil companies already invest in quieter technology, and the European Union is also developing targets for ocean noise. The United Nations' International Maritime Organization in 2014 adopted voluntary guidelines to reduce underwater noise from ships.



The NOAA proposal has critics on the left and right.



Michael Jasny, a marine noise expert at the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council, said NOAA's effort was a step forward from its current tactic of muffling noisy machinery.



"Current efforts are like trying to control air pollution by putting a fence around a smokestack," he said.



The draft strategy has raised concern in the oil industry.



Andy Radford, a senior policy adviser for the American Petroleum Institute, said there was no science to support the idea of harm from the cumulative effects of underwater noise.



"We think it (is) unrealistic to try to return the seas to their prehuman condition," he said.



(Reporting by Ian Simpson; Editing by Scott Malone and Dan Grebler)


To exploit the potential of Indias approximately 7,500 km long coastline and 14,500km of potentially navigable waterways the Sagarmala Programme aims to promote port-led development in the country, says the government of India.

Sagarmala is a long term programme. The objectives of the Sagarmala Programme are Port modernization & new port development, enhancing port connectivity to hinterland, port led Industrialization and coastal community development.

The programme involves drawing up a National Perspective Plan(NPP) for Port Modernization & New Port Development, Port Connectivity Enhancement, Port-Led Industrial Development and Coastal Community Development as a first step for an integrated approach to port led development.

This planning process which involved extensive interaction and consultation with concerned states/UT governments, stakeholder Ministries and related PSUs, has been completed and the NPP is developed, has been approved by the National Sagarmala Apex Committee on 9th April,2016.

The status of major works under Sagarmala programme is as follows:

i. Sagarmala Cell was set up on 1st May, 2015.

ii.The setting up of Sagarmala Development Company has been approved by the Cabinet.

iii. Twelve Early Bird Projects have been taken up for implementation in FY 2015-16 which relate to hinterland connectivity, port operations, skill building and development of breakwaters.

iv. The perspective plans of 14 Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs), identified as part of NPP, have been prepared which will lead to formation of detailed master plans.

As part of the NPP, total 173 projects have been initially identified across the programme objectives which will result in significant investment in maritime infrastructure, create employment, reduce logistics cost and boost merchandize exports over the next decade.

The implementation of these projects is to be done by the relevant ports, Central Government Ministries, State Governments and State Maritime Boards preferably through private sector or PPP route.

Sagarmala Development Company will provide equity support for the project SPVs (State/Port/Central Ministry Level SPVs) and take up residual projects that cannot be funded by any other means/mode.

A projection has been made that the identified industrial cluster projects once implemented will enable creation of approximately 1 crore new jobs, including 40 lakh direct jobs and 60 lakhs indirect jobs in the next 10 years.
As the leader of customer-focused terminal operations in North America, GCT USA has welcomed the Hyundai Saturn to GCT Bayonne.

The Saturn is the first of five Hyundai ships in the G6's New York Express (NYX) service calling the port of New York and New Jersey through the expanded Panama Canal.

The Saturn and its sisters are the first Hyundai neo-Panamax class vessels deployed on the Transpacific-US East Coast trade lane, all boasting a cellular capacity of 10,077 TEUs. Serving New York as the first North American port-of-call, the enhanced NYX service connects the largest East Coast market to the carrier's wider network in Latin America and Central/Northeast Asia.

Calling state-of-the-art GCT Bayonne, the Saturn is handled at the port's marquee big ship ready facility, which already services the largest vessels transiting the new Panama locks and the Suez Canal.

"The G6 and Hyundai were market leaders choosing expanded GCT Bayonne," said John Atkins, President of GCT USA. "Complementing Hyundai's reputation of reliability, our demonstrated ability to consistently deliver high productivity and fast turn times gives carriers the confidence to call GCT terminals on both the East and West Coasts."

"Hyundai Merchant Marine has made a significant investment in building and deploying the latest generation of neo-Panamax vessels to serve the vital import/export market in the northeast", said David Arsenault, President & CEO of Hyundai Merchant Marine America.

David added: "We are honored to have New Jersey Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno along with many of our valued customers here today to attend this auspicious maiden call at the Port of New York and New Jersey."

South Korea-based Hyundai Merchant Marine is a leading container carrier deploying increased tonnages on more fuel-efficient vessels with significantly lower emissions via the Panama Canal. GCT USA completed its expansion of GCT Bayonne in 2014, deploying the lowest emission, most efficient equipment fleet serving the largest ships on the trade lane.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) aided in the rescue of 97 migrants adrift in the Mediterranean Sea, July 29. Carney is forward deployed to Rota, Spain, and is conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.



Carney provided food and water to the migrants aboard the vessel before coordinating with a nearby merchant vessel to take them to safety. It also provided aid for the migrants until the SOS Mediterranee ship MS Aquarius arrived and took the migrants to safety.



"Today Team Carney aided in the rescue of 97 migrants while operating in the Mediterranean Sea," stated Cmdr. Kenneth Pickard, commanding officer, USS Carney (DDG 64). "Seeing the plight of these desperate migrants and the danger they were in was humbling. As Sailors we make our living on the high seas. We were honored to help these 97 people to safety. My crew acted with the upmost professionalism and compassion and I couldn't be more proud of them."



Highlights:



* 96 men and one woman were onboard the small craft.

* SOS Mediterranee was founded in 2015 and is an independent European humanitarian association whose objective is to operate in different maritime routes and conduct sea rescue operations.

* Members of Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders) embark with SOS Mediterranee and provide care until the refugees can be turned over to the proper authorities.

* USS Carney (DDG 64) forward deployed to Rota, Spain, is currently attached to the USS Wasp (LHD-1) Amphibious Ready Group that is operating in U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

* U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.


India is trying to renegotiate LNG deal with Australia and looking at lowering the price of liquefied natural gas it plans to buy from the Gorgon project, says a report form PTI.

According to sources, when LNG deals are being done at 12 per cent or 12.5 per cent indexation, the Gorgon deal is certainly on the higher side.

Hence the Oil Ministry instructed Petronet LNG, a private firm whose chairman is the oil secretary of India, to rework the price.

Petronet had in August 2009 signed a 20-year deal to buy 1.44 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at a price equivalent of 14.5 per cent of the prevailing oil rates.

The indexation agreed was one of the highest in the world, feels the Oil Ministry and the current company management, hence written to Exxon Mobil, the seller of Gorgon LNG, for reworking the price.

"Oil prices have fallen from over USD 100 per barrel that translated into a price of USD 14.5 per million British thermal unit for Gorgon LNG. But even through rates are less than half of that, still as a matter of principle, the indexation should be lowered," the source said.

LNG in spot or current market is available at USD 5-6 per mmBtu where as Gorgon LNG at current formula will cost USD 6.5 per mmBtu at on oil price of USD 45 per barrel.
Huge Stakes in the US Presidential Race

US elections matter, notably with such hugely important domestic and geopolitical issues at stake.



No matter who wins in November, ordinary people worldwide lose - especially if Hillary succeeds Obama next year.



Never before in US history has a more reviled and recklessly dangerous aspirant sought the nations highest office - a shocking indictment of a political system too debauched to fix.

Its crucial to defeat a candidate whose public record exposes an unprecedented menace - combined with unacceptable incompetence and emotional instability to handle the nations domestic and foreign affairs.



Bill and Hillary Clinton represent the worst of America. Author Joan Didion once called them purveyors of fables of their own making, or worse, fables conceived by political strategists with designs solely on vote-getting, not public service.



Called the most powerful woman in America, Hillary once failed her bar exam, revealing mediocre competence at best.



As first lady, her only major administrative assignment was heading up healthcare reform. Hillarycare failed dismally, proving her lack of managerial skill and intellectual capability to complete a tough task successfully.



Insider critics call her sociopathic, unstable, narcissistic, and subject to unpredictable rages.



Her persona in front of cameras is one way, in private another entirely. The real Hillary Clinton is arrogantly mindless about the welfare and concerns of others - she and husband Bill in politics solely for their own self-interest and enrichment.



How could anyone accept such an unqualified, incompetently dangerous candidate in charge of affairs of state as president and so-called leader of the free (sic) world?



Republican political strategist Steve Schmidt said (t)here has not been a secretary of state who had a more incompetent performance than Hillary Clinton in the modern era.



She left a worldin chaos when returning to private life in February 2013, a much worse state than when beginning her tenure in January 2009.



Using her easily hacked private server for classified government business alone revealed arrogance, poor judgment, incompetence and criminality, compounded by deleting thousands of emails - perhaps with information proving a greater level of lawlessness than already known.



If ordinary people committed her offenses, theyd be in prison serving long terms - double-standard justice absolving her instead.



Most disturbing is her lust for power and indifference to human suffering, along with megalomaniacal rage for endless wars, imperial conquest and global dominance - a public record hostile to peace and stability.



Letting Hillary become president next year is an unacceptable risk. Defeating her in November is essential - ending the Clinton crime familys political career once and for all.

By Stephen Lendman

http://sjlendman.blogspot.com

His new book as editor and contributor is titled Flashpoint in Ukraine: US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III.

http://www.claritypress.com/Lendman.html

He lives in Chicago and can be reached in Chicago at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.



Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to The Global Research News Hour on RepublicBroadcasting.org Monday through Friday at 10AM US Central time for cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on world and national topics. All programs are archived for easy listening.

 2016 Copyright Stephen Lendman - 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.




Renovations and improvements are slated at Fairy Stone State Park over the next few decades, according to Park Planner Bill Conkle with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Conkle  along with Park Manager John Grooms and State Park District Manager Tim Vest  hosted a public input meeting Thursday evening regarding Fairy Stones updated master plan for the coming years. The meeting took place at Fairy Stones Fayerdale Hall.

The draft version of the master plan consists of three phases, with each phase ideally targeted to take about 10 years to complete, Conkle said. The cost of each phase remains to be determined, and the schedule for completion will depend upon the amount of state funding the park system receives.

Phase one includes: The demolition of the old bathhouse at the group camp; replacement of the park office and the creation of an enlarged parking area at the park office; the construction of four yurts at the group campground (which is already in development); renovation of the beach bathhouse, concession facility and beachfront; addition of a sprayground (spray fountains for children to play in) at the beach; construction of a visitor center and upgrades to the amphitheatre, including the addition of a comfort station; renovation of 25 cabins; renovation of campground; renovation of boat ramps and addition of parking at boat ramps; dredging Fairy Stone Lake; renovation and expansion of trails; and resurfacing of roads and parking lots throughout the park.

Phase two includes: Demolition of water tank and adaptive re-use (repurposing) of water treatment facility; construction of rest room near picnic shelter one; relocation of equestrian day-use parking; addition of bathhouse and dump station in equestrian area; addition of playground area for campground and cabin guests; construction of staff residence; addition of gazebo near Fayerdale Hall; more renovation and expansion of trails; and additional road and parking lot resurfacing.

Finally, phase three includes: The renovation of a Civilian Conservation Corps-era structure near picnic shelter one; renovation of lodge; development of a new campground loop at the old overflow campground site; renovation of group camp to include camping cabins; construction of a new water feature/sprayground complex near the beach; construction of up to ten cabins (five 2-bedroom, four 3-bedroom and one 6-bedroom); more renovation and expansion of trails; and additional road and parking lot resurfacing.

Anyone wishing to contact Conkle with additional comments or suggestions for the master plan can e-mail him at Bill.conkle@dcr.virginia.gov, or mail him at Bill Conkle, Park Planner, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, 600 East Main St., 24th Floor, Richmond, Va. 23219.

Comments will be accepted until Aug. 28.
Zeb Talley is going to be an awesome interim  if not permanent  superintendent of the Martinsville City Public Schools, according to Martinsville Middle School Principal Cynthia Tarpley.

She should know. They worked together as co-principals of the middle school before he was named principal of Patrick Henry Elementary School, a job he still maintains.

Talley is extremely knowledgeable about what students need to learn and how they must learn it, and teachers love him, Tarpley said.

Although he is not hesitant to discipline students when necessary, she said, overall hes very laid back  very level-headed. Hes a good guy.

He knows how to communicate with people and build relationships with people, Tarpley continued, adding she knows that Talley will return parents phone calls.

Hes always accessible to parents, said Madie Rountree, a former educator who has known Talley for many years. He listens to you.

Hes going to do right for students and parents of all races and economic backgrounds, she emphasized.

Tarpley and Rountree were among about 50 people who attended a reception at Martinsville High School on Thursday to enable people in the community to get to know Talley, who has spent 40 years with the city schools.

Talley earned a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech, a masters degree in educational leadership from Radford University and a bachelors degree in social studies and history, with a minor in religion, from Elon University. He also is pastor of a church in Danville.

Chad Martin, who is running for a seat on Martinsville City Council in the Nov. 8 election, also has known Talley for many years. He indicated he was surprised that more people did not attend the reception.

People need to meet him, Martin said of Talley. Hes a man of God, a servant, someone who not only listens to parents, but also loves the kids.

Its a refreshing feeling to find somebody with the experience, the education and the heart (needed) to serve the city schools, Martin continued, summing up personal traits of Talleys that parents have told him they like.

Having risen through the school divisions ranks, its a natural progression for him to be where he is now, said Martin.

Talley leading the schools should have happened already, Martin said. But things happen in Gods time.

Like Tarpley, Gerald Kidd, dean of students at the high school, described Talley as being awesome.

Hes honest, trustworthy, just a great inspiration to so many people, Kidd said. Hes an awesome man.

And, appointing Talley as interim superintendent was an awesome move, Kidd added. Were going to see tremendous progress (in educating students) with him at the helm of the schools.

The Martinsville School Board appointed Talley to the interim post on July 14 after accepting the retirement of former superintendent Pam Heath.

Board Chairwoman Joan Montgomery has said that a nationwide search will be conducted to hire next permanent superintendent. However, Talley has said he plans to apply for the job, and board members have indicated they welcome him to do so.

Talley said that during the past several weeks, he and other administrators have been busy hiring new teachers for the new school year that will start Aug. 10.

New teachers will be assigned mentors from among experienced teachers, he said.

Also, changes among administrative employees are planned as part of efforts to boost academics and student support services, Talley said.

Getting the schools fully accredited under the state Standards of Learning (SOLs) again is a major goal of Talleys.

Our schools must be accredited, he said. One year from now, I want to be held accountable for that.
Former Martinsville City Public Schools Superintendent Pam Heath, who recently retired, could receive almost $190,000 in direct financial compensation from the school division as part of a severance agreement she signed.

The agreement calls for Heath, who was receiving an annual salary of $134,937 under her most recent contract, to be paid an additional $137,635.74. It shows half of that amount is to be paid within 21 days after the agreement is executed, and the other half is to be paid on or around Jan. 31, 2017.

Heath and the Martinsville School Board entered into the agreement on July 14. However, the document does not show when Heath signed it. City Attorney Eric Monday received a signed copy late last week.

Also, the agreement calls for the school board to put $52,250.38  which equals 86 days of Heaths sick leave  in escrow.

At its expense, the school board must retain an auditing firm to do an independent audit of prior leave cash-outs made to Heath during the past two fiscal years. If the audit determines that such cash-outs were not improper, Heath will be paid the entire $52,250.38. If it determines that any cash-outs were inappropriate, the money will be deducted from the escrow account and Heath will get the balance, the agreement shows.

The total amount that Heath could receive is $189,886.12.

If Heath disagrees with the audits findings, she must notify the school board in writing within 10 business days. She also can pay for another audit. If findings of her audit differ from those of the boards audit, the parties are to have arbitration through Judge Jane Roush and be bound by her decision, the agreement shows.

Roush is a former interim justice on the Virginia Supreme Court. Monday said he knows Roush and believes she is a very fair judge. He said he recommended Roush to Heaths attorney, R. Craig Wood of Charlottesville, who also knows Roush and agreed for her to be the arbitrator.

In addition to Heath and Wood, the agreement was signed by Monday, who is the school boards legal advisor, and board Chairwoman Joan Montgomery.

According to Monday, Heath took early retirement under state code Section 51.1-155.1. The code section states that a local school division superintendent involuntarily separated from state service is eligible for such retirement and a retirement allowance.

The parties agree that for purposes of the Virginia Retirement System (VRS)  the superintendents retirement is an involuntary separation, and that but for the threat of the board to terminate superintendents employment without cause, she would have continued in her position until her contract expired on June 30, 2019, the severance agreement reads.

School board members have not publicly commented on matters pertaining to Heaths departure.

They legally cannot say anything bad about her.

The board agrees that it will speak in professional and neutral terms regarding the superintendent, and will not be disparaging or defamatory of her or her performance in any public communications, the agreement states.

Under the pact, nothing in it is to be construed by either Heath or the board as an admission by the other of any wrongdoing.

Heaths official last day as superintendent is Aug. 14. She is on paid administrative leave until then in lieu of the 30 days notice of termination that she is required by her most recent contract to give, the agreement shows.

The former superintendent will receive all health, medical and life insurance provided through her contract for a year beginning Aug. 15. She then will be entitled to remain on the school boards health and medical insurance plan as a qualified employee with 15 years of creditable service, the agreement states.

Before she was superintendent, Heath was the city schools assistant superintendent and executive director of accreditation, human resources and policy development.

Monday said he thinks the fact that Heath was involuntarily separated from her employment will have no effect on the state retirement benefits she receives.

Heath will be reasonably available to the board if and when it needs information she has pertaining to the schools. If the board ever is investigated or sued, she must cooperate fully to the extent that the board deems necessary, the agreement shows.

Although it states that the parties involved entered it on July 14, the agreement mentions that Heath has seven calendar days to change her mind and revoke it by notifying the school board in writing. The agreement adds that it is not enforceable, and no payments can be made to her, until that period is over.
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Dog Getting Vaccination

Dog getting a vaccination from a veterinarian.

(Submitted photo)

By LEE CHAMBERS

The topic of vaccination can be a hot-button issue in today's world, especially when outbreaks of measles make headlines. There are different viewpoints about the importance of vaccinations to protect public health, and these conflicts arise even when the subject is vaccinating our pets.

It's frustrating and saddening to see dogs, cats and other animals suffer and die from diseases that could have been prevented had the animal received an inexpensive series of vaccinations. Especially brutal diseases like parvovirus, panleukopenia and canine distemper prey on young as well as elderly animals, especially those who are not protected from the disease by vaccines.

The one most people are aware of, of course, is rabies. Probably the most feared of all diseases, rabies is deadline and zoonotic, which means it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Infection nearly always leads to death, and there is no cure. In response to this, Massachusetts law requires rabies vaccinations for our most popular household pets - cats and dogs.

Also dangerous, although non-zoonotic, are diseases like parvovirus and feline distemper, which are deadly and highly contagious. Both can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes into contact with the feces of an infected pet, even a microscopic bit. It's possible for the virus to live in the environment for months, surviving on objects such as a pet's food bowl, your clothes and shoes, or on carpet or floors. Unvaccinated pets are at considerable risk of contracting these diseases from the streets, especially in urban areas.

All the devastation brought on by these diseases could have been easily prevented with the proper vaccination.

Core vaccines for all infant and adult cats and dogs include protection against a variety of diseases common to a region. For instance, a dog's "distemper combo" vaccine might include protection against parvovirus in combination with distemper, parainfluenza, and others.

Your puppy or kitten should receive his first vaccine at about 6-8 weeks of age, a booster at 4-week intervals until he is about 16-20 weeks of age, and then again at 1 year of age. A pet's vaccination program is not complete before he is four months old. Older pets who have not received a full vaccination series may be susceptible to diseases like parvovirus and should also receive at least one immunization. Your veterinarian can talk to you about how often your pet will need to be revaccinated.

Dakin Humane Society offers affordable vaccine clinics every Thursday morning at our Springfield Adoption & Education Center at 171 Union Street beginning at 9am. We treat the first 40 cats and dogs in line, and people frequently line up at least an hour before doors open to secure their spot with dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and everybody dressed for the weather.

Our clinic provides rabies and distemper vaccinations for both dogs and cats, bordetella vaccinations for dogs as well as feline leukemia vaccinations for cats. We can test your dog for heartworm or your cat for feline leukemia, provide flea treatments, implant a microchip in your pet, and more. As always, we encourage people with pets to seek the services of qualified veterinarians for their pet's long-term care, including ongoing wellness treatments, but for those who struggle financially to provide these lifesaving. vaccinations, our clinic offers an option.

With all that's available to prevent diseases, no animal should suffer from them. We stand ready to help you help them. For more information, visit dakinhumane.org

Lee Chambers is marketing and communications manager of Dakin Humane Society. Dakin delivers effective, innovative services to animals in need and the people who care about them.
Miss-Honduras-Sirey-Moran .jpg

Miss Honduras 2016 Sirey Moran

(Facebook photo)

Miss Honduras Sirey Moran has been stripped of her title and will not compete in the 2016 Miss Universe pageant later this year.

Moran had been attending events and undertaking negotiations without the approval of Carimaxx, the organization that holds the rights to the pageant in Honduras, Pageant News reported.

Carlos Rivera, director of Carimaxx, told La Prensa that Moran "did whatever she felt like doing" and believed "she's the boss."

However, Moran is telling a much different story.

She posted a statement to El Heraldo, describing an alleged incident in New York City where Rivera and another male verbally and physically attacked her.

She told E! News, "It is very unfortunate this has happened and I am very disappointed and hurt, violence is never the answer. I am working with proper authorities here in the United States and Honduras and I am confident in how they are handling this situation for me."

Moran has received support from fans on her Facebook page.

The Miss Universe Organization, which owned by WME/IMG, has not commented.
SPRINGFIELD -- The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has a special meeting on Monday to consider requests for funds filed by the Hampden County Sheriff's Department and the Caring Health Center to mitigate alleged hardships related to the MGM Springfield casino project.

Monday's meeting is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., and will be live streamed for public viewing at the Massachusetts Gaming Commission website, www.massgaming.com. The review was postponed from the commission's last meeting on July 21.

The Hampden County Sheriff's Department has filed a request for $2 million from the Casino Mitigation Fund to offset costs related to the need to relocate the Western Massachusetts Correctional Alcohol Center in the South End to a new site. The old alcohol center site on Howard Street was purchased by MGM Springfield as it was in the path of the $950 million casino project.

The relocation will lead to a significant increase in rent paid by the sheriff's department for the new center, according to its application for mitigation funds. The award of $2 million, if granted, would reduce its annual rent by more than $400,000 per year.

The old lease at 26 Howard St. was $666,000 annually and included the cost of utilities, according to a letter from Sheriff Michael Ashe. He said that lease cost was "extremely low due to our presence in the building for 28 years."

The new lease at 155 Mill St. is approximately $1 million a year, and does not include utilities with an estimated additional cost of $260,000 annually, Ashe said.

In a separate application, the Caring Health Center, 1049 Main St., is seeking $257,075 from the mitigation fund to help resolve parking hardships said to be triggered by the casino project. The health center is located across from the MGM Springfield project in the South End.

The mitigation fund is financed from the gaming projects in Massachusetts. The city filed the request for funds on behalf of the Caring Health Center, and is asking for administrative costs to oversee the fund, bringing the request up to $275,000.

The Caring Health Center is proposing a number of steps to address serious parking issues in their vicinity, including a plan to provide valet parking for its patients. The health center stated in its application that it has been negatively affected by the casino project since the start of construction activity in 2015.

The casino is expected to open in September of 2018.

At its July 21 meeting, the Gaming Commission voted unanimously to approve West Springfield's request for $247,500 from the mitigation fund to help with an unanticipated design cost increase for a Memorial Avenue reconstruction project, officials said.
NEW BEDFORD  An 86-year-old woman was killed in a car crash in New Bedford on Friday afternoon, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Police say the victim is Barbara May Pivo, of New Bedford, who was involved in a two-car accident on Rt 140, just north of Exit 3.

Police were called to the scene of the crash at approximately 3:15 p.m., where they discovered a crash had occurred between a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta and a 1997 Toyota Avalon.

Police say both cars were headed north on Rt 140 when the Volkswagen, which was being operated by a 27-year-old New Bedford woman, somehow crashed into Pivo's Toyota. Upon impact, the Toyota "spun out" and rammed into a median guardrail.

While the driver of the Volkswagen was unharmed, Pivo sustained significant injuries.

She was subsequently taken by EMS to St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, but was then flown by medical helicopter to Rhode Island Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, according to police.

Police say the cause of the crash has not yet been determined and is currently under investigation. No charges have been filed at this time.
SPRINGFIELD

 A 60-year-old Chicopee man was seriously injured when the motorcycle he was operating crashed as he attempted to negotiate the ramp from I-91 northbound to I-291 eastbound in Springfield, the

Massachusetts State Police

said in a statement.

According to a preliminary investigation, it appeared that the motorcyclist was traveling northbound on I-91 just after 6 p.m. Saturday when he attempted to use the exit ramp to I-291 eastbound. As he tried to negotiate the ramp, he apparently lost control and his 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle struck a concrete Jersey barrier on the left side of the ramp, then crossed the travel area to crash into a guardrail on the right side.

A nurse and a paramedic stopped to administer first aid to the rider before an ambulance crew arrived to transport the victim to the Baystate Medical Center. The State Police said the rider suffered serious bodily injuries in the crash.

The Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and Crime Scene Services Unit are continuing the investigation into the crash,



Springfield Fire and EMS personnel assisted at the scene of the accident, as did Mass. DOT.
maura healey.JPG

Attorney General Maura Healey, surrounded by law enforcement and gun control advocates, announces a ban on "copycat" assault weapons on July 20, 2016.

(SHIRA SCHOENBERG / THE REPUBLICAN)

BOSTON - This week Attorney General Maura Healey announced plans to crack down on the sale of so-called copycat guns of assault weapons banned in the state.

The state's ban on assault weapons has been in place since 2004 when Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney signed it into law. But Healey said some gun manufacturers are making duplicate guns that are similar to assault weapons but with small changes and marketing them as "state-compliant."

Her announcement was met with protests from gun owners and organizations such as the Gun Owners Action League of Massachusetts and the National Rifle Association. Some likened her to Hitler and others attacked her with sexist and anti-gay slurs.

On Friday, Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, filed Legislation aimed at stripping Healey of her authority to regulate firearms. Sen. Don Humason, R-Westfield, is a sponsor. Two other Western Massachusetts lawmakers, Rep. Susannah Whipps Lee, R-Athol, and Rep. Stephen Kulik, D-Worthington also issued statements criticizing Healey.

Several other lawmakers accused her of overstepping her bounds.

But Healy also received support from gun control supporters and those who want to see the existing law enforced.

Five former Massachusetts attorney generals have defended Attorney General Maura Healey's authority to reinterpret the state's assault weapons ban. A written statement was signed by every Massachusetts attorney general since 1975: Francis Bellotti, James Shannon, Scott Harshbarger, Tom Reilly and Martha Coakley, who are all Democrats.

Gov. Charlie Baker called for more clarification on the crackdown, saying the ambiguities could cause other guns to inadvertently be prohibited.

The news of the ban also caused a rush on the assault style weapons.

Here are some of the things people have been Tweeting about the controversy over the guns.
njstatepolice.jpg

New Jersey State Police said a man who shot himself on the New Jersey Turnpike Saturday night had his dead wife in the trunk.

((Alex Zdan /The Times))

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. -- A man who shot himself on the New Jersey Turnpike Saturday night had his dead wife in the trunk, police said.

Franklin Osgood, 61, of Providence, R.I., was found at 9:36 p.m. in his car with a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he led police on a brief chase on the Turnpike in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey State Police said in a Facebook post.

After State Police troopers searched Osgood's 2007 black Dodge Charger, they found the dead body of his wife, Mary Jo, in the trunk, police said. Also found in the car was a semi-automatic handgun in the middle console.

Franklin Osgood was a former officer with the Providence Police Department who retired in 2007, the city's police chief, Hugh Clements, said at a news conference, according to WPRI-TV.

Troopers were on alert for Osgood after Providence police contacted them shortly after 9 p.m. to report that Osgood was a murder suspect and considered "armed and dangerous," police said. Providence police believed he may be on the Turnpike.

About 40 minutes later, a trooper spotted Osgood's Charger on the northbound side of the Turnpike near exit 18W, State Police said. Osgood refused to pull over when troopers attempted to stop him.

He eventually lost control of his car near milepost 117.1, struck a metal guardrail and then crashed into a State Police trooper patrol car, police said. The trooper involved in the crash suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.

Osgood was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound when troopers approached his vehicle. He was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he was pronounce dead at 11:32 p.m.

Mary Jo Osgood was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:25 a.m., police said.

The investigation of her death is being handled by the Providence Police Department.
SBA 504 Loans offered statewide! Real estate and equipment, acquisitions, renovation, and new construction. Low, fixed-rates up to 25 years with as little as 10% down.
Low-temperature flames can seem counterintuitive  most fire produces heat. This research is flipping that idea upside down.

"A big part of my background is flame measurements  how can we better characterize flames, how can we better understand the chemistry of flames," she said. "Thats what the core of that low-temperature flames grant is going to be."

By THADDEUS MAST Laramie Boomerang

Full Story: http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/nasa-supports-university-s-unique-research-with-grant/article_0b8c8623-a9a8-5bd6-905a-0e5a3ac01f1f.html


Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.
In a July 18 interview with the Iraqi Kurdistani TV channel NRT, Nouri Al-Maliki, the Vice President of Iraq, said that although in his assessment, some people were contemplating a Turkey-style military coup in Iraq, "they did not realize that in the new Iraq, a military coup would be difficult to carry out, because of the popular support for the government, and because the citizens are armed."

Al-Maliki: "Turkey's foreign policy has generated a political crisis at home. Turkey was dragged into war and began to meddle, and it lost many of its advantages and much of its popularity, and its relations in the regions were harmed. Turkey is now accused of meddling in the affairs of several countries. Therefore, Turkey is one of the countries that may be classified as a regional troublemaker."

[...]

Interviewer: "Did you not fear a coup when the Sadrist Movement stormed the Green Zone? They entered the government building and the parliament. What does a coup look like?"

Al-Maliki: "What happened certainly looked like a rebellion, and I condemn and reject it."

[...]

Interviewer: "(Did you) fear a coup? Is a Turkey-styled military coup in Iraq a plausible scenario?"

Al-Maliki: "I do not want to name names, but in my assessment, some people were contemplating a coup. After all, Iraqi culture has witnessed coups at various points in its history. They considered it, but they did not realize that in the new Iraq, a military coup would be difficult to carry out, because of the popular support for the government, and because the citizens are armed.

[...]

"Anyone who attempts to carry out a coup will have to deal with the people. Especially now, when the people is armed - the Popular Mobilization Units have their weapons, and civilians have their weapons - a military coup in Iraq would not be successful anymore."

[...]

Interviewer: "Do you fear internal Shiite conflict, in light of the violent dialogue that took place between the Sadrist Movement and the Popular Mobilization Units, and even with the government?"

Al-Maliki: "This fear did exist, but it has dissipated this last week."

Interviewer: "Do you mean this past Friday?"

Al-Maliki: "Yes, on Friday the fear of internal Shiite conflict dissipated. After all, the plans of the Sadrist movement failed, and he could no longer make inroads into the political system, as he wanted. "

[...]

Interviewer: "There is a plan - which was presented in the media - to turn the PMU into an Iraqi version of the IRGC, with Nouri Al-Maliki at the helm."

Al-Maliki: "I've heard no such thing."

Interviewer: "You haven't... Were you presented with such a plan?"

Al-Maliki: "No."

Interviewer: "Regarding your relationship with the PMU - are you closer to the pro-Iranian elements than to Shiite groups aligned with Sistani, or to political parties such as the (Supreme Islamic) Council and the Sadrist Movement?"

Al-Maliki: "The brothers in the PMU know what role I have played. They know my positions on this matter, and how I supported and armed the PMU under very difficult circumstances. Therefore, I have good relations with all their various elements. I do not support one faction at the expense of the other, because a certain faction may be affiliated with some foreign country... I have very good relations with the Iraqi PMU. I have the utmost respect toward them. I support them and defend them. I have no problem, disagreement, or any crisis with any faction of the PMU."
College is a place where life really starts. Its a place where you discover yourself, find a career path and even find yourself becoming an inspiration to others by way of your style, your character or your choices as a whole. Whether you are the popular one in college or want to be popular one, dressing well can surely help you build that personality.

Dressing up in college not only sends out a good impression, it also gives you that confidence to really make it big in your college life. Guys usually take fashion and grooming lightly while in college and do not really know the right outfits to wear. Here is some college-wear inspiration for guys to look their stylish best.

1. College has no theme when it comes to dressing up so create your own theme. We say, let it be Monochrome Mondays 

Patterned White Shirt + Black Pants + Sneakers

 themetroman

2. Look to break the monotony and the said rules of fashion. Mix formal wear with sporty footwear on a Tuesday 

Plain White Shirt + Grey Trousers + White Sneakers

 themetroman

3. Be smart casual on a Wednesday. Add flavour to your outfit with denim jackets.

White T-shirt + Denim Jacket + Beige Chinos + Sneakers

 themetroman

4. Thursdays should be a bit relaxed. T-shirts for the win!

T-shirt + Black Jeans + High Ankle Sneakers

 themetroman

5. End your week on a printed note. Rock printed shirts on Fridays.

Printed Shirt + White Jeans + Converse Sneakers

 themetroman

P.S.  While the above given outfits look stylish on the said days, do not hesitate in wearing them on whichever day you like.


 Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) Active shooter incident downtown, multiple victims. Stay away from downtown. Media: Dont call for updates at this time, more to follow. PIO6 Austin Police Dept (@Austin_Police) July 31, 2016

AUSTIN - An active shooter in the Texas capital of Austin has left "multiple victims" and at least one dead, police and media reports said early on Sunday (July 31).Active shooter incident downtown, multiple victims. Stay away from downtown, Austin police said in a message on Twitter.Police later tweeted that there were "separate shootings within the same area. Both scenes are secure at this time. PIO responding to identify staging area."It was not immediately clear how many shooters were involved or how many people were shot.Local television station KXAN, citing paramedics, reported that people with gunshot wounds were "spread across the area" and at least one person had been killed.It cited Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as saying multiple units were responding to the area of 208 East 6th St.One woman in her 30s was pronounced dead at the scene and three others have been taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge, according to Austin-Travis County EMS.Americans are on edge following a string of high-profile shooting incidents in recent weeks, including the murder of 49 people in a gay pub by an extremist in June, and the killing of five police officers in Dallas by a sniper during a march against police brutality earlier in July.This story is developing.
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.
BEIJING - The restructuring plan for two major steel companies will be a touchstone for China's state-owned enterprise (SOE) reform.

Last month, Wuhan Iron and Steel and Shanghai-based Baosteel said they were planning for "strategic restructuring." If completed, the new behemoth will be the largest steel producer in China with annual output reaching at least 60 million tonnes a year.

The plan was announced as China's steel industry has suffered heavy losses due to overcapacity amid sagging global demand.

In 2015, more than half of China's steel companies reported losses totaling 64.53 billion yuan (9.78 billion U.S. dollars), the China Iron and Steel Association estimated.

Wuhan Iron and Steel reported a loss of 7.52 billion yuan. Baosteel's profits shrank by more than 80 percent from a year ago to its lowest level in 18 years.

Ma Guoqiang, Board chairman of Wuhan Iron and Steel, said restructuring is a must if China wants to cut excess steel capacity, improve efficiency and create globally competitive firms.

The steel sector was once a profit engine for China's economy as the infrastructure investment boom bolstered demand for commodities such as steel and cement.

As the economy cools, the production glut has been exacerbated.

Li Jin, deputy head of the China Enterprise Reform and Development Society, observed the restructuring will cut excess capacity of the two steel companies, and encourage them to use their complementary advantages to improve overall competitiveness.

The restructuring plan also marks a key part of the country's SOE reform, as the government has identified it as an essential step in the structural transformation of China's economy.

Over the last three decades, SOEs have underpinned China's emergence as a global manufacturing powerhouse and came to dominate key strategic sectors.

However, the traditional single-sided markets are now being disrupted by new technology firms and private companies, which has underlined the weaknesses of SOEs, such as inefficiency and high operational costs.

Chinese authorities unveiled a new chapter of SOE reform early this year, putting the focus of reform on mega-mergers of state groups in order to boost competitiveness through economies of scale.

After approval by the State Council, China International Travel Service Group Corporation is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the China National Travel Service (HK) Group Corporation.

The country has seen a mega-merger between its two largest train makers, CNR Corp. Ltd. and CSR Corp. Ltd. The government has also approved a merger between China Metallurgical Group and China Minmetals Corporation, both of which are Fortune 500 companies, and created the world's fourth-largest container shipper through the merger of China Ocean Shipping Group and China Shipping (Group) Company.

However, mega-mergers do not necessarily lead to good restructuring, Ma Guoqiang said, adding that realignment without true restructuring would not sort out the overcapacity problem.

Li Jin observed the size, complexity, and organizational culture of SOEs will also complicate implementation of reform.
12:34pm: Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports tweets that in addition to the Brewers, the Rangers and Astros are also showing interest in Norris. Of course, the Norris fit only makes sense for the Brewers if Lucroy is moved to another club, and he has since exercised his no-trade clause and squashed a would-be deal to the Indians.

1:01am: The Padres are still pushing to move Derek Norris by Monday afternoons non-waiver trade deadline, tweets Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Bleacher Reports Scott Miller tweets that the Brewers are among the teams currently speaking to San Diego about Norris.

Milwaukees connection to Norris is somewhat of a surprise at first, but theres plenty of logic to the match. First and foremost, if the Brewers reported agreement to trade Jonathan Lucroy to the Indians is ultimately finalized (Lucroy must first agree to waive his no-trade protection), Milaukee will be left with a significant hole behind the plate and very few options. Martin Maldonado could see an increase in playing time, but as a career .217/.291/.341 hitter in 934 plate appearances, hes not well-suited for an everyday role. Looking down the pipeline a bit, the Brewers have Josmil Pinto and Manny Pina, each with some MLB experience under his belt, at the Triple-A level. and each is hitting well. However, Colorado Springs is an exceptionally hitter-friendly environment, and Pinto comes with noted defensive issues.

Beyond the lack of a long-term option on the brink of MLB readiness, the Brewers could simply look to opportunistically acquire Norris while his value is down. The 27-year-old was a well above-average contributor relative to his catching peers from 2013-15, but his bat has taken a huge step back in 2016, as hes hitting just .193/.253/.360 on the year. Norris got off to a dreadful start and looked to have righted the ship in May and June, but his bat has gone dormant once again as of late. That, however, only figures to drive down the price, especially considering the fact that San Diego has top prospect Austin Hedges doing his best Mike Piazza impression in Triple-A El Paso (.352/.395/.684 with 17 homers in 210 plate appearances). The Padres would seem to be highly motivated to move Norris, who is earning a reasonable $2.925MM this season and controllable for another two years via the arbitration process.

One would have to imagine that the asking price on Norris has dropped considerably since Opening Day, and if thats the case the Brewers could look to buy low in the hopes that a change of scenery and a relocation to the first hitter-friendly park of his career can get him back on track. Norris has, after all, spent his entire big league career in the offense-suppressing confines of O.Co Coliseum and Petco Park. But, even if Norris doesnt ultimately rediscover the form that saw him bat .256/.333/.405 from 2013-15, he could provide a serviceable stopgap behind the plate while the Brewers trot out an inexperienced pitching staff in the midst of their rebuild.
10:50am: The Diamondbacks have announced the trade  a one-for-one swap of Clippard and Campos.

10:19am: The D-backs are receiving right-hander Vicente Campos from the Yankees in the trade, reports MLB.coms Steve Gilbert (via Twitter).

9:29am: The Yankees have reached a deal to acquire right-hander Tyler Clippard from the D-backs, reports FanRags Jon Heyman (Twitter link). The Clippard acquisition signals that in spite of this mornings stunning trade of Andrew Miller to Cleveland, the Yankees arent waving a white flag on the 2016 season just yet. Joel Sherman of the New York Post was first to report that the Yankees were looking for veteran bullpen help even after moving Miller (Twitter link).

[Related: Updated Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees Depth Charts]

Clippard, 31, is in his first season with the D-backs after signing a two-year, $12.25MM contract, so the Yankees will control him for this season and next. Hes pitched to a 4.30 ERA this season, averaging 11.0 K/9 against 3.6 BB/9 in 37 2/3 innings with Arizona. Clippard is an extreme fly-ball pitcher (though he did reduce his fly-ball rate to a career-low 45.9 percent in 2016), which unsurprisingly didnt mesh well with Arizonas homer-happy stadium. The seven homers already allowed by Clippard in 2016 are just four shy of his career-high 11, and and his 1.7 HR/9 and 17.1 percent homer-to-flyball ratio are both the highest of his career. In that sense, shifting to Yankee Stadium and its short right-field porch might continue to cause problems for Clippard.

However, Clippard has a long track record of success, having pitched to a 2.68 ERA with 10.1 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9 in 524 1/3 innings from 2009-15. There were some red flags in his 2015 campaign  namely his K/BB ratios going in the wrong direction and his velocity dipping  but Clippards track record made him appealing to a number of clubs this winter and likely to the Yankees in this instance. It presumably helped that the Yankee front office is already familiar with Clippard, having originally drafted him back in 2003 before trading him to the Nationals several years later.

In Campos, the D-backs will receive a 24-year-old righty that reached Triple-A for the first time this season and is in the midst of a strong overall year. Campos, originally acquired by the Yankees in the Michael Pineda/Jesus Montero swap, has a 3.20 ERA with 7.8 K/9 against 2.8 BB/9 in 121 innings across three levels this season. MLB.com ranked him 14th among Yankees farmhands on their midseason update of the teams farm system, noting that he has three potentially above-average offerings but also serious concerns about his durability. The 121 innings Campos has thrown already represent a career-high, and its possible that he could head to the bullpen eventually if he cannot prove capable of handling a full workload in the rotation. He has mid-rotation upside but could end up as a power arm in the bullpen when all is said and done.
Chairman for the People's National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah has called for a more lenient sentence for the Montie three who have been given a four month jail sentence each for threatening the lives of judges of the Supreme Court.

The PNC Chairmans call for leniency follows the many sympathisers, mainly from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who have signed petitions and held vigils in solidarity with the Montie three.

I sympathise with the people who have invited me for programs and I expressed that yes, they erred in their pronouncements but we could have tempered justice with Mercy, Mr. Mornah said to Citi News.

Mr. Mornah revealed he was at a vigil held as attempts are being made to pile pressure on President Mahama to pardon the three.

The three; Salifu Maase, alias Mugabe, Alistair Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn, are currently serving their sentence in the Nsawam prison but the PNC Chairman believes for the purposes of our freedom expression, we should be able to pardon them.

Mr. Mornah also noted that the punitive action will not necessarily lead to reforms. The many people who have gone to prisons are not necessarily reformed after the prison sentence.

Any other punishment meted out to them would have sufficed. You can give them a suspended sentence, you can reduce the jail term, he suggested.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
MP for Nkwanta North, John Bless Oti has hit back at IMANI President, Franklin Cudjoe, over criticisms towards him on Citi FM's News Analysis Program, The Big Issue.

Mr. Oti appears to have been irritated by Mr. Cudjoe's comments, more recently likening his verbal attack on the Chief Justice to the hate-fueled rhetoric that fueled the Rwandan genocide in 1994.

The MP texted into The Big Issue, via the shows' host Umaru Sanda Amadu, accusing the IMANI President of being too proud and commenting on political issues with seemingly no political experience.

Please tell Franklin Cudjoe to learn how to talk He speaks authoritatively as if Ghana belongs to him. He shouldnt think that he knows everything in this country. Tell him to use his so call knowledge in helping his people back in his small village instead of sitting on radio with unreasonable noise every day. Ask him whether he has ever won a unit committee election before? Tell him to go and contest elections in his own village and lets see his performance.

Oti Bless 'beef'

Franklin Cudjoe's affair with Oti Bless began after calls to President Mahama to withdraw Oti Bless' nomination as the Deputy Minister for Local Government after some considered him to have made a mockery of his ministerial vetting.

A number of detractors pointed to the fact he could not even verify his own name when he was vetted.

Mr. Cudjoe, remarked that Oti Bless' posture before Parliament's Appointments Committee proved he was not fit for the position, and thus questioned the motive behind the nomination.

In the vetting that was aired live on state broadcaster, GTV, the MP fumbled questions pertaining to his name and education among other critical details.

Questions seeking clarity on his own CV presented to the committee, could not be answered satisfactorily and it was noted that he had made several vital omissions on his CV.

Most notable among the gaffes was the fact Oti Bless CV indicated he had completed a Masters degee programme without having completed an undergraduate degree.

Attack on Chief Justice

Things have however take a more serious turn with the emergence of audio which has Oti Bless verbally attacking the Supreme Court on the same Montie FM 'Pampaso' programme, that saw the host of the show and two panelists imprisoned for contempt .

The MP accused the Chief Justice of conniving with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in an attempt to reverse the election results in 2008 and in 2012 among other allegations.

Mr. Cudjoe, in response to this latest development, likened the MP's comments to the infamous Hate Radio which ushered in the Rwandan genocide.

I am surprised the Chief Justice isn't suing him by now, the IMANI President said. The unsavoury comments, the calumny, the vain glorification of treachery that was meted out to the Chief Justice  I am shocked.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Ouagadougou (AFP) - In the small Burkina Faso village of Balole, where farmers struggle to grow tomatoes, cabbages and aubergines, angry youngsters armed with batons and machetes are barring entry to the slaughterhouse.

A sickening stench from dozens of rotting donkey carcasses hangs in the air.

This is the flipside of Burkina's booming trade with Asia in donkey meat and donkey hides.

Fed up with the foul smell and pollution blamed on the slaughter, dozens of villagers earlier this month ransacked the abattoir and have blocked its entrance ever since.

Eating donkey meat is nothing new in parts of the west African country, where some believe the flesh has medicinal virtues and can even cure measles.

But the export of donkey meat and hides, notably to China and Vietnam, has flourished beyond measure in recent years, triggering some controversy.

"More than 45,000 donkeys have been slaughtered in less than six months" out of an estimated total of 1.5 million, says government spokesman Remi Fulgance Dandjinou.

"The subject has come up twice in cabinet meetings and the ministry of animal resources has been told to find ways of regulating the slaughter."

Burkina's customs service, quoted by the Sidwaya daily paper, said 19 tonnes of donkey hides had been flown to Hong Kong alone between October 2015 and January 2016.

Rising demand for hides has driven prices up drastically, from a mere 2,000 CFA francs (three euros) apiece to between 30,000 and 50,000 CFA francs (40 to 76 euros).

"A donkey that cost 50,000 CFA francs a couple of years ago now sells for between 70,000 and 90,000," says Issouf Kombassere, a donkey butcher in Saaba, a rural area in the centre of the country.

Some fear the roaring trade could see donkeys disappear altogether in Burkina Faso, one of the world's poorest nations where the beasts are used for transport.

Females take a year to bear their young and need two years between each birth.

- 'No fresh water left' -

In Balole, which is around 25 kilometres (15 miles) west of the capital Ouagadougou, villagers took matters into their own hands when their vegetables wilted in the soil due to toxic runoff from the plant.

As part of their protests, they let hundreds of animals loose.

"More than 400 now are in the bush. Some that were sick or very hungry are dying and infecting the village even more," said Karim Simpore, the villager who says he led the July 11 raid.

The abattoir, built in 2011, was rented out to a French businessman and his Chinese partners by the local owner. The managers of the slaughterhouse declined to comment on developments.

Their company, Best Trade Center, exported exclusively to Asia, with hides mainly for China and meat going to Vietnam, the authorities and several witnesses told AFP.

"Four trucks full of donkeys would arrive every day, from Burkina, Mali and even Mauritania," Simpore said. "They'd slaughter 150 to 200 donkeys a day."

During an inspection more than 85 donkey corpses were found on the premises "decomposing with worms coming out," water and forestry official Christophe Bazie told AFP.

He said the firm was fined one million CFA francs (15,000 euros) for abandoning harmful waste, but that fines could be 10 times higher or even be jail terms.

Local farmer Simpore said that when the business began, there seemed to be no problems.

"But once the first rains fell, water washed the blood and the offal from the abattoir to the wells and streams, so there was no fresh water left to drink."

"Now the vegetable patches are polluted... tomato plants, cabbages, aubergines... they're all dying," said Simpore, surrounded by the group of baton-wielding youngsters.

"There'll never be a single donkey slaughtered here ever again," said one of the protesters, Ali Ouedraogo.
Sunday, July 31, 2016

Folks, any keen follower of developments surrounding the operations of Wikileaks and its founder (Julian Assange), accused of rape in Sweden and holed in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London for years now, will continue to wonder why Britain hasn't been able to get hold of him for various reasons, especially, to "extradite" him to Sweden for trial on the rape charges or to simply "liquidate" him as a public nuisance.

Such a keen follower will also wonder why a small and considerably insignificant country like Ecuador will have so much sway on British soil and the international community as to prevail in its quest to harbour and secure Assange against all the odds stacked up against him.

Diplomatic niceties aside, the presence of the Ecuadorean Embassy on British soil could itself be invalidated if Britain so decides to do. How many countries haven't broken diplomatic ties with others in pursuit of interests? If Britain opposes what Assange has done and detests his being harboured by Ecuador and its spending of the tax-payer's' money in monitoring happenings, why is it so lethargic in tackling the problem?

The records show that Britain has done everything in its power to undercut him and have its way; but all that effort has ground to a shocking halt, whether because of legal constraints or because of the limitations of whatever strategies that Britain has put in place to nail Assange. He has remained holed up in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London from where he still calls the shots as far as the operations of his Wikileaks organization is concerned. And nothing has been done so far to neutralize Wikileaks!!

Of course, by virtue of Wikileaks' operations, the world has come to know the hideous behind-the-scene happenings in and across countries, people, economic domains, and secret security and national intelligence systems worldwide. Thanks to Wikileaks, much is known about what really happens to the blind side of the vast majority of deprived segments of the world's population, be it vile politics, atrocious and pernicious economic manouevres, or the private lives of those seeking to win political power to serve diverse purposes or to institutionalize their kind of hegemony to the detriment of the wider community not toeing their line.

Wikileaks is a saviour to many needing insider information, even if condemned by its adversaries.

For us in Ghana, a lot of releases from Wikileaks regarding the cables passed on by the United States Embassy in Ghana helped us know what we hadn't imagined or known about politicians such as Akufo-Addo, doing their utmost best to become Ghana's leader(s) for whatever purposes they might want to pursue. Much of what Wikileaks revealed about the Ghanaian situation hurt Akufo-Addo, especially, even if it created doubts about others in authority.

But that's not what I'm interested in here. After all, whatever Wikileaks has about Ghana is no secret to some of us who have already been on the ground all these years.

Our main interest now is in what Wikileaks means to Britain and the United States, especially now that it claims to have access to secrets about Mrs. Hillary Clinton that it will release in October to "wow" her and dim her light in her quest for the Presidency in the November elections.

Already, much is going on in cyberspace with the hacking of cyber facilities being used by the Democratic Party, which the United States system has accused Russia of masterminding and which the Democratic National Convention has seen as a means to favour the Republican Party's nominee (Donald Trump). Interestingly, it has just emerged that the Russian Establishment itself has been hacked by forces aligned to Wikileaks. (See http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36933239).

So, who is hacking whom for what purpose or benefit? This is where the scale turns for us to wonder whether the defunct "Cold War" is now resurrecting into a "Cyberspace War" in our time!!

Those behind all the hacking could be insiders to be traced and dealt with. Or it could also be that although the US boasts of being the brain behind the Internet, it hasn't been resolute and alert enough to ensure that others elsewhere don't overtake it in maximizing the benefits of such technology. Or in developing new angles from which to exploit the potentialities of the Internet to its blind side. That is the main worry.

Turning that worry into something else, we can see why the Edward Snowden blow to the US is devastating. He is still being harboured by Russia and doing all he can to put that system where it needs to be to prove to the US what it lacks. Is Snowden collaborating with Assange on that score?

Collaborating with Julian Assange's Wikileaks will really endanger the technological substance of the US and its allies, especially given the fact that Snowden is a treasure trove and Assange an agent of "exterminator" as far as the troves of secret documents and the ability to gather information on secret happenings are concerned.

There is a lot to worry the US and its allies here. The nagging question that pops up is: Why is Britain unable to squash Assange on its territory despite all the harm that he is causing the system? And why isn't the US able to offer any support in this case? Both Assange and Snowden constitute serious threats to the US, Britain, and their allies. Russia venerates them and will do all it can to secure Snowden!!

I bet you, if Assange were to be holed up anywhere in the US, he would have been snuffed out long ago. Why isn't Britain able to neutralize him despite all the threat that he has posed and continues to pose to it and its allies as far as the operations of his Wikileaks are concerned? Is Britain so much of a toothless bulldog? Why should it be so? Because of its kind of democracy? And what is that democracy, anyway?

As Julian Assange prepares to release whatever intelligence reports his Wikileaks has about Mrs. Clinton, what will Britain do to salvage its relations with the US in a post-Obama era, having already been shocked by Brexit and the emergence of a female leader to follow the trail set by Margaret Thatcher? And the possibility of a female President in the US?

More importantly, what sort of democracy is Britain practising that will allow it to harbour its own enemies on its soil to its disadvantage? Certainly, the United States won't do that! Why should Britain?

I shall return
Ghana has been cautioned against plans to block social media during general elections in December this year.

Director of the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IIDEA), Prof. Adebayo Olukoshi, says curtailing social media-use could create suspicion in the minds of the electorates and election observers.

I think the question of social media is one that needs to handled with care because it can be a force for good as it is potentially a force for bad," he said.

Adebayo Olukoshi spoke to Joy News at an evening encounter organised by the Chartered Institute of Marketing  Ghana on Saturday.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) John Kudalor has said Police Service could block social media across the country on election day.

He is concerned that social media could be used as a tool for misinformation thus posing a danger to the nations security during the polls.

"At one stage I was even saying that if it becomes critical on the eve and the election day we shall block all social media as other countries have done. So we are thinking about it," John Kudalor said.

He reiterated the suggestion last week in Ho, the Volta Region capital.

However, Adebayor Olukoshi said political parties can agree to source election results from only the Electoral Commission and not rely on unofficial social media sources.

If it is an agreement amongst political parties that there is only one adjudicator for elections, namely the independent Electoral Commission, which should be announcing the results then it should be understood that that body has not made pronouncement whatever is announced through social media amounts to nothing more than speculation, he said.

He said social media can serve as a counter-balancing watchdog during the elections and help strengthen the democratic process.

Meanwhile, the special representative of the United Nations secretary general for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWA), Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, has said the UN would not endorse any attempts to ban social media in Ghana during elections.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | GN
Dear Country-Folks,

It has been a while since I wrote you one of my Presidential Letters. As you know, I have been rather busy on the Campaign Trail.

But to tell you the truth, Dear Country-folks, the part of the Campaign Trail that you see is actually the fun part for me. It is that part of the Campaign Trail which is less visible to you that keeps me real busy. As you know, there are other things that win an election for a candidate, especially one whose performance has been terrifyingly dumsoric, not to mention tekperic.

So I have had to do other things to crank up the electoral machine. Well, not exactly do other things but you might say playing see no evil, hear no evil. Well, talking of evils, one of the evils that formed part of the cranking of the electoral machine is what has become infamously associated with the hallowed phrase MUNTIE. Muntie means listen, you all in the Akan language.

So Dear Country Folks, Muntie (listen, you all).

The Opanas in the rival Party are getting rather too resurgent for my liking. So it became necessary for my Team to apply some buga methods. Babies-With-Sharp-Teeth for Hire, a growing industry, were hired to come in and be the face, well, more appropriately, mouth of a dirty, smear campaign on the Opanas of the rival party. Their terms of reference were strictly to focus on the Opanas I keep mentioning. We felt that such a measure was necessary to counter some other radio stations that have not yet fallen under my spell.

But somehow, it seems the gbeshies of these specially hired, babies-with-sharp-teeth were more stubborn than most. After enjoying the Presidential pat and wink, they felt invisible. They felt super human.

But I blame myself. I will explain why I blame myself. This is a no-holds barred revelation not unlike the no-holds barred revelation by Kofi Boom of a special multi-million dollar-laden suitcase flown into Ghana, courtesy of the butcherman of West Africa...Abacha.

I am sure you remember when I expressed disgust about the WhatsUp comments of a certain Auntie B who hitherto was unknown to the average Ghanaian. This Auntie B who I helped make famous is supposedly based in the UK. Auntie B went on an insulting spree on WhatsUp. Her target were some personalities in the Opana Party. For political expediency, I gave publicity to a WhatsUp comment that most Ghanaians were unaware of.

Muntie Radio, a creation of senior members of my Party, provided a platform for almost daily insults and threats on the Ghana airwaves against my opponents. I saw no evil, I heard no evil. The insults escalated into death threats and veiled rape threats targeted at no mean personalities than Supreme Court Justices. Still, I kept quiet. The Police, the Attorney General, and the BNI were all waiting for me to give the cue. I failed to give the cue. Or more accurately, they took my failure to give the cue as the cue.

The Supreme Court has acted. And rather justly and timely, I might add. To say that my Party folks are furious would be an understatement. They would like me to pardon the incarcerated babies-with-sharp-teeth immediately.

In a sense, I feel responsible for all this wahala. My see no evil, hear no evil attitude, and my unbridled quest to maintain power at all cost has brought this about. So I feel that I must pardon. But until then, I call for calm.

Ghana, Muntie.

Your incompetency

President Kofi Dubai

Gilbert Adu Gyimah

[email protected]

Alberta, Canada
New Patriotic Partys hip-shooting parliamentary firebrand Mr. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong continues to be vindicated on his public assertion that Mrs. Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei may well have secured her present job, as the countrys Electoral Commissioner, by the use of means other than her own merit or professional qualifications. In the latest proof of such vindication, renowned financial analyst and journalist Mr. Sydney Casely-Hayford tells us that although he registered to vote in the 2012 general election by the use of his National Health Insurance Scheme-issued card, his name has not been expunged from the National Voters Register (NVR), as ordered by the Supreme Court more than a month ago; and that neither was he ever notified by the Electoral Commission (EC) to reregister to enable him cast his ballot in the December 7 general election (See I Registered with NHIS Card; My Name [Is] Still on the Voter Roll  Casely-Hayford Classfmonline.com / Ghanaweb.com 7/30/16).

Mr. Casely-Hayford is well-educated and a well-traveled man with acute mnemonic faculties and remarkable personal integrity and moral credibility and enviable standing in Ghanaian society; he therefore cannot be facilely accused of trying to pull a fast one on the Electoral Commission and its pathologically obdurate chairperson. It is also significant to point out that Mr. Casely-hayford is not a card-carrying member of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) or any of the other splinter opposition political parties. What is called for here is for Parliament and the Wood Supreme Court to launch an immediate investigation into the question of whether, indeed, it was a minuscule 56,000 Ghanaian residents and citizens who used their NHIS-issued cards to register to vote in the 2012 general election, and not at least one-million adult Ghanaian citizens and residents, conservatively speaking.

Such an investigation is direly needed because a person who firmly believed that expunging the names of voters who had registered to vote by the use of their NHIS-issued cards in the lead-up to the 2012 general election, as duly ordered by the Supreme Court of Ghana (SCG), was flagrantly tantamount to disenfranchising the overwhelming majority of the Ghanaian underclass, is also highly unlikely to have arrived at such an opinion on the strength of a diddly 56,000 registered voters. Indeed, ever since she made such a capricious decision, the EC Chairperson has been stonewalling and playing possum with the Wood Supreme Court. As I pointed out in a previous column quite a while ago, about the only alternative left to progressive and democracy-loving Ghanaians is to call for the immediate resignation of Mrs. Osei. The Council-of-State, Parliament and members of the Peace Council would be apt to make their presence and functional significance felt in this instance of an eerily looming national crisis.

Make no mistake, Mrs. Osei was appointed to execute the dirty political agenda of President John Dramani Mahama; and so far, she has proven herself to be willing to take the country down the primrose path of total destruction in her hermetic bid to ensuring that her boss and paymaster, the megalomaniacal Mr. Mahama, hangs on to power at all costs. Now is the time for all well-meaning and progressive Ghanaians to prove to the Gonja petty chieftain that the Flagstaff House and the destiny of the country are not the especial preserve of one person, or even two. It is the collective responsibility of all Ghanaians, both resident at home and abroad.

*Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs
In 1982, this country experienced a horrific incident. Three High Court Judges and a retired Army Officer were abducted from their homes in the middle of the night and murdered in cold blood. A few days later, their charred bodies were discovered in Bundase shooting range. A Special Investigations Board (SIB) was set up to investigate this and the rest as they say is history. It was one of the darkest moments in Ghanas history.

About two decades later, a Martyrs Day was instituted to honuor their memory and this country vowed NEVER AGAIN. It is therefore criminal and outrageous for anyone to go on air, on the eve of Martyrs Day to threaten the lives of judges and the Chief Justice. It is criminal to threaten another persons life, whether that person is a commoner on the street or the Chief Justice or the President of the Republic. That is the reason why the Montie 3 deserve the punishment given them and it will be politically inexpedient for the President to invoke Article 72 of the 1992 Constitution to pardon them.

Yes, the President has that right to exercise his prerogative of mercy granted him under Article 72 of the Constitution to pardon the three. Right now, the President is under intense pressure from his party hierarchy and the rank and file to pardon the three.. I am however certain that he will not yield and allow the sentences to run their course.

Usually Presidential pardons are invoked following certain trends: 1.) Frequently, those pardoned are often sentenced to a longer prison term and they must have serve part (normally a substantial part) of that sentence. 2.) Presidential pardons are often timed to coincide with national anniversaries or special holidays e.g. Independence day, Republic Day, Christmas or Easter. 3.) They are also invoked sometimes when a President is leaving office.

Hardly are Presidential pardons invoked to free people as soon as the Judiciary hands out a sentence as the NDC hierarchy and rank and file are demanding that the leader of the party do. That will be construed as an attack on Judicial independence. Some have described any such potential move on the part of the President would be scandalous and that no serious president would ever consider that. I am sure the current president would never grant the Montie 3 pardon unless he wants that to be his last act in office and that he has already conceded defeat in Decembers elections.

As elections approach, the political tensions in the country are too high and we all, as responsible citizens owe it a duty to be careful about our utterances when we mount a platform. It is utterly irresponsible for people to go on air and make such dangerous statements. We have the examples of Rwanda and Kenya to guide us. We must guide against HATE SPEECH. In Rwanda, it all began with people going on air to call for the killing of cockroaches.

Kenyas electoral violence also started with hate speech calling for killing of political opponents and people from certain tribes. Crimes against humanity have been committed as a result of contemptuous comments like what was said by the Montie 3. God forbid, Ghana cannot and must not be allowed to go the way Rwanda did some 20 years ago. Sanity must prevail and if it takes stiff judicial punishment to remove inflammatory statements from the radio waves so be it.

Some have described the sentence given to the Montie 3 as being too harsh. I disagree. I am sure the Court took into consideration the fact that they were remorseful and many pleaded for mercy on their behalf. Imagine If someone goes on air to threaten the life of the president of the Republic, Its damn outright criminal and such a person may be charged with a bigger crime and get a longer sentence. So what these guys did were outright criminal and as the presiding Judge said, the Attorney General should have realized the criminality of their offence and brought charges against them. Why the Attorney General failed to do that is baffling.

The reason I think is that because we run a broken system. It is alleged that Woyome still owes us three years after the Supreme Court ruled that he must refund the judgement debt wrongfully paid to him. We have SADA, GYEEDA, Bus Re-branding issues to content with. How much money have we lost as a nation through all these and many other scandalous misappropriations and corrupt practices? Where are the prosecutions?

Every year the Auditor General makes adverse findings against individuals and organizations and recommends prosecution. How many of these embezzlements are prosecuted? How much of these embezzled funds are recovered? The simple reason is that, the Attorney general is sleeping on the job and because we run a broken system of governance, no one is being hold accountable.

The Montie 3 deserve what they got. Allow them to serve their time in jail in peace and let it be a lesson to all that HATE SPEECH will not be tolerated. No one has the right to threaten another persons life.

Ben Ofosu  Appiah,

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The leadership of the Pan African Parliament is urging political parties in the country to exhibit tolerance ahead of the General Elections in December.

According to the body, Ghana has a unique opportunity to demonstrate to the world that democracy has a place in Africa, and maintain that enviable record.

Speaking to JOY NEWS on the sidelines of a training programme for members of the Pan African Parliament in Ghana, Vice President of the legislative body Bernadette Lahai said all political parties must accept the outcome of the elections.

"Politics is not war, politics is about convincing the electorates that your manifesto is better than the other political party. At the end of the day, you have one big goal, the development of Ghana," Madam Lahai said.

She, therefore implored every Ghanaian to exercise patience and be tolerant as there would be another election in the coming fours years.

Madam Lahai urged those who lose in the political race to go back to the field, ascertain what accounted for their loss and work hard.

"I hope that Ghanaians will be peaceful because I enjoy you on the radio; you jaw jaw jaw, but you don't war war war. Please don't go the way we have gone. Politics is not a fight, politics is a difference in opinion."

She said they are looking forward to a violence free, peaceful, brotherly love during elections so the gains made over the years would continue emphasising that this year's election will not be the last election to be held in Ghana.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim
By Alice Tettey, GNA

Cape Coast, July 31, 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.

According to the Authority, it had received information that some water producers carry out their activities at night, weekends and public holidays to outwit the FDA and had urged such people to regularise their operations by mid-August to avoid arrest and prosecution.

Mr Kingsley Nsiah-Poku, Regional Head of the FDA, gave the ultimatum at a training workshop in Cape Coast.

The four-day workshop organised by the Authority for 200 managers and supervisors from 100 packed-water companies across the region is aimed among others to educate the producers on the Public Health, 2012 (Act 851).

Other topics include good hygienic practices, good management practices, pest management and documentation.

He said the Authority would 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.

Mr Nsiah-Poku 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 had been registered and warned those who pirate the manufacturing rolls of popular packed-waterbrands to stop the practice because the FDA is going all out to get them.

He explained that before a product would be 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.

Mr Nsiah-Poku urged the public to be mindful of what they consume and also guard against unwholesome products to protect their health.

He said expired food and drug products purchased must not be returned but sent to the FDA offices for the possible refund of their monies as such items would to be used as evidence against the owners of shops who put the health of unsuspecting consumers at risk.

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.

He advised the participants to be very alert and work to protect the image of their companies by ensuring the wellbeing of the consumer through the production of safe, hygienic drinking water.

GNA
Montie 3 has been the topic of discussion in recent times, even to the extent of relegating the death of one of my favourite people, Daasebre Ahuofe Dwamena to the background. From morning shows through afternoon drives to evening news, lawyers go all lengths to explain what contempt is while other people give their own views on the harshness or leniency of the ruling. I do not care about the intensity or otherwise of the ruling, after all, the ruling was the Supreme Courts own way of bie-ing gya on them, fair deal.

The judge(s) have been called all sorts of name by all sorts of people but the recent arrow that has been lobbed by Margaret Jackson towards Justice Sophia Akuffo was rather weak. He/she in her bid to reverse the projector and run the battles scenes past again failed miserably and only fired rubber bullets from the safety of her scrub-oaks. Unlike some of his/her past articles which I found honest, this particular one smacked of impetuousness and too much of home-boyism made her article not worth reading. Margaret wondered how Sophia Akuffo rose to such a high position, a question I could easily have answered even in my fourth grade; she went to law school, TOOK HER STUDIES SERIOUS, got a certificate and worked really hard. Sophia Akuffo is simply a woman who refused be defined by the architecture of her hips or backside. Otherwise how could anybody have gotten to such heights?

Inasmuch as I would not wish Jail on even my bitterous enemy and even though I think that moving forward there should be alternate forms of punishment for people whose actions may be same as the contemnors, it is a deterrent to those who may/ will want to reduce the integrity of the Supreme Court of our land and want to marry the Chief Justice off to one Nash at Mataheko. Id love to go for a wedding though, its been a minute. The ruling is not a way of using scare tactics to whip nor clip the medias wing or to make political party reps shut their trap when they are commenting on issues, rather, it is only meant to promote sanctity on our already polluted airwaves. The directors were dragged into the case because they employed the host and did not come out to dissociate themselves from the ogya they opened. If the radio won cash for being the best radio or something of that sort the directors wouldve showed up in more elegant suits than Obinims snake skin ones so why not?

Whether the jail term should have been longer or shorter, misguided articles which are mere journalistic propaganda organs should be shunned. We should throw off our sectarian shackles and be very objective in analysing issues. This whole attitude of throwing vitriol on our political opponents must be renounced and counted as utter dross which has no place in our growing democracy and progressing society.

The attacks on Justice Sophia Akuffo is unwarranted and ludicrous. The EC Chair got support when she was attacked in the process of executing her duties, should Justice Sophia Akuffo be left to go the lonely path because she did not do the bidding of these women groups or one that a particular political sect disagrees with the courts ruling? Eye nsem Pii.

P. Obeng-Adjei
you are here:
Lets face it: getting a new pet is fun.

You imagine long walks, bedtime cuddles, training a new baby to be a good citizen. There will be laughs, joys, and playtime and well, of course, therell be sleepless nights, little messes, and broken possessions. And in the new book Esther the Wonder Pig by Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter with Caprice Crane, those are the easy surprises

Steve Jenkins knew his partner, Derek, would be angry.

He knew they should have talked about it first, but when a high-school friend offered Jenkins a 6-month-old mini-pig, well, seriously, who could resist? Not Jenkins; he was a lifelong animal lover and besides, she said the piglet wouldnt grow much.

Yes, Derek was angry but not for long: he fell for the pink face, too, and so that little piggy stayed home  until a veterinarian told Jenkins that Esther was no mini, that shed grow to outweigh both men and, well, it was a shock. Never mind that Esther had terrible housebreaking issues which almost caused her banishment.

It was true that their house was a permanent mess, but Jenkins and Derek couldnt bear to think about giving up their baby. Esther was charming, smart, and sweet-tempered, a part of the family  so much so that her dads one day realized they could no longer eat pork because it was like dining on Esthers relatives. So that little piggy ended the eating of roast beef (and other meats) in the house.

But as Esther grew, so did the problems. Jenkins knew that keeping a hoofed animal was illegal in their Canadian town and Esthers size meant they couldnt hide her anymore. Once theyd created a Facebook page for her (with thousands of likes), her story was picked up by major newspapers and they knew the jig was up.

Esthers dads understood that her story was changing lives  both animal and human  which brought them to tears and a realization: their big girl had a big personality. Was it time to take her along on a big dream, too?

Much as I hate literary comparisons, its difficult not to draw parallels between Esther the Wonder Pig and the Marley empire. Both are based on adorably tiny animals that quickly grew to sizes unexpected by their humans. Their proportions caused the pets to wreak havoc on their homes, the stories of which are told with great amusement.

Check, and check.

The difference is that author Steve Jenkins (and Derek Walter with Caprice Crane) took Esthers story beyond this book. Esther, today, is a spokes  uh, pig for the bettering of the lives of farm animals and the encouragement of a vegan lifestyle. Because of this tale and their Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary, fewer little piggies (and cows and chickens) go to market.

I love a good ending.

This is a quick book to read and, if youre an animal lover, youll particularly want it now. For you, Esther the Wonder Pig will make you say Whee! Whee! Wheeeee!
July 31, 2016 "Last Hospital In Aleppo Destroyed" - Week After Week After Week? (Updated below) Doctors in the shattered suburbs of eastern Aleppo appealed for help last night after Syrian government warplanes destroyed the areas last childrens hospital.

Jets bomb last childrens hospital in rebel-held Aleppo - June 10 2016 - Palestinian.com Three weeks after the "last childrens hospital" in east Aleppo was destroyed in a bomb attack, the "last childrens hospital" in Aleppo was destroyed in a bomb attack. Four new-born babies were killed after a recent triple airstrike hit besieged Aleppos last childrens hospital, Middle East Eye can reveal.

EXCLUSIVE: Four babies killed in attack on Aleppo's 'last children's hospital' - July 31 2016, Middle East Eye

--- A Russian airstrike reportedly knocked out of service the last major hospital in rebel-held northern Aleppo out of commission last week, killing a doctor, a patient and wounding dozens more. The Andan Charitable Hospital, founded in early 2013, had specialists from all fields on staff, from orthopedic surgeons to dermatologists, ...

First responder: Last major north Aleppo hospital destroyed by Russian airstrike - February 3 2016 - Syria direct Four month after the "last hospital" in Andan (also transliterated as Anadan) was destroyed in a bomb attack, the "last hospital" in Andan was destroyed in a bomb attack. Anadan Hospital hit by Air Strike in Northern Aleppo at approximately 11pm Damascus time on July 30, 2016. The hospital was the last operating in Western Rural Aleppo. UOSSM supports the Anadan Hospital with medicine and supplies.

Anadan Hospital Just Hit By Air Strike, Northern Aleppo - July 30 2016 - Reliefweb Could there be something fishy with all these reports about "hospitals destroyed in Russian air attacks"? Update: From various sources: The Anadan hospital in the last report was likely indeed damaged, not destroyed, due to an air strike.

The hospital was not the target of the damaging airstrike.

According to various reports the facility was a "makeshift hospital". It was not a regular medical structure build and known as a hospital. There is no information that it was either marked or registered with the war parties.

The strike targeted and killed an al-Qaeda commander from Saudi Arabia as well as other al-Qaeda members. Via SOHR: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights was informed that unidentified warplanes targeted the area of Kafr Takharim hospital in the northwestern countryside of Idlib, and a Gulf national commander in the front of Fath al-Sham (the organization of al-Qaeda in the Levant previously) was killed, and confirmed information about other casualties in the same targeting, and due to the targeting the hospital got out of work, the hospital, its equipment and devices suffered physical damage. Posted by b on July 31, 2016 at 12:11 UTC | Permalink Comments
PHILADELPHIA  The countrys top Democrats spent four days in the nations birthplace celebrating a historic moment while also working on two key objectives they hope will help keep their party in control of the White House.

Time will tell whether those efforts were successful, but the objectives were clear: At last weeks Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Democrats attempted to coalesce support from primary voters who had backed Bernie Sanders and to paint a personal picture of nominee Hillary Clinton for undecided voters at home.

All the while, Democrats celebrated the first woman candidate for a major political party in the nations 240-year history.

Early in her campaign, Clinton downplayed the significance of the possibility of breaking the countrys presidential glass ceiling, but recently she has embraced it, to the delight of her supporters.

I cant believe we just put the biggest crack in that glass ceiling yet, Clinton said on Tuesday, the night she officially was named the partys nominee. If there are any little girls out there who stayed up late to watch, let me just say I may become the first woman president, but one of you is next.

The Hillary I know

Clinton made history by becoming the first woman nominee on a major party ticket, but she also has historically low favorability ratings among the public.

In fact, Clinton trails only her Republican opponent, Donald Trump, in having the highest unfavorable ratings of any major party presidential candidate in the nations history. Clinton also has poor ratings in polling questions about her trustworthiness.

Democrats spent the week in Philadelphia trying to chip away at those numbers.

Its up to people that know Hillary Clinton. We need to make sure we get out and tell the story of Hillary, said Tom Vilsack, the U.S. agriculture secretary and former Iowa governor who has long been a friend and political ally of Clinton.

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.

Two of Hillary Clintons immediate family members  husband and former two-term President Bill Clinton and daughter Chelsea Clinton  used their prime-time speeches to give a personal glimpse of her.

In introducing her mother for Thursday nights acceptance speech, Chelsea Clinton described Hillary as a mother and a grandmother, calling her wonderful, thoughtful, hilarious.

My earliest memory is my mom picking me up after I had fallen down, giving me a big hug and reading me Goodnight Moon, Chelsea Clinton said. From that moment, to this one, every single memory I have of my mom is, that regardless of what was happening in her life, she was always, always there for me.

Even Hillary Clinton herself acknowledged the gap she must bridge, saying early in her acceptance speech, I get it that some people just dont know what to make of me.

Swaying Sanders supporters

Another challenge facing Hillary Clintons campaign is persuading primary voters who were passionate supporters of runner-up Bernie Sanders, the self-described socialist Democrat and U.S. senator from Vermont.

Sanders was not a traditional Democratic candidate  he has served as an independent in the U.S. Senate, registered as a Democrat for the campaign and said recently he plans to return to serving as an independent  and his supporters were not traditional Democratic activists.

Many elected officials who supported Sanders have now endorsed Clinton, as has Sanders himself.

At the grassroots level, many who voted for Sanders said they will support Clinton  90 percent in a recent Pew Research Center survey. But other voters remain skeptical and a few more outright adamantly opposed to Clinton.

Clinton and her supporters spent the week in Philadelphia making the case to those swayable Sanders supporters.

Tom Harkin, the former Democratic U.S. senator from Iowa, and U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey both shared stories of how a lack of unity among Democrats can have troublesome electoral results for the party.

Harkin referenced the 1968 presidential election won by Richard Nixon. Booker said low turnout helped pave the way for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christies election.

Imagine what our country would have been like without eight years of Richard Nixon, Harkin said. So, I say to you (Sanders supporters), Look, weve got to come together. The other side is way too scary.
Laid-off energy worker Eldrian Walton hears it all the time: Potential employers have qualms about hiring people whove worked on offshore oil rigs, fearing they could be lured back one day with lucrative paychecks.

But Walton, 25, of Humble is seeking a job with steady, long-term work  even if that means a drastic pay cut.

Im done with offshore, he said. Im not going to go back.

Energy companies can lay off thousands of people like Walton with a single announcement, but they may not understand or accurately calculate the costs of ramping up employment when business conditions rebound, some experts say.

Just last week, four Houston-based energy companies disclosed some 15,000 job cuts in efforts to appease investors and shore up balance sheets.

In this country, they think they can fire workers and hire workers, and it will be just the same, said Eileen Appelbaum, senior economist for the Center for Economic and Policy Research. We see that it isnt just the same.

Companies in energy and other sectors dont always consider the skills and knowledge they send out the door, Appelbaum said. They dont measure the lost productivity of new employees adjusting to the job or being trained for the job. They dont recognize the time other employees will spend to assist newcomers. Nor do they consider the time managers lose to recruiting, she said.

John Challenger, CEO of Chicago-based outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, said the executives who run publicly traded companies often do know that cutting employees may not be whats best for the company in the long run, but they are pressured by the quarter-by-quarter mentality that drives Wall Street.

The damage is hard to assess. Reports vary on how much it actually costs to hire a new employee.

The Center for Economic and Policy Research, a Washington think tank, found that hiring one hourly worker averaged $5,900, or 17 percent of that persons annual pay.

Hiring a salaried employee, not including C-suite executives, averaged $14,000, or 23 percent of the persons annual pay, according to its study of California employers completed in 2010.

They absolutely do not realize how high the cost of turnover is, Appelbaum said.

Finding employees

In Houston, energy companies and firms in sectors closely related to energy have shed more than 77,000 jobs since December 2014, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. A separate report from Houston consulting firm Graves & Co. found that roughly 350,000 such jobs have been lost worldwide.

As energy prices stabilize, companies eventually will need to ramp up to meet demand. Tracking down former workers, engaging executive search firms and trying to lure talent from other industries can be time-consuming and costly. Some employees, especially those with transferable skills such as chief financial officers or IT personnel, could find jobs in other industries and choose not to return. They may be weary of the sectors feast-and-famine cyclical nature.

Many of them may be lost to the industry forever, said Stephen Newton, managing director of the Houston and Dallas offices of executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates.

Mike Kahn, a recruiter at the Lucas Group in Houston who specializes in placing human resource professionals, is likewise betting that some transplants wont return to their energy gigs.

But some of his clients in consumer services, financial services and health care have been reluctant to hire applicants from energy, said Kahn, who is also president of the Texas chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management. Companies are drawn to their talents, he said, but fear that they wont stay once energy companies come courting.

Walton believes this is partly why hes been unable to find work, apart from a short stint as a truck driver.

He was working on a platform oil rig early last year when his company moved the rig from the Gulf of Mexico to the coast of Angola and hired local workers. Two months later, he was called back to work on a drillship in the Gulf of Mexico but was soon let go again. It was then that he weighed the pros and cons of doing something else.

I was feeling real down, he said.

Ultimately, Walton wants to finish his bachelors degree and get a job in psychology focused on mental health. But he and his wife are expecting their first child, and he needs to find work soon.

A survey of about 40 laid-off oil field workers found that 79 percent of those who didnt find new jobs in that industry said they would not return to the sector, according to research firm Evercore ISI.

Eager to go back

To be sure, plenty of laid-off energy workers long to go back to work. Benny Williams, 56, of Spring is polishing his skills for when hiring picks back up.

Williams tapped into his 401(k) to attend classes and receive a diesel technician certificate from Universal Technical Institute. Hes set to graduate next month. Before being laid off in 2015, he was a diesel mechanic who maintained hydraulic fracturing equipment.

He wants to train the next generation as a supervisor. His supervisors were always brash and demeaning, and Williams wants to provide a more positive teaching environment.

I think it would prove that Im capable of doing more than just turning wrenches, he said.

Houston-based Oil States International is looking to rehire employees like Williams. Its executives, knowing there would eventually be an upward climb in oil prices, have kept tabs on key workers. The oil field services company wants to be first in line when rehiring begins.

We have to do so with an eye toward efficiencies and costs, said Cindy Taylor, president and CEO of Oil States International.

New work, when it comes, will first go to existing employees who lost overtime hours and pay in the downturn. The company will then bring people back when it needs to control overtime pay and expand its workforce for developing jobs. Oil States International has cut about 40 percent of its global workforce.

Taylor said the company has already called some former employees and prepared them to return. These workers and the companys current employees can handle an uptick in business until the U.S. rig count hits the 900s.

Its currently at 462. Taylor said once this measure of drilling activity crests 900, there will be more competition for labor, and Oil States International will have to pay more for talented workers.

Turnover at the top

Energy companies are also seeing changes among their top positions, executive search firms report.

Tom Simmons, the global energy practice leader for executive search firm Spencer Stuart, said shareholders of energy companies going through bankruptcy are bringing in new management. Newton, with Russell Reynolds Associates, said different skill sets are required from executives in this low oil-price environment. For example, more emphasis is placed on operations and less emphasis on acquisitions.

Simmons said it takes an average of 12 to 15 weeks to hire an executive, and he said the industrys average fee is a third of the executives first-year compensation, including bonuses.

Newton gave a similar hiring timeline, citing 90 to 100 days. And if a new CEO is hired, he or she may want to hire other executives, tacking on additional time.

Attracting such talent is not as expensive as it was in the boom days, Simmons said. To lure such leaders, companies will replace these executives stock in their former company with its own stock. This is more affordable now that energy stock prices are down.

Not one size fits all

The hiring process needs to be orchestrated by a proactive, forward-thinking human resources director, said David Preng, chairman of the Texas TriCities Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors. Theres a balance between attracting employees and keeping existing employees happy. There could be problems with morale if a former employee is rehired at a higher salary while an employee kept during the downturn doesnt get a raise.

As for how companies ramp up, that will depend on their focus and type of employees needed.

Theres no spandex that will fit all, said Preng, who is also president and CEO of executive search firm Preng & Associates, which specializes in the energy sector.

Oil field services companies will likely find laid-off workers have dispersed across the country. It could take time to rehire them, find and train new employees and get them back to the efficient workforces that companies had during the boom days, he said.

Oil companies that laid off older, more experienced white-collar employees will find that many are no longer seeking full-time work. They may, however, return for specific projects or as consultants.

The next generation

Theres also concern about attracting and retaining the next generation of workers.

At the University of Houston, many energy companies have kept a presence on campus, said Jamie Belinne, assistant dean of the Rockwell Career Center at the C.T. Bauer College of Business. In previous downturns, they disappeared from college campuses as companies slashed their recruiting teams.

Today, companies still want to be known to the students, lest they become a C choice employer, she said.

Newton said theres a fear that some students no longer wish to pursue energy-specific careers.

Students graduating this year with energy-specific degrees are in the worst position, he said. Those just beginning their degrees will be fine as the industry improves over the next four years, though they may not believe that.

If companies arent able to attract these young workers, there could be a war for talent at all levels within the energy sector, he said.

Collin Eaton contributed to this report.
MIDLAND  Clayton Williams Energy Inc. has commenced a modified Dutch Auction cash tender offer to purchase up to $100,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 7.75 percent senior notes due 2019).

The Tender Offer will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on August 29, 2016, unless extended by the company in its sole discretion. Holders of Notes who validly tender (and do not validly withdraw) their Notes prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 10, 2016, unless extended by the company in its sole discretion, will be eligible to receive the Total Consideration for their Notes.

Rimrock Resource Partners acquires SCOOP assets

TULSA and HOUSTON  Rimrock Resource Partners LLC has closed a $150 million acquisition of assets from an undisclosed seller. The oil and gas assets cover approximately 24,500 net leasehold acres that are 100 percent held by production, approximately 2,100 BOE/D, and 3,100 net mineral acres located predominately in the Golden Trend portion of the SCOOP play.

In October 2015, Rimrock announced a $75 million funding commitment from Post Oak Energy Capital and Ceja Corporation. At that time, Rimrock owned approximately 2,400 net leasehold acres. Post Oak and Ceja subsequently increased their funding commitment.

We are very excited to announce this transaction, said Burt Williams, chief executive officer of Rimrock. Since last October, we have grown our position to over 6,000 net acres, so with this acquisition Rimrock will own over 30,500 acres prospective for Woodford, Springer and Sycamore across 150 mostly contiguous sections. Rimrock has evaluated several acquisition opportunities in the SCOOP play, but our patience and disciplined technical approach to investing has provided Rimrock with a strategic position on the eastern, more liquid rich area of the SCOOP.
Texas largest metropolitan areas are set for relatively healthy growth over a long-term horizon. Business cycles will happen, but when we look out through 2040, the states major population centers are likely to continue to compare well with most parts of the country in terms of economic expansion. The Austin and Dallas areas should lead the way, with Houston, San Antonio, and Fort Worth also doing quite well. For reference, our most recent long-term forecast for the state economy indicates that Texas output (real gross product) will likely expand at a 3.35 percent annual pace through 2040, while total wage and salary employment grows at a 1.64 percent yearly pace.

The Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has been adding jobs at a notable pace, and is widely recognized as one of the strongest economies in the nation. For example, Austin was recently ranked atop a Forbes list of the nations 53 largest cities (Americas Next Boom Towns) as the city with the best chance to prosper in the coming decade. The technology-intensive MSA, which will likely see a notable stimulus from a new research-oriented medical school, is forecast to see growth in output at a 3.76 percent annual pace through 2040, with the manufacturing, services, and information sectors expected to see the fastest growth rates. Employment gains at a 2.02 percent yearly rate over the period are projected, resulting in the addition of almost 632,000 net new positions.

The Dallas-Plano-Irving Metropolitan Division has also been adding jobs at a healthy clip, with gains across most industrial sectors. Because the areas diverse economy is more insulated from the energy sector than some parts of Texas, it has been performing better than the state as a whole. The real estate market continues to show strength, though over time it will moderate from the current elevated level. The Dallas areas role as a business and financial services center for the state will contribute to ongoing economic stability, and emerging sectors (including technology industries) will lead to long-term growth. I am expecting that more than 1.33 million net new jobs will be created in the Dallas-Plano-Irving MD through 2040, representing a 1.75 percent annual rate of growth. Output growth is likely to be concentrated in the services and finance, insurance, and real estate sectors.

The Fort Worth-Arlington Metropolitan Division has seen the level of hiring pick up in recent months, though growth remains spotty due to the areas exposure to the oil and gas industry. Businesses which have long been cornerstones of the regional economy (such as logistics) will continue to serve as a source of growth, and natural gas exploration and development will provide additional stimulus as prices recover. Output growth is expected to occur at a 3.43 percent annual pace through 2040, with almost 504,700 net new jobs through 2040 (a 1.61 percent yearly rate of growth).

Economic conditions in the El Paso MSA continue to improve, setting the stage for future gains. Expansion will be driven in part by the areas strong ties to the Mexican economy, which is benefitting from structural reforms implemented by the government and is projected to expand despite current low oil prices. Although hiring has slowed in manufacturing firms across the border in Juarez, maquiladoras are expected to continue to be an important source of economic activity in the region. Output in the El Paso MSA is projected to grow at a 2.99 percent yearly pace, reaching $56.47 billion in 2040. More than 147,400 net new jobs are expected to be added through 2040, a 1.47 percent annual rate of growth.

The Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land MSA has stabilized after adjusting to job losses associated with lower oil prices. Although additional fallout may well occur, it appears that the area is set for stronger growth. Health care has long been a source of economic growth in the area, and recent construction and expansion projects are enhancing the role of the sector. Visitors to the area are also enhancing the economy, with tourism and business travel expanding. Over the long term, oil price recovery will lead to resurgence in energy sector businesses, adding to the expansion across the rest of the area economy. Output in the Houston area is expected to increase at a 3.35 percent annual pace through 2040, topping $1.12 trillion at the end of the time period. Almost 1.63 million net new jobs are projected to be added, a 1.70 percent annual rate of increase.

The San Antonio-New Braunfels MSA has been affected by lower oil prices and the resulting slowing of activity in the nearby Eagle Ford Shale. Even so, the area is adding more jobs in other sectors than are being lost in energy-related industries. The region continues to attract locations in emerging technology industries. In addition, the areas important tourism industry will benefit from completion of a $325 million renovation of San Antonios Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and ongoing improvements to the adjacent Hemisfair Park, Alamodome, and Alamo Plaza. Over the long term, as oil prices recover, the development of regional oil resources will generate significant jobs and business activity. Output is forecast to grow at a 3.27 percent annual pace, reaching $227.30 billion in 2040. Almost 512,400 net new jobs are likely to be added through 2040, a 1.62 percent yearly rate of growth.

Texas largest population centers drive economic progress for the state, serving as centers for business activity. The long-term prospects for these metropolitan areas are favorable (though there will be cycles), with expansion across a spectrum of industries driving overall growth.

Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com). He also serves as Institute Distinguished Professor of Economic Theory and Method at the International Institute for Advanced Studies.
MASON CITY  Eight years after the devastating flood that ruined many Mason City homes, some homeowners are still meandering through the governmental maze in trying to get resettled.

Kirk and Val Suby hope to move into the new home they are building later this year. The Subys and several of their neighbors received buyouts for their properties  but their path to new homes has been bumpy, lengthy and costly.

Their situation was complicated because their homes were not in the floodplain when the flood hit, but were in it when FEMA changed the boundaries a few years later.

Many homes on the north edge of Georgia Hanford Park were affected by the flood along Mason Creek in 2008. The amount of damage varied, but none were determined to be substantially damaged and, coupled with not being in the citys official floodplain, did not qualify for the buyout program.

In 2012 FEMA issued new floodplain maps that included many homes on 22nd Street Southeast and on Georgia Avenue south of 22nd Street.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority made additional buyout funds available to property owners meeting all the federal requirements.

The Subys and other property owners in the new floodplain received a letter from the city on March 23, 2012, telling them buyout funds were available to income-qualified homeowners.

The terms were the same as in the 2008 buyouts  the city would pay 120 percent of the pre-flood assessed values.

The letter said the city needed an answer by April 2  in other words, within 10 days  and the property owners would have to be out of their homes by July 31.

The problem for us was the short notice, said Kirk Suby, whose home was at 321 22nd St. S.E. We had to decide in about two weeks and be out of our home in about two months, he said at the time. Youre talking about life-changing decisions here and we just couldnt do it that fast.

Then in 2013, the neighbors learned more FEMA money was available for buyouts, but the rules had changed. Now, instead of buyouts for 120 percent of pre-flood assessed value, FEMA was offering 100 percent of post-flood assessed value  a huge difference.

Some of the neighbors had their properties appraised and learned they would take substantial losses if they took FEMAs offer.

There was a certain irony to the properties now being eligible for buyouts because they were now in the floodplain  but worth less on the market because they were in the floodplain.

Another wrinkle: FEMA would cover 75 percent of the total cost and the state would cover 10 percent. The remaining 15 percent would have to be picked up by the property owners.

The property owners sought help from the city. But in March 2014, the City Council unanimously agreed not to contribute any city money to the buyouts, fearing it would set a bad precedent.

Many of the property owners hired their own appraisers and received better appraisals than they got the first time around.

The Subys did appeal the value our appraiser put on the property, said City Planner Tricia Sandahl, floodplain administrator. Their appeal was successful because of changes in the real estate market. Our appraisals were two years old. Overall, prices had gone up and the appraisers had a larger pool of comparable sales to draw from.

In the end, after four years, the Subys will get their buyout money, $150,000, minus the 15 percent they have to pay to close the gap of what the government wont pay, minus 15 percent they will have to pay for demolition of their home.

Well get about $110,000, said Val Suby. The home were building will cost about $180,000.

But the government will help soften the blow. She said the government will provide about $30,000 in replacement money  a stipend provided to flood victims to help them relocate.
The day before she was killed, 32-year-old Odessan Monica Deming and her father, former Odessa Police Department officer Jon Nielsen, had breakfast at Dumplings -- her favorite restaurant. Shaky and pale, she was not herself that morning.

In fact, Deming had not been herself for the past five weeks. Throughout that time, she had been harassed and stalked daily by her ex-boyfriend, Brandon Leyva, 38.

In what Odessa Police Department detectives ruled a murder-suicide, Leyva shot Deming multiple times at her home on the morning of Nov. 29. Leyva then shot himself in the head and died shortly afterward at Medical Center Hospital.

Deming's father and sister, Jenny Dorsey, said her murder was the fault of a system that does not take harassment and stalking seriously unless there is an expressed direct threat of harm or previous physical abuse. In a review of documents by the Reporter-Telegram, there were several instances under current law where Leyvas actions could arguably have resulted in protective action by the police.

Both Midland and Ector counties have rising rates of domestic violence, according to local agencies. Of the 18 murders that have occurred between 2013 and 2015 in Midland County, seven were cases of family or household violence, according to statistics from the Midland Police Department.

Ive been here almost 14 years and its the highest that Ive ever seen, said Carole Wayland, executive director of Safe Place of the Permian Basin. We may have one (fatality) and go a year without one, but Ive never seen two years that have been this high with fatalities.

Stalking is an issue for many Safe Place clients, Wayland said. Seventy-six percent of female homicide victims had been stalked by their intimate partners, and 54 percent of female homicide victims reported stalking to police before they were killed by their stalkers, according to the Stalking Resource Center, a program of the National Center for Victims of Crime.

In Texas, harassment is a misdemeanor offense, while stalking is a felony charge. The main difference between the two is that stalking is a repeated behavior, while harassment can be one instance only, said Aaron Setliffe, Public Policy director for the Texas Council on Family Violence and former domestic violence attorney. Until 2013, a defendant could be convicted of stalking if on more than one occasion the victim feared bodily injury or death for him or herself or a family member or feared destruction of their property.

Texas legislators changed the law in 2013 to include behaviors outside of direct physical harm to self or property. It was considered a crime if the defendant on more than one occasion committed a behavior that falls under the definition of harassment -- placing the victim in fear with the intent to harass, annoy, alarm, abuse, torment or embarrass. The definition also includes calling the victim repeatedly on the phone or contacting them via text or email. This second aspect of stalking was added because legislators realized the law didnt help stalking victims when they were trying to prove the threat they felt, Setliffe said.

The law now allows the jurors to hear more information to help them understand why the victim felt fear of injury to themselves, a family member or destruction of property.

Despite this development, it appears that police departments often follow the law as it was before 2013, possibly because of the overwhelming number of complaints they receive, according to a review of affidavits by the Reporter-Telegram, which filed a Freedom of Information Act request for affidavits on stalking cases.

Many of the complainants stated they had gone to the police previously with a complaint of harassing or stalking behavior. Often, however, action wasnt taken unless there was a complaint or record of previous physical violence or an imminent threat to the complainant (i.e. the stalker showed up at their home). Within the past year, however, more stalking cases appeared to have been filed in accordance with the new law. The sheer number of harassment complaints that police departments receive can cause some cases to fall through the cracks. Though front desk personnel are directed to forward complaints to a detective, according to MPD Detective Ed Marker and OPD spokesman Cpl. Steve LeSueur, this is not always the practice.

Such was the case with Deming. Just 12 days after attempting to get help from the police -- who did not file a report after she provided text and Facebook messages of Leyvas harassment -- Deming was dead.

Harassment begins

Deming met Leyva in January 2015 and, at first, he seemed like the perfect match for her. He moved in with her and things were good for a short while. However, he soon showed he couldnt hold a job and had little desire for one. He began to insult and criticize her in between short periods of being the ideal boyfriend Deming originally thought he was -- a manipulation tactic often used by abusers, according to professionals who work with domestic- abuse victims.

Demings torment began on a day in October, when Leyva started sending her multiple text messages and breakup memes after not talking for a whole day, according to a detailed write-up by Dorsey, who documented the harassment leading up to her sisters death. Later in the day, the messages became incessant.

Depending on how Deming took these messages and memes, if they placed her in fear of bodily injury to herself, a family member or destruction of property, this first day could have qualified as stalking, said Setliffe, and almost certainly would be harassment.

By about 11 p.m. that day, Leyva sent Deming a screenshot of his call history with the text, Look, I just called the police and they called back and said if Im on the lease I can kick the door down if I need to, to get in.

At this point, Deming called the police. Her son was sleeping, and she was afraid Leyva would break in and was afraid of what he would do. When the police arrived, they tried to reason with Leyva, who had shown up at Demings home at the same time as the officers. Dorsey wrote that the police told Leyva, Go to your friends, get some rest, yall can talk in the morning. He was irate, and refused, she wrote.

Finally, an officer asked for Leyvas drivers license and discovered he had an outstanding warrant in Midland. Leyva was placed under arrest. Deming and her father talked to the police that night about getting a protective order or filing stalking charges, but were told they needed to provide documentation of the stalking.

Deming could have filed for a protective order through the District Attorneys Office or hired an attorney to file one, given the evidence of Leyvas harassing messages throughout that day and Demings fear in response to his saying he could break down her door, Setliffe said.

The threat of breaking down Demings door would constitute harassment. Leyva was on Demings lease for a short time, but it is illegal to break in to ones own property with the intent to stalk or harass, or in any way cause the victim to fear for her own safety or family, he said.

The police did not proceed with harassment or stalking charges or notify Deming of her option to file for a protective order with the courts. In the Reporter-Telegram's FOIA request for all reports, affidavits and documents involving Deming, there was no report of the October incident.

This gap in communication between law enforcement, courts and complainant is quite common, and an issue that needs to be more thoroughly addressed, Setliffe said.

Law enforcement has work to do to ensure victims know all of their resources and feel protected and that the case is well-investigated so that a prosecution can occur, he said.

Leyva started texting her again on Oct. 27, and apologized repeatedly. Deming learned at the time of these texts, that he had just bonded out of jail. She declined 10 calls from Leyva.

Eventually, she agreed to talk to him. In a text to her sister, Deming wrote, Hes really good at this manipulation. Is it crazy for me to say that I love and care for the guy?

Dorsey shared Scriptures with her to give her strength.

When she and Leyva talked and officially broke up at the end of October, Deming told him that she was afraid of him and asked him to get help. She changed the code on her door lock. She told her sister that she feared this will eventually get really ugly.

Soon, the social media harassment began. Leyva posted vicious statuses spreading rumors about her. Deming made sure to screenshot every post and message she received from Leyva, as evidence. She had gone to Safe Place to seek counsel, and they had told her not to respond to him, but to document the constant texts and Facebook posts.

Midland County District Attorneys Office has been filing more stalking cases with this type of online harassment and/or stalking, particularly with teens, said Noehelia Nunez, the offices crime victim coordinator.

Taking action

As the month came to an end, Leyva started showing up at various places Deming and her friends frequented and at her fathers house. He showed up at her sons school, and Deming texted her sister: He will never disappear.

She changed the locks on her front gate.

Leyva continued to text and call her. He attempted to hack into her Gmail account and sent fake messages of a conversation with a local pastor, who told Deming that Leyva had never spoken with him. Deming ignored Leyva, documenting each attempt to contact her.

By mid-November, it became clear to Deming that Leyva was watching her. When she bought wine for a friends birthday, Leyva immediately texted Deming, who did not drink. The text read: Please Please Please Tell me that wine isnt for you Monica!!!!

When she accused him of following her, he said his friends saw her and reported back to him. Leyvas texts were constant, fluctuating between begging Deming to take him back and insulting her. He created multiple Facebook profiles to contact her friends and spread rumors about her. He followed her, always claiming a friend had seen her.

Deming told her sister: Im just afraid to upset him; hes obsessed. Its so strange. ... Im just worried about him going crazy, you know? Like if he cant have me, no one will.

During her lunch break on Nov. 17, Deming decided to file a report with the Odessa Police Department. She showed the most recent text messages and Facebook posts by Leyva to the woman at the front desk, explaining that this had been going on for weeks. The woman looked at her text messages and seemed to brush it off as a bad break-up, Dorsey wrote in her account.

Monica felt frustrated after leaving there, Dorsey wrote. She said she felt dirty, because the lady saw embarrassing text messages (Leyva) was sending her. Deming texted Dorsey saying the one piece of advice she was given was to send a final text to Leyva telling him not to contact her because this is harassment.

No official report of the harassment was filed by OPD that day, despite the fact that Leyvas behavior clearly fell under the definition of harassment, if not stalking, according to Texas law.

Deming eventually deactivated her Facebook because of the rumors Leyva spread. She continued to collect evidence of his constant, often rambling texts.

Every morning I wake up to this, she wrote to her sister. Im losing my mind.
MASON CITY  Mason Citys American Legion is seeking new members, particularly those who are active duty or have served in the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Clausen-Worden Post 101 has 141 members, Adjutant Larry Montgomery said, mainly those who fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

The post  which is named after two young soldiers from Mason City  is hoping to preserve its history as it loses long-term members, Montgomery said.

Its one of 593 across Iowa, of which nearly all carry the name of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen killed while in service of their country.

Army Pfc. Robert Clausen, 19, and Pvt. Clifford Jimmie Worden, 23, entered the Army in June 1917, during World War I, according to information compiled by Montgomery.

They were first attached to the 2nd Iowa Infantry before transfer to the 168th Infantry, known as the celebrated Rainbow Division.

Their company was engaged in battle on March 5, 1918, when an enemy artillery shell struck and killed both of them. Clausen and Worden were laid to rest in a U.S. military cemetery in Meurthe-et-Moselle, France.

With the help of the Red Cross and the U.S. War Department, Wordens family was able to bring his body back to Mason City on Sept. 24, 1921.

The veterans of Clausen-Worden Post 101, which was established in April 1919 as a congressional-chartered patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness, prepared a heros welcome for the flag-draped casket on display at the armory for military services.

Wordens legacy was an act of intensifying patriotism that has swept over North Iowa, Legion Chaplain A.W. Tandy told the crowd gathered at the service.

Tandy said the death of those two young men drives home to North Iowa that war was at hand and many others had paid the extreme sacrifice.

Montgomery has preserved records on Clausen and Worden to ensure their memories will be passed on to future Mason City Legionnaires.

He hopes by doing so, a strong sense of patriotism will continue  something he feels has waned over the years as the country becomes more detached from major events like World War II.

For more information on membership, contact Montgomery at 641-423-6758.

The American Legion says it is the nations largest wartime veterans service organization and is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting national security and continued devotion to service members and veterans.
We have independently selected these offers and products because we love them and we think you might like them at these prices. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may earn a commission if you buy something through our links. Items are
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 []
Youve done enough, go before ...
OSAGE  The American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture has chosen Osage Middle School to participate in its Maker Kit Test Pilot Grant Program.

Osage Middle School was one of 10 middle schools from across the country to be chosen to participate in this pilot project. Other states participating are Hawaii, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Georgia, Virginia, California, New York, Florida and Illinois.

The grant will involve middle school students helping to solve the world hunger problem, starting on a small scale. The school will receive $500 to assist in completing the pilot project along with materials from the foundation.

Osage was nominated by Lisa Peterson, Osage FFA alumna and former national FFA officer.

Due to my past FFA connections, I saw a Facebook post by the foundations educational director regarding the program, said Peterson, and I decided to nominate Osage.

As a community member, Farm Bureau member and farmer, I believe it is important to educate our children on food and food production, she said. I continue to see a disconnection with children really understanding food production. I believe this pilot program will help.

The students are given the Purple Plow Challenge. With the challenge, they will have to complete the following steps: identify and imagine, design, create, test and improve and share.

With the challenge of feeding 9 billion people by 2050, Osage Middle School students taking the eighth-grade ag exploratory class will design a prototype and construct a life-sized model of a system that will integrate the use of waste from an aquatic animal grown system as a beneficial nutrient for a plant growth system, said Melissa Moretz, Osage ag educator.
ST. ANSGAR  St. Ansgar School Board members heard two proposals for the future of the districts elementary building at a meeting in July.

The St. Ansgar Economic Development Commission (EDC) reiterated its proposal to the board, changing the possibility of profit-sharing on the property to a one-time cash offer of about $50,000 for the empty lot.

In the proposal, the district would be responsible for demolishing the building and filling in the area with black dirt and grass.

The EDC would then place single-family units  approximately four, based on lot size  on the space intermittently, matching the architecture of the neighborhood.

The commission also offered its resources to the board in applying for a Department of Natural Resources grant, valued at up to $74,000 based on credits for the schools infrastructure.

The grant would be put toward the demolition of the building. The EDC would also pay for legal work in drafting a purchase agreement.

In the event a feasible community-driven plan to convert the school into a community center is presented, the EDC would back out of the offer and support the community effort.

Ashley DeMaris, a leader in converting the school to a community center, informed the board she had started the process of nominating the building to be a part of the National Historic Registry.

In order for the district to qualify for the DNR demolition grant, the building must be vacant for six months.

DeMaris said if the community can raise enough money for the building, the school would be able to give the building to the community.

DeMaris said a preliminary financial analysis had been done, and it outlines we have to come up with a lot of money. Insurance on the building itself could cost about $50,000 annually.

Grants on rehabilitating the building and restoring it to its original historic quality max out at approximately $5 million, with the community paying for what doesnt get covered in grants.

DeMaris proposed pledge drives over fundraising because no money is donated until the target amount is reached. Any amount incurred from fundraising, in the event the target amount isnt reached, would be donated to causes in the community.

The board expects to make a decision at its Aug. 8 meeting.
Editors Note: George Mesite founded Villa Capri with his wife, Rosalie, in 1960. In a previous version of this story, Mark Mesite, his oldest son, was incorrectly identified as the founder.



WALLINGFORD  For generations, people have been returning to Villa Capri to hold functions.



People have come to the banquet hall for their weddings, baby showers, milestone birthdays and anniversaries, and then, eventually, their childrens weddings. Saturday night, though, marked the last wedding, as Villa Capri, family-owned and operated for 56 years, shut its doors for good after the event.



Gina Mesite Mueller, who runs the business with her siblings, said the day was bittersweet. Shell always cherish working with customers to help personalize their events.



That makes it so much easier for us to go to our next chapter in our life, she said. While the siblings closed the business they inherited from their father, George Mesite, Mesite Mueller said they will continue with the rest of the familys businesses.



The building at 906 N. Colony Road will be torn down to make way for a Cumberland Farms, but Ralph Mesite agreed with his sister that the family will always remember all the emotional moments that happened there.



Villa Capri hosted banquets for a variety of events, including corporate outings, but the two siblings seemed to have the fondest memories of the weddings theyve helped coordinate.



Ralph Mesite was still excited about Saturdays event. Even though today is our last wedding, were going to fulfill what their dream was, he said.



Bob and Michele Mullen, of Berlin, said they found it exciting when the Mesite family informed them their wedding, which had already been booked, would be the last ever at Villa Capri.



Michele Mullen said she attended several weddings, while her husband came to one event there, and the couple decided they also wanted to have their wedding at Villa Capri. Bob Mullen said he was disappointed others wouldnt be able to continue the tradition of returning to Villa Capri for their own wedding after attending a relatives function there.



Its sad that it wont carry on the tradition of some families that would like to have their offspring married at the same facility, he said. That wont be possible anymore.



Ralph Mesite, the vice president of the venue, said that was the aspect of the business he and his family appreciated the most, and that Villa Capri has even hosted weddings for the grandkids of some of the business original clients.



Its probably the best feeling you can have, he said. It shows that we made part of their life, which is so cool.



Mesite and his sister attributed that to their dads focus of treating every client like they were part of the family, working to make sure all of their needs were met.



Mesite Mueller said their father taught her and her siblings that if you treat them right, you give them a good meal at a good price, they will be back.



Mesite, meanwhile, said the familys pride came from being able to help bring any couples vision to life within their venue, even if they had a limited budget.



He said weddings used to be a fairly boilerplate affair, especially when parents of the couples handled the planning, but now customers want a unique experience. Social media, wedding publications, and websites like Pinterest have also helped couples find ideas they like.



That same attitude has trickled to the staff, the siblings say, noting that long-time employees were just as excited to make sure Saturdays wedding was a success to close out the business.



Mueller Mesite said it touched our hearts that many of the employees decided to stay until the end, even though the family decided in January that July 30 would be the last event.



msavino@record-journal.com 203-317-2266 Twitter: @reporter_savino






Vote for Dante



Editor:



Senator Dante Bartolomeo is a true childrens champion. As chairwoman for the Committee on Children she works tirelessly to support Connecticuts vulnerable children. In the area of higher education, Dantes courageous fight successfully saved Meridens Middlesex Community College from closing. Dante gets important things done. She takes on some of the most serious challenges facing our communities and develops workable solutions. Dante is highly respected for her leadership, hard work, and tenacity. She has earned our support. Please join me in voting for Senator Dante Bartolomeo for re-election in November.



Michael S. Rohde, Meriden



Desmonds Law



Editor:



This year, Connecticut took up and ultimately passed Desmonds Law, An Act Concerning Support For Cats and Dogs That Are Neglected Or Treated Cruelly. The law would allow courts to assign volunteer legal advocates to assist in the prosecution of animal abuse cases, representing no additional cost to the legal system. The bill has been named in honor of Desmond, a dog that was beaten, starved, strangled, and ultimately killed by its owner, who then received accelerated rehabilitation.



Interestingly, state Senator Len Fasano was one of only two state senators to oppose the bill. In taking the stand he did, Senator Fasano in essence was placing a higher priority on the interests of animal abusers than on the protection of the animals they abuse. Senator Fasano also failed to consider the findings by such organizations as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence that there is a relationship between animal abuse and domestic violence. And according to the Humane Society of the United States, researchers determined that between 71 percent and 83 percent of women entering domestic violence shelters reported that their partners also abused or killed the family pet. One might therefore reasonably speculate that failure to support options that will address animal abuse more effectively also has collateral damage in the area of domestic violence. Enhanced protection of animals, and thus more effective prosecution of abusers, can also have beneficial impacts through court decisions requiring treatment and counseling in addition to punitive measures.



Mahatma Gandhi said, The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated. The same can be said of individual political leaders. At election time, voters (and animal lovers) in the 34th Senate District may want to remember that our Senator, Len Fasano, opposed Desmonds Law.



Jim Krupp, Wallingford



Mileage tax



Editor:



Senator Fasano and his Republican colleagues promised this week to fight the mileage tax until it stalls permanently. There are real, more substantive problems that deserve more of their attention. A mileage tax is actually a bad idea, for a number of reasons. Its intrusive, it taxes things that are already taxed through gas taxes, and does nothing to recoup the cost of non-residents traveling through the state. I dont know why the governor is spending money on studying it, and I would oppose it as well. What puzzles me is why Senator Fasano would devote a five-paragraph essay to opposing this. Theres a study, but theres no proposal for him to oppose.



His Democratic colleagues in the Senate have also declared that this would be dead on arrival. There is, fundamentally, nothing here to fight. Connecticut has many urgent, real problems that need to be addressed. Spending time publicly campaigning against an imaginary emergency doesnt help solve those problems.



Steve Gifford, North Haven



The author is a candidate for State Representative from North Haven.



Disgusted



Editor:



In response to the article in the Monday, July 11, Record Journal pertaining to compromised space and the Meriden Humane Society, I would like to say how disgusted I am with the town of Meriden and its Animal Control Division. The lack of consideration for M.H.S. is disgraceful. They have been utilizing this space for the last 11 years. As a longtime volunteer of the organization I know this to be true. This room has been used for supplies, isolation of cats, small dogs and senior dogs who no one else wanted.



With the growing population of unwanted animals, we cannot afford to lose this space. Hope Clinic is good and provides low-cost vetting for cat and dogs.



However, I think they should consider space that is not occupied by small dogs and cats that have no home. It was unprofessional for the town not to have mentioned this to M.H.S. I have to wonder what the true intentions really are to help animals or not? I think H.O.P.E. Clinic needs to move on and look for another location. This space is taken. Shame on you, town of Meriden.



Carrie A. Whitney, Plymouth



Bridges



Editor



The world has become a complicated and dangerous place. Or maybe some of us are just noticing now that its arrived at our doorstep. We are frightened and rightfully so. But is it hopeless as some suggest? Can we not stop it? Should we all arm ourselves? I hope not.



There are things everyone can do as we work towards real solutions. These are immediate: Find your faith and practice it daily, not once or twice a week. Meditate on the ideals of what you believe.



Do little things to make someones day brighter. Smile, say hello, compliment people, open a door, pick up a heavy package, help an elderly person. It isnt difficult or time consuming. Drive slower and safer. Be considerate of others.



Last, take your camera phone and find people in the act. In the act of kindness. See it in action and notice the effect of it afterwards. Show it to others to prove how much it happens, because it does. Bring people together. Be a bridge.



R. Brian McLean, Wallingford










Ben Ehrenreichs sentences  direct, impassioned and informed by many months of on-the-ground reporting in the Palestinian territories  can be devastating. I will remember it, he writes, as the summer of children dying.

Hes referring to the 2014 Gaza conflict that raged for seven weeks and resulted in the deaths of 71 Israelis and more than 2,000 Palestinians, 551 of whom were children, according to the United Nations.

Ehrenreich cites these casualty numbers as evidence of a disastrous overreaction on the part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government, which launched its military operation in response to the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teens.

Some will argue that in making this argument, the author reveals hes not an impartial journalist. Ehrenreich doesnt dispute this interpretation  he embraces it.

I do not aspire in these pages to objectivity, he writes in The Way to the Spring. I dont believe it to be a virtue, or even a possibility.

Convinced that its impossible to discuss the relevant issues without appearing to pick a side, Ehrenreich, a novelist and a National Magazine Award winner, is open about his sympathies.

By his definition, Ehrenreich became a participant in 2011, when he began spending extended periods living in and writing about West Bank towns and cities.

More Information The Way to the Spring: Life and Death in Palestine By Ben Ehrenreich Penguin, $28 See More Collapse

He forged relationships with Palestinians who decline to consent to (their) own eradication and resolved to chronicle their unarmed resistance to the Israeli authorities.

I make no attempt here to describe these events through the eyes of Israelis, he says.

Comments like these will turn off some readers.

But those willing to listen will find that Ehrenreichs industrious reporting can help us better understand some of those at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle.

His scope is narrow and his book has its flaws, but this doesnt mean that The Way to the Spring is any less distressing or important.

Its worth noting, too, that Ehrenreich doesnt reserve his criticism for Israeli leaders; he also has tough words for those American politicians and journalists whom he believes are overly deferential to Israel, and some Palestinian officials, whom he characterizes as cowardly.

The narrative builds to the bloody 2014 conflict, related here in heartrending detail.

These and other events have left Ehrenreich feeling pessimistic about the possibility of a two-state solution, which he terms a cadaver.

Ehrenreichs approach results in some problems. One stems from his desire to challenge an imbalance of long standing in how the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is covered by Western journalists.

In the name of this well-intentioned objective, he pays very little attention to the many acts of terror committed over the years in the name of Palestinian liberation, and often seems content to portray the Israeli military as a monolithic throng of bullies. Narrative decisions like these deprive the book of important context and will surely repel a portion of his potential audience.

Fortunately, the vast majority of The Way to the Spring is made up of much more solid reporting. Ehrenreich proves to be the kind of tough-minded yet searching writer we need to help us understand this intractable divide, and the people shaped by it.
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BRIDGEPORT  The Black Rock Yacht Club Barracudas broke the record Saturday for the fastest time in the history of St. Vincents 15.5-mile Swim Across the Sound, which raises money to support 30,000 people battling cancer and their families.

The Barracudas finished the race, now in its 29th year, in 5 hours, 55 minutes and 10 seconds, beating out last years time by the Hopkins Hilltoppers from New Haven, who came in at six hours.

The first 3 miles were choppy. It smoothed out after that, but thats part of the challenge, said Gregory Sargent, a 50-year-old member of the Barracudas.

Sargent said the Barracudas have been a part of the swim for more than 10 years and are proud to be a part of a local event that helps so many people in need.

There are many people that have passed and many that are still here to support. Its a local charity. Were from Fairfield and its a very neighborly kind of event, said Sargent.

Saturdays Swim Across the Sound raised several hundred thousand dollars and donations are still being counted. Last year the event raised $300,000. Swimmers begin at Port Jefferson, Long Island, and end at Captains Cove Seaport in Bridgeport.

A flotilla of pleasure boats accompanies the athletes.

Supporters say that the Swim embodies the spirit of paying-it-forward with friends and family members turning their pain into triumph and their mourning into celebration.

More than seven years ago, at 10 in the morning while at work, Susan Kiley, got a call that could have destroyed her. A mammogram revealed she had cancer.

Kiley prayed for a sign of what to do and made a promise to God that if she were to survive her cancer she would devote her life to helping others in her condition. Kiley triumphed over the illness.

While attending a support group at St. Vincents, Kiley, a longtime yoga practitioner, retired from her previous career and decided to become professional yoga instructor at St. Vincents Medical Center, committing to working with cancer patients.

Its about physical exercise, but also about letting go of that grip. Not throwing it away, but lifting it up, said Kiley.

Other people who were touched by the aid they received from St. Vincents came out to pay-the-kindness-forward as well.

Four and a half years ago, Bob Carlsons wife, Joanne Carlson, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

After extensive surgery she was cancer-free for four and a half years. But at the beginning of this year the cancer started coming back, said Bob Carlson. She had four to six weeks. She passed on Mothers Day of this year.

Joanne Carlson was prescribed an enzyme medication for her treatment she was to take over the course of two years. The treatment would cost $500 a month. St. Vincents committed to cover the cost of the treatment that would total $12,000. But she died before she could begin the treatment.

Joanne required multiple hospital transfers during her cancer treatment that cost $250 for each one-way transfer.

Funds from the Swim helped to cover the cost of each trip for the Carlson family.

They are a unique organization. So many organizations do research but not as many help friends and family relieve the stress and pain, said Carlson.

The cost of treatment and medical supplies theyre supposed to have puts stress on the family and the Swim has money available to take that pain away.

This year Bob Carlson, his daughter Karin Caves, and her son Tim Caves, gave cool refreshments out at the Swim while Bob Carlsons son, Glenn, and Karin Caves other son, John, manned a boat to provide support to the swimmers.

Were just doing it all together as a family with my son Glenn. He brought his boat down from New Hampshire to be a part of this Swim. His son, Glenn Jr., and my other son, John, are his crew, said Karin Caves.The three of us stayed on land to help out here. This is our first year here, but we plan on making it a tradition, she added.
MILFORD  More than 1,000 people came to Trubee Doolittle Park and the beach across the street for the annual Woodmont Day on Saturday.

The event, put on by the Woodmont Civic and Recreation Association, began with a 5K road race and parade with the theme Joy of the Holidays. Families designed floats and wore costumes illustrating their favorite holiday. One float was Captain Kidds pirate ship; no holiday was specified.
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Hundreds of dead trees ignited like matchsticks in Central California on Sunday as a fast-moving fire swept over dry hills, forcing Fresno County residents to evacuate their homes and scramble to safety.

The wildfire started Saturday afternoon off of Gooseberry Lane and Morgan Canyon, south of the town of Prather. As of Sunday afternoon, the flames had engulfed 1,500 acres and were just 5 percent contained, according to Stacey Nolan, a fire prevention specialist with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.

At least 300 homes had been evacuated.

We watched it explode, coming across Old Millerton Road, and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger, Dana Bays told KFSN-TV.

To the west, the massive Soberanes Fire continued to rage around Big Sur. By Sunday morning, the blaze had grown to 38,000 acres  larger than San Francisco  and was 15 percent contained.

The blaze started more than a week ago in Garrapata State Park in Monterey County and has destroyed 57 homes and threatens 2,000 more in the region. A state of emergency has been declared, which allows authorities to tap into resources from around the state.

More than 5,300 people, including firefighters, have been deployed to help, according to Cal Fire.

Officials have lifted evacuation orders in the Carmel Highlands area, and Riley Ranch Road and Corona Road have been reopened to traffic.

The Palo Colorado community and residents around Old Coast Road and Rocky Creek Road among others are still under evacuation orders. Additionally, on Sunday morning, the Monterey County Sheriffs Department issued an evacuation warning for portions of the Cachagua and Tassajara communities.

Robert Reagan III, a Friant (Fresno County) bulldozer operator working with a private contractor, died Tuesday after rolling the heavy equipment in a remote area of the Soberanes Fire.

Several state parks, including Pfeiffer Big Sur, Andrew Molera and Garrapata, remain closed.

The area, which depends heavily on tourism, also has taken a hit as fire officials have warned that crews will likely be battling the blaze for another month.

Cal Fire officials recommended that people considering travel to the area check online for additional closures.

In Los Angeles County, crews have nearly surrounded a 65-square-mile blaze that killed one man and destroyed 18 homes. That fire was 93 percent contained Sunday, nine days after it broke out in suburban Santa Clarita and spread into the mountainous Angeles National Forest, officials said. Authorities have not determined the cause.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Cynthia Dizikes is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cdizikes@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @cdizikes
After 44 years in politics, Bernie Sanders has finally taken the plunge. At long last hes a regular Democrat.

Of course, he doesnt quite want to admit it. I was elected as an independent, so Ill stay (in the Senate) two more years as an independent, he told reporters last week.

Indeed, he still wishes it were possible to organize an independent leftist party in the United States the way European countries do. We dont have that, he said a little mournfully.

But after decades of agitation as an outsider, hes decided the best way to pursue his political revolution is to campaign for a ticket he doesnt like very much. And thats pretty much the definition of a party regular: someone who works for candidates he disagrees with  as long as they carry the right label and the disagreements arent too wide.

Sanders didnt merely endorse Hillary Clinton in his stem-winding speech at the Democratic National Convention on Monday evening, he endorsed her wholeheartedly.

I am proud to stand with Hillary Clinton, he said. 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 pleaded with his die-hard supporters to join him, and he promised to work not only for the presidential ticket, but also for Democrats running for Congress, state legislatures and local offices.

I support Democrats, he said.

His main role, he added, will be to make the Democratic Party a 50-state party.

Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta said hes delighted that Sanders is on the team. He can go campaign for us in any of the battleground states, Podesta said, noting that Sanders had energized millions of young voters who still havent warmed to the nominee. Sanders could be especially helpful in the swing states he won during the primaries, such as New Hampshire and Wisconsin.

Sanders has supported Democratic presidential candidates before, going back to Walter Mondale in 1984. But that was mostly a low-key affair in his home state of Vermont. This time, hes talking about a much more visible national role, closely coordinated with Clintons campaign.Sanders is also launching a new organization, Our Revolution, to continue pushing the Democratic Party to the left. But itll be a little less revolutionary than it sounds. Its heart will be a very traditional political activity: fundraising. Thats right: Sanders will put his enormous list of donors to work for Democrats  OK, progressive Democrats  at every level around the country.

For decades, leftists in American politics have had a prickly relationship with the Democrats  sometimes working within the party (as in the 1972 George McGovern campaign), sometimes breaking with it, sometimes forming third parties or independent organizing committees.

Sanders is a part of that history; when he began running for office, in 1972, it was as a candidate of Vermonts almost-forgotten Liberty Union Party. He regularly denounced Democrats as sellouts to a corrupt political system. Even as a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, he was initially reluctant to embrace the party label.

But Sanders isnt really betraying his past or his supporters. Hes willing to join the dark side now because its not so dark (to progressives) anymore; in fact, its downright hospitable for small-d democratic socialists.

Democratic voters arent what they used to be: In 2000, the Pew Research Center reported recently, only 27 percent of Democratic voters described themselves as liberal; now that number is 41 percent.

Case in point: President Bill Clinton was a champion of business-friendly free trade agreements like NAFTA. If theres a second President Clinton, shell be a self-proclaimed skeptic on trade.

In other words, just as the Republican Party has become more conservative, so too have the Democrats become more progressive. (Sanders success is proof of that.)

The party apparatus isnt what it used to be, either. Sanders was right when he said the Democratic Party platform is the most progressive one ever. He and his supporters were able to push Clinton to the left on several major issues: a pledge to make public universities tuition-free for most students, a promise to raise Social Security benefits, and opposition to the current version of President Obamas proposed trade agreement with Asia, the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Sanders didnt win the nomination. But over the course of the competition, he became a Democrat  functionally, if not yet in his own self-image. And certainly, the Democratic Party became more like him.
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MAXWELL  At least three Houston-area residents were among the 16 people killed in the deadliest hot-air balloon crash in U.S. history, family and friends confirmed Sunday, as federal officials released new details about the Central Texas disaster.

The National Transportation Safety Board, which has launched an investigation into the accident, confirmed Sunday evening that the hot-air balloon had hit high-tension power lines before crashing into a pasture.

"There is evidence that some component of the balloon hit the wires  not the tower," said NTSB member Robert Sumwalt.

Authorities had not released the names of the victims as of Sunday evening. Caldwell County Justice of the Peace Matt Kiely told reporters near the site of the fiery crash that dental records will have to be used to identify the passengers killed when the red-white-and-blue balloon with a yellow smiley face plummeted to the ground near Lockhart, about 30 miles south of Austin.

Friends and family members of some of the victims, including a married couple and their friend who lived in the Houston area, have already begun grieving over the tragedy on social media sites such as Facebook. So far, at least seven crash victims, including the pilot, have been identified by name in this manner.

Joe Owens, 43, and his wife, Tresa, who were married for 17 years and lived on a quiet cul-de-sac in Brookshire, near Katy, were among those killed in the crash, said his sister, Angie Nadolny, of Mattoon, Ill.

Nadolny had not received official notification of the couple's death from authorities. But shortly before the crash, her brother posted a photo on Facebook about going up in the balloon.

Joe, who worked as a butcher at H-E-B, and Tresa, a caregiver at Tiger Land Child Care in Katy, had recently celebrated their anniversary.

"He was a very warm, caring person," Nadolny said of her brother. "He helped anybody he could. He's just a good-hearted, fun-loving man."

Holly Smith Huckabee of Katy also apparently was killed, according to numerous online tributes by friends and family members. Huckabee appeared to have been friends with the Owenses, according to social media profiles.

Many wrote of Huckabee's faith, love for her family and positive personality. One man, a singer, knew Huckabee and the Owenses.

"They were such wonderful people," Reuben Rivera wrote on Facebook. "Holly, Joe and Tresa will be sorely missed. My heart and prayers goes out to both families as they go through this."

The harrowing episode began around 7 a.m. on Saturday when a hot-air balloon carried pilot Alfred G. "Skip" Nichols and 15 passengers 8 miles away from Fentress Texas Airpark and apparently hit a power line before it plummeted into a pasture.

The site of the crash is near a row of high-capacity transmission lines owned by the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corp., according to the Austin American-Statesman.

Gathering evidence

No one survived. The balloon was found nearly a mile away from the basket that had carried the passengers. NTSB investigators from Washington hit the ground in Central Texas on Sunday morning to examine the wreckage and gather evidence.

"Our mission  we're here to find out what happened so we keep it from happening again," Sumwalt said.

The Federal Aviation Administration's Lynn Lunsford said through email that the organization is participating in the NTSB-led investigation.

The FAA previously had rejected NTSB calls for further regulation of hot-air balloons, citing the low amount of balloon activity.

Over the past five years, hot-air balloons have crashed 60 times across the nation, with five resulting in seven deaths, according to the NTSB.

Sumwalt said a high-tension power line was tripped at 7:42 a.m. Saturday and that a call to 911 followed a minute later, according to the Associated Press.

Investigators have collected 14 electronic devices, including smartphones and cameras, from the scene. They also have said they'll look into the weather as well as the balloon's maintenance records, the pilot and the company that operated the hot-air balloon, Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides, which operates in Houston, Austin and San Antonio. The balloon itself was manufactured in the Czech Republic.

The operation does not appear to be registered with the state of Texas. The Better Business Bureau gave the company a D+ rating and said five of six complaints it had received involved "problems with product/service," online records show.

Nichols previously had operated a hot-air balloon company in St. Louis County, Mo., and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported in 2008 that the Better Business Bureau there had warned customers about doing business with Nichols, the AP reported Sunday. The news service also quoted a Missouri police officer who asked not to be identified as saying Nichols had been arrested in 2000 on a felony driving-while-intoxicated charge and pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DWI in 2002.

In a statement on the company's voice mail, Heart of Texas said it had canceled all of its flights "for the foreseeable future" after the death of its owner and chief pilot, Nichols. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who passed away with Skip," the company said.

'A great pilot'

Nichols' roommate, Alan Lirette, who also works for the company, told AP that he helped launch the balloon on Saturday. Federal officials said Nichols had communicated with a ground crew with a cellphone as he navigated using his iPad.

"That's the only thing I want to talk about, is that he's a great pilot," Lirette said. "There's going to be all kinds of reports out in the press, and I want a positive image there, too."

Federal officials planned another briefing Saturday but hadn't said when they'll release the victims' names.

Two others who apparently died were Lorilee Brabson and her adult daughter, a close friend wrote on Facebook.

"Lorilee was always an excellent example of loving and kindness to all," Britney Reeves Hedin wrote. "She was sincere and so welcoming."

Brabson's daughter had a young daughter of her own, Hedin wrote, adding that her heart is "completely broken" for the family. A GoFundMe page said the daughter, Paige, was a restaurant worker and was raising an 11-month-old child when she was killed in the crash.

Matt and Sunday Rowan, both 34 and of San Antonio, were also victims of the crash, the San Antonio Express-News reported. The couple were married in February. Matt Rowan had recently been promoted to chief of clinical trials for burns and trauma at Brooke Army Medical Center's Institute of Surgical Research in San Antonio, the newspaper reported.

Sunday Rowan, whose maiden name was Stewart, worked at a Crazy 8 clothing store and had a young son.

Near the crash scene, grieving families gathered at a community center outside Ebenezer Lutheran Church on Sunday.

Scott Stephens, the congregation's leader, opened up the morning's service saying that answers to Saturday's tragedy will be difficult to find. Said Stephens, "It's not one of those things you look up in the book."

San Antonio Express-News reporter Rye Druzin and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Update: The man in custody is a suspect in the woman's death and may face possible murder charges, Houston police spokesman Victor Senties said Sunday morning.

Houston police are questioning a man in the shooting death of an elderly woman whose body was found in a residence in the Braeswood Place area on Saturday evening.

The man, who is a relative of the woman, is being questioned although police have not said if he is a suspect. The woman, who is in her late 70s, was found inside a residence in the 3700 block of Merrick at Edloe at about 5:30 p.m.

A supervisor in the HPD homicide division said that two detectives were sent to the scene after receiving a report of a body found at the residence, and found the woman had been killed by a shotgun.

Homicide investigator A. Vinogradov said they have not established the exact relationship between the victim and the man they are questioning, who is in his 40s. Earlier, the man went to a city fire station where he was acting erratically.

When police went to the address given by the man, they saw a shotgun in plain sight near the body of the elderly woman inside.

"We have one person detained but we don't know what his relationship," is to the deceased, Vinogradov said.
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A child reported missing last month was found alive Saturday in Tennessee, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office confirmed.

Wilma Dame, 12, was last seen June 20 at a relative's home in the 6400 block of Crestway in Windcrest, the sheriffs office said in a press release.

Investigators believed Dame was likely being held against her will, the release states, noting at least one person is now in custody.

Dame was found with help from the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and authorities in Tennessee.

Authorities said she is being evaluated by medical professionals and receiving appropriate care.

Details as to why she was taken to Tennessee were not available Saturday because authorities said the case was still under investigation, and no further information could be released.
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Theres a saying on Thors hammer in the Marvel comic books that goes: Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.

Twelve-year-old Nick Napier rocked it like a boss.

Make that like the amazing Spider-Man. After all, Nick wielded the mighty mallet not as the towering thunder god but instead as the masked webslinger from the summer blockbuster Captain America: Civil War.

The costumed tween from Portland, Texas, joined legions of fellow fanboys and fangirls in and out of outfits Saturday for the seventh annual Texas Comicon, a locally brewed pop and geek culture extravaganza for all ages.

Texas Comicon kicked off Friday and concludes today at San Antonio Event Center.

Basically I want something (for) every generation to come in and experience and have a good time, said Kris Kidd, Texas Comicon founder.

That means plenty of cross-generational fun for Comicon-goers, many dressed as their favorite comic heroes and villains. Though it wouldnt be a comic convention without some Star Wars characters, too, from those evil Imperials we first saw in the original movie trilogy to the lightsaber-wielding Rey and Kylo Ren from last years Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

And with all the Batmen and Robins and Jedi and Sith, Texas Comicon showcased its share of dynamic celebrity duos from across the decades, as well.

Celebrity guests included famous TV motorcycle cops Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox from the classic series CHiPs, who greeted fans and posed for smartphone pics, as did those sci-fi TV fly-boys Richard Hatch and Dirk Benedict from the original Battlestar Galactica series.

Estrada especially worked the Comicon crowd with hugs and handshakes, beaming that megawatt smile that made him a star on CHiPs and the Mexican telenovela Dos Mujeres, Un Camino.

I genuinely like people, said Estrada, who now flashes that famous grin as a real-life reserve police officer. And you got to like people to be a cop. You got to. Theres nobody that Ive ever met that is a cop and did not have an overdose in their DNA of compassion.

You also had a couple of mighty charming Power Rangers: Steve Cardenas, who grew up in San Antonio and played the Red Ranger Rocky DeSantos in the 90s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers TV series, and Yoshi Sudarso, currently Koda the Blue Dino Charge Ranger in the Power Rangers Dino Charge series.

Though perhaps the most charming Comicon pairing was the one not on the celebrity guest list. That would be twin brothers Matt and Mark Biangardi, who explored their first-ever comic con dressed as a blue-clad medical officer and red-shirted engineer, respectively, from the original Star Trek TV series, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Its the kind of Trekkie love the franchises most famous Klingon could relate to.

Thats right, Michael Dorn himself, who played Worf on Star Trek: The Next Generation and film and TV follow-ups, also beamed down to Texas Comicon.

Ive heard that, especially daughters have said, It was the time that my father and I bonded, or It was the time that our family bonded for that hour, to watch the original or the reruns or our show, Dorn said of Star Trek. And I think that has a lot to do with why the fans are still there.

As for the comic talent at Texas Comicon, guest artists included Matt Haley, whose sequential artwork literally comes to life in the motion comic for the pre-Batman TV series Gotham. Haley also has worked on Wonder Woman 77, a colorful throwback comic to the 70s TV series that starred Lynda Carter in the title role.

And while Texas Comicon had its share of pretend Wonder Women, too, it also had plenty of young men and women proudly displaying their love of your more esoteric cosplay, the shorthand term for costume play, where people wear colorful character outfits they often stitch together themselves.

I really love to dress up. I always have since I was a little child, said Ash McCurry, sporting the white hat and blue and yellow top of T.K. from the Pokemon-like franchise Digimon, which teems with cutesy digital monsters.

And being able to flaunt my creativity and to be able to show people that, Hey look, I made this, that brings me so much joy, McCurry said as she clutched a plush doll of the Digimon creature Patamon. Especially when little kids come up to you and they think you are the character. That is what really makes it perfect.
Re: Judge fired from crucial mental health job, Gilbert Garcia, July 20:

I was saddened and surprised to read that to help the political prospects of another member of the judiciary, Judge Oscar Kazen has been removed from his position overseeing the mental health docket for Bexar County.

I am a New Mexico state legislator and have a grandson with serious mental illness. I have come to know Judge Kazen as one of the countrys most dedicated and successful jurists when it comes to helping those with serious mental illness who, left to their own devices, cycle in and out of jails and hospitals. Judge Kazens compelling description of the outcomes achieved by Bexar Countys assisted outpatient treatment, or AOT, program was a major factor in my states decision to enact legislation allowing local governments to start their own AOT programs.

Judge Kazen overcame the skepticism of many of my legislative colleagues as he described how such a program can help a person with serious mental illness stick with treatment long enough to experience wellness, as well as save tax dollars. Without an AOT program such as that run by Judge Kazen, this population places a huge burden on local law enforcement and emergency rooms.

What also became clear from my time spent with Judge Kazen is that it takes a special person who can both connect with and engender the respect and cooperation of people with serious mental illness. While Judge Kazen was always quick to share credit with the team he had assembled to run Bexar Countys AOT program, it was obvious that he loved his work and was central to the programs success.

As the grandmother of a grandson who has bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, I understand how essential relationships are to keeping my grandson connected to treatment. It takes a long time for a person with serious mental illness to develop trust in those who are trying to help him. Swapping out Judge Kazen for another judge will be a huge loss for those he supervised and is bound to disrupt Bexar Countys AOT program.

Sen. Mary Kay Papen, D-Las Cruces, is president pro tempore of the New Mexico State Senate.
A godless atheist, a repulsive pedant and a fathead with the brains of a guinea pig. These are just some of the names our presidential candidates have called each other through the years.

Thomas Jefferson was that so-called godless atheist. John Adams was labeled the repulsive pedant. William Tafts good friend Teddy Roosevelt called him a fathead with the brains of a guinea pig. And that was after Roosevelt appointed him secretary of war.

Name-calling in politics is nothing new. And from what we have seen up to now in the presidential election of 2016, we can expect the dialogue to further deteriorate into a rhetorical slugfest.

So how do people of faith enter this hostile conversation? How can congregations in San Antonio faithfully participate in the current political discourse without sanctifying or demonizing either side in this highly polarizing election?

Religious voices are needed in the public square. We need consciences led by faith to speak in ways that stitch the fabric of community together. Our religious communities share many values, such as humility, kindness, sacrifice, honesty and respect for the sacredness of all human life. Shared values need to be highlighted in polarizing times like these.

We do not need religious voices advocating for their own privilege over and against the well-being of others. We do not need entitled faith leaders who demand religious privilege in order to use it as a wedge to divide our communities.

There are certain rules we have agreed upon as a nation to help preserve religious liberty. On Wednesday at 10 a.m., we will be gathering in front of the Bexar County Courthouse to remind religious leaders of the dos and donts of politics and congregations.

Houses of worship may:

Discuss public policy issues.

Sponsor nonpartisan voter registration to encourage voting as a beneficial civic responsibility.

Sponsor candidate forums as long as all candidates are invited and a broad range of issues is discussed.

Urge congregants to communicate with candidates to make their concerns known.

Houses of worship may not:

Issue statements or biased voting guides endorsing or opposing candidates.

Donate money to a candidate.

Offer church space to one candidate and refuse it to another.

Sponsor campaign rallies for candidates in church.

Politics is a siren song for congregations. The lure to power is overwhelming. But the cost is deadly. The wall of separation between church and state is for the well-being of religious life in America.

Theres a thin line between religious liberty and religious privilege. Religious liberty preserves the right of each individual to discern, deliberate and decide to engage in religious life as long as it is not to the detriment of another. This liberty deserves our protection because it is the fertile ground from which authentic faith springs.

Religious privilege, on the other hand, is a death knell for organized religion. It chooses the faith of one over another. And in doing so, hollows out the substance of faith that is vital and free.

Congregations have an opportunity this election cycle to be anchors of hope in the midst of raucous political discourse.

Garrett Vickrey is senior pastor at Woodland Baptist Church.
Afraid to walk a few blocks to school because the boy will be crossing different gang territory. Coerced into sexual servitude to gangs. Being pressured to join a gang  or be killed. Extorted because you live in a gang-infested neighborhood  paying la renta, its called.

Targeted, not just by gangs, but by police because you might be a gang member  prompting the often-repeated phrase, In El Salvador, to be young is a crime. And a homicide rate in the country that leads the world.

This is El Salvador, where conditions exist that go a long way toward explaining why its citizens are fleeing to the United States in such numbers.

Yes, grinding poverty contributes  circumstances mimicked in Guatemala and Honduras. But layering violence on top of that has a predictable effect.

I think that the driving force of migration is economic, but insecurity becomes the trigger, said Manuel Orozco, director for migration, remittances and development at the Inter-American Dialogue, a Washington think tank. In other words, poverty is a motivation to flee, but violence is the catalyst.

These are the circumstances laid out in a recent three-day series in the Express-News by Jason Buch. He went to El Salvador and uncovered many of the root causes for a surge in migration from that country.

Since 2014, he reported, more than 250,000 immigrants traveling as families or unaccompanied minors  most of them from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras  have been detained by U.S. Border Patrol agents.

In 2015 alone, the Border Patrol caught more than 130,000 from the Golden Triangle, what the three-country region is called; 43,000 of them were Salvadorans, accounting for 40 percent of detained migrants that year.

This has occurred even as migration from Mexico has evened out  at net zero according to the Pew Research Center. But the Golden Triangle surge has had an initial and predictable effect  stepped-up border enforcement and creation of a detention centers in Dilley and Karnes County to house many of the migrants.

This is what U.S. Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of Laredo calls spending resources on our 1-yard line.

Playing better offense means directing resources at root causes. And, in fact, thanks in no small measure to Cuellars work, the U.S. has upped aid to the Golden Triangle, $750 million in aid in the 2016 budget, much of it for economic development.

Its not enough.

How bad is it in El Salvador?

The murder rate is 108 per 100,000, 6,656 homicides in 2015 in a country of 6.1 million. That was the highest in the world last year. The U.S. rate is 4 per 100,000.

More than 40 percent of the countrys residents live in poverty. The average monthly income was $540 in 2014.

Strong indications are that any wealth produced in the country is not coming back to large segments of the population.

Gangs control large swaths of the country. Where the Salvadoran police and the military concentrate, gangs find new territory.

There are reports of extrajudicial killings by the authorities.

By any measure, this is worth fleeing. The key is to ameliorate those elements that spur exodus.

U.S. aid is one solution. There must be, as one expert told Buch, a long-term strategy that is not just focused on the security threat posed by gangs and an absence of rule of law. There is some indication that U.S. aid is changing focus.

The U.S. has a history of meddling in this region. The U.S. caused a coup in Guatemala and backed the repressive right-wing government in El Salvador, along with its death squads, through much of that countrys civil war.

That war started in 1980 and ended in 1992. But Buchs reporting reveals that, in many respects, El Salvador is still at war.

Long-term, targeted U.S. aid can help make up for years of meddling. Congress must step up even more.
On November 7, 2007, Samuel Golubchuk was admitted to the ICU at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg; where his life is being sustained by a ventilator and tube feeding. Most of us would have probably never heard the name of this man, nor given a thought to his situation, except for the fact that a legal battle developed around the doctors desire to remove the life sustaining treatments and the familys insistence that they be maintained.

Since then, Samuels plight has been the source of much discussion, his medial state has been examined by a variety of specialists, health care ethicists have weighed in on his situation and courts have made rulings about what the hospital may and may not do in relation to Mr. Golubchuk. Mercifully that battle ended naturally on June 25th when Mr. Golubchuk died in that ICU of natural causes despite the life sustaining treatments that he was receiving.

Although the situation involving this mans care raises many issues worthy of consideration, perhaps one that every one of us should consider is the matter of Health Care Directives. These are called by a variety of names, sometimes Living Wills, sometimes Advance Directives, but in Manitoba the Government calls them Health Care Directives and they are defined in law in C.C.S.M. c. H27  The Health Care Directives Act (assented to June 24, 1992 and updated June 20, 2008).

This Act provides citizens of Manitoba who are 16 years of age or older who possess the capacity to make health care decisions certain rights related to advanced decision making related to ones own health care should the situation arise in which you are not capable to express your own desires and make your own decisions. In the Act two categories of decisions can be made. The first concerns decisions directly related to receiving treatment, withholding treatment or withdrawing treatment should certain health care conditions arise. The second allows for the appointment of a proxy who is recognized then under law as having the right and responsibility to make health care decisions on our behalf should we be incapable of making those decisions ourselves.

In the first case, these instructions can be as detailed as one wishes. However, in discussions I have had with physicians, a very important question has been raised, How can any person possibly anticipate every possible health care situation and make decisions about what they would want in each before hand? Good question. So although we have the right under law to do this, most doctors may counsel their patients against it, simply because of the complexity of determining before hand how you might want each possible health care issue dealt with should you lose capacity to make those decisions at the time. The second case, the naming of a proxy, is much simpler, but requires quite a deep level of trust. If a proxy is named, then all health care decisions necessary would be made by your proxy once capacity has been lost.

Lets suppose Mr. Jones makes a Health Care Directive and instead of attempting to identify all the possible medical issues that may arise and how he would have them dealt with he makes one simple statement on the Directive. Under no circumstance do I want any form of resuscitation to be attempted, no matter what causes my heart to stop and my lungs to cease breathing. Beyond this statement he simply names a proxy.

As he considered naming his proxy he logically considered his wife and four children. His wife, although he loves her dearly, tends to fall apart when trouble hits. He is not sure he wants to place his wife in a position to make decisions about his health care in the event of his incapacity, knowing from their past history just how difficult that would be on her. His two sons both live out of Province and he does not name either one of them simply because of the distance. His two daughters live within 30 minutes of his home, in the same city. They are both attentive and Mr. Jones has a good relationship with both. His oldest daughter is a nurse and has demonstrated over the years that she is level headed in a crisis, even when it comes to her own parents, husband and children. She can handle the stress of a situation and knows how to be decisive. The youngest daughter is the sweetest gal a father would ever want as a daughter. The affection he shares with her is wonderful but her constitution is a bit like her moms and she doesnt do well under pressure. Mr. Jones decides to name his oldest daughter as his health care proxy.

It is important to share this information within the family so Mr. Jones takes an opportunity that presents itself at their Christmas gathering to sit the family down and have the discussion. He explains the decision he has made, he expresses his reasoning and asks the members of the family to support his decision. Each understands Dads reasoning, each accepts his decision and promises to support Mabel, the oldest daughter in the event that something happens and Dad is no longer able to make his own health care decisions. Mr. Jones also has had several long discussions with Mabel about what he wants and doesnt want should certain things happen to him. He makes it clear in the discussions with Mabel that he doesnt want to be resuscitated  under any circumstances  no matter what the circumstances surrounding the situation. Other than that, he trusts her to make the best decisions under the circumstances.

One mistake that most people make with Health Care Directives is that they tuck them away somewhere and because they are not available they get ignored. Without the piece of paper, emergency medical personnel have no choice but to simply follow normal procedures in dealing with the crisis. The Act enables them to do so with no fear of penalty even if what they do contravenes a Health Care Directive that was not presented at the time of care being provided. Therefore, it is a good idea to keep a copy handy, to make sure your proxy, if one is appointed, has a copy; that your spouse has a copy, that every member of the family has one, so that it is more likely, in the event of a medical emergency, that it can easily be accessed and presented to those providing care so that they can respect your decisions.

A person may have a lawyer make out a Health Care Directive, but this is not necessary, the forms can be downloaded from the Government of Manitoba website and are fairly easy to fill in. It would be best, if you chose not to use a lawyer that you get a copy of the The Health Care Directive Act as well as the APPENDIX  Health Care Directive Act (A11) since these contain the legislation, instructions and forms to use in making your Directive. These can be down loaded from the Government of Manitoba website and are not difficult to understand. If you want to do more than appoint a proxy, a conversation with your physician is in order and when you make the appointment, you should tell the receptionist that you are needing to consult with your doctor about your Health Care Directive so that your doctor will be prepared to spend the time necessary to answer your questions and provide the guidance you may need.

I dont know if Mr. Golubchuk had a Health Care Directive. I know the vast majority of people dont have one. I know it is hard to think about these things, for we dont like to think about such possibilities. But we all know that the potential exists for each of us to find ourselves in a situation where a Health Care Directive would be useful. If you are the kind of person who has clear and strong feelings, personal or religious, about your wishes being honored then dont put it off any longer, you certainly dont want to end up the object of a courts ruling like Mr. Golubchuk nor do you want your family to experience the additional trauma of having to enter the adversarial environment of the courts to insure that what they believe you would want is honored.
The debates leading up to the election this year will no doubt invoke the American value of capitalism. But what, exactly, does that mean? And what should it mean?

Im no economist, but I took a few economics courses while earning an undergraduate business degree. Growing up in a capitalist society, I thought I understood the basic concepts underlying capitalism  free markets, competitive advantage and so forth.

Then I actually read The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith, the founding work that described what we call capitalism in the first place. That was a game changer.

Were all probably familiar with Smiths ideas at some level.

The market regulates itself as each of us operates based on our own self-interest. Businesses try to earn profits and consumers try to meet their needs at the best prices. The market ensures that the demand of consumers is met with supply from business.

The governments job, the doctrinaire thinking goes, is to get the heck out of the way. It doesnt set prices or quotas. It just lets the market function.

Smith cast this arrangement in glowing terms in 1776. He was describing England during the Industrial Revolution. He thought it was amazing that millions of individual actors, each operating based on self-interest, could so efficiently revolutionize society without any central planning at all.

Only, he was wrong.

In fact, the growing British Empire was undertaking economic interventions on a colossal scale  and would do even more in the centuries to come. The British set out all over the globe, claiming colonies in the New World and later India and Africa, setting up trade policies that benefited the British at the expense of the colonized.

The British imported cotton from their colonies for their own factories, as well as wheat to feed British workers in the isles. Colonial India, meanwhile, suffered several massive famines. Even as tens of millions of Indians starved to death, record amounts of Indian wheat were exported to feed British factory workers laboring in a so-called free market.

Before the Industrial Revolution, Indian textiles reigned supreme. But British authorities kept industrial textile technologies out of India in order to capture the global textile market, impoverishing the colony further.

Other British staples  tea and sugar  were also imported from British colonies. That sugar was produced by enslaved Africans in the Caribbean.

Some invisible hand.

Smith also overlooked the utter misery textile workers lived in, even in Britain. The system worked at making some people rich. But the squalid and wretched lifestyles of laborers, including children  which inspired the writing of Charles Dickens  were its cost.

We in America have meddled in markets plenty in our own right  not least through historical crimes like slavery and colonialism. But weve also developed more benign interventions that can actually help people.

We ban child labor, for example, and enforce (admittedly inadequate) minimum wage protections. We require businesses to offer safe and healthy workplaces. We ban the sale of dangerous drugs. We try to regulate pharmaceuticals to make sure theyre safe and effective.

In other words, capitalism with absolutely no government intervention is a myth  and always was.

We can debate the pros and cons of specific regulations. But if you hear a candidate claiming that capitalism means doing away with all regulations  or that any government interference in the market equates to socialism or communism  theyre being dishonest.
By Don Quijones, Spain & Mexico, editor at Wolf Street. Originally published at Wolf Street

A most unusual thing happened in Europe this week. In a rare climb down, Angela Merkels government decided not to push the European Commission to impose a punitive fine on Portugal and Spain for their persistent failure to comply with their budget deficit targets, leading one Eurogroup minister to declare that the euro zones Stability Pact is dead.

Of Europes 27 commissioners, only four voted in favor of applying the fines; the other 23 voted against. According to El Pais, the deciding factor in the decision was an impromptu phone call from German finance minister Wolfgang Schauble to some of the more conservative commissioners, giving them the green light to forego the fine.

The U-turn offers Spanish and Portuguese taxpayers a brief but welcome respite from Troika-enforced fauxterity. As we previously pointed out, if the Commission had imposed the fine, it would not have been paid by the politicians who failed to play by the rules agreed upon in Brussels; it would have been paid by the citizenry who are already suffering the consequences of the recession that helped cause the deficits.

But does this rare act of benevolence from Germany represent a genuine shift in policy toward the Eurozones Club Med members or is it merely an act of political expedience?

Naturally, Schauble and Juncker would much prefer Mariano Rajoy, a man cut from pretty much the same ideological cloth as themselves, to stay in power. Spain has been an important ally of Germany under Rajoys charge and the support of his party was essential in propelling Juncker into the European Commissions top spot. Whats more, if Rajoy does eventually form a government, a new round of pre-ordained fauxterity will quickly kick in.

But there are also signs that Germany may be beginning to marginally soften its stance on austerity, prompting rating agency Fitch to lament Europes abandonment, once again, of fiscal discipline and economic reforms.

Merkels government seems to have realized that for the European project to have any kind of future in a post-Brexit world, it will have to offer a little more carrot and a little less stick. If it doesnt, the single currency that enables German manufacturers to export at a discount rate all over the world will eventually crumble under the weight of its own contradictions.

The problem is this, warns U.S. rating agency Standard & Poor. The EU, as it is currently constructed and operates, doesnt embody a coherent pooling of the various dimensions of nation-state sovereignty, and therefore its unsustainable in its current form.

Put simply, the EU is a half-way house with too much democracy and nothing in the way of transfer union.

There are too many moving parts in the electoral politics of 28 nation states, and too many conceivable random-like events that could push political and economic developments in one direction or another, with impossible-to-predict consequences and timelines, the agency added.



The perfect case in point is Italys banking crisis. If the countrys struggling banks are not saved with a combination of public and private money  a process that, to all intents and purposes, began on Friday with the announcement of Monte dei Paschis suspension of the ECBs stress test as well as a 5 billion capital expansion later this year  the resulting carnage could unleash not only a tsunami of financial contagion but also an unstoppable groundswell of political opposition to the EU.

For a taste of just how disastrous the political fallout would be for Italys embattled premier, Matteo Renzi, heres an excerpt from a furious tirade given by Italian financial journalist Paolo Barnard on prime-time TV, addressing Renzi directly:

You went to meet Mrs. Merkel to ask for a minor public funded bail-out of Italian banks and you got a sharp NO. But did anyone tell you that Germany from 2009 onwards bailed out its failing banks with public money? Banks, that is, with holes in their balance sheets visible from the Moon. Germany bailed them out to the tune of 704 billion euros. It was all paid for by European taxpayers money, public funds that is. It was done through the EU Commission of Mr Barroso and by Mr Mario Draghi at the ECB. Didnt you know that Mr Renzi? Couldnt you have barked this right into Ms Merkels face?

Barnard rounded off his rant with a rallying call for Italians to follow the UKs example and demand an exit from the EU  a prospect that should be taken very seriously given that one of the manifesto pledges of Italys rising opposition party, the 5-Star Movement, is to call a referendum on Italys membership of the euro.

Such a vote would be impossible since the Italian constitution expressly forbids referendums on international treaties such as those that hold the EU together. But as Reuters reports, Matteo Salvini, the leader of the right-wing Northern League, a member of the opposition center-right, and Beppe Grillo, founder of the 5-Star Movement, have vowed to pursue a legislative change to allow an ad-hoc exception to the Italian constitution.

Whether or not a referendum on the euro takes place, one thing thats clear is that a post-Renzi Italy will be a much more difficult, unpredictable force to deal with than the current Renzi-governed Italy. And if Italy ever did decide to leave the Union, whether in an orderly or disorderly fashion, it would be the end of the road for the European project.

For that reason alone, the Commission and Germany will almost certainly end up granting further concessions to Italy and its Southern European neighbors, including a taxpayer-funded rescue of MPS. It may even include a bail-out top-up for Portugals crumbling financial system, which was left out of last weeks stress tests.

The challenge for Merkel and other leaders of core euro zone nations will be trying to persuade their already disgruntled voters of the need for increased solidarity with their struggling neighbors to the South. That may well be a bridge too far. By Don Quijones, Raging Bull-Shit .

Theres a pervasive sense of inevitability to Italys banking crisis. Read Contagion from Italys Bank Meltdown Spreads
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Postal Service honors Henry James (18431916), a towering figure in American literature, with a non-denominated three-ounce-rate stamp. The stamp, issued today and priced at 89 cents, is the 31st entry in the Literary Arts stamp series.



In novels and stories that often explored the complex interplay between Americans and Europeans, James sought to portray the intricacies of society and the inner lives of his characters with exquisite realism, an intellectual and artistic achievement that earned him a reputation as one of the greatest writers the United States has ever produced.



The stamp features an original painting by artist Kate Sammons of Los Angeles under the art direction of Antonio Alcala of Alexandria, VA. On the left is a portrait of James based on a 1906 photograph by Alvin Langdon Coburn. It shows the author in profile looking to the right, his left hand on his chin in a gesture of contemplation.



On the right side, behind James, is a vignette showing a man and a woman in a small boat; the man holds an oar, while the woman shades herself with a pink parasol. This vignette is an artistic interpretation of the climactic scene from The Ambassadors, James's 1903 novel in which a middle-aged American is sent by his wealthy fiancee to Europe, presumably to rescue her son from a woman she believes must be bad for him  the two people represented in the boat.



Even though James was born in New York City, he traveled extensively and resided in a number of different places in Europe, giving his writing a distinctive international flavor. James's literary output was prodigious: 20 complete novels, more than 100 shorter pieces of fiction, several plays and hundreds of shorter works and articles, including travel observations, literary criticism and theater reviews. Two of his most well-known stories include Daisy Miller and The Turn of the Screw. His other works included The American, The Portrait of a Lady, The Bostonians, The Wings of the Dove and The Art of Fiction, among many others.



During James's lifetime, readers were often drawn to his novels and short stories for their accounts of passionate friendships, love affairs, and marriages that were unhappy and rife with conflict. His contemporaries also admired his realistic and thoughtful portrayals of women, especially strong, autonomous heroines failed by men and betrayed by other women. His eye for human nature has stood the test of time; interest in his work surged in the 1930s and continues to this day. His novels and stories have inspired numerous stage and radio adaptations, followed more recently by major television versions and Hollywood films, confirming that our distance from the bygone cosmopolitan society he described makes the human conflicts he explored no less relevant, illuminating and engaging.



On the new stamp, the words "THREE OUNCE" indicate its usage value. Like a Forever Stamp, this stamp will always be valid for the rate printed on it.



Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at their local Post Office, at The Postal Store website at usps.comshop or by calling 800-782-6724. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others) and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:



Henry James Stamp

Special Events

22403 Randolph Drive

Dulles, VA 20103-9998



After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. There is a 5-cent charge for each additional postmark over 50. All orders must be postmarked by Oct. 1, 2016.



Ordering First-Day Covers

The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog, online at usps.comshop or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:



U.S. Postal Service

Catalog Request

PO Box 219014

Kansas City, MO 64121-9014





The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.



Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom. Reporters interested in speaking with regional Postal Service public relations professionals should visit this link. Follow us on twitter.com/USPS and like us at facebook.com/USPS. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and usps.com/postalfacts.

A photo accompanying this release is available at:

http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=40960
Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide / Key word(s): Disposal/Forecast 31.07.2016 13:28 Disclosure of an inside information according to Article 17 MAR, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frankfurt, July 31, 2016, 12:55 PM CEST Effective today, July 31, 2016, Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide (Fraport AG) and its consortium partners reached an agreement to sell a portion of their shares in Thalita Trading Ltd. to Qatar Investment Authority. As a result, Fraport AG will reduce its equity share in Thalita Trading Ltd. from 35.5 percent to 25 percent. In addition, a subsidiary of Fraport AG will sell loans provided to Thalita Trading Ltd. Thalita Trading Ltd. is the parent company of Northern Capital Gateway LLC, which holds the concession to operate Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, Russia. Due to the sale by consortium partner Copelouzos Group, Qatar Investment Authority will acquire a total stake of 24.99 percent in the airport operating consortium, while Fraport AG will remain the lead operator following this transaction. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Russian government and the senior project finance lenders. Currently, Fraport AG expects that these approvals will be granted and that the transaction closing will take place during the second half of 2016. Based on the current book values Fraport AG expects the total transaction to generate a gain between 30 million Euros and 40 million Euros, which will fully impact the Group EBITDA, EBIT, and EBT in the 2016 business year and will positively influence the Group result. Depending on the further development of carrying amounts up until the closing of the transaction, the before mentioned values may still vary. However, as of today Fraport AG expects a noticeable positive contribution from the closing of the total transaction. Despite the recent weakening traffic developments at some Group airports, particularly Frankfurt and Antalya, the Fraport AG Executive Board is maintaining its Outlook - when taking account of the positive effects from the disposal of shares in St. Petersburg - for the full year 2016 ranges for Group EBITDA, Group EBIT, Group EBT, and Group result set at the beginning of the fiscal year. 31.07.2016 The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Company: Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide - 60547 Frankfurt am Main Germany Phone: +49 (0)69 6 90-7 48 42 Fax: +49 (0)69 6 90-7 48 43 E-mail: investor.relations@fraport.de Internet: www.fraport.de ISIN: DE0005773303 WKN: 577330 Indices: MDAX Listed: Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange End of Announcement DGAP News-Service ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAS VEGAS, July 31, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- All About Cats Veterinary Hospital, a full-service veterinary hospital in Las Vegas, NV, recently welcomed a new veterinarian to the team. Dr. Laura Klaassen joins Drs. Terri Koppe, Alissa McCormick and Cathy Berquist in treating and caring for cats throughout the Las Vegas area. Dr. Klaassen is no stranger to the popular animal hospital. "I worked here during my undergrad years," she said. "It's really nice to be back, and I look forward to serving cats and their owners," she added. The practice's other three veterinarians are also excited about their new colleague.



Although Dr. Klaassen was born and raised in Las Vegas, she hasn't stayed put the entire time. When she was a young adult, she headed to the Pacific Northwest to attend Oregon State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Zoology. From there, she headed to Colorado, where she earned her veterinary degree from Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine this year. A self-professed cat lover, Dr. Klaassen was raised in a family where virtually everyone owned at least one furry feline. The veterinarian owns one cat herself. She rescued Patches years ago, and the cat has traveled with her for all her school years.

Now that she's joined All About Cats Veterinary Hospital, Dr. Klaassen has no intention of resting on her laurels. The ambitious veterinarian plans to become a feline specialist by completing a certification track that is offered by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. The certification allows veterinarians to specialize in species-specific medicine. With this credential under her belt, Dr. Klaassen will bring even more prestige to the veterinary hospital. "There is no question that Dr. Klaassen is passionate about veterinary medicine, and we are thrilled to have such a hard-working professional on our team," said Dr. Koppe.

All About Cats Veterinary Hospital strictly treats cats, so it is a safe haven for them and their owners. Cats enjoy the peaceful setting, which is absent of the typical noise and barking that goes on at regular veterinary practices. The practice offers a wide array of services for cats, including complete wellness care, spaying and neutering, vaccines, dental care and behavioral counseling. Additionally, All About Cats Veterinary Hospital offers cat-only boarding and grooming as well as an on-site pharmacy. Cat food is also available for sale. "We strive to be a one-stop shop for cats and their owners," said Dr. Koppe. She and her colleagues look forward to introducing Dr. Klaassen to local cat owners and their beloved cats.

All About Cats Veterinary Hospital is located at 4370 South Durango Drive in Las Vegas, NV. Appointments can be made by calling (702) 257-3222. Further information on their full range of veterinary services for felines can be found on their website at http://allaboutcatsonline.com/.
ORLANDO, Fla., July 31, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Growing numbers of employees want to learn more about natural health options, reports Summit Chiropractic. Employees benefit from reduced stress and an understanding of their spinal health when mini-massages and spinal screenings are added to corporate health fairs. Summit Chiropractic provides a free on-site service in the workplace with a massage therapist who performs mini-massages, spinal screenings and answers health questions on muscles, joints and other health concerns. Summit Chiropractics on-site sessions help corporations meet OSHA requirements on safety training. Employees in manual labor and office positions are both known to benefit from chiropractic care, massage therapy and health education in the workplace.



Summit Chiropractic recommends corporate wellness services for the following reasons:

Stress levels and muscle tension can be significantly reduced with regular and targeted spinal adjustment and massage. Corporations can improve their injury prevention program by incorporating pre-shift warm-up programs to loosen worker muscles and avoid sprains, strains and herniated discs. Summit Chiropractic can perform on-site safety trainings and bring natural wellness options to health fairs to keep staff healthy and productive. The positive impact of chiropractic-led wellness programs held on-site that affect employers bottom-lines include a decrease of healthcare costs by 55 percent, a reduction of 24 percent in short-term disability claims and a significant reduction of employee turnover rates by 60 percent.

HR professionals or those organizing their corporate health fair can call Summit Chiropractic to schedule a session at their next wellness day.

OSHA trainings are important in many industries. Studies show that massage and chiropractic treatment can:

Reduce anxiety

Reduce blood pressure levels

Positively affect neurological, respiratory, lymphatic and muscular systems

Improve immune system response

Promote positive metabolic changes

Enhance quality of sleep

Decrease the severity and intensity of headaches

Massage therapy, chiropractic therapy, as well as proper nutrition, exercise and stress-reduction techniques help employees manage both physical and emotional stress. Employers benefit from fewer sick days and improved workplace performance.

Research shows the many advantages of natural wellness programs, which incorporates options such as massage therapy and chiropractic care, said Dr. Jamee Fike, DC. As an experienced chiropractor, I help patients achieve their wellness goals with chiropractic care, massage and a range of supporting services. Workplace massage and chiropractic care brings education and self-care to companies, benefiting both employees and employers.

Dr. Jamee Fike, DC. and Dr. Daniel Warner, DC. provide chiropractic services to residents of Waterford Lakes, Union Park, University Park, UCF, Avalon Park, and East Orlando. The staff at Summit Chiropractic helps patients reach the peak of their health with services including chiropractic care, nutrition, lifestyle advice, spinal correction and rehabilitation and supporting natural therapies. The team uses a holistic approach to promote healing without invasive surgery.

Call (407) 203-6745 to schedule corporate wellness services for an on-site workplace or visit http://summitchirofl.com/ for more details on their full range of chiropractic services.
Naturopathic physicians know the power of nutrition and advise their patients accordingly

(NaturalNews) In the early 1900s, the American Medical Association removed virtually all nutrition classes from the medical colleges, so that every student of medicine, from there on out, would be focused on but one mode of treating patients: prescription, patented chemicals that relieve only the symptoms of much deeper rooted health problems. This guaranteed two things. One: return business. Two: easy money for doctors and pharmaceutical companies that would take over the American Medical Industrial Complex that was soon to be the core of mainstream Western medicine. You see, doctors in America at that time were broke. Natural healers , Native Americans and midwives were handling most health situations, not to mention the discovery of many of the natural vitamins, like A, B, C and D.Then came World War II, after which Nazi scientists helped American medical researchers concoct cancer-causing pesticides, vaccines, chemotherapy, toxic food additives and preservatives, and of course, carcinogenic pharmaceuticals. Big pharma knew then, as they know now, that people who eat healthy, locally-grown farm food, herbs and raw organic produce doexperience the preventable diseases and disorders that are so popular in America today. If medical doctors, including pediatricians, simply understood and were educated about this, there would be no money in medicine, and how would they then afford those three-story homes, luxurious automobiles, swimming pools and costly vacations?If MDs understood nutrition and advised their patients accordingly, we would see a drastic drop inof the preventable and curable diseases and disorders, including cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, strokes, diabetes, dementia, arthritis, osteoporosis and more.So what's the big difference between medical doctors and naturopathic physicians, you may be asking? For starters, naturopaths combine the wisdom of nature with modern science, instead of slinging chemical medicine at everybody. They focus on holistic and proactive preventative medicine through comprehensive diagnoses that minimize the risk of harm. Some people think learning nutrition is easy, but naturopathic doctors (NDs) undergo rigorous training before they become licensed healthcare practitioners. NDs treatmedical conditions, including allergies, digestive issues, respiratory conditions, heart disease, chronic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, and they even perform minor surgeries. They are also trained to utilize prescription drugs; however, their emphasis is on natural healing agents. NDs stay up-to-date with the latest scientific research and will help you set up a customized health management strategy. It's time for you to do this!What arehealth goals? It's time you take the time to make some health goals, if you haven't already, and to address them, so that you can reach them and maintain them! NDs can diagnose you in theway MDs do, but NDs are equipped with a whole new arsenal of treatments and insights that head off disease and disorder at the pass, instead of just prescribing meds to cover up and relieve symptoms. Affordable and sensible healthcare is about prevention and natural living, not chemicals piled on chemicals piled on more chemicals. Just because MDs are trained to juggle prescriptions doesn't mean they know anything about safety with medication, because, truly, no chemical medications are safe. Today's pharmaceuticals are pushed through without human safety testing, as the ultra-rich and powerful manufacturers simply pay off the FDA and the CDC to turn their heads, while highly experimental drugs are tested on the human guinea pigs of the country and the world.You are an intelligent, holistic being whose body and mind deserve respect and wholesome care. Don't fall for the Big Food, Big Pharma scams that send so many people to an early grave after spending every dime they have on useless treatments along the way. Stay positive, stay smart and make thechoice to visit a physician who has spent many years learning how to heal the body using nature's own remedies ! You may even want to become a natural healer yourself.
Citizens petition oil and gas board to release information about fracking chemicals

Oil and gas industry hiding chemical information behind trade secret protections

Citizens say they have a right to know which chemicals are injected into the ground around them

(NaturalNews) Rich in natural resources, Montana is becoming the new stomping ground for fracking , a practice that involves the high-pressure injection of chemical-laden water into rock formations deep underground, releasing oil and gas reserves that were previously unreachable.Though it has essentially freed America from its reliance on the Middle East for fossil fuels, fracking remains controversial for a number of reasons, primarily due to its adverse health and environmental effects.Fracking is strongly linked to water contamination, as the barrage of toxic chemicals injected deep underground sometimes make their way into groundwater and eventually into people's wells. Weak regulations are mostly to blame, as well as trade secret safeguards that allow Big Oil to withhold information from the public about the toxicity of their chemical mixtures.Luckily for Montanans, state law allows citizens to petition regulatory agencies including the Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation to enact policy changes that protect the public from harmful industrial processes, such as fracking.Utilizing their Constitutional rights, a coalition of property owners, environmentalists and public health advocates recently petitioned the oil and gas board to disclose information to citizens about the chemicals used in fracking, reports eNews Park Forest Represented by the non-profit environmental law firm Earthjustice and led by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Montana Environmental Information Center, the coalition asked the board to implement "common-sense changes" that give Montanans, particularly those who live or farm near drilling sites, access to information about the chemicals.This would allow individuals adversely affected by fracking to better protect their health, property and surrounding environment."Montanans have the right to know what is being pumped into the ground around their homes, farms, and ranches," said Katherine O'Brien, an attorney for Earthjustice who drafted the petition on behalf of the coalition."There is no reason why Montanans should have less access to basic information about the potentially harmful chemicals used in fracking than their neighbors in Wyoming."Although the oil and gas board already requires fracking operators to disclose information about which chemicals they're using, the rules, which appear crafted to favor the industry, have twoflaws.The first is that citizens are not told specifically which fracking chemicals are used until the job is complete, drawing immense frustration from people living and working nearby. This significantly reduces their "ability to assess the risks to their health and property and conduct effective baseline testing of their water supplies."Secondly, Big Oil is allowed to keep chemical information private under trade secret protections, which has proven to be one of the biggest road blocks for scientists attempting to understand the health and environmental impacts related to fracking chemicals.Scientists say that almost nothing is known about one-third of fracking chemicals. However, eight of them are proven toxic to wildlife, while others are known human carcinogens.Some ingredients found in fracking include sand, gelling agents and biocides, used to kill bacteria responsible for corroding well casings."Unlike in Wyoming, Montana's rules do not provide for any state oversight of trade secret claims to ensure they are valid. These loopholes in the disclosure rules unfairly deprive Montanans of important chemical information and violate the public's right to know and right to a clean and healthful environment under the Montana Constitution," reports"What's the point of a fracking chemical disclosure rule that allows the oil and gas industry to keep the chemicals they use secret?" asked Amanda Jahshan with NRDC."Montanans have a right to know what chemicals are being blasted underground in their own backyards, alongside their drinking water. Transparency is critical to protecting public health and our communities."
Gender-neutral bathrooms becoming obligatory

Excellent distraction from party's latest woes

(NaturalNews) The Democratic National Convention is embracing its party platform by transforming a women's bathroom at the Wells Fargo Arena into an "all-gender" restroom instead. Many female attendees, however, are less than enthused about the shared bathroom, with at least one arena employee complaining that she doesn't want men in the stall next to her while attending to personal business in the bathroom.Attendees report there is a single all-gender restroom aimed at accommodating transgender people, and it's the convention's female attendees who are coming up short as the transformation leaves them with one bathroom fewer than the men in attendance. In other words, men on that floor can choose whether they want to use their own bathroom or a shared one, while women have no other option but to use the all-gender one. This is leaving some women feeling like their right to privacy has been disregarded in a big way by the "equal opportunity" DNC. After all, surely there are more women in attendance at the convention than transgender individuals.The bathroom, which is situated near the arena's media section, is being used by female and male reporters and cameramen. Interestingly enough, several of those in attendance report that they have not seen any transgender individuals using it.However, the openly transgender Sarah McBride will be featured in the convention's speaking lineup. McBride is the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's national press secretary.The issue of transgender bathrooms has gotten a fair amount of attention in the current presidential campaign after a law in North Carolina brought the topic into the public discourse. For his part, Republican candidate Donald Trump has said that he would allow transgender celebrity Caitlin Jenner to use whatever bathroom she preferred at Trump Tower.Colleges throughout the country have been creating "gender-neutral" bathrooms to accommodate students who are "uncomfortable" using facilities that are specifically designated male or female, and the Obama administration is trying to force all public schools to permit students to use the bathroom of their choice. Pennsylvania lawmakers penned a letter expressing their outage over the order and asking Obama to rescind it immediately, while Mississippi officials indicated they would not be following the guidance. Other states, including Arizona and Georgia, are pushing back, citing federal overreach.These bathroom protocols are concerning across the board. Many women are uncomfortable with the idea of sharing bathrooms with men, particularly when they need to tend to matters that cannot or should not be confined to a stall, such as breastfeeding . Many women also report that gender-neutral restrooms tend to be messier than female-only restrooms. In addition, shared restrooms allow, for example, men to enter bathrooms that young girls are using, which poses an entirely different and even more disturbing set of problems.The DNC takes this "inclusiveness" one step further with the designation of certain zones in the arena as "gluten-free". One person's gluten-containing food is extremely unlikely to cause harm to someone with a gluten allergy, so this move is just as baffling as the bathroom one.Of course, the Democratic Party will be pleased that the restroom is getting so much attention in the news ; perhaps that's even why it was placed right outside the media area. The topic of the all-gender restrooms and gluten-free zone is a great distraction from the other, far more serious problems plaguing the party, such as leaked emails showing that the DNC conspired with Hillary Clinton to destroy Bernie Sanders.
A woman was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after smashing her car into a house's gas meter in Pacifica, according to the Pacifica Police Department.

The crash occurred early Sunday morning around 2:50 a.m. when a woman veered off the roadway and careened into a house's wall and gas meter, police said.

The driver, identified as a 62-year-old female from Pacifica, was transported to San Francisco General Hospital for examination and upon further investigation, she was arrested on a suspected DUI, police said.

Fire and PG&E crews were on scene of the crash as a precautionary measure in the case of any gas leak, police said.
Thinking hed established a building block with his previous start, Sonny Gray struggled mightily once again Sunday at Progressive Field.

He lasted just 3 1/3 innings and got hammered for seven runs as the As lost 8-0, completing a three-game sweep for the American League Central-leading Indians.

Gray worked through a turbulent fifth inning Tuesday against Texas and went six innings to earn the victory. But after two smooth innings to begin Sundays outing, trouble found him in the third as Cleveland struck for five runs off him. That included Jason Kipnis bases-loaded single that scored two, a wild pitch that led to another run and Mike Napolis two-run homer on a hanging curve.

Gray (5-10) went back out for the fourth and allowed four consecutive singles followed by a walk before manager Bob Melvin came to get him with one out. It marked the fourth time this season that Gray has allowed as many as seven earned runs, and the As quest to get their No. 1 starter back to his previous form remains their most perplexing problem of 2016.

The As managed just five hits off Indians right-hander Corey Kluber (10-8), who struck out seven and walked two over seven innings. The As have now lost three in a row after winning their first four series coming out of the All-Star break.

Starting pitching report:

Gray gave up eight hits, struck out three and walked two. As has happened in many of his starts, Gray got off to a crisp start before finding trouble that he couldnt find his way out of. Another hallmark of his season also reared its ugly head  his struggle to take care of business against the opponents bottom third of the lineup. Clevelands 7-8-9 hitters went a combined 5-for-5 with an RBI and four runs scored against him. Grays 10 losses tie his career high, and his 5.84 ERA is the highest in the AL among qualified starters.

Bullpen report:

After Zach Neal impressed Saturday night in an extended relief outing, J.B. Wendelken shined in mop-up duty Sunday, tossing three scoreless innings with three strikeouts.

At the plate:

After falling behind early, the As never seriously threatened to get back in this one. Yonder Alonso had two hits, and Stephen Vogt snapped an 0-for-12 streak with a double in the fifth inning. Max Muncy drew his first big league start at second base in place of Jed Lowrie, who is dealing with a sore toe that manager Bob Melvin said has been a nagging problem. Melvin was hopeful that Mondays day off will help Lowries condition.

In the field:

Marcus Semien made a terrific backhand stop and throw to first to retire Francisco Lindor to end the first inning. Josh Reddick made a terrific throw from right field to nail Lonnie Chisenall trying to go first to third. Credit Ryon Healy for an excellent tag on the play too.

Attendance:

The announced turnout was 23,739.

Up next:

The As will close out this nine-game road trip with three at Anaheim beginning Tuesday, when Sean Manaea (3-5, 4.57) matches up against Matt Shoemaker (5-11, 4.17) in a 7:05 p.m. game. Kendall Graveman (7-7, 4.15) and Jered Weaver (8-8, 5.14) take the mound Wednesday at 7:05 . Then Thursdays finale will get underway at 4:05, with the As still TBA on their starter and the Angels throwing Tim Lincecum (2-5, 8.49).
marine wrote:

For the last five years the Dutch economy has grown faster than Britain, France, or Germany, with the unemployment rate having remained well below that of the other three countries.



A)Britain, France, or Germany, with the unemployment rate having remained

B)have those of Britain, France, or Germany, and the unemployment rate remaining

C)have Britain, France, and Germany, and the unemployment rate has remained

D)the economy of Britain, France, and Germany, with the unemployment rate that has remained

E)the economies of Britain, France, and Germany, and the unemployment rate has remained

E is correct.A and C are incorrect. Dutch economy has grown faster than Britain, France and Germany (not their economy).D is incorrect. The economy of Britain, France, and Germany suggest that these countries have single economy which is compared to Dutch economy.B is incorrect. It is not parallel. Dutch economy has grown faster and Dutch unemployment rate has remained VS Dutch economy has grown faster and Dutch unemployment rate remaining.
Hillary Clintons campaign was warned by the FBI last spring that they detected attempts to hack into its network, NBC News reported.

According to a U.S. official and another source with direct knowledge of the matter, the campaign didnt grant an FBI request to examine its internal data.

A Clinton aide said the FBI didnt tell the campaign that it suspected Russian intelligence agencies were behind the attempts. The aide said the campaign already took measures to protect its networks.

The campaign says although a computer system it used was hacked, there is no evidence intruders got into internal campaign networks. The campaign declined to comment publicly on the FBI meeting.
Russia is building a spaceport designed to reinstate it at the forefront of cosmic travel and evoke its 1950s Soviet heyday when Moscow put the first human in orbit.

But five years after construction began, NBC News reports that the Vostochny Cosmodrome is behind schedule, billions of dollars over budget, and dogged by accusations that officials have embezzled funds and did not pay workers for months at a time.

The complex in Russia's Far East designed to launch missions to the Moon and Mars is on course to be the most expensive spaceport ever built.

According to an expose by RBC published in July 2015, the original cost of the facility was supposed to be just $1.9 billion in today's prices. The spiraling price tag  $7.5 billion according to an official estimate in 2011  makes it almost four times as expensive as NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Two people were injured when a car lost control and crashed into a bar on Chicago's Near North Side Saturday evening, according to police.

Around 6:30 p.m., the car was turning west onto Division Street from State Street in the city's Gold Coast neighborhood when the driver lost control, according to police.

The car sideswiped a van, striking two pedestrians and a lightpole before hitting a building, authorities said. The pedestrians, a 28-year-old woman and 36-year-old man were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries, police said.

Authorities said the bar, She-Nannigan's House of Beer located in the 0-100 block of W Division Street, sustained minor damage.

The driver stayed on the scene of the crash and the investigation is ongoing, according to police. Citations were pending Sunday morning.
A man has been sentenced to 46 years in prison for sexually assaulting a pregnant woman on the West Side in 2012.

Henry Johnson, 51, was convicted of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated criminal sexual assault and armed robbery, according to the Cook County states attorneys office.

About 5 a.m. May 28, 2012, the four-months-pregnant woman was walking to a friends house near Madison and Kilbourn to pick up her children, prosecutors said.

Johnson pulled up in a green minivan, got out, walked up to the woman and put a sharp object against her back and ordered her into the van, prosecutors said.

Once she was in the van, Johnson brandished a knife and threatened to kill the woman as he drove to a secluded area in the 4600 block of West Van Buren, prosecutors said. He parked the van under trees, stole the womans money and sexually assaulted her.

During the assault, the woman saw an unlocked door and escaped, partially clothed and without her shoes, purse and cellphone, prosecutors said. She ran to a senior housing complex across the street, screaming for help and banging on doors and windows until security called police.

She was taken to a hospital for treatment, prosecutors said.

Two weeks later, another woman was sexually assaulted in the same neighborhood, prosecutors said.

A man was driving in the 4600 block of West Van Buren when he saw a woman running from a green minivan with her clothing in disarray, prosecutors said. The man let the woman in his vehicle and chased the van for several miles. He called police and reported the vans license plate, but for safety reasons police ordered the man to stop the chase.

Officers took a report from the victim, who said that Johnson had followed her from a party and threatened her with a knife to get her into the van. While he was assaulting her, she forcefully twisted his genitals and escaped.

Johnson was arrested about an hour later, double parked in front of his house with the van still running, prosecutors said. He had both of the womens cellphones on him.

Judge Dominica Stevenson handed down the 46-year sentence.
Four firefighters were injured during a blaze on Chicago's West Side that prompted the use of a Mayday distress signal Sunday afternoon, fire officials confirmed.

The fire occurred at a two-story home in the 4900 block of W. Potomac in the Austin neighborhood around 12 p.m., according to the Chicago Fire Department.

Five ambulances were sent to the scene, and all companies were accounted for just before 12:30 p.m., Fire Media Affairs tweeted. The fire was extinguished as of 12:37 p.m., officials said.

Fire Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department Jose Santiago confirmed that four firefighters were engaged in a search-and-rescue mission when they were injured, Santiago said.

"They found that the cause of the fire was on the second floor near the rear by the kitchen," Santiago said. As they made their way closer to the fire, he said they had "problems with the water supply and their hoses."

A flashover occurred, according to Santiago, who likened it to an explosion.

"The four firefighters were in dire trouble at that time, to the point where some of them had to jump out of the window," Santiago said.

The firefighters sustained first- and second-degree burns and were all taken to Stroger Hospital where they were listed in stable condition.

All four firefighters were "alert, awake, and talking," according to Santiago, and they were mostly worried about each other.

"They all had their masks on, and that's why they're alive right now," Santiago said.

Six people were displaced by the fire, including three adults and three children, officials confirmed.

Derita Conley told NBC5 she has lived on the second floor of the two-flat for two years and that she was planning to move, but lost everything in the blaze.

She and five of her family members, including her newborn grandchild, were able to safely escape the fire, she said. They were getting ready for a family gathering when a neighbor told her to get out.

She was able to save the family dog but her cats went back inside the home, she said. Conley is a cat trainer, and had six cats in the home.

"I'm just happy we got out but I'm missing my cats," Conley said. "I had them since they were babies, hoping animal cruelty will help me bury them. We could lost our life up there."

The investigation is ongoing.
The 18-year-old man who was fatally shot by Chicago police on Thursday died from a gunshot wound to the back, according to an autopsy report.

Paul O'Neal, of the 1700 block of E 70th St, was killed around 9 p.m. Thursday night in the city's South Shore neighborhood, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.

His death has been ruled a homicide.

Two Chicago Police officers were "relieved of police powers" on Friday, a department spokesperson said, adding that the officers may have "violated" policy. The third and final officer involved was relieved from duty Saturday, according to a statement from the Chicago Police Department.

"Tonight, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson has relieved two officers of their police powers following last night's police involved shooting from 73rd and Merrill," CPD spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said Friday.

The officers' identities were not released.

"Following the release of autopsy results from the Cook County Medical Examiner this morning, Johnson spent hours behind closed doors at police headquarters Saturday getting briefed on the results and rereviewing video evidence with Department officials," Guglielmi said in a statement Saturday.

He said the "chronology of events is complex" and still being investigated by the Independent Police Review Authority. Johnson spent the afternoon with advisors and department command staff going over the incident, Guglielmi wrote.

Around 7:30 p.m. Thursday, officers saw a Jaguar S-Type convertible that had been reported stolen from Bolingbrook, according to police. Police said they "attempted to curb" the car near 74th Street and Merrill Avenue when the Jaguar sideswiped the police vehicle and another nearby parked car.

Three officers then fired their weapons at the Jaguar, police said. O'Neal, who was in the car, was taken to an area hospital where he died, police said.

According to police, officers sustained injuries while attempting to stop the vehicle and were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The officers were wearing body cameras, police said.

"CPD investigators determined three officers discharged their weapons in the course of their duties and given what is known thus far, it appears that departmental policies may have been violated by at least two of the police officers," Guglielmi said in the email.

All three officers will be assigned to administrative positions pending the IPRA's investigation, he said.

Another police-involved shooting occurred on Chicago's South Side Thursday, when officers wounded a man suspected of robbery in the city's Englewood neighborhood.
Wealthy Republican donors are descending on Colorado Springs, Colorado, this weekend to attend the Charles and David Koch bi-annual retreat where the cloud of Donald Trump hovers over the rich influencers, NBC News reported.

The wealthy conservative activists and the sum of their vast donor network have shunned Trump throughout the entire presidential election. But as they gather this weekend, Trump is sure to be a topic of discussion as it's the first time the group is meeting since Trump was crowned as the Republican nominee.

Trump, coincidentally or not, held a rally in Colorado Springs Friday despite being 10 points behind in the latest poll in Colorado, a gap that explains why Democrat Hillary Clinton pulled advertising from the state.

On Saturday he tweeted, "I turned down a meeting with Charles and David Koch. Much better for them to meet with the puppets of politics, they will do much better!"
Danbury police have arrested a man accused of viciously assaulting a Danbury police officer.

Pierre Elhayek, 20, of Danbury, is charged with assault on a police officer, interfering with a police officer, breach of peace and criminal mischief after police said he attacked an officer Saturday night.

According to a Danbury police press release, Officer Joe Pooler was in his marked patrol cruiser parked at Jimmys Market at 38 Germantown Road around 11 p.m. when he spotted a man, later identified as Elhayek, pacing up and down the road. Elhayek approached Poolers vehicle and began banging on it, according to police.

Pooler got out of the cruiser thinking Elhayek needed his help. According to police, Elhayek then struck Pooler in the side of the head and ear. Police said Elhayek repeatedly punched and kicked Pooler. During the struggle Pooler lost his Taser and could not reach his radio, police said.

The officer eventually was able to get back to the safety of his cruiser and radioed for help, police said. Several officers arrived and Elhayek was arrested after a struggle.

Pooler was treated and released from Danbury Hospital.

Elhayek is currently being held on a $250,000 bond.
A Connecticut man is facing charges he illegally collected nearly $8,000 in unemployment compensation benefits while he was in prison.

Authorities say 46-year-old Eric Harrold, of Naugatuck, was arrested Friday after an investigation into a complaint from the Connecticut Department of Labor.

Prosecutors say Harrold fraudulently collected $7,812 in unemployment benefits from November 2011 through March 2012 while he was incarcerated.

Harrold is charged with one count each of larceny in the first degree and unemployment compensation fraud.

He was released on a $10,000 bond and is due in court Aug. 2.

It's unclear whether he has retained a lawyer who could comment on the charges.
On Friday Suffield officials met to address the issue with their interim police chief, who the state said was no longer certified to have the title or to even be a police officer in Connecticut.

Anthony Riello has been the interim chief in Suffield for just over a year.

But as of Friday, Riello is no called the superintendent of the Suffield Police Department.

He said nothing will change moving forward, except for the fact the town is now in compliance with connecticut law.

First selectman Melissa Mack said, "We think this is the perfect solution to the problem because it really continues Mr. Riello in doing good work he was hired to do."

Town offcials responding to this letter dated one week ago, from the state's police certification agency stripping riello of his role as chief.

He failed to comply with training required by law over the past year he's been the interim chief.

Mack added, "Personally, I was only made aware of this issue on Friday. I would've hoped I would've been given notice (that) our police chief certification was coming to an end and given the opportunity to secure the problem in a reasonable amount of time."

Riello, who retired after decades in law enforcement in Massachusetts, reiterates he never planned on completing those courses, per discussions with the town when he was hired, given his temporary status.

He stated, "I certainly respect what they think, so I went home and changed. Don't want them thinking I was impersonating a police officer."

Moving forward, Riello is no longer carrying a gun or badge, but everything else he says is status quo.

Riello said, "Nothing's changed. Change of command is still the same, was never arresting people, never hired to do that. Did it for 35 years. I was hired to lead the department and that's what I'm doing to help us move forward."

The first selectwoman said when Riello's contract is up, she's confident the police commission will name his permanent replacement.

Meanwhile, officials from the police officer standards and training council said they're satisfied with this result.
Two dead bodies were discovered floating in New York City waterways Saturday, one in Ambrose Channel and another in the Harlem River.

At roughly 3:20 p.m. yesterday, the NYPD Harbor Unit received a call about a person in the water in Ambrose Channel, off the shoreline of south Brooklyn near Bensonhurst. Police sought out and found the body of an unconscious and unresponsive man. He was rushed to Kingsborough College Pier and treated by EMS workers, but could not be saved. No arrests have been made in connection with the man's death, but an investigation is ongoing and an NYC Medical Examiner is working to determine the exact cause of death.

Several hours later, the NYPD received another call of a person in the water, this time in the Harlem River just before midnight. Harbor Units found an unresponsive, unconscious woman floating near the intersection of 225th Street and Adrian Avenue. Police rushed her to the Peter Jay Sharp Boat House where she was given medical attention, but EMS workers pronounced her dead at the scene. Her death is being investigated and no arrests have been made.
A shooting in a crowded entertainment district in downtown Austin early Sunday caused a chaotic scene, leaving one woman dead and three others wounded and police searching for a suspect.

Austin police say they want to question 24-year-old Endicott McCray in the overnight shootings. Police are circulating a photograph of a McCray and are describing him as a "person of interest."

Austin Police Chief of Staff Brian Manley said police received reports of gunshots in crowded Sixth Street Entertainment District shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday, and found that five people had been shot.

"It was a very chaotic scene," Manley said. "A lot of people running in different directions with all the gunshots coming out."

One woman was pronounced dead at the scene, and three other women were taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge with injuries that were serious, but not life-threatening. Manley said another victim declined to be transported to the hospital.

"We have multiple individuals, witnesses, that we are currently interviewing," Manley said. "We had one individual who was initially noted as a person of interest, however that person's status at this point is undetermined."

Manley said because of the large crowd presence, police were getting descriptions of a suspect from witnesses. However, he said the descriptions were consistent, to an extent, but not all the same.

Police originally reported an active shooter scene in the area, but Manley said two separate incidents caused the confusion. He said there was another confrontation in a nearby parking garage and that a shot was fired there.

A man was transported to the hospital after that confrontation, but his condition was not immediately known.
The Cowboys have a near 40 year history of holding training camps in Southern California.

Will it continue?

It will in 2017, because the Cowboys and the city of Oxnard have a contract.

I have wondered if the Rams would try to take over the Cowboys Oxnard training camp facility since they used it for their 2016 offseason OTA's and minicamp.

The Rams will not come back to Oxnard because they have inked a deal to hold training camp in Irvine, California. Per the Los Angeles Times, the Rams will pay UC Irvine about $10 million to host the teams training camp for three years, with an option for two more, according to a copy of the contract obtained under Californias Public Records Act.

A Cowboys source told me that the Rams would not think of taking over Jerry's training camp site since he help the Rams owner relocate from St. Louis to Los Angeles.

Last year, Jones told me that he wants to keep bringing his team to California for the first part of training camp. He said this knowing his new practice headquarters would be finished by that time his contract with the city Oxnard expired.
The father of a Muslim-American army captain killed in Iraq blasted Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for accusing him of not allowing his wife to speak during his emotional address at the Democratic National Convention, according to NBC News.

"Running for president is not an entitlement to disrespect [a] Gold Star family and Gold Star mother, not realizing her pain," Khizr Khan said during an interview on ABC News Saturday.

"Shame on him! Shame on his family!" Khan said. "He is not worthy of our comments. He has no decency. He is void of decency. He has a dark heart."

Trump had criticized the bereaved Khan, who in his convention speech Thursday challenged the real estate mogul by asking if he'd ever read the Constitution and offering to lend him a copy.

The lawyer said Trump has "sacrificed nothing and no one" for his country. Trump disputed that Saturday, saying he'd given up a lot for his businesses.

"I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures," he said, in an interview with ABC's "This Week."

He added: "Sure those are sacrifices."

Trump's comments sparked immediate outrage on social media, including from Republican strategists, who criticized Trump both for attacking a mourning mother and because many considered them racist and anti-Muslim.

Critics from both parties on Saturday questioned whether Trump had the empathy and understanding to be president, particularly after he questioned why mourning mother Ghazala Khan stayed silent during her husband's Thursday night address.

"It just demonstrates again kind of a temperamental unfitness. If you don't have any more sense of empathy than that, then I'm not sure you can learn it," Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine said after a campaign event in Pittsburgh.

Former President Bill Clinton, who joined his wife and Kaine at the event, agreed: "I cannot conceive how you can say that about a Gold Star mother."

John Kasich, the Ohio governor who sought the GOP presidential nomination, said on Twitter, "There's only one way to talk about Gold Star parents: with honor and respect. Capt. Khan is a hero. Together, we should pray for his family."

The Trump campaign also released a statement Saturday, calling Khan's son, Capt. Humayun Khan, "a hero to our country."

"While I feel deeply for the loss of his son, Mr. Khan who has never met me, has no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the Constitution," Trump said in the statement.

Khan gave a moving tribute to their son, who posthumously received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after he was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq in 2004.

In the interview, Trump also reiterated his criticism of Khan's wife, Ghazala, who stood silently on stage, wearing a headscarf. "If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me."

In an earlier response to Khan's speech, Trump told Maureen Dowd of The New York Times: "Id like to hear his wife say something."

Ghazala Khan has said she didn't speak because she's still overwhelmed by her grief and can't even look at photos of her son without crying. Trump's comments sparked immediate outrage on social media, both for attacking a mourning mother and because many considered them racist and anti-Muslim.

Appearing on MSNBCs Last Word With Lawrence ODonnell on Friday, Khan said being on the DNC stage was difficult and he couldnt have done it without having his wife at his side, NBC News reported.

She told ODonnell about her reaction when her son first told her he was heading to Iraq: "Don't become [a] hero for me. Just be my son. Come back as a son," she told him. "He came back as a hero."

Ghazala Khan said the last time she spoke to her son was on Mother's Day 2004, just months before he was killed.

During the interview, her husband made a plea to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, asking them to "repudiate" Trump.

"You are about to sink the ship of the patriot Republicans," Khizr Khan warned.

"There is so much at stake, and I appeal to both of these leaders: this is the time. There comes a time in the history of a nation where an ethical, moral stand has to be taken regardless of the political costs," he continued. "The only reason they're not repudiating his behavior, his threat to our democracy, our decency, our foundation, is just because of political consequences."

Ryan didn't address Khan's comments directly, but tweeted his support of American troops "at home & abroad" Saturday.

"We owe everything to those who serve our country at home & abroad. We also owe them the tools they need to tackle new threats. #BetterWay."

In a statement, Hillary Clinton said she was "very moved" by Ghazala Khan's appearance.

"This is a time for all Americans to stand with the Khans and with all the families whose children have died in service to our country," she said. "Captain Khan and his family represent the best of America and we salute them."
Hundreds of San Diegans hung blue ribbons across one Chula Vista park Sunday in honor of fallen San Diego Police officer Jonathan DeGuzman.

San Diego Police Department (SDPD) officer Jonathan "JD" De Guzman, a 16-year veteran assigned to the Gang Unit, was shot and killed Thursday. His partner, Wade Irwin, was left seriously wounded but is expected to survive.

Members of the community came out to Heritage Park in Chula Vista's Otay Ranch neighborhood early Sunday, taking turns to shake officers' hands and tie blue ribbons to trees in the park and at local businesses nearby.

Residents across Chula Vista, Officer De Guzman's hometown, will also tie blue ribbons to their doors as they mourn the loss. De Guzman frequently came to the park and played with his kids.

Many who came out Sunday said the death hit them hard.

"I have a lot of friends and family who are in law enforcement, and this really touched the heart because its so close to home," Dolly De La Rosa said.

"He's a hero in our eyes," said De La Rosa.

Some, like parent Lilia Muniz, said respect for law enforcement officers is a value she hopes to instill in her children today.

I believe and I should teach them that that's probably the only way we could come out of this tragedy," she said.

Her children are classmates with De Guzman's daughter.

"We were just heartbroken, and I had to figure out how to tell them that this had happened to one of their friends," she said.

Chula Vista Police Chief David Bejarano and Chula Vista Mayor Mary Salas both attended the event, along with many other local law enforcement officers.

Mariam Byron, a Chula Vista Police Department officer, said she wanted to come out Sunday to show her solidarity.

"Were obviously hurting for the San Diego Police Department's loss, the loss of officer De Guzman," Byron said. "It's very sad and tough times right now. so just want to show our solidarity and our support for Officer De Guzman and his family and for our San Diego PD brothers and sisters."

Chief Bejarano, who attended the ribbon tying, said hearing about De Guzman was especially difficult for him. When he was San Diego Police Chief, he presented De Guzman with his badge in October 2000.

"Well get through this all together, but it really breaks your heart, to say the least," Bejarano said.

With heavy hearts, community members spent the morning wrapping a symbol of respect around each tree.

"I think it helps all of us as far as starting the healing process," Bejarano said.
A man and a woman were gravely injured in a Sun Valley house fire on Saturday, firefighters said.

The structure fire was reported at 8:04 p.m. at 9145 La Tuna Canyon Rd., said Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey.

The house was "well-involved" with flames, he said.

Chris Laskaris, a neighbor, said he doused himself in water and went inside the burning home but the smoke and flames were too much.

"The lady was frantic," he said. "Me and the other guy tried to go in but the smoke was pretty insense. We tried to crawl where we could breathe. It was pitch black and you couldn't see anything."

Firefighters rescued two adults from the residence who suffered grave injuries, Humphrey said.

The fire was extinguished by 8:55 p.m., he said.

Another woman was rescued in fair condition with only a minor burn to her hand, Humphrey said.

One firefighter had an unspecified injury and was being evaluated at the scene, he said.

The fire at the Hacienda-style home started in the attic before spreading to the rest of the residence, Humphrey said.
Police were searching for multiple suspects in a home invasion in Pasadena Sunday.

Dwip Pandya and his wife were in their home at the 3600 block of Grayburn Road when up to six armed men wearing masks forced their way inside just after 1 a.m. Sunday, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Temple Station.

One of the men cornered the couple at gunpoint in the bathroom, which they had locked themselves into using a towel rack.

The thieves then made off with a wallet, car keys, and five thousand dollars' worth of cash and jewelry, Pandya said. After the men had left, the couple quickly phoned the police, who arrived within two minutes.

Police are still investigating the invasion, and say there are no reported injuries.

The couple is thankful the police arrived so quickly, and that their two daughters were away with their grandparents for the weekend.

"This was a scary situation," Pandya said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call 800-222-8477.
Donald Trumps campaign issued a statement Saturday, praising the son of a Muslim American lawyer who criticized the Republican presidential nominee in an emotional speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Captain Humayun Khan was a hero to our country and we should honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe," the statement said.

"The real problem here are the radical Islamic terrorists who killed him, and the efforts of these radicals to enter our country to do us further harm.

The captain's parents, Khizr and Ghazala Khan, have come under criticism from real estate mogul for speaking out against his candidacy during the Democratic National Convention.

In an interview with ABC on Sunday, Trump defended himself and said Ghazala Khan stood by silently because she may not have been allowed to speak during her husbands speech at the DNC.

Ghazala Khan responded to Trump directly in an op-ed in the Washington Post Sunday.

"Donald Trump said that maybe I wasnt allowed to say anything. That is not true. My husband asked me if I wanted to speak, but I told him I could not," she wrote. "Donald Trump said he has made a lot of sacrifices. He doesnt know what the word sacrifice means."

Trump also said Khizr Khan had no right to attack him when he offered to lend Trump a copy of the constitution.

Khizr Khan, the father of a Muslim U.S. soldier who was killed in action, addressed the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

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.

After facing backlash, Trump reiterated the statement from his campaign in a tweet Sunday.

Captain Khan, killed 12 years ago, was a hero, but this is about RADICAL ISLAMIC TERROR and the weakness of our 'leaders' to eradicate it! Trump tweeted.

But he defended his criticism of Khan: I was viciously attacked by Mr. Khan at the Democratic Convention. Am I not allowed to respond? Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me!

Captain Khan, killed 12 years ago, was a hero, but this is about RADICAL ISLAMIC TERROR and the weakness of our "leaders" to eradicate it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 31, 2016

The bereaved father has called on House Speaker Ryan to withdraw his support for Trump after the candidate's remarks about the family.

The House Speaker said Muslim Americans who serve in the U.S. military should be honored  "period"  and that he would reject any proposal that would require a religious test for entry into the U.S.

Ryan made the comments in a written statement issued Sunday, but didnt specifically mention Trump. He also praised a U.S. Army captain, Humayun Khan, who was killed in a suicide bombing in Iraq in 2004.

"America's greatness is built on the principles of liberty and preserved by the men and women who wear the uniform to defend it," he said in the statement. "Captain Khan was one such brave example. His sacrificeand that of Khizr and Ghazala Khanshould always be honored. Period."

A religious test for entering our country is not reflective of America's fundamental values. I reject it. pic.twitter.com/DdsYj2XoLS  Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) July 31, 2016

Trumps running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence called the captain an American hero, while defending Trumps Muslim immigration ban.

By suspending immigration from countries that have been compromised by terrorism, rebuilding our military, defeating ISIS at its source and projecting strength on the global stage, we will reduce the likelihood that other American families will face the enduring heartbreak of the Khan family.

Trumps comments have drawn anger from people on social media as well as from other politicians.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid called on both Ryan and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to revoke their endorsement of the real estate mogul.

Senator McConnell and Speaker Ryan approvingly spoke at Donald Trumps convention, endorsed Donald Trump for president and believe he is mentally fit to sit in the Oval Office," Reid said in a statement. "Occasional statements that do nothing to repudiate Donald Trumps words and actions are spineless. Anything short of revoking their endorsements is cowardice."
Police are searching for the man suspected to have been behind a quadruple shooting that left three people dead in southwest Miami-Dade early Sunday morning.

A mother, her 17-year-old son and 19-year-old daughter were shot to death by 32-year-old Antwon Lamar Fair, according to Miami-Dade police. Fair is considered to be armed and dangerous.

Fair remains on the run from the law Monday and was last seen in a White 2009 Chevy Impala with Florida tag BDYW67, police say

Late Monday afternoon, police located the vehicle, but are still looking for Fair:

Someria Nina and her husband live just across the street from where 39-year-old Takeeya Fulton and her family was shot early Sunday morning at SW 115th avenue and 203rd terrace.

"100-percent shocking," said Nina. "I'm feeling terrible, terrible for that boy."

Fulton's 12-year-old son survived the gunfire and is recovering at Kendall Regional Hospital, where he listed in critical condition.

"He killed my sister and nephews, man," said Gus Lanier, brother of the shooting victim. "This is a cowardly act he pursued over kids."

Miami-dade Police haven't confirmed the relationship between Fulton and Fair but the mom's brother said the two dated and had several children together.

If you have any information that could lead to the whereabouts of Fair, please contact CrimeStoppers Miami at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 9-1-1.

Tips leading to his arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $3,000.
Warning about a potential for high-fatality accidents, safety investigators recommended two years ago that the Federal Aviation Administration impose greater oversight on hot air balloon operators, government documents show. The FAA rejected those recommendations.

A hot air balloon with 16 people aboard crashed Saturday in Central Texas. Authorities say it's unlikely anyone survived. It was not immediately known whether it was a tour balloon.

In a letter to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta in April 2014, the National Transportation Safety Board urged the FAA to require tour companies to get agency permission to operate, and to make balloon operators subject to FAA safety oversight.

"The potential for a high number of fatalities in a single air tour balloon accident is of particular concern if air tour balloon operators continue to conduct operations under less stringent regulations and oversight," then-NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman wrote. Hersman pointed to a 2013 commercial balloon tour accident in Egypt that resulted in 19 deaths.

Although "such an accident has yet to occur" in the U.S., she wrote, "based on the number of recurring accidents in the United States involving similar safety issues, the NTSB believes that air tour balloon operators should be subject to greater regulatory oversight."

The FAA's Huerta responded that regulations were unnecessary because the risks were too low.

"Since the amount of ballooning is so low, the FAA believes the risk posed to all pilots and participants is also low given that ballooners understand the risks and general hazards associated with this activity," Huerta responded last November.

The NTSB had based its warning on three prior balloon accidents that it had investigated.

Those investigations highlighted "operational deficiencies in commercial air tour balloon operations, such as operating in unfavorable wind conditions and failure to follow flight manual procedures," Hersman's letter said. The board noted that balloon tour operators aren't subject to the same safety oversight as somewhat similar airplane and helicopter tour operations.

Speaking to The Associated Press just before leaving for Texas to lead the crash investigation, NTSB board member Robert Sumwalt said he was studying the board's recommendations from previous hot air balloon accidents.

Sumwalt said the NTSB team was still trying to gather basic information about the Texas crash.
Hillary Clinton has used the days following her convention to try and win back some of the white working class voters that once made up a key piece of the Democratic Party's electoral coalition. Trump's anti-trade message has appealed to those voters, who feel frustrated with an economic recovery that's largely left them behind.

On Saturday, Clinton made stops in rural western Pennsylvania, a largely white part of the swing state that traditionally votes Republican.

Clinton is playing up economic opportunity, diversity and national security. Democrats hammered home those themes this week with an array of politicians, celebrities, gun-violence victims, law enforcement officers and activists of all races and sexual orientation. Their goal is to turn out the coalition of minority, female and young voters that twice elected Obama while blunting some of the expected losses among the white men drawn to Trump's message.

At a rally in Pittsburgh, she was introduced by Mark Cuban, the Dallas Mavericks owner, technology investor and television personality who recently endorsed her. "Leadership is not yelling and screaming and intimidating," he said.

Cuban tweeted his support for Clinton before making the introduction at the rally. He said "hello" to Trump in Russian, then taunted the reality TV star by saying "Shark Tank," a television show he invested on, was more popular than "The Apprentice."

Trump has made plans to visit some of the same areas Clinton is campaigning in during her three-day bus tour through Ohio and Pennsylvania, scheduling Monday stops in Columbus and Cleveland.

The Trump campaign swaggered out of the convention weeks, feeling bullish about the bump the nominee received from his own nominating convention.

While Clinton and Kaine attempted to sell their positive economic message, much of their strategy centers on undermining Trump, particularly the business record that makes up the core of his argument to voters.

Clinton highlighted Trump's use of outsourcing to manufacture some of his branded products, arguing he's profited from the same foreign labor he now blames for killing U.S. jobs.

"What part of America first leads Trump to make Trump dress shirts in Bangladesh not Ashland, Pennsylvania," said Clinton. "I just find it so maddening that Trump goes around saying this and all the stuff he makes in other countries."

Speaking at a rally earlier Saturday in Johnstown, Clinton criticized Trump's reaction to retired General John Allen.

Trump attacked Allen during a rally Thursday in Ohio, after the retired general spoke out against the Republican nominee during the DNC.

"They had a general named John Allen. And he, I never met him, and he got up and he started talking about Trump, Trump, Trump," Trump said Thursday.

"You know who he is? Hes a failed  he was the general fighting ISIS. I would say he hasnt done so well, right?"

Clinton told supporters Saturday Trump lashed out because Allen didn't believe he should win the general election.

"Our commander in chief shouldn't insult and deride our generals, retired or otherwise."
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Seven tractor-trailer trucks were heavily damaged by fire while parked in Brooklyn and police say they are investigating the case as an arson.

Officers responded to a report of a vehicle fire at about 3 a.m. Sunday at the corner of Stanley Avenue and Essex Street, a commercial area in the East New York neighborhood, police said. When they arrived, they found a truck cab on fire.

Further investigation revealed that the cabs of six other 18-wheelers in the vicinity were also burned.

The trucks are owned by their drivers, who are employed by TTS Trucking.

Like the other drivers, Juan Camelo depends on his vehicle for his livelihood.

"That's the only truck that I have. I don't know what I'm going to do now," he said. "I got a family to support like everybody else."

The driver/owners told NBC 4 New York that the overnight fires aren't the first time trucks have been burned.

Victims say that more than 25 trucks have been burned.

Firefighters extinguished the truck fires and no injuries were reported.
Police are searching for a man who they say attempted to rape a woman in a Staten Island church basement.

The suspect has been identified as 42-year-old Asuncion Moran Barrera. Investigators released no information about Barrera's residence or possible whereabouts.

Barrera is accused of approaching a 21-year-old female security guard on July 24 in a womans restroom located in the basement gym of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Port Richmond section.

The security guard had been hired to monitor a private event at the church, which rents the gym for such celebrations as weddings, baptisms and birthdays.

Barrera grabbed the woman by the throat and pushed her down while he unbuckled his pants, police said.

The woman was able to fight him off.

Anyone with information about the reported attack is asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
A Suffolk County police officer responding to a report of a shooting at a party was hit by a vehicle early Sunday morning, authorities said.

The officer, who was directing traffic near the scene of the shooting on Cortland Street in West Babylon, was transported to a hospital with a minor leg injury around midnight, police said.

Authorities received a call at about 11:40 p.m. about the shooting at a party. A 21-year-old man who was shot in the back was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, according to police.

The man underwent surgery and appears to be in stable condition, police said.

No arrests have been made over the officers injury, nor the shooting.
A retired Rhode Island police officer wanted on suspicion of killing his wife led police on a chase in New Jersey Saturday night before killing himself, police said.

The woman's body was found in the trunk of the retired officer's car, and the man, former Providence police officer Franklin Osgood, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.

Norwich, Connecticut, police said a Be on the Lookout (BOLO) was issued to all Connecticut police departments for the couple and their vehicle Saturday. Police said it was intially believed that Osgood was taking his wife to the Quinnipiac River.

New Jersey State Police were notified around 9 p.m. Saturday by Providence police that Osgood was believed to be traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike, according to a state police news release. He was considered armed and dangerous.

Troopers located Osgood's black 2007 Dodge Charger near Ridgefield Park in Bergen County, but Osgood refused to stop, according to the release. He lost control of the car and went off the road, damaging a trooper's cruiser in the crash.

When troopers approached the car they found the 61-year-old Osgood with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said. They found the body of his wife, 55-year-old Mary Jo Osgood, in the trunk.

Franklin Osgood was pronounced dead about two hours later at Hackensack University Medical Center.

According to WJAR-TV, Providence police said Sunday that Osgood joined the department in 1995 and filed to retire in 2005, but didn't officially retire until two years later.

Providence police, who are still investigating a motive for the crime, said Osgood's daughter had called them Saturday to say her father was missing and distraught.

The trooper involved in the Turnpike crash was injured but is expected to recover, New Jersey troopers said.
What to Know A man and a woman were killed by flood waters, according to county officials.

40 people from the Phoenix Emporium, a bar in Ellicott City, and at least 80 others from cars in different locations were rescued.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Howard County.

Flood waters tore through the streets of Ellicott City, Maryland, Saturday -- killing two people and causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure.

A man and a woman were found dead Sunday morning, said Andy Barth, spokesman for Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman.

The victims have been identified as 35-year-old Jessica Watsula, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and 38-year-old Joseph Anthony Blevins, of Windsor Mill, Maryland, Baltimore County Police said. Both bodies were discovered on the Baltimore County side of the Patapsco River, authorities said during a news conference.

"This was a terrible, terrible, horrific incident before we knew two people had died. That just makes it so much more horrific," Kittleman said during the news conference.

Two people were killed after being swept away by floodwaters in Ellicott City, Maryland. News4s Darcy Spencer reports.

Police said Watsula's body was found about 2:20 a.m. Her brother told police that she and family members were visiting Ellicott City when the flooding happened. They were inside Watsula's vehicle, trying to leave, when the vehicle was swept away. Everyone but Watsula managed to escape the vehicle.

Watsula was swept away and eventually found about 200 yards from the Ilchester Bridge, police said.

A man walking a trail discovered Blevins' body washed up on shore near Ilchester Road about 8:30 a.m., police said.

Police said Blevins was in Ellicott City with his girlfriend. Their vehicle was swept away with the couple inside. His girlfriend got out of the vehicle and was rescued, but Blevins was swept away.

[NATL-DC] Floods Rip Through Ellicott City's Main Street

Fire and rescue crews rescued 120 people during the flooding, Kittleman said. He said the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services rescued more than 40 people from the Phoenix Emporium, a bar along Main Street in Ellicott City, and at least 80 others from cars in different locations.

Everyone who was thought to be missing has been accounted for, he said.

Kittleman said the damage sustained during the flooding was the worst in at least 50 years and possibly the worst in the 244-year-old town's history. He says virtually every structure and business along Ellicott City's Main Street was damaged.

He compared the aftermath to that of a war zone or the set of a disaster movie.

"Cars everywhere, sidewalks missing, roads partially gone, utility poles down, cars on top of cars, buildings - the bottom floor completely gone, foundations completely gone. So, no - I don't think we can compare this to anything we've seen before," he said.

Kittleman estimates the cost of the recovery will run into the tens of hundreds of millions of dollars.

"Regardless of how bad those roads are, regardless of how bad those sidewalks are, regardless of how bad stores are - we can fix that. We can't fix a lost life," Kittleman said.

"The devastation is quite remarkable," Barth said, noting that six inches of rain fell in just a couple of hours. "I've done this a lot, and I've never seen it like this."

Barth said he was unsure about any other serious injuries due to flood waters.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Howard County on Sunday. The order allows the state to efficiently coordinate support and provide additional assistance to Howard County.

"We are coordinating all available resources to address this emergency as quickly as possible," Hogan said. "Our administration is working closely with local officials, including Howard County Executive Allen Kittleman, to respond to this major storm event."

The Hogan administration has asked state agencies to respond to the effects of this storm, including the Maryland Emergency Management Agency, which has increased its activation level and is coordinating resource requests received from Howard County.

Those affected by the storm who are in need of non-emergency assistance can call Howard Countys Police Department at (410) 313-2200.

The Baltimore Gas and Electric Company showed more than 4,000 customers were without power on its outage map about 11 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday, the outages were down to 930.
Fire officials say a deadly wildfire burning near California's dramatic Big Sur coast has destroyed 57 homes and is threatening 2,000 more  and it's causing huge plumes of smoke to settle in the South Bay.

Off 101, the thick smoke caused air quality concerns.

"Obviously, it's closer so they're more impacted," said Kristine Roselius, a representative from the Bay Area Quality Management District, on the South Bay's smokey surroundings. "It's also moving the smoke east and also north, and that's why we're seeing the impacts there right now."

The week-old blaze has also scared away tourists who are cancelling bookings after fire officials warned that crews will likely be battling a wildfire raging in steep, forested ridges just to the north for another month.

Some South Bay residents say the smoke is so bad it makes them feel sick.

"It's really bad. I use the attic fan at night time to let the cool air in, and it's bringing the smoke in," explained Debi Snyder. "It actually made me sick to my stomach."

Another Morgan Hill resident, Frank Ellis, said that the smoke was most noticable in the morning.

"You get up first thing..and you really smell it and see the visible smoke," he said.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Saturday that the blaze has grown to 52 square miles (134 square kilometers).

The blaze a few miles north of Big Sur has also killed a bulldozer operator working the fire line.

More than 5,000 firefighters are battling the wildfire that officials expect to linger until the end of August.

Officials say flames are concentrated in forested ridges above the summer fog line along the coast. Many patches of fire were in areas too steep to be reached.

Big Sur establishments were already reporting as much as a 50 percent drop in business, said Stan Russell, executive director of the chamber of commerce. That's even though the only signs of the blaze were fire trucks and an occasional whiff of smoke along the famously winding and scenic Highway 1.

Normally, this time of year "is when everybody really runs at 100 percent," Russell said Friday about tourism in the area. "This is when we make our money."

Highway 1 remained open, but signs along the narrow route warned travelers that all state parks in the area were closed because of the fire.
A Delaware County, Pennsylvania, father is flying to Brazil to watch his son go for gold in the 2016 Olympics  something he never thought he'd have a chance to do  thanks to an Uber ride and a group of kind-hearted people who came together to help fund his trip.

"It's going to mean a whole lot to me," Ellis Hill, of Darby, told NBC10 about his chance to go see his son, Darrell, compete in shot put on the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Team. "Many times, I really wanted to be with him on other meets that he was at, you know, and had to apologize for one reason or another, and this is actually what he's been working toward for a long time. It's going to be extremely awesome for me to experience this."

Hill realized his Olympic dream of watching his son compete all started with an Uber ride.

A missed plane and chance Uber fare may get a local father all the way to Rio to see his son, shot putter Darrell Hill, compete. Click here to help send Darrells dad to Rio

Yo.. Somebody just donated $1,545 to my go fund me. I was almost moved to tears. God is so good.  Darrell Hill (@B1GHomie) July 31, 2016

Retired and disabled, Hill drives for Uber and bakes in his free time. During a recent Uber drive from the airport to Cherry Hill, he met Liz Willock. As Hill drove Willock to her destination, the upcoming Olympics came up in conversation, and Hill shared that his son was competing.

"She said 'Are you going to go?' I said, 'I can't afford to go over there,'" explained Hill, recounting the ride. "I said, 'I'd like to go, but I really cant afford to go.'"

Willock was having none of it  so she told Hill if he wanted to go, she could help him get to Rio. Willock works for a global concierge service with contacts in Brazil.

"I said, 'You don't have to do that,'" said Hill as Willock began forming a plan to get him to Rio. "She said, 'I'm going to do everything to make sure you go'  She has a good spirit."

Willock set up a GoFundMe account to help Hill get to Rio, and by Sunday afternoon  within just two days of its launch  it surpassed its $7,500 goal.

Willock said her company would arrange all of his ground transportation and logistics from Pennsylvania to the hotel in Rio.

"Outside of special things that have happened in my family, I think itll be one of the most important things Ive ever done in my life," Willock said of the opportunity to help Hill get to Rio.

Uber later announced it would kick in $1,250 in free rides and perks for Hill.

"All of us at Uber Philadelphia are rooting for Ellis son down in Rio, and to make sure his dad has an easy time getting around while hes in Brazil, were providing $1,000 in Uber credits, as well as a $250 gift certificate to one of the citys top restaurants," said Uber Pennsylvania general manager Jon Feldman.

"Every single Uber ride happens because folks like Ellis are on the road serving their local community and making it easier for their neighbors to move from point from A to B," said Feldman. "Its inspiring to see that community rally around such a worthy cause."

Hill still needs to figure out a final bit of logistics like getting his passport.

"I never had a passport before, so I'm going to be getting that done tomorrow or the next day so I can get a ticket," Hill said. "I'm extremely grateful."

Hill said he came out of church on Sunday to a phone call from NBC10 letting him know the GoFundMe had reached its goal.

"I said, 'What?!' I said, 'Oh my god, thank you so much,'" Hill recalled. "It's a great thing for people to come together like that, and it's a great opportunity."

He also received a text from his son, Darrell, who's in San Diego preparing for the Olympics.

"I saw a text on my phone from him telling me to get all my stuff together, that the financial part had been taken care of," Hill said. Darrell competes on Aug. 18.

One of the major contributors to the GoFundMe to help get Hill to Rio was Philadelphia attorney Robert Mongeluzzi, who kicked in $1,545 Sunday afternoon to help the fund reach its goal.

"I've been an athlete my whole life, and you know, I guess it just touched me," Mongeluzzi told NBC10 by phone on Sunday. "I know he's going to be so proud, and to help support our American team by helping support a father and a parent who otherwise wouldn't have been able to watch their son in a once in a lifetime experience, it's great for me, and I'm just happy to do it."[[388782572 ,C]]

Mongeluzzi, who played lacrosse during his time at the University of Pennsylvania, said Hill's story touched him because he remembers what it meant to him as an athlete to have his dad in the stands watching.

"I'm here with my 94-year-old dad at the (Jersey) Shore, and what could be better than a father and a son spending time together?" Mongeluzzi said. "I can't think of anything that would make a father prouder than to go watch his son in the Olympics."
A man who police say set a South Jersey restaurant ablaze on purpose as people dined inside is in jail Sunday morning, and police are thanking the public and NBC10 for helping them track down the suspect.

Medford Township Police posted on the department's Facebook page Sunday morning that Craig Muehleisen Jr. was arrested Saturday in connection with the July 20 arson at Tarantella Ristorante, on Route 70 in Medford.

Police said Muehleisen and his accomplices first tried to use stolen, forged prescriptions to obtain drugs from a CVS near the restaurant. During that crime, police say, Muehleisen fled the pharmacy into the restaurant and lit the remaining phony prescriptions on fire in a bathroom, sparking a blaze.

Update: Medford Twp. police arrested suspect in Ewing Saturday morning. Medford, New Jersey police are on the hunt for a man they believe set fire to a restaurant  while people were eating inside. NBC10s Cydney Long has more.

The police department obtained a warrant for the man July 27 charging him with aggravated arson, tampering with evidence and a slew of related offenses. His bail was set at $120,000, and he remained on the lam until Saturday, when officers captured him.

"Medford Township Police would like to thank the public and NBC for their assistance with this case," police wrote in the Facebook post announcing Muehleisen's arrest.
A 23-year-old man remained in critical condition Sunday after police say someone shot him in the chest during a robbery on a Philadelphia street.

Police said the victim was standing on the porch of a home with another man on Palethorp Street just south of Roosevelt Boulevard about 11:25 p.m. when two men walked up to him, one of whom pointed a gun at the men.

One of the men demanded, "Where's the money at?" and then shot the victim once in the chest, police said. The second man who was with him on the porch jumped off the porch and saw the assailants running east on Loudon Street, police said.

Police took the victim to Albert Einstein Medical Center, where he remained in critical condition on Sunday. It's unclear what, if anything, was taken during the robbery.

Police described the armed suspect as a man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants who had a white bandanna tied over his face. He carried a black revolver that he used to shoot the victim, police said.

The second robber was short and wore all black, police said.

No arrests have been made. Police continue to investigate.
A vandal used the cover of night to damage a "Black Lives Matter" banner displayed outside a Wilmington church over the weekend.

Officials from the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington said they believe someone deliberately cut the world "black" out of the church's "Black Lives Matter" banner, displayed outside the church along Concord Pike near Halstead Road, sometime overnight Friday into Saturday.

The Rev. Roberta Finkelstein, of the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington, called the vandalism "an anonymous and illegal attempt to silence Unitarian Universalism's prophetic voice."

In a statement, Finkelstein said, "This cowardly act will not prevent us from continuing to speak out about racial justice as a congregation and a religious movement."

Officials said the church plans to replace the banner, and local police in New Castle County were notified of the incident.

"We know that many members of the Wilmington community  especially the faith community  are eager to have honest conversations about race, justice, and the value of black lives in America," Finkelstein continued in her statement. "In the face of this naked act of vandalism, our congregation will not be deterred from its mission. We invite members of the community to talk with us about their concerns."
A Chula Vista bank robbery suspect was caught hours later thanks to witness descriptions, police said.

The robbery happened Saturday at 1:48 p.m. when Chula Vista police responded to a calls of a robbery in progress at the California Coast Credit Union at 286 E H Street.

The suspect, identified as 33-year-old Sarah Martinez, stood in line at the bank and waited for service, officers said. When she reached the teller, she handed the teller a note, demanding money.

The teller gave the suspect money from her cash drawer, police said. The suspect fled. No weapons were scene or reported.

When officers arrived, witnesses they interviewed gave a good description of the suspect. Police began to search the area.

Several hours later, at 4:39 p.m., an officer on patrol saw a woman matching the description provided of the robbery suspect walking along the 600 block of Broadway.

The woman was detained and later admitted to being at the bank. Police said they have evidence linked her to the bank robbery.

Martinez was later arrested. She will be booked into San Diego County Jail and faces several felony charges.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chula Vista Police Department at (619) 691-5151.
Fallen San Diego Police officer Jonathan "JD" De Guzman, killed in the line of duty Thursday, will be laid to rest a week after his death.

San Diego Police Department (SDPD) officer Jonathan "JD" De Guzman, a 16-year veteran assigned to the Gang Unit, was shot and killed Thursday. His partner, Wade Irwin, was left seriously wounded but is expected to survive.

De Guzman is survived by his wife and two kids.

Those wishing to pay their respects to Officer De Guzman and his family will have several opportunities to do so.

Tuesday, a Prayer of the Rosary will be performed at 6 p.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church located at 450 Corral Canyon Road in Bonita.

A viewing will be held the same day from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. The viewing is open to the public.

The following day, a Prayer of the Rosary will be performed at 6:30 p.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. A second day of viewing will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the same location. The viewing is open to the public.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4 for De Guzman, the San Diego Police Officers Association (SDPOA) announced. The Funeral Mass will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

A public memorial service for De Guzman will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 5 at Shadow Mountain Community Church. The church is located at 2100 Greenfield Drive in El Cajon. The public memorial is for law enforcement and community members.

A procession will follow to Glen Abbey Memorial Park, at 3838 Bonita Road in Bonita. Interment will follow the memorial service.

The San Diego Police Officers Association has established a fund for Officer De Guzmans family. Donations can be mailed to:

San Diego Police Officers Association

8388 Vickers Street, San Diego, CA 92111

Checks can be made payable to the San Diego Police Officers Association (SDPOA). Please write Officer Jonathan De Guzman in the memo line. All donations will go directly to the family. The SDPOA is also accepting online donations through their website.

No other information was immediately available.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story.
A strike team from the San Diego Fire Department has joined a Cal Fire strike team and more than 5,000 firefighters working to stop the Soberanes Fire near Big Sur in Northern California.

The fire has charred over 35,000 acres, destroyed 57 homes and threatens at least 2,000 more. It is 15 percent contained.

The fire started a little over a week ago, and has already claimed the life of a bulldozer operator working the fire line.

Huge plumes of smoke have settled in the area, causing air quality concerns.

Officials expect the fire to linger until the end of August.
Authorities in Weare, New Hampshire, are searching for a possible drowning victim.

Fire officials were called to Clough Park Road at about 6:30 p.m. where two victims were reported to have been in the water.

One victim was pulled out safely. Their condition is unknown.

Dive teams were called in to look for the second victim.
An elderly woman died and another woman was injured in a fatal crash in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Police responded to a two vehicle crash on Route 140 northbound, north of exit 3, around 3:15 p.m. Friday.

According to a preliminary investigation, a New Bedford woman, 27, struck a 1997 Toyota Avalon while traveling northbound in a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. The Avalon, which was also traveling northbound, lost control and hit the median barriers.

The Avalon driver, 86-year-old Barbara May Pivo, of New Bedford, was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The driver of the Volkswagen was injured.

The cause of the crash is not yet known. Massachusetts State Police are investigating.
The Massachusetts State Police arrested and charged a boat captain for assaulting a man with a deadly weapon.

Stephen A Thuotte, 54, of Porter, Maine, held a machete against a 46-year-old man from Brunswick, Maine.

The incident took place Sunday morning on the fishing vessel "Lydia & Maya" at a dock at Boston Fish Pier.
A man says his dog allegedly died while under the care of a kennel in Whitman, Massachusetts.

The dog's owner, Rob Foley, told necn that he left his German Shepherd, Maximus, at Annie's Clean Critters on Washington Street for a weekend stay. When Foley went to pick up Maximus last Monday, kennel workers told him that the dog had died of stomach bloat.

Lt. Alan Borgal, Massachusetts Specialist State Police Officer, said that the facility failed their inspection for the kennel on Friday and that they cannot house animals overnight. The Animal Rescue League of Boston and Whitman Animal Control will meet early in the week to recommend that the kennel be closed, according Borgal.

The day care and grooming facility continue to run as normal.

A necropsy is schedule to determine the exact cause of Maximus' death.
Police have released a sketch of the man they say sexually assaulted an elderly woman in her home in Hingham, Massachusetts, on Thursday night.

The man broke into the woman's home at about 9 p.m. by forcing open a window on the ground floor. Police said after sexually assaulting her, he fled the scene on foot.

Authorities said the victim did not know her attacker.

The suspect is described as a 65-year-old man, with thinning grey hair, brown eyes and a thin build. Anyone with information on the man's identity is asked to contact Hingham Police at 781-741-1443.
Back River Road, between Brookfield Drive and Raymond Drive, in Merrimack, New Hampshire, is closed after a vehicle hit a utility pole early Sunday morning, police said.

At around 4:30 a.m., a car hit a utility pole in the area of 48 Back River Rd., taking down a transformer that was on it and a few power lines. Some fluid came out of the transformer when it was taken down.

Eversource is working on a temporary pole. The road is likely to remain closed for most of the day.

Police identified 24-year-old Stephanie Peltak, of Merrimack, as the car driver. According to police, Peltak was intoxicated at the time of the crash.

Peltak was arrested and later released on $1,500 personal recognizance bail. She is expected to be arraigned on August 9.
A vigil was held on Saturday night in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for a teenager who drowned in the Charles River after jumping off a footbridge.

Witnesses said Tyler Greene, 18, of Dallas, Georgia, went into the water at about 8:10 p.m. after jumping off the John W. Weeks Bridge and did not resurface. He was found by divers with the Cambridge Fire Department a short time later and pronounced dead at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Authorities said they were investigating the incident but that it appeared Greene's death was accidental.

Greene had been a student at Harvard Summer School where classmates gathered at the scene earlier in the day to mourn his loss.

"It's horrific," said Emily Hartman, of Chicago, Illinois. "It's tragic. My thoughts go out to his family and friends knowing that their child died so many miles away. It's heartbreaking."

Students said jumping off the bridge has become a tradition.

"Two of my friends did it before they left campus," said student Samantha Nevile.

One Cambridge man told necn that he's aware of the tradition but said he feels it's time for it to stop.

"This is so unnecessary it's unbelievable," said the man. People should get the word out, especially Harvard and nobody should be jumping off this bridge."

Harvard students gathered for a vigil on campus Saturday afternoon but the media was not invited.

In an email to students, Sandra Naddaff, Dean of Harvard Summer School, released a statement on Greene's death:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Tyler's family and friends in this difficult time," read part of the statement.
Names and faces

Bison Engineering, Inc., announced the addition of Kellen Sullivan to its Helena office. Sullivan has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Beloit College and is an environmental scientist in the Helena office. He has three years of experience as a source tester and environmental chemist. As a member of the testing team at Bison, Sullivan conducts compliance and informational testing on all types of industrial facilities.

***

The Montana Attorney Generals Office at the Montana Department of Justice welcomes two new employees. Liz Bangerter is the new director of government affairs. Bangerter was previously with the Motor Vehicle Division at the Montana Department of Justice. She served in the Montana House of Representatives from 2010-2014. During her tenure, she served on five different committees, including chairing the Local Government Committee.

Madison Mattioli is a new assistant attorney general in the Appellate Services Bureau. Mattioli recently finished a federal clerkship for U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris in Great Falls. She is a 2015 graduate of the University of Montana School of Law, and is a 2010 graduate of the University of Montana with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology.

***

Sam Waters, president/CEO of First Community Bank, Helena, was elected chairman of the Montana Bankers Association during the 113th Annual Membership Meeting. Waters will serve one year as a policy maker for the banking community.

Waters was born and raised in Froid, and graduated with a bachelors degree in accounting and agricultural business from Montana State University and attended Northwest Intermediate Banking School and the Pacific Coast Banking School. Waters joined First Community Bank in 1991.

***

Helena Industries announced the recent hire of Carolyn Belling, executive assistant and development director, and Katie Gallagher, marketing director. A recent Carroll College graduate with a BA in psychology, Belling completed an internship with Disability Rights Montana as an advocate and comes to the local nonprofit with experience in both advertising and finance. Gallagher brings more than seven years of experience in both the private and public sector to the organization, holding a BA in political science as well as a certificate in nonprofit administration from the University of Montana.

Helena Industries would also like to announce the promotion of Richard Ferris to Work 1st Program Manager. Ferris has been with Helena Industries for two years.

Headquartered in Helena and serving southwestern Montana for over 45 years, Helena Industries provides vocational and rehabilitative services utilizing real work, related services and individualized resources to empower persons with disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives in their communities.

***

The Montana State Library announced that Erin Fashoway will serve as the new state geographic information systems (GIS) coordinator.

Fashoway joins the state library with nearly 15 years of experience in GIS programming and analysis. She received her B.A. in geography from Bowling Green State University and earned a masters degree in city and regional planning from Ohio State University. Fashoway has worked as a GIS Analyst in Ohio; a marketing representative for ESRI, the worlds leading GIS technology company; a GIS instructor at Carroll College in Helena; and for the last 10 years, she has worked as a GIS analyst and programmer for the Montana Department of Administration, the Montana State Library, and most recently, for the Montana Department of Transportation.

News and notes

Intermountain Residential selected as RDP

Intermountain Residential has been selected by the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) as a Research Designated Program (RDP) for successfully using statistical data to measure the outcome of programs that assist children with emotional and behavioral difficulties. The new RDP designation is bestowed upon NATSAP-member programs that have demonstrated data-driven outcomes.

The new RDP designation was granted to Intermountain Residential, a NATSAP member, after the program applied for the RDP designation and demonstrated that they are supplying data aimed at evaluating their program's effectiveness. NATSAP is a national resource for programs and professionals assisting young people with emotional and behavioral difficulties.

For more information about Intermountain Residential go to www.intermountainresidential.org.

***

Managing in Montana seminar

A seminar for Montana employers is scheduled for Aug. 3. Join Jim Nys and Michelle Edmunds for a day of learning and discussions on the rights and responsibilities of Montana employers as they tackle everyday and unusual issues that arise in the employment relationship.

The fee for this seminar is $149. NFIB members receive a $20 per person discount. When two or more attend the same session from the same organization, take off an additional $20 per person. To register, visit personnel-plus.com. Questions may be directed to carra@westaffmt.com or call 443-7787.

***

Guidelines

The IR welcomes reports of hiring, promotions, awards, recognition, learning opportunities and other news from local companies and nonprofits. We accept press releases and photos (digital images at 300 dpi or more are preferred, but we can also use regular photos; we dont guarantee return of these).

There is no charge for items appearing in the Business Briefcase. Items are run on a space-available basis, and we reserve the right to edit and use information as we see fit.

The deadline is Tuesday at noon to be considered for publication the following Sunday.
BUTTE -- Technological innovation thrives in the bootstrapped startups and high-tech manufacturers of Montana.

One example is the Universal Technical Resource Services, INC (UTRS), an engineering service provider and consultancy. In 2010, UTRS opened a new research and development facility in Butte to explore alternative methods of titanium production. Over the past 6 years, these engineers have refined and patented a chemical process that economically surpasses the Kroll Process, the current standard for titanium refinement.

After capital expenditures, their new process cuts refinement costs from $9 a kilogram to $4-6, said Jim Cox, senior scientist at UTRS. This 50% decrease in costs result from energy efficiencies and fewer processing steps.

Some compared this innovation to the Bayer Process, the common method for aluminum refinement. In the mid-1880s pure aluminum was more valuable than gold due to its rarity. As refinement costs decreased, aluminums uses thrived and varied from aircraft fuselage to Coca-Cola cans.

This spirit of technological innovation, well instilled in Buttes mining past, flourishes across Montana: from industrial manufacturers like Moore Lift Gates in Anaconda, to high-tech startups like Geofli in Missoula.

Though technology innovation is widespread, entrepreneurship isnt always the norm. When Gianforte asked a high school audience at Butte Central, How many of you want to be an entrepreneur? Only a few hands rose, said Gianforte.

Montanans are known for our strong work ethic, but many dont realize the opportunities and resources available to start a business. In worst cases, our would-be entrepreneurs move to the coast to pursue their dreams.

Our greatest export is our kids, said Gianforte jestingly during our chat last Monday.

Despite this sentiment; Montanas growth in technological entrepreneurship is enduring.

Two weeks ago, the governors Innovate Montana Summit brought together over 400 businesses and entrepreneurs in Billings, said Ronja Abel of the governors office.

Bozeman now boasts 80 technology startups and the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, founded in 2014, stands at 275+ member businesses strong, according to Gianforte.

Despite technologys impacts on our lives, its only a tool to be utilized by talented Montanans. Montana is known as the Treasure State, but our treasuries arent underground. It lies in the people that inhabit this great land. Its our work ethic, our technological innovation, and our entrepreneurship that will define us.
A structure fire in Broadwater County Saturday afternoon destroyed one abandoned home and scorched about 10 acres.

Broadwater County fire crews responded to the report of a structure and grass fire at about 2:15 p.m. The fire sparked about 1.5 miles north of Toston along U.S. Highway 287 in a mostly agricultural area with farm houses and barns.

Firefighters on scene initially requested mutual aid from Lewis and Clark County and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and several fire tenders and a helicopter were dispatched from the Helena area.

The mutual aid call was later canceled when crews on the ground determined the fire was under control.

Firefighters were mopping up and hitting hotspots in the grass and surrounding cottonwoods as the home continued to burn at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Firefighters had a pair of hoses fixed on the outside of the building but only a partial wall remained standing.

The home destroyed by the fire was abandoned, and no one was inside when the blaze started, said Broadwater County Rural Fire District Fire Chief Ed Shindoll. The home owners told officials they intended to tear down the structure, he added.

It was not clear if the fire started in or outside the home and the cause would be investigated, Shindoll said.
World history does seem to have a cyclic nature.

Plato attributed the might-is-right doctrine to Callicles. Lycophron asserted that all men are equal. Todays translation would read all people are equal.

Thrasymachus advocated the Might-is-right theory.

Antiphon (of Athens) asserts equality of all men (today, all people) denounces the distinction between nobles and commoners, Greeks and barbarians. Some Greeks only thought in the categories of nobles and commoners, Greeks and all others as barbarians.

The struggle for equality for all people (the old term was man or men) reappears in history when the imbalance is intolerable.

The Declaration of Independence, second paragraph, first line, We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. A modern translation is all people. Not everyone in the world believes this. It took a war to establish this as something our country, though not everyone in it, believes.

Lincolns Gettysburg address has in it all men are created equal This speech was delivered at the sight of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.

The legacy of equality, equality for all people, has been passed down through history to us in the United States. Western civilization and our own countrys history bear witness to this fact.

It appears that this coming election will test our resolve as to whether or not we, the heirs of equality, will do our part to ensure that equality for all people continues as a guiding light for our nation.

Let us join Lycophron, Antiphon, the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Lincoln and all who believe in all people are created equal, by casing your vote for the candidate who best represents this tradition in November.

Michael Dooling

Philipsburg
MISSOULA -- Stamina is essential if you're going to Irish stepdance.

The Haran Irish Dancers, of Spokane, gulped water before taking the stage at Caras Park on Saturday afternoon. Hundreds of spectators filled the pavilion at the seventh annual Celtic Festival Missoula.

Shannon Lukes, who organizes the festival with her husband, Bob, said there are typically anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 people who attend the two-day festival.

Farmers market-goers were drawn under the Higgins Avenue Bridge to the park, where they could enjoy live music, food and beer, and learn more about activities such as hurling, an Irish game.

Also under the bridge were the Haran Irish Dancers, rehearsing and trying to stay cool in head-to-toe black as temperatures rose to the mid-90s.

"A lot of people think of Riverdance," said dancer and teacher Rachael Rossbach.

Irish stepdancing is known for its dancers' rigid upper bodies, with their arms pinned to their sides and fists closed.

That draws attention to their legs and feet, which seemingly fly across the stage. And it's fast. Blink and you'll miss a step.

There are several theories about why Irish stepdancers don't use their arms. Some say the Irish would use only their legs so the English couldn't see. Many theories are based at least somewhat on the history of the suppression of Irish culture.

On Saturday, the Haran dancers incorporated different styles  from traditional stepdance to the more modern competitive forms, figure dancing, and in both hard and soft shoes.

"My mother (Deirdre Abeid) learned how to do it in San Francisco as a kid," said Caitlin Trusler, director of the Spokane group. "She would teach people in the community theater how to do it, everyone loved it and there it went."

Haran was founded 18 years ago in Kettle Falls, Washington, now run by Trusler's sister, Claire Abeid. There are about 75 dancers at the Spokane location, and 50 in Kettle Falls.
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The flood situation in Assam remained critical with three more persons perishing, taking the toll to 29 in the current deluge even as Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh made an aerial survey on Saturday of the affected areas.Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said one person each died at Kalgachia in Barpeta district, Dalgaon in Darrang district and Lakhipur in Goalpara district."I did not imagine that the situation is so grave. I have spoken to the Chief Minister and his officials. The problem is a big challenge," Singh told a press conference after making an aerial view of flood-hit Morigaon, Nagaon and Kaziranga."The state government currently has Rs 620 crore under SDRF. I have asked them to spend it without any hesitation. If more fund is needed, we are there and we will help in every possible way," he said.Around 36-37 lakh people across 28 districts have been affected by the floods, Singh said after a meeting with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and other state government officials.Sonowal said 970 relief camps have been opened in which around five lakh people have taken shelter."This time the floods are very severe. Hundreds of villages have completely been washed away. Schools, roads, embankments have been either washed away or badly damaged. We are sincerely trying to help the people with our all resources," he said.The worst-affected districts are Lakhimpur, Golaghat, Bongaigaon, Jorhat, Dhemaji, Barpeta, Goalpara, Dhubri, Darrang, Morigaon and Sonitpur.ASDMA said nearly two lakh hectares of crop area across the state are under flood waters, while a number of roads, embankments, bridges and other infrastructure were washed away.Currently, Brahmaputra is flowing above the danger mark at Guwahati, Nematighat in Jorhat, Tezpur in Sonitpur, Goalpara and Dhubri towns.Its tributaries Burhidehing is flowing above danger level at Khowang in Dibrugarh, Dhansiri at Numaligarh in Golaghat, Jia Bharali at NT Road Crossing in Sonitpur, Puthimari at NH Road Crossing in Kamrup, Beki at Road Bridge in Barpeta and Sankosh at Golakganj in Dhubri, ASDMA said.Later in the evening, Kaliabor Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) Madhumita Bhagawati has been placed under suspension for causing "enormous embarrassment to the state government."An official release said, "This photograph was sent to the official Whatsapp group by SDO (Civil) Kaliabor sub-division, under whose jurisdiction a part of Kaziranga falls. It has now being brought to the notice of the state government that this photograph does not belong to the current Kaziranga floods.""The Government desires to make it clear that any irresponsible act of any government official will not be tolerated," it said.Meanwhile, Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) Chief Executive Officer Dipak Kumar Sarma said in a statement that the "error is regretted and has been rectified."In the Interim Flood Report submitted to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit today, a 'pictorial error' has occurred inadvertently showing photograph of rescue of a spotted deer, which is not related to Assam flood, he added.
#Bulandshahr gang rape is a shocking reminder of the fault lines in our society. The very weak & ineffective law & order emboldens criminals  Sheila Dikshit (@SheilaDikshit) July 31, 2016

Shocked to learn of the brutal rape of a minor girl &her mother in Bulandshahr. Swift action must be taken to punish the guilty  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) July 31, 2016

More than 36 hours after the horrific gangrape of a 35-year-old mother and her 14-year-old daughter on the Delhi-Kanpur highway in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav cracked the whip and suspended 3 top police officers and two inspectors in the area.The Bulandshahr SSP, ASP, Circle officer and Inspector were all suspended with immediate effect.CM Yadav had given a 24-hour ultimatum to the SSP of Bulandshahr to crack the case and had also directed all top officials to visit the site and take stock of the situation.Earlier, DGP Javeed Ahmed had said that five people have been detained in connection with the incident and a manhunt has been launched to catch hold of the remaining culprits."3 of the culprits who are detained have been identified by the victim. They will be arrested soon," Javeed told the media adding that the victims have been robbed and it is not clear whether the motive was robbery or rape.Javeed reiterated that the arrests will be made very soon although he didn't give a specific time frame as to when the police will be able to arrest all the culprits.Earlier, Javeed had claimed that the culprits will be arrested by Sunday evening.The police had said that the women were raped for three hours at gunpoint in the wee hours of Sunday morning while other family members were thrashed.A nomadic gang from Rajasthan is believed to be behind the crime, police added.Meanhwile political slugfest began over the incident and all parties took turns to take a swipe at the ruling Akhilesh Yadav government.BSP Chief Mayawati said that the incident only highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation in the state and termed the it as a shameful act."Such incidents indicate the insensitivity of the Samajwadi Party towards the people. Strict action should be taken against the culprits & against the cops who failed in patrolling the highways," Mayawati added.Union Minister Mahesh Sharma too slammed the state government in failing to provide proper security to the women and children in the state."If the ruling government has failed to protect a 14-year-old, I don't really think they should continue to rule the state. They should just step down," Sharma said.Former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit who is also the Congress' CM candidate from the state for the upcoming assembly elections tweeted her ire over the incident.Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi too expressed shock over the incident.Samajwadi Party Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia however tried to defend his government and quoted from a NCRB data to prove that there were more rapes happening in the BJP ruled state of Madhya Pradesh than in Uttar Pradesh.
New Delhi: A Class VIII student of a Delhi government school allegedly committed suicide by hanging hanging herself from ceiling fan at her home after returning from the Parents-Teacher Meeting (PTM) as her teachers told her mother that she was weak in studies for which she was scolded by her mother.



The girl had accompanied her mother Shahjahan to the government senior secondary school where she was a student in the morning to attend the PTM. At the PTM, teachers told her mother about her weakness in studies and she was scolded by her mother, said a senior police officer.



Talking about the incident, the girl's father said, "She had refused to go for the PTM and asked us also not to go. The younger sister volunteered to go with the mother."



The girl after coming to her house at JJ Colony in Khayala confined herself to a room and hanged herself with a ceiling fan at around 12.30 pm, said the officer.







"We got the call about the suicide by the girl at around 12:45 pm and a team reached there and recovered the body of the girl and sent it for post mortem. Preliminary enquiries hint that the girl might have taken the extreme step due to her helplessness and humiliation," the officer said.



Inquest proceedings have been started under Section 174 to enquire the incident, he added.



The girl belonged to a financially weak family and her father Nawab worked as a daily wager, police said.



Parents of around 16 lakh students studying in over 2500 government schools in the national capital today attended a "Mega PTM" organised to bring the quality of education at par with that imparted in private schools.



(With inputs from PTI)
Ahmedabad: The Enforcement Directorate on Sunday arrested suspended Gujarat-cadre IAS officer Pradeep Sharma in connection with a money laundering case after he "failed" to reveal the "true facts" regarding the accounts maintained abroad by him or his family members.



The 1984-batch IAS officer was arrested under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, following two FIRs filed against him in March and September 2010, days after the Supreme Court vacated the interim stay on his arrest.



The agency claimed that Sharma was not cooperating with the investigators and that his custodial interrogation was necessary.



Sharma was summoned to the ED office on Saturday to record his statement.



"But in his statement he again gave evasive replies and didn't reveal the true facts regarding the accounts maintained abroad and transactions that had taken place in the accounts maintained by him or his family members, necessitating his arrest," the ED said.



The agency said that "given the way Sharma behaved with the investigating officer suggested that he was actually involved in money laundering as defined in section 3 of PMLA, 2002 and punishable under section 4 of the Act."



The case pertains to the sanction of government land in Bhuj for industrial use to Ms Welspun India Limited and its group companies, Welspun Power and Steel and Welspun Gujarat Style Roharan, as part of a suspected quid pro quo.



Sharma sanctioned land to the company in 2004 when he was the collector and chairman of the District Land Evaluation and Pricing Committee, which allegedly caused loss to the government exchequer to the tune of Rs 1.2 crore.



"Against this favour, he has received gain to the tune of Rs 22 lakh in the name of his wife Shyamal P Sharma within a short period of 15 months by just investing Rs 1 lakh (in January 2008) in one Ms Value Packaging," the ED probe report said.



The agency alleged that Sharma had remained evasive during questioning in the past as well.



Sharma was earlier arrested by Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in September 2014 in connection with a corruption case when he was Bhavnagar Municipal Commissioner.



He had approached the Supreme Court in 2013 seeking taking cognisance of audio tapes related to alleged illegal snooping of a young woman architect under then Narendra Modi government in the state.



Two investigative news portals had claimed on November 15, 2013 that a senior BJP leader had ordered illegal surveillance of the woman at the behest of one "Saheb".



In his petition before the apex court, Sharma had alleged victimisation by the then Modi government, and had sought a CBI inquiry into the cases against him.



However, the Supreme Court had rejected his application.
Horrible Bulandshr incident a challenge. going all out to nab the culprits. All resources being deployed. Useful leads being pursued.  Javeed (@javeeddgpup) July 31, 2016

A gang of around a dozen robbers have allegedly raped a woman and her 14-year-old daughter after ambushing their car on the Delhi-Kanpur National Highway.The rape survivors and four of their family members were headed to Shahjahanpur from Noida when their car was ambushed after Friday midnigt near the village of Dostpur.Police said the women were raped for three hours at gunpoint while other family members were thrashed.Police have launched an investigation into the case and 15 suspects have been detained. A nomadic gang from Rajasthan is believed to be behind this crime."The family was returning from Noida. A few miscreants tried to rob the family and then did certain indecent things. We are investigating the case further," a policeman said.Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Javeed has said that the police has mobilised all resources to nab the culprits. He tweeted, "Horrible Bulandshahr incident a challenge. Going all out to nab the culprits. All resources being deployed. Useful leads being pursued."Hitting out at Akhilesh Yadav government, Bulandshahr MP Bhola Singh said, " It is a very sad incident. My sympathies are with the family. I have talked with police and told them strictly to get hold of the accused and punish them. The state government should take cognisance of the matter and action should be taken as soon as possible."The police has admitted lapses but is expecting a breakthrough in the case by the evening.
New Delhi: Rohit Khandelwal, the first Indian to win the coveted title of Mr. World, says he wants to head to Bollywood eventually but is not in a hurry.



"Bollywood is in my list but I haven't decided anything like when, how and which... I am just going with the flow", Khandelwal said over phone from Mumbai.



It's not just Bollywood that Khandelwal is eyeing. He wants to get associated with social causes too.



"I want to be associated with Miss World organisation because they do a lot of associations for empowering child education," he said.



Hailing from Hyderabad, Khandelwal moved to Mumbai a few years back to follow his dream, and started his career as a model. He was crowned Provogue Personal Care Mr. India World 2015, and clinched the Mr. World tag at the recently held event in Britain.



He said: "The journey has been fantastic. It started with Hyderabad where I was not sure of what I was doing in my life working in three different companies but I was not happy. I wanted to follow my heart, I wanted to be in front of the camera because that was always what I dreamt of".



Khandelwal moved to Mumbai "all by myself, not knowing anybody and I started off. It took me sometime but I was very positive about everything".



Khandelwal says Indian fashion world is opening its gate for male models.



"I don't believe that there is any difference between a male model and female model because male pageants have been growing now. I think we are getting a lot of attention right now and I am sure lot of other guys will be interested now".


Udit ji and all dalit MPs of BJP shud resign in protest against countrywide assault on Dalits by BJP goons https://t.co/Rm5NqdB1mP  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 31, 2016

Latching on to Bharatiya Janata Party MP Udit Raj's criticism of "so-called protectors" of Hinduism, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday asked him and other Dalit MPs to resign from the party in protest against the "countrywide assault" on the community."Udit ji and all Dalit MPs of BJP should resign in protest against countrywide assault on Dalits by BJP goons," the AAP leader tweeted.On Saturday, the Dalit leader had said the Hindu religion is in "danger" not because of conversion but because of its "so-called protectors"."There is no religion in the world where people attack their "own people (from same religion) in the name of the same religion," he had said, asking "... Why only Dalits come forward whenever atrocities happen against them?"There were reports recently that following denial of permission to the Dalits by upper caste Hindus to conduct rituals at the ancient Badrakaliyamman temple at Nagapattinam, during the Tamil month of Adi, some Dalits had planned to embrace Islam.The Nagapattinam district administration had later denied the report.
RSS & Parrikarji want to teach everyone a lesson. Here's a lesson for you: hate is the preserve of the coward and it never wins  Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) July 31, 2016

: A day after the Defense Minister, Manohar Parrkiar took a dig at Bollywood actor Aamir Khan on his remark about 'leaving the country', Congress Vice-President, Rahul Gandhi, on Sunday, came out all guns blazing against him."Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to slam Manohar Parrikar along with the BJP's parent organisation, the RSS. "RSS and Parrikarji want to teach everyone a lesson. Here's a lesson for you: hate is the preserve of the coward and it never wins," Office of RG tweeted.Manohar Parrikar, on Saturday, while speaking at the launch of the Marathi version of journalist-author, Nitin Gokhale's book on Siachen, had raked up Aamir Khan's remark without referring to him directly."One actor had said that his wife wants to live out of India. It was an arrogant statement. If I am poor and my house is small, I will still love my house and always dream to make a bungalow out of it," he said, without naming Khan.In November 2015, the PK actor had joined a legion of people who commented on the growing intolerance in the country and had to immediately bear the brunt as the people protested against his remarks."When I sit at home and talk to Kiran, she says 'Should we move out of India?' That's a disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make. She fears for her child. She fears about what the atmosphere around us will be. She feels scared to open the newspapers every day."That does indicate that there is this sense of growing disquiet, there is growing despondency apart from alarm. You feel why this is happening, you feel low. That sense does exist in me," Khan had said.
Washington: Hillary Clinton on Saturday said her economic plan would create 10 million jobs in the US while that of Donald Trump would cost three and half million jobs as the Democratic presidential nominee underlined her Republican rival is not offering "real change" but "empty promises".



"My plans would create millions more jobs than Trump's," Clinton said at an election rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. "In fact, under my plans, the economy would create at least 10 million jobs in our first term," she added.



"As for Donald Trump? Well, his policies were found that they would actually cost us nearly three and a half million jobs," the 68-year-old former secretary of state said, referring to a study done by a top economist associated with the presidential campaign of Senator John McCain.



"In fact, the more you listen to Donald Trump, the more you realise he is not offering real change. He's offering empty promises, and what little we know about his economic policies, from running up our debt, to starting trade wars, to letting Wall Street run wild, could devastate working families," Clinton said.



She said her vision of America is in "sharp contrast" to what Trump is "laying out, because I don't think we're weak".



"I don't think we're in decline. I think we can pull together because we are stronger together, and if anybody like him spent a day on the factory floor here, they'd see what teamwork looks like. They'd understand what it means to create and build."



Clinton, who was joined by Senator Tim Kaine, is on a bus tour in Pennsylvania and Ohio with her vice presidential running mate. During the tour, they said in the first 100 days in office, they would announce to make the largest investment in new, good-paying jobs since World War II.



Visiting Johnstown Wire Technologies, a factory with a record of creating jobs and investing in America, Clinton highlighted her plans to invest USD 10 billion to strengthen manufacturing communities like Johnstown.



Clinton and Kaine contrasted their shared vision for an American economy that works for everyone not just those at the top with Trump's long record of outsourcing products to be made overseas, instead of here in America.



"Donald Trump, you hear him, he talks a big game about putting America first. Well, with all due respect, please explain to me what part of America first leads Trump to make Trump dress shirts in Bangladesh, not Ashland, Pennsylvania. "Or to make Trump furniture in Turkey, not Freeburg, Pennsylvania. Or Trump picture frames in India, not Bristol, Pennsylvania," Clinton said.



The Trump Campaign criticised her for visiting this township in Pennsylvania, saying Clinton visiting Johnstown is like a "robber visiting their victim" as the state has lost 1 in 3 manufacturing jobs since China was put in the World Trade Organisation.
Kandahar(Afghanistan): Taliban attacks on a district in the southern part of Helmand province killed at least 24 police officers over the past two days, an Afghan

official said on Sunday.



Kareem Atal, the director of Helmand's provincial council, said that battles between government forces and militants have been raging in the Kanashin district since late Friday, when the Taliban took control.



The fighting has spread north to other districts, where militants are targeting checkpoints and have killed at least seven policemen, he said.



The police and government compounds in the Nad Ali district have been surrounded by insurgents, Atal said. Taliban fighters are also trying to close key highways across

the province. Atal said that the police who also fight on the front lines in Afghanistan' relentless insurgency had received no help or backup from other branches of the security forces, including the army.



The fall of Kanashin and the subsequent threats to other districts were the result of a "lack of coordination among Afghan forces," Atal said, adding "The Afghan national army is not doing their job."



Atal's deputy Abdul Majeed Akhonzada earlier said that the Taliban were now in control of 60 per cent of Helmand province, after about six months of fighting.



Helmand is a key opium producing and smuggling region. About 90 per cent of the world's heroin is produced from Helmand opium, which is largely controlled by the Taliban for funding their war.



Elsewhere, in northern Jawzjan province, an official described "tough fighting" after hundreds of insurgent fighters attacked the Qush Tepa district.



The governor's spokesman Mohammad Reza Ghafoori said Afghan security forces were waiting for airstrike backup. He said the insurgents' ranks included Pakistanis, Uzbeks and Chechens.



Four Afghan security forces personnel have been killed, and another three wounded, he said.
Armed with neon dust pans, nine children crowded around two large black tub of dirt searching for buttons, coins and broken plates Saturday morning on the grounds of Historic Sandusky. Patiently, the children went through each layer of dirt to find and document artifacts just like real life archeologists.

The event was part of the archaeology For Kids program Historic Sandusky hosted to get children more interested in history and teach them about the role Lynchburg played in the Civil War as Union Headquarters during the Battle of Lynchburg and home to the Hutter family.

Diana Spangler, who works as a historical interpreter at the site which has retained over 200 years of Lynchburg history, said this is the third time Historic Sandusky has hosted the event. Originally geared toward younger children, Spangler said those as old as 12 now are invited in order to get kids more involved with the discussion.

I love the fact that kids are interested in [history] at all, Spangler said. It keeps us open in the long run.

Spangler along with Kelly Childress and Lynchburg College graduate assistant Tracy Estelus started off the morning with a documentary about the history of the property. Then Childress walked them through archaeology terms and what artifacts could be found on the property.

Finally, the children were divided into groups of four and five to dig on their site along with Childress and Estelus.

As they dug they documented their findings on log sheets.

Jennifer Delacruz brought her two daughters along to the dig. Delacruz said since their family homeschools, shes always looking for hands-on activities to help her daughters learn about history.

Were learning about American history this year, Delacruz said. [Lynchburg] was such a historical point. I had no idea of any of that.

Delacruzs 9-year-old daughter Jasmine said she has a love for archaeology, especially when it comes to dinosaurs.

We had to dig, she said. We dont know the exact story. We just have a theory.

It was also a chance for people in the Lynchburg College community to introduce their children to the property. The college accepted ownership of Historic Sandusky in February.

Carl Prater, a history student at Lynchburg College, brought his children 9-year-old Oscar and 7-year-old Emma to Saturdays event. Despite their age, it wasnt their first experience with archaeology he said, adding hes taken them along on digs for his own classes.

They love it, Prater said. They had it down to an art form.

Prater is a strong believer in exposing kids to history at an early age. He said he feels as though its a dying profession, noting the lack of people who want to be historians.

The more fun you make it and if you tap into that imagination, young minds will be drawn to it, he said. They need to see a future in it.

Lynchburg College Professor of History Nichole Sanders said it was rewarding to see former students such as Spangler and Childress create a program which helps children get interested in history.

They did such a great job, she said. [The program] was so well done. They were able to translate [terms] into a language children would understand. Im very proud of them.

Sanders brought along her 12-year-old son Jeffrey to participate in the dig. Like his mom, Jeffrey has an appreciation for history.

Being able to get in the dirt and learn about history in a hands-on way makes it more fun, Jeffrey said.

When youre learning about history its boring to sit in the classroom and just learn dates, Jeffrey said.
Kambon calls for reparations

And while many African descendants would have participated fully in the various events leading up to tomorrows events, the issue of reparations still remains a front-burner topic for diasporic peoples, who have long complained about the absence of any formal acknowledgement of the evils committed during the era of chattel slavery.

For chairman of the Emancipation Support Committee (ESC) Khafra Kambon, reparations are fundamental to cultivating greater self-respect among peoples of African origin.

And he is calling on the Peoples National Movement (PNM), which formed the Government after the September 2015 general election, to re-install a Reparations Committee, in keeping with Caricoms decision in 2013 for Caribbean territories to establish such groups to drive the process.

This is one of the most historic decisions that Caricom has taken because it is a matter of not just money but self-respect, he said of the decision.

It is not only about financing measures that will help to correct the damage that has been done but acknowledging that slavery had affected the growth and development of the people in the region.

Kambon encouraged the Government to re-form a committee in line with the rest of Caricom, noting that all of the islands had established committees, despite political transitions.

Following Caricoms decision, two years ago, the then Peoples Partnership Government established a Reparations Committee in Trinidad and Tobago, headed by Aiyegoro Ome, a founding member of the National Joint Action Committee (NJAC).

Former prime minister Kamla Persad- Bissessar, speaking at an Emancipation Dinner at the Diplomatic Centre, St Anns, in 2014, noted, then, the mounting calls for reparations.

Across the Caribbean, the lobby for reparations for slavery and native genocide is growing.

Trinidad and Tobago, along with several other Caricom nations, have established national reparations committees to pursue amends from former colonial nations, she had told guests.

On that occasion, Persad-Bissessar also alluded to statements made by St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonzalves, who had stressed the need to raise awareness for reparations.

While I know Ome and his team will create greater awareness of this issue throughout the country in the coming months; I must also state we, as Caricom leaders, are saying to the former colonial nations that the case for reparatory justice is unquestionably strong, the former prime minister had said.

This is, therefore, a good moment for me to reaffirm my full support and the support of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago as you document the long-term effects of the enslavement of our African ancestors and their descendants and by extension our present society. Persad-Bissessar had told guests that reparatory justice was being sought in several areas, including an indigenous peoples development programme; technology transfer; debt cancellation; illiteracy eradication; psychological rehabilitation; public health; the development of cultural institutions; repatriation, and a formal apology.

Kambon was a part of the Partnership-commissioned committee, which also included former Caricom secretary general Edwin Carrington; university lecturer Dr Claudius Fergus; veteran calypsonian Dr Hollis Liverpool and representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministries of Education, Culture and the Rastafarian Community.

He recalled that by the time the September 2015 general election came around, members of the committee simply did the honourable thing and resigned.

Kambon told Sunday Newsday that the committee was a serious one which, unfortunately, did not have time to begin its work in earnest.

He said the Government must re-activate moves in this regard.

The issue is one that has been around for African enslavement as well as genocide against indigenous peoples in the region, he said. It is a reflection of how Africans are seen globally because other groups have suffered but gotten no reprieve. Kambon gave an example of the German authorities treatment of Namibians in the early 1900s to highlight the brutality of the slave era - facts which the Sunday Newsday corroborated from historical documents about the ordeal.

According to documents, during the period 1904 to 1908, German soldiers brutally massacred thousands of Namibians after then General Lothar Von Trotha was sent to the country to quell an uprising by the Hereros, one of the indigenous groups, against their German rulers.

In what historians regard as the 20th centurys first genocide, Von Trotha instructed his troops to eliminate the entire tribe.

On October, 1904, Trotha had declared: Within the German boundaries, every Herero, whether found armed or unarmed, with or without cattle, will be shot. I shall not accept more women and children.  I shall order shots to be fired at them. Confined to prison set-ups, the Hereros and members of another tribe, the Namas, died mainly of malnutrition while others were beheaded and their skulls sent to German researchers in Berlin for experimental purposes.

In many instances, the women had to clean the skulls of the men, some not knowing that it belonged to their husbands, Kambon said.

That was the viciousness of it. It could have been your own husbands head and they would have to boil it down and scrape it down to the skull. The ESC Chairman claimed that the German had wiped out 80 percent of the Herero people and 50 percent of the Nama.

It was really a war of extinction, he added.

Lo and behold, news emerged last month that Germany was set to officially recognise the killing of thousands of Namibians, more than one century ago.

In a July 14 article in the London- based newspaper, Telegraph, headlined Germany to recognise Herero genocide and apologise to Namibia, Justin Huggler wrote that the country will recognise as genocide, the massacre of an estimated 110,000 of the Herero and Nama people of Namibia by German troops between 1904 and 1908 in a landmark admission of historical guilt. A spokesman for Angela Merkels government said Germany would formally apologise to Namibia, wrote Huggler.

No time frame was laid out for the formal apology in the article.

Huggler wrote that the systematic extermination of the Herero and Nama people is widely regarded as the first genocide of the 20th century.

In the meantime, Kambon believes that many African descendants, still allowed unequal treatment to be a part of their daily reality without making it a major issue. There has to be some notion of what the level of decimation was with some measurement of the setback it created, he said.

Kambon said many people were of the view that persons of African origin should be thanking the Europeans for their influence in many areas.

They believe that we gained so much from them although Africans were killed for fun and sport, he said.

Kambon said for many people, the issue of reparations was still a work in progress.

We dont feel deeply enough and aggrieved and so the struggle for reparations will be a permanent fight until it is achieved, he said.

Kambon argued that Africans had made a significant input at all levels of the society.
School predators

He was speaking yesterday at a CTU presentation at the Childrens Library, National Library Building, Port-of-Spain to commemorate United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons observed yesterday.

He recalled a case at a school in east Trinidad where someone came to pick up a female student pretending to be a friend of the parent.

One girl in the audience said she knew of a boy that went with a driver but was never seen again.

Davis said that parents must teach children to say no in situations where people offer them something or ask them to go with them. During his presentation Davis explained to the approximately 40 children gathered that human trafficking had nothing to do with vehicular traffic or trafficking in drugs but is about moving people from place to place, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, and sometimes involves kidnapping or enticements.

Davis then asked about the significance of the Emancipation Day holiday and one girl responded that it meant freedom of the slaves. He explained that a type of slavery still exists in the form of human trafficking or modern day slavery.

He stressed to the children that if someone offers them something to come with them that they should not go and human traffickers like to pretend they are the childrens friend.

Asked what they should do if someone tried to lure them away, a few of the boys said they would fight with the perpetrator but Davis advised them to run away, scream at the top of their lungs, hide and try to find their parents, contact them or find a policeman. One boy said he would find a Chinee man to beat up the trafficker.

Davis said there are some parents who overprotect their children and these children dont know anything about anything. He added that on their own these children cannot take care of themselves and others will come and take care of them. He stressed that potential traffickers could be men or women, their relatives, classmates or friends and they can even be lured via social media.

There are people pretending to be your girlfriend, to care for you or like you. They dont really like you, they just want to use you, she stressed.

Davis also mentioned a case in Tobago where there was a case of a foreign national and a little boy staying at a resort. The hotel workers found the interaction between the two was not right and the two did not talk or make eye contact.

According to officials of the Child Protection Unit the boy was from Trinidad and was the mans godson and the parents informed the unit that they had allowed the boy to travel with the man to Tobago and therefore no offence was found.

During the presentation Davis played two CTU public service announcements and Caribbean Kids and Families Therapy Organisation (CKFTO) performed a play on human and child trafficking using puppets.

CKFTO representative Michelle Laveau said human trafficking was happening right now in Trinidad and a boy asked where they is? Radio personality Garth St Clair also briefly addressed the children and stressed to them that anyone who offers them drugs is not your friend.

Davis encouraged anyone with information on human trafficking to call the CTU hotline at 800- 4CTU or 800-4288. He said that it may not be the case but if you see something you should say some something.

The CTU had its first two cases of child trafficking this year. In January this year, Anthony Smith, 30 of Tunapuna Road, Tunapuna, was slapped with 21 charges involving human trafficking, child prostitution and assault in a case involving a female child.

He was granted bail in the sum of $2 million to cover the 21 charges including that he caused a child to become a prostitute, human trafficking as well as sexually penetrating a child on various occasions between 2014 and 2015.

In the second case, in July two company directors of Borderline Security Solutions Ltd of Cunupia  Keston Pollard and Eddyson Gonzales - appeared before the Port-of-Spain Magistrates Court on 13 criminal charges collectively, one of which includes trafficking in children against a male minor from St Vincent and the Grenadines
Mrs Rowley: Laventille people are honest

Too often the media features those who have made the wrong choice in Laventille.

For those who make the wrong choice and live to tell the tale we can only hope that they learn from their mistakes, Mrs Rowley urged yesterday, indirectly addressing the murders of residents in Laventille, labelled in law enforcement as a crime hotspot.

Those who adorn our front pages are in the minority. There are so many people in Laventille who abide by principles of honesty and integrity, who abide by our nations watch words of discipline, production and tolerance and who know what it is to be your brothers keeper, Mrs Rowley vouched, calling for a celebration of persons who have made the right choice.

Mrs Rowley got personal sharing the choices she made, and were offered by her mother, as a child. These lessons began not in law but in the world of fashion.

She told of her love affair with fashion which began at age four, when like most girls she would dress up in her mothers clothes and wore her mothers makeup.

Her mother, a public servant, also sewed her own clothes, and so too did young Sharon who made her first pair of red cigarette pants when she was 13.

My mother was a public servant.

She made her own clothes, she made may clothes and my sisters clothes. She had no choice. She could not afford to buy ready-made clothes for all of us.

She taught me to sew because she understood the importance of being able to sew. In fact my wedding gift from my parents was a sewing machine, Mrs Rowley related. And she never stopped sewing, designing her own dresses and making the clothes of her two daughters, Tonya and Sonel, when they were toddlers.

Being a self-taught seamstress meant she had two career choices: fashion or law. She chose law.

My mother had provided me with a choice. If for some reason I could not practise as an attorney I had an alternative, Mrs Rowley, shared with fellow fashionistas at i95.5FMs Laventille Nights series Threads that Unite, A Fashion Experience at Witco Desperadoes Pan Theatre in Laventille.

The event showcased African- themed designs in observance of Emancipation Day, which the nation celebrates as a public holiday tomorrow.

Mrs Rowley celebrated the varying choices that can be made careers, saying not everyone can be a lawyer, like her.

The designers here today show us all that we dont have to choose a career as a doctor, a lawyer or an accountant to make a living. You can be fashion designers, seamstresses and much more. She hailed the works of celebrated designers Heather Jones, Mark Eastman, Afrika and Nebala, all who came from Laventille.
You cant marry young girls in TT

The claim is made in Murrays new memoir, This is It!: The Secret Lives of Dr Conrad Murray and Michael Jackson. The 254-page self-published book was released last week.

Murray, 63, writes of an incident that he says occurred just before a trip to London where Jackson was due to begin his ill-fated comeback tour in 2009.

He told me that he intended to marry someone named Harriet, a blonde on whom he had a terrible crush, Murray states.

I was startled to learn that the tall, ultra-thin Harriet was a 13-yearold girl on whom Michael was fixated. Michael fell in love with Harriet when she was roughly five-years-old, then by age 12 he grew to become fixated on her. Murray became worried.

I was concerned that Harriet was legally far too young for marriage, Murray writes.

I remembered saying to him in Trinidad and Tobago Im familiar with some prearranged marriages, especially in the Hindu faith, but I dont think its allowed for ages that young. It would be something to scour for the legality of marriage to a minor, I was sure it was statutory rape in America and England. Murray states Jackson said he planned to have someone review the legality and ramifications of marrying someone as young as Harriet when he arrived in London.

But the comeback tour never happened.

Jackson died on June 25, 2009, of acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication at his home at Los Angeles. Murray, who was treating Jackson at the time, was later charged with involuntary manslaughter. The jury found him guilty and he was sentenced to four years in prison.

He was released after two years due to prison overcrowding and good behaviour. He is barred from practising medicine, and now lives in Ft Lauderdale, Florida.

Of Jacksons brief marriage to Lisa Marie Presley, Murray states, Michael told me that he really did love Lisa Marie Presley and that he felt it was reciprocal. Publication of the book came as the debate on child marriage in Trinidad and Tobago continued on Friday with a consultation event hosted by Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi in Tobago.

The State is moving to abolish child marriage, currently permissible under Hindu, Muslim and Orissa statutes.

In his book, Grenadian- born Murray also reflects on his own life story. He credits growing up in Trinidad with transforming his life and taking him down the path to success.

This is in part the story of the barefoot kid from one of Grenadas poorest neighbourhoods who grew up in Trinidad and Tobago and who successfully fought hard to stay away from gangs and drugs while working his way through college and medical school to become a highly respected American physician, Murray states in the books introduction.

As I looked back over the years the most impacting life changing event that happened to me as a youth was my mothers determination to bring me to live with her in Trinidad. Murray adds, Had I stayed with my grandmother, I likely would have been spoiled rotten, and grown up irresponsible.

The relocation changed everything in my life and Id say for the better.
Lalla calls on Govt to scrap new PSC

High Court judge, Justice Peter Rajkumar, recently declared unconstitutional portions of the Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Selection Process) Order of 2015, which propose a new process by which the countrys top cop is to be chosen.

In the 51-page ruling, Rajkumar struck out the portion making the exercise of PSCs powers subject to or conditional upon an instruction from the Minister of National Security, before it could initiate the selection process.

I am saddened over the whole situation. I have written several times but no one takes me on because politicians seem not to like independent bodies...

This judgment of the High Court should be an indicator to the politicians to revert to the original commission and stop politicising the appointments of people to the commission and of the whole police structure, said Lalla.

He noted that the 1976 PSC constitution stressed the commission was not to serve the government of the day, but to be a fully independent body. Members were appointed by the President; while the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police were appointed by the President only after consultation with the Prime Minster.

In 2006, Government and Opposition abolished the old PSC, and Lalla believed that the move was precipitated by emotionalism, political idiosyncrasy rather than reason or logic. He stressed that the role of the PSC was to make appointments, promotions, transfers, and exercise disciplinary control over police officers.

However, its mandate was not to manage the police force.

In 2006, the Government and Opposition appeared not to have been satisfied with the way in which the Police Service was being managed.

They concluded that the commission was the culprit in not having managed the Police Service effectively but that was wrong because the Police Service Commission has nothing to do with the management of the Police Service, he said.

Now, he noted that members of the new PSC were appointed by the President, only after the approval of the House of Representatives, therefore the organisation was no longer independent of politicians.

The judge had pointed out that they are overstepping their boundaries.

They are making this commission more and more political. In my interpretation it is already political but they are making it more so, he said.

In a July 21 press release, the PSC announced its decision to proceed with the process for the Recruitment and Selection of the Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner of Police by way of open tender as determined and prescribed by the Commission. When asked his opinion on the decision, Lalla reminded persons of the $5 million paid to Pennsylvania State University by the PSC to search for a Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner of Police in 2010.

The two Canadians came and after a year or two they (PSC) terminated their contract and it cost them another $2.5 million... My view about this whole thing is that we should revert to the old system. This is wasting the publics time, taxpayers money, frustrating the people, frustrating the police, and promoting a disorganised society, he said.
Sr Pia, 89, serves God for 60 years

The Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny held a Jubilee Celebration in honour of the Sisters at the Emmaus Retreat Centre in Arima. Sister Babb, who will turn 90 in October, was present to celebrate 60 years of religious profession.

Sister Gabrielle Mason, however, was in Grenada and was too ill to travel to celebrate 50 years of religious profession with her Sisters.

They are well-rooted in the rich soil of Gods love. Their fruit was not manufactured but rather it is the natural result of Gods love growing within their hearts, Fr Hugh stated of the women. He said they were nourished by the gifts of God, they grew to maturity and fruitfulness, and they brought sweetness, protection, companionship and care to the lives of many.

As we celebrate the lives of Sisters Pia and Gabrielle, perhaps we could thank God for all of the work that they have allowed God to do with and through them. Thank God for their generosity and their openness, he added.

Sister Pia told Sunday Newsday, This is one of the happiest days of my life. Sixty years is a milestone...

The work, but especially prayer has sustained me through the years. Noting the number of friends and family who attended the mass and luncheon on her behalf, she said, Im surprised. I didnt expect that they would even reach. But I knew my brother would be here, by all means. My one and only brother, she said proudly. Remarking on her achievement, Sister Pias brother, veteran journalist and retired Newsday editor John Babb, 83, said, Shes cut out for this. She left home when she was 19 or 20, said Ill see you all and walked straight into the Convent in Arouca. Sister Pia said she was not only happy to renew her vows, but happy of the celebration, the honour and congratulations, and was thankful to her congregation of The Sisters of St Joseph of Cluny for organising the event.
US: We See

No Signs

Putin Will

Use Dirty Bomb
MOWEAQUA  Music is a universal language. A beat is a beat; a tune is a tune; a song is a song. Approximately 250 young musicians from Illinois high schools had the opportunity to learn this firsthand with the Illinois Ambassadors of Music program.

Central A&M high school students, Angelina Ariazi and Taylor Vidmar, were among the teens who traveled for 16 days through Europe performing and taking in the culture. The trip began June 24 with the students, directors and teachers returning on July 9.

Everyone on this trip really loves music, Taylor said. It is the greatest experience I've had so far.

Taylor traveled with the choir performing in historic locations such as the Basilica of St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice, Italy and London's Wesley Chapel. Often the choir would sing with the student orchestra, but many times they sang a cappella.

Taylor said that each of the countries she visited left an impression, but her special memories were made meeting students from other parts of the world. The music connected all of us, Taylor said.

The band, orchestra and choir also found a connection to their audiences. The groups spent approximately three days in each country. During a few of the visits, the locals would welcome the musicians with traditional treats. While she played her piccolo to large audiences, Angelina found their excitement the most rewarding. It was eye-opening, she said. It makes you appreciate what you have.

The Ambassadors of Music is a touring company offering high school groups from around the country opportunities to bring their music to Europe. A different group from Illinois will take part in the tour every two years. It takes that long to prepare for the trip, for the directors and the students.

High school music directors nominate their top students more than a year in advance. The students decide if they will go after receiving the trip requirements. The size of the tour, both in cost and geography, eliminates many qualified musicians. The price tag is approximately $6,000, which includes air fare, meals, hotels and admission to tourist destinations. The students also travel around 1,500 miles across Europe. On your own, it would far exceed $6,000, said Central A&M band director Patrick Ward.

Taylor and Angelina were nominated by their music teachers, Ward and choir director Jacob Elam. According to Ward, the students play challenging music. These are our top kids, he said. They want good representation throughout the state.

The musicians are required to attend a three-day rehearsal at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville lead by Dr. John Bell, professor of music and director of bands. The camp turned out to be a struggle for many. We rehearsed so much, it was exhausting, Taylor said. But when you put enough energy in perfecting it, it was so much more rewarding to see our hard work.

Like many who have traveled to beautiful locations, members of the Illinois Ambassadors of Music will remember the scenery, people and maybe the music. The impact of their two weeks in Europe goes far beyond what they saw.

Angelina hopes to travel to Europe again before she enters college in two years to study music. I just want to make music and get others excited, she said. And this was a really cool trip for people like me.
(Newser)  The man behind the liquid food substitute called Soylent is in trouble with the law over a shipping container he put up on a hilltop overlooking Los Angeles, the Guardian reports. Last week, prosecutors in Montecito Heights charged Rob Rhinehart, 27, with unpermitted construction and other violations in connection with the red shipping container, which was supposed to become an "experimental living facility," the Los Angeles Times reports. Instead, local residents say it became a neglected, graffiti-covered mess that attracted people looking to party. On the same day Rhinehart was charged, authorities hauled away the offending box, which had been a source of contention for the city and neighbors for months.

One neighbor likened the container's red color to a "middle finger," telling the Guardian, "It feels like an intruder." Rhinehart, though, says he's the one getting the unfair treatment. "I have spent thousands improving the surroundings," he tells the Guardian, adding, My home was graffitied and the windows were smashed. Thats my fault? Where are the police?" He bought the vacant lot on which it was placed in January. Rhinehart's company is valued at more than $100 million, its product especially popular with tech workers in Silicon Valley. (Still, one reviewer found Soylent to be "joyless.")
(Newser)  In a gesture of solidarity following the gruesome killing of a French priest, Muslims have attended Catholic Mass in churches and cathedrals across the country and beyond, reports the AP. Television footage showed dozens of Muslims gathering at France's towering Gothic cathedral in Rouen, only a few kilometers from Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, where the 85-year-old priest was killed by two teenage attackers on Tuesday. It's not the local Muslim community's only show of solidarity: Clerics say that they refuse to bury 19-year-old attacker Adel Kermiche, reports the International Business Times. Says the president of the local Muslim association: "We're not going to taint Islam with this person. We won't participate in preparing the body or the burial."

Other interfaith gatherings took place elsewhere in France on Sunday. Dalil Boubakeur, the rector of the Mosque of Paris, was among those who attended a congregation at Paris' iconic Notre Dame cathedral. In Italy, the secretary general of the country's Islamic Confederation, Abdullah Cozzolino, spoke from the altar in the Treasure of St. Gennaro chapel next to Naples' Duomo cathedral. He talked of the need for "more affirmation of shared values." (Read more Mass stories.)
Most folks would say that a salary of $100,000 for a full-time job is a pretty good gig. A six-figure salary for a part-time job is the stuff of fantasy.

Except for the Illinois General Assembly, where the majority of members pull down more than $100,000 a year for what is a part-time job.

For taxpayers, the news gets worse. When other costs such as pension, mileage, per diem payments and insurance are figured in, taxpayers pay about $32 million a year to the 177 legislators, according to a new report by the Illinois Policy Institute.

Illinois legislators are the highest paid in the Midwest and fifth-highest in the nation. It should be noted that this group of 177 legislators have combined to turn Illinois into the worst-run state in the nation. Pay for performance isnt part of the formula.

All legislators earn a base salary of $67,836. Thats high. Legislators in New Mexico, for example, dont receive a salary.

But the fleecing of taxpayers doesnt stop there. Legislators can receive stipends of between $10,000 and $30,000 for holding leadership positions or serving on a committee. These assignments are handed out like candy, with 67 percent of legislators receiving some sort of stipend. The most popular appears to be either majority or minority spokesperson, which pays a little more than $10,000. Thats a pretty good sum for doing what legislators are supposed to do  communicate with the public.

Legislators receive even more. The health and dental costs are nearly $7,300 per legislator. Per diem payments for meetings and mileage reimbursements cost about $7,700 per legislator.

Then there are pension costs. Taxpayers pay nearly $15,000 per lawmaker for the pension benefits they accrue each year. Taxpayers also pay millions of dollars every year to keep the General Assembly Retirement System afloat and its a lucrative system. Retired lawmakers receive 3 percent cost of living adjustments annually and can earn 85 percent of their final salary after 20 years of services. Legislators are eligible for retirement in their 50s.

Thats one reason legislators fight so hard to maintain the status quo  vehemently opposing efforts to fairly draw political maps or enact term limits and kowtowing to party leaders in order to keep their cushy, well-paid jobs.

The four leaders  House Speaker Michael Madigan and Minority leader Jim Durkin, Senate President John Cullerton and Minority Leader Christine Radagno -- are the highest paid member of the legislature. Some local legislators are doing what they can to reduce costs. Reps. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, Reginald Phillips, R-Charleston, and Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, dont participate in the General Assembly pension program. Phillips also doesnt participate in the insurance programs. Rep. Thomas Bennett, of Pontiac, doesnt participate in the insurance programs.

Its clear to everyone Illinois is in for several years of both expense cutting and tax increases. Not surprisingly, legislative salaries and benefits rarely get mentioned as part of the solution.

Certainly, legislative salaries and benefits are a small part of the overall state budget problems.

However, legislators could send a message of shared sacrifice if they looked at reducing the high salaries and benefits they receive for part-time work.
(Newser)  Authorities in Washington County, Ala., are investigating the death of a burglary suspect who was tied to a tree by a homeowner. "I would say this is a very unusual case," Sheriff Richard Stringer tells FOX 10. Tired of his mobile home being broken into, Nathanial Johnson on Friday night hatched a plan to catch the burglar in the act, al.com reports. The 68-year-old parked his car at a neighbor's house to make it look like he was out, and then waited at his home. At some point, someone knocked on the front door. When Johnson didn't answer, the suspect went to the back door and broke the lock. Johnson chased the suspect, identified as Cleveland Jones Gully, 31, out of the building. At some point Gully fell. Johnson jumped on him and tied his hands behind his back.

Then, per Stringer, Johnson tied Gully to a tree with wire, clothesline, and "multiple layers of masking tape that he had wrapped around his mouth and all the way around his head." Johnson went to call for help. Deputies arrived within 10 minutes to find Gully dead. The cause of death is under investigation. "I don't think he was intending to kill the intruder," Stringer says. "I think he wanted to capture him and have him arrested." Johnson has not been charged. "He doesn't bother anybody," says his niece. "He'll help you if you need helping, so the family just hates what happened." (This burglar has been dubbed "creeper ghost," for good reason.)
(Newser)  When Jordan Buranskas couldn't find her purse last week, her boyfriend Jack Mackercher suggested they look at the footage from the surveillance camera in their Chicago home for a clue. They discovered that the purse had been stolen. And even worse, they saw that the apparent thief had stood above them on a loft for about 15 minutes as they slept on a couch below around 3am, DNA Info reports. At first, Mackercher thought the figure wearing a white hoodie at the top of the stairs in the video was Buranskas. It wasn't. "So that's when you go flush and start to freak out a little bit," Mackercher tells ABC 7. It appears as though the intruder was watching what was on Netflix as the couple slept.

The man, who stole just the purse from the home, likely used a back fire escape to access an unlocked sliding door that provides access to the master bedroom, WGN reports. There have been other reports of the thiefdubbed the Creeper Ghostwandering from home to home. And over the past several weeks, there have been multiple robberies in the Bucktown neighborhood. Police say they are investigating. According to NBC Chicago, a person of interest in the case was detained on Friday, but then released. (This burglary suspect died after being bound with duct tape before police arrived.)
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SPRINGFIELD (AP)  Marijuana possession in small amounts in Illinois will be punishable by fines but not jail time after Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation Friday that makes the state the third largest to decriminalize minor pot offenses.

The new law, which takes effect immediately, makes having 10 grams or less of marijuana will be a civil offense, punishable with a fine of up to $200. The Republican governor had been expected to sign the bill because it included language he requested after vetoing similar legislation last year. In his message to lawmakers at the time, Rauner said that existing penalties for petty marijuana offenses were too severe and that "criminal prosecution of cannabis possession is also a drain on public resources."

The new law also sets a standard for what's considered too impaired to drive. Currently, any trace of marijuana is enough to be considered impaired, but marijuana advocates have long criticized zero-tolerance states' approach because marijuana can stay in a person's system for several weeks. The new law makes the standard 5 nanograms of THC, marijuana's intoxicating chemical, in a driver's blood within two hours of consumption.

The Associated Press was first to report the bill signing. A state official with knowledge of the governor's decision told the AP about the signing but spoke on the condition of anonymity because a formal announcement had not yet been made.

With Rauner's signature, Illinois joins 16 other states, including New York and California, that have decriminalized marijuana possession in small amounts.

The governor's office said Rauner would not be making a statement on the bill signing.

Police chiefs and sheriffs have expressed reservations about changing the law and worked with Rauner for weeks to prepare for its implementation. One police chief said he's concerned more people will have access to marijuana because of the change.

"You're giving individuals more opportunities for drug usage," said Laimutis Nargelenas, a former lobbyist for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the current police chief for the Springfield Park District.

He said authorities are working on developing paperwork for traffic infractions to track how many people are driving high across the state because of the law change.

The sponsors of the bill praised Rauner's action, saying the state should focus on punishing and treating people for more serious drugs.

"Fundamentally, this is about how we utilize our limited law enforcement resources," said Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat.

About 100 Illinois communities, including Chicago, already give police discretion to issue citations instead of making arrests for having small amounts of the drug. Lawmakers said they were concerned that minorities were being treated differently by police when handled marijuana offenses.

"We're treating people really differently across the state, and we should be really getting out of that," said Chicago Democratic Sen. Heather Steans, another bill sponsor.

The law would also require municipalities to purge citation records for possession every six months, unless local governments decide against it. Supporters argue people shouldn't be saddled with lifelong criminal records for minor offenses that make it difficult to find employment or housing.

The bill Rauner vetoed last year set guidelines that were less strict than the new law. Lawmakers wanted possession of up to 15 grams of marijuana to be a civil offense punishable with a fine between $55 and $125. Lawmakers also initially proposed that the standard for a marijuana DUI be 15 nanograms
New Delhi :

Aam Aadami Party ruled Delhi Governments Mega Parents Teacher Meeting (PTM) resulted in a sad ending as a 12-year-old student committed suicide after teachers told her parents that she is weak in studies.

The girl allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself from ceiling fan at her home here after returning from the PTM as her teachers told her mother that she was weak in studies for which she was scolded by her mother.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia termed the incident tragic and ordered a magisterial inquiry to investigate the circumstances.

The girl, a student of class VII, had accompanied her mother Shahjahan to the government senior secondary school where she was a student in the morning to attend the PTM. At the PTM, teachers told her mother about her weakness in studies and she was scolded by her mother, said a senior police officer.

The girl after coming to her house at JJ Colony in Khayala confined herself to a room and hanged herself with a ceiling fan at around 12.30 pm, said the officer.

"We got the call about the suicide by the girl at around 12.45 pm and a team reached there and recovered the body of the girl and sent it for post mortem. Preliminary enquiries hint that the girl might have taken the extreme step due to her helplessness and humiliation," said the officer.

Inquest proceedings have been started under Section 174 to enquire the incident, he added.The girl belonged to a financially weak family and her father Nawab worked as a daily wager, police said.

Parents of around 16 lakh students studying in over 2500 government schools in the national capital today attended a "Mega PTM" organised to bring the quality of education at par with that imparted in private schools.

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New Delhi :

Police detained 15 people on Sunday for the alleged gangrape of a woman and her teenage daughter near Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh. A woman and her minor daughter, who were on their way from Noida to Shahjahanpur with four other family members, were allegedly gangraped by a gang of dacoits in Bulandshahr district, on the Delhi-Kanpur highway, early on Saturday morning.

A Noida-based private sector employee, his wife, two daughters and two other male relatives were on their way to attend a funeral in Shahjahanpur, when their vehicle was stopped near Dostpur village on NH-91 at around 2:30 am.

The family told the police that they were on their way from Noida to Shahjahanpur when they were waylaid by bandits after their car was hit by a blunt object. They dragged the women, including a 13-year-old girl, to a nearby field and raped them while the men were tied with ropes, SSP Vaibhav Krishna said. They were also looted of their cash, jewellery and mobile phones, he said.

One of the family members, who managed to untie the ropes, reported the matter to police, Krishna said. An FIR under relevant sections of the IPC was lodged against five accused, he said.

SHO Ramsen of Kotwali Dehat was relieved from the charge of the case and attached with Police Lines here after police reported his negligence in the case, the SSP said. Three police teams have been formed to nab the culprits, he added.

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Muzaffarnagar:



In yet another incident of cow vigilantism, a mob attacked a house in Kandhla village in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, after police arrested four members of the family on the charges of alleged cow slaughter.

The trouble started when irate locals last evening gathered outside Zishan Qureshis house accusing him and his family members of cow slaughter, they said.

The mob damaged Qureshis house and tried to set it on fire but police reached the spot and brought the situation under control, police said.

When the mob gathered outside the house, Qureshi along with his wife Shenaz and two others Saddam and Mota escaped from the spot, they said.

A case has been lodged against the family members for alleged cow slaughter, police said. Heavy police force has been deployed in the village as tension prevailed there, they added.

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New Delhi :

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the nation through his radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. This is the 22nd edition of the Prime Minister's radio programme. PM Modi shared his ideas and thoughts on Rio Olympics, dengue, floods, innovation and climate change. He also spoke about his visit to South Arica, phone scams, digital frauds and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. In his monthly address, PM also noted that he is first Indian prime Minister to be born after independence.

Here are the top 10 issues addressed in his latest Mann ki Baat

Rio Olympics: We extend our best wishes to the Indian contingents who will be representing India at Rio, this year In this, your PM is ready to become your postman, share your best wishes to the athletes on the 'Narendra Modi App'.

APJ Abdul Kalam: When we remember Dr. Kalam we think of science, technology. Future is going to be technology driven, we need to embrace it.

Innovation: Technology changes with every passing day, you can't catch it it keeps on transforming. Research and innovation is important.

Floods: Few days back we were worrying about drought situation, now where on one side we hear about monsoon, on other side, we hear about floods State governments and centre are working closely to help the flood-affected people.

Monsoon sickness: Stop taking antibiotic without consulting the doctor. This shortcut should not be used. It can only give you momentary relief. Happy about monsoon but with that also comes some illnesses. We've to be careful & take precautionary measures to fight those illness.

Health of Pregnant women: We are concerned about health of pregnant women In the last one decade, there is a decline in MMR but we are not able to save many pregnant women's lives. Concerned about health of pregnant women, the Govt has started Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA).

South Africa visit: Recently I had the opportunity to visit South Africa for diplomacy purposes, but for me the visit was a"teertha yatra" (pilgrimage) I had the opportunity to meet such people who struggled for equality.

Digital Frauds: These days we get messages on our phones promising huge profits on investments Some people get enticed into it. Several conmen have come to the fore. You must keep away from such things One needs to be cautious and alert of the digital fraud which is quiet rampant these days

Railway station beautification project: Want to congratulate people behind beautification of Aligarh railway station.

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana:"Raksha Bandhan is approaching, can't brothers gift Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana to their sisters.

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New Delhi:

Monsoon rains have brought flooding and deadly landslides to several states in India over the last one month. Flooding in the country is affecting the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and over 200 people have lost their lives, due to heavy rainfall.

Assam has witnessed 26 deaths where almost 28 districts and around 36 to 37 lakh people have been affected. 22 people have been reported dead in central state of Madhya Pradesh. Around 58,000 people have been affected by flooding in parts of West Bengal, India, over the last 2 days. Heavy rain in catchment areas, including in Sikkim and Bhutan, have increased river levels in West Bengal.

Continuous rain and rise in water levels in various rivers have caused massive flooding in the Seemanchal part of Bihar. Water released from Nepal has also compounded the tragedy. Mud houses have been damaged, crops destroyed and livestock washed away in the flood. Nearly half a million people have been affected by the floods in 8 districts of Bihar and at least 17 people have died in different regions of Bihar.

In Delhi NCR, thousands of office goers and other commuters were stranded in Gurgaon as heavy rains led to waterlogging on National Highway-8 on Thursday. This has led to massive traffic jams, forcing Gurgaon authorities to shut down schools and a few offices declaring a holiday. Many motorists abandoned their vehicles and waded through knee-deep water which accumulated on both the sides of Delhi-Jaipur road, bringing traffic to a standstill, with the tailback extending up to 15-20 kilometers.

The flood situation in Assam was in a grim state with the number of affected people rising to over 18 lakh. South Indian city Bengaluru was left battling traffic jams, waterlogged roads and flooding on Friday after heavy rains. Uninterrupted rains saw several areas of the city inundated with water from nearby lakes entering houses. The fire department pressed into service a boat to rescue those stranded due to the flood waters. A few were seen using fishing nets to catch any fish that might have strayed out of the overflowing lakes.

Indian government has started relief work throughout the nation. Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited the flood affected areas of Assam and assured that Centre is ready to provide all possible help. He said that Inter-ministerial team will soon visit Assam. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, Singh said that the state government has announced compensation to victims and assured that rescue and relief operations are underway.

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New Delhi :

In his 22nd edition of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the nation and said that they would start many events to encourage the Indian contingent for Rio Olympics. A woman and her 14-year-old daughter were allegedly gang raped in a gruesome incident in Uttar Pradesh after they were dragged out of the car while they were travelling on National Highway 91. AAP legislator from Narela Sharad Chauhan has been arrested by police in connection with the suicide of a woman worker of the ruling party, taking the total number of arrested party leaders to 12. Here are the top 5 stories of the hour:

1. PM Modi addresses nation on women, technology, Olympics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the nation masses through his radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'. This is the 22nd edition of the Prime Minister's radio programme. PM Modi shared his ideas and thoughts on Rio Olympics, dengue, floods, innovation and climate change. He also spoke about his visit to South Arica, phone scams, digital frauds and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.

2. Noida woman, minor gangraped by dacoits on Delhi-Kanpur highway, 15 held

Police detained 15 people on Sunday for the alleged gangrape of a woman and her teenage daughter near Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh. A woman and her minor daughter, who were on their way from Noida to Shahjahanpur with four other family members, were allegedly gangraped by a gang of dacoits in Bulandshahr district, on the Delhi-Kanpur highway, early on Saturday morning.

3. AAP MLA Sharad Chauhan arrested by Delhi Police

In yet another setback to Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), AAP MLA Sharad Chauhan has been arrested by Delhi Police. Delhi Polices Crime Branch on Saturday arrested Chauhan and seven others in connection with AAP worker Soni suicide case. Sharad Chauhan is Delhis ruling Partys MLA from Narela.

4. Class VII girl commits suicide after Mega Parents-Teacher Meet

Aam Aadami Party ruled Delhi Governments Mega Parents Teacher Meeting (PTM) resulted in a sad ending as a 12-year-old student committed suicide after teachers told her parents that she is weak in studies.

5. Daredevil skydiver from United States jumps with no parachute

Luke Aikins, 42-year-old skydiver, created history as he achieved the feat of becoming the first person to leap without a parachute and land in a net instead. After a two-minute freefall, he landed dead center in the 100-by-100-foot net at the Big Sky movie ranch on the outskirts of Simi Valley.

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New Delhi :

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today asked Dalit MPs in BJP to resign from the party against the countrywide assault on the community.

Udit ji and all Dalit MPs of BJP shud resign in protest against countrywide assault on Dalits by BJP goons, the AAP leader tweeted.

Udit ji and all dalit MPs of BJP shud resign in protest against countrywide assault on dalits by BJP goons https://t.co/Rm5NqdB1mP  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) 31 July 2016

Yesterday, the Dalit leader had said the Hindu religion is in danger not because of conversion but because of its so-called protectors.

There is no religion in the world where people attack their own people (from same religion) in the name of the same religion, he had said, asking ... Why only Dalits come forward whenever atrocities happen against them?

There were reports recently that following denial of permission to the Dalits by upper caste Hindus to conduct rituals at the ancient Badrakaliyamman temple at Nagapattinam, during the Tamil month of Adi, some Dalits had planned to embrace Islam.

The Nagapattinam district administration had later denied the report.

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Washington:

Police in Austin, Texas said that an active shooter had today caused multiple victims, with local media reports saying that at least one person was dead. Police said via Twitter there were separate shootings downtown within the same area, and that both scenes are secure at this time.

A woman in her 30s was killed in the incident, the Austin American-Statesman newspaper reported, citing county emergency medical personnel.

At least three other people were rushed to a local hospital, the newspaper said.

Police across the country, and especially in Texas, remain on edge weeks after a black extremist shot dead five officers protecting a peaceful march against police brutality in Dallas.

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Lahore:

Pakistan today averted a major terror attack when security forces killed seven militants who were plotting to target key government installations in Punjab province, the latest in a series of similar assaults.



According to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab Police, it had received information that around 10 to 12 militants were planning to attack sensitive installations and buildings of law enforcement agencies here.



A CTD team along with police commandos raided a house in Chak Char Rasala Sheikhupura district some 50 km from Lahore in early hours today. The team asked them to surrender, the CTD said.



But instead they opened fire on the raiding team which returned the fire, killing seven militants on the spot. The remaining three managed to flee, it said.



Explosives, hand grenades, kalashnikovs a large quantity of bullets, three motorcycles and maps of sensitive buildings have been recovered from their hideout.



The CTD has shifted the bodies to a mortuary for autopsy and the outfit to which the militants belonged is yet to be ascertained.



On July 23, five Taliban militants who were plotting to attack government installations and personnel of law enforcement agencies were killed in an encounter by security forces in Punjab province.



At least six militants were killed on July 13 in a shootout with police in Punjabs Okara city.



In April, the Pakistan Army launched a targeted operation against militants in the province, days after a deadly attack in Lahore in which at least 70 people were killed and over 200 injured when a suicide bomb ripped through a crowded park in Lahore where Christians were celebrating Easter.

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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 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 last 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 was 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.
Washington:

Hillary Clinton today said her economic plan would create 10 million jobs in the US while that of Donald Trump would cost three and half million jobs as the Hillary Clinton underlined her Republican rival is not offering "real change" but "empty promises". "My plans would create millions more jobs than Trump's," Clinton said at an election rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. "In fact, under my plans, the economy would create at least 10 million jobs in our first term," she added.

"As for Donald Trump? Well, his policies were found thatthey would actually cost us nearly three and a half million jobs," the 68-year-old former secretary of state said, referring to a study done by a top economist associated with the presidential campaign of Senator John McCain. "In fact, the more you listen to Donald Trump, the more you realise he is not offering real change. He's offering empty promises, and what little we know about his economic policies, from running up our debt, to starting trade wars, to letting Wall Street run wild, could devastate working families," Clinton said.

She said her vision of America is in "sharp contrast" to what Trump is "laying out, because I don't think we're weak"."I don't think we're in decline. I think we can pull together because we are stronger together, and if anybody like him spent a day on the factory floor here, they'd see what teamwork looks like. They'd understand what it means to create and build."

Clinton, who was joined by Senator Tim Kaine, is on a bus tour in Pennsylvania and Ohio with her vice presidential running mate. During the tour, they said in the first 100 days in office, they would announce to make the largest investment in new, good-paying jobs since World War II. Visiting Johnstown Wire Technologies, a factory with a record of creating jobs and investing in America, Clinton highlighted her plans to invest USD 10 billion to strengthen manufacturing communities like Johnstown. Clinton and Kaine contrasted their shared vision for an American economy that works for everyone not just those at the top with Trump's long record of outsourcing products to be made overseas, instead of here in America.

"Donald Trump, you hear him, he talks a big game about putting America first. Well, with all due respect, please explain to me what part of America first leads Trump to make Trump dress shirts in Bangladesh, not Ashland, Pennsylvania. "Or to make Trump furniture in Turkey, not Freeburg, Pennsylvania. Or Trump picture frames in India, not Bristol, Pennsylvania," Clinton said.The Trump Campaign criticised her for visiting this township in Pennsylvania, saying Clinton visiting Johnstown is like a "robber visiting their victim" as the state has lost 1 in 3 manufacturing jobs since China was put in the World Trade Organisation.

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Varanasi:

Congress president Sonia Gandhi will hold a roadshow in the Varanasi on August 2. She will start her campaign for the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election.

Thousands of supporters and party workers are likely to participate in Gandhis roadshow which would cover nearly 8 KM distance, passing through the busy and narrow lanes of the city, Congress District unit president Prajanath Sharma said. She would also garland statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Sardar Patel falling enroute, he said. At the Englishiyaline, Gandhi is expected to make a five minute speech and also garland the statue of Pandit Kamla Pati Tripati, a former UP chief minister and Union minister, Sharma said.

Congresss UP Chief Ministerial candidate Sheila Dikshit and Ghulam Babi Azad will also be present in the roadshow, he said. The Congress chief is expected to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Loksabha constituency over lack of development despite his promise made during the 2014 Loksabha campaign to turn around the holy city. The roadshow is also aimed at rejuvenating her party workers ahead of the crucial Assembly polls.

She would target Modi over his much-hyped Clean Ganga initiative, highlighting the rivers plight in his constituency and also expose the Centres Swachch Bharat Campaign in the temple city, the party district unit chief said.

Poll strategist Prashant Kishor, senior Congress leaders Salman Khurshid, Rana Goswami, Zafar Ali, Rajeshpati Tripathi, Rajesh Mishra, Ajay Rai along with other leaders are holding regular meetings for the success of the show. State president Raj Babbar along with several senior party leaders will arrive in the city this evening. They will camp here till August 2, Sharma added.

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New Delhi:

DMK Chief M Karunanidhi on Sunday expressed shock over the death of Rakesh, son of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. I am greatly shocked by the untimely death of your son, Rakesh. I have no word to adequately console you, your wife and members of your family at this tragic and sad moment of grief, he said in a letter to Siddaramaiah, a copy of which was released to the media.

39-year-old Rakesh Siddaramaiah was undergoing treatment at the Antwerp University Hospital in Brussels after he developed sudden pancreas-related complications on Tuesday, died yesterday. He had been on an European tour with his friends since last week.

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Colombo:

Sri Lankas foreign minister has said that former president Mahinda Rajapaksas government failed to investigate cases of people who went missing during the three-decade civil war.

Mangala Samaraweera in his statement accused Rajapaksa of going back on an agreement he had with the UN soon after the war with the LTTE ended in 2009.

This was also evident when he and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon agreed to an accountability process in their 2009 Joint Communique, which was later made into a formal commitment to the international community, Samaraweera said.

Rajapaksa had claimed that the current government was betraying the countrys security forces through the legislation on the Office of Missing Persons (OMP) to probe the cases of missing people.

It is your failure to investigate these allegations and if they are true punish the few miscreants in high positions who may have acted unprofessionally and thereby clear the name of the armed forces as an institution, that is the true betrayal of the armed forces, Samaraweera said.

The OMP is a truth-seeking investigative agency and it does not make judgements on disputes, he said. In fact, the legislation states that the findings of the OMP shall not give rise to any criminal or civil liability, he said.

Its primary function is to establish whether a missing person is dead or alive and, if they are dead, discover when, how and where they died. The OMP will require technical expertise that is not available in Sri Lanka, Samaraweera argued.

Any Sri Lankan citizen going missing is a tragedy. It is the governments duty to investigate and determine the fate of any of its citizens who are missing, he said.

The purpose of having an exclusion of the Right of Information Act is to ensure that those who know the fate of missing or disappeared persons can transmit that information without fear.

The OMP is a mechanism designed to discover the truth of a missing persons fate and not act as a prosecutorial or judicial body, he said.

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Ahmedabad:

Thousands of Dalits today took out a rally here where community leaders asked them to give up disposing dead cattle to 'send a strong message' to the BJP-led Gujarat government ahead of the 2017 Assembly polls and demanded firm steps to curb the atrocities on them.

The Dalit leaders also announced a plan to organise a foot march from here to Una town in Gir-Somnath District, where four Dalits were brutally thrashed by cow vigilantes for skinning a dead cow. They said the march will be organised from August 5 as a mark of protest against the July 11 incident which caused an outrage.

As part of their continuing protests over the assault on their community members, thousands of Dailts attended a mass gathering organised here in Sabarmati area.

Speaking at the gathering, Dalit leader and Convener of the event Jignesh Mevani put forward a slew of demands before the state government and asked his community to take a pledge to stay away from their traditional work of disposing the dead cattle.

To give a strong message to the government, I urge all Dalits to discontinue the work of disposing dead animals. I also want you to take a pledge of discontinuing the work of cleaning sewer lines. We no longer wish to do this work and want the government to allot agriculture land to us, so that we can live a respectable life, he said.

If atrocities on Dalits do not stop, we will show our strength in the 2017 Assembly polls, Mevani asserted. Putting forward a series of demands, he asked the government to come to the table for talks, just like it did with the Patel quota leaders.

We want everyone who thrashed Dalits in Una to be arrested under Prevention of Anti-Social Activity Act (PASA). If they come out on bail, the government must extern them from five districts, he said.

We also want government to make all safai kamdars (sanitation workers) permanent in their posts and pay them as per the 6th Pay Commission, the Dalit leader said.

Other demands voiced by the community leaders included withdrawal of cases filed against Dalits during recent protests, speedy probe in the 2012 Thangadh police firing (in which 3 Dalits were killed), allotment of five acres of land for community members who want to discontinue their traditional work and martial arts training to SC members for self-defence.

This agitation will continue till the government accepts our demands. If the government can sit with Patels and accept their demands, it should do the same with Dalits and call them for a meeting, Mevani said.

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Bulandshahr:

UP Government on Sunday suspended five police officials for dereliction in duty in Delhi-Kanpur highway gangrape case. SSP, SP City, CO, SOS of two police stations were suspended in the case of gangrape with a woman and a minor near Bulandshahr on Saturday morning. The police, earlier on Sunday, nabbed three accused, who had priors in robberies.

The CM has promised stringent action against the culprits. UP DGP Javeed Ahmed, who was rushed to Bulandshahr by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav after the incident at village Dostpur here on Delhi-Kanpur highway came into limelight, identified the three detained as Naresh (25), Bablu (22) and Rais (28).

He said police had taken into custody 15 persons, all of them belonging to a nomadic tribe, last evening and interrogated them. Three of the those held who belonged to Bawariya gang have been identified by the victims and all the culprits would be booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), he said.

As the incident, which occurred near bypass when the family from Noida was from travelling to Shahjahanpur on NH-91, acquired a political hue, the Chief Minister went into a fire-fighting mode and suspended SSP Bulandshahr Vaibhav Kishan, SP city Rammohan Singh , Circle Officer (Sadar) Himanshu Gaurav and SHO Ramsen Singh of Kotwali Dehat, amid allegations of laxity by police.

The DGP accompanied by Principal Secretary (Home) visited the site of the incident on the direction of the CM. The police chief, however, rubbished the charge that police did not act swiftly, saying they reached the spot within 20 minutes of getting information and SSP Vibhav Krishna also arrived there.

Taking cognisance of the case, the National Commission for Women said it has sent a member to meet the victims and officials in Uttar Pradesh but added that it finds little cooperation from the state administration in such cases. NCW chief Lalitha Kumaramangalam also questioned the genuineness of the detentions made by police in the case.

Opposition parties alleged that the barbaric incident showed that goonda raj was at its peak in the state where Assembly elections were due in early 2017.

BJP criticised the state government for laying expressways and highways without caring for the safety and security of the users, while BSP said such heinous crimes indicated towards deteriorating law and order situation and jungle raj in the state.

The SP government and its head must tell the people if they can return the modesty of women in such a painful and henious crime, BSP Chief Mayawati said in a statement, adding comnon people, especially women, were not safe in present SP regime.

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New Delhi:

UP government on Sunday suspended five police officials for dereliction in duty. SSP, SP City, CO, SOS of two police stations were suspended on charges of negligence. Congress attacked Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for his remarks over actor Aamir Khan. Petrol price has been slashed by Rs 1.40 per litre. Heavy rains and floods have made life disastrous in many part of the country. And there is also a news for students who are looking forward to take admission in IIT Kharagpur. Here are the details about all of them in details.



1. Bulandshahr gangrape case: 3 accused arrested, 5 police officials suspended for negligence



UP government on Sunday suspended five police officials for dereliction in duty. SSP, SP City, CO, SOS of two police stations were suspended on charges of negligence. Three accused have also been nabbed by cops. The CM has promised stringent action against the culprits.



2.Congress slams Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar over remarks against Aamir Khan



Congress on Sunday attacked Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar over his jibe against actor Aamir Khan, accusing BJP and RSS of "concerted conspiracy" to hound Dalits, minorities, writers, actors and whoever dissents against the Narendra Modi government. "Shameful that @manoharparrikar threatens 'teaching a lesson' to 'actors', instead of training his guns elsewhere," Congress spokesperson Randeep S Surjewala said.



3: Petrol price slashed by Rs 1.42/litre, diesel by Rs 2.01 a litre



Petrol price was today cut by Rs 1.42 a litre and diesel by Rs 2.01 per litre, the third reduction in rates this month on global cues. Petrol will cost Rs 61.09 a litre in Delhi from midnight tonight as compared to Rs 62.51 a litre currently, said Indian Oil Corp, the nations largest fuel retailer. Similarly, diesel will cost Rs 52.27 per litre as against Rs 54.28 currently.



4: Disastrous Flood: Death toll in Assam rises to 31, house collapse kills 9 in Maharashtra



The flood toll in Assam rose to 31 with two more deaths being reported on Sunday even as the rain-triggered building collapse in Maharashtras Bhiwandi claimed nine lives while lightning strikes in Odisha killed three more persons. According to Assam State Disaster Management Authority, two persons were killed at Bokakhat in Golaghat district taking the toll to 31.



5: Study first, pay later: IIT-Kharagpur's new technique to raise funds



Faced with budgetary cuts from the central government, IIT Kharagpur has found a new way to raise funds through a Learn-Earn-Return Fund scheme, where students will get a fee waiver if they pledge to donate money after getting a job. Launched from this new academic session, the scheme will help students to learn without burden and shape their career to earn and give back to their alma mater.

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Mumbai:

Emraan Hashmi may have been in the film industry for more than a decade but Bollywood actor Gaurav Arora says he did not find the Murder star intimidating despite having a great career graph.



Gaurav made his debut with the recently released Love Games. The actor will now be seen in the upcoming Vikram Bhatt-directed horror Raaz Reboot, which also stars Hashmi.



I had called Vikram sir asking if we will have any workshops but Emraan was busy. So, I directly met him on the sets. But the experience of shooting with him was absolutely amazing. He is not at all intimidating despite being a great actor with diverse kind of films, Gaurav told PTI.



Raaz Reboot is the fourth installment in the popular Raaz film series. Gaurav says he plays an intense guy named Rehan in the movie.



The character I play in the movie is that of an intense, corporate guy who talks with eyes and has grey shades to him. He is not a plain simple character, as I find that boring. Playing anti-heroes are anyday more interesting, he said.



Raaz was released in 2002 starring Bipasha Basu and Dino Morea. while its sequel, Raaz- The Mystery Continues featured Hashmi along with actress Kangana Ranaut.



The third installment, Raaz 3D, had Basu and Hashmi return to the franchise with Esha Gupta being the new entry in the cast.



The 26-year-old actor says he feels proud to be a part of the franchise as he had seen the first instalment of the movie with friends while he was in a boarding school.



I know it is a very big franchise which has its own following. I remember I went to see Raaz with my friends while I was in a boarding school and had never thought that one day I will be a part of the film. I feel happy and proud.



Raaz Reboot, which also stars Kriti Kharbanda, is set to release on September 18.

For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Jabalpur:

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said we have put a check on infiltration along the Pakistan border and over 70 terrorists who were trying to enter India from Pakistan have been shot dead so far this year. We have put a check on infiltration into India along the Pakistan border. Terrorists trying to sneak into India have either been shot dead or beaten a retreat, Parrikar said. More than 70 terrorists who were trying to enter India from Pakistan have been shot dead this year so far, he said. Parrikar cited a ratio of the martydom of jawans to slain terrorists while speaking to reporters here.

14 jawans have attained martyrdom this year so far, the Minister said adding the figures reveal that if India lost one jawan, 5 terrorists had been killed against it.

The ratio come to 1:5, Parrikar said adding earlier it was 1:1.5. Denying that the Chinese Army breaches Indias border, the Defence Minister said several points have been made for dialogues along the Indo-China border. Border of India and China have not been demarked, he said, adding it is because of several historical reasons.

As a result of this, Parrikar said Chinese Army by mistake enters India thinking it was its areas.

We stop them and send them back. Sometime they return on their own. Such incidents are being reported since last 20-30 years but their per cent has dropped by 40 per cent, Parrikar claimed.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
For the past four days, some 50 residents of Kapan, a town in Armenias southern Syunik Province, have gathered to hold a public discussion regarding the continuing stand-off between an armed group and police.

Yesterday, they held a march in support of the Sasna Dzrer armed group and its demands.

Cops in civilian clothes swooped in and detained more than ten of the marchers. Local police say they were detained on suspicion of carrying concealed weapons.

Robert Antonyan, one of the detainees, told Hetq they were held for some three hours, searched, and subsequently released.

Its clear that the local authorities are uneasy about the growing activism of Kapan residents. They will not intimidate us. We will gather again today, Antonyan said.
Entering 2016 with an eye on attracting retailers to Norwalks historic core, the city debuted a Wall Street Stabilization Program to subsidize rents for store owners.

For the citys tourist core, is a Washington Street Symmetry Program in order?

With the recent closure of the tech gallery Industrial C.H.I.M.P., South Norwalks picturesque Washington Street lost another retail outlet propping up its status as a unique destination steps from the Maritime Aquarium, Fairfield Countys biggest tourist attraction.

It was one more telltale sign that the Maritime Aquariums immediate environs of North Water Street and Washington Street has become a Bermuda Triangle of sorts for retail stores, which abounded in SoNos days of yore as a destination district but which have been slowly lost to ever-encroaching restaurateurs who can absorb higher rents than most retailers. Multiple more are in the offing, including most recently El Segundo as first reported by the gourmand website CT Bites.

The gastronomical-heavy mix on Washington Street does not dovetail with Connecticuts other major aquarium in Mystic, which is surrounded by a small sea of retailers; as well as with New Englands other town center destinations from Greenwich Avenue to the Old Port in Portland, Maine. In Newport, R.I., Hyannis, Mass., Burlington, Vt., and North Conway, N.H., boutique retailers jostle with restaurants as equals for foot traffic and wallet share.

Boasting 500,000 visits annually, the Maritime Aquarium is a magnet like few others in Southwest Connecticut. While a significant percentage of those visitors are offloaded from school buses, the aquarium gets ample numbers of parents with kids in tow who are looking to make a day of it, and in the heart of one of the most affluent areas of the country.

A self-perpetuating cycle?

One person well aware of the trends is Abigail Wall, who reaches the 30-year anniversary next year of her Beadworks at the corner of Washington Street and North Water Street. Over the years, Wall has witnessed with dismay the departure of some of Beadworks brethren, particularly Sassafras, which closed in June 2013 after a long run selling dollhouses, knickknacks and gifts. At the time, owner John Deorio said the steady decline of retail shops on Washington Street was partly responsible for the shuttering of his store, having eroded the number of passers-by in daylight hours.

SoNo has certainly ebbed and flowed over the years, Wall said. There used to be much more retail.  I am concerned things will become self-perpetuating so that people will only think of SoNo as bars and restaurants.

Farther down Washington Street, Kaas & Company like Beadworks has carved out a long tenure on Washington Street with a hybrid sales floor, its shelves stuffed with Dutch imports while maintaining a full counter of Old World delicacies.

The two stores  along with Industrial C.H.I.M.P. and Sassafras  are the definition of boutique retailers the city hopes to draw to Wall Street through its new program that offers up to $100,000 in rent subsidies for stores that stay open at least 10 years (not dissimilar to a program offered in Stamford by that citys independent Downtown Special Services District). But there are few stores in the immediate neighborhood of the aquarium bounded by Washington Street, the Norwalk River waterfront and trestle bridges for Metro-North trains that set the area off from the rest of South Norwalk.

Instead, dining establishments and watering holes pepper Washington Boulevard and the T formed by North Water Street and Water Street, at a rough ratio of five eateries for every two retailers (with service providers sprinkled in for good measure, most of little appeal to visiting tourists, such as a vapor shop and a yoga studio).

When you go to Washington Street right now, its not a shopping destination  and thats been hard for us to put our arms around, said Elizabeth Stocker, director of economic development for the city. When you have 500,000 visitors to the aquarium every year, you would think that you could pull people out. And in fact we can and we do  except that there is not enough shopping. They come out to eat. But there are a lot of children among that 500,000, and ... I could see (retail) being a huge benefit to the street.

People come for vacation and they have money in their wallet, Stocker added. They want to spend.

Shop local, then eat local

That is not lost on other walk-and-shop districts in Fairfield County appealing to strollers with time and money on their hands, which have varying ratios of retailers to restaurants but in all cases with the former category dominant.

On the retail Mecca that is Greenwich Avenue, there are three stores for every restaurant; on Westports Main Street, shops outnumber dining establishments by an eight-to-one ratio. Dariens most walkable stretch of the Post Road has two stores for every restaurant, while Elm Street in New Canaan has four. Southport  whose diversified retail strip is perhaps best illustrated by a vision centers storefront gazing across the Post Road at models peering out of the windows of Victorias Secret  stores are still the main draw by a three-to-two ratio.

The ideal equation is summed up by a sidewalk sandwich board on prominent display outside the Design Solutions store in New Canaan, which exhorts residents to Shop local/eat local  in that order.

As El Segundo readies to become the latest culinary option on North Water Street, more storefronts sit empty, including the recent addition of Industrial C.H.I.M.P.s space.

In short, people are voting with their pocketbooks.

I dont think that in the past the retail businesses (on Washington Street) did enough business to thrive, stated Norwalk resident Joan Fiorelli in an email. In a sense its understandable that there is a preponderance  of restaurants. Also, just from a practical standpoint, people going to a restaurant makes SoNo a destination as there are many choices.

 Silvia Foster-Frau and Kaitlyn Krasselt contributed to this report; includes prior reporting by Chris Bosak and Leslie Lake.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-964-2236; www.twitter.com/casoulman
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DANBURY  Its not every day you see a tray of dog treat samples in a store that does not allow dogs.

But, yes, those samples are for humans to try and, yes, the cookies and biscuits are real dog treats.

Stew Leonards has introduced a line of all-natural dog treats that are perfectly fit for human consumption and available at the Bubbas Barkree kiosk in the stores Danbury location. The treats are available at each Stew Leonards store, but only Danbury has the kiosk for now.

Bubbas Barkree is manned by Barb Bubba Bucknam, a 30-year Stew Leonards employee who created the treats and helped launch the products. Bucknam is a Danbury resident.

Its going very well so far. Were getting a lot of great feedback from the customers, Barknam said. People are so concerned about whats going into their dogs. We make everything from scratch right here. After the scares weve had with tainted dog treats and food lately, thats important.

There is a full product line including Bubba Biscuits, Bubba Corndogs, Bubba Biscuit Bites, Bubba Pup-cakes, Bubba Snacks and Bubba Creamwich. Each variety is free of sugar, salt and preservatives. Bubbas Biscuits are made with oats, whole wheat flour, local eggs, local bacon, peanut butter and pumpkin puree. The products can be eaten by humans, hence the samples at Bubbas Barkree, but they are made with dogs in mind.

Its not like a Milkbone that can stay in the cupboard. Its all fresh so they need to be refrigerated or put in the freezer, Bucknam said. My dogs like all these ingredients and they love the products.

Bucknam has two large mixed-breed rescue dogs named Mario and Tank that are 14 and 15 years old.

But it was another dog that led to the creation of Bubbas treats. Stew Leonard Jr., the president and CEO of the dairy store, owns a 14-year-old soft-coated Wheaten terrier named Baia.

Shes a really finicky dog, Leonard said. I told Barb to make up a batch and if my dog eats it, its a green light. (Baia) will walk away from most biscuits, but I brought a Bubba biscuit home and she gobbled it right up.

With the go-ahead from the boss, Bucknam started making more creations and larger batches. She also made some treats with dog allergies in mind.

Ive met customers whose dogs have wheat allergies or peanut allergies. We try to meet their different needs, she said. A lot of trial and error went into it.

The treats appear to be a hit with the customers. The original creation, Bubba Biscuits, is a hot-seller, but last week the gluten-free Bubba Bites were the top-selling product. She even made a special order birthday cake for a customer last week.

Im really proud of her, Leonard said. Shes passionate about dogs and we try to match a persons passion with their skills. We had to nudge her, but she tried it and its a hit. Now its on to phase two, which is expanding the products.

Stew Leonards, which for six consecutive years has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Connecticut by the Hartford Business Journal, is known for not laying off employees and offering opportunities for advancement. Employees are also encouraged to make suggestions on how to make the store better, Leonard said.

Were a family business. Its almost like sitting around the table at Thanksgiving and someone says: Hey, I make a great coleslaw. OK, well, lets try it, Leonard said. We have people from all over the world working here, but were still like a big family. Theres a procedure, but we encourage people to share their ideas. The customers love some of the things they come up with.

Leonard said two female employees at the Yonkers, N.Y., location suggested recently that the store offer empanadas at the buffet and for sale separately. The employees used their own recipe to make the stuffed pastries.

Now were doing thousands of them a week, Leonard said. Its authentic and made right there.

Other employees have made similar suggestions that have proven to be successful, Leonard said.

The people who work here are encouraged to try new things, Meghan Bell, director of public relations for Stew Leonards, said. If it works, great; if not, thats fine, too. Its nice that they get the support to try something new.

Bucknam remembers the encouragement she received from Leonard to open Bubbas Barkree.

He pushed me to do this, Bucknam said. He knows my passion is dogs and he knows I love to bake. He said to give it a shot and see what happens.

As she set up her kiosk one day last week, Bucknam was quick to point out that she had plenty of help getting Bubbas Barkree off the ground.

This is the creation of many people. Everyone pitched in with ideas and work, she said. I asked the construction team if they could come up with a dog house, and they did. The art department did the labels. The bakery helped so much.

Bucknam started working at the bakery at Stew Leonards Norwalk store 30 years ago. She is now director of quality for the company.

The dog treats and Bubbas Barkree are now part of her everyday job at Stews. It is extra work she doesnt mind having.

I do it for the joy of it, she said. Its my passion.

cbosak@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3338
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ANSONIA -- Fred Hubbard likes to build things.

So Wednesday, the 8-year-old strapped on his dad's tool belt and left his home in Newtown to drive with his mother to Ansonia, where a very special project was waiting for him.

On a day when hope and healing filled the air, Fred was named "honorary foreman" for the construction of a playground built in his sister's memory at Prendergast School.

Fred is the older brother of Catherine Hubbard, one of the 20 first-graders killed Dec. 14 in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings. Six staff members at the school also died that day.

"This is exciting," Fred said, adding that the playground would be pink and purple, his sister's favorite colors. And, since Catherine loved to ride on tire swings, this playground had to have one.

The playground at Prendergast School is one of 26 planned for the tri-state area through The Sandy Ground: Where Angels Play, a nonprofit effort of the New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association.

Bill Lavin, the foundation's president, said the initial plan was to build playgrounds -- at a cost of about $100,000 each -- in areas ravaged by Hurricane Sandy. But after the Sandy Hook tragedy, the firefighters decided these playgrounds should be living memorials to those who died that day.

So they branched out to locations in the tri-state area, including Prendergast School, which sorely needed a new playground.

More Information The Sandy Ground:

Where Angels Play

Along with the playground in honor of Catherine Hubbard, another four of the first 11 memorial playgrounds are planned for Connecticut:

Westport in honor of Dylan Hockley

Stratford in honor of Victoria Soto

New London in honor of Emilie Parker

Mystic Seaport in honor of Dawn Hochsprung

For more information, visit www.thesandygroundproject.org.

To make a donation, visit the website or mail a check to NJFMBA Foundation, 1447 Campbell St., Rahway, N.J. 07065. See More Collapse

"I'm just very excited and know the students will love it," Principal Joe Apicello said, pointing out that a small "residential-type playground" on school grounds was recently torn down.

"It was made of wood and students kept getting slivers from it," he said.

Apicello said he knew the school was a finalist for the new playground, but he didn't know Prendergast had won until Wednesday because school staff had kept the news a secret.

Jennifer Hubbard, Fred and Catherine's mother, said she couldn't think of a more fitting way to honor her daughter's memory.

"It will be a place for the children to be carefree and innocent," she said.

Hubbard said it would also make up for something that happened during the family's move to Newtown last summer.

"When we moved, we left our swing set behind," she said. "Catherine was mad we didn't take it with us, so this is, in a way, giving that back to her."

Watching workers construct the new playground, Apicello said, "This is so wonderful and what a great tribute to Catherine."

Besides Apicello, dozens of people, including school staffers and city officials, looked on as parts of the playground were loaded off a truck. When a busload of New Jersey firefighters arrived to help with the construction, they were greeted with applause.

"Let's get to work," Lavin said.

This is the third playground built by the foundation, according to MaryKate Lavin, Bill Lavin's daughter.

The first playground was built in Sea Bright, N.J., in memory of Anne Marie Murphy, a teacher's aide who worked with special needs students at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The second playground, built in Union Beach, N.J., was dedicated to Jack Pinto, who loved the New York Giants. His playground is red, white and blue, the Giants' team colors, she said.

On Wednesday, the playground's colors were pink and purple for Catherine Hubbard.

"We feel the support from the community," her mother said, adding that the family is coping as best it can. "We'll make it."
On the weeds that border Parks Pond at Danburys Tarrywile Park, a blue dasher  a pale all-blue dragonfly  rested on bright green leaves, circled up into the blue sky, stopped again on the greenery, and flew off.

Other dragonflies laced above the pond like jets on maneuvers. A Halloween pennant  a dragonfly with boldly striped brown-and-gold wings  paused on a tall stalk of grass in one of Tarrywiles unmown meadows, then went on, searching for a bug to eat.

For along with black swallowtails, catbirds and ripening blackberries, dragonflies  acrobatic jewels and consummate pest predators  are a sign of high summer.

June, July and August  most of them are out as adults, said Laura Saucier, a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Tarrywiles mix of ponds and meadows make it prime dragonfly territory. When theres an insect hatch, and the dragonflies gather to feed, the fields swarm.

Its a good place, said Michael Thomas, an agricultural technician with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and one of the states resident dragonfly experts.

And, increasingly, Thomas said, people who love to watch and ID birds and butterflies, are buying dragonfly field guides and creating new checklists.

They also send in information to a state dragonfly data base, started 20 years ago by Thomas and David Wagner, a professor of ecology and environmental biology at the University of Connecticut. It now has 18,000 entries.

Its a great example of citizen science, the DEEPs Saucier said.

Why people like dragonflies is easy to answer. Our eyes are drawn to color, and dragonflies come in iridescent greens, blues and ambers.

When you catch one and get to see one, theyre like beautiful mosaics, said Sean Graesser, who works with Audubon Connecticut and leads dragonfly field trips.

Like butterflies, theyre big enough to see without a magnifying glass. And they are plentiful  Thomas said there are more than 150 species of dragonflies, and their slender cousins, damselflies, in the state.

Theyve been flying around for hundreds of millions of years. Archaeologists have found fossils of prehistoric dragonflies with a wingspan of more than two feet.

The more accommodating species we see today are expert fliers. They have four wings, which all operate independently, allowing then to zoom, stop, hover and make 90-degree turns with ease. They also have phenomenal vision. A human eye has one lens. A dragonfly eye has 30,000.

That allows them, as adults, to be such great hunters, for which we should be thankful. They can feed on bugs wed rather not have around.

They can eat 100 mosquitoes a day, Thomas said.

While we often see them in open space, they are aquatic insects, with females laying their eggs on leaves near water or on the water itself.

When they hatch, dragonfly nymphs live underwater for months, gorging on other aquatic insects, molting as they grow. Most of their life span is spent this way.

Just as ungainly caterpillars metamorphose into butterflies, these nymph eventually make one final molt and get reintroduced to the world, resplendently, said Saucier of DEEP.

If you put a dragonfly nymph next to an adult, they are completely different, she said.

And at least one species  the common green darner  migrates south in a journey that rivals migrating birds and monarch butterflies.

In the fall, you hear reports of thousands of green darners gathering, Thomas of the agricultural experiment station said. Theyre heading south.

These green darners fly to Florida, Texas and Mexico. They lay their eggs there, then die. In the spring, newly-hatched young adults head back north.

Green darners are some of the first dragonflies well see in the spring, Thomas said.

Because of the state dragonfly database, entomologists have verified there is a small, but self-sustaining, population of a southern dragonfly  the Allegheny River cruiser  living in southeastern Connecticut. Thomas said that global warming may be bringing other southern dragonfly species north as well.

Some dragonfly species live only in specific habitats. That makes their presence  and the database information  important. Ecologists can measure the health of those habitats by looking for dragonflies that have lived there now and in the past.

And, they have an allure. Graesser of Audubon Connecticut said he can still remember the first time he caught, and really got to see, a dragonfly as a kid.

Theyre magical, he said.

Contact Robert Miller at earthmattersrgm@gmail.com
Warning: The video contains graphic language.

A planned neo-Nazi protest never appeared en masse, but the counter-demonstrators numbered in the hundreds, and were very motivated.



At Cazenovia Park in South Buffalo, 350 people showed up ready to tear into the business of a "White Lives Matter" rally, but it took 20 minutes for the first Neo-Nazi supporter to show his face, wearing a 'White Pride' T-shirt. It didn't take long for that shirt to get ripped off of him.

Police ushered him away from a crowd mixed with local residents and a host of other groups. There were arguments, but bigger confrontations never happened.

Karl Hand, a Nazi-sympathizer and head of the Racial Nationalist Party of America, was there and handed out fliers trying to drum up support for his run for a Senate seat in New York. He barely got a chance to talk to the few people who showed up to support his stance.

"I came to hear what (Hand) had to say. Obviously I won't be able to do that," said Anthony Chaman, who says he favors white separation and stressed he wasn't a "racist."

Buffalo police were on hand to keep the peace and quickly formed a wedge when any hint of trouble started to brew.

"The emergency response team trains specifically for these kind of things. They were ready," said Inspector Henry Baranski of the Buffalo police.
Though countries outside the U.S., Europe, and Japan make up 60 percent of the worlds population, they contribute less than 1 percent of sequenced genomic data globally.

This is largely because poor countries historically focused their health resources on managing and eradicating communicable diseases and did not establish programs like the Human Genome Project in the U.S. and Genomics England in the U.K.

Global Gene sees a business opportunity in this omission. Taking into account population predictions, cancer statistics, and pharmaceutical research spending, company executives think the Indian market for genomic information that could be used in drug development and cancer treatment may reach $1.9 billion. Adding in China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle Eastareas where Global Gene hopes to expandwould increase the total addressable market to $8.1 billion, with a 14 percent annual growth rate

The company has also already gathered more than 10,000 DNA samples with patient consent, resulting in what it says is Indias largest genomics biobank, and established the core for a reference genome (a digital average genome) for Indians. It says a reference genome will help it derive insights about the many diseases in India.

Global Gene isnt the only player with its eye on Asia. A nonprofit consortium of academics and companies, called GenomeAsia 100K, wants to sequence 100,000 people in South, North, and East Asia and create perhaps 50 to 100 reference genomes, representing all major Asian ethnic groups, within the next four years. Japan, for example, is believed to have three major ethnic groups, with some degree of genome variation

Large-scale genetic mapping projects have often struggled to acquire enough samples to draw meaningful conclusions. Global Gene is trying to sidestep the problem by obtaining samples through multiple sources, including partner hospitals, research projects, and voluntary donations from individuals who arrange for testing on their own.

Payment may be an issue, says Lawton R. Burns, a professor of health-care management at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School who has written books about China and India. He estimates that only 25 percent of Indians have medical insurance, and most of those plans wouldnt cover genetic testing.

Global Genes clinical tests range in cost from $75 to $538. Indias median income was $616 in 2013

Human Longevity Inc (HLI, Craig Venters genetic company, has two dozen sequencing machines work around the clock, sequencing one human genome every 15 minutes at a cost of under $2,000 per genome. The whole operation fits comfortably in three rooms.

Venters goal is to sequence at least one million genomes, something that seems likely to take the better part of a decade, and use the data generated from themalong with information about some of the DNA donors health histories and the results of other medical teststo find better ways to treat and prevent a range of disorders common among aging people, from cancer to heart disease.

SOURCES- Technology Review, Global Genes
Russias Severnoye Design Bureau has started working on the Project 23560 Leader-class destroyer that will combine the features of a destroyer, large antisubmarine warship and guided missile cruiser.

The ship will most likely be nuclear powered. It will be capable of spending up to 90 days offshore without additional refueling or support.

The Leader-class destroyers are expected to be equipped with Kalibr-NK cruise missiles and S-500 air defense systems.

As exhibited by its mockup, the destroyer will be 200 meters long and 20 meters wide. It will be able to travel at a maximum speed of 32 knots.

The multipurpose warship will have anti-aircraft, anti-ballistic missile, anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities.

It will further be equipped with P-800 Oniks supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles with a range of more than 300 kilometers. The Zircon hypersonic missiles could also be added to the arsenal.

The next-generation warship will also have a landing pad for two Kamov Ka-27 or Kamov Ka-32 helicopters.

The vertical launch systems (VLS) of the Poliment-Redut system will handle short-range aerial threats. The VLS will be controlled by the Poliment active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system. The Leader may carry two modules of the navalized version of the Pantsir-M SAM/gun system.

The ship will displace about 17,500 tons, which will make it close enough to Project 1144 Orlan-class heavy missile cruisers in terms of dimensions.
The Owa of Ido-Ani, Oba Olufemi Olutoye, is a retired Major-General in the Nigerian Army. In this interview, he shares his experiences as a soldier and his level of involvement in the 1966 military coup

Can you share your background with us?

My name is Olufemi Olutoye. I was born in Ido Ani town, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State. I spent the early part of my childhood days in Benin City, Edo State, when my father was the headmaster at St. James Primary School, Benin City. From there, I went to Government College Ibadan in 1945. I completed my secondary school education in 1949. I then gained admission to the University of Ibadan in 1950 and I graduated in June 1954. I also went to Cambridge University and concluded my course there in 1955. When I returned to Nigeria, I started teaching at the Olu-Iwa College, Ijebu Ode, (now Adeola Odutola College) . Later, I left teaching to join the Nigerian Army in 1957 and I retired in 1977.

What informed your decision to join the army, when you were a university graduate?

I believed then that I had attained the height of the teaching profession, because teaching then was different from what we have now. I worked in a private school and I believed I had already reached the limit and that there was nothing to look forward to again. Secondly, I wanted adventure. I taught briefly in a public school in England where there was a Cadet Corps, where young boys were given uniforms. I asked myself then that why couldnt we have such kind of school in Nigeria? I was the acting principal for a year, so I had to leave after that. That was when I got to the army where I rose through the ranks to become Major General before I eventually retired in 1977.

You were in the army when the first coup happened in Nigeria. Can you tell us your experience?

I hope that I will have time to write more about that coup but I am doing something on it right now. The coup was led by Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu. He was a Major in rank and of course, I was a Major then too but I was his senior. So I knew about that coup. I can say that now but I could not say that then because, in the army, the mere knowledge of a coup is a problem. We were together in India. So, he informed me about it and I enquired more on how he hoped to carry out the plot. When he told me that it would involve killings, I told him to count me out. I told him that I did not join the Nigerian Army to kill Nigerians.

Was he the one that personally approached you to inform you about the plan?

Yes, he personally came to inform me about it in 1964 when we were in India and the coup was carried out in 1966. There are few other things that happened which we cannot say now until the time is ripe.

Did he specifically tell you that the coup was going to be bloody ?

Yes, that was why I told him to count me out. When I joined the Nigerian Army it was called West Africa Frontier Force. We were part of the Colonial Army. I did not join to kill fellow Nigerians. So, I told him I would not be a party to any military exercise that would result to loss of lives of any Nigerian. So, that was why I did not participate in the coup.

The coup seemed to have been targeted at military officers from a particular part of Nigeria and it was also tagged, Igbo Coup. Why?

It later turned out to be so, although all the six majors who plotted it were Igbos except one  Major Adegboyega from Remo, Ogun State. I want to assure you that, that was not Nzeogwus intention. As I told you, the coup was planned as far back as 1964. Maybe between 1964 and end of 1965, he changed his mind. I cant say why he did so but those that showed interest in the coup turned out to be Igbos. Even his utterances when the coup took place on January 15, 1966, showed that he didnt mean it to be an Igbo affair but unfortunately, it turned out to be so that an Igbo man could also become the Head of State.

Did he tell you that he planned the coup to become the Head of State?

No. Infact what attracted me to Nzeogwu at the early stage when the coup was being planned was that I asked him if he was going to make himself the Head of State and he said no. He said he was going to bring a civilian who was more knowledgeable and who had what it took to make Nigeria great. I then asked him who that person was and he said the man was in Calabar prison. I said is it Chief Obafemi Awolowo? He said yes. That was why I gave him my support but when he told me it was going to involve killings, I said no I was not interested again.

If the coup had been successful, do you think Nigeria would still be where we are today?

Because I happened to have known the whole genesis of the coup, my answer to that question is, Nigeria would have become a changed place now. Nigeria would have been one of the top countries in the world today. When he informed me about the plan when we were in India, I brought him to my room and asked many questions. I asked him why he wanted to do such a thing, what he hoped to achieve and he made some very good points. I then said let me help you write out some things. I wrote some of the papers for him because I was more knowledgeable than a some of them. Like I said earlier, he was my junior, though we wore the same rank. I was older and more educated than he was. Our plan for education then was superb, same thing for industrialisation and other good plans for the country. But immediately he told me it was going to involve the killing of people, I said sorry, I cant be a party to it because when I got enlisted into the army, I did not sign to be killing Nigerians. He said there was no way he could carry out the coup without loss of lives and I told him if that was his plan, then he should count me out. Fortunately when we came back to Nigeria from India, he was posted to Kaduna and I was posted to Lagos. So, we were separated and lost contact. So, I thought I had convinced him enough not to carry out any coup, and if he must, he should make sure that no life was lost. So, on January 15, 1966, I just heard on the radio that a coup had taken place and I recognised the voice. So, I told myself that this boy eventually carried out this coup! That was how it started. Later, we got to know that all the ring leaders of the coup were Igbos . The only exception was Adegboyega, a Yoruba man.

What do you think was wrong with the then government that instigated Nzeogwu to plan the coup?

The first thing was the census. There was no doubt that we were fed with wrong figures; that was the major defect in the running of government then, Nzeogwu did not like it. Secondly, those who were in government then were not doing well enough. We had mismanagement of public funds, some of them were semi-illiterates. Although some of them meant well for the nation but not all of them. Since Nzeogwu grew up in the North he knew most of them. He could speak Hausa language fluently because he was born there and knew them very well. He didnt want a change in government simply because he wanted to kill northerners, it was those who came and supported his effort that did that. Not only that, he ended up putting Ironsi, an Igbo man, as the Head of State. It then looked as if he killed the Hausa soldiers and put an Igbo man there. This was why Brigadier-General Ogundipe did not succeed Ironsi. It was a sergeant that told Ogundipe that they were not going to take orders from him, that they would rather take orders from a captain who was a northerner instead of Ogundipe.

Why did you have disobedience in the military then?

There was no military at that period; the whole thing had turned upside down. There was confusion everywhere in the military. Unfortunately many people outside the military did not know what was going on then. You see, coup was not being organised in the army, it was usually carried out by a few people and when they succeed, everybody will fall in line.

Few months after the first unsuccessful coup, General Ironsi was killed, what was going on in the military then?

Before Ironsi was killed, he brought about a lot of changes in the structure of the country. At that time, we had a federation of three regions. He cancelled the regional arrangement that we were practising and people saw this as the idea of Igbo domination of Nigeria and that it would be a question of time that the prediction of an Igbo leader would be actualised. Many top Yorubas were killed but majority of those killed were northerners. After this, an Igbo man was installed as the Head of State and this Igbo man surrounded himself with Igbo senior civil servants, who wrote most of the ideas for him, including the cancellation of the regional government, and adoption of the unitary government to the detriment of those people who thought otherwise.

In addition to that, there were many Igbo people in the North, and they were rejoicing. It would have been an easy thing if they had done that secretly. But for them, it was an occasion that the Sardauna was killed, they were telling the people in the North that we have killed your leaders and now we are in charge. So it was annoying to the northerners. That type of thing did not happen in the West because not everybody supported Akintola. I am sure that if it was Awolowo that was killed, it would have been another story entirely in those days.

When Gowon became the Head of State, was he embraced in the military, considering the level of disobedience among the officers then?

At that time, we still had many Igbo officers in the army, it was part of this that led to the mass exodus of the Igbos. They left the West and North for the East so as not to be killed. Whenever a coup took place, it was not everybody that supported it. It is just like when you have a change of government, it is not everybody who will support the new government.

Can you compare the military during your time to what we have now?

Nowadays, we have more educated people in the military. Hardly can you see any senior officer now who is not a university graduate. Some of the senior ones that you see on the pages of newspapers have more than one degree in relevant disciplines. So, by any standard they are not illiterates. You cannot compare the military men that we had then with the military men we have now in terms of knowledge and wisdom because our military now can compete with any military anywhere in the world. In the past, if they were given orders to go somewhere, they went without any questioning, but now they are more educated.

What about in the area of discipline and commitment?

You still cannot compare the military that we have today to what we had in our time because when you are educated, your mind is open to other ideas, even when somebody tells you to go, in your own personal estimation, you put whoever tells you to go on the scale and weigh him. You can do that now but in those days we cant do that; all the thinking was done for us. That was the training of a soldier. Again, we have more officers now than then, not just officers but officers and men. So, it was possible for a small clique to get together in those days, it is not possible now, the situation must be nationwide and you cant have a good number of soldiers coming together. Reasoning together to do something together to bring a change by force, because we still have some people who will argue that why must we use force to talk to them, they will ask questions. They would ask why they were not invited first for a round-table talk or conference. These are the type of officers we have now. They can think for themselves and not have somebody sitting somewhere thinking for them. There is a lot of difference now.

It is 50 years now that a former Military Governor of old Western Region, Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, was killed. Did you have a relationship with him in the military?

Yes. he was my senior but we were friends, good friends.

How did you feel when you heard about his death as a military officer then?
















A Brazilian drug lord serving an eight-year prison sentence, spent his time behind bars in a 'VIP cell' - complete with a plasma television, a kitchen, wardrobes, conference room, air conditioning, tiled walls, furniture, and library - complete with a DVD collection that included all episodes of a television show about Pablo Escobar.Jarvis Chimenes Pavao, one of South America's deadliest and most feared drug lords was sentenced to 8 years in prison after being found guilty of money laundering charges and was locked up in Tacumb prison in Asuncion, Paraguay, where he lived a life of luxury. See more photos after the cut...But Pavao's cushy life behind bars came to an end at his own doing, after officers began to suspect he was planning to detonate a bomb in order to smash through one of the jail walls and escape.Investigators flooded the Brazilian's cell in search of the explosives on Tuesday night, but instead found his luxury prison pad.After the raid, Pavao's lawyer said the lifestyle her client was able to lead while locked up was proof of how deeply corrupt the Paraguayan prison system had become.'Six or seven justice ministers and six or seven prison directors' took bribes from Pavao, his lawyer alleged.The lawyer also claimed her client paid for lodgings for prison directors, toilets for the guards, the renovation of the prison library and the cooks' salaries.In the wake of the scandal, Justice Minister Carla Bacigalupo was sacked almost immediately.Tacumbu penitentiary is considered one of the most overcrowded and violent jail of Paraguay - with inmates often starving to death or being involved in riots.
set to grill Dogara, other principal officersDSS seals off Reps appropriation cttee officePresident wont interfere PresidencyNiyi Odebode, John Ameh, Olalekan Adetayo and Adelani AdepegbaThere are strong indications that the police and Department of State Services have received the backing of President Muhammadu Buhari, to carry out full investigations into the N480bn budget padding in the House of Representatives.We gathered on Saturday that the security agencies had already swung into action by scrutinising documents collected from a former Chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriation Committee, Abdulmumin Jibrin, as part of the investigations into the budget padding.Investigations showed that Buhari, as part of his commitment to the anti-graft war was favourably disposed to investigations into the allegations in spite of his closeness to the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara.It was learnt that Jibrin, who visited the DSS headquarters in Abuja on Friday, submitted written demands by four principal officers of the House during the vetting of the 2016 budget by the National Assembly.It was gathered that the lawmaker made copies of the same documents available to the police detectives as investigation into the scam began last week.It was also learnt that security agencies had started scrutinising the documents with a view to determining members of the House that would be quizzed.It was gathered that the DSS, during the week, would start the investigation with the questioning of civil servants working in the National Assembly Budget Office and that other affected principal officers would subsequently be invited.Jibrin had, in his petitions to the security agencies, accused the Speaker of the House; Dogara, his deputy, Yusuf Lasun; the House Whip, Alhassan Doguwa, and the Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, of padding the budget.It was gathered that security officers were banking on using as evidence written demands by the principal officers to establish a criminal case against the House leadership.Sources said Jibrin had submitted incontrovertible evidence linking the four men to the budget padding incident that embarrassed the Federal Government.Among the documents, said to have been provided by the petitioner, was the breakdown of the amount that was added to the budget which was allegedly to be shared by Dogara and his cohorts.In one of the demand notes, the speaker was to get N3bn; the deputy speaker, N2.55bn; House leader and chief whip, N1.8bn each; deputy leader and deputy chief whip, N1.5bn each; minority leader and minority whip, N1.4bn each; while the deputy minority leader and deputy minority whip would each get N1.3bn, totalling N17.5 bn.Other evidence that may be used to establish a case against the house leadership include the document on the N20bn projects allegedly inserted in the 2016 budget under the service wide vote.It was also gathered that detectives were examining a document showing the 2,000 projects inserted into the budget by 10 standing committees chairmen which was approved by the speaker. The projects amounted to N284bn. The total amount of the budget padding was said to be N480bn.Sunday Punch was made to understand that the documented evidence, in possession of the petitioner, would make it difficult for the house leadership to escape prosecution for malfeasance unless a political solution was adopted.Further findings indicated that Jibrin had received the full support of the President and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami in his quest to torpedo the house leadership.It was learnt that Jibrin had met with Malami where he was assured of the Federal Governments support for his anti-corruption crusade in the National Assembly.A top government officer, said, Security agencies have received the backing of the President to probe the allegation. The President has said that there is no sacred cow in the fight against corruption. You know he is close to Dogara, but he will not stop the security agencies from investigating anybody.A source stated that though the government knew that Jibrin was not entirely blameless in the unfolding saga, it would not overlook the allegations against the principal officers.When asked about the status of the investigation into the budget padding, the Force Public Relations Officer, Donald Awunah, declined comment, saying he did not have any information on it. I cant speak on the investigation, I know nothing about it, he said.But when contacted, the Presidency said that the President would not interfere with the budget padding allegation in the House.The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, who said this in an interview with one of our correspondents, also stated that budget padding would not occur again in the Buhari administration.Adesina said the President had made it clear to all those concerned that he would not tolerate a situation where he would present a budget and the federal lawmakers would pass a document completely different from what he submitted to them.How Jibrin maintains informants at NAssemblyMeanwhile, details emerged on Saturday on how the former Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Mr. Abdulmumin Jibrin, ruffled the Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, and three other principal officers with his budget padding allegations for over a week.Investigations showed that the All Progressives Congress lawmaker from Kano State operated largely under cover since he began taking on Dogara last week, except for his announced brief appearance at the headquarters of the Department of State Services in Abuja on Friday night.Findings revealed that Jibrin ran a Mobile office with a laptop computer, mobile phones and hard copies of the 2016 budget.One National Assembly aide, who understood his movements said that Jibrin kept a safe distance from his Abuja residence and reportedly avoided using cars he was easily identified with.It was gathered that soon after he kick-started his media war against the four principal officers, Jibrin initially shuttled between his Kano and Abuja residences.However, in the last four days, Jibrin, who had also served as the Chairman, Committee on Finance in the 7th Assembly, stayed under cover in Abuja, coming out only to hold brief discussions with family members and aides before disappearing again.But, the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Abdulrazak Namdas, denied that anybody was after Jibrin.Namdas also said claims by Jibrin that Dogara sent the police and DSS operatives after him were unfounded.Efforts to get Jibrins comments failed on Saturday. He rarely answers his calls or responds to text messages.DSS seals off Reps secretariatIn a related development, the secretariat of the Committee on Appropriation at the House of Representatives was sealed off on Saturday by operatives of the Department of State Services.Two unarmed officers of the agency blocked the entrance to the secretariat as of 4.40pm when our correspondent visited the National Assembly.The operatives barred the Clerk to the Committee, Dr. Abel Ochigbo, from entering his office.Although Ochigbo and other members of staff were in possession of the keys to the secretariat, they were not allowed access into the office.Our correspondent observed that one of the operatives blocked Ochigo when he wanted to open the door and denied him access.The two operatives were among the regular officers posted to the National Assembly by the DSS.The operative, who barred Ochigbo, simply said he was under instructions not to allow anybody into the office.No, no; you cannot enter there please, he said and blocked Ochigbo.The security personnel did not listen to the clerks explanations but later made phone calls and tried to pass his phone over to the operative so that he could speak with someone on the other end of the line, but the man declined to receive the phone.The operative turned his back at journalists all the while and had a phone to his ear as if he was speaking with somebody, but he was not really talking into the phone.Ochigbo later explained that he suspected that the office was shut because of the development over the budget.He said, I think it is to safeguard the place because of the issues going on.These people (DSS) are our colleagues from other departments; there are sergeant-at-arms personnel here.I assure you that everything is intact inside the office. Nothing has been vandalised. No member of staff has been harassed for whatever reason.Ochigbo added that he had actually worked in the office earlier in the day unhindered, but clarified that the security men were deployed primarily to provide security.
Elders and Leaders of Thoughts of Ijaw ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, weekend, warned Ijaw militants against t...

Elders and Leaders of Thoughts of Ijaw ethnic nationality in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, weekend, warned Ijaw militants against their vow to declare a Republic of Niger-Delta, saying that what Ijaw nation wants is true federalism.Ijaw leaders at a consultative meeting in Warri, Delta State, hosted by Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, said: The Elders and Leaders of Thought of the Ijaw nation call for the immediate restructuring of the Nigerian nation along the lines of peaceful federalism, and noticed that this is the panacea for the sustainable development of Nigeria. Bayelsa state governor, Hon Henry Seriake Dickson, Deputy Governor of Delta state, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Sir Gabriel Toby, former Minister of Culture, Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas and ex-Minister of Police Affairs, Alaowei Brodrick Bozimo attended the meeting.Also at the meeting were former national chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria, HRM Pere Charles Ayemi-Botu, Mbene III, Ama-Okosu of Ogbe-Ijoh kingdom, Alabo Tobin-West; Chief Boma Obuoforibo, INC National Chairman, and Sir NGO Martins Martyns-Yellowe, Chairman Civil Service Commission On the current dialogue with militants and stakeholders in the region, they stated in a communique, As a demonstration of sincerity of commitment to dialogue, Federal government should immediately withdraw the military from all occupied Ijaw communities, particularly Gbaramatu kingdom.The leaders also noted the non-inclusion policies of the present administration, which has led to the alienation of some components of the federation, particularly the Ijaw nation from the main stream of national development and called on Mr. President to redress this ugly state of affairs.Furthermore, they said the prevailing trend of executive/legislature face off was negatively affecting governance and enjoined both arms to work in harmony in the interest of the nation. The meeting noted the impact of various activities of militant groups of the Niger Delta on the national economy and ordered them to cease further attacks on crude oil and gas facilities and embrace the offer of dialogue offered by the federal government. They also called on the FG to release the 10 innocent students of Gbaramatu kingdom.The meeting passed a vote of confidence on the Chief Boma Obuoforibo-led leadership of the Ijaw National Congress. We condemn the move to scrap the Nigerian Maritime University approved by the preceding Federal Government with temporary site at Kurutie and call for the immediate takeoff of the university, the leaders said in the communique. Chief Clark, however, noted in his opening remarks that any planned or ongoing dialogue between the federal government and militants amounts to a nullity without the involvement of Ijaw leaders. He emphasized before the leaders went into a closed-door session that they converged to reach a common ground on the renewed militancy and its impact on the Niger Delta and Nigeria. This is not the first time this kind of crisis is happening.In 2008 and 20o9, similar incident happened and Gbaramatu was affected, elders, leaders intervened and we got Amnesty. Today we hear that federal government is planning, already talking or negotiating with militants and nobody has consulted us. That will not work. These children are our children and we cannot fold our hands when they attack them and pretend not to notice. We must be involved in what government wants to do, he said.
Residents of the Hayin Magina area of Ikara, in Kaduna State has blamed the recent mini-earthquake they witnessed, on the "activiti...

Residents of the Hayin Magina area of Ikara, in Kaduna State has blamed the recent mini-earthquake they witnessed, on the "activities of prostitutes and homosexuals." The earth tremor manifested largely on a massive rock and affected nearby houses. It caused cracks on the rock and visible cracks on walls of houses. Some witnesses described it as having been a thunderous noise which sounded like a bomb blast. It woke sleeping residents at about 10:43pm, Daily Trust reports.

Some houses in the area were deserted, as the occupants were said to have left out of fear. The remaining inhabitants, also, are visibly shaken and are still shaking from the experience.

Malam Mustapha Musa, whose carpentry workshop was closed in wake of the quake said the incident is a warning to those who have made homosexuality their trade.

"Its nothing but a warning from Allah, the most high. Many heartless residents have made the rock a safe haven for raping our young boys. On many occasions, victims were found wounded by rapists around the rock. Parents of some of these boys are still battling to restore them. Those who cannot afford medical bills are suffering in silence," he said.

"Allah is tired with what is happening in Ikara. Apart from the rape of innocent boys, there are many criminal activities taking place here. Most of the perpetrators are known, but it is like they are above the law." he added.

Investigation revealed that efforts of clerics and residents ensured that the old town of Ikara, in Ikara local government area of Kaduna State, got rid of commercial sex workers. A major street in the town formerly called Unguwan Karuwai, (Sex Workers Area) has been renamed Yaka Malam following the expulsion of the prostitutes, cross-dressers and others from the area.

After that, the town of Ikara has been calm and peaceful until the recent tremors. Sani, one of those whose houses were affected by the quake who described the incident as traumatic.

"Actually, I have never witnessed something like that. When the quake started, my entire house was shaking. I thought that the world had come to an end. It is indeed something that one has to keep reflecting on because it is only Allah that is capable of shaking the earth like that," Sani said.

"Another thing that made many of us to vacate our houses was that the quake reoccurred after about seven days. On the two occasions, the quake occurred in the night."

Sarkin Ikara, Alhaji Aliyu Suleiman, confirmed to Daily Trust that state government officials had visited the site. On associating the quake to sins committed in Ikara, he agreed that Allah uses such incidents to serve as warning. He however said that both traditional and government leaders are taking measures to bring the criminal acts to an end.

"Weve put measures in place to ensure that anyone caught committing such sins will be made to regret it. One of the measures is to assign the youths to strip the criminal naked and take him round the town before being handed over to the authorities for further action. Those that are seen as leaders, or men of integrity, but engage in such acts, will be summoned and warned to desist. If they refuse, we will expose them. There will be no sacred cows." said Alhaji Suleiman.

Sarki Suleiman also accused non-indigenes for engaging in the unsavoury acts, eventually luring indigenes. Chief Imam of Ikara GRA Jumaat Mosque, Malam Bello Hamza, used the weekly Jumaat prayers that followed the incident to counsel residents to desist from sins that would attract the anger of Allah.

However, a professor of Geography at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Ibrahim Musa Jaro, said earthquakes are usually cause by "compressional and tensional forces. He also said that the belief of the residents is a religious one that cannot be ruled out, adding that since Allah has warned people to desist from sin, disobedience could lead to His anger.




BAYO AKINLOYE

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum and a chieftain of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Mohammed Abdulrahman, on Saturday stated that northerners were not afraid of Nigeria being restructured.

According to Abdulrahman, it is the best way to go for the country since some northern elites, who opposed the restructuring of the country , are only interested in keeping the structure of the nation the way it is because of their selfish gains.

I am in total support of the call for restructuring of the country. The North we have today is not what it used to be. Our politicians are not interested in the development of the region. They only care about their pockets. If the country is properly restructured, it is hoped it will benefit the masses and not some politicians who are only interested in buying cars and building houses for their families, the ACF chieftain told our correspondent.

Speaking in the same vein, the AYCF President, Yerima Shettima, said the North was not afraid of restructuring.

That (restructuring) has always been the dream of our founding fathers. It is not true that northerners are afraid of the country being restructured. We are interested in development and equitable distribution of resources. We need restructuring. It is only those who are selfish that will kick against it. The structure as it is today only favours a few people. Northern people need restructuring; we need total change.

The restructuring should ensure that the central government is unattractive to people who are only looking for ways to make quick money. The regions should be made powerful and should be allowed to manage their resources and be accountable for such while contributing a percentage to the Federal Government, Shettima said.

However, a former spokesman for the ACF, Anthony Sani, said that there was no need for restructuring.

Sani said, The North is currently opposed to the restructuring of Nigeria precisely because there is nothing to restructure. The North does not believe the problems of Nigeria can rightly be attributed to the form of government the country chooses. What we believe is that the problems of Nigeria are due to the failure of leadership.
Factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, has said that his group has no immediate plans to or...

Factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, has said that his group has no immediate plans to organise the national convention for the party.Rather, he said he would embark on reconciliation of all organs of the party, from the national caucus to the National Executive Committee.He agreed that the Thursdays court ruling did not give express order to stop the national convention of the party being organised by the Ahmed Makarfi-led national caretaker committee.He maintained that the caretaker committee was not properly constituted, but stated that his group would obey the ruling.He said the court order had stopped all preparations for any convention.Spokesperson for the Sheriff-led faction, Mr. Bernard Mikko, who spoke with our correspondent on Saturday, said that Sheriff was already talking with the majority of the governors on how to end the crisis in the party.He said, We are not planning any national convention for now. The court has said that we should maintain the statuo quo ante. We will obey the law and the orders of the court.What we are trying to do now is to make sure that theres peace in the party by having meetings with all the stakeholders. These meetings will include members of the national caucus, Board of Trustees, governors, NEC, local government chairmen and others.We are ready for peace as explained by our chairman, but that road to peace must take into cognisance the rule of law and pronouncements by the courts.We are not out to destroy the party as being insinuated in some quarters. Rather, as original members of the party, we will take it to the owners, who are the people in the grassroots.Sheriff also described himself as an agent of change.He said the ruling of the court had demonstrated that he meant well for the party.He also called on members of the partys Board of Trustees and leaders to come together and appeal to a chieftain of the party he referred to as the Emperor of Ikwere to allow peace reign in the troubled party.Sheriff, who also spoke through his deputy, Dr. Cairo Ojuogboh, said the process of rebuilding the party had commenced.He said, Sheriff is an agent of change. He has vowed to return the party to the people of Nigeria and he is appealing to other members of the party, its leaders like the BOT and governors to speak with the Emperor of Ikwere to allow peace reign in the party and return the party to the path of progress and prosperity to all Nigerians.This judgement vindicates the Nigerian judiciary and it shows that the judiciary is the only hope of the common man and that the oppressed can only get a fair hearing and judgement from the Nigerian courts.But Makarfi said that the plan for the convention was ongoing.He added that members would soon be informed when the party began the sale of forms.Spokesperson for the committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, who spoke with our correspondent on Saturday, however said the sales of forms would only commence after leaders of the party from the north and south must have met differently to know which state would produce officers for the offices allotted to their areas.It will be recalled that the zoning committee of the party submitted its report to the caretaker committee on Tuesday in Abuja.The committee has reserved the office of the national chairman to the southern part of the country.Offices reserved for the north, according to the committee, were the deputy national chairman, national secretary, national financial secretary, national publicity secretary, national auditor and national woman leader.Others included the offices of the deputy national treasurer, deputy national organising secretary, deputy national youth leader, deputy national legal adviser and deputy national secretary.Positions allotted to the south ,according to the committee, were the offices of the national chairman, deputy national chairman, national treasurer, national legal adviser and national youth leader.Others included national organising secretary, deputy national publicity secretary, deputy national women leader, deputy national auditor and deputy national financial secretary.Adeyeye said the report had been accepted by the caretaker committee, adding that leaders from the north and south would need to meet to agree on it.He said, We have accepted the zoning structure . We are just waiting for the leaders from the two zones to meet and agree on which state would produce officers for specific offices. After this, we will begin the sale of forms.Our corespondent, however, gathered that the PDP leaders from the southern part of the country would meet in Port Harcourt on Thursday to agree on the zoning.Meanwhile, the caretaker committee has waded into the crisis in its Ogun State chapter by settling two of its members with offices in their zones.The members are a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and a member of the House of Representatives, Ladi Adebutu.The caretaker committee did this in a letter dated July 27, and addressed to the Chairman of the party in Ogun State, Mr. Adebayo Dayo.The letter, which was signed by the Secretary of the Caretaker Committee, Sen. Ben Obi, was titled, Harmonisation of the state PDP executive.The letter was obtained by our correspondent, and read in part, The above subject matter refers.We write to inform you that following the harmonisation exercise of the state executive of our great party, the following sharing formula has been proposed and approved.Central senatorial district: Dimeji Bankole will take 50 per cent of the state executive council members and nominees for local government election.Ikenne, Remo North, Sagamu Federal Constituency: Mr. Ladi Adebitu group will take 25 per cent of the state executive members and nominees for local government election.You are hereby directed by this letter to effect the harmonisation without further delay and forward to us a list of the harmonised list for necessary action.
Prayer was not the only thing on the minds of hundreds of thousands of young Catholics at the World Youth Day extravaganza in Poland thi...

Prayer was not the only thing on the minds of hundreds of thousands of young Catholics at the World Youth Day extravaganza in Poland this week, some were also looking for love.

Headlining the event in a village near Krakow, Pope Francis, 79, was an enthusiastic matchmaker, offering his top tips for happy relationships.

World Youth Day can be a bit of a marriage agency, Sophie Jubin, a 20-year-old Swiss, told AFP as she spent a hot summer night under the stars.

Some 400,000 young Catholics travelled from 187 countries around the world for the event and at least a million more people, many of them Poles, attended a lively papal mass on Sunday.

You want to find someone with the same values as you, said Jubin, lamenting that in our group  its funny  there are 250 girls and 50 boys, so lots of girls are disappointed!

Finding love isnt the main topic of World Youth Day, its just a little extra, but Im very happy Aleksandra is here, Ignacio, a smiling 18-year-old Spaniard, told AFP of his new Polish friend, a 22-year-old student.

Were nearly a couple! he chuckled as Aleksandra chimed in, saying it was easier to meet someone at World Youth Day because the atmosphere makes you more open.

We dont notice other peoples faults as much because were focused on the positive. And we open up to other cultures too!

They plan to see each other again, this time in Madrid.

The heart of the medieval centre of Krakow was overrun all week by flag-waving groups from China to Samoa and Mexico  among them, smiling pilgrims strolling hand in hand.

Pope Francis cracked jokes and offered advice for a happy love life earlier in the week to youngsters gathered nightly beneath his window, cranking up the party spirit at an event dubbed the Catholic Woodstock.

Young people often ask me how to create a happy family  I propose three words. They are: please, sorry and thank you, the folksy Argentine pontiff said to rapturous applause from a window at the Archbishops palace in the old town centre.

Its normal for a husband and wife to fight, sometime plates fly dont be afraid of these situations, warned the head of the worlds 1.2 billion Roman Catholics.

But never to sleep without making peace, because a cold war the next day is very dangerous, he said.
The House of Representatives has asked South Africas President, Jacob Zuma, to ensure that the killers of a Nigerian businessman in So...

The House of Representatives has asked South Africas President, Jacob Zuma, to ensure that the killers of a Nigerian businessman in South Africa, Ikejiaku Chinedu, are brought to book.Chinedu was killed by some unidentified men last Tuesday.The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukeje, in an interview with newsmen, also urged President Zuma and the South African parliament to enlighten their constituents on the role Nigeria played in their countrys development.Ukeje, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, was reacting to Chinedus death and other Nigerians executed in Indonesia on Thursday for drug trafficking.While commiserating with the family of the deceased, the lawmaker said the House would ensure that justice was done for the Igbo businessman.Ukeje said it was important for President Zuma to address the South African parliament just like he did when he came to Nigeria earlier in the year.The lawmaker said, We got the report of the man killed in South Africa yesterday. The Nigerian embassy had written a protest letter, insisting on a proper investigation. The House of Representatives had also condemned the arbitrary killings of Nigeria, especially in South Africa. We are going to protest and insist that the perpetrators of the act be brought to book.It is necessary for the South African parliament to enlighten their people on the role that Nigeria played in their history. It will be recalled that when President Zuma came to Nigeria, he spoke very proudly of the contributions of Nigeria to South Africa. Many South Africans are not aware of this. The killing of Nigerians must stop.The House of Representatives also condemned the killing of three Nigerians who were convicted of drug trafficking on Thursday.She added, We commiserate with the families of those that were executed in Indonesia. While we will intervene in the cases of Nigerians abroad, and plead for clemency, the House has a duty to remind Nigerians, who are travelling outside the country, to recognise that the House of Representatives can only make laws for the good governance of Nigeria.Indonesia is one of many countries that still have a death penalty for drug trafficking. We can plead for clemency. We can ask them to temper justice with mercy. However, we want Nigerians to realise that while we would plead, we cant stop the countries from implementing their laws.
The Publicity Secretary of the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, speaks about the groups mandate to tackle Niger Delta militants attacking Lagos and Ogun States communities

What do you make of the increasing kidnappings and killing of Lagos and Ogun States residents by alleged Niger Delta militants?

All we know for now is that these are criminals terrorising residents all over the place in Lagos and Ogun States. It is everywhere in the news media that these criminal elements are Niger Delta militants. Sadly though the Nigeria Police have not arrested anybody and it appears these local terrorists are having a field day in Lagos and Ogun. In a situation like this, as a group and Yoruba people we (Afenifere) cannot continue to fold our hands or encourage innocent residents of communities already attacked to do nothing about the ongoing unwarranted attacks they suffer in the hands of these criminals called militants. Besides the fact that Afenifere is sending a strong warning to these criminal elements, we also want Nigerian security agencies, particularly the police to do their job very well. They should go after these criminals; they should arrest them and get to the root of the matter. We condemn the attack on Lagos and Ogun communities, which started from Ijebu-Mushin down to Igbo-Lomighun in Ikorodu. Afenifere also deplores the abduction of (a traditional ruler in Lagos, Oba Goriola Oseni), Oniba of Iba, who has been in the den of the captors for weeks now. We found out that the Nigeria Police, up till now, have only been lamenting, as they have not apprehended any of the people carrying out these dastardly acts. This is something Afenifere is worried about.

You do not think the Nigeria Police are doing enough to arrest the situation?

It is not enough for the public to know that Niger Delta militants are attacking Yoruba communities. All agencies saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and properties must bring to an end these unprovoked assaults. Enough is enough of all these attacks. How can a group of individuals swoop on communities unchallenged and unleash terror on people who are just concerned about how to survive the dire economic conditions they find themselves in? We believe at this point that it is not the duty of the police to be telling us that Niger Delta militants are behind the attacks on Lagos and Ogun communities. Let them go after them and bring them to book. We deplore the attacks; they are condemnable and we are determined to resort to self-help if the attacks do not stop and the countrys security agencies do not live up to their name.

Are you saying residents in Lagos and Ogun communities where these attacks usually take place should arm themselves?

We encourage our people to activate their traditional self-defence mechanism to ward off these aggressors on their own, until the Nigerian state allows state police to complement federal police. However, we are appealing to them not to allow themselves to be provoked into vengeful acts against their neighbours. They should only resort to self-help against the militants who are terrorising their communities. Besides the Nigerian security agencies defending them, our people have an inalienable right to secure their lives and protect their properties through self-defence. People should not just sit down and watch marauders despoil their communities. Encouraging the people to resort to self-defence is nothing new. When Boko Haram was proving to be invincible to the military, people in the North-East resorted to self-help; that is why today there is what is called Civilian JTF (Joint Task Force) . They fought gallantly against Boko Haram and that is why the Nigerian army has recruited some of them. It is evident that the state has failed in its responsibility to safeguard its citizens and therefore we urge our people to resort to their traditional means to ward off attacks from their communities.

Is there any collaboration between Afenifere and Oodua Peoples Congress to wade off attacks on communities in the South-West by Niger Delta militants?

The Oodua Peoples Congress is an independent organisation  they work independently of us. Whatever position they take, I support, to secure lives and properties of our people. We are working at our own level and they are working at their own level.

Is Afenifere making any efforts to reach out to Ijaw leaders with a view to stem the tide of violence perpetrated by the so-called Niger Delta militants?

Talking about making efforts to resolve these unprovoked attacks, we had reached out to leaders of Ijaw communities and held a meeting with them in Lagos  about two weeks ago. Following that meeting, we set up a standing committee to visit communities attacked  we have gone there (to the communities). The Ijaw people told us they had no cause to fight our people over lands or any other thing. In fact, when we got to Sagamu (in Ogun State), a leader of the Ijaw delegation simply told us that any Ijaw man who killed a Yoruba person should be killed. What also came out from that meeting was that there were criminal elements from Ijaw land who are wreaking havoc in Lagos and Ogun communities. It is also unfortunate that some of these criminals marauding communities are said to be working hand in glove with security agencies. So, their leaders have given us a clear mandate that anybody from Ijaw land that is found causing trouble or killing people in Yoruba land should be killed. So, what are we waiting for?

During that meeting in Sagamu, the Police Area Commander was there when the leader of the Ijaw delegation made that statement. This does not in any way mean that Yoruba people will attack an innocent Ijaw person; that is not what we are saying. We are not urging any ethnic cleansing. We promote peaceful co-existence between Yoruba and Ijaw people. We want to live in peace and we want our neighbours who have come from other tribes to live among us in peace too. But he said if there are criminals from Ijaw land terrorising Yoruba people, people should go after them and hunt them down.

But the Ijaw Youth Congress has stated that the militants are not Ijaw militants. What do you make of that?

The only way that can be proved is when the police apprehend the criminals, interrogate them and get to know where they are from and we will know who these criminals really are.

Today, the criminals are targeting communities in Lagos and Ogun States; are there efforts being made by your organisation to prevent the attacks from spreading to Oyo and other south-western states?

It is unfortunate that Nigeria does not allow for state police. If state police is in place, it would have been easy for us to work with state governors in the South-West to stop the menace of Niger Delta militants. As it is right now, what we have are federal police. Therefore, we want to strongly urge the security agencies to be more effective in discharging their duty. More important, as I have mentioned earlier is the fact that we are talking to Ijaw leaders to prevail on their people to stop terrorising our people. And, we are urging our people to be more vigilant to resort to their traditional mechanism of self-defence. These are the measures being taken at the moment. This menace would have been easily contained if there had been state police or community policing in place. We raised this issue of having a multilayered police force in Nigeria at the last National Conference.
Workers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) under the auspices of the Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association an...

Workers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) under the auspices of the Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) have rejected plans by the federal government to concession the four major airports in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt.The federal government said the plan was because it could no longer fund the development of airport facilities due to its lean resources.It welcomed private sector investment in the growth of the facilities through Public, Private Partnership (PPP).But reacting to the plan, Assistant General Secretary of NUATE, Olayinka Abioye, accused government of not putting the interest of the workers into consideration.Speaking at the weekend, he threatened workers would resist the planned concession.He recalled when the defunct Nigeria Airways was liquidated, workers were left to die without pay off or pensions, which rose to over N72 billion.According to him: There is nothing wrong with it if it is done with honesty and purpose- driven.Unfortunately we do not believe, particularly with what we are seeing that Nigeria is ripe for concession and privatisation of public utilities.Abioye added all efforts in the past to concession airport facilities failed due to lack of objectivity or transparency.He claimed the few that could be described as successful were skewed in favour of investors and against the interest of government which represent the public interest.He wondered why government chose to concession the most lucrative airports, which are the mainstay of FAANs revenues.According to him: So why would it be Murtala Muhammed Airport, Kano airport and Port Harcourt airport that government wants to sell?What is the reason why the other 16 airports that are underutilised are not considered for this purpose?This is because my understanding is that PPP is very good to bring about quality service and so on and so forth.We are aware that people have been going round our airports making inspections and all that but unfortunately the government is taking us for granted.What do you want to concession? Is it the building or the facilities inside? What happens to the federal public servants that are working in those airports?
-- A driver was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after he refused to stop for troopers and shot himself on the New Jersey Turnpike late Saturday night, State Police said.

Troopers spotted the man, who was "reported as armed and dangerous by a Rhode Island police department," driving on the northbound highway in Ridgefield Park, according to a statement from State Police. The police tried to stop the 2007 blue Dodge before it became disabled near milepost 115.

"When troopers approached the vehicle, they discovered the driver had a self-inflicted gunshot wound," the statement said.

All lanes were closed as the investigation continued, police said. State Police said the information was preliminary and would not release further details on the incident.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
UPPER DEERFIELD TWP. -- Gerald Sykes and his wife were asleep late Friday night at their Cumberland County home when their dog began barking.

Gerald Sykes, seen in this undated photo, was shot and wounded by state police at his Upper Deerfield Township home late Friday night, authorities say. (Submitted Photo)

Sykes' wife woke him up and he went into the living room. At that point, according to longtime family friend and attorney Rich Kaser, Sykes looked out through the French doors leading to a deck where he saw the shadow of a person outside.

Kaser said Sykes went back into his bedroom and got his shotgun.

Sykes "felt intruders were trying to get in and he was yelling to his wife to call 911," Kaser said.

What happened next is subject of investigation. Authorities say two state troopers had come to the home after mistakenly being told it was the location of a 911 hang-up call.

According to authorities, shots were exchanged. One trooper fired four times and Sykes fired his shotgun once.

Authorities have not said who fired first.

However, Kaser says the Sykes family told him police fired first from outside the home as Sykes, 76, stood in the living room.

Sykes was hit three times, his attorney says, and then he fired off one shotgun blast that went through one of the doors to the outside.

The troopers had gone to the Sykes' home after being told that a 911 hang-up cell phone call placed around 11:30 p.m. had originated there. Police arrived at the home around midnight.

It turned out that was a mistake, according to the New Jersey Attorney General's Office which is reviewing the case.

Authorities said the troopers first tried to get the attention of someone in the home which is located far back off the road by knocking on a front door and when there was no response, went around back to the deck area.

Kaser, a Woodbury attorney, said he visited Sykes at Cooper University Hospital in Camden. Kaser said Sykes "thought there were bad people out there (on his deck).

Sykes' 80-year-old wife, whom Kaser did not identify by first name, frantically tried to call 911 for help after her husband had been shot. She had trouble because she was so upset but was able to reach the couple's daughter who called for help, Kaser said.

According to Kaser, Sykes himself, despite being seriously wounded, also called 911 for help.

Kaser said Sykes was ordered to come out of the house. His shirt now soaked in blood, his attorney said, he was helped out by his wife and then ordered to lay face-down on the ground and was handcuffed.

Sykes' family was told Sykes was under arrest, according to Kaser, and the elderly man was then taken in handcuffs to be treated.

He was listed in critical, but stable condition at the hospital, authorities said.

Kaser said Sykes had been a longtime South Jersey resident, living in both Gloucester and Cumberland counties.

He called the incident "a tragic mistake."

One of the two troopers was grazed by either flying glass or by the round from Sykes' shotgun, authorities said. They were treated and released from a hospital.

There have been no charges filed in the case.

Police, in most cases, go to the scene of a 911 hang-up call just to be sure there is nothing wrong. Upper Deerfield does not have its own police force and relies on State Police to patrol the township.

Since this was a police-involved shooting, the investigation has been turned over to the Attorney General's Office.

An Attorney General's Office spokesman on Saturday night, citing the ongoing investigation, said he could not comment on Kaser's account of what happened.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
ASBURY PARK -- In Asbury Park, identity crises churn profits.

As the once-shabby shorefront city continues its decade-long revitalization, which has seen dozens of fresh restaurants, galleries and retail shops sprout up, developers have stretched to acknowledge both the area's past -- as an affluent resort town and later a gritty local-rock mecca -- and its apparent future, as a chic beach-burg overflowing with artisan cocktails, whimsical artwork and pricey, luxury condos.

So far, the balancing act has paid off -- to a degree. Main drag Cookman Avenue and the nearby boardwalk are packed each weekend with families and culturally savvy millennials. They are quick to spend money, but lodging options have been been slim beyond the weathered Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel or The Empress, a gay haven on Ocean Avenue.

Enter The Asbury, a seven-story, $50 million boutique hotel on Kingsley Street (of "Something in the Night" Springsteen fame), which opened Memorial Day Weekend and has quickly gained steam as the hottest new hotel at the Jersey Shore, if not the entire state. And in the lingua franca of American gentrification, opening the city's first new hotel in more than a half-century is akin to a new Whole Foods in Williamsburg -- a further sign that the neighborhood has arrived (and prices will continue skyward).

The Asbury, a new boutique hotel in Asbury Park. (Photo by Nikolas Koenig)

The red-brick and concrete mass -- a former Salvation Army building renovated by waterfront face-lifters iStar as part of a multi-billion dollar renewal project -- sits a block from the beach, opposite the town's longstanding marvels Paramount Theatre, Grand Arcade, and Wonder Bar.

And while The Asbury attempts to gel with the city's old guard -- and honor it through a heap of vintage photos and vinyl records -- the place aims its streamlined design and ostensibly posh amenities at a new, decidedly modder clientele. To boot, it's already played host in June to the New Jersey's largest gay pride parade.

But does The Asbury offer enough in this burgeoning shore town to justify its considerable early hype?

We spent a day and night in June at this new, 110-room party house overlooking Sunset Lake sussing the place out.

The rooms

The good:

The room design pays homage to Asbury Park's before and after. The rooms' primary art element is a collage of throwback Asbury beach photos, but otherwise, it's black-and-white minimalism with some splashes of light wood. A Wildwood doo-wop motel this is not -- it feels new, and welcoming of younger guests.

The Asbury can accommodate a whole gaggle of beach-goers -- the "Octo" suite sleeps eight with as many bunk beds ($400 per night).

These were awesome beds. Plush mattresses, fluffy comforters, high-thread count sheets.

The bad:

The black-and-white, tile floor in our room was dirty, marred with brown footprints. It wasn't ruined by any stretch, but needed a good mopping -- two weeks in, and the staff already can't keep the floors clean?

Minimalism is okay, but frankly, the rooms felt overly cold -- especially for a beachfront hotel, regardless of chic. And the wooden furniture, including the headboards and bed frames, looked a little too much like what you'd find at IKEA.

An unpleasant, sulfur-like odor emanated from the shower drain. Again, this place had been open just two weeks.

Bring earplugs. We were ready to hit the hay around midnight, and from our fourth-floor room, the thump from the rooftop bar Salvation -- four stories above us -- was loud and clear. If you're coming to The Asbury, come to party.

A room at The Asbury, a new boutique hotel in Asbury Park. (Photo by Nikolas Koenig)

The food

The good:

Next to check in, there's a 24/7 food counter, for snacks, make-your-own sandwich options, quinoa salads and daily donuts from terrific local shop Purple Glaze. The traditional pork roll, egg and cheese sandwich ($5) was average, the chicken, kale and pesto panini ($9) was tastier.

The outdoor Beergarden houses a rotating list of food trucks, and while we stayed, the offering was a menu of gourmet hot dogs. The Jersey Dog, topped with potatoes, peppers and onions was a worthy late-night snack (open until 2 a.m. on weekends).

The bad:

There are plenty of great eateries surrounding the hotel -- Langosta Lounge, Porta, Wonder Bar -- but for the staying price, The Asbury could use a full-service restaurant. A light lunch is about as much as you'll get on premises.

The check-in and food counters at The Asbury, a new boutique hotel in Asbury Park. (Photo by Nikolas Koenig)

Nightlife + entertainment

The good:

If you're looking for booze, you'll find booze. There's a beautiful lobby bar, a Volkswagen-turned-beer van in the Beergarden serving a list of local brews, and a full bar by the pool, but the nightlife jewel here is Salvation, a swanky, full-service lounge on the rooftop with a nearly 360-degree view of Asbury's boardwalk and ocean. Up there, the vibe is tequila cocktails and little, black dresses -- not so different from nearby Watermark bar.

Local musicians have embraced the Soundbooth -- an open area within the lobby touting couches, music biographies and board games -- and play acoustic tunes, plus there's an open mic night on Thursdays. DJs spin upstairs at Salvation, and popular local singer Nicole Atkins sold out the new Asbury Hall and Lawn venue inside the hotel.

The bad:

If you see a line of partiers snaking around the block, waiting to enter Salvation, it's not necessarily because the place is at capacity. The only way to get up there is via one, large elevator, which is summoned by staff like a carnival ride. This means longer check-in times, plus drinkers who are already upstairs at the bar can't leave when they please.

The rooftop Salvation bar at The Asbury, a new boutique hotel in Asbury Park. (Photo by Nikolas Koenig)

The pool + other recreation

The good:

The pool area, namely its covered, wooden cabanas and swinging furniture, may be the hotel's most redeeming quality. If you don't wish to battle for space on the beach, this is a neat, little hideaway, for a dip in the rectangular pool or laying out with a book or cocktail. The area is kept pretty lively -- tunes from the electronica group The Chemical Brothers banged from speakers.

The Baronet, another rooftop area set adjacent and two floors below Salvation and covered in artificial turf, is the hotel's main rec area. Most nights it offers movies projected onto the side of the building, as well as morning yoga, and a Tea Dance -- essentially a late-afternoon happy hour -- every Friday at 4 p.m.

The bad:

From view of the pool area, The Asbury structure itself still looks like, well, an old Salvation Army building. It's not exactly picturesque.

Cabanas at the pool, at The Asbury, a new boutique hotel in Asbury Park. (Photo by Nikolas Koenig)

Takeaways

Around The Asbury, especially in the sparse rooms, it's pretty clear -- you're paying for the location, not for the bells and whistles of an all-inclusive beach resort. The social spaces are beautifully designed, and in many respects the place finds that same balance the city works to achieve -- somewhere between posh and warm. But still, this hotel functions better as a cool, crash pad than a place to spend every waking moment. To that point, the hotel scarcity of a substantial meal was a bit disappointing. For quick eats, the place is fine, but you'll almost surely be heading off-campus for dinner.

And you're best served not spending day and night at a hotel anyway. The energy here -- in Asbury Park, and inside The Asbury, can be electric in the summer. This isn't the Jersey Shore spot to come and vegetate. Get out to the pool, check out the rooftop bar or wander around the town -- there's always something to see.

Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier and Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
NEWARK -- Authorities on Saturday marked five years since the slaying of a 29-year-old third-grade teacher from Virginia -- who was killed by an apparent stray bullet as she walked to a Chinese restaurant while visiting Newark -- by announcing an up to $10,000 reward for information in the case.

Newark native Dawn Reddick, a former honors student at Arts High School who earned a master's degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, returned to the city to drop off her nephew and only planned to stay for a few days.

Reddick died July 30, 2011 after she was shot in the head on Maple Avenue amid a surge of violence that summer in Newark, according to authorities.

"Dawn was apparently the unintended victim in the tragic incident," said Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose, who commanded the initial investigation when he served as chief of detectives for the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. In a statement, Ambrose called the killing a "senseless death."

The Essex County Sheriff's Office is offering a reward to solve the case, Ambrose said. Other victims in the shooting included a 7-year-old girl, who suffered a graze wound, along with two men who also survived.

Reddick taught third graders in East Orange before she moved to Charlottesville, Va. and started a career at a local elementary school, her father, James Reddick, previously told The Star-Ledger. In Virginia, Dawn Reddick won a teaching award after being nominated by parents and colleagues at the Clark Elementary School where she worked.

"She loved her job," James Reddick said in the interview. "She loved her kids."

Ambrose urged anyone with information to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Homicide Task Force at 1-877-847-7432 or the Newark police division toll free tip lines at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867). Essex County authorities previously announced a reward and issued a public plea for tips shortly after the slaying, but no one has been charged with the shooting.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
EAST RUTHERFORD -- Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is fine.

But things were most certainly tense for a few minutes inside the indoor field house at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Sunday.

Beckham came up limping after getting tangled up on a deep ball with cornerback Janoris Jenkins, and eventually left practice early after being attended to by the Giants' training staff.

Beckham was just cleated, it turned out, and he suffered a few cuts to his left ankle. But other than that, he has no issues.

"We're competitive guys that were going at it in practice," said Beckham, who spoke to reporters after practice - a good sign considering injured players usually are not made available to the media.

"Nothing too bad. ... It's football. It happens."

"When something happens to any of your players, your heart is in your throat," McAdoo added. "We were fortunate today."

McAdoo said that Beckham is "probably going to be sore for a couple of days," and Beckham said he did not know if he would be able to practice Tuesday, the Giants' first session of training camp in full pads, after Monday's day off. When Beckham met with reporters after practice, he had a bandage on his left ankle.

McAdoo said he would hope Beckham plays in the first preseason game, which is August 12 at MetLife Stadium against the Miami Dolphins.

James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.
JERSEY CITY -- Three men were shot early Sunday morning on Warner Avenue and were later arrested after police recovered a loaded handgun from their car, an official said.

The shooting was reported at about 3:30 a.m. near Rose Avenue, Jersey City spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said.

When police arrived, they found 33-year-old Shawn Wright, of Warner Avenue, and 25-year-old David Cooper, of Armstrong Avenue, attempting to flee the scene in a 2017 Ford Fusion. Both men were injured in the shooting, Morrill said.

A third victim, 33-year-old Rashan White, of Ocean Avenue, spoke with police briefly before fleeing the scene. White was later dropped off at Jersey City Medical Center for treatment.

While investigating the shooting, police found a 9mm semiautomatic handgun loaded with eight rounds in the victims' car. Police arrested all three men and charged them with unlawful possession of a weapon, Morrill said.

Police are testing the gun to determine if the recovered gun was involved in Sunday morning's shooting.

White and Cooper have been released from the hospital and remanded to Hudson County jail. As of this afternoon Wright was still being treated for his injuries, which are not considered life-threatening, Morrill said.

The shooting remains under investigation with additional charges against the three are pending, Morrill said.
Bishop Mark Beckwith and members of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark marked the end of a six-day, 80-plus mile pilgrimage across the entire diocese yesterday with a service of thanksgiving at Pier A Park in Hoboken.

"Joining Jesus on the Journey: A river-to-river pilgrimage across NJ" started at the Delaware River in Belvidere on Monday.

Dozens of northern New Jersey Episcopalians took part in the journey - some walking the entire way, while others joining for portions of the walk. Additional members provided meals and services to the walkers along the way.

The Episcopal Diocese of Newark spans the northern third of New Jersey between the Delaware and Hudson rivers.

"God is very active in northern New Jersey," Beckwith said in a statement, "and by walking, looking and listening we are going to discover a fresh perspective on what God is up to - and new ways that we can join God's work."

For highlights from the service in Hoboken, click through photo gallery above.
NORTH BERGEN -- A 45-year-old Atlantic County man was killed early Saturday morning after being hit by van on Paterson Plank Road, officials said.

Alexis Rolando Vaquendano-Oyeula, 45, of Galloway, was hit by a 2016 Ford van between 12th and 13th streets. When police arrived, Vaquendano-Oyeula was pinned under the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said in a statement.

The driver of the van, Alvaro Amador-Ruiz, 32, of Kearny, has been charged with driving while intoxicated, Suarez said.

The crash remains under investigation by the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, the North Bergen Police Department, and the Hudson County Sheriff's Office.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Prosecutor's Office at 201-915-1345 or by leaving a tip on the department's website. All information will be kept confidential.
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.
As the atrocities grow, so, too, can the pent-up rage.

The slaughter of 85-year-old priest saying Mass in France is the latest horrific murder committed by a terrorist who claims the mantle of the Islamic State. The slaughter follows the knife-wielding teen on a German train, the Bastille Day truck attack in Nice and the Orlando nightclub shooting.

It may be easy to paint with a broad brush and answer their hatred of Western freedoms with more hatred, but that would be letting the terrorists win. Demonstrating love and acceptance is the courage we as Americans need to fight back against such death and destruction.

The terrorists want us to exclude and ostracize Muslims to where they feel the only place to practice Islam is within the confines of the Islamic State. Theyve said as much themselves  yet leaders continue to play into their ever-weakening hand by stoking fear.

Yes, these cold-blooded killers commit heinous crimes that take lives from the innocent. The rationale behind fear is completely understandable. But its also what they want in a war unlike any other in American history.

In the Islamic State, decent human beings, regardless of race or religion, are fighting a mentality as much as a physical place. The confusing ideology of whats been called a death cult includes the desire for an apocalyptic war fought by Muslims  only those who adhere to the Islamic States warped views, that is  vs. the rest of the world.

These radical Islamic terrorists are hijacking a peaceful religion, one that, it must be noted, worships the God of Christianity, only under the name of Allah. Islam was founded during warfare nearly 1,500 years ago, but the Islamic State has distorted and obliterated its message to suit their needs.

Popularity of the Islamic State among Muslims (the apostate Muslim is actually their stated primary target) is next to zero. Those who dont subscribe to its particular twisted, narrow view of the Islamic faith is a traitor who must convert  or be punished with death.

When we stir up fear and hatred of Muslims, we allow ourselves to be played by the Islamic State. Theres a reason Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps speeches are legitimately used in the groups recruitment videos. We encourage Iowans and Americans alike to stand up and support Muslims unwilling to participate in the killings perpetuated by the Islamic State.

Calling to bar refugees fleeing the same atrocities by this same group and blanket banning all Muslims simply by virtue of religion are not only unconstitutional  but both proposals run completely counter to the American way of welcoming tired, huddled masses yearning to be free of death, civil war and oppression.

Hatred doesnt win a war of the mind, nor will it rid the Earth of such vile murderers. We must be strong and offer the peace and acceptance needed to deter Muslims from becoming jihadis and joining the Islamic State for a lack of options to practice their faith  and drying up the river of recruits will cut off its lifeblood, leaving this death cult to die.
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.
Andrea Kaminski had never been a lobbyist before she was hired as executive director of the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin.

The league, Kaminski said, wanted to have its first-ever paid lobbyist representing the league in the Legislature.

That was a new duty for me, but I knew the leagues policy positions are well-researched and articulated, she said. I also knew that experienced league members who have been citizen lobbyists for years would have my back. They have been great mentors.

Since then, shes testified before legislative and, once, congressional, committees. Shes testified in defense of voting rights before the Government Accountability Board, the National Commission on Voting Rights and recently served as a witness in federal court.

Most recently, Kaminski is leading the launch of the leagues Gear Up to Vote van tour this summer and early fall.

It is the brainchild of Melanie Ramey, who serves on our state league board, she said. Late last year, it became clear that in the big 2016 election year there would be new photo ID requirements for Wisconsin voters, new restrictions on voter registration, and new procedures for local election officials  all in the same year when our top state elections agency would be replaced with a new, partisan model. We wanted to launch a visible project that would highlight the importance of voting, the need to register and have an acceptable ID, and the great work of our 18 local leagues to help citizens prepare to vote.

The colorful Gear Up to Vote van will stop at community, campus, and league-organized events around the state to register, inform and assist voters.

Q: What do you think of the 2016 presidential campaign? Will the country survive?

A: The 2016 campaign is unconventional and unprecedented in many ways. Almost a century after women won the right to vote in federal elections, it appears we will have the first woman nominee from a major political party running for president.

The other presumptive major party candidate has never held elected office and has run a populist campaign that has puzzled all of the pundits. One party finds many of its leaders unwilling or at least uncomfortable about attending its national convention because of racially offensive remarks made by its presumptive nominee.

Much of this years campaign seems to be waged through social media. It must be very difficult for the experts to predict where it all will go. Will the country survive? Yes, America is the greatest democracy in the world, and it is resilient. But it will need a commitment by people across the political spectrum to put the country first and their party second.

Q: The political process seems to have fundamentally changed. Has the role of the organization changed in the last 10 or 20 years?

A: Founded by suffragists following a 75-year struggle to gain the right to vote for women, the league has devoted itself since its founding in 1920 to advocating for active and informed participation in government. While the role of the organization has not changed in the past couple of decades, our methods certainly have.

For example, our voter guide is now online at VOTE411.org. And our Gear Up to Vote van will be equipped with technology to go online to help people at stops across the state check their registration status and polling place location.

One reason why I like the League of Women Voters so much is because the league looks at all sides of an issue before taking a position. The league never endorses a candidate, but we do take positions on issues after our membership has had a chance to study them.

Q: The league has historically offered a fairly standard series of questions and answers of each candidate for office. Have you felt the need to change that format in this current environment?

A: While we have moved our voter guide online, we have not changed the types of questions we ask the candidates. The questions are based on the policy priorities of our membership in a given year. In league-sponsored candidate forums, we stick to a standard format that has been agreed upon by the candidates.

Some leagues use technology to invite the public to submit questions for the candidates, but the league always screens the questions to be sure they are unbiased. As always, the league does not edit or comment upon a candidates answers in print or in a forum.

Q: Do you think voters expect political candidates in 2016 to tell the truth?

A: I think people should be skeptical. I suspect candidates have always given their answers some spin, if not outright untruth. In todays world, people have the opportunity to fact-check what they hear.

If something seems too good to be true, thats when you should start asking tough questions. Dont rely on 30-second ads from unknown sources to offer the truth. Who is behind the ad? Why are they willing to pay so much money, often anonymously, to influence the outcome of an election?

To find good information about candidates, follow the news and check unbiased guides such as the leagues VOTE411.org. If you have cable TV, watch the leagues candidate interviews on the Madison City Channel. Also, watch for candidate forums sponsored by nonpartisan groups. There is no better indicator of a candidates ability to think independently and interact with others than when he or she stands in front of an audience of citizens and answers tough questions.

Q. In your role is it important that you are politically neutral? If so, isnt that hard?

A: It is very important for me to be politically neutral with regard to the parties and candidates. The league is very serious about our nonpartisanship policy, because our members come from across the political spectrum. That is the basis of the trusted reputation the league has built nationally, and it is why the league is well-positioned to carry out a project such as the Gear Up to Vote tour.

However, I dont have to be neutral about the issues, because the league does have positions on the issues.

Interestingly, the leagues positions have at times lined up with one party and then later with another one. For example, our belief that a nonpartisan commission or agency should be drawing voting districts  rather than the elected legislators themselves  used to line up in the 1980s with the Republicans in the state legislature. Now it lines up with the position of the Democrats. Actually, our position has not changed. What has changed is the party in power in the legislature.

Q: What do you do in your spare time for fun?

A: In the summer I love to be close to the water on a Wisconsin lake or river in my kayak. I also enjoy riding my bike along Lake Wingra and Monona Bay on my way to work. I bet there arent many people who actually look forward to their commute the way I do. I also love reading, traveling and being with my family.
MCFARLAND  The Ole S. Olson building in this villages historic downtown began as a dry goods store in 1897 and was later a hardware store, furniture store and then a meat market.

Since the late 1980s, the cream-colored brick building has been home to an antiques store. Rocking chairs, dining room tables, oil lamps, ornate wooden bed frames and scores of other items have filled the 2,300-square-foot main floor, the basement with hand-hewed wood timbers and covered the original hardwood floors of the second level that at one time was a dance hall and still has a small stage and 18-foot-high ceilings.

But 119 years of retail in the building are coming to an end when Aug. 26, Phil and Mary Jo Olson are scheduled to close their McFarland Antiques store. The announcement comes as Phil, 74, is battling back problems, prices have dropped on antiques and other traditional antiques stores in the area are struggling.

If its junk, nobody wants it. If you have good things you can sell it, said Phil Olson, who is no relation to the buildings namesake. Since (the recession of) 2008 it hasnt come back. Prices are down on everything.

The Olsons still plan to sell antiques at a space at the Antiques Mall of Madison, 4748 Cottage Grove Road, and Phil will continue with his passion of refinishing furniture.

But the Olsons are stepping away from the day-to-day demands of running the business Phil opened in 1990 while working full time as a third-shift nurse at UW Hospital.

The building has been sold with the first floor likely to be converted to office space and the second floor into apartments, the Olsons said.

Every single item he has ever bought he can tell you exactly where he got it, said Mary Jo Olson, 72, a retired librarian. Life is a constant adventure with Phil.

But the adventure for other antique dealers is also undergoing change, experts say.

Baby boomers who have filled their homes with antiques over the years are downsizing, younger shoppers are looking for retro items from the 1950s and 1960s, rising real estate prices are making buildings that house antique stores more attractive to sell while some antique store owners are past retirement age and looking for an exit.

The Greatest Generation were pack-rats and hoarders. The Boomers were too but to a lesser degree, Mark C. Grove, a nationally recognized personal property appraiser and author recently wrote. The trailing generations have embraced minimalism with a bear hug because it makes perfect sense to them and it is why your kids dont want any of your antique junk.

Sherry and Bob Rehm purchased a former farm equipment manufacturing building in 2003 to open what is now the Waterloo Antiques Mall and Artisans Gallery.

The 22,000-square-foot three-story building is home to 30 vendors, which is down from the 50 vendors of a few years ago and who pay rent based on the amount of space they use.

The Rehms have been trying to sell the business and the building for the past 18 months and recently reduced the asking price to $650,000 from $695,000.

Sales have lagged over the last few years, especially on traditional antiques from the 1800s and early 1900s. Old clocks, Depression glass, China and glassware are among the more difficult items to move, Sherry Rehm said.

Its a tough time, Sherry Rehm said. Its frustrating. Wed like to see it in a better place after 13 years.

The Rehms hold auctions in the basement of the building that was constructed in 1909 every few months while Bob Rehm also holds down a full-time job outside of the antiques business.

Items like brewing memorabilia, signs, advertising, comic books, fishing lures and vintage decoys remain strong.

Another bright spot for the mall is located at the rear of the main floor where 3,000-square-feet of space is rented by a pair of sisters who sell what is called mid-century modern furniture and lighting from the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

The inventory includes full bedroom sets, Formica cocktail tables and vinyl-covered kitchen chairs. Lighting is a big seller and can include table lamps with funky shades and triple-bullet-light floor lamps.

What helps our business is that were always reinventing ourselves, Rehm said.

At the Columbus Antique Mall, billed as the largest in the state at 78,000-square-feet, owners Dan and Rose Amato have over 200 dealers renting more than 400 booths. The Amatos founded the business in 1983.

The mall is located in a former vegetable canning factory.

In a good year, more than 120,000 people can visit the business but with Rose Amato nearing 80 and Dan Amato already there, the couple are looking to sell the business.

The antique mall industry is a mature industry now, Dan Amato said. Its not growing that much because theres not that many people getting into it. (A stand-alone antiques) shop going out of business is not unusual.

At McFarland Antiques, the main floor remains full of classic antiques, much of it furniture.

The items include an 1870 walnut table, a 1903 sorting table from the old Janesville Post Office and white carnival glass candy dishes. A walnut, queen-sized bed from the 1860s is for sale for $8,500, a piece Olson purchased in 1973 for $6,200 and later had in the Jessie Stone House in Watertown, a home built in 1876.

Its one of the nicest ones youll ever see, Olson said of the mid-Victorian piece. I knew it was good and I had the space for it.

Olson grew up on Madisons East Side where his father was a watch maker and had a jewelry store at Schenks Corners.

Olson was introduced to antiques by an aunt and later, as an adult, began scrounging garage sales. His interest in antiques intensified after he purchased historic homes in Jefferson, Fort Atkinson and Watertown.

He dipped into his retirement savings to buy the Olson building and open the antique store in 1990 but worked full time at the hospital for another 10 years. He married Mary Jo in 1996 and reduced his hours at the store to five days a week in 2000.

If the store were on Highway 51 instead of in the old downtown area, or located on the West Side of Madison, Olson thinks sales would be better.

Im not sad to get rid of the building, Olson said. But if you have a good eye I think you can (successfully run an antiques store), even in this day and age. Antiques dont sell for nearly as much as they used to but if you have good ones, they do.
The Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission now has its own electric vehicle charging station, part of a chain of 159 such charging ports at more than 60 locations installed as part of NIPSCOs IN-Charge Around Town program.

The charging station at NIRPC is part of the nationwide ChargePoint network, which currently boasts 29,923 charge points. Using a ChargePoint card or the mobile app, drivers can use the charging station. The charging station at NIRPC headquarters in Portage, at 6100 Southport Road, is currently free for public use.

The NIRPC charging port was unveiled this week in conjunction with South Shore Clean Cities.

Over five years, the average owner on an electric vehicle saves 10 barrels of oil, according to Kathy Luther, NIRPCs Director of Environmental Programs. The owner of an electric vehicle also reduces three tons of greenhouse gas emissions for every 50,000 miles driven.

NIRPC is thrilled to be able to participate in this program, said NIRPC Executive Director Ty Warner. By having more charging stations, more region residents will be encouraged to buy electric vehicles, and Northwest Indiana will be more welcoming to travelers using electric vehicles.

For more information on NIPSCOs IN-Charge program, visit www.nipsco.com/our-services/in-charge-electric-vehicle-program. Information on ChargePoint can be found at www.chargepoint.com.
Chris Rickert | Wisconsin State Journal Urban affairs, investigations, consumer help ("SOS") Follow Chris Rickert | Wisconsin State Journal 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

Update: Misdemeanor charges of resisting or obstructing an officer against Sonia Teas were dropped on Aug. 23, 2016. In court documents, Teas' attorney, Jessa Nicholson, said police acted unlawfully in ordering Harry Seidel out of his house after he ordered Pokemon Go players off his property, and that Teas acted appropriately "as a licensed attorney and a concerned wife" when she saw her husband being frisked without explanation. No weapons were found. Seidel contested a municipal citation for disorderly conduct but was found guilty on May 17, 2017, and ordered to pay a $439 fine.

A bystanders video of a black womans forceful arrest last month sparked allegations of police brutality, and a dispute over Pokemon Go last week ended with a woman of Asian and Caucasian descent getting charged with obstructing an officer.

I wish I had something really insightful and authoritative to say about how these recent dust-ups between Madisonians and their police relate to complicated questions about race and technology.

But theyve probably got more to do with the leeway police are given to deal with potentially dangerous situations  along with the seeming inability among some small part of the population to understand that when a police officer tells you to do something, its almost always a good idea to do it.

In the more recent incident, Sonia Teas faces one misdemeanor count of obstruction after a 911 caller reported her husband, Harry Seidel, had threatened people with a knife for playing Pokemon Go on Seidel and Teas property. Police reportedly were also told Seidel had threatened to get a gun.

Both police and Teas attorney, Jessa Nicholson, agree  if in starkly different ways  that Teas did not follow officers commands when they arrived.

Ms. Teas expressed a desire to be present while police frisked and questioned her husband, Nicholson writes in a statement released Wednesday, and when told by police to go back into her house, she refused, stating she wanted to be present for any questioning.

The criminal complaint against Teas says she was agitated immediately upon the cops arrival, refused to comply with their directions, bloodied an officers nose and said things like: You know I pay taxes, I pay your salary! and I can go wherever I want and do whatever I want and you cant stop me. Get out of my way.

No weapons were found in the incident, according to police Capt. Brian Ackeret, but photos were taken of scratches to an officers arm that were allegedly caused by Teas.

Teas was taken to the ground  either in a choke hold or a bear hug, depending on whom you believe  and then to jail.

(Worth noting is just how much clearer this police incident and others would be had the officers been wearing body cameras. Sadly, the Madison City Council has shown little interest is adopting this increasingly popular tool.)

In the incident in June, Genele Laird was also taken to the ground and then to jail after she disobeyed an officers commands by trying to leave the scene of an investigation into whether shed just pulled a knife on someone at East Towne Mall.

Laird was also punched, kneed and Tased by police. Of course, video and police reports show she resisted police by scratching, spitting, trying to kick and threatening to bite them. Police say they later found a knife in her bag.

Plenty of people see Lairds treatment by police as proof that Madison police have it out for black people, and her arrest has spurred local activists to request a federal civil rights investigation into the incident and into the use-of-force practices of Madison police.

Although if police are racist, Im not sure what to make of their treatment of Teas, who could pass as white, was not suspected of having threatened someone with a knife, lives in one of the whiter and more expensive neighborhoods in Madison and still got forcibly restrained by police.

If you believe local Black Lives Matter activists, she, her husband and her neighbors are the kind of people the police are bent on protecting from those in Madisons poorer, less-white neighborhoods, where police supposedly serve as an occupying force.

Seth Stoughton  a former police officer, University of South Carolina assistant law professor and expert on the regulation of police  said the proper police response to reports of a person armed with a deadly weapon, and to people who interfere with the investigation of such reports, varies with the circumstances.

But there is case law holding that officers do not need to wait until a threat is fully manifested before acting, he said, and when responding to a man with a gun call, officers generally behave as if the suspect is armed until they have proven conclusively otherwise.

Police can also arrest a person who tries to interfere with an investigation if they had reasonable suspicion to believe that crime is afoot, he said.

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin has suggested that residents would benefit from a public education campaign on how residents should respond to police  especially by doing what police say when theyre in the midst of responding to a call.

It sounded like a waste of time and money to me because, well, who doesnt know that you probably shouldnt argue with the armed men and women your tax dollars are paying for and your elected officials have told to go out and catch the bad guys?
When your kid graduates from college  and lets just pause right here for a big hallelujah because you can now go back to having two toppings on your pizza  their decor level graduates, too. At least, one can hope.

When they take off that cap and gown, they also shed their dorm decor, and leave behind their futons, milk crates, frameless posters taped to the wall, and fraternity emblazoned glassware.

As my oldest daughter put it, You want to scale up the maturity level to something a little more professional.

Paige, age 23, is making her foray into the working world  pause again to send up a prayer to the saint of jobs and work even if youre not Catholic  and is decorating her first Real Place.

However, like the bazillions of other newly minted, emancipated graduates, Paige still has a milk-crate budget.

The new place is a cute second-story duplex in Houston, which she is outfitting with the help of her boyfriend, John, who has many fine attributes and endearing qualities, including the ability to paint, sand, lift heavy furniture, and tutor younger siblings in physics.

A few weeks ago, I flew in to give Paige a hand with the place, but no sooner had I set down my two bags  one of which contained a 9 x 12 needlepoint rug; three vintage French fashion illustrations (framed and nicely matted), a wire whisk and a pair of tongsr (I wonder what TSA made of that!)  than this bittersweet thought hit: My work is done here.

Great job! I said, with mixed feelings: pride (Thats my girl!) and heartbreak (She doesnt need my helpsob!) How did you do it?

John didnt miss a beat: We saw how much DIYing you had done, and how fearless you always are and just dove in. Did I mention that he has many fine attributes and endearing qualities?

They showed me castoff furnishings from friends they had revitalized, and tables bought from Goodwill they had sanded and painted, while I marveled.

We discovered what you always said: How nice you can make things look on a budget, John said.

I have made clear to Paige, that if anything goes wrong between them, Im keeping him.

She, of course, promptly pointed out that I havent always been so supportive, and reminds John of the text from me that he still has that says: DO NOT BUY THAT!

They bought it.

We spread the needlepoint rug in the living room, where it fell into place. The rug melded perfectly with the rooms tan sofa and crimson chair, but its French Country vibe conflicted with the Aztec-patterned pillows.

Because I needed this heirloom quality handmade rug to work for personal reasons  I hadnt been able to use it in my home and was far too fond of it to give it to charity  Paige and I zoomed to the nearest home store, and found solid celery green pillows to replace the patterned ones and tie the rug and wall art together. Finally, I felt useful.

When we had sufficiently primped the living room, we all stood back and admired it.

Im really proud of this little place, Paige said.

And Im really proud of you, I said.

For any other young professionals looking to frugally furnish that first place, here are Paiges tips from the trenches. (Full Disclosure: The first two tips are mine, because I cant help myself.)

Start with a clean shell. Whenever I visit the kids at college, I want to bring my own toilet seat covers. First apartments arent much better. Before you move in, power clean.

Layer in the basics. Start with good sheets and towels. Some would call this a luxury; I call it an essential. To help Paige out, I called my friends at Boll & Branch, and, as a housewarming, ordered her a set of nice sheets and two sets of towels.

Look for free stuff. First, see what you can rustle up from friends or family, said Paige. People like to contribute what they no longer need if they know someone can use it. Besides the rug, I gave Paige her bedroom set, and some extra kitchen items. A family friend gave her a small, well-used kitchen table and four chairs, which she and John painted white. Then they recovered the chairs with $4-per-yard fabric and the help of a staple gun.

Check your local university. Most have sites where students post furnishings they are giving away because they are moving and dont want to lug the stuff with them. Not all is dorm dreck. You can get tables, chairs, TVs, appliances, and almost new mattresses, she said. You didnt! I gasped. You put a cover on it, she said. Thats sick, and if its not illegal, it should be.

Shop at Goodwill. We got our living room coffee table and side table there for $15 total, she said. They sanded and stained them, and painted the base of the end table white.

Exploit the power of paint. They turned an old brown bookcase into a TV stand and wall unit by removing the center shelves to make room for a television, and painting it white. We thought about more novel colors, but white just works long term, Paige said.

Avoid retail stores. Only go if you need to fill in the gaps.

Cultivate artsy friends. We arent artistic, but we have many friends who are, she said. They offered to give us pieces they didnt have room for. They are happy someone likes their stuff enough to display it, and were happy to honor their talent.

Enjoy the process. People stress out about their first apartment, but your friends dont think twice if you have to eat at card table, said Paige, with a level headedness she did not get from me. Were all in the same boat, or have been.
GARY  When Maxine Simpson hears songs like Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars and the smooth crooning tones of Luther Vandross, shes tapping her feet and popping her fingers, and soon on the floor dancing.

Simpson, 65, of Gary, is an expert. From the time she was a little girl, Simpson has loved to dance, sometimes choreographing her own routines with her friends on the block.

We would dance in the streets, she said. I love all music especially R&B, jazz and gospel.

Today, Simpson teaches a line dancing class at the Gary Neighborhood Services Center, drawing students from across Northwest Indiana to learn the steps for the exercise and camaraderie. Line dancing is exactly what it says. Its where people dance to steps in a line, rather than as a couple.

Simpson and her group, The Jazzy Ladies and Gents, founded in 2010 travel throughout the Midwest and across the country meeting up with other line dance clubs to dance and fellowship.

But there were a few stops and stalls in her dancing career over the years as Simpson pursued other dreams.

Simpson went to college in 1971, but she laughingly said, it would be decades before she completed her bachelors degree in business administration. But once she earned that degree, Simpson obtained a job as a paraprofessional in a special education class in 2001 in the School City of East Chicago, where she continues to work.

Simpson worked at the Budd Co. in Gary for 10 years until it closed in 1983. It was also in the 1980s that Simpson started square dancing in Chicago and promenaded across the Midwest during that decade.

While I was square dancing in Chicago, I met people who were doing Chicago-style stepping, and I started taking classes over there, she said.

Chicago-Style Stepping, also known as Steppin, is an urban dance that originated in Chicago and continues to evolve. Steppin is rooted in the traditional African-American originated dance movements of Lindy Hop, which evolved into Swing Dancing. Its birth and unique rhythm was born in the 1970s when Disco and the New York Hustle was burning the social dance floor and seen in movies and television across the United States.

The popularity of stepping continues, particularly in the urban neighborhoods of America such as Gary, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, Simpson has dabbled in real estate and owned property throughout the city of Gary, renting it out. Simpson owned a Dairy Queen in Gary and operated it 10 years. She also has two children, a daughter and son.

In 2004, Simpson had a mild heart attack and doctors told her to slow down.

The doctors said I had to give up something because I had too much stress, she said. My son was in the Air Force at the time, and my kids didnt want me to reopen the Dairy Queen after I recovered. I figured maybe it was just Gods will.

Unbelievably, Simpson said she sat around the house for two or three years not dancing at all. In 2008, she said she saw an article in the paper about free stepping classes in the Miller section of Gary.

I was only working for the school system then, she said. I was sitting around and I was gaining weight. I was becoming a couch potato.

Simpson said she went to check out the classes and joined, teaching stepping and line dancing classes a year later.

I love to dance. Its great exercise, she said. I get joy out of seeing the other ladies and men enjoying themselves, getting out of the house and meeting other people.

Simpsons classes at GNS are $5 per session for the two-hour class every Tuesday. She teaches a free hourlong stepping class at the Gary Public Librarys Kennedy branch on Wednesdays. She also volunteers for the East Chicago 4H Club and she works with Garys True Church of Jesus Christ food pantry.

Each month, Simpson hosts a birthday potluck where the Jazzy Ladies and Gents celebrate the birthdays in that month. She also sponsors trips to the movies and to plays.

On any given Tuesday when you walk into the multipurpose room at GNS, the participants are laughing and talking about their days. Simpson generally begins without the music, first teaching the steps before asking participants to try it out with the music.

Claudia Thomas, 42, and Deborah Abram, 59, both of Gary, have been taking the classes for years.

Its so much fun, Thomas said. Its like having another family. I get to meet so many new people. There are hundreds of line dances. I dont know them all, but I know enough to get by on the dance floor.

Abram said shes been dancing since high school and belonged to a modern dance troupe.

My passion is dancing and exercising. It makes me feel good, and I enjoy the activities and events that we attend, she said.
CROWN POINT  An autopsy Sunday failed to reveal the cause of death of a 26-year-old inmate at the Kimbrough Center, according to Porter County Coroner Chuck Harris.

Harris is now waiting on the results of toxicology tests, which should be available in about six weeks.

Jeremy Moats, of Merrillville, was found unresponsive in his room early Saturday and was pronounced dead at 7:21 a.m. at Methodist Southlake Hospital, officials said.

Harris said there were no signs of foul play.

Harris said Lake County Coroner Merrilee Frey asked his office to take over the case.

"There's protocols set up so that an agency does not handle the death of inmates that fall under the same [county] government," Harris said. "This way, there's no conflict of interest."

Moats was among five people arrested in February 2014 on suspicion of prostitution, drug dealing and drug possession near Merrillville High School.

According to Lake County court records, Moats pleaded guilty in October 2014 to dealing in cocaine.

Officials said Moats was serving a split sentence on a cocaine charge, meaning he served part of his sentence with the Indiana Department of Correction and the remainder with Lake County Community Corrections.
VALPARAISO  Jury selection will begin Monday morning in the trial of a 19-year-old man charged with gunning down a Portage man outside his home nearly two years ago after the victim confronted him about about breaking into cars in the neighborhood.

Thomas Reichler, of Porter, faces felony charges of murder, theft, attempted theft and theft-receiving stolen property in connection with the Dec. 12, 2014, early morning shooting of Alexius Tapia, 36, in front of his home in the 6000 block of Millrun Avenue.

Reichler is accused of shooting Tapia in the chest.

It appears Reichler and two other young men were attempting to break into Tapia's cars parked in his driveway, police said at the time. Tapia walked out of his home with a handgun and two of the young men fled. Tapia held onto Reichler and began to bring him toward his home when Reichler allegedly pulled out his own handgun and fired at least one shot toward Tapia.

Tapia returned fire striking Reichler in each arm. Police believe Tapia may have fired three shots.

The gun Reichler used was reported stolen through the Chesterton Police Department.

Tapia was transported to Portage Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

One of the other two men accused in the case, Nathaniel Sipe of Westville, faces charges of theft and assisting a criminal who committed a murder, according to court records. He is scheduled for trial Oct. 3.

The third man, Korey Izynski of Clarksville, Indiana, pleaded guilty in May 2015 to two felony counts of theft and has since been charged with an unrelated count of felony burglary, according to court records.
EAST CHICAGO  The School City of East Chicago reached out to students and parents Saturday with administrators walking door to door welcoming them to the new school year.

New East Chicago schools Superintendent Paige McNulty said this is the first time it has been done in the district.

"We are doing this to welcome our parents and our students back to school and to encourage them to register on time, which is next week," she said.

"We want parents to partner with us and come in and volunteer at our schools. We want parents and our entire community to be more active with the school system."

School starts Aug. 15.

McNulty said they invited numerous community agencies to come out and walk with them, and many did, including the Rev. Cheryl Rivera, of Northwest Indiana Federation of Interfaith Organizations, and representatives from St. Catherine Hospital and Healthy East Chicago.

As he walked up to one house near McKinley Elementary School, East Chicago School Board member Joel Rodriguez said they also passed out a goody bag with items to help with registration and the school calendar, along with a couple of sweet treats for children.

East Chicago school leaders also plan to go door to door from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday.

McNulty said the school system expects a fall enrollment of about 4,412 students, about 50 percent of whom are Hispanic.

Parent Angela Scott, who has five children, four of whom are in school, said it's good to see administrators and teachers in the community, because it hasn't been done before.

Rodriguez and East Chicago School Board member Frank Rivera served as translators for many residents who could not speak English.

Parents said they were pleased to see East Chicago school administrators out in the community welcoming them to the fall semester.

Speaking through a translator, Manuel Madrigal, the father of three, said he has two children in elementary school and one in high school. He said he would be interested in volunteering at the schools.

Many parents were awakened when the administrators knocked on the door, but Madrigal said, "It was vital for them to do that," and he appreciated it.
INDIANAPOLIS  State universities are eager to partner with Indiana businesses to improve their employees' education levels and get closer to having 60 percent of Hoosiers holding a postsecondary degree or credential by 2025.

"This 60-percent goal is tied directly to Indiana's future," said Dennis Bland, chairman of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

"It's the level of education that Hoosiers will need in order to secure good jobs and quality of life for their families."

Currently, about 750,000 out of 5 million adult Hoosiers have attended "some college," but did not complete their degree or earn an industry-recognized credential.

Bland said getting those individuals, many who are gainfully employed, back in the classroom or learning online would significantly increase the state's 41 percent postsecondary completion rate and help Indiana meet its goal.

"Employers are in a tremendous position to encourage and help Hoosiers to complete or continue their education," Bland said.

He urged business owners and managers to visit the commission's "You Can. Go Back." website at youcangoback.org/employer to make connections with schools or programs that can help their employees.

Cable TV company Comcast, for instance, recently worked through the commission to improve its employee tuition benefit in a new partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, Western Governors University and Indiana Wesleyan University.

Previously, Comcast would reimburse its 2,500 Indiana employees, including Chicago-region workers who live in Northwest Indiana, up to $5,000 a year for tuition costs, paid at the end of each semester.

But that forced the employee/student to come up with tuition money upfront to attend classes, which not every employee could afford to do.

Going forward, Comcast's Indiana employees who enroll at any of the three partner universities won't be billed for tuition until the end of the semester  roughly at the same time the employee gets his or her reimbursement check from the company. The reimbursement also was increased to a maximum of $5,750 a year.

"We wanted to help remove any barriers that would prevent Comcast employees from growing within the company," said Mike Wilson, Comcast Indiana director of public relations.

"In this case, that meant taking away financial constraints associated with college."

Western Governors University Chancellor Allison Barber, a Gary native, said the online Indiana university was excited to work with Comcast to make it more affordable for its employees to achieve their educational dreams.

"WGU Indiana is a natural partner in the campaign to improve the accessibility of higher education in our state, and to improve the capacity of our workforce," Barber said.

"Tuition reimbursement works. It's as simple as that."

She pointed to a recent case study by Indianapolis-based Lumina Foundation that found the insurance company Cigna got a 130 percent return on investment through its employee tuition-reimbursement program.

Many Region employers already offer some level of tuition reimbursement, including Northwest Indiana hospitals, but none is known to have arranged to delay employee tuition payments as Comcast has.

Indiana Higher Education Commissioner Teresa Lubbers said colleges and universities are ready to work with businesses to make similar partnerships that ultimately benefit students, schools, businesses and the state.

"Degree attainment is perhaps the most important single contributor to the long-term economic success of our state," Lubbers said.

"Innovative partnerships like this one (with Comcast) will ensure Indiana's continuing growth in a competitive global marketplace."
CROWN POINT  The Lake County Sheriffs Department received a heart-warming surprise when a Crown Point mother and her three daughters walked into the department with a donation of 75 Survival Kits for Law Enforcement Officers. The kits were filled with candy and treats for the officers as a show of appreciation.

Shaya, a Crown Point resident, explained that her daughters, Madisyn, 7, Abigail, 4, and Avery, 1, wanted to help local police officers so they set up a lemonade stand in their neighborhood and collected donations in exchange for lemonade. The three girls used the money they generated from the lemonade stand to buy the candy for the officers treat bags. The girls also included dog treat bags for the Lake County Sheriffs Department K-9s.

A note on the treat bags described their contents: Lifesavers to remind you of the many times you have been one, Smarties to give you wisdom for those split-second decisions, Starburst for the burst of energy you need, Hershey Kisses to show our love for you,

Gum to help everyone stick together, Tootsie Roll to help you roll with the punches, Dum Dum because lets face it ... you deal with a lot of them, Pay Day because you are not doing it for the money, and Laffy Taffy to remind you that laughter is a great stress reliever.

The note concluded, Thank you for everything you do for our community!

This is a critical time in our nations history for law enforcement officers and this type of support means the world to us, Sheriff John Buncich said. We dont do what we do for thanks or appreciation, but this family made us feel very appreciated. I cant say enough about how kind and generous this family was to make this gesture of support.

Buncich is providing free rides passes for the family at the upcoming Lake County Fair as a thank-you for their support for law enforcement.
EAST CHICAGO  Mothers with young ones who tested positive for lead while living in the citys West Calumet Housing Complex were among those who gathered Saturday inside Greater First Church International.

They were joined by second- and third-generation Calumet residents, school and elected officials, and social justice and environmental activists.

Its long been known the soil at West Calumet Housing Complex is contaminated, but earlier in the week, city officials informed residents that lead and arsenic levels are high enough that it would be best to relocate.

When I heard arsenic, it just boggles my mind, Camica Anderson said to a crowd of about 150 on Saturday. This is rat poison. So is that what they think of us, in letting us live in this type of environment? Are we nothing but rats?

At age 3, her now 8-year-old sons blood tested positive for lead during a routine preschool entry exam, she said. Now shes equally concerned about her 18-month-old, she said.

Calling the discovery of high lead levels in the soil a crisis akin to Flint, Michigan, pastor Tavis Grant called on residents to demand answers from the EPA, the East Chicago Housing Authority and city officials.

About 1,200 individuals, including more than 600 children, live within the West Calumet Housing Complex.

If you dont fight, youre going get put out and youre going to be sent somewhere and youre going to be bitter because you didnt fight, Grant said.

The meeting was led by state Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago.

For decades, people have been moving in and out [even though] the Housing Authority knew it was a questionable living situation, Randolph said. We need to find out who knew what, what they knew, and what the city knew.

The ECHA has requested HUD to provide vouchers, and recently announced it wants to demolish the complexs 346 units.

Families also raised concerns about school starting in two weeks. The complex and Carrie Gosch Elementary School occupy the first of three zones within the site the EPA has targeted for cleanup.

School superintendent Paige McNulty said the EPA advised her the school property is safe. When people at the meeting questioned the safety of the grounds, McNulty said she would follow up with the EPA. (tncms-asset)0648c4a0-5442-11e6-b06b-00163ec2aa77(/tncms-asset)
HAMMOND  A plan designed to protect the citys basements from backups during heavy rains is not likely to have much of an impact on Griffith, while Highland looks for ways to stem any impact on its system.

The Hammond Board of Sanitary Commissioners voted this month to have the administrator prepare an emergency action plan to deal with periods of heavy rain when the amount of storm and sewer water may overwhelm the Hammond holding basin. A draft plan is expected to be ready for review by the next meeting on Aug. 9.

The basin can hold 38 million gallons of liquid, but there have been times when heavy rainfalls led to the basin overflowing into the river. This usually happens about four times a year. During these times, some Hammond basements may also experience flooding from backups from the overloaded lines.

In the past, Hammond has continued to accept water from Highland, Griffith and Whiting, who have sanitary treatment service contracts with Hammond, even when it exceeds the amount the city has contractually agreed to take.

City Engineer Dean Button, who is also heads the Sanitary Board, said in the future Hammond may use flow control devices to restrict the amount of water accepted from these communities to only the contracted limit to help protect Hammond basements. He didnt think such a plan would be put in place immediately, but could take place in the near future.

Button said Hammond had to give the other communities three years notice that the flow restrictions could take place. The notice period ended last week, he said. Button noted that both Griffith and Whiting have basins that can handle some of the excess water, while Highland does not.

Griffith Council President Rick Ryfa said he does not expect his community to be impacted by the rule.

According to Ryfa, Griffiths contract with the sanitary district allows it to discharge 5.5 million gallons a day to the district and allow the flow rate to be exceeded slightly on high flow days.

During the past five years, Griffith has discharged more than 5.5 million gallons to the district on only six days, according to data from the community.

Whiting Mayor Joe Stahura said Whiting rarely, if ever, exceeds the amount it is contracted to send to Hammond. He said there may be times during dry periods when they send extra water to Hammond to empty the towns storage basin after first checking with the district.

Button said that Highland, however, regularly goes over its contracted amount. He said Hammond will continue to accept the overages except in cases of extreme rain events like those seen in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Basement backups, said Dean, first and foremost, are a public health hazard, and Hammond also is subject to Environmental Protection Agency penalties as a result of basement backups.

Highland Public Works Director John Bach said heavy rains like those seen in 2006 and 2008 are going to be a challenge to the system regardless if Hammond restricts the flow of water.

He said in these extremely heavy rain events the town would look at bypassing some of the water into the Little Calumet River.

Bach said the town is looking at designing and constructing large storage tanks in Highland to deal with periods of heavy rain and also try to see if Hammond would take additional water from the community in such circumstances.

Computer modeling looking at dry weather and wet weather flow is being done now and could be completed by the end of August. The model will aid the community in determining how much storage it needs to build or how much additional flow officials may talk to Hammond about taking.

Button said the city would continue to take additional flow when it can. He also noted Hammond has taken measures over the years to reduce the amount of basements backups, primarily through increased separation of the sewer and storm systems.
CROWN POINT  An inmate was found unresponsive in his room early Saturday at the Kimbrough Center.

Jeremy Moats, 26, of Merrillville, was pronounced dead at 7:21 a.m. at Methodist Southlake Hospital. The cause of death under investigation.

Porter County Coroner Chuck Harris said there are no signs of foul play at this time.

Autopsy and toxicology tests are scheduled for Sunday morning, he said. Toxicology results could take up to six weeks.

Harris said Lake County Coroner Merrilee Frey asked his office to take over the case.

"There's protocols set up so that an agency does not handle the death of inmates that fall under the same [county] government," Harris said. "This way, there's no conflict of interest."

Kellie Bittorf, executive director for Lake County Community Corrections, which manages the Kimbrough Center, said Saturday officials called 911 after Moats was found unresponsive. He was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Moats was among five people arrested in February 2014 on suspicion of prostitution, drug dealing and drug possession near Merrillville High School.

According to Lake County court records, Moats pleaded guilty in October 2014 to dealing in cocaine.

Officials said Moats was serving a split sentence on a cocaine charge, meaning he served part of his sentence with the Indiana Department of Corrections and the remainder with Lake County Community Corrections.
A first-term incumbent Democrat faces a challenger in a district that covers the western half of Madison. The winner faces an independent candidate in the general election.

Lisa Subeck (I)

Age: 45

Address: 818 South Gammon Road, Unit 4, Madison

Family: Single

Job: State representative

Political experience: State Legislature since 2014; previously served on Madison City Council

Other public service: Served on numerous city and county committees, as a board member and president of Woodhill Condominium Association, and as a volunteer and on the boards of various local organizations

Education: Bachelors degree of arts from UW-Madison

Jacob Wischmeier

Age: 35

Address: 5949 Mayhill Drive

Family: Married with one daughter

Job: Hotel manager

Political experience: None

Other public service: None

Education: Bachelors degree in economics from UW-Madison

Why are you the best candidate to represent your party in the November election?

Subeck: As your representative, I have provided accessible, responsive, and accountable representation. Im a progressive and effective leader with experience, commitment, and a proven track record fighting for our schools and universities, working families, environment and shared progressive values.

Wischmeier: I would do everything in my power to create a movement to take back the Legislature from GOP control. I would try new tactics to get media attention, and would put politicians on the record on important issues like climate change, single-payer health care, support for public education, support for workers and higher wages and redistricting reform to name a few. I would try to create a movement in Wisconsin based on common sense solutions to our problems, and try to make politics exciting again.

What vote by members of your party last session do you disagree with most?

Subeck: The Legislature passed a bill taking away the ability from Madison and other cities to regulate transportation network companies. Many Democrats supported the bill, which diminished safety standards and advantaged one large multi-national company competing against local businesses. I opposed the bill, which has since been signed by Governor Walker.

Wischmeier: The one vote that some people in the Democratic party supported that I would have voted against was the Uber bill. I dont have a problem with Uber, I just dont like that it prevents local municipalities from making their own rules and regulations. I also dont like that Uber used threats to get the bill signed into law.

What is your top agenda item that you would like to pass if elected?

Subeck: We must restore funding for our public schools and our university system. Both have seen record cuts in the six years since Republicans claimed the Governors office and majorities in both houses of the Legislature. Our children, families and economy are all feeling the toll of not investing in education.

Wischmeier: If elected my top agenda item would be to win back the state Legislature. If I had to name one item that matters most to me it would be restoring education funding, renewing our proud tradition of valuing public education and public service, and treating teachers (paying teachers) like the professionals they are.
Ashley HomeStores participation in an upcoming back-to-school rally looks to help 50 area children sleep better.

Ashley HomeStore, a sponsor of the Aug. 15 event, is donating 50 twin mattress sets to local children through the rally hosted by The Salvation Army and Carter Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Each set is valued at $650 and comes with a pillow and comforter.

Merrillville Town Council President Richard Hardaway, chairman of the rally, said he is excited about the donation provided by Ashley HomeStore, which has a store in Merrillville.

Ashley is much more than just a furniture store, he said, Theyre a member of the community and they understand the importance of community involvement.

The donation comes from Ashleys Hope to Dream program, which provides mattress sets to children in need. The Salvation Army selected the 50 local children who will receive the new mattresses. The children come from families who have received assistance from The Salvation Army.

Michelle Paszek, regional training and development manager for Ashley, said sleep affects mental and physical development for children.

Providing mattresses through the Hope to Dream program has helped many sleep better. Ashley has been told some students have shown improved behavior and have been better focused in school after receiving the sets.

A mattress can make a difference, Paszek said.

Although children receiving the mattresses already have been selected, other area students can receive a variety of free items and services at the rally that starts at 3 p.m. Aug. 15 at The Salvation Army, 4800 Harrison St. in Gary.

Free haircuts and school supplies will be provided to children in kindergarten through grade 12 during the event. The Food Bank of Northwest Indiana also will provide snack packs.

This is the third year The Salvation Army and Carter Memorial have hosted the event. Nearly 400 people received free supplies and services during last years program.
VALPARAISO  To celebrate its newly created Creative District Plan, the city on Thursday is hosting Valpo Better Block Project, a temporary installation that acts as a living charrette for community members to actively engage in the build out process and provide feedback in real time about the creative district.

The event is being held at the corner of Indiana and Michigan avenues and includes a temporary bike and pedestrian infrastructure, pop-up art, food trucks, live music and activities for children and the entire family.

Valpo Better Block Project is an example of what the city plans to do when it creates the district, which will include improvements along the corridor from Valparaiso University to Napoleon Street.

It gives people an idea how it feels because personally I know its hard to visualize what its like to be in different areas like this, said Carley Lemmon, an intern with the citys planning department who helped coordinate the event. I think its going to be really neat to see what the creative district will actually what look and feel like. And to see peoples reactions to see how the district is moving forward and what they think and any opinions they have.

Vendors will set up in tents to demonstrate what a full storefront on the block would look and feel like. City Planner Tyler Kent said the final plan for the parking lot on the corner of Indiana and Michigan is to build a parking structure with studios in the front and apartments above for the artists. The city also plans to purchase Moose Lodge on Indiana and build a civic center in its place.

We just want to encourage the public to come down and take a look at what were doing, he said.

Porter County Museum, an anchor of the district, will have for the event a pop up museum exhibit called Trash or Treasure where people can bring an object to share and write a label for it and leave it on display.

Another anchor of the district, Memorial Opera House, will showcase at the event open rehearsals for its current production Aint Misbehavin.

One can honestly make the case that we have been an unofficial cultural district for years, Porter County Museum Executive Director Kevin Pazour said. It is really great to see this much larger, more ambitious project take shape in Valparaisos downtown.

Also taking part in the project are Old World Market, the Valparaiso Boys & Girls Club and Opportunity Enterprises.

Valparaiso Better Block Project will take place from 4 to 9 p.m.
"Goodbye Chocolate!"

Those were the words of farewell spoken by a little blond-haired, fair-skinned boy to my dark-skinned 4-year-old daughter Izzy as I picked her up from a preschool playground recently.

The words, though spoken in innocence and meant to be sweet by a little boy who didnt know any better, stirred something in me that has grown with every report of racially motivated violence and political rhetoric in recent weeks.

Izzy, who is black, later asked me, clearly a white man, why her little friend referred to her as one of her favorite foods.

"It's because you're so sweet," I told her.

But some day, I'll have incomparably more difficult things to explain to Izzy and my 1-year-old son Aidan.

I'll long for the day when lines of racial discussion were so easy and innocent.

My wife and I adopted both Izzy and Aidan at birth. Both were born to the same young, inner-city Indianapolis birth parents who chose us to adopt their biological children  based on capacity to love and ability to provide, not skin color.

Since taking their first breaths, both Izzy and Aidan have been surrounded by a mother, father and two older brothers  all of whom are absolutely crazy about them and happen to be white.

At this stage in their lives, there is no real distinction between black and white. Izzy realizes she's brown, and I'm not, as her burgeoning knowledge of color identification grows.

But she's not yet old enough to understand the cruel realities of a society in which Black Lives Matter protesters feel so disenfranchised that they march in our city streets.

Neither of my youngest children are old enough to understand the hate-motivated slayings of black parishioners in a Charleston, South Carolina, church.

They surely wouldn't yet comprehend why violent extremists "retaliated" against innocent, duty-driven police officers by killing cops in Dallas and Baton Rouge.

They have no more capacity to understand these things than the little fair-skinned boy when he innocently referred to my daughter as being the color of a Hershey's Kiss.

I've always been prepared  enthusiastic even  to discuss the history and evolution of racial struggle and enlightenment in our country with my children.

Accounts of both black and white abolitionists, like Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison, and their fight to end slavery will be required lessons in our household when my little ones are ready. A detailed history of America's bloodiest conflict, the slavery-ending Civil War, and generations of the Civil Rights Movement that followed also will be front and center in their learning.

But what's happening today will be far more difficult to recap because it's a sign of our nation's racial enlightenment losing ground that previous generations fought so hard to gain.

Someday, I'll have to explain to Aidan why a Hoosier man, who happens to be the same color as his father, felt compelled to construct a parade-float caricature of President Barack Obama emerging from a toilet with a large caption of "LYING AFRICAN" below it.

I'll have to explain to Izzy that despite all of our historical progress as a society, some people will hate based on the hue of her skin.

Then I'll truly long for the day when the most pressing discussion regarding our physical differences was a sweet little boy bidding Izzy farewell with a "Goodbye Chocolate!"

The shortsighted path of racial division a portion of our society is taking is ensuring a far more bitter flavor of discourse  and that should concern us all.
If you're looking to get a taste of Cuba  look no further than Harlem.

Thousands are expected at Grant National Memorial Park today as "Harlem Week" festivities begin.

This year's theme, Harlem Havana, honors the new relationship between the United States and Cuba. There will be food, culture and musical presentation.

"It is so big that the excitement, imagine the excitement for Harlem week and couple that with excitement for the relationship that's being developed with Cuba," said organizer Barbara Burwel.

To learn more visit harlemweek.com.
Police are looking for a man who they say tried to rape a woman in a church gym on Staten Island.

The NYPD identified him as 42-year-old Asuncion Moran Barrera.

Investigators say he approached the 21-year-old victim inside the basement bathroom of a church gym in Port Richmond. He allegedly grabbed her by the throat, and pushed her down while unbuckling his pants.

She was able to escape the bathroom, and fought off another attempt by him to keep her downstairs.

Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
Irena Lana Ajic, the daughter of Vesna Ajic and Louie Ajic, both of Scottsdale, Ariz., was married July 27 to Matthew Leonard Jacobs, a son of Lisa M. Jacobs and Steven H. Jacobs of Sarasota, Fla. Matt Amar, a Universal Life minister who is a friend of the couple, officiated at the couples apartment in Los Angeles.

On July 31, Mr. Amar is to lead a second ceremony, incorporating Jewish and Serbian Orthodox elements, at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater in New York, which bears the name of the grooms late paternal grandfather, the longtime president of the Schubert Organization.

The couple both graduated from Arizona State University, she cum laude, and met in 2009 at a rock-climbing gym in Scottsdale.

Mrs. Jacobs, 29, is pursuing a masters degree in scenic design at U.C.L.A. . Until 2014 she owned a stone masonry company in Scottsdale that was founded by her father, now retired. Her mother is a pilot, instructor and a partner in Arizona Type Ratings, a flight school in Scottsdale.
Jennifer Dong-Hwa Sung and Ian Sinclair Moulton were married July 30 in Ipswich, Mass. The Rev. Susan A. Koehler-Arsenault, ordained by the One Spirit Interfaith Seminary, officiated at the Great House at Castle Hill, on the Crane Estate.

The couple met at the University of Pennsylvania, both receiving M.B.A.s.

Mrs. Moulton, 31, is an associate buyer at Free People, a womens clothing and accessories company in Philadelphia, and is to become a merchandiser at Lilly Pulitzer, the womens clothing and accessories company, next month. She graduated from Amherst College. She is a daughter of Ock-Hwa Sung and Yon Woo Sung of Englewood Cliffs, N.J. The brides parents work in West Caldwell, N.J., at MaxLite, a lighting manufacturer; her father is the founder and chief executive and her mother is a bookkeeper.

Mr. Moulton, 32, is a program manager for the robotics unit of Amazon, in North Reading, Mass. He graduated from Duke and received a masters in international affairs from Johns Hopkins. He served from 2006 to 2012 in the Navy, attaining the rank of lieutenant and serving as the assistant engineer on the Hampton, a submarine. He is the son of Heather Sinclair Moulton and Eben S. Moulton of Cambridge, Mass. The grooms father is a partner in Seacoast Capital, a venture capital firm in Danvers, Mass.
Saumya Manohar and Adil Ahmad Haque were married July 27 at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau by Edwina Townes, a staff member in the office of the New York City Clerk.

On July 30, Dr. Varadaraj Velamoor, a friend of the brides parents and a psychiatrist, led a ceremony that incorporated Hindu, Muslim and Christian traditions at Ravine Vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Ms. Manohar, 32, will keep her name. She is a corporate counsel at Casper, a New York manufacturer and distributor of mattresses and other sleep products. She graduated from Cornell University and received a law degree from Yale Law School.

She is the daughter of Dr. Prethima Manohar and Dr. Savalai V. Manohar of Mississauga, Ontario. The brides parents, who are both psychiatrists, practice together in Mississauga.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  On the second day of a three-day bus tour through Pennsylvania and Ohio, Hillary Clinton continued a balancing act: painting a relatively rosy picture of national progress under President Obama  in contrast to Donald J. Trumps grim appraisal of the countrys state  while insisting there is much more to be done.

I dont think were weak. I dont think were in decline, she said on Saturday from the floor of a wire manufacturer here, before pivoting to her campaign slogan. I think we can pull together, she said, because we are stronger together.

If this past weeks convention in Philadelphia was the Democratic Partys attempt to claim the mantle of American optimism, Mrs. Clintons swing through the Rust Belt has been that gathering on wheels.

Winding westward through Pennsylvania, with plans to cross into Ohio late Saturday, Mrs. Clinton has emerged from the partys four-day showcase to pitch herself, at least in part, to voters with a history of antipathy toward Democrats.
What do Pikachu, a minion, a tiger, and the gang from Gilligans Island have in common? Apparently they like paddle sports.

Isthmus hosted its 37th annual Paddle and Portage event Downtown on Saturday and both costumed and non-costumed participants alike gathered for the race in James Madison Park.

Participants were introduced to a slightly new course with a 1 mile loop through Lake Mendota, a 1 mile portage (carry) trek around the Capitol, and a 21/2 mile paddle from Law Park to Olbrich Park  in the past the route ended in Olin Park.

Watercraft of all kinds littered the gathering area as eager participants and their cheering sections waited for the race to commence.

Competitors with high ranking hopes warmed up while the more leisurely participants sipped coffee or other libations.

But, regardless of whether teams were there for prizes or play, there was a definite air of excitement.

A Lucky partner

On a typical trip in the kayak, 11-year-old American Eskimo dog Lucky is more interested in snatching up a tasty lily pad than focusing on the task at hand.

Tom Theisen, 50, of Madison, has participated in the event four times before and has placed second or third in his age group, but he wasnt so sure he would see top marks with a pup for a partner.

Although an atypical choice for paddle partner, Lucky has an appropriate name for the event, said Theisen, who hoped her name would be a good omen.

Lucky  clad in a sporty yellow life jacket  loves to go in the canoe or kayak, Theisen said.

Since Lucky is a petite sled dog breed, Theisen believed he had devised a way to connect her to the kayak to assist him with the carry portion of the event.

Since shes a sled dog, Im hoping she can help out a little bit, he said before the race began.

Before race day arrived, Theisen had to have his canine companion approved by race officials and he wasnt so sure theyd give the OK.

He hoped they would approve Lucky as his partner since Paddle and Portage is such a goofy event, said Theisen.

With Luckys partner approval secured, there was just one other hope for the race weighing on her owners mind.

She likes to drink the lake water... hopefully she stays in the boat, said Theisen.

Its a holiday

For Chris Iglar of Madison and Chris Thompson of Middleton, the day that brings Paddle and Portage is always one to look forward to.

Weve basically become the mascots for it, said Iglar.

The two have often been featured in newspaper articles highlighting the event since they started donning wacky costumes, a few of which have included black mustaches.

Its a holiday, said Iglar, who always puts it on his calendar for the coming year.

Iglar and Thompson have participated in the annual event for 13 years.

The team has embraced dual costumes for several years and their costumes have ranged from babies to fruit, but this year they decided to go as flora complete with green leotards, yellow face paint, white petals surrounding their faces, wigs, fishnet stockings and fuzzy green leg warmers.

Were daisies, said Thompson.

Sexy daisies, said Iglar.

Though the pair has never placed in the Paddle and Portage race itself, they were proud to say theyve placed in many of the events costume contests.

Even the bees were impressed by the creative flower costumes  at one point a honey bee nestled itself peacefully into Thompsons curly yellow wig.

Right beside Iglar and Thompson were a brother and sister team of Mike Danzinger, 38, of Madison and Sara Danzinger, 40, of the Twin Cities  the two were fittingly dressed as Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia.

Mike Danzinger has participated in the event for 14 years and brings a new partner each year. Sara Danzinger, the last of their four siblings to be in the race with her brother, was celebrating her 40th birthday Saturday.

Sara Danzinger, small blue watergun in hand, had never been in Paddle and Portage, but attended previously when her husband was her brothers partner and the two dressed as officers from the comedy show Reno 911.

For the four costumed cohorts, the event isnt so much about winning as it is about enjoying themselves at an entertaining Madison tradition.

Its one of the best events of the year, said Thompson.
Frank Hodsoll, who led the National Endowment for the Arts under President Ronald Reagan, successfully managing the politics of arts funding in a budget-cutting era even as the so-called culture wars simmered on their way to a boil, died on July 24 in Falls Church, Va. He was 78.

His wife, Mimi Hodsoll, said the cause was cancer.

Following Roger Stevens, Nancy Hanks and Livingston Biddle, Mr. Hodsoll was the fourth chairman of the endowment, which was established by Congress in 1965 to support American artists of various stripes, arts organizations and arts education.

An unlikely choice for the post, Mr. Hodsoll had no working background in the arts. A lawyer, he had spent 14 years in the Foreign Service, worked on Reagans 1980 election campaign and was deputy to the White House chief of staff, James A. Baker III, when he asked to be put in charge of the arts endowment.

On hearing the request, Mr. Baker looked at him in astonishment and rolled his eyes, Mr. Hodsoll recalled. Others told him he was undermining his career. At the time, David L. Stockman, Reagans budget director, had just proposed halving the annual appropriation for the endowment with the aim of phasing it out altogether.
BEIJING  Three decades ago, the Chinese tycoon Chen Dongsheng became enchanted by televised glimpses he caught of Europes opulent auction houses. When one of van Goghs Sunflowers paintings sold in London in 1987 for $39.9 million, the merging of art and wealth left a deep mark on him.

The images of the auction on television seemed inconceivably distant from my own life, Mr. Chen wrote in his memoir. So aristocratic, so refined. For China, an economically backward country that had never shaken off its revolution, the disparity with those scenes on television was too much.

Now, though, in a confirmation of how far he and China have risen as forces in the art business, Mr. Chen has emerged as a major player in the future of Sothebys, the auction house he long dreamed of emulating.

Taikang Life Insurance, of which he is chairman and chief executive, disclosed last week that it had become Sothebys biggest shareholder, with 13.5 percent of its stock after a string of purchases.
As a filmmaker, Alexandra Pelosi is a friendly Michael Moore. Or maybe a Michael Moore who went to finishing school and learned how to charm rather than intimidate the people she talks to.

In Meet the Donors: Does Money Talk?, her 10th documentary for HBO (where it makes its premiere on Monday), shes often in the frame, and her appearances grow more frequent as the hourlong film progresses. A characteristic shot is of Ms. Pelosi conducting an interview while holding a camera herself  a selfie by proxy  so that we can see her while she playfully hectors her subjects.

Those interviewees are mostly rich white men who donate enormous amounts to political, specifically presidential, campaigns. You may think that Does Money Talk? is missing a Duh! at the end, and watching the film wont change your mind, as Ms. Pelosi asks one financier after another why he gives away so much money and hears a series of variations on because its the right thing to do.

But investigation isnt what Ms. Pelosis film is really about. As in earlier works like Journeys With George and Diary of a Political Tourist, she uses her sense of the absurd and her access  gained in part through her status as a daughter of the California congresswoman Nancy Pelosi  to present the American political system as a mostly lighthearted farce. Shes worried about whats going on, but her tone is more shake-my-head than move-to-Canada.
This year, the political conventions pulled off an amazing feat: They rebooted a familiar figure, someone who spent years in the public eye going through chameleon-like shifts, and who emerged from the quadrennial partisan ritual reintroduced and reinvigorated.

Im referring, of course, to Stephen Colbert.

When The Late Show With Stephen Colbert began on CBS in September 2015, it came with enormous expectations and risks. Mr. Colbert was following in David Lettermans footsteps as well as his own, having created a satirical performance piece for the ages on Comedy Centrals The Colbert Report. His move to a big-network late night show might have been a reinvention of the form; it might have been a bust.

Instead, for most of the year, it just  was. There was the occasional newsworthy interview, like his emotional September talk with Vice President Joe Biden, grieving the recent loss of his son. There were a few experiments, like letting the director Spike Jonze shoot a cold-open video in which Mr. Colbert shared an existential moment with Grover from Sesame Street.

Night by night, Late Show was fine but inessential. Even as a flabbergasting election unfolded, you were less likely to think, What is Stephen Colbert going to say about this? than I wonder what Stephen Colbert would have said about this.
I did get more than I bargained for, but in a great way, Melanie Batchelor, vice president for global spirits, said by phone from Campari offices in Italy. Personally, I have been completely overwhelmed with his level of commitment.

The celebrity endorsement has been part of Madison Avenues playbook since at least the 1940s, when film stars were paid to promote cigarettes. But only in the last decade have Hollywood A-listers been willing to let a consumer brand define them to the same degree as a movie role. Mr. McConaughey, for instance, is now just as famous (or more) for his Lincoln car commercials as for Dallas Buyers Club, the film that won him the 2014 Academy Award for best actor.

Yet there are downsides to ad work. Mr. McConaugheys eccentric Lincoln ads have been mocked by Saturday Night Live and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. (I actually think theyre cool little pieces of art, Mr. McConaughey said of the spots. Theyve been good for Lincoln and good for me.)

Stars invariably overlook the risks because the advertising partnerships, unlike most movie roles these days, can bring enormous paychecks: Deals like the one Mr. McConaughey made with Wild Turkey are typically worth tens of millions of dollars, talent agents say.

Ive always been interested in the art of the sell, Mr. McConaughey said, noting that he interned as a college student at an Austin, Tex., advertising agency, where he worked on a Dont Mess With Texas commercial.

After being hurt by distillery underinvestment in the 1980s and the vodka boom of the 1990s, bourbon has experienced blistering growth over the last decade, as the Mad Men and classic cocktail crazes helped consumers rediscover brands like Pappy Van Winkle and Old Crow. For the fiscal first quarter, which ended in March, domestic sales of Wild Turkey increased 7.6 percent from the same period a year earlier.

But Campari wants Mr. McConaughey to supercharge Wild Turkey sales both in the United States and overseas. Older, particularly Southern, gentlemen have always loved the brand, but we need to close the gap between our perceived quality and our actual quality, Ms. Batchelor said. In other words, many people see Wild Turkey as a downscale choice, and Campari wants to change that.
Quite frankly, if Ive got limited resources, there are other things I want to do, he said. We didnt think it was worth the producers time, our time, our resources to try to move the needle just a little bit more.

He also said that Game of Thrones would conclude after its eighth season, and he acknowledged that next seasons summer premiere date would mean the show would not be eligible for the 2017 Emmys. Thats just something we have to live with, he said.

For 16 straight years, HBO has led all TV networks with the most Emmy nominations, and Game of Thrones has been the most nominated show for the last three.

With the final seasons of The Leftovers and Girls also coming up, Mr. Bloys said he was hopeful that the networks new slate of shows  including the limited series The Night Of, the Sarah Jessica Parker dark comedy Divorce and the science-fiction drama Westworld  would make up the difference.

HBO has been subjected to pointed criticism recently for several scenes featuring sexual violence against women, particularly in Game of Thrones, The Night Of and Westworld.
The Treasurys schedule of financing this week includes Mondays auction of new three- and six-month bills and an auction of four-week bills on Tuesday.

At the close of the New York cash market on Friday, the rate on the outstanding three-month bill was 0.27 percent. The rate on the six-month issue was 0.38 percent, and the rate on the four-week issue was 0.19 percent.

The following tax-exempt, fixed-income issues are scheduled for pricing this week:

MONDAY

Florida Board of Education, $198.4 million of general obligation refinancing bonds. Competitive.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection, $185 million of debt securities. Competitive.

TUESDAY

Miami-Dade County School District, $200 million of general obligation unlimited tax bonds. Competitive.
Those were valid questions. But they were not really what my friends were cautioning me about. They were warning that I might become overwhelmed by the emotion of the story. I took their counsel into account but went ahead. I learned the hard way.

New Developments in Cancer Research Card 1 of 5 Progress in the field. In recent years, advancements in research have changed the way cancer is treated. Here are some recent updates: Uterine cancer. Women who use chemical hair straighteners frequently could have a higher risk of developing uterine cancer than women who have never used the products, according to new findings from a national study that has followed nearly 34,000 U.S. women for more than a decade. Breast cancer. A new study suggests surgery may not always be necessary for all breast cancer patients. A small early-stage clinical trial found that a carefully selected group of patients who responded remarkably well to chemotherapy could skip surgery altogether. Cancer vaccines. For a long time, the promise of cancer vaccines that would protect healthy people at high risk of cancer has only dangled in front of researchers. Now, though, encouraging animal data and preliminary studies in human patients are making some doctors feel optimistic. Rectal cancer. A small trial that saw 18 rectal cancer patients taking the same drug, dostarlimab, appears to have produced an astonishing result: The cancer vanished in every single participant. Experts believe that this study is the first in history to have achieved such results.









Its not that I hadnt written wrenching stories before. In fact, one of the things I have learned in 25 years of journalism is that the best reporting does not happen at an emotional distance. Far from it. It comes from emotional honesty, common sense mixed not just with sympathy but with empathy. The truest stories derive from a single, overriding skill: the ability to listen. If you listen without feeling, you are not really listening.

Jason and I, friends since Little League, were not especially close when he first got cancer in 2010. We started talking more often. He needed someone to talk to, and I had always loved listening to Jason tell stories, often hilarious adventures of a still-single guy, aging player and wide-eyed entrepreneur. The stories that could not be repeated in polite company were the best  with painful tales of chemotherapy intermingled.

At that point, I had no intention of writing about Jason. There was no reason. Instead, I simply tried to support him. At one point, during a hospital stay when he was in the dumps  but still livelier and more optimistic than people much healthier  I wrote a rock song called Jasons Still Kickin. (I write a lot of music, much of it bad, and this was no exception.)
A New York State assemblyman from the Bronx has filed a formal complaint against the police, claiming he was roughly handled by an officer after asking about police activity in his district.

The assemblyman, Michael Blake, said that while he was attending a family event at the Gouverneur Morris Houses at East 169th Street and Washington Avenue, he saw a woman in handcuffs and approached the officers involved to discuss the situation. Moments later, Mr. Blake said, an argument broke out behind him.

In a phone interview on Sunday, Mr. Blake said that as he rushed toward the confrontation a uniformed officer bear-hugged him, lifted him off the ground and slammed him against a gate outside the housing complex.

It was not a pleasant interaction, said Mr. Blake, 33, a freshman Democrat who represents part of the South Bronx.
As the rain poured down, a man with a Harry Potter phoenix feather tattoo on his forearm waited patiently on a Brooklyn sidewalk.

The man, Robert Saulter, a lawyer in Boston for the United States Air Force, was in New York for the weekend and said he just had to be at Saturdays midnight book-release party for the latest in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which is actually a play.

It sounds ridiculous that Im 32 years old and Im tearing up, Mr. Saulter said as the BookCourt store in the Cobble Hill neighborhood opened its doors. But I always felt misunderstood and I feel like if youve read the books, you understand the emotional connection you get to Harry, someone who really wanted to do good things with the world and wanted to feel loved. Mr. Saulter even named his son, who is 7 months old, Phoenix Harrison, for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth in the series.

Mr. Saulter was among nearly 200 people who waited at the store for the script that was written by Jack Thorne and based on a story by Mr. Thorne, John Tiffany and J. K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter book series, which led to films and a theme park.
TOWN OF AZTALAN  Paul Filipowicz has little mercy for his audience.

Whether its at the Badger Bowl in Madison, an American Legion beer tent in Lake Mills or Buddy Guys Legends in Chicago, the blues guitarist, who makes his home just east of the Crawfish River in Jefferson County, goes into each show hoping to knock his fans off their feet and leave them gasping for air.

If theyre still standing at what should have been the end of the set list, its a signal to Filipowicz to crank out another hard-driving tune on one of his worn Fender guitars.

But there is a softer side to the 66-year-old Chicago native who has lived in Wisconsin for the past 50 years and who was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame last fall. Filipowicz takes a few moments during each show to remember those who have influenced his music, a genre he discovered when he was 14 years old standing outside a club on the Windy Citys south side.

The names include Walter Lefty Dizz Williams, Jimmy Dawkins, Chester Howlin Wolf Burnett, Magic Sam, B.B. King and Muddy Waters.

I dont take myself seriously but I take the music seriously, Filipowicz said last week while seated on the front porch of his 1908 farmhouse. I feel that the old guys had a hand in getting me into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame... and when I say their names theyre in the room once again. So I try to do that.

Filipowicz is among the headliners at Atwood Fest on Sunday and will hit the Alchemy Cafe Stage at the corner of Atwood Avenue and Winnebago Streets at 2:15 p.m. He will follow the Katie Scullin Band that plays at 12:15 and precedes The Family Business, a rock band out of Monroe (4 p.m.) and Jane Lee Hooker (5:45 p.m.), a female blues band from New York that has been influenced by many of the same artists that have left their mark on Filipowicz.

Christine Johnson, president of the Madison Blues Society, will introduce Filipowicz and has seen the guitarist on several occasions, most recently July 22 at the Knuckle Down Saloon, 2513 Seiferth Road, a prime destination for all things blues. The club, opened by Chris Kalmbach in 2010, is where just over a year ago Filipowicz recorded his latest live album Roughneck Blues for Big Jake Records.

Hes just real high energy and just gives it his all at every performance, said Johnson, who has been with MBS for four years. Hes just one of those guys that from the first note to the last note he just puts it all out there. He has lots of respect for the music and brings his own technique and voice to the blues genre.

Filipowicz is salt-of-the-earth.

Hes been playing the blues for more than 40 years but at the same time has worked full-time in construction and roofing to pay the bills. Bad knees and elbows forced him to retire from the work this year but hes still building a cabin near Tomahawk using timber harvested from his 70-acre property.

When hes back home and not playing his guitars, he likely has a wrench in hand. Hes restoring a 1949 Ford pick-up truck with duel carburetors on a flat-head eight-cylinder engine and a 1948 Ford Super Deluxe four-door car with suicide doors  where the hinges are at the rear of the door. Theres also a 1965 Mercury Comet and a 1950 Ford pickup in the yard. He uses a 2002 Toyota Sienna mini-van with more than 140,000 miles on the odometer to haul his gear to shows around the Midwest. It included shows Friday and Saturday at Riverfront Marys in Sturgeon Bay.

Ive been wrenching all my life, Filipowicz said, as he showed off his vehicles and a garage packed with tools, engines and other parts. Im a Ford guy.

His construction and car work stand in contrast to his stage presence where he wears suits from Mitchell Street Mens Wear in Milwaukee, cuff links, Stacy Adams shoes in red, black, white or blue, and a fedora. In 2013, he was named best-dressed male by Big City Rhythm & Blues magazine and has Madison Area Music Awards for best blues album in 2005 and best blues song in 2006.

He learned to wrench from his father who worked full time making sausage for Armour & Co. in Chicago but on the weekends worked on cars. When Filipowicz was a sophomore in high school, his father took a job at Jones Dairy Farm in Fort Atkinson and moved the family to Wisconsin.

His father also played the harmonica and trumpet, his mother taught piano, his two sisters played piano and they all sang in church. Filipowicz gravitated to the guitar when he was about 7 years old. After graduating from Fort Atkinson High School in 1968, he attended UW-Whitewater for five semesters before getting into construction work and moving to Denver. He returned to Wisconsin in 1974 and formed a band. His first paid gig was in 1971 when Filipowicz played harmonica at the Mint Lounge at Humboldt and North avenues in Milwaukee.

He doesnt read music, learned by ear and plays his guitars without a pick.

I knew it was the way to feel the guitar. It gives you a different tone, Filipowicz said. Music is a feeling and I try and transfer the feeling that I felt. When Id go and see Otis Rush or Fenton Robinson or Jimmy Dawkins, I wouldnt sit there and look at their hands. I would just close my eyes and go with them. It would just elevate you to the moon.

His guitars, all Fenders, include a 1973 Stratocaster he purchased in 1981; a 1973 Telecaster and a 1963 Jaguar that he bought in 1973 for $100 after his 1957 Stratocaster was stolen.

Filipowicz has played with Ken Saydek and Mighty Joe Young and opened for Hound-Dog Taylor several times when he came to Madison for shows at the Church Key. He was influenced by and friends with Luther Allison, who died in 1997 in Madison, and was a regular at Luthers Blues, a club on University Avenue near the UW-Madison campus from 2000 to 2005. He counts drummer Clyde Stubblefield as a mentor and friend.

As long as Clyde Stubblefield is still around the worlds a better place, Ill tell you that, Filipowicz said. Hes one of the greatest human beings Ive ever met and he influenced my music tremendously by being in my band and being my friend.

Filipowicz has lived east of Lake Mills about a mile from Aztalan State Park and near the Aztalan Cycle Club motocross track for nearly 30 years with his wife of 34 years, Katherine Herro. They share space with Spike, a 7-year-old white shepherd, and Bammer, a 17-year-old black and white tuxedo cat. They also have three adult sons.

Filipowicz has nine albums under his belt and scores of original songs. His albums have cracked the top 10 on the Living Blues magazine charts while his Chickenwire album, released in 2007, was in the top 100 of Real Blues magazine in Canada for 32 months.

Filipowicz grew up in a time when the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and other legendary rockers were getting their start but their popularity never had sway.
In the winding hallways and stuffy rooms of an old factory in Brooklyn, under bulbs flickering as if in a horror movie, an elite new police unit prepares, over and over again, for the attack it knows is coming.

Day after day, the officers comb the highest floor of the building, looking for witnesses to point them to the right door and listening for gunshots like those that have echoed all over the world in recent months. They are conducting exercises to help them hunt down an active shooter.

Its going to happen, said Chief James R. Waters, who leads the New York Police Departments Counterterrorism Bureau. Something like Orlandos going to happen.

Last year, the police announced the creation of a heavily armed and armored regiment called the Critical Response Command. Teams of officers work all over the city and are trained to respond to many locations in three to five minutes.
Alert the Department of Magical Transportation. Harry Potter is considering a trip to New York.

The lead producers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the new play that is a sequel  and the eighth story  in the Harry Potter canon, said this weekend that, having won over critics and audiences in London, they are ready to start thinking about a Broadway production.

The producers, Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender, said in a joint telephone interview that they have made no decisions, but that they expect to begin conversations in London this week and to schedule meetings in New York in the fall.

Our only immediate objective was to get to today, but Colin and I said that next week were going to sit down, have a cappuccino and start talking about whats next, Ms. Friedman said on Saturday, during a break in the plays gala opening (for friends of the show; a separate opening for critics, which prompted the publication of reviews, was held last Monday). Of course, it would be disingenuous to think New York and Broadway werent part of our thinking.

No specifics have been decided, she said. Harry Potter, the brand and the story, are as iconic over there as anywhere in the world, and, Colin and I being theater producers and Broadway producers, of course its on our radar, but where, how, when and with whom, we have no idea. She added: We dont have answers yet, but will have some soon. Until then, if you hear anything about where were going, when were going or how were going, its not true.
The board first proposed to close all but one of the countys 10 polling places, a move the N.A.A.C.P. and other minority advocates argued would disenfranchise rural blacks who could not travel long distances to vote. Board members eventually chose to eliminate just one predominantly black precinct. But around the same time, they began to winnow the countys roll of registered voters, ordering an aide to compare the registrants stated addresses with those on their drivers licenses to spot voters who had moved after registering to vote.

By October, a month before the city election, the board and a private citizen who appears to have worked with its white members had challenged the legality of 187 registered voters in Sparta. The board removed 53 of them, virtually all African-Americans  roughly one of every 20 voters. As a courtesy, court papers state, county sheriffs deputies served summonses on the targeted voters, commanding them to defend themselves at election board meetings.

Some did, and were restored to the rolls. Others reacted differently to a police officers knock on their door.

A lot of voters are actually calling to say they no longer wish to be on the list, so now we have people coming off the list who no longer want to vote, Tiffany Medlock, the elections supervisor for the Hancock County elections board, told a Macon television reporter in late September. Itll probably affect the City of Spartas election in a major way.

Mr. Warren, an African-American who is Spartas elections registrar, bought a hand-held video camera and began videotaping the county elections boards meetings. His evidence helped lead the Georgia N.A.A.C.P., the Lawyers Committee and other advocacy groups to sue the county elections board, demanding that voters struck from the rolls be restored unless the county could prove they were ineligible.

A federal judge agreed. So far, 27 of Spartas 53 disenfranchised voters have been reinstated; the rest have yet to be located. Hancock County officials insist they did nothing wrong. In depositions this summer, the three white elections board members said their purge of Spartas voter rolls not only was correct, but that they would do it again.

But Julie Houk, an attorney handling the case for the Lawyers Committee, said the plaintiffs were determined to ensure that they do not. She said they plan to seek an injunction against future purges  and their lawsuit demands that the Justice Department reimpose preclearance reviews in the county until bias-free elections are a reality.
Donald J. Trump reeled on Sunday amid a sustained campaign of criticism by the parents of a Muslim American soldier killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq and a rising outcry within his own party over his rough and ethnically charged dismissal of the couple.

The confrontation between the parents, Khizr and Ghazala Khan, and Mr. Trump has emerged as an unexpected and potentially pivotal flash point in the general election. Mr. Trump has plainly struggled to respond to the reproach of a military family who lost a son, and has answered their criticism derisively  first implying that Ms. Khan had been forbidden to speak at the Democratic National Convention, then declaring that Mr. Khan had no right to question Mr. Trumps familiarity with the Constitution.

And Mr. Trumps usual political tool kit has appeared to fail him. He earned no reprieve with his complaints that Mr. Khan had been unfair to him; on Sunday morning, he claimed on Twitter that Mr. Khan had viciously attacked him. Mr. Trump and his advisers tried repeatedly to change the subject to Islamic terrorism, to no avail.

Instead, Mr. Trump appeared to be caught on Sunday in one of the biggest crises of his campaign, rivaling the uproar in June after he suggested a federal judge, Gonzalo P. Curiel, was biased because of his Mexican heritage. By going after a military family and trafficking in religious stereotypes, Mr. Trump once again breached multiple norms of American politics, redoubling pressure on his fellow Republicans to choose between defending his remarks or breaking publicly with their nominee.
Mr. Obama has changed in many ways since winning the presidency. His hair is speckled with gray. He is more skeptical of military solutions to intractable foreign problems. His teenage daughters, he has said many times, no longer think he is cool.

But another change that has received far less attention has been Mr. Obamas embrace of science.

He began an annual tradition of science fairs, arguing that if he celebrates the nations top athletes at the White House, he should do the same for the best young scientific talent. He often mentions the students he has met at the fairs, including Elana Simon, who at age 12 survived a rare form of liver cancer and before graduating high school helped discover its genetic cause.

Mr. Obamas presidential science advisory committee has been the most active in history, starting 34 studies of subjects as varied as advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. Scientists on the committee said they worked so hard because Mr. Obama was deeply engaged in their work.

These are sophisticated people who dont usually get overenthused, said Ralph J. Cicerone, the president of the National Academy of Sciences from 2005 until this June. But its happened again and again.

Dan Pfeiffer, a former senior adviser to Mr. Obama, said that he once viewed Mr. Obamas science advisory meetings as time that could have been better spent on more urgent priorities. But the president really looked forward to those meetings, and he really came out of them energized, Mr. Pfeiffer said.
The American general election traditionally begins in earnest on Labor Day, which falls this year on Sept. 5, but some political operatives predict the dynamics will be established in August.

Other operatives say that with a polarized electorate, many of the parameters of the volatile contest are already baked into the cake, so little will change over the next five weeks.

Both predictions cant be true, yet political operatives in both parties acknowledge that they are not sure which is more likely in this bizarre year.

With 100 days to go, there are stronger-than-usual crosscurrents:

 The Democrats emerged from their convention last week in better shape than the Republicans did a week earlier. The Democrats crafted a more appealing message and the leading figures in the party support the nominee, Hillary Clinton. By contrast, scores of Republican officeholders say they are horrified at the prospect of Donald J. Trumps winning the presidency.
YEREVAN, Armenia  All 20 gunmen inside a police compound in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, surrendered on Sunday, ending a two-week standoff that left two police officers dead and several people wounded on both sides, the security service said.

The standoff, involving armed members of a radical opposition group, also set off protests that led to unrest in the capital.

The leader of the gunmen, Varuzhan Avetisyan, said in a phone interview with local news outlets that they had decided to surrender after security forces used armored vehicles to enter the police compound.

Another factor, Mr. Avetisyan said, was that the police had started to shoot gunmen who ventured outside. Most were hit in the leg, but a man was shot in the chest on Sunday, he said.
BRZEGI, Poland  Pope Francis celebrated the last Mass of his trip to Poland on Sunday before one million pilgrims near Krakow as he discussed, once again, the terrorist threat and migrant crisis. The pope urged young people during the weekend to stand up to violence, hatred and terror instead of being couch potatoes glued to the screen of a cellphone.

Reinforcing remarks he made many times during his five-day stay in Poland about those who suffer  the sick, people with disabilities, the elderly and, especially, refugees  the pope expressed concern that young people confuse happiness with a sofa as they become indifferent to the increasingly dark events of the world.

Francis, 79, said last week that the killing of an 85-year-old priest in France, among other terrorist attacks, was proof that the world is at war, though one that was not caused by religion.

Todays world demands that you be a protagonist of history, because life is always beautiful when we choose to live it fully, when we choose to leave a mark, he said Sunday as he addressed pilgrims on a vast field in Brzegi, a village about seven miles east of Krakow, for World Youth Day.
Donald J. Trump on Sunday offered a muddled explanation of his views about the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia and its continued efforts to undermine Ukraines control of other parts of the country, and he amplified his earlier suggestion that, if elected president, he might recognize Russias claim and end sanctions against it.

In an interview with George Stephanopoulos on the ABC News program This Week, Mr. Trump said that if he were president, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia would not send his forces into Ukraine. He then backpedaled when Mr. Stephanopoulos pointed out that Russian troops had been there for nearly two years.

Hes not going into Ukraine, O.K., just so you understand, Mr. Trump, the Republican nominee, said when the issue came up. Hes not going to go into Ukraine, all right? You can mark it down. You can put it down. You can take it anywhere you want.

Well, hes already there, isnt he? Mr. Stephanopoulos interrupted.

O.K., well, hes there in a certain way, Mr. Trump replied. But Im not there. You have Obama there. And frankly, that whole part of the world is a mess under Obama with all the strength that youre talking about and all of the power of NATO and all of this. In the meantime, hes going away. He take  takes Crimea.
Replicas of the Nina and Pinta, ships Columbus sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to America, are docked at Riverside Park in La Crosse and will be available for tours until their departure early Tuesday.

The ships tour together as a sailing museum to educate schoolchildren and the public about the caravel, a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world.

The Nina was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology magazine called the ship the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built. In 2005, the replica of the Pinta, also a caravel, was launched in Brazil.

The ships will be available for walk-aboard, self-guided tours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Monday. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for students 5 to 16. Children 4 and younger are admitted free.

Teachers or organizations who want a 30-minute guided tour with a crew member may call 787-672-2152 or email columfnd1492@gmail.com ($5 a person, 15-person minimum).

 La Crosse Tribune
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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San Diegos bike-sharing program seems to be going up a steep hill in high gear  and it has quite a bit of company. Over the past several years, more and more cities have been launching bike-sharing programs in an attempt to boost their green credentials, encourage people to engage in greater physical activity or diminish traffic congestion and pollution. Besides, all the cool kids over in Europe are doing it. But, oftentimes, the results have fallen well short of advocates lofty hopes and expectations.

San Diego signed an agreement with DecoBike in July 2013 to run a bike-sharing program in which customers can rent a bicycle from a kiosk and return it to any other kiosk in the city. Price plans range from daily passes starting at $5 for 30 minutes to $125 for an annual membership.

Thankfully, unlike most municipal bike-sharing programs, the deal did not involve direct government subsidies, although the city did waive sign and permit requirements in granting the company exclusive rights to sell advertising on kiosks and bikes and locate its kiosks on city property. Bike rental businesses in the popular tourist destinations of Pacific Beach and Mission Beach charge that this puts them at a competitive disadvantage. In exchange, the city receives a commission on advertising and bike rental revenue, estimated to total a minimum of $1,050,000 by 2025, and discounted memberships for city employees, retirees and their families.

After a one-year delay, service began at 85 stations in January 2015, but 80 percent of those stations had to be moved due to lack of use, complaints from nearby residents and business owners or because the solar-powered kiosks received too much shade, a recent San Diego County grand jury report noted.

During its first year, DecoBike sold 102,641 rides and 697 annual memberships in the city of nearly 1.4 million people, according to KPBS. That translates to an average of about 1,058 rides for each of the 97 stations set up so far  less than three rides per station per day.

Bike-sharing hasnt exactly taken hold in Orange County, either, having failed in Anaheim and Fullerton in recent years. Like San Diego, Anaheim did not involve any government subsidies, but the same can not be said for Fullerton. The city spent $700,000 in state and federal grants to operate a two-year pilot program, also operated by Bike Nation, but pulled the plug after a year due to low and declining usage and paltry revenue. Orange County Transportation Authority staff had estimated annual revenue of $300,000, but the program generated just $5,370  less than 2 percent of the expected amount  and no advertising or corporate sponsorship revenue. The program sold 945 bike rentals during the year  about $740 in taxpayer subsidies per ride.

Such results are hardly unique. More than half of all municipal bike-sharing programs have failed, a 2014 Wall Street Journal analysis concluded. Most bike-share programs are managed by city agencies or nonprofit groups, and even those with plenty of riders have struggled to be financially sound, a Pew Charitable Trusts story reported in March. Rider revenue covers only 85 percent of the cost of Chicagos Divvy bike-sharing program, Pew noted  and that is among the best recovery rates in the nation. In addition, federal and local taxpayers were forced to pony up $30.5 million in startup costs, including $6.25 million from the city. But at least it is not Boulder, Colo., where revenue covers just 35 percent of bike-sharing costs.

Seattle doubled down on its failing bike-sharing program. Not only did it pay $1.4 million to take over the flagging program previously operated by the nonprofit Puget Sound Bike Share, it also announced plans to expand the system. Were confident that we can operate the system without exposing the city to financial loss on the operating side, Seattle Department of Transportation Director Scott Kubly boldly told the Seattle Bike Blog. This, despite the fact that during the first year of the program each station averaged only about seven rides and $30 a day in revenue.

All this is not to say that private companies or nonprofit organizations should not attempt to make such a service work if they think they can do so. But they should be the ones to bear the risk if there is not sufficient consumer demand or their business models otherwise prove to be unviable  not taxpayers.

Bike-sharing programs just sound like a hip idea to central planners, which is always a dangerous prospect. With 80 bike-sharing programs currently operating in 80 cities, and another 100 cities considering their own programs, they have now joined municipal Wi-Fi and streetcars as the trendiest and most unnecessary boondoggles to plague local governments  oftentimes, with the aid of federal subsidies from gas tax revenue that is supposed to be dedicated to funding the interstate highway system.

Such services should persist only to the extent that they serve a sufficient consumer need, not because the coercive power of government is used to satisfy environmental pipe dreams of forcing everyone into crammed city centers and replacing their cars with bicycles, walking shoes and public transit for their primary modes of transportation. Its time to put the hand brakes on government getting into the bike rental business.
HANOI, VIETNAM (AP)  Screens displaying flight information and the public address system at Vietnams two major airports were hacked with derogatory messages against Vietnam and the Philippines in their territorial row against China in the South China Sea.

After the hacking Friday evening, authorities switched off the screens and the sound systems at Hanois Noi Bai airport and the Tan Son Nhat airport in southern Ho Chi Minh City, the online VnExpress said.

The website of the national carrier, Vietnam Airlines, was also briefly hacked, it said.

The site quoted Vice Minister of Transport Nguyen Nhat as saying the incidents did not affect the security or air traffic control at the airports.

The messages and screenshots with derogatory remarks suggested they were purportedly left by Chinese hackers.

Earlier this month, an international tribunal issued a ruling in favor of the Philippines that invalidated Chinas sweeping claims in the South China Sea. Vietnam also has overlapping claims to parts of the sea, which is rich in natural resources, and together with the Philippines has been a vocal critic of China.

The hacking came after China this week condemned an incident in which a border agent at the Ho Chi Minh City airport allegedly defaced a Chinese passport after images showed the words (expletive) you scribbled twice over maps of the contested South China Sea.

Vietnam said it was investigating.
PHILADELPHIA  After spending a week with Donald Trump and his dour band of 2016 Republicans, I wasnt sure it was safe to come here for the Democrats convention. Muslim terrorists might blow up my car before I could get out of Cleveland. Or Mexican gangbangers in the country illegally would carjack us before we made it to the Ohio state line.

Why risk driving on the Pennsylvania Turnpike anyway? Our roads and bridges are falling apart, Trump said in his convention acceptance speech. But we couldnt fly. He warned that our airports are in Third World condition.

When it came to talking about his general election opponent, Trump was even more negative. Hillary Clintons greatest accomplishment in life, he said, was deep-sixing her emails  committing such an egregious crime and getting away with it. He distilled her record as secretary of state to three words: death, destruction and weakness.

Trumps followers in Cleveland, were, if anything, less charitable than their hero. Whenever Benghazi or Clintons emails were mentioned  which was often  the convention delegates would break into chants of Lock her up! Lock her up!

In the Republicans telling, plenty of other people need locking up, too. Our cities have descended into cauldrons of chaos and lawlessness reminiscent of Gotham City. In this narrative, Trump is Batman  the law and order vigilante willing to clean up the cesspool, starting with the 11 million people he wants to deport.

The state of our union and the record of the Obama administration in which Hillary Clinton served was summed up by the Republican nominee thusly: This administration has failed Americas inner cities. Its failed them on education. Its failed them on jobs. Its failed them on crime. Its failed them at every level.

So even as Trumps poll numbers climbed, I limped into Philadelphia, depressed and pessimistic, wondering: Why bother? This country obviously sucks. But the hotel room was already paid for, and its my job to cover politics, so I came here.

Boy, am I glad I did. This country doesnt suck. Its incredibly awesome. For four days of orations, culminating in Clintons triumphant Thursday night acceptance speech, the Democrats set me straight. Clearly, Donald Trump and the Republicans dont know what theyre talking about. President Obama told us so himself. So did Bill, Chelsea and Hillary, along with dozens of others.

America is great, is how Hillary put it, because America is good.

The economy is going gangbusters in Denver (Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper), amazingly in Ohio (Sen. Sherrod Brown), swimmingly in New York (Gov. Andrew Cuomo) and pretty darn good in Pennsylvania (Gov. Tom Wolf).

This is what a great America looks like, California Congressman Xavier Becerra told the convention.

Progressive government is working in New York! thundered Cuomo. Taking aim at Trumps Make America Great Again slogan, he said, Our America is never weak.

America is already great, Obama told the delegates. America is already strong.

The only thing wrong with the country, in the Democrats script, was Donald Trump  along with all the hate, division and fear he peddles, not to mention certain sketchy business practices. In what passes for clever political discourse these days, Love trumps hate was the line they kept repeating.

The media ate this stuff up, naturally. The Republicans, we were told, had ceded the aspirational high ground perfected by Ronald Reagan to the Democrats. Trump had turned Morning Again in America into Mourning in America or Midnight in America, talking points echoed incessantly on cable television and in Hillarys acceptance speech.

But the day after the Democrats left town, I began to get my equilibrium back. If Trump and the Republicans were offering a dystopian, Hunger Games vision of a violent, dysfunctional, Big Government future, the Democrats view was no less of a cliche. Call it the Big Rock Candy Mountain version of America. Here, in a land thats fair and bright, the handouts grow on bushes and you sleep out every night.

Call me a glutton for punishment, but Im thinking we need a third political convention. Independents would host this one  lets say in a sensible place like Kansas City  and although Democrats and Republicans would be welcome, this one would be for Americans who care about addressing national problems instead of only winning elections.

Speeches on the burgeoning problem of college debt would not include inane suggestions about free college for all. At this convention, speakers would acknowledge that government entitlement programs are expensive propositions and that telling millionaires and billionaires that they have to pay their fair share, as Hillary Clinton did, would not begin to address the $19 trillion debt Republicans and Democrats have incurred by lying to the American people.

While were at it, this convention could explore alternatives to higher education, and perhaps pass a resolution stating that any college or university that abrogates the First Amendment under the Orwellian banner of diversity probably doesnt deserve federal funding.

Delegates at this convention would be able, without being called racists, to discuss how U.S. immigration law should be changed so that those being offered citizenship and sanctuary actually love freedom. It would also be acknowledged that the idea of deporting 11 million men, women and children is morally indefensible  and stupid.

But wed also expect speakers at this mythical Kansas City convention to acknowledge that Donald Trump is a reaction to the rising violent crime rate in this country, not its cause. Orators would acknowledge that street crime and terrorism, which the Cleveland Republicans kept inflating and the Democrats rarely mentioned, are different issues with different solutions.

It would be a convention where people who talk about getting money out of politics while preparing to raise $1.5 billion to win the White House are laughed off the stage; a convention where bipartisan ideas about stagnant wages and the economic fallout of globalization are debated; and a convention where Supreme Court appointments are not seen as patronage jobs doled out to lawyers whose partisan purity makes them dependable rubber stamps for the party that appoints them.

In that vein, did you hear the Thursday night speech from the Muslim father of an American soldier killed in Iraq  the one who offered his copy of the Constitution to Donald Trump? That was good. He can speak at our convention, too. The Constitution is always a sound starting point.

Carl M. Cannon is executive editor of RealClearPolitics.com.
As a business major, and then a practicing C.P.A., I never imagined that I would spend much of my time in public office focusing on the mental health crisis we are facing in the U.S. The importance of addressing mental illness hit me front and center five years ago when Kelly Thomas, who was schizophrenic, was killed in an incident with the Fullerton Police Department. Immediately after his death, the Orange County Board of Supervisors was inundated with calls to action by parents of mentally ill children.

In response, I worked with then-state Senate pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, my colleagues on the Orange County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee, which I chaired, and the Orange County Commission to End Homelessness, which I also chaired, on funding and implementing Lauras Law in Orange County. One result was Senate Bill 585, which allowed for the use of Proposition 63 funds for Lauras Law. By May of 2014, Orange County became the second county in California to fully implement Lauras Law.

But Lauras Law is only a single tool to address the many mental health issues facing Orange County and California. Consequently, my office met with Orange County health care representatives shortly after my special election to the state Senate in 2015 to explore additional ways to help them and others address the ever-increasing mental illness crisis. Stemming from that conversation, I authored Senate Bill 1273, to clarify that the Mental Health Services Act, a restricted revenue source, could fund crisis stabilization services for those individuals in mental health crises, in cases of both voluntary and involuntary admittance.

SB1273 addressed an area of ambiguity in the original version of the MHSA, which stated that its funding could be allocated to programs designed to support patients admitted on an involuntary basis, a basis by which many patients are admitted to county emergency rooms.

At present, the county has just 10 mental health evaluation and treatment services beds to service a county of over 3.1 million people. It is a common scenario that when a person in a mental health crisis comes into contact with a first responder, he or she is transported to a local hospital, waiting for hours, even days, in an emergency room that is designed to address medical needs, not psychiatric needs. This has put a significant strain on the 624 emergency room beds in Orange County.

And its not just affecting Orange County. This scenario is seen throughout the entire state. Its a known fact that 1 in 5 adults experience serious mental illness annually and that 45 percent of Californias emergency rooms have zero inpatient psychiatric beds. This has become a crisis too large to ignore. And my colleagues in Sacramento have taken notice.

As SB1273 proceeded through the legislative process, it became apparent that there was an intense bipartisan will to focus on this issue. Sen. Bob Hertzberg, the Steinberg Institute, the Orange County Board of Supervisors, the city of Newport Beach, the California Hospital Association and many others showed widespread and outspoken support for SB1273.

As our office viewed this bill as a clarification, and not a substantive change, we inquired with the California Department of Health Care Services to see if there was an administrative solution to this issue. Last week, after months of background research, the DHCS issued Information Notice: 16-034 which stated that MHSA funding could be used to fund crisis stabilization services, an outcome I was hoping to achieve legislatively via SB1273.

Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett and fellow Supervisor Andrew Do stood by my side in a show of solidarity on this issue during our introductory press conference last fall to announce SB1273. They and their colleagues, in conjunction with the Orange County Health Care Agency, are in a position to make tremendous improvements for those incurring a mental health crisis.

There is an opportunity to provide more beds, including stand-alone facilities, that will provide immediate psychiatric care. Orange County currently has $71 million in MHSA funding available to provide crisis stabilization services. And annual Proposition 63 revenues will now be available to address this growing need. I look forward to watching for the great things that the entire Board of Supervisors will do in assisting in this great area of need. Freeing up emergency room beds is something that will benefit all of us in our moment of need. And providing professional and prompt services to those in a mental health crisis will bring comfort to their immediate family members, who are patiently waiting for such an opportunity in our community.

State Sen. John Moorlach represents the 37th district.
In an industrial district of Santa Ana, in a climate-controlled storage room behind a paleontology lab, a cupboard and its many drawers hold the bones of Waldo, an ancient walrus.

Waldo died about 8 million years ago. Underwater currents covered his body in pure white sand, which preserved and eventually fossilized his bones. Over the eons, the ocean bottom that held Waldos bones lifted. And the white sand where construction crews found Waldo in 1993 now brightens Orange Countys foothills.

Today, the bones of one of Orange Countys most iconic fossils  and the worlds most complete ancient walrus  are just some of the countless fossil specimens locked in storage rooms and warehouses.

Orange County has the fossils to pack a museum. But it has no museum.

Im not going to take him off the shelf here, says Jere Lipps, the director of the Cooper Center, where Waldo is stored.

Hes pretty fragile. And we dont have a place for him.

WALDOS CUPBOARD

Orange County, home to 3.3 million people and vast wealth, cant muster the several hundred million dollars needed to establish a natural history museum like those in Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial counties.

Instead, OC Parks runs a two-room collection at Ralph B. Clark Park in Buena Park. And the county funds the Cooper Center, a fossil storage and curation facility that partners with Cal State Fullertons geology department, employing three people and occasionally putting on bone displays at public events.

And Waldo, a tusk-less, sea lion-like walrus with large canine teeth, molders in his cupboard.

Like other fossils, Lipps says Waldos bones tell a story.

We know hes male because of this big sagittal crest and the fact that his skull is scarred up. So, obviously, he was fighting with other males.

Lipps pulls open drawers of bones and points to several other bones, each telling part of a story.

Heres his lower jaw. Heres another lower jaw  Heres the atlas vertebrae, the one the skull hooks on to. Heres the shoulder blade, the scapula, and its a huge one. This one was weathering out of the ground.

Other cabinets in the room contain more Orange County fossils. A few fragile ones are bolted shut inside custom plaster bowls, while sturdy ones are stored without protection.

A whale, 20 million to 25 million years old. An Ice Age shell, only about 125,000 years old. A shoulder blade of an unidentified marine mammal. A ground sloth.

Some minuscule fossil primate teeth that are nearly invisible to the naked eye are mounted on the heads of pins inside tiny glass tubes capped with corks. One is roughly 45 million years old, from the first primates to live in California, a tiny monkey-like animal.

Orange County does a good job of collecting these fossils. For the last several decades  the time when much of the countys planned communities have been built  the county has required that fossils found at construction sites be dug up and saved.

But with no museum, the result has been a flood of fossils going into storage or, in some cases, being left in parking lots exposed to sun and rain.

The Cooper Center brought them all inside, but left them in storage.

You can say the fossils cant leave the county, but if you dont have a place to put them, or care for them, whats the point? said Thomas Demere, the curator of paleontology at the San Diego Natural History Museum and a paleontologist in Southern California for four decades.

You save them from the bulldozers, but you cant display them or study them because theyre in plaster jackets or buckets of sediment.

O.C. UNDERWATER

Over millions of years, tectonic forces uplift some rocks and expose them to wind and water erosion, while burying others deep below the planets surface. The result is that different geologic formations are exposed in different parts of the world. In Orange County, some exposed formations go back 180 million years.

In the northern part of the county the rocks yield mostly Ice Age fossils of creatures similar to what youd recognize today, such as camels, elephants, saber-toothed cats and lizards from the late Pleistocene, about 125,000 years ago to just 12,000 years ago.

Across central and south Orange County, the rocks contain a multitude of marine mammals 5 million to 20 million years old, from the Miocene epoch  when most of Orange County was underwater. This dense collection from one epoch is a rarity, and it gives scientists a window into how creatures evolved.

Youre not comparing something from 5 million years old in Canada to something 20 million years old in Mexico. We have, in one place, a rather continuous record from 20 million to 5 million years ago, said James Parham, a Cal State Fullerton professor and the faculty curator at the Cooper Center.

The finds arent all about animals.

Humans arrived in Orange County about 13,000 years ago, the first of several waves of people who have occupied the county. Archaeologists have found large numbers of cog stones  thick rock discs with notches cut in them like mechanical cogs  at Bolsa Chica, one of the most artifact-rich sites in California.

The stones purpose is unknown.

Although the Cooper Center has started curating such prehistoric objects, tools and countless bone fragments, most, like the fossils, sit in storage, unexamined.

Theres no real backing from the political people, the bureaucracy, the supervisors, said Scott Findlay, vice president of the Pacific Coast Archaeological Society, which started in the 1960s to preserve archaeological artifacts before developers destroyed them.

Orange County, basically all they wanted was to build houses and make property tax money.

THE RENT IS TOO HIGH

It was a rash of bulldozers scraping undisturbed soil for an explosion of new houses, roads and shopping malls in the 1970s, 80s and 90s that uncovered most of Orange Countys fossils.

And it was the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 that kept them from being destroyed.

Orange County lacked a storage site, however, so the fossils disappeared to museums in Los Angeles and San Diego until the county passed a resolution in 1987 requiring that fossils found here would stay here. That solved half the problem, and the bones ended up in the back rooms of paleontology monitoring companies, shoddy county warehouses and even parking lots.

Private groups have attempted to establish a natural history museum.

In 1985, the Natural History Foundation of Orange County started keeping fossils at a closed elementary school in Newport Beach. In late 1990, the group used a $250,000 grant to move to a larger space at an isolated strip mall in Aliso Viejo. But major donors never wrote checks, visitor projections fell flat, and the $18,000-per-month rent was too high. Six months after it opened, the museum closed.

In 1993, a different group  the Orange County Natural History Association  launched a museum in a Laguna Niguel shopping mall. The group moved several times, first to San Juan Capistrano in 1996 and, two years later, to a doublewide trailer in Aliso Woods Canyon Regional Park. That exhibit has since been removed. The Cooper Center opened five years ago. But not to the public.

Planning a successful museum could take many more decades, said Parham, the Cal State Fullerton professor.

This is something we should try to do. But of course it takes a lot of money and a lot of commitment.

Running in the red, he added, must be avoided.

We dont want to go down that road again. If its going to be done again, it needs to be done the right way at the right time.

UNSTUDIED BONES

In the work of identifying old bones, time  the same force that helped make the fossils  is one of the most important variables.

As many as 50 students and volunteers spend several hours a week at the Cooper Center, dutifully sorting, curating and cleaning the bones, teeth and artifacts. But they make only a small dent in the countys enormous backlog of unprocessed fossils.

On a recent day, one volunteer used a dental pick to scrape compacted sand in a one-square-meter plaster cube with the top lopped off. Inside the bone bed, 45 million-year-old fragments from about 35 species (so far  there might be more when all the fragments are identified) were scrambled together.

And that single cube is one of about 40 similar cubes that came from a construction site in San Clemente in 1998. It will take almost two more years to detail them all.

You multiply that by 40 and you realize that were not going to finish this by the time we all retire, said Eric Scott, the associate curator for paleontology at the Cooper Center.

Nearby, Cal State Fullerton masters graduate Alyssa Beach wielded a specialized saw to cut open a plaster jacket that probably wrapped the bones of a whale.

Beach said a 2-by-4 originally inserted into the middle of the jacket, to stabilize the fossil, is now making it difficult to open.

I am so done with this.

The whale bones really havent been studied a whole lot, said Beach. I was the first one that looked at it in a comprehensive way, to look at both the sediment and the bones.

Dozens of whale fossils remain trapped inside other plaster jackets at the Cooper Center. There is one whale that escaped such a fate. Its on display at Clark Park.

A TWO-ROOM MUSEUM

The two rooms of Clark Parks interpretive center act as Orange Countys de facto natural history museum.

They are an example of the countys growing dispersed museum  in which fossil and archaeological exhibits are displayed at parks and other sites around the county.

At the center, mammoth bones surrounded by dental picks, brushes and glue protrude from the sand of a faux dig site.

Two sand-filled plaster bowls contain the half-crushed skull and leg fragments of hippopotamus-like animal  a desmostylian  that lived near ocean waters around the Pacific Rim. The little-studied creature is at least 11/2 times bigger than others like it found around the world.

And along the centers back wall, a 30-foot whale fossil with crushed ribs splays out on its back, cut into three plaster-cased sections and half-buried in sediment.

The whale likely died 10 million years ago and sank into soft mud at the bottom of the quiet, deep-water channel that then separated Laguna Niguel from mainland Orange County, said Lisa Babilonia, the curator (and sole staff member) of the interpretative center. Construction crews working on the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor unearthed the fossil in the early 1990s.

It took two months to prep the whale in the field. Paleontologists cut it into three pieces, excavated the top half, wrapped the bottoms in plaster and built wood-frame boxes under the pieces.

The whale was loaded on a flatbed truck and hauled to Clark Park.

Thats how its been since, Babilonia said.

HEAD OF THE WHALE

Behind the Cooper Center, theres a yellow shed next to two shipping containers filled with fossils. And behind the shed and the containers there is a tin-walled warehouse built in the 1970s.

Lipps unlocks the door of that warehouse, turns on the lights and turns off the alarm, which is beeping.

Several long rows of metal shelving units hold 550 unopened plaster jackets, each one holding marine mammal fossils  probably. Its uncertain because each jacket takes several people a year or more to prepare, and there arent enough people working in the lab to prepare all the jackets.

Heres the head of the whale. It probably got knocked off by a bulldozer, says Lipps, gesturing at an opened pair of plaster jackets.

One jacket contains the tail of a 25-foot whale; the other the rest of its body.

Some shelving units are collapsing, falling apart. Some jackets are on the floor and some jut out the back side of a row of shelves. One jacket is so large that the buildings panels had to be removed to get it in, and the storage racks were built around it.

Inside is probably a whale, but Lipps doesnt know for sure.

We couldnt even get it out if we wanted to at the moment, he says.

As he exits, he shuts off the lights and rearms the alarm.

Contact the writer: aorlowski@ocregister.com Twitter: @aaronorlowski
BRZEGI, Poland  Pope Francis challenged hundreds of thousands of young people who gathered in a sprawling Polish meadow to reject being a couch potato who retreats into video games and computer screens and instead engage in social activism and politics to create a more just world.

Peppering his speech with contemporary lingo, the 79-year-old pope, despite a long day of public appearances, addressed his eager audience with enthusiasm Saturday on a warm summer night.

Francis spoke of a paralysis that comes from merely seeking convenience, from confusing happiness with a complacent way of life that could end up depriving people of the ability to determine their own fates.

Dear young people, we didnt come into this world to vegetate, to take it easy, to make our lives a comfortable sofa to fall asleep on. No, we came for another reason: To leave a mark, Francis told a crowd that Polish media estimated at more than 1 million in a huge field in Brzegi, a village outside the southern city of Krakow.

Organizers said 1.6 million people came to hear the pope Saturday night, but police did not give a crowd estimate.

Francis decried a modern escapism into consumerism and computers that isolates people. The same message ran through a ballet performance at the site before his speech: A lonely woman seeks human connections but is rebuffed by people on computer tablets and cellphones until one man emerges from behind a see-through barrier to connect.

For Francis, Jesus is the Lord of risk  not the Lord of comfort, security and ease.

Following Jesus demands a good dose of courage, a readiness to trade in the sofa for a pair of walking shoes and to set out on new and uncharted paths, Francis said.

He challenged his sea of listeners, spread out on blankets, to make their mark on the world by becoming engaged as politicians, thinkers, social activists and to help build a world economy that is inspired by solidarity.

The times we live in do not call for young couch potatoes, he said to applause, but for young people with shoes, or better, boots laced.

Francis evening appeal came hours after he celebrated a Mass with priests, nuns and young seminarians.

Francis has had a grueling schedule since arriving in Poland on Wednesday. On Friday he visited the Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, where he met with camp survivors as well as aging saviors who helped Jews escape certain doom.

The pope ends his visit to Poland today after a Mass in Brzegi, the crowning event of this years world jamboree for young Catholics.
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip  Earth movers dig into sand dunes on land where once Jewish settlements stood  prime real estate that the Gaza Strips ruling Hamas group hopes will ease its worsening financial crisis.

Hamas has begun handing out plots of the land to 40,000 civil servants loyal to the Islamic militant group, to make up for millions of dollars in salaries it owes them for the past two years.

The land giveaway is the latest sign that Hamas is struggling financially after almost a decade of uncontested power in the coastal strip.

Gazans grumble about lack of jobs, constant electricity shortages and a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt that has confined the territorys 1.8 million people to the tiny strip. The World Bank says unemployment is 38 percent.

Since 2014, Hamas main problem has been a dire lack of cash amid Egypts clampdown on smuggling tunnels underneath Gazas border with Egypts Sinai Peninsula. Before the tunnels closed, Hamas earned millions of dollars from taxes on smuggled consumer goods, including subsidized Egyptian fuel.

Later that same year, Hamas and its rival, West Bank-based Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, agreed to form a unity government for both Gaza and the West Bank. Abbas had lost Gaza to a Hamas takeover in 2007, and this was an attempt to heal the split.

But the deal stalled, partly because Abbas refused to add the 40,000 employees hired by Hamas since 2007 to the payroll of his Palestinian Authority. In time, Hamas resorted to paying its loyalists 40 percent of their salaries at 50 day intervals.

Since March, after Hamas collected additional taxes, these civil servants have been receiving 45 percent of their salaries on a monthly basis. The price of cigarettes went up 35 percent and an additional $30 in taxes was imposed on each ton of fruit entering Gaza from Israel.

The land giveaway allows each group of four Hamas employees to share a 500-square-meter plot that they can either build on or sell. Even the sand collected on the land can be sold for about $100 a truckload.

About 13,000 civil servants have already signed up for certificates attesting to their ownership of the plots. Bulldozers are working to get three initial projects launched in August.

Most of the land once was part of Jewish settlements in southern Gaza, near the towns of Rafah and Khan Younis. The settlements were demolished when Israel pulled settlers and soldiers from the coastal strip in 2005.

Earlier this week, earth-moving equipment dug into a high hill near Khan Younis, scooping out sand and loading it into trucks at the site designated for the Al-Isra 2 housing project.

Riham Khalil, one of the civil servants, said Hamas owes her 64,000 shekels (about $17,000) in back salaries. Last month, she and three of her colleagues were allocated a 500-square-meter plot in Al-Isra 2.

We had to accept it on a bird in the hand basis because there was no cash, she said. I wish I could find someone to buy the land and get the money.

Senior Hamas official Salah al-Bardawil said the land giveaway is a temporary fix, not yet a strategic one that would solve the groups financial problems for good.

If Abbas had put Hamas employees on his payroll, he would have likely encountered major problems with donor governments, including the United States, suspicious of money ending up in the pockets of Hamas, which much of the West considers a terrorist group.

The West Bank-based Palestinian Authority opposes the land-for-money program.

No one has the authority to issue decisions to privatize government-owned land in the public interest, except for President Abbas, said PA spokesman Jamal Dajani.

He dismissed Hamas claims that Abbas has neglected Gaza. The Palestinian Authority still pays the monthly salaries of some 70,000 civil servants in Gaza who are loyal to Abbas and left their posts after the Hamas takeover.

The Gulf Arab state of Qatar has bailed out Hamas in the past and recently announced it was giving about $30 million to help pay a full months salary to all Hamas employees in Gaza. In October 2014, Qatar sent cash to half of Hamas public employees, excluding the security forces.

Hamas has been spending some of its new revenue to fund summer camps, where children are exposed to its militant anti-Israeli ideology, or for large communal evening meals known as iftars during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

It is also looking to its patron Turkey to help resolve Gazas growing electricity and water shortages. Gazans live with rolling power cuts of 12 to 18 hours a day and the strips water is polluted and undrinkable.

After an Israeli-Turkish reconciliation deal in early July, Turkey sent an aid ship to Gaza through an Israeli port and a delegation that met separately with Israeli, Palestinian and Hamas officials to explore Gazas energy crisis and outline possible solutions.

However, Turkeys efforts are mere band aids for Gazas larger woes and could serve to empower Hamas even further, said Mkhaimar Abusada, a political scientist at Gazas Al-Azhar University.

They increase Hamas determination to cling to its unilateral governing of Gaza, Abusada said. Time will tell if these promises are enough to convince the Palestinian citizen to keep silent over his living conditions.
Re: Whats the case for Hillary? [Opinion, July 29]: In his column, Charles Krauthammer gave Hillary Clinton a 50-50 chance of winning the election. Given the choices, pragmatic Republicans would be smart to vote for Hillary, whose values most parallel traditional Ronald Reagan-era GOP values.

1. A Donald Trump presidency is unpredictable and risky and could forever brand the Republican Party as extremist and reckless. Four years of Hillary would give the GOP a chance to regroup and groom a more traditional candidate.

2. Republicans (and Democrats) should not fall victim to seeing Hillary through the negative lens of three decades of opposition research. She has flaws, but despite relentless allegations and investigations, no act of public malfeasance has been confirmed. Donald Trump, with new allegations and lawsuits arising almost daily, is a huge unknown.

3. Libertarians should carefully read the Republican platform. They should be appalled with its over-the-top expansions of government interference and power over social issues.

4. Despite the compromises Hillary made on economic issues to bring the Bernie Sanders backers into the tent, Hillarys fiscal policies will likely be moderate. Fiscal analysts have already shown Trumps economic proposals would increase debt. He is also gambling, as did George W. Bush, on the trickle-down theory somehow filling the tax coffers. That hasnt happened in the last three decades. Whats different now?

5. Hillarys foreign policies fall to the right of Obama. She is no neoconservative like Bush, pushing regime change and nation-building, primarily because she supported two failures  Iraq and Libya  and has learned a lesson. But the Osama bin Laden operation shows she will respond with appropriate force to deal with those threatening the United States.

6. Donald Trump is recklessly breaking down long-term alliances and foolishly fawning over Russias leader, Vladimir Putin. Given Trumps wink, wink, Putin and other dictators may well risk further incursions into neighboring nations, perhaps plunging us back into the Cold War  or worse.

Judith A. Lewis

Huntington Beach

Trump will win

Like him or not, Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States, especially if he can come out on top in the debates with Hillary Clinton.

People are looking for a non-politician, someone who is not afraid to call a spade a spade and lead the free world without examining a problem ad nauseam and doing nothing but maintaining the status quo, like Obama has done with his policy of no harm, no foul. Will Trump become the benefactor of good will and lead the country in making America great again, as he states? His optimism is based on his success in building and changing the skylines of New York City and elsewhere. He has trounced the 16 politicians he faced to win the partys nomination.

People no longer favor the tried and true Democrats or Republicans of their grandparents generation and have become independently minded in their thinking. This was brought to the forefront with Bernie Sanders campaign  a socialist who had no chance of success and was not even a blip on Hillarys radar. He garnered 42 percent of the vote and could have won his partys nomination. His followers were fervent in their desire to see him win and were vocal when they heard the nomination was stolen from him by the likes of Debbie Wasserman Schultz. They voiced their concern at the Democratic convention with their booing of Hillarys name, something the Democrats said would not be reflective of their party as was the ruckus at the Republican convention.

The choice is out there for all to decide.

Barry Wasserman

Huntington Beach
When 18-year-old Savannah Jordan first told her father she might join Uber as a driver, he said something to the effect of over my dead body. But instead of stopping at a hard no, Savannah and her father, William Jordan, came up with a solution: a ride-hailing company exclusively for women drivers and passengers.

In the United States, only 15 percent of adults have used ride-hailing apps like Uber or Lyft, but 51 percent have heard of the services from media and word of mouth, according to the Pew Research Center. Only 14 percent of Uber drivers are women, the company says.

There are plenty of women that do feel comfortable using the ride-hail companies that do exist, but maybe they would prefer an environment that is designed for women that has a distinctly feminine feel as opposed to a generic feel, William Jordan said. Isnt that what we all want  choices?

Getting the company up and running

As a successful wealth manager based in Laguna Hills, William Jordan admitted it didnt make much sense for a male chief executive to run a female-centric company, so he contacted Kimberly Toonen, a former client and onetime Cox Communications vice president.

I was the first and only person he thought of as the CEO, said Toonen. After four days of vetting the idea, I said, This is just too good. I joined in because it really resonated with me.

The company, See Jane Go, was announced to the public June 21. It raised its first round of funding from friends and family and is looking for more investors.

As competition heats up in the ride-sharing space, Toonen and her four-person corporate team have their work cut out for them. In December, The New York Times reported Ubers valuation at $62.5 billion. General Motors recently invested $500 million in San Franciscos Lyft.

A Boston-based company, SafeHer  announced after the Jordans began planning See Jane Go  also offers a female-only drive service, but the app has yet to hit the commercial market.

Toonen and the Jordans gathered focus groups, and said they heard one thing repeatedly from participants: If they didnt have to pay a premium and wouldnt have to wait for a pickup longer than a traditional ride-hail service, they would definitely choose the female-only service.

How it works

According to Toonen, buzz is key to the brand going viral. We need to generate early interest from drivers and passengers signing up. We have to have a certain pool of people waiting in the queue as Jane riders and Jane drivers when we launch in Orange County.

Expected to be up and running by early fall, See Jane Go follows a model similar to that of Lyft and Uber. Drivers go through an application process and use their own vehicles to pick up passengers via the See Jane Go app. Passengers create a profile, log in with their location and then order a See Jane Go car. Drivers also have the right to refuse service to anyone.

As independent contractors, See Jane Go drivers will undergo an extensive background check that includes pulling the applicants DMV and criminal records. And a multipoint inspection is performed on their vehicle, said Toonen.

Recently, online media company Buzzfeed leaked Uber documents that showed some drivers make less than the average Wal-Mart employee. In response to the controversy, Toonen said See Jane Go, by comparison, plans to be as transparent as possible to its contractors, and average pay will depend largely on time and miles driven, time of day and the number of passengers. Unlike Uber, See Jane Go will allow tips.

For men hoping to hail a female driver, See Jane Go redirects them automatically to Uber or Lyft through its app, which avoids any discrimination claims. The company will not allow male passengers unless accompanied by a female.

We didnt want to completely cut men out because we want our women to have maximum flexibility using the app, said Toonen. As long as the woman is the account holder and is the one who hailed the ride, he can come along. Shes informally saying, Hes OK, hes with me.

She added, There will never be a situation with a female Jane driver alone with a man in the car.

Although See Jane Go may not be reinventing the ride-hailing wheel, the company hopes to shatter the glass ceiling above the shared economy by making ride-sharing safer and more egalitarian.

As a dad of two daughters, I worry whether they will have the same opportunities and access that I had, said William Jordan. Women need the opportunity to feel safe while they are pursuing their lives. They shouldnt have to take a physical risk to access the sharing economy or make some additional money.

Prioritizing the well-being of women

According to Savannah Jordan, fear is the main reason women opt out of services like Uber and Lyft. If youre a woman driver, you dont know who is going to get into your car, and if youre a passenger, you dont really know who you is going to pick you up, she said.

Worldwide, there have been numerous accusations that ride-hail drivers committed assault. In January, Uber driver John M. Kamens was arrested for allegedly driving a 28-year-old home, then returning to burglarize her home and sexually assault her. In San Francisco, a woman produced voicemails and phone calls from an Uber driver who threatened to rape and kill her.

Nationally, 1 in 5 women have experienced attempted or completed rape at some point in their lives, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The statistic points to an unfortunate truth: Women regularly have to be on guard.

I havent taken a Lyft or Uber personally because I am so nervous and anxious about it, said Savannah Jordan. Ive had so many girlfriends tell me their stories of being uncomfortable or actually have had drivers try to assault them. I havent wanted to put myself in that position.

Like taking a self-defense class, creating female-only rides cannot prevent assault, but it may offer an added layer of safety. The U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services Office of Womens Health recommends going to gatherings with friends to lower the risk of sexual assault.

Although See Jane Go riders and drivers may not be friends initially, the company hopes to build relationships between users. Before hopping in the car, riders eventually will be able to select silent, chatty or musical rides and can choose to favorite drivers.

You can imagine all the things that organically can happen during a See Jane Go ride, said Toonen. Its exciting.

Contact the writer: jljones@scng.com
California Attorney General Kamala Harris office recently reached a settlement agreement with online education company K12 Inc. and the California Virtual Academies, the 14 online charter schools the company manages in the state, but the accord has been anything but harmonious.

The attorney general had accused the company of misleading parents in claims about student success and parent satisfaction, inflating student attendance, on which public funding is based, and somehow coercing the nonprofit charter schools it manages into bad contracts. Yet, after a lengthy investigation, it settled with K12 and the CAVA schools for $6 million in reimbursement costs for the offices investigation and $2.5 million to settle a private lawsuit about attendance calculation. Under the terms of the agreement, K12 admitted no wrongdoing or liability but agreed to various reporting, staff training and other business practice reforms.

In one of the most contentious provisions, the company agreed to expunge $160 million in balance budget credits. The attorney general characterized this as debt relief, which K12 vehemently rejects, describing the credits essentially as subsidies to offset the costs of its services to schools when those costs would otherwise exceed revenues. Given Californias education funding environment, the company never expected those credits to be repaid, it said.

The attorney generals investigation always smacked more of politics than legitimate concerns over the quality of educational services provided. The Wall Street Journal characterized it as a mugging and an example of thuggish government. It is probably no coincidence that the investigation came shortly after the California Teachers Association launched a campaign in 2014 to unionize K12s charter schools and K12 challenged the union petition. That union support would be very important to Ms. Harris in her hotly contested U.S. Senate race with Rep. Loretta Sanchez.

Opponents of K12 and skeptics of public online education have spent years making wild, attention-grabbing charges about us and our business, K12 CEO Stuart Udell said in a statement. In the end, we demonstrated industry-leading levels of service and compliance with regulations and benefits to families. There is a reason families keep coming to our programs and its because we are committed to deliver valuable education services within the laws and rules of every state.

The latter point is probably the most important. If students and their parents are happy with the companys services and continue to utilize them, the state has no legitimate grounds to step in and intervene. K12 touts a customer satisfaction survey that shows that 92 percent of parents say their children have benefited academically from the K12 curriculum. This should be the ultimate test schools should have to pass.

The sad truth is that public schools answer to the whims and agendas of teachers unions and politicians, not students and their parents. Policymakers should be embracing competition and new educational technologies and business models that offer students and their parents more options and greater flexibility to tailor educational services to their needs, not trying to destroy them while propping up the broken, monopolistic, one-size-fits-all status quo.
TWENTYNINE PALMS  The Marine Corps has named a pilot killed when his F/A-18C fighter jet crashed in the Southern California desert.

The Marines say 36-year-old Maj. Richard Norton of Arcadia, a Los Angeles suburb, was killed Friday.

Norton was assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in the San Diego area.

The Marines said Saturday that Nortons twin-engine Hornet crashed during a close air support mission. It was part of a pre-deployment training exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms east of Los Angeles.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Norton joined the Marines in 2005 and served in Afghanistan four years ago. He also had several deployments to Japan.
Competitors at the U.S. Open of Surfing learned a hard lesson: never let a small wave go past you if Filipe Toledo is sitting in the water next to you.

The Brazilian surfer can take a tiny wave and hack it up, boost to the air, earn big scores and trample his competitor.

It happened in a heat against local favorite Kanoa Igarashi, of Huntington Beach, early Sunday in a match up against Toledo. And it happened in the finals when the 21-year-old went up against Australian Ethan Ewing in the finals at the U.S. Open of Surfing.

Toledo, who now lives in San Clemente, earned $100,000 and was chaired up the sand, his second after winning in 2014.

Both O.C. surfers who made it to the final day were taken down by the eventual winners, with Santa Anas Courtney Conlogue eliminated by Hawaiian surfer Tatiana Weston-Webb, who won the womens event.

Westin-Webb took to the water against fellow Hawaiian Malia Manuel in the finals, with Weston-Webb dominating through the finals for her first World Tour victory.

Weston-Webb took an early lead and maintained the top spot during the final heat, posting up a high 7.33 and backing it up with a 5.63. Manuel took a wave toward the pier as the clocked neared the 1-minute mark, but her efforts werent enough to overtake her competitor.

Weston-Webb put her hands over her face, looked up to the sky, and jumped up and down in the shallow water as the crowd swelled around her and she soaked in the victory, which was her first win on the World Tour. She earned $60,000 for her win and points that will boost her rankings on the World Tour.

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She was lifted up on shoulders, her surfboard pointed toward the sky behind her, high-fiving fans surrounding her.

Earlier Sunday morning, Conlogue was surfing on the defensive during the entire quarterfinal heat against Webb, who took an early lead after scoring a high 8.0 and a 7.23.

Conlogue came painfully close to overtaking the lead after doing a huge hack on a wave toward the pier, earning a 8.77  just .23 points short of the 9-point ride she needed to surpass her competitor.

Its more than just a loss of the U.S. Open title for Conlogue, who won the event here in 2009. Shes the top-ranked surfer in the world and in contention for a world title.

Shes going out on her home court and shes so amazing out here, Weston-Webb said of Conlogue. Beating Courtney, I got so much confidence. I was like OK, Im going to take it all the way.

Australias Taylor Wright, who came into the U.S. Open just below Conlogue in the rankings, won her quarterfinal heat and is now the new number-one ranked surfer in the world going into the next event at Lower Trestles.

Wright, however, went down in the semi-finals against Manuel.

The mens action started out Sunday with a shocker.

Hawaiian Sebastian Zietz, who proposed to his girlfriend on the pier Friday, didnt have any luck when the contest got underway. He had a shocker of a heat, scoring only a 1.63 and 1.17 when he could find no waves. He was beat by current world champion Adriano de Souza.

But de Souza had an early exit when he went up against eventual finalist Ewing, who has been a strong contender the entire event.

Ewing started the heat with huge carves and posting a big score of 7.83 and a total heat score of 14.60. De Souza couldnt find the score and was eliminated.

Ewing, 17, was doing double duty in the event after entering both the juniors and main mens event. In the juniors, he made it to the semifinals before being knocked out. In the main mens event, Ewing was surfing strong from the start, taking out big names like former U.S. Open winner Julian Wilson.

Igarashi started the morning strong after winning his quarterfinal heat.

But during the semifinal heat against Toledo, the Brazilian opened up strong and put early pressure on the Huntington surfer by using his skills in small waves to take to the air and earn a high 8.50 and a back up 7.50.

Igarashi struggled to find any waves, not getting a score on the board until about 10 minutes into the heat. Twice he let waves slip by him and Toledo snagged them and scored big.

Igarashi got a 6.0 score from a wave that took him under the pier. As the clock ticked down, he earned another 7.40  but it wasnt enough to overtake the in-form Toledo.

When Ewing and Tolido matched up in the finals, Tolido used a mix of air maneuvers and big turns to gain ahead of his opponent. Ewing let a small wave slip passed and Tolido jumped on it, doing a big turn and laying back all the way in the whitewash, before popping up to his feet, the crowd cheering him on.

For Ewing, making it to the finals was his best result yet.

This is the biggest achievement of my career so far, Im just so happy to everyone who has supported me, he said.

As Toledo soaked in the win, he said hes thankful for his second win in Huntington. Its a big year for Toledo, who has a baby on the way.

It was a tough event, all of these guys were surfing amazing, Toledo said. Two events here in Huntington, its such a special place. The crowd is amazing, thank you so much for all of the support.

Contact the writer: wlconnelly@scng.com
IRVINE  For Iman Moujtahed, the Harry Potter series isnt like other novels. The books saved her life, she says.

She said she had always felt like an outsider growing up, suffering from chronic depression. Whenever she came across hard times, she would jump to her bed and start reading the J.K. Rowling books. She related herself to Harry Potter, as someone who wants to be normal but is misunderstood.

It was an escape from reality, Moujtahed, 25, of Trabuco Canyon, said. It just gave me hope that things can change.

She was among dozens of Harry Potter fans who on Saturday night gathered at the Barnes & Noble at Irvine Spectrum to celebrate the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the script of the play on stage at Londons West End. The bookstore chain is hosting the Countdown to Midnight Party across the country.

The script, written by Jack Thorne, tells the story of Harry Potter 19 years after the conclusion of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the last of J.K. Rowlings seven-novel series.

Harry Potter, now a husband, father and overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, grapples with his past, while his youngest son struggles with the weight of a family legacy.

The countdown party at the Irvine Spectrum store featured activity stations, such as trivia, coloring, wand making, and face-painting, spread throughout the two floors. The store also hosted a costume contest and scavenger hunt.

Moujtahed, wearing her Harry Potter t-shirt and Ravenclaw pants, said she rushed to the store at 4 p.m. as soon as she got off work.

I hope the series will go on and on, she said.

Ross Mitchell of Redondo Beach showed up at the store in a Griffyndor robe with his mother and four other friends.

The 22-year-old said Harry Potter was the first book he ever read.

His mother had read aloud Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone to him before bed, but she always fell asleep in the middle of it. So Michell, 5 at the time, decided to read it on his own. Hes been hooked ever since.

I need to find out what happens next, Mitchell said.

For 19-year-old Denise Larsson, its about feeling like youre part of the community.

Youll always find someone whos a Harry Potter fan anywhere you go, Larsson, an Irvine resident, said. Thats the message of the Harry Potter series  people of all sorts can get along and find happiness.

Andy Diaz, Barnes & Nobles merchandising manager, said the store has been receiving calls all week about the book launch and related events.

Having worked at past Harry Potter book releases, Diaz said he is amazed that the excitement around the series still continues to this day.

Barnes & Noble spokesperson Alan McNamara said the company cant disclose the books sales figures.

We can say that this is our most pre-ordered book since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in 2007, McNamara said. And that we expect it to be our biggest selling book of the year.

Contact the writer: 949-445-6397 or tshimura@ocregister.com
Pinar Erduran enjoys her time at Coffee Tale  catching up with friends, speaking her native language and sipping a strong, aromatic Turkish coffee that reminds her of home.

The immigration lawyer even brings her children, ages 9 and 7, to play outside the little shop, nestled amid the faux rustic buildings and cobblestone walkways of Old World Village in her hometown, Huntington Beach. The site was built in the 1950s by German immigrant Josef Bischof, to re-create that quaint Bavarian charm  a piece of his home.

Bischof flew folk artists from Europe to decorate the outer walls of every building in the village including the church, which sits in the middle of the village, bearing paintings of Christ and the Apostles.

But now the cross that once crested the building is gone. Inside the building, the walls include verses from the Quran. And the floor is lined with a plush, red and floral Turkish carpet.

This building, in the heart of this decades-old German village, right next to the bier garten, has become the nucleus of the Turkish American Center, a hub for Orange Countys 5,000-strong Turkish community.

Worshippers gather on Friday afternoons at the former church for Islamic prayer. The Anatolian Gift Shop, a store that sells jewelry, ornate coffee cups and other knickknacks imported from Turkey, is busy just across the walkway.

Its owner, Ayperi Demircioglu, attends the center, and her husband, Musa, is on the board of the nonprofit that runs the center, the Tolerance Foundation. Near the gift shop is Coffee Tale, with its Turkish brews and fresh baklava.

Old World Village used to be a haven for neo-Nazis who hung around, bought white-power T-shirts and even celebrated Hitlers birthday.

Now it is a place where the Turkish community has made itself comfortable.

This is a special place for our community, said Huntington Beach resident Emrah Erduran. Its a place where we can come and relive our childhood memories.

During Ramadan, about 200 people gathered at the community center, which is at the basement of the prayer room, for iftar dinners each weekend. They had Eid morning prayer services when members formed a human chain along the villages walkways as a symbol of solidarity.

Children received gifts of money from adults, which they accepted after kissing the hand of the person who gave it  a cherished Turkish tradition, Emrah Erduran said.

I was so happy that day, he said. It reminded me so much of home. We want to give our kids a sense of that.

Halil Aydin, the centers director and imam, said the former church, now used only for Islamic prayers, is technically a chapel available for use by all religious groups.

We would like to see it used by Christians, by Jewish people to have Shabbat services, just by people of all faiths, Aydin said. Our goal as a community is to promote mutual respect and understanding.

He said the center moved in to Old World Village about two years ago, but members have been active and everything has been open only for the past year.

Musa Demircioglu said the community picked this spot because the price was right, was close to the freeway and it feels safe for children.

They dont have a membership roster.

All Turkish people are our members, he said. We also welcome all members of the community of all faiths, anyone who wishes to learn about our culture or wishes to promote mutual understanding.

Last month, the Turkish community at Old World Village celebrated its first Ramadan at the location, hosting a community iftar, or fast-breaking dinner, in the patio of the Old World German Restaurant, where beer tasting dominates during Oktoberfest.

Heidi Miller, owner of Heidis Imports  a store that sells German-themed T-shirts, womens dresses (or dirndls) and mens lederhosen  said she attended the iftar and found the Turkish community members to be very friendly.

Miller moved to Old World Village in 1958. She worked as a waitress in the restaurants bar and continues to live above her store.

The place was packed all the time, she said. Things were so busy here.

But Miller described that era as the good, old days, and said that time is over. Times change, and we have to accept it.

Skinheads shopped at her store all the time buying her Deutschland T-shirts, Miller said. She calls them sick kids.

The hottest item in her store, even now, are the womens dirndls, the traditional dresses that are popular particularly during Oktoberfest.

Miller emigrated from Germany in the 1950s after she married an American GI.

I was a foreigner and people accepted me then, she said. Its now my turn to accept others. Its sad for Old World Village that things are changing. No one likes it. But I try to get along with everyone.

The excitement over Old World Village has died down, said Cyndie Kasko, Bischofs daughter, who is the marketing manager for the familys restaurant.

When you walked around here back then, it felt like you were in some part of Germany, she said. Now, its like a ghost town.

Kasko doesnt like the idea, nor does she agree, that Old World Village was ever a hangout for skinheads.

That wasnt an Old World Village thing, it was a Huntington Beach thing, she said. Youd probably find more skinheads on Main Street than you ever did here.

Kasko says she welcomes the Turkish community and calls them peaceful people, though she also wishes they had kept the church intact.

I was baptized at that church, as were my children, she said. So many people have been married and blessed at that church. It broke my heart when they took the cross out. The church was the heart of the village. I feel like thats gone now.

Whats the end of a chapter for Old World Village is a new beginning for the Turkish community.

It gives our kids a strong sense of cultural identity, Emrah Erduran said.

They learn why we take our shoes off at home, why we kiss the hands of our elders, he said. They learn about the food we eat. They dont find (Turkish) things weird anymore.

Aydin says he moved to the U.S. a decade ago from the city of Adiyaman in southeast Turkey. One goal, he said, was to establish a cultural center that would share Turkish culture with others.

He said he has stayed in this country, with his wife and two young daughters, because he loves democracy.

Freedom of speech and freedom of religion are very important for me, he said. Initially, I thought Id go back to Turkey in five years.

But this is home now and weve created a beautiful community here.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7909 or dbharath@ocregister.com
Few people would have been stunned if the real estate rebound hit a speed bump in 2016.

Some folks had questions about the overall economic expansion. Geopolitical anxieties were high. Hey, wholl be the next president?

Closer to home, affordability for many house hunters is challenging, and the limited supply of lower-priced residences to buy compounds the problem.

Surprise! Both Orange County home sales and prices rose in 2016s first six months. To find out why, I tossed housing stats from CoreLogic and state employment data into my trusty spreadsheet to gauge Orange Countys homebuying health.

Here are five key things I learned about the market:

1. Busiest start since 2006

Buyers either ignored the hype of financial and political hijinks or felt that an Orange County home was a good investment in which to ride out the storm.

In 2016s first six months, 18,470 Orange County homes were sold  up 2.4 percent from a year ago, CoreLogic reported. More importantly, it was the fastest sales opening of a year since 2006.

Local homebuyers have certainly gotten over their post-bubble skittishness. First-half sales the past four years have run 21 percent faster than the 2007-2012 period.

But the current rate of Orange County purchasing is no crazy buying mania. Note the 2013-16 sales pace is 30 percent slower than the high-speed buying of 1997 through 2006.

2. Prices up just about everywhere

For the first six months of 2016, Orange Countys median selling price for all residences was $638,250  up 6.4 percent compared with a year ago, according to CoreLogic.

At the neighborhood level, prices were up in 67 of 83 Orange County ZIP codes compared with the previous year.

There werent many bargains to be had.

Buyers paid up for Orange County single-family homes: The median price was $695,000  up 5.3 percent from a year ago. Condos, too, got pricier, with a median selling price of $444,500  up 7.9 percent from a year ago.

3. Odd mix of sales gains

You can see curious shopping patterns, depending on how you slice the homebuying data.

By geography, sales rose in only 42 of 83 Orange County ZIPs compared with the year-ago period.

Resales of bargain hunters favorite products  Orange County condos  slipped 0.1 percent from a year ago. But more expensive single-family home sales totaled 11,216  up 0.4 percent from a year ago.

In the 27 least expensive Orange County ZIPs  with a median price at $550,000 and below  total sales were up 3 percent compared with a year ago. In the 27 priciest ZIPs  median price beginning at $722,000  sales were up 4.2 percent vs. 2015.

It seems house hunters are either being selective  or have fat wallets.

Of course, the ultrahigh end is hard to figure out. In the eight Orange County ZIP codes with median prices above $1 million, sales dropped 4.2 percent compared with a year ago.

4. New is hot. Finally!

Developers are back in gear as first-half sales of new Orange County homes topped 2100  up about 22 percent from a year ago, CoreLogic reported.

This was only the second time that builders first-half sales rose above 2,000 since 2006 (2014 being the other).

Maybe the upswing is due to relative temperance on pricing. Orange Countys new-home median selling price was at a crazy-high $812,000  but that was down 3.4 percent from a year ago.

Builders are a growing presence in the market, taking 11 percent of the first-half sales of the past three years, nearly double the 6 percent share of 2009-11. Still, its not the 19 percent share of 1988-90 or 1995-1997.

Most troubling is the reluctance/inability of developers to build faster. Orange Countys new home sales averaged just 1,481 in the past decade vs. a 3,274 annual sales pace from 1988 to 2006.

That 55 percent drop in homebuilding robs Orange County shoppers of fresh supply, forcing house hunters to pay up in a market troubled by limited inventory from which to choose.

5. Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Who can afford homes at Orange County prices? People with new jobs. And there are plenty of them.

Orange County bosses employed an average 1.57 million workers in the first six months of the year, according to the state Employment Development Department. Thats 45,500 more than the same period in 2015.

Please note this critical stat: This is the fastest hiring spree to start a year in terms of the number of jobs added since 1999. Bosses are hiring this year at triple Orange Countys average hiring pace since 1990.

Joblessness is down, too. Unemployment averaged 4 percent in the first half, the lowest average rate to start a year since 2007.

Even better, jobs being created arent just those serving tables, though restaurants did add 6,400 positions in the past year.

Added homebuilding helped construction payrolls grow by 13,150. Jobs in often high-paying professional, scientific and technical services rose by 5,100. Bosses in health care and social assistance added 5,650. And staffs at local schools grew by 3,300 in the year.

The solid job market is a two-edged sword for housing: It creates more house hunters, who in turn push up prices.

Think about it. How many of those new jobs have to be good to pay for the 18,470 homes sold in the first half? Not many: Roughly, one-third.

Its a price of success.

Contact the writer: jlansner@ocregister.com
SAN DIEGO  Investigators viewed body camera footage to learn how one San Diego police officer was killed and another seriously injured in a gunbattle during a traffic stop. But the citys police chief said Saturday that she has yet to determine if the shooting was similar to targeted, premeditated attacks on police in other parts of the country.

Chief Shelley Zimmerman and Mayor Kevin Faulconer visited briefly with the wounded officer, 32-year-old Wade Irwin, at the hospital Saturday morning, but investigators were still unable to interview him after surgery. Zimmerman reiterated that Irwin was expected to fully recover, and Faulconer said the nine-year veteran of the force looked good, all things considered.

Zimmerman didnt say what the police body camera footage showed and declined to comment on other aspects of the investigation, saying lots of ballistics, forensics and other evidence had to be processed. She stopped short of tying the shooting to killings of officers this month in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La., which have put police departments on high alert across the country.

Until more information becomes available, were not going to tie it to anything else, Zimmerman said at a news conference at UC San Diego Medical Center, where Irwin is recover-ing. I want to be clear. Were not making any correlation. We just dont know yet.

The officers, members of an anti-gang unit, were uniformed, wore bulletproof vests and drove a marked car.

The mayor and police chief also visited Saturday with the wife and two children of Jonathan DeGuzman, 43, the officer who died in Thursday nights shooting after surviving a stabbing 13 years earlier while on duty. The 16-year veteran of the force had been stabbed in the right arm in 2003 after pulling over a driver for speeding, and he shot the aggressor in the hip after the man tried to stab him again.

Zimmerman, who worked with DeGuzman before she was elevated to chief in 2014, said she informed DeGuzmans wife 13 years ago that he survived the stabbing. DeGuzman received the departments purple heart for valor in that traffic stop.

I was able to at that time tell his wife that he was going to be OK and, as I was driving over there that night, I knew I was going to have to make the notification that he was not going to be OK, he was not coming home, and nothing prepares you for that, Zimmerman said.

Jesse Gomez, 52, was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after he was found in a ravine almost immediately after the shooting, suffer-ing from a wound to the chest.

He is expected to survive.

Police have given no further information about Gomez or a man they describe as a second potential suspect, Marcus Cassani, who was arrested Friday on an unrelated warrant after a massive search that included SWAT officers swarming around two San Diego houses.

Police have yet to definitively link Cassani, 41, to Thursdays shooting, Zimmerman said Saturday.
There they were on a Friday afternoon in March, just five colleagues kicking back like colleagues do.

It had been another long week of the low-profile but heavy work that comes with defending the poor. Five attorneys at the Office of the Federal Public Defender of Nebraska squeezed into Julies cluttered downtown Omaha office.

They closed the door, passed a leftover bottle of Baileys and talked about nothing, really. Just upcoming St. Patricks Day plans, Mikes soda bread and Kellys Irish roots.

Kelly Mahoney Steenbock had been on the job less than a month, and they were all still getting to know the attorney with an Irish maiden name.

Was she related to the South Omaha Mahoneys? Nope. Her dad wasnt from here.

Well, where was he from? What was his name? Who were his folks? Did he have any siblings?

Curious, Julie Hansen pressed on. And Kelly gamely answered until they both landed at the same place.

The air went electric. Julie leaped out of her chair. Kelly stood up. The room blurred into a kaleidoscope of tears and hugs.

The other attorneys stared, asking what on earth had just happened.

Call it what you will: fate, the hand of God, a piano falling from the sky.

Serendipity had struck.

On the subject of lost and found, the Bible offers this advice: Seek and youll find. Knock and the door will open.

The subtext is simple: Just look, darn it!

But how can you look for someone you dont know youve missed? How can you knock when youve never known there was a door?

You cannot find someone you didnt know you had lost.

Julie and Kelly hit it off during Kellys interview in 2015.

Both were in their 40s, married with kids and drawn to the same field of law.

Neither had outgrown the idealism of fighting for the underdog that drove them into public defense. Both had logged years in the state system  Julie defending accused murderers and others charged with serious crimes in Lancaster County; Kelly doing the same in Douglas County.

They had thick skins and ready laughs and plenty of humility, for they saw in their clients familiar people whose bad choices or bad luck landed them in bad spots.

Each had her own up-from-her-bootstraps story.

Julies began in Bellevue, where she was born in 1968 to a 16-year-old mother who later dropped out of school. Although she knew his name, Julie never knew her father. Shed been told he was not allowed to accept her and that neither he nor his family wanted to know her.

This always rubbed her mothers family wrong. Sometimes Julies maternal grandmother would march little Julie into a yarn and hobby store the paternal grandmother ran in Bellevue. The paternal grandmother would pretend not to notice.

Growing up, Julie heard a lot about an Aunt Terry, her fathers older sister. Aunt Terry came to the house and held her after she was born. Aunt Terry read a lot, just like Julie always seemed to be doing. Then there was no Aunt Terry. Julie doesnt remember meeting her.

The family struggled. Julie recalls trips to the food bank, and government cheese.

She didnt necessarily miss  or realize she was missing  a father. And she didnt go looking. When she graduated with honors from Bellevue East in 1986, she did mail him a notice and senior picture, as if to say: See what I did without you.

She heard nothing.

By then her mother had remarried. Julie had two much-younger sisters with whom she had little in common.

She went to college  the first in her family to do so. She went to law school. And she got a job that she called a love affair because it both broke and tugged at her heart.

Julie enjoyed the challenge and sense that she was helping people who mirrored her family: extremely blue collar, imperfect, crass but idealistic, hard-working and fun.

I got to protect those people, she said.

But the love affair came at a cost. One case involved a 17-year-old who in 2004 had taken a trunk-load of explosives, plus a rifle, to school. Hed planned to blow up the place, but didnt. Police were called and the boy was charged with attempted first-degree murder. Julie was his attorney.

She won a placement in a psychiatric facility instead of prison but the case ate her alive as she juggled a 1-year-old and marriage.

In 2006 she moved to Omaha to be closer to family and to do slightly less-intense public defense work in the federal system, which rarely deals with murder cases. The new work involved illegal immigration, federal drug and gun charges and fraud.

In Omaha, Julies first marriage ended and she was a single mom with full custody of her daughter. She had a falling-out with her mother. She married an attorney in her office, Mike Maloney, and gave birth to another daughter at age 42 and twins at age 45.

Julie was so busy in her work-home juggling act, she wasnt focused on the past.

She long ago gave up any notion of connecting with her father.

Kellys story also starts in Bellevue.

She was born in 1973. Her parents were married, but life was tough.

Dad was an over-the-road truck driver who drank too much. It was hard when he was gone and almost harder when he was around, because you couldnt count on him. When he took her out it usually was to a bar. Hed plunk her on a stool and hold court while she helped herself to maraschino cherries in the garnish tray.

On March 13, 2015, attorneys Jeck Navarrete and Mike Maloney, Julies husband, left the Douglas County Jail and headed back to the federal office. Mike suggested they hunt down that bottle of Baileys left over from a retirement send-off.

They gathered in Julies office. The conversation began something like this: Jeck asked Mike if he was going to bring his famous Irish soda bread to work on St. Pats. Mike, whose late father was from Ireland, said yes. Mike had to ask Kelly about her last name: Mahoney, huh? You related to those South Omaha Mahoneys?

You could swing a dead cat in Omaha, joked Kelly, and hit a Mahoney. But, no, Im not related to many Omaha Mahoneys. My dads not from here.

Wheres he from, asked Julie.

Chicago, said Kelly.

Whats his name? asked Julie.

Robert, said Kelly. Robert Mahoney.

Julie felt a chill rush through her. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up.

Her dads name was Robert Mahoney.

Julie thought of ending it right there. What would be the point? And what was the chance they could possibly be connected?

But she couldnt help herself.

Did he have any older siblings? continued Julie.

Yes, said Kelly. A sister. Leigh Ann.

The hairs on Julies neck went down. The chill left.

But, continued Kelly, Leigh Ann went by Terry. We all called her Terry.

Thats when Julie was pretty sure she knew. The room blurred. She narrowed her focus on Kelly, a woman whod been a stranger until weeks ago. Suddenly, Kelly had a startlingly familiar mouth and manner.

My grandma had a yarn store in Bellevue, said Julie.

My grandma had a yarn store in Bellevue, said Kelly, realizing that the world she knew had suddenly expanded.

Rapid-fire, the two attorneys began sharing what they knew. People. Places. Chain of events.

The other attorneys watched this unfold in puzzlement. Were they related? Cousins, perhaps?

Both women started crying. When they started hugging, Jeck grabbed his phone and began taking pictures.

Something big, something unexpected, something serendipitous was happening right before them.

The sisters have spent the past year catching up and marveling at how, for most of their rather parallel lives, they just missed each other.

They spent their early years in the same Bellevue neighborhood. They visited grandmas yarn store. They went to the same dentist and same pediatrician.

They went to different high schools, but the same college.

Their lives followed the same trajectory: law school, careers in county public defense offices, courtroom success, then a switch to the federal public defense system.

Im sure we crossed each others paths dozens of times, Kelly said.

They were strangers for so long. Nevertheless, they feel a strong connection.

Ive always felt shes more like me than anyone Ive ever met, said Kelly. We share the same sense of humor, the same sensibilities. We see the world the same way.

Julie feels the same.

I know what Kelly is thinking by the look on her face, she said. Its like weve known each other our whole entire lives. I have twins, and I often think about their relationship. Its weird. Its almost like a piece of me was missing.

This, of course, raises the nature-versus-nuture question. Are we who we are because of blood or environment? How strong are the forces of biology?

As the two women sort through that, this chance discovery has done something. It has given them both joy. And it has healed wounds left by an absent father and strained family relationships.

It helps Kelly to put her anger at him to rest. She can see that he had virtues.

And it helps Julie to know a bit more about her father, who, until last year, was a mystery.

His quick wit, his intellectual curiosity may have been in the gene pool, leading her to the practice of law.

This is  what?  a piece of me that was missing, she said. I didnt know where I got those things. Now I know.

Beyond identity, in each other they have found a close friend, somebody who understands me, understands the struggles of my education, my work, said Julie.

Im related to this absolutely fantastic, wonderful person, she said.

Kelly, for her part, sees a confidante.

And I trust Julie, she said, more than I trust anybody.

Kelly wasnt seeking a sister. Julie wasnt knocking.

Each had an inkling there could be siblings out there. Neither felt the need to search.

Yet on a random day, at a random moment during the most random of conversations, a door no one dreamed about opened.

Consider the coincidence. There are 1.9 million Nebraskans. Of these, 5,600 are attorneys in active practice. Of that share, 2,400 work in Omaha.

Of all the lawyers in Omaha, on the third floor of the north red brick tower at 15th and Douglas are eight attorneys.

And two are sisters.

* * *

An earlier version of this story included a headline referring to the lawyers working together for months, rather than weeks, before realizing they were sisters.
6 and older:

 "Ice Age: Collision Course" (PG): The message in "Collision Course," as in all four previous "Ice Age" movies, is about the importance of love and friendship, overcoming differences and pulling together in a dangerous world. This animated 3-D chapter, fine for kids 6 and older, is funnier and brainier than its 2012 predecessor, "Continental Drift." But note that the scientific misinformation  which animals lived when, etc.  remains baked into the series. In a deliriously funny prologue, the Paleolithic squirrel Scrat, still chasing his elusive acorn, accidentally activates an alien spacecraft, which launches him and the nut into space. There, Scrat accidentally creates a huge asteroid that plummets toward Earth. At first oblivious to the danger, Manny (voice of Ray Romano), the reluctant woolly mammoth hero, is worrying about his daughter, Peaches (Keke Palmer). She and her fiance, Julian (Adam Devine), plan to leave home, and Manny doesn't want to let her go. A meteor shower foretells the coming asteroid. Buck (Simon Pegg), a clever weasel, explains the danger, aided by a holographic image of expert Neil deBuck Weasel (astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson). Then it's all about finding a way to avert disaster. (94 minutes)

THE BOTTOM LINE: In a brief scene, we see sabertooth tiger Shira chasing an antelope as it begs her not to eat it. Nothing else is shown.

***

PG-13:

 "Ghostbusters": Forget the social media war over the stars' genders in this enjoyably witty reboot. "Ghostbusters" is generally fine for kids 10 and older. And plenty of men were heard to laugh out loud during a recent screening at the antics of Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Kristen Wiig as the new Ghostbusters. The PG-13 seems like a harsh rating, as the film has little strong language, violence or crude humor in that range. It is modern-day New York: A tour guide at a historic mansion gets roughed up and slimed by a ghost. Elsewhere, an uptight physicist named Erin (Wiig) loses her academic career after her book and video about the paranormal hit the Internet. She reconnects with her estranged co-author, Abby (McCarthy), and Abby's sublimely eccentric weapons guru, Holtzmann (McKinnon). They try to capture the mansion's ghost, then team with Patty (Jones), a transit worker who saw a ghost in the subway. When they hire a hunky idiot (Chris Hemsworth) as a receptionist, they're in business. The second half droops, laden with special effects and a so-so villain, but it still amuses. (116 minutes)

THE BOTTOM LINE: Apart from all the green protoplasm that angry ghosts "slime" onto people, there is little realistic violence. Fights with ghosts are all laserlike digital effects, as is the climactic ghostly attack on New York City. Younger teens and preteens could be unsettled briefly when store mannequins seem possessed by spirits. The dialogue includes mild, comically euphemistic sexual innuendo and a B-word.

 "Equals": Watching this dystopian romance requires a little emotional maturity. It can seem arid and pretentious at times, yet it casts a bit of a spell. Sexual content and suicide themes make "Equals" a problematic choice for middle-schoolers, despite the PG-13 rating. Even older teens may giggle at the awkward, although not really explicit, sexual awakening of the main characters, Silas (Nicholas Hoult) and Nia (Kristen Stewart). They are young adults stuck in a colorless futuristic society where emotions and sexual longing are banned. Feelings are considered "defects." Those who have them are diagnosed with S.O.S., or "switched-on syndrome," then isolated, medicated and eventually sent away to die. It could be a metaphor for any condition that sets people apart - even the inability to express love. Silas has bad dreams and is diagnosed with early S.O.S. Nia, a co-worker, confides that she is keeping her S.O.S. secret. They fall in love and try to escape. (101 minutes)

THE BOTTOM LINE: Nia and Silas' mutual sexual awakening gets quite steamy in a series of escalating encounters that are not explicit but do eventually imply a full sexual situation. One nonsexual shower scene implies nudity. There is a verbal reference to a murder and several to suicide. We see someone fall to their death.

 "Cafe Society": Teens into retro culture, particularly movies and music of the 1930s, could spend a diverting 96 minutes watching this middling Woody Allen film. "Cafe Society" is humorous, of course, and smartly satirical, but also mannered and designed to a somewhat self-conscious fare-thee-well. If Allen's aim is to simultaneously emulate and spoof 1930s Hollywood, the result sparkles intermittently. In Jesse Eisenberg, Allen has found the perfect actor to emulate his own nebbishy screen persona of "Annie Hall" vintage. He plays Bobby, a 20-something kid from a colorful Brooklyn family. He's newly arrived in Los Angeles, in the hopes his uncle Phil (Steve Carell), a big talent agent, will give him a job. Bobby starts as an errand boy and falls hard for Vonnie (Kristen Stewart), a fellow employee. But she is involved with the married Uncle Phil, so complications and moral compromises ensue. (96 minutes)

THE BOTTOM LINE: There's talk of sex and marital infidelity, but it is understated, and nothing explicit occurs on camera - just kisses and subtly implied trysts. It is the homicides committed by Bobby's gangster brother, Ben, that earn the PG-13, with people shot and dumped into fresh cement. There is some blood but no graphic gore. Characters drink and smoke a lot and use rare mild profanity.

***

Jane Horwitz has been reviewing movies for Washington-area media outlets including The Washington Post and WETA public television since 1988. The Family Filmgoer column offers weekly movie reviews with a focus on family, an invaluable tool for parents planning trips to the theater.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc.s Duracell division will close its 430-employee plant in Lancaster, North Carolina, which has been making batteries for 35 years, the Charlotte Business Journal reported.

Duracell, based in Connecticut, said production would be consolidated in its plant 300 miles away, in LaGrange, Georgia, over the next three years, and some employees will be offered jobs there. The Georgia site has room for expansion while the Lancaster facility does not, the company said.

Were taking this important step to position the Duracell business for growth, said Robert Lorch, president of global operations for Duracell, which has about 3,000 employees.

The newspaper said Duracell likely would have to give up local property tax cuts it received two years ago in exchange for spending $69 million to upgrade the Lancaster plant.

Berkshire bought Duracell five months ago from Procter & Gamble for about $6 billion.

Glad to be public company

Forty or so years ago Berkshire Chairman and Chief Executive Warren Buffett would rather have been running Berkshire as a private company, without hassles like publicly reporting financial results every three months and meeting all the rules of public financial markets.

But now hes glad that a million or more people own Berkshire shares, he said in a recent CNBC interview.

I like the fact that people put their trust in us and that we treat them like partners and they feel like partners, he said. So I enjoy being a public company now.

Buffett also pointed out that he has given away about 40 percent of his shares of Berkshire stock, following a pledge 10 years ago to give them all away, over time, to charitable foundations.

Ex-CalEnergy manager sues

A former manager for Berkshires CalEnergy division has sued the company in federal court in San Diego, alleging he was fired last year after complaining that proposed budget cuts could cause safety and environmental hazards at geothermal power plants, the Desert Sun of Palm Springs, California, reported.

Graeme Donaldson said in the lawsuit he was asked to prepare a minimum spend budget for 2016 and was fired five days after telling management the proposal created the potential for significant leaks and the release of toxic, corrosive and potentially radioactive materials or substances.

Donaldsons lawsuit claims that his firing violated a whistleblower protection law.

Berkshire Energy spokeswoman Debora Blume said in an email to the newspaper that CalEnergy has the appropriate business plans, practices and procedures in place to ensure the safety of our employees and members of the public. ... We believe Mr. Donaldsons allegations are without merit and intend to vigorously defend against his claims.

The geothermal plants use the Salton Seas underground hot-water resources to create steam to turn electricity-generating turbines. The newspaper said new regulations have reduced revenues at the power plants, resulting in efforts to cut costs.

Facebook moves ahead

Berkshires value on the stock market was passed two weeks ago by Amazon, and now Facebook has done the same following its recent positive earnings report, Reuters reported.

A rise in Facebooks stock price pushed its $367 billion market capitalization ahead of Berkshires $355 billion, at least temporarily.

Boss at HR gathering

The boss visited last week.

Buffett came to The World-Heralds Freedom Center, where the presses turn out the daily newspaper, to meet with the human resources directors of about 60 Berkshire operating businesses from around the country.

People sometimes ask how often the CEO stops by the local daily since Berkshire purchased it in 2011. The answer is seldom, so this was a rare occasion.

No, he didnt visit the newsroom or editorial offices, located in a nearby separate building. He has said from the start that each Berkshire-owned newspaper would run its own ship.

Berkshires HR people get together once a year to talk about things like health insurance, recruiting and employment rules. This was Omahas turn as host.

Buffett spent about an hour answering questions from the group in a fourth-floor meeting room. On the way out he joined a selfie taken by World-Herald HR staffer Stephanie Todd.

Another local Berkshire company, Oriental Trading Co., added some fun to the event by handing out rubber duckies that look like Buffett and Berkshire Vice Chairman Charlie Munger, in a rubber duckie sort of way.

The Omaha World-Herald is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

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Opponents have lodged a long list of complaints against the chicken-processing operation Costco wants to build in Fremont, pushing back with concerns about pollution, illegal immigrant workers and whether farmers will get a fair shake.

But there has been little talk about the welfare of the birds or of the people who will slaughter them, areas where activists nationally have been agitating for change  and having some recent success.

The Fremont plant will face scrutiny from activists and Costco shoppers alike, as Costco makes its first move into owning and slaughtering its own livestock.

Activists are fighting major U.S. chicken processors on many fronts, including a push to end a common slaughter process in which workers hang live, flapping birds by their feet, then send them down a line where they are stunned in water with an electric current, have their throats slit and are dunked in scalding water to loosen their feathers.

The process sometimes fails, sending chickens to be scalded alive  more than 675,000 last year, according to USDA records, still a small fraction of the 8.8 billion chickens slaughtered in the U.S. annually.

Lincoln Premium Poultry, the Georgia company hired to run Costcos plant, told The World-Herald that it will use the latest technology to improve conditions for both chickens and the workers it hires to process them.

It will use, for example, a different slaughter method, preferred by animal activists, that uses carbon dioxide to render birds unconscious before they are shackled. The practice, called controlled-atmosphere stunning, is said to result in safer conditions for workers and a more accurate and pain-free kill process for the birds.

Better slaughterhouse practices can be costly, and Costco shoppers expect to buy fresh food at value prices. But concern for the environment and for the people along the supply chain is part of that value equation for the warehouse retailers customers, said Sara Al-Tukhaim, director of retail insights at Kantar Retail in Boston.

They are more likely to seek out better for me products and messages, and this extends to better for my community and my environment, too, she said, especially among younger shoppers who will be the next generation of store members  shoppers who pay $55 or more for a store membership so they can shop.

Those membership fees are an essential component of Costcos revenue, and anything that harms Costcos brand or reputation risks eroding that revenue stream, Al-Tukhaim said. By owning its own plant, she said, Costco will have more power to control quality and labor issues.

Also in response to activist and shopper demands, Costco is increasingly sourcing organic food and has made changes to its product lineup, such as a promise made in December to sell only cage-free eggs, Al-Tukhaim said.

Costcos Nebraska chicken plant is expected to start production in August 2018, slaughtering birds raised by a network of area farmers working on contract.

Fremont elected officials last week approved a redevelopment agreement clearing the way for the project; if Costco proceeds, it will file applications for building permits and other approvals. The $300 million plant would employ between 800 and 1,000, a number Lincoln Premium Poultry revised from an earlier projection of 1,100 workers. Officials say it would pump $1.2 billion annually into the areas economy.

Plans are progressing at a time when Perdue, Americas third-largest chicken producer, is introducing changes that animal rights groups are championing as a major step forward in animal welfare.

Perdue said in June that it will begin killing chickens with controlled-atmosphere stunning, the first major U.S. company to announce that it will use this procedure. It also will expose chickens to more natural light, boost their activity levels and reduce the expectations for how fast chickens must grow.

Perdues initiative, which took ideas from smaller organic companies that Perdue had acquired, follows a rise in consumer demand for better slaughterhouse practices.

Retrofitting plants and processes to make changes for animal welfare can be expensive. Brett Hundley, agribusiness analyst for BB&T Capital Markets, said Perdues initiative could increase costs by 5 to 15 percent, but it appeals to consumers who are increasingly worried about animal welfare.

The Humane Society of the United States, which worked with Perdue, said it has been in touch with Costco about the Nebraska plant, though it declined to share details about any conversations.

Our hope is that Costco and other companies will require standards around the same animal welfare issues that Perdue is now so proactively addressing, said Matthew Prescott, senior director for food policy. Its certainly positive that Costco is using better slaughter methods, and that will improve many birds final moments, he said. Environmental enrichments  like natural light  are also a prominent issue.

Costco said it will run the plant in accordance with its mission to provide members with high-quality goods at low prices, adding that we do not believe that price is the sole determinant of value, said Jonathan Luz, the companys director of strategic planning and development. Our policies and approach will be consistent with our culture and will reflect the level of care that our members have come to expect from us.

Costco is not chasing every trend with the project: Its barns will not have windows with natural light. The chickens will probably not be certified organic and wont be raised without antibiotics, a label increasingly seen on supermarket chicken. We are considering the judicious use of antibiotics, Luz said.

The chicken will be water-chilled, not air-chilled; air-chilling advocates say the process results in less water-logged, better-tasting chicken. But the plant will be built to leave room for an air-chilling process, should consumers demand it.

Besides the controlled-atmosphere stunning, the plant will use technology in other ways to improve things for the chickens, said Walt Shafer, project manager for Lincoln Premium Poultry.

Trucks and barns will be temperature-controlled, Shafer said. Chickens that spend less time in transit, or under less stressful conditions, grow better, and flocks see lower mortality rates. Farmers contracts will include animal welfare provisions, yet to be finalized.

Technology will similarly make workers lives easier, Shafer said. He said Lincoln Premium Poultry toured European poultry plants to see the latest, most humane equipment and practices in use. Modern equipment means workers wont have to handle as many repetitive cutting tasks. Machines will do more of the dirty work of slaughter: eviscerating the birds, removing their feet and feathers and other parts, including the bones.

Workers, with a base pay of $13 an hour, will have some repetitive tasks, but also are there to inspect the machines work and back up the processes in case of error, he said. Theres a trade-off, he said: The plant may not see as high a yield but will have fewer labor issues.

Working conditions for poultry plant workers came under fire this year with a report from Oxfam America, describing the work as rapid, repetitive and low-paying, with high injury rates. The report included tales of some workers who were denied bathroom breaks and resorted to wearing diapers.

Shafer said Fremont plant workers on two nine-hour daily processing shifts will have two 30-minute breaks per shift and will rotate routine jobs during the day to reduce repetition. Workers will be invited to participate in a safety committee where they can share ideas on how to prevent injuries.

About 60 percent of the workers will be considered production line workers, with 40 percent as higher-paid skilled workers; all will have employee benefits.

People concerned about chicken slaughtering practices may appreciate one key difference at the Costco plant: It will be constructed with an interior observation area, so community officials or even schoolchildren on field trips will be able to observe poultry processing in action.

Costco and its customers will have high expectations, Shafer said: Were committed to doing this right.

This report includes material from the Washington Post.
1. Shop people

Ask friends, family and colleagues for names and ask how long theyve worked together, the services they receive, whether theyve had problems and, if so, how they were resolved. Talk with more than one candidate.

2. Check credentials

Use finra.orgs BrokerCheck, online or at 800-289-9999, to check each company and individual to make sure they are registered. Review history, qualifications, affiliations and history of complaints.

3. Ask questions, such as:

 What experience do you have working with people like me?

 Whats your investment philosophy?

 What products and services do you offer, and what dont you offer?

 What are the financial details, such as minimum balances, commissions, fees and expenses?

4. Shop products and diversify

Consider buying mutual funds, college savings plans, insurance, stocks, bonds and other investments, such as directly from a fund provider.

5. Study

Spend time learning basics of investing before you choose a professional. Understand potential risks, rewards. Banks and wire houses have oversight built in; many broker-dealers consider advisers independent contractors. Question who monitors adviser.

6. Watch out

Signs of fraud include promises of quick profits or guaranteed returns, pressure to make quick decisions or borrow money to invest, requests to name an adviser as a beneficiary or executor of your estate. Ask questions before committing money, and listen carefully to answers.

7. Be careful of social consensus

If you hear from friends and family about a certain investment adviser, their social consensus may influence you to hire that person without checking. Criminals who commit affinity fraud exploit this by targeting groups of like-minded people. Shared background, beliefs, heritage or interest may lead to a misplaced sense of trust.

See finra.org for more details

State regulators are the Nebraska Department of Banking and Finance, 877-471-3445, and the Iowa Insurance Division, 515-281-5705 or 877-955-1212.

Source: Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
An incident in which a teenager from Lincoln was injured while Omaha police were attempting to book her into the Douglas County Youth Center led to investigations that cleared the police officer of criminal conduct.

An internal police investigation continues. The officer involved was placed on paid administrative leave soon after the May 15 incident, and he remains on leave, Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said.

The department took action as soon as we heard about it, Schmaderer said.

The 16-year-old suffered a fractured eye socket when an officer threw her to the floor in a secure entryway to the Douglas County Youth Center.

The May 15 incident, captured in a video that has raised concerns among elected officials, was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol at Schmaderers request. State Patrol investigators found no evidence to support criminal charges, and the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office concurred, Schmaderer said.

The Douglas County Attorneys Office then did its own investigation. County Attorney Don Kleine said the findings concurred with those of the State Patrol and Attorney Generals Office.

It did not rise to the level of criminal conduct, Kleine said.

Schmaderer said Friday that Kleine had informed him July 21 that he had declined to file criminal charges. Police had been waiting to see what would come of that investigation, Schmaderer said.

Right now, we are still finishing up our internal investigation, Schmaderer said.

The officer involved, Tom Deignan, could not be reached for comment. Omaha Police Union President John Wells said he cannot comment on a pending internal investigation. But speaking generally, he said police use of force can look ugly but still be appropriate and legal.

Police and county officials declined the newspapers request to view the video, citing the ongoing investigation.

The teenager, who is white, recently was placed on probation as an uncontrollable juvenile by a Lancaster County Juvenile Court judge, court records show.

Its unclear why she was in Omaha.

The incident with Omaha police began when Deignan and another officer were dispatched to 120th and Farnam Streets to a disturbance. The teenager, who appeared intoxicated, was approaching houses in the neighborhood.

The girl wouldnt give the officers her real name, address or a way of contacting her guardians, according to a police report.

The officers were detaining her in the back seat of the police car to determine if she was a runaway but had not handcuffed her because they did not suspect her of any crimes.

She managed to open the rear door of the cruiser and ran from officers through the neighborhood. They caught her, handcuffed her and decided to book her into the youth center on suspicion of obstructing justice and giving false information.

Before leaving for the youth center, they saw that the teenager had managed to slip her handcuffs from behind her back to in front of her and had unfastened her seat belt.

It took three officers to control her and switch handcuffs because she was trying to pull away, Deignans report said.

When they arrived at the youth center, the girl had again slipped her handcuffs to the front, the report said. Deignan re-handcuffed her behind her back, held her against a wall and ordered her to stop resisting.

She spun her left shoulder toward the officer, making him think that would allow her to spit or bite him in the face, the report said. The officer wrote that he dropped to a knee and pulled her to the ground to keep her from doing those things.

She was injured in the takedown. An ambulance was called and she was transported to the Nebraska Medical Center.

I dont think he (Deignan) had any intent to do anything but just get her under control, Kleine said.

Even though it happened while the teenager was still in police custody, youth center staff notified Douglas County Board members soon after the incident, as is routine when injuries occur at the facility.

Several viewed the video.

County Board member Mary Ann Borgeson called the video disturbing.

But its out of the countys hands to say what happens now, and so well wait to hear from the Omaha Police Department as far as what theyre going to conclude, Borgeson said.

County Board member Mike Boyle said he was concerned enough that he emailed Schmaderer right away to make sure the chief was aware of it and to ask him to look into it.

County Board member Chris Rodgers said he didnt see from the video how the teenager  5-foot-3, 110 pounds, according to the report  presented a threat to the much larger officer. But he said hes waiting to hear the results of the police investigation.

Theyve proven under the last several administrations, from (former Chief Thomas) Warren to Schmaderer, that they take these situations seriously, Rodgers said.
Rev. Dr. Gary S. Eller, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Omaha

Generous innkeepers.

After spending much of this week in a hotel, I discovered new reasons to be grateful for considerate, well trained and hospitable staff. What a difference such modern innkeepers make for their guests. A smile and a helping hand can make such a positive and lasting impression.

St. Augustine once preached a sermon on the Good Samaritan in which he described the work of clergy as like that of an innkeeper. Pastors are called, he said, to care for others as a generous innkeeper provides a haven for travelers. A good innkeeper knows his or her guests and provides for their needs. Indeed, a caring host and their guests have a great deal in common. A good host knows what it is like to be a guest. And most guests are, at least sometimes, called on to serve as a host.

Think about the many occasions when you have been either a host or a guest. Wherever you have received or provided a generous welcome and a gracious spirit, has it not always mattered? If so, might then such a hospitable approach to our neighbors not result in many benefits for all? St. Benedict thought so. These were his words of guidance to the medieval monastics: Let all guests who arrive be received like Christ, for he is going to say, I came as a guest and you received me.

May we have the glad and generous way of hospitality for family, friends and strangers alike.

_______________________

Anna Lou Fredericks, Omaha Stake Relief Society President, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

While on a recent trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with some family members, we took a gondola ride to the top of a 10,000-foot mountain.

As we rode up the mountain, my sister-in-law received a Facetime call on her cellphone from her son who was in London. It was a truly remarkable experience that she, in this remote area, could both see and hear her son in his hotel room from across the world. The picture was excellent, the sound perfect and we all marveled at the world in which we live.

The amazing inventions of our time are astonishing. Wonderful tools of communication that make it possible to see and hear each other across the world in real time, were merely fantasy only a few short years ago. Yet these wonders seem crude when compared with the miraculous method our Father in Heaven has provided for us to communicate with him.

President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints taught: Through prayer, we can show our love for God. And He has made it so easy. We may pray to Him any time. No special equipment is needed. We dont even need to charge batteries or pay a monthly service fee.

We read in 1 Peter 3:12: For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.

Knowing these things has strengthened my faith and gives me increased understanding of how it is possible for Father In Heaven to watch over us, hearing and answering our prayers. In His wisdom, he sends us strength, comfort, inspiration and peace. In a truly miraculous way, He who is all-knowing, all-powerful and all-loving invites us to pray to Him in faith.

We are so blessed.

_______________________

Rev. Dr. Nancy Tomlinson, St. Paul United Methodist Church, Papillion

How many of us this morning are feeling a great depth of grief? And in the midst of the grief, the overwhelming question I am struggling with is How do we stand against violence?

We seem to be surrounded on all sides by violence; physical violence and murder; emotional violence and the torture of persons; and spiritual violence done to individuals and groups of individuals. How do we overcome this violence? How do we fight back, but in a way that brings peace to our world?

I keep waiting for someone wiser and smarter than me to come up with the answer. Someone I can get behind and support. And I am underwhelmed by what I see and hear; there seem to be no solutions. Instead we see attack upon attack, upon physical bodies, upon the personhood of individuals. I grieve for this world we live in and for our sons and daughters and the generations who will walk this earth long after we are gone.

God must be weeping from heaven and in our midst, just as Jesus wept over Jerusalem. I desperately need to believe the God we worship is like that. God weeps and mourns with us. And I remember the words of Jesus with a deeper understanding, My peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Jesus lived in a frightening world where there was great political intrigue and infighting (sound familiar?). A world where power and might ruled. Terror has been present from the beginning.

Near the start of our holy scriptures, Cain murders Abel. Adam says to his son Cain, Your brothers blood is crying to me from the ground! Our world is full of the cries of our brothers and sisters blood. Gods children, all Gods children, are hurting.

We all live in what we might call personal spheres of influence, while some of us live in more public spheres of influence. We begin at the heart of our own sphere, with ourselves, and move outward.

 Know yourself. Make personal peace with God. Set things right in your own personal world of thoughts and actions. Learn to love God and yourself. Live a life of integrity, peace and joy as much as you can. And become a warrior of prayer  constantly cognizant of Gods presence and in conversation with God.

 Know, really know, your family; their hearts, their desires, their dreams. If the relationship is broken and it is in your power, fix it. Learn the art of apology and of cultivating forgiveness. Practice more listening and less speaking. Love in both action and in words. Sometimes it is harder to say the healing words, I love you! than to live them. Love in both word and actions. Go out of your way to consider things from the perspective of others. And pray, pray, pray for your family.

 Pay attention to your neighbors. Smile at them, talk to them, get to know their names. Watch out for them and your neighborhood. Participate in neighborhood events. Pray for your neighbors. Help when they need help. Get to know the children and while doing so keep respectful and appropriate boundaries. Mow their grass. Take them fruit or cookies. In your actions and words, reflect the peace of Jesus and the love of God.

 Learn your community. What are the names of the people you encounter on a daily basis? Learn where your police and fire and other departments are located. If there is a military base in your community, support it and the personnel based there. Take public servants food, especially on holidays when they are working and other people get to gather with family. Take part in community gatherings and activities. Volunteer in your community; in schools or at events or through organizations. Be active; volunteer and pray. If you cannot volunteer you can still stay educated and informed and be in prayer for your community.

 Reach beyond your community and into the world. This is perhaps the most difficult. Can you help alleviate suffering and hunger and pain beyond your community? Is there an organization that is global in nature you can support, that reflects your personal interests? Do you have the funds to help others, to become a modest philanthropist? Can you help alleviate hunger in another part of the world or provide clean water? Can you take a medical mission trip or a trip with volunteers to work alongside others in another community beyond your own? Can you travel globally and volunteer your expertise outside the United States? Can you assist with refugees and provide support and care for those forced to flee the violence of their homeland?

Evil and good fight an eternal battle in this world. In the face of evil and terror we sometimes forget or ignore the fact that the world is full of opportunities to do good and spread its influence. Evil and absolute terror causes us to draw in on ourselves and pull the perimeters of our spheres of influence inward. We want to protect ourselves and our loved ones. To stand courageously against evil is to refuse to retreat when it strikes. Evil is real, whether you consider it a force or as actions taken by individuals and groups. Today we face frightening, horrifying evil that seems to be randomly striking in our world. It wins, evil wins, when we retreat.

Love God. Love yourself. Love your family and your community. Love this frightening and scary world that we live in. Pray and serve and stand strong in your sphere of influence. And if you can, increase your sphere of influence through prayer and by doing good in the world. In the words of the apostle Paul, Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
COUNCIL BLUFFS - The Center, Council Bluffs' senior center, got a boost Thursday, when officials received a $20,000 check from the Union Pacific Foundation.

The money, a grant The Center applied for in 2015, will be used to help pay operating costs for the facility, said Cati DeMasi, executive director of The Center.

This helps us continue to serve the entire metro area, as we have members not only from Council Bluffs and southwest Iowa but from eastern Nebraska, she said.

The grant will help cover maintenance of the facilitys pool, fitness center, cafe, ballroom and the equipment and systems that keep the building running, DeMasi said.

It will enable us to continue to offer scholarships to low-income seniors ... About 25 percent of our membership receive scholarships that support up to 90 percent of their dues, she said. It will allow us to continue offering therapy and rehabilitation options  not just for seniors but for all adults. So many of our programs serve people beyond our membership and beyond seniors.

In addition, The Center is the citys primary congregate meals site, DeMasi said.

The meal site is the only program for which we receive any government funding  and even with the funding, it is heavily subsidized by our other programs, she said.

The Center has more than 1,500 members with various interests and needs, DeMasi said.

We have a mix of folks, some of whom are very fitness focused and other members who particularly enjoy the social and educational aspects and a mix who like to do both, she said.

For a lot of our regular members, The Center has become their second home.

The Center is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (712) 323-5995.
LINCOLN  The chairman of the Nebraska Democratic Party is calling on Gov. Pete Ricketts to reveal what he knows about allegations State Sen. Bill Kintner had a sexually explicit video of himself on his state computer.

Vince Powers also challenged the Republican governors statement Friday that he had known about the allegations for a year but had been unable to say anything because of an ongoing investigation.

Pete Ricketts has to tell us what he knew, when he knew and why he covered it up, Powers said Saturday. If he doesnt, he should resign.

A Nebraska State Patrol investigation was launched in July 2015 when Kintner reported what he believed to be a potential Internet scam.

Ricketts called Kintner a year ago, upon learning from the State Patrol of the investigation, and urged him to resign if the allegations were true. He repeated that call on Friday when reporters requested comment about the Kintner allegations.

The State Patrol completed its investigation in October 2015 and provided investigation information to the Attorney Generals Office. Following a review, the matter was referred to the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission.

State law bars commission members and staff from talking about complaints filed or investigations in progress.

Powers, an attorney, said the law prohibits anyone from discussing existence of a commission investigation, but does not bar people outside the commission from discussing the allegation itself.

You can always talk about the underlying facts, he said, while not discussing the commissions investigation.

The governors spokesman, Taylor Gage, did not respond specifically to Powers concerns Saturday. Gage said that Ricketts is awaiting the final word from the investigation.

As the governor previously stated, Sen. Kintner should resign if the allegations are true, Gage said in a statement.

In an email sent to The World-Herald on Saturday, Kintner declined to comment.

I will comment when there are facts to comment on, which is when NADC (the accountability commission) has made their decision, he said.

Kintner, 55, of Papillion, represents a district that includes Cass County and parts of Otoe and Sarpy Counties.

The State Patrol has said it cannot comment further until completion of any potential accountability commission actions.

If the commission determines there was no violation, the records of the investigation are confidential unless the person facing allegations requests they become public.

If the commission determines there was a violation, the records and any penalties are public.

The commission meets next on Friday.

Powers said the past legislative session would have been completely different had the allegations came out sooner and Kintner resigned. Kintner is a Republican who is a strong ally of the governor.

Its just very outrageous, Powers said.

Contact the writer: 402-473-9581, emily.nohr@owh.com
When it comes to Omahas restaurant tax, Mayor Jean Stothert has been able to have her cake and eat it too.

Stothert benefited from the restaurant tax politically in the 2013 election, when she campaigned on her opposition to the tax and ousted Mayor Jim Suttle in part because of his tax hikes.

But since then, through four city budgets, Stothert has benefited from the revenue the tax generates.

And for all her opposition, shes made no move to reduce or get rid of the tax.

She said shes instead focused on lowering the property tax rate, adding police officers and fixing streets.

I still think the restaurant tax is unfair, she said. I didnt vote for it. I still would like to see it reduced, but there were other priorities.

When it was enacted in 2010, the restaurant tax may have been the most controversial part of Suttles budget plan.

But critics dire predictions about Omahans taking their restaurant business elsewhere didnt come to pass.

I want to come clean on that, said Councilman Franklin Thompson, who voted against the tax. The gloom and doom didnt happen.

These days the tax causes barely a stir at City Hall. In fact, the council and Stothert are considering expanding it to apply to food trucks.

Originally proposed to help shore up a pension shortfall, the restaurant tax has become an integral part of the citys day-to-day operational spending.

This month the mayor released her 2017 budget proposal, the final budget of her first term. Her plan calls for a 2 percent property tax cut  her second property tax reduction  but again leaves the restaurant tax untouched.

That means the restaurant tax rate at the end of her first term will likely remain what it was when she took office: 2.5 percent.

Stothert said she focused her cuts on the property tax rate because it affects more Omahans, and she noted that about a third of the people who pay the restaurant tax live outside of Omaha.

Stothert said the opposition to the restaurant tax has died down because taxpayers see that the city is managing its spending well.

Councilman Chris Jerram sees it differently.

Jerram helped shape Suttles 2011 budget proposal into the version that the council eventually approved. Jerram said Stotherts lack of action on the restaurant tax is a validation of the councils tough votes six years ago.

Isnt that really an admission that there was no way, practically speaking, given the severity of the citys financial crisis, to address that crisis and keep the city out of bankruptcy without a new source of revenue? he said.

When the tax was enacted it was projected to bring in nearly $15 million per year, enough to cover about $13 million of additional pension contributions that the city was responsible for.

In 2017 its projected to bring in more than $30 million. Thats almost as much as the entire library and parks budgets combined.

Its hard to determine how much of that money goes toward the pension fund. Restaurant tax revenue goes into the citys general fund, where it mixes with other tax revenue and other funding sources. That fund pays for most of the day-to-day operational spending.

Nicole Jesse and Danielle Emsick, sisters who run La Casa Pizzaria and who are the presidents of the Nebraska Restaurant Association and the Omaha Restaurant Association, said they are still unhappy with how Suttle enacted the restaurant tax. At the time, La Casa was one of the restaurants that unsuccessfully sued to block implementation of the tax.

Restaurant owners also were among those who pushed an unsuccessful effort to recall Suttle, shortly after the tax took effect.

But now, even though the tax remains, Jesse said shes happy with Stotherts performance. The La Casa co-owner said shes satisfied with the mayors decision to focus on lowering property taxes rather than the restaurant tax.

Jesse said the tax was implemented during a time of rising costs for restaurants, and her restaurant suffered for about a year. But now, she said, Omahans dont seem to notice it. Emsick said the restaurant tax isnt a hot topic of discussion at the Omaha associations meetings, either.

I think most people have probably accepted it, Jesse said.

While the restaurant tax was a major issue in the 2013 mayoral election, University of Nebraska at Omaha political science professor Randy Adkins says its not likely to come up nearly as much in 2017.

I think there are a lot of voters who will be satisfied that they got some form of tax relief, Adkins said.

When Stothert was campaigning for mayor in 2013 she stopped short of promising to eliminate the restaurant tax, instead calling it a goal. She said the city would first have to get issues related to its health care and pension systems in order and find other efficiencies.

After we do that, then we can roll back the taxes, Stothert said.

In office, Stothert has twice proposed a property tax cut. If her recommended tax cut is approved for 2017, that will bring the citys rate to 47.922 cents per $100 of valuation. Thats 2 cents lower than it was when Stothert took office but still higher than the rate before Suttles tax increases: 43.387 cents per $100 of valuation.

If she had chosen to address the restaurant tax rather than the property tax, Stothert could have reduced it from 2.5 percent to 2 percent.

Stothert said she didnt want to reduce the restaurant tax by a small amount right before the next mayoral election.

I didnt want people to think it was just a token restaurant tax reduction so I could say I did it, she said.

Stothert did say lowering the restaurant tax would remain a goal if shes elected to a second term.

Several people said they always thought it was unlikely that Stothert would be able to address the restaurant tax in her first term.

Once it was approved, said Councilman Pete Festersen, I never thought it was very credible to promise repeal. At that point the city became reliant upon it to pay for unfunded pension liabilities. In the last four or five years weve become increasingly reliant on it for general operating funds.

Under Stotherts administration, the annual budget process has been generally smooth, with only minor disagreements between the City Council and the Mayors Office.

That was not the case under Suttle.

When Suttle took office, the city faced a looming shortfall in the police and fire pension fund and increasing debt payments for the facility now known as the CenturyLink Center.

By the time Suttle was creating his 2011 budget proposal hed already clashed with the City Council over the previous budget and had already raised taxes.

And there were more tough decisions ahead.

Suttle said last week that he sat in his office in July 2010 and wrote out three choices on a piece of paper: impose a restaurant tax, lay off 250 police officers or close the citys parks and libraries.

I just circled the restaurant tax and said, Weve got to do this,  he said.  We have no choice. The consequences are horrible with these other options. 

Critics, including Stothert, say Suttle had other options. In particular, they wanted him to press the citys labor unions for more concessions on pension costs.

Still, a majority of council members agreed with Suttle that the city needed some additional revenue to balance its budget. They approved the restaurant tax, although Jerram and Council President Thomas Mulligan came up with a package of spending cuts that reduced the tax from Suttles proposed 4 percent to the 2.5 percent rate.

Council members Stothert, Thompson and Festersen opposed the budget even with the spending cuts and lower tax rate.

Thompson and Festersen both said they voted against the budget because they disliked the contract the mayor had negotiated with the police union.

Jerram, Mulligan, Ben Gray and Garry Gernandt voted for it. Like Suttle, Mulligan lost his seat in the 2013 election.

Jerram and Gray say it took courage to vote for the budget, but it was the right thing to do.

You had a mayor who lost his seat probably because of that political courage and you had a council president who probably lost his seat because of that political courage, Jerram said.

The council eventually took negotiating power on labor contracts away from Suttle, then returned it to the mayor after Stothert took office.

Since 2011 the city has continued to make large contributions to the fire and police pension fund, and the fund is healthier. It is now nearly 50 percent funded, up from 44 percent in 2011, although Stothert said the city still needs to do better.

Stothert has asked for more concessions from police officers, but the city and the police union came to a standstill on negotiations for the 2015 labor contract. The matter is now before the state labor court.

On the civilian side, Stothert negotiated contracts that said new employees would receive a cash balance plan, which is a mix of a traditional pension and a 401(k). Under those contracts, the city also put more money into the civilian plan.

Suttle says he knew there would be political repercussions for the budget decisions he made during his term, but he said hes glad he pushed for them.

In his first two years in office, the city raised property tax rates by 15 percent, boosted the citys wheel tax from $35 to $50 per car, and created the restaurant tax, which also applies to bar and catering tabs.

Guess what? That tax has worked, Suttle said. It kept the city out of financial ruin. Thats my legacy to the city, keeping them from going bankrupt.

Stothert disagrees. She noted that the city was projected to have a $13 million shortfall in 2013, the year she took over. And that was with nearly $26 million in restaurant tax revenue.

Yeah, we are using restaurant tax revenue, but we have gotten the budget under control, she said. Mayor Suttle still had a lot of financial problems, and we have not.

Contact the writer: 402-444-1084, roseann.moring@owh.com
A 31-year-old man was taken to an Omaha hospital Saturday after being extricated from a sport utility vehicle that crashed near Louisville, Nebraska.

Greg H. Schliefert of Murdock was traveling south on 120th Street near Agnew Road in a 2002 GMC Envoy when it went out of control, according the Cass County Sheriffs Office. The SUV swerved into a ditch and hit a tree about 1:15 p.m.

Schliefert was taken to the Nebraska Medical Center in critical condition by Louisville Fire and Rescue. The accident is under investigation.

Contact the writer: 402-444-1272, kevin.cole@owh.com
WILBER, Neb.  In a very Czech town, a very Czech guy is working to revive a very important piece of Czech history.

The Fox Hole Tavern wont be up and running by next weekends annual Czech Festival in Wilber, but Steve Ourecky hopes to have the old watering hole back by Dec. 31 as a popular gathering spot in the Czech capital.

Its been a fixture in Wilber since 1945. Five generations of my family have had a beer there, Ourecky said. Its just a piece of the community I didnt want to see die.

Oureckys roots run deep in Wilber, though he splits time between his hometown and Omaha, where he owns a machine shop near 90th and J Streets.

His late grandmother Irma was known as Mrs. Wilber for her longtime involvement in the annual Czech festival and the Nebraska Czechs of Wilber, a 54-year-old group that works to preserve Czech heritage through a museum, a cultural center and the annual festival.

As a young reporter, I was told early on that the first stop for any story about Wilber was at Irmas house.

Irma, who taught school and the Czech language, died in 2007, but her legacy lives on through things like the brightly painted storefronts in Wilber, which she urged business owners to paint.

Steves late father, Lawrence, and twin brother, Lloyd, were also fixtures in Wilber. And Steves daughter, Julia, was crowned the Czech queen at last years Wilber festival.

Steve is active at the festival and with the Wilber Czechs, but he also publishes a Czech newspaper for the Midwest, Czech Slavnosti.

The paper went up for sale when the local Wilber Republican was sold, and Ourecky said that he bought it  with no newspaper experience  to keep the Czech publication going. Hes also fixed up a couple of main street buildings in Wilber, and a house he purchased there eight years ago, that were in disrepair.

I have a tendency to take on orphans, he said.

The old Fox Hole is where people gathered in Wilber after ballgames and even after church (for coffee). Ourecky said that at one time, the tavern had the longest-running contract with Schlitz beer in the state.

He bought the bar on Jan. 1, and has so far stripped the structure, built before 1888, back to its bricks. He wants to restore it to its glory days in the 50s. He found an old fox painting that used to hang in the bar, hired a taxidermist to restore old elk and fox mounts that used to hang in the bar, and is re-creating the old wooden booths.

Ourecky said hed like to locate one of the old card tables, which, hes told, had a slate top for scorekeeping and a handy shelf below to park frothy glasses of pivo. A local collector also gave him a batch of Fox Hole Tavern tokens, redeemable for 5 cents apiece, that were used in card games.

Im getting a lot of support from the community, he said. Im very happy about that.

The name of the bar came not from a local critter but from the original owner, who had just returned from World War II, according to Ourecky.

When asking for a loan from a local banker, he was told to create a foxhole that fellow soldiers would want to come back to.

***

The Wilber Czech Festival runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 7. The World-Heralds own political cartoonist, Jeff Koterba, a Czech from South Omaha, will be the grand marshal of the parade on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Koterba said hes been reconnecting with his roots, recently visiting an 800-year-old church in the Czech Republic where his grandparents were married.

***

Ive been tromping around the State Capitol for years but never, until recently, noticed that there is a State Capitol Ornament produced annually.

The ornament tastefully depicts a feature of the State Capitol, from the ornate chandelier that hangs in the second-floor rotunda to the art deco bison that flank the stone fireplace in the Governors Office.

This years ornament, which came out recently, depicts a thunderbird, a Native American symbol that appears several places around the architecturally stunning Capitol. The most prominent spot is on the door leading into the former State Senate chambers  a room only occasionally used since Nebraskans switched to a unique, one-house State Legislature in 1937.

Roxanne Smith, the supervisor of State Capitol tourism, said that when the Office of the Capitol Commission was created in 2004 to oversee preservation and conservation of the historic structure, it was decided to produce an annual brass ornament.

Lots of state capitols do that, she said, as does the U.S. Capitol, to produce a keepsake for visitors.

They celebrate the beauty of our building, Smith said.

Only 500 are produced, and they sell for between $21.95 and $24.95. Theyre sold at the Landmark Store at the State Capitol. The store, operated by the Nebraska State Historical Society, has Capitol souvenirs aplenty, from T-shirts to snow globes, refrigerator magnets to handsome watercolors.

Two of the ornaments have sold out. The first one, which depicted the Capitols high-rise tower, was so popular that a second printing was ordered.

The 2017 ornament, which will commemorate the Sesquicentennial of Nebraska, the states 150th birthday, is already in the works and should be available early next year.

The ornaments can also be ordered by calling the Historical Society at 402-471-3447 or 402-471-2062.

***

A sort-of holiday detente has been worked out over Christmastime displays at the State Capitol.

Two groups with decidedly different views on Christmas will get to put up displays at the same time in the Capitols first-floor rotunda.

Last year, several atheist and secular groups bumped a Nativity scene from being displayed during Christmas week by registering first and reserving all of the space, before the Nativity sponsors could submit their paperwork. That led to some Grinch-like grumbling.

State Capitol officials begin reserving space for such displays six months before the display dates. So this year, when the atheist coalition and the Thomas More Society (a law firm that has sued to allow Nativity displays in public places) applied for space, it was decided that they should share it during the week of Christmas.

We can hopefully place this resolution in the peace on earth file.

Contact the writer: 402-473-9584, paul.hammel@owh.com
An entrepreneurial spirit, the experts say, can be a huge plus for young people as they strive to make their mark in todays job market. Understanding business operations helps university researchers, too, as they work to launch startups based on their scientific discoveries.

University of Nebraska campuses have begun a series of programs to expand entrepreneurial opportunities for students and faculty. NUs vision on this front is encouraging. Heres a sampling.

 NU College of Law, UNL. In Lincoln, the NU College of Law holds clinics where its students work with entrepreneurs on legal aspects of launching businesses. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln hosts undergraduate entrepreneurship contests and conferences.

Seminars by UNLs Office of Research and Economic Development help faculty understand key issues in commercializing their research. UNLs Raikes School of Computer Science and Management gives its technology-focused students well-rounded experience with business operations, including management and budgeting.

On East Campus, the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program has significant assets to help ag-focused students understand business.

 UNMC. Medical students and faculty benefit from entrepreneurship education, too. The University of Nebraska Medical Center and its commercialization arm, UNeMed, have developed programs geared to this need:

A technology transfer boot camp. Interdisciplinary instruction focusing on medical innovation and commercialization. A 12-hour online course for a graduate certificate that helps students develop leadership and communication skills.

A lot of these programs were set up because the students approached us, says Agnes Lenagh, licensing specialist with UNeMed. They want to expand their education, recognizing how these broadening experiences boost their employability.

UNeMed hopes to offer the graduate certificate in leadership and transferable skills eventually throughout the NU system, Lenagh told The World-Herald. Were trying to unite all the campuses.

 UNO. The Maverick Innovations initiative helps students and faculty learn about the range of considerations in converting a business idea into an enterprise. Thanks to the University of Nebraska at Omahas partnership with the Aksarben Discovery Fund, commercialization possibilities developed at UNO receive feedback based on real-world experience.

Another asset is UNOs Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Franchising, providing students with extensive instruction and experiences. UNO students in the program have launched viable businesses that first were pitched during the centers annual business plan contest.

 UNK. Enactus, the University of Nebraska at Kearneys entrepreneur club, has earned a strong reputation, regularly advancing to national-level competition over the past decade.

Among the groups ambitious projects is New Venture Adventure, where more than 100 students from UNK and local high schools create business ventures in a fictional town and then address the complications. Business people from the Kearney area work with the students to help them understand real-world conditions.

Allen Groenke, the entrepreneur in residence with UNKs College of Business and Technology, collaborates with students and faculty, as well as outside businesses, as they develop business models and pitches for startups.

NU is on the mark in providing students and faculty with these opportunities. Its great for NU and great for our economic future.
AAP activist suicide case: Party MLA Sharad Chauhan arrested

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, July 31: AAP legislator from Narela Sharad Chauhan has been arrested by police in connection with the suicide of a woman worker of the ruling party, taking the total number of arrested party leaders to 12.

Chauhan and main accused Ramesh Bhardwaj were questioned by the crime branch of Delhi Police for several hours in the past four days in connection with the case.

Besides Chauhan and Bhardwaj, five others including the MLA's associates Amit and Rajnikant have been arrested last night, said a senior police officer. Bhardwaj was arrested by a police team from Sonipat on July 26.

He was questioned for several hours in connection with the suicide of the woman, along with the local MLA of Narela. The woman had consumed poisonous substance at her home in North-West Delhi's Narela and died during treatment at LNJP Hospital on July 19.

The woman had filed a complaint against Bhardwaj for allegedly touching her inappropriately and a case of molestation was registered in June.

The accused was arrested and later released on bail. On July 20, Delhi Police had registered a case of abetement to suicide and handed over the entire matter to a Special Investigation Team.

The family members of the woman had claimed that she had gone into depression after her alleged molester Bhardwaj, an AAP colleague, was released on bail. She had also alleged that the accused was being protected by the local AAP MLA.

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 party and claimed himself to be "close to the local party MLA.

PTI
UP: Man films wife committing suicide, does nothing to stop her

'Complete jungleraaj' in UP: Mayawati on Bulandshahr rape

India

oi-PTI

Lucknow, Jul 31: Condemning the gangrape of a mother and her teen daughter in Bulandshahr, BSP chief Mayawati today demanded stern legal action against the accused and claimed that there was "complete jungleraaj" in Uttar Pradesh.

The former chief minister said such "heinous" crimes indicate towards the deteriorating law and order in the state. Mayawati said these incidents show that the present Samajwadi Party government has failed to ensure the safety of people, especially women, in the state.

"The SP government and its head must tell the people if they can return the modesty of women in such a painful and henious crime," she said in a statement here.

The Bahujan Samaj Party chief alleged that there was a "complete jungleraaj" in the state as criminals roam freely. She also demanded action against the policemen "for their negligence." Congress spokesman D P Singh called the incident shameful.

"The manner in which the crime was committed on national highway indicates poor law and order situation in UP," he said. BJP state unit general-secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak claimed law and order has derailed in UP and police administration has become lax.

"It's a slap on the face of police administration, which makes tall claims of ensuring saftey of the people," he said.

On Friday night, when the family was travelling from Noida to Shahjahanpur by car a group of bandits waylaid them, dragged the women, including the 13-year-old girl, out of their car to a nearby field and raped them while the men were tied with ropes.

They also looted cash, jewellery and mobile phones, SSP Vaibhav Krishna has said. Fifteen people have been detained in connection with the incident.

PTI
Our relationship has changed but we're still together: Aamir Khan on divorce with Kiran Rao

Cong attacks Parrikar over remarks against Aamir Khan

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Jul 31: Congress today attacked Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar over his jibe against actor Aamir Khan, accusing BJP and RSS of "concerted conspiracy" to hound Dalits, minorities, writers, actors and whoever dissents against the Narendra Modi government.

"Shameful that @manoharparrikar threatens 'teaching a lesson' to 'actors', instead of training his guns elsewhere," Congress spokesperson Randeep S Surjewala said. He said it was a "shocking revelation" by Parrikar and showed that BJP and RSS supporters actively disrupted and sabotaged an online trading company on Aamir Khan issue.

"Scandalous," he tweeted questioning whether Parrikar's job is to protect India from external aggressors like Pakistan or threaten fellow countrymen. "@manoharparrikar's statement proves a concerted conspiracy to curb all dissent, hound Dalits & Minorities.

Can this be the 'Raj Dharma'?," he tweeted. Later in a statement to the media, he alleged that Parrikar has "unknowingly" exposed the conspiracy through which BJP people targeted the online company, booked orders and cancelled in pursuance of a conspiracy to ensure that Aamir Khan was removed as its brand ambassador.

He said the incident "now established that there is a concerted conspiracy against poor, the dalits, the minorities, artists, actors and anybody who dissents against Modi government".

Parrikar had reportedly yesterday said anyone speaking against the country must be "taught a lesson" and had referred to alleged anti-national sloganeering at JNU earlier this year and remarks by an "actor" who "had said that his wife wants to live out of India".

Khan had late last year spoken about a "sense of insecurity" resulting from increasing intolerance in the country, and mentioned his wife Kiran Rao's apprehensions about the future of their child in India.

According to Parrikar, when the actor made the statement last year, many people had protested against his remark and even uninstalled the mobile application of an online shopping site he was associated with, while the firm had also pulled out the advertisement featuring him.

PTI
Delhi: Unidentified youths attack police team, escape with undertrial

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Jul 31: An undertrial, being taken from Tihar jail to a court in Haryanas Jind district in a roadways bus, on Saturday escaped after a group of unidentified youths sprayed chili powder in the eyes of policemen escorting him near Bahadurgarh.

"The incident took place at 6 AM. Around a dozen youths travelling in two cars intercepted the bus near Parle-G factory on NH-10. With the help of four youths travelling in the bus, they sprayed chili powder in the eyes of the policemen escorting the 27-year-old prisoner, Jitender alias Gogi, and escaped with him.

"They also took away a sub-machine gun belonging to one of the police personnel," DCP of the Third Battalion of Delhi Armed Police, Ashok Malik, said.

The police party, which was caught off guard, however, later retaliated and engaged in a brief exchange of fire with the youths. One of the bullet fired by the policemen hit the rear window pane of one of the two cars, he said.

The undertrial was being taken to a Narwana court from Delhi for a hearing in a murder case registered against him.

Jitender, a resident of outer Delhis Alipur village, has several criminal cases, including that of loot and murder, registered against him in Delhi and Haryana. Police had earlier announced a reward of Rs 1 lakh for anyone providing information leading to his arrest.

Police said he was engaged in a gang war with Tillu Rajpuria from the same village.

PTI

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Story first published: Sunday, July 31, 2016, 11:37 [IST]
What happens to the Kohinoor diamond now that the Queen is no more

India to make all out efforts to get back Kohinoor despite UK's reluctance

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Jul 31: India will make all out efforts to get back the famed 106-carat Kohinoor, currently set in a royal crown on display in the Tower of London, despite British government's recent statement that there is no legal ground for restitution of the diamond.

With an estimated value of over USD 200 million, Kohinoor was transferred to the treasury of the British East India Company in Lahore after the subjugation of Punjab in 1849 by the British forces, which had confiscated the properties of the Sikh Empire.

"The government is considering both diplomatic as well as legal channels to get back the diamond.

If India is able to get back the diamond through diplomatic efforts, then it would not go for the legal channel. But if that does not fructify, then the government will explore legal option," a senior government source said.

The move comes against the backdrop of the UK Minister of Asia and Pacific Affairs Alok Sharma indicating that Kohinoor could probably never find its way to India.

"As far as this issue is concerned, there is no legal ground for restitution," he had said during his visit here last week. Shiromani Gurdwara Prabankdhak Committee (SGPC), which represents the Sikh community, has also jumped into the fray to stake claim over the precious gem.

SGPC Chief Secretary Harcharan Singh has urged the Centre to take up the matter with British government and demand its return to the Sikh community. Punjab Cabinet Minister Daljit Singh Cheema has also said the state has the "legitimate right" over the diamond and claimed that it was taken away in a "deceitful" manner by the British from Maharaja Duleep Singh who was last Sikh ruler of Punjab.

As political pressure mounts on government to bring back the diamond, which also is an emotive issue, Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma had a meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj recently where it was reportedly decided that India would approach Britain next month on the issue of bringing it back.

The Supreme Court is hearing a case seeking Kohinoor's return and the meeting had also deliberated on stand to be taken by the government before the apex court. The court had asked the government whether it was willing to stake a claim on the diamond.

The Kohinoor issue snowballed into a major controversy after the government made a submission in the Supreme Court in April that it was neither "forcibly taken nor stolen" by the British but given as a "gift" to the East India Company by the rulers of Punjab, indicating it cannot be claimed by India now.

The gem is the subject of a historical ownership dispute and has been claimed by at least four countries, including India.

PTI
Indian among 5 arrested in Nepal for drug trafficking

India

oi-PTI

Kathmandu, July 31 An Indian national was among five people arrested in Nepal in a drug racket in which 472 kgs of drug-making chemicals were seized. Dilip Pandut, 35, a resident of Raxaul, Bihar was arrested along with four others, police here said.

Police have also seized 472 kg of raw materials and precursor chemical that are used in manufacturing Pseudoephedrine, a highly sophisticated narcotic drug that has a high demand in Asian markets including, India, China, Thailand and Malaysia.

These raw materials are sufficient to manufacture 71 kgs of Pseudoephedrine worth about USD 12 million, said Jaya Bahadur Chand, Deputy Inspector General of Police at the Narcotic Control Bureau of Nepal Police. The raw materials are brought from Switzerland, and after mixing it in Nepal the narcotics produced are exported to India, China, Malaysia and Thailand, at high prices, police said.

These drug-making raw materials were being trafficked in disguise of medicines. However, the police busted the racket on the basis of a tip-off.

The five arrestees have been taken into custody on five-day judicial remand from Kathmandu District Court for further investigation.

PTI
Dalit man in Kerala beaten up by wife's brother allegedly for not converting to Christianity

In UP, ex-pradhan thrashes Dalit girl, throws her out of school over uniform

In Rajasthan, Dalit man thrashed for using water from pot 'meant' for upper castes

Gujarat: Man who attempted suicide to protest Una Dalit thrashing dies

India

oi-PTI

Ahmedabad, Jul 31: A man who had attempted suicide at Dhoraji in Rajkot during the statewide protests against thrashing of Dalits in Una, died at a government hospital here today, police said.

Yogesh Hirabhai Solanki (25) died after he was rushed to Ahmedabad civil hospital from Rajkot, where he was being treated.

He had attempted suicide along with two others at Parabari village in Dhoraji taluka of Rajkot on July 19. "He was rushed to Ahmedabad civil hospital from Rajkot after his condition deteriorated.

He reached here last midnight but passed away soon after," police said. Over 20 youths tried to commit suicide during the ongoing protests by Dalit community members against the thrashing of Dalit youths of Mota Samadhiyala village in Gir Somnath district on July 11, when they were skinning a dead cow.

The incident resulted in widespread agitation by Dalits following which several political leaders, including Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and Aam Aadmi Party's national convener Arvind Kejriwal, had met the victims at their village and Rajkot hospital.

PTI
With nomad visa and $130K in account, you can 'work from Indonesia' for 10 years

MHA reluctant to offer visa-free travel to BRICS visitors

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Jul 31: A proposal to grant visa-free travel for business visitors and tourists from BRICS nations has faced the security hurdle with the Home Ministry raising concerns over offering the facility to Chinese citizens.

Home Ministry officials said the Commerce Ministry's proposal to allow visa-free travel for business visitors and tourists from Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa cannot be given the go-ahead as there are security concerns for Chinese nationals.

"As such we have no issues with Brazil, Russia and South Africa. But there are concerns with regard to giving visa free entry to any category of Chinese travellers," the official said.

Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are part of the BRICS grouping. The Commerce Ministry has forwarded the proposal to the Home Ministry for its clearance. Besides, Home Ministry officials pointed out that visa rejections for business travellers and tourists are very rare and so the proposal lacks merit.

It is practically not possible to allow visa-free entry to citizens of Brazil, Russia and South Africa but deny Chinese nationals, they said.

"The processing for citizens of Brazil, Russia and South Africa, in any case, is always faster than other countries," the official said. Business visa is given for a maximum of 180 days on each visit.

A foreigner is permitted to undertake casual business activities and its validity is 30 days. The idea of visa-free travel within the trade bloc was first proposed in 2013 at the 5th BRICS Summit in Durban. South Africa has already provided business people from BRICS easier access to the country.

Russia too has relaxed visa norms for tourists and transit visitors from BRICS countries. India too offers e-tourist visa to citizens of all BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa.

The e-tourist visa enables the prospective visitor to apply for an Indian visa from his or her home country online without visiting the Indian Mission and also pay the visa fee online. Once approved, the applicant receives an email authorising him or her to travel to India and he or she can travel with a printout of this authorisation.

On arrival, the visitor has to present the authorisation to the immigration authorities who would then stamp the entry into the country.

PTI
Narendra Modi condoles deaths in lightning in Odisha

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, July 31 Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed deepest condolences to the families of those killed due to lightning in various parts of Odisha.

"The unfortunate loss of lives due to lightning in Odisha is saddening. Deepest condolences to the families of the deceased," he said. "I hope those injured due to lightning in Odisha recover soon," Modi added.

At least 29 people were killed after being struck by lightning in different parts of Odisha yesterday.

While the maximum number of eight deaths were reported from Bhadrak district, there were seven casualties in Balasore district, five in Khurda, three in Mayurbhanj, three in Jajpur and one each in Kendrapara, Keonjhar and Nayagarh, police said.

PTI
Paramilitary veterans to demand pay equal to army personnel

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Jul 30: Scores of paramilitary veterans will hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar here on Sunday demanding pay equivalent to that in the army for the serving personnel.

"There are 8 lakh retired paramilitary personnel and 12 lakh are currently serving in units like CRPF, SSB and BSF.

Our men are guarding the Indo-Nepal Himalayan border and also serving at high altitude, but the payment given to a paramilitary personnel is very less compared to an army jawan.

"We, therefore, wish to register our protest and send the message to the government that our pay should be equivalent to that given in the army," said Ranbir Singh, Nation Coordinator, Confederation of Ex-paramilitary Forces Welfare Associations.

He said the demonstrators will also press their demand for opening paramilitary schools in all states.

PTI
Fact Check: Video of waves pounding Gateway of India is old

Rains lash north, east India; flood toll 31, lightning kills 27

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, July 31: Rains lashed northern and eastern parts of the country aggravating the flood situation in Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar and West Bengal, where 31 people have died, and crippling normal life in Delhi and Gurgaon, while lightning strikes in Odisha claimed 27 lives.

Floods in Assam have killed 26 people and affected nearly 37 lakh people across more than 3,300 villages in 28 districts of the state, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said.

According to official reports, flood waters have risen following heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan as well as in the state.

In Meghalaya, at least three people were killed and two went missing as flood waters submerged the West Garo Hills district today, an official said.

Even as the back flow of Brahmaputra and Jinjiram rivers has gone down marginally, many villages were inundated due to incessant rainfall.

In Bihar, many rivers are flowing above danger level, as flood continued to wreak havoc, affecting 26.19 lakh people. Two more districts of East Champaran and Muzaffarpur were declared today as flood-hit.

PTI

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Story first published: Sunday, July 31, 2016, 8:42 [IST]
Raj-Uddhav meeting a family affair: Sena

India

oi-PTI

Mumbai, Jul 30: A day after estranged cousins Raj and Uddhav Thackeray met causing ripples in political circles, Shiv Sena today said it was a 'family meeting' and nothing more should be read into it.

Raj quit Shiv Sena in 2006 to float Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). Uddhav is the president of Shiv Sena.

"They are cousins. If not at Matoshree (Thackeray residence in suburban Bandra), should they have met at Shivaji Park?" Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut asked. "Raj went to Matoshree and wished him (Uddhav) on his birthday.

It is tradition of the Thackeray household to accord due respect to the guests and Raj is, after all, from the family," he said, adding Rahul and Varun Gandhi meet in Delhi. Asked if the MNS chief's rushing to Uddhav was linked to the ongoing court case over late Bal Thackeray's will, Raut said, "Uddhav is capable of handling the issue on his own."

"As far as speculation about issue of ensuing Mumbai civic polls being discussed in the meeting, whatever Uddhavji has to say on these elections will soon be public," he said.

PTI
Seminar in Hyderabad to educate youth about perils of ISIS

India

oi-PTI

Hyderabad, Jul 31: As security agencies grapple with rising trend of youth coming under influence of Islamic State, a seminar-cum-interactive session is being organised here next week to discuss ways to wean away people from the violent and ultra conservative ideology of the terror group.

State Minorities Commission for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is organising the event here to educate youth about the perils of ISIS' ideology and serious repercussions of getting involved in its activities through social media.

Commission Chairman Abid Rasool Khan said the event is planned for either August 5 or 6. Eminent Muslim leaders, religious figures, police officers, legal experts and representatives of social media companies have been invited.

"This is an important session where we are inviting officials concerned with monitoring of intelligence, representatives of companies like Google and Facebook who are based in Hyderabad.

"We are inviting community 'ulemas' (scholars), religious leaders, media personalities and outlets who have some sway like Urdu newspapers, college principals, Vice-Chancellors of Universities like JNTU and Osmania and leaders of all political," Khan told PTI today.

"The idea is to discuss how ISIS is affecting youth and how the youth are being taken in a wrong direction through certain websites and all those Facebook posts.

"To give parents a message on how they can control their young boys from getting involved in these activities, how they should keep a tab, under which law they can be booked and what are the punishments. The aim is to ensure the youth does not land in trouble and jeopardise their career and future," he said.

"We really want them to understand that this is a very serious issue. Also we want to denounce ISIS totally and say they are the enemies of the community as well as the world today," Khan said.

In addition, he said the Commission is trying to get people who have some say in the community affairs like Imams of mosques where large gathering happens every Friday. Ten to 12 imams of Mosques located in Hyderabad and other parts of the two States, including Kurnool and Nizamabad, are expected to attend the session.

Khan said these people also don't know the danger posed by the ISIS, which controls parts of Syria and Iraq, where it has brutally killed hundreds of people. The event is being organised in the backdrop of police in several states detaining men on suspicion of having links with ISIS or planning to join the dreaded outfit. In June-end, NIA busted a module in Hyderabad whose members allegedly owed allegiance to ISIS.

PTI
Tripura in broad gauge railway map; link to Bangladesh laid

India

oi-PTI

Agartala, Jul 31: Tripura entered the broad gauge railway map of the country today with Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flagging off the Agartala-New Delhi 'Tripura Sundari Express'.

The foundation stone for the much awaited railway track to link Agartala to Akhoura in Bangladesh was jointly laid at the programme by Prabhu and his Bangladeshi counterpart Md Mujibul Haque.

'Tripura Sundari Express' will run once a week on Sundays and will reach New Delhi in 47 hours after travelling via Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri. Rs 968 crore was spent for Agartala- Delhi rail link. Addressing the gathering, Prabhu said a regular train service between Agartala and Kolkata would be started next month.

"Kolkata is the cultural capital of the country and Tripura has a long historic connection with it," he said. On the Agartala-Akhoura railway link, Prabhu said it would be part of trans-Asian rail connectivity.

"We are committed to bring connectivity with Bangladesh. The relation between India and Bangladesh is very cordial and they (Bangladesh) are cooperative in our initiative," he said.

The rail track here would be extended to Sabroom, the southern-most town in Tripura, which is only 75 km from Chittagong port in Bangladesh.

"Chittagong port is the best port in Asia. We want to connect Indian Railways track with Chittagong port through Sabroom," Prabhu said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, is very keen to make northeast region a tourist hub.

"We want to develop railway network in the entire northeast and want to make it a tourist hub. We want to bring Bangladesh into the same tourist circuit," Prabhu said.

Speaking at the function, Haque said "We always respect the people of India for giving us support and shelter during our Liberation Movement. We want people to people contact. Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked me to convey our love and respect to the people of India".

Bangladesh has now decided to launch a new train between Khulna and Kolkata in addition to the Maitri Express train that plies between Dhaka and Kolkata. Haque also sought India's help to combat terrorism. "It is a global phenomena and we (Bangladesh) seek India's active cooperation in combating terrorism," Haque added.

PTI
Exit polls indicate no clear winner in Israeli elections: Will it end the Netanyahu era?

Netanyahu criticises European 'support' for anti-Israel groups

International

oi-PTI

Jerusalem, Jul 31: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today said his government was looking into support from European nations for groups engaged in what he described as anti-Israel activities, specifically mentioning France.

Speaking at the start of a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said an inquiry had "found support from European countries, including France, for several organisations that engage in incitement, call for a boycott of Israel and do not recognise the state of Israel's right to exist."

"We will complete the inquiry and submit the findings to the French government," Netanyahu said, without identifying any organisation.

Israeli officials have regularly condemned support by foreign governments for left-wing NGOs critical of the country's policies towards the Palestinians.

In mid-July, Israel's parliament adopted a law seen as targeting left-wing groups critical of the government by forcing NGOs that receive most of their funding from foreign states to declare it.

Netanyahu also appeared to make reference to France's announcement on Friday that it would consider a temporary ban on foreign financing of mosques following a series of jihadist attacks.

"We are also disturbed by such donations to organisations that deny the state of Israel's right to exist," he said. Israel has been faced with a boycott movement over its nearly 50-year occupation of the West Bank.

Some, however, accuse the movement of anti-Semitism. Violence since October 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.

Others were shot dead during clashes and protests, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip. Many analysts say Palestinian frustration with Israeli occupation and settlement-building in the West Bank, the complete lack of progress in peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have fed the unrest.

Israel says incitement by Palestinian leaders and media is a leading cause of the violence.

AFP
Canadian envoy says 'support India's sovereignty after earlier 'welcome all' remark on Khalistan

Poop-themed dessert cafe set to open in Canada!

International

oi-PTI

Toronto, Jul 31: Smells good! A novel poop-themed dessert cafe is set to open in Canada that will offer an all-brown menu in the shape of human stools.

Poop Cafe Dessert Bar is set to open in Koreatown here mid-August. "I'm trying to make poop cute," owner Lien Nguyen, who first came across the concept while visiting her mother in Taiwan a couple years ago, told The Toronto Star.

"We checked out a toilet-themed restaurant and I just loved it. It's funny to put food and poop together; it's a great comparison," Nguyen said.

"It stayed in my mind for a long time. As soon as I finished school, I said, 'OK, I'm going to bring the restaurant to Toronto," she said.

The recent George Brown College graduate has earned her credentials in culinary management. She plans to focus her menu around traditional Asian desserts like patbingsoo (red beans with ice) and is hoping that, through this enterprise, "people will change their minds about poo".

"(It's) considered very disgusting, (something) you can't talk about when you're eating," she said.

All of the 'poo-ticular' items available at the cafe will be brown, formed like a stool and served in toilet-shaped dishes, said Nguyen, who plans to seasonally change up the menu to reflect customer feedback.

PTI
Central team roped in as dengue cases in Bihar rise to over 5000

Bihar's Gopalganj by-poll to see a tough fight between BJP and RJD

Dalit woman forced to drink urine in Bihar

Patna

oi-PTI

Patna, July 31: A Dalit woman was allegedly beaten up and forced to drink her urine by four men after branding her as a "witch" at Pipra village in Bihar's Darbhanga district, police said today.

Four persons beat up a Dalit woman and subsequently forced her to drink her urine on Thursday for allegedly practising witchcraft, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Anjani Kumar said.

The woman left the village after the incident, the SDPO said, adding that she lodged an FIR yesterday.

The incident occurred after some children of the village fell ill and some locals believed that it might be the result of witchcraft allegedly practised by the woman, he said.

PTI

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Story first published: Sunday, July 31, 2016, 8:57 [IST]
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Delaware reports highest online gambling revenue since it was legalized in 2012; Pennsylvania land-based casinos also break revenue records with a whopping $3.23 billion.

Delaware Online Gambling Hits New High

Finally, some good news from Delaware. Since the state legalized online gambling in 2012, its revenue has been less than dazzling. But a few days ago, the state reported that Junes revenue hit $304,874, the highest benchmark ever since the state legalized online gambling. This is a whopping 180 percent year-on-year increase.

The states three licensed operators all reported increases: Delaware Park, Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway and Casino.

While Delawares numbers might not seem like much when compared to New Jersey, which posted over $16 million in revenue in June, it is still a notable milestone for the less-densely populated state, which has struggled with its online gambling revenue since its inception. The hope is that revenue will continue to climb, albeit at a slightly faster pace than before.

Pennsylvania Land-Based Casinos Break Records

Another state reporting a good month of June is Pennsylvania, with their land-based casino revenue hitting its highest mark in the nine years since gambling was legalized in the Keystone state: $3.23 billion.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported that June revenue from slots and table games topped $3.2 billion, breaking the previous record by $86 million. Table games revenue alone was $839 million, showing an 8 percent year-on-year increase from 2015. Overall, total gaming revenue rose by $112 million from the previous year, an increase of 3.6 percent.

Parx Casino in Philadelphia brought in the most overall revenue - $543 million - while Sheldon Adelsons casino, Sands Bethlehem, came in a close second with $533 million.

What Does This Mean for Pennsylvania Online Gambling?

Ironically, casino magnate Adelson is one of online gamblings biggest opponents; yet Pennsylvanias successful year might just pave the way to legalize online gambling during the next legislative session. While the legislature has adjourned for the summer, online gambling is certainly an issue that will be brought up again in the fall.
Economic nationalism is on the rise. The democratic and republican primaries offer some indications of this trend. Thousands of Americans came out to hear what Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders had to say to them about the state of the U.S. economy and what needs to be done to veer course. Americans appear to be fed up with what the two parties have to offer. Deference to Wall Street and bankers upsets voters. Of course, flat wages and growing income inequality add to voters' angst. That's why the responses to the rhetoric of Trump and Sanders have been so overwhelming. Although these two men have tapped into something, the fault line between them could not be wider. Trump wants to put America first by broadly bringing jobs back and rejecting international trade agreements--TPP and withdrawing from WTO. That is commendable, but Mr. Trump appears to conflate free trade and the gains there from with trade agreements that enable US companies to produce offshore and sell their output in the lucrative US market.

Free trade enables efficient use of scarce resources and benefits consumers in the form of more varied and cheaper goods--i.e lower relative prices of foreign goods. In this scenario, goods cross borders from where they are cheaper to produce to where they are more expensive. In the US market, these goods are overwhelmingly Asian goods--Chinese and Japanese, and German capital goods. Trade in goods based on comparative advantage is not a problem. When comparative advantage is reached through tariff reduction (or elimination), some US labor adjustments will have to take place. On the other hand, when US capital migrates to where the good is produced in a foreign country, it leads to unemployment in the US.

For his part, Bernie Sanders is concerned with wealth and income distribution. He rails against the notion that the top 1 percent has as much wealth as the bottom 90 percent of the wealth and 99 percent of new income goes to the top 1 percent. He is worried about poverty, unemployment, education, and health care. (See NPR).

Sander's and Trump's platforms intersect with jobs. Both would like to bring jobs back to the US and both are against TPP as they perceive it as a continuation of international trade agreements that have worked against US workers.

Trump is new to politics, but Sanders has been in politics for 35 years. Sanders has been railing against the same ills facing the country all along, finally getting some traction in the Democratic primaries for the 2016 presidential campaign. He lost to Hillary Clinton. But he set in motion forces that he sees himself seem unable to control--moving the Democratic platform more to the left.

Donald Trump is a businessman and is new to politics. The real estate mogul is bombastic in style when promising to do things--a wall between the US and Mexico--that he might be unable to deliver if elected. While Sanders was obscure before his campaigned message catapulted him into the consciousness of the American people, Trump is well known for his business accomplishments in this country and around the world. Trump Tower is probably well known worldwide. Ironically, lots of products that bear Trump's name are made abroad in places like China, Turkey, India, Mexico, etc. I wonder does he plan to bring jobs back to the US. Or, as he promises, prevent US goods produced abroad access to the US market.

After a bruising Republican primary, Trump won the Republican nomination and will face democrat Hillary Clinton in the general election. Trump trounced established political figures like Senator Ted Cruz, Governor Jeb Bush, Senator Marco Rubio, Governor John Kasich and twelve other candidates. On the democratic side, Bernie Sanders is among the five candidates that bowed to Hillary Clinton, who was for TPP and voted for the war in Iraq.

Americans seem to be at a place where they prefer an outsider with a populist message Trump--real estate tycoon; or an insider Sanders--a self-proclaimed Democratic socialist. Donald Trump conveys a message of doom and gloom. He wants to make America great. His message seems to resonate with voters who believe the economy is headed in the wrong direction. They don't want business as usual--flat wages, mushrooming debt, crime and violence. Never mind that crime is down, the deficit is down, some states are raising the minimum wage, and the jobless rate is under 5 percent. Some Americans believe Sen. Sander's socialist ideas or Trump's business acumen would serve them better. Trump says his business experience is what is needed to put the nation on the right path. Implicit in his position is that government is a business and as such is amenable business management. However, government is not a business. It is not about maximizing profits. US government is different from business at many levels, but primarily, it is to "promote the general welfare" as written in the preamble of the Constitution.

The Federal government is the sum of state governments. State governments around the country focus laser like on budget balancing strategies as mandated by their constitutions. Budget concerns often lead to bad behavior--laying off of public workers such as teachers, firefighters, and prison workers. The motivation of this austerity is about balancing their budgets. And to promote economic growth these states prefer to cut taxes on the wealthy. The strategy does always work well for the states. Examples abound: Kansas City's austerity experiment has produced a yawning budget deficit and rising unemployment. New Jersey wants to cut pensions, which is a contract on deferred income. Wisconsin's new budget would cut education by $250 million and eliminate the "living wage". But anti-austerity policies appear to do better for the economy and the budget. Example: Minnesota raised taxes and government spending. Minnesota has a budget surplus and unemployment is under 4 percent.

A person running for president of the United States says wages are too high, is willing to default on our financial obligations, and wants to cut taxes in ways that would benefit the rich. At the risk of being accused of making a fallacy of composition argument with respect to what is good (bad) for the state is also good (bad) for the federal gone. That is not altogether true. The federal government can print money, negotiate international treaties. States can do neither. That said, I would maintain that evidence indicates austerity has not worked in countries that have tried it--Greece, of course, comes to mind.

American is a great, assertions to the contrary.
Reprinted from Consortium News

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's embrace of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who has built a national reputation for his harsh treatment of undocumented migrants and U.S. citizens of Mexican descent, is a clear signal of how Trump plans to treat Latinos if he becomes president.

While the federal courts have taken legal steps to restrain Arpaio's most flagrant actions, the elected sheriff has set the tone for the right-wing debate on immigration and has paved the way for Trump's promise to deport all 12 million undocumented people from the United State and build "the most beautiful wall you've ever seen."

For more than seven years, Salvador Reza, a Phoenix-based indigenous rights leader and long-time human rights activist with Tonatierra , has gone head to head with Arpaio and was appalled to see the sheriff on stage at the Republican National Convention. Dennis Bernstein spoke with Salvador Reza.

Dennis Bernstein: Could [you] begin by just giving us a bit of background in terms of the kind of work you've been involved in, what your struggle has been over the last 10 and 20 years?

Salvador Reza: Well, Tonatierra is an indigenous rights organization, and we see immigration tolerance through that lens. We see that we have been here for thousands of years, and these are the lands where the Aztecs migrated from. So when we defend anybody that's being persecuted by Joe Arpaio or by this racist law, we do it from that context.

We've been fighting Arpaio since 2007, when he started deporting day laborers massively from a furniture store. We were able to get him out of there, basically by almost breaking the store financially. We've been instrumental in putting pressure on Joe Arpaio everywhere he turns. He arrested me twice, once voluntarily and the second one because he wanted to teach me a lesson. And the litigation is still going on.

But then [State Rep] Russell Pierce arrested me too, for opposing his racist policies in the state legislature. So, I hate to say it, but with Trump, you know, getting up there and possibly becoming the next president, the same policies that started here in Arizona are going to be implemented nationwide. With the exception that, now with Donald Trump, you don't have a sheriff that's relying on taxpayers' money. He'll be relying on corporate money plus taxpayers' money. So that makes him more dangerous. [...] So he doesn't care whether the justice department, the judge, whatever puts pressure on Arpaio or what he stands for, because Donald Trump basically stands for Arpaio.

DB: That was a good way to set the scene for your multiple confrontations with Arpaio and the policy that he, and now Trump, represent. But let me, for a moment, ask you to give us your reaction when you heard both that [...] Arpaio would be a major supporter [of Trump], and then that [Arpaio] was given a platform [at the Republican National Convention] leading up on the day that Trump would speak. What did that mean to you? What went through your mind? How did that reverberate in your community?

SR: Well, what it means to us, and what it means to our community, is that the racist policy in Arizona, at the national level, are going to be massively pushed by the Trump administration if he gets elected. The thing is that Trump is only like a mini-me of Arpaio, with the exception that this mini-me is actually more powerful than Arpaio. Cause Arpaio is local at a county, and Donald Trump will be at the international level and the national level.

So what it means to us, the way we saw it, is very dangerous. What we predicted would happen is happening now. We didn't stop it in Arizona, we were able to squash it a little bit, but we were not able to stop it. And SB 1070 is the law of the land right now. Any police force, any police officer, can stop you for what they consider reasonable stop, and basically ask you for your documentation. And that's what is about to happen, nationwide. And to ask what it meant to us, it's a very dangerous precedent. People better hold on, because I don't think they're ready for what's coming.

DB: Can you talk ... [about] the level of violence that Joe Arpaio perpetrated on the people of Arizona, and brown people across the state [...] and very specifically, because a lot of people don't understand. I know that you were put in jail a couple of times. But just remind people some of the brutalities. Some of them led to fatalities that Arpaio propagated, forced, pushed as sort of a vigilante operation. Just so we have a taste of what he's doing on the ground, why you were able to be a little bit successful, in the courts.

SR: Arpaio, the type of damage that he inflicts upon our community, is first of all psychologica l-- the climate of fear. That is daily for a child. For example, when a parent leaves, [the child] doesn't know if he's going to have the parent back home that afternoon. The parent goes to work, he doesn't know whether he'll come back from work place, right? And, more than that, the tent city is an area where at a temperature of 115-120 degrees on the outside, getting to be 140-150 [degrees] under the tents. And that type of scenario...



Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, Arizona speaking at the Tea Party Patriots American Policy Summit in Phoenix, Arizona, Feb. 25, 2011.

(Image by (Photo by Gage Skidmore Flickr)) Details DMCA



DB: So, he created a tent city to house, and essentially subtly torture, the community that he was arresting en mass.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3

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Delta College has been selected as one of six Achieving the Dream (ATD) colleges to participate in a new initiative to engage part-time faculty as active contributors to each colleges reform efforts under the leadership of full-time faculty.

Achieving the Dream, a national nonprofit organization working with more than 200 colleges to increase student success across the country, is administering the 24-month initiative, which will help the participating colleges strengthen their relationships with their adjunct faculties to encourage instructional reform and make all faculty members skills and experiences fully available to students.

Achieving the Dream received $2.3 million from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust and the Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corporation to fund the project.

The colleges selected for the Engaging Adjunct Faculty in the Student Success Movement initiative were: Harper College (Ill.), The Community College of Baltimore County (Md.), Patrick Henry Community College (Va.), Delta College, Community College of Philadelphia (Pa.) and Renton Technical College (Wash.).

Adjunct faculty voices are essential to community college reform efforts, said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of ATD. Colleges need to involve all faculty leaders, full-time and part-time, in creating systems that allow them to be fully engaged participants in the change process.

Adjunct or part-time faculty teach more than half of all students in U.S. community colleges, frequently in students first college-level courses and developmental education courses.

The initiative will enable the participating community colleges to provide support for their adjunct faculty and create more opportunities for them to increase their knowledge of and satisfaction with professional learning and build awareness of campus resources and policies relevant to adjuncts. Policy changes could lead to improved orientation, stronger communication channels, allocation of resources, data collection and reporting, and common hiring and evaluation processes.

In addition to placing full-time faculty at the center of the initiative, colleges also are planning to review professional development systems, expand teaching and learning centers, begin faculty mentoring relationships, and revise existing policies and practices that limit adjunct facultys involvement in college culture and operations.

The initiative recognizes that adjunct faculty with close connections to their colleges can be more valuable to their students if they have access to information about college programs and resources, data on student performance and progress, and the informal knowledge developed by full-time faculty. Over time, the colleges may build capacity to include adjunct faculty in college governance structures and college-wide student success agendas.

Teams from each of the colleges will formally begin their work at a launch event on Saturday, July 30, at Evergreen State College, in Olympia, Wa. Following the one-day event, the colleges will participate in the Teaching and Learning National Institute (TLNI), co-sponsored by Achieving the Dream. The TNLI is bringing together faculty teams from 30 community colleges and four-year institutions to develop evidence-based action plans to improve instructional practices, student engagement, and student learning at their campuses.
It started as a personal challenge 13 years ago: ride 300 miles on a bike.

After that, I thought, I did that, and I can do it again, said Marilynn Marry.

And she did  nine more times.

It was during a spin cycle class in 2003 when Marry decided to venture outdoors. She joined a Midland group that rode 300 miles on bicycles from one end of the state to the other in the three-day Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour, one of Make-A-Wish Michigans biggest fundraisers. For the event this year, from July 28 to July 31, the foundation aims to raise $2.2 million to help grant wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Thirteen years and thousands of miles later, Marry, 67, is still at it, on four wheels in a vehicle rather than on two.

Now I volunteer and give my time away, she said.

The Hudson native moved to Midland in the 1970s. She worked in the medical field and retired early. Now a supporting guide in the annual bicycle tour, she travels alongside riders, helps fix flat tires, gives fatigued riders a lift to the next stop, and everything in between.

Marry said she feels a need to volunteer because she has a mind for what riders go through. She also sees what afflicted children endure. Take Juan, a 17-year-old the Midland group of 19 is riding for this year. Hes had kidney transplants and endured other ailments, Marry said.

He keeps going. Hes plugging away, she said.

The riders are, too. But their trials are more a privilege.

(I tell riders) suck it up, because theyve (the children) gone through a lot more, Marry said.

She said she hopes to see Juan at the finish again this year, and that its nice to see how theyre doing year to year.

Make-A-Wish Michigan says it has granted more than 8,500 wishes to Michigan children since 1984. Marry has seen it firsthand: a couple years ago, at a WAMmy Awards ceremony, she remembers a young lady got her wish to go to the Summer Olympics in London.

Volunteering gives Marry a lot of personal satisfaction in getting riders through the same 300-mile trek she used to do, she said. Her days now are actually longer than when she rode, helping set up and organize early before the first rider pushes the pedals to when the last rider finishes for the day.

And through the years, Marry has given more than her time; shes also donated between 21 and 22 gallons of blood. She said the industry hasnt developed a good synthetic substitute for blood, and that she knows many people cant donate. So she does, on a regular basis, for the same reason she volunteers with Make-A-Wish: because shes healthy and well, she said.

The 29th annual Wish-A-Mile Bicycle Tour starts in Traverse City early Friday morning. About 900 riders, who must raise at least $900 each, will depart and ride about 100 miles each day, making stops in Big Rapids and DeWitt before reaching Michigan International Speedway. The event closes with the Heroes Hurrah finish-line celebration, where wish kids award fatigued cyclists with medals.

Visit www.wishamile.org, or call 800 622-9474 for additional information, including volunteer and sponsorship opportunities.
In a bid to represent the 99th District in the Michigan House of Representatives, Robin Stressman brings a variety of experience and education. But, she also brings a tremendous pride in her familys military involvement.

I was an Air Force brat, she said. My dad was in the military. My husband was an Air Force brat. My son was in the military. My brother-in-law, my uncles also. Were very proud of that.

Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Stressman came back to the area while in high school.

Its a wonderful area to raise a family, said the realtor from Mount Pleasant Realty & Associates.

Following graduation from Sacred Heart Academy, Stressman earned her R.N. degree from Mid Michigan Community College and eventually a bachelor of science degree in health education and administration from Central Michigan University.

I worked for about six years as a R.N., she said.

While in South Carolina, her husband, Steve, served in the U.S. Air Force, and Stressman took a position as a police dispatcher.

That was pretty cool, it gave me another perspective, Stressman said.

Stressman will face fellow Republican Roger Hauck in the Aug. 2 primary. The winner will face off against Democrat Bryan Mielke in the Nov. 8 general election to fill the open seat because House Speaker Kevin Cotter, R-Mount Pleasant, is term limited.

Representing Edenville, Geneva, Greendale, Hope, Ingersoll, Jasper, Mills, Mount Haley, Porter and Warren townships in Midland County along with all of Isabella County, the 99th District brings a variety of people and issues. The district includes Midland County townships on the opposite ends of the economic spectrum, CMU, the Isabella Indian Reservation, a manufacturing base and plenty of agriculture.

It is diverse. That is a perfect example of how our country is and the world. We have those that have and those that dont and we all have to work together, she said. People are willing to volunteer if they know about problems.

Listening is the key quality that Stressman would bring to Lansing.

Two ears and one mouth. Listening is critical. In nursing and real estate you have to listen. You have to pay attention to what you are really hearing, she said.

That includes compromising with people from the other party. How can we compromise? Is it what will work for both people? she said.

While listening to residents of the 99th District, Stressman is hearing that voters are concerned about jobs and education.

I see it in real estate, especially when things arent selling, she said. But, things are getting better.

ECONOMY

There have to be some changes, maybe some tax changes for employers. Not the intervention that we see sometimes ... People would start more small businesses if they didnt have so many taxes or regulations. Or people have so much business and they need to hire, but are afraid to because it will put them into a new (healthcare) group.

We cant be spending our grandchildrens money.

EDUCATION

There are ways to cut some expenses. High school students can take practically their freshman year (of college) in high school. There are scholarships and other avenues. With loans, we could reward students for staying in the area. Also, maybe something like the government is doing by paying off the loans of medical students who serve in underserved areas. My son was in the military and he is doing the GI bill.

I know everybody is concerned about the money for K-12 and I know that is critical for our kids and grandkids.

The bottom line for all of us is our kids and grandkids.

If elected, Stressman would seriously consider serving on a House education committee.

VETERANS AFFAIRS

With her familys long history of military involvement, a committee assignment to veterans affairs would be an area of interest if elected.

It would be near and dear to my heart. I would love to be involved with that, she said.

HEALTHCARE

Health care is important to Stressman, being a real estate agent along with husband, Steve.

My worries are we continue to write a big check each month for health insurance, but we seem to be getting less and less for it.

STATE

I am on the Michigan Association of Realtors public policy committee. Most of us tend to be Republican. But, were all over the place politically and we work together to get things done.

Flint Water Crisis: I think the people taking care of that are trying to do the right thing. It didnt just happen now. They reacted and are getting it under control. It didnt just happen.

Law enforcement: I think we all have to do that wherever we can. If you see something wrong, you need to say something.

Stressman summed up her candidacy, We got to pay attention, read, ask questions, meet with people. Were making decisions that will affect generations. We owe that in every area, financial, life, voting, everything. Were crazy if we are not paying attention.

For more information on Stressmans campaign, visit: www.mtpleasant.net or her Facebook page: Robin Stressman for State Representative.
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department.

Thursday, July 28

12:09 a.m.  Deputies responded to a be on the lookout report from Gladwin County and stopped the vehicle in Lincoln Township. Arrested was a Beaverton man, 28, for a domestic situation that occurred in Gladwin County.

1:15 a.m.  A Sanford man, 22, was arrested for drunken driving after a rear-end collision in Lincoln Township. Two people suffered minor injuries, which did not require medical treatment.

2:46 p.m.  A deputy was sent to Saginaw and Eight Mile roads for a report of a man staggering in the road. The man was not found.

4:03 p.m.  A Midland Township woman, 51, was arrested in that township for driving on a suspended license and cited for speeding.

6:24 p.m.  Police investigated a case of fraud in the 400 block of Oakmont Grove.

8:18 p.m.  Police investigated a hit and run crash that occurred in the 1800 block of South Saginaw Road.

8:48 p.m.  A Homer Township man, 47, reported his relative received a check for $1,900 in the mail. The check was a scam.

9 p.m.  Property was stolen from a vehicle while it was parked in the 400 block of East Indian Street.

Wednesday, July 27

9:53 p.m.  A Greendale Township woman, 40, was arrested on two warrants after deputies investigated an accidental 911 hang up call.

10:55 p.m.  Deputies were sent to a report of three teens throwing things at vehicles. The boys, all age 15, were found and returned to their parents for the night.

11:12 p.m.  A Midland County Jail inmate, age 58, reported money was taken from his bank account while he was incarcerated.

Tuesday, July 26

10:40 a.m.  Officers investigated a personal protection order violation at a Jefferson Avenue address.
On the tag-line to his columns, Wayne Allyn Root describes himself as a Capitalist Evangelist, serial entrepreneur, conservative national media commentator, and proud champion of the middle class.

So what did this poor guy do? He went on HBOs Real Time with Bill Maher and opened himself up to the firing squad.

Root was asked about President Obamas recent visit to Japan, where he paid a visit to Hiroshima, the site of the first U.S. nuclear attack.

Was it appropriate? Root was asked of the presidents stop in Hiroshima on May 27.

Root then talked about how his father served in the South Pacific, fought at Okinawa and saw atrocities first-hand committed by the Japanese.

A few days later, heres what he wrote in a column about his time on Mahers show: Our nuclear bombs didnt just take lives. They saved many American (and ironically, Japanese) lives. Experts estimated the invasion of Japan would have cost at least 1,000,000 lives. Those atomic bombs actually saved far more lives than they cost. One of them might have been my father. So my answer to Bill Maher was that Im not a fan of even the appearance of apologizing for those atomic bombs, unless of course Japans prime minister is willing to come to Hawaii to apologize to the American victims of Pearl Harbor.

Root dared to speak out negatively against the presidents visit to Hiroshima  then came the blow-back. And it was intense.

I received many death threats and people wishing me a long slow painful death. Some lectured me on all the apologies we owe to Japanese survivors, American Indians, and of course, African-American slaves, Root wrote.

In reality, Root has lots of company in experiencing this type of hatred, including Breitbarts Ben Shapiro. Shapiro, a conservative, was the scheduled speaker at an event in February at California State University on the topic of censorship and diversity on college campuses. The title of his talk was billed as: When Diversity Becomes a Problem.

So what happened that night? Student protesters barricaded the entrances of a theater where he was set to deliver a speech. According to a Los Angeles-based news report, the protest was led primarily by the schools Black Student Union and Black Lives Matter chapter. There were hundreds of demonstrators, including some professors. They attempted to block students from attending the event. It was an intimidating atmosphere.

Shapiro later tweeted: We had to be escorted by a full police cordon as well as a motorcade thanks to safety concerns.

Here are two more examples published in a magazine report:

1. A year ago at the College of William and Mary, sophomore Bryan Stascavage, an Iraq veteran, wrote an opinion column for the Wesleyan Argus, the student newspaper. He was critical of the Black Lives Matter movement, particularly its anti-police rhetoric. The article contained neither name-calling nor racial stereotyping of any kind. By the next day, students were stealing and destroying newspapers around campus. The author was called a racist and the Arguss editors published an apology on the front page.

2. At Amherst College in 2015, hundreds of students filled the Robert Frost Library and demanded that students who had posted Free Speech and All Lives Matter posters go through extensive training for racial and cultural competency and possibly discipline. They wanted the administration to apologize for our institutional agency of white supremacy, among many other forms of discrimination like heterosexist, cis-sexism, xenophobia, ableism, mental health stigma and classism.

These types of incidents are becoming more commonplace, particularly on our supposedly tolerant college campuses. The name-calling, intimidation tactics, threats and hostility seem to be picking up steam in recent years.

Root, Shapiro and many like-minded others are exercising their right to free speech, and some groups and individuals just cant accept it, so they resort to intimidation tactics to get them to shut up.

Indeed, free speech is a threatening concept, especially to tyrants and bullies who are determined to get their own way.

Chris Stevens writes columns for the editorial page. Email him at stevens@mdn.net.
To the editor:

Each year, the Midland Area Community Foundation (MACF), along with a committee made up of staff and volunteers, works hard to plan and organize Midlands biggest summer festival. RiverDays has existed in some form since the early 1900s, and we are proud to carry on the tradition. RiverDays is meant to be a gift to the community and a celebration of Midland.

On July 15 and 16, thousands of our friends and neighbors joined us in Chippewassee Park for a variety of fun activities for kids and adults, culminating with a free live concert by The Verve Pipe and an outstanding fireworks display.

Over 100 volunteers are needed to make RiverDays a success, and we owe our thanks to each and every one of them. Various nonprofit organizations led the childrens activity area. Midlands morning and noon Rotary Clubs managed the beer and wine tent, while the Lions Club offered BBQ chicken dinners. Both events raised funds for great causes right here in Midland. Greater Midland Community Centers offered the River Run 5K and a morning Zumba session. Our local police and fire departments met with children and families in a fun atmosphere. Each added a unique element to the festival.

Special thanks goes to the City of Midland Parks and Public Services staff for their many hours behind the scenes. Jeff Bowen, Jim Malek, Robert Johns and Andrew Stephenson each deserve individual recognition for their time spent volunteering throughout the entire festival.

We also wish to thank this community for attending and promoting local events like RiverDays. The festival was the highest attended in recent history. Thank you for being a part of it!

SHARON MORTENSEN

MACF President and CEO
The Texas rancher was rehashing his Capitol Hill meeting over a cold beer and a not-much-warmer steak at a swanky restaurant a block or two from the White House.

It was pretty discouraging, he said as he sliced into the slab of red ribeye. That guy  his congressman  had no more idea of what he was talking about than a bluebird in a tree but that didnt keep him from talking.

I liked the picture the rancher had painted, an always-warbling bluebird rather than an ever-listening owl, so I complimented him.

Fact is, the rancher said after a long pause, I failed. You dont hear a thing when your mouths open. He didnt hear a word I said.

That 30-year-old picture came to mind after two weeks of non-stop talk from political candidates and pundits in Cleveland and Philadelphia. For anyone other than the most addicted political junkie, it was too many days of too many shouters not listening to too many speeches with too few facts and ideas.

What both party conventions did showcase, however, is a big reason why almost half of all Americans choose not to vote: Todays political arena looks more like a scream-filled asylum to avoid than an marketplace of ideas to enter. Political discussion, debate and decision, hallmarks of a functioning republic, have given way to partisan boasting, bullying and baloney.

And that goes for members of both political parties who are more ready to dig for divisive differences than search for common solutions.

For example, the House Ag Committee, either meeting as a full committee or in separate subcommittees, has held 17 hearings on every aspect of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or the old food stamp program, since January 2015. Seventeen.

Why? Because majority Republicans have long held that SNAP is too expensive, too bloated and too infested with fraud to justify its cost. SNAP costs, however, have dropped from $80 billion in 2013 to $74 billion in 2015 and, according to government forecasts, will continue to decline well into the 2020s.

Still, the majoritys too-expensive view persists, a holdover from the last farm bill debate when dozens of tea party House members fought a hard and, eventually, failed battle to reform the program. That fight was not forgotten; it delivered the current committees obsession over SNAP in which one in five ag hearings in the last two years has been used to x-ray federal food assistance programs.

Meanwhile, back on American farms and ranches, U.S. net farm income over that same period has dropped like a proverbial rock; its cratered from a record high $123.3 billion in 2013 to a forecasted $54.8 billion in 2016.

In almost any other sector of the American economy, a 3-year, 65 percent crash in overall net income would be seen as a disaster, a cataclysmic event so devastating that Congress could be counted on to quickly swing into action to examine its underlying causes and develop soon-to-be-needed solutions.

Not so in agriculture today. Neither farming or ranching  or even food, for that matter  merited more than a passing mention at either recent political convention.

At some level, that was to be expected because todays political conventions, like todays politics, are broken. They dont exist anymore to nominate a candidate, debate a party platform or explain new ideas. They exist to slander an opponent, ridicule an ideology and preempt debate.

Worse, this breakdown of politics is now seen by some as a root cause behind the breakdown of civic behavior. If leaders dont lead, why should anyone follow?

In other words, if politics wont fix growing public problems  crumbling roads, worsening schools, widening income gaps  people will find other ways, oftentimes violent, they believe will fix them.
At the far reaches of the M.J. Rhymer Family Nature Preserve in northwest Normal, nine 4-H Spin Club members were slipping large mesh hoods over their heads and pulling on lightweight long sleeve white jackets to protect their arms and upper body. Blue rubber gloves cover their hands as they test their smokers to make sure they are producing enough smoke to calm the bees they will be inspecting.

The Livingston, McLean and Woodford Extension Unit organized a Beekeeping Spin Club to allow members to participate in learning about beekeeping and bees, which are vital to the production of about a third of our food in the U.S.

Joe Sibley of Normal is their mentor.

Sibley is an active beekeeper, learning at a young age from a local beekeeper in his home town of Jerseyville, a town just north of where the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers meet. The beekeeper kept hives to pollinate sunflowers grown by Sibley's father, Vince.

Now Sibley volunteers to mentor kids in eighth grade and above. He's also the husband of the County Extension Director Bobbie Lewis Sibley for Livingston, McLean and Woodford counties.

Bobbie Lewis Sibley's grandfather, Raymond Lambert of Jacksonville, was a commercial beekeeper. Lambert had 190 hives. She remembers hot summers bottling jars of honey sitting in a hot honey house. She expects she has bottled 50,000 jars of honey. She said she would never bottle honey again but she did encourage her husband to mentor the 4-H kids in the Beekeeping Spin Club.

Accompanying the 4-Hers for their hands-on training are three of their parents and Master Naturalists Tom Pankonen of Bloomington and Patti Koranda of Heyworth.

Amy Quast, 15, of Eureka said she is interested in learning about beekeeping because it helps the environment. She said she is interested in helping fix the nationwide decline in bee colonies and hopes to get a colony of her own bees next year.

Anna Birsa, 16, of Normal, said she recently got two hives and has been interested in watching how they are building their hives.

"It's a nice hobby to have; I really like doing it," she said.

Nyla Maere, 16, of Bloomington hopes that her new colony of bees will produce honey she can eat to help lessen her allergies.

Whatever the reason these 4-H students express for wanting to learn about beekeeping, Sibley is grateful to these young people for caring about the environment enough to want to make a difference for these insects.

"It is important because the bees are struggling and we need more beekeepers. It's more of an art than anything. If you don't pass the skill from one generation to the next it will be lost."
BLOOMINGTON  When a drug dealer meets a customer in the Twin Cities, chances are the illegal transaction will occur under the watchful eye of police surveillance near a neighborhood school, church or public park  all areas Illinois lawmakers had in mind for protection when they passed drug-free zone laws.

Illinois is one of 31 states that has expanded the original intent of the law beyond the protection of school children to include nursing homes, public housing, parks, rest areas, churches and truck stops.

With more than 100 Twin City churches, about 50 public and private schools  including three college campuses  54 parks, and nine public housing complexes in Bloomington, the likelihood of completing a drug deal outside a drug-free zone in more densely populated areas is slim.

When the 40-plus mile Constitution Trail that runs through both cities is added to the list of public parks, the overlapping territory of drug-free zones makes it more probable than not that a drug sale takes place within 1,000 feet of a location that could lead to stiffer criminal penalties.

McLean Countys First Assistant States Attorney Adam Ghrist backs the law that he views as a valuable tool in law enforcements ability to combat drug sales. The separate felony charges that carry a potential prison term of 30 years also give prosecutors a powerful tool in their negotiations to resolve a case, said Ghrist.

It aids our ability to reach appropriate dispositions, he said.

In order for a controlled drug buy to take place in a protected zone, two things must happen:

Police must have someone willing to carry the cash  often a person with a pending criminal charge who is willing to work as a confidential source in hopes of obtaining some leniency in his or her case. And, the location of the drug sale must be within 1,000 feel of an area designated by lawmakers as off limits for drugs.

The location of most drug deals is chosen by dealers, not confidential sources, said Bloomington Police Chief Brendan Heffner.

I wont say its never happened, but its not the common practice, said Heffner, adding that dealers prefer familiar turf and customers they know.

The proximity near an enhanced penalty area is sometimes not known to police until after the buy, added Heffner, who also supports the state law.

Another viewpoint

Not surprisingly, defense lawyers have a different view.

"Safe zones are everywhere. You can't sell drugs without being in one. It goes on all day, every day," said Bloomington lawyer Brendan Bukalski.

Bukalski said he's represented clients who told him that the location of their drug transaction was suggested by a confidential police source.

"There are confidential sources who will do anything and everything police want them to do," he said.

Nicole Porter, director of advocacy for The Sentencing Project and co-author of a report calling for reforms to drug-free zone laws, said stiffer penalties have added to the prison population, but done little to make communities safer.

Legislators assumed that longer prison terms would solve the drug problem and it hasnt, said Porter.

At least seven states have taken steps to reduce the 1,000 feet zone to 300 feet, or to require signs to mark the borders of drug-free zones.

Such reforms would put the emphasis back on excluding drugs from protected areas  an intent that has been lost as controlled buys are conducted in neighborhoods, said Bukalski.

"Posting signs makes perfect sense. If it's really the goal to keep drugs out of certain neighborhoods, that would accomplish it," said Bukalski.

Illinois lawmakers added the first special condition to drug laws in 1985 by barring narcotics from areas around schools. Nine more locations were added from 1988 to 1999.

Critics argue that minorities who often live in urban areas where one drug-free zone overlaps with another are more likely to face enhanced penalties.

In 2015 in McLean County, African-Americans accounted for 51 of the 75 Class X felony drug charges, with 16 white and 7 Hispanic defendants  a trend that has held since 2006, according to data compiled by Illinois State Universitys Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development.

As the severity of drug charges diminishes, the majority of those arrested shifts to white defendants with African-Americans making up less than half of those charged with Class 4 felonies in McLean County, according to the ISU data.

Those numbers are not a reflection of any deliberate effort by police to arrest minorities, said Heffner, whose department reported 21 percent fewer drug arrests in 2015.

I dont think we target anybody. We get who we get, he said.

In 2015, about 18 percent of Illinois 47,165 inmates housed in state prisons were serving time for a drug offense, with five percent, or 480 prisoners, convicted of selling in a protected zone, according to data from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority.

About 82 percent of those in state custody for selling in a protected zone are African-American, 10 percent white and about 6 percent other minorities.

In 2015, the McLean County Public Defenders office handled 145 drug delivery cases where a confidential source was used by police. A review by The Pantagraph of 66 closed drug cases indicates that 37 of them included charges specifically related to a drug-free zone.

The majority of the public defender cases were settled by plea agreements with dismissal of some charges, including those involving a drug-free zone.

The fact that 28 of the defendants received probation points to the discretion used by the state's attorney's office to give suspected drug dealers a second chance before sending them to prison, said Assistant State's Attorney Jeff Horve, lead prosecutor of the county's drug unit.

The defendants who went to prison represent dealers who needed to be taken off the streets, he said.

Tony Fisher, a 55-year-old drug dealer serving 15 years for selling methadone near Franklin Park in 2013, and whose record also includes murder and armed robbery convictions, is one of those people, said Horve.

"These are dangerous individuals we don't want in our communities," he said.
BLOOMINGTON  On a regular day, Brianna Ackerman is an accounts manager at Synergy Flight Center.

On Saturday, she was a distressed pilot at the scene of a simulated plane crash.

Ackerman and more than 50 other volunteers donated their time and acting skills for an emergency drill at the Central Illinois Regional Airport conducted by McLean County Disaster Council.

The purpose was to test the capabilities of Bloomington-Normal first responders. The airport is required by the Federal Aviation Administration to practice the drill once every three years.

It was helpful to go through a situation like this. Working at the Synergy Center, its good to know what this sort of emergency would be like, said Ackerman.

For the drill, an inoperative donated plane sat in an airfield at the airport. The volunteers, painted with fake wounds and given acting instructions, were strategically placed throughout the wreckage. Some lay in the grass; others were in the plane cabin.

A signal flare released a cloud of thick, white smoke to envelop the plane.

Participating emergency responders represented the Twin City fire and police departments, McLean County Area EMS and Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority.

As firefighters and rescue workers assessed patients and helped wounded victims off the field, Ackermans script called for her to resist the orders of emergency officials.

Multiple times during the drill, she wandered back toward the plane to help victims, and firefighters steered her back to the triage area.

I had to act how a pilot would act, with a feeling of responsibility for the well-being of my passengers, she said.

The wounded were transported to Advocate BroMenn and OSF St. Joseph medical centers, where emergency room personnel practiced their response to a mass casualty incident.

After the drill, there is a debriefing session given by evaluators. Every agency learns how to improve coordination and communication strategies and tactics, said Carl Olson, executive director of the Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority.

No two incidents are ever the same. Those who participate in the drill are always very impressed with the skills, capabilities and professionalism of responders," he said. "The community is lucky to have these people."

After the drill, Dylan Ferguson, McLean County Area EMS director, said the agencies plan to speed up on-scene triage time.

We do try to induce some stress into the situation. If we dont practice these mass casualty drills, a real event is not going to be a good time to get that practice in, said Ferguson.

Shari Stahl of Springfield portrayed a patient with a lacerated cheek and a scalp cut. Her face and shirt were covered in fake blood from other victims  a way to stump EMS workers.

"I was the red herring of the exercise," she said.

At the start of the drill, smoke from the flare came through the windows of the plane.

"With the smoke in the air, I was looking around at the people lying everywhere with blood. It was a really eerie feeling and it felt very realistic," she said. "I learned the importance of cohesiveness of the response teams as they worked together to help us."
BLOOMINGTON  Bond was set at $6 million Monday in McLean County Circuit Court for a Bloomington man accused of stabbing both of his parents to death Sunday morning.

Brian Petersen, 25, was arrested at the family's home in the Lara Trace subdivision, just west of Bloomington off of Illinois 9.

He appeared at a hearing Monday afternoon where prosecutors filed four counts of murder against him.

At the hearing before Associate Judge Bill Yoder, prosecutors said Nancy Petersen, 63, was stabbed three times in the chest while sitting in a living room chair. Her husband, Bruce, 68, was stabbed in the back, but was able to call 911, said prosecutors.

She died at the scene. Her husband was transported to Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal and then transferred to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, where he was pronounced dead at 3:41 p.m. Sunday, said the McLean County Sheriff's Department and the Coroner's Office.

Their son is scheduled to appear in court again on Aug. 12.

Sheriff Jon Sandage said at 8:56 a.m. Sunday, deputies were dispatched to the Petersen residence.

Upon arrival, sheriff deputies encountered a male suspect and took him into custody, Sandage said on Sunday.

Danvers Rescue and Bloomington Fire Department paramedics were summoned to the scene where one victim was found to be deceased and another victim was found to have sustained life-threatening injuries.

Ed Heitz, a neighbor, said the day started out as a normal Sunday in the wooded subdivision.

I was out on my porch having a cup of coffee, he said. Then the deputies came in two cars and they get out and one of them was carrying his gun. I yelled Hey, what is going on? A few minutes later, they dragged the (suspect) out of the house, and he was kicking and fighting them all the way.

"They threw him in the squad car. Ive never heard anybody scream so loud in my life. They had to pull him out and hog-tie him because he was trying to kick the windows out of the car.

Heitz said he has lived three houses down from where the incident happened for 42 years.

We never have anything like this happen, he said. I dont know who called 911.

McLean County States Attorney Jason Chambers was notified of the homicide early Sunday and went to the scene with his first assistant, Adam Ghrist, to assist investigators.

Our role is to assist the police with any warrant they may think is prudent as part of the investigation, said Chambers.

Other staff from Chambers office also worked Sunday to secure a search warrant for multiple items or locations, said Chambers.

Its our first homicide in 21 months in McLean County so they (police) have our full attention, said Chambers.

Illinois State Police crime scene technicians and the McLean County Coroner's office also assisted at the scene. The McLean County Animal Control Department was also on the scene removing several pets from the residence.

Edith Brady-Lunny contributed to this story.
Most folks would say that a salary of $100,000 for a full-time job is a pretty good gig. A six-figure salary for a part-time job is the stuff of fantasy.

Except for the Illinois General Assembly, where the majority of members pull down more than $100,000 a year.

For taxpayers, the news gets worse. When other costs such as pension, mileage, per diem payments and insurance are figured in, taxpayers pay about $32 million a year on the 177 legislators, according to a new report by the Illinois Policy Institute.

Illinois legislators are the highest paid in the Midwest and fifth-highest in the nation. It should be noted that this group of 177 legislators have combined to turn Illinois into the worst-run state in the nation. Pay for performance isnt part of the formula.

All legislators earn a base salary of $67,836. Thats high. Legislators in New Mexico, for example, dont receive a salary.

But the fleecing of taxpayers doesnt stop there. Legislators can receive stipends of between $10,000 and $30,000 for holding leadership positions or serving on a committee.

These assignments are handed out like candy  67 percent of lawmakers receive some sort of stipend. The most popular appears to be either majority or minority spokesperson, which pays a little more than $10,000. Thats a pretty good sum for doing what legislators are supposed to do  communicate with the public.

But there's more. The health and dental costs of legislators are nearly $7,300 per legislator. Per diem payments for meetings and mileage reimbursements cost about another $7,700 per legislator.

Then there are pension costs. Taxpayers pay nearly $15,000 per lawmaker for the pension benefits they accrue each year, says the report. Taxpayers also pay millions of dollars every year to keep the General Assembly Retirement System afloat. Retired lawmakers receive 3 percent cost-of-living adjustments annually and can earn 85 percent of their final salary after 20 years of service.

Legislators are eligible for retirement in their 50s.

Thats one reason they fight so hard to maintain the status quo  vehemently opposing efforts to fairly draw political maps or enact term limits and kowtowing to party leaders so they can keep their cushy, well-paid jobs.

The four leaders  House Speaker Michael Madigan, Minority leader Jim Durkin, Senate President John Cullerton and Minority Leader Christine Radagno  are the highest paid members of the legislature.

Some area lawmakers are doing what they can to reduce costs. Reps. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur; Reginald Phillips, R-Charleston; and Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, dont participate in the General Assembly pension program. Phillips and Rep. Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City, don't participate in the insurance programs.

Its clear to everyone that Illinois is in for several years of both expense cutting and tax increases. Not surprisingly, legislative salaries and benefits rarely get mentioned as part of the solution.

Certainly, legislative salaries and benefits are a small part of the overall state budget problems.

However, legislators can send a message of shared sacrifice if they looked at reducing the high salaries and benefits they receive for part-time work.
SPRINGFIELD  Marijuana possession in small amounts in Illinois will be punishable by fines, but not jail time, after Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation that makes the state the third largest to decriminalize minor pot offenses.

The new law, which takes effect immediately, makes having 10 grams or less of marijuana a civil offense, punishable by a fine of up to $200. The Republican governor was expected to sign the bill because it included language he requested after vetoing similar legislation last year.

In his message to lawmakers at the time, Rauner said that existing penalties for petty marijuana offenses were too severe and that "criminal prosecution of cannabis possession is also a drain on public resources."

The new law, signed Friday, also sets a standard for what's considered too impaired to drive. Currently, any trace of marijuana is enough to be considered impaired, but marijuana advocates have long criticized zero-tolerance states' approach because marijuana can stay in a person's system for several weeks.

The new law makes the standard 5 nanograms of THC, marijuana's intoxicating chemical, in a driver's blood within two hours of consumption.

With Rauner's signature, Illinois joins 16 other states, including New York and California, that have decriminalized marijuana possession in small amounts.

The governor's office said Rauner did not have a statement on the bill signing.

Police chiefs and sheriffs have expressed reservations about changing the law and worked with Rauner for weeks to prepare for its implementation. One police chief said he's concerned more people will have access to marijuana because of the change.

"You're giving individuals more opportunities for drug usage," said Laimutis Nargelenas, a former lobbyist for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the current police chief for the Springfield Park District.

He said authorities are working on developing paperwork for traffic infractions to track how many people are driving high across the state because of the change.

The sponsors of the bill praised Rauner's action, saying the state should focus on punishing and treating people for more serious drugs.

"Fundamentally, this is about how we utilize our limited law enforcement resources," said Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Chicago Democrat.

About 100 Illinois communities, including Chicago, already give police discretion to issue citations instead of making arrests for having small amounts of the drug. Lawmakers said they were concerned that minorities were being treated differently by police when handling marijuana offenses.

"We're treating people really differently across the state, and we should be really getting out of that," said Chicago Democratic Sen. Heather Steans, another bill sponsor.

The law also would require municipalities to purge citation records for possession every six months, unless local governments decide against it. Supporters argue people shouldn't be saddled with lifelong criminal records for minor offenses that make it difficult to find employment or housing.
Oh no! Is Kate Middleton facing another set of marital problems? Marital speculations are never new to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge but recent claims suggest that Kate's facial changes and extreme weight loss are due to the stresses she's experiencing as a royal.

Throughout the years, Kate Middleton's appearance has been one of the most scrutinized features of the 34-year-old Duchess. In fact, Duchess Kate's "extreme weight loss" and "changes facial features" have sparked concern on what she might be going through as Prince William's wife.

Is Kate Middleton Unhappy With Prince William?

Royal watchers and critics have labeled Kate Middleton's changing appearances as too skinny, too stressed out and too fragile. According to Celeb Dirty Laundry, Duchess Kate has always "exhausted" during her royal public appearances, pointing out the times she looked healthy were during her pregnancies.

Interestingly, Kate Middleton's exhausted look is reportedly due to her unhappy marital life with Prince William. In spite of the fact that the royal PR team has insisted that Duchess Kate is perfectly healthy, her "tense" and "withdrawn" photos has ignited "mental health" concerns but fans should also bear in mind that judging a person's physical appearances is often subjective, meaning a person's opinion may not other person's judgment.

Kate Middleton To Appear Nude Again?

Aside from the marital issues, there were also claims that Kate Middleton's nude photos might end up on tabloids again as the Duchess of Cambridge embarked on a secret French escapade, another Celeb Dirty Laundry report noted. Hello! magazine added Duchess Kate, husband Prince William and their two kids, Prince George and Prince Charlotte flew in via the Duke of Westminster's 8 million Cessna private plane to spend their summer holiday in Pau, Pyrenees-Atlantiques, a southwestern city in France.

As a recall, Kate Middleton and Prince William sued French magazine Closer in 2012 for publishing the Duchess' topless sunbathing images while on vacation in France. As per Daily Mirror, Closer editor Laurence Pieau said that the Duchess took off her swimsuit on the terrace to perfect her tan.

Kate Middleton And Prince William Divorcing?

In addition, rumors also suggested that the royal family's secret French vacation was also a way for Kate Middleton and Prince William to fix their marital problems before their relationship ends up in another royal divorce. However, Daily Mail stressed that the Cambridges were in France to "visit relatives."

Kate Middleton And Prince William To Tour Canada?

Putting the latest rumors aside, Kate Middleton and Prince William are reportedly going to Canada this fall for a royal visit. The said trip will reportedly focus on the East Coast, with trips to Quebec and Montreal as part of the royal couple's itinerary, Daily Mail reported.

Do you think Kate Middleton and Prince William are in the middle of a marital crisis? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
Following the series' 100th episode milestone, Boston's crime busting duo Jane (Angie Harmon) and Maura (Sasha Alexander) will once again face some new challenges in the upcoming "Rizzoli & Isles" season 7 episode 9. This time, Jane will be involved in a murder trial case with a missing piece of evidence.

Prior to "Rizzoli & Isles" season 7 episode 9 titled, "65 Hours," the previous episode showed how Jane tried to solve a double murder case by going undercover in a prison. According to The Christian Times, the case involved the death of two bikers from the Lords of Thunder gang and in order to arrest the suspect, a "sting operation" was implemented.

A Major Piece Of Evidence Goes Missing In 'Rizzoli & Isles' Season 7 Episode 9

As previously mentioned, Jane will be involved in a murder case where an important piece of evidence was mysteriously stolen in "Rizzoli & Isles" season 7 episode 9, CarterMatt revealed. Since Jane has to appear in court to testify, she should figure things out ASAP but Vince Korsak (Bruce McGill) told her that the key evidence to convict the killer was already destroyed.

In addition, Maura also explained that it would be hard to prove something if they can't find the stolen piece of evidence in "Rizzoli & Isles" season 7 episode 9. When Jane realized that she can no longer prove the motive without a murder weapon, she needed to accept the fact that case might be possibly dismissed, Ecumenical News reported.

Frankie And Nina's Blossoming Romance In 'Rizzoli & Isles' Season 7 Episode 9

Aside from the court troubles, Jane will be facing in "Rizzoli & Isles" season 7 episode 9, the upcoming episode also hinted a bit of romance. In fact, the side plot of the ninth episode will reportedly concentrate on Jane's brother Frankie (Jordan Bridges) and Nina (Idara Victor) as the former tries to impress her with magic, Movie News Guide revealed.

"Jane is slated to testify at a murder trial, only to discover a key piece of evidence has been stolen," "Rizzoli & Isles" season 7 episode 9 synopsis read, as per TV Guide. "With only three days to resolve the crime, the team races to crack the case before the murderer goes free. Also: Frankie learns magic to impress Nina."

Five Episodes Left Before 'Rizzoli & Isles' Season 7 Finale

As fans await "Rizzoli & Isles" season 7 episode 9 premiere on Monday, Aug. 1 at 9 p.m. on TNT, five more episodes are left before the series will sign off on television, Design & Trend noted. Following Harmon's directorial debut, Alexander will now be put under the spotlight as she helms the series' 11th episode titled, "For Richer or Poorer," which is set to premiere on Aug. 15, CarterMatt learned.

Are you excited for "Rizzoli & Isles" season 7 episode 9? Share your thoughts below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
"Outlander" Season 3 is about to begin production anytime soon and fans are already hoping to see the next season of the Starz time traveler series back on TV. Spoilers reveal that the new season, which will be based on Diana Gabaldon's "Voyager," will see a darker side of Frank. What does this mean for Jamie and Claire?

This article contains spoilers. Read on if you want to learn more about the details of this story.

"Outlander" Season 3 spoilers tease that fans and viewers might see nice Frank (Tobias Menzies) transform into someone darker next season. According to Vanity Fair, Maril Davis and Ron Moore shared some interesting details about the characters next season.

"There are certain things about Frank in 'Voyager' that come out that he's not so nice a guy," said Davis.

However, Davis noted that this side of Frank may no longer be explored in "Outlander" Season 3 because the way they portrayed Frank on TV was different from that of Diana Gabaldon's books. Fans and viewers will no longer see much of Black Jack Randall as well because his and Frank's stories end in Season 3.

Meanwhile, Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie, recently held a Twitter Q&A and shared some of his thoughts on "Outlander" Season 3. According to the Scottish actor, he is looking forward to meeting John Grey next season.

Those who have read the books are well aware of the fact that Lord John Grey is a closeted man who has some feelings for Jamie. In "Outlander" Season 3, many fans are looking forward to his and Jamie's interactions as well as the reunion between Jamie and Claire (Caitriona Balfe).

"Outlander" Season 3 premieres in 2017 on Starz.

What are you looking forward to seeing in "Outlander" Season 3? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!


"Hawaii Five-0" Season 7 will circle around the theme of "legacy" after McGarrett just went through a life and death situation and lost another member of his team. While there have been speculations that the upcoming season of the CBS drama will be its last, executive producer Peter Lenkov addressed the rumors and teased some exciting details for the new season.

This article contains spoilers. Read on if you want to learn more about the details of this story.

"Hawaii Five-0" Season 7 spoilers tease on the possibility of a happily ever after kind of story for McGarrett (Alex O'Loughlin) next season. According to Carter Matt, executive producer Peter Lenkov recently teased the return of McGarrett's mom.

The publication noted that his mom's return will take place at the CBS series' 150th episode, which will also see the return of McGarrett's fiance, Catherine Rollins (Michelle Borth). "Hawaii Five-0" Season 7 spoilers tease on a possible reunion between McGarrett and Catherine, especially since they almost got engaged.

With the return of McGarrett's mom and fiance came rumors that McGarrett and Catherine will get married in "H50" Season 7. Fans are hoping to see a happy ending for McGarrett and Catherine and they are expecting that the events of Season 7 will lead them to this story.

Yahoo! TV also noted that Lenkov recently shot down rumors that "Hawaii Five-0" Season 7 will serve as its series finale. According to the publication, rumors about the show coming to an end began after Jimmy Buffet referred to the upcoming season of "H50" as "the last season."

Lenkov responded to Buffet's statements on Twitter, wherein the executive producer said that the information Buffet got was wrong. "Hawaii Five-0" Season 7 will reportedly live on for more seasons.

Do you think McGarrett and Catherine will get married in "Hawaii Five-0" Season 7? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!


"High School Musical 4" has already begun its casting call for new characters to brace the popular Disney movie franchise. While the upcoming movie will feature a completely different cast, rumors are rife that Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens will make a surprise appearance.

This article contains spoilers. Read on if you want to learn more about the details of this story.

"High School Musical 4" will feature an entirely different set of cast and characters from its first three instalments. According to E! News, the upcoming sequel will no longer feature Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, or Corbin Bleu.

As a matter of fact, "High School Musical 4" will not feature any of the original cast members at all! This led to disappointment among fans and viewers who have been awaiting for the announcement of a sequel to "High School Musical 3."

Many fans have also been looking forward to the reunion between Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron. Fans thought that "HSM 4" would be a great avenue to bring the former lovers back together at least on the big screens, if not in real life.

Despite the announcement that "High School Musical 4" would feature different cast and characters, fans remain optimistic that Efron and Hudgens would make a surprise appearance in the movie. After all, it is the Disney franchise that launched their careers in Hollywood.

While Efron and Hudgens' involvement in "HSM4" remains to be seen, Vanity Fair announced that Disney recently joined forces with Bad Lip Reading to create a spoof of "High School Musical." The YouTube channel launched its bad lip reading version of the popular Disney franchise on July 11, which attracted younger fans who have not yet watched any of the instalments of the movie franchise.

Do you think Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens should appear on "High School Musical 4?" Share your thoughts in the comments section below!


HBO has just renewed "Ballers" for Season 3 as series lead Dwayne Johnson, who plays Spencer Strasmore, announced. This "Ballers" Season 2 victory notwithstanding, Episode 4 ("World Of Hurt") has Spencer Strasmore in cahoots with Joe (Rob Corddry) as they plot to find an armor chink in business rival Andre Allen (Andy Garcia).

The Undefeated reports that "Ballers" Season 2 is enjoying an average of 1.4 million viewers per episode. The "Ballers" Season 3 renewal that Dwayne Johnson announced is not surprising at all.

Dwayne John announced the "Ballers" news on social media, thanking supporters as well as creator Stephen Levinson. Dwayne Johnson took the time can highlight that the HBO "Ballers" series is, in fact, close to his own story.

"Now that you know there's gonna be a ['Ballers'] Season 3.. you'll be watchin' this season with a different eye," Dwayne Johnson said. "Enjoy and have fun with it and above all else... Ball so hard."

The Undefeated cited a fan commendation on how "Ballers" Season 2 is going deeper into the plot. Indeed, "Ballers" Season 2 does explore the characters alongside Spencer Strasmore more closely now.

In "Ballers" Season 2 Episode 3, "Elidee," the show explored the pros and cons for Spencer Strasmore on his connection with Andre Allen. Now in "Ballers" Season 2 Episode 4, "World Of Hurt," Spencer Strasmore and Joe will dig into weaknesses that Andre Allen may be hiding.

Carter Matt, however, reports that Spencer Strasmore has to stay on top of the Vernon Littlefield (Donovan W. Carter) situation despite his concerns in "Ballers" Season 2 Episode 4. After advising Vernon in "Ballers" Season 2 Episode 3 to conceal his injury, Spencer Strasmore has to consider that the athlete has volatile anxieties.

Alongside Spencer, other "Ballers" Season 2 characters as Jason (Troy Garity), Ricky Jerret (John David Washington), and Charles Greane (Omar Benson Miller) have their own issues going on. "Ballers" Season 2 Episode 4, "World Of Hurt" airs on HBO on August 2016.
Most 10-year old kids just study at school and play at home. But this is not the case for Blake Kroll, who had an impossible mission turn into an accomplishment. This 10-year old kid from Kewaunee County north of Milwaukee raised 20,000 US Dollars to give to the Children's hospital in Wisconsin.

Kroll auctioned off his pig for $500 at the county fair and then donated all his earnings to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. But the pinch in his heart never left so such generous donation did not stop. Kim Kroll, Blake's mom told CNN that, "when others saw her son's generous donation they raised their paddles at auction to chip in as well. First, one person offered to cover the $500 that Blake was donating... and it was like a chain reaction. It's phenomenal because we are small community. Everyone knows everybody." Because of that, within minutes, around 31 businesses decided to donated too and thousands of dollars were raised.

It did not stop there. When the auction ended, people are still mailing checks and cash donations to the Kroll family until the amount has reached $20,000. What a blessing to the world to see such heart from the little one.

Kim said that Blake has been going to hospitals for his own medical problems and the desire to help was like a seed implanted in his heart to give back to the doctors and even to the kids he sees in the hospital. Blakes heart is out of gratefulness too that he is still blessed to feel better than other kids who are in worse condition compared to his.

Blake presented the $20,000 to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin on Wednesday, July 27. The hospital spokesman, Andy Brodzeller, accepted it and thanked the little guy for his great heart. The Children's Hospital of Wisconsin plans to set up a special nameplate as recognition for the generous gift.

The family of Blake is still receiving donations up to this day. How far can the fundraising go? No one knows. Perhaps Blake can establish a foundation to help more kids in America and the world sooner or later.
With the play selling out on London's West End theater district and the play script book performing well in book charts worldwide, fans have been searching for more Harry Potter and the Cursed Child News. The play, which will serve as a sequel of the book series, will concentrate on Harry's son Albus Severus and his friendship with Draco's son, Scorpius.

In the latest in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child News, the just-released play script, both for the two parts of the play, has already been released, becoming the most preordered book since the last Harry Potter entry in the official book series, Market Watch reported. Script books usually do not have that high of an awareness level, even with the Broadway craze that has swept Hollywood lately. Even the script book for Hamilton did not have that big of a response.

In more Harry Potter and the Cursed Child News, J.K. Rowling has revealed that she will work with the play's producers to bring the production into other cities around the world. "We really hope to take this play to as many places as it is feasible to take it. So a lot of them will get to see this play." Rowling has especially praised fans for not revealing spoilers on social media, the BBC reported.

For more Harry Potter and the Cursed Child News, please check back for more updates. What do you think of these recent Harry Potter and the Cursed Child news? Do the readers care whether the play/script and book was written by J.K. Rowling? Has it been a satisfying sequel to the great Harry Potter book series? Let us know in the comments. Watch the interview of J.K. Rowling during the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child gala below.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/mormon-church-pulls-missionaries-out-of-turkey.aspx?PageID=238&NID=102235&NewsCatID=341

Also:

Church Statement on Volunteers in Turkey

Ive seen some mocking comments on ex-Mormon message boards  mocking and indignant are, on the whole, the only kind of comments some of them ever post  making fun of the Churchs use of the term volunteers to describe its representatives there.

Anybody familiar with the contemporary Middle East, though, knows that the word missionary (or its Arabic, Turkish, Hebrew, or Persian equivalents) has a very negative and potentially dangerous connotation there. Moreover, since (rightly or wrongly) it carries with it allegations of using material inducements to lure Muslims into abandoning their faith, and so forth, it seems to me wise to avoid it. Volunteer is, of course, completely accurate and appropriate; it doesnt carry the negative baggage with it that missionary does; and it rightly doesnt suggest any kind of lucrative professional career in turning Muslims into Christians.

We have good, longtime friends who remain there, even after the younger volunteers have been withdrawn. We wish them all the best, and pray for them, as well as for the local members, some of whom we know.

Posted from Newport Beach, California
The fact that the president of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela, was attending World Youth Day should have given it away. The immediate fact that he was sitting next to Polands president during the closing Mass today should have also given it away. The announcement by Pope Francis was received with an enormous cheer: I am happy to announce that the next World Youth Day  after the two that will be held on the diocesan level  will take place in 2019 in Panama.

There were rumors that it would be in Seoul, South Korea. A few people asked me about another rumor that it would be in Atlanta, Georgia. I had also heard Panama. Now we know for sure.

Perhaps some are surprised about the choice. Panama City is a very modern city of 1.5 million. There are plenty of attractions to visit including the old Spanish city and the canal. Located in the middle of the Americas, it is conveniently located for millions of Catholics. Almost half of the worlds Catholics live in the Americas, so the crowds in 2019 should be enormous.

It seems appropriate that Pope Francis would want to hold this event in Latin America. He is already a celebrity for all Latin Americans, despite our many differences.

Over two million present at the closing Mass of World Youth Day not only heard this announcement (which everyone anxiously awaited) but most importantly, they heard a well crafted homily where the Pope preached on the Gospel passage of Zacchaeus. Pope Francis delivered beautiful, encouraging, hope-filled words. Using Zacchaeus as an example, Francis told the youth not to be afraid, to be bold, to seek goodness, and to dream. Just as he did not allow his limitations to keep him back, we must go forward fearless to evangelize. The Pope reminded them that World Youth Day continues in their homes since that is where Jesus wants to go, just as he wanted to go into Zacchaeus house.

After the Mass concluded, the skies opened and it poured over the pilgrims. I heard even hail fell in Krakow. Thankfully, these past days we were blessed with beautiful weather.

Now millions return home.

Now starts the true purpose of World Youth Day.

May the lessons and experiences of these past days spread throughout the world as the young people (and the not so young) return to their homes and communities having been strengthened in their faith. May these days continue to bear great fruit.
Patna: Succumbing to the pressure from his 'Bade Bhai' and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday made an about turn on his decision to include 'toddy' in the list of prohibited alcohol drinks under the current prohibition laws in Bihar.

Yadav, who is known to have a taste for toddy since his college days, was said to be miffed with Kumar's decision to include toddy in the list of banned liquors. Insiders said the RJD chief had personally talked to the Chief Minister asking him to exclude toddy from the list of banned alcoholic drinks by citing the plight of the 'Pasi' community that depends on toddy business for survival.

Talking to the reporters in Patna on Saturday, Bihar Excise and Prohibition Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan, much to the relief of the Pasi community and the RJD President himself, said that there would be no ban on sale and consumption of toddy in the state.

He, however, did not explain why the sudden change in the heart of Nitish Kumar who was increasingly being seen as someone who had abandoned other important issues concerning Bihar in favor of turning into a full time prohibition evangelist to spread his message of the ill-effects of alcohol and its negative impact on the social fiber of the nation.

It may be recalled that it was Yadav who made toddy tax-free during his rule in the '90s.

Meanwhile, opposition against Nitish Kumar's new Excise policy continued to balloon on Saturday as several of his own party members and opposition leaders continued to criticize him for acting like a tyrant with no regard for the nation's law.

BJP legislator Nitin Navin also ripped the Chief Minister on his latest diktat involving prohibition policy saying since Nitish Kumar was the head of the state, he should also be held responsible for liquor found anywhere in Bihar.

"If the entire family can be jailed for the crime of one person, the Chief Minister, who is the head of the state, should also be jailed along with other family members," Navin said adding Nitish Kumar was setting up a dangerous precedent by introducing police state in Bihar.

"Nitish Kumar, in order to appease the minority community, is hell bent on turning Bihar into a Sharia state. Today he has authorized to arrest all adult members of a family if a bottle of alcohol is found in the home; soon, he will order men and women stoned to death if found to be drinking alcohol in their home or public places. This is a very dangerous trend and must be opposed by all," said a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activist.
3 states behind leaking data on Iran nuclear program: Official

07/31/16

Source: Press TV

A senior Iranian official says three countries were involved in the leak to the media of confidential information about the country's long-term nuclear program, which prompted a strong protest from Tehran.

"Our assumption is that three countries have a role in leaking this data and we have also lodged a protest over the issue," spokesman for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) Behrouz Kamalvandi said on state television on Saturday.

Earlier this month, the Associated Press cited a classified document which said Iran's scaling back of its nuclear program under last year's agreement with the P5+1 group of countries "will start to ease years before the 15-year accord expires."

Iran held the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) responsible for the leak, saying it had asked the agency to keep the data confidential. The IAEA, however, denied disclosing the confidential data.

Kamalvandi further said Tehran is "not afraid of" the disclosure of the entire documents but they were not supposed to be available to international media "so quickly."

The official added that Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) is in possession of the document on Tehran-IAEA cooperation, which is "highly confidential, while relevant authorities are also aware of the content.

Iranian "lawmakers will be provided with the document if the SNSC deems it necessary," Kamalvandi stated. He said even the disclosure of the entire information "cannot harm our security and nuclear activities."

Elsewhere in his remarks, Kamalvandi accused Washington of having a hand in the leak, saying such actions are "politically-motivated" amid heated election campaigns in the US.

The IAEA has protocols to protect confidential data, but the agency is "under the influence of political powers like the [United Nations] Security Council," Kamalvandi said.

He added that Israel is under fire by members of the IAEA Board of Governors over its nuclear work, but the regime refuses to publicly declare the number of its nuclear warheads, which is estimated to stand between 200 and 400.

On January 16, Iran and the P5+1 group of countries - the United States, Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany started implementing the JCPOA which they reached on July 14, 2015.

Under the nuclear agreement, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program and provide enhanced access to international atomic monitors in return for the termination of all nuclear-related sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

On the same of inking the JCPOA, Iran and the IAEA signed a road map for cooperation on Iran's nuclear program.
Iran: Reformist Newspaper Editor's Prison Sentence Reduced on Appeal

07/31/16

Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran

The seven-year prison sentence of reformist newspaper editor Ehsan Mazandarani has been reduced to two years on appeal, his brother-in-law Sam Hosseini told the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran.



Ehsan Mazandarani



We are happy that the Appeals Court reduced the harsh sentence against Ehsan, but we still expect him to be freed because he has done nothing against the law to deserve prison, said Hosseini.

On July 27, 2016 Mazandaranis lawyer Hooshang Pourbabaei said that he had heard about the reduced sentence but had not received the courts verdict in writing.

I cannot comment on the Appeals Courts ruling because I have not received the verdict and we dont know which punishment of his two charges was reduced by the judge, said Pourbabaei, adding that he expects to receive the official verdict on July 31.

Mazandarani, the editor-in-chief of the reformist Farhikhtegan newspaper, was arrested by the Revolutionary Guards Intelligence Organization as part of an escalating crackdown on reformist and independent journalists on November 2, 2015. He was charged with assembly and collusion against national security and propaganda against the state and sentenced to seven years in prison by Judge Mohammad Moghisseh of Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court on April 26, 2016.

Mazandarani was granted furlough (temporary leave) for three days on July 5, 2016 after a 50-day hunger strike in Tehrans Evin Prison to protest prison conditions and the authorities refusal to free him on bail until the Appeals Courts ruling.
Sand Storms Turn Some Regions in Iran into "Hell"

07/31/16

By Fatemeh Aman (This article was first published by the Atlantic Council)



Sandstorm in Zabol, southwestern Iran in July 2016 (photo by Islamic Republic News Agency)



Iran is facing a series of environmental disasters this summer, including forest fires, record heat indexes in some provinces and sandstorms threatening the capital, Tehran.

Namak (Persian Salt) Lake in Qom province, which once measured 200,000 hectares, has completely dried up because of climate change, the ill-considered construction of tens of dams and depleted underground water resources.

According to Seyed Ahmad Shafie, deputy director of the office of environmental protection for Qom, four centers of dust and sand with a total area of 40,000 hectares have been identified in the former lake bed. There is no village in a radius of 50 kilometers around the lake and all plant coverage of the land has been completely destroyed, he said.

The dust and sand are threatening neighboring provinces including Tehran, he said. Salt accumulated over the years as the lake dried up is spread by the wind and is destroying the fertility of agricultural land.

Seyed Rahman Daniali, the head of the environmental protection office of Qom province, has compared the crisis to that afflicting Urumieh Lake in Irans northwest. He says officials need to be involved at a national level and make expanding urban green spaces a priority. He blames authorities who have done little and dont understand the extent of the crisis for the current dire situation.

Unfortunately, the crisis in Qom province is only one of many in Iran.

According to Khoda Karam Jalali, a deputy minister and head of Irans Forest, Range and Watershed Management Organization, policies that have deprived wetlands of an adequate share of water have turned one million hectares of wetlands into centers of dust and haze.

The situation is especially acute in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan along the Afghan border.

There are ongoing efforts both at the national and international level to revive the Hamoun Lakes, trans-boundary wetlands on the Iran-Afghan border. The three lakes are linked and fed by water from Afghanistans Helmand River. But a combination of drought, diversion of water for irrigation, construction of four reservoirs in Sistan-Baluchistan and dykes on the border has diverted water from the Hamouns.

The dried-up lakes create fine dust particles that are causing a serious public health crisis. The regions economy has also been devastated and thousands of villagers have fled their homes. Low employment and severe poverty have led to more drug trafficking in the Hamoun region. The so-called wind of 120 days - a period of intense storms that start in the last month of spring and persists through the summer, has now extended to 160 days with higher velocity winds.

According to Alireza Khosravi, director of the Tourism and Cultural Heritage Center in the city of Zabol, in the past people would use the120-days wind to power windmills and cool the air. However, the dried wetlands and river beds have turned the wind into sand storms. The wind that would cool the soil in the past has turned the region into hell, Khosravi said.

The UN Environment Program has worked with Iran and Afghanistan to try to rehabilitate the Hamouns. According to Masoumeh Ebtekar, a vice president of Iran and head of its Environmental Protection Organization, authorities are revising irrigation methods and agricultural use of about 46,000 hectares of land in Sistan-Baluchistan to make farming more sustainable. Another UN organization, UNESCO, has designated the Hamoun lakes as a UNESCO biosphere reservoir.

Ebtekar says other measures are being considered including new studies to discern the origin of the dust and securing international support through diplomatic exchanges for rehabilitating the Hamouns. Ebtekar also plans to hold workshops with Afghanistan and called for greater coordination between different institutions and ministries in Iran to deal with the Hamoun crisis.

The sandstorms coincide with extremely high heat indexes in southwest Iran. In Bandar Mahshar, in Khuzistan province on the Persian Gulf, the heat index - combining temperature and humidity - rose above 140 degrees Farenheit on July 22.

Decades of poor water management, depleting underground water, and policies of development that failed to consider the impact on the environment and ecosystems, have taken a toll on Irans environmental future. As President Hassan Rouhani recently admitted at a conference of world mayors and city councils in Tehran, slowing down this catastrophic degradation which was viewed by some people as a luxury is now an absolute necessity. Rouhani added that sustainable development, if not accompanied with protection of the environment, will not guarantee the lives and well-being of people.




Iran spurs Japan on $10 billion investment plan

07/31/16

Source: Press TV

A senior Iranian official has called on Japan to move faster on rolling out a credit package worth $10 billion for investment in Iran. Japan signed a bilateral investment treaty and an agreement for a $10 billion debt guarantee for Iran in February after Tehran reached a nuclear accord with the US, EU, China and Russia.

"It is expected that the $10 billion credit line which Japan intends to allocate to various sectors of the Iranian economy will be put into effect sooner," Amir-Hossein Zamaninia, Iran's deputy minister of petroleum for commerce and international affairs, said on Saturday.

Petroleum and other energy sectors are viewed as a key target of the Japanese investment, with the debt guarantee allowing its companies to invest without significant risk.

Tokyo lifted sanctions against Tehran in February to allow Japanese companies to invest in Iran's oil and gas sector after the nuclear agreement was reached.

Zamaninia lauded Japan as a "good partner" for Iran, saying the Asian country planned for "an active presence in Iran's petroleum industry" after the lifting of the sanctions.

"The Japanese intend to invest in various oil industry sectors including petrochemicals and LNG," he told the official IRNA news agency.

For the debt guarantee, Iran is about to use export credits by Nippon Export and Investment Insurance or special loans arranged by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

Iran will also provide financing in Japanese yen which is very important to facilitating investment, as international transaction in US dollar with the Islamic Republic is still prohibited under remaining American sanctions.

"The Japanese are currently assessing the situation in order to decide how to invest in Iran's petroleum industry," Zamaninia said.

Japan's oil imports from Iran have been recovering from the lowest levels in 2011 when they nearly halved after Tehran came under strict Western sanctions.

Earlier this month, Japanese oil refiner TonenGeneral Sekiyu bought its first oil from Iran since becoming independent from US oil major Exxon Mobil Corp, it was reported on Friday.

Japan has reportedly imported 192,180 barrels per day of Iranian crude between January and May this year, up 1.9 percent from the same period a year ago.

Japanese buyers are said to be interested in hiking purchases of Iranian oil on a spot basis but Zamaniania said they mostly look to buying Iranian condensate and light crude.

"Tokyo currently has limits on the use of crude oil, so they are not looking to increase crude oil imports, rather they have been demanding increasing the purchase of gas condensate," he said.

The Japanese have a well-established background in Iran's petrochemicals, having built the Bandar Imam complex in Mahshahr. They have also shown interest in Iran's LNG plans.

Iran had granted preferential rights to Japan's state-owned Inpex Corp. to develop the country's South Azadegan oilfield but the company withdrew from the project in 2010 due to US pressures.
US-made aircraft allowed to fly to Iran

07/31/16

Source: Press TV

The US has taken another minuscule step toward easing trade restrictions against Iran, allowing international companies to fly American-made aircraft to the Middle Eastern country.



Imam Khomeini International Airport in southern Tehran (file photo)



Iranians are increasingly becoming uneasy about the consequences of a landmark nuclear deal with the West and other countries, which was presumed to put an end to years of sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

However, top Iranian authorities have accused Washington of deception as a series of contradictory signals and ambiguous laws have deterred companies from dealing with Iran.

Faced with Iran's criticism, the US government has taken some perfunctory measures in an effort to dispel increasing qualms about its commitment to the nuclear agreement known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

On Friday, the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a license allowing US-made planes to have "temporary sojourn" in Iran.

It means international airlines could use US-made planes or planes with US parts in their flights to Iran without being worried about possible punitive action by the American government.

The new decision, however, is more symbolic because international airlines have already been frequently flying US-built aircraft to Iran.

According to Jonathan Epstein, an attorney at Holland & Knight in Washington, the new license would provide greater assurance to aviation companies, especially lessors.

"Technically there was no legal way to fly to Iran, so US lessors tended to say no, or it caused a lot of angst in the US leasing community that these planes were being flown there," Epstein told Reuters.

Friday's announcement resolved some of the ambiguity surrounding such trips, he said. "It was technically not allowed but was akin to speeding," Epstein said.

The permission, however, comes with a number of strings attached.

Under the US Treasury's requirements, the planes would stay in Iran no longer than 72 hours at a time.

The license also only covers fixed-wing aircraft rather than aircraft like helicopters. Companies further are not allowed to store spare parts in Iran, among other conditions.

Iran Air and Boeing reached a memorandum of agreement in June, under which the US aviation giant would sell a total of 80 aircraft to Iran and help the country lease a further 29 under a $25 billion contract.

However, a groundswell of opposition is building up among pro-Israeli politicians in the US against plans to sell aircraft to Iran.

Earlier this month, the Republican-controlled US House of Representatives approved measures to block the sale of Boeing aircraft to Iran.

Boeing's European rival Airbus is also awaiting Washington's approval of an agreement with Tehran over the purchase of 118 planes, worth over $27 billion.

Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg said this month that if Boeing can't sell airplanes to Iran Air, then nobody should be able to.
Crews continued to battle a massive wildfire near Californias Big Sur that is threatening thousands of homes as another one broke out in Fresno County and quickly spread, prompting the evacuation of 300 homes near dry, rolling hills.

The fatal blaze north of Big Sur grew overnight to 59 square miles, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Sunday.

The wildfire has destroyed 57 homes and 11 outbuildings and is threatening 2,000 more structures. It was 15 percent contained Sunday morning.

More than 5,000 firefighters are battling the wildfire that killed a bulldozer operator working the fire line.

The blaze, about the size of San Francisco, has also scared away tourists who are cancelling bookings after fire officials warned that crews will likely be battling a wildfire raging in steep, forested ridges just to the north for another month.

In Central California, a fast-moving fire forced people to evacuate at least 300 homes on the path of the Fresno County blaze being fueled by hundreds of dead trees. Residents of the rural area surrounded by rolling hills told reporters they scrambled to evacuate with their animals as the wind-driven blaze swept through dry slopes.

The 1,000-acre wildfire started Saturday afternoon off Gooseberry Lane and Morgan Canyon, south of the town of Prather. The blaze was 5 percent contained Sunday morning, Cal Fire said.

The fire is burning in an area with many dead trees, Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant said.

We watched it explode, coming across Old Millerton Road, and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger, Dana Bays told KFSN-TV.

Highway 168, closed from Millerton Road to Auberry Road in Prather, reopened Sunday, Fresno County Sheriffs Office said.

On the outskirts of Los Angeles, crews had nearly surrounded a 65-square-mile blaze that killed one man and destroyed 18 homes. That fire was 93 percent contained Sunday, nine days after it broke out in suburban Santa Clarita and spread into the mountainous Angeles National Forest, officials said. Authorities have not determined the cause.
THANKS TO THE HERO Program A HOMEOWNERS NEW AIR CONDITIONER generates ease in hosting events.

Shari Todd loves to open up her home to guests. Every Friday morning for the last nine years, the mother of two boys, ages 12 and 21, has hosted a Friday Fun Run at 5:30 a.m. sharp (umm, maybe not so fun) at her house in Redlands: a 3 to 6 mile workout followed by a breakfast of oatmeal and coffee. In addition, Todd frequently hosts girls night out on Friday evenings, as well as Taco Tuesdays. The thing is, for the past three years, Todds air conditioning system hasnt worked very well making the 4 bedroom, two story home she purchased in 2010 uncomfortable during the hot months. And you dont want to be around Todd when the heat is on. I get angry when it gets hot, she says with a laugh. Recently, after seeing her electricity bill climb to $500 during the summer and fall months without realizing much benefit from her air conditioning system, Todd decided to do something about it: Replace it. She previously had gussied up her home by refinishing the kitchen cabinets, replacing the kitchen counters, repainting the interior, and replacing the floors they were kind of gross, she says.

Todd, an operations manager for a land surveying company, was referred by one of her supervisors to Burgesons Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. in Redlands, a family run business that has been serving the Inland Empire since 1949. The helpful folks at Burgesons told Todd about the HERO Program, that since its inception in 2011, has financed $1.65 billion in earth friendly home improvement projects throughout California. The HERO Program allows homeowners to choose from dozens of water or energy saving upgrades, all of which are certified to meet state and federal efficiency standards. Participants in the HERO Program select from financing terms ranging from 5  20 years, depending on the useful life of the installed products, and make payments through voluntary assessments on their property tax bill. HERO has allowed many homeowners to replace grass with turf, install double paned windows and make a host of other home efficiency improvements affordable by spreading the payments over time.

Todd would have had to dip into her savings or squirrel away even more money to pay for a new air conditioning system down the line, had it not been for the HERO Program. It gives a homeowner more options to improve the comfort of their home, says Todd, who says she is considering in the future using the HERO Program to switch to drought tolerant landscaping. For now, shes thrilled with her new air conditioning system, which Burgesons installed

in May.

Her latest electricity bill? A much more comfortable sub $200
A growing number of Southern California law enforcement organizations and leaders are voicing objections to a state ballot measure that would legalize recreational marijuana, saying it would make the state less safe.

San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos said the initiative to legalize marijuana will do nothing to curb black-market activity in California.

He is one of several law enforcement officials who are actively opposing the measure, a group that includes the Riverside Sheriffs Association, the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs and the California Police Chiefs Association.

RELATED: Why Upland is choosing a different route to ban marijuana

Law enforcement remains one of the most influential voices when it comes to debating issues such as marijuana legalization, according to Dan Schnur, director of the Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics at USC. And their credibility doesnt seem to have declined, he said, despite recent controversies surrounding the relationship of police and community.

But marijuana legalization advocates have collected 40 times more campaign cash than opponents. And with fewer Republican leaders in California who can help raise money for causes backed by police, Schnur wonders if law enforcements anti-pot megaphone will be big enough to be heard by voters.

Proposition 64 would allow Californians 21 and older to possess up to an ounce of marijuana and grow as many as six plants. The measure would prohibit driving while impaired, giving cannabis to minors or consuming it in public. It also includes provisions for licensing, testing, labeling, advertising and local control over marijuana businesses.

But some public safety officials contend the measure doesnt go far enough to drive out illicit sales, keep roads safe and protect young people.

We are concerned that this proposition is bad public policy and does nothing to prevent advertising and marketing to children and teenagers near parks, community centers and child-centric businesses, said Tom Dominguez, president of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs, which recently donated $5,000 to the opposition campaign. It is a danger to our youth and the communities we have been sworn to serve.

This week, the association joined 97 organizations, politicians and community leaders who are opposing Prop 64. They include Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckus, Costa Mesa Police Chief Robert Sharpnack and El Monte Police Chief David Reynoso.

You hear people say its not as bad as alcohol. But if you smoke marijuana and drive, it does impair you, said George Hofstetter, president of the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, which has donated $10,000 to oppose legalization. I hope we can get the word out there, but theres a lot of support for it right now.

The anti-Prop. 64 Coalition for Responsible Drug Policies has raised $159,150. Proponents of legalization have raised $6.5 million, with more than three months to go before the Nov. 8 election.

The legalization effort lists 112 endorsers, including some law enforcement organizations, such as the National Latino Officers Association, Blacks in Law Enforcement of America and Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. Likewise, it includes a number of public safety leaders, though most who are speaking out in favor of marijuana are retired.

Its time for law enforcement to admit that the drug war has been a failure, said Nick Morrow, a former Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy who is advocating for Prop. 64. Marijuana is not going to go away if you do nothing. I dont see the rationale in not regulating it.

Legalizing marijuana will generate significant tax revenue, but public safety officials are divided over whether California will come out ahead in the end.

Prop. 64 establishes a 15 percent sales tax, plus a tax by weight for growers. The Legislative Analysts Office estimates the taxes will generate up to $1 billion each year, which will be directed to cover the cost of the program, invest in research, offset environmental impacts and boost law enforcement.

Marijuana today is the largest cash crop in the state of California and it is untaxed, unregulated, said Jim Gray, a retired Orange County Superior Court judge who is campaigning for Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson. Its time that this change.

The Legislative Analysts Office also reports that California law enforcement and justice systems might save $100 million each year if Prop. 64 passes, since minor possession would be legal and penalties would be reduced on a number of marijuana-related crimes.

Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens questions claims that legalization will free up jail cells, pointing out that marijuana possession of an ounce or less was decriminalized six years ago.

I dont have people in jail for possession of marijuana unless its a lot of marijuana packaged for sales, she said.

Another point of contention is how legalization will impact Californias multibillion-dollar black market.

If marijuana is regulated under Prop. 64, Gray said revenue would be shifted from violent drug cartels and street gangs to licensed California business owners.

If you dont support intelligent regulation, youre supporting the cartels, Morrow said.

But a number of law enforcement leaders reject that notion.

Ramos, the San Bernardino district attorney, and others point to a paragraph in the 62-page measure that ensures entrepreneurs in the recreational market wouldnt be turned down for a business license due to prior felony convictions for controlled substances.

Advocates say that provision means longtime medical marijuana business owners cant be shut out of an expanded market based on crimes that would no longer be felonies under the new legal standards.

But John Lovell, a longtime lobbyist for law enforcement groups including the Riverside Sheriffs Association, said: What is incredible about this provision is that it says, We dont care if youre a cocaine dealer or a heroin dealer. You cant be denied a license because of that.

Hutchens said she has been following news out of Colorado since the state became the first to allow recreational marijuana sales two years ago. She noted the state still has a significant black market and said theres no reason to expect Californias entrenched underground market also wouldnt persist.

Both sides argue that their biggest concern is keeping young people away from marijuana.

I dont think we need one more thing to dumb down our young people and impact their motivation to do well in life, Hutchens said.

Despite strict age requirements for sales and warning labels on packaging, Ramos points out that the measure doesnt restrict gummy bears and other marijuana-infused products that can be attractive to children.

Prop. 64 supporters including Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom have argued that regulating marijuana will make it less available to young people by moving sales into a strict legal structure with stiff penalties for selling to minors.

Morrow said he has done a litmus test of sorts with his two teenage sons. He asked them, If I gave you $20 to get me a six-pack of beer or a baggie of weed, which one would you come back with first? Both teens told him it would be much easier for them to get marijuana, since they could go to a kid at school rather than face a liquor store owner who requires identification.

A solid majority of Californians seem to agree with Prop. 64 advocates. A May survey by the Public Policy Institute of California found 60 percent of likely voters support legalization.

Convincing donors to fund a campaign against an initiative with 60 percent support is a tough sell, Schnur said. Barring a very unforeseen surprise, its difficult to see how the opposition will be able to raise enough to be competitive.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7963 or bstaggs@ocregister.comTwitter: @JournoBrooke
It was one year ago that Riverside resident David Loop noticed what he thought was a dead dog in the middle of the street as he drove through Riverside. As Loop gently moved the small, dirty white dog to the sidewalk, it blinked. The dog was barely alive and badly injured with a broken pelvis, broken femur and head trauma.

July 31, a Friday, thats the day I saw her laying in the road. Thats the day my life changed, said Loop, who rushed the injured Maltese he named Miracle to a vet for emergency treatment. Miracle eventually recovered and is now Loops cherished pet as well as a symbol of hope and compassion to animal lovers.

On Saturday, Loop hosted a catered birthday party for Miracle at Rancho Jurupa Park in Riverside to thank supporters who have followed Miracles journey on social media. About 75 guests from throughout Southern California attended the party and a handful came from out of state. They enjoyed sandwiches, salads, cupcakes and other goodies. Canine guests had special cakes baked just for them.

I never in my life thought Id have a birthday party for my dog, Loop said, adding that he hopes the party raises awareness of animal rescue. Loop is the president of Sierra Pacific Fur Babies, a nonprofit animal rescue organization he founded in late 2012.

Kim Waybourn, of La Mirada, and Alice Lohrum, of Whittier, were among the guests who first heard about Miracles survival story on Facebook. Both women are animal lovers and said they have followed Miracles story  and Loops latest animal-rescue efforts  ever since. Both women said they couldnt wait to meet Miracle in person.

Id come see her before Id come see Brad Pitt, Lohrum said.

She praised Loop for his compassion and caring.

For someone to take the time to do what he has done is a miracle, she said.

Waybourn said about Loop, We think of him as a celebrity. Hes a hero.

Jan Christensen, who also learned about Miracle on Facebook, attended from Minnesota. When asked what makes Miracle a special dog, Christensen said, Just the miracle of her survival.

Loop estimates that over the years, he has saved 200 to 300 animals, mostly cats. A full-time electrical contractor and electrician, Loop maintains a facility for rescued cats on the property of his business in Riverside, Sierra Pacific Electrical. At home, he and wife Donna have three dogs (one is Miracle) and three cats as pets.

Loop and his daughter Ashley have become well known in the local animal-rescue community for their work, especially Loops rescues of kittens stuck in sticky places like drainage pipes and car engines. He often takes videos of his rescues and posts them on social media, where thousands of people follow the action.

Loop, who has followers all over the world, is talented at leveraging social media and the Internet to gain followers, donors and supporters. His rescue videos have been featured on several animal-welfare websites and social media pages, including The Dodo.

Miracles story has garnered the most attention. Many have sent messages of encouragement, monetary donations and frilly dresses for Miracle.

When asked why Miracles story is so special, Loop said, I think the dashcam video that I had sealed it. Its one thing if someone wrote a story about the experience, but the fact that people actually saw the video that I posted that day.  I also gave daily updates. It was like a soap opera.

Miracles vet bills reached about $18,000 and Loop raised $25,000. The leftover funds were used to help other rescue animals, a fact he let donors know up-front.

I knew that this dog was going to be astronomically expensive, he said about Miracle. The GoFundMe campaign was a once-in-a-lifetime. I just happened to get lucky on this one.

Many out-of-state supporters who could not attend Miracles birthday party Saturday sent Miracle and Loop their best wishes on Loops Facebook page. Pam Rollins from Colorado posted, God Bless you David Loop for what you do and stand for. We love Miracle so much. Thank you for saving her precious life.
A Wildomar man was arrested early Sunday an upscale residential neighborhood in Pasadena following reports that he had been pointing a handgun at passers-by.

Recently released convict Jordan Allenswan Creger, 26, was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and weapons violations, and bail was set at $50,000.

The incident began about 7 a.m. in the 700 block of South Orange Grove Boulevard, according to Pasadena police officials and Los Angeles County Superior Court records.

Officers received a report of a man armed with a handgun pointing it at people passing by, according to the statement.

Police found Creger hiding nearby in a front yard in the 300 block of Markham Place, officials said.

After about 30 minutes of negotiation, police sent in a K-9, who helped them take Creger into custody.

A search of the area in which the suspect was hiding led tot he discovery of a loaded firearm, the statement said.

Creger, who appeared to be under the influence of some sort of substance, was taken to a hospital for examination and treatment of minor abrasions suffered during his arrest prior to booking, Lt. Mark Goodman said.

His motive, as well as what he was doing in the affluent Pasadena neighborhood, remained a mystery.

Pasadena police Chief Phillip Sanchez commended the involved officers for their sound decision, courage and tactics, allowing a safe outcome and the avoidance of a lethal-force encounter.

Sunday represented Cregers sixth arrest in Los Angeles County since July of last year.

Most recently, he was arrested in Montebello on May 31, records show. He was ultimately convicted of resisting or obstructing police, while charges of carrying a concealed dirk or dagger and possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed.

Creger was sentenced to 120 days in county jail and released July 22 after serving 52 days behind bars, records show. California inmates typically get two days credit for every one day in jail on good behavior, so its common for convicts to be locked up for half the time theyre sentenced to.

Creger was convicted of grand theft in the West Covina branch of Los Angeles County Superior Court in January, according to court records. He served 140 days of a 150-days sentence before being released June 1.

And he was convicted of burglary in August 2015 in the West Covina courthouse following an arrest in the San Dimas area, records show.

He was sentenced to one year in county jail, but was released in November 2015 after serving 124 days in custody.
City planning staffers, members of the Planning Commission and a two-person City Council subcommittee have already weighed in.

Now its time to hear from the people.

The city of Temecula last week hosted a workshop on the Altair project, a 1,750-unit housing development slated for land west of Old Town.

A large crowd of area residents turned out to get their first look at the project, which has been in the works for years, and register their thoughts with the council. A second workshop will be held in the next 60 days or so to give more residents a chance to view the plans and weigh in.

The purpose was getting it out there and getting the dialogue going and making sure people are heard and listened to, said Mayor Mike Naggar, who serves on the subcommittee with Councilman Jeff Comerchero.

At last weeks workshop, the discussion was dominated by people concerned about the projects potential impact on mountain lion habitat. One woman, Mountain Lion Lady Vicki Long, brought along a cardboard cutout of a mountain lion to underscore her passion for the animal.

The future workshop, or workshops, if more are needed, will focus on other issues such as traffic and air quality. Naggar said the project could be brought before the Planning Commission by the first quarter of next year.

Ambient Communities, the San Diego-based company proposing the development, knew going into the workshop that mountain lions and mountain lion habitat would be a big concern because it was one of the major issues that came up during the circulation of the projects environmental documentation this summer.

To head off some of those concerns, Ambient principal Rob Honer detailed the steps the company was taking, including purchasing land near Corona for the sake of conservation and spending thousands toward a study that would look at a possible wildlife crossing near the Temecula gateway sign.

Naggar said the companys efforts seemed to be appreciated by those in attendance and there was a consensus among his colleagues to look at ways to fund a proper study on how a mountain lion can get across the freeway, which could help the genetic diversity of the local population.

This same issue was raised during the debate about the Liberty Quarry project, a mine proposed for land east of Rainbow. And members of the group that fought that project  which was eventually spiked when the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians purchased the site  attended the workshop.

Some of the other elements of the project that were discussed last week include a grand staircase that connects the project with Old Town Temeculas Main Street, a central park that surrounds a new community center and a high-tech elementary school site with a drop-off lane that was designed with input from the school district.

There also is land on the projects southern border that has been set aside for a civic use, such as a hospital or college campus.

Were all trying to create a project we can be proud of, Honer said.

The project will be served by a new road called the western bypass, which runs along the western edge of the project connecting Temecula Parkway to Rancho California Road.

The school site is situated near the bypass, in the northwestern corner of the project, to keep cross traffic out of the heart of the project, which will feature relatively narrow streets that resemble the grid used in Liberty Station in San Diego County.

Councilman Jeff Comerchero said the project that was presented last week reflected much of what he and Naggar suggested during their conversations with Ambient officials.

I would have preferred to see a little bit of single family detached on small lots but the economics of the project didnt work that way, he said.

The denser parts of the project are located in the center, closest to Old Town. The idea is that people who buy condos there  which could be priced in the mid $300,000s  will walk into Old Town or bike there to shop and dine.

Ambient has laid out the project as a series of interconnected villages and 25 acres of parkland that will be built in phases. The rest of the 270-acre site will be undeveloped and left as open space.

Due to the projects long gestation period the council has already heard from people worried about the additional traffic and those who have expressed concerns about its impact to Old Town and the hills.

Officials have responded by noting that large swaths of the land at the base of the hills have been zoned for residential and the master plan for Old Town anticipated some sort of development going there.

If you want to build a great city you have to have a great plan and stick with it, Comerchero said. When the city is built out youll have the right amount of residents and right amount of retail and the right amount of infrastructure.

Honer has said he expects it will take 10 to 15 years to build all the villages that make up the development, which will be connected by trails and bike paths.

The Rancho California Water District has already approved a water supply assessment for the project and projected there will be sufficient supply to handle both the new residents and irrigated parkland.

The assessment looked at worst-case scenarios, including multiple years of drought. And it also took into consideration the new housing planned for the Jefferson Avenue corridor, which was rezoned to accommodate multi-family units, and the new housing proposed for the Temecula Creek Inn property.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9698 or aclaverie@pressenterprise.com

What do you think? Is this type of development a good fit for Temecula? https://t.co/K5k8v777Bq  PE_Claverie (@PE_Claverie) August 1, 2016

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A woman was found dead with a gunshot wound inside a Riverside apartment Saturday morning, July 30, prompting police to launch an investigation, officials said.

Police say they went to an apartment in the 1200 block of Massachusetts Avenue about 8 a.m. Saturday after receiving a report of a possible suicide.

The woman, in her 50s, was found in her bedroom with a gunshot wound to her head, according to police. Firefighters soon arrived and pronounced the woman dead.

Officials say the womans name will not be released until her family can be notified of her death.They say the cause of her death is still under investigation.

The Riverside Police Department is asking anyone with information on the incident to call Detective Mike OBoyle at 951-353-7213 or Detective Dave Smith at 951-353-7103.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9693, agroves@pressenterprise.com or @AlexDGroves on Twitter.
Inland schools could reap a financial windfall for construction and repairs if state voters pass a $9 billion bond on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Home-building groups are among those bankrolling the campaign in favor of Proposition 51, which would provide $6 billion for new construction and modernization projects on kindergarten through 12th grade campuses. Community colleges would get $2 billion. Another $1 billion would go toward career technical education and charter school facilities.

Money would come from the states general fund. Paying off principal and interest on the bonds would cost taxpayers $17.6 billion over 35 years, state officials say.

Gov. Jerry Brown opposes the initiative, which qualified for the ballot in September after supporters turned in enough valid voter signatures.

Rather than adding $500 million a year to the debt, the state should craft a program focused on districts with the greatest need, Brown wrote in his 2016 five-year infrastructure plan.

I am against the developers $9-billion bond, Brown said in a statement. He added that it promotes sprawl and squanders money that would be far better spent in low-income communities.

Supporters say the measure is needed to create a level playing field for poorer districts that have less local revenue to build and remodel schools than wealthier districts.

I believe that we owe it to our children in California to make the situation as equitable as possible, said Jenny Hannah, chair of the Coalition for Adequate School Housing, one of the proponents.

A GREAT BENEFIT

Nine Riverside County districts have passed resolutions supporting the proposal and expressing a need for a combined $2.4 billion for facilities projects, according to data from the county office of education. San Bernardino County districts have applied to the state for more than $60 million for construction and modernization projects.

The last state school bond was in 2006, and the pot of money for new building and upgrades is empty. The state has a $2 billion backlog of unmet needs, forcing kids into aging or overcrowded classrooms, the measures supporters say.

The state is estimated to need more than $20 billion for school building projects in the next decade, according to the Office of Public School Construction.

The measure would provide districts with matching dollars to finish projects that have funding shortfalls. Several districts have passed local bonds in recent years while others including the Riverside Unified School District have their own proposals on the November ballot.

The Corona-Norco Unified School District, the Inland areas largest school system, backs the measure. Officials would use state dollars to speed up existing projects or pay for other needs not covered by a $396 million local bond approved by voters in 2014, said Ted Rozzi, assistant superintendent in charge of facilities.

Additional state funds could be used to replace temporary classroom structures with permanent buildings, as well as pay for security features, technology upgrades and other improvements, he said.

Its extremely important for us, said Rozzi. To expand our building program and provide academic and safety improvements either sooner or on a larger scope than currently planned would be a great benefit for our students.

MANY NEEDS

The Ontario-based Chaffey Joint Union High School District, which includes Rancho Cucamonga and parts of Upland and Montclair, would use additional state dollars for electrical upgrades, plumbing, floors and other improvements at Chaffey, Etiwanda and Rancho Cucamonga high schools, said Rick Wiersma, assistant superintendent of business.

It could help speed up the timeline of projects or help with additional projects that arent fully covered, Wiersma said of the state bond.

The Colton Joint Unified School District has many schools more than 50 years old that need updated classrooms with the latest technology, said Owen Chang, the districts facilities director.

Our needs are always greater than what we have available funds for, Chang said.

The district has used about half of the money from a $225 million bond passed by voters in 2008 to help remodel about a dozen schools and pay for other projects. Funds will pay for yet-to-be-completed upgrades including a multipurpose cafeteria at Bloomington High School and football stadium renovations at Bloomington and Colton high schools.

Housing construction in expected to pick up in south Colton in coming years and the district needs to build schools to handle the anticipated enrollment growth, Chang said.

Were going to need the support from the state to provide adequate funding for these developments, he said.

Riverside Unified voters will consider a roughly $386 million bond measure in addition to the state proposal.

The district is eligible for about $90 million in state dollars in the first five years if the $9 billion bond passes, said spokesman Justin Grayson.

PLAYING CATCH UP

Board President Tom Hunt said a priority is to get rid of temporary buildings known modulars that are not conducive to a good learning environment.

Riverside Unified hasnt passed a bond since voters approved Measure B in 2001 and needs money to replace aging and outdated classrooms at most schools, Hunt noted.

We need to catch up, he said.

Separate polls of likely state and district voters show both bonds receiving more than 60 percent support.

Supporters of the state bond have received more than $7 million in contributions.

California Taxpayers and Educators Opposed to Sprawl and Developer Abuse, which is opposing the measure, has reported no contributions. The group couldnt be reached for comment.

Despite a crowded ballot that features 17 propositions, as well as a presidential election and other state and local races, supporters are confident the bond will pass. They note California voters have passed 14 of the last 15 school bond initiatives since 1982. This years bond appears first among the ballot measures, helping its chances, proponents say.

We hope that our message resonates with people who care about schools and kids in California, said Hannah, chief facilities officer for the Kern County Superintendent of Schools. We hope the other noise doesnt drown us out.

The Val Verde Unified School District, which serves parts of Perris, Moreno Valley and unincorporated Riverside County, has applied to the state for $44 million to help finish building Orange Vista High School. The campus opens for ninth and 10th grade students when the new academic year starts Aug. 10.

If the bond passes, the district will use some of the money to pay for two classroom buildings needed for the school to add 11th and 12th grades, said Stacy Strawderman, the districts facilities director.

The district needs financial assistance, Strawderman said. We cant do it on our own. We need the state bond to pass to be able to house our students properly.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9292 or swall@pressenterprise.com
President John Dramani Mahama has said the Government would double the supply of premix fuel for the fisherfolk at all the landing sites of fishing communities.



He said government had also made available 1,500 outboard motors to be sold to fishermen at subsidised prices in all the fishing communities.



President Mahama announced this on Thursday when he addressed fisherfolk at the Tema Fishing Harbour as part of his visit to the port to inaugurate a number of projects to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).



He inaugurated a reconstructed GHC five million Net Mending Wharf, $20 million new marine cranes, a new jetty, four 24 million mobile harbour cranes, an 840 container capacity Reefer Terminal, a Revenue Centre and inspected on-going work on the Regional Maritime Hospital.



President Mahama said the premix fuel and the outboard motors would be available at all landing sites at affordable prices to relieve the fisherfolk of the arduous task of moving to the offices individually.



He said the Government would also provide Aluminium pans for the women engaged in fish smoking to process their fish and gave the assurance that it would be supplied to facilitate their work.



The President commended the management and board of the GPHA for coming out with the numerous projects at the ports to facilitate business activities in the area.



He called on them to forge partnership with other business partners to expand their projects for the benefit of all.



President Mahama urged other state owned enterprises to emulate the self-reliant examples of the GPHA to become independent of government funding in their various organisations.



President Mahama said the perception that the state owned enterprises were inefficient had been proven wrong by the performance of GPHA and encouraged others to do same.



On the Regional Maritime Hospital, he commended the GPHA for establishing the state-of the art facility that could become an icon in the West African sub-region.



Mr Richard A.Y. Anamoo, the Director General of GPHA, said apart from all the modern facilities at the Regional Maritime Hospital, it also had a helipad that could help airlift referred patients in critical conditions to other medical facilities.



He gave the assurance that his outfit would continue to provide all facilities that would ease congestion at GPHA and provide quality services to Ghanaians and other neighbouring West African states.



Mr Anamoo said the establishment of the Central Revenue Centre at the Port would also end the congestion there as all financial transactions would be carried out at the port and replicated in all the regional capitals.

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 Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) says it does not understand why the Finance Minister should continue to micro-manage the procurement of fuel for power generation after adjusting tariffs to raise the needed financing for the utilities.



According to ACEP, there was no indication that that would change going forward, hence the need to allow VRA to take control of its operation and become directly accountable for the management of the supply of power.



In a recent assessment of the supplementary budget submitted to Parliament, ACEP stated that the minister also proposed to micro-manage future financial commitments of VRA.



It added: This is not in keeping with the need to restructure the state agency away from direct government control, which indeed is the reason VRA is now financially paralyzed. The picture being painted that VRA management is the reason for its financial woes is erroneous.



Ministerial interference



ACEP stated that the problem was the direct interference by the two ministers in the governance of the power sector.



VRA made profit as recent as 2011. This can be replicated if it is allowed to simultaneously take independent decision and remain accountable to government. VRA should also be supported with sovereign, as done for private companies, to raise financing. For example, why is VRA not being supported with government guarantee to raise funds to revive T3 plant rather than selling it to Ameri.



ACEP further said the Finance Minister promised in the 2016 Budget to conduct research into the impact of load-shedding on businesses. However, this was not done in the first half of the year.



Neither was any update given in the supplementary budget. The trend in electricity consumption makes this impact analysis very critical.



Power demand



Furthermore, it said Ghana was projected to consume 2400MW of power by the end of 2014 but given a growth rate of 10 percent, according to the Energy Commission, Ghanas demand should be around 2900MW at peak in 2016.



However, the trend does show that demand has actually declined, as the total peak demand today averages 2000MW. All other things being equal, this apparent contraction in energy intensity is worrisome for a country that aspires for industrialization.



We therefore need to be cautious about electricity demand projection and the number of IPPs being hurriedly mobilized with government guarantees.



Another thermal plant



It cited another power agreement, which was before Parliament as the Early Power 400MW thermal plant estimated to cost $953 million.



ACEP is studying the contract and its financial implication for the power sector and will come out soon with the analysis.



ACEP is worried about power supply security without Nigeria gas. Our analysis show that without Nigeria gas load management will continue at least to the end of the year. The total available capacity at peak will be in the region of 2000MW which is equal to the 2,000MW currently demanded at Peak. This also leaves no reserve margin for unexpected loss of a generation unit given the consistent unreliability of some on the plants.



Imported fuel consignment



It said governments procurement of some 400,000 barrels of crude oil for the dual thermal plants was helpful.



The excuses with unavailability of fuel have become too many largely because planning to exploit the advantage of dual fuel plants has been abysmal.



The problem with FPSO Kwame Nkrumah should send the signal that domestic source of gas will not provide the needed supply security. This is why the failure to mention progress made on the proposed LNG projects is worrying.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Messrs. Sunon Asogli Power Ghana Limited, contractors of the 360 megawatt combine cycle power project at Kpone in the Greater Accra Region, has been exempted from paying taxes amounting to US$75.7 million.



As a result, the company will not pay import duties, import VAT, EDAIF, ECOWAS levy, National Health Insurance Levy, withholding tax liabilities, among others, on the procurement of supplies and services for the construction of the power project.



The tax exemption, which was granted by Parliament yesterday, aims to facilitate the early completion of the project.



Giving the background of the project and the need to waive taxes for smooth execution of the project, a report by Parliaments Committee on Finance said Sunon Asogli was formed by Shenzen Energy as an independent power producing company to supplement the power generation in Ghana.



The aim of the company, according to the report, is to build, own, and operate a 560 megawatt power plant which consists of Phase 1 Project of 200 megawatt and Phase II, 360 megawatts.



Commercial operations of the phase I began in 2011 and performed reliably and efficiently in supplementing power generation capacity of the country. By 2014, Sunon Asogli has generated about 1307 GWH with 1253 GWH on-grid, which represented about 14 per cent of the total power supply in Ghana, it said.



The report said considering the good achievements of the Phase I and the power supply shortage in the country, Sunon Asogli resolved to start the 360 megawatts Phase II project to help improve the power situation in the country.



To this end, Sunon Asogli entered into a Power Purchase Agreement with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to supply ECG with additional 360 megawatts of power, it said and added that the tax waiver would facilitate smooth execution of the project.



The House also approved a request by the Finance Committee for the waiver of taxes amounting to US$26.9 million relating to project materials and equipment to be procured for the construction of roads that comprise the Eastern Corridor Road Project (Oti Damanko-Nakpanduri stretch-209km).



The project is an export credit agreement between the government and the National Bank for Economic and Social Development and the Bank of Brazil, supported by the Brazilian official equalization programme to finance, design and civil engineering works relating to the project.



In another development, the House is expected to approve the GH1.8 billion supplementary estimate presented to the House by the Finance Minister, Seth Terkper, last Monday.













Source: The Ghanaian Times









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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President Mahama has been in a fix ever since the Supreme Court decided to sentence Salifu Maase and two panelists, Alistair Nelson, and Godwin Ako Gunn to four month imprisonment.



Following the sentence, some sympathizers of the ruling National Democratic decided to rain curses on President John Mahama and other leading members of the party for not intervening in the saga and have vowed vote out the party if it didnt engineer the release of the Montie trio.



Lawyers for the trio have also said they will petition President Mahama to invoke his prerogative power of mercy for the three, whose sentencing they consider harsh.



But the seeming tension appears to be dying down as Salifu Maase alias Mugabe and the other two inmates have asked the good people of Ghana not to put undue pressure on President John Dramani Mahama to invoke article 72 to grant them pardon.



The host of Pampaso program Salifu Mugabe Maase, the two panelists Alistair Tairo Nelson and Godwin Ako Gunn were in high spirits when 'friends of the trio' visited them at the prisons.



The trio were in an excited mood urging the numerous personalities who had come to visit them to be motivated by the precedence set by the Supreme Court.



"Don't be discouraged, we are doing great. We are being protected by the Lord almighty. God willing we shall come out stronger, wiser and blessed....But seriously why did the NDC pay the fine? We have left our families behind and they need and will need money pretty soon so why waste such an amount when the harm has already been done. That money is really big and would have made our families happy a bit," Mugabe said.



The trio urged members of the public especially NDC supporters who are calling on President John Mahama to exercise his prerogative power of mercy over the jailing of the Montie three to exercise restraint.



"We know the President has the executive powers to grant us pardon and at the right time he will decide on what to do."



"The feeling of anger and disgust at the sentencing of trio by the Supreme Court is very understandable, but we are happy it happened, if it means serving the four months jail to allow President Mahama and the NDC to focus on the bigger picture and win the 2016 elections we are cool with it," Alistair Tairo Nelson stated.



Salifu Mugabe Maase, Godwin Ako Gunn and Alistair Nelson expressed gratitude to Ghanaians and in particular the NDC party for the show of love and support given them since the incident happened.

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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Last night, the red carpet premiere for huge new film Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie happened in Sydney, and seemed to go rather well, sweetie darlings.

However, some attendees seemed rather baffled by the speech made by Australian designer and co-host of Australias Next Top Model, glasses-on-head guy Alex Perry.

SELFIE HEAVEN!!!! ?? #AbFabMovie A photo posted by ALEX PERRY (@alexperry007) on Jul 31, 2016 at 3:54am PDT

He came out swinging with a rather finger-pointy bit about cocaine use in the fashion industry:

When you watch Ab Fab and you see Patsy coming out of the bathroom and shes been racking up. Sorry racking up is drug speak for people who do lines of cocaine, I googled that. Theres never as much mirth in it when someone from the fashion industry is watching it because weve been at functions and weve watched that person go relentlessly to the bathroom 12 times. No one pees that often. But whatever it takes to get you through the DJs [David Jones] fashion launch!

Perry has been pretty outspoken about his opinions on department store David Jones after the catastrophic conclusion of their relationship around three years ago  they dropped his line from their stores around the country.

We judge, but we get judged as well. Were also inappropriate and theres inappropriate behaviour that runs rife in the fashion industry.

Be honest though  the funniest part of that swipe is Perry pretending that after 20+ years in the industry, he had to Google what racking up meant. Righto.

However, the worst was yet to come.

He went on to talk about his relationship with the iconic 90s television show Ab Fab, from which the recent movie is continued. He decided to relate his intense passion for the show to an often-devastating lifelong developmental condition that affects approximately every 1 in 100 Aussies.

Every time I go to Asia I watch [Absolutely Fabulous] on loop because the TV is so bad there, I mean I watch it on an autistic level.

Perry made the bizarrely inappropriate speech in front of a huge audience at the Aussie premiere of the film at the packed State Theatre in Sydney.

Source: The Age.

Photo: Instagram / @alexperry007.
Nearing one whole goddamned month after the polls closed at the federal election, Labors Cathy OToole has claimed victory in the Queensland seat of Herbert for the second time, after her original 8-vote majority over the Coalitions Ewen Jones sparked a recount.

With AEC officials declaring OToole won the seat by the still-miniscule margin of 37 votes, the Coalition will form a one seat (!!!) majority government in the House of Representatives. Labor hold 69 seats (nice) while the motley crew of Greens and independents hold the remaining five.

OToole took to Facebook to thank her constituents on delivering her second election victory in a fortnight, while Labor leader Bill Shorten also gave his stamp of approval on social media.

Congratulations @c_otoole and welcome to the team! What an outstanding campaign.  Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) July 31, 2016

Should the result be officially recognised tomorrow or Tuesday, a forty-day period will come into affect the week after, in which any pollies who are still sandyjocked over their election results may dispute the counts.

FWIW, Jones hasnt yet conceded the election. Last week, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also indicated they may indeed take the option of disputing the count, due to a number of soldiers and hospital patients being unable to vote.

Following that possible third count, and the final results from the Senate: bam. New federal parliament. Finally.



Source: ABC.

Photo: Cathy OToole  Labor For Herbert / Facebook.
Forget Katy Perry. Forget the balloons. Even disregard the onslaught of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton hugging memes. The single most memorable part of the Democratic National Convention was the speech given by Khizr Khan.

The avowed American Muslim man and father of a US soldier slain in Iraq used his time to speak directly to Republican nominee Donald Trump. Khan targeted his stance on Muslims and asked, pray tell, what Trump had sacrificed for the nation.

It was some emotional stuff.

Today, Trump was given the opportunity to reply to Khan and his wife Ghazala, and his response was almost stereotypically Trump-like. Read: deflective, diversionary, petty, and at times, utterly misinformed.

Speaking on American ABCs This Week program, Trump redirected Khans assertion his son Humayun wouldnt be allowed into the US by a Trump government by targeting Ghazala, who silently stood by Khizr during the speech.

Well, if you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say, Trump said. She probably, maybe, wasnt allowed to have anything to say. You tell me.

As it turns out, Ghazala has told him. Speaking today, after Trumps interview, she said I am very upset when I heard when he said that I didnt say anything.



I was in pain. If you were in pain you fight or you dont say anything, Im not a fighter, I cant fight. So the best thing I do was quiet.

As for what sacrifices Trump has made for America? Well, it appears the man, quite literally, does not know the meaning of the word.

Its prime Trump, and it does absolutely nothing to assuage the feeling the United States of America has fallen into the darkest timeline. Watch his reply for yourself:

Donald Trump to Army Gold Star father Khizr Khan: Ive made a lot of sacrifices https://t.co/ZOHLGCaOyChttps://t.co/Myp4oyHyX4  This Week (@ThisWeekABC) July 30, 201

Source: ABC / Deadline.

Photo: This Week ABC / Twitter.
As you prepare to go back to work or uni or whatever it is youre doing tomorrow, you may or may not sit down to reevaluate some of your career choices when you hear about Kyle and Jackie Os latest salary bump.

The duo recently negotiated new contracts with the Australian Radio Network, and News Corp report that they will take home an eye-watering $5 million each per year, for the next five years, depending on how the ratings go.

Much like the underground river of slime in Ghostbusters II, the KIIS FM duo only grow more powerful the more negative energy they attract, and they currently have the highest-rated FM breakfast show, commanding a 10.4% audience share.

Kyle & Jackie O left their former home of 2Day FM in 2013, and while it was rumoured earlier this year that the station might try to lure them back, Sandilands squashed the speculation.

In a statement released overnight, he said:

There was never a doubt in my mind KIIS was our home for the long haul, because I made it! Its my baby. Jackie and I are still doing what we love and doing it better than ever.

Strap in, folks, it looks like breakfast radio is in for many, many more years of these two.

Source: News Corp.

Photo: Don Arnold / Getty.
Yesterday, Teen Wolf star Tyler Posey posted an odd video to his Snapchat that saw him standing on the corner of Gay Street and Christopher Street in Manhattan, apparently coming out to the world.

This is me, I am this and this is me, Ive never felt more alive  Im gay! he told the camera joyfully. A later video showed the young actor in bed, telling his followers Im lamp!

While the main takeaway from this is that Anchorman references are really not funny anymore, nobody quite knew what to make of the supposed coming out, and a number of fans took to Twitter to slam Poseys video as insensitive and in questionable taste.

A publicist for MTV, the network behind Teen Wolf, made a statement saying she believed that gay was meant in the context of Im happy, not as a coming out.

Posey has since taken to Twitter to address the situation and apologise, telling fans:

I am a big proponent of love over hate, and standing together during divisive times. Although Im not gay, I fully support the LGBTQ community. This was a moment intended to reflect that. And everyone, I am truly sorry to the people Ive offended or lessened how big coming out is. I just want to spread love in this world.

You keep doing you, m8.

Source: Vulture.

Photo: Michael Bezjian / Getty.
A businessman-turned-reality TV personality took center stage at Hillary Clinton's campaign rally in Pittsburgh on Saturday - but it wasn't her opponent, Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Pittsburgh native Mark Cuban, who owns the Dallas Mavericks and is a judge on the entrepreneurship game-show Shark Tank, made a surprise appearance at the late-afternoon rally to endorse Clinton and her running mate, Virginia Sen. and former governor Tim Kaine. As Cuban introduced the Democratic ticket, he claimed that their economic policies would be hospitable to entrepreneurs and business owners.

"Companies and jobs -- they won't be created by terrifying people," Cuban said, referring to Trump. "They'll be created by inspiring people like Hillary Clinton does."

Hillary Clinton appeared two hours late for the rally in Pittsburgh, which marked the last stop in her two-day bus tour across Pennsylvania. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pittsburgh; Pa. ALF-CIO president Rick Bloomingdale; and Braddock mayor and former candidate for U.S. Senate John Fetterman all addressed the crowd as it waited for the campaign bus to arrive.

Just as she did at her rally in Harrisburg the night before, Clinton stressed the need to create jobs and grow the economy. She once more highlighted her plans to invest in American infrastructure, raise the federal minimum wage, and incentivize technical education and apprenticeships for trades and manufacturing jobs.

Clinton did alter her talking points slightly to praise Pittsburgh for its urban renewal.

"This great American city has reinvented itself," Clinton said.

She recalled traveling through Pittsburgh on family road trips to her father's hometown of Scranton, and remarked on the city's transformation in the decades since her youth. She said that Pittsburgh residents could inspire other American cities to "reimagine and reinvent for the future" by bringing young people and business back into depressed urban areas.

"I want us to believe that America's best years are ahead," Clinton said, before declaring her hope to "unleash a new generation of entrepreneurs." She then outlined her plans to offer free community college and pay students to train in technical skills and trades.

Clinton's plans for free college education are particularly appealing to Margareth Sweeney, 51, of Oakmont. Sweeney said that the cost of education is the most important issues to her in the upcoming election, since she has a son in college studying to be a psychiatrist.

"I want to see more jobs, free education, and child care and family leave," Sweeney said, adding that she was pleased to hear Clinton reaffirm these policies at Saturday's rally.

Erin Brandt, 38 of Greensburg, said that Clinton's speech was great but "would have liked to hear a little more about anti-discrimination and inequality" platforms.

During its Pennsylvania bus tour, the Clinton-Kaine campaign also made stops at factories in Johnstown and Hatfield, in Montgomery County.

The tour began on Friday, the day after the Democratic National Convention ended in Philadelphia and two days after Trump held a rally in Scranton.
A 37-year-old man from Christiana was killed Saturday in a motorcycle crash in Salisbury Township Lancaster County, according to a report by LancasterOnline.

William Baker, who was not wearing a helmet, lost control of his motorcycle on a curve and struck a stone wall.
amanda strous.jpg

York County native Amanda Strous, 27, was killed at her apartment in Charlotte, North Carolina, just a little more than month before her wedding. A gym near her home conducted a special workout Saturday to raise money for her loved ones and a scholarship.

(Photo via Facebook.)

Saturday was supposed to be her wedding day.

But a little more than a month ago, a York County native was killed in Charlotte, North Carolina.

And though Amanda Strous was not able to celebrate what could have been the happiest day of her life, some fitness buffs in the college counselor's town celebrated her memory with a special workout in her honor Saturday, WSOC is reporting.

Strous, who was 27, was a graduate of Dallastown Area High School and Shippensburg University. She was pronounced dead after she was pulled from her burning apartment in Charlotte June 18.

Her neighbor, Mathew Benner, 28, was taken into custody two days later in Pahrump, Nevada.

Dozens of people gathered Saturday for a memorial workout at Crossfit Pineville, where Strous and her fiance were members, to raise money for her loved ones, as well as for a scholarship in her memory.

The owner of the gym, Michelle Shuck, told WSOC on Saturday that gyms across the country reached out to participate.

"Gyms as far as Oregon, Washington state and Hawaii are participating in the workout today," Shuck told the television station. "A total of 27 crossfit boxes are doing the workout in their own gym. Even though they never met Amanda, her life is spreading and shining and that's really amazing."

Prosecutors expect to announce next month whether or not they will seek the death penalty against Benner.
weather 731.png

Temperatures will hover in the mid to upper 80s at the beginning of the week before climbing back up into the 90s, the National Weather Service at State College is reporting. Expect scattered showers and thunderstorms at the beginning and end of the week.

(AccuWeather.com)

Scattered showers and thunderstorms can be expected around the Harrisburg area Sunday and Monday.

While temperatures will start off slightly cooler than they were last week, the National Weather Service at State College is expecting the highs to climb back up into the 90s by the end of the week.

Sunday will be mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 5 p.m. Expect a high of 87 and a low of 69.

Monday will see a 30 percent chance of continuing showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 p.m., with a high of 87 and a low of 66.

Tuesday will be mostly sunny with a high of 86 and a low of 65.

Wednesday is expected to see a high near 87 and a low around 67 under mostly sunny skies.

Thursday will be mostly sunny, as well, with a high of 89 and a low of 69.

Friday will be mostly sunny and hot with a high of 92 and a low of 71 with a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms at night.

Saturday will be partly sunny with a high of 89 and a 30 percent chance of more showers and thunderstorms.

Visit PennLive.com/weather for your latest weather updates.
Screen Shot 2016-07-29 at 12.04.20 AM.png

While Donald Trump will battle Hillary Clinton leading up to the November election, the Republican billionaire couldn't help but comment on his opponent via Twitter.

(Associated Press)

By Tony May

Anyone tracking social media these days knows that friendships are being strained if not shattered over the question of who supports Donald Trump and who backs Hillary Clinton.

Tony May

Requests for help on on how to "hide" another person's Facebook post or even "unfriend" same are skyrocketing. Other posters are calling - Heaven forfend - for a voluntary moratorium on political posts of tweets of any kind until Nov. 5.

It's getting to the point that the standard response to the question, "Who are you going to vote for?" is a startled or snarling "Why do you want to know?"

In this climate and in the general interest of world peace at least on an interpersonal scale, we have developed the following, non-invasive, non-destructive and environmentally-friendly home test to determine who is a likely Donald Trump supporter - even a closet Trumpster.

You simply ask them to sing a verse of the old Boy Scout/kindergartener song, "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands." (Apologies to those who now have an "earworm" endlessly playing verse after verse of "Clap Your Hands")

Some people will gladly sing the whole first verse, maybe even clapping. You can be sure he or she is voting Clinton.

They're optimists and believe that stuff usually turns out for the best and have a sneaking suspicion that a positive attitude prevents cancer.

Others will quote a line or so without singing or maybe just hum a few bars or show other unconscious restraint to acting out their "inner child."

Mark them in the "probably voting Hillary" column.

Next on the spectrum are those who hesitate or look embarrassed or unsure. Mark him or her undecided.

A flat refusal to sing or state?

Now you've got a likely Trump voter. They're sure they are not happy. And they know it.

If your request for your friend to break into song draws a strong rebuke like, "What? Are you crazy?" or worse, here is a Trump True Believer.

They're a Trump Grump. He (or she) believed everything Trump said - before he said it. When Trump says, "I speak for you," this voter responds, "Yes, you do."

This may all seem superficial but it goes a long way in explaining why Trump is as popular as he seems to be with some people and why the election really isn't about Trump or Clinton but about optimism vs. pessimism.

Remember "hope and change?"

Well, most people thought the two went hand in hand. In fact, it now looks like those who have given up hope prefer any kind of change as an alternative to hope.

It's not that people who are unhappy don't have stuff, compared to the relative prosperity of people in the 50s and 60s --- back when America was great. It's they believe they don't have enough.

Plasma TVs, cell phones, SUVs and even Pokemon Go don't give life meaning.. And they don't give a person self-respect and a sense of worth.

Like a new version of Tony Robbins, Trump is offering not so much the old job back at the mill - which wasn't so great in retrospect when you factor in the black lung and asbestosis and other occupational diseases or just the straight danger of operating giant machines without adequate safeguards.

He's offering the sense of feeling better or more powerful than someone else, be that person Mexican or Muslim or somehow different - and inferior.

It's like the scene from "On the Waterfront" where Marlon Brando, playing the role of the washed up boxer, says: "I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I coulda been somebody."

It's not wrong for Trump supporters to want self-respect. It's wrong for Trump to offer it by proposing to subjugate others.

In the end, it is a hollow promise because the Ku Klux Klanner doesn't really believe he's better than any number of minorities.

Secretly he knows that he is not and that is the true source of his rage.
By Charlie Gerow

Prior to the Republican Convention there were many concerns over the safety of the delegates.

Republican strategist Charlie Gerow (PennLive file)

Many in the media and elsewhere expected a tumultuous week in Cleveland, with rioting in the streets and serious threats to delegates and guests. None of that materialized.

The Cleveland police were prepared and professional. They were supported by state troopers from Ohio and several other states. They were terrific.

While there's legitimate concern in some quarters over the "militarization" of many police forces, the Cleveland cops were much more like the cop-on-the-beat of half a century ago.

They went out of their way to he helpful and courteous. They were unfailingly polite and friendly. And they kept order. Convention goers knew they were safe and well protected.

When the police forces arrived in the convention security perimeter for their daily duties they were greeted by applause and well wishes from the lines of delegates and guests waiting to get inside.

Instead of remaining poker-faced, they responded with waves, big smiles, thumbs up, fist pumps and even a blown kiss or two. It was clear that they felt appreciated for their service and recognized for jobs well done.

As the Republicans were leaving Cleveland, a different welcome to the thin blue line was developing in Philadelphia.

Days before the Democratic National Convention kicked off, the head of the local FOP--the Fraternal Order of Police--issued a statement saying that FOP Lodge 5 members were "shocked and saddened by the planned choice of speakers at the upcoming DNC in Philadelphia."

That speakers list included the mother of Michael Brown, who was shot by a white police officer.

Not often mentioned in the story about Brown was the fact that he was assaulting the officer at the time. The story line, "Hands up, don't shoot," was exposed as a fraud. But the DNC apparently figured they could score political points by having his mom speak.

Not on the speakers list were any of the widows of police officers slain in the line of duty, despite the fact that the nation was reeling from five law enforcement officers recently being gunned down in Dallas and three more in Louisiana.

John McNesby, the FOP local president went on to say, "It is sad that to win an election Mrs. Clinton must pander to the interests of people who do not know all the facts, while the men and women they seek to destroy are outside protecting the political institutions of this country."

"Mrs. Clinton, you should be ashamed of yourself..." The FOP statement concluded.

Apparently she was, at least somewhat. Even if half-heartedly, Mrs. Clinton came around to say that she deplored cop-killing.

She got the convention managers to bring in police and to have a "moment of silence" for the officers gunned down in the line of duty.

That didn't go exactly as planned. The "silence" was defeated by chants of "Black lives matter," from delegates on the floor.

The Black Lives Matter movement was on full display at the Democrat's shindig, including demands by the organizers of one march that white folks "get to the back and make room for the black and brown bothers and sisters." "Pigs in a blanket, fry 'me like bacon," was the usual refrain.

That some people think that cop-bashing makes good politics is beyond comprehension. The tone-deafness of the convention organizers will hurt Democrat prospects in the fall. Survey data increasingly shows that 2016 will be, in significant measure, a "law and order" election.

F-O-P. Three letters worth remembering. The FOP's outrage over the exclusion of police widows in Philly will linger in memories.

F-O-P is also a convenient acronym for Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania. Those three states will be at the center of any electoral calculation this year.

Floridians, Ohioans and Pennsylvanians will be courted as never before.

They're much more likely to respond favorably to a message of respect and gratitude for those who protect us every day and even put themselves in harm's way to protect those who protest against them.
Lagniappe

Carlos Bellorin: PDVSA El Furrial:

The spectacular decline of a Venezuela giant oil field

Caracas Cronicles



A case study in botched strategy. Drive half an hour along the flat, sweaty lands west of Maturin and you come to the little town of El Furrial . Known as the birthplace of Diosdado Cabello, El Furrial is more properly famous as the site of one of the richest, but also most challenging oil fields in Venezuela. It's not the only big field in Monagas, of course there's also the rest of the Norte of Monagas's mighty fields, including Santa Barbara, Jusepin, Carito, Pedernales and Quiriquire. They're some of the most valuable and productive oil fields in Venezuela, with the added bonus that they produce light and medium grade crude, not the gunky extra-heavy oil you find further south in the Orinoco belt. Even in an area of hugely rich oil fields, El Furrial stands out. It's the newest and largest field around, and it's the most recent onshore non- Faja giant field to be discovered in Venezuela. At the time of its discovery in 1985-6 its proven reserves were about ~4 billion barrels. That's enormous: at that time, that single field had oil reserves as big as Indonesia an OPEC member, no less and almost twice as much as all of Colombia. El Furrial has so much oil that PDVSA has an entire division dedicated to keeping this monster as the top producing field in Venezuela. It reached its peak in 1998 when it produced 453,000 b/d a little less than Ecuador produces now. You get the picture: El Furrial is a monster. But it's not just about the quantity of oil that comes out of El Furrial, it's about quality, too. The field produces light and medium crude. That's key. As you know if you've read The Shocking Potential of Natural Gas and Condensate by a guy who goes by the nom-de-blogue Guevara de la Vega, Venezuela has been increasing its extra-heavy oil production and suffering acute shortages of lighter oil to mix it with. PDVSA Production 2008-2015 In the same period, Iraq, increased its total production in 1,58 million b/d (+54%). A Challenging Giant Although prolific and large, El Furrial's geology is notoriously challenging. It's very deep and asphaltene is a big problem. Asphaltene is something you don't want with your oil because it plugs into the wellbore tubing and valves and makes a mess of your operation (a lawyer talking about reservoir engineering and well management, fin de mundo ). The asphaltene problems at El Furrial are notorious. So much so that every reservoir engineer in the world knows about them. El Furrial is in every oil field management textbook, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) has published a number of papers on it. Go to an oil field management/engineering reservoir conference and chances are you'll run into someone presenting a paper on this topic. The details get technical very fast, but the for-dummies version is that to keep oil flowing out of El Furrial, you need some sophisticated techniques collectively known as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) you gotta keep the pressure up, you have to handle the asphaltenes, the associated water, the sand, a whole mess of details. First a water injection project was introduced in 1992. Later, a gas injection program called Planta de Inyeccion de Gas a Alta Presion El Furrial (IGF) came online in 1998 . That last project was built, owned and operated by Wilpro El Furrial, a consortium of two American companies (Williams and Exterran). Wilpro El Furrial managed to accommodate the revolution relatively effectively for a decade. Although PDVSA had owed it money (la mala costumbre of not honouring its debts is nothing new) relations were relatively stable until early 2009. That's when the wheels came off, when the government decided it wanted to nationalise the oil services industry in one go, including of course, the gas injection projects. The risks were clear. According to two Wikileaks cables from March and April of 2009, the US Embassy, after a meeting with consortium representatives, said that, PDVSA's ability to assume operation of the water and gas injection services of the Wood Group and Williams respectively is doubtful. The technology involved in the Wilpro projects, however, is markedly more complex than that used by the Wood Group [a water injection project on the Maracaibo Lake, also nationalized] and that would, we assume, enter into any calculation to nationalize the plants. A take-over of these facilities would undoubtedly affect future oil production [ US Embassy in Caracas  Cable 09CARACAS362  23 March 2009  Wikileaks.] PDVSA did nationalise the project and the predictions in the Embassy's cables turned out to be accurate. It was a mistake. By losing Williams' expertise in operating and maintaining these high technology facilities, PDVSA stands to see a significant hit on production in the short-medium term. [ US Embassy in Caracas  09CARACAS545_a  30 April 2009  Wikileaks] PDVSA and Williams couldn't reach an agreement on compensation for the nationalisation-turned-expropriation. The consortium partners filed an ICSID arbitration against Venezuela. Eventually they settled for $420 million. Apparently, though, compensation has not yet been paid in full, because the arbitration appear as pending on the ICSID web page . (Or is there another explanation for that?) From 2009, PDVSA took over the water and the gas injection operations and production began to fall fast almost immediately. The High Tech Bit of the Oil Industry El Furrial's troubles are the troubles of a whole industry. As Venezuela's production operations have become more complex, the country's been forced to rely more and more on high tech oil field service contractors like Halliburton, Schlumberger, Williams and Wood Group. The problem is that these companies have long been owed huge sums in unpaid invoices, so some have scaled down operations or left the country for good. The companies used to complain to PDVSA discretely, but more recently they've learned it pays to go public early. This sets off alarm bells in La Campina . PDVSA puts on a charm offensive: offering token payments and repeatedly make promises that they will pay up. Recently, the company seems to have settled on a solution: paying off old bills with bonds or promisory notes. Haliburton recently agreed a deal along these lines, others are under discussion . Comida pa' hoy, hambre pa' manana. Schlumberger plays a special role in all this. The company has been in Venezuela forever: it made the first electrical well log in the Americas in Cabimas in 1929. The company seems to have been brought back in to patch up the mess PDVSA made in El Furrial. It listed a well intervention there as one of the highlights on its 2015 4Q Results . That PDVSA is still relying on the likes of Schlumberger to keep El Furrial in production is an especially bitter irony. The government has long accused the service companies of a silent sabotage. From 2006 on, in order to lessen this dependence and to shield itself from an improbable second paro petrolero , PDVSA started to acquire drilling rigs, well completion equipment, gas and water injection facilities, etc. This was just a piece of the total sovereignty over oil puzzle . As then President of PDVSA-cum-Minister, Rafael Ramirez, put it, they wanted to create Our own Halliburton, the Bolivarian one. But plans didn't go as planned. A Botched Nationalization In May 2009, as part of this buying and expropriation spree, the PDVSA roja-rojita made what I personally consider the worst tactical mistake in 17 years full of mistakes: nationalising the oil service sector. Oddly, I'm not the only one who thinks so. Just yesterday, PDVSA's President and Minister of Petroleum, Eulogio Del Pino went in front of Venezuela's Petroleum Chamber, where all oil service providers are reunited, that what PDVSA did in 2009 was a mistake , especially for the Maracaibo Lake oil service providers and operations. Too bad his little flash of insight didn't extend to El Furrial, though. Let's look at the facts. The 2009 nationalizations took aim at three specific activities: gas compression in Oriente (including the PIGAP and El Furrial gas projects), water injection projects (including the Wood Group-lead SIMCO project ) and the Maracaibo Lake maritime support companies. The result? Starting in 2009, production began to decline much faster. The Maracaibo Lake and Norte de Monagas fields were the worst hit. PDVSA's own data show that. The Maracaibo-Falcon basin went from producing 1,084 million b/d in 2008, just a year before the nationalisation of the oil service companies, down to 706,000 b/d in 2015 or a whooping 35% less in less than a decade. As for El Furrial, brace yourselves. Working from PDVSA's Annual Reports, I charted the historical production and reserves of El Furrial and guess what? The production decline was massive. From 408,000 b/d in 2008, production declined to just 198,000 b/d in 2015. That's a 51% fall in just seven years. This could only suggest that things haven't been done properly. It's normal that the production decline rate of a mature field increases as years pass. But not on this scale.

Source: Carlos Bellorin El Furrial  Production The fall in reserves is even harder to make sense of. El Furrial's reserves have gone down 58% from 2.19 billion barrels in 2000 to 907 million barrels in 2015. In the seven years after the nationalisation of the gas injection project, reserves fell a shocking 43% from 1.61 billion barrels in 2008 to 907 million barrels in 2015. PDVSA's data on this are hard to make sense of: in 2012 reserves were put at 2.24 billion barrels, only to then collapse again. Why? They don't tell us.

Source: Carlos Bellorin



El Furrial  Reserves You can check PDVSA's Annual Reports yourself: the trend is repeated everywhere the service companies were nationalized. The chickens are coming home to roost PDVSA is paying the price for bad management and disastrous strategy choices at a time when every single barrel counts. The company cannot hope to build its own Halliburton if it won't maintain high standards of professionalism, won't pay specialised oil field workers properly and won't get serious about Research and Development (R&D). Between 2013-2015 PDVSA only invested $388 million in R&D (and a measly $74 million in 2015!). That's nothing. For reference, Petrobras invested $2.8 billion and Halliburton, the company PDVSA wanted to emulate, $1.67 billion in R&D over the same period. PDVSA could have gotten serious about crafting an efficient oil service subsidiary why not? But it didn't. There's too much money to be made, virtually no oversight and no shame. But it's not the end of the world. Thank God (literally) Venezuela has plenty of oil and gas, and its industry has everything it takes to remain competitive for quite some time though not forever . Sorting this out isn't rocket science, but it will take time. PDVSA has to get rid of both non-core and complex operations. It has to pay decent wages, invest in its people and invest a lot more on R&D. When it comes to recovering INTEVEP, PDVSA's R&D arm, pa'yer es tarde. The reform agenda is long. We need a more accountable and transparent industry. This is what I spend my days thinking about, so I'm going to be dealing with it in future posts. Right now, the A.N. is discussing a bill to de-nationalize some of the oil service companies. The bill gives PDVSA more leeway to bring in subcontractors to take on tasks that were nationalized in 2009. I hope PDVSA is on board with this. There is nothing wrong with back-pedaling on a catastrophe.





Carlos Bellorin is a lawyer and an international petroleum consultant. He also teaches international petroleum law and contracts at Queen Mary University and SciencesPo. Petroleumworld does not necessarily share these views. Editor's Note: This commentary was originally published by Caracas Chronicles on July 28, 2016. Petroleumworld reprint this article in the interest of our readers. All comments posted and published on Petroleumworld, do not reflect either for or against the opinion expressed in the comment as an endorsement of Petroleumworld. All comments expressed are private comments and do not necessary reflect the view of this website. All comments are posted and published without liability to Petroleumworld. Use Notice:This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of issues of environmental and humanitarian significance. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml.



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Middle East members saw record supply in June, pushing total OPEC crude oil output 510 kb/d above a year ago.

LONDON

Petroleumworld.com 08 01 2016

OPEC's oil output is likely in July to reach its highest in recent history, a Reuters survey found on Friday, as Iraq pumps more and Nigeria manages to export additional crude despite militant attacks on oil installations.

Top OPEC exporter Saudi Arabia has kept output close to a record high, the survey found, as it meets seasonally higher domestic demand and focuses on maintaining market share rather than trimming supply to boost prices.

Supply from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has risen to 33.41 million barrels per day (bpd) in July from a revised 33.31 million bpd in June, according to the survey based on shipping data and information from industry sources.

The increase in OPEC production has added to downward pressure on prices. Oil LCOc1 has fallen from a 2016 high near $53 a barrel in June to $42 as of Friday, pressured also by concern about weaker demand.

OPEC's production could rise even further should talks to reopen some of Libya's oil facilities succeed. Conflict has been keeping Libyan output at a fraction of the pre-war rate.

"This could shortly release more oil into an already abundantly supplied market," Carsten Fritsch of Commerzbank said, although earlier hopes of a restart have not been realized.

"It therefore remains to be seen whether this time will be different."

OPEC's output has climbed due to the return of former member Indonesia in 2015 and another, Gabon, this month, skewing historical comparisons. July's supply from the remaining members, at 32.46 million bpd, is the highest in Reuters survey records, starting in 1997.

Supply has also risen since OPEC abandoned in 2014 its historic role of cutting supply to prop up prices as major producers Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Iran pump more.

In July, the biggest increase of 90,000 bpd has come from Iraq, which has exported more barrels from its southern and northern ports despite a pipeline leak that restrained southern exports.

Nigeria, where output has been hit by militant attacks on oil facilities, has nonetheless exported slightly more in July than June, the survey found, although crude exports remain significantly below the 2 million bpd seen in early 2016.

Output in two major producers is largely stable. Iran, OPEC's fastest-growing source of supply expansion this year after the lifting of Western sanctions, has pumped only 20,000 bpd more as the growth rate tops out for now, the survey found.

Saudi output in July was assessed at 10.50 million bpd, close to June's revised rate and the record 10.56 million bpd reached in June last year.

"Exports are down a bit, offset by higher direct burn and slightly higher refinery runs," said an industry source who monitors Saudi output. "For the time being, I'm sticking to my numbers, which suggest supply is flat."

Of countries with lower production, Libyan output edged down due to the stoppage of a major oilfield, Sarir.

Venezuela's supply is under downward pressure from its cash crunch, slipping further in July.

The Reuters survey is based on shipping data provided by external sources, Thomson Reuters flows data, and information provided by sources at oil companies, OPEC and consulting firms.






The Brazilian-Argentine ABACC Agency for Control of Nuclear Material celebrate 25th anniversary



ABACC, was the result of the nuclear energy peaceful use accord, signed by then presidents Carlos Menem and Fernando Collor, in Guadalajara, Mexico.

LONDON

Petroleumworld.com 08 01 2016

Argentina and Brazil commemorated on 18 July the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Material, ABACC, which was the result of the nuclear energy exclusive peaceful use accord, signed by then presidents Carlos Menem and Fernando Collor, in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The date (1991) is considered a milestone for bilateral and regional relations between the two largest South American countries, which took off in 1985 when presidents Raul Alfonsin and Jose Sarney met at the Iguazu falls met to consolidate the objective of a Latin America free of nuclear weapons.

The longstanding rivalry of the two largest countries and economies in South America, which under military regimes went as far as planning the development of nuclear weapons, under the budding democratically elected governments in the early eighties put a cap on resources and development of such a path. It also helped with the foundation later that year (1991) of the Mercosur, or Common Market of the South, which marked a qualitative change in the history of regional relations.

The bi-national ABACC which was elaborated taking as an example Euratom has its main offices in Rio do Janeiro and is made up of a team of qualified inspectors which keeps watch that nuclear energy is effectively used for peaceful purposes. The teams are jointly integrated and work closely with the support from the United Nations, International Atomic Energy Agency.

After a quarter of a century since its creation in a context in which the nuclear question occupies a central place in international relations, this sui generis model is the result of the creativity and strong political commitment from both countries, points out an official release, adding that ABACC has also attracted a global growing interest, as a source of inspiration for similar arrangements in other regions, that with their specific challenges aspire to ensure peace zones,

For Argentina and Brazil this is a state policy, and on the 25th anniversary both countries reaffirm their commitment to the peaceful use of atomic energy, in a consensus of original formulas which contribute to international peace and security.






A suspect has been charged and another potential suspect is in custody in a Thursday night shooting in San Diego that left one officer dead and another seriously wounded, police said.

Jesse Michael Gomez, 52, was charged with murder and attempted in the shooting, police said. The circumstances were not immediately clear.

The shooting happened Thursday night after two officers, both assigned to the gang unit, made a stop around 11 p.m. local time. The officers called for emergency cover and were shot multiple times, police said. San Diego police are investigating whether the officers were targeted.

The slain officer, Jonathan DeGuzman, a husband and father of two, was a 16-year police veteran. Zimmerman said he lost his life trying to make a positive difference and protect his community.

The wounded officer, Wade Irwin, also a husband and father, is a 9-year veteran. He was hospitalized for surgery. Irwin is expected to make a full recovery, police told ABC News.
Off-duty Swedish police officer Mikaela Kellner was sunbathing with friends when she made an arrest. (Photo: Instagram)

Mikaela Kellner, an off-duty Swedish police officer recently arrested a man on suspicion of larceny while wearing a bikini.

Kellner told TheLocal.se that she and her friends were sunbathing when a man approached, saying that he was selling magazines. After he left, Kellner said one of her friends asked where her cellphone was.

According to the report, Kellner chased the man and, along with a friend who is also a police officer, took him down.
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In the span of a single day, Donald Trump proved without question that he should not be commander-in-chief.

Trumps first outburst came in response to a speech given by Marine Gen. John Allen at last weeks Democratic National Convention.

In the speech, Allen said:

I also know that with [Hillary Clinton] as our commander in chief, our international relations will not be reduced to a business transaction. I also know that our armed forces will not become an instrument of torture, and they will not be engaged in murder, or carry out other illegal activities.

Trump, the child that he is, responded during a rally on Friday by calling Allen a failed general.

They had a general named John Allen, and he  I never met him, Trump said. And he got up and he started talking about Trump, Trump, Trump. Never met him. And you know who he is? Hes a failed general.

As The Washington Post reported today:

Allen is a retired four-star general who served as commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. He was President Obamas top choice to oversee U.S. and NATO operations in Europe, but instead he retired to assist his wife with chronic health issues. He came out of retirement in 2014 when the president named him Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter the Islamic State in 2014, a position he held for a year.

During a stop on her campaigns post-convention bus tour, Hillary Clinton responded to Trumps insult of the decorated general:

General Allen is a distinguished marine, a hero and a patriot, Clinton shot back at Trump. Our commander-in-chief shouldnt insult and deride our generals, retired or otherwise. That really should go without saying, but Im going to respond on behalf of General Allen to those kinds of insults.

Of course, Trump wasnt done offending the military hes running to lead. He also attacked the parents of fallen U.S. Army Capt. Humayun Khan.

At the Democratic National Convention, Humayuns father, Khizr Khan, slammed Trump for his treatment of American Muslims and urged the Republican nominee to look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America.

You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one, Khan added.

In an interview with George Stephanopoulos, Trump accused the parents of being coerced by the Clinton campaign and attacked the mother, Ghazala Khan, for being silent while Khizr spoke at the DNC.

If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasnt allowed to have anything to say, Trump spewed, suggesting her Muslim faith was the reason for her silence.

Turns out, the reason she didnt speak was because the death of her son is still so painful for her.

I was very nervous because I cannot see my sons picture. I cannot even come in the room where his pictures are. Thats why when I saw his picture at my back I couldnt take it. It is very hard, she said in an interview on Friday.

Trump also insisted that Capt. Khan wasnt the only person who sacrificed for his country.

I think Ive made a lot of sacrifices, he said with a straight, orange face. I work very, very hard.

Trumps conduct since Friday hasnt just shown a complete lack of respect for those who have served this country  thats bad enough. But it also shows that the Republican nominee simply doesnt have the temperament to lead the largest military in the world.

He lashes out at anyone who doesnt kiss the ground upon which he walks and continues to spew hatred on a daily basis.

But this is who Donald Trump is. All of his feelings about people revolve around how they feel about him. Four-star military generals? Families of fallen war heroes? Doesnt matter. Youre terrible to the core if you dont worship him like he worships himself.

Donald Trump has spent over a year showing that he cannot be trusted to lead our country. But after the last 24 hours, its hard to see how even his most loyal supporters can justify voting for him.
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By Dan Whitcomb

(Reuters)  A federal judge has struck down a string of Wisconsin voting restrictions passed by the Republican-led legislature and ordered the state to revamp its voter identification rules, finding that they disenfranchised minority voters.

U.S. District Judge James Peterson, ruling in a legal challenge to the laws by two liberal groups, said he could not overturn the entire voter ID law because a federal appeals court had already found such restrictions to be constitutional.

But Peterson, in his 119-page ruling, said the requirements that Wisconsin voters show either a photo identification or go through a special petition process had unfairly burdened minorities and needed to be reformed or replaced before the November presidential election.

To put it bluntly, Wisconsins strict version of voter ID law is a cure worse than the disease, the judge wrote.

Peterson left the voting rules intact for the Aug 9. primary elections for federal, state and local offices, saying to change them less than two weeks in advance would be disruptive.

But his ruling was expected to impact the November presidential election in Wisconsin, which could prove a crucial battleground state for Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump.

Peterson also struck down as unconstitutional limits on in-person absentee voting, residency requirements and a ban on using expired student identification.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker said in a tweet that he was disappointed in the decision by an activist federal judge and expected to file an appeal.

A spokesman for One Wisconsin Institute, one of the two groups which filed the challenge, hailed Petersons ruling as a huge win not only for the plaintiffs but for democracy itself.

Wisconsin is one of several Republican-led states that have passed such voter ID laws in recent years amid fear of fraudulent voting by illegal immigrants and others.

Among the nine states with the strictest laws, insisting on state-issued photo identification for voters, are Georgia, Indiana, Texas and Virginia.

A U.S. appeals court judge earlier this month ruled the Texas law discriminatory. The judge sent the case back to the lower court to examine whether the law had a discriminatory purpose and also asked the court for a short-term fix for the November general election.

Republicans say voter ID laws are needed to prevent voter fraud. Democrats say the laws are really intended to make it harder for poor African-Americans and Latinos, who tend to vote Democrat, to vote.

(Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by James Dalgleish, Leslie Adler and Bernard Orr)
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I love politics. My heart burns with a passion for the intersection of faith and religion in political discourse. Some say never to mix religion and politics, but save for the establishment clause of the First Amendment of the Bill of Rights, I dont see how they can be separated. And though I grow weary and frustrated by partisan politics that are more about self-interest than the interest of the people, I still love politics. I love politics because politics is finally and fundamentally about people and our world and the gospel compels me to be interested in the welfare and well-being of my neighbor, especially the vulnerable ones for whom God shows particular care and concern.

I have no interest in legislating doctrine, but neither is quietism an acceptable alternative. Far too often these are the choices presented in both the media and by various Christian denominations. On the one hand rightwing fundamentalists often seek to inscribe their theology into policy. While on the other hand, my own mainline Lutheran (ELCA) tradition along with others, has a too long history of keeping faith relegated to our personal lives.

When a particular issue hits the news having a fundamentalist pastor and an atheist discuss both sides is neither helpful to the conversation nor fair to the public. More the version of Christianity often presented in the media is a distortion of both the scriptures and the tradition. It is possible to accept both the big bang theory of evolution as science and the Genesis creation accounts as mythological stories of origin.

On the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, the Rev. Dr. William Barber II addressed the assembly as a preacher and passionately showed how faith calls us to lift up our deepest moral values for reviving the heart of our democracy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPuK1QG6Rsg

He challenged us all to move beyond left-right and liberal-conservative dichotomies and see some issues as right verses wrong for the sake of reviving the heart of our democracy.

I say to you tonight, some issues are not left versus right, they are right versus wrong. We need to embrace our deepest moral values and push for a revival at the heart of our democracy. When we fight, to reinstate the power of the voting rights act. And we break the nullification of the current congress. We especially note that when we do that, we are reviving the heart of our democracy. When we fight for $15 minimum wage and a union, and universal health care and public education and immigrant rights, and lgbtqt rights, We are reviving the heart of our democracy. When we develop tax and trade policies that no no longer funnel our prosperity to the wealthy few, we are reviving the heart of our democracy. When we hear the legitimate disconnect  discontent of black lives matter and become together  we come together to renew justice in our criminal justice system, we are embracing our deepest moral values and reviving the heart of our democracy.

The Rev. Dr. Barber went on to call us to be the moral defibrillator of our time and shock the heart of our nation into healing.

We must shock this nation with the power of love. We must shock this nation with the power of mercy. We must shock this nation and fight for justice for all. We cant give up on the heart of our democracy, not now, not ever!

By going to the heart of our deepest moral values, people of all faiths and those with no faith can come together and work for the common good of all in this nation and throughout the world.

In hearing the call of the prophets to establish justice and Jesus message of good news for the poor and oppressed, people of faith can enter the political discourse with passion, courage, and conviction. Working together for the general welfare of all people we can show the love, mercy, and justice that are at the heart of the biblical witness and the Christian tradition.

I love politics because politics is about people and our world and that goes to the heart of the gospel. For the revival of the heart of our democracy, I pray you will love politics too, enough to raise your voice and your vote.
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Donald Trump admitted in a new interview that if he releases his tax returns, he will lose the election.

Video:



ABC Breaking News | Latest News Videos

Transcript via ABCs This Week:

STEPHANOPOULOS: Is there something (CROSSTALK) TRUMP: George, it is very simple. Yes, but theyre all linked. Its called the link. Its very simple, if my audit is finished, thats great. Now, I have to tell you. I watched Mitt Romney four years ago. He waited until September to give them, just before the election. They made him look so bad, it was so unfair, I actually think he didnt lose because of the 47 percent, I think he lost because of a couple of really minor items in tax return where he did nothing wrong. So it is unfair. But I will say, when Im finished with the audit, Ill do it. STEPHANOPOULOS: Richard Nixon released his even though his were under audit. TRUMP: I dont use Richard Nixon as necessarily the guide, OK. I mean, you know, its an interesting person to use, but dont use it.

Trump admitted that there is something in his tax returns that will cause him to lose the election. His reference to his own belief that something in Romneys tax return cost Republicans in 2012 was about as close to an admission as voters are going to get from Trump.

Donald Trump defended his tax returns as legal, but that doesnt mean that its right. What Trump is most likely hiding is the fact that he hasnt paid any personal income taxes for decades. Trump isnt paying his fair share of taxes. That is what he is hiding. Donald Trump is trying to pass himself off as some sort of blue-collar billionaire while he is manipulating the system in a way that no working class American ever could.

Anyone with an ounce of knowledge knows that being compared to Richard Nixon is not good, but Trump considers Nixon interesting.

Trump knows that if his tax returns come out, hell lose the election. The reason why he hasnt released his returns has nothing to do with an audit or Mitt Romney.

If his tax returns are made public, America will see, and reject, the real Donald Trump.
Dear Dave: My wife and I are on Baby Step 3 of your plan, and we're about halfway to building our fully funded emergency fund. We don't like our current home very much, and we'd like to sell and move as soon as possible. We have a little over $30,000 equity in the place, so would selling the house be a viable option for funding Baby Step 3?  Justin

Dear Justin: I wouldn't sell the house just to do Baby Step 3. That's usually a pretty easy Baby Step after you've gotten everything paid off except the house. As you know, a fully funded emergency fund means saving three to six months of expenses, so you shouldn't have to sell your home in order to accomplish that.

However, if you don't like the house anyway, and you're already planning on selling it, then yes, set some of the equity aside. I wouldn't put all of the equity into the next deal. I'd hold back my three to six months of expenses, so when you move into another house you're debt-free with a fully funded emergency fund sitting there.

Regardless, when you move I want you to have an emergency fund and be debt-free in addition to your down payment. That's what we're after.

Dear Dave: I make $25,000 a year, and I'm single. I expect my salary to increase to $35,000 next year, so can I get by with a $500 starter emergency fund instead of $1,000? I have about $38,000 in debt right now, including student loans, and I don't know how to keep up with bills and everything if I try saving a bigger emergency fund.  Jane

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Dear Jane: You really need a starter emergency fund of $1,000 if you're at a point in life where student loans are in the picture. It might seem like an impossible task right now, but that should be your first big goal. A written, monthly budget will go a long way toward helping you achieve that goal.

Making a budget for your money isn't rocket science. It's a simple, written planning process where you give a name and destination to every dollar you make before the month begins. Food, shelter, clothing, transportation and utilities are necessities, so they come first. After you've taken care of those, make sure you're current on your debts. Once all that is out of the way, put every spare dollar you can into your emergency fund.

If you do this with a sense of urgency, and limit spending to necessities, it won't take very long. You'll be surprised by how quickly it can happen, and you'll love the newfound sense of security you'll have in knowing $1,000 is sitting there ready to cover life's little emergencies.
We had to wait a while for summer stargazing to kick in, but it's in full swing now! This is prime time summer stargazing. There's much to gaze and ponder at, in the countryside or at least a little ways out of the city.

Wherever you end up, get settled in under the stars on a blanket or in a reclining lawn chair. Forget about the trials of the day and take in as much of the universe above you as you can handle.

In the northern sky, you'll see the Big Dipper hanging by its handle high in the northwest. The pot and handle of the Big Dipper are actually the rear end and tail of the constellation Ursa Major, Latin for "Big Bear."

See if you can spot a dim, skinny triangle of stars to the lower right of the pot. That's the bear's head. To the lower right of the head and rear end, hunt for two curved lines of stars that make up his legs. You need a fairly dark sky to see them.

Not far from the Big Dipper (and bear) is the fainter, upside down Little Dipper. It has Polaris, the North Star, at the end of its handle.

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Scattered around the stationary North Star are stars that are always above the horizon in the northern sky. These are called circumpolar constellations, and besides the Big and Little Bears, there are others, like Cassiopeia and Cepheus, the king and queen, respectively.

I know you've seen Cassiopeia. It's that bright "W," and this time of year the queen sits in the low northeastern sky. The "W" outlines the throne and red carpet of her majesty. Just above Cassiopeia, look for the faint house with a steep roof laying on its side. That's Cepheus the King. If you can make that sideways house into a king, more stargazing power to you!

In the eastern sky is the famous "Summer Triangle," made up of three bright stars; Vega, Deneb, and Altair. They are the brightest stars in that part of the sky and each of them are the brightest in their individual constellations. Vega is the brightest star in Lyra the Harp; Deneb's the brightest in Cygnus the Swan, otherwise known as the Northern Cross; and Altair, the brightest shiner in Aquila the evil Eagle.

In the low southern skies are two of my favorite constellations, Scorpius the Scorpion and Sagittarius the Archer. Scorpius, featured in last week's edition of Starwatch , is one of those rare constellations that actually looks like what it's supposed to be.

This summer, Scorpius is lucky enough to be hosting the bright planets Mars and Saturn. Through a telescope, even a larger one, it's difficult to see many surface details on Mars, although you might see some dark markings that are part of its vast valley system. I know you'll get much more of a kick viewing Saturn with its beautiful ring system and tiny star-like objects, which are Saturn's many moons. One of its moons isn't so tiny though, and that's Titan, larger than the planet Mercury. Saturn and its posse of moons are almost 900 million miles away this month.

Just to the left of Scorpius in the low southern sky is Sagittarius, a constellation that doesn't look anything like what it's supposed to be. It's supposed to be a man with the legs and rear end of a horse shooting an arrow. If you can see that, I want to party with you! Sagittarius actually looks much more like a teapot, and that's what most amateur astronomers refer to it as. The teapot is steaming with stars, as it is in the direction of the center of our Milky Way Galaxy.

August is also the month for the Perseid Meteor Shower, the best of the year. Toward the end of next week we may see more than 50 to 100 meteors, or "shooting stars," per hour. They will be best seen from after midnight to the start of morning twilight. This should be a pretty good year for the Perseids because there will be very little or no moonlight to interfere with the show in the pre-dawn hours. I'll have much more on the Perseids next week.

Instructions for sky map

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To use the map, hold it over your head and line up the compass points on the map with the points on the horizon.
Democrat or Republican, fashion followers have had plenty to appreciate in the recent political conventions.

On July 21 came the moment the head of any fashion label hopes for: A presidential candidate's daughter wears the brand's dress as she introduces him to accept the nomination.

In this case, the speaker at the podium and the head of the fashion label were one and the same person: Ivanka Trump, daughter of Republican candidate Donald Trump, and the sleeveless studded sheath she wore came from her own line.

The next morning, she tweeted a link promoting the dress. It was a move that blended politics and business under a huge spotlight, as her father Donald Trump has done throughout the campaign.

Her ensemble was "modern, feminine and beautiful," said Peter Marx, president of the Washington, D.C.-area luxury women's fashion shop Saks Jandel. He said powerful politicians put a lot of thought into the image they're projecting through their clothes even if they're trying to communicate that clothes aren't important to them. He said all of Donald Trump's children showed an "immaculate" style at the convention.

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Four days later, on Monday, it was first lady Michelle Obama's turn to shine.

Obama, who ditched the boxy jackets and dowdy style of so many first ladies before her, addressed the Democratic National Convention in a custom, royal blue dress by designer Christian Siriano.

Never predictable or boring when it comes to clothes, her choice was in line with the modern and cool approach she has taken for the last eight years.

"Stuffy is not her signature, and in that sense her fashion choices reflect that sensibility and the mood of the times," said Avril Graham, executive fashion and beauty editor for Harper's Bazaar magazine.

Mrs. Obama wore her hair loose, parted to one side, with the cap-sleeve, A-line dress. Her jewelry was minimal, large silver earrings a prominent touch.

The look was low-key, Graham said, calling it "of the people, not stiff, simple, appropriately elegant, mannerly so as not to upstage."

Upstaging, however, is practically a Trump family trait, so it came as no surprise that Ivanka Trump might choose to wear something from her own brand, which includes clothing, accessories, shoes and fragrances. But using the RNC to market her clothing got people talking.

"This is pretty novel, other than her father trying to sell Trump Steaks himself in his prior television appearance," said Robert Kelner, a partner at the law firm Covington & Burling.

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Kelner, who is in charge of the firm's election and political law practice, compared Ivanka Trump's promotion of her fashion line to a Hollywood designer having a high-profile actor or actress wear their clothes on the red carpet. He said it's legal and doesn't violate any ethical rules since Ivanka Trump herself isn't a candidate for office, but said some people might find the promotion "unseemly" in the context of politics.

Though the dress Trump wore to the convention will not be available until this fall, since July 21 a similar blush-colored dress from the Ivanka Trump Collection has sold out at Nordstrom.com and Macys.com, a brand spokesperson said.

"Whatever this family decides to do after the election should they not win, they have definitely increased their brand," Marx says.

Meanwhile, fashionistas will miss the current first lady, Graham said.

"I think it's fair to say Michelle Obama has been the darling of the fashion set. She has championed young design talent and highlighted existing designer names with a very confident approach to her wardrobe choices," she said. "Right from her early days as first lady she made the fashion elite take note."

But she's no label snob, donning mom cardigans and other pieces from J. Crew and Gap. And she's been clever in her attitude to beauty, Graham said, experimenting with different hair and makeup styles that are of the moment.

 Marley Jay and Leanne Italie, Associated Press
US advises Americans to reconsider travel to Turkey

ISTANBUL  The United States is advising its citizens to "reconsider travel to Turkey at this time" following an attempted military coup and the imposition of a three-month state of emergency, and it has authorized the "voluntary departure" of family members of staff at its embassy in Ankara and consulate in Istanbul.

The travel warning sent by the U.S. Embassy Tuesday said the State Department is continuing to monitor the effect of the abortive coup and the state of emergency on the overall security situation in the country.

Turkey has detained more than 13,000 people in the military, judiciary and other institutions in a purge in the wake of the July 15 attempted coup which killed about 290 people. Tens of thousands of others have been suspended from their jobs.

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Guide who fell to death on Grand Teton unclipped from anchor

JACKSON, Wyo.  A mountain guide who died in a fall on Grand Teton National Park's highest peak unclipped himself from an anchor while reaching for a rappel device, a National Park Service spokeswoman said.

Exum Mountain guide Gary Falk fell about 2,400 feet on Saturday. The 42-year-old Falk had just successfully guided four climbers up the Grand Teton, which is more than 13,700 feet (4,175 meters) in elevation. They were coming back down the Wyoming peak when he fell.

A rappelling device became stuck and Falk unclipped his tether from the anchor to reposition himself, park spokeswoman Denise Germann told the Jackson Hole News & Guide (http://bit.ly/2ap3B9E ).

"It appears that Falk fell as he was trying to free the wedge rappel device," Germann said.

Another Exum guide safely led the group down the mountain.

It was Falk's 12th summer guiding with Exum, which suspended its operations for one day on Sunday.

"Everyone is devastated," one of Exum's owners, Cyndi Hargis, said Sunday. "It's a very tight-knit community. It's hard to lose one of us."

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Exum has 60 to 80 guides on its roster. On a typical July or August day, it will have four to seven guides with groups on the Grand Teton, Hargis said. It has been decades since an Exum guide has died while guiding in the Tetons, she said.

Most clients who had their climbs suspended Sunday are rescheduling, Hargis said, and most were "incredibly understanding" about not being able to climb.

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Park service to upgrade historic chateau to Oregon Caves

OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT, Ore.  A nonprofit organization says the National Park Service's plan to upgrade a historic hotel at the Oregon Caves National Monument doesn't go far enough.

The park service is expected to spend $8 million to $10 million to overhaul the 83-year-old Oregon Caves Chateau in 2018. Oregon Caves Superintendent Vicki Snitzler says the primary goals are functional: to resolve accessibility issues and improve insulation.

Sue Densmore, director of the 300-member Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau, wrote in a letter to Snitzler and the Oregon congressional delegation that the NPS plan is a good start but doesn't address historic and structural restoration. She writes that delaying the work and closing the hotel for a longer period could hurt the region's economy.

 Associated Press
FARGO, N.D.  A Pennsylvania steel company named in a lawsuit over an oil tanker train derailment near Casselton more than two years ago wants the case moved from state to federal court.

An attorney for Standard Steel made the motion Thursday to shift the case out of East Central District Court in Fargo, where the company and BNSF are being sued by the engineer who was at the helm of the train when it derailed.

Bryan Thompson, of Fargo, is accusing Standard Steel of manufacturing a faulty axle that was found after the accident to be broken. Thompson says he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and isn't capable of returning to work. The suit seeks unspecified damages.

The original suit filed last year by Thompson only named BNSF, which says in court documents that if Thompson suffered any injuries, it was the fault of "entities over which BNSF has no control." An amended complaint filed last month added Standard Steel as a defendant.

Elizabeth Sorenson Brotten, an attorney for Standard Steel, said Friday that her client did not want to comment. Duane Lillehaug, Thompson's attorney, did not return a phone message Friday.

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The accident about 30 miles west of Fargo on Dec. 30, 2013, happened when a train carrying soybeans derailed in front of Thompson's train, causing the oil tanker train to also derail and set off a fire that could be seen from nearly 10 miles away. The crash spilled about 400,000 gallons of crude oil, which took several weeks to clean up. No injuries were reported.

A National Transportation Safety Board investigation did not pinpoint the broken axle as the cause of the crash, but the NTSB ordered the industry to recall 43 axles made by Standard Steel in the same 2002 batch.

The amended complaint by Thompson accuses Standard Steel of negligence because the axle had defective design and was not property tested and treated. The suit says the axle was in "an unreasonably and dangerously defective condition" when it was sold and that the company failed to "adequately warn" Thompson or BNSF.
One of the top U.S. drone manufacturers, General Atomics, launched its first aircraft from a new pilot training facility in Grand Forks, N.D., on Thursday.

The new facility can train as many as 100 flight crews a year, according to Dan Fritz, General Atomics' director of international programs.

The students will be mostly U.S. and foreign military flight crews. General Atomics produces the Predator unmanned aircraft widely used in military operations around the world.

"I foresee strong growth in this. The appetite for these systems is doing nothing but growing worldwide and training capacity will continue to lag in my opinion, so I think we're going to see a lot of growth," said Fritz.

General Atomics currently trains pilots at aircraft test facilities in California, but the growing demand for pilot training prompted the company to open a standalone flight training facility.

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Fritz says the company chose to build in Grand Forks because of the infrastructure in place, and the strong support for drone operations.

He says the company will work with the University of North Dakota to develop training programs and collaborate with the Northern Plains national unmanned aircraft test site to research, detect and avoid technology that will allow drones to fly safely in the National Airspace.

"We're working very closely with them as they open up this airspace to be able to access the airspace and fly," said Fritz. "This is an ideal location from the standpoint of air traffic. There's not a whole lot of air traffic here."

The training center is part of the recently opened Grand Sky unmanned aircraft business park at the Grand Forks Air Force base. Grand Sky president Tom Swoyer sees Thursday's flight as a major milestone.

"We've been pounding the drum on 'we need to get more large UAS flying in North Dakota' but there really hasn't been a place for them to take off and land and so now with Grand Sky operational we have that place," he said. "We can demonstrate it. So an operational critical mass step has been reached today."

Grand Sky has two tenants  General Atomics and Northrop Grumman, both defense contractors.

Swoyer says another defense contractor, Raytheon, will visit next week. He says several drone companies from other countries have also expressed interest in opening research or production facilities in Grand Forks.
MINNEAPOLIS  Nearly 500 patients suffering intractable pain have registered to buy medical marijuana starting Monday.

Minnesota residents with a handful of serious conditions have been buying medical marijuana for more than a year. But Monday marks a new chapter in Minnesota's medical marijuana program: Patients with serious pain can being using it too, too.

State health officials said Friday that 481 pain patients had pre-registered through their doctors to start picking. State law defines intractable pain as pain that can't be treated with other methods.

The expansion to include pain patients has been in the works for years. The Legislature directed Minnesota's health commissioner to decide whether to add intractable pain as a qualifying condition when it legalized medical marijuana in 2014.
AITKIN COUNTY  Ojibwe stories passed down over generations say the west side of Big Sandy Lake appeared white from a distance in the summer of 1851, like it was covered in snow. But it wasn't snow.

"It was as if the snow was still there because you had bodies wrapped in birch bark and the hill was still white," said Jim Zorn as he and others paddled Wednesday across the lake to a memorial site commemorating one of the darkest times in Ojibwe history.

More than 400 Native Americans died in the winter of 1850 after the government failed to deliver promised food and treaty payments at Big Sandy Lake. Tribal members now gather every summer to remember what some call the Wisconsin death march.

Before that year, Ojibwe gathered in the summer at Madeline Island in Wisconsin to collect treaty payments, said Zorn, executive administrator of the 11-band Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. But in 1850, as part of an effort to remove the Ojibwe to Minnesota, the Native Americans were ordered to come to Big Sandy Lake at the end of October to get their payments.

More than 5,000 Indians made the trek from parts of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. But there was nothing waiting.

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"No provisions, no annuity payments," said Gerald DePerry, a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

"People waited for it to come in. People getting sick, people dying; 150 people died. Still no annuity payments," he said. "Late fall, early winter, people said, we're heading back home; 250 more people died on the way home. That's tragic."

Some historians blame Alexander Ramsey, Minnesota's territorial governor at the time. He lobbied the federal government to bring the Native American tribes to Minnesota, hoping to capture the economic benefits of the federal treaty payments for the state, Zorn said.

But failure to deliver promised food left the Native Americans starving and susceptible to disease as winter set in.

The Big Sandy story was mostly forgotten for more than a century. It got new life when historians wrote about it as part of the Mille Lacs Band treaty lawsuit against Minnesota in the 1990s.

Few people know about the Big Sandy Lake tragedy, because it's rarely a part of the historical narrative for Minnesota, said Sean Fahrlander, a Mille Lacs Band member who lives in Wisconsin.

Fahrlander says the suffering of the Ojibwe who died here in 1850 led to political change and treaty rights that still benefit Ojibwe today.

"The Minnesota-Wisconsin border isn't a dividing line for me. Ojibwe land is wherever I'm standing at, that's Ojibwe land," he said.

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The story of Big Sandy is spreading among Ojibwe bands and helping fuel a growing desire to exercise the treaty rights promised more than a century ago, Fahrlander added.

A memorial was built at Big Sandy 150 years after the tragedy. Since then, Ojibwe gather each year to canoe across the lake and hold a ceremony. By early afternoon Wednesday about 150 people had gathered for a feast, prayers and songs amid sporadic rain showers.

"It's somewhat bittersweet because you're here to remember folks in circumstances that were just horrendous," said Zorn. "But you come away with a sense of affirmation, of community, of rebirth. We use this to get strength to face difficulties in the future."

Remembering the tragedy can help deal with collective cultural trauma that afflicts Native American people, said Mick Isham, chair of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band in northern Wisconsin, told the crowd.

"As we pass on the stories so that we remember, we also have to pass on the fact that hey, we survived," he said. "Those were some tough, tough times. And we're actually pretty darn strong."
By PTI: Peshawar, Jul 31 (PTI) At least 28 people, including 18 children, were killed when a vehicle carrying a marriage party was swept away by flash floods in northwest Pakistan, officials said today.

The incident took place yesterday when the ill-fated vehicle was caught in flooding in Tabai area while travelling from Bara to Bazaar Zakha Khel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

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The dead include 18 children, eight women and two men. The injured are all men, said Subedar Hikmat Khan Afridi, Line Officer Landi Kotal Khyber Agency.

Rescue teams have retrieved the bodies and shifted them to a hospital in Landi Kotal, an official said.

Flash floods triggered by torrential rains have badly affected Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in recent years.

According to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), about 55 people have been killed and 35 others injured due to heavy rains in different parts of the country.

Annual spring and monsoon rains claim many lives each year in Pakistan, especially in rural areas where poorly built homes are susceptible to collapse.

Over 120 people were killed in rains and landslides killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan region in April.

Over 80 people were killed and almost 300,000 affected due to heavy rains last summer in Pakistan.

Nearly 2,000 people were killed and millions others badly affected in the worst flooding in 2010 that covered almost a fifth of the countrys total land mass. PTI AYZ KJ AKJ KJ

--- ENDS ---
RED WING  Katherine Kennedy needed to find some volunteer hours.

With confirmation looming at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake City, she and her fellow candidates need to find projects about which they feel a passion to help, said Jean Sweeney, Kennedy's aunt.

Enter a story in the Post-Bulletin about an event in Red Wing designed to help the homeless through a meal, a care package and resources that can help get them off the streets. Sweeney read the article and showed it to her niece.

"I had a nanny who worked in a women's shelter," said Kennedy. "It intrigued me about these people and their day-to-day lives."

Kennedy decided she wanted to help and learn. So, with the help of her aunt, they contacted Katherine Cross, a family advocate specialist from Three Rivers Community Action in Wabasha who organized the event.

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"We don't usually get random people coming in to help out," said Cross, who was thrilled to have the help and interest.

Sweeney said she and Kennedy brought cookies to share, helped set up the meal, and took time to learn.

"I've been talking to Tim," she said, referring to a homeless man who brought his dog. "And I've been listening."
RED WING  Homelessness comes in many forms. For Anthony Sumter, being homeless is a lot of time couch-surfing, sleeping in a tent and beating addiction.

"Two years," answered Sumter, when asked how long he's been homeless. "I couch hop. I find places to sleep. I tent out, mostly in the woods behind my mom's house."

Just shy of his 20th birthday, Sumter said he is literally down to his last dime looking for work. He had been staying at a mission in St. Paul before he ran out of work  Sumter will take any job, but roofing is his favorite.

Then he spent two weeks in treatment in Rochester at a Mayo Clinic facility and, he said proudly, has been sober ever since.

"I've been sober for three months," Sumter said. "That's the longest I've been sober since I was 12."

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A friend's mother tipped him off about the meeting. "Hopefully I can find some job resources here and some housing resources," he said.

Sumter was just one of several individual who showed up looking for help Thursday during an open house at First United Methodist Church in Red Wing where the Goodhue County Homeless Response Team offered a free meal, care packages and information on resources to find a home.

"We help people with back rent that are about to be evicted," said Katherine Cross, a family advocate specialist from Three Rivers Community Action in Wabasha and a member of the Goodhue and Wabasha county HRTs. "We help people with first month's rent and deposit who are homeless or will be homeless in two weeks."

The organization also offers support for low-income individuals through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, MnSURE outreach and application assistance and even some auto repair assistance when funds are available, Cross said.

The causes of homelessness are many.

"What I see are people who are evicted for some reason like job loss, some is domestic violence or mental illness that has caused them to not be able to hold steady housing," Cross said.

The event Thursday was designed to help those facing homelessness and to get a look at what issues the homeless are facing while getting an idea of the count of homeless in the county.

Cross performs informal counts and engages homeless individuals as part of her job. The open house brought in six homeless individuals.

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"Mostly what we see are people doubled up or couch hopping," she said. One couple was able to get a hotel voucher for the night through the Hope Coalition while they waited for another housing opportunity to open up. "Hopefully, the other people will find housing and we'll be able to help them get into that housing."

While Kimberly Ross is not homeless now, she said being homeless is just a month away unless she gets some help. "My daughter is moving out, and we have a three-bedroom house," Ross said, describing the home where she lives with her daughter and grandson. "I'm on Section 8, so they won't let me stay in a three-bedroom once she leaves."

Ross has been on the hunt for a house or apartment where she can live with rental assistance, but has not had any luck over the past two months. The four places she has found have all required a $25 application fee -- an amount of money that times time to gather up for a woman on disability  and have been rented by the time she was able to put in an application.

"It's either that or I've got no transportation to get to them," she said.

Ross has lived in Red Wing nearly a year. She moved from Indianapolis to be closer to her grandson and daughter, and for the small-town safety of Red Wing compared to her old city. But on Aug. 31, she needs to be out of her house.

"I'm just looking for resources to help out," she said.
How does Clinton's nomination affect Minnesota Dems?

PHILADELPHIA  Minnesota Democrats headed home Friday from their national convention with plenty of questions about how presidential nominee Hillary Clinton will affect down-ballot contests in November.

There are no statewide races in Minnesota this year. But feelings about Clinton, as well as Republican nominee Donald Trump, could influence voter turnout and the results of some congressional and legislative races.

Clinton supporters see her as a strong candidate who will help other Democrats on the ballot. They also believe negative feelings about Trump will help their cause.

In the metro-area 3rd Congressional District, Lana Slavitt, a Clinton delegate from Edina, noted that Republican Rep. Erik Paulsen has said he would support his party's presidential nominee.

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"Congressional District 3 is not a district that is going to go for Donald Trump," Slavitt said. "So I actually think Hillary Clinton really helps us in that district."

It could be a much different story in parts of rural Minnesota, where opposition to Clinton and support for Trump are stronger.

Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chair Ken Martin said the presidential campaign is already factoring into legislative races.

"As much as our candidates would like to talk about local issues, what we're already seeing at the door is that they're pulled into conversations about the national issues and the presidential race. So, there's no doubt it will have an impact on those races." The presidential race drives voter turnout. That's a point of concern for Democrats who have not yet achieved the unity they stressed this week in Philadelphia.

Many Bernie Sanders supporters say they still aren't ready to commit to voting for Clinton or helping her get elected.

Karl Keene, a Sanders delegate from Moorhead, said the party has a lot of work to do to reach those people.

"A lot of the people I've talked to are not happy with either candidate and are going to go another option, whether it's Libertarian or Green Party," Keene said. "Some are going to just write in."

Some have also threatened to sit out the election. That's why Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton spent time in Philadelphia this week imploring Sanders supporters to get past their disappointment and support Clinton.

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Dayton said their support is crucial.

"These are party leaders, also influence leaders in the party," the governor said. "What they say about the convention, what they say about the experience they had, what they say about Secretary Clinton is going to influence a lot of people back in their home districts."

Back in Minnesota, legislative leaders from both parties are trying to calculate the impact of the presidential race as part of their campaign strategy.

All 201 seats are on the ballot, and majority control of the House and Senate is on the line.

Republican Senate Minority Leader David Hann of Eden Prairie is predicting that Clinton's unpopularity will help his caucus pick up seats.

"Obviously she's going to get the hard core, committed Democrat vote, the 30 percent of the people who vote Democrat no matter who is on the ticket," Hann said. "But you look at the people who are uncommitted, the undecideds, the people who are independents. I'm not sure Hillary Clinton is going to attract many of those people."

Clinton is doing better in the suburbs than in rural areas, said DFL Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk of Cook, Minn.

But Bakk said he thinks the DFL incumbents in greater Minnesota will be fine.

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"I think they'll be judged on their own record," he said. "I don't think they're going to be judged on Secretary Clinton's record either as a senator or first lady or a secretary of state. Having incumbent members, I think, distinguishes them from other candidates."

Bakk said he thinks Clinton's popularity over Trump in the suburbs could help the DFL pick up some districts. His list includes Hann, the Senate minority leader.
By PTI: Beijing, Jul 31 (PTI) Border police in south Chinas Guangxi Zhuang autonomous regionseized 399 baby Siamese crocodiles, most probably trafficked from neighbouring Vietnam, state media reported today.

The crocodiles were found in a rented house in Dongxing City on Friday when police were collecting home registration information,the border police detachment of Fangchenggang, which administers Dongxing said.

The crocodiles, each around 25 centimeters long, were about 15 days old. They were very likely trafficked from Vietnam, the police said.

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Siamese crocodiles are a protected species in China.

The police saw three men, who appeared to be nervous, carrying goods in front of the house, so they approached to question them. Two suspects escaped by truck while the other, who tried to flee from the back door of the house, was caught, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

In January, 70 frozen wild Siamese crocodiles were seized from a seafood truck in Fangchenggang.

Siamese crocodiles are a critically endangered species native to Southeast Asia. Their skin is used as a raw material for luxury leather products in the international market. It is illegal in China to raise them without a license or to trade and traffic the species.PTI KJVARK AKJ ARK

--- ENDS ---
PHILADELPHIA  A longtime Republican friend texted just as the Democratic National Convention was burying itself in balloons: "I'm sorry," she said, "I'm a Democrat."

Another Republican friend called after President Obama spoke Wednesday night: "I'm sorry," he said. "I'm a Democrat."

No apologies necessary. But thanks surely go to Donald Trump and his spineless Republican enablers. The party of Lincoln, a sometimes laughable bragging point for die-hards whose racial attitudes survived the Civil War intact, is long gone. Its dissolution began at least with Richard Nixon, who embraced a Southern strategy that pandered to racists and set the course for today's GOP.

The party of angry men and patient women tried to add a little sugar and spice, plunging itself ever-lower on the curve when it embraced a cute little winkin', blinkin' and noddin' gal-gov from Alaska as vice presidential running mate to John McCain  and a heartbeat away from the presidency.

Next came the tea party movement to which Sarah Palin briefly attached her Winnebago, followed by the government shutdown, and culminating with the glittering, twittering Tower of Trump.

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That many people on both sides of the aisle are furious and feel marginalized by the pitiless evolutionary march of globalization is understandable. That any one person can make it all better, as Trump has claimed, is a joke that even the mirthless Vladimir Putin surely finds laughable. I imagine him practicing a line he learned in Crawford, Texas, while revealing his soul to George W. Bush: "Bring 'em on!"

"I alone can fix it," Trump has said. So averse to the first-person plural is Trump that he probably thinks the unumin e pluribus unum is about him. Out of many, Trump.

Trump's lack of cool and couth reminds me of the old quip, "Who'd want to be a member of a club that would have me as a member?" For many Republicans, the question is: "Who'd want to be a member of a party that would have Donald Trump as its leader?"

Not I, you may have noticed. At least a few dozen readers have taken note and written to express their disappointment. "You used to make so much sense," they say. Or, "You're obviously a tool of the left." (I was hoping for Satan, but no luck.) The most popular: "You're obviously a member of the liberal media cabal."

Yep, that's me. We cabals just sit around plotting our next mass assault on the candidate who, if elected, would keep us employed at least another four years.

I suppose it's time for a confession: I've never been a Republican and never said I was. I've been an independent since the early '80s and was a Democrat before that. If you're disappointed, well, sorry. It's not I who has changed.

Although I find Trump reprehensible and have written continuously out of a sense of duty to country, I'm not about to become a Democrat. What for? Parties, clubs and groups hold little interest for a person who delights in her own company and identifies with Florence King, the brilliant curmudgeonly commentator and author who once wrote: "We may be psychopaths in our own fashion, but we behave because we know that prison life is communal."

Relax, snowflakes, she was being irreverent.

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Like King, I'm a conservative, if this means everyone will leave me alone. Its further appeal, as defined by theorist Russell Kirk, is that conservatism is the negation of ideology. In a world gone barking mad in defense of this or that ideology or religion, I'm fine with the blank page and the wisdom of ages.

In a lecture called "Ten Conservative Principles," Kirk explained: "A people's historic continuity of experience ... offers a guide to policy far better than the abstract designs of coffee-house philosophers." Hear, hear, though I as much as anyone do love a caffeinated debate about the meaning of squid.

Dearest to my heart is Kirk's conviction that conservatives "uphold voluntary community, quite as they oppose involuntary collectivism."

This gets at the essence of our debate about the role of government. Decentralized authority -- to the extent reasonable and practicable  seems the obvious preference, given the alternative. But opposing collectivism also means opposing collectivist thought, which has increasingly come to define the GOP.

With its acceptance of Trump, the party has implicitly embraced the most un-American of litmus tests for citizens and immigrants based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation. Republicans are becoming ideologues of exclusion and marginalization, with hints of oppression to come.

Who'd want to be a party to that?

Not I.

Kathleen Parker is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for the Washington Post.
Guam is a paradise destination. And we get to live here. Still, there are days when, from the moment your feet hit the floor in the morning, you feel late for life already. That's when you need a break. But where do you go when you already live in paradise?

To the Philippines, of course!

It's a paradise of its own  7,107 paradises, actually. The Philippines is one of the largest island groups in the world, and like everything else, paradise is more fun in the Philippinesand a lot cheaper at that.

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High-flying, no-frills carrier Cebu Pacific finally landed on Guam earlier this year after a brief delay. Suddenly, rival airlines faced fierce competition on the prized Guam-Manila route from the airline budget champ. For years, Philippine Airlines and United enjoyed exclusivity - and high fares - on the valuable route, but within a week of Cebu Pacific's arrival, airfares to Manila plunged by as much as 25 percent.

But a trip to the Philippines is not just about cheap fares and Guam travelers getting more for our money there. First-time visitors are mind-blown to discover, everywhere they go, a stellar standard of customer service and hospitality usually reserved for higher-end, luxury travel experiences.

Just when you think people of the Philippines couldnt get any friendlier, they exceed your expectations. Filipinos are the kindest and friendliest people, extremely welcoming, curious and sharing. They practice a degree of respectful behavior unmatched anywhere.

And that's just the start.

If long stretches of isolated beaches are your thing, it's not hard to find your own personal dream beach or a pristine, lonely island that you can have all for yourself. Backpackers and luxury travelers routinely rank the Philippines postcard-perfect beaches at the top of their "World's Best" lists.

After arriving to Manila, beach bums should beeline straight to Palawan  a long, narrow island province known for breathtaking crystal clear blue waters, secret lagoons and fringed by small island gems.

Palawan boasts one of the worlds most stunning seascapes and diverse aquatic wildlife. It is home to one of the world's seven wonders, too  the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The nearly 5-mile long underground river and cave is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

The park is about a two-hour drive from the dusty seaside capital of Puerto Princesa. Spectacular limestone karst landscapes, clear green waters and old growth forests filled with charming macaque monkeys, monitor lizards and other wildlife.

Gliding silently into the cave system by canoe, visitors are entertained by tour guides and an audio narrative via headphones.

Despite the jaw-dropping wonder of the adventure, visitors are amusingly cautioned not to gaze head up at the towering cave with mouth agape to avoid catching any debris dropping from the thousands of bats that make the cavernous hollows their home.

Bats are in abundance. So are mosquitos and nik-niks (gnats). Don't forget the Off! mosquito repellent.

The nearby Sheridan Beach Resort is the Philippines first green resort and the perfect launch pad for the underground river tour. Snuggled among lush mountainous jungles, and right on the beach with amazing views, day and night, make this resort the idea choice for a weekend of restorative idyllic idle.

Beach bums don't have all the fun though.

Big-city thrill-seekers landing in Manila will find paradise, too. Guam travelers out for a weekend getaway will find themselves at the epicenter of a sprawling metropolis of 30 million. At the heart of it all is the massive city-within-a-city, Resorts World Manila.

Located right cross the street from the Ninoy Aquino Airport's new international Terminal 3, getting to Manila's first mega-casino complex couldn't be easier.

The massive enterprise showcases a luxurious mall, a bevy of stylish hotel brands, theaters and venues offering world-class performances, spectacular shows and events.

A favorite for visitors and local families are the Resort World Manila cinema screens. Watching a movie here in one of the ultra-comfy reclining chairs will tempt you to sleep. But if you do that, not only will you miss the movie, but you won't be able to enjoy the unlimited popcorn and drink refills.

In addition to exciting casino tournaments and other fun activities, there is the food.

Chinese Executive Chef David Chu Wai Fung is a foodie's god. Chu reinvents Cantonese cuisine at Resorts World Manila's fine dining restaurant Passion, located in their sexy, new all-suites Maxim's Hotel.

Chu indulges gourmands with exquisite dishes and subtle culinary opulence that pampers the palate, as much as it feasts the eyes.

Suffice it to say, there are only a few weekends left before school starts. Now is the time to treat yourself to a fast-break to the Philippines before the hectic pace that can make even life in paradise feel like a perpetual rush picks up again.
Undeterred by recent murders committed by Muslim refugees, Angela Merkel stands fully behind her decision to admit more than 1 million Syrian refugees. She made this clear in a recent press conference the theme of which was we can still do this.

But Merkels key coalition partner, Horst Seehofer the premier of Bavaria, today rejected this view. We can do this  I cannot, with the best will, adopt this phrase as my own, Seehofer said following a meeting of his Christian Social Union party, the Bavarian counterpart of Merkels party.

Seehofer explained:

The problem is too big for that and the attempts at a solution thus far too unsatisfactory. Restrictions on immigration are a condition for security in this country.

Bavaria has been hard hit by immigration-related violence. The killing spree by the Iranian-German took place at a shopping center in Munich. Bavaria was also the site of the attack by a Syrian asylum seeker at a music festival in Ansbach and the ax and knife attack by an Afghan asylum seeker that occurred on a train.

It wasnt until the day after the Munich attack that Merkel got around to talking about it. President Obama beat her by 17 hours.

Merkel seems tone deaf and out of touch on this issue. In her recent statement, she insisted:

Despite the great unease these events inspire, fear cant be the guide for political decisions. It is my deep conviction that we cannot let our way of life be destroyed.

But Germans are coming to realize that mass immigration from Muslim countries threatens their way of life. Perhaps the best evidence of this can be found not in the recent killings as horrifying as they are, but rather in the spate of sexual assaults, most notably the spree that took place in Cologne on New Years Eve.

The Daily Mail claims that Merkels premiership is now hanging by a thread. I dont know whether that is so, but her popularity  which had plummeted only to revive following the Brexit  is sure to take a hit given the recent violence.

The Daily Mail cites a poll in which 83 per cent of Germans saw immigration as their nations biggest challenge  twice as many as a year ago. Surely a big portion of that 83 percent agrees with Merkels Bavarian ally that her solution thus far [is] too unsatisfactory.

Indeed, Internet pollster YouGov found that 48 percent of Germans do not agree at all that Germany can manage the refugee influx and another 18 percent said they slightly disagree. Taken together, thats two-thirds of Germans. Less than a quarter of respondents had confidence in Merkels we can do this mantra.

Merkel has always seemed pragmatic and clear-headed. Why did she commit Germany to taking in such a vast number of Syrian refugees?

Last year, I tried to answer the question this way:

I dont doubt that there is a humanitarian component to Merkels decision, and in some respects her willingness to take in so many refugees is a feel good story. But keep in mind that Germany has an economic interest in bringing in young workers, and that this interest isnt mirrored in many other EU member states. Germany faces a severe labor shortage, both short-term and long-term. A study by the Robert Bosch foundation suggested that Germanys workforce could shrink by about 6 million by 2030.

I also wonder whether Merkel really grasped what the sudden influx of a million or more Muslim refugees would mean for Germany. Its fair to ask whether Merkel understands Islamism. Perhaps her model was based on the Turkish immigrants of the past. But they came from a basically secular nation at a time when Islamist extremism wasnt nearly the force it has become.

Jens Spahn, deputy finance minister and a senior member of Merkels conservatives, seemed to confirm this explanation. He admits: My impression is that we all underestimated a year ago what would come upon us with this big refugee and migration movement.

But not all did. In his comments today, Seehofer said that all our predictions [about the impact of Merkels policies] have been proven right.

In all likelihood, Seehofers assessment that Merkels government continues to underestimate whats in store will also be proven right.
Were still waiting to see how much bounce, if any, the Democrats gained from their convention. But the television ratings are in. The Democrats had larger audiences the first three nights; the Republicans received a larger share for the finale.

The degree of the Democrats edge varied over the first three nights. On Monday, apparently it was about half a million viewers. On Tuesday, the Dems had approximately 5 million more viewers than the Republicans did on the corresponding day. On Wednesday, the edge appears to have been 1 to 2 million.

However, on Thursday, when the nominees gave their acceptance speeches, the tables turned. Almost 35 million people watched Donald Trumps. For Hillary Clinton, viewership was around 32 million.

All of these numbers are, of course, estimates.

The numbers dont surprise. The Democrats featured bigger names and bigger personalities the first three nights. As the mainstream media liked to remind us, the Republicans couldnt match the candle power of Michelle and Barack Obama, Bernie Sanders, and Bill Clinton. The gap was even more pronounced than it might have been because the Bush family, Mitt Romney, Marco Rubio, and John Kasich all stayed away.

Thursday featured two speakers Trump and Hillary. Neither is an easy listen. Trump, though, is far more entertaining and a much fresher presence on the political landscape. Naturally, his ratings were better.

However, convention ratings have no predictive value in terms of the election. According to the Los Angeles Times, a 2012 analysis by Larry Sabato found that the political party with a higher-rated convention lost the White House in seven out of the last 14 presidential elections.

Republicans wont be unhappy if potential viewers were otherwise occupied when Ted Cruz gave his speech and was roundly booed at the end. Nor will they will be heartbroken if Ben Carsons odd address and Gen. Michael Flynns rambling one failed to draw an sizable audience.

The Democrats will be pleased that the two Obamas were widely watched. Same with Bill Clinton.

As for Hillarys address, the sentiment may be mixed. I suspect that many Dems might have been happy to rest their case after Wednesday.

There is also the question of who watched which parts of Hillarys lengthy oration. John and I have agreed less than usual during this political season, but we both found the first third of Hillarys speech  which presumably drew the largest audience  poor.

I wonder, though, whether Team Clinton filled the first third with mush for a reason. It may have figured that the initial audience would be dominated by Americans looking for a non-threatening and relatively attractive Hillary. Thats the Clinton may wife thought she saw.

These viewers were all but invited to tune out when Clinton ended the first third of her speech by accepting the nomination (my wife accepted the invitation). Thereafter, the speech would be pitched to those who follow partisan politics closely.

It was towards the back end that Clinton attacked Trump and laid out her aggressively left-wing agenda. By now, as I noted on Thursday, Clinton no longer looked non-threatening and relatively attractive. The mask had come off.

But I suspect the bulk of the remaining audience either didnt notice of didnt care. The mask wasnt donned for most of them.

Its not unusual for acceptance speeches to be divided into distinct segments. It is unusual for a candidate to change personas radically during the course of a single speech.

But Hillary Clinton, even more than Donald Trump in important respects, is an unusual candidate.
Khizr Khans speech at the Democratic National Convention has turned him into an overnight celebrity a la Barack Obama, or Wendy Davis. (Surely you havent forgotten Wendy Davis.) The mainstream media have gone into a frenzy about the speech, and Trumps response helps the media keep it going. Here, the beat goes on in the New York Times. I think Trumps instincts on this are all wrong, and I mean wrong in every respect, but who am I to judge? Hes gotta be him  an embarrassment and disgrace to the issues he purports to care about.

Mr. Khan is a Muslim immigrant to the United States. His son was killed serving in Iraq. His speech slammed Trump with a set of talking points crafted to portray him as a lawless bigot. Here is the text of the speech in its entirety (video below):

Tonight, we are honored to stand here as the parents of Capt. Humayun Khan, and as patriotic American Muslims with undivided loyalty to our country. Like many immigrants, we came to this country empty-handed. We believed in American democracy  that with hard work and the goodness of this country, we could share in and contribute to its blessings. We were blessed to raise our three sons in a nation where they were free to be themselves and follow their dreams. Our son, Humayun, had dreams of being a military lawyer. But he put those dreams aside the day he sacrificed his life to save his fellow soldiers. Hillary Clinton was right when she called my son the best of America. If it was up to Donald Trump, he never would have been in America. Donald Trump consistently smears the character of Muslims. He disrespects other minorities, women, judges, even his own party leadership. He vows to build walls and ban us from this country. 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. Have you ever been to Arlington Cemetery? Go look at the graves of the brave patriots who died defending America  you will see all faiths, genders, and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one. We cant solve our problems by building walls and sowing division. We are Stronger Together. And we will keep getting stronger when Hillary Clinton becomes our next President.

Heres the funny thing. There is only one candidate who wants to amend the United States Constitution to limit our freedoms. Clue: It aint Donald Trump.

The implication of Khans speech is that Trump threatens liberty and equal protection. I dont know what hes talking about and I doubt he does either. These are talking points and non sequiturs, not an argument.

The implication seems to be that limiting Muslim immigration is unconstitutional. That is 100 percent baloney.

Democratic orthodoxy supports the disparate treatment of American citizens by race and all the rest. According to the Democrats, equal treatment is racist.

Oh, well. We arent supposed to think about it too hard. We are meant to make the transition from Yes We Can to Yes We Khan.
A Senegalese court ruled in Dakar on Friday that the former Chadian dictator, Hissene Habre, convicted for crimes against humanity in May, would have to pay tens of thousands of dollars in reparations to his victims.

The Extraordinary African Chambers, a special criminal court set up by the African Union within the Senegalese court system, granted Habres victims of rape and sexual violence reparations of about 34,000 dollars each.

The prosecutor said victims of arbitrary detention, torture and prisoners of war would receive 25,000 dollars, while indirect victims would get 17,000 dollars each.

Amnesty International described the ruling against the 73-year old, the first ever trial of a former head of state in sub-Saharan Africa, as a significant moment in the victims quest for justice.

It, however, said it is not clear if Mr. Habre has the means to make the payments.

The amnesty has urged all parties involved to make sure that those entitled get payment.

Mr. Habre received a life sentence for having coordinated crimes against humanity, which included illegal detention, repression and sexual slavery at the end of May.

He was also convicted of war crimes, torture and sexual slavery.

Rights groups estimated that Mr. Habre was responsible for the deaths of around 40,000 people during his rule. About 200,000 people were reportedly tortured by his regime.

The case against the 73-year old was the first ever trial of a former head of state in sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr. Habre was detained in Dakar in July 2013, after living freely in exile in Senegal for 22 years.

Mr. Habres arrest had been delayed for years by Senegals administration, ignoring Belgian courts efforts to speed up the process and try him in Europe.

(dpa/NAN)
Ikechukwu Anyene, the President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, has confirmed that two Nigerians were killed in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.

Mr. Anyene told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Port Harcourt in a telephone interview from Pretoria that the two men were killed on Friday, July 29, at different areas of Johannesburg.

He said that the first victim, Gideon Ogalaonye, an indigene of Onitsha, Anambra, was allegedly shot dead at 7 p.m. while on a visit to the residence of his daughters.

He said that the second victim, Nnamdi Michael, an indigene of Enugu state, was allegedly stabbed to death by a Zimbabwean national at Yeoville at 8 p.m on the same day.

Mr. Anyene said witnesses said the assailant first demanded money from Michael, which was not given and later attempted to forcefully remove his phone.

He said the assailant stabbed the victim, adding that Nigerians at the scene pursued and arrested him.

Mr. Anyene said: The Zimbabwean has been handed over to the police and we will follow the case.

The two incidents have been reported to the Nigerian mission in South Africa and the South African police.

The Nigerian community in South Africa are not happy with the killings.

We urge the Federal government to persuade its South African counterpart to investigate and prosecute incidents of killings of Nigerians in that country.

We are getting worried about these incessant killings and we want the culprits prosecuted.

NAN recalls that Ikejiaku Chinedu, a 35 year-old Nigerian businessman, was killed on July 26 at Mokopane town, Limpopo Province by operatives of a private security firm.

(NAN)
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is expected to order an independent inquiry into the role of Army officers in the 2010 Adarsh Housing Society scam.

On July 22, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to "secure" the Adarsh society building by August 5. It had asked the Registrar General of the Bombay High Court to supervise the process.

By Manjeet Negi: A day after the Army started taking over the possession of flats in the scam-tainted Adarsh Housing Society in Mumbai, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is all set to order an independent inquiry in the case.

Based on the directions from the Bombay High Court, Parrikar is expected to order an independent inquiry into the role of Army officers who gave permission to Adarsh Co-operative to construct a building right next to the military base.

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Parrikar has also scrapped a court of inquiry formed by the Army to ensure complete fairness in the probe.

BACKGROUND

On July 22, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to "secure" the Adarsh society building by August 5. It had asked the Registrar General of the Bombay High Court to supervise the process.

Earlier, the high court ordered demolition of the building and sought initiation of criminal proceedings against politicians and bureaucrats for misuse of powers, holding that the building, originally meant for widows and kin of Kargil war martyrs, was illegally constructed. The respondents then moved the Supreme Court for stay.

The high court had also asked the Centre and Maharashtra government to consider initiating civil and criminal proceedings against bureaucrats, ministers and politicians who played role in its illegal construction and obtained flats in it.

Many senior officers including former Army chiefs General NC Vij and General Deepak Kapoor own flats in Adarsh society.

Also Read

Adarsh Society scam: Supreme Court stays demolition, directs Centre to take over building within week





--- ENDS ---
The Speaker of the House, Yakubu Dogara, on Sunday faced calls from civil society groups for him to step aside amidst criminal investigation into the unfolding budget padding scandal.

One of the calls was contained in an open letter written to Mr. Dogara by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, a transparency and accountability think-tank, calling on him and other House principal officers named in the scandal to recuse themselves from office pending the outcome of investigation.

Mr. Dogara, his deputy, Yusuf Lasun, House Whip, Alhassan Doguwa, and Minority Leader, Leo Ogor, have faced criticism for allegedly padding the 2016 Appropriation Bill with up to N40 billion earmarked for themselves.

Details and documents relating to the alleged fraud were thrown into the public space by Abdulmumin Jibrin, a lawmaker from Kano State who ceased being the chairman of House Committee amidst disputed circumstances on allegations that he committed serial betrayal of trust against the House leadership and members.

Mr. Jibrin, however, denied the allegations, and immediately launched political and media campaign to have Mr. Dogara and others removed from their positions.

Mr. Dogara and other lawmakers accused of engineering pervasive corruption in the House denied all charges against them, saying Mr. Jibrin was acting out of vindictiveness.

Mr. Jibrins has, however, remained resolute in his quest to force Mr. Dogara out, visiting law enforcement agencies with documents to compel them to act.

By Friday, the EFCC, ICPC as well as the State Security Service had reportedly commenced broad investigation into the scandal.

A copy of SERAPs letter seen by this newspaper said, Following confirmation received by SERAP from the EFCC that it has taken up and looking into SERAPs petition to the body on the allegations that the leadership of the House of Representatives padded the 2016 budget to the tune of N481 billion, SERAP is now writing to request you to immediately step aside from your position as Speaker of the House of Representatives pending the out outcome of the investigation.

The letter, dated July 29, 2016, and signed by its executive director, Adetokunbo Mumuni, SERAP also implored Mr. Dogara to ensure that other officers named in the scandal step aside from their positions to allow for the investigation by the EFCC and other agencies to go ahead unhindered.

The group further stated that it had carefully reviewed the documents dumped in the public domain by Mr. Jibrin and concluded that a strong case had been established against the top lawmakers that warranted law enforcement agencies investigation.

SERAP has also reviewed several documents circulating on the internet on the alleged budget padding and we believe that these documents establish a prima-facie case of corruption, which deserves a thorough, transparent, independent and effective investigation by the EFCC and other agencies.

The group, therefore, reiterated its position that Mr. Dogara and others named in the scandal must stand aside because the House of Representatives cannot function effectively nor enjoy public trust and confidence as long as the allegations of budget padding continue to trail its leadership.

The Transition Monitoring Group, a democracy and civic values watchdog, said the calls for Mr. Dogara was appropriate, adding that authorities should not even stop there but ensure that they investigate and put him on trial like the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki.

In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, TMGs chairman, said Mr. Dogara and other principal officers named in the scandal had allegedly committed grave offences against the Nigerian people.

What they did is actually a treasonable offence. Because two individuals because of the patronage giving to them can seat and manipulate the budget to the detriment of over 180 million Nigerians.

Mr. Zirikullahi said the alleged incompetence of the lawmakers in handling the budget was responsible for the delay in forwarding its details to President Buhari, saying the situation marked another proof that the lawmakers dont mean well for the Nigerian people.

This also tells us that we have not broken away from the past. The past is still haunting us. Those that came in from the PDP, the tendency is still there to continue to make things difficult for the people.

Mr. Zikirullahi, therefore, urged President Buhari to clamp down on corrupt lawmakers, in order to bring about the much-needed eradication of corruption in public service.

I think Buhari should damn the consequences, Mr. Zikirullahi said. They should be arrested and prosecuted.

But a Lagos-based legal practitioner, Liborous Oshoma, said the calls for Mr. Dogara to stand aside was premature and undemocratic.

Mr. Oshoma said Mr. Jibrins allegations must be carefully examined by authorities to determine if charges should be brought against those allegedly involved before any calls for him to step aside could be entertained, saying the case was different from Mr. Sarakis case.

I will not advise that the Speaker should stand aside because its just an allegation. Well be endangering democracy with that kind of attitude, Mr. Oshoma said.

If an offence has been established against the Speaker, unlike in Sarakis case in which allegations were investigated and he was charged.

Mr. Oshoma, however, said he would demand that Mr. Dogara to stepped aside if but he should be investigated first.

Allegations can just be a rumour, I think it would be premature to push him aside now.

Mr. Dogaras spokesman, Turaki Hassan, did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES repeated calls and text messages seeking comments for this story.
The Federal Government has banned the procurement and distribution of bags, T-shirts and other souvenirs at events such as Conferences and Seminars funded by Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

In a statement on Sunday in Abuja by the Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Finance, Salisu Dambatta, said President Buhari had approved the ban following recommendations by the Efficiency Unit.

It said the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, forwarded the directive to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Ministers of Finance and Budget and National Planning, for implementation.

According to the statement, the ban was in continuation of the on-going cost-cutting and efficiency drive in the utilisation of public funds by the present administration.

President Buhari had set up the Efficiency Unit to review all federal governments overhead expenditure to reduce wastage, promote efficiency and ensure quantifiable savings for the country.

The Minister of Finance, Head of Service of the Federation, Accountant-General of the Federation, Auditor-General of the Federation and Director, Budget Office of the Federation are members of the Unit.

The Unit identified procurement as the area to begin the execution of its mandate of reducing overhead costs and wastage resources.

The Efficiency unit had already recorded success in cutting government overhead cost in areas such as travels, welfare, honorarium, sitting allowance, training, adverts and publicity as well as refreshments.

It had gone a step further to relocate some of federal governments MDAs into recovered looted properties as ways to reduce overhead cost.

The directive which is a recognition of the fact that in a period of lean financial resources unnecessary expenditure on overheads such souvenirs are luxuries that the government must eliminate.

This will enable release of funds for infrastructure and services such as health and education that would have direct positive impact on the well being of the citizenry and promote economic development.

The directive also contained specific guidelines that would reduce the cost of printing Invitation Cards, Programme of events, Brochures, Folders and Note Pads.

Among the guidelines are that they should be in black and white and limited to only one page and in the case of Brochures they should be streamlined to contain only essential information, it said.

Also, the statement said the printing of unnecessary publications and books of short shelf life which have no real value to the concerned public institutions or the citizens has also been banned.

MDAs were encouraged to save costs by uploading such publications on their websites which has the added benefit of wider visibility, it said.

(NAN)
Over 23, 000 bags of assorted food items and 2,155 bags of shelter supplies have been provided by different Federal Government agencies to Internally Displaced Camps (IDPs) in the North East as part of ongoing initiatives at ameliorating the plight of IDPs in areas ravaged by insurgency, the presidency has said.

Under the coordinated Federal intervention programme, both the Presidential Initiative on North East (PINE) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), are leading the humanitarian aid with the distribution of 10, 300 bags of assorted grains and cereals towards the feeding of over 2 million persons scattered across the region, Laolu Amanda the Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity) to the Vice President, said in a statement Sunday.

Mr. Akande said, In the monthly Federal Intervention Report that shows the level of supplies in the month of July and compiled by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on the North East, Dr. Tope Masha, PINE supplied over 10,300 bags of food items such as rice, millet, maize, guinea corn, salt, vegetable oil, beans, and noodles to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe and Bauchi States.

Besides, NEMA also supplied Borno State with 13,200 bags of food items.

The report indicated that PINE, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, distributed 2,155 assorted shelter materials in nine (9) different Local Government Areas of Borno State which includes Bama, Damboa, Bakacy, Dikwa, Monguno, Mafa, Jere, Banki and Gwoza.

The Federal Government according to the report responded swiftly to the reported case of malnutrition in Bama camp, as severely malnourished children and adults have been moved from Bama to Maiduguri for comprehensive medical treatment.

Government has also deployed medical teams from the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigerian Airforce to assist in support mission for nutrition emergency response to those in need.

In addition, the government of Borno state is converting Islamiya School in Bama to a hospital which will be equipped by the Nigeria Airforce to achieve quick comprehensive treatment of victims.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, in consolidating FG intervention in the North East ordered the establishment of the Presidential Committee on North East Interventions, PCNI. The Committee chaired by Gen. Theophilus Danjuma is responsible for rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery of the North East.

Equally, Government has also constituted an Inter-ministerial Technical Working Group to facilitate an effective humanitarian assistance. The Group is to expedite waivers and technical assistance by donors providing humanitarian aid in North East.

Members of the Group include the Office of the Vice President, Office of the National Security Adviser, NEMA, Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Budget & National Planning, Finance, Nigeria Customs and Immigration.

The Federal Government continues to assess the need and develop effective ways of addressing them with the active collaboration of local, national and international agencies including the United Nations system.

The Buhari presidency will neither relent nor leave any stone unturned in ensuring that our people in the North East are provided with the assistance, help and support needed to address the different fallouts and impact of the insurgency that has ravaged the region for years.
The whistle blowing lawmaker, Abdulmumin Jibrin, says he has written a petition to Nigerias anti-graft agencies to investigate his allegations against the House leadership.

Mr. Jibrin, in a series of posts on his Twitter handle, said he had been granted extra security because he had become a key witness in the investigation and potential trial of the accused lawmakers.

The former chairman of the House of Representatives Appropriation Committee said his offices were also protected by officials to secure documents relating to the case.

On the request of my lawyers, the security agencies have promptly protected the appropriation secretariat, my office and provided maximum protection to Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin as the key witness during prosecution in the matter, Mr. Jibrin wrote in third person.

The lawmaker from Kano State said a petition he wrote to authorities against Mr. Dogara, his deputy Yusuf Lasun, House Whip Alhassan Doguwa, Minority Leader Leo Ogor, and others was dispatched yesterday.

The case against them ranges from corrupt enrichment, abuse of office and public trust, living above means, massive movement of funds in budget, he said.

Other lawmakers reportedly mentioned in the petition include, Herma Hembe, Zakari Mohammed, Chike Okafor, Dan Asuquo, Mohammed Bago, Haliru Jika, Jagaba Adams and Babanle Ila, who all head various committees in the House.

The Speaker and the House have denied any wrongdoing and accused Mr. Jibrin of being bitter because he was removed from his position.

On Saturday, Mr. Jibrin said he had confidence in the fact that appropriate agencies would soon arrest Mr. Dogara and others he mentioned in his allegations, adding that the Speaker should stop blaming extra forces for his woes.

This is a defining moment in the struggle to cleanse the House, first time a member will drag 12 of his colleagues to the anti-graft agencies, he said.

This has opened a rare opportunity for the anti-corruption agencies to decisively use this as a case study to send a powerful signal.

Speaker Dogara has resorted to blame of so-called external forces, are those forces responsible for moving FG projects to his farm?

I am confident that the EFCC and ICPC will effect the arrest of Speaker Dogara and the 11 others to commence prosecution in earnest.

I will share with you the contents of my petition to the EFCC and ICPC in due course and shall return with more shocking revelations.

Mr. Dogaras spokesman, Turaki Hassan, rejected PREMIUM TIMES calls seeking his reaction to the petition and the closure of the Appropriation Committee office in the House of Representatives.
The pictures of what is said to be one of Speaker Yakubu Dogaras guest houses emerged on Sunday, as the budget padding scandal rocking Nigerias House of Representatives worsens.

The pictures were sent to PREMIUM TIMES by lawmakers who asked not to be named. They said the pictures, depicted Mr. Dogaras guest house located at Vistula Close, along Panama Crescent, in the exquisite Maitama neighbourhood in Abuja.

We initially thought the lawmakers were on an errand for the former chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abdulmumin Jibrin, who has been fighting Mr. Dogara.

But the embattled lawmaker telephoned PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday night, saying he had nothing to do with the release of the photographs.

I dont have a hand in the release of those photographs, Mr. Jibrin said. Im dealing with serious issues and not about guest houses.

Mr. Jibrin had repeatedly said in his allegations that Mr. Dogara allegedly looted funds meant for legislative duties to furnish his guest houses and other apartments being personally used by him.

The charges were part of the similar ones Mr. Jibrin had come up with in recent days, following his ouster from the Appropriation Committees leadership on allegations that he betrayed the House leadership and other members.

Mr. Jibrin denied all the allegations, saying it was Mr. Dogara who had been sitting over massive misappropriation of public funds as Speaker.

Mr. Speaker and Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun diverted millions of naira all in the name of paying for guest houses and official residence. The issue became so messy that the Deputy Speaker openly accused Hon Herma Hembe of short changing them of millions of naira in the deal to the shock of many honourable members, Mr. Jibrin said in a July 25 statement.

Mr. Dogara and others named in the alleged fraud denied the allegations.

Mr. Jibrins whistleblowing had seen the public inundated with House internal documents about how funds were allegedly allocated to lawmakers for constituency projects, triggering sweeping investigation into the scandal.

Pictures of the guest houses below:
A coalition, Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC), has asked the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate Justice NFN Ntong of the High Court of Akwa Ibom State, Ikot Ekpene Judicial Division, for abuse of powers in a case involving the Akwa Ibom State government.

In a petition to the council and signed by the coalitions national chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, CSNAC Justice Ntong deserved punishment for his action.

The petition read: The Akwa Ibom State Government through the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uwemedimo Nwoko, Esq., recently filed an ex-parte motion (application) at the High Court of Akwa Ibom State, Ikot Ekpene Judicial Division, presided over by Hon. Justice NFN Ntong, to sought and obtained inter alia, an order of interim injunction restraining the Federal Government or any of its agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Inspector General of Police from arresting, detaining or investigating any official of the state government, past or present, without any report of indictment by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

Also, the Judge granted an order of interim injunction restraining: The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; The House of Assembly for Akwa Ibom State; The Clerk of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; The Auditor General for Akwa Ibom State and the Accountant General for Akwa Ibom State from surrendering themselves or any document or financial records to the EFCC, ICPC or any other person, authority or body.

Curiously, the court restrained ALL commercial banks in Nigeria, including: Zenith Bank Plc; Keystone Bank Plc (formerly Bank PHB); Skye Bank Plc; First City Monument Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc from submitting any document, Financial Statement/Record, Statement of Account, Cheque or Voucher related to any account of the Akwa Ibom State Government to any Agency of the Federal Government, including the EFCC, ICPC or the Inspector General of Police. The enrolled order to this effect was issued by Justice Ntong on July 13, 2016.

The group said the Attorney Attorney of Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Nwoko, in an interview with an online newspaper stated that the state government went to court because the EFCC wrote letters to banks requesting documents on state governments transactions.

These orders granted by Justice Ntong are not only illegal but constitutes a gross abuse of judicial process and powers in the light of judicial decisions, including those of the highest court of the land (the Supreme Court) on the matter, said CSNAC, which had under its Judicial Integrity and Access to Justice (JIAJ) programme, undertook review of judgements and judicial pronouncements of Judges across the country, with a view to assisting the National Judicial Council in its fight against corruption in the Judiciary.

There are at least five (5) settled principles of law violated by the interim injunction:

First, the High Court of Akwa Ibom State lacks the requisite jurisdiction to entertain any subject matter or question relating to: (a) The administration, management or control of the Federal Government or any of its agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC; (b) The operation and interpretation of the Constitution in so far as it affects the Federal Government or any of its agencies and (c) Any action or proceeding for a declaration, order or injunction affecting the validity of any executive or administrative action or decision by the Federal Government or any of its agencies.

By virtue of Section 251 (1) (p), (q) and (r) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the jurisdiction over the subject matter listed in the preceding paragraph is conferred EXCLUSIVELY on the Federal High Court. For ease of reference, the following cases are apt: NEPA v. Edegbero (2002) 18 NWLR (Pt. 798) 69; Benson Agbule v. Warri Refinery & Petrochemical Co. Ltd. (2013) 6 NWLR (Pt. 798) 78; Olutola v. University of Ilorin (2005) 3 MJSC 151 at Pp. 173-174; Inegbedion v. Selo-Ojemen & Anor (2013) All FWLR (Pt. 688) 907 at Pp. 922-923 and very recently, John Shoy International Limited v. Federal Housing Authority (Unreported Appeal No. SC. 98/2005) delivered July 2016 by the Supreme Court.

It is beyond argument that the suit instituted by the Attorney General of Akwa Ibom State and the orders made by Justice Ntong clearly offends the provisions 251 (1) (p), (q) and (r) of the Constitution and the Supreme Court authorities cited supra. The subject matter in the case relates to the operation and interpretation of the Constitution as it affects the EFCC and ICPC (both of which are agencies of the Federal Government).

The interim injunction affects the validity of the administrative actions of the anti-corruption agencies. The law is now firmly established that proceedings no matter how well conducted and orders made by a court without jurisdiction are a nullity. The locus classicus on this is Madukolo v. Nkemdilim (1962) 2 SCNLR 341.

On the power of Federal law enforcement agencies to investigate state government, this is an issue resolved by the Supreme Court in the case of Attorney General of Ondo State v. Attorney General of the Federation (2002) 9 NWLR (Pt.772) 2222. Relying on Sections 4 (4) and 15 (5) and items 60 (a) and 67 of the First Schedule to the Constitution and other enabling provisions, the Apex Court upheld, validated and sustained the ICPC and its establishment Act and dismissed the arguments canvassed by Ondo State. This decision was followed consistently in subsequent cases on the subject.

The power to prosecute economic crimes is exclusive to the Federal Government. It is not shared with the States. See the Supreme Court decision in Nyame v. Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010) 11 NWLR (Pt. 1193) 344. In the Amadi v. Federal Republic of Nigeria (2008) 18 NWLR (Pt. 1119) 259 at 276, Muktar, JSC (as he then was) held that: Indeed, the EFCC is a common agency for both the Federal and State Economic and Financial Crimes.

In the light of the position of the law as encapsulated above, it is most shocking, regrettable and embarrassing that Mr Nwoko, who is the Chief Law Officer of Akwa Ibom State by virtue of Section 195 of the Constitution purported to set a precedent over an issue that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has settled. If the Attorney General is oblivious of the state of the law on a constitutional issue like this, what becomes of the rule of law and justice in Akwa Ibom State?

The injunction granted by Justice Ntong is a daring slap on the face of the Supreme Court, the constitution and the Judiciary.
The Speaker of the Zamfara State Assembly, Sanusi Rikiji, on Sunday said lawmakers in the state have withdrawn the impeachment threat against Governor Abdulaziz Yari.

Mr. Rikiji made the announcement in Gusau, the state capital, after a meeting of stakeholders.

The stakeholders included the governor, all the 24 members of the Assembly and traditional rulers.

The traditional rulers were led by Attahiru Muhammad, the emir of Anka, who is also the chairman of the state Council of Chiefs.

The speaker told newsmen at the end of the meeting that the lawmakers gave the governor terms and conditions before they agreed to suspend the impeachment threat.

He said the intervention of traditional rulers and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state helped in addressing the issues that caused the face-off between them and the governor.

In a separate interview with newsmen, Governor Yari described the cause of the face-off between him and the legislature as the handiwork of the devil.

The cause of the misunderstanding was addressed at the meeting and we have now agreed to put aside our differences and work together for the advancement of our state, he said.

The lawmakers had threatened to impeach the governor for alleged abuse of budget implementation, misappropriation of bailout funds released to the state by the federal government.

Other reasons listed by the legislators included deductions in workers salaries and failure by Mr. Yari to pay the salaries of 1, 400 youths employed by the government two years ago.

(NAN)
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, on Sunday slammed the Nigerian secret police, the State Security Service (SSS) for wading into the unfolding budget padding scandal that has engulfed the House of Representatives for more than a week.

Mr. Falana, in a statement Sunday, said the SSS mandate was strictly limited to protecting the country against internal security threats, adding that the agency acted outside its powers launching criminal findings into the alleged fraud.

Having regard to the recent activities of the SSS and the clear provisions of the relevant laws on investigation of corruption and other economic and financial crimes the SSS lacks the moral right and legal powers to interfere in the investigation of the criminal allegation of padding of the budget in any manner whatsoever, Mr. Falana said.

The SSS had on Friday reportedly launched a sweeping investigation into the scandal, which blew out after a lawmaker from Kano State, Abdulmumin Jibrin, was removed as chairman of House Committee on Appropriation.

Mr. Jibrin was announced removed from the position by House Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, on July 20, 2016, on allegations that he betrayed the House leadership and members and committed fraud.

Mr. Jibrin denied the allegations a day after his removal and launched a campaign to force Mr. Dogara out of office, accusing him and other principal officers of overseeing massive fraud in the parliament.

Mr. Jibrin also took documents to law enforcement agencies, including the SSS, triggering the agencys investigation.

But in his statement Sunday, Mr. Falana said the SSS was far from being the appropriate agency to investigate the matter, saying any action its operatives take on the matter would be nullified by the court.

More importantly, by virtue of the provisions of the National Security Agencies Act the powers of the SSS are strictly limited to the preservation and detection within Nigeria of any crime against the internal security of Nigeria.

Since the padding of the national budget is a straightforward case of economic crime which is not concerned with the internal security of the nation the SSS should not play into the soiled hands of the criminal suspects in the House of Representatives as they may later turn round to challenge the legal validity of any criminal charge arising from a faulty investigation report, Mr. Falana said.

The SSS should be called to order as the nation cannot afford to bungle the investigation of the highly placed politically exposed persons involved in the padding of the budget.

Mr. Falana, therefore, called on the Nigerian government to allow appropriate law enforcement agencies to continue with the case without the SSS, saying only this option would withstand the test of the law.

In the light of the foregoing, the Police and the anti-graft agencies should be allowed to get to the root of the criminality of budget padding in the national assembly. To facilitate and accelerate the investigation the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives should be compelled to set out the details of the budget of the national assembly.

However, it ought to be pointed out that the investigation would not be complete if it is not extended to cover the allegation criminal diversion of over N300 billion via constituency projects purportedly executed by past and serving federal legislators. However, to carry out a thorough investigation the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives should be made to give details of the 2016 budget of the national assembly.

At the end of the investigation all the suspects who are indicted should be charged to court while the funds allegedly stolen by them should be recovered. In addition, the top civil servants who colluded with the legislators to alter the 2016 national budget should be handed over to the Police and anti-graft agencies for investigation and prosecution. This is the time to stop the looting of the treasury through the padding of the budget by civil servants, ministers and legislators.

The SSS could not be reached for comment for this story as the agency has not had an accessible spokesman since its former spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar, was retired last year.
The Kaduna State Government on Sunday released the full report of the outcome of a judicial panel of inquiry it set up to unravel the circumstances surrounding the massacre of 347 Shiites in Zaria, almost two weeks after this newspaper published details of the chilling massacre.

The Governor of the state, Nasir el-Rufai, said he made the document public even though a white paper enquiry was still underway.

A nine-member White Paper Drafting Committee has commenced work on studying the report and its recommendations. While the White Paper process is ongoing, the Kaduna State Government has decided to release the report on its website, the state said in an accompanying statement.

Mr. El-Rufai had in January set up the panel, chaired by Mohammed Garba, an appellate court judge, to investigate the killings, which sparked worldwide outrage.

The panel submitted its findings on July 15.

Mr. El-Rufais decision to make the report public marked a sharp contrast with his statement on the day he received it.

However, noting that the report has been classified Top Secret; we shall evaluate the security implication before making the report public, Mr. El-Rufai said.

The panel found army officers culpable and recommended them for trial, confirming this newspapers story that the General Officer Commanding of the Nigerian Army Division One in Kaduna, Adeniyi Oyebade, was indicted.

The panel also said intelligence failure was to blame for the attack, which occurred after members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria clashed with the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, on December 12, 2015.

READ PREMIUM TIMES exclusive story on the report here and here
Andhra Pradesh's Special Status has stirred the state politics up with Opposition party YSR Congress calling for a state bandh on 2nd August

The principal opposition party YSR has called for a statewide bandh on 2nd of August. Photo: PTI

By Ashish Pandey: Yet again the political atmosphere of Andhra Pradesh has become volatile over the Special Status issue.

With the Centre ruling out special status to the state, the opposition YSR Congress and the Congress have launched a fresh attack on the TDP-BJP alliance.

The principal opposition party YSR has called for a statewide bandh on August 2.

However, not a single MLA from the Congress party or Lok Sabha MP is representing the state, MPs in the Upper House ups the party's ante in Delhi.

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YSR ATTACKS BJP'S POLL PROMISES



YSR Congress Chief has launched a fresh attack on PM Narendra Modi as well as Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, who happens to be the president of Telugu Desham Party. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy told India Today, "One of the poll planks of BJP and TDP was to provide special category status to Andhra Pradesh. In fact they even went one step ahead and declared in their manifesto that the state will get 10 years of special category status instead of five. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his speech in Tirupathi, also spoke on the same issue."

State's principal opposition party president and MLA YS Jagan Mohan Reddy alleged BJP-TDP of doing opportunistic politics and asked "After coming to the power, how can they ignore what was promised by them?"

PRESSURE ON CENTRAL GOVERNMENT



Meanwhile, the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is also planning to mount pressure on the central government.

The party chief and Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, has called a meeting of party MPs and senior leaders in Vijayawada to discuss the future course of action.

The statement made by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in Rajya Sabha has ignited fresh spark in the state politics. As a result, the ruling party TDP is facing the maximum heat as BJP lacks presence in the state.

Also read: ED attaches Jagan Reddy's assets worth Rs 750 crore

--- ENDS ---
The Nigerian Army on Sunday said it had recovered cache of arms and ammunitions in Gamboru.

This is contained in a statement signed by Col. Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations Officer and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

The statement said the troops conducted raids at Gamboru town early on Sunday morning following a tip off.

The troops recovered 3 AK-56 rifles and 2 AK-L rifles with registration numbers; AK-L-AGB 1172, AK-L PU2879, AK-56-2556688, AK-56-22622832 and AK-56-22622315, respectively.

They also recovered 235 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and 7 AK-56 rifle magazines.

The Nigerian Army wishes to commend those good citizens that alerted the military for the timely and useful information that led to this recovery.

This is the type of cooperation and support we always require from citizens of this country to enable us clear the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.

We wish to reiterate the need for all to be more vigilant, security conscious and report any suspicious movements or persons to the nearest security agency, it said.

The statement said troops on Operation LAFIYA DOLE on Saturday night carried out successful ambush against Boko Haram terrorists at a crossing point off Damboa road.

The ambush party decisively dealt with the terrorists riding on bicycles at a crossing point off Damboa-Kubwa road towards Multe village axis.

The team killed one terrorist, while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

The troops recovered 1 AK-47 rifle with registration number 565907530 and14 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, a wooden Dane Gun shaped to the resemblance of an AK-47rifle, 1 fabricated double-barrelled pistol and 4 bicycles, it said.

(NAN)
DEEFIELD TOWNSHIP  A 76-year-old local man wounded in an exchange of gunfire with state troopers on Friday night is apparently responding to medical treatment, according his sister.

Evelyn Zielke said she is hearing good things about her brother, Gerald Sykes.

Zielke, a Monroe Township, Gloucester County, resident, declined to discuss the shooting, adding shes been advised not to talk to the media. Zeilke wouldnt say who provided that advice.

However, Zielke said her brother is retired, but wouldnt discuss his previous employment. She also Sykes has lived in the house in the 300 block of Centerton Road for about 10 years.

Sykes was struck by several rounds from state troopers responding to a 911 call made from a cellphone about 11:30 p.m. on Friday.

According to the state Attorney Generals Office, the caller hung up before making contact with State Police, who tried to trace the cellphone to determine if the caller needed help. State Police were dispatched to the 300 block of Center Road, which was later determined to be the wrong location.

Two state troopers arrived at Sykes home, where he lived with his wife, authorities said. Zielke said her brothers wifes name is Margot.

Authorities said the troopers knocked on a sliding glass door at the back of the house while shining flashlights into the house and announcing that they were responding to a 911 call.

At that time, there was an exchange of gunfire through the sliding glass door in which one of the troopers fired four rounds from his service 9mm handgun and Gerald Sykes fired a single round from a shotgun, according to a statement from the Attorney Generals Office.

Sykes was struck by multiple rounds and retreated into his house, and was eventually airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in Camden, authorities said. Sykes was last listed in stable condition, and no update on his condition was immediately available on Monday.
For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME.

Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire.

Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III.





to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever.





Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation.





View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union.

Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history.

Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words.




In a shocking incident, a jilted lover in Villupuram district tried to set a teenage girl on fire after she rejected his love.

By Pramod Madhav: A month after the gruesome murder of Infosys techie Swathi at a train station in Chennai, a jilted lover in Villupuram district tried to set ablaze a teenage girl after she rejected his love.

Senthil (32), a driver in a private transport company, had been following teenage Naveena for a year. He then met with a train accident in which he lost his right arm and right leg.

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Senthil, under the assumption that Naveena was rejecting his love because of his injuries, planned to attack her.

WHAT HAPPENED

On July 30, Senthil hid outside Naveena's house and waited for her parents to leave.

He then entered from the house from the rear door and threatened her brother and sister with a knife.

Senthil first tried to set Naveena ablaze, but failed. He then poured petrol on himself and set himself on fire and then attacked Naveena.

Neighbours heard the loud noises and broke the door. While Senthil was charred to death, Naveena was rushed to Jipmer hospital in Pondicheery.

Naveena is in a very critical state with 80 per cent burn.

Also Read

Chennai Infosys murder: Swathi's killer arrested in Tirunelveli, tries to kill self

Why did you do this to my daughter? Swathi's father breaks down on seeing killer Ramkumar



--- ENDS ---
AMMAN, Jordan, July 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Announcing several organizational changes and new appointments

ArabiaWeather Inc. - the leading provider of weather products, services and solutions to consumers and businesses in the Middle East - has announced the formation of a standalone meteorology department within the company, allowing for closer integration between its hyperlocal end-to-end weather technology and its growing team of meteorologists, operational staff and customer support specialists.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151117/288090LOGO )

The department will house ArabiaWeather's new and existing weather, technology, operations, customer care, and quality control functions and teams. It will be supported by an accreditation team that ensures the company's operations are compliant with global standards, including those of the World Meteorological Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Meanwhile, the company has announced the appointment of Darren Eulenstein as its Chief Meteorology Officer and head of its newly-formed meteorology department. Eulenstein brings 30 years of experience in meteorology to the company, having previously held posts within the Australian government's Bureau of Meteorology and at Serco Group PLC, contracted by the Abu Dhabi Airports Company, the Dubai Airports Company, and Dubai Air Navigation Services.

"I am very excited to be joining ArabiaWeather," Eulenstein said, following his appointment.

"The level and quality of service that the company provides to its customers is exemplary, and the company has a strong understanding of the role of technology in providing meteorology services. The company's culture is also built around a passion for weather, which you can see across its staff."

On his part, Mohammed Al-Shaker, CEO of ArabiaWeather, said, "We are very excited that Darren has joined our team. There is no doubt that his experience will help us continue to improve the quality of our services. He has significant experience in meteorology, including in aviation and marine, as well as in general services. Having lived in the region for more than 15 years, Darren's extensive knowledge of weather conditions in the Middle East has helped him develop a comprehensive understanding of the region's meteorology sector, which will directly reflect on the quality of services provided by ArabiaWeather."

In other organizational changes, ArabiaWeather announced that, in addition to his role as Senior Vice President for Enterprise Solutions, Ehab Alshurafa will now also serve as the company's Country Director for the UAE. Osama Al-Tarifi, a long-standing employee of the company, was named Country Director for Jordan. It was also announced that Yousef Wadi, the company's Chief Information Officer, would be leaving his day-to-day role within the company. Wadi will continue to serve as a technical advisor to the company and its weather technology team.

For round-the-clock weather forecasts and services, please visit http://www.arabiaweather.com, and to learn about the business solutions offered by ArabiaWeather, please visit http://corporate.arabiaweather.com/.

SOURCE ArabiaWeather Inc.
FRANKFURT, Germany, July 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Additional partner strengthens Pulkovo Airport consortium / Fraport retains role as "Airport Operator"

FRA/rap - Today, Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide (Fraport AG) and its consortium partners at Pulkovo Airport reached an agreement to sell part of their shares in Thalita Trading Ltd. (Thalita) to Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). Thalita is the parent company of Northern Capital Gateway LLC consortium, which has the 30-year concession for operating Pulkovo Airport (LED) in St. Petersburg, Russia. Fraport will be reducing its stake in Thalita by 10.5 percent from 35.5 percent to 25 percent. Based on the current book value, Fraport expects profit from the transaction to range between 30 and 40 million euros - which in its total sum will impact the Group EBITDA, EBIT and EBT for the 2016 business year and will positively influence the Group result. The transaction closing is expected to be completed in the second half of 2016.

Decreasing its shareholding will not affect Fraport's role as "airport operator" in the consortium. It is planned that QIA will also be able to acquire shares from the other consortial partners for a total stake of 24.99 percent in Thalita.

Fraport AG executive board chairman Dr. Stefan Schulte stated: "Pulkovo Airport has developed well since the operating concession started. In selling part of our stake, we are realizing value enhancement while maintaining our role in the consortium. Furthermore, this agreement with the renowned global financier Qatar Investment Authority will broaden the shareholder base of our consortium and strengthen Pulkovo Airport to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. Despite the current difficulties in Russia, we continue to regard this as an attractive market."

Since the Northern Capital Gateway consortium started operations, passenger traffic at LED has risen from 8.4 million in 2010 to 13.5 million in 2015. Pulkovo Airport has also been receiving more new airlines and routes in recent months. The successful on-time and on-budget implementation of new terminal facilities in 2013 has greatly enhanced Pulkovo's capacity, service quality, as well as the role of St. Petersburg as Russia's second largest metropolis and as a leading international business and tourist destination. The enlarged consortium will be able to leverage and build upon the milestones already achieved at Pulkovo Airport.

Print-quality photos of Fraport AG and Frankfurt Airport are available for free downloading via the photo library located in our Press Center on the Fraport Web site. For TV news and information broadcasting purposes only, we also offer free footage material for downloading. If you wish to meet a member of our press team when at Frankfurt Aiport, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our contact details are available here .

Fraport AG - which ranks among the world's leading companies in the global airport business - offers a full range of integrated airport management services and boasts subsidiaries and investments on three continents. The Fraport Group generated sales of 2.6 billion and profit of about 297 million in 2015. In 2015, some 111 million passengers used airports around the world in which Fraport has more than a 50 percent stake. In its Mission Statement, Fraport places the focus on customers. The Group's commitment to ensuring a "good trip" to all passengers and travelers is also reflected in the corporate slogan: "Gute Reise! We make it happen". This commitment applies to all of Fraport's business activities and services both at Germany's largest aviation hub in Frankfurt and the Group's airports worldwide.

At its Frankfurt Airport (FRA) home base, Fraport welcomed more than 61 million passengers and handled about 2.1 million metric tons of cargo (airfreight and airmail) in 2015. For the current summer timetable, FRA is served by 95 passenger airlines flying to 290 destinations in some 100 countries worldwide. Half of FRA's destinations are intercontinental (beyond Europe) - underscoring Frankfurt's role as a leading hub in the global air transportation system. In Europe, Frankfurt Airport ranks second in terms of cargo tonnage and is the fourth busiest for passenger traffic. With about 59 percent of all passengers using Frankfurt as a connecting hub, FRA also has the highest transfer rate among the major European hubs.

Frankfurt Airport City has become Germany's largest job complex at a single location, employing more than 80,000 people at some 500 companies and organizations on site. Almost half of Germany's population lives within a 200-kilometer radius of the FRA intermodal travel hub - the largest airport catchment area in Europe. FRA Airport City also serves as a magnet for other companies located throughout the economically vital Frankfurt/Rhine-Main-Neckar region. Thanks to synergies associated with the region's dynamic industries, networked expertise, and outstanding intermodal transportation infrastructure, FRA's world route network enables Hesse's and Germany's export-oriented businesses to flourish in global growth markets. Likewise, FRA is a strategic gateway for companies wanting to access the huge European marketplace. Thus, Frankfurt Airport - which is strategically located in the heart of Europe - is one of the most important hubs in the global logistics chain.

If you no longer wish to receive Fraport AG's press information per e-mail, click here.

Fraport AG

Robert Payne

Press Office

Corporate Communications

60547 Frankfurt, Germany

Telephone: +49-69-690-78547

E-mail: r.payne@fraport.de

Internet: http://www.fraport.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FrankfurtAirport



SOURCE Fraport AG
LONDON, July 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The lifting of most financial and economic sanctions against Iran in January 2016 has caused a wave of investment flowing into the country as international organisations look to benefit from one of the fastest growing economies in the Middle East.

The telecoms industry has been of particular interest for foreign investment with rapid growth due to deregulation, licencing of new MVNOs, roll-out of 3G and 4G services and a flourishing start-up sector.

Indicative of this, the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) has recently signed a EUR1 billion finance agreement with an unnamed overseas vendor for the expansion and upgrade of its networks as well as cooperation agreements with Italian telecoms equipment manufacturer Itatel and foreign telecoms carriers KT Corp of South Korea and Kazakhtelecom of Kazakhstan.

In response to this international interest, Capacity Media is proud to announce that the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology of Iran and the TIC will officially co-host Iran Connect (6 & 7 September 2016, Tehran).

Providing a high-profile conference of C-level speakers addressing revenue growth opportunities in a highly lucrative market, the event will also facilitate meetings and introductions for international operators, vendors and service providers with Iran's entire telecoms industry.

Exclusive keynote addresses will be delivered on 6 September by H.E. Dr. Mahmoud Vaezi, Minister of Information and Communications Technology of Iran, Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi, Deputy Minister, Chairman of the Board and Managing Director for Telecommunication Infrastructure Company Iran, and Mr Nicholas Hopton, Her Majesty's Charge d'Affaires to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Iran Connect presents a unique opportunity for international organisations to gain an insight into the region's leading market for broadband and mobile services, with legal and business advice provided to all attendees at the pre-event workshop on 5 September. For more information please visit http://www.irantelecomsconnect.com.



About Capacity Media



Capacity Media, a division of Euromoney Global Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales (company number 00142215), focusses on the wholesale telecommunications market and carrier-to-carrier business. Consisting of Capacity magazine, Capacity Conferences and International Telecoms Week, Capacity Media is the leading source of information for the industry.



Places at the conference are limited. All delegates will be screened against sanctions lists and Euromoney reserves the right to decide eligibility for attendance at the conference.



Contact details:



Matthew Tremlett

Senior Marketing Manager



+44-(0)20-7779-7273

matthew.tremlett@capacitymedia.com



SOURCE Capacity Media
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today demanded that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump apologize for disparaging the parents of a Muslim who died while serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq.

[NOTE: CAIR today also joined a #CanYouHearUsNow social media campaign by Muslim women activists challenging Trump's Islamophobic remarks. See below.]

The father of the slain soldier spoke at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) last week and criticized Trump, saying he "consistently smears the character of Muslims" and demanding to know what similar sacrifices Trump had made. Holding up a copy of the Constitution, the Muslim father asked if Trump had ever read it. His wife stood silently by his side during the DNC address.

In an interview aired today on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," Trump implied that the Muslim parents were being used by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign and seemed to exploit existing stereotypes of Islam by criticizing the Muslim mother, Ghazala Khan, for standing silently as her husband at the convention.

In fact, the wife did speak out in response to Trump's remarks.

Video: Muslim Gold Star Parents Speak Out Against Donald Trump's Disparaging Comments

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--g9E8fHmcs

Ghazala Khan: Trump criticized my silence. He knows nothing about true sacrifice.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/ghazala-khan-donald-trump-criticized-my-silence-he-knows-nothing-about-true-sacrifice/2016/07/31/c46e52ec-571c-11e6-831d-0324760ca856_story.html

Trump's disparagement of the Muslim "Gold Star" family has drawn widespread condemnation.

CAIR: Donald Trump Criticizes Muslim Family of Slain U.S. Soldier, Drawing Ire (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/31/us/politics/donald-trump-khizr-khan-wife-ghazala.html

CAIR: New Trump Outrage - He Disparages Muslim Family of Fallen U.S. Soldier (McClatchy)

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/election/article92884682.html

In a statement responding to Trump's remarks, CAIR Board Chair Roula Allouch said:

"As the leader of America's largest Muslim civil rights organization, I urge Donald Trump to apologize for his shameful remarks disparaging a Muslim Gold Star family and for his repeated use and promotion of anti-Muslim stereotypes. Just as Donald Trump must apologize for his un-American remarks, Republican Party leaders must finally repudiate their candidate's divisive rhetoric."

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization also joined a social media campaign by American Muslim women demanding that Trump apologize for disparaging Ghazala Khan. In the #CanYouHearUsNow campaign, Muslim women activists are sharing the various ways they speak out every day.

Muslim women activists are being asked to tweet between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (EDT) tomorrow, Monday, August 1, using the hashtag #CanYouHearUsNow. The Muslim women will tweet about who they are and how they speak out.

CAIR has reported an unprecedented spike in Islamophobic rhetoric and anti-Muslim incidents nationwide in recent months, attributed at least in part to statements and policy proposals made by public figures like GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump and others.

The Washington-based Muslim civil rights group is asking Muslim community members to report any bias incidents to police and to CAIR's Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or by filing a report at: http://www.cair.com/civil-rights/report-an-incident/view/form.html

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational

Subscribe to CAIR's Email List

http://tinyurl.com/cairsubscribe

Subscribe to CAIR's Twitter Feed

http://twitter.com/cairnational

Subscribe to CAIR's YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/cairtv

CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Related Links

http://www.cair.com


HARRISBURG, Pa., July 31, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At the direction of Governor Tom Wolf, members of the Pennsylvania Incident Management Team (IMT) will deploy to Maryland today to support that state in efforts to respond and recover from devastating flooding in Howard County. Emergency crews there rescued more than 100 people during the height of the storm.

"Our staff is experienced in providing this type of help, and we are happy to provide whatever assistance we can give to help our colleagues in Maryland as they deal with this incident," said Richard D. Flinn Jr., director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

The IMT is tasked with providing logistical support to Howard County, and is staffed by personnel from PEMA, the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, Department of Corrections, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and other personnel. The deployment is expected to last one week.

The request for assistance was made via the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a formal agreement that allows states to share resources, such as personnel or equipment, during disasters. All costs associated with the deployment are paid by the requesting state.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ruth Miller  717-979-6557 or [email protected]

SOURCE Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us/


If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
The soldiers were martyred on July 29 while patrolling along the Line of Control in Kargil sector when they were caught in a mine blast.

By Ashraf Wani: Two soldiers were martyred on July 29 while patrolling along the Line of Control in Kargil sector when they were caught in a mine blast. Due to the effect of the blast, Subedar Basappa Patil, who was the patrol leader and Sepoy Hasansab Khudavand, the leading scout, suffered grievous injuries, which proved to be fatal.

MORTAL REMAINS BEING FLOWN TO NATIVE PLACES

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In a solemn wreath laying ceremony held at Leh on 31 July 2016, the two brave hearts were honoured by all ranks of 14 Corps'. The mortal remains of the two martyrs are being flown to their native places where they will be accorded military funerals with full ceremonial honours.

Subedar Basappa Patil hails from village Khanajaon, Tehsil Gokak, District - Belgam, Karnataka and is survived by his wife and 2 children. Sepoy Hasansab hails from village Saidapur, Tehsil Navalagund, District - Dharwad, Karnataka and is survived by his parents, younger sister and brother.

The Army is proud of their bravery and professionalism and stands shoulder to shoulder with the families in their hour of grief.

Also read:

Kupwara: Army gives befitting farewell to 2 soldiers killed while foiling infiltration bid

Two terrorists killed as army foils infiltration bid in Kupwara



--- ENDS ---
Philadelphia (Us), July 25 : The Democratic Party Convention to nominate Hillary Clinton for the presidency of the United States opens here on Monday with the party's leadership thrown into unprecedented disarray as Chairman Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned following leaks of party emails allegedly by Russia.

Accusing Moscow of interfering in US presidential elections, Clinton's campaign manager Robby Mook said Russians hacked the party national committee's computer system and released the emails to help her Republican rival, Donald Trump.

He told CNN on Sunday that "experts" traced to "Russian state actors" the leak of emails showing that the party leadership tried to undermine the insurgent Clinton rival, Bernie Sanders.

WikiLeaks, which has previously publicly posted various secret government and corporate emails and data, did not identify the source of the more than 20,000 Democratic emails it published.

The emails infuriated the left wing of the Democratic Party still smarting over the defeat of Sanders by Clinton, whom it sees as the establishment candidate.

Even though Sanders has endorsed Clinton, his supporters continued their battle against her with protests on Sunday and vowed to take it to the convention floor clouding the image leaders hoped to project of a united front against Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Some of the leaked emails showed the party officials looking at portraying Sanders, who is Jewish, as an "atheist" to undercut his appeal in a nation where religion openly plays a role in politics. In others, officials discussed ways of undermining Sanders who rode a wave of anti-establishment fervour to challenge Clinton.

Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort denied suggestions of any links between Trump and Moscow calling them in an interview to ABC "pure obfuscation on the part of the Clinton campaign".

The 4,762 delegates elected to the convention by rank and file include several Indians. Amit Jani, the media person for South Asians for Hillary, told IANS South Asians were involved in the Convention and the campaign at all levels. "We are excited to be a part of the historic Convention and working for Hillary Clinton's victory."

About India, the party manifesto for the November election that will be adopted at the Convention says, "We will continue to invest in a long-term strategic partnership with India -- the world's largest democracy, a nation of great diversity, and an important Pacific power."

When the Convention opens on Monday evening, the party will try to forge unity against Trump overcoming the polarisation between the party's establishment and the traditional membership on one side and on the other, the party's progressive wing and the newly-enthused supporters of Sanders entering the election arena for the first time.

Donna Brazille, the interim chair of the Democratic Party, acknowledged, "There may be stuff we have to apologise for." She said the party would emerge united for Clinton and Tim Kaine, her vice president pick, to take on Trump.

Sanders has been given a major speaker at the inaugural session of the Convention in a city sweltering under a record heat wave. The party manifesto has co-opted several elements of the Sanders campaign like a minimum wage of $15 per hour, higher taxes for the rich, ending death penalty, and eventually legalising marijuana.

Clinton's model of the presidency hews to essentially a continuation of President Barack Obama's eight-year rule of moderation and international involvement, with a progressive shift reaching out to the middle classes and the poor who feel insecure despite the economic rebound from the Great Recession legacy of George W. Bush.

She goes up against Trump, who has made terrorism and law and order the centerpiece of his campaign, while also railing against Wall Street which he - and Sanders supporters - link to Clinton.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at the Democratic Party Convention in Philadelphia at arul.l@ians.in)
Mogadishu, July 26 : At least 13 people were killed and five injured on Tuesday in twin explosions near the airport in Mogadishu, Somalia security officials said.

Most of the casualties were UN contractors who operated near the explosion sites, Xinhua news agency quoted a police official as saying.

The first explosions hit the entrance of the airport while the other one hit a checkpoint nearby, another official said.

There were huge blasts near the airport, a witness said. "I heard two huge explosions and there were bodies of people strewn over the place."

Security forces have cordoned off the area.

Al-Shabaab militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Chennai/Thiruvananthapuram, July 26 : India has lost its arbitration case in an international tribunal against Bengaluru-based Devas Multimedia Private Ltd for cancelling its space/satellite contract with the government-owned Antrix Corporation, Devas said on Tuesday.

In a statement, Devas said: "A Permanent Court of Arbitration tribunal has found that the government of India's actions in annulling a contract between Devas and Antrix Corporation Ltd., and denying Devas commercial use of S-band spectrum, constituted an expropriation."

The ruling on Monday was the second by an international tribunal arising out of the cancellation of the contract between Devas and Antrix, the commercial arm of Indian space agency Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the statement added.

The Hague-based tribunal, which regularly takes cases involving states, including investment treaty claims brought under the arbitration rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), also found that India breached its treaty commitments to accord fair and equitable treatment to Devas's foreign investors.

According to Devas, the unanimous decision included the arbitrator appointed to the tribunal by India.

Reacting to the development, G.Madhavan Nair, who was ISRO Chairman when the deal was signed, told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram that all this happened because of the UPA-2 government.

S. Rakesh, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Antrix Corporation Limited, was not available for comments.

In an earlier decision, an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) tribunal in 2015 found unanimously that Antrix's repudiation of the contract was unlawful, and awarded Devas damages and pre-award interest of approximately $672 million, plus post-award annual interest accruing at 18 per cent until the award is paid in full.

The courts in Britain and France have recognised the ICC award and held it to be enforceable.

According to Devas Chairman Lawrence Babbio, with the PCA award, two international tribunals have now unanimously agreed that financial compensation should be paid after annulment of Devas's rights.

"Other courts in France and the United Kingdom have agreed that the award against Antrix ought to be enforced. We prefer a mutually agreeable resolution of this matter. But until that occurs, Devas and its investors will continue to press their claims before international tribunals and in courts around the world," Babbio was quoted as saying in the statement.

The PCA tribunal unanimously found that by annulling the contract in 2011 and denying the commercial use of S-band spectrum, the Indian government expropriated the investments of Devas's foreign shareholders and also acted unfairly and inequitably, thus making it liable to pay financial compensation.

Antrix entered into an agreement with Devas in 2005 for the long-term lease of two ISRO satellites operating in the S-band.

However, the then United Progressive Alliance government cancelled the controversial contract in February 2011, invoking sovereignty and decided to use the advanced satellite for the country's strategic use.

Under the annulled deal, Antrix was to lease satellite transponders to Devas for allowing it to offer digital multimedia services using the S-band wavelength (spectrum), reserved for strategic purpose.

The space agency launched the GSAT-6 on August 27, 2011 from its spaceport at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, about 90 km north of Chennai, as a communication satellite, using a heavy rocket.

In June 2016, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had issued a notice to Devas for alleged violation of foreign exchange laws involving around Rs 1,200 crore.

According to a government statement, Devas Multimedia is suspected to have received foreign direct investment of Rs 578.54 crore between May 2006 and June 2010 from various overseas investors, including CC Devas Mauritius Ltd, Telecom Devas Mauritius Ltd, Deutsche Telkom Asia Pvt. Ltd. and Devas Employees Mauritius Pvt. Ltd. in violation of the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act.

The ED said the share subscription agreements entered by Devas Multimedia with the investors contained clauses relating to settlement of disputes in courts other than those in India and applicability other than Indian laws in matters of dispute, and thus, the FDI received by the firm was contrary to the conditions specified in the approvals granted by Foreign Investment Promotion Board.

The extent of contravention on the said count is Rs 578.54 crore, the ED said.

The ED also charged Devas Multimedia with contravening the FDI regulations under FEMA for assuring foreign investor an annual eight per cent priority dividend in addition to other dividends on cumulative basis.

The investments received by the Indian company with such assured returns is Rs 571.72 crore, the statement said.

According to the ED, Devas, for one tranche of receipt of funds, issued a security akin to an External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) promising higher returns than the ceiling fixed by the Reserve Bank of India. The extent of violation is Rs 67.5 crore, the ED said.

According to the probe agency, a show cause notice has been issued to the Indian investors, the persons responsible in the Indian company, including its directors and foreign investors.

The ED has initiated adjudication process. In case the alleged contravention is proved in the adjudication proceedings, the noticees are liable for penalty under FEMA, which may be imposed up to thrice the sum involved in such contravention.
Washington/New Delhi, July 27 : As the sales of Apple iPhones went through a global slowdown barring in India, the Cupertino-based tech giant's CEO Tim Cook has announced to soon open retail stores in the country -- a move that brings to the fore the global importance of the burgeoning Indian smartphone market.

Apple's third-quarter net income plunged 27 per cent to $7.8 billion on a decline of iPhone sales. It sold 40.4 million iPhones in the quarter, compared with 47.5 million in the same period of 2015.

But sales of the Apple devices in India rose 51 per cent in the last three quarters compared with a year earlier, Cook said on Tuesday.

"India is now one of our fastest growing markets. In the first three quarters of this fiscal year, our iPhone sales in India were up 51 percent year on year. We're looking forward to opening retail stores in India down the road and we see huge potential for that vibrant country," The Wall Street Journal reported, citing Cook.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of Apple's Q3 2016 earnings call.

India is expected to overtake the US as the second-largest smartphone market next year with robust annual growth, a Morgan Stanley report said recently.

"After realising the increasing importance of India to its core businesses, Apple is now turning its India-entry plans into reality. Having its own stores will help provide better user experience to its prospective customers which, in turn, will help Apple spruce up the business," Vishal Tripathi, Research Director at global market consultancy firm Gartner, told IANS.

"Having said that, Apple will also need to work very closely with their existing partners to understand the finer nuances and maximise the returns," he added.

Revenue for the third fiscal quarter contracted by 14.6 per cent to $42.36 billion compared with revenue of $49.6 billion in the same period last year because of the drop in iPhone sales for the second consecutive quarter, Efe news reported.

Earnings per share were $1.42, above the analysts expected earnings of $1.38 per share and revenues of $42.1 billion.

The company reported that its gross profit margin was 38 per cent.

"Today we're pleased to report third quarter results that reflect stronger customer demand and business performance than we anticipated just 90 days ago," Cook added.

Meanwhile, Apple's chief financial officer Luca Maestri said the results had exceeded their expectations in a quarter marked by currency fluctuations and comparisons between iPhone's latest model, the 6S, and the best-selling iPhone 6.

Apple's profits suffered the first decline in 13 years in the quarter ending March 26 and iPhone sales contracted for the first time in history, a setback that halted the meteoric rise of the tech giant.

One of the problems is the slowdown of the company's businesses in China which Apple sees as the next growth engine.

Services including the App Store and cloud storage (iCloud), among others, generated revenue of $6 billion, a 18.9 per cent increase compared to a year ago.

Apple also expects a gross margin between 37.5 and 38 per cent during the current quarter ending September and anticipates revenues of between $45.5 billion and 47.5 billion.

Apple shares currently are down 8.2 per cent since the start of the year.

Cook, who visited India in the sweltering heat of May announced the first development centre in Hyderabad to work on Apple Maps and an app design and development centre in Bengaluru that will support the Indian developers creating mobile apps for its iOS mobile platform.

In his much awaited meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 55-year-old Apple head stressed the possibilities of manufacturing and retailing Apple devices in the country.

Bullish on India's upcoming 4G revolution, Cook told an Indian TV channel that 4G is critical for India's progress -- thus setting up the roadmap for a possible alliance with some big players to help Apple open more retail stores in the country.

"I am looking at India holistically and we are here for the next thousand years," Apple CEO Tim Cook had asserted.

According to Faisal Kawoosa, lead analyst with CyberMedia Research (CMR), a nod to import and sell refurbished iPhones at a cheaper price would have put Apple in a very advantageous position in the country.

"At a time when its revenues have taken a hit globally, selling its products in mid- and low-price segment would give the company an upper hand," he had told IANS.

Tripathi added. "It will benefit to buy from an Apple store if the cost and alternative buying options like EMI are the same as compared to partner stores."
Hanoi, July 28 : Vietnam's parliament on Thursday adopted the appointment of cabinet members for the 2016-2021 tenure proposed by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

As many as 26 cabinet members, including deputy prime ministers as well as ministers and heads of ministerial-level agencies were appointed, Xinhua news agency reported.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh received the highest approval rate of 97.77 per cent by deputies at the ongoing first session of the 14th National Assembly (NA) in capital Hanoi.

The five deputy prime ministers remain unchanged compared with the previous tenure, while head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) was replaced.

Nguyen Xuan Cuong, deputy minister of MARD was approved to become MARD minister for 2016-2021 tenure with 86.64 per cent of approval by NA deputies.

Cuong, who had served as deputy minister of MARD since December 2015, was appointed to replace Cao Duc Phat.

Among ministers and heads of ministerial-level agencies of Vietnamese government, Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien is the only female minister and also the only cabinet member who is not a member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee.
Agartala, July 29 : The supply of essentials and fuel continues to be hit badly in Tripura for about two months now even as the state government has repeatedly sought the central government's intervention to restore its lifeline - National Highway-8 - which has been badly damaged in adjacent Assam.

Due to heavy rains and poor maintenance, the NH-8, has turned into a muddy field with knee-deep mud at Lowerpoah in southern Assam's Karimganj district adjoining northern Tripura, thus almost cutting off Tripura by surface communication.

Opposition political parties and affected people have been organising road blockade and protests regularly to demand normal supply of fuel. Some protestors have also been burning vehicle tyres.

People were also facing severe scarcity of cooking gas due to a major shortfall in the supply.

On Friday, 25 Trinmool Congress picketers were arrested by the police when they tried to enter the civil secretariat forcibly.

Tripura's PWD Minister Badal Choudhury, Transport Minister Manik Dey and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Bhanulal Saha on Friday jointly addressed the media to explain the situation.

Choudhury later accused opposition parties of "exploiting" the situation arising due to the fuel crisis to "create violence and disturb peace in the state".

At the press conference, he, releasing copies of all the state government's letters to the central and Assam governments, said that the central government has not being showing its due responsibility toward the people of Tripura.

"Central government can deploy military engineering service or Border Road Organisation or any of its agencies to urgently repair the damaged portion of the roads," he said, adding that for the repair of only a 300 metre portion of the highway, they had been appealing to both Assam and central governments almost every week.

Saha said that some trucks and fuel tankers passed through the damaged areas but this was nothing.

"The state government has suggested that essential items including fuels be transported to Tripura through Bangladesh."

Saha, had earlier this week, said that the Food Corporation of India and the Indian Oil Corporation had assured them that they have taken steps to transport food grains, petrol and diesel through Bangladesh, using the Guwahati-Dawki-Dharmanagar route and Bangladesh's Ashuganj river port.

"If the central and Assam governments would have taken steps earlier to repair NH-8, then Tripura would not have suffered in such a magnitude. The centre should be much more responsible for easing the sufferings of the northeastern states which are affected due to lack of proper surface connectivity," he said.

Choudhury said he also spoke with his Assam counterpart Parimal Suklabaidya and Tripura Chief Secretary Yashpal Singh talked to his Assam counterpart and sought their intervention to overcome the crisis.

Several hundred goods-laden trucks and oil tankers carrying fuel from Guwahati are stuck in Assam's Karimganj, while the situation worsened as the train services between Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and southern Assam and the rest of India became irregular for more then two months due to damage to the railway tracks in Assam's Dima Hasao district.

Following the shortage caused by the disruption of both rail and road traffic, prices of fuel and essential commodities have increased to a large extent in Tripura.

Taking a cue from the Delhi government, Tripura had introduced the "odd-even" system from Thursday in a bid to ration petrol and diesel.

"The odd-even vehicle registration number system was introduced to distribute petrol and diesel to all vehicles including two-wheelers," Saha said adding that on an average one third of daily requirement of 200 kilolitres of petrol are being available among the 62 petrol pumps.
Chennai, July 30 : Most popular for playing urban, glamorous roles to a tee, actress Kajal Aggarwal will be seen playing a homely wife to Ajith Kumar in his yet-untitled next Tamil outing.

"Kajal will be seen as Ajith's wife in the film. Unlike her previous roles, she will be seen in a homely avatar," a source from the film's unit told IANS.

To be helmed by Siruthai Siva, the shooting of the film will commence in Bulgaria from next week.

"The crew has already left. The actors will leave over the weekend and Kajal will join in the second week of August. The team has planned to shoot for 40 days across several locations in Bulgaria. They might also extend the trip," he said.

Tipped to be a spy thriller, predominant portions of the film will be shot abroad.

The film has music by Anirudh Ravichander.
Islamabad, July 30 : The husband of a Pakistani-origin British woman who was allegedly killed for "honour" in Punjab province on July 20 has demanded justice from the UK and Pakistan governments.

Syed Mukhtar Kazim called upon both the governments to ensure that justice was served to his wife Samia Shahid, who was allegedly murdered by her family for marrying in a different community, Dawn online reported.

"I request the British and Pakistan governments to conduct a fair trial," he said at a press conference presenting the post-mortem report of Samia's body.

According to the reports, the 28-year-old woman had bruise marks on her neck which suggested she had been strangled to death. However, her father said she died of a heart attack.

Kazim, who had been staying in Dubai after his marriage with Samia, had earlier lodged a murder case against her parents, former husband Chaudhary Shakil and cousin Mobeen.

He said Samia's family had called her to Pakistan by lying about her father Chaudhary Shahid's medical conditions. After arriving in Pakistan on July 13, Samia told him over phone that her father was alright and she felt scared and insecure at her home in Mangla.

Samia married Kazim two years ago after getting divorced from Chaudhary Shakil, who is suspected to be involved in her killing.

Two other suspects -- Chaudhry Shahid and cousin Mobeen -- have denied any involvement in her death.

A committee constituted to probe the "honour killing", collected the case records from Jhelum police on Friday, Dawn online quoted a senior police official as saying.

The case was being investigated by Jhelum police before Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif set up the high-level committee after the intervention of the British government.
Ankara, July 30 : At least 35 Kurdish militants were killed on Saturday by Turkish security forces in the country's Hakkari province.

Air strikes were launched against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) members who attempted to infiltrate into Beybuta Hill Military Base Region in Yuksekova district, Xinhua news agency reported.

The strikes killed 23 persons, while four others were killed in ground operations.

Meanwhile, eight militants were killed in operations launched by the army forces in Cukurca district.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US and the European Union, resumed its 30-year armed campaign against the Turkish government in July 2015.
By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) CBI has arrested Aurangabad Airport Director Alok Varshney in a bribery case.

CBI sources said he was arrested in Aurangabad while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 as first instalment of a total bribe of Rs 50,000.

They said searches are going on at his premises. PTI ABS DV

--- ENDS ---

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Tunis, July 31 : Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid on Saturday lost a confidence vote in parliament.

In a plenary session of the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP), the national deputies decided by 118 cons, 3 pros and 27 abstentions, Xinhua news agency reported.

Essid's government will continue its mission until the investiture of a new government.

"I have the calm conscience that I have well accomplished my duty to my country," Essid told the deputies in the parliament before the vote.

"I'm certain of not winning your confidence vote, but I'm presented here in front of you for my respect to the constitution," he said, warning that the mission for the next government would not be easy.

The Tunisian Prime Minister demanded on July 20 to hold a parliament session for a vote of confidence.

Earlier, President Beji Caid Essebsi proposed to form a national unity government, which is seen by observers as an invitation for Essid to resign.

During a television interview last week, Essid, who took office in February 2015, regretted the timing to form a new government was "inappropriate" and admitted he was not informed by the President before the announcement of the new government initiative.
New Delhi, July 31 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that all Dalit Bharatiya Janata Party MPs should resign to protest the assault on the community by "BJP goons".

"Udit ji and all Dalit MPs of BJP should resign in protest against countrywide assault on the Dalits by BJP goons", he said.

Kejriwal's remarks come in the wake of BJP MP Udit Raj's statement on Saturday where he said that Hinduism was in danger because of its "so-called protectors".
New Delhi : Book: Tiger: The Life of Tipu Sultan; Author: Kate Brittlebank; Publisher: Juggernaut; Pages: 188; Price: Rs 399 Contextualising the enigma of Tipu Sultan is a difficult task. His 16-year rule has been at the heart of folklore, history and numerous political and ideological clashes, even 200 years after his death. The debate has swung from Tipu being a egalitarian who fought the British till his last breath to that of a religious bigot.

The new book "Tiger: The Life of Tipu Sultan" by Australian historian Kate Brittlebank gains significance as it comes against the backdrop of a vitriolic campaign and subsequent violence by Hindu right-wing groups over the Karnataka government's move last year to celebrate the bicentenary of Tipu's reign. Jnanpith awardee Girish Karnad was forced to apologise over his suggestion to rename Bengaluru airport at Devanahalli after Tipu Sultan, where he was born.

Brittlebank tries to understand Tipu in the context of the times he lived in. Not taking sides, the historian gives readers a peek into the life, times, challenges and personal tragedies in his life.

The book points out that it was the British who sowed the seeds of communal hatred, labelling Tipu as a Muslim ruler. Even the Wodeyars, who were deposed by Hyder, never called him a "Mahomedan usurper".

"The hostile rhetoric of the British drew upon imagery with deep roots in Europe. As a result of the old animosity between Christendom and Islam, which had begun with the Crusades, the emphasis on Haidar and Tipu as 'Mahomedans' would have resonated strongly with their non-Indian audience", says the book.

In an email interview to IANS, Brittlebank also noted that currently, Hindu right-wingers are judiciously following the British to demonise Tipu as a Muslim ruler over a predominantly Hindu population.

According to her, the British animosity towards Tipu can be explained by the fact that they were more threatened by his militaristic wizardry than him being a Muslim.

It was during the battles with Tipu's forces that the East India Company got a taste of rocket warfare -- technology thast Tipu got from France even while the British were experimenting with it back home.

The author, who spent 25 years researching on Tipu, also debunks the claims of Tipu being an outsider. "Haidar and Tipu's rule was not a historical aberration -- it was typical of the regional powers that arose during the eighteenth century. Furthermore, both Tipu and his father can be described as sons of the soil. He was the third generation of his family to be born south of the Vindhyas", says the book.

Brittlebank counters the claims of Tipu being a zealot by citing documented evidence from the archives about his largess for the Sringeri Math. "An idea of the number of Tipu's religious endowments across his realm can be gained by looking at the registers held in the Kozhikode Archives in Kerala. The records show that Tipu authorised sixtyseven grants of rent-free land, primarily to temples and mosques, solely for the taluks of Calicut, Ernad, Bettathnad and Chowghat. If we extrapolate that figure across the entire realm, it is clear that his patronage of such institutions was extensive," says the book.

But as real politick goes, documented evidence also exists about Tippu demolishing temples and churches in the region. For instance, the Varaha temple, a symbol of the Wodeyars, was razed to the ground.

However, when it came to governance and the political machinery, Tipu did not discriminate against particular religious groups on the basis of their faith. His diwan or chief minister, Purnaiya, was a Hindu.

The book suggests that what could have been his animosity with Christians in Kerala was that they were aligned with the British. The book also accounts for his atrocities towards the Nairs and the Kodavas. But these are facts of history that cannot be wished away, just as some of Tipu's progressive measures are praiseworthy.

The book also throws light on Tipu's social and economic reforms. Tipu was the first to confiscate the property of the upper castes, including Mutts, and distribute it among untouchables. His reforms crushed the prevalent feudal system. He banned the consumption of alcohol, not on religious grounds, but on moral and health grounds.

Another crucial bit of information that Brittlebank presents is Tipu's treatment of women. Tipu's zenana or harem held 601 women in 1799. Among the residents was Tipu's brother Abdul Karim's wife. The sultan had placed his sister-in-law in the harem to save her from an abusive and cruel brother. However, his crackdown on the practice of polyandry among Nair women and their custom of not wearing an upper garment could be attributed to the influence of rigid Islamic rules.

(Preetha Nair can be reached at preetha.n@ians.in)
Chennai, July 31 : Music album of upcoming Tamil film "Chennai to Singapore", which features six songs, will be unveiled as part of music composer Ghibran's sojourn across six countries.

The musical journey will begin here on August 12 and will go through Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and will finally halt at Singapore. Each track will be released in one country.

Starring newcomers Gokul Anand, Anju Kurian and Rajesh in the lead roles, the film is directed by debutant Abbas Akbar.

"August 12 is the big day for our 'Chennai to Singapore' team and we are ready with our big black beast, Ford Endeavour. Most people think that travelling from Chennai to Singapore is possible only by air but we can also travel through roads," Ghibran told IANS.

"Since it is a twenty-day journey, the steering should be handled by two persons. Our director Abbas is an expert in driving but I have learnt driving only a few months before," he said.

The film is very special to Ghibran.

"With new script, new director and new lead actors, we also wanted our music to be fresh. Hence, this idea to release the music across six countries," he added.
New Delhi : In a remote hamlet of Sikkim, a young man has a new toilet built by his house. He no longer escorts his wife and children before sunrise to the bushes in the fields, standing guard to shoo away wayside dogs and local pests. "I don't feel like an animal any more," he says.

In India, more than seven in 10 rural people have no access to toilets. Of the one billion people in the world who have no toilet, India accounts for nearly 600 million. Swachh Bharat is an audacious attempt to fix these blots. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is taking personal interest, headlining the Swachh Bharat and smart cities push right on top of his checklist.

Modi took on the issue of public hygiene soon after he took power in 2014. Building toilets is a priority and open defecation free (ODF) villages will bring swift public health benefits. To build 100 million toilets by 2019 and 100 new Smart Cities by 2020 are on the to-do list. So, where do you start?

To deliver high quality on any of these massive projects, service levels must first be measured against promises. In the quality world, measurement is critical. The Quality Council of India is working with the Indian government to implement the globally accepted quality techniques. The first Swachh Survekshan ranked 73 Indian cities and will now expand its scope.

Without a baseline pecking order, it is near impossible to proceed in a structured way. The Quality Council of India works to define these metrics and understand what we are up against. Think of the last time you had to tangle with the government. May be it was about your Aadhaar card, ration card, driving licence, passport, filing an FIR (first information report) or may be even heading into a public loo on a road trip.

Most Indians will have some gripe relating to a specific service. It's irrelevant whether the district, village, state or the central government provides that service -- Indians are certainly entitled to a higher quality which has a happy effect on their time, productivity and well being.

But how do you measure how much nuisance value is par for the course and what's not? The prime minister's grievance portal alone gets 90,000 complaints a month about government services. The government analysed these to figure out what can be done to attack the underlying cause of the most common grouses.

In addressing the top 20, changes are under way including a pensions portal, scholarships portal and simplifying refunds in railways. But that's not all 90,000 blips in how the citizen sees the government. With a steady stream of people moving off the fields, those numbers will only run amuck.

Most urban growth in Asia and indeed in India is sprawl -- where cities burst at their seams and explode outward, rapidly slipping out of control. Yet it is this crowded and sweaty public square where the soul of government policy is palpable -- in its train stations, airports, water fountains, sidewalks and playgrounds, sewerage and transport systems, in its public amenities that are not for the elites, a real voice on the phone which reassures you that your passport is indeed in the mail.

Like the rise of megacities around the world, which will soon be home to 8 in 10 people, India's future is urban. How can our government respond to this growing clout when there's an 800 million strong young population that is increasingly demanding. Third party evaluation is critical here so that the government can focus on policy and not get distracted by evaluation criteria.

Consumers expect better phones, internet connections, reliable power, water and a government that can deliver better public services. Toxic environment, dirty rivers and urban smog is coming under fire and voters are holding politicians responsible for things they can control and even those they can't. What drives both tensions (and prices) skyward is a clash between outsize demand and limited supply.

So it is for India, that's our "local", our canvas both for private and public services. Seen against the context of a landlocked, populous India, when Prime Minister Modi first spoke about Swachh Bharat, people cheered but could not fathom how such a basic ideal would result in quality upgrades across government.

Two years on, there is certainly a behavioural change sweeping across both urban and rural India. The Swachh Bharat urban and rural projects have set off healthy competition among cities and districts. Self-help groups, NGOs and popular icons pitched in and the results are showing: A record number of sustainable toilets, open defecation-free cities, schools with gender specific toilets and decrease in water borne diseases in ODF villages and towns.

The Quality Council of India, the national accreditation body, has been involved in most of these schemes to evaluate performance through an internationally benchmarked evaluation matrix. Third party evaluation and assessment is practised the world over, it reduces conflict of interest and lets the government focus on policy implementation rather than measurement.

After ranking 73 cities on cleanliness, the council has now completed the rankings for the first set of 75 rural districts. Results will be out soon. It is currenly working on aligning the prime minister's newly minted ZED (zero-effect-zero-defect) scheme for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with the "Make in India" programme. What has emerged is a maturity matrix through which SMEs can reach the quality benchmarks of the world's best.

(Adil Zainulbhai is Chairman, Quality Council of India @QualityCouncil. The views expressed are personal)
New Delhi, July 31 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people not to take antibiotic medicines without a doctor's prescription.

"The habit of taking antibiotics can create a big problem. It may give relief for some time, but you should never take an antibiotic without doctor's prescription," Modi said in his radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Self-medication in the use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, he said.

"Government is committed to stop antibiotic resistance. You must have noticed that antibiotic medicine strips have a red line to warn you," the prime minister said.

He also urged people to be alert and prevent the spread of dengue which usually breaks out in the rainy season.

"Dengue can be prevented. We must be alert about cleanliness," Modi said.

"You must be seeing advertisements on T.V., but sometimes we are indifferent. Government, hospitals and doctors will do their work, but you must be alert that dengue does not enter your household," he said.
Kabul, July 31 : At least 20 Islamic State militants were killed over the past 24 hours as security forces started military operations in Nangarhar province of Afghanistan, an official said on Sunday.

The forces targeted the IS hideouts in Kot and Achid districts of Nangarhar, a militant stronghold, on Saturday, Xinhua news agency reported.

However, the official did not comment on the casualties of security forces.

The IS militant group has not commented either yet.

Nangarhar province with Jalalabad as its capital, 120 km east of Kabul, has been the scene of increasing IS activities since early last year.
Agartala, July 31 : The 67 years old popular agitation for railway services to Tripura finally culminated in Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday flagging off the Agartala-Delhi passenger train services on the newly laid broad gauge track.

The much awaited weekly passenger train named "Tripura Sundari Express" would run between Agartala and Anand Vihar station of Delhi and Anand Vihar and Agartala covering a distance of around 2,480 km in 47 hours.

Bangladesh Railway Minister Mazibul Hoque, Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain and top officials of the Indian and Bangladesh government were present at the flagging off ceremony held at the Agartala railway station.

This railway connectivity is the lifeline for millions in Tripura, western Manipur and Mizoram besides southern Assam.

With the launch of the passenger train, the mountainous border state of Tripura has now been connected with the national capital via Guwahati, Assam's main city which is about 600 km from Agartala.

The ext ension of then existing metre guage track up to northeastern state capital of Agartala brought the city on India's rail map for the first time in October 2008 since the advent of the railways in this subcontinent in 1853.

The single-track 227 km metre-gauge link -- Badarpur (south Assam) to Agartala -- was converted into broad-gauge track earlier this year spending Rs 2,016 crore.

"Though a veteran journalist Amiya Deb Roy first wrote a letter to the central government to extend railway network in Tripura in 1949, the formal agitation for rail had begun in December 1951 through a mass gathering addressed by veteran communist leaders Jyoti Basu, Muzaffar Ahmad and S.A. Dange," said writer and journalist Tapas Debnath.

He told IANS: "Former parliamentarians and top Tripura Left leaders Dasaratha Deb and Biren Datta had first raised the demand in the Lok Sabha for an extension of railway network to Agartala in 1952."

The stir got a new impetus after the CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) led Left Front government headed by former Chief Minister Nripen Chakraborty assumed office first time in 1978. Chakraborty met then railway minister Madhu Dandavate on January 12, 1978, and put up a strong demand to put Agartala on the railway network.

A series of movements had been organised in Tripura, Guwahati and New Delhi for extension of railway network to Tripura. Incumbent Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Revenue and PWD Minister Badal Choudhury among many other leaders were actively involved in these agitations.

"Agartala is the first state capital in independent India connected with rail network in October 2008," said S.S. Narayanan, a senior official of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).

Thousands of cheerful people gathered at the Agartala railway station on Sunday to witness the historic moment, with some women blowing conch shells to wish the formal launch of the train services a successful one.

"It took more than four decades to connect the capital city after northern Tripura's business hub Dharmanagar came on the railway map in 1964," said Choudhury. Dharmanagar is about 200 km from here.

"The NFR has so far spent about Rs 2,016 crore to connect Agartala by rail by making two big tunnels through the Longtharai Valley and Atharamura Hills and constructing a record number of 233 minor and major bridges," said an NFR engineer.

The 1,962-metre Longtharai tunnel is the longest railway tunnel in eastern India.

The NFR is now laying broad-gauge track for the 112-km Agartala-Sabroom line by March 2018 and investing Rs 3,351 crore.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said: "After the Indian Railways extends its line up to Sabroom, it would be very easy to connect with the Chittagong international sea port in southeast Bangladesh, which is just 75 km from the Tripura border town."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Dhaka in June last year has laid the foundation stone to construct a bridge over Feni river, adjoining Sabroom, to connect the town with Bangladssh's hill town Khagrachari. This will open another railway link between the two neighbours after the existing Kolkata-Dhaka and proposed Agartala-Akhaura rail links.

"After extending the railway line to Sabroom, Tripura and the entire northeast would be linked with Southeast Asia very easily," Sarkar told IANS.

Meanwhile, the NFR has already undertaken works to lay 15 km railway track to connect Agartala with Bangladeshi railway station Akhaurah, an important rail junction in adjoining Bangladesh.
Gurgaon, July 31 : Three men allegedly involved in the abduction of Haryana Police Inspector Surender Phogat in June have been arrested, police said on Sunday.

Acting on a tip, the Gurgaon Crime Branch arrested Aabid (22), Khalid (19) and Hayum (28) at Rozka Meo near Sohna in Gurgaon district.

The three are members of a gang involved in cases of theft and loot in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, the police said.

Gang leader Islamuddin, a resident of Punhana in Mewat district, and three others were arrested by Delhi Police earlier this week.

Another man involved in Phogat's abduction, Khalid Alimeo, was arrested on July 23 after a brief gun fight.

Phogat, chief of Sector 29 police station here, was abducted on June 30 by four men who later dumped him in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh after taking away his cash, mobile phone and car.
Agartala, July 31 : The Railways will invest Rs 7,000 crore in the current fiscal (2016-17) to develop its network in the seven northeastern states, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said on Sunday.

"In 2014-15, the railway ministry invested Rs 2,702 crore for (this purpose). In the current financial year, the investment will be more than Rs 7,000 crore," Prabhu said here after flagging off the Agartala-Delhi weekly passenger train service.

"Northeast India is a priority area for the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally giving special emphasis for the all round development of the region," he said.

"Increase of inter-state connectivity and connectivity between the region and the rest of the country are being given the highest priority. Available connectivity will boost the region's economy," Prabhu said.

Bangladesh Railway Minister Mazibul Hoque, Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain and top officials of the Indian and Bangladesh governments were present at the flagging off ceremony at the Agartala railway station.

Prabhu invited the Bangladesh railway minister to come to Delhi to discuss the increased railway connectivity between India and Bangladesh.

"India is keen to increase railway connectivity with Bangladesh. If the facilities of the Chittagong port can be used, then trade and economy of both northeast India and Bangladesh will flourish," He added.

The railway minister said that to boost tourism in northeast India, his ministry would sign an agreement with the state governments of the region to undertake specific joint tourism development projects.

He said a passenger train between Agartala and Kolkata will start in August.

Bangladesh Railway Minister Mazibul Hoque said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had announced a revival of all the pre-1965 railway connectivity with India.

"We want very close connectivity between our two friends (India and Bangladesh) and more closer people to people relations."

Hoque, who came here on Sunday to attend the function, said Modi and Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar had agreed to help Bangladesh to curb terrorism in the country.

Sarkar said: "Without the development of connectivity, how can industrialisation take place and boost the economy?"

He said earlier Congress Prime Ministers, including the late Rajiv Gandhi, seriously neglected the demand for extension of railway network in Tripura.
The UP government today suspended five police officials over negligence in handling of the gangrape case of a mother-daughter duo near Dostpur of Bulandshahr district.

By India Today Web Desk: Five police officials were suspended by the Akhilesh Yadav government for dereliction in duty. SSP, SP City, CO, SOS of two police stations were suspended on charges of negligence. The CM has promised stringent action if accused are not nabbed.



Meanwhile, three accused have been identified by the family the police said. A woman and her 13-year-old daughter were gangraped by a gang of five bandits near Dostpur village in Bulandshahr district on the Delhi-Kanpur highway on Friday night.



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According to the police, the accused first waylaid a family on its way from Noida to Shahjahanpur and subsequently raped the two women. They later looted the family of their cash, jewellery and mobile phones.

Police have detained 15 suspects in connection with the case. "Accused will be charged under National Security Act," said UP Home Secretary. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has asked the principal secretary of the home department and the DGP to monitor the probe in the case.

CASE WILL BE FAST-TRACKED: COPS

"Medical tests have been conducted, forensic tests as required will be carried out soon. This is a heinous crime, will try to get this case fast-tracked," said UP DGP.

"Three identified by the family will soon be arrested and produced before the court," said UP DGP.

DETAILS OF THE CASE

Miscreants threw a piece of metal at the car when it was passing through Dostpur village at around 1:30 am, forcing the driver to stop, police said. When the driver came out of the car to examine the damage, the criminals overpowered him and allegedly forced him to drive the car off the road and into the fields. Then they dragged the women to a nearby field and raped them while the men were tied with ropes.

One of the family members, who managed to untie the ropes, reported the matter to police.

An FIR under relevant sections of the IPC was lodged against five accused and three police teams have been formed to investigate the case.

Taking cognisance of the case, the National Commission for Women members met the women and family in Uttar Pradesh.



The incident has sparked outrage in the country with opposition parties attacking the Akhilesh Yadav government alleging that "goonda raj" was at its peak in the state and governance had collapsed. Meanwhile, SHO Ramsen of Kotwali Dehat, to whom the case was reported, was relieved from the charge of the case due to his alleged negligence.

Also read:

Bulandshahr: Robbers gangrape mother, daughter in front of family, two accused identified

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AIIMS medical board says no to abortion of 16-year-old rape survivor



--- ENDS ---
Manos is thrilled to kick off its first annual Tech Venture Summit, bringing some of the worlds brightest minds and ideas for a couple of days to inspire us with their stories, their wisdom, and their passion.

On September 15th-16th, 2016 Manos Accelerator will host its first annual Tech Venture Summit at the Golden Gate Club, in the Presidio of San Francisco, CA. Manos will assemble over 200 Latino startups from across the Americas in tech, an underrepresented group in the startup/tech communities, for the most unique technology conference ever. This two day summit will host influential speakers on topics like Latinos in Tech, How To Get Funded, and How To Measure Latinos Impact in Tech. The Tech Venture Summit will be an amazing event where a panel of successful, Latino entrepreneurs from the global tech and entrepreneur communities will be featured.

As technology continues to develop at an ever-increasing pace, its a great opportunity for the Latino community to learn about those in the creation process, said Sylvia Flores, CEO of Manos Accelerator. Manos is thrilled to kick off its first annual Tech Venture Summit, bringing some of the worlds brightest minds and ideas for a couple of days to inspire us with their stories, their wisdom, and their passion.

This event is geared towards Latino founders, individuals thinking of launching their own company, work at a tech company, or just love technology.

Manos Accelerator is a first-of-its-kind accelerator in the U.S. that targets early-stage startups led by Latino/a entrepreneurs. Since in 2013, Manos have helped over 40 startups, developed a group of 500 mentors, and grown a network of over 100 investors in order to create an ecosystem that provides guidance, mentorship, and resources for Latino innovators.

Manos Accelerator is looking forward to continuing and growing this event on an annual basis. For more information about the Manos Tech Venture Summit go to http://www.manostechventuresummit.com
Personal Injury Attorneys Brady Rife and Mike Stephenson Bailey embodies precisely what we were looking for when we offered this scholarship. We have no doubt that Bailey will continue to make the world a better place in the years to come.

McNeely Stephenson, an Indiana law firm with offices in Shelbyville, New Albany and Indianapolis, has announced the recipient of their Community Involvement Scholarship for 2016. Bailey C. Culp of Shelbyville will receive the $1000 award, which was offered by the firm to encourage and reward the dedication of an exemplary individual who is deeply involved in their community.

Bailey embodies precisely what we were looking for when we offered this scholarship, said Mike Stephenson, attorney with McNeely Stephenson. His work with special needs children, along with his missionary work, is very impressive, and we have no doubt that Bailey will continue to make the world a better place in the years to come.

The firm said that Culps list of achievements, in addition to the several letters of recommendations submitted on his behalf, made him an obvious choice for the scholarship.

Culp has been involved in a number of volunteer activities, including serving as a guidance counselor for children with muscular dystrophy and attending mission trips to Washington, D.C., and northeast Brazil. He was selected for the scholarship, in part, based on an essay he submitted to McNeely Stephenson.

Culp will use the funding provided by the scholarship to attend Ball State University, where he hopes to be involved in the Student Voluntary Services program, an organization that promotes community service. Culp said in his essay that he plans to continue to be involved in special needs education, particularly with elementary school students.

The scholarship earned by Bailey Culp is one of two being offered by McNeely Stephenson this year. The other award is a scholarship geared toward students who will be pursuing a career in the legal profession. The firm said it is proud to be able to assist exceptional young people who are pursuing their goals to become the next generation of leaders and philanthropists.

For students interested in more scholarship opportunities from McNeely Stephenson, the firm will be announcing more awards this fall.

About McNeely Stephenson:

Among the leading law firms in central and southern Indiana, McNeely Stephenson has years of experience providing quality representation across a range of legal practice areas. Personal injury lawyers Mike Stephenson and Brady Rife have been helping individuals and the families of people who were critically injured or killed as a result of the action of others in Indiana since 1982. Learn more about your rights and options under the law by contacting Mike and Brady today at 1-855-206-2555 for a confidential consultation.
Union Station Model Trains If you traveling to Kansas City its well worth the visit to Union Station to see a view from America's past

California Pipe Bursting Manufacturer TRIC Tools traveled to Kansas City for the 2016 the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Pipeline Conference downtown Kansas City. The Conference was held Sunday, July 17th to Wednesday, July 20th at the Sheraton at Crown Center, 770 West 47th Street, Kansas City, MO. The Sheraton was directly adjacent to Kansas Citys Union Station train depot. Operations Director Michael Lien flew out to meet with Midwest Regional Sales Manager Bill Seals for the conference. Union Station houses one of nations best model train exhibits. "If traveling to Kansas City its well worth the visit to Union Station to see a view from America's past," said Mr. Lien. Since coming on board a year ago Mr. Seals has enabled TRICs customers in the Kansas City area complete some challenging pipe bursting projects.

While at the conference Bill and Michael met a number of city public works managers as well as design engineers who were in the midst of planning pipe rehabilitation projects. It was a pleasure to meet both Plastics Pipe Institutes Director of Engineering Camille Rubeiz, P.E. and Louisianta Tech Universitys Director of the Trenchless Technology Center (TTC), Tom Iseley, Ph.D., P.E. whove contributed so much to the success of TRICs pipe bursting invention. During quiet time on the trade show floor during seminar events, vendors had additional opportunities to find out what the Plastic Pipe Institute, TTC and others are doing to advance the pipe rehab industry.

The ASCE represents more than 150,000 members of the civil engineering profession in 177 countries and was founded in 1852. It is the nations oldest engineering society. The ASCE leads the civil engineering profession with plans, designs, construction plans and provides the societys economic and social vehicle while protecting and rehabilitating the natural environment. With the knowledge of its active members, ASCE leads by providing technical and professional conferences through continuing education, publishing engineering content and acts as an authoritative source for codes and standards that protect the public.

The ASCEs newest Institute, Utility Engineering and Surveying Institute (UESI) mission is to advance the engineering and technical practices associated with utility infrastructure systems, pipeline engineering and surveying.

TRIC Tools, Inc. is an infrastructure and environmental solutions company that provides proprietary technology, tools and services for trenchless rehabilitation and replacement of sewer, water, gas and other difficult to access underground pipes. TRIC holds five U.S. and International patents for its device and method of trenchless pipe bursting.

In 1997, TRIC established the standards and created the industry for lateral replacement (homes sewer line) using its pipe bursting technology. TRIC continues to re-engineer its technology for new markets, expanding upon its domestic sewer lateral tools with the introduction of innovative solutions for mainline sewer, drinking water and gas distribution pipelines. To learn more about TRIC or the trenchless industry please call 888-883-8742 or go to their website at http://www.trictools.com.
By PTI: biomass: Gadkari

Nagpur, Jul 31 (PTI) The Centre would soon initiate measures to make ethanol out of biomass that would create "tremendous demand for farm waste", Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said.

A Cabinet note on making ethanol out of biomass like wheat, cotton and rice straw will be moved in the coming weeks which will allow blending of this bio-fuel into petroleum to 22.5 per cent as against 10 per cent done currently, he said here.

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"The move will also create tremendous demand for farm waste. Perhaps all rice straw generated from the paddy-growing district of Bhandara, which is known as the rice bowl of Vidarbha, can be used in making ethanol. At present the entire waste is being burnt away," Gadkari said.

The Union Minister was speaking last night at a seminar on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) participation in capital markets, organised by BSE and Panthomath Limited, a private advisory firm.

Gadkari also said the government will spend around Rs 10,000 crore on road safety. These funds will be used for crash guards, electronic markers and cameras to be installed on the highways.

Stressing on the need for promoting research by SMEs, he said the city-based PSU Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has come up with a method of separating sand from dumps created while digging coal.

He said this will bring down the cost of sand to half, adding he has directed that bit should be used by all government agencies. Another plan for using mine water in irrigation and as potable water is being worked out by WCL.

"The irrigation department too has found a tremendous potential in water generated during mining process," the minister said.

Using waterways can considerably reduce the cost of logistics. There are plans to transport petroleum from Haldia port to states like UP and Bihar through riparian route on the Ganga river, Gadkari said, adding, "It can reduce the cost of fuel by Rs 2 per litre there."

In the seminar, BSE officials spoke about avenues available for SMEs to raise funds from stock markets. PTI JOE GK NSD JMF

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From K J M Varma

Beijing, Jul 31 (PTI) Flight display screens at Vietnams two largest airports were hacked allegedly by Chinese hackers with messages criticising Vietnams claims over the disputed South China Sea being displayed, in an apparent retaliation to vulgar scribbling on a Chinese woman tourists passport.

Screens and sound systems at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City airports broadcasted anti-Vietnamese and anti-Philippines slogans on Friday taking the Vietnamese officials by surprise.

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Vietnams transport ministry said a Chinese hacker was responsible, BBC reported. Vietnam Airlines website was also briefly hacked.

Media in Vietnam reported that staff at the airports had to resort to checking in passengers manually, avoiding computers for several hours.

The hack comes days after a row involving a Chinese tourist at one of the hacked airports -- Tan Son Nhat, in Ho Chi Minh City.

A Chinese woman tourist -- surnamed Zhong from Guangdong province -- has complained that she found an obscenities written on the two pages of her passport depicting Chinas nine-dash line which signified Beijings claims over the disputed South China Sea.

An international tribunal has struck down Chinas claims over the area based on historic rights and upheld the Philippines claims over the area. China has rejected the verdict.

Besides the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the area.

The issue of scribbling on the Chinese tourists passport was the first major incident between Vietnam and China after the verdict was delivered on July 12.

China asked Vietnam to investigate reports that the Chinese visitors passport was handed back with obscenities written on two pages.

Customs officers at Vietnams Da Nang airport, not one of those hacked on Friday, have reportedly also confiscated maps featuring the nine-dash line from Chinese passengers, the report said.

A provincial Vietnamese television station stopped airing Shanghai Bund, a Chinese remake of a Hong Kong series, after the shows lead actor voiced his support for Beijings claims over the South China Sea.

About 20 people were also detained in Hanoi in July while protesting against Chinas rejection of the tribunal decision.

The South China Sea issue is equally sensitive in Vietnam.

Chinas attempts in the past to conduct oil exploration in the disputed areas of the South China Sea sparked anti-China riots in Vietnam in 2014 in which two Chinese were killed and over a hundred injured.

Over 460 factories, mainly belonging to Chinese investors in Vietnam, were attacked and set fire by mobs.

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As the situation became serious, China evacuated over 7,000 Chinese workers back to the country.

China also objected in the past to Indias Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) undertaking exploration at the invitation of Vietnam. PTI KJV ASK AKJ ASK

--- ENDS ---
EAST MOLINE -- Police are investigating a two-vehicle accident Friday evening that resulted in two victims being transported to University of Iowa Hospitals in Iowa City.

Lt. Luke Blaser said the accident occurred at 9:23 p.m. Friday in the 1000 block of 30th Avenue. He said the East Moline Fire Department was called to assist, and both drivers -- a man and a woman -- had to be extricated by firefighters.

Three people were transported by ambulance to Genesis Medical Center, Silvis with both drivers later transferred to Iowa City.

The third person, a passenger, was treated and released. Traffic was rerouted for about three hours, according to Lt. Blaser, while a portion of 30th Avenue was closed from 7th Street to Archer Drive. Silvis and Moline police assisted with traffic control.

Lt. Blaser said the investigation continues and charges are pending. He did not have a condition update on the drivers.
CHICAGO (AP)  After a year of squabbles over the state budget, the outcome of Illinois' power struggle now hinges on dozens of House election campaigns that will determine whether Democrats can impose their will on Gov. Bruce Rauner or the Republican gains traction with his ideas to "shake up" the state.

Each side has millions of dollars to devote to the battles, which could define the remaining two years of Rauner's first term.

Rauner blames House Speaker Michael Madigan and the Democrats for the state's long-running financial predicament, and Republicans are asking voters to punish them for it in the November election. But the Democrats warn that Rauner's agenda would be destructive to the middle class, and are banking on voters ultimately strengthening their hand in the Legislature, which they control.

Led by Madigan, Rauner's chief rival in the budget standoff, Democrats have thwarted the governor's drive to enact term limits, restrict the influence of unions, and make the state more pro-business in exchange for raising taxes and passing a full budget. By increasing their ranks to a solid supermajority, they will be able to pass whatever spending legislation they want, override Rauner's vetoes, and foreclose the possibility that he'll get any of his wishes at least until the next election in 2018.

"This will be a vote for what the governor is trying to do or what the Democrats are trying to do," said Christopher Mooney, director of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois. "Even if voters aren't voting that way, it's going to be seen that way."

In all, 27 incumbent Democrats and 16 incumbent Republicans are campaigning for House seats. The Senate has 12 contested races but the Democrats' supermajority there is not threatened because they have a larger margin. In the House, however, losing a single vote crumbles their 71-member supermajority. Defections on key votes, including the budget, has already prevented them from overriding vetoes.

Incumbents have traditionally had financial and name-brand advantages, but the gridlock over a state budget that has led to devastating cuts to social service programs and higher education means current officeholders can be more vulnerable.

Pat Wagner, 76, an employee at Love Book Store in Kankakee, said everyone in office is to blame for the state's mess.

"It's really a disturbing situation to be in because certainly I'm not seeing anything positive in any of the officials that are holding public office right now," she said.

With a temporary budget in place until January, Rauner has been visiting towns across Illinois to renew his call for term limits and for an independent commission to draw legislative districts instead of legislators, both aimed at reining in the Democrats' control of state government offices. Republican lawmakers proposed legislation on term limits and redistricting this year but their ideas went nowhere with ruling Democrats.

"We need to support the members of the General Assembly who support term limits and not the ones who don't," Rauner said last week during a visit to a farm in Auburn, about 20 miles south of the state Capitol. Rauner's recent campaign-style events offer a preview of how the candidates he is financially backing will approach their races.

During Rauner's events last week, two Republican candidates in closely watched House races, Lindsay Parkhurst and Jillian Rose Bernas, sent news releases calling for term limits, too. Bernas is running against Democratic Rep. Michelle Mussman in the Chicago suburb of Schaumburg, while Parkhurst is trying to unseat Rep. Kate Cloonen, a Democrat from Kankakee who got just 122 votes more than her opponent when she was re-elected to her central Illinois district in 2014.

Both Republican candidates are at a massive fundraising disadvantage for now. Mussman has $481,488 to spend and Cloonen has $738,798.

Parkhurst and Bernas have raised $21,694 and $18,143 respectively. But the Republican Party's campaign committee, which received $5 million from Rauner in May, has given Bernas and Parkhurst just over $20,000 each so far, but that's expected to increase substantially in the coming months with so much at stake.

"I think we'll definitely have an expensive fall," said Sarah Brune, executive director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, a nonpartisan watchdog group tracking contributions.

In fact, four campaign accounts controlled by Madigan, who is also the state's Democratic Party chairman, have nearly $8 million to spend. Rauner, a wealthy former venture capitalist, has almost $15.3 million to funnel to Republican candidates.

Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, the Democrats' House leader, said the elections will determine whether her party can keep pushing back at Rauner's agenda.

"It's very important that direction of Illinois continues in the direction of helping working families," she said.

Democrats are also targeting some GOP incumbents. Rep. Michael McAuliffe, who represents a suburban Chicago district that includes Rosemont and Schiller Park, faces a challenge from Merry Marwig. Half of the $11,677 she's raised has come from unions, but the Democrats' major campaign funds have not kicked in yet and for now McAuliffe leads in fundraising with $104,393.

Another Democratic target, Downers Grove Republican Rep. Ron Sandack, abruptly resigned last week over what he said were cybersecurity issues involving fraudulent social media accounts set up in his name. Republicans picked David Olsen, a Downers Grove village commissioner, to fill his spot and take on fellow commissioner Greg Hose in what's considered a competitive race in the Chicago suburbs.
Gina Kirschbaum, of Bettendorf, is a three-time survivor of melanoma and loves to paint to ease her stress.

"For me, it's very relaxing. When I paint, I tend to lose all sense of time," the 51-year-old mother of three said recently. "Oftentimes, even if you've gotten through the cancer and are supposedly OK, you think about it all the time. It gives me something to do. Then I'm not thinking about that stuff when I'm painting."

Ms. Kirschbaum -- who's had skin cancer three times since 2008 and been clear since 2012 -- is among area cancer survivors participating in Living Proof Exhibit. The six-year-old nonprofit provides cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and families with year-round art therapy classes for free, as well as other art programs.

Executive director Pamela Crouch, of Moline, has been asked to talk about it Friday at the Iowa Arts Summit in Des Moines, among 13 organizations to present on "Flashes of Iowa Innovation."

"It's a wonderful program. I'd highly recommend it," Ms. Kirschbaum said. She got involved after seeing Ms. Crouch on TV and after she had to stop working because of treatment side effects. Her children bought her an easel and paints.

"My kids knew I always loved to draw and paint," Ms. Kirschbaum said. She's been chosen to exhibit her pieces each of three years for Living Proof's annual art exhibits. The third one will run Sept. 10-Oct. 16 at Davenport's Figge Art Museum.

She also rotates new paintings every three months at UnityPoint Health-Trinity's Cancer Center at 7th Street and John Deere Road in Moline as part of a program Living Proof and the Cancer Center started last year.

"My art tends to be really bright and cheerful, and they thought it would work well in the exam rooms there," Ms. Kirschbaum said. "I liked that stuff was being placed there. When you have cancer, you're in doctors' offices all the time. It's very depressing, or boring when it's the same piece of art every time. It's usually a print that means nothing."

"We celebrate the creative spirit of cancer survivors," Ms. Crouch (a breast cancer survivor) said recently. "As you're beginning your journey, you're going to create something. Cancer takes so much away from you," she said, noting it helps people have something tangible that they made.

Art therapy "can bring peacefulness to patients as they go through their challenges," said Pat Shouse, vice president for community advocacy, UnityPoint Health-Trinity.

"What's amazing to me, people who didn't think they could, were able to create art," Ms. Shouse said. "It's because of the support system built into the program, they're willing to give it a try."

She's heard from cancer patients who have said the "bright and cheerful pieces people have created helped make the Cancer Center a happier place." And as opposed to generic artwork, it's meaningful to see art by "people in the same situation they were in," Ms. Shouse said. "They had a sense of hope; it meant that those people are still alive. It makes it real for all of us."

Scientific evidence from studies has shown that "this really does make a difference for cancer survivors," she added. "It's a gift they're giving each other and giving the community."

The organization is aptly named since the art "gives you hope to keep living," Ms. Shouse said. "It's literally proof. And it stays on the wall long after any of us are gone."

Trinity has donated money for art materials, and Trinity staff have taught art therapy at Gilda's Club, Davenport, and as part of patient rehabilitation sessions, Ms. Shouse said.

Jeff Morgan, spokesman for the Iowa Arts Council, said Living Proof was invited to the daylong statewide summit as part of "innovative and exciting ideas for the arts and the state."

Of Living Proof, Mr. Morgan said: "It really goes to demonstrate the healing power of art, and art therapy. We're excited they are expanding that in the Cedar Rapids area. It's very inspiring work that they're doing."

The Iowa Arts Council gave a grant of $10,000 for Living Proof to offer programs in Cedar Rapids, including an exhibit in fall 2017.

Living Proof will show 60 pieces at the Figge this fall from survivors within a 200-mile radius of the Quad-Cities. Last year, it brought artwork to Peoria.

The group got their formal nonprofit status last year, with the help of the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, Ms. Crouch said. Most grant-making organizations require applicants to be a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. Living Proof has received funds from Quad City Arts, the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Stylin' Against Breast Cancer for other projects.

For more information, visit livingproofexhibit.org. Anyone interested in attending the arts summit on Friday must register by Wednesday, at iowaculture.gov/arts.
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP)  Popole Misenga broke down crying  for the family in Congo that he hasn't seen in 15 years, and for all the world's refugees who haven't been as lucky as he's been.

Competing in judo, Misenga is one of 10 refugee athletes who will march as a team behind the white Olympic flag when the Rio de Janeiro Games open on Friday at the opening ceremony, a first for any Olympics.

Misenga began to cry on Saturday as he told his story, which provided a rare upbeat moment in the difficult run-up to South America's first games.

"I have two brothers and I haven't seen them," explained Misenga, who has settled in Brazil. "I don't know how they look anymore because we were separated since we were small. So I send hugs and kisses to my brothers."

Rubbing tears from his eyes, the 24-year-old athlete delivered a message for his family: "If you can see me on television now, you can see that your brother is here in Brazil and alive and well."

Misenga, who hopes one day to afford to buy airplane tickets so his family can visit Brazil, said being on the refugee team means he's representing something bigger than his native country or national flag.

"We're fighting for all the refugees in the world," he said. "I'm not sad that I'm not going to carry the flag of my country. I will carry a flag of many countries."

Yolande Mabika also fled Congo, and is also a judo athlete. But she's in grief over losing her country.

"I will raise the Olympic flag, but I'm a little bit sad in my heart and mind because I cannot march under the flag of my country," she said.

She also cried as she described refugees as forgotten people.

"Everybody in the world talks about the refugees having no major importance," she said. "We are going to show that the refugee is capable of doing everything that other people around the world do."

The Olympic refugees are superb athletes, but no one expects a medal from them. But that's beside the point.

"Their country was broken, but they have the spirit of humanity, the spirit of athletes," said Tegla Loroupe, the head of the delegation and a three-time Olympian from Kenya.

Yusra Mardini was a competitive swimmer in Syria until she left Damascus with her sister a year ago and settled in Berlin.

She said she still dreams of representing Syria, but also recognizes a bigger mission of "representing the biggest flag  which is all countries."

"We're going to represent you guys in a really good way," she said, speaking to other anonymous refugees. "I hope you're going to learn from our story: That you have to move on, because life will never stop for your problems."

Fellow swimmer Rami Anis fled Syria five years to avoid being drafted into the army. He still talks of competing for his country of birth  maybe at the next Olympics.

"I am representing people who lost their rights, who suffered injustice," he said. "I hope in Tokyo in 2020 there will be no refugees and we will able to compete under our own flag."

Misenga was even more upbeat.

"We are not sad anymore, we are very happy," he said. "Now it's different."
What a difference a year makes!

Last year was very hot and dry in the valley in northwestern Montana where our cabin is located. There were so many forest fires in the mountains that overlook the valley and surrounding areas that the air was filled with smoke -- so much smoke that on what should have been sunny days, the sun was visible only as a red disk in the sky. It was so dry last summer that my brother, from whom we usually buy the hay for our horse, got only half a bale of hay from his 60 acres or so of hay fields, half of which he didnt bother to cut.

When I left to return to Illinois the end of the summer, it was with uncertainty as to whether what we experienced last summer marked a dramatic change in climate or was simply part of normal weather patterns.

This year has been a different story. It rained and rained and rained some more throughout the spring and until the first part of July, making it difficult for farmers to get their hay put up. But, as one of the neighbors put it, after what he went through last year, he was never again going to complain about getting too much rain. This year, my brother had a bumper crop of hay, a considerable portion of which he has not yet been able to sell. After last years experience, we bought two years worth of hay for our horse and stacked it on our place, covered by a tarp. But that still left my brother with a good deal of hay to sell.

A week ago, Ruth and I spent a day in Glacier Park, which is forty miles from our cabin. The fires last year devastated several thousand acres of timber in the park, with one fire jumping Going-to-the Sun Highway on the east side of the park near St. Mary Lake.

As we approached that area, we expected to see barren wasteland where just a year earlier there had been a beautiful forest. But that is not what we encountered. Granted, there were numerous dead trees devoid of branches, their trunks blackened by the fire. But amidst these blackened trees standing sentinel was the most spectacular array of wild flowers we had ever witnessed.

The fire, by stripping the trees of their branches, had opened up the mountainsides, providing wildflowers with an unprecedented abundance of sunlight. The ample rains this year provided the wildflowers with the moisture they needed to thrive. What had seemed to be a disaster was a win-win situation for wildflowers and for visitors who enjoyed seeing them.

I was so amazed by the display of wildflowers that I went back the next day to take more photos of them. (One of the wonderful things about digital cameras is that it is possible to shoot pictures with abandon without having to worry about running out of film.)

A healthy forest regenerates itself with seedlings springing up to replace the trees that perished. When we visit Glacier Park a couple of years or so down the road, there will be young trees growing in the open areas that are now occupied by wildflowers. That is part of the natural life processes in a healthy biotic community.

The day that we spent in the park had an unexpected dividend for Ruth: She got to see the first grizzly bear that she has ever seen. It was a ways away from the road, which was fine with her. We suspected that there was something going on when we encountered several cars parked along the road, with several people standing on top of their cars to get a better view of the bear. (Though I have seen several grizzly bears, I didnt see this one because I had to pay attention to driving. And in any event, there was no way that I was going to climb up on top of the first new car that I have purchased in 25 years just to see a bear.)

All things considered, it was a pretty good day -- a highlight of our summer.
By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) An inter ministerial panel on coal linkages has asked GVK Power to procure coal through forward e-auction route for its 540 MW (2x270 MW) Goindwal Sahib thermal power plant in Punjab.

Standing Linkage Committee (Long-Term) for coal linkages clarified that "the MoU for coal supply (to GVK Power Goindwal Sahib plant) was valid till June 30, 2016 and this would not be extended. The project proponent (PP) was advised to obtain coal through special forward e-auction route," a coal ministry official said.

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According to the official, GVK Power had conveyed to the government that the plant has been commissioned but there was no coal available for the plant.

The company had also informed that 100 per cent power was sold to Punjab State Power Corporation (PSPCL) through long- term PPA. It requested for coal linkage for the plant as the asset was lying idle for want of fossil fuel, the official said.

GVK Power has said they have achieved plant COD (commercial operation date) and PSPCL has accepted the same for Unit 1 with effect from April 6, 2016 and for Unit 2 from April 16, 2016.

"Unit 1 has started commercial operation w.e.f April 16, 2016 but could not sustain the continuity of operation beyond April 22, 2016 due to non-availability of coal as their Tokisud North captive coal mine was cancelled," the official said.

The official further said the company requested (the government) to consider providing long-term permanent coal linkage to their plant and consider the same in the forthcoming SLC meeting.

State-owned CIL (Coal India ) holds special e-auction for providing coal to power plants as the government targets 24X7 power supply across the country. PTI SID BAL ANU ABM

--- ENDS ---
Now that the conventions have run their course, we have a few things to sort out.

The first is how to handle the overarching theme of both gatherings: the need for change. It was Heraclitus of Ephesus who assured us that the only constant in life is change itself. Nothing stays the same. Changes occur whether we will them or not.

So, exactly what kind of change are we looking for? (There is also a concomitant question as to whether or not political institutions are the most desirable agents of change.)

I think we can all agree that something has to be done about the present disparity in income: People at the very top make far too much; people at the bottom, far too little. How can this situation be evened out a bit without causing the Chicago School of Economic Thinking to froth at the mouth?

The rules of capitalism, as presently promulgated, militate against any kind of financial reordering. Yet, some kind of adjustment is clearly in order if our economy is to continue, with some 70 percent of it depending on individuals buying goods. If ordinary folks lack sufficient disposable income for such purchases, the whole merry-go-round shudders to a halt.

There are some back-to-the-land enthusiasts who are all for that, but they do not constitute a working majority in this country. Still, there is a grain of wisdom in the notion.

But how do you achieve a fairer distribution of income without radical adjustments? Some of our European brethren are placing caps on executive pay and insuring adequate levels of pay and accommodation of such things as vacations, sick leave, retirement, etc. But these people are socialists and our leading capitalists tirelessly preach of the evils inherent in such a system.

We have folded some pf these socialist ideas into our capitalist economy -- Social Security and Medicare being the leading examples -- but purists insist that these, too, must be eliminated. They may not speak in such stark terms, but thats the goal.

What concerns most thinkers is that a wholesale reordering of the economy might very well tear the whole structure apart. In place of a battering ram, you might get the job done with incremental adjustments. Thats not an approach that appeals to the passionate, and passions move voters, not thinking.

Another problem is an old one: equality. We set the idea in our foundational documents more as an aspiration than a plan of action. A majority of those early patriots were referring solely to white men. You could find black slaves in New England homes as well as in southern plantations, and women had long been legally considered chattel property.

Weve come a long way since then -- civilization evolves even as nature does -- but the recent surge in racism and ever-lasting, unconscious misogyny still plague human society. They will be active factors in the coming election.

A deeper problem concerns the whole structure and operation of government. Our Constitution, which some treat as Sacred Scripture, was thought to be an unsatisfactory stitching together of deals, crafted to enable wholly contradictory ideas and beliefs to be reconciled, at least temporarily. It took a Civil War, with subsequent amendments, to give it some permanency.

Along with their lofty aspirations, the founders had a deep fear of democracy. They worried that the people, knowing little of the intricacies of policy, might be stampeded into rash action. To that end, they permitted them direct election of House of Representatives members only. Citizens were to be insulated from direct choice of senators and president.

Over time, all offices have been placed in the hands of ordinary citizens, with a, perhaps, naive trust that they would be well-informed, sober guardians of our institutions, our ideals, and our society.

Well see.
G'day! It's Murray here. I've put together a little quiz to test your musical knowledge. Think you can score top marks in Murray's Magic Music Quiz? Give it a go now!
UN News Centre, July 25, 2016

In the first six months of this year, 5,166 civilians were either killed or maimed in Afghanistan, a half-year record since counting began in 2009, a United Nations report published today shows.

Between January and June this year, the human rights team of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) documented 1,601 civilian deaths and 3,565 injured civilians, an increase of four per cent in the total number of casualties compared to the first six months of 2015, according to the report, titled 'Afghanistan Midyear Report 2016; Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict.'

The total civilian casualty figure recorded by the UN since 1 January 2009 through 30 June 2016 has risen to 63,934, including 22,941 deaths and 40,993 injured.



UNAMA,July 25, 2016: 1,601 civilians were killed between January and June this year, of which 388 were children and 130 were women. 3,565 civilians were injured in the same period, including 1,121 children and 377 women. (Photo: Getty Images) July 25, 2016: 1,601 civilians were killed between January and June this year, of which 388 were children and 130 were women. 3,565 civilians were injured in the same period, including 1,121 children and 377 women. (Photo: Getty Images)

The testimony of victims and their families brings into agonizing focus the tragedy of each one of the 63,934 people killed or maimed by this protracted conflict since 2009, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein in a press release.

This year's casualties include 1,509 children, 388 dead and 1,121 injured, a figure Mr. Zeid described as alarming and shameful, particularly as it represents the highest numbers of children killed or wounded in a six-month period since counting began in 2009.

There were also 507 women casualties, 130 killed and 377 injured.

The figures are conservative  almost certainly underestimated  given the strict methodology employed in their documentation and in determining the civilian status of those affected.

In the press release, Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, stressed that the report must serve as a call to action by parties to the conflict to do all they can to spare civilians from the horrors of war.

Every single casualty documented in this report  people killed while praying, working, studying, fetching water, recovering in hospitals  [] represents a failure of commitment and should be a call to action for parties to the conflict to take meaningful, concrete steps to reduce civilians' suffering and increase protection, Yamamoto said.

Platitudes not backed by meaningful action ring hollow over time. History and the collective memory of the Afghan people will judge leaders of all parties to this conflict by their actual conduct, he added.

Casualties attributed to pro-Government forces increased 47 per cent

While anti-Government elements remain responsible for the majority  60 per cent  of civilian casualties, there was an increase in the number of civilians killed and injured by pro-Government forces between January and June this year.

During this period, UNAMA documented 1,180 civilian casualties attributable to pro-Government forces, which is 23 per cent of the total so far this year, but a 47 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, primarily as a result of ground engagements.

Ground engagements continue to cause the highest number of civilian casualties, followed by complex and suicide attacks and improved explosive devices.

Explosive remnants of war disproportionately impacted children who comprised 85 per cent of the casualties caused by such devices. The report contains several accounts of children killed or maimed while playing with such objects.

During the period covered by the report, 157,987 Afghans were newly displaced  a 10 per cent increase over the same period last year. This brings the estimated total number of conflict-induced internally displaced Afghans to 1.2 million.

The report also documents other serious human rights violations and abuses, including the deliberate targeting of women in the public sphere, use of children in armed conflict, sexual violence against boys and girls, attacks on educational and health facilities, abductions and summary executions.

Human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers and judges have also been targeted, in some cases being labeled by the Taliban as military targets.

The report also notes the results of an investigation into the bombing of a Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) hospital in October last year, stressing that there remains a need for a fully independent, impartial, transparent and effective investigation with a view to assessing possible criminal liability.

The report highlights the need for accountability and justice for all human rights violations and abuses, underlining that victims and family members must not be required to submit written complaints for the authorities to initiate investigations, particularly in view of the low literacy rates in the country.

Both UN officials emphasized that the casualties only provide part of the picture of suffering, failing to capture the full extent of the harm and limitations imposed on the Afghan people by the armed conflict.

The protracted conflict has meant that access to education and healthcare, to livelihood and shelter, to the freedom of movement and to a whole host of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights has been severely curtailed for millions of Afghans for far too long, Mr. Yamamoto said.
By India Today Web Desk: Controversial social media star from Pakistan, 26-year-old Qandeel Baloch, was murdered on July 15. The responsibility of her murder was claimed by her brother, Muhammad Waseem, soon after her death. His reasons? Simple--that Qandeel was bringing "shame" to their family, with her "indecent" behaviour on social media.

A polygraph test conducted on Saturday, however, has a different story to tell. The test was conducted on both the suspects--Muhammad Waseem and Qandeel's cousin brother, Haq Nawaz.

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Thanks to the test, it's come to light that it was in fact her cousin, Haq Nawaz, and not Waseem, who had strangled Qandeel to death, according to The Indian Express.

Geonews reported that Qandeel's brother Waseem was in fact holding her hands and feet at the time of the murder, while Haq Nawaz strangled her to death. Before committing the crime, the suspects had drugged the victim and her parents, the report added.

According to sources, video and written statements of both the suspects have also been recorded. According to the recordings, their elder brother, Arif, who resides in Saudi Arabia, had pressurised Waseem into killing Qandeel for the "honour of the family". Following which, Haq Nawaz and Waseem planned Qandeel's murder.

Not too long before her death, Qandeel had expressed concern over her own safety, and had thus appealed to the interior ministry to provide her with security.

Qandeel used to face frequent death threats and social media abuse in the form of reactions to her posts on Facebook.

According to The Indian Express, Pakistani police has also recorded a written statement of cleric Mufti Abdul Qavi, who came into the limelight for appearing in a controversial video with Qandeel. On Saturday, Qavi gave a written statement to the police.

Qavi did not appear before the police to record his statement for the ongoing murder investigation; the investigation team has thus sent him a 14-point questionnaire.

--- ENDS ---
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By Amitabh Srivastava: Next time you get a call from "the ATM headquarters" or the "SBI main branch" seeking your debit card details, ask: "Are you calling from Jamtara?" The caller may not respond, but the answer most likely is yes. This back-of-beyond district in eastern Jharkhand is at the bottom of the pile among computer-literate regions, populated by poor farmers, and the homes get barely five hours of electricity a day. Yet, some hundred villages here have emerged as a frenzied phishing industry hub.

Thousands of calls are recorded daily at the cellphone towers near these villages. Calls are made to random numbers in search of gullible victims, who will share their debit or credit card details with the "bank official" and end up with money flying out of their accounts.

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A few months ago, the caller from the "SBI main branch" could have been Sitaram Mandal, 24, matriculate, unemployed, now in jail and yet a hero in Jamtara district's Sundorjori village. Sitaram made his last phishing call on a sultry Sunday evening in May. He was doing a dry run for the benefit of a couple of wide-eyed young followers in the village, showing off his skills when the police swooped down.

Deputy Mukhiya Saddam Hussein, above in blue shirt, was arrested by the West Bengal police. Photo: Ranjit Kumar Mandal

Sitaram's modus operandi was simple. Make random calls to a series of numbers from a SIM acquired through a fake ID. Have a companion stand by with another phone on which the details of ATM/debit cards and the OTP are filled in. Money from the account is transferred into an e-wallet and almost immediately out of it. One phone call, a few minutes and the young men were several thousand rupees richer.

In 2010, Sitaram, the unemployed son of an unemployed father, had travelled to Mumbai in search of work like many other young men from Jharkhand. He worked at roadside eateries, as a tout at a railway station and finally at some call centres, where his life changed forever. Sitaram returned to Jamtara in 2012. Four years later, local police say Sitaram has Rs 12 lakh in his account (now frozen), two concrete houses (both painted sunrise yellow), a Mahindra Scorpio SUV, and his two sisters have been married off to wealthy grooms. They recovered seven smartphones and 15 SIM cards from Sitaram and his associate Vikash Mandal. The IMEI numbers (15-digit unique identity) of their mobile phones matched those provided by police from several states in complaints about phishing calls that had been traced to cellphone towers in Jamtara.

But in one of India's poorest states, where there are few opportunities for young people, Sundorjori residents see Sitaram as a worthy son. The dozen police cases of fraud don't bother anyone. "Parivar ke liye mehnat karta hai, kya galat hai? Baahar to nikal hi jayega (He works hard for his family, what is wrong in that? He will eventually come out of jail)," is a common refrain. While the cases pan out in court, Sitaram in Jamtara jail is equally nonchalant. "Sab jhooth hai (All lies)," he says with a shrug. Mandal is a legend now, a sort of Amitabh Bachchan of cybercrime, say the police. But he is only one of hundreds of Jamtara youth who are believed to have taken up phishing as a career.

PHISHING AS COTTAGE INDUSTRY

No one seems to know when the young people of Jamtara district started phishing. The lore goes that some young men who went to Delhi got involved with an online racket called 'Chehra Pehchano' (recognise the face). People were asked to identify mildly blurred images of Bollywood stars for a reward. Gullible victims called on the numbers given and were asked to pay a processing fee so that they could get the gift they had won-an SUV. Once the money had been credited to the account number provided by the fraudsters, they stopped taking the victim's calls. Police say a few youth involved in this racket returned to Jamtara and were the first ones to begin phone phishing. Gradually, more and more youngsters were drawn to it.

Jamtara has 1,161 villages and most of the population depends on rain-fed farming except in about a hundred villages. "The cops have zeroed in on these villages where phishing seems to be the only industry," says Ajay Kumar Sinha, officer-in-charge at the Karmatand police station, part of the jurisdiction along with Narayanpur, where most of these villages are located. Since April, the two stations have got over 150 notices from police in 16 states with requests to find one fraudster or another. Jamtara SP Manoj K. Singh points to the runaway construction in villages in the Karmatand station area. The villagers are flush with illegally acquired cash, he adds.

Other phishing accused in Jamtara. Photo: Ranjit Kumar Mandal

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Kalajhariya village, which has a mobile tower that gets 2,500 calls a day, and Dudhania with its flashy new pucca houses are cybercrime datelines in Jamtara. As our vehicle rolls into Dudhania on a mid-summer Sunday in the last week of June, we come across village women dancing to Bollywood tunes belting out of massive loudspeakers. The celebrations peter out as we approach. The villagers don't want to talk to us. They blame the police and journalists for spoiling a party that had continued undisturbed from 2011 to 2014, when the police made the first arrests. "Baat hi nahin karna hai ji. Koi baaharwala nahin chahiye (We don't want to talk at all. We don't want any outsiders)," says a man in his forties. The womenfolk give us hostile looks.

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The police focus on Jamtara, incidentally, has all to do with Pappu Mandal, 22, a high school dropout. A resident of Kasitand village, some three kilometres from Karmatand, Pappu has two pucca houses in the village today. But in November 2015, he made the mistake of calling up Kerala MP Premachandran, posing as a Reserve Bank of India official. He duped Premachandran of Rs 1.6 lakh. But greed ultimately got the better of him, as Pappu kept calling the MP. "Once he succeeded in hoodwinking me, he kept calling asking for OTPs. I diverted the calls to Delhi Police, who cracked the case. But I am yet to get back the money he swindled," says Premachandran. Pappu is now cooling his heels in jail.

Triveni Singh, an officer in Uttar Pradesh Police's special task force, says almost 90 per cent of the transaction-fraud-related calls made in the state were traced back to Jamtara. Telangana police chief Anurag Sharma posted a warning on Facebook on January 30, alerting people to be wary of Jamtara fraudsters. "We have had policemen from all over the country travelling to Jamtara in the past 3-4 years," says SP Manoj Singh.

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On July 1, the West Bengal Police arrested Saddam Hussein, 32, deputy mukhiya of Jamtara's Sonabad panchayat for defrauding a Kolkata man, Shankar Kumar Bose, of over Rs 1 lakh. Hussein spoke fluent Bengali and persuaded Bose to share his ATM card details over the phone. The man's position in the village shows the level of acceptance cyber criminals have in Jamtara, says a senior administrative officer. The Jamtara police has arrested over 100 people in the past six months for phishing offences but the calls keep going out. So next time you get that call from "the ATM headquarters", remember, it could be yet another phishing attempt from Jamtara.



Follow the writer on Twitter @amitabh1975
Can mid-size employers self-fund insurance?

Groups of 50-500 employees often overlook the possibilities of "level funding" concepts, which is a hybrid of partial self-funding. In the past, partial self-funding was only appropriate for larger groups.

But with the advent of the Affordable Care Act, new product designs have made this an avenue worth exploring for mid-size groups, particularly mature groups in the 50-100 size range. By mature, I mean they have at least a year of fully insured experience behind them.

Since this size group size has guaranteed issue privileges to re-enter the fully insured market, the loss of access to coverage is mitigated. Partial self-funding under this level-funding concept essentially unbundles the insurance contract components as follows:

Administration: This includes the processing of claims, compliance documents, rental of Preferred Provider network or access fees, commissions, taxes and fees. Rental of networks is tricky because there must be access to providers, but also appropriate discounts that are passed back to the plan.

Risk Cost: This is the premium for "stop loss" coverage. This includes individual stop loss, which limits charges against the group to a specific dollar number per individual and aggregate stop loss that limits the total amount of claims that will be charged against the group's experience for the plan year.

Note that the state of California premium tax of 2.3 percent is not assessed against the entire premium as in a fully insured contract, but only the risk premium. This can be a substantial savings, depending on the size of the group.

There are some benefit provisions that are mandated to fully insured groups that can be excluded from self-funded groups, which can reduce costs. Since many insurers don't allow an employer to provide different benefits by class, self-funding can provide the employer the required flexibility to do so.

What makes these new contracts attractive for employers is the approach to funding and premium. The initial premiums are typically set to fully fund the entire cost of the maximum liability to the employer. Then three to nine months following the end of the plan year, when all reconciliations are complete, the group may receive a refund if the claims experience is favorable.

If the experience is poor, they are only limited to the amount paid in initial premium.

There are many variants of this partial self-funding or cash-flow techniques for employers that have been around a long time: Minimum premium; "retro" premium funding, as well as full or partial self-funding. But many insurers only wanted to provide these options to larger groups of 250 employees or more.

This is changing and more vendors and insurance companies are offering hybrid options to smaller groups.

The downside to this approach is underwriting. The process is more lengthy because each individual who is interested in coverage must answer health questions before final rates are set. Good vendors have this down to streamlined process that can take as little as five minutes per employee.

Of course, the employer has no access to the confidential health information of any employee.

Our most recent case of this nature was implemented in about 45 days, which is clearly record time for a group of 150 employees at multiple locations throughout the state. Fortunately, this employer has a good relationship with the employees and they understood that the employer was looking out for their best interest.

He explained that they were facing a double-digit rate increase that was unsustainable for the company. He wanted to find a better option, but it would require cooperation from the employees. Most were very compliant.

Final rates were not substantially different than the initial quoted rate, which made the employer happy to give this approach the go-ahead.

As the broker, I will have access to claims data that will help me to better advise the employer on future benefit designs and marketing efforts for the group's benefit package. If the group is healthy as expected, there is the potential for lower rate increases than those of the pool from the insurance company.

In addition, we used the online benefits enrollment portal that we provide at no cost to all of our groups. This made enrollment for all of the benefits at multiple locations cleaner and simpler for everyone.

This approach is not for everyone, but certainly worth considering for the right group with the right staff and broker/consultant.

Margaret R. Beck is a licensed insurance broker. She can be reached at 225-8583.
By Andrea Eldridge of the Redding Record Searchlight

"Sharing your Netflix password could land you in jail." If you've recently seen sensational headlines like this in your social media news feed, you may be aware that a recent ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco has digital privacy groups concerned that common password sharing practices could be criminalized. Should you be worried?

I recently participated in a question-and-answer session on the topic to help clear up fact from fiction. Here are some details from that session:

Q: Millions of Americans share passwords to their email accounts, social media and streaming services with loved ones, coworkers, employers and friends. Is it illegal?

A: A recent Consumer Report survey indicates that 46 percent of survey respondents who use streaming services admit to sharing passwords with people outside their household. It very likely violates the terms of service you've entered into with the service provider, and that's where things get gray.

The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act is the law in question. It's an anti-hacking law established in 1984 that came into existence to protect cyber data from unauthorized access by hackers. The law makes it a crime to access a computer "without authorization," and then obtain information from that computer. The problem is that the language of law is too broad and leaves "authorization" up to interpretation.

Q: What does "authorization?" in relation to the law and the recent ruling?

A: Authorization in this sense relates to who has the legal right to authorize access to data. Is it the company that owns the site and/or media you're accessing? If this is the interpretation upheld, sharing your password is a violation of terms of use, therefore making it a criminal act. You are giving someone unauthorized access to data owned or controlled by another entity.

However, some digital privacy groups assert that the user who pays for the account has authorization to grant access to whomever they choose, such as sharing an account between family members, or giving your remote service provider access to your cloud account to help you with a computer problem. In voluntarily sharing their password, does the user have the right to "authorize" the other person to access their account?

Q: How likely is it that you could get prosecuted for sharing your password?

A: The short answer is, not very likely.

An alliance of tech companies, including Apple and Microsoft, have filed a brief warning the court against interpreting "without authorization" too broadly. These tech giants are urging court to reject the legal interpretation that says all third-party access using an authorized user's credentials constitutes access "without authorization."

The details of the brief expresses concern over valid sharing of access to client data stored online through services such as Mint financial software and cloud services. For Mint to work, the user gives Mint access to their financial login data and then Mint uses that access to download transactions and track spending. If that access is automatically deeming unauthorized, Mint would be legally breaking the law to obtain your financial data, even though you, the user, voluntarily provided your login data.

The bottom line for consumers is that Netflix has made it clear that they are not going to prosecute you for sharing access to your account. Your Netflix account explicitly allows you to create multiple profiles, so that you can have a separate queue for yourself, your kids, and your husband, for example. Your membership tier determines how many devices can stream simultaneously, from one to four devices. If you want more "family" members to be able to watch at the same time, you need only to bump up your membership from the basic plan, which is $8 a month, to Standard at $10 per month for two devices to stream concurrently, or premium, which is $12 per month for four devices to stream concurrently.

Netflix has stated, "as long as they aren't selling them, members can use passwords however they please."

Q: Doesn't password sharing affect their revenue?

A: Streaming services control access by limiting simultaneous viewing. HBO Go, for example, limits each account to three separate devices streaming media on the same account login at the same time. Amazon, Hulu Plus and others have similar limits.

Both Netflix and HBO Go's CEO have stated that they don't really care if you share your password because it's a "marketing vehicle" for the next generation of viewers  you share your password, your friend gets addicted to "Game of Thrones" and decides to subscribe. Settling in to watch a flick on a Friday night only to see the warning that you cannot stream because your account is already in use elsewhere will eventually lead you to tell Uncle Jerry that it's time he sign up for his own Netflix account.

Q: Should viewers be concerned?

A: I'd say that it's important that they are aware of the changing laws and their individual provider's terms of service. Just because streaming services like Netflix and HBO Go are not currently concerned about password sharing, it doesn't mean they won't someday change their stance.

The vagueness of the CFAA means that citizens are at the "whim of prosecutors" if they violate a site's terms of service. It's another case of technology outpacing law. Luckily, the CFAA likely will be reviewed by the Supreme Court in the next few years to clarify the vague language.

Nerd Chick Adventures is written by Andrea Eldridge and Heather Neal from Nerds On Call, an onsite computer and laptop repair company in Redding. They can be reached at nerdchick@callnerds.com.
The package was addressed to "Papa Mark." That's what our grandkids call him. I wanted to open it, but forced myself to wait until he gets home. It's the least I can do. He deserves the credit for the contents of that package. My only credit is being smart enough to marry him.

It was a second marriage for us both. I was a widow. He was divorced. We share five children, three who are married, and five grandchildren.

Some people go to Paris. We go to kids' birthday parties. Who needs Paris when you can be a bouncer at a bounce house?

When he asked me to marry him 11 years ago, I didn't ask what kind of grandpa he'd be. He was a great dad to his boys. And his dad was a great father and grandfather. I agreed to marry him on one condition: He'd keep getting more like his dad. So far, he's kept the deal.

We live hundreds of miles from our grandkids and can't be as much a part of their lives as we'd like to be. But we try. When a FedEx truck stops at their house, the kids shout, "Look! It's Nana's truck!"

One day last summer, soon after my husband retired from a career as a newspaper editor, he looked up from his crossword puzzle and said, "I'm going to make books for the kids."

So he bought a sketch pad and some colored pencils and went to work on a book for our oldest grandchild. Randy is 5 and loves superheroes. His book was about a superhero named Randy whose favorite adventure was hanging out with his family.

Papa Mark stapled it together and sent it to Randy, who gave it five stars and a very happy face. Next came books for Charlotte and Henry, age 4 (cousins, not twins, born a day apart); Wiley, age 3, and Eleanor, 18 months.

Henry loves animals. Charlotte is a warrior princess. Wiley is wild about monster trucks. Eleanor likes her hair bows and her shopping cart. Each book featured each child as the star of his or her own adventure.

The kids and their parents loved the books, much the same way they love Papa Mark.

Then Randy, with his mom's help, made a book for Papa Mark, a serialized story with lots of blank pages for future chapters. He wrote Chapter 1 about an unnamed superhero and sent it to Papa Mark, asking him to write Chapter 2.

Papa Mark wasted no time. He wrote Chapter 2, revealing the superhero's name was "Super Randy," and then returned it to Randy with a pre-paid envelope for the next installment.

That's the package that arrived today  the much anticipated Chapter 3. Papa Mark better get home quick or I might open it and read it without him.

It reminded me of a gift my grandmother gave me long ago when I was about Randy's age.

After my parents split up, I fell into the void between them and could not find my way out. So my grandmother made for me a beautiful thing  a rag doll with blue eyes and a knowing smile very much like hers.

"She will be your doll," she said, "and you will be her girl. She will tell you good things, all the things you need to know."

From that day to this, I could hold that doll close and hear her whisper, in a voice much like my grandmother's, whatever I needed to know. When I asked her if I should marry the man I now call "Papa Mark," she said, "Yes, but only if he promises to be more like his dad."

Papa Mark plans to write "serial" books with all our grandkis. The stories will vary, depending on the child, but the message will be the same.

It's a message children of all ages need to hear from books and toys and birds and trees and especially from the people who care for them. I've often heard it from a rag doll: "You are loved."

Listen. Did you hear that?

Sharon Randall can be reached at P.O. Box 777394 Henderson, NV 89077, or on her website www.sharonrandall.com.
FILE In this Aug. 42008 file photo, a general view of the Halti mountain, on the Finnish and Norwegian borders, in Enontekio, Finland. Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg is considering moving a mountain _ or at least the peak of it _ as a gift to Finland when the Nordic country next year celebrates 100 years of independence from Russia. (Mikko Stig/Lehtikuva, via AP, File)

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By The Associated Press

HELSINKI (AP)  Norway is considering moving a mountain  or at least its peak  to neighboring Finland.

Anne Nordskog, a spokeswoman for Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg, said Wednesday the government is contemplating a proposal to give the Halti peak as a gift to Finland next year as the Finns celebrate 100 years of independence.

Most of the mountain is on the Finnish side of their northern border but the peak of 1,331 meters (4,367 feet) is in Norway. The proposal would redraw the border to put the peak in Finland.

While mountainous Norway has several peaks that are higher, Finland's highest mountain is 1,325 meters.

Former Norwegian state surveyor Bjorn Geirr Harsson, who came up with the proposal, said "it would be nice to give Finland an extra 6 meters (20 feet)."
Horse Haldalgo, representing life-saving US Marine horse Sergeant Reckless who served with the US Marine Corps during the Korean War, is awarded with the PDSA Dickin Medal beside Sergeant Mark Gostling, right, and Lieutenant Colonel Michael Skaggs in London, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. Reckless, who survived one of the bloodiest battles in modern military history, has today been awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal  known as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross  for her bravery and devotion to duty during the Korean war 1950 until 1953. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

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By The Associated Press

LONDON (AP)  A U.S. Marine Corps horse who served during some of the bloodiest fighting of the Korean War has been posthumously decorated for bravery.

Sgt. Reckless was awarded the Dickin Medal during a ceremony at the Korean War Memorial in London on Wednesday, the 63rd anniversary of the end of the war.

A serving British Army horse stood in for the late Reckless at the ceremony.

The chestnut Mongolian mare served as an ammunitions carrier for the marines' anti-tank division. She made repeated strips to supply ammunition and retrieve wounded troops under heavy bombardment during the battle for Outpost Vegas in March 1953.

After the war, Reckless retired to the United States and died in 1968 at age 20. She was nominated by a historian who wrote a biography about her.

Reckless is the 68th recipient of the medal, awarded by the PDSA veterinary charity and billed as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross  Britain's top award for military valor.

Since 1943, the medal has recognized gallantry by animals serving with the military, police or rescue services.

Almost half the recipients have been dogs, including a World War II commando collie who made more than 20 parachute jumps. The medal has also gone to police horses, carrier pigeons and, once, to a cat  a Royal Navy ship's mascot who carried on rat-catching while the vessel was shelled and besieged in China in 1949.
An Uttam Nagar resident, en route to Mahipalpur, was trapped in a pothole and was crushed by a truck. He died on the spot.

By Ram Kinkar Singh: A fatal accident occurred on the MM road at 7.30 PM on Saturday. A 45-year-old biker was trapped in a pothole near Square mall on Mehrauli-Mahipalpur road. He was crushed by a tanker truck while he was still stuck, killing him on the spot.

POTHOLE DEEMED RESPONSIBLE



Police seized the truck but the driver managed to flee. South district DCP Nupur prasad said, "The body has been sent to AIIMS for an autopsy report and a team has been deployed to arrest the accused."

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The deceased was identified as Praveen Kumar, a resident of Uttam Nagar. He was en route Mahipalpur at the time of the accident. Ramashish, an eyewitness, said that the pothole was responsible for Praveen's death as it was flooded and nobody was able to judge its depth.

MM road is a busy, important area and even houses 2 MLAs of the Delhi government. Commuters frequently use this road while traveling to the airport.

ALSO READ:

Killer potholes to deluge: Delhi, Noida give Gurgaon competition

Potholes disrupt traffic in Bhopal, citizens blame civic authorities



--- ENDS ---
This man is wanted in a Saturday robbery of Chase Bank.

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Suspect sought in bank robbery

Chase Bank on Cypress Avenue reported a robbery around 4 p.m. Saturday, after a man walked in and demanded cash from a teller, Redding police said.

The man gave the teller a note saying he was armed, but scanner reports said no weapons were seen.

The suspect is described as a white man in his mid-40s who was unshaven and wearing a short-sleeved plaid shirt, khaki cargo shorts, a ball cap and flip-flops.

He is about 5 feet, 8 inches and weighed 200 pounds. He fled the scene on foot and was last seen heading toward Market Street.

A California Highway Patrol helicopter and a police K-9 aided police in the their search, but the man wasn't found.

Rally set Tuesday for law enforcement

In a show of solidarity with law enforcement officers, members of the Redding City Council plan to stage a rally Tuesday outside City Hall.

The "Blue Lives Matter" event will last a half-hour and serve as a prelude to National Night Out, an evening of neighborhood block parties that bring awareness to crime and drugs and aim to improve police and community relations.

The rally starts at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the shaded area that connects city offices to the council chambers.

"We'd love to have people show up and say, 'Yes, we back the blue,'" said Mayor Missy McArthur, who called for the rally. "To me, to be an officer right now, I'd be scared to death."

Police departments are on high alert. An officer was fatally shot and another critically wounded in San Diego on Friday. This comes after the fatal shooting of five officers in Dallas and three in Baton Rouge, Louisiana this month.

Following the demonstration, firefighters, police officers and city officials will begin to make the rounds at neighborhoods.

Cause of 5-acre fire under investigation

A car crash may have sparked a "full-blown wildland fire" that burned 5 acres Friday night near McArthur and Pittville, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The fire and crash were reported on Little Valley Road in the unincorporated community of Little Valley, some 75 miles northeast of Redding off Highway 299, according to California Highway Patrol dispatchers.

Leah Sandberg, public information officer for Cal Fire's Lassen-Modoc Unit, said the cause of the fire is under investigation as to whether it started from the crash.

The CHP reported three people suffered minor to moderate injuries in the crash.

Deputies: Man with illegal rifle arrested

Shasta County sheriff's deputies said they arrested a man found with an illegal, short-barreled rifle Friday evening.

Deputies about 7:30 p.m. went to the intersection of Deschutes Road near Balls Ferry Road on a report of a man armed with a gun. Initial information described the man as white with dreadlocks and a dark-colored shirt.

Nearby deputies found Ray Thomas Taylor, 36, in the parking lot of a business. He walked away from deputies while reaching for the waistband of his shorts, at which point they ordered him to the ground.

After a search, deputies found a .22-caliber rifle that was "significantly altered," Sheriff's Sgt. Gene Randall said.

The gun was less than 26 inches in length and had a barrel less than 16 inches long, making it a felony to possess, according to the sheriff's office.

Taylor is a convict barred from owning guns, Randall said. He was also carrying a concealed knife, according to deputies.

Authorities arrested Taylor and booked him at the Shasta County Jail on suspicion of possessing a short -barreled rifle, carrying a concealed dagger and concealed gun and being a felon in possession of a gun.
Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight file photo

Nicole Anthony (left), branch manager of the Adecco office in Redding, has donated food weighed with the help of Eddie Hart, a food services assistant at the Good News Rescue Mission, before it's delivered to People of Progress in November 2015. People of Progress is one of numerous agencies in the county seeking a share of emergency food funding.



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By Nathan Solis of the Redding Record Searchlight

Several Shasta County agencies will apply for a slice of federal funding earmarked for food and shelter, but with so many groups holding their hands out, money is spread thin.

Local agencies such as Progress of People and the Shasta Community Health Center will apply for the $101,614 given to Shasta County from the Department of Homeland Security. The money is intended for emergency food and shelter services and has been given to the county for 33 years, according to Dr. Richard Kuhns from the Shasta County Housing and Community Action Programs.

Representatives from the Good News Rescue Mission, Red Cross and the United Way will decide who gets the funding.

People of Progress used the funding in the past to buy food in bulk, such as beans, rice and oatmeal.

Executive director Melinda Brown said in the past her group used the funding for rental assistance and other services, but now with so many other groups vying for the money it's hard to make the case on the application. Now she only applies for food.

Last year the group received $16,000 from the fund. Brown said food is important to attracting a person to the organization's Redding location and providing them with services they did not know they needed.

"They come in for food, but then they walk away with clothes, a bus pass or some other service," said Brown.

The Shasta County Community Action Agency will meet on Aug. 8 to decide who gets the funding and notify the groups on Aug. 9. Typically 11 agencies receive funding, according to Kuhns.

Other groups that have applied for the funding in the past include One SAFE Place, Anderson Cottonwood Christian Assistance, Shasta HIV Food Bank and Living Hope Compassion Ministries.

Chief Operations Officer Robin Glasco from Shasta Community Health Center said the funding they receive goes into its HOPE outreach program. Its program uses funding to purchase high-protein foods that can be stored in vehicles and eaten by homeless people; foods such as tuna and cooked vegetables.

Glasco's group has received funding for the past five years from the emergency food and shelter program. Last year the Shasta Community Health Center received $1,400 and the outreach teams served 131 people with 786 meals.

"It seems like more agencies are doing similar work now in the area," Glasco said. "Not everyone does the same job. Like we go out to serve individuals in need and our target has been those who have no other resources and are hungry. That's what this funding provides."
Delcie Strahan for Shasta Community Health Center A patient visits the Shasta Community Health Center for an exam.

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By Pauline Bartolone, California Healthline

A network of clinics that serves low-income patients in Shasta County is finally finding balance after being deluged with newly insured patients under the Affordable Care Act.

After a more than two-year moratorium on nearly all new adult patients, the Redding-based Shasta Community Health Center has reopened its doors to some newcomers this month, and it will start accepting more new patients in September.

When Medi-Cal, California's version of Medicaid, was first expanded under the Affordable Care Act in early 2014, the number of people insured under the program doubled to around 40,000 people in the region served by Shasta Community Health. Not only did the clinics see new patients, but the demand for services soared from existing ones who were newly insured. The clinic network already had a shortage of doctors and nurses, and the issues it has faced are shared by other rural health clinics in California.

"The  more new patients we brought in, the more stress on the providers, the more likely (they) were going to leave, the deeper the crisis went," said Shasta Community Health Center CEO C. Dean Germano. So he decided to close the network's five clinics to new adult Medi-Cal patients, though they continued to serve all of their existing patients and accepted new children.

During the moratorium, patients in the region had to travel long distances for primary care or use the local emergency room, Germano said.

Shasta Community Health Center has since boosted its capacity to provide primary care. It has hired two physicians, created a family practice residency program and has a fellowship program for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. For every new primary care provider, the clinic network can add up to 1,200 new patients, Germano said. The system now serves about 60,000 people in the area.

California Healthline interviewed Germano about his health center's experience adjusting to the changes wrought by the Affordable Care Act. His comments have been edited for length and clarity.

Q: How did the ACA change the type of services you were giving or the type of care the patients needed?

Uninsured people tend to use the system much less and often at the worst possible places.

With the onset of coverage, you have all this relief to pent-up demand, people seeking more regular care and preventive (care), which often for the uninsured is not a priority. They tend to come in because they have acute issues or they have long-term chronic issues that have become complicated.

So (with) people gaining coverage, the uninsured are becoming much like our other insured populations  seeking care at the appropriate moments.

Q: Were you able to meet the demand for all these new services?

No, not at all. We quickly became overwhelmed, although there were a couple of things happening all at once. One was certainly the growth in Medicaid coverage, but at the very same time, the state of California expanded Medi-Cal managed care into 28 rural counties. We are one of them. We did not have Medi-Cal managed care prior to this.

We were assigned patients, then assigned more patients. We quickly reached a point where we could not take on more new adult patients to our practice. We had to essentially constrain and at one point close the practice to new adult Medicaid patients. We never closed the practice to uninsured patients because they don't have many options, as in the ER. We never close it to homeless or to children or to people with HIV. Interestingly enough, (it was) not a great business model because our best payers are the ones we closed to.

It was a very big hit (to) the community because adult patients had to go further afield to find services outside of the emergency room. Under managed care, it's (the health plan's) responsibility to find a medical home and some of the medical homes were 30 to 40 miles into the mountains. For patients who have transportation issues, there was no doubt that was a real imposition.

Q: Can you describe the region's shortage of providers?

We are close to 20 primary care physicians short in our community, including our insured and Medicare populations. In a rural community, that's a big number. So the deficit has always been there.

It's always been tough for rural areas to recruit (physicians), but in this environment where everyone is struggling to hire, it really made the challenge that much more difficult. Medical students don't go into primary care for lots of reasons. One of them is debt load. Most of the doctors I hire now usually have an average of $300,000 worth of student debt.

In addition, there are not enough family medicine residencies in California. We need a lot more primary care residencies, particularly in family medicine.

Q: Do you think an increase in the rates Medi-Cal pays to providers is what's needed to ensure that all areas have the coverage they need?

The gap is so huge now between Medi-Cal and Medicare reimbursement. A 5 or 10 percent adjustment would help the margins, but isn't going to create a wholesale shift of providers into Medi-Cal, because we're seeing in rural areas the provider shortage exists for patients covered by Medicare and private insurance.

Where we feel (the low reimbursements) the most is on the specialty care side. It's very difficult to get referrals in a timely way when the reimbursement is so pitifully poor. And we really lean on our specialty community.

When a specialist looks at a rural community, it's really hard for them to  say "I'm only going to take the insured patients," because typically there aren't enough insured patients to create a full practice. So they look at the full book of business. They look at what the insured population looks like, what the Medicare population looks like and then everybody else, particularly Medicaid. And in many specialties, particularly in pediatrics and the surgeries, you look at what percentage of your practice is going to be [covered by] Medicaid. In California, if that number is really high, it's often not viable for them to move into that rural community because that book of business doesn't make sense for them.

So, Medicaid being such a low payer has a huge ripple effect. And where that's important in rural communities is that if we don't have an EMT surgeon or a general surgeon or urologist because they can't put together a decent book of business, it's not just the poor people who suffer. It's the whole community.

Q: If increasing the Medi-Cal rates isn't necessarily the silver bullet, how would you remedy the overall problem of provider shortages in certain areas?

First of all, the reimbursement rate has to be better.

Secondly, we have not been good at developing training programs, particularly in the primary care specialties but across the board.

I wish there [were] money for post-graduate residency programs for [nurse practitioners and physician assistants] because if we don't have enough family doctors, general internists and pediatricians, then we're going to lean on our PAs and NPs.

Q: Would expanding the scope of what nurse practitioners can do help bring providers where they're needed?

Well, I have mixed feelings about that. If it's done in the context of a post-graduate residency program, I think that independence makes sense because they should've gotten a lot of what they needed to know. (But) just putting a new practitioner with an independent license out there and letting him hang his shingle out, I have mixed feelings about.

But I do think that if you can marry a post-graduate training program and a pathway for independence, that might work or maybe a certain number of years of practice under a physician's supervision.

This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, which publishes California Healthline, a service of the California Health Care Foundation.
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Listening to political speeches and talking heads around the national party conventions I get the feeling I have fallen through to DC Comics Bizarro World where everything is weirdly opposite of what one would expect. The conventions and their fallout have presented topsy-turvy politics.

It is Trump now, not Obama as before, who is basically calling for a "reset" of the relationship with Russia. It is the Democrats, not the Republicans, who are speaking of American exceptionalism, that America is a great country. It is the Democrats speaking about a strong international defense, keeping durable ties with NATO. Not so Trump.

Even with trade, there is a seeming reversal of order. Trump is for tariffs and "tougher" trade deals, not a Republican standard. Many Democrats make similar expressions, but suspicion abounds since Hillary Clinton pal, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, made an off-handed comment that Clinton would eventually go along with the Trans Pacific Partnership.

While the seemingly altered universe can be confusing to the casual observer, in my view, the political point that very well could tip the scales for voters is not an argument you hear often from both sides.

When a Republican raises concerns to colleagues about voting for Trump he or she is quickly reminded about the importance of the Supreme Court and the president's ability to appoint agenda-setting justices. This is not an exclusive Republican argument. You will hear the Supreme Court argument from Democrats as well.

But ultimately, before importance of Supreme Court appointments is weighed, there is the paramount concern about security and America's power.

Trump asserts his resolve to crush ISIS, deal with terrorism at home and abroad, and bring law and order to the country and the world. Clinton argues that Trump doesn't have the temperament to control nuclear weapons and command the military considering his compliments directed at authoritarian world leaders and his ideas involving allies such as his NATO stance.

As voters work through changed positions and find the familiar old arguments wearing new blue or red clothes, it is the issue of American security and who best can manage it that will guide a lot of voters come election day.

By Joel Fox is editor of Fox & Hounds and president of the Small Business Action Committee. This was originally published at www.foxandhoundsdaily.com.
My iPhone stopped communicating with the world somewhere east of Fort Jones as we started climbing a dirt Forest Service road into the Marble Mountain Wilderness Area.

Alan Jackson came on the radio, and all of my news apps became worthless little logos on a screen.

The Republicans had just wrapped up their convention, and Hillary Clinton hadn't yet chosen a running mate. In Germany, and in France, and in Baton Rouge, people struggled to understand what had happened to them.

It's been about 25 years since I've carried my own tent and food into the mountains. I was way overdue for this short trip anyway. And at 10, it was Emerson's first time ever  so he was even more overdue.

But it wasn't just the pleasure of the trail and the vivid, variable beauty of the wilderness that caused this sensation of being physically burdened and spiritually weightless. It was the contrast, the utter relief of being disconnected.

I couldn't check the poll numbers if I wanted to. There would be no way of knowing, until we packed back out, what was going on in the world. Not even whether the Giants would keep losing, maintaining their post-All-Star break downward momentum.

I made a mockery of the "ultralight" backpacking philosophy that has become so popular. For a two-night trip, carrying most of the gear for me and Emerson, and all of the food, I had the equivalent of a second-grade boy strapped to my back.

At the slow, steady pace demanded by the load, it doesn't take long to stop thinking about the world's troubles and start noticing the scenery that crawls by.

The trail up to Campbell Lake passes through a series of meadows for the first couple of miles, rising gently. We picked our way across small creeks and watched the groves of trees change shape and size as firs, cedars and pines seemed to take turns dominating their patches of the forest.

Politics dropped lower and lower into the valley behind us.

Whatever was left of it drowned in the water of Campbell Lake, where trout jump clean out of the water all afternoon and you have to be as bad at fishing as I am to avoid actually catching one.

On Sunday morning, knowing we'd have to leave, I woke up before sunrise and quietly zipped myself out of the tent. I had brought along the lightest book in my library, a yellow-fringed copy of "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."

I sat reading it in the waxing light.

This time of year, the sun rises over Campbell Lake in a peculiar way. First it floods in over the north and west shores, brightening trees and rocks and setting the grass to glow.

Then the progress stops for a long time, as the sun rises behind a steeply sloped rock ridge until it finally breaks free of it hundreds of feet up. Then, suddenly, everything is alight, the kids are shuffling in their bags, my buddy's dog is sniffing to get out of the tent.

It was too soon to leave. I love my life here at the top end of the Sacramento Valley, but I hadn't realized just how much of a toll it's taken, constantly being in touch with everything.

Around the same spot on that dirt road, the iPhone started to buzz and ding. All those messages and alerts, pent up from my short absence, came flooding back in. Other than letting my wife know we were safe, I'd have liked to have just left the darned thing there in the dirt.

I realized that the strongest feeling I had toward this slick little gadget was either resentment or something just like it.

The truth is, I settled back into being connected very quickly. I'm right back where I was  no lesson learned, apparently. Except that now I know how much nicer it can be, and I long to go back.

Maybe until Nov. 9.

Reach Editor Silas Lyons at 225-8210 or silas.lyons@redding.com. He's (now back) on Facebook and Instagram, and on Twitter @silaslyons_RS.
SHARE Kimberly Christina Tanner Date of birth: May 28, 1970 Vitals: 5 feet, 8 inches; 160 pounds; brown hair, brown eyes Charge: Petty theft Stacey Elaine Roberts Date of birth: Sept. 4, 1964 Vitals: 5 feet, 6 inches; 125 pounds; brown hair, brown eyes Charge: Termination of probation Daniel Lee Schmitz Date of birth: Sept. 29, 1993 Vitals: 5 feet, 9 inches; 140 pounds; brown hair, hazel eyes Charge: Burglary Leo Frank Graham III Date of birth: March 21, 1977 Vitals: 6 feet, 1 inch; 150 pounds; brown hair, blue eyes Charge: Carrying a concealed dirk or dagger

By Staff Reports

Shasta's Most Wanted, featured in the Record Searchlight in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, targets people who have failed to show up in court for sentencing after being convicted.

As of Friday a total of 659 arrests had been made through the Most Wanted program since it began in September 2013. Authorities say they have seen an increase in criminals failing to appear in court since the onset of Assembly Bill 109. Also known as prison realignment, the state program shifted certain state prison inmates to county supervision.

Redding Police Chief Robert Paoletti said court appearances have been going up since the rollout.

Five new people are added each week. Those caught will be held until at least their next court appearances. Shasta County Secret Witness is offering a reward of up to $250 for information leading to an arrest. Tips can be provided anonymously at 530-243-2319 or at www.scsecretwitness.com/home/submit-a-tip.

Anyone with information also can call SHASCOM at 245-6540. The feature appears Sundays in the Record Searchlight's Northern California section and on Redding.com.
Clinton, who was joined by Senator Tim Kaine, is on a bus tour in Pennsylvania and Ohio with her vice presidential running mate

Hillary Clinton, on Sunday, said her economic plan would create 10 million jobs in the US while that of Donald Trump would cost three and half million jobs as the Democratic presidential nominee underlined her Republican rival is not offering "real change" but "empty promises".

"My plans would create millions more jobs than Trump's," Clinton said at an election rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. "In fact, under my plans, the economy would create at least 10 million jobs in our first term," she added.

"As for Donald Trump? Well, his policies were found that they would actually cost us nearly three and a half million jobs," the 68-year-old former secretary of state said, referring to a study done by a top economist associated with the presidential campaign of Senator John McCain.

"In fact, the more you listen to Donald Trump, the more you realise he is not offering real change. He's offering empty promises, and what little we know about his economic policies, from running up our debt, to starting trade wars, to letting Wall Street run wild, could devastate working families," Clinton said.

She said her vision of America is in "sharp contrast" to what Trump is "laying out, because I don't think we're weak".

"I don't think we're in decline. I think we can pull together because we are stronger together, and if anybody like him spent a day on the factory floor here, they'd see what teamwork looks like. They'd understand what it means to create and build."

Clinton, who was joined by Senator Tim Kaine, is on a bus tour in Pennsylvania and Ohio with her vice presidential running mate. During the tour, they said in the first 100 days in office, they would announce to make the largest investment in new, good-paying jobs since World War II.

Visiting Johnstown Wire Technologies, a factory with a record of creating jobs and investing in America, Clinton highlighted her plans to invest $10 billion to strengthen manufacturing communities like Johnstown.

Clinton and Kaine contrasted their shared vision for an American economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top, with Trump's long record of outsourcing products to be made overseas, instead of here in America.

"Donald Trump, you hear him, he talks a big game about putting America first. Well, with all due respect, please explain to me what part of America first leads Trump to make Trump dress shirts in Bangladesh, not Ashland, Pennsylvania.

"Or to make Trump furniture in Turkey, not Freeburg, Pennsylvania. Or Trump picture frames in India, not Bristol, Pennsylvania," Clinton said.

The Trump Campaign criticised her for visiting this township in Pennsylvania, saying Clinton visiting Johnstown is like a "robber visiting their victim" as the state has lost 1 in 3 manufacturing jobs since China was put in the World Trade Organisation.

Kaine said: "We are on this tour so that we can talk about the American economy: to talk about manufacturing; to talk about the way to grow jobs and make sure everybody benefits from our economic growth, not just a few."

Stephen Miller, senior policy advisor to the Trump Campaign said "the state of Pennsylvania has lost 1 in 3 manufacturing jobs since China was put in the WTO with Hillary's support. The Johnston region lost nearly 1 in 2 manufacturing jobs since Hillary-backed NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) went into effect".

Clinton's next assault on Johnstown will be the Trans-Pacific Partnership, he said.

"Donald Trump delivered a detailed 7-point plan to restore American manufacturing, including countervailing duties on trade cheaters like China and immediate withdrawal from the TPP. Hillary has no plan because her donors won't let her," he said.

Photograph: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
The Congress, however, said it wanted to see the final print on the wording of the dispute resolution mechanism before committing its support to the Bill

The government has reached an agreement with the Congress on the contentious issue of dispute resolution mechanism under the goods and services tax (GST) regime, raising hopes for the passage of the Constitution amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha slated for early next week. However, AIADMK, which has 13 members in the Upper House, was yet to come on board.

According to the agreement, the dispute resolution mechanism will be made more categorical in the Bill than the legislation which was passed by the Lok Sabha in 2014.

The Congress, however, said it wanted to see the final print on the wording of the dispute resolution mechanism before committing its support to the Bill. The mechanism would remain under the domain of the proposed GST council, which would comprise of Union and state finance ministers.

The Congress also wants that the GST rate be ring fenced in the GST Bill, which will come up after the Constitution amendment Bill is cleared by Parliament and ratified by at least half of the states. The leading opposition party believes that the GST would become meaningless if the rates were to go above 20 per cent. It also wants that the rates should be changeable only through finance Act and not by a notification.

We have reached an agreement with the government on GST, but will like to see the language in the final version before we take a stand, Anand Sharma, deputy leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, told Business Standard. He said the Congress wanted a strong and firm language in the Constitution amendment Bill on the dispute resolution mechanism.

We have asked for mandatory establishment of the redressal mechanism by the GST council. The language currently says that the GST council may decide the modality of the redressal mechanism.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has agreed to accommodate the demand, the former commerce and industry minister said. We have in-principle reached an understanding on GST, but will take a call after reading the final language of the Bill to be tabled in the Rajya Sabha, he said.

The Congress had earlier demanded an independent dispute resolution authority, headed by a high court judge. But, with states not accepting the demand, the Congress has come on board that the mechanism could remain under the domain of the proposed GST council, sources said.

The Congress has had five meetings with the finance minister over the issue of GST. Also, the Congress is said to have held a meeting at the residence of party president Sonia Gandhi over the issue.

Sharma said the Congress has categorically told Jaitley the GST rate should be legally ring fenced in the GST Bill. We want to know the rate, which will be there in Central GST and State GST. It cant be left to executive arbitrariness. So each time the rates are changed, it should be done through the finance Act and not a simple notification.

He said while no clarity has emerged on the rates, the party will wait over the next few months till the winter session. If you go above 20 per cent, GST becomes meaningless, he said.

The government hopes to introduce the Central GST Bill in the winter session. The government has already accepted the Congress demand of scrapping the proposed one per cent additional tax over GST on inter-state supply of goods in the Constitution amendment Bill. The Cabinet has approved this amendment after state finance ministers gave go-ahead.

However, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) continues to hold out against the Bill. Till Friday night, AIADMK supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had not communicated her partys stand on the Bill.'

Meanwhile, speaking at an event in New Delhi, the finance minister said This whole idea of one nation one tax is extremely important for India in not only reducing the level of tax but also for providing an ease (of doing business) and eliminating any forms of corruption.

Photograph: Reuters
Latching on to Bharatiya Janata Party member of Parliament Udit Rajs criticism of so-called protectors of Hinduism, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday asked him and other Dalit MPs to resign from the party in protest against the countrywide assault on the community.

Udit ji and all Dalit MPs of BJP shud resign in protest against countrywide assault on Dalits by BJP goons, the Aam Aadmi Party leader tweeted.

On Saturday, the Dalit leader had said the Hindu religion is in danger not because of conversion but because of its so-called protectors.

There is no religion in the world where people attack their own people (from same religion) in the name of the same religion, he had said, asking ... Why only Dalits come forward whenever atrocities happen against them?

There were reports recently that following denial of permission to the Dalits by upper caste Hindus to conduct rituals at the ancient Badrakaliyamman temple at Nagapattinam, during the Tamil month of Adi, some Dalits had planned to embrace Islam.

The Nagapattinam district administration had later denied the report.
Rai says the story is a sordid saga of the relations between the Indian state and minorities'.

Nearly 30 years since the Hashimpura massacre, the then superintendent of police of Ghaziabad district has come out with a book giving his version of the gory incident in which 42 Muslims were gunned by jawans of the Provincial Armed Constabulary.

Still weighing heavy on my conscience is that horrifying night of May 22 in the humid summer of 1987. And the subsequent days, similarly, are etched in my memory like as if on stone -- it was something that overpowered the cop in me. The Hashimpura experience continues to torment me, says Vibhuti Narain Rai.

Hashimpura 22 May 22: The Forgotten Story of Indias Biggest Custodial Killings is a blow-by-blow account of the massacre and its aftermath. Translated by Darshan Desai from the Hindi version, it is published by Penguin Books.

It was around 10.30 pm and I had just returned from Hapur. After dropping the District Magistrate Nasim Zaidi at his official residence, I reached the residence of the superintendent of police.

Just as I reached its gates, the headlights of my car fell on the frightened and nervous sub-inspector V B Singh, who was then in-charge of the Link Road police station. I could guess something terrible had happened in his jurisdiction. I asked the driver to halt the car and got out, Rai recalls.

According to him, Singh seemed too scared to explain coherently what had happened exactly.

Even then, his string of broken words was enough to shock anyone. I could make out that the jawans of the Provincial Armed Constabulary had killed some people, most likely Muslims, near the canal crossing the road leading to Makanpur, he writes.

Why were they killed? How many were killed? From where were they picked up? All these questions came to Rais mind.

After several attempts of trying to get Singh to be more coherent about the details, this is what I gathered about the incident: It was around 9 pm when Singh and his colleagues, sitting at the police station, heard gunshots from near Makanpur and they thought there were some dacoits in the village.

Singh turned his motorcycle towards that track, with another sub-inspector and a constable sentry riding pillion. They had barely travelled a few metres down the road when they spotted a truck driving towards them at breakneck speed.

If Singh had not swerved his motorcycle off the road, the truck would have knocked them down. Just as he was trying to control his vehicle, Singh looked behind at the yellow coloured truck with 41 written on it and some men in khaki uniform sitting at the rear. It was not difficult for professional policemen to figure out that the vehicle was from the 41st Battalion of the PAC.

Wondering why a PAC truck was on that road at that hour of the night and if it had any connection to the gunshots they had heard, they proceeded towards Makanpur.

They must have driven just a kilometre further when Singh and his colleagues saw something very scary. Just short of Makanpur, there were bodies strewn in a pool of blood in the ravines around the canal. The blood was still oozing out of the bodies and was slowly seeping into the ground.

From what Singh could see from the glow of his motorcycles headlights, there were bodies lying in the bushes, on the canal banks and floating in the water as well. It did not take the sub-inspector and his colleagues long to link the speeding PAC truck with the gunshots and the bodies in the canal, Rai writes.

He says the story is a sordid saga of the relations between the Indian state and minorities, the amoral attitude of the police and a frustratingly sluggish judicial system.

Last year, 16 Uttar Pradesh policemen who were accused of killing the 42 Muslims were acquitted by a court.

What triggered their killings?

Rai attributes these to the horrifying period when thisincident occurred.

It was nearly a decade since the Ram Janmabhoomiagitation had hopelessly divided the entire nation. Theagitation that started in the late 1970s, and was getting moreaggressive each day, had driven the Hindu middle-class towardscommunalism.

The maximum number of inter-community riots postPartition took place during this phase. It was obvious thatthe PAC and the police could not have remained insulated fromthis social chasm for long.

Rai says Hashimpura experience continues to torment him.

Between May 22, 1987 and March 21, 2015, when the verdicton the crime came, it would seem that Indian society hadundergone a sea of change. The changes that have taken placein the political, economic and social spheres havemetamorphosed the social milieu of the country. But the fact that the case dragged on endlessly in thecourts actually serves as a grim reminder that nothing hasreally changed, he writes.

Rai says that just a few days after the Hashimpuramassacre, he decided to write about it and bring its detailsout to the open but his writing began at a slow pace becauseof his busy schedule.

But when the NationalPoliceAcademy, Hyderabad, grantedme a research fellowship in 1994, my prospects brightened. Mysubject was related to the image of the police among Hindusand Muslims during communal riots, and I deliberately chosethis topic in order to work on the book; it also provided mewith a year-long relief from regular routine, he says.

Image used for representational purposes only.
The relatives of Praveen Kumar who died after he was ran over by a tanker, today attributed the incident to the AAP governments laxity towards bad road.

By Parbina Purkayastha: The city's worst fear turned into a reality after a civic apathy claimed the life of a 45-year-old man in Delhi. Praveen Kumar was returning home when he was mowed down by a tanker. Kumar had lost control of his vehicle and tripped over a pothole before he was ran over by the vehicle.

"My son will not come back. But how many more accidents and how many more lives?" asked Praveen's mother.

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Fatal accidents involving potholes have claimed over 100 lives across the cities every year. The pothole menace has become a common sight during monsoons. Several commuters grapple with this seething problem.

KIN BLAME AAP GOVERNMENT

After the shocking death of Praveen, who was the sole bread earner of his family, relatives have accused the AAP government of laxity.

"There are at least 50 potholes in this are but nobody cares. We have stopped sending our children to school and elderly people here seldom step out due to potholes," said the deceased's neighbour.

"Kejriwal is busy with Punjab, he forgot that he became chief minister because of the citizens of Delhi. His primary responsibility is Delhi," cried another enraged neighbour.

MONSOON EXPOSED CIVIC MENACE

Life came to a standstill when monsoon fury blew over the cover of swachh, smart city and exposed the civic menace. From Gurugram to Delhi and Bengaluru to Mumbai, streets are waterlogged and commuters face traffic snarls. Kejriwal remains mum, Karnataka CM Siddaramaih is nowhere to be seen and Haryana CM ML Khattar is chasing a mythical river, Saraswati.

Has all the money allocated for the drainage system in the cities gone down the drain? A question that arises every time a person dies due to pothole. Adding to the woes is the endless blame game.

Also read:

Delhi biker dies after being trapped in pothole



--- ENDS ---
Dalit leaders ask community members to give up disposing dead cattle to send a strong message to the Gujarat government.

Thousands of Dalits took out a rally in Ahmedabad on Sunday where community leaders asked them to give up disposing dead cattle to send a strong message to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Gujarat government ahead of the 2017 assembly polls and demanded firm steps to curb the atrocities on them.

The Dalit leaders also announced a plan to organise a foot march from Ahmedabad to Una town in Gir-Somnath District, where four Dalits were brutally thrashed by cow vigilantes for skinning a dead cow. They said the march will be organised from August 5 as a mark of protest against the July 11 incident which caused an outrage.

As part of their continuing protests over the assault on their community members, thousands of Dailts attended a mass gathering organised in Sabarmati area.

Speaking at the gathering, Dalit leader and convener of the event Jignesh Mevani put forward a slew of demands before the state government and asked his community to take a pledge to stay away from their traditional work of disposing the dead cattle.

To give a strong message to the government, I urge all Dalits to discontinue the work of disposing dead animals. I also want you to take a pledge of discontinuing the work of cleaning sewer lines. We no longer wish to do this work and want the government to allot agriculture land to us, so that we can live a respectable life, he said.

If atrocities on Dalits do not stop, we will show our strength in the 2017 assembly polls, Mevani asserted.

Putting forward a series of demands, he asked the government to come to the table for talks, just like it did with the Patel quota leaders.

We want everyone who thrashed Dalits in Una to be arrested under Prevention of Anti Social Activity Act. If they come out on bail, the government must extern them from five districts, he said.

We also want government to make all safai kamdars (sanitation workers) permanent in their posts and pay them as per the 6th Pay Commission, the Dalit leader said.

Other demands voiced by the community leaders included withdrawal of cases filed against Dalits during recent protests, speedy probe in the 2012 Thangadh police firing (in which three Dalits were killed), allotment of five acres of land for community members who want to discontinue their traditional work and martial arts training to SC members for self-defence.

This agitation will continue till the government accepts our demands. If the government can sit with Patels and accept their demands, it should do the same with Dalits and call them for a meeting, Mevani said.

Former Indian Police Service officer Rahul Sharma, who took on the Narendra Modi-led Gujarat government during the post-Godhra riots, also addressed the gathering. A suggestion by Sharma to hold a foot march was accepted by Dalit leaders.

This fight is against a particular ideology, which believes in creating rifts between different communities and religions. To bring this movement ahead, I suggest to hold a foot march from here in coming days and reach Una on August 15. We will celebrate our independence by hoisting flag in Una on August 15, Sharma said.

The suggestion was quickly accepted by the audience as well as leaders, who announced a padyatra from Sarangpura area in Ahmedabad from August 5 that will culminate in Una on August 15 after covering a distance of almost 380 km.

Among others, several Muslim leaders of Jamiat-E-Ulema also attended the rally to express solidarity with Dalits.

This incident (in Una) has brought together Dalits and Muslims. We both have to fight a new war for our rights and independence. Some elements are tormenting us in the name of gau-raksha (cow protection). Jamiat is with the Dalits and our leaders and supporters will join you in the foot march to Una, said general secretary of Jamiats Gujarat wing, Abdul Quiyum Haque.

Also read

Those who attended the gathering included relatives of Una Dalit victims as well as family members of three youths who allegedly died in the police firing in Thangadh, Surendrangar district four years back.

Valjibhai Rathod, whose son was among those killed in the police firing on a Dalit mob in Thangadh, announced his plan to launch an indefinite fast in Gandhinagar from Monday to seek a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the episode.

Even after four years, there is no progress in the probe which is being handled by CID (Crime Investigation Department)-Crime. In the past, I had demanded a CBI inquiry, but the state government refused to accept it. To raise this demand once again, I will sit on an indefinite hunger strike in Gandhinagar from tomorrow (Monday), Rathod said.

Meanwhile, one of the 20 Dalit youths who attempted suicide during the ongoing agitation in Una, died on Sunday.

IMAGE: Dalit community people attend a Mahasammelan in Ahmedabad on Sunday in the wake of the recent Una incident. Photograph: PTI Photo
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday said we have put a check on infiltration along the Pakistan border and over 70 terrorists who were trying to enter India from Pakistan have been shot dead so far this year.

We have put a check on infiltration into India along the Pakistan border. Terrorists trying to sneak into India have either been shot dead or beaten a retreat, Parrikar said.

More than 70 terrorists who were trying to enter India from Pakistan have been shot dead this year so far, he said.

Parrikar cited a ratio of the martyrdom of jawans to slain terrorists while speaking to reporters in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

14 jawans have attained martyrdom this year so far, the minister said adding the figures reveal that if India lost one jawan, five terrorists had been killed against it.

The ratio come to 1:5, Parrikar said adding earlier it was 1:1.5.

Denying that the Chinese Army breaches India's border, the defence minister said several points have been made for dialogues along the Indo-China border.

Border of India and China have not been demarked, he said, adding it is because of several historical reasons.

As a result of this, Parrikar said Chinese Army by mistake enters India thinking it was its areas.

We stop them and send them back. Sometime they return on their own. Such incidents are being reported since last 20-30 years but their per cent has dropped by 40 per cent, Parrikar claimed.
The Congress on Sunday attacked Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar over his jibe against actor Aamir Khan, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh of concerted conspiracy to hound Dalits, minorities, writers, actors and whoever dissents against the Narendra Modi government.

Shameful that @manoharparrikar threatens teaching a lesson to actors, instead of training his guns elsewhere, Congress spokesperson Randeep S Surjewala tweeted.

He said it was a shocking revelation by Parrikar and showed that the BJP and RSS supporters actively disrupted and sabotaged an online trading company on Aamir Khan issue.

Scandalous, he tweeted questioning whether Parrikars job is to protect India from external aggressors like Pakistan or threaten fellow countrymen.

@manoharparrikars statement proves a concerted conspiracy to curb all dissent, hound Dalits & Minorities. Can this be the Raj Dharma? he tweeted.

Later in a statement to the media, he alleged that Parrikar has unknowingly exposed the conspiracy through which the BJP people targeted the online company, booked orders and cancelled in pursuance of a conspiracy to ensure that Aamir Khan was removed as its brand ambassador.

He said the incident now established that there is a concerted conspiracy against poor, the Dalits, the minorities, artists, actors and anybody who dissents against the Modi government.

Parrikar had reportedly said on Saturday that anyone speaking against the country must be taught a lesson and had referred to alleged anti-national sloganeering at the Jawaharlal Nehru University earlier this year and remarks by an actor who had said that his wife wants to live out of India.

Khan had late last year spoken about a sense of insecurity resulting from increasing intolerance in the country, and mentioned his wife Kiran Raos apprehensions about the future of their child in India.

According to Parrikar, when the actor made the statement last year, many people had protested against his remark and even uninstalled the mobile application of an online shopping site he was associated with, while the firm had also pulled out the advertisement featuring him.
The case pertains to sanction of government land in Bhuj for industrial use to Ms Welspun India Limited, and its group companies in 2004 when Sharma was the District Collector and Chairman of the District Land Evaluation and Pricing Committee.

By Shivendra Srivastava: The Enforcement Directorate arrested suspended Gujarat-cadre IAS officer Pradeep Sharma today in connection with a money laundering case.

The case pertains to sanction of government land in Bhuj for industrial use to Ms Welspun India Limited, and its group companies, Welspun Power and Steel and Welspun Gujarat Style Roharan, in 2004 when Sharma was the District Collector and Chairman of the District Land Evaluation and Pricing Committee.

According to sources, Sharma allegedly received Rs 29 lakh from private firm Welspun. The amount was first deposited in the account of Sharma's wife, and then transferred to his account.

As per the complaint, Sharma had allegedly allotted land to Welspun at 25 per cent of the prevailing market rates which resulted in illegal benefits to the company and loss of around Rs 1.2 crore to the state.

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In return, the company allegedly made Sharma's wife a 30 per cent partner in one of its subsidiaries namely Value Packaging without having any investment and transferred benefits of Rs 29.5 lakh to her.

This bribe money was first deposited in the account of Sharma's wife and then transferred to his account. Enforcement Directorate had seized properties of Sharma under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, including a land in Dehgam village of Gandhinagar district and a bungalow in the state capital.

At that time land in Dehgam was worth Rs 65 to 70 lakh while the bungalow worth Rs 1 crore.

The 1994-batch officer was booked under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) by ED in 2012 on the basis of three FIRs lodged against him with CID (crime) and anti-corruption bureau (ACB). Earlier, the ED had attached his properties.

SHARMA WAS ARRESTED IN 2014



In 2004 Pradeep Sharma had sought a CBI probe into alleged snooping on a woman architect after two news portals released CDs of purported telephonic conversations between the CM MODI's close aide Amit Shah, who was then minister of state for home, and two top state police officials.

As per conversations between August and September 2009, did not specifically mention Modi by name but referred to a 'saheb', which the portals claimed was the Gujarat chief minister at whose instance snooping was done.

Sharma, a senior Gujarat bureaucrat, was also arrested in 2014. He was allegedly involved in snoopgate scandal when Narendra Modi was Gujarat chief minister.

ALSO READ:

Maharashtra: AAP accused Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar of money laundering


In 2012, ED had registered against Sharma for allegedly violating the PMLA norms. In its complaint ED claimed that Sharma, during his tenure as collector of Kutch during 2003-04, had sold government land at a cheaper rate to Kutch-based Welspun Group.

By India Today Web Desk: Enforcement Directorate arrested suspended Gujarat cadre IAS officer Pradeep Sharma in connection with the money laundering case, yesterday.

On July 29, the Supreme Court has rejected Sharma's anticipatory bail application paving the way for ED to arrest him. Last year the apex court had granted him interim relief.



THE MONEY TRAIL

In 2012, ED had registered against Sharma for allegedly violating the PMLA norms. In its complaint ED claimed that Sharma, during his tenure as collector of Kutch during 2003-04, had sold government land at a cheaper rate to Kutch-based Welspun Group causing loss of around Rs 1.2 crore to the state exchequer.

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The Welspun company allegedly returned the favor by making Sharma's wife a 30 per cent partner in one of its subsidiary and extended benefits of Rs 29.5 lakhs. The money was first deposited in Sharma's wife account and then transferred to his account.

Meanwhile, Sharma has maintained that he is victim of Narendra Modi government's vindictive actions against him.

ALSO READ:

Maharashtra: AAP accused Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar of money laundering





--- ENDS ---
Mayor Costin provides council district update & talks about other city projects

A town hall was held at Martinsville City Hall Thursday evening where residents were encouraged to attend and discuss their concerns or questions with Martinsville Mayor Kenny Costin.
President Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said that in order to bring the military under government control after a failed coup, military academies in Turkey will now be shut down.

Erdogan, who narrowly escaped capture and possible death on the night of the coup, in an interview last week said that the military, NATO's second-biggest, needed "fresh blood".

By Reuters: Turkey will shut down its military academies and put the armed forces under the command of the defence minister, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday in a move designed to bring the military under tighter government control after a failed coup.

The changes, some of which Erdogan said would likely be announced in the government's official gazette by Sunday, come after more than 1,700 military personnel were dishonourably discharged this week for their role in the abortive July 15-16 putsch.

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Erdogan, who narrowly escaped capture and possible death on the night of the coup, in an interview last week said that the military, NATO's second-biggest, needed "fresh blood". The dishonourable discharges included around 40 percent of Turkey's admirals and generals.

Turkey accuses US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen of orchestrating the putsch, in which a faction of the military commandeered tanks, helicopters and fighter jets and attempted to topple the government. Erdogan has said 237 people were killed and more than 2,100 wounded.

Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States for years, denies the charge and has condemned the coup. So far, more than 60,000 people in the military, judiciary, civil service and schools have been either detained, removed or suspended over suspected links with Gulen.

Turkey's Western allies condemned the attempted putsch, but have been rattled by the scale of the resulting crackdown.

"Our armed forces will be much stronger with the latest decree we are preparing. Our force commanders will report to the defence minister," Erdogan said in an interview on Saturday with A Haber, a private broadcaster.

"Military schools will be shut down... We will establish a national defence university."

He also said he wanted the national intelligence agency and the chief of general staff, the most senior military officer, to report directly to the presidency, moves that would require a constitutional change and therefore the backing of opposition parties.

Both the general staff and the intelligence agency now report to the prime minister's office. Putting them under the president's overall direction would be in line with Erdogan's push for a new constitution centred on a strong executive presidency.

Erdogan also said that a total of 10,137 people have been formally arrested following the coup.



MILITARY STRETCHED

The shake-up comes as Turkey's military - long seen as the guardians of the secular republic - is already stretched by violence in the mainly Kurdish southeast, and Islamic State attacks on its border with Syria.

The army killed 35 Kurdish militants after they attempted to storm a base in the southeastern Hakkari province early on Saturday, military officials said.

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Erdogan said he planned to thin the numbers of the gendarmerie security forces widely used in the fight against Kurdish militants in the southeast, although he said they would become more effective with better weaponry and he promised to continue the fight against Kurdish insurgents.

Separately, the head of the pro-Kurdish opposition told Reuters that the government's chance to revive a wrecked peace process with Kurdish rebels has been missed as Erdogan taps nationalist sentiment to consolidate support.

State-run Anadolu Agency reported that 758 soldiers were released on the recommendation of prosecutors after giving testimony, and the move was agreed by a judge.

Another 231 soldiers remain in custody, it said.

'SHAMEFUL'

Erdogan, meanwhile, has said it was "shameful" that Western countries showed more interest in the fate of the plotters than in standing with a fellow NATO member and has upbraided Western leaders for not visiting after the putsch. U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford, a top military official, is due to visit Turkey on Sunday.

In an unexpected move, Erdogan said late on Friday that as a one-off gesture, he would drop all lawsuits filed against people for insulting him. He said the decision was triggered by feelings of "unity" against the coup attempt.

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It could also be aimed at silencing his Western critics. Prosecutors have opened more than 1,800 cases against people for insulting Erdogan since he became president in 2014, the justice minister said earlier this year. Those targeted include journalists, cartoonists and even children.

It was not immediately clear whether Erdogan would also drop his legal action against German comedian Jan Boehmermann, who earlier this year recited a poem on television suggesting Erdogan engaged in bestiality and watched child pornography, prompting the president to file a complaint with German prosecutors that he had been insulted.

European leaders worry that their differences with Erdogan could prompt him to retaliate and put an end to a historic deal, agreed in March, to stem the wave of migrants to Europe.

"The success of the pact so far is fragile. President Erdogan has several times hinted he wants to terminate the agreement," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told Austria's Kurier newspaper in an interview, when asked if the pact could fall apart.

Erdogan criticised the European Council and the European Union, which Turkey aspires to be a part of, for failing to visit to offer condolences, saying their criticism was "shameful".

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Erdogan has called on Washington to extradite Gulen. Turkish officials have suggested the United States could extradite him based on strong suspicion, while President Barack Obama last week insisted Turkey must first present evidence of Gulen's alleged complicity.

COURT REPORTERS

On Saturday, 56 employees of Turkey's constitutional court were suspended from their jobs as part of the investigation into the alleged coup, private broadcaster Haberturk TV reported.

Among those, more than 20 court reporters were detained, it reported.

The number of public sector workers removed from their posts since the coup attempt is now more than 66,000, including some 43,000 people in education, Anadolu reported on Friday.

Interior Minister Efkan Ala said more than 18,000 people had been detained over the failed coup, and that 50,000 passports had been cancelled. The labour ministry said it was investigating 1,300 staff over their possible involvement.

Erdogan has said that Gulen harnessed his extensive network of schools, charities and businesses, built up in Turkey and abroad over decades, to create a "parallel state" that aimed to take over the country.

The government is now going after Gulen's network of schools and other institutions abroad. Since the coup, Somalia has shut two schools and a hospital believed to have links to Gulen, and other governments have received similar requests from Ankara, although not all have been willing to comply.

Also Read

Turkey coup 'conspirator' has network in India: Turkish Ambassador



--- ENDS ---
The Dixie Pig, the iconic Abilene restaurant that celebrated its 85th birthday on July 5, has a direct line between its original owner and its current owner.

Charles Langford, who purchased a small lunch counter from O.D. Dillingham in 1931, was the person who sold the venerable diner to current owner Barbara Bradshaw in 1985. While that may sound like a smooth, seamless transition, Bradshaw said it was not that simple.

Bradshaw's mother-in-law, Geraldine Armstrong, leased the Dixie Pig in the 1980s and Bradshaw had joined her there, begging to hear her tell the story of the city's oldest restaurant.

Bradshaw had worked in her mother-in-law's restaurant, the Derrick on South 12th Street and Treadaway, before Armstrong retired in the 1970s. Bradshaw went to work for an oil company where she said she was happy. Her mother-in-law decided retirement was boring and leased the Dixie Pig from Langford.

Langford had sold the restaurant to Nick Andrews, who moved to Abilene from Hillsboro, where he had helped run a popular restaurant. Andrew ran the restaurant for 13 years, before selling to his brother-in-law George 'Pete' Vletas of local candy-making fame, who ran it for two years.

Langford came to own the restaurant again, but was looking to sell it, which was fine with Bradshaw. She said she would keep working there until it was sold.

'One day, Mr. Langford came here and said, 'I've found a buyer.' '(I said) Really? Who?' '(He said) You,'' said Bradshaw.

Again, she had no interest in the restaurant. However, she said Langford offered a price to Bradshaw and her husband, Ronnie, they couldn't turn down. The rest, as they say, is history.

In the ensuing years, the Dixie Pig has changed its hours from 24-7 to its current 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. The first step Bradshaw made in the hours was closing the restaurant at 10 p.m. in 1996. She said that move was made because she noticed that the bulk of the problems  rowdy customers, people walking out on bills or passing bad checks  happened in the wee small hours.

She later closed the restaurant at 2 p.m. and closed on Sundays because it interfered too much with teaching a Sunday school class. Other than the hours, little has changed at the Dixie Pig. There are no computers and you can't use a credit card or debit card, but you can write a check. Pictures on the wall of the restaurant taken 60 years ago could have been taken yesterday.

Across the street from the restaurant in 1931 was Banner Dairy, owned by Dillingham. According to Bradshaw, Dillingham opened what was little more than a lunch counter so that his employees could have a place to eat.

'They didn't have time to go downtown to eat and there wasn't anything out here,' Bradshaw said. 'This was the edge of town.'

According to her, Langford tried for a few years to buy the lunch spot.

'I guess one day, he caught Mr. Dillingham after a bad day and he told Mr. Langford, 'If you have $1,100 in cash, it's yours.' That was a lot of money in 1931.'

The restaurant as it is known today was built in 1941 and the extension on the north side of the building was added in the 1950s.

Bradshaw said the menu reflects more her mother-in-law than it does Langford, who offered oysters and shrimp as part of his fare.

'The food is more my mother-in-law,' she said. 'Gerry always ran a good restaurant. She was a great cook.'

The food on the menu is West Texas comfort food  chicken-fried steak, biscuits and gravy, etc. However, the ambience of the restaurant is something Charles Langford would appreciate, said Bradshaw. Waitresses call customers by name and in many cases know what to get before the customer orders. Bradshaw said some customers have been coming for more than 30 years, having started coming with spouses or friends who have since died.

'Every time we lose one of our customers, it's heartbreaking,' she said.

Bradshaw isn't sure who the next owner will be. Her son, Kevin, was going to take over the day-to-day running of the restaurant in 2015, but he died suddenly in the spring of 2014. Children and grandchildren have worked in the restaurant, but whether one of the them will one day run the Dixie Pig, Bradshaw can't say.

Not that she's looking to retire. Although she was reluctant to join her mother-in-law and later hesitant to buy the restaurant, she feels now that she was destined to be at the Dixie Pig.

'I think sometimes God has a way for you,' she said. 'I've just been blessed. It's just been a wonderful life.'

Dixie Pig founder in restaurant association Hall of Honor

When Charles Langford started the Dixie Pig Stand in 1931, the restaurant featured curb service, but inside had only six stools and six coffee mugs, according to Reporter-News archives.

Under his watch, the restaurant at South 14th and Butternut grew to be a favorite of Abilenians, and led to honors for Langford.

In 1969, he was named the Outstanding Restaurateur of Texas by the Texas Restaurant Association.

In 1982, the association inducted him into its Hall of Honor.

Langford was a native of Stephens County and a graduate of Abilene High. He died in 1988 at age 84.

Editor's note: Additional information has been included since this story was originally published on the ownership of the restaurant.
Abilene Regional Medical Center will host an event this week in connection with World Breastfeeding Week, which runs through Sunday.

The inaugural The Big Latch On will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at the Women's Center in Classroom 3. Women who are currently breast-feeding or are pregnant are encouraged to attend this event to help spread the support and knowledge of breast-feeding.

The local event is part of The Global Big Latch On program, which is targeted to communities to normalize breast-feeding as part of daily life.

Abilene's event 'will reach out to our community in a way that we have not done before,' said Michelle Ortenzi-Lopez, a registered nurse and lactation consultant at ARMC. 'This is an opportunity to let the world know that Abilene Regional Medical Center supports mothers and families of breast-feeding babies.'

For more information, call her at 325-428-3611.
Incident reports released Saturday by the Abilene Police Department:

Driving While Intoxicated, 2100 block of Pine Street, Friday

Police arrested a 49-year-old male after he failed to yield the right of way, almost causing an accident. After agreeing to a breathalyzer test, the results revealed his blood alcohol content was above the legal limit. The individual also had two previous DWI convictions, raising this offense to a felony.

Driving While Intoxicated, 2000 block of S Clack Street, Friday

Police arrested a 35-year-old male after a routine traffic stop. They suspected the individual of being intoxicated, so administered a field sobriety test, which the individual failed.

Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Marijuana, 1600 block of North 7th Street, Friday

Police arrested a 35-year-old male, and a 32-year-old female after discovering a quantity of methamphetamine and marijuana in their residence.

Theft, 1300 block of Buccaneer Drive Friday

A 31-year-old female reported to police that someone had stolen the tailgate off of her vehicle, which was parked in front of her southside residence.

Possession of a Controlled Substance and Public Intoxication, 1000 block of South 2nd Street, Friday

Police arrested a 33-year-old male after responding to a disturbance call where the individual had been kicked out of a local business. Believing him to be intoxicated and a danger to himself and others, they arrested him; they also discovered a quantity of a controlled substance on him without a prescription.

Public Intoxication, 3900 block of Ridgemont Dr., Saturday

Police arrested a 32-year-old male responding to a disturbance call at the southside business. The individual was stumbling around the parking lot and claimed to have been assaulted by a co-worker.

Driving While Intoxicated, 700 block of East Hwy 80, Saturday

Police arrested a 19-year-old male after observing him speeding and running a red light. They administered a field sobriety test, which he failed. He also consented to a breathalyzer test, which showed his blood alcohol content above the legal limit.

Public Intoxication, 200 block of Oak Street, Thursday

Police arrested a 20-year-old female after responding to a call about a woman in an alley who appeared drunk and high. Upon contact, the woman told officers she wanted to 'use dope' and hurt herself.

Driving While Intoxicated, 2700 block of South 5th Street, Friday

Police arrested a 34-year-old female after stopping her for running into and up on a curb. She failed a field sobriety test.
Despite the April 2 fire at Christian Service Center, by God's grace and a very supportive community, we've replenished our stock of school clothes, school supplies and string backpacks to help low-income students in Abilene through our Operation Blue Jeans program.

We also provide middle school students with standardized dress  two polo-style shirts and two pairs of khaki pants.

Once more, we're working with the tremendous team of Jeannie Forehand and her Abilene ISD school counselors in supplying them with the school supplies their students will need. We plan to deliver these supplies to each counselor the week before school starts.

As of Friday, we've helped 120 kids. As we did last year, we hope to provide 400-plus students with new school clothes, backpacks and success kits. We hope that these items will give them a positive view of school and good self-esteem as they wear their new clothes.

The center buys new school clothing and school supplies throughout the year. The fire in April destroyed all of these items we had purchased for Operation Blue Jeans. To replace all the clothing and school supplies, and to prepare for helping students this summer, we expanded our 2016 budget  including children's Bibles, new underwear and socks, bluejeans, standardized middle school clothing and school supplies.

We've heard many parents tell their stories as we interview them before we take them and their kids to our one surviving building to give them their new school clothes and backpacks.

One woman, who works full time at a fast-food restaurant, told us how she came as a child for Operation Blue Jeans. Now, she's bringing her own children because even though she has a job, she cannot afford these things. She cried as she expressed her gratitude for helping her at this difficult time in her life.

Another woman told us how she just got out of jail, secured a full-time job and yet needs help for her four children getting new school clothes and backpacks.

A few weeks ago, I met a man at a gas station who told me that when he was a kid, one of his relatives brought him to the center to get new school clothes because his mother was strung out on alcohol. He was so thankful for how we helped him as a kid. Although he once was in trouble with the law, he's now running his own business and making a contribution to society.

We could not help all these schoolchildren and their parents without our generous donors in the Abilene community.

Though we suffered a great loss in the fire, our mission continues  to share the love of Jesus Christ by providing basic needs and a fresh start.

Dear supporters, you make this happen. To God be the glory.

Jim Clark is director of the Christian Service Center.
John Hinckley Jr.

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When President Ronald Reagan  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 agenda they may still hold dear.

I have no choice but to resign myself to the fact of Hinckley's release, announced (last week), but I'm not at all comfortable with the decision. To me, it doesn't represent justice as much as it does his efforts to methodically wait out and wear down the system.

In 2000, I wrote a piece for Time magazine about Hinckley's first attempt to get approval for unsupervised visits to his parents' home in Williamsburg, Virginia. He already was allowed supervised day trips away from the grounds of Washington's St. Elizabeth's Hospital. It was a lengthy article for which I interviewed Hinckley's attorney, Barry Levine, as well as a federal prosecutor and a Secret Service agent who would only speak on background. The piece got a lot of media attention, prompting Levine to withdraw his request for the unsupervised visits. But I knew he was only biding his time. He would wait until people forgot and then try again.

That's exactly what he did, and he succeeded. Over the years, Hinckley's freedom was increased incrementally so that by 2011, 30 years after the shooting, Hinckley was regularly visiting his mother in Williamsburg. He had to be accompanied by either his then 85-year-old mother, or a sibling, whenever he went out, and was required to carry a GPS-enabled mobile phone.

But now what he's been working toward all these years has happened: A man who shot four people, including the president of the United States, will be granted his freedom. He'll have to check in with his doctors, and he'll have to live with his now 90-year-old mother  who'll hardly be able to confine him or cramp his style, given her advanced age. His doctors have said that his psychosis and depression have been in remission for decades, and his narcissistic personality disorder has lessened  but that's quite a feat, since the disorder has no known cure.

When I interviewed Levine, I found him to be loquacious to a fault. He expounded upon Hinckley's remorse, the hard work he'd done at St. Elizabeth's and his miraculous recovery. He said Hinckley "regrets this event more than anything. He is haunted by what he did  more so than when he was sick and didn't fully understand what he had done. Now he understands the stark horror of his actions." He also wanted me to meet with Hinckley and offer him forgiveness. I didn't put this exchange in my article, but Levine said to me, "The pope forgave the man who shot him."

I replied, "That's why he's the pope and I'm not."

To review, while at Saint Elizabeth's, Hinckley attempted correspondence with mass murderers Ted Bundy and Charles Manson. He's had girlfriends, most notably Leslie deVeau, who killed her 10-year-old daughter in 1982 with a 12-gauge shotgun while the girl slept, then tried to kill herself but only managed to shoot off her left arm. Mostly, Hinckley's been patient.

He was also patient March 30, 1981. Around 1:45 p.m., he waved as my father stepped out of his limousine and walked into the Washington Hilton to deliver a speech. Then he waited. He had a girl in mind he wanted to impress. Surely, Jody Foster would notice him if he assassinated the president. About 40 minutes later, when my father walked back outside, Hinckley yelled, "President Reagan! President Reagan!" Then he crouched like a marksman and fired six shots, changing four lives in a matter of minutes.

I will forever be haunted by that cold afternoon, when my father almost died, when Jim Brady (my father's press secretary at the time, who died in 2014) lay in a pool of blood and two other men  Thomas Delahanty and Timothy McCarthy  were gravely wounded. If Hinckley is haunted by anything, I believe, it's that he didn't succeed in his mission to assassinate the president.

Now, though, he's getting what he's patiently waited for: freedom. In 1982, when the verdict came down  not guilty by reason of insanity  the nation was shocked. CBS News anchor Dan Rather said on his nightly broadcast, "If John Hinckley has the will and the way, he will probably down the road ask to be released from St. Elizabeth's on the grounds that he is no longer dangerous. And sooner or later, a panel of experts may nod and say yes." I remember getting chilled when I heard Rather's commentary all those years ago. Something in me knew he was right even though everything in me hoped he was wrong. I'm not surprised by this latest development, but my heart is sickened.

Patti Davis wrote this for The Washington Post.
Islamic State (IS) militants have stormed a gas facility and an nearby oil field in northern Iraq, killing at least five people in rare attacks inside the Kurdish-controlled areas of Kirkuk Province, officials say.

The first attack took place on the AB2 gas-compressor station, about 15 kilometers northwest of Kirkuk, when four gunmen with hand grenades broke through.

They shot dead four employees, and injured two guards, after which they planted multiple bombs.

Security forces believe the attackers then escaped to the Bai Hassan oil station, 25 kilometers further northwest, where they launched a similar attack, destroying an oil-storage tank, the largest in the oil-rich province.

An engineer was killed in the attack and seven others were injured.

According to the police, three of the bombers were killed while the fourth is still at large.

IS's Amaq news agency reported that their fighters had stormed the Bai Hassan facility but did not mention the previous attack.

Forces from Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region control part of Kirkuk, while part of the province is under IS control.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
Nico Hulkenberg, who qualified seventh for his home race, will drop to eighth as a result of the penalty.

Nico Hulkenberg will race in front of him home fans in Hockenheim on Sunday. (Reuters Photo)

By Reuters: Force India's Nico Hulkenberg was handed a one-place grid penalty for the German Grand Prix following a breach of tyre rules in Saturday's qualifying session. (Nico Rosberg takes pole for German Grand Prix, Hamilton second)



The German used a set of tyres in the opening phase of qualifying that his Force India team had "returned" to supplier Pirelli after Saturday's final practice, stewards said. (German GP: Hamilton kicking himself after qualifying mistake)



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"The team returned electronically the wrong set of tyres and used these during Q1," a note from the stewards read.

As a result, Hulkenberg ended up using tyres "without appropriate identification" during that part of qualifying.

The rules require teams to hand back two of the total 13 sets of tyres allotted to them for the weekend before qualifying. They are marked with a unique identification on the tyres' sidewalls.

Hulkenberg, who qualified seventh for his home race, will drop to eighth as a result of the penalty. He stays on the fourth row of the grid, but swaps places with the Williams of Valtteri Bottas.

Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz also collected a grid penalty. The Spaniard, who qualified 13th was hit with a three-place drop for impeding Williams driver Felipe Massa.

He will start Sunday's race in 15th, however, due to a five-place grid penalty for Haas driver Romain Grosjean, awarded for an unscheduled gearbox change. The Frenchman will start 20th.

--- ENDS ---
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."
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Henrico County police are investigating a shooting that left two men injured in Henrico County on Saturday.

Police responded to a report of shots fired about 7:30 p.m. at the Essex Village Apartments at 100 Engleside Drive, said Lt. David Craft of the Henrico Police Department.

At the scene, officers found one man with non-life-threatening injuries.

Another man had been taken to a hospital by private vehicle. He also had non-life-threatening injuries.

Police have not identified a suspect, and the investigation is ongoing.

The apartments are northwest of the intersection of East Laburnum Avenue and Richmond-Henrico Turnpike, and close to the Richmond Raceway Complex.
A 26-year-old man walked straight into Aurangabad Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar's office, saying he wanted to meet him. Things he revealed shocked the top cop.

By Pankaj P. Khelkar: Walking hurriedly inside the Aurangabad Police Headquarters, a man stopped outside the police commissioner's office and told one of the cops," I have to meet the police commissioner. This is urgent."

"You need to take appointment first," Commissioner Amitesh Kumar's PA told the man. The 26-year-old man insisted on meeting the top cop saying he has something very important to share.

He was allowed to meet the police commissioner following a quick background check and what he told Amitesh Kumar shocked the senior police officer.

"The guy told me that he was close friend of one of the ISIS suspects arrested recently. He also revealed many important facts," Commissioner Amitesh Kumar told India Today over phone.

Amitesh Kumar confirmed the news about a stolen motorcycle used by the recently arrested ISIS suspect. The suspect was arrested a week ago from Parbhani in Marathwada.

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"The youth was in hurry to meet me immediately and in person. After initial verification about the youth, he was allowed to meet me," he said. During his meeting the youth told the police commissioner that one of the two ISIS suspects who were recently arrested from Parbhani, was his friend. But this was not the end of the information that this youth wanted to share.



STOLEN MOTORCYCLE

Commissioner of Police of Aurangabad city was anxious yet he was carefully noticing the facial expressions, the body language of the 26-year-old youth. He said that Mohammed Shahed Ali Khan , one of the two ISIS suspects was his friend. He said that both of them used to work for the same company in Aurangabad and were in contact with each other till recent times.

He also added that in the month of June, Mohammed Shahed Ali Khan came to his place with a bike and requested to allow him park his motorbike at his place for a few days. As both had known each other for a couple of years, he had agreed and thus Mohammed Shahed Ali Khan kept the bike at the residence of this youth in Champa Chowk Colony.



POSSIBLE TERROR ATTACK AVERTED

After hearing out the youth, the police commissioner swung into action. The police got the registration of the bike verified and it was even more alarming when it was confirmed that the bike had forged registration number and turned out to be a stolen bike. CP Amitesh Kumar confirmed to India Today that they have seized the bike and are now tracing the original owner of the bike.

Further the ATS team was informed about the bike and the youth. ATS are now in touch with the youth who has shared very important information that might have saved a possible terror attack.



ISIS LINKS

On July 14, ATS had arrested Naser Bin Abubkar on charges of ISIS connections, during his interrogation it was revealed that 22-year-old Mohammed Shahed Ali Khan was in direct communication with accuse Naser Bin Abubkar. At 11:30 pm on July 24, Mohammed Shahed Ali Khan was taken into custody. Later, ATS had also seized an IED (improvised explosive device ) weighing one kilogram from the place where Mohammed Shahed Ali Khan was staying.

ATS ADG Atul Chandra Kulkarni had confirmed to India today on July 25th that an IED (improvised explosive device) weighing one kilo has been seized from this arrested accuse.

The Maharashtra Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) as well as the Aurangabad city police are now working hard to connect the dots. They are in the process of tracking down the owner of the bike and interrogating Mohammed Shahed Ali Khan who will remain in police custody till august 12th.

Police are looking to find crucial details to certain if the stolen bike was supposed to have been used for terrorist activities.

ALSO READ:



Nabbed ISIS suspects from Hyderabad vowed to serve Baghdadi: NIA

Politics over ISIS suspect arrest heats up


CHARLOTTESVILLE  Spurred by a call to remove Charlottesvilles monuments to two of the Confederacys most revered heroes, a new city commission was told by a majority of speakers at a public meeting last week not to take any such action.

Earlier this year, the City Council approved the creation of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Race, Memorials and Public Spaces to explore whether the city can relocate its statues of Gens. Robert E. Lee and Thomas Stonewall Jackson.

Although initial opposition against the proposal motivated councilors to broaden the panels charge to include studying how the city can reveal and memorialize other aspects of the citys history, the notion that it could mean the end of Lee in Lee Park continues to be some peoples greatest concern.

At Wednesdays meeting, which started with an hourlong public comment period, fewer than five people said they are in favor of removing the statue. The remainder of the approximately 30 people who spoke said they either support keeping the statue or contextualizing them further, by either adding more statues or commemorations in Lee Park or throughout the city.

Various reasons for keeping the statues were given, but some noted their connection to state history.

Those statues are my heritage, represent my culture and are fulfilling their intended purpose, said Teresa Lam, an Elkton resident whose petition to keep the statues has gained nearly 8,000 signatures since March.

Others questioned whether its appropriate or wise to demolish the statues, saying the statues represent the history of the city, state and country.

Id urge the commission and councilors to do what your mission demands: Tell the full story of Charlottesvilles history and race through appropriate means of contextualizing and enhancing our public spaces, said Benjamin Ford, a local historic preservationist.

Dont become the story by tearing down significant parts of our valuable landscape, he said.

City resident Mary Carey asked the commission not to let the focus on the statues deter from the conversation about how to highlight other aspects of local history.

(The commission) needs to educate people about Charlottesvilles history. You cant just go out and throw it at them, because half of these people dont even know what theyre talking about, she said.

I hear a lot of people talking tonight about Robert E. Lee this, Robert E. Lee that, but we learned that right across the hall there, she said, gesturing to a classroom in the Jefferson School City Center, which at one time was a segregated school that Carey said she attended.

Following the public comment period, a carousel of public discussions was organized. Rotating periodically, each group was moderated by volunteers who posed specific questions, such as What are the stories you want told about Charlottesville? and What does the statue of Stonewall Jackson mean to you  what would you like to see happen in that location?
Virginians have long benefited from living in an economic powerhouse. Our once strong economy brought plentiful job opportunities across the state and rising incomes.

Unfortunately, the Old Dominion is now heading in the wrong direction. The budget-year that concluded last month ended with our state government spending millions more than it took in. Adding insult to injury, Virginia was just downgraded in CNBCs Top States for Business.

The good news is that we can easily chart a new course. Kicking our economy into high gear begins with making fewer demands on taxpayers and spending less of our hard-earned money.

***

Its a basic economic fact that high taxation cant grow the economy  it takes capital away from the businesses that create jobs and prosperity  but that certainly hasnt stopped Richmond from trying.

Virginia ranks as having the 39th highest state individual income taxes and the 29th worst property taxes in the nation, according to the Tax Foundation.

Worse yet, politicians love of taxation is only matched by their fondness for spending our money. Thats how the 2016 budget year ended with a $266 million shortfall, in spite of record-breaking tax collections.

Overcoming their addiction to taxing and spending will be a great start for Richmond politicians. They should also look to reforming our tax code and making Virginia more competitive. Neighboring North Carolina has continuously looked to simplify and reduce its taxes in recent years, yet the states strong economic growth led to a fiscal surplus last year.

***

Alongside tax reform, our lawmakers must look to reforming outdated policies preventing Virginians from climbing the ladder of opportunity.

That starts with increasing choice in education. Virginia currently lags behind many other states in providing school choice. Only small percentages of students are able to attend charter schools or private schools.

We have a paltry nine state-sanctioned charter schools, for example, compared with nearly 150 down in North Carolina.

Lawmakers must make increased school choice a priority. Access to quality education is a great equalizer, and policy should be oriented around growing the number of charter schools across the state, while enacting proven programs such as Education Savings Accounts, which help parents pay education costs, including for tutoring or private school.

***

Virginians looking for a job also need help overcoming state-imposed barriers known as occupational licenses. These require roughly 17 percent of our state workforce and job-seekers to first satisfy a host of government-imposed requirements before they start their job, including onerous training  even when the job-seeker is already experienced enough to do the job  and costly fees.

The Arlington-based Institute for Justice ranks Virginia as having the 8th most-burdensome occupational licensing system in the nation, as of 2012.

The people losing out because of these licenses are young people and those with limited job experience. State lawmakers should alleviate or even eliminate these barriers to opportunity altogether.

***

Finally, strengthening the state economy means freeing it from Washington, D.C., energy policies that are slowing us down.

The EPAs carbon mandates, unveiled last year and known as the Clean Power Plan, require Virginia to rely more heavily on energy sources such as wind and solar and use less of traditional ones like coal and natural gas, which are crucial to southwestern Virginias economy.

This transition from reliable, affordable energy to intermittent, extremely expensive sources could mean 14 percent increases in electricity costs every year for the foreseeable future.

And as the cost of keeping businesses and factories running increases, this will mean that business will have to make up the losses elsewhere. This could lead to a loss of more than 11,000 jobs in energy-intensive manufacturing businesses across the state.

These policies are wrongheaded and should be contested at every step. Virginians should be the ones making key energy decisions  not unelected officials across the Potomac.

***

One things for sure: Lawmakers in Richmond seeking to strengthen Virginias economic outlook have their work cut out for them, but at least they have a roadmap for success. Join Americans for Prosperity-VA as we tour the state and work to put the commonwealth back on the path to prosperity. Implementing these policies and more will help Virginia lead the nations economy in years to come.
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By PTI: Property Act

New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) The government is set to face resistance in passage of the bill which seeks to amend the Enemy Property Act, with major opposition parties Congress, Samajwadi Party, JD(U) and CPI opposing its key provisions.

The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill seeking to make changes in the Enemy Property Act, 1968, is listed in Rajya Sabha for being taken up this week.

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The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on March 9. Later, the matter was referred to a 23-member select committee of the Rajya Sabha. Representatives of SP, Congress, JD(U) and CPI had submitted dissent notes in the Committees report.

The Committee, headed by BJP MP Bhupendra Yadav, had recommended that once the government implements the proposed amendments to dispose of the enemy property by selling it, the interest of the present occupant/tenant may be taken care of for the time being so that the tenants are not unsettled all of a sudden or the running business of the financial institutions/PSUs does not get disrupted.

"In our considered view, the provisions of the present Bill violates the very basic principle of natural justice, human rights and settled principles of law. Furthermore, it adversely affects and results in punishing lakhs of Indian citizens and will have no effect on any enemy government," the dissent note had said.

The representatives of the four parties K C Tyagi (JD-U), K Rahman Khan, P L Punia, Hussain Dalwai (all Congress), D Raja (CPI) and Javed Ali Khan (SP) said the 1968 law is a very balanced piece of legislation as it recognised that enmity is not permanent and Indian citizens should not be deprived of their rights including inheritance and succession.

Last month, the government had promulgated an ordinance for the third time to amend enemy property act as the Bill is still pending in Rajya Sabha after being approved by Lok Sabha.

After the wars of 1965 and 1971 led to migration of people from India to Pakistan, the government took over the properties and companies of such persons who had obtained Pakistani citizenship and designated them as enemy properties. PTI JTR NAB SK AAR

--- ENDS ---
He offered the city of Richmonds first formal apology for slavery, had a hand in selecting Monument Avenue for the Arthur Ashe statue and was called to respond when an outdoor portrait of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee was firebombed downtown.

As he got his start in Richmond politics as a councilman and mayor in the 1990s  a time when racial divisions in the city were both real and apparent  Tim Kaine earned a reputation as a bridge builder.

He was way ahead of most white leaders, even so-called progressive mayors, said John Moeser, a longtime local political observer and an urbanologist at the University of Richmonds Bonner Center for Civic Engagement.

If theres one thing that is most important as part of his moral gyroscope, its racial justice.

Kaine, a Democrat who would go on to serve as lieutenant governor and governor and is now a U.S. senator, described getting his start in politics in Richmond during his first appearance last Saturday as Hillary Clintons pick for vice president.

I started at the local level listening to people, learning about their lives and trying to find consensus to solve problems, Kaine said, adding that he decided to run for office after he began attending city council meetings and became frustrated with the division and infighting.

The first reference in the Richmond Times-Dispatch archives to Kaines participation in a council meeting came in 1987, when he spoke to advocate a proposed homeless shelter in the citys Jackson Ward.

The council members were considering a resolution signaling their opposition to the shelter, citing concerns that it would harm the neighborhoods ongoing attempts at revitalization.

Kaine at the time was serving as the chairman of the board of Freedom House, a homeless service organization .

He urged the council members to reconsider and said the community has a responsibility to provide shelter for its poor.

Council members ignored Kaine. They passed the resolution unanimously and essentially torpedoed the Freedom House plan.

In the following years, Kaine appeared in the news sporadically  primarily related to his work as a civil rights lawyer. But he didnt show up in the context of local politics again until he announced his 1994 run for city council in the citys 2nd District, representing the Fan District and parts of North Side.

Marty Jewell, a former councilman and then head of the Richmond Crusade for Voters, said Kaine was not a well-known figure when he ran, but the group decided to endorse him because they liked his stances . The crusade, still in existence, then was a major force in local politics.

I can tell you it was a lot worse than it is now for African-Americans, and we set out to change a number of council members, Jewell said.

Vision for the whole city of Richmond

Kaines platform in 1994 was not dissimilar from the current local campaigns: He focused primarily on the quality of schools and the failure of the citys elected officials to address the issues adequately.

He also cited crime and regional cooperation as key and said he wouldnt rule out consolidating local governments.

As he noted last weekend, he won in what he called the first of several squeakers  a 94-vote victory over incumbent Councilman Benjamin Warthen, who questioned how long Kaine lived in the district and accused him of wanting to pump more city money into the now-defunct Sixth Street Marketplace, an ill-fated downtown shopping mall that remains an oft-cited example of poor investments by the city.

As a councilman, Kaine got cellphones for local neighborhood watch programs to make it easier for them to report crimes; studied government efficiency in Richmond compared with other localities; and advocated the citys elections to be moved from May to November to increase voter turnout.

Kaines early years were not entirely without turbulence.

At one point, he drew ire from homeless advocates with whom he previously worked when he drafted an ordinance to crack down on aggressive panhandling. Kaine ultimately toned down the law but still saw strong opposition.

It was a minor blip, and Viola Baskerville, who was elected to the council with Kaine and later served in the General Assembly and as CEO of the Girl Scouts in Virginia She credited Kaine with really biting his teeth into government at the local level.

She said the current city resurgence has its roots in the policies Kaine and his fellow council members began pursuing in the 1990s.

Those things are starting to come to fruition now, she said. It was the basic roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-things-done approach.

The city manager at the time, Robert Bobb, said Kaine immediately stood out on the council as a steady presence who looked beyond the interests of his own ward in his work.

He seemed to be the one person among members of City Council at the time who would push a vision for how to make the city of Richmond a better place, Bobb said.

Although he had a ward constituency, he understood quickly the broader issues that were at stake in making the city a great place.

Our history is not pleasant

Kaine became mayor in 1998 after his election to a third two-year term on the council.

At the time, the mayor largely served in a ceremonial role and was elected by council members from among their ranks, though Kaine later would be credited with bringing new levels of authority and power to the position.

Chosen on an 8-1 vote, Kaine was the second white mayor since 1977, when a court order created the current ward system and blacks became a majority on the council.

The lone dissenter, then-Councilman Saad El-Amin, said he opposed Kaine because he believed the city needed a black mayor.

Bobb said Kaines selection by a majority black council was a testament to his capacity to  bridge the gap between the African-American community and the larger community and work to develop partnerships not only among races but a vision for the city. ... I think the honor that one gets (for that) is being elected mayor from among members of the City Council.

In a speech accepting the role, Kaine lamented the chasm between the citys haves and have-nots, who he said languish in unsafe neighborhoods and crumbling schools.

Can we really say we believe in equality when that is happening so close to us? he asked.

Kaine led the city through a number of local controversies surrounding race and Confederate imagery. He served as a member of the committee that selected Monument Avenue for the Arthur Ashe statue, a decision meant to expand the iconic street beyond monuments to Confederate leaders that was strongly opposed by Confederate heritage groups.

Several months after he became mayor, a controversial portrait of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee hung downtown on the citys floodwall was hit with a Molotov cocktail. The portrait was part of a larger display on the citys history.

Kaine called the vandals punks and losers, and he supported replacing the portrait. Much of our history is not pleasant, he said. You cant whitewash it.

Early in his term, he offered an official apology on behalf of the city for slavery. Moeser, the urbanologist at University of Richmond, said the action stood out as significant.

I just remember when he said that, that I was very proud of Richmond, he said. It should have been said long before Tim, but he did it.

Otherwise, Kaine focused on city schools, where he sent his three children.

Early in his tenure, he asked people to do one thing to commit to the city ... send your kids to public schools.

As his term wound down, he cited among his accomplishments the construction of five new schools, along with the citys growing population, the rehabilitation of Main Street Station, and the expansion of the downtown convention center.

Kaines seven years at City Hall concluded with a farewell ceremony in September 2001, as he prepared for his ultimately successful run for lieutenant governor.

According to news reports from the time, the council chambers were packed, with onlookers waving signs thanking Kaine for his service to the city and wishing him well going forward.

I think there was a lot of pride, Moeser said, because I think that when he was on city council, I always felt some kind of destiny for Tim Kaine, and I think that others did as well  that he would go well beyond the city.
Virginia election officials have set a deadline of Aug. 8 to cancel voting rights of felons who had registered under mass gubernatorial orders that were overturned a week ago by the Supreme Court of Virginia.

However, Gov. Terry McAuliffe has reviewed an initial list of 12,500 felons who had successfully registered to vote under his three blanket orders restoring their civil rights and has begun preparing to restore their rights on an individual basis.

Those ex-offenders would have to reapply to register to vote once they receive their individual restoration orders.

Its very possible we will send them an order and a voter registration application, McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy said. We will try to make it as convenient as possible for them to do what they had already done before Republicans filed a lawsuit to take their rights away.

House Speaker Bill Howell, R-Stafford, and Senate Majority Leader Thomas Norment , R-James City, joined with four other Republican voters to ask the Supreme Court to invalidate the governors mass restoration orders as an unconstitutional action that diminished their votes.

The court agreed in a ruling on July 22 that directed state election officials and local registrars to cancel the registration of felons whose rights purportedly had been restored by McAuliffe in orders signed April 22, May 31 and June 24.

Elections Commissioner Edgardo Cortes advised local registrars on Friday that the state has updated its list of prohibited voters to reflect the courts decision, which reversed the governors orders restoring voting rights to an estimated 206,000 ex-offenders.

The commissioner directed registrars to deny applications from voters with felony convictions whose rights had been restored by the governors three mass orders.

If an individuals felony conviction record indicates a restoration of rights prior to April 22, 2016, and there is no subsequent felony record associated with that individual, then you should register the individual, assuming all other eligibility requirements have been met, Cortes advised registrars.

Richmond General Registrar Kirk Showalter said the guidance will require her to deny about 800 applications that had been pending.

Thats just for those we havent processed yet, she said.

Showalter said her office will wait for confirmation that about 400 ex-offenders who had registered in the city under the governors orders are no longer eligible.

They are among the more than 12,500 felons who had registered under the governors restoration orders prior to the Supreme Court ruling.

The cancellation and notification to voters the court has ordered removed from the registration rolls will be completed by Aug., 8, 2016, Cortes advised registrars.

In the meantime, McAuliffe is preparing to issue individual orders to restore the rights of those ex-offenders who will be removed from the rolls.

Anyone whose registration is canceled as a result of the court order will have to register to vote again once he or she becomes eligible, Cortes confirmed in an email.
MADISON  Innovative agriculture in support of the emerging Virginia craft beer industry is taking root in the rolling countryside of the Northern Piedmont.

A hop yard went in the ground on Mothers Day at the historic circa 1810 Woodbourne estate just off Main Street in the town of Madison as part of an official trial being supported by the George Washington Carver Agricultural Institute in Culpeper and Virginia State University in Petersburg.

Hops are a primary ingredient in beer, along with water, malt and yeast.

Woodbourne owners Dave Fulton and his wife, Julie Haines, allowed the project to grow on the grounds of their scenic property because of their commitment to agricultural-based economic development.

For decades, the couple has worked in global engineering, helping to build basic infrastructure in the poorest of countries. Fulton and Haines vowed to make a difference locally when they moved to Madison four years ago.

This was our idea of coming to the country, living the dream and giving back here since weve been doing economic development in Africa, the Middle East and Asia for 30 years so now were applying some of the same sustainability principles here, Haines said. We want to help attract people to this area, to come and appreciate both the history and the agriculture.

Its about agri-tourism, added Fulton. The couple is preparing to launch Bald Top Brewing Company at Woodbourne this autumn, pending the completion of state and federal permitting.

In the meantime, its all about the hops.

A total of 470 hops plants, representing five varieties, were planted back in May on an elevated parcel on the property with help from friends, family, neighbors, local businesses, the Carver Institute, Culpeper Extension Office and Professor Laban Rutto, whos part of the agricultural research station at Virginia State. He is helping oversee three hops trials in Virginia, representing different agro-ecological zones.

Our Madison site represents the cooler, higher elevation zone with the other two sites being a lower elevation  Petersburg and sea level  the Eastern Shore, Rutto said. The objective is to observe the performance of five selected hops varieties in the different locations.

Weather stations were installed at all three locations for the purpose of recording and comparing weather patterns, the professor said.

The long-term objective is to use the weather data to develop a forecasting system for disease and pest control as these, particularly diseases, are weather driven, Rutto said.

He secured funding for the long-term project through 2018 and hopes to gain valuable knowledge from the effort related to agronomic practices and market access for Virginia hops growers.

The idea is to put the Virginia hops producers in a position where they can claim a larger share of the beer ingredient market as the craft beer industry matures, Rutto said.

The hop yard at Woodbourne is a complex manifestation of the agriculture behind beer making involving 25-foot-tall poles, an irrigation system and an elaborate trellis around which the climbing hop bines (vines) will grow over several years to a maximum height of around 20-feet. Constructing it to exact specifications was a daunting task involving many hands.

Hops need a lot of sun exposure and do not like very moist areas because mildew is our enemy just as in the grape-growing business, Fulton said. The wind is near constant up here on the hilltop and theres no shade. We were able to orient the hop yard relatively parallel to the prevailing winds.

The hop yard at Woodbourne is a high-density field attempting to maximize the number of bines representing varieties with names such as Chinook, Newport and Zeus. The fruit of the effort is the cone that will be harvested, dried and processed into pellets for use in the beer making process.

Culpeper Extension Agent Carl Stafford, a local farming expert, is on board with the project as part of his work with the George Washington Carver Agricultural Institute.

We got to do what we said we were going to dowhich is provide new information, Stafford said. When this hops opportunity came along, I jumped on it, got donors to provide materials to encourage this producer to implement the trial.
In the wake of the ongoing turmoil in the valley former Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed has asked the Pakistan government to not allow Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Pakistan.

By Pranav Priyadarshi: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) has convened the All Parties conference on Kashmir issue and have condemned the attempt of the Indian government to declare the freedom struggle of Kashmiri people as terrorism, terming it an effort to divert the attention of the United Nations and the international community from the real issue.

JUI-F head and Chairman of Parliament's Kashmir Committee Maulana Fazlur Rehman, PML-N leader Raja Zafarul Haq, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and others addressed the All Parties Kashmir Conference.

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Hafiz Muhammad Saeed advised the government and traders that all the business activities with India should remain suspended till the independence of Kashmir from India.

PAK GOVT SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO VISIT KASHMIR

Saeed asked the Pakistan Government specially Nawaz Sharif not to allow Home Minister Rajnath Singh to visit Pakistan. He said If Rajnath Singh allows Pakistan government to visit Kashmir to help Kashmiris then Pakistan government should think on it.

Pakistan should stop the export of onion and potatoes to India. In place of exporting of onion and potatoes to India, Pakistan Government should send relief materials to Kashmir for Kashmiri brothers as they refused to take help from Indian Government.

Also read:

After Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin, Masood Azhar joins the Kashmir chorus



--- ENDS ---
New Textile minister Smriti Irani will be unveiling varied campaigns to boost the popularity of handloom-made cloth and other articles which have been adopted by high-end fashion brands and designers, but have failed to make a cut with the common man.

By Mail Today: The newly-appointed Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani is not the one to lie low for long. After having been eased out of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) where she had made ripples with such decisions as moves on the New Education Policy (NEP), the minister is ready to give Indian indigenous textile industry the hitherto biggest push.

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SELFIE WITH HAND LOOM

Irani would launch a comprehensive social media campaign, the theme of which has been titled as 'Selfie-with-Handloom', on Monday, August 1, with posts on social networking sites Twitter and Facebook. The campaign would culminate in the Prime Minister's constituency Varanasi-home to millions of weavers- on August 7, the National Handloom Day.

Irani wants, said sources, that people of the country click a selfie wearing one or the other handloom-made article and post it online on social networking sites. "The central idea of this campaign is to make handloom articles cool and thus boost demand. Also, one of the major misconceptions is to equate handloom cloths with Khadi which is not true. On the other hand, several handloom articles such as Benarasi sarees and brocade have been adopted by such global and hep fashion brands as DKNY etc. We want to create allegiance of people towards handloom," a source close to the minister said.

Irani would be unveiling a score of measures to boost the popularity of handloom-made cloth and other articles which have been adopted by high-end fashion brands and designers, but have failed to make a cut with the common man.



EXTENSIVE SALE OF HAND LOOM

According to sources in the ministry, an extensive sale of handloom would be launched on August 7 across all the major e-commerce platforms. In all 19 such platforms that have dedicated handloom sections, including behemoths such as Amazon and Snapdeal, have been roped in.

Ministry sources also added that a buyer-seller meet too would be held on the National Handloom Day. The Delhi Crafts Council (DCC) and the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) apart from FICCI have pledged their support to the move, apart from several high-end designers the names of which the ministry sources declined to divulge before the formal launch of the campaign.

The campaign is also being supported by several state governments and individually by chief ministers. The Centre had this June announced a 6,000 crore package for the textile and apparel industry with an aim to create one crore jobs, a majority of them for women, in the next three years.

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The Narendra Modi government has proposed several measures, including tax and production incentives along with flexibility in labour laws. India wants to capitalize on China slowly losing its long held position at the helm of the garment sector, something already being used by countries such as Bangladesh.

ALSO READ:

India Handloom Brand extends network to Coimbatore

Smriti Irani not targeted, HRD minister Javadekar tells India Today





--- ENDS ---
Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide or Fraport AGand its consortium partners reached an agreement to sell a portion of their shares in Thalita Trading Ltd. to Qatar Investment Authority. As a result, Fraport AG will reduce its equity share in Thalita Trading Ltd. from 35.5 percent to 25 percent. In addition, a subsidiary of Fraport AG will sell loans provided to Thalita Trading Ltd.

Thalita Trading Ltd. is the parent company of Northern Capital Gateway LLC, which holds the concession to operate Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, Russia. Due to the sale by consortium partner Copelouzos Group, Qatar Investment Authority will acquire a total stake of 24.99 percent in the airport operating consortium, while Fraport AG will remain the lead operator following this transaction.

The transaction is subject to the approval of the Russian government and the senior project finance lenders. Currently, Fraport AG expects that these approvals will be granted and that the transaction closing will take place during the second half of 2016.

Based on the current book values Fraport AG expects the total transaction to generate a gain between 30 million euros and 40 million euros, which will fully impact the Group EBITDA, EBIT, and EBT in the 2016 year and will positively influence the Group result.

Despite the recent weakening traffic developments at some Group airports, particularly Frankfurt and Antalya, the Fraport AG Executive Board maintained its Outlook - when taking account of the positive effects from the disposal of shares in St. Petersburg - for the full year 2016 ranges for Group EBITDA, Group EBIT, Group EBT, and Group result set at the beginning of the fiscal year.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
By Srijani Ganguly/Mail Today: Back in the time when JK Rowling was still writing chapters of the Harry Potter books, there used to be an obsessive build up to the day of each book's release. People--mostly kids--used to camp outside bookstores for the midnight launch, and the next school day used to be a tense affair with many threatening to spoil the plot for others.

Close to a decade has gone by since the last book in the series--Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows--was published and now, it's time for another installment to the series. To be fair, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is not really a novel--it's the script of the play that was staged in June this year. Also, Rowling's isn't the only name on the book. It's essentially a two-part play written by Jack Thorne based on an original new story by Thorne, JK Rowling and John Tiffany.

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These facts have, nevertheless, not stopped people from getting hyped about the prospect of a further look into the life of their beloved bespectacled wizard.

Aastha Sharma, a 26-year-old researcher based in Delhi who grew up with the books, says, I was really surprised with the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child announcement. I had lost all hope to read another Harry Potter book. I can't wait to get my hands on the new book. I hope it lives up to the expectations, and there's a lot of magic in the book."

Also read: Harry Potter's forehead scar is the most recognisable symbol of the series for Indian fans



For those like Sharma, who are waiting with baited breath, there are plenty of contests to go around to make the process of owning the eighth Harry Potter book and even more exciting one. OM Book Shop, for instance, have several contests for those who will turn up their Delhi-NCR outlets at 11:30 am today, at the official launch time of the book.

Hachette, the publisher of the book, too has a contest up its sleeves. If people head over to Hachette India's website and Facebook page they'll find a link to a contest that can potentially lead them to own a copy of the book signed by Jack Thorne, John Tiffany and J.K. Rowling herself. (The contest is open till August 5; 11:30 pm)

Thomas Abraham, the managing director of Hachette India, says, "Once again this is going to be a publishing sensation as the magic continues from where it left off in book seven. The rave reactions from fans, post the London previews clearly indicate that this is classic Harry Potter back again."
Pottermania continues even after 5 years since the last movie hit the theaters. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is out in the stores to own, and it's time to take out the wands again.

By India Today Web Desk:



Note from the writer: This was written listening to the Harry Potter theme song, because the mind was in need of the Levitation Charm.



Fans around the world were heartbroken when they said goodbye to the wizard boy they had grown up with. The last of it was 5 years ago and today, it all comes back as a good ol' memory.

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is out on the shelves. It's time for the fans to live again their Hogwarts dream.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, in 2011, marked the end of the seven-book series from JK Rowling and after 5 years, the magic is here to make or break the 5-year-long reverie of Harry Potter fans.

Twitter - @TheHPFacts

If you still don't own a copy, you must be under an Oblivation Charm we suppose. Social media has been cast under a spell and people are losing it all, for all the magical reasons.

Twitter - @frolic_fiction Twitter - @frolic_fiction

If you don't believe us, then there are people who have already reviewed the book, which means they've finished the book.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child broke Barnes & Noble's record for the most pre-ordered book. In case you are wondering why it's a huge thing, see this!

Twitter - @samcIemmett

What better day it could have been to spread the magic yet again. It's JK Rowling's birthday today.

Twitter - @People_Style

If the script isn't enough to feed your soul, then there is the play as well. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has two parts but will be played out on the same day and even the script comes in one consolidated form.

Twitter - @hollywoodnewz

The synopsis reads: "While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted."

YouTube - Pottermore - J K Rowling's notes on the Cursed Child cast come to life

It's perhaps a very big day for Potterheads. Although the book is not a sequel, but can be comfortably called extra. And it's everything you could ask for.

This is every Harry Potter fan right now.

YouTube

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has given fans a reason to be nostalgic. No matter how young or old you are, it seems Harry Potter is forever to stay with you.

"ALWAYS!"



--- ENDS ---
It was a dream come true for Lupe Taalo Leota who followed in her fathers footsteps of law enforcement in Samoa.

My father was my biggest role model, and I always wanted to continue his work as a police officer in the future and here I am achieving that goal, said Ms Leota.

Ms Leota was amongst 24 new recruits who graduated as law enforcement officers to serve Samoa with integrity.

As the second child of seven siblings, Ms Leota believes that she can do what her father did and she can do it better.

Her father, former Senior Sergeant Taalo Leota, he said he is very proud of his daughter because it was a dream come true not only for his daughter but for him as well.

I never thought that she would want to become a police officer like me, said Taalo.

Taalo said his daughter applied last year when she was only 20 and 8 months old. However, her application was rejected by the panel because she was too young and they only accepted people who are at the age of 21 and above.

I was very disappointed at first because she was four months away from reaching the age of 21 but her application was rejected, added Mr Taalo.

Taalo said these are the kind of people that the Ministry should look at to recruit because they are the future of Samoa.

This year, Taalo said he is very thankful that the Ministry is able to accept the younger age and the over age people.

Mr Taalo said he brought back his daughter this year because he believed she could be a good officer in the future.

Ms Leota is in her second year of study for her Bachelor of Arts and her studies are being put on hold because she wants to focus on her training as a policewoman. I always wanted to serve Samoa, and I believed this is the only way to serve my country, said Ms Leota.

Ms Leota said people respect the officers because they are the protectors of the nation and they should prove that to the whole of Samoa who they are there to protect them.

She said with this kind of job she will be able to understand the law of Samoa and protect our people.

This is where I see myself in the future and I wanted to prove that I can do what men can do, she added.

Ms Leota was in second place of their new recruits this year and she was the best all rounder.

I thank my parents for their continuous support and my father who motivated me to become a policewoman, she said.

She also acknowledged the support of their trainers.

Ms Leota said she is planning to go back and finish her studies, but for the time being, she needs to give it all shes got for her new beginning of her journey as a Police Officer.

Ms Leota graduated from Saint Marys College in 2012, attended Foundation Year in 2013 and studied for her Bachelor of Arts in 2014. She has two more years to go to complete her B.A.
I still believe that when I do good to others, Ill get something in return, said 16-year-old, Sam Faapito from Aele.

Young Sam is a child vendor.

To earn money for his family to survive every day, he helps customers to push their trolleys and carry their shopping from one of the supermarkets at Vaitele.

I am not really allowed to do this here, but I think the fastest way to earn money is when you help people,

I started when I was seven and I did this when I dropped out from school in Year 5. My family depends heavily on me for money, he said.

Back in the day, I washed car tyres until the shop owner near Bluebird Lumber at Vaitele told me to go somewhere else.

Thats why I ended up in front of this supermarket. I want to provide for my family; the little I earn from doing this, I give it all to my father,

Im doing this job and if I get something in return, great, if I don't, great.

This morning many people gave me money because Ive helped them carry their shopping,

For Sam, the easiest way to earn money is to always be on the street.

What I am doing now can make a big difference for me and my family. No matter what, at least I have something like $2 every day, this really helps.

Some days are particularly unpleasant.

One woman told me to go and find a job. No one seems to care. People just pass by me every day with mad expressions on their faces. That tells that they really want to hit me.

It happens all the time.

However other days provide hope.

An old man who I helped yesterday by carrying his bag of rice, he gave me ten tala.

Still, many people judge me, but they don't really know anything about me.

I want them to help me, but not to judge me.

"It's a daily fight for survival and sometimes I do feel like just giving up.

v
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Government of Australia and the Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to align genetic resources, production, and post harvest assistance to mark opportunities for Pacific Islands and Australia for cocoa.

Before the signing ceremony, the Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Sue Langford said the M.O.U. and the programme will start from this year and continue until June 2020.

I am very pleased to be here today on behalf of the Australian Government and the Australian Counsel for International Agricultural Research to sign this M.O.U. today, she said.

This M.O.U. presents a number of opportunities to expand and evaluate further opportunities for cocoa in the pacific industries to expand an increase the value of markets.

So we are looking at market oriented strategies to exchange and dissemination of cocoa genetics resources, going to evaluate and deploy methods that can intensify cocoa production and develop improves post harvest assistance.

[And] Im hoping that this project will have an impact on improving the livelihoods here of the farmers of Samoa.

The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Laauli Leuatea Polataivao acknowledged the support from the Australian government.

I would to thank you for your continuous support for the government of Samoa and our people and I believe that this Memorandum Of Understanding this morning will be able to assist us especially with our cocoa crop, he said.

I believe that our cocoa crop is one of our crops that will help with our economic development and will focus on helping our cocoa farmers.

So I would like to convey our thanks for the great assistance and the continuous support from the Australian Government.
A Japanese citizen "has been investigated for endangering China's state security", said the Foreign Ministry to China Daily on Sunday .

The ministry's spokespersons office did not reveal the identity of the man.

It said the investigation was conducted by "relevant departments" and the Japanese Embassy in China was notified.

Leading Japanese media reported on Thursday that the Japanese chief cabinet secretary Yoshihisa Suga confirmed that a suspect was detained.

Some Japanese media speculated that the man was detained for suspected espionage. But Suga, Tokyo's top spokesman, denied the alleged espionage at a news conference in Tokyo by claiming that "it is impossible that such actions will be taken against any country", according to Japan's Fuji Television.

Tokyo-based Jiji News Agency quoted unnamed sources saying that the man, aged more than 50 years old, was scheduled to visit China from July 11 to 15.

Japan News Network, a Chinese language website reporting Japan's news, quoted unnamed sources saying that the man is with Japan-China Youth Association.

The association the man is part of works on "developing Japan-China friendly relationship", according to the association's website.

However, the website is currently not accessible and it says "under maintenance".
The field is set. With the formal anointing of party nominees at the Republican and Democratic Party conventions in July, either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump is certain to be the next US president. This match-up is remarkable for several reasons. Trump would be the first US leader in over a half century not to have previously held elected office. Clinton would be the first female president. Both are among the most divisive candidates in recent history, with high negative ratings-even within their own parties.

What does the outcome of November's election mean for India? The degree of comfort in working-level relations between the two governments and militaries, the presence of the Indian-American community, and several areas of natural economic and strategic convergence mean that the foundations of the India-US relationship are today strong enough to withstand any leadership change in either country. In that sense, a presidential transition in Washington will have only a limited effect on bilateral ties. But while the implications for bilateral relations would be marginal, the potential impact on the United States' credibility and ability to wield international influence will be tremendous.

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Hillary Clinton would be a very safe bet from India's point of view. No incoming US president has had the level of interaction with India that she has had. Her trip in 1995 helped paved the way years later for her husband Bill Clinton's historic visit to India in 2000. As US Senator, Hillary Clinton was co-chair of the Senate India Caucus. And as US Secretary of State she made multiple visits, during which she highlighted the need for India to "not just look east, but engage east and act east"-a mantra the current Indian government subsequently adopted-and surprised many with her sharp rhetoric against Pakistan-supported terrorism.

In fact, political opponents have tried to use Clinton's close India connections to attack her. In 2007, then candidate Barack Obama had to apologise for a campaign memo that described Clinton as a senator from Punjab. More recently, the Trump campaign has published and circulated unsubstantiated allegations that Clinton received money from India for her support for the India-US nuclear agreement. Overall, Clinton's foreign policy and trade instincts-although dampened during the campaign in response to adverse popular sentiments-are in accordance with broad Indian preferences. From her time as Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton's group of advisors-the likes of her campaign chairman John Podesta, former Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, her closest foreign policy aide Jake Sullivan, and dozens more-are all individuals with a close working familiarity with India.

What about Trump? Unlike Clinton, he does not have a record to assess and his statements on the campaign trail have offered a contradictory picture. One statement that received considerable attention in India related to Pakistan. "Pakistan is semi-unstable?We have a little bit of a good relationship. I think I'd try and keep it," Trump said at a town hall meeting in April. "If you look at India and some of the others, maybe they'll be helping us out." While interpreted by some in India as a signal that he would side with India against Pakistan, his remarks are actually ambiguous on that account, and largely conform to the United States' recent approach to the region.

Trump has also been similarly ambivalent about economic relations and immigration as it relates to India. "India is doing great. Nobody talks about it," he told CNN in January, but added a month later that he was going to "bring back jobs?from India". He often speaks of India along with China with admiration, but also as a threat to the United States' economic well-being. On immigration, Trump has spoken about ending the H-1B high-skilled visa programme of which Indians are among the biggest beneficiaries, but has also said he would create opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs and students. "They go to Harvard, they are first in their class and they're from India, they go back to India and they set up companies and they make a fortune and they employ lots of people," he told Fox News in March. "We need those people in the country."

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Indian-Americans, historically Democrats, are likely to support Clinton overwhelmingly. The racism associated with the Trump campaign will deter some Indian votes that might otherwise have gone to a Republican candidate. However, the vast majority of people in India appear to be undecided about the two candidates. A poll by the Pew Research Center released in June found 28 per cent of Indians had confidence in Hillary Clinton's ability to handle world affairs while 16 per cent did not. Meanwhile, only 14 per cent had confidence in Trump in contrast to 18 per cent who did not.

The Indian government has been following political developments in the US closely. But it has wisely chosen not to take sides. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Hillary Clinton (and other presidential aspirants such as Republican Chris Christie and Democrat Martin O'Malley) during his 2014 visit to the United States, he opted not to meet formally with either campaign during his last visit earlier this year. However, in an engagement with think-tank leaders in Washington, Modi met with individuals close to both campaigns. The election of a US president is ultimately up to the American electorate, and India will have to deal confidently with whoever comes to power next.

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Dhruva Jaishankar is Fellow for Foreign Policy at Brookings India

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The emergence of a gang of young, lawless unemployed males is causing grave concerns for the Police.

The Ministry of Police is working closely with the villages of Lepea, Vaimoso, Apia, Taufusi and other villages close to town.

The aim is to find ways to identify members of a youth gang which is growing in numbers and causing trouble in the town area.

Another reason why the Police have decided to bring in the villages is to ensure that the youths who belong to those villages, can also be dealt with by their families and the Village Councils.

The gang goes by the moniker, Dead or Alive, (Ola Poo le Oti) O.P.O.

This announcement was made by Police spokesperson Maotaoalii Kaioneta Kitiona last week during their weekly press conference.

The youth gang is posing a big threat to the general public, he said.

However Maotaoalii believes that the O.P.O. gang is not the only gang operated by youth in Samoa.

Police were able to identify these gangs from the rising number of incidents occurring around town, including stone fights.

Maotaoalii said the O.P.O.gang is made up of a group of students who are no longer in school, are known troublemakers and who previously caused school fights.

The members are young and mostly 18 years and under and are identified by wearing the red clothes and especially red bandanas.

The Ministry has been told that this gang meets once a week to discuss their attack sites.

"We were told that they have a private meeting venue and we are trying to locate that, he said.

Maotaoalii said police are working day and night to ensure the safety of Samoa and are urging members of the public to help with any information.

The Police have just started their Safe City operation to make sure that Samoa is free of these behaviours.

And, he said, police will do everything they can to make sure that they put a stop to the gangs before the situation gets worse.

I have also asked each parent to keep a closer eye on their sons and be aware of this issue, because police will not give them any more chances when they are caught.
Think a minuteA famous painting shows a king making a chain from his crown, and a slave making a crown from his chain. Underneath the painting are these words: Life is what one makes it, no matter of what it is made. We each were born with certain abilities, but it is up to us whether we fully use them or not. Are you making the most of what youre made of? Do you give it all youve got?

A young man I know named Bob was born with ordinary abilities, but he is living an extraordinary life because of his self-discipline, courage, and faith. When he was only 15-years-old Bob battled cancer for several years. He and his family had to move to another city where the hospital and doctors specialized in childrens cancers. But Bob never gave up! Eventually he won his fight against this deadly disease.

In school Bob always had to work harder in his studies than other students, yet he went on to attend one of Americas top universities. After graduating from university, he had to study harder than ever to qualify for medical school. But again, Bob did his part and gave it all he had. Today he is a medical doctor who plans to help the sick in poor Third World countries.

How about you? Do you respond to your challenges like Bob? In your life do you give it all youve got? Remember, its not how well you start, but how well you finish that counts. When you die, the question is not How big was your house?, but How big was your heart?. How well did you play your God-given part?

Remember, God will do for you what you cannot do for yourself, but He will not do for you what you can do. You must choose to play your part and give all youve got to your character, your marriage, your children, your job and career, your studies, etc. But it all begins with giving all youve got back to your Maker, so He can help you make the most of everything He gave you. From this day forward, wont you ask Jesus to take full charge of your heart and way of living? His way is the only way you can make your life all He intended it to be. Just think a minute
On May 13 this year, BJP Rajya Sabha member R.K. Sinha got an urgent call - "Leave for Ninora immediately!" A staunch Sangh loyalist, Sinha quickly followed the instruction to attend the RSS gathering, Vichar Mahakumbh, in the small Madhya Pradesh town, an event on the fringes of the Ujjain Simhastha celebrations. An exclusive gathering as it turned out - inaugurated by RSS sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself gracing the closing ceremony. But Sinha had been summoned for a tte--tte with RSS general secretary Bhaiyyaji Joshi, who delivered the high command's message: "The Sangh's leadership has decided to give you the responsibility for Hindusthan Samachar Samvad Samiti. Now you will have to lead it."

Sinha accepted the Sangh's directive with alacrity. Just three days later, in a board meeting, he was anointed patron of the Samvad Samiti. Within 12 days, an imposing building he owned in Noida's Sector 63 got a plush makeover to suit the hitherto foundering news agency's new image. Bhaiyyaji himself officially inaugurated the new offices on June 1; on June 10, Sangh sahsarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale paid a visit to offer the news team pointers on journalistic objectivity: "Give preference to positive and growth-oriented news, not violence-, crime- or terrorism-related reports."

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But what made this media story newsworthy was another announcement, also on June 10, of a new policy by the Union ministry for information and broadcasting, which, perhaps coincidentally, promises to give the RSS's Hindusthan Samachar project new prominence and revenues.

A board meeting in progress at Hindusthan Samachar's Noida office on July 5

A new Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) policy has set criteria to assess newspapers' eligibility for lucrative government ads, rating them on a scale of 0-100. Newspapers can now increase their DAVP ad traffic by earning 'marks': 25 for providing RNI/ABC certificates; 20 based on their employees' enrolment in EPF; 10 for printing in their own press; 10 on payment of annual subscriptions to the Press Council of India; 12-20 depending on the number of pages. And the kicker:15 points for subscribing to UNI, PTI and the hitherto little-known Hindusthan Samachar.

The policy has already boosted both the profile and the subscriptions of the agency, which had for years survived in tiny offices in Delhi's Gole Market (and a 'data centre' in Nagpur). Founded in 1948 by RSS pracharak Dadasaheb Apte to provide 'nationalist' news in regional languages, HS has had a chequered career. It never really recovered from its enforced 'merger' (along with UNI and PTI) in the state-controlled Samachar agency in the Emergency years. The agencies were 'demerged' in 1978 and HS passed into receivership in 1982 and then back into RSS hands after a lengthy court case in 2002 (see box: Divine Agency).

Cut to today, and CEO and editor-in-chief Rakesh Munjal is bullish: "We are on the verge of an agreement with a large IT company, which will assist us. A large number of brands will be joining us very soon."

Some observers see a disturbing irony in the policy. Says Dr Srirupa Roy, political science professor at the Centre for Modern Indian Studies in Gttingen, Germany, "During the Emergency, DAVP used its advertising policy as a tool of political and financial patronage and censure. Once at the receiving end of the Emergency, the RSS and BJP seem to have learned their lessons well."

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HS board member Rambahadur Rai finds nothing ominous in the new policy. "At least now there is a policy instead of arbitrary corruption," he says. "And it will encourage reporting in regional languages." Nor do the developments trouble PTI CEO M.K. Razdan. "We are a news agency," he says. "If a policy is promoting a news agency, what is the problem?" But elsewhere in independent media circles, the new policy has been met with discontent. "The way media policy is now being decided is a complete mystery. In new guidelines for release of DAVP ads to newspapers, a supposed points system has been evolved that gives media entities subscribing to 'PTI, UNI or Hindusthan Samachar' a significant advantage," says Hardev Sanotra, managing editor of news agency IANS. "There is no clarity or explanation on what criteria were adopted. Independent news agencies with decades of experience and credibility, such as IANS, were neither informed nor consulted."

It's not hard to unravel the 'mystery' behind the 'arbitrary' changes Sanotra complains of. RSS's Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Manmohan Vaidya spells it out: "The Sangh never instructs directly, it only provides guidance. We wish that all news pertinent to national concern-which the media have tended to overlook-should now come to the fore and the institution should work professionally. That is why it has been entrusted to a corporate leader."

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Said corporate leader is Sinha himself. He heads India's leading security firm, SIS India Ltd, with a turnover in excess of Rs 3,000 crore. The agency has also made other moves to establish its professional credentials and shed its image as an ideologically-driven entity. But its new board of directors is studded with stalwarts of the Sangh-affiliated right, notably Achyutanand Mishra, Jagdish Upasane, B.K. Kuthiala and Rambahadur Rai.

Despite Sinha's support, the RSS itself and DAVP munificence, it's hardly certain that HS will be able to sustain its grand ambitions. Media ventures remain one of India's more uncertain businesses.



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By Manjeet Sehgal: Taking a dig at the Haryana's Manohar Lal Khattar government, the former Chief Minister of Haryana Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Sunday termed the state government as a non-performer.

The senior Congress leader said that the latest example of state government's lame duck administration was Gurugram where the choked drains and potholed roads earned a shame for the whole state.

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"This is a non-performing government and it believes in cutting the ribbons and changing the names of cities. Had they been serious the Gurgaon drains may not have choked and resulted in a traffic jam. Khattar changed the name to Gurugram which now appears to be Gurujam. The government was eyeing investment and had called the state as 'happening Haryana' , unfortunately it has become a mishappening Haryana," said Hooda.



HOODA SLAMS BJP GOVERNMENT

Slamming the BJP government, Hooda said his government had planned Dwaraka Expressway to join the National Highway to reduce the traffic jams on Gurgaon roads. The construction work of this 18 km long road was nearing completion when BJP government was formed.

"The lackadaisical attitude of the state government can be gauged from the fact that it failed to complete the remaining 10 percent work on this road. Had the road been completed the traffic jam may not have taken place. The state government failed to de-silt the Nazafgarh and Badshahpur drains. These drains were never clogged in our regime as we used to clear the drains before the rainy season," Bhupinder Singh Hooda said.

Launching a direct attack on Haryana's BJP government, the Congress leader said that the Khattar government lacks internal co-ordination which has made it a government of 'Ghaal-Mel' (messed up).



HARYANA GOVT IS PRO-ELITE

The Congress leader said that the present Haryana government is hell bent on pleasing the elite and has betrayed state's common people who voted it on the basis of the promises it made during the elections.

"This government is busy registering false cases against opponents. It has no new development plan and is busy renaming the old plans to cheat the people. The poor farmers are being compelled to sell their crops at throwaway prices. Rather helping them the government has compelled them to pay the crop insurance premium. The state government has roped in private agencies which will never compensate the farmers. They are just collecting insurance premium. The whole government should step down as it has failed to perform," added Hooda.



URGED TO INCREASE JOBS

Hooda also criticised the state government for its plan to rejuvenate Saraswati river. He urged the state government to increase the monthly pension amount of senior citizens besides jobs to the unemployed youths on the eve of golden jubilee of statehood .

Hooda parried questions on his former cabinet colleague Captain Ajay Singh Yadav who had accused him of spoiling the party in the state.

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"I do not comment on individuals. Nobody took him seriously as he keeps on changing his statements," Hooda said.

Also read:

After huge traffic jams, Gurgaon police gear up to prevent recurrence







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It seems rumors about possible specs and features of Google's highly anticipated Nexus 2016 flagships codenamed "Marlin" and "Sailfish" won't stop until the final release date is announced. Recently, a leaked file was spotted online which offered alleged details about the upcoming handset.

Popular leakster Evan Blass posted a snapshot of the build.prop file of the HTC Nexus "Sailfish" smartphone which revealed some of the features of the device. If Blass's Twitter post captioned "Google Nexus Sailfish / HTC S1 build.prop file" is to be believed, the alleged HTC Nexus "Sailfish" smartphone will run the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (MSM8996) processor and not the rumored Snapdragon 821 processor.

Google Nexus Sailfish / HTC S1 build.prop file pic.twitter.com/Q8q4EkBDff  Evan Blass (@evleaks) July 25, 2016

It remains to be seen whether or not Google uses Qualcomm's newly introduced Snapdragon 821 processor which is set to offer better and faster performance speed. Furthermore, the leak suggests that the upcoming Sailfish smartphone will feature an impressive 5.2-inch display with a full HD screen resolution of 1,080 by 920 pixels. The handset is also said to feature biometric security in the form of a fingerprint scanner, reported Christian Daily. Among other purported HTC Nexus "Sailfish" specs include 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, a 12-megapixel rear camera and 8-megapixel front camera and a 2,770mAh battery.

It is rumored that Google will unveil two Nexus 2016 smartphones this year. The second device in question is the HTC Nexus 2016 "Marlin" M1 smartphone which is expected to feature a 5.5-inch AMOLED display with a 1440 x 2560 resolution and run on a quad-core Qualcomm SoC, which is most likely the latest Snapdragon 821. The handset is rumored to come with 4 GB of random access memory (RAM), up to 128GB internal storage, a 12-megapixel main camera enabled with LED flash, an 8-megapixel front facing camera, USB Type-C port and a fingerprint reader.

It is expected that the upcoming Google Nexus 2016 smartphones will be released in September alongside the new Android Nougat 7.0 mobile operating system, reported Vine Report. While rumors about Google Nexus 2016 release date, specs and price will keep on piling up, we advise our readers to take the information with a grain of salt as nothing yet has been announced officially. Don't forget to check out with SWR for more updates.
After the massive success of Samsung flagship smartphones "Galaxy S7" and "Galaxy S7 Edge," tech enthusiasts have already begun talking about what the tech giant might have in store for its next gen Galaxy S smartphone, possibly dubbed Samsung Galaxy S8.

There are reports which claim that Samsung will roll out two Galaxy S8 smartphones early next year, possibly dubbed "Galaxy S8" and "Galaxy S8 Edge." The handsets are rumored to feature 4K UHD display with a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels.

According to GSMArena, the S8 edge model will get a 5.5" screen. However, it remains unclear if the regular S8 model will match the edge in size or will be comparatively smaller. It is rumored that both the handsets will come packed with Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon 830 chipset paired with a massive 6GB of random access memory (RAM).

The Samsung Galaxy S8 handsets are expected to run Google's latest OS, Android Nougat right out of the box. Furthermore, if rumors about a possible 4K display is true, then it is for sure that Samsung will equip Galaxy S8 with a much bigger battery than its predecessor to keep the handset powered for more than a day. The smartphone will also reportedly feature a USB Type-C port for reversible, fast charging and quicker data transfers.

Patently Mobile reported that the Samsung Galaxy S8 might come with improved iris scanning technology with a new kind of triple-camera system. The new triple-camera system will scan and check the user's iris, eye structure as well as face to get an accurate read. In fact, there are also chances that the smartphones with feature two screens on either side of a 'built-in cover'.

As far as the Samsung Galaxy S8 release date is concerned, the handset is expected to make a debut at the Mobile World Congress event in February 2017. Readers are advised to take the information with a big grain of salt as nothing yet about the Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs or price has been announced. Stay tuned with SWR for more updates on Samsung Galaxy S8 release date, specs and price details.
By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 30 (PTI) In a first, parents of around 16 lakh students studying in over 2,500 government schools in the national capital today attended a "Mega PTM" (Parents Teacher Meeting) organised to bring the quality of education at par with that imparted in private schools.

From bad handwriting to poor calculations, improper usage of grammar to lack of concentration, good speed to excellent leadership skills, parents were updated about shortcomings and positives of their wards in the meeting, perhaps the first in country for government schools.

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As parents queued up in government-run schools across the national capital today waiting for their turn to listen to feedback about their wards performance, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia visited several schools to see if all was in order and how were parents responding to this initiative.

However, the initiative was overshadowed by an alleged suicide of a girl who ended her life after her mother received negative feedback about her during a PTM at Government Senior Secondary School in Khayala area.

BJP attacked the AAP government for making the PTM a "mega political show" alleging it resulted in suicide of the 12-year-old girl.

"Today PTMs have been organised in all government schools and parents of 16 lakh students have been invited today to attend the meeting. This is a new experiment and parents are excited about it that they are being involved in the schooling of their children.

"This is another step towards bringing the quality of education being imparted in government schools at par with that of private schools," Sisodia told reporters.

Parents termed the initiative to be an apt "start" for working towards improved education standards in government schools.

"We are unable to send our kids to expensive private schools and I am not educated enough to keep a check on my sons activities and performance. This will help me in being updated about his weaknesses and positives," said Ramkishan, a rickshaw puller whose son studies in the school in Nand Nagri.

In order to make parents of government school students as "stakeholders" of education, Sisodia had earlier this week made an announcement for the Mega PTM which he described as first positive dialogue between parents and teachers. (MORE) PTI GJS IKA RG IKA

--- ENDS ---
Extradition treaty was also signed between the countries that will now facilitate handing over the wanted by just issuance of arrest warrant by the other country.

Bangladesh will now use Indian border roads to enhance patrolling in its remote areas. Photo credit: PTI

By Sahidul Hasan Khokon, Manogya Loiwal : Home Minister of Bangladesh Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said that India will provide all kinds of support to Bangladesh for curbing militancy including, allowing Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to use its border roads for patrolling purposes in remote bordering areas.



The Minister made the disclosure while talking to reporters at his Secretariat office on Sunday.

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WHO MET WHO

The disclosure was made to brief media about his three-day visit to India recently. He led a 14-member high power delegation to the country comprising Home Ministry's Senior Secretary Mozammel Haque Khan and Inspector General of Police AKM Sahidul Haque.

Director Generals of BGB, Coast Guard and representatives from different ministries and agencies were also incorporated to the delegation. The delegation returned to Bangladesh on Saturday after completing the scheduled visit to India.



Kamal held a bilateral meet with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh and met the Indian President Shri Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



BILATERAL TALKS

He said the visit was held with the invitation of Indian Home Minister. During which, the delegation of the two countries discussed various issues, including stopping border killing, illegal trafficking of human, drugs and goods, illegal cattle trading, border patrolling and other pending issues.



BORDER ROADS TO BE SHARED

He said, the Government of India has agreed to allow Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to use its border roads in remote areas where Bangladesh does not have necessary road infrastructure. The members of BGB will now use its border roads for patrolling.



Border Guard Bangladesh would also arrange medical services in case of any mishappening. They have already started working to tackle the problem of illegal drug trafficking to Bangladesh from the country.

The amendment of bilateral extradition treaty was signed between the countries during the visit.



EXTRADITION TREATY SIGNED

According to the amendment, no evidence is required to extradite a suspected criminal, it will now require an issuance of arrest warrant to hand over someone who is arrested in the countries.



Bangladesh will get back its accused arrested in India while India will get its arrestees from Bangladesh following the same provision.



DOUBLE ENTRY, EXIT VISA INTRODUCED

The Home Minister said Bangladesh and India have decided to introduce 'double entry and exit visa'. As per the decision, a Bangladesh citizen can enter India by air and return through the land port. The decision is also applicable for Indian citizens.

At present, a Bangladesh citizen enters India by-air, has to return by air. The citizen, who enters by land, has to return by the same way. The process is similar for an Indian citizen.

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INDIA WITH BANGLADESH IN TERROR FIGHT

"From now onwards, the system will be changed. But, it may take some time as the Indian authority will update its network shortly for implementing the decision. Until then, the existing system will continue," the minister added.



Regarding curbing militancy and terrorism, Kamal said that during his meeting with the Indian President, Prime Minister and Home Minister, they assured him all kinds of necessary support including giving information and training the officials concerned.



They also praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her role to tackle militancy and terrorism and assured that India will be with Bangladesh to fight against terrorism and militancy.

When asked about lack of implementing entire "Land Boundary Agreement between the two countries", the minister said that they had discussed the issue during the meeting. India agreed to solve the dispute on handing over the Muhurir Char, it will be resolved soon, he added.



--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From Shirish B Pradhan

Kathmandu, Jul 31 (PTI) An Indian national was among five people arrested in Nepal in a drug racket in which 472 kgs of drug-making chemicals were seized.

Dilip Pandut, 35, a resident of Raxaul, Bihar was arrested along with four others, police here said.

Police have also seized 472 kg of raw materials and precursor chemical that are used in manufacturing Pseudoephedrine, a highly sophisticated narcotic drug that has a high demand in Asian markets including, India, China, Thailand and Malaysia.

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These raw materials are sufficient to manufacture 71 kgs of Pseudoephedrine worth about USD 12 million, said Jaya Bahadur Chand, Deputy Inspector General of Police at the Narcotic Control Bureau of Nepal Police.

The raw materials are brought from Switzerland, and after mixing it in Nepal the narcotics produced are exported to India, China, Malaysia and Thailand, at high prices, police said.

These drug-making raw materials were being trafficked in disguise of medicines. However, the police busted the racket on the basis of a tip-off.

The five arrestees have been taken into custody on five-day judicial remand from Kathmandu District Court for further investigation. PTI SBP KUN

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This time the Dubai-headquartered terminal operator has signed a long-term lease agreement for the expansion and operation of the multi-purpose Rodney Container Terminal (RTC) at Saint John in New Brunswick, Canada.

DP World will take over existing operations at the port in the south-eastern corner of Canada on January 1 next year before embarking on an expansion programme with the Saint John Port Authority to be completed in 2021. The lease will then run 30 years until 2051.



The RTC is the only Atlantic Canada port served by the countrys Class I railways, Canada National Railway (CN) and Canada Pacific Railway (CP) and is CPs only Atlantic gateway port. The lease will follow the port authoritys completion of planned expansion works including a 350 metre deep-water berth, an enhanced stacking area and a 12,000 foot intermodal rail yard capable of handling a full train.



It is DP Worlds fourth terminal concession in Canada, complementing its operations at CENTERM terminal in Port Metro Vancouver and at the Duke Point Terminal just across the Salish Sea at Nanaimo Port, and at Fairview Container Terminal in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. DP World bolstered its stake in Prince Rupert, a key gateway port for trans-Pacific trade, with the $457m acquisition of Maher Terminals operations in April 2015.

The RTC concession came just a day after DP World announced it had signed a MoU with the state run Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC) for the development of Kaohsiung Ports Terminal 7.

Its entry into Saint John will focus on Canadas trade with Europe and Latin America, increasing sector competition in eastern Canada. It is expected to bring significant benefits to importers and exporters in New Brunswick and the Maritimes, a region of Canada that also includes other Atlantic provinces Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

We believe that the future growth prospects for the Port of Saint John are strong and we are excited to be participating with Saint John Port Authority in their expansion plans, said DP World group chairman and ceo Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem.

Our investments and commitment to Canada are for the long term, contributing to trade and the development of its national and local economies as well as providing employment for people with a leader of world trade. Our international experience and expertise will be further enhanced with this project.

Saint John Port Authority ceo Jim Quinn has hailed the DP World agreement which will see an immediate investment in post-panamax cranes and additional gantry cranes and container handling equipment.

We are delighted to welcome DP World as the new operator of Rodney Container Terminal and to share in the expansion project for the terminal. The commitments that DP World has made to invest in equipment and systems, commercial promotion and sustainability are critical for the long-term success of the project, said Quinn.



The transaction is not subject to any pre-closing Canadian regulatory approvals.
By PTI: From Gurdip Singh

Singapore, Jul 31 (PTI) S R Nathan, a former Singapore President of Indian-origin today suffered a stroke and is in a critical condition in the ICU.

92-year-old Nathan suffered a stroke early this morning and is in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Singapore general hospital, the Prime Ministers Office said in a statement.

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Nathan was Singapores sixth and longest-serving president, had earlier suffered a stroke in April last year.

Following that his family said he was recovering and undergoing therapy.

Nathan was in office for two terms from 1999 to 2011 and officially stepped down as President on August 31, 2011 after announcing that he would not seek a third term in office. He was succeeded by President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

After stepping down, Nathan took up appointments as Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies and at the Singapore Management Universitys School of Social Sciences.

Prior to becoming President, he held key positions in the civil service, in security, intelligence and foreign affairs.

He was appointed as Singapores High Commissioner to Malaysia in 1988 and later Singapores Ambassador to the United States of America from 1990 to 1996.

He also served as Singapores Ambassador-at-Large, and later pro-chancellor of the National University of Singapore.

He is also a recipient of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest honour accorded to the Indian-origins oversees by the Indian government in 2012. PTI GS KJ SAI AKJ KJ

--- ENDS ---
Biomimicry refers to the design of materials and structures based on plants, animals or natural processes. Scientists have been at this stuff for decades, but recent reports suggest that one British researcher has taken things to a whole new level. Julian Huguet does the math in today's DNews report.

Emeritus Professor Wanda Lewis, from the University of Warwick School of Engineering, has spent the last 25 years studying forms and shapes in nature, and developing precise mathematical models for use in engineering.

Lewis recently unveiled her findings -- including a system called "form-finding" -- and it may very well revolutionize the way we build things. In particular, Lewis contends that her models can be used to build virtually indestructible bridges. That would be nice, considering that there are an estimated 58,000 bridges in the U.S. alone deemed structurally deficient.

The basic gist is this: The arches and domes that builders have been using for several thousand years now create complex stresses than weaken structures over time. This is why buildings and bridges need constant monitoring and maintenance. The shapes that we're used to are largely informed by aesthetic principles -- they're symmetrical and proportioned and pleasing to the eye. But they aren't necessarily structurally sound.

RELATED: World-Record Bridges, Tunnels Defy All Logic

But by looking to nature, Lewis contends, we can actually take a fundamentally new approach to engineering that minimizes or eliminates complex stresses. Lewis form-finding models implement natural design principles drawn from the shape of trees, the architecture of a water bubble, and even the very process of gravity itself.

'We have been programmed to view some shapes, such as circular arches or spherical domes as aesthetic," Lewis says in press materials from the university. "We often build them regardless of the fact that they generate complex stresses, and are, therefore, structurally inefficient."

Lewis' research includes proposals on the concept of optimal arch, which has been debated throughout history. Her work has just been published in the equally historic journal Proceedings of the Royal Society.

Check out Julian's report for some helpful visuals on how all this comes together, along with some interesting historical connections to Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, who was hip to biomimicry when biomimicry wasn't hip at all.

-- Glenn McDonald

Learn More:

Proceedings Of The Royal Society A: Mathematical Model Of A Moment-Less Arch

BBC: Nine Incredible Buildings Inspired By Nature

The Verge: 130 Years Later, Modern Software Helps Complete Gaudi's Architectural Masterpiece
Learn More:



Alerts and Warnings

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html

"We issue a Travel Warning when we want you to consider very carefully whether you should go to a country at all. "



FCO travel advice mapped: the world according to Britain's diplomats

http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2011/mar/23/fco-travel-advice-map

"The world is a scary place right now; what with the Japan disaster and the Arab and Middle East unrest."



10 countries Americans need advance visas to visit

http://gadling.com/2011/08/17/10-countries-americans-need-advance-visas-to-visit/

"We live in an increasingly borderless world and we have access to many countries that were closed (or non-existent) 20 years ago."



Henley & Partners

https://www.mycbs.biz/data/ranking-de-pasaportes.pdf


By PTI: From Gurdip Singh

Singapore, Jul 31 (PTI) S R Nathan, a former Singapore President of Indian-origin today suffered a stroke and is in a critical condition in the ICU.

92-year-old Nathan suffered a stroke early this morning and is in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Singapore general hospital, the Prime Ministers Office said in a statement.

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Nathan was Singapores sixth and longest-serving president, had earlier suffered a stroke in April last year.

Following that his family said he was recovering and undergoing therapy.

Nathan was in office for two terms from 1999 to 2011 and officially stepped down as President on August 31, 2011 after announcing that he would not seek a third term in office. He was succeeded by President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

After stepping down, Nathan took up appointments as Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies and at the Singapore Management Universitys School of Social Sciences.

Prior to becoming President, he held key positions in the civil service, in security, intelligence and foreign affairs.

He was appointed as Singapores High Commissioner to Malaysia in 1988 and later Singapores Ambassador to the United States of America from 1990 to 1996.

He also served as Singapores Ambassador-at-Large, and later pro-chancellor of the National University of Singapore.

He is also a recipient of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest honour accorded to the Indian-origins oversees by the Indian government in 2012. PTI GS KJ SAI AKJ KJ NTR

--- ENDS ---
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Here is the latest proof of Pokemon Gos cultural reach: Two San Francisco politicians battled each other Saturday to see who could catch the most creatures that dont really exist.

The contest involved Jane Kim and Scott Wiener, two supervisors now running for the state Senate seat that represents San Francisco. And if the face-off was all in fun, the way it was conducted offered a glimpse of the two candidates campaign styles  as well as the extent to which the smartphone craze has permeated the local landscape.

You dont realize how many people are playing until youre part of it, Weiner said as he waited for the results to be tallied from the two-hour quest. Id be near groups of people staring at their phones, sneak a peek and then realize its Pokemon.

Kim challenged Wiener to the contest not long after the Pokemon Go app, created by local firm Niantic, became a frothy sensation in a summer dominated by more ominous news. Wiener had rebuffed other challenges from the Kim campaign, such as a pledge to avoid defamatory attacks, but agreed to this one promptly.

Saturday, as the supervisors waited to begin their competition at the 24th Street BART Station in the Mission, they spun their own versions of past challenges. Wiener dismissed them as political grandstanding, while Kim called her initiatives serious challenges.

This time, though, our campaign was just having fun, Kim said. This just seemed like a way to lighten things up, and take part in a national craze born here.

According to Kim, the extent of her preparation work before Saturday was a 20-minute training (Friday), but I didnt really understand it. Wiener applied himself more earnestly: I tried to practice so I wouldnt make a fool of myself.

The two approached the contest differently as well.

The rules agreed on were straightforward  each candidate would have two hours to catch as many Pokemon as possible. They could also be assisted by three teammates. They could go wherever they wanted, but couldnt buy anything on the app along the way to boost their numbers (the Pokemon version of steroids, apparently).

When the (figurative) starting gun sounded, Wiener and his threesome piled into a supporters car and headed to the Ferry Building, where they spent more than an hour chasing down whatever it is that hovers in the Pokemon-charged air.

I just went where my team told me to go, Wiener said afterward. One of the secrets Ive learned in life is to realize that I only know so much.

Kim and her team, by contrast, relied on a ground game  walking briskly to Lilac Alley between 25th and 26th streets, where the murals apparently are infused with Pokemon of all sizes and shapes.

This is a really good location, with a lot of Pokestops and lures, explained Noelle Duong, a volunteer coordinator for the Kim campaign. We thought it would be faster than driving somewhere in San Francisco.

Asked if having a novice on the team was slowing them down, Duongs campaign sense kicked in: No! Shes awesome sauce. Jane urges us on.

At times, though, Kim looked a bit befuddled  as when she stopped mid-sentence to exclaim, I got something that looks like a big deal, because it looks humongous.

Two hours after they went off in different directions, the two teams were back at the 24th Street plaza. Scores were tallied and the winner was  Team Kim, with 738 points to the Wiener quartets 674.

Besides bragging rights, the challenge included a wager: $500 from the loser to the winners charity of choice. Wiener donated $500 to At the Crossroads, a nonprofit that works with homeless youth. Kim agreed to pay off as well, with a $500 contribution to Project Open Hand, which provides food to people in need.

This shows that walking is good for you, Kim said, referring to the decision to focus more on neighborhood efforts than the lure of the downtown destinations. The other thing she learned? I totally get now why people playing this walk into things.

John King is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron
PHILADELPHIA  With the primary elections long past and the partisan cheers of Julys party conventions fading away, its game on for presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

And both candidates have to plot a course to victory while most American voters dont much like either of them. Trump is viewed unfavorably by a startling 57 percent of American voters, according to the RealClearPolitics poll of polls. But Clinton fares just a tick better, at 56 percent.

The next president could be the candidate voters dislike the least, said Tony Quinn, a former GOP consultant who now edits the nonpartisan California Target Book. There is a lot of unhappiness out there.

But the just-concluded conventions provide clear signs of the very different paths Trump and Clinton hope to take to victory on Nov. 8, just 100 days away.

In a gloomy jeremiad to the Republican delegates at their Cleveland convention, Trump painted a picture of America as a fearful country on the brink, threatened by disasters of its current leaders making.

Our convention occurs at a moment of crisis for our nation, the New York City developer said. The attacks on our police, and the terrorism in our cities, threaten our very way of life. Any politician who does not grasp this danger is not fit to lead our country.

Clinton talked of a country on the rise after years of troubles.

We are clear-eyed about what our country is up against, the former secretary of state said. But we are not afraid. We will rise to the challenge as we always have.

Those competing views of America are likely to dominate the fall campaign, said Henry Brady, dean of the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley.

Clinton must acknowledge that people are feeling angry and then turn lemons into lemonade, he said. Trump has focused on the lemons.

The question for Trump, though, is whether fear is enough to win an election, Brady said.

Is there an upper limit? he asked. This year, some voters are so propelled by fear and anger that theyre just glad to have a candidate who will make major changes.

If the angry GOP conservatives at the Republican convention and the disappointed progressives who backed Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders for the Democratic nomination are both calling for a president who will blow up the political status quo, a candidate looking to win has to bend to that prevailing breeze.

Michael Short/Special To The Chronicle

Trump, in his first run for political office, can easily take up the mantle of Howard Beale, the mad prophet of the airways in the 1976 movie Network, throwing open the metaphorical window and shouting, Were mad as hell and were not going to take this anymore.

But for Clinton, its not that easy.

Speaking at the convention Tuesday, Bill Clinton pitched his wife as the best darn change-maker Ive ever met in my entire life. But selling that makeover is going to be hard for someone who has spent a lifetime in public service  and who voters dont trust very much.

All of a sudden (Clinton is) for free college tuition and a $15-an-hour minimum wage, positions pushed by Sanders, said G. Terry Madonna, director of the Center for Politics and Public Affairs at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., and director of the schools respected poll. Shes an establishment candidate, running as part of the political class, but they have to convince people that shes a change agent because were in a period where people are frustrated and want change.

Clintons move to the left isnt enough for some Sanders supporters, something she must overcome because so many Democrats voted for him in the primaries. Last week, Jennifer Smith, who backed Sanders, walked around Philadelphia carrying a sign that read Indict Hillary. Her husband, Christian, carried another that said, Over the Hill. They werent sure who they would be voting for in November.

Im voting in November, was all that Christian Smith would offer. Ill decide in November. I really cant believe in Hillary Clinton.

Trump faces troubles of his own. While he was able to romp past a huge and varied field of contenders in the GOP primaries through the force of his outsize personality, his relentless personal attacks and his appeal to disgruntled conservatives, hes going to face a new level of scrutiny in his one-on-one showdown with Clinton.

Promises to put America first, build a wall and make America great again all work better as campaign slogans than as detailed policy statements. And while freshness may be a plus among voters eager for a new political face, theyre less happy if that becomes a synonym for inexperience.

Trump has to convince voters that hes capable of doing the job of president and that he knows economics and foreign policy, Quinn said. So far, Trump hasnt shown that he knows the stuff or that hes interested in learning.

Theres nothing conventional about Trumps outsider campaign, which is heavy on high-visibility, TV-friendly rallies and news conferences and, at least for now, short on the policy papers, voter registration drives and large-scale volunteer efforts of a typical run for office.

Its an effort focused not on policies, but on him and Clinton, whose legacy, he said in his acceptance speech, is death, destruction and weakness.

By contrast, he is running his campaign as the law-and-order candidate, who says, when it comes to what he and his supporters see as a rigged political system, I alone can fix it.

Theres no precedent for the type of one-man show Trump is running, said Brady, the UC Berkeley dean. But thats been the story of Trumps effort since the day he announced he was running for president.

Trump is way, way, way behind Clinton in all the usual measures of running a national campaign, but he doesnt seem to care, Brady said. He just seems to believe he can (run his campaign) by making tweets, and so far it seems to have worked.

At the convention, and probably for the rest of the campaign, Clinton set herself up as the anti-Trump, a wonk from a middle-class family with years of experience who will sweat the details of policy. And who also happens to be the first woman ever nominated for president by a major party.

The last day of the Democratic convention featured a stream of independents, Republicans, progressives, military officers, entertainment figures and minority leaders, all enthusiastically endorsing Clinton.

I will be the president for Democrats, Republicans and independents, she said in her speech. For the struggling, the striving and the successful. For those who vote for me and those who dont. For all Americans.

Its a big-tent strategy that Clinton and her team are convinced will overshadow what they see as Trumps more limited backing. But theres also the worry that a campaign that promises something for everyone might not provide enough for anyone.

And hanging over the presidential race are polls showing that 70 percent of Americans believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, worrisome news for any veteran politician, but not so much for a political rookie like Trump.

People are not going to believe everything is hunky-dory, Quinn said.

John Wildermuth and Joe Garofoli are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com, jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth, @joegarofoli
When Eduardo Nunez learned he was traded to the Giants, he figured he was joining a hot team. They were in first place, after all.

Nunez didnt know his new team was playing poorly since the All-Star break or couldnt hit a lick with runners in scoring position.

At least not until manager Bruce Bochy addressed the deficiencies in a team meeting Friday.

I just found out last night we were struggling in the second half of the season, Nunez said after hitting a bases-loaded double in the Giants 5-3 victory over the Nationals on Saturday. Im glad we started playing better baseball  starting today.

Acquired from the last-place Twins for pitching prospect Adalberto Mejia on Thursday, Nunez pinch hit Friday and made the final out. Saturday, he played shortstop for Brandon Crawford (bruised thumb) and led off for Denard Span (sore quadriceps).

And he was exactly what the Giants needed.

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 5 1 of 5 Tony Avelar/Associated Press Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Tony Avelar/Associated Press Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images Show More Show Less 5 of 5









That kind of addition is a big uplift to see the speed and power and good at-bats, said Hunter Pence, who returned to the lineup after missing 48 games with a right hamstring injury and doubled off the wall in his first at-bat. Hes an incredible ballplayer, and hes a huge addition.

Catcher Buster Poseys first impression of Nunez, who went 2-for-5 with two RBIs and a stolen base, his 28th?

Hes very dynamic, Posey said. He has a lot of tools, and the versatility will be huge for us.

The Giants entered the day with the majors second lowest average with runners in scoring position since the break, and they added seven hitless at-bats to the list before Nunez stepped to the plate in the fourth inning with the Giants trailing 3-0.

Nunezs double to right-center scored Brandon Belt and Joe Panik, and Mac Williamson slid headfirst into the plate moments later when Angel Pagan grounded to first.

That tied it at 3-3, and the Giants scored twice off old friend Yusmeiro Petit in the seventh on Paniks sacrifice fly and Trevor Browns bases-loaded walk. Six relievers combined for five scoreless innings, with Santiago Casilla pitching a perfect ninth for his 23rd save.

Second-half struggles? What second-half struggles? Nunez would never have guessed.

Maybe thats a good thing he didnt know, Crawford said. Its contagious.

Before Saturday, the Giants had lost 11 of 13 since the All-Star break. But theyre 1-0 with Pence and Nunez in the lineup together. Pence heard cheers throughout the game and acknowledged fans after jogging to right field in the first inning, calling it a special moment.

Pence made a fifth-inning mistake, getting doubled off second on a fly to left, and took it as a positive experience (only he would do that) because it was a reminder not to force things.

The best news for the Giants: My legs felt great, Pence said, especially hitting.

Jake Peavy lasted just four innings and 74 pitches and exited for a pinch-hitter, Williamson, who drew a walk ahead of Nunezs double. Bochy was desperate for a rally, and the move paid off. He admitted to managing with urgency because of the recent woes.

Weve got to start getting runs on the board, Bochy said. It was one of those games weve got to throw everything out there to try to win.

Peavy thought he had Bryce Harper struck out with two outs in the third but walked him and gave up a two-run homer to Anthony Rendon. Danny Espinosa doubled home the Nationals final run in the fourth.

John Shea is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jshea@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JohnSheaHey
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In August 2013, a month before Breaking Bad aired its finale, actress Anna Gunn wrote a widely discussed New York Times essay to try to make sense of the audience hostility directed toward her character, Skyler White. After five years of playing the wife of Bryan Cranstons chemistry teacher-turned-meth kingpin and two Emmy Awards, Gunn found herself the center of the storm of Skyler hate. The Facebook page I Hate Skyler White was liked by tens of thousands.

I wondered why people had this vitriolic hatred of Skyler, and came to the conclusion that she angered people because she made them look at this question of how we still expect women to act, whether as a wife or a professional, and the imperative to be, above all, likable, says Gunn..

Exploring that likability factor, Gunn said recently by phone from Los Angeles, is in part what attracted her to her first post-Breaking Bad feature role in the movie Equity. Gunn plays Naomi Bishop, an ambitious, razor-sharp investment banker trying to break through the finance industrys uppermost glass ceiling.

As Naomi takes a controversial tech company public, she faces pressure from above, and from the startups arrogant young founder (Samuel Roukin), to win at all costs, while batting away her encroaching self-doubt.

I was really fascinated with playing a woman whose career is at the forefront, not necessarily being a mom or a wife, says Gunn. Naomi is this fierce warrior who has gotten herself to the top of a male-dominated profession, and she has sacrificed a lot along the way.

Billing itself as the first female-driven Wall Street movie, Equity is a rare entity in todays Hollywood: a feature film written, produced, financed, directed and starring women.

Equity is the inaugural project of Broad Street Pictures, founded in 2015 by actor-producers Sarah Megan Thomas (Backwards) and Alysia Reiner (Fig on Orange Is the New Black) to bring stories to the screen from more diverse viewpoints.

Equity probes such timely issues as pay equity, gender bias in the workplace and whether women can have it all, yet deftly wraps its weighty themes in an entertaining, tautly paced thriller.

At a recent Equity screening for Bay Area women in finance, Reiner explained that the film is based on many, many interviews we did with women in top positions on Wall Street. Several of those interviewed became key investors in the movie, including Barclays Vice Chairwoman Barbara Byrne.

We set out to tell a happier, more optimistic story, but well into the research we found that the inequities, the stories of not being valued, of hitting a certain level in the industry and realizing there is still a glass ceiling, were too commonplace to avoid, said Reiner, who plays a Justice Department investigator looking into malfeasance at Naomis firm. We decided to tell the truth of what we saw and heard, and not Hallmark it.

Thomas, who plays Naomis shrewd subordinate and had the initial idea for Equity, describes the movie as intentionally a very different, hopefully more realistic and less moralistic portrayal of Wall Street than seen in recent films The Wolf of Wall Street and The Big Short.

There are no hookers, no cocaine, and no one is in a bubble bath, Reiner says. But there is plenty of drama.

I was told over and over by women who are both investors and inspiration for this film that they were constantly having to tread a fine line between being too tough and coming across as abrasive, and on the other hand not being perceived as too soft, says Gunn, who will be seen this fall in Sully, about heroic pilot Chesley Sullenberger, opposite Tom Hanks. I dont know that men necessarily have to worry about that so much.

That binary applies to any woman in a leadership position  a director or producer, a banker or a political candidate, adds director Meera Menon (Farrah Goes Bang).

Statistics for Wall Street and Hollywood are incredibly, and depressingly, similar about how many women there are at the top, says Reiner. (Four percent of Hollywood feature films are directed by women. Four percent of CEOs at S&P 500 firms are women.)

Women at the advance screening agreed that the movie felt accurate about the competition, sacrifices and high-intensity atmosphere that both intoxicated and infuriated them about work in high-level finance.

I worked for many Naomis, said Linnea Roberts of Menlo Park, a Goldman Sachs advisory director and an Equity co-producer. Her character is typical by being single and not having children, having made a big sacrifice to advance her career as so many women have.

Reiner talked about wanting to make this highly entertaining Wall Street movie, with complex characters that could have just as easily been played by men, like a David Mamet play, and yet that also could incite change by opening peoples eyes to a world they havent seen.

I am a big believer in the life motto Be the change you want to see, she says. Sometimes you just need to put your money where your mouth is.

Jessica Zack is a freelance writer.

Equity (R) opens Friday, Aug. 12, at Bay Area theaters.

To see a trailer, go to www.sonyclassics.com/equity.
MIAMI  A mother and two of her children died in a shooting in their home early Sunday, family members said.

Police confirmed that a homicide investigation is ongoing after shots were fired just before 4 a.m. in the home in a neighborhood in southwest Miami-Dade County.

Family members said the shots rang out after Takeeya Fulton, a 39-year-old mother of six, got into an argument with the father of three of her children.

Both Fulton and her daughter, Nuckeria Harris, 19, were shot and died at the scene. Two of Fultons sons were also shot and airlifted to a local hospital.

Corey Bishop Jr., 17, later died at the hospital. The other boy, a 12-year-old, remained in critical condition. Fulton had three other children, who were not injured.

Police confirmed three people were killed and one was injured in the shooting, and the ages of the victims, but would not confirm identities or any description of the gunman. No arrests have been made.

Were investigating it to the fullest, said police spokeswoman Robin Pinkard. Its really early in the investigation.

Family, friends and co-workers gathered outside the home Sunday, speaking with police and mourning the loss of their loved ones. Even when it began raining, they stayed outside, hugging and wiping away tears.

Around 4 a.m., 34-year-old Shareka Jeffries got the call that her younger half-sister, Harris, had been shot.

I thought I was dreaming at first, said Jeffries, who lives down the street. I cant believe this happened.

She said her sister had just graduated from high school and was interested in joining the Army.

Evette Woodard drove with friends to the neighborhood when she heard the news that her friend and co-worker, Fulton, had been shot. The two women have been friends for more than 20 years as bus drivers with local public schools.

She was a good person, Woodard said.
SEATTLE  Genetically modified wheat not approved for sale or commercial production in the United States has been found growing in a field in Washington state, agriculture officials said, posing a possible risk to trade with countries concerned about engineered food.

The Food and Drug Administration says genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are safe, and little scientific concern exists about the safety of those on the market. But critics say not enough is known about their risks, and they want GMOs labeled so people know whats in their food.

On Friday, President Obama signed into law a bill that will require labeling of genetically modified ingredients for the first time. The legislation will require most food packages to carry a text label, a symbol or an electronic code readable by smartphone that indicates whether the food contains genetically modified organisms, or GMOs.

Several Asian countries temporarily banned U.S. wheat imports after genetically modified wheat was found unexpectedly in a field on an Oregon farm in 2013. It also popped up in a field at a university research center in Montana in 2014.

It wasnt immediately clear how altered wheat cropped up in Washington. But the Agriculture Department said there is no evidence it has entered the market. If it did, the FDA concluded that it is unlikely that the wheat would present any safety concerns if present in the food supply, the department said.

A farmer discovered 22 plants in an unplanted field, and the wheat was developed to be resistant to the herbicide known as Roundup, created by seed giant Monsanto, the USDA said. An agency spokeswoman did not know where in the state it was found.

Federal officials said they were working with the farmer to ensure that none of the modified wheat is sold. Out of caution, the agency said it is holding and testing the farmers full wheat harvest, but so far it has not found GMOs.

The plants are a type of wheat that had been evaluated in limited field trials in the Pacific Northwest from 1998 to 2001 but never commercialized, Monsanto said in a statement. It said the type found in Washington state is similar to the one discovered in Oregon three years ago.
It was not clear when operations would return to normal. Kurdish peshmerga forces, which have controlled Kirkuk and surrounding areas for two years, were searching nearby villages for militants suspected of involvement in the attacks.

By Reuters: Islamic State militants stormed two energy facilities in northern Iraq on Sunday, killing at least five workers and shutting down a major oil pumping station, security and oil sources said.

The first attack, on the AB2 gas compressor station, about 15 km (10 miles) northwest of Kirkuk, started around 0300 (0000 GMT) when four gunmen with hand grenades broke through an external door in an attack that left two guards in critical condition.

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SECURITY FORCES FREED 15 EMPLOYEES

They then shot dead four employees in a control room inside and planted explosives charges, around five of which went off, the sources said.

Forces from the elite counter-terrorism service stormed the facility, regained control and freed 15 other employees who had hidden in a separate room.

Security sources believe the attackers escaped to the Bai Hassan oil station, 25 km further northwest, the sources said.

1 ASSAILANT KILLED IN CROSSFIRE

There they launched a similar attack, one detonating his explosive vest at an external gate to allow the others to enter. Once inside the facility, two more assailants set off their explosive vests, destroying an oil storage tank.

The fourth assailant was later killed in clashes with security forces. An oil engineer was also killed and six policemen were injured, security sources said.

The attack forced the suspension of activity at an oil station which had been pumping 55,000 barrels per day to the northern Kurdish region, oil sources said.

It was not clear when operations would return to normal. Kurdish peshmerga forces, which have controlled Kirkuk and surrounding areas for two years, were searching nearby villages for militants suspected of involvement in the attacks.

OIL FACILITIES STILL ON TARGET

Amaq news agency, which supports Islamic State, said in a message distributed online that Islamic State fighters had stormed the Bai Hassan facility, but made no mention of the earlier attack.

The group has previously targeted oil facilities in the area with explosives, repeatedly targeting oil wells at Khabbaz oilfield southwest of Kirkuk.

The militants, who seized a third of the OPEC producer's territory in 2014, have lost many areas to an array of Iraqi forces backed by U.S.-led coalition air strikes but still control the northern city of Mosul, their de facto capital in Iraq.

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The actor has returned to continue shooting Star Plus' Yeh Hai Mohabbatein after his honeymoon in London with wife Ankita Bhargava.

By India Today Web Desk: Karan Patel and the love of his life, Ankita Bhargava, had been married for a year before the stars finally got the opportunity to take some time off work.

Famous for his role as Raman Bhalla in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein on Star Plus right now, Karan Bhalla was busy taking in the sites of London with Ankita earlier this month.

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And since he had already shot his part of the upcoming sequence of the show, Karan was in no hurry to return to the sets for shooting. He is, however, back--and how!

Karan's co-stars on Yeh Hai Mohabbatein--Divyanka Tripathi especially--had been waiting eagerly for the friend and partner-in-crime to return to the sets of their beloved show. No wonder then that she decided to give him this special welcome:

Someone is back and fresh ??? A photo posted by Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya (@divyankatripathidahiya) on Jul 30, 2016 at 6:34am PDT



"Someone is back and fresh ;)" reads the caption.

Can't say we're not looking forward to a fresher Karan in the upcoming episodes of the show!

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Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in a series of tweets criticised the BJP-PDP government for its differing statements on the killing of Burhan Wani.

By India Today Web Desk: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah today slammed the BJP-PDP government by saying 'confusion abound' over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burwan Wani.

After Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti stated that the security forces were unaware of the presence of Wani at the encounter site, BJP-PDP deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh on Saturday called the incident an accident.

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Omar was quick to express his displeasure at the barrage of contradicting statements from the leader. In his tweet, the former J&K CM lambasted the leaders by asking if it was fair to call it an accident after the death of countless civilians.

"The #BJP-PDP Deputy CM (Nirmal Singh) calls the Burhan Wani encounter and death an accident. 50 people have died and countless injured after this accident," his tweet read.



The #BJPDP Deputy CM calls the Burhan Wani encounter & death "an accident" 50 people have died & countless injured after this "accident". Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) July 30, 2016

In another tweet laden with criticism he said that while the deputy CM termed it as an accident, Mufti was rewarding the personnel involved in Wani's encounter.



"The CM (Mehbooba Mufti) rewards the personnel involved in this encounter and the Deputy CM calls it an accident.Confusion abounds and people suffer," his tweet read.



The CM rewards the personnel involved in this encounter & the Deputy CM calls it an "accident". Confusion abounds & people suffer. Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) July 30, 2016

On Saturday, Singh said that the troops were unaware of the presence of Wani at the encounter site. He said the security forces involved in the operation had informed them about the operation saying that there were three terrorists. But they were not aware about the identity of the terrorists.



SINGH RETRACTS



Singh's statements triggered criticism and he later remarked that he never said that it was accident. "I never said that. A correspondent said the government has failed after the killing of Burhan Wani. I was explaining that since it was a routine anti-terror operation, suppose the security forces had been knowing that, precautions would have been taken. They were not knowing it as they told us. I was just explaining this thing," he said clarifying his stand.

Singh's clarification did not go well with Omar who questioned the differing statements in a series of tweets.

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"Oh! so now Burhan's killing was deliberate? Unbelievable how many different versions of these events have been given!"



Oh so now Burhan's killing was deliberate? Unbelievable how many different versions of these events have been given! https://t.co/7bG8JWV2BL Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) July 30, 2016

"The CM had said that Burhan Wani would have been spared. Can we please have the J&K state government on same page," he asked.



The CM had said that Burhan Wani would have been spared. Can we please have the J&K state government on same page? https://t.co/xk6Do0y8Ep Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) July 30, 2016

Also read:

Kashmir unrest: Killing of Burhan Wani was an accident, says Deputy CM Nirmal Singh

Wish PM had mentioned Kashmir situation in Mann Ki Baat: Omar



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Kerala teacher made a Facebook post describing how a student suffering from allergy was helped by fellow students. The post went viral and inspired many to see education from a different, new perspective.

By Vivek Surendran: The human race succeeded in dominating the world because of the ability to think, learn and communicate. Ideally, the sole purpose of education should have been to make each individual sensible, kind, cooperative, rational, unbiased, sympathetic (if not empathetic) and to sharpen their intellect and skill to be used in a way that will be beneficial for the society. In short, to make everyone competent and skillful to make the world better.

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Sadly, that is not the case now.

Children are sent to schools, and eventually colleges, so that they secure a good job. A well-paying job, or a job at least, ensures some sort of financial security. Next step is to ensure these young adults are 'settled' -- yes, a marriage, own house, sufficient bank balance and a car -- and after that the cycle repeats. Academic excellence is measured by the marks/grades they score, and that decides which school, college, company they will go to next.

Children are made to believe that all what's said above matters more than understanding what they're learning from the books, than knowing when and where to apply it in real life, than realising hidden social evils and fighting it, than cooperating with each other to build a better space for everyone, than being kind to and helping those who are in need, than supporting those who deserve it and most importantly, than living in the present without being anxious about the future doing whatever one could to make themselves and others happy.

Out of millions of teachers in India, there are a few who believe academic excellence sure matters, but being good human beings matter more. One such teacher is Saji Jacob, teaching at a government school in Kerala, the kind of teacher every student deserve, but doesn't get. He ensures his children learn what's in the books, but also what's necessary to become a good, skillful human being. He encourages students to mingle with each other regardless of their age, gender, sex, religion and instills in them the unbiased civic sense and humanity every individual should ideally have.

Jacob made a Facebook post on July 29 describing an incident that happened in his school and that left him amused, happy and hopeful, all at the same time. Here's a close translation of the post he made in Malayalam.

"When I reached the class yesterday, I saw students, in different small groups, discussing something very seriously. Yashwant's entire body had rashes and boils, possibly due to some allergy.

Photo: Facebooksajijacob

A few students ran to get Tulsi leaves, some of them to get turmeric and returned in a matter of minutes. They asked Yashwant to eat some Tulsi leaves, some of them crushed the leaves and applied on his body.

Photo: Facebooksajijacob Photo: Facebooksajijacob

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Amid all this, Arya and Fida came to me running. "There is a better medicine at my house, we will bring that," they said. They had apparently used it when they got a similar allergy. I nodded, and they got it as soon as they could. It was calamine lotion.

Photo: Facebooksajijacob

They removed Yashwant's shirt themselves, applied the lotion on his body. Rashes and boils disappeared in an hour. I was silently observing all this, wondering aren't all these what we should be expecting from children than academic excellence."

Photo: Facebooksajijacob

The post has, by now, been shared nearly 4,000 times. Acclaimed Malayalam director Aashiq Abu shared the post too. The comments below Jacob's post laud the students for being thoughtful and helpful. Many are of the opinion that these kids will turn into citizens who would take the plunge and help others in case of emergencies and won't be a part of that herd who pull out their phones to record what's happening.

But like always, there are people who are cynical about it, saying this innocence, this helping mentality shown by these children will drain away by the time they become teenagers, that is in another five to six years.

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There is even one fellow who commented, "A Muslim 'woman' applying medicine on a Hindu 'man' and wondering how the girl is still alive. That's the sad part about the society, right? Such people exist.

The post is being extensively shared because many think this is the ideal world, where people helps one another regardless or caste, gender and religion and because they feel education should have the power to make them believe in this basic concept.

Don't you think so, too?





--- ENDS ---
ROUEN, France  In a gesture of solidarity following the gruesome killing of a French priest, Muslims on Sunday attended Catholic Mass in churches and cathedrals across France and Italy.

A few dozen Muslims gathered at the towering Gothic cathedral in Rouen, near St.-Etienne-du-Rouvray where the 85-year-old Rev. Jacques Hamel had his throat slit by two teenage Muslim fanatics on Tuesday.

We are very moved by the presence of our Muslim friends, and I believe it is a courageous act that they did by coming to us, Dominique Lebrun, the archbishop of Rouen, said after the service.

Some Muslims sat in the front row, across from the altar. Among the parishioners was one of the nuns who was briefly taken hostage at Hamels church after the priest was killed. She joined her fellow Catholics in turning to shake hands or embrace the Muslim churchgoers after the service.

Outside the church, a group of Muslims were applauded when they unfurled a banner: Love for all. Hate for none.

Churchgoer Jacqueline Prevot said that the attendance of Muslims was a magnificent gesture.

Look at this whole Muslim community that attended Mass, she said. I find this very heartwarming. I am confident. I say to myself that this assassination wont be lost, that it will maybe relaunch us better than politics can do; maybe we will react in a better way.

Similar interfaith gatherings were held elsewhere in France, as well as in neighboring Italy.

At Paris Notre Dame cathedral, Dalil Boubakeur, the rector of the Mosque of Paris, said Muslims want to live in peace.

The situation is serious, Boubakeur told BFMTV. Time has come to come together so as not to be divided.

In Italy, the secretary general of the countrys Islamic Confederation, Abdullah Cozzolino, spoke from the altar in the Treasure of St. Gennaro chapel next to Naples Duomo cathedral. Three imams also attended Mass at the St. Maria Church in Romes Trastevere neighborhood, donning their traditional dress as they entered the sanctuary and sat down in the front row.

Mohammed ben Mohammed, a member of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy, said he called on faithful in his sermon Friday to report anyone who may be intent to damage society. I am sure that there are those among the faithful who are ready to speak up.

Ahmed El Balazi, the imam of the Vobarno mosque in the Lombard province of Brescia, said he did not fear repercussions for speaking out.

I am not afraid. ... These people are tainting our religion, and it is terrible to know that many people consider all Muslim terrorists. That is not the case, El Balazi said. Religion is one thing. Another is the behavior of Muslims who dont represent us.

Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni thanked Italian Muslims for their participation, saying they are showing their communities the way of courage against fundamentalism.

Meanwhile the Paris prosecutors office said it has requested that a cousin of one of the two 19-year-olds who slit the priests throat should be charged with participating in a terrorist association with the aim of harming others.

In a statement it said it appeared 30-year-old Frenchman Farid K. knew very well, if not of the exact place or time, of his cousins impending plans for violence.
1 Turkey coup attempt: Turkish courts on Saturday released more than 800 enlisted conscripts who were under arrest as part of the investigation into the July 15 failed coup, the state-run Anadolu news agency said. In Istanbul, 758 out of 989 conscripts under arrest were freed after prosecutors recommended their release on the grounds they did not pose a flight risk. Another 47 conscripts were released by a court in Ankara on similar grounds. According to the latest figures by Interior Minister Efkan Ala, more than 9,000 people, mostly in the military, have been put under arrest in the aftermath of the failed coup, which caused the deaths of more than 200 people.

2 Deadly floods: Indian authorities on Saturday tried to rescue thousands of people stranded in flooded villages after a week of heavy rains killed at least 52 people and uprooted tens of thousands of others from their homes in the states of Assam in the northeast and Bihar in the east. Vast tracts of Assams Kaziranga National Park were under water, the state government said. Floods are an annual occurrence in Assam and many parts of India during the June-September monsoon season.
ISTANBUL  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a presidential decree Sunday that introduced sweeping changes to Turkeys military in the wake of a failed coup, bringing the armed forces further under civilian authority.

The decree, the third issued under a three-month state of emergency declared after the attempted July 15 coup, gives the president and prime minister the authority to issue direct orders to the commanders of the army, air force and navy.

It also announces the discharge of 1,389 military personnel, including Erdogans chief military adviser, the chief of general staffs charge daffaires and the defense ministers chief secretary.

The changes are part of a broad crackdown in the aftermath of the abortive putsch, which Erdogan blames on of U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who he says was behind the coup. Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, denies any knowledge of the attempt to overthrow the government.

Authorities have continued to search for army personnel suspected of participation in the failed coup. A nighttime operation outside the Aegean resort town of Marmaris in the early hours of Monday captured nine people suspected of being part of a group that raided a hotel at which Erdogan had been staying during the coup.

Erdogan had been on vacation in Marmaris when the coup occurred. A group of soldiers who raided his hotel in an attempt to capture or kill him is believed to have missed the president by an hour or less.

Apart from apprehending those who directly participated in the putsch, the government has sought to crack down on those suspected of being members of Gulens movement and has been bringing the military under increasing civilian control.

Sundays presidential decree puts military commands directly under the defense ministry, gathers all military hospitals under the authority of the health ministry and expands the Supreme Military Council  the body that makes decisions on military affairs and appointments  to include Turkeys deputy prime ministers and its justice, foreign and interior ministers.

It also shuts down all military schools, academies and non-commissioned officer training institutes and establishes a new national defense university to train officers.

More than 10,000 people have been arrested in the crackdown, most of whom are military personnel. Thousands more have been detained and nearly 70,000 people have been suspended or dismissed from their jobs in the education, media, health care, military and judicial sectors.

The governments crackdown has caused concern among the countrys Western allies, who have urged restraint. Turkey has demanded the speedy extradition of Gulen from the United States, but Washington has asked for evidence he was involved in the attempted coup and says the U.S. extradition process must be allowed to take its course.
A solemn ceremony for Sepoy Babaloo Singh (29) and Sepoy Vishal Chaudhary (30) at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar was attended by Lt Gen Satish Dua, Chinar Corps Commander and all ranks.

By Ashraf Wani: Indian Army today paid befitting tributes to the two soldiers who were killed during a firefight in Nowgam sector along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district.

A solemn ceremony for Sepoy Babaloo Singh (29) and Sepoy Vishal Chaudhary (30) of 18 JAT at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar was attended by Lt Gen Satish Dua, Chinar Corps Commander and all ranks.

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The mortal remains of the martyrs will be flown for last rites to their native places where they will be laid to rest with full military honours.



THE BRAVEHEARTS

Babaloo Singh, hailing from Mathura, in his 11 years of service had been part of a number of operations against terrorists. He is survived by his wife Ravita Devi and two children, 6 year old son and 5 year old daughter.

Vishal Chaudhary, an ace shooter, was also an experienced soldier in Counter Terrorist Operations. He had been part of his unit's firing team. Hailing from Bulandshaher district of Uttar Pradesh, Chaudhary is survived by his wife Madhu Singh and triplets.

ALSO READ:

Two terrorists killed as army foils infiltration bid in Kupwara

Kupwara encounter: Captured terrorist is 22-year-old from Lahore; NIA to take custody



--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Los Angeles, Jul 31 (PTI) It could be difficult to improve the health of the English bulldog, one of the worlds unhealthiest dog breeds, from within its existing gene pool, according to new research.

The English bulldogs limited genetic diversity could minimise the ability of breeders to recreate healthy phenotypes from the existing genetic stock, which were created by human-directed selection for specific desired physical traits.

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Many large regions of the bulldogs genome have been altered to attain the extreme changes in its outward appearance.

This includes significant loss of genetic diversity in the region of the genome that contains many of the genes that regulate normal immune responses.

Despite this, the English bulldog is one of the most popular dog breeds, particularly in the US, where the bulldog was the fourth most popular pure breed in 2015.

"The English bulldog has reached the point where popularity can no longer excuse the health problems that the average bulldog endures in its often brief lifetime," said lead author, Niels Pedersen from University of California in the US.

"More people seemed to be enamoured with its appearance than concerned about its health," said Pedersen.

Improving health through genetic manipulations presumes that enough diversity still exists to improve the breed from within, and if not, to add diversity by outcrossing to other breeds.

"We found that little genetic wiggle room still exists in the breed to make additional genetic changes. These changes have occurred over hundreds of years but have become particularly rapid over the last few decades," said Pedersen.

"Breeders are managing the little diversity that still exists in the best possible manner, but there are still many individuals sired from highly inbred parents.

"Unfortunately eliminating all the mutations may not solve the problem as this would further reduce genetic diversity," said Pedersen.

This is the first broad-based assessment of genetic diversity in the English bulldog using DNA analysis rather than pedigrees.

The researchers sought to identify whether there is enough genetic diversity still existing within the breed to undertake significant improvements from within the existing gene pool.

The researchers examined 102 English bulldogs, 87 dogs from the US and 15 dogs from other countries.

These were genetically compared with an additional 37 English bulldogs presented to the US Davis Veterinary Clinical Services for health problems, to determine that the genetic problems of the English bulldogs were not the fault of commercial breeders or puppy mills.

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The findings appear in the journal Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. PTI SAR SAR

--- ENDS ---
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The judges have spoken.

After putting out a call for photographers at the professional, amateur and student level to submit their pictures of Freshkills Park, three winners of the "Fresh Look" photo contest were selected to be displayed in The Staten Island Arts Culture Lounge at the St. George Ferry Terminal.

Ryan Lavis' black and white landscape earned first-place honors in the professional division, while Jarred Sutton's gorgeous shot claimed the amateur title and Katsiaryna Sukhotskaya's portrait captured the student group.

Photos of the revamped park were judged by a panel in four separate categories (creativity, composition, content and artistic merit) to establish the winners in each of our three divisions.

At 2,200 acres, Freshkills Park will be almost three times the size of Central Park and the largest park developed in New York City in over 100 years. The transformation of what was formerly the world's largest landfill into a productive and beautiful cultural destination makes the park a symbol of renewal and an expression of how society can restore balance to its landscape.

"I feel like the dump defined what it meant to be from Staten Island for most of my childhood, so to see something as beautiful as this park take shape in its place is pretty incredible," said Lavis, a St. George resident. "The views are breathtaking, and it seems endless when you walk around in it."

Sutton, the amateur champion, described what it was like to be surrounded by the new features the park offers to the public.

"As I biked around this beautiful location I loved the contrast of industrial meets nature," Sutton said. "It's such a privilege to be able to capture a part of what was, but also the nature that has overtaken the site and now embodies what it truly can be."

SILive would like to congratulate all the winners and thank all of the photographers who submitted their work. It was a pleasure to view all of the photographs that you sent to embody what our borough's newest gem has to offer.

Below is the complete list of honorees:

First Place Winners

Ryan Lavis (Professional)

Jarred Sutton (Amateur)

Katsiaryna Sukhotskaya (Student)

Honorable Mentions

David Stoler

Mike Gloria

Brittny Thiel

Boris Sobolev

Anthony Penza

Amber Rose Orlin

Dimitrios Papanikos

Radha Hettiarachchi

Stephanie Sardelis

For more information on the park please visit Freshkills Park's website.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Two people were injured after their car plowed into a utility pole on Rockland Avenue near George Road in Egbertville Saturday night, according to an FDNY spokesman.

At approximately 11 p.m., emergency units responded to a motorist who crashed their vehicle into a pole outside of 75 Rockland Ave., said the spokesman.

Following the wreck, EMS was called to the scene and transported the motorist and passenger to Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, with minor injuries, added the spokesman.

According to police transmissions, Con Ed was summoned to the scene as well to assist in restoring electricity to the affected area.

Further information will be posted as it becomes available.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating a man sought for questioning in connection with the attempted rape of a woman in a church's bathroom.

Police said the man, who has been identified as Asuncion Moran Barrera, approached the 21-year-old female victim inside a woman's restroom in the gymnasium of Our Lady of Mount Carmel-St Benedicta School at 285 Clove Rd. in West Brighton on July 24 at 12:15 a.m.

He proceeded to grab the victim by the throat and push her down while unbuckling his pants, said police. The victim was able to exit the bathroom and resisted a second attempt to keep her downstairs, said police.

Barrera is a Hispanic male, 42, who is approximately 4-foot, 9-inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds. He has brown eyes, and salt and pepper hair, said police.



Anyone with information about 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.

FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- At Sunrise Day Camp -- a free summer camp for children with cancer and their siblings -- the focus is on having fun.

The camp, on the grounds of Mt. Loretto in Tottenville, is a place where kids can just be kids, and a place where cancer isn't talked about -- unless the campers want to talk about it.

"Parents say that all they used to talk about was cancer," said Rebecca Gallanter, assistant executive director of the Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Staten Island. "Now they talk about the fun they had at camp."

Watch the video above to see some of the campers in action.



Sunrise Day Camp programs, which offer free summer camps for children with cancer and their siblings in various areas, have operated since 2006 with the goal of bringing happiness and fun back into the lives of children who have faced an interrupted childhood.

The JCC partnered with the Catholic Charities of Staten Island to open a Sunrise Day Camp branch here. After two years of planning, the branch finally opened this summer.



The camp is open to children in the surrounding area and transportation is provided.

About 60 kids are enrolled in the program, but the camp usually sees just about 20 kids each day, one-third of the enrollment.

"We don't know who will be in each day," Gallanter said. "Some kids are in the hospital for treatment, some go on vacation and some just don't feel well."

The program is affiliated with area hospitals, including Richmond University Medical Center and Staten Island University Hospital, which recommend children to the camp.

The camp, for children between the ages of 3 and 15, is the sixth Sunrise Day Camp and the first in New York City.

Sunrise Day Camp has two locations in Israel; one in Long Island; one in Pearl River, N.Y., and a new location in Baltimore.

According to Gallanter, the JCC had to fundraise at least $500,000 to offer the camp this summer, and to be able to offer activities throughout the upcoming school year, including programming during school breaks and weekends.

The summer camp program runs for six weeks, Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., with options to extend the day into the morning or afternoon.

To make a donation or to enroll a camper, visit the Sunrise Day Camp website.
Donald Trump

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)

(Evan Vucci)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump sure does know how garner attention to himself for the things he both says and tweets. The latter is what befell him this time.

On Thursday, the last day of the Democratic National Convention, Lawyer Khizr Khan, father of Humayun Khan, a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient and Muslim U.S. soldier who died at the hands of a suicide bomber in Iraq in 2004, made this remark directly to Trump during his speech:

"Have you ever been to Arlington cemetery? Go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United State of America. You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing."

Post-DNC, Trump sat down with George Stephanopoulos on ABC News's "This Week" and responded to the accusation that he has "sacrificed nothing." What he said is what sparked the hashtag "#TrumpSacrifices" to trend this weekend.

"Who wrote that? Did Hillary's script writers write it?," Trump told Stephanopoulos. "I think I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs -- tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures. I've had tremendous success. I think I've done a lot."

"If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say ...Maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me."

Khan's wife, Ghazala, later explained to ABC News that she was still in pain over the loss of her son 12 years ago and couldn't bring herself to speak.

Here's a few tweet reactions to what Trump said on Saturday:

I would ask what kind of barbarian would attack the parents of a fallen soldier, but oh yeah it's the same person who attacks POW's.  Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) July 31, 2016

Once survived an entire weekend at Mar-a-Lago with just one can of hairspray. #TrumpSacrifices  Paul Begala (@PaulBegala) July 30, 2016

Once they were out of the Beluga caviar and he has to serve the Sterlet caviar. #TrumpSacrifices  Will McAvoy (@WillMcAvoyACN) July 31, 2016

To see so many people of every party and faith defend the Khans from Trump's slander reminds us:



America is already great.  Jon Favreau (@jonfavs) July 31, 2016

Her son is dead. This is inhuman. pic.twitter.com/5uTftniMzN  Tim Miller (@Timodc) July 30, 2016

Trump's slur against Captain Khan's mother is, even for him, beyond the pale. He has NO redeeming qualities.  John Weaver (@jwgop) July 30, 2016
By Mail Today Bureau: L'Opera, an authentic french pastry and bakery house, is all set to pamper their guests with an all new outlet at Epicuria in Nehru Place. It's a wonderland for those hooked with the 'connoisseur syndrome' with its cozy and inviting ambience goes perfectly with the collection of teas, coffees, French juices and sodas.

L'Opera has an array of fantastic French flavors on its menu, and has the ability to transport one directly to France. The appetizing aroma of the freshly baked bites, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, fills every corner of the elegantly lit and wellspaced restaurant.

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The bakery house offers a wide variety of products, which are meticulously prepared according to traditional recipes. At L'Opera, the intention is to continually satisfy the growing and diversified multitude of its customers and passionate sweets lovers. In a permanent quest to excel in the production of traditional and Viennese pastries and bakery products, the L'Opera team is composed of talented pastry and bakery chefs, whose experience in and mastery of their respective fields have long been established and proven consistently.

L'Opera has many signature products, one such being the croissant--a flaky, buttery Viennese product is the most traditional breakfast in France which is taken with a fresh cup of coffee. Amongst the varieties of croissants offered, the almond one is simply brilliant and has converted scores of food lovers to unconditional fans of L'Opera.

Also read: Epicuria Food Mall adds a new floor, full of your favourite restaurants



Another popular product is the Cereal Baguette, a delicious variety of brown bread which is crispy, and a favorite of the health-conscious. It contains melon seed and flaxseed, and is rich in Omega 3 and nutrients that reduce fat levels in the body and decrease the risk of heart disease.

L'Opera's pastries are equally impressive; the Mille Feuille, literally meaning 'Thousand Layers', is one of France's most well-known pastries, made with custard and caramel, and the Royal Chocolate, which contains chocolate mousse and a 'Car a Craquine' crunchy base, is an absolute must-have for chocolate lovers.

Finally, L'Opera's macarons are not to be missed. With a perfect balance between the crispiness of the external shell and the soft and fine taste of the filling, these graceful and elegant sweet delights are often referred to as the jewels of French Patisseries. The Praline Mocha and Salty Caramel are to die for.

Five years after the opening of its first store L'Opera now boasts twelve outlets--with the next one opening soon at the Tower II of the Horizon Centre in Gurugram--and employs over 140 people and has received some 3.5 million Euros in investments so far.

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L'Opera has ambitious plans for the rest of 2016, as well as the next four years. From the current number of twelve outlets, there are plans of opening three more by the end of the year in Delhi-NCR. A pan-India expansion will soon follow, with Mumbai being the next destination in 2017. A number of metros will then follow suit, which will bring the total number of outlets to 66 in six cities by 2020.

L'Opera has outlets in places such as Nehru Place, Khan Market, Hauz Khas Village, Select City Walk

--- ENDS ---
Mahesh Babu's upcoming film with director AR Murugadoss has finally gone on floors. The bilingual actioner will have SJ Suryah locking horns with Mahesh Babu.

By India Today Web Desk: It is a known fact that actor Mahesh Babu's upcoming film is directed by AR Murugadoss, which is touted to be the costliest film of Prince in Tollywood till date.

The shooting of the yet-untitled Tamil-Telugu bilingual flick has finally gone on floors on Friday (July 29).



ALSO READ: Parineeti Chopra backs out of Mahesh Babu's next, replaced by Rakul Preet Singh



ALSO READ: Brobdingnagian- Ilayathalapathy Vijay and Mahesh Babu in the same film?



Earlier, reports suggested that Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra has been roped in to play the leading lady in the film. But the makers have replaced the Ishaqzaade actor with Rakul Preet Singh.

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The film also stars actor SJ Suryah playing the antagonist in the film and the latter is collaborating with Mahesh Babu for the first time.

The film will be shot both Telugu and Tamil. Mahesh will himself dub for the Tamil film since he is fluent in the language.

Interestingly, the veteran cinematographer Santhosh Siva will also make his debut in Tollywood with this film. He has already worked with AR Murugadoss in Vijay's Thuppaki.

While there's any confirmation about the cast and crew, Harris Jayaraj is believed to compose music for this film.

Meanwhile Murugadoss has completed the Bollywood flick Akira starring Sonakshi Sinha in the lead role and the film is scheduled to hit the screens on September 2.

--- ENDS ---
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"If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me," Trump said, in an interview with ABC's "This Week."
Greaves is blunt: "We are only doing this because Good News Clubs have created a need for this. If Good News Clubs would operate in churches rather than public schools, that need would disappear. But our point is that if you let one religion into the public schools you have to let others, otherwise it's an establishment of religion."
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The Greens would use a balance-of-power status to push for an ACT anti-corruption commission, reduce pokie numbers by 30 per cent and improve housing affordability.

The announcements were made at the Greens' election campaign launch on Sunday, when the party introduced its 15 candidates, 11 weeks out from the poll.

The ACT Greens campaign launch. From left, candidate for Brindabella Michael Mazengarb, candidate for Murrumbidgee Caroline Le Couteur, Member for Kurrajong Shane Rattenbury, candidate for Ginninderra Indra Esguerra, and candidate for Yerrabi Veronica Wensing. Credit:Jamila Toderas

Greens leader Shane Rattenbury confirmed the glaring conflicts in key policy areas, particularly light rail, meant there was almost no chance the party would consider forming government with the Liberals.

But that left the Greens with another challenge: differentiating themselves from Labor after eight years of sharing power in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar is an IIT-Bombay alumni but back in 2000 when the authorities tried to trace his details, here is what happened.

By Indo-Asian News Service: In early 2000s, the IIT-Bombay authorities had a difficult time finding the records of Manohar Parrikar who is billed as the first graduate of the reputed institution to serve as chief minister of an Indian state.

When he first became the chief minister of Goa in the early 2000s, the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay decided to award him a scroll of honour, recalled Defence Minister Parrikar, speaking here on Saturday at the inauguration of IIT-Goa.

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"So the (IIT) Senate passed their resolution and then the search for all my details started. The dean was Suryanarayan or someone at that time. He was panicky when he called me at about 11:30 in the night asking me: What is your year of passing?" said Parrikar who served twice as Goa's chief minister.

It was 1978, he told the dean.

That didn't help. The dean continued to sound frantic when he called Parrikar again to say that his name could not be traced in the records.

"Then after half an hour it struck me that my official name is Prabhu Parrikar. I had to phone him and tell him please check Prabhu Parrikar, you will get my name there," Parrikar told an audience of IIT-Bombay alumni, teachers and students from the first batch of IIT-Goa.

"You don't have to worry about it, because I surely have a certificate with me. I stayed there for six and a half years. That all could not have been total imagination," Parrikar told the dean.



FAKE DEGREE ROWS



Academic records and allegedly fake degrees of politicians have become a big issue in recent months.

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy alleged a few weeks ago that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal used unfair means to get into IIT-Kharagpur.

The dean of IIT-Kharagpur subsequently clarified that Kejriwal had indeed cleared his IIT-Joint Entrance Exam, but test records had been destroyed as part of an established routine.



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Fortescue Metals Group plans to compete with BHP Billiton for the contestable towage market in Port Hedland, but has vowed not to merely replicate the existing service.

Opening a new front in the battle between the iron ore rivals, Fortescue secured a tugboat licence in in May and will spend close to $200 million over the next two years building the infrastructure needed for the tugs to operate.

Tugboats are the latest area in which FMG will take on BHP.

It will break BHP's reign as the only towage provider for the port, with BHP traditionally subcontracting the work to shipping and logistics companies.

Fortescue's nine tugs are expected to start operating in 2019, and Mr Power said the fleet would not merely service ships carrying Fortescue's iron ore.
Competition tsar Rod Sims says he would be concerned about any attempt by Australia's two biggest supermarkets, Woolworths and Coles, to co-operate in a bid to stave off foreign invaders.

As German discount chain Aldi continues to expand aggressively, and speculation rages about discounter Lidl entering Australia, rivals Woolworths and Coles have been urged to put aside decades of fierce competition to co-operate on procurement and supply chain and logistics.

ACCC chairman Rod Sims says Coles and Woolworths teaming up to stave off foreign rivals could be problematic. Credit:Quinn Rooney

In a novel idea, an American supply chain expert Brittain Ladd said Woolworths and Coles could use independent, third-party procurement and logistics companies to work on their combined behalf. The collaboration would be overseen by the competition watchdog, Mr Ladd said, and would lead to reduced costs for both companies.

Mr Ladd advocated this co-operation in a note while working as a strategy, operations, and supply chain management consultant for Deloitte. He now works for Amazon Fresh, the world's biggest retailer's fresh and frozen food delivery service that could be launched in Australia.
Images of young Australians being stripped and pinned to the ground, detained for days in isolation without access to fresh water or sunlight and the inexplicable use of excessive force and restraints entered our lounge rooms on Monday night via the Four Corners report of the treatment of young people at the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre.

The treatment of young people in detention is an issue across jurisdictions in Australia. For example, in the media this week reports have been made about unnecessary violence being used against 12 year-olds in Cleveland Youth Detention Centre in Townsville.

Australians believe that they live in a country where human rights are protected. We are shocked when human rights violations are exposed and we realise that, other than in Victoria and the ACT, no legislative protection of our basic human rights exists.

Human rights should not be an abstract concept dealt with by international law. As Eleanor Roosevelt famously said human rights should exist in the small places, the world of the individual person. She said that "unless human rights have meaning there, they have little meaning elsewhere."
As Barack Obama reminded his audience at the Democratic National Convention this week, a member of the US armed forces can now serve his country without hiding the husband he loves. In Australia, he can serve but he can't have a husband.

While The Sun-Herald respects the views of those who oppose same-sex marriage, we believe this kind of discrimination can no longer be tolerated. The right to marry, no matter the sex of your partner, is a reform overdue in this nation. The polls tell us the overwhelming majority of Australians agree.

The plebiscite should proceed but the Prime Minister must ensure it is fair. Credit:Luis Ascui

During the last Parliament we were dismayed by Tony Abbott's tricky manoeuvring to avoid a conscience vote on the issue, doubtful about his intentions in advocating a plebiscite and disappointed that Malcolm Turnbull was forced to adopt it as the price of leadership. If a plebiscite must be held, we argued, along with our sister publication, The Sydney Morning Herald, it should be held at the same time as the election to save time and money.

Now the election has come and gone and the Turnbull government has been re-elected  just. In a letter this week the Victorian Premier urged the Prime Minister to abandon the plebiscite, arguing it will "legitimise a hateful debate". Some marriage equality advocates are also considering trying to derail it, not only because they fear a nasty campaign, but on principle: a minority group's right to equal treatment under the law is just that  a right  not the gift of the majority.
Within 11 hours of Four Corners exposing the chronic and abhorrent abuse of children at the hands of their jailers, Malcolm Turnbull rightly announced a royal commission into the matter. We now know that the royal commission will be conducted jointly with the Northern Territory government. This involvement is obviously troubling: the culpability of the Northern Territory government is so manifest that any leadership role within the royal commission is an insult to the victims.

When six detainees were kept in windowless solitary confinement for weeks before being tear-gassed, the NT government obfuscated the facts in order to justify their actions. When reports of Dylan Voller being hooded and strapped to a chair for close to two hours became public knowledge in October last year, the abuse became impossible to ignore and impossible to lie about. Instead, the Northern Territory government legislated to condone it.

To do a great right, do a little wrong. The Northern Territory government has already perpetrated a great wrong. When stories of horrific abuse within Northern Territory youth detention centres began to emerge years ago  stories of children being assaulted in their cells and forcibly stripped naked  the NT government chose to ignore them.

Dylan Voller being manhandled by staff at the Darwin facility. Credit:ABC Four Corners

One thing that the Northern Territory government needs to answer for is the creation of a political atmosphere in which this kind of abuse became normalised. Come election time, politicians (from both sides, I should add) engaged in a despicable law and order auction. Politicians competed to demonise youth delinquency and to drive a singular focus upon being as merciless as possible, with promises of tougher sentences, police powers and bail laws. It is the gutless politics of fear. Leaders in the community should know that youth crime is caused by complex socio-economic factors, and cannot be fixed by myopic retribution.

Hooded and strapped to his chair, Dylan is the faceless symbol of all the other children who are victims of this tough-on-crime rhetoric. Once you start using individual lives as bargaining chips for political gain  and talking about throwing criminals into a "big concrete hole"  then the treatment of Dylan becomes inevitable. The guards who brutalise these kids have taken their cues from the politicians; treating children like animals is the logical endpoint of talking about children like animals. As such, all politicians who promote zero-tolerance attitudes to juvenile crime are, to some extent, morally culpable for Dylan's treatment.

On the legal side of things, the royal commission needs to urgently examine the ability for youth detainees to bring legal action against abuse. Northern Territory civil law sets a 28-day limitation period on bringing most actions for intentional wrongdoing  such as assault, battery, and false imprisonment. To give some idea of how unfairly short that limitation period, everywhere else in Australia the limitation is either three years or six years. This limitation period needs to be lengthened in the NT so that victims of abuse can pursue compensation; and at the same time, Northern Territory Corrections needs to make it easier for youth detainees to access lawyers, and make complaints against the system.

Like all injustices, this one has a disproportionate impact on a minority group: 95 per cent of youth detainees in the Northern Territory are Indigenous. The royal commission needs to look into the structural disadvantage faced by Indigenous Australians  societally and, as a result, within the legal system  and the relationship between this and the maltreatment of young Indigenous detainees. With no specific mention of Indigenous issues in the terms of reference, there needs to be some discretion to allow the Commissioner to look further into this line of inquiry.
With doctors working in immigration detention now challenging the Border Force Act in the High Court, serious questions should be asked by the Australian public about the inability of doctors to speak out about what happens to the asylum seekers and refugees that they treat in offshore detention centres.

Offshore detention has been shrouded in secrecy for too long. Much of what we do know about the harm being caused by our current asylum seeker policies has been revealed by whistleblowers. These individuals have spoken out at great personal risk, putting their careers and livelihoods on the line and facing the prospect of imprisonment. Many other would-be whistleblowers stay silent, deterred from speaking out. Their silence harms them, harms people in our care and harms our democracy.

Broadmeadows detention centre is the indefinite home for some refugees. Credit:Joe Armao

An in-depth report recently released by Young Liberty for Law Reform  Operation Secret Borders: What we don't know can hurt us  has found that whistleblowers increasingly face insurmountable legal and cultural barriers to speaking out. Our report finds that would-be whistleblowers working in Australia's immigration and border security regime face a complex web of legal restrictions and a culture of secrecy in which speaking out means putting your career and livelihood on the line.

They face the threat of prosecution under broad, unnecessary laws that criminalise disclosure of information. They are subject to confidentiality clauses and restrictive workplace policies imposed by companies contracted by the government to work in detention centres.
The Northern Territory youth detention scandal shows the Australian public can become "a bit callous" over harm to Aborigines, Labor Senator and indigenous leader Pat Dodson has said.

Senator Dodson also said on Sunday it would be a "travesty of justice" if the territory's Chief Minister Adam Giles switched to the federal Senate and became indigenous affairs minister.

Speaking on the ABC's Insiders program, Senator Dodson said the fact it took the shocking images of a hooded teen to galvanise action when many harsher aspects of youth detention were already widely known suggested the nation had become hardened to Aboriginal suffering.

"I think the Australian public becomes a bit callous when they are confronted by the awful negative things that happen in the indigenous society," he said.
Just days after being appointed to head the royal commission into youth detention in the Northern Territory, Brian Ross Martin is reportedly "considering his position".

On Monday morning Mr Martin announced a press conference in Canberra at midday, where it is widely speculated he will stand down from the role.

Since the appointment, there has been disquiet among some NT groups regarding Mr Martin's perceived conflicts of interest, stemming from his time as chief justice of the NT Supreme Court, a history with the Country Liberal Party government, and his daughter's previous job with the NT's former Labor attorney-general.

Sky News has reported that Mr Martin is unhappy with the reporting of his daughter Joanna's employment from late 2009 to early 2011, a position that did not cover corrections or juvenile detention but falls into the period of time that will be examined by the royal commission.
Ghazala Khan says she doesn't speak about her son because she finds it hard to stay in control when talking about his death and she made those comments the night before Trump began sounding his dogwhistle. [MSNBC] She also wrote movingly about it on the weekend. [You can read her eloquent response here] Final word went to Khirzr Khan who described Trump as a "black soul". [Eric Bradner/CNN] 2. Royal Commissioner "considering position" Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Credit:Louise Kennerley Not even a week after Malcolm Turnbull called his first royal commission, the PM's handpicked QC is "considering his position," according to Sky News.

Brian Martin's daughter, Joanna Martin, worked for the previous NT Labor government when the alleged abuse broadcast by the ABC's Four Corners program occurred. That program was broadcast on July 25. Less than 12 hours later, on Tuesday, July 26, Malcolm Turnbull went on the ABC's AM radio program and announced the judicial inquiry. Cabinet's first meeting was held on Wednesday, July 28  three days after the program aired. While there is almost universal support for the Prime Minister's quick decision making on this issue, reports like Sky's shows the problems with rushed process. If the appointed commissioner does indeed step down, questions will naturally be asked about whether the haste was worth the cost of forgoing a thorough vetting process. In other politics news: The Coalition's election majority has been whittled down to just one seat after the Queensland seat of Herbert was called for Labor. The LNP may try for a rerun. Throw in a renegade MP like George Christensen from Queensland and that majority starts to look like a minority. [David Wroe/Fairfax]

After Rudd outed Turnbull as a man who says one thing and does another (shock horror aka as "a politician"), the bigger question is will the Senate crossbenchers trust him and take his word on face value. Kevin Rudd's run for United Nations Secretary-General is far from over, despite Turnbull's brutal rejection for Rudd's bid to contest the position, writes former Ambassador to China Geoff Raby. Turnbull told Rudd he "lacked the interpersonal skills." This from a man who lost the leadership in 2009 because he lacked basic consultation skills and treated the party room like it was his private boardroom to order around. Turnbull will live to regret his "mistake" if Hillary Clinton is elected to the White House, writes Raby. [Financial Review] The Liberal party's right-wing in Western Australia wants the branch to vote "no" when it comes to the question of supporting recognition of indigenous Australians in the constitution. [Rebecca Carmody/ABC] One Nation senator-elect Pauline Hanson broadcast herself live on Facebook watching herself watching the SBS's documentary on her political career. Not. A. Joke! It got 78,000 views. Also, Not. A. Joke! [Steve/LillebuenFairfax]

3. UKIP leadership hopeful misses deadline We've all missed a deadline before, but fancy missing one to vie for the leadership of your party. Steven Woolfe did exactly that. He hoped to succeed Nigel Farage as leader of UKIP, the right wing British party, but the paperwork missed the noon deadline by 17 minutes. [BBC] 4. Cousin of Normandy terrorist arrested A picture of late Father Jacques Hamel is placed on flowers at a makeshift memorial. Credit:Francois Mori/AP

The cousin of one of two teenage jihadists who slit the throat of a French priest knew he was about to commit an attack and should face terror charges, say prosecutors. [Matthias Blamont/Reuters] This came as Muslims attended a Catholic mass as a gesture of the solidarity. [BBC] 5. More than 120 bodies wash up in Libya It's been a horrible month in western Libya, where the mayor of Sabratha says the bodies of more than 120 migrants trying to cross the Mediterranean have washed up. [Ahmed Elumami/Reuters] 6. "Harry is done now"

JK Rowling attends the press preview of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre in London. Credit:Getty Images As much as I loved Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which officially opened on London's west end and was released in book form across the world, I'm relieved to hear author J.K Rowling say there will be no more Harry. [Reuters] Like so many sequels, Cursed Child could easily have gone wrong but thankfully didn't, opening to near universal five-star reviews. [My review] Of course the book was already a bestseller before it even went on sale. [Fairfax] Have you got your copy yet? Not yet for me, a trip to Foyles awaits.
From what you tell me, I agree with you in that there is little advantage to selling unless you cannot live on the income you will be achieving. Your investment property is bringing in some 6.4 per cent a year before outgoings, which is impressive. The main advantage of super, if you were to sell, is that super pensions allow access to capital and are tax-free, compared with rent which is taxable along with your future age pension.

I am seeking advice about an investment property and if and when we should sell it prior to my eligibility for the aged pension, approximately 2020. I am 62, recently retired, receiving a part-Newstart allowance. My HESTA super holds $184,000, and we have no dependants. Our home, valued at $825,000, is in good repair and an ideal home for retirees. I have a rental property in a major rural town, valued at $265,000 with gross rental of $17,000 and we own a car and caravan, with no mortgages. We could offer student accommodation for $400 a fortnight, for additional income. My husband is 66, receives a part age pension and works at two regular casual jobs. We have minimal super, due to being on the land for many years followed by self employment. Prior to the changes planned for super contribution July 2017, we had planned to sell and invest this money into either one of our super funds. We have had previous advice to sell the property but I feel unsure as our returns have been excellent and readily available. I am very conservative due to the many years of hardship experienced while in primary production. T.D.

Assuming the post-January 2017 assets test lower threshold of $450,000, you would be granted an age pension of some $24,500, both estimates subject to the results of the income means test.

You need to estimate what your income will be in retirement, including any rent from student accommodation and part time work, and decide whether you can live on it. If not, then you would need to consider whether to sell the property now, and contribute money into super before your 65th birthday (remembering the possible $500,000 cap for non-concessional contributions) or wait until your super runs low in, say, 10 years' time, and then sell.

My wife and I are both aged 69 and are retired pensioners who have run a self-managed superannuation fund since 2003. We worked two years beyond 65, putting extra money into the super fund as a result of a commitment made by the then former Prime Minister Tony Abbott that there would be no changes to pensions and superannuation etc. The current Prime Minister and Treasurer now have decided to lower the asset test to what we believe is $823,000, which we believe is unfair to all who have saved for their retirement. We believe that we will be at risk of losing our part pension as at January 1, 2017, because our assets will be over $823,000. As our superannuation fund is now in pension phase we are trying to get the super balance down before January, but are finding it difficult to get the exact details about what will be classified as assets. Our federal member (who was a member of the existing government who made the changes) has no idea about the changes, except to advise us to contact Centrelink, which we did, but they also have no details about the changes, which leaves us in limbo, so any help you could give to us about the exact details of the changes would make it easier for us to understand. Are assets which are outside the family home (eg. motor vehicles etc.) to be included in the figure of $823,000 as well as superannuation money? Our superannuation fund accounts are taken as at June 30 each year, but are not audited until the new calendar year, and so will be out of date by January. Will the superannuation fund have to be audited again as at December 31, 2016, and when does this figure have to be given to Centrelink? M.S.

The assets test has always counted all assets, including super benefits (although some people seem to think it does not), and that covers your investments plus personal assets such as car, caravan, boat, furniture, jewellery, etc. The latter are valued at your estimated price which you would get at a garage sale, and not at new or replacement value.

Centrelink accepts the figures you provide. Shares and managed funds in your name are valued at the time you inform Centrelink and then automatically updated each March and September, based on the latest price then available. Alternatively, you can request a revaluation any time. You won't need to do anything different in January.
The residents of North Delhi said that no one from the Public Works Department turned up even after complaining.

By Parbina Purkayastha: Few hours of monsoon and the national capital came to a standstill. "The story has been the same for 10 years now, with monsoons this is what happens to this area every year," said a resident from North Delhi.

Monsoons means throwing life out of gear in metro cities. Since Thursday evening stepping out of house has become a nightmare for citizens in Delhi. Water logged in several areas, sewage water on main roads, potholes, traffic jams causing people inconvenience for hours.

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Helpless citizens who have now turned restless are questioning the politicians who seek their votes. "It's a game for the votes and we the common people will always be victim of this civic mess," said an angry commuter.

In North Delhi's Inderlok area knee deep waters made it extremely difficult for the commuters which caused massive traffic jam on the arterial road.

It is once again PWD versus MCD, citizens have complained that it is PWD's responsibility to pump out the water but no one from the department turned up for four days. "No one came for four days and now we are trying to drain out the water manually," said another citizen.

"If the situation has been the same for 10 years, then the citizens are to be blamed equally. The moment it stops raining we will all forget and so will the media. So let's not act like responsible citizens as per our own convenience only," said a class 10 student, Shikha.

The Delhi traffic police has identified 167 spots in the Capital which are prone to waterlogging. However, only two of these spots apparently fall under the three municipal corporations functioning in the city.

According to reports, all the three corporations maintained that roads which are wider than 60-feet come under the purview of the Public Works Department. They said they had told the PWD to de-silt these areas. Every year, in preparation for monsoon, the traffic police identifies potential problem areas which may be prone to waterlogging.



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Professor Tania Aspland of Australian Catholic University recommends a bachelor of teaching/bachelor of arts (mathematics) double degree. - Professor Tony Dooley, Head, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney. Arts? Yes We live in a complex and technological age, where the pace of innovation is so swift it's almost impossible to predict what the jobs of tomorrow will look like. Despite this, bachelor of arts graduates, whose degree prepares them to understand and explain complexity, will be increasingly sought after by employers.

The ability to synthesise diffuse data into a clear, coherent and persuasive argument  an attribute at the heart of the BA  is now an essential part of the expected skill-set of many different graduate careers. A BA also helps students develop and hone vital written and verbal communication skills. In an increasingly fast-moving and disruptive jobs market, where many will find themselves having several different careers, it is essential for graduates to possess core skills that will never become obsolete and on which they can build successful futures for themselves. - Associate Professor Richard Miles, Head, School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry, University of Sydney. Maths makes a comeback There has never been a more interesting time to be a teacher of maths. Our students are absorbed in a digital world, surrounded by equations and systems that help them navigate their environment.

With a shortage of maths teachers in NSW, across Australia and internationally, and an increased focus on innovation and STEM skills, a bachelor of teaching/bachelor of arts (mathematics) double degree is a great option for people wanting to combine a passion for education and maths. ACU's strong links with partner schools and sector organisations gives a practical edge to our courses. Our students graduate ready to start their careers in Catholic and other faith-based schools, government and independent schools, and a range of early childhood education settings. Students develop the professional knowledge, skills and values required of an effective classroom teacher of mathematics in secondary schools and also learn about the discipline of maths as part of the curriculum. Secondary school placements during the course ensure valuable practical experience for students.

 Professor Tania Aspland, Executive Dean, Education and Arts, Australian Catholic University. Security and spying At no other point in history has our world experienced a complex set of security challenges to the extent to which it does today. Terrorism, cyber threats, major power shifts, transnational crime and nuclear weapons proliferation make for a very dangerous security environment. Governments and businesses desperately need security analysts with the knowledge, skills and creativity to respond to such dynamic and complex challenges.

Australia faces a massive shortage of graduates trained at the intersection of intelligence, cyber threats and security analysis. Global firms operating across Australia, as well as federal and state governments need people with a multidimensional security skill-set, including risk management, intelligence analysis, cyber security, criminology and forensics, law enforcement and a solid understanding of Australia's regional and global security environment. The new bachelor of security studies is a three-year course that will provide students with these critical skills and prepare them for those careers. - Professor Ben Schreer, Head, Department of Security Studies and Criminology, Macquarie University. Renewables are go

Renewable energy is a growing sector both in Australia and across the globe. Last year China installed 30,500 megawatts of wind turbines and 16,500 megawatts of solar energy, and Australia installed its 1.5 millionth solar photovoltaic system. If you are a student with an eye on the future then renewable energy engineering or photovoltaic and solar energy engineering is the degree for you. The technology around energy sources such as solar and wind are continually improving, becoming more cost effective and efficient. Recent price rises for retail electricity  driven by expenditure on poles and wires to meet peak demand  have meant a greater uptake of renewable energy systems and energy efficient products. This has led to an unprecedented fall in demand from the electricity grid over the past five years. Graduates gain work in a range of companies, designing, installing and operating renewable energy generating systems such as wind, solar, biomass or hydro. As well, they work on designing and constructing energy efficient buildings and systems. - Associate Professor Alistair Sproul, School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering, UNSW.

Medical - technical The medical decision-making process is becoming more complex, and medical practitioners are increasingly relying on tests to both shorten the time of the process and improve the quality of that decision. Medical imaging, through the use of planar X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, is constantly helping medical and health professionals make those time-critical decisions. This is a growing field with the unique opportunity to apply both technical interests and people skills. The bachelor of medical radiation science (medical imaging) and the master of medical imaging focus on developing skills for the most important part of the decision process, the patient. Patient-centred skills and skills that will enable our graduates to react to changes in clinical practice and changes in technology are an integral part of these courses.

This degree is designed for graduates to work as a diagnostic radiographer in both public hospitals and private radiology practices nationally and internationally, where they will be able to improve patients' lives and outcomes." - Professor Rob Davidson, Medical Imaging, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra. Teach in 106 countries Local and global employment opportunities will expand for education degree students undertaking the International Baccalaureate (IB) certificate. IB students will undertake their third-year professional experience overseas, interstate or in NSW. This experience will equip students with the knowledge and understanding needed to pursue a successful IB teaching career.

Notre Dame is the only university in NSW to offer the IB certificate in its undergraduate primary and early childhood teaching degrees. The IB Certificate in Teaching and Learning will complement students' academic qualifications with a professional qualification that signals the holder is capable of teaching in an IB World School. This significantly expands employment opportunities for Notre Dame education graduates who will be able to gain work at one of the 1266 IB World Schools in 106 countries which offer the primary years program. -Liz McKenna, Senior Lecturer, School of Education, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney. Creative careers

A recent report from the World Economic Forum 2016 on the future of jobs hailed the start of a fourth industrial revolution, inspired by the disruptive influence of technologies. It predicted a profound shift in work practices towards remote working, co-working and an ever-smaller pool of full-time employees, backed up by external consultants and contractors. Jobs of the future will depend on collaborative thinking and devising innovative solutions to complex problems. Western Sydney University's new bachelor of creative industries partners with creative sectors to provide an interdisciplinary, experiential degree that combines a core of entrepreneurship with major studies including culture and society, creative writing, design, enterprise innovation, journalism, literature, media arts, music performance and photomedia. Future students will study a unique mix of creative, business and law units and will work with emergent and established creative industry partners to develop innovative solutions to real problems.
Australian Childhood Foundation chief executive Joe Tucci said adults need to be open to the signs of abuse and follow their instincts.

That's the verdict from child protection experts who spoke to Fairfax Media about how to act on suspicions a child is being abused.

Cathy Kezelman, president of advocacy group the Blue Knot Foundation, told the royal commission abuse can have a long lasting impact.

"They might say, 'This happened to a friend' as a way to test the reaction of the person they want to tell. They want to assess whether they will be believed and whether the adult will stand up for them.

"Trust your gut. If you feel that something is not right, seek out support. It is difficult but it's worse to do nothing."

Manager of the Child Wise helpline and community training Linette Harriott said people are often reluctant to contact the authorities due to a misguided fear of breaking up a family unit.

"If you have an inkling that something is wrong, it's better to call than not call," she said.
The Northern Territory juvenile detention scandal is beginning to impact on the referendum to recognise Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders in the Constitution.

Many Territorians are starting to push back against the royal commission into the Giles government's detention record and policies saying guards at the Don Dale Centre were dealing with difficult teenagers who are part of an out-of-control wave of petty crime.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda (left) at the Garma Key Forum in north-east Arnhem Land. Credit:Peter Eve /Yothu Yindi Foundation

But protesters at a weekend rally at Darwin's Raintree Park supporting change to the judicial system said they feared renewed polarisation following the Four Corners report would harm the referendum's chances of passing.

"They're talking how the plebiscite on same -sex marriage may hurt gays, well how do you think we're going to feel if the referendum fails?" said one Tiwi Islander, who wished to remain anonymous.
Live media reporting of hostage escapes during the prolonged Lindt cafe siege of December 2014 could have had "serious consequences" for those left trapped in the cafe with gunman Man Haron Monis, a senior UK police expert has warned.

"Reporting that five hostages had escaped when Monis was only aware of three could have had implications," Deputy Chief Constable Simon Chesterman writes, in a report to the NSW Coroner scrutinising the police response to the siege.

UK police expert questions whether NSW police waited too long to storm Lindt cafe, and whether a "deliberate action" plan should have been in place to tackle Man Monis. Credit:Channel Seven

"There is one example of Monis being unaware of some of the hostage escapes until they were broadcast ... Given his statement that he would kill hostages in response to escapes, this could have had serious consequences."

Mr Chesterman also questions the "live reporting of the police operation outside of the premises". On the night, Channel Seven cameras across the road were trained continuously on the Martin Place cafe.
The NSW Opposition will try to head off the Baird government's planned closure of the greyhound racing industry by moving in State Parliament to set up a new industry regulator and split the commercial and regulatory functions of the sport.

Labor will also propose mandatory life bans and prison terms for anyone who engages in the "despicable practice" of live baiting, Labor leader Luke Foley said on Sunday.

NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley and gaming and racing spokesman Michael Daley outline their plans to reform the greyhound racing industry at the Wentworth Park dog track in Ultimo on Sunday. Credit:Michele Mossop

"Lets regulate greyhound racing, not criminalise it," he told a media conference at the Wentworth Park dog track in Ultimo.

"Let's regulate it to the highest standards of animal welfare ... throw the book at those who do the wrong thing, but look after the thousands of good men and women in it.
Carbon emissions are still larger in Queensland than any other Australian state as the Queensland Government extends by one month the time for submissions to major key climate change policy.

Meanwhile Queensland's level of increase in carbon emissions has slowed by 4.6 per cent, according to the federal government's National Greenhouse Inventory.

Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles on Moreton Bay.

In May 2016, the state government invited public submissions to its Advancing Climate Action in Queensland policy.

That policy showed 2013 carbon emission levels for all Australian states and showed Queensland as Australia's leading carbon emitter and condemned decisions by the previous government to cancel Queensland's previous Office of Climate Change.
A light plane has crashed in central Queensland on Sunday morning, leaving the pilot, and sole occupant of the aircraft, with head and arm injuries.

About 8.34am Queensland Ambulance were called to attend the scene of the mangled plane at a private property on Gentle Annie Road in Ambrose, about 40 kilometres north-west of Gladstone.

Despite the mangled wreckage of the light aircraft, the pilot is in a stable condition after being treated by paramedics. Credit:RACQ Rescue Helicopter

The pilot, a male in his 50s, had suffered a cut to his head and a fractured arm, but was reported to be in a stable condition.

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Online entrepreneur Erica Stewart gets dozens of approaches a week from sellers wanting to work with her, but she rejects 90 per cent of them.

The co-founder of online curated marketplace Hard to Find says it's the rejections that helps keeps her brand true to its name.

The rejection letter is automated within the platform, and gently explains that the seller or the product doesn't fit the bill. She rejects products for many reasons  they're not a good fit for the platform, they're too readily available, images aren't up to scratch, the seller's logistics aren't on track, or simply that the platform already has plenty of that particular item listed, Stewart explains.

"This process keeps our brand reputation on track. We list products that are genuinely different, so exclusivity is key for us. The majority of products listed cannot be bought elsewhere."
More than 300 households fleeing family violence will soon move into new homes under a deal with the state government and community housing sector.

Sixteen community housing groups will buy and lease the new homes as part of the Andrews government's response to the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

Housing Minister Martin Foley. Credit:Chris Hopkins

The program was initially planned to fund the lease of up to 100 properties and purchase of 130 but that has been extended to 124 and 184, respectively, under the arrangement with the community housing sector.

The first of the homes will be leased through the $50 million "rapid housing assistance program".
Susan Faine walked into Horti Hall one day, circa 1975, and felt she'd entered another world.

A sign out front advertised that the Southern Ladies Pipe Band met here, as did the Norwich Canary Club, and the Australian Pelargonium and Geranium Society.

Historian Susan Faine, tour guide at Horti Hall for Open House Melbourne on Sunday, is compiling a social history of the 1873 building. Credit:Jason South

The words "Victorian Horticultural Society" were printed around the entrance arch of the smart, two-storey Italianate building, and in the foyer was an honour board of office-bearers dating back more than 100 years.

Carved wooden doors opened into the surprisingly roomy hall with its gabled timber roof and high windows, and up a staircase was a rabbit warren of little offices and meeting rooms. She'd come to find a then-tenant, the Handweavers and Spinners Guild, to order a jumper.
The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister today said that the first casualty of unrest in the valley was education. She said conflict-affected parts of the world including Palestine never compromised on education.

By Naseer Ganai: While her government is in tatters with ministers either hiding at their residences or in Jammu, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti who was at the Government College for Women asked Kashmiris to take inspiration from conflict-affected parts like Palestine that did not let education suffer during crisis. She vouched for the opening of educational and other institutions that have been closed since the outbreak massive protests.



"There are instances in history where various nations and communities including the Palestinians didn't allow the education of their children to suffer amid conflicts and wars. Ironically, in contrast, the first casualty of unrest in Kashmir has always been the education and the economy," the chief minister said after visiting various examination centres in Srinagar where the Common Entrance Test (CET) was conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) for medical seats.

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Mufti was hooted at the Government College of Women. During the visit, she faced people who were outraged over her presence and chanted pro-freedom slogans. A large number of parents and family members were present outside the college. The chief minister visited the examination centres at Amar Singh College, Girls Higher Secondary School Rajbagh and Burn Hall School.

MASSIVE STUDENT TURNOUT FOR EXAMS



Of 17939 students, 16315 appeared in the CET at the designated examination centres in Srinagar and Jammu. In Kashmir province, out of 11881 candidates 10803 appeared in CET despite curfew in some parts of Kashmir and the strike call given by separatists.



Curfew continued in parts of Srinagar city and south Kashmir while strict restrictions were imposed in others parts of the Valley to thwart protests by the people. The chief minister and her cabinet ministers have been confined to their residential quarters and civil secretariat since July 8 after the Valley erupted over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzaffer Wani.

The chief minister said that despite the hardships, the government machinery ensured almost 91 per cent of students were present for CET.

EDUCATION, ECONOMY WORST HIT

Mufti said that the people have to ponder over how the educational, economic and social structure of Kashmir is being systematically ruined because of the prevailing situation.

"Our enterprising young boys and girls are not able to apply for KAS examination, they are not able to avail of the Prime Minister's Special Scholarship Scheme. The educational and training institutions are shut, the tourism sector has taken a big hit, the development process has come to a standstill and the socio-economic condition of the people is deteriorating day by day because of present situation," she said.

She added that there were instances in history where various nations and communities including the Palestinians didn't allow the education of their children to suffer amid conflicts and wars.

"Ironically, in contrast, the first casualty of unrest in Kashmir has always been the education and the economy," she said.

CHILDREN BEING MOBILISED FOR VIOLENCE



Mufti said that instead of asking the Kashmiri youth to focus on education, they are being incited to take stones in their hands and attack whosoever comes their way. She said that many forces have joined hands to vitiate the atmosphere and send innocent children to various localities to create trouble.

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"Those who have other ideology should also feel the pain of the younger generation getting affected. What do they want to achieve by this violence?" she asked.

She said the issues can be resolved only through dialogue and not through violence. "Violence has been rejected globally as a means to achieve political objectives. The proponents of violent protests in Kashmir must also engage in dialogue to resolve the issues instead of perpetuating violence which has only brought death and destruction on their own people," she said.

CAN'T BEAR LOSS OF LIVES FOREVER



She said that Kashmir had already lost a generation of youth to the violence and cannot afford to bear with this tragic human loss forever.



"Mufti Mohammad Sayeed used to say bullets and grenades cannot solve issues. Gun has not changed anything. There is no way out other than dialogue," she said.

The chief minister said that while the security forces have been able to contain the situation but there was an issue in the minds of the people that needed to be addressed.

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Also read:

Mehbooba Mufti visits Kupwara victims' families, seeks public help to end violence





--- ENDS ---
London: British Prime Minister Theresa May was concerned about the security implications of a planned Chinese investment in the new Hinkley Point nuclear plant and intervened personally to delay the project, a former colleague and a source said.

The plan by France's EDF to build two reactors with financial backing from a Chinese state-owned company was championed by Mrs May's predecessor David Cameron as a sign of Britain's openness to foreign investment.

Hinkley Point A Magnox nuclear power station in Somerset, England. Credit:PA via AP

But just hours before a signing ceremony was due to take place on Friday, Mrs May's new government said it would review the project again, raising concerns that Britain's approach to infrastructure deals, energy supply and foreign investment may be changing.

The decision could prove a test for Mrs May, with any attempt to renegotiate the terms of the project potentially straining relations with Paris and Beijing at a time when Britain is seeking to build trade deals following the country's vote to leave the European Union.
Nathaniel Johnson had grown tired of the burglaries at his mobile home in the small town of Leroy, Alabama.

So the 68-year-old decided to take matters into his own hands on Friday night by springing a trap, Washington County Sheriff Richard Stringer told Fox affiliate WALA.

In an attempt to make it look like nobody was home, Johnson parked his vehicle at a neighbour's home and returned to his abode and waited, according to Al.com.

Sitting near his back door, Johnson told police, he turned the lights off and placed a car mirror near a window so he could see what was happening outside, according to WALA.
Austin: Separate shooting incidents in the Texas capital of Austin have left multiple victims, police said on Twitter early on Sunday. Lcal media reported one person had been killed.

"Both scenes are secure at this time," the Austin Police Department said in a message on Twitter about the separate shootings.

Austin police chief Brian Manley described the scene as "very chaotic" as officers battled throngs of panicked late-night revellers to reach the shooting victims.

"Officers arrived shortly after 2am so you can imagine the large crowds on the street, all of the individuals leaving the bar at this time...It was a very chaotic scene," he said.
Bangkok: Singapore has questioned how a Singaporean-born Australian resident came to be collecting welfare benefits while allegedly engaging in terrorism-related activities in Melbourne.

Comments by the city state's Home and Law Affairs Minister, K. Shanmugam, also raise questions about why Australian authorities never moved against Zulfikar Mohamad Shariff while he was making posts on social media supporting Islamic State and other terrorism groups.

Forty-four-year-old Zulfikar, who lived in Australia for 14 years, was detained under Singapore's Internal Security Act when he returned to Singapore this month.

Mr Shanmugam said Zulfikar was a "dangerous, pernicious influence" who wanted to brainwash Muslims in Singapore to reject the democratic state and instead to have an Islamic caliphate.
Jakarta: Trade Minister Steve Ciobo will travel to Jakarta this week in his first trade-related overseas trip since the election, underscoring the emphasis Australia is placing on finalising the free trade agreement with Indonesia.

The two countries announced in March they hoped to conclude long-running talks within 12 to 18 months and start work immediately on early outcomes in areas such as education, skills training, infrastructure, agriculture and financial services.

"It's a great shame [but] it's not unexpected": Trade Minister Steve Ciobo. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Former Indonesian trade minister Thomas Lembong even hinted that Indonesia might allow Australian universities to establish campuses in Indonesia - currently prohibited by law - in special economic zones.
Turkey will shut down its military academies and put the armed forces under the command of the defence minister, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, in a move designed to bring the military under tighter government control after a failed coup.

The changes come after more than 1700 military personnel were dishonourably discharged for their role in the abortive July 15-16 putsch.

Mr Erdogan, who is said to have narrowly escaped capture and possible death on the night of the attempted coup, said last week the military, NATO's second-largest, needed "fresh blood". The dishonourable discharges included about 40 per cent of Turkey's admirals and generals.

Turkey accuses US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen of orchestrating the putsch. Mr Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the US for years, denies the charge and has condemned the coup. So far, more than 60,000 people in the military, judiciary, civil service and schools have been either detained, removed or suspended over suspected links with Mr Gulen.
PHILIPSBURG:--- This September when you go to the polls you will not be electing ministers. Neither will you be electing a Prime Minister. Instead, the people of Sint Maarten will be voting in fifteen persons to represent them in Parliament. What is the job of these fifteen representatives? We must be aware that parliamentarians are not elected to office to build bridges, construct schools or design hospitals. They are not in parliament to negotiate contracts or to execute projects. This is the job of a minister or the Council of Ministers. They are the ones to execute plans, programs and projects. It is the minister who, through his or her ministry can help that mother who needs assistance for her sick child. It is the minister who can give instructions to help out that senior citizen who is unable to make ends meet and who needs social assistance.

The job of the parliamentarian is different. Parliamentarians legislate. They draft, amend and approve laws in the benefit of the people and the country. For example, they can pass a law that allows the minister to give financial assistance to that mother with her sick child. Or they can pass a law to increase the old age pension of that senior citizen who cannot make ends meet. So when politicians promise you an increase in salary, or a job or materials to build your house they are fooling you. It means that they do not know their job or function as a parliamentarian and that they are not yet prepared or ready for you to vote them into parliament. The job of a parliamentarian is very clearly outlined in the law. Parliamentarians are there to draft or amend laws. They are there to monitor, control and investigate the work of a minister or of the Council of Ministers. Parliamentarians also play a major role in the selection of the ministers and when parliament loses confidence in a minister, the minister in question must leave office. So popularly speaking, parliament hires and fires the ministers. Another major function of a parliamentarian is to approve and amend the annual budget of country Sint Maarten. Hence when you see that parliamentarians have no questions concerning the budget or walk out when it comes time to approve the budget, then you know that those parliamentarians do not know their job and that they are not ready to carry out the duties and bear the responsibilities of being a parliamentarian. It seems like they are only willing to enjoy the high salary and the perks of travel, high travel allowances and so on. Parliamentarians are paid a full time salary but are still able to keep their second job or side jobs. It is no wonder that they cannot give all of their time and full attention to representing the people who elected them. Sint Maarten parliamentarians are the highest paid in the kingdom but produce the least work of all. Look how many laws were drafted, amended and approved last year. According to the 2014-2015 Annual Report of Parliament only one amendment was submitted and passed in 2015. The year before, not one law was submitted. According to the 2014 report Parliament only initiated three laws and not one of them was approved and passed. Here we have fifteen highly paid elected officials and together they cannot even initiate a draft law that can pass. This is an indictment against such a high salaried elected body. The question to ask here is; are our people getting their moneys worth from the people they placed in parliament? Several integrity reports have been written about the malfunctioning of our parliament yet these reports have never been debated on the floor of parliament.

It is a misconception that parliament is the highest body in the country. The highest body is really the people of Sint Maarten who elect the parliament. In simple terms it means that the people hire and therefore can also fire parliament by voting them out of office. This election is not about voting for ministers. It is about electing parliamentarians who then will appoint the ministers to execute the work on behalf of the people of Sint Maarten. If you want to have a good functioning Council of Ministers then you must first elect good parliamentarians who understand that their job is to legislate and not to execute. So be wary of all the promises that politicians are making during this campaign because you are voting for a parliamentarian and not for a minister.

Wycliffe Smith

Leader of the Sint Maarten Christian Party
California Also Has Former Prisoners Unable to Survive on the Outside

A major shortcoming in typical US prison programs was highlighted by the seemingly bizarre behavior of 59-year-old Linda Patricia Thompson this week.

Thompson walked into a US Bank in Cheyenne and handed the teller a cardboard note that said "I have a gun. Give me all your money." The teller turned over thousands of dollars.

Back outside, Thompson threw some of the money into the air and offered the rest to passers-by, then she sat down and waited for the police.

When Cheyenne police Lt. Nathan Busek arrived, he found Thompson still with a large sum of cash.

"I just robbed the bank," she said, "I want to go back to prison"

Thompson had been serving time at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility in Wilsonville, Oregon, for a second-degree robbery conviction in Union County until her release in June.

Since then, Thompson has been homeless. Unable to find a space in a shelter, she suffered facial fractures after she was assaulted by strangers in a park.

She decided to rob the bank on Wednesday because she felt she could no longer stay on the streets, court records say.

Like many former inmates, Thompson left the Oregon prison with little more than the clothes on her back.

She had been homeless when arrested in 2010, and had nowhere to go and no one to turn to upon her release six years later. In fact, she told investigators that she had informed the Oregon parole office that she didn't want to be released because she didn't think she'd do well.

So-called "gate money" for indigent prisoners in Oregon is only $25, along with one outfit of clothing (if needed), and a bus voucher if no one is picking them up.

Obviously, a person can't survive for long with $25, but that is not an unusually low figure for release funds anywhere in the country.

California provides $200 (minus the cost of clothing), along with transportation to a shelter or a bus station, for someone who has been incarcerated for more than six months, and it is one of the more generous states.

Given the impossibility of this financial situation, it is no surprise that many recent parolees are in such a desperate state that they return to crime. In one follow-up study, 75% of the released inmates became homeless within 30 days. Once homeless they are much more likely to stop reporting to their parole officer.

A prisoner who doesn't already have an outside support system in place is more likely than not to fail.

Even inmates who have built up a cash account at the prison by either working or receiving gifts from the outside may struggle to access that money. Typically, they are given a small amount from their account in actual cash, as little as $10, and the rest in the form of a check. If they do not have a current ID or someone to help them, they may not be able to cash that check.

Possessions acquired within the prison system, such as televisions, are generally of low quality, and left behind to other prisoners. In fact, an inmate may not even take possessions with him or her if transferred from one facility to another. Some states will allow 30 days to pick up items left behind, but realistically those things are not available to pawn or sell.

While a certain draconian segment of the population may think that parolees should continue to suffer in this way, common sense says that releasing people into poverty is going to lead to increased criminal activity. Most people would rather steal than starve.

Programs that help inmates re-enter society are critical, but this need is only randomly met by a hodge-podge of government or private programs.

Being specifically assigned to a half-way house reduces recidivism, as does job training or earning a college degree, but these can all be expensive projects. Many states feel they can't afford it.

On a more basic level, help is needed just to navigate the complexities of a modern world on a few dollars a day.

Many US prisoners have no money and nowhere to turn for help when they are released.

Here in California, the "Ride Home Program" from the Anti-Recidivism Coalition in California employs former inmates to pick up ex-inmates on the day they are released to guide them through their first day in a changed world.

The drivers spend all day with the released prisoners, helping them to buy them buy food, get a haircut, or find shelter. They offer advice on finding work, show them how to use a smart phone, and may even help them locate family members with Facebook or other social media. In other words, they reintroduce them to the culture.

Former prisoners themselves, the drivers understand the shock that these newly freed men and women might feel.

As for Linda Patricia Thompson, she didn't have the support she needed to escape from a desperate situation that included actual physical injury, so she had to find her own way out.

Her detention hearing will be on Tuesday on a bank robbery charge, and she does not yet have an attorney.
Mexican Children's Hospital Research on problems of development from brain function perspective.

Mexicos Children's Hospital "Federico Gomez" presents the first research progress about problems of development from the brain function perspective. This alteration in neuronal ducts can be treated with medication and psychotherapy

 Mexicos Children's Hospital "Federico Gomez" presents the first research progress about problems of development from the brain function perspective

 This alteration in neuronal ducts can be treated with medication and psychotherapy

A study by researchers at Mexicos Children's Hospital "Federico Gomez" (HIMFG by its initials in Spanish) announced that there are neurological disorders that may predispose to children to develop obesity, sleep disorders, short stature or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

At a press conference, the head of Neurology at HIMFG, Dr. Eduardo Javier Barragan Perez, who is leading the investigation, said that it was also identified that the neural disorder can be treated with medication and psychotherapy.

Accompanied by doctors Silvia Hidalgo Tobon, Magnetic Resonance researcher; and Pilar Dies Suarez, Head of Imaging at the HIMFG; Dr. Barragan Perez explained that the study was conducted in a group of healthy children and in another composed by children with obesity, ADHD, short stature or behavior or language problems. They were all practiced different imaging studies to understand the functioning of their brain.

Dr. Pilar Dies Suarez said that in order to obtain the results in both groups, was made a comparison of the brain tracts, where it was observed that children with a pathology presented a problem of brain connectivity.

She said typically, brain tracts would be the communication channels responsible for bringing information to the different areas of the brain; when they dont work properly, the message arrives late, which limits the functioning.

The specialist shared the experience in handling medical treatment to children with ADHD in this situation; it was observed that those who were medicated and had a year of treatment presented a significant improvement in the functioning of the brain tracts. The specialists recommended to parents that if they observe non-appropriate behavior in their children as aggression, uncontrolled impulses, obesity or stunting, search for medical advice.

Mexicos Children's Hospital "Federico Gomez" presents the first research progress about problems of development from the brain function perspective. This alteration in neuronal ducts can be treated with medication and psychotherapy.

They also stressed that it is important to detect this condition before five years of age or during adolescence, so that the treatment has a better effect. These are the preliminary findings of the study; it still has several aspects to investigate.

Mexicos Childrens Hospital "Federico Gomez" was founded in 1943 and is located at the center of Mexico City.

This hospital is part of a number of institutions with the Certification of the General Health Council of Mexicos Ministry of Health for its high quality sanitary standards.

It provides highly specialized medical care with safety and quality to Mexican children. Also, prepares human resources and carry out scientific research of excellence. In addition provides medical care highly specialized in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of children without social security and therefore with lower socioeconomic resources.
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."
The unidentified gunman opened fire at about 2:15 a.m. local time before fleeing, Austin police chief of staff Brian Manley told reporters. The motive for the attack, which occurred just minutes after bars closed, was not immediately clear.

By Reuters: A gunman killed a woman and seriously injured three others in Austin early on Sunday when he shot into a crowd as people streamed out of nightclubs in the Texas capital's downtown area, police said.

The unidentified gunman opened fire at about 2:15 a.m. local time before fleeing, Austin police chief of staff Brian Manley told reporters. The motive for the attack, which occurred just minutes after bars closed, was not immediately clear.

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"It was a very chaotic scene," Manley said. He described people emerging from clubs and bars running in all directions at the sound of gunfire, as police officers on patrol rushed to the scene.

1 KILLED, 3 INJURED

The gunman killed a woman in her 20s and wounded three other women, who were transported to a local hospital with injuries that are serious but not life-threatening, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services spokesman Mike Benavides told reporters.

Manley said police were seeking help from the public, including any video recordings, in an effort to find the shooter who is believed to be in his 20s. Minutes after that shooting, a man opened fire several blocks away in a confrontation at a parking garage, Manley said. Bystanders tackled the shooter, he said.

Police initially believed the two shootings were related and that they were dealing with an "active shooter," but that was not the case, Manley said.

"From everything we can tell at this point through the initial investigation, these are two unrelated incidents," Manley told reporters.

The suspect who opened fire in the parking garage was transported to a hospital for injuries he suffered when bystanders subdued him, Manley said. There were no reports of anyone being struck by bullets in that incident.

RECENT MAJOR ACTS OF GUN VIOLENCE

The shootings in the Texas state capital follow several recent major acts of gun violence in the United States.

On June 12, a gunman who sympathized with Islamist extremist groups killed 49 people at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

On July 7, a U.S. military veteran shot and killed five police officers in Dallas in the deadliest day for U.S. law enforcement since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Just over a week later another gunman killed three officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The attackers in all three incidents were killed by police.

Austin, whose downtown area is known for its lively music scene, has a population of more than 900,000.

ALSO READ:

Munich shooting is a terrorist attack: Francois Hollande



--- ENDS ---
Encouraged by Trump's Success, Duke Wants to Defend the Rights of "European Americans"

It sounds like satire, but it's not.

David Duke, former KKK Grand Wizard, founder of the National Association for the Advancement of White People, and Holocaust Denier, sees the GOP nomination of Donald Trump as a sign that America finally wants his brand of politics.

"My platform became the GOP mainstream," he said. "I'm overjoyed to see Donald Trump and most Americans embrace most of the issues that I've championed for years."

Duke, who calls himself a "racial realist," said on July 22 that he would be running for US Senate in his home state of Louisiana.

Trump's campaign spokesperson Hope Hicks almost immediately announced that Trump "has disavowed David Duke and will continue to do so."

The Presidential Nominee received some backlash earlier in his campaign after Duke publicly endorsed him. When CNN's Jake Tapper asked Trump on "State of the Union" if he would disavow the support of Duke and other white supremacist groups, Trump responded, "Just so you understand, I don't know anything about David Duke, OK?"

Many Americans were shocked that Trump seemed unwilling to distance himself from hate groups.

The next day, Trump claimed that he had misunderstood the question because of a "bad earpiece."

Like Trump, the National Republican Senatorial Committee leadership quickly said that they would not support Duke's run "under any circumstance."

The Republican Party of Louisiana chimed in, too, saying Duke's history of "hate" causes them to oppose his candidacy.

"David Duke's history of hate marks a dark stain on Louisiana's past and has no place in our current conversation," the group said.

Duke isn't new to politics, having run for various offices at both the state and federal level, first as a Democrat, then as a Republican. He won a seat in the Louisiana House in a special election in 1989, where he served for three unremarkable years before failing to be reelected.

He now affiliates with the Tea Party movement.

Duke supports the preservation of what he considers to be Western Culture, including Christian Family Values, Constitutionalism, abolition of the IRS, voluntary racial segregation, and white separatism.

On the surface, he seems to be in agreement with many of the radical right voters who have launched Trump into the nomination, but his views on racial separation push him far into the extreme.

He wrote in his 1998 autobiography "We desire to live in our own neighborhoods, go to our own schools, work in our own cities and towns, and ultimately live as one extended family in our own nation. We shall end the racial genocide of integration. We shall work for the eventual establishment of a separate homeland for African Americans, so each race will be free to pursue its own destiny without racial conflicts and ill will."

As Grand Wizard in the 70's, Duke insisted he had modernized the KKK by allowing women and Catholics into the group. He said they were not "anti-black," but "pro-white" and "pro-Christian."

David Ernest Duke (born July 1, 1950) is an American white nationalist, antisemitic conspiracy theorist, politician, and former Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan.

The Anti-Defamation League has called Duke anti-Semitic, a charge he denies, though he has said he objects to the "promotion of homosexuality" by Jews. Very early in his career, he would sometimes appear in public wearing a Nazi uniform.

Duke has been convicted of felony tax fraud, for which he served 15 months in prison and paid a $10,000 fine. He was deported from the Czech Republic in 2009 for denying the Nazi genocide and for promoting movements that seek to suppress human rights. A general residency ban, issued by Switzerland, now prevents him from living in any European Union country.

That's right: other countries have banned David Duke, while one of our major political parties has nominated Duke's preferred candidate to become the leader of the free world.

Now, after decades of being scorned and shunned, Duke believes that he, too, can be elected on a platform of racism and hatred.

Oh, GOP, what have you done?
Here are the raises coming for Mishawaka teachers and administrators

From teachers and administrators to bus drivers and substitutes, increased pay is coming to staff across the School City of Mishawaka.
Premchand was born as Dhanpat Rai on July 31, 1880 in a village near Varanasi.

By India Today Web Desk: Today's Google Doodle is celebrating iconic Hindi writer Munshi Premchand's 136th birth anniversary.

Premchand was born as Dhanpat Rai in a small village near Varanasi on July 31, 1880. He has written more than 250 short stories, number of essays and novels under the pen name Premchand.

"Today's homepage celebrates a man who filled many pages (of a different kind) with words that would forever change India's literary landscape," said the search engine.

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The doodle is inspired from Premchand's last and most popular novel, 'Godaan', which he penned in 1936. It shows the 'Upanyas Samrat' bringing his signature working-class characters to life.

ABOUT PREMCHAND

Premchand's works were believed to be a reflection of the reality in society and represented, even though as fictional stories, the problems of the poor and the urban middle-class.

He had a rationalist approach towards religion, and used his storytelling to create awareness among the public about national and social issues.

"Although much of it was fiction, Premchand's writing often incorporated realistic settings and events, a style he pioneered within Hindi literature," Google said.

The writer's later works are believed to have been largely influenced by Mahatma, brought to light some of the most prominent problems faced by the country at the time.

According to the search engine, "It wasn't until later in life that Premchand really focused on his writing. He was a teacher for many years until he joined the non-cooperation movement led by Mahatma Gandhi in the 1920s."

Topics like corruption, child widowhood, prostitution, feudal system, poverty, colonialism and India's struggle for freedom were recurrent in his writings.

Among his most popular works are Premashram(1922), Nirmala (1925), (Karmabhumi, 1931), Rangabhumi (1924) and Kafan which he penned the same year as Godaan.

(With inputs from PTI)

--- ENDS ---
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By PTI: Los Angeles, Jul 31 (PTI) National Geographic Channel has acquired the worldwide rights of Hollywood superstar and environmental activist Leonardo Dicaprios untitled climate change feature documentary.

The cable network plans to release the film theatrically in New York and Los Angeles this year in October, followed by a global premiere on National Geographic Channels, reported Variety.

Produced by Oscar-winning actor DiCaprio and Fisher Stevens, the feature film depicts the worsening environmental crisis in the world that not only disturbing the balance of planets climate but is also hastening the extinction of animals.

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"Climate change is the most fundamental threat facing our planet and we must work together as a collective voice to demand major action now. Our very survival depends on it," Dicaprio, who had also visited India to shoot some portions, said.

"The Revenant" star revealed that the documentary unravels the causes and solutions of climate change before information is distorted.

"National Geographic has a long history of inspiring others to care about the planet. Now, in the midst of the undeniable crisis, we have a responsibility to inspire others to act," said Courteney Monroe, CEO of National Geographic Global Networks.

"I have no doubt that the global reach of our brand, combined with DiCaprios passion for this issue and Fishers compelling storytelling will bring this critical issue to the forefront like never before." PTI SSN BK

--- ENDS ---
NASA's Juno spacecraft is about to start heading toward Jupiter for the first time since its July 4 arrival at the giant planet.

At 3:41 p.m. EDT (1941 GMT) today (July 31), Juno will reach the farthest point in its 53-day orbit around Jupiter  a spot about 5 million miles (8 million kilometers) away from the solar system's largest planet, NASA officials said.

Then, Jupiter's powerful gravity will pull Juno back in, and the spacecraft will begin zooming toward an Aug. 27 close approach that will take it within just 2,600 miles (4,200 km) of the planet's cloud tops. [Photos: NASA's Juno Mission to Jupiter]

The Aug. 27 pass should return the first real scientific bounty of the mission, team members have said. (Juno's instruments were off on July 4, to reduce complications during that day's pivotal orbit-insertion burn, but they will be operating on Aug. 27.)

"We're in an excellent state of health, with the spacecraft and all the instruments fully checked out and ready for our first up-close look at Jupiter," Rick Nybakken, Juno project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, said in a statement.

Juno launched on Aug. 5, 2011, on a $1.1 billion mission to map out Jupiter's magnetic and gravitational fields, and determine the planet's interior structure and composition, among other goals. The spacecraft's observations should shed light on Jupiter's formation and evolution, which, in turn, should help researchers learn about how the solar system itself came together, team members have said.

This diagram shows the Juno spacecraft's orbits around Jupiter, including its two long capture orbits. Junos position on July 31, 2016 is indicated at left. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)

After a looping deep-space journey that included a speed-boosting flyby of Earth in October 2013, the solar-powered Juno finally arrived at Jupiter on the night of July 4, settling into its initial orbit after a perfectly executed 35-minute-long engine burn.

Juno will conduct another 53-day orbit after the Aug. 27 close approach. Then, in October, the probe will perform one more engine burn to shift into a 14-day orbit.

At that point, the probe's science mission will officially begin. Juno will loop around Jupiter more than 30 times, observing the gas giant with its suite of science instruments. The mission is scheduled to end in February 2018 with an intentional death dive into Jupiter's thick atmosphere.

"For five years, we've been focused on getting to Jupiter. Now we're there, and we're concentrating on beginning dozens of flybys of Jupiter to get the science we're after," Juno principal investigator Scott Bolton, of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, said in the same statement.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
Bir Lehlu, July 31, 2016 (SPS) - President of the Republic, Secretary-General of Polisario Front, Brahim Ghali, affirmed that the political prisoners today lead the peaceful resistance in the occupied territories of Western Sahara and the South of Morocco.

In a letter addressed to Sahrawi political prisoners of Gdeim Izik, the President of the Republic underlined that "they paint the tables of glory and write history pages that will remain engraved in the collective memory of Saharawi people, for which they give the best example of faithfulness to martyrs".

"You have asserted through your incomparable strength and challenge to the arrogance and tyranny of the Moroccan occupying forces, your hunger strikes and refusal to submit to the colonizer despite forms of abuse, torture and harassment," highlighted the President of the Republic.

"The maneuvers of the Moroccan occupation state will not deceive the Sahrawis, they reflect the confusion of Moroccan torturers after their failure to break the will of the Sahrawi people. Morocco's new maneuvers aim to prolong the tragedy of this people, but at the same time they represent a defeat for Morocco, "he said.

"The fact of transferring the Saharawi prisoners in front of a civil court is recognition of the illegality of the trial of Sahrawi political prisoners of Gdeim Izik, and consequently they should be released," he added.

The trial of these Sahrawi political prisoners in front of a martial court is "unfair and constitutes a blatant violation of law and legitimacy, the price of which Morocco has to pay ", he said, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the Sahrawi political prisoners.

The legality of the cause, your resistance and that of your companions in the Moroccan prisons, the support of the masses of the Intifada of independence and Sahrawi people in general, and the efforts of organizations and associations of human rights and friends of the just Sahrawi cause in the world obliged the Moroccan authorities to revise the illegal trial of Sahrawi political prisoners. (SPS)

062/090/TRA




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STAMFORD  The city harbor will come to light, so to speak, this month.

The Stamford Partnership, a quasi-public organization aimed at improving living and working conditions in the city, is planning a waterfront fireworks show in the South End on Aug. 27. The display, originally planned for Labor Day weekend as part of ongoing celebrations for the citys 375th anniversary, was moved to coincide with a harbor fest being organized by the environmental education group SoundWaters.

When we heard about HarborFest, we thought it would be a great way to tie the harbor into our theme of highlighting all of the different aspects of the city, said Jackie Lightfield, executive director of the Stamford Partnership.

Once Stamfords most vital link to the outside world, the harbor has a rich history worth its own celebration, said Ron Marcus of the Stamford Historical Society.

A launching point for Major Benjamin Tallmadges successful raid on a British fort across the Long Island Sound in 1779, the harbor was officially put on the map more than 100 years later with the installation of the lighthouse in 1882. The Weatherly, a 12-meter yacht that won the Americas Cup in 1962, was built 12 years earlier at Luders Marine Construction.

It has been an integral part of the city throughout history, Marcus said. For many years it was the best connection to New York City, and it has been protected by our hurricane barrier, which was an amazing engineering feat that prevents a tremendous amount of damage.

All of that history is barely visible today among gleaming high-rises and trendy restaurants sprinkled along the South Ends waterfront, which is partly why Lightfield thought a celebration in the harbor was in order.

The harbor is such an important aspect of Stamfords history, it made sense to do something to honor that, Lightfield said.

HarborFest

The SoundWaters HarborFest, which will take over most of Harbor Points waterfront on Aug. 27, is celebrating the harbors recreational and educational value.

Dan Burke of the Historical Society said the harbor has had an interesting recreational history, including a car race to the lighthouse across frozen water in February 1918. The harbor also hosted an air show in 1914, which featured aerial tricks from a fleet of hydro airplanes.

Recreational activities on the harbor today are less daring, but no less quirky. The schedule of events for HarborFest includes a cardboard kayak race, waterfront carnival rides and paddleboard yoga.

We want Harbor Fest to encourage people to come down to the harbor and experience it in different ways, said Bob Mazzone, vice president of development for SoundWaters. This event has great potential as a way to increase peoples sensitivity to the harbor environment.

In addition to celebrating Stamfords waterfront, the event will also act as a fundraising effort for the nonprofit educational organization, raising money for SoundWaters scholarship funds.

This year, SoundWaters has doled out $150,000 in scholarships, Mazzone said.

Anything we can do to raise money to make our programs more accessible to kids and schools that would otherwise not be able to pay for them is critical, he said. It is part of our DNA; we are never going to turn students away for inability to pay.

While the HarborFest this year coincides with a 375th anniversary celebration, it is designed to become an annual celebration of SoundWaters marine programs.

The fact that our first HarborFest is happening during the citys 375th year was just dumb luck, but it works out beautifully, he said. I see it as a full-circle event this year, celebrating our past and our potential for the future.

Fireworks

The fireworks will be launched from Cooks Point, the end of a peninsula off Bateman Way that has its own complicated history.

It was once the site of Stamfords last working boatyard, Brewer Yacht Haven West, which was demolished by South End developer Building and Land Technology in 2011. That action was a violation of BLTs zoning agreement with the city, and a cease and desist order on the peninsula ensued. Its now a dormant dirt pit nestled in the middle of Harbor Points redeveloped waterfront.

Controversy aside, that makes Cooks Point an ideal land-based launching site for fireworks.

In addition to its central location, Lightfield said the peninsula is a more cost-effective launching point than a barge on the water like the city uses for its Independence Day fireworks in July.

The show is set to start at 8 p.m. on Aug. 27, and Lightfield said the display will be visible from several of the citys waterfront locations.

nora.naughton@scni.com; twitter.com/noranaughton
In the yet-untitled film, Nayanthara plays the role of a collector and will touch upon issues related to water scarcity.

By India Today Web Desk: Actor Nayanthara, who is the leading lady of south, is presently shooting for her upcoming horror film Dora. She awaits the release of big-ticket films such as Babu Bangaram and Iru Mugan.

Now, the actor has apparently started working on a yet-untitled Tamil film, which is touted to address issues related with water scarcity.



ALSO READ: Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan's relationship-Official now?



ALSO READ: After Kaashmora, Nayanthara to act in a bilingual

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Speaking about the film, debutant director Gopi Nainar was quoted by Behindwoods as saying, "Water scarcity is the major problem faced by our people in these days which is the core of the film. Once Nayanthara heard the story, she was ready to be a part of this film and we have completed our first level of shoot in Chennai and its outskirts. We are making this film with lots of social responsibility, and I am sure that this will create an impact in the minds of the audience".

Nayanthara will be seen as a district collector in the film.

The film also stars child artists Vignesh and Ramesh, who shoot to fame after their critically acclaimed Tamil film Kaaka Muttai.

The movie has completed its first schedule and is expected to release later this year.



--- ENDS ---
T he commissioner of the Metropolitan Police has warned a terror attack in the UK is highly likely and a matter of "when, not if".

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said he cannot promise an attack will not take place, despite being in charge of preventing them.

He said instead that he could offer reassurance by explaining what the police and security services were doing to protect the public.

Speaking of the terrorist atrocities Europe has seen recently, Sir Bernard said: "I feel and understand that fear, and as the police officer in charge of preventing such an attack I know you want me to reassure you.

"I am afraid I cannot do that entirely. Our threat level has been at 'Severe' for two years. It remains there.

"It means an attack is highly likely - you could say it is a case of when, not if."

Explaining the work of the police, he pointed to the number of terror plots that had been foiled since the murder of Lee Rigby in May 2013, including one to murder officers at Shepherd's Bush police station and another to carry out a Lee Rigby-style attack on US soldiers in East Anglia.

He said the relationship between the police, MI5 and MI6 was a "world-beater" which has given the UK an intelligence advantage and said the nation's gun control laws helped make it difficult for terrorists.

The commissioner said: Now our resilience has increased as all Met officers who carry a gun have been trained to go forward and take the initiative, in the face of a new terrorist threat.

Meanwhile we are training hundreds of extra officers so they are ready to supplement our numbers during an attack similar to that seen in Paris. This increases overall numbers of firearms officers by 600 to 2800.

The UK's top officer also said that the "British way of life and culture" made the country hostile to terrorists.

He said the fact most British police are unarmed gave the public a healthier relationship with officers, helping neighbourhood officers become the nation's eyes and ears, and praised the UK's tolerance and acceptance.

Sir Bernard said: London is a vibrant city. I am especially proud to police it. Hostile to terrorists and a place the world wants to visit and invest in - and rightly so.

Help us to keep it that way - be our eyes and ears against terror - but also enjoy it. We should be positive and enjoy our freedoms.

Yes, these can feel like dark and desperate times, I feel that too sometimes, but defeating this terrorism is as much about refusing to be afraid as anything else, refusing to change our beliefs, our values or our way of life.

We will not become like them, we will not hate, we will not be cowed and because of this they will never win.
R iot police descended on a north London bingo hall as 700 youths turned the area into "a battlefield".

Officers attended the old Mecca bingo hall on Burnt Oak Broadway last night after reports of an illegal rave taking place.

When they arrived at the scene, they found 500 revellers inside the building, with 20 on the roof, and a group of around 200 outside the venue taking part in a "squat rave".

Residents reported hearing the police helicopter throughout the night and several youths climbing on roofs to escape the police.

David Norman tweeted: "At this rate with the helicopters and the riot police, Burnt Oak might as well be a battlefield."

Hundreds of revellers had gathered for the 'Summer Skankout', organised through Snapchat.

As police tried to quell tensions, revellers began hurling bottles at the officers.

Footage posted on Facebook group Inside Edgware showed a heavy police presence at the scene.

A Met Police spokesman said: "Borough officers spoke to the event organisers and tried to disperse the crowd, however more people started gathering and managed to get inside the building.

The spokesman added that riot police and the dog support unit were called to try and disperse the crowd.

"Bottles were thrown at police from the crowds in the area. No one was reported to have sustained any injuries."

Officers emptied the building around 2.40am and there are no reports of any arrests being made.
F irefighters have launched a rescue operation to free dozens of people who were trapped 65ft in the air when a ride broke down on the South Bank.

Children were among those stuck on the attraction, which malfunctioned at about 5.30pm today.

The Starflyer ride is situated outside the Southbank Centre, close to the London Eye, and is a part of the London Wonderground festival.

The ride, which features swinging cars set around a tall pillar, is more than 200ft high, and broke down as riders were part-way up.

The attraction, which is owned by Mellors Group, is the tallest mobile ride ever to feature in the UK, and has previously appeared at Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland.

19 people rescued from stuck London fairground ride

A ride normally lasts four minutes, but witnesses said some of those on board were stuck for several hours as fire fighters brought passengers down two-by-two using an aerial ladder platform.

One witness, who wished to be named only as Diksha, a recent graduate in PR from Middlesex University, watched the rescue operation unfolding from the ground.

The 21-year-old, who lives in Wembley Park, told the Standard the situation looked "very scary" as riders were forced to step onto the platform from the cars, which were swinging in the wind.

She said: "They've got four or five people out so far, I got here 45 minutes ago and they were stuck since then.

"The fire brigade came and they are trying to get people out, there are four fire engines.

"I think some of the people look scared, but some are just taking videos.

"There are two ladders and they're going down two at a time on each ladder.

"I can see two children in one of the cars.

Trapped: the riders were stuck about 100ft in the air / Shona King

"I would be really scared if I was on the ride, after seeing this I won't be going on a ride like this for a long time.

"The cars are swinging so it's very scary, it's windy and I can see the ride moving."

A spokeswoman for London Fire Bridgade said they had been called at 6.03pm, adding that the rescue operation was ongoing.

Witnesses also said police and paramedics were on standby at the scene.

Another witness, Rose Biggin, said she saw a workman attempting to fix the ride beofre the fire brigade arrived.

She told the Standard: "We were just walking past and slowly became aware that the ride was not moving and their legs were dangling.

"A small crowd was gathering to watch it as people realised it was stuck.

"A man was climbing up the middle and we saw him again at the top of the stuck bit, and lots of loud hammering from there."

Windy: witnesses said they could see the cars swinging / Nigel Saunders

The final passengers were brought down after spending more than three hours trapped on the ride.

Speaking from the scene, LFB station manager Clive Robinson said: Crews are using an aerial ladder platform, which is a bit like a cherry picker to reach the people and bring them back down.

"Its slow work as we need to access each cage on the ride individually and ensure they are secure before we move them from the ride onto our platform and bring them back down to the ground.

"There are no injuries and everyone is patiently waiting for us to get around to them."

Crews are also working with the onsite engineer to manually release the rides friction break so it can turn around and align the pods with the aerial ladder platform.

A Met Police spokesman said: "Police were alerted shortly after 7pm, to a funfair ride having broken down on the South Bank near to Hungerford Bridge.

"London Fire Brigade are assisting people in getting off the ride.

"Police officers remain at the scene. The Health and Safety Executive have been informed and cordons are in place.

"LAS are also at the scene. We are not aware of any injury."

An LAS spokesman said three people were checked over at the scene, but nobody was taken to hospital.

A spokesman for London Wonderground said the ride was managed by the Southbank Centre.

The spokesman added: "This evening the Starflyer which shares our site experienced a technical fault.

"Everyone on the ride has been evacuated safely and the company who manage the ride for Southbank Centre are investigating the fault.

A spokeswoman for the Southbank Centre said: "A fault occurred in the Starflyer ride at 5.30pm on Sunday evening. London Fire Brigade were called and arrived at 6pm. They worked methodically to get everyone safely off the ride by 8.45pm.

"Our first concern was for the safety and well being of those trapped and now that everyone has been safely rescued we will work with the operators of the ride, Mellors Group, to establish the cause of the problem. The ride will remain closed for the time being.

"We are grateful to the London Fire Brigade for their assistance tonight."

Mellors Group could not be reached for comment.
A lmost half of workers feel worried about their jobs and futures because of the UKs vote for Brexit, a new study shows.

A survey of 1,000 adults revealed that public sector employees, and younger workers, were particularly downbeat about the EU referendum result.

One in five of those questioned by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development said they felt they had to update their skills because of the Brexit decision.

The research also revealed that some workers had witnessed racist incidents and bullying following the vote.

Ben Willmott, of the CIPD, said: "This survey shows that Brexit has proved to be a seismic event in people's working lives and reveals that there is significant level of pessimism in the immediate aftermath of the vote.

"This is especially prevalent amongst public and voluntary sector workers who are already showing signs of feeling less secure in their roles and expect the economic consequences of Brexit to adversely affect their jobs.

"Hopefully, as the political and economic situation becomes clearer, this will subside, but in the short term there is a clear need for UK employers to do more to engage with their workforce about the likely effects of Brexit on their organisation."
A row has erupted over "cronyism" in the honours system, following an apparent leak of David Cameron's resignation honours list.

Opposition MPs have called for a complete overhaul of the system after it was claimed the former PM is pushing to reward personal aides, political donors, and senior figures on the losing Remain campaign.

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson said Mr Cameron's bid to reward his friends evidenced the worst of the "old boy's network".

The row was sparked by reports that Mr Cameron had recommended knighthoods for four pro-EU cabinet colleagues; Philip Hammond, Michael Fallon, Patrick McLoughlin, and David Lidington.

Mr Cameron is also said to have requested a companion of honour award for George Osborne, who was dismissed as chancellor by Prime Minister Theresa May, according to the Sunday Times.

Will Straw, head of the failed official pro-Remain campaign was proposed for a CBE, and more than 20 Downing St staff were recommended for awards, according to the report.

Among those reported to be recommended for OBEs is Isabel Spearman, who helped Samantha Cameron with her diary and outfits for various engagements.

It was also claimed Mr Cameron recommended knighthoods for major Tory donors Ian Taylor and Andrew Cook.

Mr Watson said: "I hope Theresa May is not going stake her reputation on David Cameron's old boys network.

"That Mr Cameron proposes to reward his friends network on such a huge scale will not only bring the honours system into disrepute, it will undermine the reputation of the Theresa May.

"It's cronyism, pure and simple and proof the Tories will always put their own interests before those of the country."

Labour leadership challenger Owen Smith called for a total revamp of the system in light of the controversy.

"I'm disappointed that the former prime minister should use the system to slap his friends on the back," Mr Smith said.

Outgoing Ukip leader Nigel Farage tweeted: "David Cameron's resignation honours list shows that it's a good job he's gone. Too many rewards for failure."

Downing St declined to comment.


L ondon fitness fanatics are swapping meet-ups at the pub for exercise-fuelled catch-ups with friends.

A new app allows users to choose one of around 50 options for exercise classes.

From primal workouts to yoga with verified personal trainers, friends can get together and split the cost of lessons using the WeTrain app.

The free app then allows members to liaise with trainers, known as hosts, to arrange a meeting point and organise what equipment is needed for each class.

Organisers can also invite friends along through the app and set up a messaging thread within groups.

Members of each group can warn trainers and peers beforehand if they plan to take it chilled or get beasted.

Co-founder Steve Brindley told the Standard that so-far 2,000 people are signed up to the service, which is currently focussed on areas in Brixton, Clapham and Wandsworth.

He described how the idea came out of the want to socialise with friends without eating and drinking to excess.

He said: When you want to meet up with friends there always seems to be really limited options unless you go for a drink and that coupled with the fact that exercise is often difficult to fit into your routine, and can be expensive, gave us a bit of a light-bulb moment.

Working alongside CEO Adrian Mooney and fellow founders Ed Hill and Nicola Broom, fitness-enthusiast Mr Brindley wants to see more 20 to 30-year-olds getting involved with training.

He added: From research we have found that training with friends is the best persuasion to start exercise, keep up the motivation and learn something new. Its even better when there is someone knowledgeable and skilful to help but also who is flexible on level and fun.

If people want to there is always the chance to go for a pint afterwards as a rewards.

Users simply pay hosts through the app, in a similar way to Uber, and classes cost between 12 and 20 per session  the same as between two and four pints of beer.
LJP Chief Ram Vilas Paswan and HAM's National President Jitan Ram Manjhi had been opposing ban on toddy as it would adversely affected the Pasi community who are involved in this business.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: Last Friday, the Bihar government tabled the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Bill 2016 in the Assembly on which discussion is likely to take place on Monday. However, what has caused a flutter over the Bill is, toddy which was included in the list of intoxicants in the Bill that was passed by the Bihar cabinet was excluded from the list after a special cabinet was convened by Bihar government on Saturday.

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Sources say, this complete U-turn by the Nitish Kumar government was made after RJD President Lalu Prasad pressured the govt to exclude toddy from the list of intoxicants. After the U-turn, now there will be no ban on production and sale of toddy in the state. It may be noted here that on Thursday, Lalu has announced that the law he brought in 1991 as CM on toddy would remain in place and no changes will take place in this. According to 1991 law, trading of toddy in public place is allowed 100 meters away from public place in urban centre and 50 meter away from public place in rural areas. Also, there is no ban on tapping and consuming toddy for personal use.

PASWAN, MANJHI OPPOSE BAN



LJP Chief Ram Vilas Paswan and HAM's National President Jitan Ram Manjhi had been opposing ban on toddy as it would adversely affected the Pasi community who are involved in this business.

"There will be no ban on toddy in Bihar till we make some alternative arrangement for the Pasi community who are involved in this work", said Deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav.

Even the Excise Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan who strongly advocated complete prohibition in Bihar after the Bill was tabled sang a completely opposite tune after Lalu's intervention.

"The law that was made in 1991 under Lalu Prasad govt will remain in place. There will be no change in that. Toddy has now been excluded from list of intoxicants", said the Excise Minister.

The Bihar Prohibition and Excise Bill 2016 also has other draconian provision like all adult members of the family would be arrested and sent to jail if liquor is found in the house of a person. Few members of the ruling alliance are also against this provision and have given indications to oppose the Bill when discussion takes place on it on Monday.

Nitish has expressed confidence, though, that the Bill would be passed unanimously.

"I am confident that some legislators are confused by some provisions in the Bill. I am sure every member of the House will help in passing of the Bill".



ALSO READ:

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Keeping liquor at home may land your neighbour in jail, we want to scare people: Bihar excise minister

Nitish Kumar advises Akhilesh Yadav to ban liquor in UP



--- ENDS ---
A 12-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man in his 40s was assaulted outside a McDonald's restaurant.

The Manchester youngster was held this morning along with another youth aged 17, after the earlier arrests of two boys aged 16.

All are being held in custody for questioning on suspicion of murder, said Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Police were first called shortly before 10.50pm on Wednesday to an assault, which reportedly began outside the McDonald's on Warrington Street in the town centre of Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside.

A man in his 40s was found injured and was taken to hospital where he died in the early hours of Thursday.

Formal identification of the victim is yet to take place. His name is expected to be released by police on Monday.

Detective Inspector Kevin O'Regan from GMP's Major Incident Team said: "This has been quite a fast moving investigation and we have now made three further arrests, bringing the total number of people we have in custody to four.

"Our investigation continues and I would urge anybody with information to please contact police, no matter how insignificant you think it may be."
A gunman has killed one woman and injured three others after opening fire in Austin, Texas.

The man struck early today when he shot into a crowd as people streamed out of nightclubs in the Texas capital's downtown area, police said.

An unidentified gunman opened fire at about 2.15am local time before fleeing, Austin police chief of staff Brian Manley said.

A motive for the attack, which occurred just minutes after bars closed, was not immediately clear.

Shooting: Police reported an "active shooter" in the downtown area / @doritosr

"It was a very chaotic scene," Mr Manley said.

He described people emerging from clubs and bars running in all directions at the sound of gunfire, as police officers on patrol rushed to the scene.

The gunman killed a woman in her 20s and wounded three other women, who were transported to a local hospital with injuries that are serious but not life-threatening, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services spokesman Mike Benavides told reporters.

Mr Manley said police were seeking help from the public, including any video recordings, in an effort to find the shooter who is believed to be in his 20s.

Minutes after that shooting, a man opened fire several blocks away in a confrontation at a parking garage, Manley said. Bystanders tackled the shooter, he said.

Police initially believed the two shootings were related and that they were dealing with an "active shooter," but that was not the case, Manley said.

He said: "From everything we can tell at this point through the initial investigation, these are two unrelated incidents."

The suspect who opened fire in the parking garage was transported to a hospital for injuries he suffered when bystanders subdued him, Mr Manley said.

There were no reports of anyone being struck by bullets in that incident.
H undreds of Muslims have attended Catholic Mass in churches across France and elsewhere following this weeks murder of a priest.

Father Jacques Hamel was slaughtered at his church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray near Rouen by two Islamic extremists who pledged allegiance to Isis.

This weekend, local media reported up to 200 Muslims joined a Mass at Rouen, with more travelling to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

It came after Frances Muslim Council had urged followed to show solidarity following the murder.

Imam Sami Salem delivers his speech during a Mass in Rome's Saint Mary in Trastevere church / Massimo Percossi/Ansa via AP

Archbishop of Rouen, Dominique Lebrun, told BFMTV: We're very touched.

"It's an important gesture of fraternity.

They've told us, and I think they're sincere, that it's not Islam which killed Jacques Hamel."

In Bordeaux, Tareq Oubrou from the local mosque took a dozen worshippers to church.

Muslims attend a mass in tribute to priest Jacques Hamel in the Sainte-Therese church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray / AFP/Getty Images

And in Lens, around 30 Muslims went to Mass wearing t-shirts with the message: Terrorism has no religion or identity.

A similar gesture was carried out at churches in Italy today.

The show of support came as Muslim leaders refused to bury Adel Kermiche, one of the killers.

Mohammed Karabila, president of the local Muslim cultural association told La Parisien: We won't participate in preparing the body or the burial.

Worshipper Khalid El Amrani said: 'What this young man did was sinful. He is no longer part of the community.
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)
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said that he did not target any specific person and that he was not opposed to freedom of expression.

A day after his apparent jibe at Bollywood actor Aamir Khan in context of intolerance debate caused a flutter, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said he did not target any specific person but is against overall "unrest".

Parrikar also said that he was not opposed to the "freedom of expression, but feels that country is supreme."

While addressing reporters in Pune yesterday, the senior BJP leader had taken a veiled jibe at Khan who had earlier expressed a "sense of alarm" over "growing intolerance in country."

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"One actor had said that his wife wants to live out of India. It was an arrogant statement. If I am poor and my house is small, but I have to love my house and always dream to make a bungalow out of it," Parrikar had said.

PEOPLE DON'T RESPECT COUNTRY SHOULD BE OPPOSED

Addressing reporters here today, the minister said, "I have not taken anybody's name. I had said that people who don't respect the country should be opposed..I am opposed to 'Upadrav' (unrest). Such people should be opposed in a democratic manner...To oppose, seminars should be held."

Parrikar had said, "When the actor made the statement last year, people, while protesting his views, started uninstalling the online trading app, he was advertising for and the firm too pulled out the advertisement (involving the actor)."

Also launching an oblique attack yesterday on JNU students' leader Kanhaiya Kumar against the backdrop of alleged raising of anti-national slogans at JNU earlier this year, Parrikar had said, "such people who speak against the country need to be taught a lesson by the people of this country."

PERSONS OF DIFFERENT PARTIES TOO CAN BE NATIONALISTS



Meanwhile, responding to a query, Parrikar said, "I don't say that nationalists are only in BJP. Non-political people and persons of different political parties could also be nationalists.

"Citizen of any other nation cannot comment against his country. So, people (speaking against the country) in India too should be opposed."

In November last year, the "PK" actor had joined the chorus of intelligentsia against growing intolerance, saying he has been "alarmed" by a number of incidences and his wife Kiran Rao even suggested that they should probably leave the country.

Also read:

Congress vice president attacks Parrikar, RSS over jibe against Aamir





--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Srinagar, July 31 (PTI) Pakistani flags were waved and pro-militant slogans raised at a rally organised today by the separatists in Pulwama district to pay tributes to the militants and civilians killed recently in Kashmir valley.

Thousands of persons had assembled at Kareemabad graveyard in Pulwama district, 32 km from here, on a call given jointly by hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, moderate faction head Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik.

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Dozens of Pakistani flags were being waved at the rally as people raised slogans eulogising militants like Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen supremo Syed Salahuddin and Lashkar-e-Toibas Kashmir chief Abu Dujana.

Videos of the rally, posted on social media, have gone viral showing people chanting pro-freedom slogans.

Unconfirmed reports said some militants were present at the rally but police officials said they have not come across any evidence to support these claims.

"We are looking into the matter," an official said.

Several top Hizb militants killed in recent anti-militancy operations including Naseer Ahmad Pandit, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Afaq Janbaz and Abdul Rashid Bhat hailed from Kareemabad and adjoining areas. PTI MIJ GSN RG

--- ENDS ---
Have you about had it with this race thing, the gender thing, the religious thing? I have and heres why. I dont get it, never have and at my age, never will nor do I want to.

I was about 10 years old when Martin Luther King asked all of us to judge a person on the content of their character not the color of their skin. Heck, I was so young I probably thought it was a law!

I dont have a racial bone in my body, and I was born lucky, afflicted with severe color blindness.

I dont care what color you are, where your ancestors were from. I dont care if you are male or female. I dont care if your lineage comes from Africa, Europe, Asia, South or North America, Australia, or wherever Timbuktu is.

All I care about is if you were born in America or have become a citizen of this great land that you understand this enormous responsibility.

Say what, you asked? Responsibility, I said.

We are a free people who are supposed to be governing ourselves. The Constitution goes to great lengths to spell that out. Read it, it takes about 15 minutes.

Government works for us, right? Not the other way around. The power belongs to the people, the states, and lastly, the federal government. Thats the way it was supposed to work.

But there is a limited amount of power. If we dont live up to our responsibility of using it, them somebody else will. In fact, they have.

Folks, we have been asleep at the wheel and somebody took our power. We have been too busy fighting over what color we are, too busy separating us into factions, beginning with color, and moving into other areas like wealth, education, gender, even religion at times.

Damn it, we fought a war over this race thing and hundreds of thousands of Americans died over it. Have we not learned a thing? Have we forgotten what they died for? Can we not see there is no future in playing this deadly game of division?

If we do intend on making this nation a shining city on a hill, we must let this hate go. I can only imagine the progress we could make if we turned our attention and energy into taking back the power we let slip away, understanding it is each Americans responsibility to make this glorious nation the country we want, not the ones the politicians divide us into.

I dont have the time or energy to dwell on race, color, gender, or religious divisions. I do have the time and energy to pour into helping us understand we cant wait on government to legislate these issues away. They are utterly incompetent to do so.

The problem is all ours, to perpetuate or to put behind us. Which will we choose? Let me know at greg.awtry@starherald.com.
KEARNEY -- The Governance Committee of the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP) met July 26-27 in Denver, Colo., in the first of a series of Special Sessions focused on an extension of the programs First Increment beyond the current end date of Dec. 31, 2019. The PRRIP is a collaborative program established to assist in the recovery of threatened and endangered species in the Platte River basin, thereby providing Endangered Species Act coverage for that area. The Governance Committee consists of representatives of the states of Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming, the Department of

the Interior, water users in all three states, and environmental and conservation organizations. A number of milestones were set to be accomplished in the First Increment and all have been achieved except for two related

to supplying additional water to the habitat area in the central Platte in Nebraska. It is clear the water milestone will not be achieved prior to 2019 and thus the reason for the extension discussions.

The Governance Committee provided direction on several water related issues at the conclusion of the meeting.

The J2 Regulating Reservoir Project is a proposed water storage project between Lexington and Overton, Neb., associated with Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District (CNPPID) facilities. PRRIP,

the state of Nebraska, and CNPPID are partners in the proposed project. Rising costs resulting in the need to reconfigure the project caused delays, with many issues yet to be resolved. Due primarily to institutional and

cost issues, the Governance Committee directed the project be put on hold until further notice, while the PRRIP pursues other water project opportunities involving groundwater recharge, smaller scale storage projects, and water acquisition and transfer opportunities. As the feasibility of these projects are demonstrated, the PRRIP Water Action Plan will be updated accordingly.

The next meeting of the Governance Committee will be Aug. 17 in Denver, to further advance the extension proposal.
"How come people get guts or courage to speak against the country? Such people who speak against the country need to be taught a lesson by the people of this country," said Parrikar.

By India Today Web Desk: Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar slammed Bollywood actor Aamir Khan over his comment on 'growing tolerance in the country' calling it arrogant, on Saturday on the release of Marathi journalist-author Nitin Gokhale's book on Siachen.

Without making a direct reference Parrikar said, "One actor had said that his wife wants to live out of India. It was an arrogant statement. If I am poor and my house is small, I will still love my house and always dream to make a bungalow out of it."



A LESSON ON NATIONALISM

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According to Parrikar, when the actor made the statement last year, many people had protested against his remark and even uninstalled the mobile application of an online shopping site he was associated with, while the firm had also pulled out the advertisement featuring him.

Speaking over the alleged anti-national sloganeering at JNU earlier this year, Parikkar asserted that people who speak against the country must be taught a lesson.

"How come people get guts or courage to speak against the country? Such people who speak against the country need to be taught a lesson by the people of this country," he said.

In November last year, at the Ramnath Goenka Awards, the "PK" actor speaking over growing atmosphere of "intolerance", said that he was "alarmed" by the number of incidents with his wife Kiran Rao even suggesting that they leave the country.

"When I sit at home and talk to Kiran, she says 'Should we move out of India?' That's a disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make. She fears for her child. She fears about what the atmosphere around us will be. She feels scared to open the newspapers every day. That does indicate that there is this sense of growing disquiet, there is growing despondency apart from alarm. You feel why this is happening, you feel low. That sense does exist in me," Khan had said.

ALSO READ:

Adarsh scam: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to order inquiry into role of Army officers

Beef row: US asks India to check rising intolerance, communal violence



--- ENDS ---
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By PTI: New Delhi, Jul 31 (PTI) Emboldened by its successful renegotiation of LNG deal with Qatar, India is trying to do an encore and looking at lowering the price of liquefied natural gas it plans to buy from Australias Gorgon project.

Petronet LNG, a private firm whose chairman is the oil secretary, had in August 2009 signed a 20-year deal to buy 1.44 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at a price equivalent of 14.5 per cent of the prevailing oil rates. The indexation agreed was one of the highest in the world, feels the Oil Ministry and the current company management. "When LNG deals are being done at 12 per cent or 12.5 per cent indexation, the Gorgon deal is certainly on the higher side," a top source said. At the ministrys instance and that of its promoters, Petronet has written to Exxon Mobil, the seller of Gorgon LNG, for reworking the price. "Oil prices have fallen from over USD 100 per barrel that translated into a price of USD 14.5 per million British thermal unit for Gorgon LNG. But even through rates are less than half of that, still as a matter of principle, the indexation should be lowered," the source said. LNG in spot or current market is available at USD 5-6 per mmBtu where as Gorgon LNG at current formula will cost USD 6.5 per mmBtu at on oil price of USD 45 per barrel. After adding 5 per cent Customs duty, shipping cost and that of converting liquid gas back into its gaseous state, the landed price of the Australian gas will be close to USD 9 at the Kochi port where it is supposed to be delivered. State-owned gas utility GAIL India, one of the four PSU promoters of Petronet, had way back in 2013 sought review of the Gorgon LNG price formula. Its then Director (marketing) Prabhat Singh, who now is the Managing Director and CEO of Petronet LNG, had in June 2013 written a letter seeking reduction in price of Gorgon LNG. Sources said the case of renegotiating the Gorgon deal has strengthened after Petronet last year successfully got RasGas of Qatar to lower the rate for 7.5 mt per annum LNG it supplies under a 25-year long term contract since 2004. The price of imported LNG under this agreement had been linked to crude oil (Japanese Customs Cleared Crude or JCC) and had a concept of floor and ceiling indexed to last 5-year average. The rate thus arrived was higher than spot LNG. Petronet sought renegotiation of the deal and RasGas agreed to modify the pricing formula to link it with last 3-month average rate of Brent crude oil, they said, adding that at the revised formula, the country will save Rs 8,000 crore over the remainder of the contract, that is up to 2028. GAIL, Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) hold 12.5 per cent each in Petronet. Petronet was to get Gorgon LNG by the end of 2015, but supplies have been deferred by a year. PTI ANZ ARD ABM

--- ENDS ---

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Police in Vandalia, Ill., said they have arrested a man abducted his 9-year-old son at noon Saturday and located the boy.

Darrell K. Moulton, 34, is Gahrett W.K. Moulton's non-custodial parent, police said.

Vandalia police cancelled the request for the public's help about 7 p.m. Saturday. "The boy is safe," a department spokeswoman said.

She said the father and son were located in a rural area of Fatyette County, where Vandalia is the seat.

When abducted, Gahrett wore a dark Harley-Davidson shirt and blue-and-white plaid shorts, police said. Gahrett is 4 feet tall and weighs 60 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes.

Police said Moulton had been driving a maroon 2002 Buick Rendevous with Illinois license plate Z580161. Vandalia is on Interstate 70 about 70 miles east of St. Louis.
ST. LOUIS  A man was critically wounded and two other people suffered minor wounds in a shooting in the 5000 block of Kensington Avenue, police said.

The shooting was reported about 10:40 p.m. Saturday. Officers responding found a man who suffered a shot to his chest and was in and out of consciousness. He was taken to a hospital, where he was listed in critical and unstable condition.

Police said two other people, apparently from the same incident, arrived by car at a hospital a short time later. One had been grazed by a shot and the other was wounded in the leg, police said.

The shooting took place in the block of Kensington west of Kingshighway and two blocks north of Delmar Boulevard. Police had no other details on the incident.
By PTI: Ranchi, Jul 31 (PTI) Renowned Economist and NITI Aayog member Bibek Debroy today said police reforms were needed to make the police and the police stations more people friendly.

"The most pressing reform that we need is police reforms, to make the police and police stations more people friendly," Debroy said in a statement.

Speaking at the third and final day of the International Conference of Inclusive and Sustainable Development in Jharkhand, Debroy said the greatest priority for any government should be make law and order and justice systems people friendly.

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Giving example as to how Rajasthan police stations have become models as people friendly, accessible and inclusive police stations, he said police reforms should be the greatest priority for any country.

The release also quoted another economist Jean Dreze as saying Jharkhand has made huge strides in improving social programmes, ICDS, PDS, Mid-day Meals over the last decade.

Dreze expressed hopes it would soon come up to the level of states like Kerala, adding there is tremendous evidence that higher social policy spending does not hinder growth.

India has increased social-policy spending over the past decade and continued to remain one of the highest growing nations, he added.

Ashok Bhagat, secretary, Vikas Bharti and member, State Planning Board, stressed upon the need to do extensive resource mapping within the state, which included, physical, natural and human resources and traditional skills.

"Government programmes such as the skill development make people forget their own traditional skills and look for employment in companies in more developed states. Therefore, policies must be based on first recognising the local natural and human resources, skills, talents and building upon them," Bhagat said. PTI PVR SUS ABH PD

--- ENDS ---
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio  Donald Trump sparked bipartisan backlash, after the Republican attacked the bereaved parents of a Muslim U.S. Army captain who spoke at the Democratic convention last week.

Critics from both parties on Saturday questioned whether Trump had the empathy and understanding to be president, particularly after he questioned why mourning mother Ghazala Khan stayed silent during her husband's Thursday night address.

"He was kind of trying to turn that into some kind of ridicule," Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine said after a campaign event in Pittsburgh. "It just demonstrates again kind of a temperamental unfitness. If you don't have any more sense of empathy than that, then I'm not sure you can learn it."

Former President Bill Clinton, who joined his wife and Kaine at the event, agreed: "I cannot conceive how you can say that about a Gold Star mother."

Lawyer Khizr Khan gave a moving tribute to their son, Humayun, who received a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after he was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq in 2004. During the speech, Khan's wife, Ghazala, stood quietly by his side, wearing a headscarf.

"If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me," Trump said, in an interview with ABC's "This Week."

Ghazala Khan has said she didn't speak because she's still overwhelmed by her grief and can't even look at photos of her son without crying.

Trump also disputed Khan's criticism that the billionaire businessman has "sacrificed nothing and no one" for his country.

"I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures," Trump said.

Trump's comments sparked immediate outrage on social media, including from Republican strategists, who criticized Trump both for attacking a mourning mother and because many considered them racist and anti-Muslim.

Senior Republican leaders, including House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, remained silent, as did vice presidential nominee Mike Pence.

Hillary Clinton told voters gathered in a Youngstown gymnasium late Saturday: "Donald Trump is not a normal presidential candidate. Somebody who attacks everybody has something missing."

"He attacked the distinguished father of a soldier who sacrificed himself for his unit, Captain Khan," she said. "I think it is fair to say he is temperamentally unfit and unqualified."

Late Saturday night, Trump released a statement calling Humayun Khan "a hero" but disputing his father's characterization.

"While I feel deeply for the loss of his son, Mr. Khan who has never met me, has no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the Constitution, (which is false) and say many other inaccurate things," said Trump.

Trump's comments about Khan came a day after he criticized retired four-star Gen. John Allen and slammed a Colorado Springs, Colorado, fire marshal for capping attendance at the event. The fire marshal, Brett Lacey, was recently honored by the city as "Civilian of the Year" for his role in helping the wounded at a 2015 mass shooting at a local Planned Parenthood.

"Our commander in chief shouldn't insult and deride our generals, retired or otherwise," Clinton told a crowd gathered Saturday on a factory floor in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Clinton has used the days following her convention to try and win back some of the white working class voters that once made up a key piece of the Democratic Party's electoral coalition. Trump's anti-trade message has appealed to those voters, who feel frustrated with an economic recovery that's largely left them behind.

While Clinton and her running mate, Tim Kaine, attempted to sell their positive economic message, much of their strategy centers on undermining Trump, particularly the business record that makes up the core of his argument to voters.

Trump has made plans to visit some of the same areas Clinton is campaigning in during her three-day bus tour through Ohio and Pennsylvania, scheduling Monday stops in Columbus and Cleveland.

___

Lemire reported from Denver.

___

Follow Lisa Lerer and Jon Lemire at http://twitter.com/llerer and http://twitter.com/JonLemire
Democrats did a remarkable thing last week in Philadelphia: They framed this election as an epic struggle not just to continue the policies of President Obama but to renew the sunlit, optimistic Americanism of Ronald Reagan.

In his valedictory speech Wednesday night, Obama quoted Reagans description of the country as a shining city on a hill and contrasted it with Donald Trumps nightmare vision of a divided crime scene. Obama also used famous words from another Republican president, Theodore Roosevelt, to praise Hillary Clinton as someone 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.

When Clinton came onstage and the president embraced her in a bear hug, he was passing along not just his own legacy as a two-term Democratic president but that of the consequential Republican presidents who preceded him as well.

It was an audacious thing to do in a venue where no one, except possibly some of the security guards, shared Reagans conservative philosophy. But it was smart politics, and it also reflected objective reality: Trump is an alien, aberrational, dangerous force in American politics and must never be allowed to wield the awesome powers of the presidency.

The back-to-back conventions in Cleveland and Philadelphia could not have been more different. The Republican gathering looked thrown-together and lacking in both star power and historical resonance, largely because so many GOP luminaries refused to have anything to do with crowning the usurper Trump; the entire Bush family stayed away, including the last two Republican presidents, as did the partys two most recent nominees, John McCain and Mitt Romney.

The assembled Republicans did come away unified in their determination to defeat Clinton. But the pessimism and anger in Cleveland were extreme, putting the GOP on record as asserting that the United States is in grave crisis, teetering on the edge of some fathomless abyss.

By any objective measure, this is absurd. But many Americans are anxious about jobs and the slow-growing economy, and about terrorism, immigration and demographic change. Trump won the nomination by exacerbating these fears and presenting an all-purpose solution: himself.

An all-star lineup of speakers systematically sought to reveal Trump as an ignorant windbag full of incoherent bluster. Leon Panetta, who was CIA director when U.S. operatives killed Osama bin Laden, said Trump is manifestly unqualified to be commander in chief. Vice President Joe Biden said that no major party nominee has ever known less or been less prepared. Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an independent who is one of the wealthiest men in the country, blasted Trump as a poor businessman  The richest thing about Donald Trump is his hypocrisy  and implored voters to choose a sane, competent person in Clinton.

Vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine focused mostly on introducing himself to the nation. But he did unveil a passable Trump imitation, and he showed off the fluent Spanish that he will surely use to woo Hispanic audiences.

It fell to Obama to make the larger philosophical critique not just of Trump but of Trumpism. This was no ordinary election, he said. This is a more fundamental choice about who we are as a people. ... What we heard in Cleveland last week wasnt particularly Republican  and it sure wasnt conservative. Instead, Obama said, Trump presented 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.

Obama said that Trump is just offering slogans, and hes offering fear, but would lose the election because he underestimates Americans.

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.

The president promised that anyone who threatens our values, whether fascists or communists or jihadists or homegrown demagogues, will always fail in the end. It was a Reaganesque defense of American ideals  clearly designed to appeal not just to Democrats but to independents and moderate Republicans as well.

The progressive wing of the party might not be thrilled with all the uncritical flag-waving. But the Gipper would not recognize  or be welcomed in  Trumps GOP. It is smart to invite his admirers to cross the aisle.
Can we be assured that the plant will not pollute our land or water supply so that we are not discovering something decades later like so many areas in Missouri?
This daredevil skydiver becomes the first person to jump 25,000 feet without a parachute and creates history.

By India Today Web Desk:



On Saturday, history was created, or rather we should say highstory since he jumped 25,000 feet into a net without a parachute. Yes, you read that right, without a parachute.

Luke Aikins, 42, is a veteran with a massive number of 18,000 jumps. He completed the stunt without a mishap landing almost in the middle of the 100-ft by 100-ft net in Simi Valley, Southern California.

Twitter - @MatsonHunter

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And like they say, 'behind every successful man there is a woman', well, we don't know about that but he sure did jump into the arms of his wife, Monica, after the stunt.

During the two-minute free fall that was aired live on Fox television , the 42-year-old reached the speed of as extreme as 120mph (193km/h).







"I'm almost levitating, it's incredible," he said after the jump.

"This thing just happened! I can't even get the words out of my mouth," he said, admitting that he was nervous beforehand.

Luke Aikins trained for about two years for the jump - AP

He almost had to cancel his epic jump because he was ordered to wear a parachute for safety and this would have made his landing more dangerous because of the extra weight.

However, the ban was lifted by the organisers just minutes before the jump.

--- ENDS ---
MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Militants set off two car bombs outside a police base in Somalia's capital before gunmen stormed inside on Sunday, leaving at least 10 people dead, police said.

Islamist group al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the assault on the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Mogadishu.

It was the second major operation in the city this week by the group which has kept up a guerilla war on the Western-backed government in the face of U.S. drone strikes and African peacekeeping forces.

Heavy gunfire rang out inside for about half an hour after the first blast, said witnesses.

The bodies of four civilians lay in the street near the compound which was partially destroyed. A kiosk close to the wall caught fire.

"At least 10 people including four militants, five civilians and a soldier died in today's attack," Hussein Ali, a police officer, told Reuters.

Another 15 people were injured, some seriously, he added.

Al Shabaab's military operations spokesman, Abdiasis Abu Musab, said one of its suicide bombers had started the attack by ramming a car bomb into the building's gate.

In al Shabaab's first attack this week, 13 people were killed when two car bombs went off at the gate of the African Union's main AMISOM peacekeeping base on Tuesday.

Security analysts have warned that the group could step up its attacks, taking advantage of the distraction caused by campaigning for a presidential election due in August.

Al Shabaab, seeking to impose its harsh form of Islam on the Horn of Africa nation, has also launched attacks in Kenya and Uganda which have contributed troops to the 22,000-strong AMISOM force.

Somalia plunged into anarchy in the early 1990s following the toppling of military dictator Mohamed Siad Barre.

(Reporting by Abdi Sheikh and Feisal Omar; Writing by Duncan Miriri; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
(Corrects this story from July 30 to show Theo van Gogh was Vincent van Gogh's great grand nephew not great grandson.)

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dutch police conducted security searches around Amsterdam's Schiphol airport on Saturday in response to "indications" of a threat, an official said, causing traffic jams during the busy summer holiday season.

The National Coordinator for Counter-terrorism and Security Policy (NCTV) provided no details of the possible threat, but it said extra security measures were implemented, including vehicle searches.

"There was a (threat) indication related to the airport," said spokesman Edmond Messchaert. "The increased measures are intended to ensure the safety of people working at the airport and travellers."

The national threat level in the Netherlands was unchanged at "substantial," or one notch from the highest.

After attacks by Islamist radicals in France, Belgium and Germany, the Netherlands is considered a prominent target, because it supports U.S.-led military operations against Islamic State in the Middle East.

The last major attack in the Netherlands was the killing by a Muslim radical of Theo van Gogh, the outspoken, film maker and great grand nephew of the famous painter, in 2004.

(Reporting by Anthony Deutsch Editing by Larry King)
Turkish soldiers march during a Republic Day ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey, October 29, 2015. Turkey marks the 92nd anniversary of the Turkish Republic. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

By Yesim Dikmen and David Dolan

ANKARA/ISTANBUL, Turkey (Reuters) - Turkey dismissed nearly 1,400 more members of its armed forces and stacked the top military council with government ministers on Sunday, moves designed by President Tayyip Erdogan to put him in full control of the military after a failed coup.

The scale of Erdogan's crackdown - more than 60,000 people in the military, judiciary, civil service and schools have been either detained, suspended or placed under investigation since the July 15-16 coup - has unnerved Turkey's NATO allies, fuelling tension between Ankara and the West.

Adding to the acrimony, Turkey's EU Affairs minister hit out at Germany on Sunday after its constitutional court upheld a ban on Erdogan making a televised address to a rally of pro-government Turks in Cologne.

The new wave of army expulsions and the overhaul of the Supreme Military Council (YAS) were announced in the official state gazette just hours after Erdogan said late on Saturday he planned to shut down existing military academies and put the armed forces under the command of the Defence Ministry.

According to the gazette, 1,389 military personnel were dismissed for suspected links to the Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, who is accused by Turkey of orchestrating the failed putsch. Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in the United States, has denied the charges and condemned the coup.

It comes after an announcement last week that more than 1,700 military personnel had been dishonourably discharged for their role in the putsch, which saw a faction of the military commandeer tanks, helicopters and warplanes in an attempt to topple the government.

About 40 percent of Turkey's generals and admirals have been dismissed since the coup, in which Erdogan says 237 people excluding the plotters were killed and more than 2,100 wounded.

The government also said its deputy prime ministers and ministers of justice, the interior and foreign affairs would be appointed to YAS. The prime minister and defence minister were previously the only government representatives on the council.

They will replace a number of military commanders who have not been reappointed to the YAS, including the heads of the First, Second, and Third Armies, the Aegean Army and the head of the Gendarmerie security forces, which frequently battle Kurdish militants in the southeast. The changes appear to have given the government commanding control of the council.

Erdogan, who narrowly escaped capture and possible death on the night of the coup, told Reuters in an interview on July 21 that the military, NATO's second-biggest, needed "fresh blood".

'BACKSLIDING'

German media said authorities had decided to bar Erdogan from addressing a rally via videoconference in the city of Cologne on Sunday due to concerns over public order, prompting an angry response from Turkey's EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik.

"German Constitutional Court's decision on the anti-coup rally in Cologne is an utter backsliding in freedom of speech and democracy," he said in English on Twitter.

Germany is home to Europe's largest ethnic Turkish diaspora.

The rally in Cologne, in which Turks waved national flags and pictures of Erdogan, was one of several planned on Sunday in European as well as Turkish cities and towns.

Erdogan has upbraided Western leaders for not visiting Turkey since the coup. He said it was "shameful" that some in the West seemed more concerned about the fate of the plotters than in standing with a fellow NATO member.

The aggressive military purges come at a time when the armed forces is stretched by fighting with Kurdish insurgents in southeast Turkey and threats from Islamic State militants on its border with Syria. Four soldiers were killed by the Kurdish militants on Sunday in two separate incidents, officials said.

Turkey's military is taking part in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Its Incirlik Air Base is used by coalition forces for missions against Islamic State.

Security was tight in the immediate area around Incirlik on Sunday, Turkish security sources said, before an expected visit by the U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Joseph Dunford.

While there were rumours on social media that security forces were at the ready on worries about another coup attempt, a U.S. military spokesman at the base said they had not seen an increased Turkish police presence.

"It's business as usual here," he said, without giving his name. "We are not seeing anything like that."

Incirlik has seen some scattered protests in the days since the coup as pro-government supporters have called on the United States to extradite Gulen. Washington says it will only do so if it receives clear evidence of Gulen's involvement in the coup.

Dunford's visit comes at a delicate time for Turkey's relations with the United States, given Erdogan's constant demands for Gulen's extradition.

CONSPIRACY THEORIES

With mass purges of suspected Gulen supporters well underway in all state institutions, the media and some private companies, the Turkish Football Federation said on Sunday all its affiliated boards had resigned for the sake of "security checks". It said it was cooperating fully with the authorities.

Erdogan told broadcaster A Haber on Saturday that Gulen was a "pawn" being controlled by a greater power.

"There is a mastermind behind him. That mastermind is the one who took him to the United States and who helped him avoid any judicial process," he said.

Conspiracy theories have flourished in Turkey since the attempted coup, with one pro-government newspaper saying the putsch was financed by the CIA and directed by a retired U.S. army general using a cell phone in Afghanistan.

The United States has denied any involvement and any prior knowledge of the coup attempt.

Erdogan has said that Gulen harnessed his extensive network of schools, charities and businesses, built up in Turkey and abroad over decades, to create a "parallel state" that aimed to take over the country.

The government is now going after Gulen's network of schools and other institutions abroad. Since the coup, Somalia has shut two schools and a hospital believed to have links to Gulen, and other governments have received similar requests from Ankara, although not all have been willing to comply.

In an unexpected move, Erdogan has said that as a one-off gesture, he would drop all lawsuits filed against people for insulting him. He said the decision was triggered by feelings of "unity" against the coup attempt.

It could also be aimed at silencing his Western critics.

Prosecutors have opened more than 1,800 cases against people for insulting Erdogan since he became president in 2014 after serving as prime minister for 11 years. Those targeted include journalists, cartoonists and even children.

(Additional reporting by Gulsen Solaker in Ankara, Humeyra Pamuk, Ayla Jean Yackley and Daren Butler in Istanbul and Seyhmus Cakan in Diyarbakir; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Gareth Jones and Richard Balmforth)
Pro-government fighters ride on the back of a patrol truck in a village taken by pro-government forces from the Iran-allied Houthi militia, in the al-Sarari area of Taiz province, Yemen July 28, 2016. REUTERS/Anees Mahyoub

CAIRO (Reuters) - Seven Saudi troops and dozens of Houthi fighters were killed in heavy fighting on the border with Yemen, Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Sunday, as the main combatants in Yemen's war prepared for a further week of peace talks in Kuwait.

The U.N.-sponsored negotiations had been on the verge of collapse after a new row erupted last week between the Saudi-backed government and its Iranian-allied Houthi foes and renewed fighting broke out.

But U.N. Yemen envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said the talks between the Houthis and their General People's Congress party allies and the internationally-recognized government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi had been extended by a week.

"We hope that the delegations can utilize this remaining week to achieve progress on the path towards peace," he said in a statement.

The slow-moving negotiations are aimed at ending a 16-month-old conflict that has killed more than 6,400 people, nearly half of them civilians, and displaced more than 2.5 million.

A truce that began in April has slowed the momentum of fighting, in which a Saudi-led coalition has been trying to restore Hadi to power and roll back Houthi gains, but violence continues almost daily.

UN MAKES NEW PROPOSAL

The coalition said Houthi fighters, backed by troops loyal to former president and GPC chief Ali Abdullah Saleh, tried to breach the Saudi border at the Rabou'a area on Saturday, igniting heavy fighting.

It said in a statement that dozens of Houthi fighters were killed near the border strip and their military vehicles destroyed by coalition aircraft that repelled their assault.

One Saudi officer and six soldiers died in the fighting, the statement, carried by Saudi state news agency SPA said.

Peace prospects dimmed on Thursday when the Houthis and GPC said they had set up a body to unilaterally run Yemen. The move was criticized by Cheikh Ahmed as a breach of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2216, which urges the Houthis to refrain from unilateral acts that could erode Yemen's political transition.

In apparent protest at the Houthi-GPC move, Hadi's delegates to the talks said they planned to pull out of the negotiations.

But Cheikh Ahmed proposed to both sides on Saturday that the Houthis quit the capital Sanaa and Hodeidah and Taiz cities, and talks subsequently be convened on forming a new government that would include the Houthis, delegates at the Kuwait talks said.

While Hadi accepted the proposal, the Houthis dismissed the proposal as a non-starter but said they would stay in Kuwait for the talks. "We have asserted to Ould Cheikh (Ahmed) that the solution must be comprehensive and that no subject is delayed," the Houthi delegation said in a statement.

(Reporting by Mohammed Ghobari and Ali Abdelatti in Cairo, Writing by William Maclean and Sami Aboudi; Editing by Kim Coghill)
AAP MLA from Narela Sharad Chouhan has been accused of abetting the suicide of party's female worker Soni Mishra.

By India Today Web Desk: The Delhi Police's Crime Branch today arrested Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Sharad Chauhan for his alleged involvement in AAP female worker Soni Mishra's suicide case.

Chouhan has been accused of abetting the suicide of Soni Mishra.

Soni had committed suicide on July 19, alleging harassment by fellow party worker Ramesh Bhardwaj, who allegedly asked her for sexual favours.

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Seven other people, including the previous investigating officer in the case, were also arrested with Chauhan.

Soni had filed a molestation complaint against party colleague Ramesh Bhardwaj who was arrested in June. Her family members told police that Soni went into depression after Wadhwa was granted bail who, she had alleged, was being protected by the local MLA Sharad Chauhan.



Also Read

BJP storm into Delhi Secretariat: Protest against AAP over party worker Soni's suicide

Did AAP tried to cover up the molestation case against the woman activist?





--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Mumbai, Jul 30 (PTI) Filmmaker Sooraj Barjatyas cousin brother Rajjat passed away here after long battle with cancer.

Rajjat Barjatya, who was the MD and CEO of Rajshri Media, breathed his last around 8 pm last night, family sources told PTI.

He was the son of Ajit Barjatya.

Rajjat will be cremated today at Worli crematorium. He is survived by wife and two children.

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Rajshri Productions was founded by Sooraj and Rajjats grandfather Tarachand Barjatya.

Superstar Salman Khan, who made his debut with Rajshri Productions "Maine Pyar Kiya," took to Twitter to express condolences over his demise.

"Rest in peace my brother Rajjat Barjatya," Salman wrote alongside a picture of him with Rajjat.

Other celebrities including Neetu Chandra, Boman Irani, Shirish Kunder and Vivek Oberoi, also expressed their condolences on the micro blogging site. PTI KKP DK SHD SHD RYS

--- ENDS ---
A woman is alone on a busy city street, dressed in a nightgown and in distress.

Shes approached a number of people, but no one stops to talk to her. You think to yourself something isnt right here, but do you keep on walking or stop to check if she is okay?

This is a scene which plays out in the latest video released by New Zealand Police as part of their Do You Care Enough to be a Cop? series.

This year police want to recruit 400 new officers and this latest recruitment campaign is aimed at people aged 18- 29, and in particular Maori, Pasifika, Chinese, Indian, Latin American, African and Middle Eastern. Police also want to encourage more women to consider joining the force.

In the new video released this week, the distressed woman is ignored by several people but after a period of time a woman crosses the street to come to her aid.

Mental Health Team Inspector Sue Douglas says on average police answer more than 500 mental health-related calls a week.

Distressed people need someone whos going to be calm and understanding of their needs, even under the most stressful conditions, says Sue.

While police is not the lead agency on mental health, they are often the first responders to these situations. The calm, professional and empathetic way our staff respond to these challenging situations clearly makes a big difference to vulnerable people who are often stressed and frightened.

The number of calls involving someone who is mentally distressed is increasing every year and mental health training is now an integral part of training for all new recruits.

But its not about making police staff mental health experts, adds Sue.

Instead it focusses on staff recognising when a person is experiencing mental distress, how we respond to the needs of that person and ensuring they get the help they need from the appropriate people, such as mental health services.

NZ Police Brand & Engagement national manager James Whitaker they dont want to highlight those who didnt come to the womans aid as there can be many good reasons why someone didnt see her or didnt stop.

The video should promote discussion about what the right thing to do is though, he says.

Hopefully, itll also make some people consider a future with police if their values align with what we stand for. We want people who care enough to go out of their way to make a difference.

For more information visit: www.newcops.co.nz
Winter bared its teeth last night blasting the central North Island and closing the Desert Road State Highway 1.

The MetService says the country saw its heaviest snowfall of the year so far, and it is unlikely to be the last.
Two hours is all it takes to make a difference in the lives of those with disabilities, says Wendy Isaacs of the Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust.

Volunteers are urgently needed to help collect much-needed funds for the charitable trust during its national appeal and International Assistance Dogs week.
A Bay of Plenty Police officer honoured for his rescue of a man from Tauranga Harbour says he is humbled by the accolade.

Senior Constable Deane OConnor, who recently retired, is to receive a New Zealand Bravery Medal for an act of bravery in saving a man on an evening in August 2013.
Police Minister Judith Collins has congratulated the 11 people, five of them police officers, who were named as recipients of New Zealand Bravery Awards today for putting their lives at immediate risk to save or attempt to save others.

Three New Zealand Bravery Decorations have been awarded for acts of exceptional bravery, and eight New Zealand Bravery Medals awarded for acts of bravery.

These brave New Zealanders put themselves at risk without hesitation to save or help save the lives of others."

Ms Collins says she was especially proud that five police officers had been recognised for bravery.

The officers recognised were Senior Constable Blair Spalding, Constable Ben Turner, Sergeant Ryan Lilleby, Sergeant Chris McDowell and Senior Constable Deane Thomas.

Senior Constable Blair Spalding and Constable Ben Turner, both dog handlers from Waikato, receive a New Zealand Bravery Decoration for their actions in disarming a violent and armed gunman in Hamilton.

Sergeant Ryan Lilleby and Sergeant Chris McDowell from Counties Manukau who disarmed a violent and agitated man armed with knives at a Papatoetoe family violence incident. Both officers receive a New Zealand Bravery Medal.

Senior Constable Deane Thomas, recently retired, from Bay of Plenty, who was first on the scene at a vehicle crash near Mt Maunganui.

A van went through a bridge railing into Tauranga Harbour trapping the two occupants.

Senior Constable Thomas receives a New Zealand Bravery Medal for his actions in plunging into the river and saving the passenger. Sadly the driver died at the scene.

New Zealand Bravery Awards are not given lightly and we should all be thankful for those who step up to help others without thought for themselves.

Source: Office of Judith Collins.
A suicide attacker rammed a car bomb into the gates of the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the capital Mogadishu on Sunday.

By Reuters: Attackers set off two car bombs outside a police base in Somalia's capital before gunmen stormed inside on Sunday, leaving at least seven people dead, police said.

Islamist group al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the assault on the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Mogadishu, saying fighting was ongoing.

It was the second major operation in the city this week by the Islamist militants who have kept up their guerilla war on the Western-backed government in the face of U.S. drone strikes and African peacekeeping forces.

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HEAVY GUNFIRE RATTLES CITY



Heavy gunfire rang out inside for about half an hour after the first blast, said witnesses.

The bodies of four civilians lay in the street near the compound which was partially destroyed. A kiosk near the wall caught fire.



PHOTOS: Twin car bombs hit the entrance gate of Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department in Mogadishu+gunfire pic.twitter.com/tu9NpEVIcb&; Hussein Mohamed (@HussienM12) July 31, 2016

"We have confirmed seven dead including civilians and two militants," Ali Mohamed, a police officer, told Reuters.

Al Shabaab's military operations spokesman, Abdiasis Abu Musab, said one of its suicide bombers had started Sunday's attack by ramming a car bomb into the building's gate.

'AL SHABAAB COULD STEP UP ITS ATTACKS'



In al Shabaab's first attack this week, 13 people were killed when two car bombs went off at the gate of the African Union's main peacekeeper's base on Tuesday.

Security analysts had warned that the group could step up its attacks, taking advantage of the distraction caused by campaigning for a presidential election due in August.

Al Shabaab, seeking to impose its harsh form of Islam on the Horn of Africa nation, has also launched attacks in Kenya and Uganda, which have contributed troops to the African Union peacekeeping force.ALSO READ

:

Multiple people shot in downtown Austin: Police

--- ENDS ---
A 36-year-old woman is in serious but stable condition after suffering a stab wound to her back early this morning, Syracuse police said.

At about 4:49 a.m., police responded to the 500 block of South Clinton Street after receiving a complaint about a stabbing. American Medical Response Ambulance workers also responded and rushed the woman to Upstate University Hospital.

No suspect information was available.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Syracuse Police Department at 442-5222. All calls will be kept confidential. Anonymous tips may also be submitted using the "SPD Tips" App.
This feature is coordinated by The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com and InterFaith Works of CNY. Follow this theme and author posted Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Rev. Bud Adams

Being born in 1949, "spiritual" is a term that was rarely heard during my formative years. Mostly, it was reserved for describing people who were definitely out of the mainstream and considered to be living in a world of their own creation. Today, the word "spiritual" is common usage. But, words that symbolize concepts have different meanings to different people. And so it is with the terms "spiritual" and "spirituality." This is made clear to me when I hear them modified by words such as Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and the like.

For me, spirituality needs no such modifier. Spirituality concerns the awareness, recognition, and acknowledgement of two dimensions of reality. The first is that there exists a "Being" greater than myself with which I can commune. I perceive this "Being" whom I refer to as God, to be knowledgeable, powerful, and compassionate far beyond the limits that my imagination can conjure up.

The second dimension of spirituality, as I experience it, is that every person, without exception, has an unseen nature which, although similar to that of God, is significantly less than God. This aspect of my being allows me to experience an awareness of others in a way that transcends social strata, cultural constructs, and physical existence. It is in this awareness that I come to understand that all persons are truly equal. Many words are used to describe how this realization manifests itself - words like compassion, universal love, altruism, and goodwill. But, to my understanding, such words are weak approximations that do not capture the fullness of this awareness.

My knowledge of the Hebrew language is less than rudimentary. However, I believe the word shalom, as found in Hebrew Scripture, is a way of expressing the eternal hope that this second spiritual dimension be realized, honored, and respected by all of humanity.

Rev. Adams earned a Master of Divinity degree from Central Baptist Theological Seminary. Ordained an American Baptist Minister, he served churches in Kansas and Upstate New York, and was a chemical dependency counselor in Mexico, NY.
Clinton Trump mashup.JPG

Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump are their party's 2016 presidential nominees.

(AP photos)

I didn't vote for Bush, but I never feared him as president

To the Editor:

Let me be honest: I am a fan of Hillary Clinton. I have been since she was First Lady and more so when she was our senator from New York. I was crushed in 2008 when she wasn't the nominee. But I was proud when she put her disappointment aside to put America first and be the Secretary of State.

I feared a woman president would have to wait another generation. I was thrilled she was nominated.

I didn't want George W. Bush to be President. I voted for Al Gore. I didn't feel President Bush adequately represented my view of America. I worried he might set women's rights, minority rights and gay rights back. I was wrong. They didn't move forward but they weren't decimated either. Yes, there were economic issues, which President Obama has continued to correct. But, through it all I NEVER feared President Bush or his rhetoric. I knew he was a patriot who surrounded himself with smart people and led from a place of wanting to do well and do good, a place from the heart.

Now, I'm not asking you to feel the same as me. But, I would ask that every voter please educate yourself on all the issues of BOTH candidates. Turn off Facebook, ignore television media and do the homework of research and learning about both sides. We owe it to our country! We owe it to every generation to come! No one expects agreement with a candidate on every issue, but at the very least they have to represent the best virtues. They have to want to do good for all!

I recently spoke to a 21-year old male who was voting for the Republican nominee over one issue: The Second Amendment. He stated a few other things that revealed an antiquated belief that a woman shouldn't be president for no other reason than she is a woman.

With his girlfriend and mother sitting with us, I asked: What about your girlfriend? Your mother? What about their health, welfare, earnings and rights? Are you willing to sacrifice so many rights and freedoms for an AK-47? And Secretary Clinton doesn't even want your guns -- she just wants to ensure the person buying a gun should be buying a gun.

Let's be honest, do you agree with a significant other, child, parent or co-worker on every matter? Of course not. The common bond is usually found in the middle. Shouldn't it be the same with our candidates?

So please, tune out the shouting. Read, research and learn. I know everyone won't believe and vote as I do, but I want each voter to be informed. Every vote truly does count.

Jennifer Hill

Liverpool

Ted Cruz belongs to a party of hypocrites

To the Editor:

Wow, the Republican National Convention was a week ago and I am still stunned that "Lyin' Ted" Cruz was the one Republican to say, "No, I will NOT be a hypocrite. After all that has been said in the last six months or more, after this man insults my wife and my father, I will NOT be a hypocrite and endorse him." (And of course, Trump's mature response": "Even if he does endorse me, I wouldn't accept.")

What Cruz fails to understand is that he belongs to a party full of hypocrites. Sean Hannity calls President Clinton a "serial adulterer'' yet he can barely contain himself when Newt Gingrich is his guest. At the time Gingrich was conducting hearings to impeach Clinton, Gingrich was cheating on his wife. Former speaker Dennis Hastert was very critical of Clinton during the impeachment proceedings. Last year Hastert was sentenced to 15 months in prison for child sexual abuse.

My favorite moment of the RNC was when New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie got the crowd fired up yelling "guilty" and "lock her up," referring to Hillary Clinton. Now, of course, Christie is no stranger to scandal: "Bridgegate," misappropriation of funds from hurricane "Sandy" federal relief.

I would like to make a suggestion to evangelicals and people in Congress who call themselves people of faith: The next time you get together for a prayer meeting or Bible study, maybe you can pray to god to help you find the two pages missing from all of your Bibles. The first says, "Judge not, lest you be judged," and the second involves a woman who is about to be stoned to death for committing adultery. Jesus intervened on her behalf, saying, "Let he among you who is without sin cast the first stone."

James Hurder

Syracuse

I'm a Democrat, but I'm voting for Trump

To the Editor:

As a Democrat who was told in the governor's speech that there is no room for us in New York state, Donald Trump's ticket is like a breath of fresh air.

The party supports a president who, with Al Sharpton, succeeded in doing in Ferguson, Mo., what they tried to do in Sanford, Fla. - start a race war. And now our country is reaping the results.

Hillary Clinton deserves to be indicted. What FBI director would do it now, knowing President Obama would only pardon her?

As for crude language by Trump, have you forgotten VP Biden's "big f----- deal" that they were so proud of they had BFD t-shirts made to wear.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg made her position well known concerning Trump. It puts in perspective her position on Planned Parenthood which in New York will deprive the many preemies any chance of medical care when they are aborted any time up to actual full-term delivery.

Obama says words aren't enough. His refusal to light up the White House in blue in memory of the dead police officers while he had no hesitation in lighting it up to celebrate gay pride speaks for itself.

In November, please join me in supporting Trump and restoring our voice in Washington.

Belle Brown

Camillus

Trump is self-aggrandizing narcissist with no oratorical impulse control

To the Editor:

People are more important than principles. Many of Sen. Bernie Sanders' supporters say they can't support Hillary Rodham Clinton on "principle."

Well, the Nazis had principles. The Soviets had principles. Islamic fundamentalist terrorists and Christian fundamentalists have principles. People, on the other hand, meant and mean little or nothing to them. Their principles were all that mattered.

Does anyone believe Donald J. Trump has principles or even cares about anyone but himself? He doesn't. He's a self-aggrandizing narcissist with no oratorical impulse control -- more interested in promoting himself than in being an ethical and informed leader.

Hillary Clinton has worked all of her life for other people -- as a young lawyer, as first lady of Arkansas and of the United States, as U.S. senator from New York and U.S. secretary of State -- and especially for children's health care and health care in general.

In agreement with Senator Sanders, I'll be voting for her and the most progressive Democratic platform ever. It's better to do and get done as much good for the most people possible than to stew in spitefulness. Sanders was noble enough to endorse Secretary Clinton rather than risk throwing the election to Trump by running a third-party candidacy. Will his supporters let him down and possibly help elect Trump?

E. Donald Wright

Syracuse

Even our local Republicans seem to be a party to this mess

To the Editor:

Melania's writers used some of Michelle's speech. Well at least they chose a good source, and said good things.

The fact that they or Donald can't admit this is troubling. How open will they be with the American people when it really counts?

What is also troubling to me is that many of the Republicans who have gone on record in disagreeing with Donald on important issues are now falling over themselves in offering support. Have they no integrity? Are their values and principles less important than winning?

Donald's lack of experience, his flip flopping on many issues and his mean spiritedness to many groups make him unsuitable for the presidency.

It is regrettable that even our local Republicans now seem to be a party to this mess, rather than standing for what they believe is right.

Dan Bassano

DeWitt
This week it was the Democrats' turn to nominate a candidate for president, and like the Republican convention before it, there was controversy for editorial cartoonists to skewer.

The week began with the leak of emails hacked from the computers of the Democratic National Committee showing how party officials favored Hillary Clinton over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. Convention chairwoman Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz was forced to resign.

Sanders' endorsement of Clinton disappointed and enraged his supporters. The "Bernie or Bust'' crowd heckled both of them and some walked out on Clinton's acceptance speech Thursday night.

President Barack Obama spoke Wednesday night, passing the baton -- or, in eyes of cartoonist Scott Stantis, a globe on fire -- to Clinton.

The hack of DNC emails, reportedly by Russia, led Republican nominee Donald Trump to "invite'' the Russians to find 30,000 emails deleted by Clinton before she turned over her private server to investigators. Cartoonists made hay with the notion that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is meddling in the U.S. election on Trump's behalf.
By Sahidul Hasan Khokon, Manogya Loiwal : Bangladesh has recognised Tamim Choudhury as the mastermind of various militant attacks in the country along with Gulshan and Sholakia. He is the top most Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen (JMB) leader working in association with Islamic State, Bangladesh Police confirmed.

Two years ago Tamim Choudhury came back from Canada and led these militant activities in this country.



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"TAMIM CHOUDHURY HELPED DOMESTIC MILITANTS"

"Tamim Choudhury helped domestic militants in setting up connection with international militants," law enforcers said. Arrested militant Regan told police that Tamim was available at Kalayanpur hideout. "Tamim Choudhury is a leader of a part of JMB. As per information, he is hiding in Bangladesh. Police is trying to arrest him," Counter-Terrorism Chief Monirul Islam told India Today.

Islamic State claims Tamim is the chief of Bangladeshi IS. 35-year-old Tamim Choudhury is suspected to be IS chief Abu Ibrahim Al-Hanif. He left Canada in 2013, a lot of security advisors have confirmed his identity. An interview of the chief was published in Dabiq, a propaganda magazine of IS. Monirul Islam said Tamim is the chief of JMB's one unit, another unit is lead by Saidur Rahman.

5 members of JMB have entered into India. A list of 5 suspected militants has been handed over to the Indian government. Bangladesh has requested India to hand over arrested JMB member Nurul Haque Mandal urf Nayeem to Bangladesh. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal made bilateral talks with Home Minister Rajnath Singh last Thursday about suspected JMB members.

WHO IS TAMIM CHOUDHURY

Islamic State's Bangladesh chief Sheikh Abu Ibrahim is known as Hanif. A number of media in Canada claim the real name of Abu Ibrahim is Tamim Choudhury. He is a Bangladeshi born Canadian immigrant. He lived in Windsor town in Canada. Sources said, he later flew to Bangladesh and since then he was planning to make extremism associate with IS directly.



Tamim Choudhury is the resident of Barogram village of Biyani Bazar under Sylhet district. He was born in Canada and brought up there. He is married and is a father of three children.

Also read:

Bangladesh claims it has identified Dhaka cafe attack mastermind

Bangladesh cracks down: 9 suspected ISIS militants killed as police raid Dhaka building



--- ENDS ---
Charles Valone did what a dad does: After his step-daughter's car broke down on Route 104 Saturday afternoon, he went out to help.

The tow-truck driver was already there, and Valone was standing inside the truck's open door. A pickup truck headed east on Route 104 hit Valone and the tow-truck driver, New York State Police told 13WHAM.

Valone, 59, of Greece, was killed, police said. His step-daughter, Hannah Birch, wrote on her Facebook page that this was the man she called dad.

The tow-truck driver suffered minor injuries.

Valone's wife was there when the accident happened, 13WHAM reported. Valone's step-daughter, Hannah Birch was planning to spend a couple of weeks in Rochester to visit with Valone.

"He was the most amazing step dad," she told the television station. "He raised me like I was his own child. He taught me everything I need to know about life, and I will miss him terribly."
ALBANY, N.Y. -- An Upstate New York man faces felony charges after he was accused of sexually molesting two brain-injured residents of a Hudson Valley rehabilitation facility where he was a caregiver.

50-year-old Jacky Stanley, of Kingston, has been arraigned on sex-abuse charges.

Jacky Stanley, 50, of Kingston, has been arraigned on several charges, including first-degree criminal sexual act and first-degree sexual abuse, according to the state Attorney General's Office.

Stanley was a counselor at Northeast Center for Special Care in Ulster County. He's accused of molesting two residents in the fall of 2014 and in February 2016, one of them multiple times. The facility offers care to individuals who have suffered brain injuries from stroke, motor vehicle accidents, falls and other traumatic events.

He is accused of forcibly perform sex acts, including oral sex, on one male victim, according to a news release from Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, the Kingston Daily Freeman reported. He is also accused of performing oral sex on another resident while that person slept, the release stated.

He was fired based on the allegations. He was ordered jailed this week with bail set at $50,000.

"Committing sexual abuse against vulnerable New Yorkers is deplorable, and the allegations in this case are incredibly disturbing," Schneiderman said. "We will not allow individuals to exploit their role as caretakers in order to take advantage of those they are meant to protect. Those who commit acts of sexual abuse will be punished."

A call to Stanley's attorney was not immediately returned.

Head of Ulster brain injury center expresses remorse over sexual abuse arrest of employee https://t.co/KG4hb3vQZ6  Daily Freeman (@DailyFreeman) July 30, 2016

The National Desk contributed to this report.
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Q: What is a commercial vehicle, for purposes of parking restrictions, in a community?

 F.S., Fort Pierce

A: The definition of a commercial vehicle is somewhat of a moving target because there are some pickup trucks today that are used for commercial enterprise, but are more luxurious and expensive than many of the vehicles in the community. I will therefore answer the question with another question. Is commercial lettering required to make the vehicle a commercial vehicle? Ladder racks? Toolbox? Is a van a commercial vehicle by default regardless of commercial lettering? What if it is a luxury four-door sedan with a decal on the door? What if the owner uses the commercial vehicle for both commercial and non-commercial purposes? These are all important questions that could be clarified in a rule or covenant that remove ambiguity when a board is faced with the dilemma of compelling an owner to remove a prohibited commercial vehicle.

Any rule prohibiting commercial vehicles will not be construed in a manner that would defeat the plain and obvious purpose and intent of the restriction. In other words, when the intent of the rule is clearly to prohibit commercial vehicles, an arbitrator will not defeat the purposes of the rule, but that does not mean that it is easy to adjudicate whether a vehicle is commercial or non-commercial. This gray area is where the risk lies in enforcing vehicle restrictions and I therefore advise my clients to address as many of the above questions as possible in a covenant or, if appropriate, by board rule.

Q: My homeowners association has a front gate that screens vehicles and the attendants are employed through a security firm. Does this mean the homeowners association is supposed to patrol the streets and provide security for the entire community, or just the gate?

 B.T., Vero Beach

A: In this context, the homeowners association is generally held to the same premises liability duty that a landlord owes to a tenant, which is to reasonably protect against foreseeable criminal acts. Most gated communities will control access, but will not provide security unless there are foreseeable conditions that may dictate more than access control. A homeowners association is seldom equipped, staffed or interested in providing a security force and therefore, a homeowners association should not represent that it provides security because that representation may imply the homeowners association has assumed a duty to provide safety that it is ill equipped to provide.

There is a Florida court decision where a homeowners association was found liable for a death in the community resulting from the failure of gate personnel to follow protocols relative to access patrol. The homeowners association had written procedures and protocols for vehicle access and knowingly allowed the gate personnel to ignore many of the protocols, resulting in a prohibited individual entering the community and committing a criminal act. This was a breach of an assumed duty to operate the gate with reasonable care. So, to answer the question, you would need to determine whether the association has assumed or is obligated through its governing documents to provide anything beyond access control, and if there is no assumed or contractual obligation, it is rare a homeowners association would be responsible for safety and security.

Steven R. Braten Esq., is managing partner, Palm Beach of the law firm Goede, Adamczyk, DeBoest & Cross. Visit www.GADClaw.com or ask questions about your issues for future columns, send your inquiry to: question@GADClaw.com. The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The publication of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and Goede, Adamczyk, DeBoest & Cross, or any of our attorneys. Readers should not act or refrain from acting based upon the information contained in this article without first contacting an attorney, if you have questions about any of the issues raised herein. The hiring of an attorney is a decision that should not be based solely on advertisements or this column.
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SUNDAY'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.

Vero Beach Pirate Festival: July 31. Among the Oaks at Riverside Park, Vero Beach.

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.

SUNDAY'S RECURRING EVENTS

DANCE

CardioFunk HipHop: Beginner HipHop Dance. 2 p.m. IRC Main Library, 1600 21st St., Vero Beach. Ages: 10+. Donation: 772-770-5060; irclibrary.org.

EXERCISE/HEALTH

Health Enhancing Class at Wabasso Beach with Joane Patrick: Practice Easy Gentle Movements, Deep Breathing and a Meditative Mind. 8 a.m. Wabasso Beach under the Gazebo, Where 510 Meets the Sea, Sebastian. Offering. 772-559-0866; namaste5@yahoo.com.

GAMES

Bar Bingo: 1 p.m. Sebastian Eagles Aerie 4067, 9606 Trade Center Drive, Sebastian. Adult. $1 per card. 772-589-6573; empresslp234@gmail.com.

MEAL

Breakfast: Open to the public. 8 a.m.-noon. American Legion Post 39, 1535 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach. $6. jerip80@hotmail.com.

Sunday Breakfast: Sunday Breakfast cooked to order. 9 a.m.-noon. Vero Beach Veteran Club, 2500 15th Ave., Vero Beach. $3-$6. 772-778-1299; verobeachveteran.com.

NATURE

Adventure Kayaking: Naturalist guided kayak/paddleboard tour on the Indian River Lagoon. 9 a.m.-noon, every day. Round Island Park, South Highway A1A, Vero Beach. $50 adult, $25 child. Reservation: 772-567-0522; paddleflorida.com.

Evenings on the Lagoon: Motorized Kayak Adventures. Every Day 1 hour before sunset. Round Island Riverside Park, 2200 South Highway A1A, South Vero Beach. One hour before sunset, every evening. $35 per seat. 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

Fishing: You bring the pole, we've got the bait. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. LaPorte Farms, 7700 129th St., Sebastian. $5 donation. 772-633-0813; laportefarms1@aol.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.

Vero Beach Widows and Widowers: Brunch 11:30 a.m. C. J. Cannons Restaurant, 3414 Cherokee Drive, Vero Beach. RSVP: Anna Mae, 1-772-461-1208. Snowbirds Welcome!

MONDAY'S SPECIAL EVENTS

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.

VNA Blood Pressure Screenings: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 1. VNA Hidden Treasures Vero, 656 21st, 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.

MONDAY'S RECURRING EVENTS

CHILDREN

Baby Sign Language: 10 a.m. Sept. 12-Dec. 12. IRC Main Library, 1600 21st, Vero Beach. Infant through 2 yrs. old. 772-770-5060; www.irclibrary.org.

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

Republican Club of Indian River, Inc.: 5 p.m. JR's American Bar & Grill, 710 S. U.S. 1, Vero Beach. Ages: 18. RSVP: 772-713-8256; RepublicanClubIRC@gmail.com.

EXERCISE/HEALTH

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.

Neuropathy-Anodyne Therapy Consultation: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Advanced Motion Therapeutic, 2965 20th St., Vero Beach. Reservation: 772-567-8585; Info@amtvero.com.

Pickleball 101 Free Lessons: All Ages; Equipment Provided. 9 a.m. Pocohanas Park, 14th Ave, Vero Beach. Register: 772-501-5685; vbpickle@gmail.com; Facebook Pickleball University.

Qigong Self Healing Class with Joane: Spend one hour practicing highly beneficial health enhancing techniques. 10:30 a.m. Kashi Ashram, 11155 Roseland Road, Sebastian. $8. 772-559-0866; namaste5@yahoo.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.

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

Duplicate Bridge: ACBL stratified duplicate bridge games. 1 p.m. First Presbyterian Church of Sebastian, 1405 Louisiana Ave., Sebastian. $6. 772-581-0539; jcalley620@comcast.net.

Duplicate Bridge Games: Open and 0-299. 562-3008. 1 p.m. Vero Beach Bridge Center, 1520 14th Ave., Vero Beach. $7 for members, $9 for guests. 772-562-3008; verobridge.com.

Karaoke/Games: 7-10 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.

Evenings on the Lagoon: Motorized Kayak Adventures. Every day one hour before sunset. Round Island Riverside Park, 2200 South Highway A1A, South Vero Beach. One hour before sunset, every evening. $35 per seat. Reservation: 772-380-6815; motorizedkayakadventures.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

Karaoke: 7-10 p.m. Vero Beach Elks Lodge, 1350 26th St., Vero Beach. 772-562-8450; veroelks.com.

Sebastian Property Owners' Association: Monthly meeting. 7 p.m. North Indian River County Library, 1001 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian. 772-388-0414; www.sebastianpropertyowners.com.

LOOKING AHEAD

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 8:30-10 a.m. Aug. 2. Gifford Youth Activity Center, 4875 43rd, Vero Beach.

Exchange Club of Vero Beach: Noon Aug. 2. C.J. Cannons Restaurant, 3414 Cherokee Drive, Vero Beach. $12. RSVP: 772-713-9004; www.exchangeclubofverobeach.org.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 3. VNA Hidden Treasures Sebastian, 11646 U.S. 1, Sebastian.

VNA Blood Pressure Screenings: Noon-2 p.m. Aug. 3. North Indian River County Library, 1001 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian.

Feisty Fido: Instructor approval required to help your socially challenged dog. 5:30 p.m. Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24. Humane Society of Vero Beach, 6230 77th St., Vero Beach. $75. Register: 772-978-7863; www.bestbehaviordogtraining.org.

VNA Blood Pressure Screenings: 9-11 a.m. Aug. 4. VNA Hidden Treasures Vero, 656 21st, Vero Beach.

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.

Adult Dance Masterclasses at Riverside Theatre: Intermediate classes with professional dancers from the Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company. 10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 5. $50 both classes/$30 for one class. Riverside Children's Theatre: 772-234-8052.

Mr. Harley: 10:30 a.m. Aug. 5. IRC Main Library, 1600 21st Street, Vero Beach. 772-538-7558; www.irclibrary.org.

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. Aug. 5. $50 both classes/$30 for one class. Riverside Children's Theatre: 772-234-8052.

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.

Think Pink Art Show and Raffle Event: Benefits Treasure Coast 'Friends in Pink'. 5-8 p.m. Aug. 7. Gallery 14, 1911 14th Ave., Vero Beach. 772-562-5525; www.gallery14verobeach.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.

VNA Blood Pressure Screenings: 11 a.m.-noon Aug. 8. Harvest Food, 1360 28th, Vero Beach.

Friends After Diagnosis: Speaker: Allison Snowden  acupuncture, integrative medicine for breast cancer survivors. 2 p.m. Aug. 8. First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach. 772-978-9392; www.FriendsAfterDiagnosis.com.

American Legion Auxiliary Quarter Auction: 6 p.m. Aug. 8. American Legion, 807 Louisiana Ave., Sebastian. Ages: 18+. 772-882-7352; avondaisy44@aol.com.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 9-11 a.m. Aug. 9. VNA Hidden Treasures, 656 21st St., Vero Beach.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 9. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop, 5480 85th, Wabasso.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 9-10:30 a.m. Aug. 10. VNA Hidden Treasures Sebastian, 11646 U.S. 1, Sebastian.

VNA Blood Pressure Screenings: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Aug. 11. VNA Hidden Treasures Vero, 656 21st, Vero Beach.

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.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 9-10 a.m. Aug. 15. River Park Place, 700 3rd Circle, Vero Beach.

VNA Blood Pressure Screenings: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 15. VNA Hidden Treasures Vero, 656 21st, Vero Beach.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 8:30-9:30 a.m. Aug. 16. Christi's Family Fitness, 1250 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 9-10:30 a.m. Aug. 17. VNA Hidden Treasures Sebastian, 11646 U.S. 1, Sebastian.

VNA Blood Pressure Screenings: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Aug. 17. Second Chance Thrift Store & Training Center, 490 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 8:30-10 a.m. Aug. 18. Gifford Youth Activity Center, 4875 43rd, Vero Beach.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 9-11 a.m. Aug. 18. VNA Hidden Treasures, 656 21st St., Vero Beach.

VNA Blood Pressure Screenings: Noon-1 p.m. Aug. 18. South Mainland Library, 7921 Ron Beatty Blvd., Sebastian.

VNA Blood Pressure Screenings: Noon-1 p.m. Aug. 18. Our Father's Table Soup Kitchen 4221 28th, Vero Beach.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 9-11 a.m. Aug. 19. VNA Hidden Treasures Sebastian, 11646 U.S. 1, Sebastian.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 9-10 a.m. Aug. 20. Allen AME Church, 6425 85th St., Wabasso.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 8:30-10 a.m. Aug. 20. Sebastian Gym & Fitness, 345 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 9-10:30 a.m. Aug. 22. VNA Hidden Treasures, 656 21st St., Vero Beach.

Candidate Forum: August Primary election for School Board and County Commission races. 6 p.m. Aug. 22. Heritage Center, 14th Ave., Vero Beach.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 9-11 a.m. Aug. 24. VNA Hidden Treasures, 656 21st St., Vero Beach.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 9-11 a.m. VNA Hidden Treasures Sebastian, 11646 U.S. 1, Sebastian.

School Supply Drive for Feed the Lambs: Bring supplies to August Vero Beach Christian Business Association luncheon. 11:30 a.m. Aug. 25. The Plaza, 884 17th St., Vero Beach. www.vbcba.org.

VNA Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screenings: 8:45-9:45 a.m. Aug. 28.St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church, 901 Clearmont St., Sebastian.

SEPT.

Art in the Park: Application Deadline. Sept. 1. 3001 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach.
Popularly known as Thala 57 among fans, actor Ajith Kumar's next yet-untitled film will feature three heroines.

By India Today Web Desk: Actor Ajith Kumar's next yet-untitled film will go on floors in Bulgaria next week. While actor Kajal Aggarwal has been roped in to play Ajith's wife in the film, the latest buzz is that the film will feature two other leading ladies.

Although the makers are yet to finalise the other two heroines.



ALSO READ: Thala 57- Kajal Aggarwal to play a housewife in the upcoming film



ALSO READ: Thala 57- Actor Prasanna to lock horns with Ajith Kumar?

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Speaking about the film, a source close to the unit said,"The film features three heroines. Kajal will be seen as wife of Ajith, who plays a secret agent, and as his working partner, search is underway for another suitable actress. The third heroine will be seen in a cameo."

Earlier, actor Akshara Haasan was rumoured to be roped in to play the second heroine in the the film.

"The team is in talks with a few actresses; however, they haven't zeroed in on anyone yet," the source said.

Tipped to be a spy thriller, the film will predominantly shot in the foreign shores. Also, it is said that actor Prasanna is likely to play the baddie in the film.

The film has music by Anirudh Ravichander, who is collaborating second time with Ajith Kumar after the commercial success of Vedhalam.

Popularly known as Thala 57 among fans, the film is directed by Siruthai Siva and the shooting of the film will commence in Bulgaria from next week.

--- ENDS ---
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James Green, 30, 2700 block of Walker Drive, Fort Pierce; robbery with a firearm.

Christina Boehlke, 26, St. Cloud; driving while license suspended, habitual offender.

Henry Plain, 28, 9300 block of Breakers Row, Fort Pierce; possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon; smuggling contraband into a prison.

Brian Martin, 32, 800 block of Lake Drive, Fort Pierce; possession of amphetamine with intent to sell/manufacture or deliver.

James Brown, 23, 2900 block of Kingsley Drive, Fort Pierce; possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon; altering identification on a weapon, removing serial number from a firearm.

Victor Rolle, 22, 1600 block of Laurel Leaf Lane, Fort Pierce; carrying a concealed weapon.

Tysean Afflick, 28, Bronx, N.Y.; fugitive from justice, New Jersey; grand theft; fraud, attempt to use I.D. of another person without consent; illegal use of credit cards to obtain goods of $300 or more

Willie Sanders, 57, 1600 block of 14th Street, Fort Pierce; possession of cocaine.

Dylan Winfrey, 18, 5000 block of Lasalle Street, Fort Pierce; possession of marijuana over 20 grams.

Nicholas Ciocco, 24, 3300 block of North Park Drive; possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.

Darwin Hayle, 31, 8900 block of Sandshot Drive, Port St. Lucie; possession of cocaine; possession of ethylone.

Quatesha Isaac, 28, 1200 block of 16th Street, Fort Pierce; petty theft.

Carlos Bristol, 43, Miami; burglary of a dwelling; grand theft; criminal mischief; resisting officer without violence.

Henry Paul, 34, 6600 block of Darter Court, Fort Pierce; crime against a person/abuse of an elderly or disabled person without great harm

Nicolle Yates, 43, St. Petersburg; possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.

Brian Fuller, 23, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; battery; possession of a firearm after being found delinquent; failure to appear in court on a felony charge.

Clarence Wesley, 38, 17000 block of Magnolia Street, Indiantown; violation of probation, failure to redeliver leased property.

Arley Calixte, 27, West Palm Beach; scheme to defraud a retail merchant; theft.

Omar Brown, 32, West Palm Beach; scheme to defraud a retail merchant; theft.

Capreshia Etienne, 22, Fort Lauderdale; out-of-county warrant, Brevard County, grand theft.

Debricia Irving, 24, Sanford; bribery of public servant; possession of marijuana over 20 grams.

Jonah Bader, 21, Jacksonville; possession of marijuana over 20 grams.

Jeremy Gervais, 24, 7600 block of North Boulevard, Fort Pierce; failure to appear, burglary of a conveyance.

Michael Ayers, 32, 1000 block of 35th Street, Palm City; failure to appear, driving without a valid license.

Thomas Palfy, 38, 100 block of Fallon Drive, Port St. Lucie; aggravated assault, deadly weapon without intent to kill.

Thomas Young, 20, 5000 block of Portofino Landings Boulevard, Fort Pierce; burglary with assault or battery.

Robert Irwin, 56, 20 block of Gorda Way, Port St. Lucie; burglary with assault or battery.

Laidin Ruffolo, 20, 200 block of Lake Forest Way, Port St. Lucie; grand theft.

Charley Rhoden, 23, 200 block of Jenkins Road, Fort Pierce; grand theft.
Regardless of how you might feel about his politics, President Barack Obama said something at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday that reasonable people can agree on:

It's the "contest of ideas" that pushes our country forward.

That's true in Washington. That's true in Tallahassee.

And that's true on city councils, county commissions and school boards across the nation.

Here on the Treasure Coast, the contest of ideas was on display during the past six weeks, as our editorial board interviewed candidates in 35 primary election races.

During these interviews, newcomers challenged incumbents on their records. Our board pressed candidates on their expertise and motivations.

We checked our preconceptions at the door. In some races, we were surprised by who impressed us.

The endorsements you see published today through Aug. 7, during TCPalm's Primary Endorsement Week, are the result of our research and interviews.

We are recommending candidates who we believe will best serve residents  or, in some races, do the least harm.

This year, we're pulling back the curtain on our endorsement process. In every race in which we endorse a candidate, we're posting a scorecard reflecting which individual got the most votes from our editorial board members in specific categories.

You can view scorecards for each race at TCPalm.com/endorsements2016.

In one of the races  the Florida Senate 17 Republican primary  our board agreed that it could not endorse any of the candidates, so no scorecard is included.

The stakes are high in these local elections. The victors will influence how our community addresses challenges including:

Indian River Lagoon and St. Lucie River pollution, which drew international attention during this summer's toxic algae blooms

Continued development pressure as the region's population grows

Changing demographics in our public schools, including a growing percentage of low-income students

I encourage you to pose your own questions to candidates by visiting our mobile-friendly Ask the Candidates site at elections.tcpalm.com. Click on the "submit a question" link at the top of the page.

It's a given that we won't all agree on all of the issues.

But when we disagree constructively  when we engage in that "contest of ideas"  our democracy is strengthened.
RACE: St. Lucie County Judge, Group 3

TERM: Six years

CANDIDATES:

Nirlaine Smartt (incumbent)

Ed Alonzo

WHO CAN VOTE: All St. Lucie County voters can vote in this nonpartisan race

KEY ISSUES: Experience; impartiality; court efficiency

RECOMMENDATION: Clearly, there's some bad blood in the race for St. Lucie County Judge, Group 3.

Incumbent Nirlaine T. Smartt was appointed to the bench in June 2015, replacing retiring Judge Thomas J. Walsh and becoming the first black judge at the county or circuit level in the 19th Circuit. Her challenger, Ed Alonzo, also was on the "shortlist" of candidates to replace Walsh. So one could chalk up his decision to run against Smartt to competitiveness.

But there's more to it than that.

In August 2015, Alonzo was suspended from his role as traffic hearing officer after Smartt recused herself from an eviction case in which Alonzo represented the landlord. Smartt said Alonzo had contacted her judicial assistant about a case; Alonzo acknowledged texting Smartt's assistant but said it was an innocuous mistake.

Nonetheless, rules ban attorneys from speaking to judges or their assistants about decisions in a case outside of court, and Smartt reported Alonzo to the professionalism panel, which resulted in his suspension.

Alonzo denies this is the reason for his run. Rather, he simply thinks himself a qualified candidate. And we concur; Alonzo's experience in private practice, as a mediator and traffic hearing officer speaks well to his knowledge of the law. His involvement in the community supplements his experience and makes him a fine candidate for the bench.

Smartt, however, is also highly qualified. And now, with a year of judicial experience under her belt, she is the better choice.

Smartt, a former prosecutor in the State Attorney's Office, has worked hard to reduce case backlogs since she assumed her role on the bench. She has the temperament and commitment to transparency necessary for a successful judge. Born in Haiti, she's been active in her church and says since filing for re-election, she's spent considerable time in the community, meeting voters.

Smartt deserves a full term as judge.

WE ENDORSE: Nirlaine Smartt
Tropical waves July 31, 2016

SHARE Current forecast track of tropical wave entering Caribbean July 31, 2016.

By From Staff Report

A tropical wave is entering the Caribbean Sea, although current forecast models show it staying well south of Florida.

At 8 a.m., the National Hurricane Center reported showers and thunderstorms associated with a strong and fast-moving tropical wave entering the extreme eastern Caribbean Sea are disorganized, while satellite data and surface observations indicate no signs of a closed surface circulation.

Although some gradual development of this system is possible during the next couple of days, the chance for tropical cyclone formation should increase after the wave reaches the western Caribbean Sea in a couple of days. This disturbance is expected to bring locally heavy rains and gusty winds to portions of the Lesser Antilles, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico today.

These conditions should spread westward across the eastern and central Caribbean Sea tonight and reach Hispaniola Monday. Interests in these areas and elsewhere in the

Caribbean Sea should continue to monitor the progress of this system.

Formation chance through 48 hours: medium, 40 percent.

Formation chance through 5 days: high, 70 percent.

Another area being monitored by the Hurricane Center was marked by disorganized showers and thunderstorms. The storms are associated with a tropical wave located nearly 700 miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands and has changed little in organization. This system should continue moving westward at 10 to 15 mph, and development is unlikely due to unfavorable upper-level winds.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
First synthetic benchmarks of Nvidia Titan X Pascal hit the web Apparently Titan X Pascal samples are already out in the wild, as Facebook employee shares first results of synthetic benchmark based on Nvidia CUDA, by comparing old and the new Titan X. Bear in mind that this is not strictly a typical hardware comparison, as both cards are using different, more architecture optimized cuDNN libraries (4 vs 5). That said, we cannot and should not convert those results into gaming performance... VideoCardz

Machines, madness and freedom: Invention in the Mojave Desert The airport in Mojave, Calif., does not look like much. It's a modest complex planted in the middle of the Mojave Desert surrounded by ruddy mountains and dust-covered emptiness. The vibe of the place reflects Mojave the town. It feels rundown and depressed and as though its best days---if it ever had best days -- are behind it. Bloomberg

Cisco: Potent ransomware is targeting the enterprise at a scary rate Enterprise-targeting cyber enemies are deploying vast amounts of potent ransomware to generate revenue and huge profits - nearly $34 million annually according to Cisco's Mid-Year Cybersecurity Report out this week. Ransomware, Cisco wrote, has become a particularly effective moneymaker, and enterprise users appear to be the preferred target. NetworkWorld

Xiaomi to launch Google Daydream-based VR headset soon: Report Xiaomi's presence at this year's Google I/O developer conference fuelled speculations about the Chinese tech giant partnering with Google to launch one or more products. But with no such announcements made at Google I/O, all the speculations were put to rest. That might no longer be the case, as a recent report by Android Headlines website has revealed that Xiaomi is working on a Virtual Reality (VR) headset based on Google's new Daydream platform... The Times of India

Breakthrough solar cell captures CO2 and sunlight, produces burnable fuel Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago have engineered a potentially game-changing solar cell that cheaply and efficiently converts atmospheric carbon dioxide directly into usable hydrocarbon fuel, using only sunlight for energy. The finding is reported in the July 29 issue of Science and was funded by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy. A provisional patent application has been filed. UTC

Tesla faults brakes, but not autopilot, in fatal crash Tesla Motors has told Senate investigators that its crash-prevention system failed to work properly in a fatal crash, but said its Autopilot technology was not at fault, according to a Senate staff member. Instead, Tesla told members of the Senate Commerce Committee staff on Thursday that the problem involved the car's automatic braking system, said the staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The NY Times

NASA's Hubble looks to the final frontier Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the TV series "Star Trek" has captured the public's imagination with the signature phrase, "To boldly go where no one has gone before." The Hubble Space Telescope simply orbits Earth and doesn't "boldly go" deep into space. But it looks deeper into the universe than ever before possible to explore the fabric of time and space and find the farthest objects ever seen. Hubblesite

Dark patterns are designed to trick you (and they're all over the Web) It happens to the best of us. After looking closely at a bank statement or cable bill, suddenly a small, unrecognizable charge appears. Fine print sleuthing soon provides the answer -- somehow, you accidentally signed up for a service. Whether it was an unnoticed pre-marked checkbox or an offhanded verbal agreement at the end of a long phone call, now a charge arrives each month because naturally the promotion has ended. Ars Technica

Is Uber reducing drunk driving? New study says no. A new study casts doubt on Uber's claim that ride-sharing has reduced drunken driving. Researchers at Oxford University and the University of Southern California who examined county-level data in the United States before and after the arrival of Uber and its competitors in those markets found that ride-sharing had no effect on drinking-related or holiday- and weekend-related fatalities. The Washington Post

Getting caught using a VPN in the UAE will cost you over $500,000 New federal laws issued in the United Arab Emirates has resulted in an outright ban on the use of VPNs -- and a fine of up to $545,000 if you are caught using one. Last week, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a new set of federal laws which include one forbidding UAE citizens from using VPNs to mask their digital footprints. ZDNet

Portable device produces biopharmaceuticals on demand For medics on the battlefield and doctors in remote or developing parts of the world, getting rapid access to the drugs needed to treat patients can be challenging. Biopharmaceutical drugs, which are used in a wide range of therapies including vaccines and treatments for diabetes and cancer, are typically produced in large, centralized fermentation plants. MIT

NESPi - my Mini NES Classic Raspberry Pi games console In the end, this project turned into more of a love-letter to the NES than just printing a case. I learnt a lot of new things about Linux, 3D design, wrote my first Python program and had a blast doing it... The NES was the first console I had growing up. I've got strong memories of playing Nintendo games with my brothers when we were younger. Daft Mike

Ten year anniversary of Core 2 Duo and Conroe: Moore's Law is dead, long live Moore's Law Today marks a full 10 years since the first Core 2 Duo processors, and hence Intel's 64-bit Core microarchitecture, were made officially available at retail. These included a number of popular dual-core processor parts, including the seemingly ubiquitous E6400 and the Core 2 Extreme X6800. These were built on Intel's 65nm process, and marked a turning point in the desktop processor ecosystem. To quote Anand in our launch review: 'you're looking at the most impressive piece of silicon the world has ever seen'. AnandTech

How player feedback can make (or break) a work-in-progress game Skyrim is your story, not Bethesda's. The meaning behind Undertale is based onyour choices as the player. The Witness is subject to your interpretation. Videogames care not for the author's intent. These games are yours. They were crafted as a single experience and released into the wild as complete, final products, subject to the player's interpretation. PC Gamer

The chip card transition in the US has been a disaster Over the last year or so in the US, a lot of the plastic credit cards we carry around every day have been replaced by new one with chips embedded in them. The chips are supposed to make your credit and debit cards more secure -- a good thing! -- but there's one little secret no one wants to admit: Quartz
Japanese fishermen have long told stories about the "karasu" or "raven," which is a rare beaked, dark whale but until recently, there has been no proof of them.

All of these could change as scientists discovered genetic proof that could provide scientific backup for the long-held tales. The karasu has been mistaken for the Baird's beaked whale, a close relative. Scientists said that the karasu is an entirely new whale species.

According to research molecular geneticist Phillip Morin from the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, the discovery is a "huge thing" and is also quite inexplicable that despite the number of people studying whales, they've never seen proof of the karasu before.

In 2013, a Japanese study suggested that the three whales that washed up in Japanese shores could be representatives of a different whale species. However, the study's sample size was too small and it was concluded that additional studies are needed to confirm such claims.

Morin followed up with an initiative that involved people from around the world to look for more samples of the alleged, new whale species. What they found were samples that were actually hidden in plain sight such as the Smithsonian display of a whale skull, which was mistaken for the Baird's beaked whale. According to Morin, a Japanese scientist spotted the incorrectly labeled whale skull during a museum visit.

Another clue was found on display at a high school in Alaska. While two more were discovered in the collection of the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, wherein they were incorrectly identified as Baird's whales.

Following the scavenger hunt for the new samples, a dead whale washed on the shores of the Alaska's Bering Sea, on the remote island called St. George in June 2014. According to Morin, the discovery of the dead whale in St. George is a vital piece of information because it provided new insights, especially since the samples on hand were quite small. It also gave new information on the length of the alleged mysterious new species as a full-grown adult animal, which is about two-thirds of the full length of the Baird's beaked whale.

Morin highlighted other differences from its close relative, such as a different shaped skull and a shorter beak. The dorsal fin also had a slightly different position and shape. Morin added that the new species are "pretty cryptic" and that they spend long periods of time in very deep waters.

"Discovering a new species of whale in 2016 is exciting but it also reveals how little we know and how much more work we have to do to truly understand these species," said Erich Hoyt from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation in the United Kingdom and the Russian Cetacean Habitat Project co-director.

The new research was released in the Marine Mammal Science journal on July 26.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Suicide Squad (aka Task Force X) is a secret task force of supervillains that accepts missions too dangerous (or too controversial) for the traditional military. Their existence is top secret.

How secret? So secret that not even President Barack Obama knew about the task force until his second term in office.

Now that he does, however, he's not happy. That much is clear in a new preview for the upcoming Suicide Squad: Rebirth #1, which will release next week just in time for the Suicide Squad film from director David Ayer. The comic features Task Force X director Amanda Waller confronting the president on the need for the Suicide Squad, despite the fact that the group of supervillains is clearly the opposite of America's traditional ideals.

"I don't know how this whole thing got started, director Waller, but the Suicide Squad is not only a betrayal of our ideas ... it's manifestly a bomb waiting to blow up in our faces," Obama says in the comic. "I swore an oath to defend this country. We do not do this."

It's worth noting that President Obama is never mentioned by name in the comic. However, one look at the character in the issue, and it's clear who the current president of the DC Universe is. Not only is he a second-term president who is an African-American (just like President Obama), he also looks almost exactly like the current Commander-in-Chief of the United States. The comic likewise doesn't include the president's real name for legal reasons, but it's obviously intended to be him.

Despite Obama's attempts to shut down the program, Waller eventually convinces the president of the need for Task Force X, under the condition that she assigns Colonel Rick Flagg to oversee Task Force X as an accountable representative of the American people.

"It's a sick, nasty world, and bad things have to be done to protect the American people from things they can never know about," Waller says. "That the Justice League can never know about. That you can never know about."

It's always interesting when comics blend in the fantastic with the real world, and Suicide Squad: Rebirth #1 looks as if it pulls it off with flying colors. The full issue is on stands Aug. 3, and Suicide Squad is in theaters Aug. 5.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
About a month ago, reports surfaced that Apple was thinking about purchasing Tidal, the music streaming service owned by rapper and entrepreneur Jay Z.

The acquisition would boost Apple Music with access to exclusive content, as Tidal has forged strong connections to prominent names within the music industry. Upon the relaunch of Tidal last year, Jay Z distributed minor ownership rights to artists including his wife Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj, Madonna, Rihanna, Daft Punk, Usher and many more.

A few days later, the claims were refuted by New York Times music reporter Ben Sisario, as more than one source told him that no such deal between Apple and Tidal was being discussed.

The possible acquisition of Tidal by Apple, however, does not end there. In a series of profanity-laced tweets, Kanye West, who also has strong connections to Tidal as one of its co-owners and launched the highly controversial music video for "Famous" on the service exclusively, called for a meeting to settle the purchase once and for all.

According to West, the "beef" between Tidal and Apple is detrimental to the music industry. The rapper, to settle the issue between the two companies, publicly called for Jay Z, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Apple Music executive Larry Jackson and Beats co-founder Jimmy Iovine, to hold a meeting, either through phone or for the individuals to meet in a room. For some reason, West also wants Drake to be involved in the meeting.

"Let the kids have the music," West said in a separate tweet, adding that Apple should buy Tidal now and give Jay Z the check for the streaming service, and that the company should stop acting like late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.

The reference to Jobs could be due to the tough negotiating stance that Jobs was known for, with such tactics recently reported to be the reason why Apple has so far failed to get TV networks on board with its planned streaming TV service.

In another tweet that was sent out several hours later, West said that he also wanted Spotify CEO Daniel Ek to be in the meeting that he called for, perhaps to also try to settle the disagreement between Apple and Spotify.

Spotify accused Apple of rejecting updates to its app from being put up on the App Store to limit competition against Apple Music. Apple fired back, stating that it did not change any of its rules or behavior upon the launch of Apple Music or the addition of Spotify as a competitor. Ironically, Spotify is the one seeking to be treated differently by Apple in wanting to get its updates uploaded to the App Store.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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.
Trainspotting 2, the sequel to the 1996 cult classic Trainspotting, that launched Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle to global fame now has a teaser. WATCH.

By India Today Web Desk: Trainspotting 2, the sequel to the 1996 cult classic Trainspotting, that launched Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle to global fame now has a teaser and it will bring tears to the eyes of fans who have lived with and grown up with Renton, Spud, Sick Boy and Franco. Lust for life? Oh yeah.

WATCH HACKSAW RIDGE TRAILER: Andrew Garfield stars in Mel Gibson's film on World War 2

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WATCH DOCTOR STRANGE TRAILER: Benedict Cumberbatch and Mads Mikkelsen face-off in the middle of a bending city

The 40-second teaser shows a train passing by. When the train goes away, we see the original cast standing on the train tracks with Iggy Pop's Lust for Life playing in the background. The song has become synonymous with Trainspotting ever since Boyle used it in the iconic film.

The first film revolved around four heroin addicts in an economically depressed Edinburgh in Scotland. The lead characters were frustrated and detached from life and they took refuge in drugs. The film focuses on protagonist Renton's coming-of-age as he realises that the only way to get a better life is to leave heroine and his "friends" behind.

The film, based on Irvine Welsh's novel of the same name, was highly popular and became a cult film. The film was noted for its storyline, direction, quirky characters and eclectic use of pop music (artists as diverse as Iggy Pop, Underworld, Blur and Primal Scream were a part of the soundtrack)

The sequel is based on Irvine Welsh's novel Porno where the paths of the characters from the first film cross again after ten years but this time, the backdrop to the story is the pornographic industry and not heroin use.

Watch the teaser here:





Trainspotting 2, directed by Danny Boyle, starring Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Robert Carlyle and Jonny Lee Miller will release in the United Kingdom on January 27 and in the United States on February 3 next year.



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President Maduro expects to build 500,000 social homes by the end of 2022. This is part of a public policy that aims to deliver 5 million homes by 2024. | Read More
Hotel transactions in Vietnam are expected to remain robust for the rest of 2016. Photo credit: Vu Le/VnExpress

Vietnam came as the fourth top market in Asia Pacific in terms of hotel investment volumes in the first half of 2016, with more activities expected during the rest of year, according to a new report.

The property consultancy Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) said in its Hotel Investment Highlights report that transactions in Vietnam in the first six months hit US$237.6 million, which is only after the volumes in Japan, Australia and mainland China but beating Taiwans and Thailands.

A $74.9 million deal for InterContinental Asiana Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City was among the top ten during the period.

Total transactions in the region climbed 13.2 percent to $3.8 billion from a year ago, including more than half, or $2.1 billion, from Japan market, which is expected to continue to dominate investment volume for the remainder of the year.

But there will also be stronger buying activity in Vietnam, as well as Korea, Myanmar and Thailand, according to JLL representatives.

Despite the relatively sharp pricing in first-tier cities, there remains significant appetite from investors for deals in markets with strong domestic and international visitation fundamentals, Mark Durran, Managing Director of JLLs Hotels & Hospitality Group in Australasia, said in a press release.

Investors are also expanding their focus to second-tier markets in search of higher yielding opportunities, he said.

Vietnams tourist arrivals grew 21 percent in first six months and the country hopes to reach its goal of receiving 8.5 million foreign visitors by the end of the year, 7 percent increase from 2015.
The state of Florida, the first to report the arrival of Zika in the continental United States, has yet to invite a dedicated team of the federal government's disease hunters to assist with the investigation on the ground, health officials told Reuters.

Coordination with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention since the state reported possible local Zika transmission on July 19 has been conducted largely at a distance, they said. That is surprising to some infectious disease experts, who say a less robust response could lead to a higher number of infections.

While Florida has a strong record of battling limited outbreaks of similar mosquito-borne viruses, including dengue and chikungunya, the risk of birth defects caused by Zika adds greater urgency to containing its spread with every available means, they say. Other states have quickly called in CDC teams to help track high-profile diseases.

"You only have a small window. This is the window" to prevent a small-scale outbreak from spreading, said Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, who expressed impatience with the pace of the Florida investigation.

Florida on Friday said that four cases of Zika in the state were likely caused by mosquito, the first sign that the virus is circulating locally, though it has yet to identify mosquitoes carrying the disease.

The current Zika outbreak was first detected last year in Brazil, where it has been linked to more than 1,700 cases of the birth defect microcephaly, and has since spread rapidly through the Americas.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said the state health department was working with the CDC as it continues its Zika investigation. CDC said it is closely coordinating with Florida officials who are leading the effort. Dr Marc Fischer, a CDC epidemiologist, has gone to Florida at the state's request.

But the state has not invited in the CDC's wider emergency response team of experts in epidemiology, risk communication, vector control and logistics, according to Florida health department spokeswoman Mara Gambineri.

In its plans to fight Zika nationwide, CDC stressed that such teams would help local officials track and contain the virus. Similar teams were sent to Utah earlier this month to solve how a person may have become infected while caring for a Zika-infected patient, before local officials went public with the case, and quickly joined an effort to contain an Ebola case in Dallas in 2014.

"Should we need additional assistance, we will reach out," Gambineri said in an email. She did not reply to questions about why the state decided not to bring in a CDC team.

CDC spokesman Tom Skinner said the agency has several teams ready for when states request help with Zika, including Florida.

"If invited, we've got a team ready to go," he said.

Funding blame game

Florida health officials publicly disclosed the first case of suspected local transmission on July 19.

They have since been testing hundreds of area residents to identify other possible infections, in some cases knocking on doors asking people to provide urine samples, and studying local mosquito populations to see if they are carrying the virus.

The state has warned residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites, and distributed Zika prevention kits for pregnant women at local doctors' offices.

Michael Osterholm, an infectious disease expert from the University of Minnesota, said the two counties involved in the Florida probe  Miami-Dade County and Broward County - have extensive mosquito control experience. But he was surprised that the state had not yet sought CDC's help in quickly gathering information about where people were when they were bitten.

"When cases like this occur, it's critical that there be rapid epidemiological investigations to determine the likely location where the mosquito exposure occurred," Osterholm said. "Only with that can you identify the breeding sites and eliminate them."

As Zika's arrival in the United States loomed in recent months, Republican and Democratic leaders have blamed each other for holding up funding to fight it. President Barack Obama's administration asked Congress for $1.9 billion to fund a Zika response. Republican lawmakers proposed much smaller sums, and talks with their Democratic counterparts stalled before Congress adjourned for the summer.

Scott, a Republican, said on Friday he had asked top officials in the Obama administration, including CDC Director Tom Frieden, for more resources to fight Zika. He has allocated$26 million from the state's budget.

On July 20, the White House said that Obama had called the Florida governor to discuss the possibility that Zika was circulating in the state, and promised an extra $5.6 million in federal funding in addition to about $2 million provided by CDC.

The statement praised Florida's record of responding to mosquito-borne outbreaks and its close coordination with federal partners, including the CDC.

"Florida does what Florida does," said one public health expert familiar with the investigation. "If I were health commissioner, I would have asked for their (CDC's) help immediately."
By PTI: Agartala, Jul 31 (PTI) Tripura entered the broad gauge railway map of the country today with Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flagging off the Agartala-New Delhi Tripura Sundari Express.

The foundation stone for the much awaited railway track to link Agartala to Akhoura in Bangladesh was jointly laid at the programme by Prabhu and his Bangladeshi counterpart Md Mujibul Haque.

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Tripura Sundari Express will run once a week on Sundays and will reach New Delhi in 47 hours after travelling via Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri. Rs 968 crore was spent for Agartala- Delhi rail link.

Addressing the gathering, Prabhu said a regular train service between Agartala and Kolkata would be started next month.

"Kolkata is the cultural capital of the country and Tripura has a long historic connection with it," he said.

On the Agartala-Akhoura railway link, Prabhu said it would be part of trans-Asian rail connectivity.

"We are committed to bring connectivity with Bangladesh. The relation between India and Bangladesh is very cordial and they (Bangladesh) are cooperative in our initiative," he said.

The rail track here would be extended to Sabroom, the southern-most town in Tripura, which is only 75 km from Chittagong port in Bangladesh.

"Chittagong port is the best port in Asia. We want to connect Indian Railways track with Chittagong port through Sabroom," Prabhu said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, is very keen to make northeast region a tourist hub.

"We want to develop railway network in the entire northeast and want to make it a tourist hub. We want to bring Bangladesh into the same tourist circuit," Prabhu said.

Speaking at the function, Haque said "We always respect the people of India for giving us support and shelter during our Liberation Movement. We want people to people contact. Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asked me to convey our love and respect to the people of India".

Bangladesh has now decided to launch a new train between Khulna and Kolkata in addition to the Maitri Express train that plies between Dhaka and Kolkata.

Haque also sought Indias help to combat terrorism.

"It is a global phenomena and we (Bangladesh) seek Indias active cooperation in combating terrorism," Haque added. MORE PTI JOY KK CPS

--- ENDS ---
Rhino horns are cut into pieces and hidden in milk powder cans. Photo provided by Customs Office

Four rhino horns worth US$200,000 were found in the baggage of a Vietnamese man, the Customs Office at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City said Sunday.

The 42-year-old man was returning to Vietnam from Africa, according to the office.

The horns, weighing nearly 2kg in total, were cut into small pieces and hidden in cans of milk powder, it said.

The customs office and related agencies are investigating further.

The trade in rhino horn is illegal under Vietnam's penal code.

Around 1,300 rhino were killed illegally in Africa last year, driven by demand from China and Vietnam where rhino horn is believed by to help reduce toxins in the body, reduce body heat and treat fever, and to improve ones general health or prevent disease.

It is also rumored to help treat cancer or reduce the side effects of cancer treatment, according to Education for Nature Vietnam, an NGO for wildlife protection.

Use of rhino horn has also become somewhat of a status symbol, whereby members of the emerging wealthy class flaunt their success by using expensive "medicines," the NGO said.
The cyber-attacks on Vietnam's two major airports have affected more than 100 flights, dozens of which were delayed for up to one hour, the country's aviation authorities said.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) said in a press release Saturday that it has ordered other airports across Vietnam to tighten aviation security after hackers targeted computers systems at the airports in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The computer systems at Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City were hacked at 1.46 p.m., and Hanoi's Noi Bai airport at 4.07 p.m..

The hackers, allegedly from China, took control of the flight information screens and displayed distorted information about the East Sea (South China Sea) and insulted Vietnam and the Philippines, according to authorities.

However, they were unable to break into the search and ticket-booking system, according to Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Nhat.

The flight operations and security systems at the airports still worked normally, he said.

In its press release, CAAV said the attacks interrupted the airports electronic check-in systems, so check-in procedures were handled manually, leading to multiple flight delays.

Shortly after the attacks, the CAAV and the National Civil Aviation Security Committee ordered the northern and southern airports authorities, along with relevant sides, to work with security departments of the Ministry of Public Security to handle the incident.

Alleged Chinese hackers

The website of Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier, was also hacked and defaced for a few hours on Friday afternoon. A list of more than 400,000 members of the airline's frequent flyer program was stolen and leaked on the Internet.

The website of Vietnam Airlines was defaced on Friday, displaying a logo of 1937cN, a Chinese hacker group.

The cyber-attacks, arguably the most serious so far in Vietnam, were carried out a few weeks after an international tribunal issued a ruling in favor of the Philippines that invalidated China's claims in the East Sea.

1937cN teAm, one of the best-known and most powerful hacker groups in China, has been alleged of carrying the attacks as its logo appeared on the hacked screen.

The group is known for having targeted many websites in Vietnam for the past years.

However, the group said in a statement on its website on Saturday that it is "irrational, unscientific" to blame China on the hacking incident.
A file photo shows Lo Thi Chom being arrested for human trafficking in the northern province of Lai Chau. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Vietnam held a ceremony was held in the northern border province of Lao Cai on Saturday, aiming to raise public awareness of the importance of human trafficking prevention and control.

Speaking at the event, President of the Vietnamese Womens Union Nguyen Thi Thu Ha said that the ceremony marked the first National Day Against Trafficking in Persons, which was selected for July 30 by the Government in anticipation with global efforts to combat human trafficking.

The union has coordinated closely with relevant agencies in the work, Ha said, adding that its communication campaigns popularized information related to human trafficking to 14.1 million people over the past five years.

According to Major General Nguyen Phong Hoa, Deputy Head of the Police General Department, the human trafficking has involved in only women and children, but also men, newborns, and human body organs.

Official figures show that around 500 human trafficking cases are discovered in Vietnam a year, involving over 700 suspects and 1,000 victims, Hoa said.

He asked police forces to keep a close watch on suspected traffickers in hot spots, especially along the borders with China, Laos and Cambodia, as well as coordinating with peoples courts and peoples procuracies to speed up case investigations and prosecutions.

Nguyen Van Thinh, Political Counselor at the Vietnamese Embassy in China, said that crimes related to illegal immigration, matchmaking and trafficking women into China, which are committed by Vietnamese, are on the rise.

In 2015, 54 cases related to illegal marriage and trafficking were brought to light, with 26 Vietnamese women rescued.

In the first half of 2016, 34 Vietnamese women were reportedly cheated to go to China, of them 18 were rescued.

According to Thinh, to address the situation, it is important to expand communication on traffickers ruses as well as the reality in foreign countries, and at the same time strengthen management and inspections at border gates along the border shared with China.

Vietnam enacted the Law on preventing and combating human trafficking in 2012.

Also in the year, its government endorsed Palermo Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.

In 2015, the country signed the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.
Around 80 workers at a South Korean garment firm in the northern province of Yen Bai suffered food poisoning after having lunch at the company on Saturday.

The workers suffered belly ache and many vomited after having lunch that served rice with bamboo sprouts, water spinach, winter melon, noodle soup, pork, fresh milk and water melon at the cafeteria of Unico Korea subsidiary at an industrial park.

Local authorities rushed the workers to hospitals and have taken food samples for testing, Tuoi Tre newspaper reported.

Mass food poisoning has been a constant threat to factory workers in Vietnam, and it has been a major cause of wildcat strikes in the country.

Labor officials said it is also one of the main reasons the countrys productivity remains among the lowest in the world.
Rare baby Siamese crocodiles are seen at Thmor Daun Pove's natural resource protection community in Kho Kong province, 400 km (249 miles) southwest of Phnom Penh, June 19, 2010.

Border police seized 399 baby Siamese crocodiles, a protected endangered species, in southern China, state-owned Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday.

The roughly 25-cm long crocodiles were about 15 days old and were likely trafficked from Vietnam, the report said.

Police in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region said they saw three nervous-looking men moving goods in front of the house where the crocodiles were found and approached them for questioning. One man was caught, while the two others escaped.

Siamese crocodile skin is used to produce handbags and other luxury leather goods, but the reptiles can only be raised in China with a license and trafficking in them is illegal, according to Xinhua.

China is a major destination market for many products made using exotic, and often endangered, species. The government has held high-profile events to destroy large caches of illicit animal products in attempt to discourage trafficking in them.
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton looks at a computer screen during a campaign stop at Atomic Object company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. March 7, 2016. Photo: Reuters/Carlos Barria/File Photo

A computer network used by Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clintons campaign was hacked as part of a broad cyber attack on Democratic political organizations, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

The latest attack, which was disclosed to Reuters on Friday, follows two other hacks on the Democratic National Committee, or DNC, and the partys fundraising committee for candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives.

A Clinton campaign spokesman said in a statement late on Friday that an analytics data program maintained by the DNC and used by the campaign and a number of other entities "was accessed as part of the DNC hack."

"Our campaign computer system has been under review by outside cyber security experts. To date, they have found no evidence that our internal systems have been compromised," said Clinton campaign spokesman Nick Merrill.

Later, a campaign official said hackers had access to the analytics program's server for approximately five days. The analytics data program is one of many systems the campaign accesses to conduct voter analysis, and does not include social security numbers or credit card numbers, the official said.

The U.S. Department of Justice national security division is investigating whether cyber attacks on Democratic political organizations threatened U.S. security, sources familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The involvement of the Justice Departments national security division is a sign that the Obama administration has concluded that the hacking was sponsored by a state, people with knowledge of the investigation said.

While it is unclear exactly what material the hackers may have gained access to, the third such attack on sensitive Democratic targets disclosed in the last six weeks has caused alarm in the party and beyond, just over three months before the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election.

Hackers, whom U.S. intelligence officials have concluded were Russian, gained access to the entire network of the fundraising Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, or DCCC, said people familiar with the matter, detailing the extent of the breach to Reuters for the first time.

Cyber security experts and U.S. officials said earlier this week they had concluded, based on analysis of malware and other aspects of the DNC hack, that Russia engineered the release of hacked Democratic Party emails to influence the U.S. presidential election.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation said on Friday it was "aware of media reporting on cyber intrusions involving multiple political entities, and is working to determine the accuracy, nature and scope of these matters."

"The FBI takes seriously any allegations of intrusions, and we will continue to hold accountable those who pose a threat in cyberspace," the agency said in an emailed statement.

The hack did not involve the private email system Clinton used while she was secretary of state.

Yahoo News reported on Thursday night that the FBI had warned the Clinton campaign last March that it was a target of a cyber attack involving spearphishing and had asked the campaign to turn over sensitive data to help in its investigation, but that campaign lawyers rejected this request as too intrusive. A source familiar with the matter confirmed this account to Reuters.

Russian hackers

The new disclosure to Reuters that hackers gained access to the full DCCC network means they would have had access to everything on the network from emails to strategy memos and opposition research prepared to support Democratic candidates in campaigns for the House.

The hack of the DCCC, which is based in Washington, was reported first by Reuters on Thursday, ahead of Clintons speech in Philadelphia accepting the Democratic partys nomination.

Russian officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

Several U.S. officials said the Obama administration has avoided publicly attributing the attacks to Russia as that might undermine Secretary of State John Kerrys effort to win Russian cooperation in the war on Islamic State in Syria.

The officials said the administration fears Russian President Vladimir Putin might respond to a public move by escalating cyber attacks on U.S. targets, increasing military harassment of U.S. and allied aircraft and warships in the Baltic and Black Seas, and making more aggressive moves in Eastern Europe.

Some officials question the approach, arguing that responding more forcefully to Russia would be more effective than remaining silent.

The Obama administration announced in an April 2015 executive order that it could apply economic sanctions in response to cyber attacks.

Trump on emails

The hack on the DNC, made public in June, led to WikiLeaks publishing more than 19,000 emails last weekend, some of them showing favoritism within the DNC for Clinton over U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned on Sunday as a result, creating a rocky start for the party's convention in Philadelphia this week.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Wednesday invited Russia to dig up thousands of "missing" emails from Clinton's time at the State Department, prompting Democrats to accuse him of urging foreigners to spy on Americans.

On Thursday, Trump said his remarks were meant as sarcasm.

Earlier in the week, Clinton campaign senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan had criticized Trump and called the hacking "a national security issue."

Trump campaign spokesman Jason Miller said on Friday the reported breach showed cyber security is "a problem wherever Hillary Clinton goes. Hopefully this time there wasn't classified or top secret information that puts American lives at risk."

In Washington, the DCCC said early on Friday it had hired cyber security firm CrowdStrike to investigate. "We have taken and are continuing to take steps to enhance the security of our network," the DCCC said. "We are cooperating with federal law enforcement with respect to their ongoing investigation."

The DCCC had no additional comment late on Friday. Officials at the DNC did not respond to requests for comment.

Senator Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat and the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, told CNN on Friday she had not heard about the hack of the Clinton campaign.

But she said: "It wouldn't surprise me. I think it should be pretty clear that both campaigns should be aware that there's a problem out there. Everybody should be cautious."
At least nine people were killed when a three-storey building collapsed in heavy rains in a Mumbai suburb on Sunday, state media reported, and officials said 32 people were killed by lightning a day earlier in India's eastern state of Odisha.

Authorities had already announced a death toll for Saturday of at least 17 people in heavy rains in the northeastern state of Assam.

Lightning also killed 15 people in Bangladesh in the past two days, disaster management officials in Dhaka said on Sunday, adding to a death toll of 17 in flooding on Saturday. About 300 people have died from lightning in Bangladesh so far this year.

Persistent heavy rains this week have caused widespread disruption across South Asia. At least 68 people died in Nepal by flash floods and landslides.

About 50,000 people from southern and eastern India had to be evacuated in recent days as storms pushed water levels to dangerous levels, damaging crops and causing more than 3,000 houses to collapse.

Most of the 32 who died in Odisha were farm laborers killed in a series of lightning strikes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called the deaths "saddening", his office cited him as saying on his official Twitter feed.

In financial hub Mumbai, at least nine people were killed and 20 people were injured in the building collapse, state broadcaster All India Radio said.

Rescue operations were ongoing, the radio station said in a tweet.

Flooding, an annual problem during the monsoon season, has been worsened by crumbling civic infrastructure, clogged drains and uncontrolled urban expansion in a country with a fast-growing population of 1.3 billion.
Jennelyn Olaires, 26, cradles the body of her partner, who was killed on a street by a vigilante group, according to police, in a spate of drug related killings in Pasay city, Metro Manila, Philippines July 23, 2016. Photo: Reuters/Czar Dancel

When the image of Jennelyn Olaires weeping as she cradled the body of her slain husband went viral in the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte called it melodramatic.

There's not much Duterte hasn't said when it comes to his war on drugs, his only real election platform and his big promise to the 16 million Filipinos who swept him to power in May by a massive margin.

And "the punisher", as he is known, has been true to his word.

Hundreds of suspected drug dealers have been killed since Duterte took office just one month ago. Six were assassinated in a single night in Manila, among them Michael Siaron, Olaires's 29-year-old husband who was shot dead by unknown assailants on motorcycles.

"A friend called out that Michael was shot. I ran out to see him," Olaires, 26, said in a rundown part of the capital's Pasay area, with its ubiquitous slums, squatters and thieves.

"Thoughts were running in my mind. It can't be you. You don't deserve this. There are others who deserve this more than you," she said, recalling the moment she discovered his body.

"If I only have wings, I will quickly fly to his side."

For a Wider Image of Jennelyn Olaires, see reut.rs/2anBCTt

Photographers surrounded her behind a police cordon as she held his body. A piece of cardboard was left next to his corpse with the word "pusher" written on it.

Dozens of similar killings have taken place almost daily in the Philippines, but with drugs and crime so deep-rooted, there is barely any public outrage.

Some 316 suspected drug dealers were killed from July 1-27, 195 of which were vigilante killings, according to police. Human rights groups estimate the body count to be at least double the official number.

'Kill drugs, not people'

Duterte has not condemned vigilante killings. He has previously promoted them.

The tough-talking former mayor of Davao City mentioned the image of Olaires holding her husband in his state of the union address on Monday and said media had tried to portray it as being like the Michelangelo's Pieta, the sculpture of Mary holding the body of Jesus.

Olaires will bury her husband on Sunday. She concedes he was a drug user but says it is impossible he was a dealer because they were too poor and could barely pay for their next meal.

Siaron made money by riding a pedicab - a bicycle with a sidecar - and did odd jobs.

He even voted for Duterte in the May 9 election.

"They must kill the ones who don't deserve to live anymore, the ones who are a menace to society. Because they cause harm to others. But not the innocent people," she said.

"I don't need the public's sympathy. I don't need the president to notice us.

"I know that he doesn't like this kind of people. But for me, I just hope that they get the true offenders."

Asked if she had a message to tell Duterte, she said: "kill drugs, not people."
Turkish soldiers march during a Republic Day ceremony in Istanbul, Turkey, October 29, 2015. Turkey marks the 92nd anniversary of the Turkish Republic. Photo: Reuters/Murad Sezer

Turkey has dismissed 1,389 personnel from the armed forces for suspected links to the U.S.-based cleric it blames for orchestrating a failed coup, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Sunday.

It gave no other details. The report comes hours after President Tayyip Erdogan said he planned several changes to the armed forces, including shutting military academies, steps designed to bring the military firmly under government control.

Turkey blames followers of Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States for years, for the July 15-16 abortive putsch. Gulen has denied the charges and condemned the coup.
By PTI: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, Jul 31 (PTI) Lashing out at Donald Trump, the father of a fallen Pakistani-origin Muslim American soldier today said the Republican presidential nominee has a "black soul" who needs counselling on "empathy".

"This person is total incapable of empathy. I want his family to counsel him, teach him some empathy. He will be a better person if he could become -- but he is a black soul. And this is totally unfit for the leadership of this beautiful country," Khizr Khan told CNN.

Khan, father of Army Capt Humayun Khan who was killed in Iraq in 2004 in a suicide terrorist attack, came to national spotlight after he delivered an electrifying speech at Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia on Thursday wherein he slammed Trump for his rhetoric like banning Muslims from entering the country.

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He asked Trump to "go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America". "You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one."

Trump hit back over the remarks that he has "sacrificed nothing" for the country and mocked the soldiers mother for keeping silent, triggering a bipartisan backlash.

Following a national backlash, Trump late last night made a u-turn and described Humayun as a hero, but called for "vigilance in defeating radical Islamic terrorism".

Khan, who now lives in Virginia, said that Trump is "unfit" to be the leader of the US.

He said Trumps "policy, his practices, do not reflect that he has any understanding of the basic, fundamental constitutional principles of this country."

"He talks about excluding people, disrespecting judges, the entire judicial system, immigrants, Muslim immigrants. These are divisive rhetoric that are totally against the basic constitutional principles," he said.

He slammed Trumps suggestion that his wife, who was also on stage at the DNC, was not allowed to speak. He said she has high blood pressure and didnt want to speak for fear she wouldnt be able to hold herself together discussing her Gold Star son on stage.

"For this candidate for presidency to not be aware of the respect of a Gold Star Mother standing there, and he had to take that shot at her, this is height of ignorance. This is why I showed him that Constitution. Had he read that, he would know what status a Gold Star Mother holds in this nation," Khan said.

"This country holds such a person in the highest regard. And he has no knowledge, no awareness. That is height of his ignorance. She is ill. She had high blood pressure. People that know her looked at her face, and she said, I may fall off the stage. And I told her that, You have to assemble yourself and stand for the beauty of this tribute that is being paid," Khan said in response to a question. PTI LKJ PMS AKJ PMS
The cell phone video of Baton Rouge police fatally shooting 37-year-old Alton Sterling had surfaced on the internet only a few hours before a staffer for Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards alerted him to watch.

"I found the video to be disturbing," Edwards said, describing the now-viral images of Sterling, an African American, who sold CDs in the stores parking lot, being wrestled to the ground next to a silver car by two officers, then fatally shot.

Under normal circumstances, local police shootings are handled by local authorities  not the governor of the state. The Louisiana State Police cant get involved in local investigations unless requested by local authorities.

But protestors already had gathered about three miles from the Governors Mansion at the Triple S convenience store, where Sterling had died. Mindful of how riots broke out after deaths involving officers in Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri, Edwards started making calls. He soon became the public's point man for working through the tragedy.

By 8:30 the morning of July 6, less than 12 hours later, Edwards was standing on the steps of the Governor's Mansion, flanked by several influential members of the Legislative Black Caucus and State Police Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson.

He announced that the fatal shooting would be investigated by the U.S. Justice Department and FBI.

Less than two weeks later, after a series of tense though generally peaceful protests, things felt like they were quieting down. Edwards was getting ready for church on the morning of July 17 when the phone rang again. A shooting had taken place in Baton Rouge just minutes earlier. Officers had been shot. It was bad.

"I immediately turned the TV on because I knew," Edwards said of initially learning from Edmonson about the deadly attack that killed three officers and injured three others.

Edwards never made it to church.

He was being updated continuously by Edmonson. He held a press briefing to share information with the public and called for unity. He visited the wounded officers and families of the slain officers at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.

Edwards, a former Army Airborne Ranger, is used to springing into action in intense situations.

But in the span of two weeks, the Democrat who took office in January found himself at the intersection of two inter-related, hot-button issues that have dominated national conversations  and headlines  for more than two years.

During the whirlwind, Edwards' office held a blood drive that collected about 160 pints of blood in memory of the slain officers. He took part in a telethon to help the officers' families. He skipped the final day of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday to attend a memorial that featured Vice President Joe Biden.

He's been quoted in People magazine and newspapers across the globe. A news conference shortly after the three Baton Rouge officers were gunned down drew so many cameras and reporters that it had to be relocated to a larger briefing room.

He traveled to Washington to take part in a conversation with President Barack Obama, community leaders, law enforcement officers and activists about building better relationships between police and the communities they serve.

Edwards' spokesman Richard Carbo said the governor was cognizant of the paths taken by others and the proverbial landmines that lay ahead.

While some quickly called for the resignation of Mayor-President Kip Holden and Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie after Sterling's death, Edwards has largely remained untainted as he has weaved his way through both tragedies.

Though not an Edwards supporter, Woody Jenkins, head of the Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish, nevertheless praised the governors hands-on, low-key style handling of the Sterling shooting and police slayings.

Particularly in the early stages right after Sterling died he came in and had a calming effect, Jenkins said. He has helped put people together.

He's been praised by the law enforcement community, as well as Sterling's family and the community leaders who said Sterling's death highlighted simmering tensions between law enforcement and the communities they serve  particularly black communities. Influential black community leaders have stood at his side as Edwards called for unity.

The Louisiana House Democratic Caucus released a statement rallying support for Edwards.

"In a moment of extreme despair, we want to lend support to members of the Baton Rouge community and applaud the leadership of our own caucus members, Gov. Edwards and Congressman (Cedric) Richmond," said caucus chairman Gene Reynolds, of Minden.

"Unfortunately, we have incidences to look back on, and we can learn from them," Carbo said in the days after Sterling's death. "He's cognizant of what's gone on in other places."

Officer shootings and shootings by law enforcement have become a divisive topic across America. Such incidences have led to frequent criticism of mayors, governors and other leaders and how they have responded. The governor of Missouri has been accused of being slow to act in response to the fatal shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson.

Both of the shootings in Baton Rouge have been mentioned repeatedly at conventions of the national political parties as they nominated their candidates for president in recent weeks.

Each has drawn response from President Barack Obama's administration. Each has also shifted a sometimes uncomfortable spotlight onto Louisiana and the law enforcement community that's so close to Edwards.

Legislation like the so-called "Blue Lives Matter" law recently adopted in Louisiana, which makes it a hate crime to target first responders, has generated controversy among those who see it as a pushback against the "Black Lives Matter" movement. Edwards signed and defended the controversial law as an effort to show support for law enforcement and firefighters who are targeted because of their jobs.

Just 10 days before the three Baton Rouge officers were gunned down, a mass shooting in Dallas took the lives of five officers there, furthering the narrative that officers have to be on high alert.

Edmonson praised Edwards for being quick to respond in situations like the officer shootings.

"It's not about an individual," Edmonson said during a recent radio interview. "It's about more than a moment. It's about changing a culture."

Edwards, who grew up in rural Amite, comes from a long line of law enforcement officers.

Edwards' brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather have all served as sheriffs of Tangipahoa Parish. Another brother is the police chief of Independence.

During his campaign, he won several coveted law enforcement endorsements, as well as the backing of black leaders.

In the weeks since the national spotlight has turned to Edwards' role of maintaining order in the wake of the two deadly shootings, he has often downplayed his own personal ties and instead focused on a broader support from Louisiana.

"It hits home to all of us," Edwards said during one news briefing, in which he visibly teared up as law enforcement leaders described the attack that left Baton Rouge police officers Montrell Jackson and Matthew Gerald and East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office Deputy Brad Garafola dead.

"I don't know if it's good or bad for our governor to cry, but I do on occasions like this," Edwards said during the conference, which was carried live on cable networks nationally.

The Baton Rouge officer shootings carried out by Gavin Long, of Kansas City, whom authorities say deliberately targeted law enforcement as retaliation to officer-involved incidences across the country, including Sterling's death, were the result of an "outsider" who wasn't from Louisiana. Long, the shooter, was killed by a Baton Rouge police sniper, ending the deadly encounter about 14 minutes after officers arrived on the scene of the B-Quik on Airline Highway.

Nearly 12 hours after he first received the call about the shooting, Edwards made it to church. He attended Mass at Christ the King on LSU's campus at 8 p.m.  the last local service of the evening.

The message that night: The prayer of St. Francis, commonly called the "Peace Prayer." Edwards went on to recite part of the prayer at a news briefing the following day: "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy."

Edwards also continues to call for "patience" from those who are hurt by Sterling's killing and believe that justice can only come through prosecution of the officers involved.

"I'm asking everybody to be patient, he said. Typically these things take several weeks and maybe even months. I'm not trying to give a timeline, I'm just asking people to be patient.
The moment David Duke tweeted that he had posted on Facebook a YouTube video announcing his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, serenity ended at the Secretary of States office, where candidates had to officially qualify for the Nov. 8 ballot.

Media scrambled. Staff clambered. Deputies stiffened.

A leisurely Rob Maness, the tea party Republican from Madisonville who also is running, put down his coffee, tied up his amiable chats, then let aides hustle him out to avoid any possibility of what certainly would become a viral photograph if the ultra-conservative retired military candidate crossed paths with the uber-conservative white supremacist candidate.

Dukes entry into the race was reported around the world.

Ex-KKK leader David Duke qualifies to run for U.S. Senate: 'My time has come' Two dozen candidates, the largest field in at least 35 years, are running for a U.S. Senate 

A phalanx of photographers and reporters showed up to walk Duke in from the parking lot. The Mandeville Republican took the moment to blame press coverage for his losses 25 years ago in races for the U.S. Senate and Louisiana governor.

But by his reckoning, his time had come. His agent is social media. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, et al., give him the ability to get his message out, unfiltered by what he says are biased reporters.

I dont need you, Duke told The Advocate. I can go around you.

And thats pretty much the strategy adopted by many candidates up and down a ballot so crowded that Secretary of State Tom Schedler had to spend time figuring out how to get all 24 Senate candidates on one page.

Schedler is at loss to explain why so many poorly funded candidates are willing to spend $900 in filing fees ($600, if they dont affiliate with a party) for what many, though not he, consider a quixotic effort against well-established opponents with millions to spend.

Maybe, its an anger gripping some of the electorate that led so many to run. Maybe, its a new style of campaigning.

Traditional campaigns involve erecting yard signs, mailing fliers, visiting festivals, and participating in forums. Pollsters and staff, not to mention television, radio and newspaper advertising, cost a lot. The ability to raise that kind of money once was the chief way the herd was culled.

Schedler prefers the old fashioned way of asking voters directly for support. But he recognizes that advancing digital technology is opening a new era.

Social media now gives candidates an easy and inexpensive way to share their ideas and find a base. Social media has become more widespread in each succeeding election over the past decade. That type of politicking is being accepted more and more, Schedler said.

Thomas Clements, a Senate candidate from Lafayette, says social media is the most effective way to deliver the complete Libertarian message to voters. It has been tough to get attention from the mainstream media, Clements said.

Troy Hebert, of Jeanerette and another of the 24, is running without party affiliation. The model is Donald Trumps improbable rise to the top of the GOP presidential ticket using his own money and a skeletal staff while spelling out his thoughts 140 characters at a time, Hebert said.

Voters embraced Trump. And Hebert has adopted that strategy.

Still, it's not that easy, says Martin Johnson, an LSU journalism professor who studies the use of social media in politics.

Part of what made Trump successful was traditional media reported his tweets as news. Johnson couldnt actually recall reading one of the missives when sent, though he saw coverage of a lot of them on CNN.

The Trump phenomenon is interesting, but I dont think his strategy can easily be generalized and adopted by other candidates, Johnson said. For instance, Trump augmented the tweets by giving speeches, attending forums and giving away caps.

Tweets alone do not generate enough numbers.

Johnson points out that Duke has 13,800 followers on Twitter. He has written 2,698 tweets that were liked by 534 readers.

Maness, by comparison, has 9,645 followers with 4,849 tweets and 2,493 likes. U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany, the Lafayette Republican whose $2 million-plus campaign war chest leads the pack, has only 1,178 followers, 1,030 tweets and six likes.

In the last statewide election, nine months ago, Vitter needed 256,300 votes to win the second seat in the runoff. The situations are not totally analogous, but the truth remains that the latest iteration of social media  Trumps experience aside  still hasnt proved capable of delivering that many votes, Johnson said.

This idea of not needing any other elements of the campaign I think is wrong. Social media might mobilize some votes, but its not a winning strategy, he said.
By PTI: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, Jul 30 (PTI) In the wake of killing of a Hindu teenager in Pakistan and the arrest of a man from the minority community for allegedly desecrating a holy book, a top US lawmaker has called for immediate changes in the countrys blasphemy laws.

"Two Sindhi Hindu teenagers shot in Sindh. Another arrested for Blasphemy. Pakistans Blasphemy law needs to be changed. Now," Congressman Brad Sherman yesterday said in a tweet.

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A Hindu youth was shot dead on Wednesday as communal tension gripped a district in Pakistans Sindh province following alleged desecration of a holy book by a man from the minority community who was arrested for blasphemy.

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 a day earlier. PTI LKJ DBS

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A key support service for more than 2000 people affected by autism and Asperger's syndrome has been saved by a last-minute merger after funding changes sparked by the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme cast doubt over its future.

Autism Asperger ACT services are to be folded into a specialised autism unit run by Canberra-based organisation Marymead under a move hoped to bolster support for children and families.

Marymead chief executive Camilla Rowland says the continuation of autism-specific early intervention is vitally important.

Chief executive Rhonda Penney said changes to the disability sector funding model had forced the governance committee to consider closing down the organisation, a move that would have been "disastrous" for families who depended on its services.

"Small organisations are having a hard time adjusting to the new business model because previously they were funded by the ACT government," she said.
The Asbestos Response Taskforce has admitted breaching the privacy of 28 Mr Fluffy owners during an electronic mailout on Friday, saying it has referred the matter to the Office of the Australian Privacy Commissioner.

News of the breach broke on social media on Friday afternoon when a Mr Fluffy owners Facebook group member posted that they had received an email containing letters addressed to 58 other people on the latest home demolition list.

Felicity Prideaux is a Mr Fluffy owner who had to move to Murrumbateman to house her dogs. Credit:Jamila Toderas

The letters contained names, current addresses and the address of the Mr Fluffy property concerned.

Mr Fluffy owners are highly sensitive about their privacy following the previous unlawful circulation of lists of Fluffy properties and, in June last year, a list of the names and addresses of all 1022 affected home owners.
Decades-old Australian fashion label Seduce is fighting off its third wind-up application in two years, as womenswear retailers battle strong competition from international brands, years of discounting and low margins.

Seduce targets women aged 25 to 35 and supplies department store chain Myer and website The Iconic. It has nine stores in Australia  down from 18 more than a year ago  plus three stores in China and one in Dubai, according to its website.

Australian womenswear chain Seduce is fighting its third wind-up application in two years.

But for the second time in two years, a subsidiary of landlord giant GPT, Melbourne Central Custodian, is seeking to wind it up.

GPT declined to comment, but withdrew its application in 2015 after a dispute over unpaid rent was resolved.
Some of us are lucky enough to work in an organisation that embraces innovation. Within these companies, managers embrace new ways of doing things, staff know exactly what to do and who to tell when they have a great idea, and the CEO regularly talks about the value he or she places on innovation (and actually walks the talk). Unfortunately, not everyone is lucky enough to work in such a company. If this is you, and if you are still yearning to make a difference, here are four things you can do to innovate from the bottom up.

Start by finding a customer problem

Invetium's Dr Amantha Imber knows how to institute change. Credit:Josh Robenstone

The trap many innovation enthusiasts fall into is thinking that innovation starts with an idea. However, the problem with this approach is that the idea can often be removed from what customers actually value.

Instead of starting with an idea, start with the customer. Spend time talking to and observing your customers and identify their biggest frustrations. Find out what needs they have that your organisation's products and services are failing to meet. Once you have done this, you are now ready to go and solve these problems, with the knowledge that the solutions you will generate will matter to your customer.
Instead of trying to strut the international stage we should be retreating with our tail between our legs until we can demonstrate that we have mended our ways. William Hamilton Elizabeth Bay So true, Peter Hartcher. You have encapsulated the concern many felt when the Turnbull government was returned with such a slender majority. For as long as Malcolm Turnbull fears the right in his own party, as he so clearly does, we should all fear for the future of this country. The risk is that there will be no improvement over what we were given during nearly three years of Abbott government; just more of the same driven by the same people who,at best, represent a small part of the community. Paul Fergus Manly Your editorial ("Turnbull makes serious blunder rejecting Rudd," July 30-31 ) and Peter Hartcher's article miss the fundamental point. Kevin Rudd's nomination is not about either the national interest or political interests; it should be about the global interest.

Politics and media have become so inbred that our incumbency seems incapable of recognising the massive changes now accelerating around the world, largely driven by unsustainable population and economic growth, leading in particular to resource depletion and global warming. The UN has many weaknesses, but we need it more than ever as conflict develops around these issues. The UN needs leadership far beyond anything on offer within our political system. Kevin Rudd may have many virtues, but in common with every other PM in recent times, facing up to these really critical issues during his PM tenure was not one of them. Malcolm Turnbull's decision was right, Kevin Rudd's track record demonstrates he does not have the skills or temperament to take on the UN role. Rather than a sop to the Coalition conservatives, let us hope that this decision represents the first step in the re-emergence of a Prime Minister with the broad worldview that is so sorely lacking in our national leadership. Ian Dunlop Gordon

Kevin Rudd's disappointment at the government's refusal to endorse him for the position of United Nations Secretary-General will be enhanced by the fact that the New Zealand government is fully supportive of former Labour Prime Minister Helen Clark's bid for the same role. New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, a member of the National Party, has not only endorsed the nomination of his former political opponent but has lobbied other world leaders on her behalf and approved funding to support her campaign. Rudd should however appreciate that, given the fragile nature of Malcolm Turnbull's leadership and an election result that gives him just enough seats to form a majority government, Turnbull is unlikely to flame existing rumblings of discontent within his party by a supporting a cause that could be even more unpopular than Tony Abbott awarding the Duke Of Edinburgh a knighthood. Shane Joseph West Ryde Hell hath no fury like a Kevin scorned. Robyn Park Balgowlah

Disadvantaged children need the gift of hope When I was teaching high school in southern and western Sydney I came across a few teenagers, including indigenous kids, who were severely behaviour disordered. The majority had suffered incredible abuse and witnessed atrocious acts. They had lost, or been betrayed by, everyone they had ever trusted, so they were permanently angry, and unable to empathise and feel regret when they hurt others. At times I feared for my personal safety. I knew it was almost inevitable they would end up in juvie or jail.Imprisoning kids is usually a final resort in our current system of justice. ("A nation's shame", July 31.) Often itis a last ditch attempt to protect others in the community. So in many casesjuvie/jail is about incarceration and acts of subordination, rather thanrehabilitation. When I last taught Year 12, we discussed an article about, "Prison under the stars." It was about a jail specifically for Aboriginal men. This prison was so far from anywhere it didn't need fencing. The numbers in the prison were reduced, compared to usual prison populations, and prisoners moved freely around the jail compound. Aboriginal elders were recruited to run programs, held in the surrounding bush, and around bonfires at night, and other opportunities were created for learning foundation skills required for employment. As a result, the number of attempted escapes dwindled to almost nothing and the number of men who became repeat offenders was dramatically reduced. This is the kind of thing young people who have been damaged by disadvantage, need.They need close, skilled attention for long periods from patient mentors, with opportunity to build a degree of trust in others and confidence in themselves.

Merran Dawson Beecroft. Federal parliament in a fool's paradise In Elizabeth Farrelly's passionate call for an end to coal mining, no point is more telling than 13 little words almost hidden in the second-last paragraph: "It's a big state...with...a very small amount of fertile, rain-fed soil" ("The coal hard truth is that it has to go", July 30-31). What are we doing, not only selling our meagre productive land to foreign investors but also encouraging its destruction by coal mining? The easy assumption that there will always be plenty of food on offer from land and ocean can no longer be taken for granted, what with global warming and acidification of the oceans, neither of which augur well for a comfortable future supply of food for the world.Our politicians should be making sure that Australia will be able to feed itself off the land, whatever climate change has in store for us in the coming decades. Sadly, I see nothing to change my perception that our entire federal parliament is living in a fool's paradise. Jeannette Tsoulos West Pymble Pauline's positive points

All right, everyone, let's calm down and welcome Pauline and her party. Seriously. On her extremely foolish 'policies', on climate change, renewable energy and Islam (the ones that attract most attention) the party will gain no traction anyway. But there are issues that are definitely up for debate, and where her party's vote could make an appreciable and positive difference. There is the rejection of asset sales ("Hanson warns Morrison: Don't sell power assets to foreigners", July 30,31), and general support for governments retaining ownership of all assets, and there are desirable policies pro euthanasia, pro medicinal cannabis, increased support for university and TAFE students, and even a surprisingly discussable policy in relation to asylum seekers, if one looks at the detail. And besides, perhaps we can undermine her appeal to the xenophobes by lavishing her with praise instead of derision. Gabi Duigu Cammeray French decision applauded As a Muslim Imam I was very pleased to read that, French news organisations have chosen not to publish photographs of people responsible for terrorist killings to avoid giving them glorification. ("Priest killer in video call for violence," July 30-31.) I am glad that sections in the media are beginning to realise a point that I heard being made by the World Head and Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community this year in a peace symposium. "Publicity is the oxygen sustaining most terrorist or extremist groupsAt a time of worldwide conflict, we should remember this basic principle that it is better for all forms of evil and cruelty to be suppressed and for all forms of goodness and humanity to be endorsed. In this way, evil will not spread far, whilst virtue and peace will spread far and wide and adorn our society."In this fight against terrorism, we must utilise every platform to counter those who seek to divide us. Responsible media coverage at this time can go a long way. Imam Kamran Mubashir Penrith

Buying up bigger If DJ's is serious about becoming the Bergdorf Goodman of Australia, I would urge new-ish CEO John Dixon to not ignore the aging baby-boomer market in the way DJ's have been for many years ("David Jones banks on taking it up a notch", July 30-31.) In trying to attract my daughter's 30-something age group, they have barely paid lip-service to mine, particularly with sizing.We may not be predominantly size 10, but by golly we have far greater time and spending power in retirement, not to mention retaining a wish to still be chic and stylish despite the burgeoning waistline - think Duchess of Cornwall. According to the on-the-floor sales staff to whom we all bemoan the lack of size 14-18 choices, there is a huge untapped and unhappy market out there.Ignore us at your peril, for many do as I now do and buy up overseas in the ample time we have available whilst travelling. Kay Buckeridge Mosman Naked truth not funny Is John Roseth (Letters, Jul 30-31) trying to be funny, or is he simply a Pell-apologist? Perhaps he is oblivious to what is happening around him when he is showering and dressing after his morning swim but, if his principal purpose in attending the beach or pool was to interact with adolescent boys, I am sure he would notice if those boys were also in the dressing room with him, particularly if he spent several minutes, naked, exposing himself to them. There is nothing funny about this and Pell's actions, if true. They are deplorable.

John Ure Mount Hutton Many more Australian lives have been shattered by Christian priests than have been destroyed by Muslim terrorists If the social impacts of religions are grounds for inspecting theologies then we surely need a Royal Commission into Christianity in all its manifestations. Keith Russell Mayfield West Hard to believe The letter from Michael Smith, Chairman 7 Eleven (Letters, July 30-31) Are we seriously expected to believe you knew nothing about this underpayment, until the whistleblower blew the whistle? If you had, why didn't you do something about it? Are you are saying a franchisor has no responsibility for the honesty of his franchisees?

Basil Nash Berowra Grace in dark places The tale of Harriet Wran as told by Jacqueline Maley ("We need to see the person, not the drug addict") shows that there are graces to be found in darkness. The first grace was Harriet's realisation of her own unworthiness urging her mother to forget about her. Then there was the gift of her mother's unconditional love- "I love you Harriet"- never withdrawn despite her daughter's past evils. Finally there was the grace of being seen as a person and not just an addict. Fortunately we are not loved because we are good; rather we are good because we are loved. Our goodness is a grace to be received. Mark Porter New Lambton Bulga or bust

Tom Grant (Letters 30 July) If only we'd been given the choice! A large wind farm or the 9 sq km hole in the ground Rio Tinto intends for us. If only ..... The Wallaby Scrub Road protest continues... Elizabeth Mackenzie Bulga I think it's time to fight Trump by making outlandish claims that are not true. First one: Trump's wife Melania is a Russian spy! Michael Fogarty Rockdale Curly life
Allowing universities to enrol as many students as they want has harmed the economy, diminished the value of higher education, and created the false view that anyone without a degree is a "failure", according the nation's most prestigious universities.

In a provocative speech to business and university leaders, Vicki Thomson, executive director of the Group of Eight (Go8) universities, will argue the surge of enrolments over recent years has left too many graduates with "broken dreams and a large student debt".

She also blasts employers for demanding university qualifications for jobs that don't need them and expecting universities to operate as if they were factories churning out widgets.

"Why are we all so reticent about stating the obvious - that university isn't for everyone," Ms Thomson will tell the Graduate Employability and Industry Partnerships Forum in Sydney on Monday.
It was like the One Nation senator-elect's own version of Gogglebox on Sunday night as she settled in to watch Pauline Hanson: Please Explain, the SBS documentary covering her political rise and fall  and rise again.

But the twist is how she broadcasts herself, watching herself on television, to all her fans via Facebook.

Please explain? Pauline Hanson streams video of herself watching a documentary on herself.

(Reporter's note: and now here's a news report about it, so maybe she will make a live video of her reading this news article about her video?)

But there's a serious point in this political hall of mirrors: Hanson knows better than most how to use the power of social media to connect directly with her supporters, bypassing the traditional media that troubled her so much the last time around.

She made the point herself while watching the program.

"Now, since I've been on social media," she said in the Facebook Live video stream, "to have this connection with the people, they see my videos, they hear me speak, they actually, you know, talk to me and they know what I'm saying and they judge me based on that."
Mrs. Rajavi expressed gratitude for the solidarity of the Palestinian resistance and its leader with the Iranian people and Resistance. She congratulated the Palestinian government on its victories and expressed hope that the goal of the Palestinian people would be achieved. She reiterated that the Iranian regime is the main instigator of sectarian discord, fundamentalism and terrorism in the entire region, in particular in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestine, but she added that today the mullahs regime is at its weakest and most fragile and vulnerable state. This reality can be seen clearly in the hysteric reaction of the regimes officials and state media to the Iranian Resistances July 9 gathering.

Mrs. Rajavi reiterated that the regime is above all fearful of the solidarity and unity between the Iranian people and Resistance and the countries and nations of the region. Therefore, the countries of the region and the Iranian people and Resistance ought to take the initiative to free the region from the scourge of fundamentalism.
Convicted murderer Ian Turnbull, who shot dead an environmental officer investigating him for illegal land clearing, is locked in a court battle with one of his sons over the ownership of his farms.

Turnbull's second oldest son, Roger Turnbull, has taken his parents to the NSW Supreme Court, claiming they reneged on a long-standing promise to hand over farm land to him.

Ian Turnbull, left, is escorted out of court during the trial. Credit:Daniel Munoz

In a statement of claim filed in the court, Roger alleges that there was a dramatic breakdown in the wheat farming dynasty, with his father often calling him "stupid" and saying "you've made a bad choice in wife, you're getting what you deserve".

According to Roger, Turnbull consistently blamed him for everything that went wrong on the farm, including droughts, and called him away from his family for work that was not urgent.
To some, the Sirius building in The Rocks is a rare example of architectural brutalism, but to others it is simply an eyesore sitting in one of Sydney's most scenic suburbs.

But a NSW government decision not to heritage list the building has been labelled as "extraordinarily disappointing" by the president of the Institute of Architects, which says it's historical and social significance has been ignored.

The Sirius public housing building will not be heritage listed. Credit:Wolter Peeters

NSW Environment and Heritage Minister Mark Speakman announced on Sunday the building would not receive heritage listing, despite recommendations by the Heritage Council.

The council has been lobbying the government to list the building as heritage protected since February, due to its architectural and cultural significance.
The Loganlea boy, 12, who went missing on Saturday has been found safe and well on Monday, police have confirmed.

Earlier: Police have called for public assistance to locate a 12-year-old boy who was last seen in Loganlea on Saturday.

The young boy was found safe and well on Monday. Credit:Tom Threadingham

The boy was last seen around 4.45pm in the vicinity of Evergreen Avenue.

"It is possible the boy may catch a train to the Gold Coast area, in particular Nerang," police said in a statement.
Police are hunting a man accused of sexually assaulting a 24-year-old woman with an intellectual disability on a first date organised through an online dating service.

Sexual crime squad detectives are working with operators of the Plenty of Fish website to track down the man who allegedly assaulted the woman at her home in High Street, Glen Iris, on Sunday April 24th.

The victim met the man on the dating website and they decided to meet. When he came to her home, he attacked her.

As he left the house a taxi pulled up outside the address about 7pm.

Police are appealing for the taxi driver that attended this address to contact them or for anyone with information about the attack to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
That's it from Melbourne Express this morning. Expect news about an explosion at the Maracana Stadium in Rio which will host the Olympic Games opening ceremony on Friday.

We leave you with some great pictures from around the world curated by Nicky Catley from The Age's picture desk.

Stay dry and we will be back on board tomorrow.
Premier Colin Barnett has again scoffed at suggestions his head is on the chopping block, boldly claiming "there is no challenger".

Rumours have been swirling the corridors of Parliament for months Mr Barnett would be tapped on the shoulder in the second half of the year, if his showing in the polls didn't improve.

Colin Barnett says he will seek more information about a national redress scheme from the federal government. Credit:Philip Gostelow

Newly-appointed deputy Premier Liza Harvey, Emergency Services Minister Joe Francis or Treasurer Mike Nahan are the hot tips to replace the premier.

Mr Barnett told Radio 6PR on Sunday morning he didn't expect to be "ambushed" at the Liberal Party's state conference next weekend.
Paris: A cousin of Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean, who has been identified as one of the two men believed to have killed a French priest in a church last week, has been placed in preventive detention, the Paris prosecutor's office said on Sunday.

The man's detention came as thousands of French Muslims attended Catholic masses in France over the weekend in a gesture of solidarity.

Imams and practising Muslims also attended Mass across Italy, from Palermo in the south to Milan in the north, in a sign of solidarity after the France church attack.

The man, identified as Farid K, 30  born in Nancy, eastern France  was put under formal investigation on suspicion of terrorist association with a view to perpetrating a crime, the prosecutor's office said.
The Taliban have launched an attack on a Kabul hotel for foreign workers and military personnel, with "dozens" of casualties.

The Islamist group often exaggerates the extent of the attacks it launches against Afghan government and foreign security targets.

Afghan security forces closed off streets around the site, which is east of Kabul's main international airport and on the way to the sprawling Bagram air base north of the city, immediately after the attack.

The attack began when a truck bomb exploded in front of the Northgate hotel early on Monday morning.
SANTA MONICA, Calif., July 27, 2016 -- Edmunds.com, the leading car information and shopping network, yesterday celebrated the grand opening of its brand new headquarters at the Colorado Center in Santa Monica, Calif. The 143,000-square-foot "EdQuarters" was designed by M+M Creative Studio, and it sets a new bar for workplace culture and amenities in Los Angeles' emerging "Silicon Beach" tech scene.

Highlights of the new office space include:

a 6,000-lb. installation of 1966 and 2016 Corvettes (to commemorate the company's 50 th anniversary) set wheel-to-wheel and rotating above the reception area

anniversary) set wheel-to-wheel and rotating above the reception area a 32-foot custom stainless steel slide that connects the two floors

a 1948 Cadillac Fleetwood re-purposed into a beer and coffee bar

130 feet of sliding glass panels that transform the office into an indoor/outdoor workspace

a 150 sq. ft. outdoor projector screen to accommodate movie nights for employees and their families

two 600+ gallon saltwater fish tanks that will be home to 160 fish

frozen yogurt machine with toppings bar, in addition to other complimentary food and beverage options

game room featuring classic video games, Foosball, and air hockey

...and much, much more!

A photo gallery of Edmunds' new EdQuarters can be found at http://www.edmunds.com/about/edmunds-office-culture.html.











Avi Steinlauf

"As one of the founding tech companies on Silicon Beach, Edmunds is used to leading the way, and we've continued this tradition by taking a fresh and innovative approach to our new offices," said Edmunds.com Chief Executive Officer. "With cutting-edge designs, immaculate indoor/outdoor spaces, and amenities that you're more likely to find at a luxury resort, we're excited to offer our employees and guests a comfortable environment where they can work, create, think and play."

The new office space is the latest example of Edmunds' commitment to the happiness and well-being of its staff of over 700 employees. The company operates a Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE) which gives all employees the freedom to set their own hours and take the time off they need, as long as they deliver results for the company. Other perks provided to Edmunds' staff include TripCa$h, which reimburses each employee up to $500 in vacation expenses, and Bonusly, a program that empowers employees to recognize each other's work and accomplishments with small spot bonuses.
Nutson's Weekly Automotive News Digest - July 25-31 2016: Nissan Out West, Lux Models Boffo, Detroit Sans Porsche, MB Auto Drive Exaggerated? Auto Ownership Costs Vary







AUTO CENTRAL - Chicago, July 31, 2016: Every Sunday Larry Nutson, Senior Editor and Chicago Car Guy along with fellow senior editors Steve Purdy and Thom Cannell from The Auto Channel Michigan Bureau, give you TACH's "take" on this past week's automotive news in easy to digest mega-tweet sized nuggets. If you wish to know more just click on the link that will take you to the full story as published here on The Auto Channel.

If you are a car and driving fan like we all are here at The Auto Channel, you can easily wish to "catch up" on these stories as well put them in context with the past 20 year's 1,987,009 automotive news, automotive stories, articles, reviews, archived news, video, audio, rants and raves. Just search The Auto Channel's Automotive News Archive.

Hey Boston TV viewers, you can now enjoy The Auto Channel TV Network "Free and Clear" on WHDT Channel 3 in Boston and on your local cable systems. Just added Naples Florida, along with all South Florida auto fans who can continue to watch The Auto Channel TV Network on WHDT-TV Channel 9 in West Palm Beach as well as cable channel's 17 and 438, channel 9 Miami. WHDN launched its full schedule (including The Auto Channel)of broadcasting in the Naples-Fort Myers market on digital PSIP channel 9.1 channel. Enjoy and thanks for the positive feedback and ratings. See You Next Week, LN.

* It's the #NissanYearoftheTruck. We spent a couple days this week out west driving the all-new 390HP #2017Armada, the new 284HP refreshed #2017Pathfinder and the new #2017Titan full size Crew Cab and saw Nissan's new entry, the Titan single-cab pickup. We'll have full drive reports on these in August.

* Luxury brands again ruled the upper tier of J.D. Powers 2016 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study (APEAL). Porsche is on top followed by BMW, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Audi, Volvo and Cadillac rounding out the top ten. VW is the top non-luxury brand, followed by MINI.

* Automotive News reported this week that the demise of the Chrysler 200 and Dodge Dart may be imminent. FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne announced earlier this year that if they could not find a U.S. partner to make the cars they would cease production because the company needs the current facilities for more profitable products. Production of the Dodge Dart in Belvidere, Illinois will be replaced by the Jeep Cherokee in September and the Chrysler 200 will be replaced at the Sterling Heights, Michigan plant in December by the popular Ram 1500.

* Mercedes-Benz is under scrutiny for allegedly exaggerating the capabilities of the new E-Class they say can drive itself. Consumer Reports asked the Federal Trade Commission to look into what they see as a misleading ad campaign. The E-class offers an optional driver-assist feature that Mercedes calls Drive Pilot, which includes advanced adaptive cruise control and automated steering that allows the sedan to follow traffic and keep its lane at speeds of up to 130 mph. Recent crashes, one fatal, involving Tesla automobiles with Autopilot have begun to highlight just what self-driving means. According to CR it does not mean the car can drive itself without the driver paying attention, but they contend that is just what the M-B ads say, or at least implies. Mercedes spokeswoman Donna Boland told Automotive News Thursday afternoon that the automaker has decided to take the ad out of the E-class campaign rotation because of the CR claims.

* In a surprise move Porsche has pulled out of the 2017 North American International (Detroit) Auto Show to concentrate its efforts on New York and Los Angeles. Detroit is the biggest U.S. show in terms of international media attendance but the company will favor those shows that draw bigger crowds of potential buyers (it is about selling cars, after all). Premium brands and exotics are ever more likely to eschew the traditional Detroit auto show. In 2016 Jaguar, Land Rover, MINI and Tesla did not participate and for the past five years Ferrari, Bentley and other exotics had their own one-day show off-site show during NAIAS. Porsche plans to double the size of its stand for the show in Chicago taking place in February.

* Car ownership costs vary widely among the states according to a just-published study by Insurance.com. The Website studied five-year costs beyond the purchase price of the car including: insurance, fuel, maintenance, registration and taxes. The most costly states are Wyoming, Georgia, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Montana. The least expensive are: Hawaii, Ohio, New York, New Hampshire and Vermont. To look up other states go to www.insurance.com.

* A report from McKinsey & Co says that by 2030 driverless cars will account for 15% of global sales and by 2050 that will increase to about 33%. However, Munich RE, the world's largest reinsurer, says in a report that most companies are not prepared for them. A survey taken of 100 company risk managers says that 64% have done nothing to prepare for the emergence of autonomous vehicles.

* USA Today conducts popularity campaigns among best places to see and things to do throughout the country in their national 10Best series. After a month of online voting under the category of Best Transportation Museums, the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum located in Philadelphia was voted the most popular car Museum, and the second most popular among all types of transportation museums.

* The 8,500-mile Peking to Paris Motor Challenge recently finished with 98 of 107 crews crossing the finish line in Paris. The Rally, organized by the Endurance Rally association, crossed eleven countries across Asia and Europe and took just over a month to complete. The two top teams were overall winners Bruce and Harry Washington from New Zealand in their 1929 Chrysler 75 Roadster, and Classic category winners Dave Boddy and Mark Pickering from Australia in a 1973 Datsun 240Z. Next years contest will take a more southerly route with the same starting and finishing locations.

* Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has more to worry about than racing rules and schedules. His mother-in-law, mother of his third wife, was kidnapped in a brazen move on the family home in Brazil and the assailants want $36.5 million for her return. Extra security measures installed recently did not deter the villains who posed as deliver drivers with a package. Special police negotiators are they now attempting to secure her release.


Daniel Han, Alpha Securities

BUY RECOMMEMNDATIONS

Sydney Airport (SYD)



The share price has risen as tourism statistics reflect increasing travel to Sydney in the past few years. Chinese tourists continue to pass through Sydney Airport in growing numbers. So much so that Chinas Xiamen Airlines is also expected to fly to Sydney Airport more frequently from October 31, 2016. This suggests further upside.

TPG Telecom (TPM)



A solid performer, its success can be largely attributed to acquisitions that have expanded its presence in the telecommunications market. The companys dividend yield is attractive. We expect TPM to benefit as it extracts synergies from last years acquisition of iiNet.

HOLD RECOMMENDATIONS

Evolution Mining (EVN)



We believe the gold price had overshot on the way up following concerns about Brexit and global uncertainty. If the gold price corrects, we would expect Evolution Minings share price to follow suit. But the companys increasing production offers a bright outlook.

Boral (BLD)



An increase in building approvals in the past few years has been positive for this building materials maker. Continue holding as we expect the company to perform well because we retain a robust outlook on the Australian and US property markets.

SELL RECOMMENDATIONS

Woolworths (WOW)



The shares have been falling for about two years. Fierce competition in the supermarket space presents challenges. Competitor Aldi is growing market share. The Masters home improvement business is a burden. We dont expect a turnaround at Woolworths in the short to medium term.

Orica (ORI)



The commercial explosives provider continues to struggle given a subdued mining sector. It reported a statutory net profit after tax of $149 million for the six months to March 31, 2016, down from $222 million in the prior corresponding period. We expect a subdued performance until mining sector activity improves.



Michael Heffernan, PhillipCapital

BUY RECOMMENDATIONS

Vocus Communications (VOC)



VOC is rapidly becoming a major player in Australias internet and telecommunications markets after acquiring telco and fibre company NextGen Networks. Its been a stunning performer in the past year following its previous takeover of Amcom, and its future growth is strong. Mayne Pharma (MYX)



This spin off from the former Mayne Group is now focusing on pharmaceutical production and distribution. It recently acquired major international generic drug businesses at attractive prices, and has become a major player in the US retail generic drug market. Its future prospects look good. HOLD RECOMMENDATIONS

Bapcor (BAP)



This distributor of aftermarket automotive parts has been a strong performer since listing two years ago. Acquiring automotive businesses from Metcash has been positive for earnings growth. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)



Still Australias premier bank. We expect a calmer banking sector after Brexit and the federal election. Share prices should continue to recover. Expect CBA to pay an attractive final dividend when it delivers full year results on August 10. SELL RECOMMENDATIONS

Newcrest Mining (NCM)



NCMs share price has sky rocketed on the back of a rising Australian dollar gold price. However, waning uncertainty following Brexit and the possibility of a clearer global outlook emerging may lead to an easing US dollar gold price. It may be time to lock in some NCM profits.

Bradken (BKN)



This consumables producer for the mining sector has failed to benefit from the recovery elsewhere in the sector. Its more a stock for traders and risk takers until it re-establishes a profit record.



Simon Herrmann, wise-owl.com

BUY RECOMMENDATIONS

Monadelphous Group (MND)



This engineering group is well placed to benefit from a recovery in the depressed mining services sector. Diversifying into the marine infrastructure sector and undertaking cost restructuring measures should cushion the impact on results caused by the cyclical downturn. Most key commodity prices have been recovering this year, and this should enable management to reward shareholders via attractive dividends. The stock is trading on an undemanding valuation and we estimate a dividend yield of about 7 per cent.

GALE Pacific (GAP)



Makes building products and distributes a range of polymer textiles. Were attracted to the companys revenue growth, increasing demand for its products and improving operational performance, which are expected to improve profit margins. Earnings volatility and balance sheet gearing are primary hurdles.

HOLD RECOMMENDATIONS

MACA (MLD)



This mining and civil construction company is generating free operating cash flow. Its order book of about two times revenue provides good financial visibility at the bottom of the industry cycle. The company has a strong history of rewarding shareholders via high yield dividend distributions. A strong balance sheet enables counter cyclical acquisitions. Following the recent price increase, we recommend a hold.

XTD (XTD)



XTD is generating strong revenue growth and management is also targeting expansion into the south east Asian and US rail networks. XTD offers transitional exposure to digital media and the transport advertising market. The recent decline in valuation is due to negative market sentiment towards small cap technology and software companies. However, in our view, the outlook remains generally favourable.

SELL RECOMMENDATIONS

iSentia Group (ISD)



Investors have been continuing to sell down this media monitoring company. Despite posting revenue growth, costs have risen at a higher rate and profit climbed only 7 per cent during the 2016 first half. iSentias price/earnings ratio was recently trading above 30 times, even though its share price has significantly fallen since December 2015.

Dongfang Modern Agriculture Holding Group (DFM)



Another Chinese listing leaving unanswered questions following the latest selloff. The stock appears volatile. In our view, the lack of transparency is an issue. DFM recently acquired $US60.19 million in plantations. Our advice is to sell now and wait to see if the stock can consolidate.

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Please note that TheBull.com.au simply publishes broker recommendations on this page. The publication of these recommendations does not in any way constitute a recommendation on the part of TheBull.com.au. You should seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.
The gold-mining stocks have enjoyed enormous gains in their young bull market this year, trouncing all other sectors. Naturally this radical outperformance has led to surging popular interest in this usually-obscure contrarian sector. New investors are wondering how to best track its performance, about which gold-stock benchmark is the definitive one to use. Something of a battle is brewing over new versus old.

Benchmarks are very important for stock trading. Their performances over any given span really help investors and speculators quickly understand how a sector is faring relative to others. Just one easily-digestible number distills down the collective performances of many stocks. Benchmarks also provide standards by which the performances of both individual stocks and individual traders can be objectively judged.

Good benchmarks are actively managed and appropriately updated on an ongoing basis. Companies that are bought out or fall by the wayside are removed, while newer up-and-coming companies take their places. Well-constructed benchmarks include the best stocks a given sector has to offer, and accurately reflect the underlying performance of that sectors stocks as a whole. They greatly aid trading decisions.

As a relatively-small and little-known sector, gold stocks have never had one definitive benchmark that has long been universally respected. The first contender was the Philadelphia Stock Exchange Gold and Silver Index, which was traded as XAU. It was created way back in January 1979 heading into a massive secular-gold-bull climax, but didnt become widely-followed and quoted until December 1983.

While XAU reigned supreme for over a decade, it started falling out of favour in the mid-1990s. That was about a decade-and-a-half into the subsequent secular gold bear. With gold prices falling on balance for years on end, mining companies naturally increasingly hedged their production. With gold expected to keep on grinding lower, they wanted to lock in current selling prices for their future mine production.

You cant blame the miners for hedging deep in a gold bear when they expected lower gold prices, its a rational decision to maximise cash flows. But by the mid-1990s, growing numbers of contrarian investors were expecting the secular gold cycles to turn. They were looking for a new secular gold bull to arise like a phoenix from the ashes of the long secular bear. So they hated miner hedging with a vengeance.

Locking in future selling prices makes sense in gold bears, but proves disastrous during gold bulls. Hedging literally sells away the future upside potential of gold-mining profits driven by rising gold prices! And that happens to be the only reason to own gold stocks. Investors rightfully shun them during gold bears since miners stocks follow gold lower. Theyre only worth buying if their profits can leverage golds gains.

And thats only possible if they are unhedged. So with XAU dominated by heavy hedgers that would enjoy little profits leverage from higher gold prices, a new upstart unhedged gold-stock index was launched in March 1996. It was originally called the American Stock Exchange Gold BUGS Index, which stands for Basket of Unhedged Gold Stocks. That clever wordplay always brings a smile to my face.

This new gold-stock indexs symbol was HUI, which has always been horribly unintuitive. After the American Stock Exchange was acquired by the New York Stock Exchange in January 2008, the HUIs name was changed to the NYSE Arca Gold BUGS Index. It kept that yucky symbol, which had become widely known among gold-stock investors in the previous decade or so as it usurped and replaced XAU.

Provocatively calling the HUI unhedged isnt technically true, despite its name! To be considered for HUI inclusion, a gold miner only has to not hedge its gold production beyond a year-and-a-half. But relative to the high general hedging levels in the late 1990s, that was essentially unhedged. In the early years of the new gold-stock bull between late 2000 and mid-2002, the HUIs performance obliterated the XAUs.

In June 2002 I wrote an essay Gold Stock Investing 101 where I looked at the bull-to-date gains in the HUI and XAU. The HUI had soared 278% by that point compared to mere 95% gains in the XAU! I called that vast delta a hedge tax. Hedging gold production, locking in future selling prices today, is incredibly foolish and bad for shareholders when gold prices are rising on balance. I still despise hedging.

Publicly-traded gold miners sole reason for existence is to provide investors with upside profits leverage to gold prices. Hedging robs shareholders of the growing future profits they are rightfully entitled to. So there is no reason to ever own a gold miner that is considerably hedged. With its upside to rising gold prices sold away, investors have no significant profits growth or appreciating share price to look forward to.

The HUI proved a great gold-stock benchmark for a long time. But unfortunately after the NYSE bought AMEX, its obscure sector indexes including the HUI fell into neglect. The necessary updates to the HUI component list and weightings to account for individual gold miners production waning and waxing to different levels of importance relative to their peers went from seldom to almost never. This was a real shame.

Gold stocks were the best-performing stock-market sector of the 2000s by far. Between November 2000 and September 2011, the HUI skyrocketed an astonishing 1664.4% higher! Great fortunes were won by smart contrarian investors. Over that same secular 10.8-year span, the benchmark S&P 500 general-stock index actually lost 14.2%. Keeping the HUI updated and current shouldve been a high priority.

But in the midst of that mighty secular bull, investors approach to gold stocks was starting to shift. Since the 1970s, the focus had been on picking the best individual gold stocks to own. But the 2000s saw the exchange-traded-fund industry explode in popularity. Rather than buying individual stocks, investors could instead buy diversified portfolios holding an entire sectors worth of stocks through a single ETF.

This really appealed to investors for obvious reasons. Instead of doing the hard research work thats necessary to uncover a sectors superior individual stocks with the best fundamentals, investors could have professional analysts working for ETF companies do that work for them. And with ETFs holding many companies, individual-stock risks were largely diversified away yielding pure sector trading performance.

Playing into this ETFs-rising trend, Van Eck Global launched its Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF back in May 2006. Trading under the symbol GDX, this early gold-stock ETF gradually grew in popularity to totally dominate the new gold-stock-ETF realm. Known today as the VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF, its net assets are running a staggering 33.9x higher than its next-closest normal-1x-gold-stock-ETF competitors!

Today when gold stocks are discussed on mainstream financial media including CNBC, the HUI almost never gets mentioned. GDX has become the de-facto gold-stock benchmark of choice for investors that are newer to the gold-stock realm. While both the HUI and GDX were left for dead during the recent dark bear years, gold stocks dazzling new bull thrusting them back into the limelight has created a battle of benchmarks.

Investors with long experience in the gold-stock realm generally prefer the HUI theyve spent decades now getting familiar with. Old-school traders like me simply think of gold stocks in HUI terms since weve spent so long viewing this sector through that indexs lens. But many newer investors never had any significant HUI exposure, so they prefer GDX since thats the gold-stock metric the mainstream now uses.

So how do these battling gold-stock benchmarks stack up? They are paradoxically both surprisingly similar and very different! Benchmarks live or die by the component stocks their managers choose to include. And since the gold-mining sector is pretty small, there really arent that many major gold stocks to pick from. So theres naturally going to be an overwhelming overlap in positions across sector benchmarks.

This table compares the latest component stocks and weightings of GDX and the HUI. Each companys absolute and relative market capitalisations are included. The latter is based on the entire pool of GDX component stocks, since it is far larger than the HUIs list. GDXs weightings are diverging more from the HUIs since the last time I examined these competing gold-stock benchmarks back in April 2014.

GDXs gold-stock component list is massive, now running at a staggering 49 companies! This compares to only 14 for the HUI. So GDX is inarguably far more diversified than the HUI. GDXs weightings also more closely follow its component gold stocks individual market caps, which is the most-logical way to construct a sector benchmark. Bigger companies should naturally have more impact on sector pricing.

But diversification is truly a double-edged sword. On the good side it definitely reduces the considerable individual-company risk the gold miners face. With gold mines immovable, gold miners face exceptional risks of local-government meddling through excessive regulations and taxation. And since these mines costs hundreds of millions to billions of dollars to construct, gold miners cant walk away when problems arise.

The more gold stocks a benchmark tracks, the lower the overall portfolio impact from any individual-stock selloff resulting from some adverse development. And since gold stocks are a small and volatile sector, the stock downside when something bad happens at a mine is considerable. So GDXs extensive gold-stock holdings make it safer than the HUI, diversifying away virtually all company-specific mining risks.

On the other hand, diversification also reduces upside. During a gold bull, the stocks of the elite gold miners with superior fundamentals are going to far-outperform their sector average. These outsized gains will be largely diluted away in an over-diversified portfolio. Diversification reduces risks, but it also reduces potential returns. The markets never give something for nothing, there are always tradeoffs.

A big advantage GDX has over the HUI is its component list is actively managed by expert analysts. So while HUI component changes are rare to nonexistent, GDXs are constantly being shuffled around. I see this on a quarterly basis as I analyze the top GDX component stocks quarterly operating results. Theres no doubt GDX is a more-accurate ongoing reflection of this dynamic sector than the static HUI.

But GDX has other disadvantages in addition to extreme over-diversification. By virtue of including so many stocks in such a small sector, GDX also has to include plenty of primary silver miners. While their stocks generally mirror gold-stock action, the substantial silver weighting among GDXs top components makes it more of a precious-metals-stock benchmark than the pure gold-stock one it is often advertised as.

For many contrarian investors gold stocks and silver stocks are synonymous and interchangeable, they own both. While gold price action overwhelmingly drives silver, occasionally silver disconnects from gold and its miners stocks follow. Such divergences weaken GDXs gold-stock tracking, and Ive heard from plenty of investors not happy their gold-stock ETF also includes most of the major silver miners as well.

The HUI on the other hand is a pure gold-stock benchmark, including no silver miners that dilute its core mission. Ideally gold-stock benchmarks should only include primary gold miners since thats what they are supposed to track. Silver stocks can go into other silver-stock ETFs. This separation helps investors more easily tailor their specific gold and silver exposure via their respective miners exactly how they want it.

The HUI has another major advantage over GDX in the form of no management fees. As a pure index, the HUI simply tracks underlying stocks without owning them. But GDXs managers actually buy shares in all its component companies proportional to their weightings, shunting stock-market capital directly into the underlying gold stocks. This process naturally takes considerable expertise, effort, and expense.

So GDXs managers justifiably charge a management fee currently running about 0.52% of assets every year. This gradually skews GDXs returns over time, shrinking them by a half-percent annually compared to a gold-stock index. Like a small course change by a ship in the middle of the ocean, this deviation isnt noticeable in real-time. But as GDX ages and the years pass, its reflection of gold stocks grows more distorted.

Because of this and the far-longer track record of the HUI, Ive always preferred it when doing most gold-stock analysis. The longer-term the time horizon being considered in any study, the better the HUI is for a cleaner view of gold-stock price action. Rather interestingly though, despite their major differences GDX has always mirrored the venerable HUI very closely. This chart shows both over most of GDXs lifespan.

Despite their dissimilarity, the historical price action of GDX and the HUI is functionally identical and interchangeable. Without vertical axis labels, virtually no one could tell these charts apart! Due to the relatively-small world of gold stocks necessitating any benchmarks have similar concentrations in the biggest miners, GDX and the HUI perform very similarly. Their price action is nearly perfectly correlated.

Statisticians measure data correlations through a construct known as the coefficient of determination. It is also called R squared, because it is calculated by multiplying the correlation coefficient, symbolised as R, by itself. I bastardise this to r-square, as it flows better in writing. R-square effectively reveals how much movement in one dataset is directly mathematically related to movement in a different dataset.

Since the dawn of 2007 as GDX stabilised after its launch, it has enjoyed a staggering 99.3% r-square with the HUI! And thats over a secular span encompassing the first stock panic in a century, mighty bull markets, and brutal bears. In other words, during the most extreme times imaginable for gold stocks. And the r-squares rise even higher in individual bulls and bears, running 99.4%, 99.9%, and 99.8%.

So mathematically, GDX and the HUI both track gold stocks the exact same way! Neither benchmark has a meaningful advantage over the long term, they both do their jobs very well. Nevertheless, the HUIs performance does edge out GDXs due to the latters extreme over-diversification and ongoing management fees. Their relative action in this years mighty new gold-stock bull is an excellent example.

Since GDX was only born in May 2006, it was bludgeoned to an all-time low of $12.47 back in mid-January. That same day the venerable HUI was slammed to a 13.5-year secular low of 100.7. That very day I recommended a half-dozen new gold-stock and silver-stock trades to our subscribers that have soared hundreds of percent since! That week I wrote about the fundamental absurdity of those gold-stock prices.

In the brief 6.2-month span since then, GDX has rocketed 145.4% higher at best. Such big and fast gains are incredible, and illustrate why everyone should have gold-stock exposure in their portfolios. No other sector has even come close. Yet the HUI fared even better over this same new-gold-stock-bull timeframe, with extreme 170.4% gains at best! Thats an additional 25.0%, which is huge over such a short span.

So while the upstart GDX benchmark tracks the venerable HUI benchmark perfectly for all intents and purposes, the HUI still has a performance edge. Not being over-diversified and not being saddled with a management fee makes a difference. Nevertheless, GDXs performance is close enough that investors shouldnt think twice about using it to deploy capital into gold stocks if they prefer ETFs to individual stocks.

But neither benchmark can hold a candle to a carefully-handpicked portfolio of the elite gold stocks with the best fundamentals. While GDX and the HUI both contain plenty of outstanding world-class best-of-breed gold miners, they are also burdened with many lesser companies. Some are even outright dogs with such poor fundamentals that their serious underperformances will really retard entire benchmarks.

When researching individual gold stocks to find the winners with superior fundamentals and therefore upside potential in gold bulls, the component lists of GDX and the HUI are great places to start. Each quarter I examine the latest operating results of the top miners of GDX, the GDXJ junior-gold-miners ETF, and the SIL silver-miners ETF. Among their holdings are always found the worlds best precious-metals miners.

In order to be included in these leading ETFs, their component stocks have been heavily researched and vetted by teams of expert analysts. Even better, top-ETF inclusion guarantees mining stocks will enjoy sizable-to-big capital inflows. When stock investors buy these ETFs shares at faster paces than the underlying gold stocks are being bought, the ETFs shunt this excess demand directly into those stocks.

This essentially-blind buying by investors who havent researched individual gold stocks and dont even know which ones ETFs hold amplify their upside compared to peers not included in major ETFs. So it is a great boon for gold miners to be included in GDX. And since the HUI isnt directly tradable, GDX is the best way to trade the gold-stock sector as a whole. Buying GDX shares is quick, easy, and cheap.

The bottom line is GDX and the HUI are both excellent gold-stock benchmarks, so a battle for supremacy isnt necessary. While they each have significant advantages and disadvantages, their actual trading performance is functionally identical. The HUI has an edge in actual gains due to holding fewer components and having no management fees, but it isnt tradable like GDX. These benchmarks are complementary.

Far from being a competitive threat to individual gold stocks, GDXs rise to prominence has proven a big boon for them. Elite-ETF inclusion for the best of the gold stocks provides a major source of capital inflows for them as new investors and fund managers flood into GDX to gain some gold-stock exposure. The HUI and GDX will likely continue to coexist peacefully and track gold stocks for many years to come.

>> BACK TO THE NEWSLETTER: Click here to read other articles from this weeks newsletter

 Copyright 2000-2015, Zeal Research (www.zealllc.com). Zeal Research is a US-based investment research company  you can visit their website at http://www.zealllc.com/. Zeals principals are lifelong contrarian students of the markets who live for studying and trading them. They employ innovative cutting-edge technical analysis as well as deep fundamental analysis to inform and educate people on how to grow and protect their capital through all market conditions. All views expressed in this article are those of the author, not those of TheBull.com.au. Please seek advice relating to your personal circumstances before making any investment decisions.
The critical accolades for HBOs gripping crime drama The Night Of have been more than deserved. But the reaction has been so intensely positive that, it seems, HBO seemed unprepared for one very blatant, resonant criticismand one thats been lobbied against many of the networks shows for years.

Why does HBO keep relying on sexual violence against women as major plot points for its shows, occasionally even fetishizing it?

The Night Of centers around a man, Nasir (played by Riz Ahmed), accused of the gruesome murder of New York City woman. The two had shared a night of sex and drugs. The next morning, Naz wakes up in her kitchen, goes to say goodbye, and finds her body there naked and bloodied with 22 knife wounds.

Its an image that replays dozens of time over the course of the series.

At Sundays nights HBO session at the Television Critics Association, critics brought up that The Night Of isnt the networks only big new series that uses sexual violence against women as a major plot point, with an image of a womens violated body as a narrative refrain.

Just prior to Sundays session, critics received their first screeners of Westworld, the buzzy new western-thriller about a Wild West theme park where guests can pretend to be gunslingers alongside androids programmed to be authentic townies that premieres in October. Evan Rachel Wood plays one such android, whose bloodied, naked body is the first image of the entire series.

Two doesnt make a trend. But counting Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, Deadwood, Rome, and more in HBOs past dramas to say that there is a trend of gratuitous and pervasive and female rape and violence that isnt balanced by male characters on these shows would be an understatement.

And so, as HBOs new president of programming Casey Bloys took the hot seat to talk to the critics, the critics wanted to know: What the hell?

His response? A sweaty squirm, and the physical realization of that shrugging emoji.

In fact, Bloyss responseat first a version of writing it off and then an argument that its part of just a general propensity for violence in HBO showswas so dissatisfactory that it received not just one, but two follow-ups from critics clearly fed up with the trope and demanding an intelligent answer.

Linda Holmes from NPR kicked off the questioning, asking if the network is relying on sexualized violence against women as a way to create stakes and drive the narrative. Instinctively bringing up Game of Thrones, Bloys says the violence is not just specific to women. Its men and women. Its kind of indiscriminate.

When she followed up, Bloys reiterated that he didnt think the violence is specific to women. Plenty of men are killed as well, he said, setting off a #TCA16 firestorm on Twitter.

Writer Melanie McFarland then asked if that means that well be seeing more of the same kind of violence, specifically rape, with male characters, Bloys joked, Were going to kill everybody!

Eric Deggans at NPR took the final stab at the question, explicating the difference between violence against women and generalized violence, that there is a difference between what happens to Game of Thronesa dismemberment, per seand rape against women, which is a particular kind of violence that is about oppressing women.

The violence is pretty extreme on all fronts, he said, a fair PR-ing of a tough question but missing the point: that theres a boiling point rising in the frustration over what has, with its gender imbalance and frequency, become a misogynistic trope on TV. And, if there isnt, that perhaps its uniquely on television could be contributing to a desensitizing over it.

But Bloys did concede, I take your pointso far there arent any male rapes. He went on: But the violence is spread equally. Which, again, this particular kind of violence is not. When Deggans pressed back, Bloys insinuated that, in Westworld, particularly, the violence is slightly different because its against an android-like human and not an actual humanoybut did end with a mea culpa.

To your larger point of is it something we think about, yeah, he said. I think the criticism is valid, you know. So I think its something that people take into account.

In defense of Bloys, who found himself subject to the firing squad, he was clearly not prepared or expecting the questions. You could watch him realize as he was speaking that he very much did not have a good answer for it. Still, as The Hollywood Reporters Daniel Fienberg noted, The correct response to questions about violence against women you havent considered is NOT jokes.

The way that we cover it in the news, treat victims and survivors as a society, and, yes, portray it with alarming frequency on television, there is, to use Vanity Fair's Joanna Robinsons characterization, an epidemic of dehumanizing victims of sexual violence.

On Westworld, Evan Rachel Wood plays a robot. Excusing the disturbing storyline because of its sci-fi remove from so-called real lifeit's not the same, she's a robotis an irresponsible way to address the epidemic. For what its worth, by the way, its as horrifying to witness and explore the ramification of rape on a human-like android played by Evan Rachel Wood as it would if the actress was playing an actual human.

It is worth noting, as Voxs Todd VanDerWerff did on Twitter, that Westworld and The Night Of were conceived of and produced years apart. Its the fact that they are premiering so close together that heightens the comparisons and could make it perceived that a cognizant decision.

Nonetheless, it's a systemic issue with not just HBO programming, but prestige cable programming in generalhell, broadcast drama is as bad if not worse, but TV standards keeps the imagery from being as graphic. And you would think that a network would have a sense of a growing climate of frustration surrounding it and have a better answer prepared.

Its fitting, then, that when a few hours later, the cast and creative team of Westworld walked on stage to face the critics, producer Lisa Joy did have a better answer prepared.

Asked point blank to address the controversy that had been brewing for all of about 180 minutes, Joy addressed it in a thoughtful, meticulous manner.

Because of the debate and controversy the conversation from the session with Bloys stirred, we thought it fair to print her response in full:

Thats a great question. It was definitely something that was heavily discussed and heavily considered as we worked on those scenes. Westworld is an examination of human nature. The best parts of human natureyou know, we explore paternal love, romantic love, and finding ones self. But also the basest part of human nature. And that includes violence. That includes sexual violence. Violence and sexual violence have sadly been a fact of human history since the beginning of human history. Theres something about us, thankfully not the majority of us, but there are people who engage in violence. It continues to this day. So when we were tackling a project about a park in which the premise is you can come there and do whatever you want, whatever desire you have, with impunity, without consequence, it seemed like it was an issue that we had to address. Now, when addressing it, theres a lot of thinking that goes into it. Sexual violence, not only for me but for everybody on our team is an issue we take very, very seriously. Its extraordinarily disturbing and horrifying. In this portrayal we really endeavored for it to not be about the fetishization of those acts. It is about exploring the crime and establishing the crime. And the torment of the characters within the story. And exploring the stories hopefully with dignity and depth.

Is that a perfect answer? Not by any means. As Holmes, who kicked off the whole discussion noted on Twitter, its a relatively pat answer used to give some sort of noble justification that absolves the creators from being complicit in a icky problem or trend. Nobody says, We use rape in an insensitive way, Holmes tweeted.

Plus, its problematic to take an issue like this and simply go show by show and ask for justification. As the reaction in the room suggests, this isnt a case-by-case issue. Its an industry-wide problem. The question now is: Can it be solved?
At last, the ultimate feminist money shot: Hillary Clinton in an incandescent white pantsuit, bathed in the arenas blue light, declaring to the roaring Philadelphia crowd, I accept your nomination for president of the United States! Now can the woman in the white suit go all the way to the White House?

The Democratic Convention was unapologetically big, gorgeously star-crammed, saturated with multi-hued nobility and patriotic heroes who became overnight sensations. On every media platform, in 4K color and 3-D emotion, it was designed to be an American dream blowout.

From William Jennings Bryan to Barack Obama, party conventions have always been the political equivalent of American Idol. They're where stars are made, and more stars were milled last week than ever before.

The last chance to let loose, uninterrupted, turned Joe Biden into a one-man revival meeting. Never has the word malarkeyBidens label for Donald Trumps promise to lift up the middle classrolled off the tongue with more sensuous relish.

The convention was at its most electric whenever a speaker took aim at Trump. No one was more authoritatively disdainful than Mike Bloomberg. I've built a business and I didn't start it with a million-dollar check from my father, said the three-term ex-Republican mayor and truly self-made magnate, adding, He says hes going to run this country like he does his own business. God help us!

When at last the nominee stepped onto the stage to embrace Chelsea and savor the moment she looked as refreshed as if she just returned from a Caribbean vacation instead of being pounded into the dust for the past 12 months, not to mention the past 24 years.

Slog. That has to be the defining word of Hillary Clintons path to the nomination: a slog through decades of marital dramas, scabrous smears, and hard-won victories. Her husband famously felt our pain, but she has never allowed us to see hersexcept once, eight years ago in New Hampshire, with tears that cynics said were fake.

What a joyful relief it must have been for her to have so many exemplary Americans attesting to her character and her kindness, unmediated by the cascade of dross thrown at her every minute of every day.

Trumps nyah-nyah demonization of her as crooked Hillary; the lynch-mob ugliness of Lock Her Up, one syllable short of String Her Up, a week earlier in Cleveland and now at every Trump rally; the pious baying of the hyena moral police echoed by the naive bonehead left; the drip drip drip of the daily taunts about her careers stupidest mistake, the damned email debacle: She takes it all and always keeps her game face on. If it grinds her downand how can it not?she doesnt show it.

A friend of hers recently told me of marching with her in a parade when one of her female haters in the crowd pushed forward wearing a blue dress with a prominent stain. Hillary turned to her friend and said, They really dont think I have feelings, do they?

They really dont. Which is why it was so epic that the big guys whove been with her in the trenches of the Senate and the Situation Room now fight for her like soldiers and comrades, without caveats, without patronizing asides (Youre likeable enough, Hillary), without reservations.

I suspect that the manly plaudits from Biden and Obamatheir unstinting praise of her intelligence, her work ethic, her discipline, her loyalty, her couragemust have meant more to her than all the encomia from women of professional and moral stature. After all, even women who hate her know what its so hard for men to fully understand: that her gender means she has had to work harder, be more qualified, take more crap because she is a woman.

Losing last time only enhanced her legend because the story is so familiar: an overqualified woman works all her life toward a goal, only to have it snatched away by the younger, slicker guy with the great presentation who just showed up yesterday. And every mom who has had to leave her child for long days and nights at an office or factory or checkout counter or hospital felt the mothers pain more than the daughters delight in Chelseas reference to the tender notes left for her when Hillary had to travel.

Thats what made Philly so sweet. Finally shes out front, and finally the men beside her and behind her truly have her back: Obama, our cocky Mr. Cool; Biden, who would have had the prize if he could; Bloomberg, the brusque billionaire whose praise is hard to win; the ferocious, thundering Marine General John Allenthe former commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, with a line of multi-ethnic military brass behind himpledging fealty to her as the best, the only possible, choice for Commander in Chief. That must have been pretty sexy for Hillary.

So, too, Bills prose-poem of the milestones in their courtship, a tenderly, ruefully painted picture of the passionate improver of the world he admired who was also the confident woman he desired, whose back to him in the law library at Yale he didnt dare touch because he feared it might lead to something I couldnt stop. No wonder she looked rejuvenated when she came out.

America lately has shown the worst of itself through the nomination of Trump, but the triumph of the first woman tells usjust as the advent of the first black president didthat America continues its march toward a more perfect union.

Hillary had made this grueling slog on behalf of every woman who has ever been knocked back, belittled, talked over, passed over, and paid less than a man. When she spoke it wasnt the stem-winder her husband or her predecessor would have given. There was no memorable phrase or passage to give us one defining headline the next morning.

Hillary has never known how to soar. As she herself implied, she is a workhorse, not a show horse. At a time of terrifying volatility what she did radiate was groundedness, stature, gravitas, and something more uplifting than any of these: a woman in her prime, all the more effective because she is pitted against a man whose daily MO is road rage.

There were two themes that came through nearly every speech.

First, her constancy. When Hillary shows up for 9/11 victims or mothers bereaved by gun violence its not just for the cameras. And she stays on the case, sometimes for years. She follows through. Thats what shes done ever since she chose the Childrens Defense Fund after law school instead of the fancy firms that clamored to hire her.

Second, shes a fighter. Hillary has never commanded the cool factor with the young, but the convention went far to reconcile two images that have long been at odds. A year ago, the campaign went overboard to soften her up with the grandmother theme. That was never going to work with milennials for whom fierce is an adjective of choice for the female role models they adore. Grandmother is a cuddly word and Hillary, thank God, isnt cuddly.

Cuddly? That would be Tim Kaine, who looks like her second husband, the man she might settle for if ever what Bill called the walking and talking and laughing together with one of the most alpha males in history who repeatedly broke her heart should come to an end.

No, in Philly the accolades showered on her were for Hillary the fierce, Hillary the woman in the arena (as Obama called her, invoking Teddy Roosevelt), Hillary the gladiator, bloodied but unbowed, hailed by General Allen as the commander in chief girded to defeat the deadly foe of Isis.

Perhaps after a quarter-century of Hell Week, Hillary has finally been set free to be who she is: the warrior woman who protects her cubs and has the nations back. Hurrah for Hillary! Enjoy it while you can.
Once upon a Bourne, Julia Stiles CIA analyst Nicolette Nicky Parsons was a compliant Treadstone staffer helping wrangle the rogue assassin for her agency overlords. What a difference 14 years makes. In Jason Bourne, the fourth film to star Matt Damon as the amnesiac government asset, Stiles Nicky also returns from hiding to fulfill a spy destiny of her own with some newly acquired Anonymous-esque hacking skills.

I dont think that it was premeditated, Stiles phoned from Las Vegas, musing over the decade and a half shes spent with the Bourne franchise playing a character that was never intended to make it this far. It kind of happened organically as years passed and we were making sequels.

The idealistic young CIA employee Nicky Parsons once was is dead. Long live Hacker Nicky, a poised and driven Edward Snowden-type with a pistol and a thumb drive, who jump-starts the events of Jason Bourne by stealing top secret files from her former bosses. She has seen what its done to people like Jason Bourne , and also risked her life many times, said Stiles. Shes now evolved into somebody who is fed up and not afraid to have nothing to lose, and is not afraid of doing what she can to disrupt that.

For all the Bourne-Nicky shippers whove read a certain shared history between the two over the last three films, Stiles fills in the gaps.

I think we ultimately decided that it wasnt the first time they had seen each other in eight years, she teased. Its very subtle, but I think thats where knowing what shes done in that time applies to the story that we witness.

If she decided to just do that and not find Jason Bourne, thered be no movie, she laughed. So she decides to track him down because she cares about him and shes his only ally. And its not just the broad politics that she wants to changeshe actually personally cares for him and wants to help him get over this guilt that he has about his past, which to me is a nice little piece of humanity in the middle of this.

To prepare for Nickys awakening, director Paul Greengrass sent Stiles books and articles on internet-fueled revolutions of the world to study. Hes very passionate and well-informed about the global climate, she said. I was just excited that my character now gets to be rebellious and ideological, and actively railing against this system.

She imagines that Nicky, whos been off the grid for the last nine years, has spent her time falling in with digital revolutionaries and gearing up to finally take action against the corrupt American government. She read Paul Masons Why Its Kicking Off Everywhere to place Nicky in the fast-changing geopolitical ecosystem, and was inspired by a book on the hacker group Anonymous.

It was about the people that are hackers, theyre called white hat hackers, who are ideologically driven so theyre not out to rob people but are actually interested in disrupting the system, she explained. Theyre anarchists. In some ways I think that would have fueled her, or empowered her, to feel like she could step out of hiding and try and be disruptive.

The films stunningly orchestrated first set piece takes place as Nicky arranges to meet Bourne for the first time in years to give him crucial information. They set off the CIAs watchdogs, who send agents to hunt them on the ground and from surveillance comms in the sky as the former colleagues find each other in the middle of pure chaos: under the cover of a massive, violent protest between citizens and armed police officers in Athens, Greece.

I thought it was so interesting when I first read that sequence because it works so organically to the story. It was interesting to me that Nicky has to choose a safe meeting place to reconnect with Jason Bourne, and unexpectedlybut it makes perfect senseshe chooses the middle of this utter chaos and violence, Stiles marveled. But it also mimics what shes going through. The people are rioting against their government and shes getting ready to blow the lid on the CIAs operations.

To pull off the impressive sequence, Greengrass set up an immersive urban warzone (in Tenerife, filling in for Athens) with hundreds of extras facing off as protestors and militarized police, and modeled on the anti-government clashes staged by tens of thousands of Greek citizens in 2011-2012.

The way Paul Greengrass likes to shoot is that he wants to set up 180 degrees of reality so that he can shoot details and things, the atmosphere, and not just the two people that are speaking, said Stiles. The effect is impressive: as Bourne and Nicky weave their way through increasingly hostile streets, the camera pulls back as CIA spooks close in and Vincent Cassels sharpshooting assassin takes aim from a nearby rooftop.

You have 600 extras who are shouting in Greek and throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails, you have cars being burned and police in riot gear spraying tear gasand then you have to yell Cut! and get everybody to stop. Imaginehow do you do that? she laughed. But everybody who works on these movies is at the top of their game. The first AD in particular was just remarkable. He had a whistle that he would blow instead of saying Cut, so we could hear him. And it all felt very safe, but very true to the videos that Ive seen of those riots.

Those tense nighttime protests hit closer to home in the final film, evoking similar scenes from much more recent clashes here in the United States. When Paul was writing this and when we were shooting it felt that that unrest had settled a little bit, she noted. But now were seeing very similar reasons, for different reasons, but similar images in different parts of the U.S.

When you watch those eerily realistic images onscreen its hard not to think of Ferguson, Baltimore, Baton Rouge. Stiles, 35, admits shes come around on discussing the real-life tragedies America has witnessed of late on social media, where shes also vocalized her thoughts on the upcoming election.

I previously avoided talking about political issues or current events in interviews and things like that because Im an entertainer and I didnt want to be misunderstood, she said. And so easily that can happen with the way media and the internet work. I also didnt want anything I would say to then be used as clickbait. But it becomes impossible to stay quiet.

It seems like more and more every day when you turn on the news something else has happened. Im about to go and work in Nice [on Neil Jordans Riviera] for the rest of the year, she said, referring to the deadly terror attack on Bastille Day revelers that occurred just days earlier. Stiles fell momentarily silent, at a loss for words. So it seems that unrest is kind of unavoidable. Inescapable is the perfect word for it. In a perfect world we would be able to avoid or pre-empt some of this violence, but we seem unable to escape it.

In a time when Hollywood is being forced to answer for its underrepresentation of minorities onscreen and behind the camera, Stiles counts herself lucky to have had a career thats already spanned over two decades. (Her first gig? Landing PBSs Ghost Writer at the age of 11.)

I do feel like things are changing, she said of the growing ranks of women in film and television. I work with so many powerful, fierce, intelligent women, and I also am lucky to be part of a franchise where the roles for women in it are great. In recent years the Golden Globe nominee and stage veteran made the leap from acting to directing, helming the 2007 short Raving and the 2013 WIGS webseries Paloma, starring Grace Gummer.

I had been on a lot of sets, and it can be very collaborative if youre working with the right director, but ultimately the director is in charge, she said, remembering how the directing bug bit her. And I felt it was an opportunity for me to try that out and tell my own story. It exercises a different part of your brain, being behind a camera, because youre managing a crew and dealing with a budget and a schedule and theres a logical side to me that really found that rewarding. And it was the first time that I was finally able to say, I think I can do this.

In a way, it was her work on the Bourne franchise that led her behind the camera. It was either Bourne Supremacy or Bourne Ultimatum, she exclaimed, bringing the memory full circle, and I was talking about my interest in directing. Paul Greengrass said, Well, you have to just do it. I think he said, The first act of directing is just saying that you could do it. And it was the right time for me to step forward and say, no ones going to hand this to youyou have to seize the opportunity.
PHILADELPHIA  Khizr Khan, who shamed Donald Trump in front of a whole nation last week, spoke to the Democratic Convention two days after Rocco Renell Isaacs birthday, one of many through history who also made a great sacrifice. Mr Khan was talking about his family, his son, and his country all suffering a lasting loss when Army Capt. Humayun Khan was killed in Iraq in 2004 at the age of 27.

LCpl. Isaac was 19, a rifleman with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, Fifth Marines when he was killed in Vietnam July 26, 1968, a particularly lethal year. He was a graduate of Philadelphias Edison High School, which holds the sad record of having the most graduates killed in Vietnam of any high school in America: 64.

Captain Khan was a patriot who wanted to be a military lawyer upon finishing his tour in an increasingly unpopular war. LCpl. Isacc was a patriot who had dreams of starting his own business someday after finishing his 13 months fighting a war that was dividing his country. Both wars were nurtured by political deceit.

Humayun left his parents and two brothers. Isacc left his parents, three brothers and four sisters. Both left a hole in the heart that neither time nor memory can ever heal.

Captain Khan is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, his headstone is in a line of sight with Memorial Bridge and the Lincoln Memorial. LCpl. Isaac is buried in Philadelphia National Cemetery and his name is carved into the long, black marble wall of the Vietnam Memorial on Panel W50, Line 14 not far from Captain Khans grave.

In the past few days Donald Trump has displayed an appalling ignorance of what loss, sacrifice, and true pride of country mean as he continually attempted to diminish the Khan family. Sunday, the thin-skinned billionaire used his favorite lethal weapon, Twitter, to complain he had been viciously attacked by Khizar Khan. In Trumps twisted imagination he must think hes fighting a war of words and is thus as brave as men like Humayun Khan and Rocco Isaac.

A few days ago I stood in the hallway of Edison High looking at a plaque that hangs on the wall a few yards from the metal detector at the schools front door. I studied the names on the plaque and realized that, together, they define America; names like Antonelli, Brookins, Burton, Cobarrubio, Jefferson, Johnson, Maguire, Mieeczowski, Santiago, Whalen, Woewlcke, Zerggen and all the others..

In my minds eye, I saw LCpl. Rocco Isaac, home on leave, summer 1967, before he shipped out for Vietnam. I saw him walking along West Luzerne Street in Northeast Philly, splendid and proud in his dress blues, the uniform a declaration that Rocco Isaac was a man of strength, purpose, and dedication to a cause larger than himself.

A few miles from Edison High, on Greenway Avenue where Isaac lived before he enlisted in the Marine Corps, there was little trace of his family nearly 50 years after his death. A man who gave his name as Eddie Cruz and walked in the heat with the aid of a cane said he was once friendly with Cpl. Isaacs brother.

Raymond, Cruz said. Raymond Isaac. Roccos younger brother Raymond. He was about 10 or so, younger brother. My age then.

Do you remember Rocco? he was asked.

Kind of, he replied.  I member he went in the Marines and got killed there, in Vietnam. Was a lot of boys from around here gettin killed there. I member that.

Now we have a warthe war on terror being waged daily in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the worldthat has stretched across 15 years and promises to continue for a time that cannot be defined. The responsibility of fighting that war will fall to the winner of the presidency this November, a victory that brings with it the duty and burden of being commander in chief of the armed forces of the United States of America.

Capt. Humayun Khan was 27 when his life ended in an explosion far from home. LCpl Rocco Isaac was 19 when he died half a world away from the streets of Philadelphia. He would have been 67 last week.

And here in the middle of an American summer one of the candidates to become Commander in Chief has proven with words and tweets that he is without the grace, the humility, the compassion or the simple comprehension of what its like for a mother and a father to lose a child in service of the nation. Donald J. Trump often speaks and tweets without thought but this week he spoke and tweeted without a heart.
Charleston fire

Firefighters conducted a carbon monoxide investigation at 12:43 p.m. Sunday at 2612 Seventh St. The alarm was caused by a faulty carbon monoxide detector.

-- -- --

Firefighters were dispatched at 8:36 p.m. Saturday to a report of smoke coming out of the roof of Eastern Illinois University's Booth Library. The reported smoke turned out to be a steam pipe off-gassing.

-- -- --

Firefighters responded at 3:18 p.m. and 7:19 p.m. Friday to false alarms caused by detector malfunctions at EIU's Carman Hall.

Mattoon fire

Firefighters conducted a smoke investigation at 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the 2300-2400 blocks of Shelby Avenue. The smoke was produced by a rubbish fire.

-- -- --

Firefighters responded to a series of three false alarms between 1:30 and 4 a.m. Saturday on the east side of Mattoon. The alarms were caused by sprinkler system water pressure dropping due to a broken water main in this part of town.
I was 21 years old in 1968. Nixon-Humphrey was my first presidential election. I was the designated Jewish politico at Middlebury Collegemarched on Washington, levitated the Pentagon, told the Teach-In crowd Hell no, we wont go! Didnt go. I was very convinced. As a rock-and-roll devotee I figured the revolution would have a soundtrack and I would pick the cuts.

Richard Nixon was clearly not a man to be trusted. The New Nixon he was touting himself, but anyone who was paying attention could tell he was the same old Dick. The Vietnam War wasnt going wellwas, in fact, squandering tens of thousands of my generations livesand I blamed President Lyndon Johnson for prosecuting it. Hubert Humphrey, his vice president, an old-line liberal, should have known better but was LBJs apologist. Humphrey was running against Nixon.

In my youth and absolutism, new to the real world of incremental gains and accommodation, I was among many who said, The lesser of two evils is still an evil and refused to vote for either of them. (In my wisdom I voted the Peace and Freedom Party line for Eldridge Cleaver.) The phrase popular at the time was to make the contradictions manifest. As if, when a man so obviously corrupt as Nixon was elected, the American people would immediately become aware of their terrible mistake and rise up en masse to replace one class of rulers with another. I wanted all of what I wanted and would be satisfied with nothing less.

Our numbers were significant. Never mind that as a senator from Minnesota, Humphrey was the lead author of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, was intimately involved in creating the Peace Corps and had chaired the Senate Select Committee on Disarmamentwe simply could not in good conscience put into power a man who was so compromised.

And so we got two terms of Nixonor actually a term and a half.

I know now that I abdicated and am personally responsible for the expansion of the Vietnam War, the bombing of Cambodia, Watergate, the enemies list, and the loss of respect for the institution of the presidency provided by Nixons near impeachment and then resignation. America was not the better for my vote.

I learned my lesson. In 2000 I told everyone who would listen that the major issue in the Bush-Gore race was the Supreme Court. There would be no surprises; if elected, George W. Bush would nominate Justices consistent in their conservatism who would determine the retrograde direction of the court for a generation. More than his right-wing policies, this wrong-headed judicial upheaval would be his legacyif we allowed it. We had to vote for Gore. And yet there was a determined contingent of ideologues, particularly those in Florida, who voted for Ralph Nader.

And so we got two terms of Bush.

I am pleased to report that I am not to blame for the war in Iraq, the Citizens United decision that widened the opening of American politics for purchase, or the gutting of the Voting Rights Actbut Nader voters are.

Donald Trump is not a man to be trusted. His bigotry is undeniable; his instability paraded for all to see; he has displayed his disqualifications for office so often the eyes glaze over at their recitation. And yet we have Bernie or Bust, the folks threatening to sit out the election rather than vote for the candidate closest to their idealsa petulant response to a political defeat. I am familiar with the politics of petulance, but I am resisting. While I find Senator Sanderss concepts attractive and am personally pleased that many are being included in the Democratic Partys platform, I am not the ideological purist I once was. Passion in pursuit of a political vision is vital, but I do not demand that all of my ideas be fully absorbed into the partys DNA before I confer my vote. That hasnt worked. Twice. The cost has been dear.

It is my experience that in American politics, absolutism leads to failure. Sanderss supporters are driven by principle, but any reasonable reading of the past 50 years of American political history would bring them comfort in the recognition that they have already won, that more future victories are achievable in a Clinton presidencyand none under Trumpand that their guy is leading the way.

This election will be won or lost through voter turnout and voter suppression. Numbers matter. Bernie Sanders has exhorted his followers to vote for Clinton. For them to ignore him and sit it out or look elsewhere would run exactly counter to the vision Sanders has brought to the process. They should follow his lead and show up. The alternative is just not worth the risk.

And so we may avoid even a single term of Trump.
ISIS joined Donald Trump on Sunday in dishonoring the sacrifice of U.S. Army Capt. Humayun Khan.

The newest issue of the so-called Islamic States propaganda magazine Dabiq said the Muslim war hero died as an apostate when he was killed by a car bomb in Iraq in 2004 after ordering soldiers under his command to stand back as he moved foward to investigate the vehicle.

Khan was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. ISIS published a picture of his headstone and captioned it, Beware of dying as an apostate.

The terrorist group calls all Muslims who dont adhere to its narrow ideology apostates and reserves particular ire for those who live and participate in Western democracies.

Like ISIS, Trump made the issue Islam instead of Khan.

And on the same day that ISIS smeared the sons name, Trump excoriated Khans parents, who addressed their sons sacrifice and Trumps anti-Muslim racism at the Democratic National Convention.

If it was up to Donald Trump, he never would have been in America, Khizr Khan, the soldiers father, said. He vows to build walls, and ban us from this country.

Trump first responded in a statement where he said the Khans had no right to criticize him.

Captain Humayun Khan was a hero to our country and we should honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe, he said. While I feel deeply for the loss of his son, Mr. Khan, who has never met me, has no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the Constitution, which is false, and say many other inaccurate things.

Khizr Khan immediately struck back, calling the statement faked empathy that is typical for a person without a soul.

Not content with insulting the father of a slain soldier, Trump bashed Capt. Khans mother (who last spoke to him on Mothers Day 2004), intimating that she was barred from speaking by her husband at the DNC because she is Muslim.

She had nothing to say. She probablymaybe she wasnt allowed to have anything to say, Trump told George Stephanopolous in an interview airing Sunday. (The Republican nominee added that Khizr Khan was very emotional but a nice guy.)

Ghazala Khan responded directly to Trump in a Washington Post op-ed on Sunday, saying he is ignorant about Islam and doesnt know what the word sacrifice means.

Trump belittled that claim when Khizr Khan made it at the DNC.

Did Hillarys script writer write it? Trump asked in the Stephanopolous interview, which was taped on Friday.

In fact, Khan spoke extemporaneously.

Then Trump continued to claim he has a made a lot of sacrifices by creating jobs.

The same issue of Dabiq apparently took a jab at Hillary Clinton while saying nothing about Trump. The magazine rails about the extinction of Western women because of the Wests war on human nature, which dictates that woman does not imitate man.

For this reason, when the daughter of a Persian king became ruler of Persia, the Prophet said, A people who give their authority to a woman will never prosper, it said.
KILLER LOOK

Back in 1964, Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart took an old colloquial expression and turned it into a one of the most famous phrases ever uttered from the bench when he failed at specifically defining his threshold test for obscenity, but claimed, I know it when I see it. Thats sort of exactly the way I feel about style.

I love fashionreading about it, looking at photographs and catalogs, admiring ladies and gents who pass by on the street, collecting handbags and antique jewelry, and shopping for as much as my closets will hold. I cant quite define my idea of style, but I always think I know it when I see it.

I write crime novels. I was a prosecutor in Manhattan for 30 years, during which time I was exposed to a dark underbelly of the naked city. When I started to pen murder mysteries, I chose to set each one in some sort of landmark location, which I then layered back to reveal a crime scene. There actually had been, after all, a homicide at the Metropolitan Opera House in 1980a violinist killed backstage, in between acts, during a performance of the Berlin Ballet. And its true that in the tunnels beneath Grand Centraloriginally built as the centerpiece of an underground metropolis called Terminal Citythere are hundreds of homeless people, known as moles, who populate the deserted infrastructure. It didnt take a lot of imagination to use real sites as fictional crime scenes.

Killer Look is the 18th novel in my series, which features Manhattan Special Victims prosecutor Alex Cooper and her lover, NYPD homicide detective Mike Chapman. This time, I wanted to explore the part of the city known as the Garment District, one square mile of real estate that helped secure New York Citys claim as Americas fashion capital. The district was once famed for its dense concentration of manufacturing and productionmuch of which has now been outsourced to cheaper markets overseasalthough it remains home to many showrooms and executive offices.

I am meticulous about the research that goes into my story-telling. My career in the law keeps me up to speed on legal decisions and cutting-edge forensics. My fashion instincts are purely amateur, so I began by clipping articles by writers who nailed the industry itself as well as the runway looks they often featured. Vanessa Friedman and Nicholas Coleridge and Kate Betts unknowingly gave me angles, ideas, and plot twists. WWD and all the worlds Vogues and the Wall Street Journals business pages were full of motives for murder, both in ready-to-wear and thanks to the surprising global trends in haute couture.

Then it was time for more in-depth research, so I cut right to the chase. My favorite form of serious scholarship is the insider interview, if one is lucky enough to get to make the right contact. I have enjoyed a long friendship with Fern Mallis. Known to many as the former executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Fern created New York Fashion Week as we know it today.

Nailing the brilliant fashionista down for a luncheon date to get to the heart of the business was tough, but once we sat down at the table (at Freds, in Barneys, of course), it was like having a lecture delivered to a freshman philosophy student by the head of the universitys department. I asked one or two questions about whether there were any nefarious goings-on in the industry that could work their way into a mystery, and before our salads hit the table, Fern helped me fill a Moleskine with enough facts for an entire mini-series of cut-throat designer misdeeds.

I didnt want my entry to be another thriller featuring a model who is assaulted during a photo shoot or felled by a date-rape drug. I had seen enough of that in my prosecutorial days. I wanted to show that this glamorous fashion world that is based on fantasy and illusion fronts a business that is now valued at close to four trillion dollars worldwide. The mechanics of getting a product from the drawing board to the factory to the catwalk to the showroom to the retail outlet is as difficult to manage as the most rough-and-tumble kind of enterprise. Fern helped me find my way through the maze, and gave me the confidence to write as though Id been born with a miniature polo pony stamped on my chest.

Then it comes down to how to kill someone. Eighteen books into Coops capers, my fictional victims have come to the end of the road in a great variety of ways. Shootings, stabbings, drownings, defenestration, and the full variety of what a medical examiner sees in the morgue have all been tested in my narrative pages. For some guidance in this direction, I reached out to my favorite retired NYPD lieutenant, Jimmy West. I didnt expect an immediate answer when I asked, Whats new? in the homicide squad, but I got one. Jimmy had an idea about how to stage the perfect murdertoo much of a spoiler for me to tell you here.

One of the more difficult aspects of focusing the action in the Garment District is how greatly it has shrunk in the last two decades. Its dramatic growth was originally made possible in the 1850s with the invention of the sewing machine and the practicality of the mass production of clothing. Id long thought the original impact of that timing was a result of the Civil War, and the fact that soldiers uniforms for both the blue and gray put the tiny patch of real estate on the map. Again, my research turned up an ugly fact. The Garment District was established because Southern plantation owners realized that it was cheaper to have slave uniforms manufactured in New York than hand-sewn by the workers themselves. Cotton was picked by slaves and shipped north to be turned into the clothes they wore in houses and in the fields. The slave trade gave the Garment District its first success.

My search for related territory led me to a few obvious locations. Fashion Week has outgrown the tented area of Bryant Park, with a mushrooming number of events and venues all over town. The 31,000-piece collection of what was once called the Costume Institute has now become the Anna Wintour Costume Center, a wing of the great Metropolitan Museum of Art.

And really, how could there be any book about fashion without working Ms. Wintours name into the story? That collectionand the Mets spectacular Temple of Dendur (think of a model who can Walk like an Egytptian)made it simple to transition the murderous action from Fashion Avenue in the West 30s to the Upper East Side.

It was great fun to live in a fictional world of such fashionable detailfrom fabrics and zippers and the unique detail of buttons to the secrets kept by executive men and women whose talent and ambition drive a global industry. I dont design clothing, Ralph Lauren once said. I design dreams.

A killer look is a lot like style. I cant always define it, but I know it when I see it.
Camera crews were in step with police when they busted a tea party in the Russian city of Samara, arresting an American pastor who authorities said had plans to commit the grave sin of performing gay weddings.

They took the cup out of my hand and took me away, Jim Mulcahy told The Daily Beast from an undisclosed location in Eastern Europe.

The news teams called him a pseudo-priest. The police demanded to know, through an English-language translator, in an on-camera closeup: Whats the purpose of your being here right now?

Mulcahy, a Metropolitan Community Church pastor whos been living in Ukraine for four years, was swiftly ordered to leave Russia for allegedly violating the terms of his tourist visa. News reports about the event included snide comments about him being an American, an openly gay man, a resident of Ukraine, and an MCC pastor.

Ive been going to Russia at least once a year since 2012, Mulcahy said, speaking out about the events for the first time. I always visit LGBT groups while Im there, for conversation.

Sometimes the groups are specifically Christian, sometimes not. But that didnt matter to police, who said he ran afoul of his tourist visa by lecturing and preaching. The organization he was meeting with, local LGBT group Avers, was not a Christian organization. A new anti-terrorism law makes it even harder for visiting religious officials, who must be affiliated with a registered religious organization and can only perform missionary work at religious sites. Its even raising concerns for Mormon missionaries.

Fortunately, Russia cant throw me out of Eastern Europe or post-Soviet space, Mulcahy said. They can only throw me out of Russia.

But the Russian cops did bring a 4 p.m. tea party on July 9 to an abrupt end when they stormed the Avers gathering. About a dozen people were in the room, literally drinking tea and eating cookies, Mulcahy said.

Probably around 20 minutes after we started, four police and news cameras came barging in, and I was taken into custody, he said. They didnt give me any reason, they just took me. I had no interpreter of my own, I had no lawyer with me.

They grilled the pastor for four hours, using only a police-provided translator. Mulcahy couldnt even fully understand what was going on, he said, and his lawyerwho was at the police stationwasnt allowed to call him.

Later, the attorney told Mulcahy that police got an anonymous tip that he was going to perform a same-sex wedding in Samara, just like he had for dozens of same-sex couples around the world. The men who reported him, based on advertisements for the tea party in Russian social network Vkontakte, gleefully said as much to news crews.

I had no such plans, Mulcahy said.

He was whisked straight from the station to court, where a judge denied his motions to wait until his lawyer could represent him and get some witnesses, and to delay the trial based on his age and health.

Basically I had a trial where I didnt understand what was going on, he said.

Russian TV reported that evening that Mulcahy would be fined and thrown out of the country. That night, a judge ruled that same way.

Mulcahy was given five days to get out, and banned for three years. He was given a fine of 2,000 rublesa whopping $30.

Russia is the second country Ive been kicked out of, he said.

As a young Jesuit scholastic, Mulcahy was driven out of Iraq and moved to Egypt instead. Eventually he decided he didnt want to live a secret life as a gay man, and became a hospital chaplain instead. When he was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, he decided to find a religious community once more.

I couldnt face cancer by myself, he said.

So he found a Metropolitan Community Church congregation in Rochester, New York, one of the few fully LGBT-affirming churches at that time. When their pastor left, they asked him to step in temporarily. He ended up staying for years.

And its the very church whose weekly communion brought him solace in his time of need thats a point of mockery for Russian state TV.

The Moscow leg of Mulcahys trip was quickly axed after his arrest. A friend booked him a 4 a.m. flight bound straight for Helsinki, allowing him to bypass the media mob waiting for him at the Moscow airport.

But when he showed up at the Samara airport, Mulcahy saw the officer checking his passport had a slip of paper on his desk, with Mulcahys name on it. He got an escort through the regular security screening. At passport control, even more officers surrounded him.

They tried to do an interrogation, Mulcahy said. They took away my court papers and didnt return them. They kept asking for names of people in Samara and phone numbers, but I refused to give them.

Minutes before boarding his escape flight, Mulcahy was accosted again. By some stroke of luck, he had a receipt for his court fine, which they demanded he turn over.

Others at the tea party may not be so lucky. Among the guests were two young Russians wearing priest collars, he said, who were caught on tape. And its people like them who inspired Mulcahys lawyer to file an appeal they both know theres no chance of winning.

She said, you know, this is Russia. Our people, our LGBT people, suffer all the time, Mulcahy said. And we must make these appeals to show that the courts are not following the Russian constitution. Its like water dripping on a stone, eventually it wears away.

Correction: This article initially stated that Mulcahy was a Jesuit priest when he was driven out of Iraq. He was in fact a scholastic.
While commentators have increasingly likened Donald Trump to Adolf Hitler as a convenient condemnationothers assure us that we (Americans) are better than that. So far there are, in fact, some instructive points of comparison, most significantly in the relationship between these men and their followers, as well as in the compromises that established political leaders are willing to make with these two men, under the assumption that they will be able to control them once they reach office.

Like those who helped Hitler to power, politicians and operatives have decided that they can harness Trump to their own purposes. Polls consistently show that two-thirds or more of Americans have a negative impression of Trump. But he still could become our next president as Republican politicians and operatives help maneuver him into power.

In September 1930, as the Nazis surged in the polls to become Germanys second-largest party, German President Paul von Hindenburg was confronted with how to handle Hitler, founder and leader of the Nazis. Gen. Hindenburg initially scorned Hitler as a Bohemian Corporal, in reference to his Austrian origins and lowly rank in World War I.

But Hitler benefited from Weimars polarized political atmosphere, fed by the national loss of prestige and power in World War I, now greatly exacerbated by the Great Depression, and illustrated acutely by the continuing popularity of the German Communist Party. With the election of July 1932, the Nazis formed Germanys most popular party, and conservatives convinced Hindenburg to appoint Hitler chancellor, amusing themselves with the belief that they would soon push him into a corner so hard he would squeak.

The United States is not now facing a Weimar moment, because the sense of crisis is not nearly as palpable and widespread as it was in Weimar Germany. Trump also does not seem driven like Hitler to slip history itself into a straightjacket cut to his own ideology, and his criminal cunning is less acute. Still, if helped into power by a combination of mass popularity and political operatives hoping to help themselves, Trump could do massive harm to democracy, considering his racist demagoguery, unbridled self-confidence, and authoritarian hostility toward a free press, to name just a few factors. His newly pronounced conditions for defending NATO allies could signal a willingness to make a deal with Putin about political spheres of influence.

Like Hitler, Trump likes to promote the image of a great leader that no one has to question. Many, eager to believe in an easy solution, appear eager to embrace it. Both encouraged a direct popular dependency on a man rather than a system or constitution. Both have encouraged unity at the expense of outsiders. Both have issued a license for the crowds to unite in feeling like they can set their emotions free from social constraints. I play to peoples fantasies, Trumps book says. People may not always think big themselves, but they can still get very excited by those who do  People want to believe that something is the biggest and the greatest and the most spectacular. At his stadium-size rallies, supporters unite in signaling to Trumps bullyboys that someone in the crowd doesnt belong. Trust me, they are not good people, Trump says as the outsider is carted off. His supporters also respond to Trumps invectives against the press by unleashing their own pent up fury.

In the 30s, such a symbiotic relationship between a growing number of Germans and their leader proved to be the bedrock foundation of Hitlers power, a relationship of the masses to their great leader that served as the foundation of Germanys crimes. Coming to power by promising to make Germany great again, Hitler convinced more and more Germans to yield to him as a spectacular Leader. Then he drew them further and further into collaboration with the crimes resulting from his racism, a process that continued to develop a sense of insider-belonging and a new sense of power for his followers.

The countless predictions that this or that impolitic comment would lead to Trumps demise, followed by overconfidence that Trump will certainly lose the coming election, overlook the eagerness of voters to maintain the image of a leader they wish for. There are strong forces in this country against Trump such as Hitler did not face. Yet history shows that the more people come together in the belief that they have found an urgently needed super-politician to bail them out, the harder it becomes to stop others from joining the bandwagon.

As Weimar warns, constitutional protections can crumble in the face of majorities amassed by a demagogue. Sure Trump is a racist, but the fundamental threat in his use of racism to incite the crowds, illustrated in his case attack on Judge Gonzalo Curiel, is the possibility of gathering popular support sufficient to abrade the constitution and its balance of powers. Hitler had also aimed to remake law according to the will of his racial German people, once they followed him unquestioningly.

The more Trump wins, the more people once reluctant to support him will want to attach themselves to himlike the established Trump enablers who hope to use him. It is, however, unlikely that they will be able to exercise any more control over him, should Trump continue to whip up his crowds with the help of the presidential bully pulpit.

Nathan Stoltzfus is the Dorothy and Jonathan Rintels Professor of Holocaust Studies at Florida State University and the author of Hitlers Compromises: Coercion and Consensus in Nazi Germany.
It was my 25th birthday, and I was one of the few women in the ABC Radio newsroom, recalls Betsy West, a news writer at the time. Suddenly everybody started singing Happy Birthday, and I thought, Oh thats so fantastic, they remembered my birthday! And then I saw they wheeled in a cakeand the cake was in the shape of a male organ. They thought it would be cute to go to the erotic bakery to get me my birthday cake.

It was just so embarrassing. Just so horrible. I didnt know what to do. I felt like it was my fault.

This was 1976, years before prohibitions against sexual harassment and hostile work environments were widely codified into law, federal agencies, and corporate HR policies.

Yet the revelations surrounding Roger Ailesresulting in the Fox News founders shocking forced resignationmake it depressingly clear that the Age of Enlightenment is still a long way off.

The allegations exposed by fired Fox anchor Gretchen Carlsons sensational July 6 lawsuit against the networks ex-chairman were only the beginning as multiple women have come forward in the past three weeks to tell their own stories of harassment and abuse.

The unsavory disclosures culminated Friday in New York magazines chilling account of the married Ailess twisted, decades-long Faustian bargain with a former Fox News booker and event planner named Laurie Luhn, who claimed she sexually serviced the big bossand provided him with younger, fresher female fodder as she grew olderin return for cash and career advancement until Ailes sent her packing with $3.15 million in corporate hush money.

Im not surprised by anything anymore, says a female on-air personality whos toiled in television news for the past three decades, and has frequently observed the power/sex dynamic between male authority figures and ambitious young women.

In one case more than 20 years ago, she recalls, a prominent network executive producer would arrange booty calls with one of her friendshaving her picked up in a Town Car and delivered for a quickie, and then, dispensing with post-coital niceties, promptly driven home.

If youre a woman, theres this idea of going along if you want the job, and if you dont go along, youre not going to get the job, says the anchor, who asked not to be identified. Theyre told, If you want to be on this or that show, heres what you need to do.This business is full of a lot of really icky people, and Roger had more power than most. He had unbridled power.

Such behavior may have retreated behind closed doorsno more penis cakes in the newsroombut it has apparently persisted well into the 21st century, not only at Fox News but across an industry that continues to be dominated by men on top.

At a moment when one of the major political parties has just nominated a woman to be president of the United Statesand women are running S&P 500 companies like General Motors, Xerox, Occidental Petroleum, PepsiCo, and General Dynamics (with Sheryl Sandberg the No. 2 executive of the planets sixth largest company, Facebook)the television news business is a sociocultural anachronism.

With the exception of NBC News president Deborah Turness (whose authority was abruptly curtailed after less than two years, during the Brian Williams scandal, when former NBC News chief Andy Lack returned in April 2015 to take charge), no woman has ever led an American broadcast or cable news division.

When women are in positions of authority, that makes a huge difference, says West, a professor at Columbia Universitys School of Journalism after three decades in broadcast news, but if you look at the statistics, about 70 percent of the news directors are men at the local-station level. And in network, there just arent that many uber-bosses who are womenUltimately what will change this whole picture is when women are really represented at all levels.

Its revealing that of the possible Ailes successors mentioned in recently published speculation, not one has been a womaneven though Rupert Murdoch (who owes the 76-year-old Ailes big time for creating a rich profit center for Fox Newss parent company, 21st Century Fox) and Ruperts sons Lachlan and James (who by most accounts leveraged Carlsons lawsuit into Ailess swift departure) could reap significant PR rewards, and possibly help fix a festering problem, by appointing a woman to run the place.

Tone comes from the leader. Employees model what they see, says former senior NBC News executive Alexandra Wallace, who was Turnesss No. 2 before leaving the network news division after Lack took the reins. These days shes doing freelance projects for Google. I truly believe things will change with the generational shift in our business.

Wallace, who is 50, points out that news is hardly alone in under-representation of women at the top, and that even though there are formidable female CEOs of S&P 500 companies, 22 out of 500 is tragically low.

As for running Fox News, I would love to be considered for the job, Wallace says.

West, for her part, went on to become a senior producer of Nightline at ABC News and from 1998 to 2005, along with Marcy McGinnis, a senior vice president and top deputy to CBS News President Andrew Heyward, overseeing 60 Minutes and 48 Hours, among other signature programs.

Oh, the stories I could tell you from when I was in 20s and 30s would freak you out, says McGinnis, who supervised the news-gathering operations and programming after a series of management jobs at CBS. But I dont know if it was like an episode of Mad Men at places like ABC, NBC, and CBS, McGinnis says. At Fox, it was a little bit more Mad Men.

In 1996, as Fox News was getting off the ground, McGinnis recalls, Roger Ailes tried to recruit her. Their meeting was professional and flattering, but she turned Ailes down. I couldnt work at a place like that.

As she rose through the ranks at CBS and took on more authority, McGinnis says she occasionally received complaints from women in the newsroom about the unwelcome come-ons of their male colleagues.

I wouldnt put up with that, and I would bring the guys into my office and say, OK, heres the deal. Either cut this out or there are going to be consequences, McGinnis recalls. The younger women would come to me and complain, and the guy would say, She should have a sense of humor. I was just being funny. And Id say, OK, lets call your wife. Lets see if she thinks its funny, and if she does, then Ill back off.

None of the men took McGinnis up on her offer.

On the flip side, however, McGinnis says many women are still reluctant to register complaints, especially about a boss, lest they be stigmatized as troublemakers and harm their careers.

The fear is that they get a reputation of Watch out! Shes going to sue! McGinnis says. So its Lets not tell anybody, because if I do, then Ill be doubly victimized and Ill become like a pariah. Nobody wants to hire me and Im only 30 years old.

Both McGinnis and West note that then-CBS News President Andrew Heyward installed not only them but a number of other women in executive positions of authority.

When I arrived at CBS as a segment producer in 1981, Heyward recalls, there was still a macho culture that came out of World War II and Vietnam that permeated the newsroomI was shocked at the overt sexism and homophobia in the office from the reporters and the crews. It was totally a heterosexual mans world.

Heyward recalls that the women who thrived in that forbidding environment years ago were compelled to adopt various coping mechanisms that were manifested in different personaswhich ranged from soft-spoken nice girl to foul-mouthed one of the boys.

I remember there were two women producers who shared an office, Heyward recalls, and on their bulletin board, theyd put up a squirt gun shaped like a penis and over that, they posted a headline from the New York Post about a coming snow storm: 12 INCHES ON THE WAY. One of the male producers came to me and said, If Id done something like that, Id be fired.

Heyward, however, says the history of television news is hardly unique in this regard. Like a lot of fieldsWall Street, the legal professionthe men were in charge for a really long time. This happens to be the TV news business, which is very heavily written about. Youre not writing about the accounting business, but I guarantee you, there are also pigs at the major accounting firms.

While televisions workplace culture has gradually changed, Heyward argues, Roger Ailes was a throwback to a different time.

Betsy West, however, says, Certainly he isnt alone. There has been a slow evolution in the TV news business for people to recognize out-and-out harassment. General locker-room behavior that used to be the norm isnt acceptable anymore. And Ailess swift departure from Fox is a sea change and potentially a turning point in how these cases are handled.
Here we are, 100 days out from Election Day. State of the race? Eight thoughts:

1. This weekend, more than most weekends, we dont know the state of the race. Were waiting to see if Hillary Clinton gets a convention bounce. And more than a convention bounce, she might getcan we coin a new phrase here?a Khan bounce. I refer obviously to Donald Trumps appalling comments about Ghazala Khan, the mother of slain Army Capt. Humayun Khan, who appeared so courageously with her husband, Khizr, at the Democratic convention. Like being Borked or doing a full Ginsburg, a Khan bounce should henceforth refer to the uptick in the polls a candidate receives from her (or his) opponent just doing a major-league ass-hat offensive thing.

So one poll came out Saturday giving her a whopping 16-point lead, but nobodynot even Nate Silver!knows much about the polling firm, which is new.

My guess: Clinton gets a pretty good bounce of at least five points, maybe more; then things settle in at a steady but narrow Clinton lead. Itll be steady enough to mean something, but close enough to scare liberals shitless.

2. But all that kind of normal punditry feels thunderingly inadequate. The overwhelming reality of this race is that this country might elect a genuine fascist. No, hes never heard of Georges Sorel or read the Futurist Manifesto. The odds are far greater that hes never read a book in the last 50 years of life, not even the ones he wrote. But some people become fascists through the mind; others just have fascism in their bones. Donald Trump is the latter. Whatever else future students of journalism say about me, one thing they wont say is that I wasnt clear about where I stood on Trump. He must be defeated, preferably by a crushing, thoroughly conclusive margin. Theres no telling what Trump would do to our institutions of public trust. The American idea is open to radically different interpretations by, say, Bernie Sanders and Dick Cheney. But even Cheney accepts certain basic principles about representative government that date to our founding or not long thereafter. Trump accepts nothing. If he wins, the American idea is pulverized.

3. It is the urgent job of Hillary Clinton and the Democrats to make Americans know that these are the stakes. That is very, very hard to do. In the moment, fascists look to most people like just another political partya little more extreme, sure, but some of what they say makes sense, like Trump on manufacturing; and after all theyre out there competing for votes, just as parties and candidates always do, so whats so different? Mussolini and Hitler competed for votes. Hitler campaigned like a normal person in 1932, gave speeches to respected civic clubs, pandered to the business elite, just as politicians always do. He even said, chillingly, that year: German people, give us four years, then judge and sentence us. German people, give us four years, and I swear that as we and I entered into this office, I will then be willing to go. All normal.

Am I saying that if Trump wins hell declare himself dictator? No, I doubt even Trump would do that. Crikey, in one sense he cares so little about the actual job that his people told veep recruits hed basically let them do it. He doesnt actually want the job. But he wants the power. He wants to win.

So, conversely, imagine that he loses narrowly, as narrowly as John Kerry lost to George Bush, or even a little closer than that. Do you think hed just accept the result? Or would he more likely go around giving speeches about how Crooked Hillary and the blacks and the browns, all those illegal voters, stole the election from himfrom you, as he will scream to his agitated supporters? Its not hard at all to picture Trump not accepting the result. Or imagine that it comes down to a recount? The process weve watched for the last 13 months is one in which hes done or said an outrageous thing, which then gets normalized, and then it happens again and again and again. What would Trump normalize if he loses a close election?

4. It is in one sense Hillary Clintons fault that we even have to contemplate these things. In the eyes of many Americans, she has her own rather serious shortcomings, and these Americans are not entirely wrong. Her decision to set up that email server infuriates me, and it does make me question her judgment. Ditto the Goldman-Sachs speech and more general pursuit of the fortune of the size that she and Bill have amassed. But the email issue is the big one. If she hadnt done that one thing, shed be 12 to 15 points ahead, and the Democrats would not only take back the Senate but would quite likely have enough momentum to take the House as well, pushing turnout to levels that could win purple seats. And we could have a government that worked, that built infrastructure, that provided paid family leave, that gave a crap about doing something about the rising costs of college and health care faced by middle-class people and the crisis of climate change and the other problems that Republicans dont care about or deny exist. She could be leading the country out of that darkness if not for her decision in 2009 to try to prevent Larry Klayman from being able to get his hands on her emails, which he did anyway.

5. I think, at the end of the day, Hillary might be saved by a reverse Seven Days in May scenario. That is, enough military and national-security people might step in to say: Trump as commander in chief is utterly unimaginable; whatever you think of her, please, please, vote for her. I would think that, at the right time, Colin Powell will endorse her. Maybe Condi Rice, too. Maybe some of the other, less ideological Bush people. Robert Gates, Tom Ridge, like that.

Also former intelligence people. Remember, as of now, the candidate who asked a dictators government to spy on an American citizen is getting national security briefings. Theres a group called Credo that is organizing an online petition to urge intel chief James Clapper to deny Trump those briefings. Retired intel people should speak on this too. In the end, its these kinds of folks who will, one hopes, persuade middle Americans that they just cant allow Trump to become president.

6. Liberalsand this is keyhave to welcome this support. Theres one thing Ive observed over the years that conservatives do far, far better than liberals. Conservatives embrace defectors from the other side with open arms, while liberals default position is one of suspicion and distrust. David Brock has been a liberal for nearly 20 years now, and for 10 of those has been moving heaven and earth to get Hillary in the White House, and I still know liberals who dont quite believe he converted.

Every retired general, every Bush administration official (well, with a couple of exceptions!), every corporate CEO and business leader who endorses Clinton should be served champagne by liberals. But I know what will happen. Therell be many wholl merely take such support as another sign of what a sell-out shes going to be. And the Sanders left is going to be far worse than mainstream liberals. Get over it. Support from those people means one thing onlyhanding Trump the powers of the presidency shoots the fear of the Lord into them. After she wins, everyone will reassume their normal battle positions. In the meantime, welcome them into the fold.

7. Clinton does need a sharper economic message. I know that thats what she and Tim Kaine are doing this weekend in Pennsylvania and Ohio. I just read through the speech she gave Friday in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, north of Philadelphia. Its pretty good on increasing manufacturing jobs and investing in workers and such. But it seems to me the heart of the matter is that wages are rising slowly while the other costs of keeping a middle-class lifestylecollege, health care, elder careare rising a hell of a lot faster. I suspect that thats what people want to hear theyre going to get help on.

Last Fridays anemic GDP number for the second quarter might augur bad economic news, and bad economic news is the last thing in the world the candidate of the incumbent party needs in the last four months before an election. Well get the July jobs numbers this Friday. If you want to pray for something this week, pray for 200,000.

8. The work of stopping Trump isnt up only to Clinton and the Democrats. Its the job of every American who sees the danger. Of course there are parts of the country that are going to be Trumpland. Not much to be done there. But everywhere else, being for Trump should be made into a posture that earns a person social ostracism. The kinds of civic and community leaders who dont normally take political stands should say: I dont normally take political stands, and I am not endorsing Hillary Clinton. But Trump must not become our president, and you must not support him. And local Republicans, at least those in purple regions, should show the courage that Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell have not and adopt George Wills lineI find Clinton repugnant, but Trump is so obviously beyond the pale that we just have to let Hillary have the White House for four years and regroup and beat her in 2020; if we (i.e. Republicans) keep the House, she cant do that much damage in four years, except for the Supreme Court, but even there, we can probably live with Merrick Garland.

We have 100 days to make sure a clear majority of Americans understands the danger here. I expect that Trump will make it all too clear himself, especially now that hes promised to stop being Mr. Nice Guy and to take the gloves off (!). This is not a partisan mission in behalf of Hillary Clinton anymore. Its a civic mission to save the republic.
SHARE Chuck Harper Dr. Brandon Chappell Dr. Zan Lee Jessica Yocum

Events

Tech Tuesday  What is the "Cloud" and How Can it Help Reduce IT Costs?

August 2

Noon

Kyndle Training Room

Speaker: Rob Parson

Free Giveaway: 1 year of Microsoft Office 365. Must be present to win this door prize

Coffee with Kyndle  Making the Community Brand work for your Business

Speaker: Steve Chandler, Owner of ChandlerThinks

August 4

7:30 a.m.

Thelma B Johnson's Professional Development Center  Henderson

$13 for Stakeholders/$18 for Non-Stakeholders

Sponsor: The Gleaner

Personnel

Jessica Yocum has been named Media Buyer at AXIOM. Yochum is responsible for the development of strategy, research, budgets and implementation of all digital and traditional media for AXIOM clients.

A native of Springfield, Illinois, Yocum holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from University of Illinois Springfield and a Master of Business Administration degree from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. Yocum was previously employed by SMG.

Three physicians have completed a three-year Osteopathic Family Practice Program at Methodist Hospital. The graduates are Brandon Chappell, D.O., John Lee, D.O., and Zan Lee, D.O.

Established in 2003, the Methodist Hospital Osteopathic Family Practice Program is a partnership with the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM) and is a member of the Appalachian Osteopathic Postgraduate Training Institute Consortium (A-OPTIC). The program provides practical hands on experience in a diverse environment designed to provide the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity.

Originally from Dawson Springs, Kentucky, Dr. Brandon Chappell completed his medical degree at Lincoln Memorial University. Dr. Brian Chappell will enter an emergency medicine fellowship at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee. Upon completion of his fellowship, he plans to return to Methodist Hospital as an emergency department physician.

A native of Paris, Tennessee, Dr. John Lee earned his medical degree from the University of Pikeville, KYCOM, and completed his third and fourth year clinical rotations at Methodist Hospital before joining the program in 2013. Effective August 1, 2016, Dr. John Lee will join Methodist Family Medicine  Atkinson, which is located at 1413 North Elm Street in Henderson, Kentucky.

Dr. Zan Lee earned his medical degree from the University of Pikeville, KYCOM. He plans to return to his hometown in Caneyville, Kentucky, to establish a private practice in family medicine.

The Rev. Dr. Beth Dobyns has been called to be the Associate Regional Minister for the West Area of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Rev. Dobyns has been serving as Interim Regional Minister for the Christian Churches in Tennessee since January of 2015.

Rev. Dobyns is married to Rev. Dr. Bruce Dobyns, Senior Minister of First Christian Church of Mayfield, where they have lived for the past two years.

A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Rev. Dobyns has extensive experience in congregational, area and regional ministry as well as work in specialized interim ministry. She has served as pastor, co-pastor, associate regional minister for three regions, interim regional minister for two regions and intentional interim minister for several congregations around the country.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Christian University, a Master of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City.

The West Area includes 45 churches in 22 counties, including the Henderson First Christian Church and Baskett Christian Church. The area spans western Kentucky from Madisonville throughout the Purchase Area.

She begins her new job Aug. 1.

Chuck Harper has joined Hercules Manufacturing Company as Purchasing Agent. Harper most recently worked as Manufacturing Manager in the Weld/Stamping department at Toyota Boshoku Indiana. Chuck has also worked as On Site Operations Manager for ReLogistics and has held various other management positions throughout his career.

Along with his management experience, Chuck served in the United States Air Force as a Jet Engine Specialist  Journeyman Technician E4 Sergeant.

Awards

H&R Agri-Power based in Hopkinsville, Ky., has been chosen as the 2016 "Best-in-Class Dealership" by Farm Equipment magazine.

Farm Equipment has been presenting its "Dealership of the Year" awards annually to farm equipment dealerships for 12 years.

H&R Agri-Power earned the Best-in-Class recognition not only for its outstanding financial and operating performance, but also for its demonstrated commitment to employee training, community involvement and renowned customer service.

Founded in 1990, the Case IH dealer also retails over 50 shortline manufacturer brands of equipment including Kubota, New Holland and Kinze.

H & R Agri-Power's selection as a 2016 Best In-Class Dealership is featured in the July/August issue of Farm Equipment, which can be found at www.farm-equipment.com.
SHARE

By Gleaner Staff

The Henderson County Schools 2016 Home Visit Blitz will take place this week.

Each school will travel into their communities to visit children before the start of school on Aug. 10. Below is the blitz schedule for each individual school along with other back-to-school events:

A.B. Chandler: 1 -6 p.m. Wednesday.

Bend Gate: 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday will be Popsicles on the Playground with Kindergarten Round Up at the school. Staff will visit students and parents/guardians who did not attend the earlier event from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Cairo: 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday.

East Heights: noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Jefferson: noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Niagara: noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday will be parent conversations at the school. Staff will visit homes that families who do not attend that afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m.

South Heights: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Spottsville: Will host Popsicles on the Playground/parent orientation meetings on Monday for first grade at 5-5:30 p.m.; third grade at 6-6:30 p.m.; and fifth grade at 7-7:30 p.m. and on Tuesday for Kindergarten at 4:45-5:30 p.m.; second grade at 6-6:30 p.m.; fourth grade at 7-7:30 p.m. Home visits will be conducted for families unable to attend Popsicles on the Playground after noon Wednesday.

North Middle: 1-6 p.m. Wednesday.

South Middle: 12:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday will be Bulldog University, sixth grade orientation. South Middle will blitz the seventh- and eighth-grade from 12:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Central Academy: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday.

HCHS schedule is as follows:

Freshmen orientation: 5:30-8 p.m. Monday for red unit.

Sophomores through Seniors Colonel Blitz: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 8. PLT teachers will be contacting parents to schedule appointment times to meet at the high school.

Sophomores through Seniors Make up Colonel Blitz: 4-7 p.m. Aug. 8. Teachers will not be available on this day, but office staff will be available to meet with parents at the high school.

Home Visit Blitz: noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday. Teachers without PLT's will visit homes of students who cannot make the scheduled times to meet and deliver school paperwork to families.
Photos by MIKE LAWRENCE / THE GLEANER The Henderson Fine Arts Center on the Henderson Community College campus has for the past 22 years been one of the region's premier event facility.

SHARE MIKE LAWRENCE / THE GLEANER A very small sample of the autographs and show art that cover the walls of the green room and backstage hallways after 22 years of performances held at the Henderson Fine Arts Center, July 26, 2016. Backstage, assistant director Allen McCarty works the light and sound boards during a recent event held on the Henderson Fine Arts Center stage. MIKE LAWRENCE / THE GLEANER The Henderson Fine Arts Center recently hosted a joint Rotary/Lions Clubs meeting that featured the Majority Leader of the Senate, Mitch McConnell as speaker, July 26, 2016.

By Erin Schmitt of The Gleaner

For the past 22 years, the Henderson Fine Arts Center has been a premiere facility for everything from graduations to business conferences to wine tastings to concerts.

Located on Henderson Community College's campus, the building is central enough to serve many Henderson partners as well as regional ones.

"HCC is proud to offer the fine arts center to the region for its use," said HCC President Kris Williams. "It is an outstanding facility with exceptional and flexible spaces which can host everything from a large Broadway show to a more intimate stage setting  from a company training session to a small wedding and reception."

As the college's funding ebbs and flows and enrollment fluctuates, Williams stresses that, while they want to keep HFAC open, additional revenue opportunities must be sought.

"HCC's budget can no longer adequately support the fine arts center continuing costs of personnel and expenses without the center supporting itself by generating more revenue," said Williams. "We need our region to help us support the fine arts center."

Overall the fine arts center has a much higher operating cost than a generated revenue cost, said Williams. College funds are used to compensate.

To help offset these expenses, the college is closing the fine arts center for the month of January. It will reopen in February.

The Henderson Fine Arts Center began as a collaboration between the region, the college and the state. Much of the building was paid for by donations from the community, Williams said.

"The community ensured the development of the fine arts center through their gifts and support  and HCC has ensured the center's continuation by providing personnel and financial support," said Williams. "However, the center is not realizing adequate revenue. We need to increase use of the center and its offerings to ensure it continues its mission."

HFAC has a small operating staff  a technical director, a facility director, an assistant director and one custodian, who is also allocated on other parts of campus.

"Many organizations would not be able to pull off the many different rentals that we do with the number of staff that we have to support the needs," said Jennifer Preston, the college's chief advancement officer.

Still, HCC officials have said they must look at ways to offset the expenses. Administrators plan to review rental fees.

"Our board of directors and the college want very much for the center to be accessible across the community, but we need to make sure our rates are in line with other venues too," said Williams.

The HFAC hall seats nearly 1,000 people and there's space for about 300 people at tables on the stage. The stage can also be transformed to create a dance floor or even a more intimate setting by hanging special draping.

Aside from the main stage and hall, the facility also boasts the Stagg Room, two galleries, a large lobby, a backstage green room and additional spaces.

"There are lots of ways to use the facility that I'm not sure people think about," said Williams. "They drive past it, but they just see it as part of the campus without really thinking about the opportunities inside its doors."

Each Kentucky Community and Technical College System college has its own way of operating.

While many KCTCS institutions have fine arts centers on their campus, they don't always have the availability or resources to open the center to the public.

"We're fortunate enough that we open the center to any rental, not just performing arts rental that sometimes isolates that group," said Preston.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah and Madisvonille Community College each have their own series at those college's fine arts center, said Preston. At these colleges, the focus is on selling show tickets and securing sponsorships, though each college gambles with the risk of revenue loss.

HCC doesn't host its own performance series. Instead, the college partners with the Henderson Area Arts Alliance. HFAC Director Rachel Baar is working on an onstage series that will be "complimentary programming," with the upcoming HAAA series, said Preston.

"Our hope is to have a complimentary season to HAAA where we would increase our onstage series and really provide growth so we could secure dollars and sponsorships. We could secure different resources as far as our partners," she said.

Henderson also competes with fine arts seasons in Evansville and Owensboro.

"We do have to find our own niche among all of the offerings that are out there," said Williams.

Henderson Area Arts Alliance is the premiere provider of shows in Henderson.

"They do a great job and we're happy to partner with them," Williams said.

However, she's also concerned that there is some confusion in the community between the Henderson Fine Arts Center and the Henderson Area Arts Alliance.

The fine arts center is the facility rented to the community for activities. It also provides a small number of its own programs.

"HAAA's mission is to provide arts programming and education  a mission it does very well, often renting the fine arts center facilities as a venue for shows," she said. "If community members confuse the two, or think they are the same, this can lead to a lack of support for both entities."

Part of HCC's mission has been to provide cultural opportunities and the space for those opportunities to the public.

Henderson and the surrounding area has a long tradition of supporting the arts. This is evident through the Vision Henderson plan and regional tourism efforts.

While the Henderson Fine Arts Center has been around for more than 20 years, there are still many people in the region that doesn't know it exists, said Williams. The goal is to reach out to these people and others who might not know the extensive rental opportunities available at the facility.

HCC does rent to the general public, like for wedding receptions.

"A lot of people think you can't serve alcohol on the campus, but as long as we meet some security concerns and have a vendor who's authorized to provide alcohol we can serve alcohol here," Williams said.

Other rental spaces are also available throughout campus. If school is out of session, the campus can be transformed to host many events like the Reggio Emilia Approach international conference that was held in the winter of 2013.

"It's a beautiful campus," said Williams. "It makes for unique setting for an event and we have folks on campus that can help facilitate that."

The college has plans to give the fine arts center a face-lift.

Legislators gave KCTCS the opportunity to issue agency bonds against each college's top capital project, with the provision that one quarter of the money be used locally.

"The community recently gave generously to support the fine arts center through the KCTCS BuildSmart Campaign  which will ensure the integrity of the building and its beauty and use as a facility for many year to come," said Williams.

Through the successful BuildSmart campaign that ended in December, the college is investing more than $1 million back into HFAC. This will include new carpeting in the lobby, Stagg Room and hallways, as well as a new chiller and boiler and probably roof repairs, Williams said.

Williams said the college is excited by the opportunity to work with regional stakeholders to expand usage and recognition of the fine arts center and ensure it continues to serve the community well into the future. One way to do so is to make donations to HFAC.

There are name opportunities available for donors, said Preston. Patrons that purchase season tickets to HAAA for instance could have their name on their seats by giving a $1,000 donation.

An endowment is set up at the College Foundation where gifts can be restricted to the fine arts center. To make a gift to the center, contact Preston at 270-831-9805 or jennifer.preston@kctcs.edu.
What to know about West Burlington's new 52-unit apartment complex

A local developer has plans to build a 52-unit apartment complex across from Shottenkirk in West Burlington. Here's what we know.
PHILADELPHIA  If the Republican convention resembled a shaky shotgun marriage, the Democrats are like a sprawling modern family with the adults on the same page and a few unruly siblings and children doing as they please.

But their mostly solid outward unity reflects weeks of intensive behind-the-scenes work  and didnt come without some continuing stress.

For weeks, Hillary Clintons campaign worked closely with runner-up Bernie Sanders, accepting compromises on the party platform and some contentious rule conflicts to ensure this weeks unity.

But a firestorm from last weekends release of thousands of embarrassing internal party emails dominated pre-convention news, forcing party chair Debbie Wasserman Schultzs resignation. When the Rev. Cynthia Hale mentioned Clintons name in her opening invocation, many Sanders delegates booed, chanting, Bernie, Bernie, Bernie.

The Democrats are in a total meltdown, Republican nominee Donald Trump gleefully tweeted.

But after several raucous hours  with Clinton-deriding outbursts provoking counter chants of Hillary, Hillary, Hillary  a Sanders email urging respect helped quiet the protests, and her forces gradually regained control of the Wells Fargo Center. Monday ended on an upbeat note with several universally cheered pleas for unity, led by Michelle Obamas rejoinder to Trumps signature slogan, Make America Great Again.

When Democrats formally made Clinton the first major-party woman nominee Tuesday night, both sides nominating speeches accentuated the positive. And Sanders himself  like Clinton eight years ago  moved to give Clinton the partys presidential nomination. The motion was loudly endorsed by all but several dozen reluctant Sanders supporters, who left the hall and groused loudly outside.

That underscored the fact that, like the Republicans, the Democrats still show scars from their intense primary battle. But there are significant differences.

GOP holdouts included many top leaders  former Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush, past nominees Mitt Romney and John McCain, defeated rivals Ted Cruz and John Kasich.

Republican disunity was vividly on display when Cruz pointedly refused to endorse Trump, setting off loud boos on the eve of Trumps acceptance speech.

Here, every significant Democratic leader backs Clinton, starting with Sanders. Unity appeals from his supporters Monday included a memorable scold from comedian Sarah Silverman, telling the Bernie or bust people: Youre being ridiculous.

The Vermont senator provided the climax by detailing reasons for backing his yearlong rival, concluding: Hillary Clinton must become the next president of the United States. The choice is not even close.

Second, leaders of the dissident factions have very different motivations. Cruzs seemingly stem primarily from personal ambition, reflecting his calculation that Trump will either lose or be an unsuccessful president, opening the way for a second presidential bid in 2020. Kasich may also be looking ahead.

But Sanders, three decades older, wants mainly to press his agenda of economic and political reforms, which Clinton said she will fight for.

Third, the Democrats proved more efficient in controlling and channeling threats to the facade of unity.

Trump and top aides took nearly three days to acknowledge Melania Trumps lifting of lines from Michelle Obamas 2008 convention speech. But Democrats took barely 24 hours to force Wasserman Schultzs resignation, convincing her before the convention began to prevent an ugly scene by relinquishing the opening gavel.

In contrast to heavy-handed GOP efforts to squelch floor challenges, the Democrats let the Sanders forces voice their support on Tuesdays roll call. And they quickly reiterated Tuesday that Clinton opposes the pending Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, after longtime backer Terry McAuliffe suggested the contrary.

Finally, while speeches at both conventions hailed their nominee and denounced their rival, the Democrats highlighted domestic issues barely mentioned in Cleveland  income inequality, climate change, the student loan crisis. Every day, figures from Clintons life  plus her presidential husband  testified to her personal history, compared with Trumps family and business associates.

But, as Trump himself pointedly noted Wednesday, Democrats only minimally decried instability abroad, making few references to terrorism and the Islamic State until Wednesday night, while challenging GOP allegations of a breakdown of law and order at home.

This weeks polls show Trumps support up among recalcitrant Republicans and independents; Clintons strategists hope next weeks will show similar gains with Democrats.
WASHINGTON  To gauge the opportunism and hypocrisy that define Donald Trumps Republican Party, consider this: Imagine the scalding rhetoric that would have boiled from the likes of Newt Gingrich, that Metternich of many green rooms, if Hillary Clinton had offhandedly undermined the collective security architecture of U.S. foreign policy since NATO was created in 1949.

Vladimir Putins regime is saturating Europe with anti-Americanism, buying print and broadcast media, pliable journalists and other opinion leaders, and funding fringe political parties, think tanks and cultural institutions. (Putin is again following Hitlers playbook; read Alan Fursts historical novel Mission to Paris, set in pre-war France.) Putin is etching with acid a picture of America as ignorant, narcissistic and, especially, unreliable. Trump validates every component of this indictment, even saying that the U.S. commitment to NATOs foundational principle  an attack on one member is an attack on all  is not categorical.

Gingrich, who is among the supposed savants who will steer Trump toward adulthood, flippantly dismisses Estonia, a NATO member contiguous to Putins Russia and enduring its pressure, as some place which is in the suburbs of St. Petersburg. Gingrich thereby echoes Neville Chamberlains description, three days before Munich, of Hitlers pressure on Czechoslovakia as a quarrel in a faraway country between people of whom we know nothing.

It would be fanciful to suggest that Trump read a book, but others should read Svetlana Alexievichs Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets, an oral history of post-Soviet Russia, 1991 to 2012. A recurring theme is Russian nostalgia for the Soviet era: We had a great empire  stretching from sea to sea, from beyond the Arctic to the subtropics. Where is it now? It was defeated without a bomb.

Nostalgia coexists with Soviet-era memories like this: Twenty-seven people share an apartment with one kitchen and one bathroom, including a mother of a 5-year-old daughter and a childless woman. The mother is secretly informed against. Before being sent into the gulag for 17 years, she begged the childless woman to take care of her daughter, who comes to call the woman Mama. After the real mother serves her sentence, under perestroika she sees her police file and recognizes her informants signature  her childless friend. The mother went home and hanged herself.

Putins constituency of nostalgia, writes Alexievich, is in the grip of the narcosis of old ideas acquired when the state had become their entire cosmos, blocking out everything else, even their own lives. She repeatedly records longings for the days before the eruption of ethnic hatreds to fill the void left by the melancholy, long withdrawing roar of socialist faith.

During one ethnic pogrom, the youngest girl climbed a tree to escape ... so they shot at her like she was a little bird. Its hard to see at night, they couldnt get her for a long time. ... Finally, she fell at their feet.

Putins supporters include those who, in the words of one of Alexievichs interlocutors, feel like they were defeated twice over: The communist Idea was crushed, then Russia was looted by a feral crony capitalism. Putinism is bitter nostalgia on the march, and Putin is as interested in the U.S. presidential election as Trump and some of his aides are in Russian wealth. Read Franklin Foers Slate essay Putins Puppet:

We shouldnt overstate Putins efforts, which will hardly determine the outcome of the election. Still, we should think of the Trump campaign as the moral equivalent of Henry Wallaces communist-infiltrated campaign for president in 1948. ... A foreign power that wishes ill upon the United States has attached itself to a major presidential campaign.

It is unclear whether any political idea leavens the avarice of Trump and some of his accomplices regarding todays tormented and dangerous Russia. Speculation about the nature and scale of Trumps financial entanglements with Putin and his associates is justified by Trumps refusal to release his personal and business tax information. Obviously he is hiding something, and probably more than merely embarrassing evidence that he has vastly exaggerated his net worth and charitableness.

In Wednesdays news conference, Trump said, I have nothing to do with Russia. Donald Trump Jr. says, Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.

Trump Sr. can end the speculation by providing information. If, however, he continues his tax information stonewall, it will be clear that he finds the speculation less damaging than the truth would be, which itself is important information.
WASHINGTON  The best darn change-maker I ever met in my entire life. So said Bill Clinton in making the case for his wife at the Democratic National Convention. Considering that Bernie Sanders ran as the author of a political revolution and Donald Trump as the man who would kick over the table (to quote Newt Gingrich) in Washington, change-maker does not exactly make the heart race.

Which is the fundamental problem with the Clinton campaign. What precisely is it about? Why is she running in the first place?

Like most dynastic candidates (most famously Ted Kennedy in 1979), she really doesnt know. She seeks the office because, well, its the next  the final  step on the ladder.

Her campaigns premise is that were doing OK but we can do better. There are holes to patch in the nanny-state safety net. Shes the one to do it.

It amounts to Sanders lite. Or the short-lived Bush slogan: Jeb can fix it. We know where that went.

The one man who could have given the pudding a theme, who could have created a plausible Hillaryism was Bill Clinton. Rather than do that  the way in Cleveland Gingrich shaped Trumps various barstool eruptions into a semi-coherent program of national populism  Bill gave a long chronological account of a passionate liberals social activism. It was an attempt, I suppose, to humanize her.

Well, yes. Perhaps, after all, somewhere in there is a real person. But what a waste of Bills talents. It wasnt exactly Clint Eastwood speaking to an empty chair, but at the end you had to ask: Is that all there is?

He grandly concluded with this: The reason you should elect her is that in the greatest country on earth we have always been about tomorrow. Is there a rhetorical device more banal?

Trumps acceptance speech was roundly criticized for offering a dark, dystopian vision of America. For all of its exaggeration, however, it reflected well the view from Fishtown, the fictional white working-class town created statistically by social scientist Charles Murray in his 2012 study Coming Apart. It chronicled the economic, social and spiritual disintegration of those left behind by globalization and economic transformation. Trumps capture of the resultant feelings of anxiety and abandonment explains why he enjoys an astonishing 39-point advantage over Clinton among whites without a college degree.

His solution is to beat up on foreigners for stealing our jobs. But while trade is a factor in the loss of manufacturing jobs, even more important, by a large margin, is the emergence of an information economy in which education, knowledge and various kinds of literacy are the coin of the realm. For all the factory jobs lost to Third World competitors, far more are lost to robots.

Hard to run against higher productivity. Easier to run against cunning foreigners.

In either case, Clinton has found no counter. If she has a theme, its about expanding opportunity, shattering ceilings. But the universe of discriminated-against minorities  so vast 50 years ago  is rapidly shrinking. When the burning civil rights issue of the day is bathroom choice for the transgendered, a flummoxed Fishtown understandably asks, What about us? Telling coal miners she was going to close their mines and kill their jobs only reinforced white working-class alienation from Clinton.

As for the chaos abroad, the Democrats are in see-no-evil denial. The first night in Philadelphia, there were 61 speeches. Not one mentioned the Islamic State or even terrorism. Later references were few, far between and highly defensive. After all, what can the Democrats say? Clintons calling card is experience. Yet as secretary of state she left a trail of policy failures from Libya to Syria, from the Russian reset to the Iraqi withdrawal to the rise of the Islamic State.

Clinton had a strong second half of the convention as the Sanders revolt faded and as President Obama endorsed her with one of the finer speeches of his career. Yet Trumps convention bounce of up to 10 points has given him a slight lead in the polls. She badly needs one of her own.

She still enjoys the Democrats built-in Electoral College advantage. But she remains highly vulnerable to both outside events and internal revelations. Another major terror attack, another email drop  and everything changes.

In this crazy election year, there are no straight-line projections. As Clinton leaves Philadelphia, her lifelong drive for the ultimate prize is perilously close to a coin flip.
Just when downtown Grand Island is experiencing a revitalization of sorts with its branding as Railside, a number of downtown businesses and properties got hit with substantial valuation increases.

These valuation hikes, much of which are unjustified, threaten to put a halt to the long-sought strides now being made downtown.

In some cases, the valuations were more than doubled. Some increase was probably in order as the Hall County assessors office used an updated costing method, which was ordered by the state and was proper.

However, what wasnt in order was a rollback of the depreciation value. So even if no improvements had been made, the depreciation allowed was lowered and that added to the tax burden.

This was unreasonable in many cases, mainly involving buildings where the second floor doesnt even have electricity or water.

For example, the Howards Jewelry building saw a 107 percent increase in valuation from $54,544 to $113,028, even though the second floor has no water or electrical service. However, after appraisers hired by the county inspected the building, the valuation was lowered to $84,823. That is a much more reasonable level.

Hall County Assessor Jan Pelland admitted that only 10 to 20 percent of the properties were inspected. That raises the questions: How many other downtown buildings saw high valuation increases that would have been lowered had they been inspected? How many building owners were aware of the unfair changes to depreciation?

Hall County board members rightly raised many of these questions. They heard some protests, and clearly saw the problem. They also wondered why there werent more protests.

That has prompted the board to take the unusual step of asking the state to undo the work of the local county assessors office.

The board asked the Nebraska Tax Equalization and Review Commission to review the values on commercial property in downtown Grand Island. In a second request, the board went even further, asking the state to review values on all commercial property in Grand Island.

This is a bold and independent step for the county board to take. Instead of trying to defend county officials and higher valuations, which mean more property tax revenue, they are seeking fair and accurate valuations. They know how important the progress being made downtown is to Grand Island and Hall County, and they dont want unfair valuations to be a hindrance to businesses.

Its a broad request being made to the state, but its hoped that state officials see the problem and the fairness issues involved in the matter and act on the request.

This is the second stumble made by the assessors office this year. Earlier, the office made the gross mistake of entering fictitious personal property numbers on forms, hoping that local businesses would see the mistake and report the proper figures. Of course, this never should have been done and some of these outlandish numbers went through. Fortunately, that blunder was caught in time to be corrected.

Downtown Grand Island building owners now need the state to step in to make sure property is being valued fairly and that unjust tax burdens arent going to impede progress being made downtown.
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Linkedin Intan Tanjung (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, July 31, 2016

Finding halal food when traveling is not always an easy thing to do, especially if you are in countries where Muslims are a minority. However, equipped with our list of halal food options in Southeast Asian cities, you can travel with peace of mind.

A-isa Rot Dee, Bangkok

Bangkok is highly associated with street food, but of the thousands of hawkers in the city, there is perhaps only one where you can enjoy halal foods. Hidden in a corner of Khao San Road, the city's backpacker haven, is a place called A-isa Rot Dee famous for its Muslim-Thai halal food. Here, travelers can find foods with a Middle Eastern flair as well as dishes made using Southern Thai ingredients with Kuay Teow Neua (rice noodle beef soup) the highlight.

Where : Khao San Road, Bangkok, Thailand

(Read also: Muslim-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia)

Moud, Manila

Quiapo, a district where the biggest Muslim community reside in Manila, is the place to go to enjoy a halal take on Filipino foods. Moud prides itself on continuing to observe Islamic tradition and serves only halal foods. The result is a quirky menu that blends Saudi, Filipino and Chinese culinary traditions, including roast chicken served with kabsa rice, a family-size mixed rice that originates from Saudi Arabia. It also serves traditional Filipino foods by replacing pork with chicken, beef or goat.

Where : 829 Globo De Oro Street, Quiapo, Metro Manila, Philippines

AquaMarine, Singapore

If in doubt you can always rely on seafood when it comes to finding halal options, especially when visiting Marina Bay Singapore. Head to AquaMarine to enjoy a worry-free buffet, since the restaurant has secured halal certification for all its food stations. Here Muslims can enjoy an all you can eat menu of dishes from all parts of the world. You can also watch the chefs cook through the glass-walled kitchen while conveniently enjoying breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Where : Marina Mandarin Singapore, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore

(Read also: New hospitality tool targets Muslim tourist market)

Allante Restaurant, Hanoi

Its quite hard to find halal food in Hanoi, but you can always head to Allante Restaurant at the Sunway Hotel. Promoted as the first 4-star international halal restaurant in Hanoi, Allante invites Muslims to enjoy a la carte and buffet Vietnamese cuisine and other Asian favorites as well as international comfort foods.

Where : 19 Pham Dinh Ho Street, Hai Ba Trung District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Idriss, Ho Chi Minh City

Unlike Hanoi, it is easier to find halal food in Ho Chi Minh City as it is home to Malay and Indian communities as well as the largest Vietnamese Muslim community called Cham. Go to District 8 and stop by at Kedai Makanan Halal Idriss to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine cooked by the latter. (kes)
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Linkedin Dwi Atmanta (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, July 30 2016

Wednesdays Cabinet reshuffle, the second under President Joko Jokowi Widodo, fell on Pon, the third of the five-day week, or pasaran, in the Javanese lunar calendar system. Few however would notice that Jokowis weton, a Javanese term referring to a calculation based on the seven days of the week and pasaran, follows the combination of Wednesday and Pon.

What a coincidence. Or not?

Only Jokowi, and perhaps a few in his inner circle, know the reasons behind the choice of the date, but the fact that Jokowi insisted on completing his assessment of his ministers performance and that of ministerial candidates on Tuesday gives us a glimpse that he meant to unveil his new Cabinet lineup on July 27 in the first place.

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Linkedin Corry Elyda (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, July 30 2016

The Greater Jakarta Transportation Agency (BPTJ) aims to revamp major bus terminals as part of its effort to create a better transportation system in the megapolitan.

BPTJ head Elly Adriani Sinaga said while the agency was preparing the Greater Jakarta transportation master plan (RITJ), it had already started on improving facilities and services in some major bus terminals in the capital.

Elly said she found many terminals and buses to be in dire condition with no service standards during the annual Idul Fitri exodus earlier this month.

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Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta  Sat, July 30 2016

A mediation session between Yogyakarta Governor Hamengkubuwono and Papuan students in Yogyakarta on Friday failed to bridge their differences. The provincial leader insisted on banning the students from engaging in political activities.

The governor said he would not allow the Papuan students to voice their political beliefs, particularly on the campaign for Papuan self-determination.

He conveyed the message during a meeting with representatives of the Papuan students alongside councilors from the Papuan legislative council.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Depok  Sat, July 30 2016

Students and parents at the Turkish-affiliated Pribadi Bilingual boarding school in Depok, West Java, have filed objections over a recent statement from the Turkish Embassy in Jakarta that referred to the school as having links with a terrorist organization.

A spokesman for Yenbu Indonesia Foundation, which operates the school, said the school had received protests from both students and their parents after the embassy made the statement on Thursday.

[The students and their parents] contacted us via Whatsapp and phone calls, telling us that they were offended that their school had been called a terrorist school, the foundations spokesman Ari Rosandi said as quoted by kompas.com on Friday.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, July 30 2016

Tara Basro has been chosen to cohost the Amazing Race Asia Season 5. Tara will host the TV series alongside Allan Wu for a couple of episodes this season.

Of course I am very happy and honored, she said during a press conference for the show held at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta as quoted in kompas.com.

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Linkedin Nethy Dharma Somba (The Jakarta Post) Jayapura  Sat, July 30 2016

The Jayapura administration has begun collecting data on 353 evacuees from Timika currently being accommodated at the Toli dormitory in the GIDI Church compound in Polomo, Sentani, Papua.

We are collecting data on their needs and we will report it to the provincial administration for further measures, head of the Jayapura Nation Unity Agency, Yanto Dago, said on the sidelines of a visit to the evacuation center on Friday.

Based on the data, eight additional evacuees arrived at the site on Friday on board Garuda Indonesia and Sriwijaya Air flights.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post)  Sat, July 30 2016

By upholding its death penalty, Indonesia has shown the world that it does not bow to pressure. Four convicts were killed early Friday shortly after midnight  not 14 as we had mistakenly reported and for which we issued a correction and a sincere apology.

President Joko Jokowi Widodo had decided to spare 10 of the convicts, but he has still managed to become Indonesias post-reformation president with the most executions. At the time of writing it was unclear why the 10 convicts were spared, whether they were granted amnesty or had their time on death row prolonged indefinitely. If the latter, their families would therefore not feel relief for long.

We appreciate President Jokowis last-minute decision to spare the lives of those 10 convicts. However, although the decision was the Presidents prerogative, the public needs a reasonable explanation about the grounds upon which the selection was made for who was killed and who was spared.

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Linkedin Chappy Hakim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, July 30 2016

The airspace of Indonesia is not covered by the Constitution of 1945, which has several times been amended, as air territory under the nations sovereignty. Since 2007, Indonesia still hasnt fulfilled civil aviation safety requirements specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

This has caused the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to demote Indonesia to category 2 (unsafe) and the EU has banned most Indonesian airlines, with a few exceptions, from flying to Europe. There is also the Singapore flight information region issue and the major job of restoring Indonesias ICAO Council membership.

Meanwhile, the problem of passenger and air traffic density at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Cengkareng hasnt yet been properly handled.

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Linkedin Tama Salim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, July 30 2016

Indonesia has coyly asked Turkey to step back following a request to shut down a number of schools in Indonesia, which are affiliated with Fethullah Gulen, the alleged mastermind behind the failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In response to recent pressure by Turkey to support its witchhunt against coup conspirators, Jakarta asked Ankara to respect the prevailing laws in Indonesia, reiterating the importance of upholding sovereignty.

State Secretary Pramono Anung acknowledged Ankaras statement on the affiliation of schools in Indonesia with the coup masterminds, but also said there was never any formal request from Turkey to shut down the school.

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Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, July 30 2016

With Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama jumping onto the political party bandwagon ahead of the 2017 gubernatorial election, opposition parties are considering rekindling communications to seek a worthy contender.

The Islamic-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) and the Gerindra Party, both strong opponents of the governor, are seeking to form a coalition and are trying to win over other parties.

The PKS and other parties [that do not support Ahok] will build a coalition to challenge Ahok, PKS Jakarta chairman Syakir Purnomo told reporters on Thursday.

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Linkedin Tessa Warianto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sat, July 30 2016

The film Ada Apa Dengan Cinta 2 can serve as inspiration for a weekend trip.

No doubt one of the many highlights of the movie Ada Apa Dengan Cinta 2 (Whats Up With Cinta 2) is the stunning film locations that are mainly around the city of Yogyakarta.



Choosing to shoot in lesser-known locales around the region, the film has left many fans and audiences alike wanting to follow in the footsteps of Rangga and Cinta as they rekindle their romance in the sequel to the 2002 cult hit.



This has led a number of local travel agencies to take advantage of the hype  and the relatively convenient locations  by organizing travel packages that enable tourists to check out the different locations in the film.



As I was watching the movie, I found myself wanting to try the coffee from that place Rangga took Cinta to on a date. It got me thinking that maybe I wasnt the only one who was curious. It was then that I got the idea of designing a trip based on the AADC2 shooting locations, Novita Karana from Kapan Libur Travel said.



Her curiosity proved to resonate with many.



As soon as she blasted her proposed itinerary on Twitter, the requests came rolling in. And she was not alone. Not long after the movie premiered, other tour agencies began promoting similar travel packages. These packages, ranging from budget-friendly to premium-priced, enable travelers to visit most of the film locations in the span of two or three days.



So where does an AADC2 trip take you?



The first stop is Ratu Boko Palace. Originally built in the eighth century, it was considered to be one of the most majestic temples of its time. Despite being in ruins today, the palace serves a different purpose: as a witness to Cinta and Ranggas bourgeoning love story.

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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, July 31, 2016

Indonesia has detected a sharp rise in bird flu cases in July since the countrys last report of an unexpected climb earlier this year, bringing the total number of the cases so far in 2016 to 188.

"The number of bird flu cases has risen in seven consecutive months since January, with the highest number of cases recorded in April, which is quite alarming. It subsequently fell from May to June, only to rise again this month," Agriculture Ministry official Muhammad Azhar said on Friday.

He made the comments when explaining the results of the government's monitoring of bird flu trend in 2016 to the audience at a poultry health and production seminar in Jakarta.

Azhar said as many as 92,014 poultry had died as a result of the bird flu virus in the last seven months. Most of them were ducks and layer poultry, which made up almost 60 percent of the total number. The remainder were quails, free-range village chicken (or ayam kampung) and broilers, he added.

Data show that the three provinces with the highest number of the cases are West Java with 65 in total, Lampung with 28 and South Sulawesi with 23 cases.

Azhar said the highest number of poultry deaths nationwide was recorded in March with 48,066 deaths, followed by 15,581 in February.

The following months saw vast improvements, with the number of poultry deaths declining to 9,860 in April and to 558 in June. However, the rates rose by more than tenfold in July, with 6,550 cases recorded, Azhar said.

Azhar noted that the rainy season, which occurred throughout the first few months of the year, might have contributed to the death of the birds, which might have been vulnerable given poor farm conditions and sanitation.

He further said that monitoring by the ministrys officials had revealed that many farms failed to implement biosecurity measures, a framework in quality maintenance of farm and poultry products developed in collaboration with the United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) more than a decade ago, after the virus was first detected in Indonesia. (ebf)
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Linkedin Veeramalla Anjaiah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, July 31, 2016

Indonesia aims to increase cooperation with Morocco amid growing economic ties between the two countries, a minister said on Saturday.

Economic ties with Morocco are "expanding and encouraging", Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljuno said, explaining that trade between the two countries reached US$ 214.32 million in 2015.

We will jointly explore opportunities to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries," he said at the Moroccan National Day reception in Jakarta on Saturday night.

Morocco is Indonesias seventh-biggest trading partner in Africa. With its more than $100 billion gross domestic product (GDP) and population of 35 million people, the regional power in North Africa is a promising market as well as a gateway to both African and European countries for Indonesian products and investment, as it is located less than 100 kilometers from Spain.

Indonesia's exports to Morocco over the years include palm oil, furniture, coal, spices, garments and glassware. In recent years, Indonesia added more products to its exports to the North African country such as instant noodles, green tea and coffee.

Publicly listed food giant Indofood is building a US$5 million instant noodle factory in Morocco, its largest factory outside Indonesia, set to begin operation in September or October, Basuki said.

Morocco also serves as an important partner in Indonesia's agricultural sector as it is home to more than 70 percent of worlds phosphate, a main ingredient in fertilizers and reserves. Indonesia imports phosphate, fertilizers, chemicals, oranges, iron and steel products from the country.

Echoing a similar view, Moroccan Ambassador to Indonesia Mohamed Majdi praised relations between the two countries, calling them excellent.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, July 31, 2016

The head of the Agency for the Placement and Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Abroad (BNP2TKI), Nusron Wahid, will consult President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo over his double position after he was appointed by Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama as his campaign team leader for the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election.

Nusron said that he would not resign his post at BNP2TKI.

"I will discuss my post with President Joko Jokowi Widodo to see whether he allows me to serve as the chairman of [Ahok]'s campaign team," he told journalists in a discussion event on Saturday.

In a meeting of the NasDem Party's Jakarta chapter, Nusron was elected to lead the campaign team, while Teman Ahok (Friends of Ahok) cofounder Amalia Ayuningtyas was appointed campaign secretary. Ahok declared his decision to run on a political party ticket on Friday in spite of the protests of Teman Ahok, which collected one million vote pledges from Jakartans for the outspoken governor to run as an independent candidate.

Many have regretted the governor's decision, expressing their disappointment with an online trend under the hashtag #BalikinKTPGue (#ReturnMyIDCard) aimed at Ahok.

The decision, however, was, according to Indonesia Institute of Sciences (LIPI) political analyst Siti Zuhro, a safe move on the part of the former East Belitung regent. An independent bid, Siti noted, would have faced many challenges in the face of Regional Election Law regulations. (rez/rin)
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Linkedin Erika Anindita Dewi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, July 31, 2016

The House of Representatives insisted on Friday that it would continue to discuss the revision of the 2003 Terrorism Law despite a heated debate on the inclusion in the draft revision of an official role for the Indonesian Military (TNI) in combating terrorism.

The chairman of the House's inquiry committee on the Terrorism Law revision, Muhammad Syafi'i, said the fierce debate on the militarys counterterrorism role would not affect the discussion of the draft revision because the Houses political party factions were still able to create changes to the draft revision.

The committee is still on schedule to meet with the government's team for a hearing to discuss input for changes to several articles of the draft revision, he went on.

"The committee still has a chance to agree, to provide an addendum, to revise or to totally change the draft revision submitted by the government. We don't need to return it to the government because in principle, the House has decided to accept the draft revision," Syafi'i, a Gerindra Party politician, told The Jakarta Post on Friday evening.

He further explained that the committee had recently completed working visits to Poso in Central Sulawesi, Bima in West Nusa Tenggara and Surakarta in Central Java to garner suggestions for the revision.

Before the recess started on Friday, all political party factions on the committee began to compile a list of problems, and the committee will continue deliberating after the recess.

Syafii said the committee aimed to conclude the revision by December this year, adding, however, that he could not guarantee the deadline would be met.

As earlier reported, a committee member advised the House to "return the Terrorism Law draft revision" to the government given the sharp difference of opinion among different branches of government regarding the role of the TNI in fighting terrorism.

TB Hasanuddin from the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) suggested the House return the draft revision to the government before beginning discussions on it.

He said the draft revision seemed "incomplete" and that the government should coordinate all stakeholders to have one voice" on the proposed draft revision. (ebf)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Sun, July 31, 2016

The Indonesian Military (TNI), National Police and National Narcotics Agency (BNN) are to investigate the testimony of executed drug convict Freddy Budiman, given to a human rights activist, alleging involvement of personnel from the three institutions in his international drug network.

Freddy told Haris Azhar, coordinator of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), that in his illegal business he received assistance from the National Police, the BNN and the TNI. Haris wrote a lengthy article on Freddy's testimony that went viral on social media on Thursday, shortly before the drug kingpin was put to death by firing squad on Nusakambangan prison island in Cilacap, Central Java.

"We will check the truth of the statement. If it was correct, we will take further action," TNI chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo said on Saturday as quoted by kompas.com, commenting on the part of the story where Freddy told Haris that he once delivered drugs from Medan, North Sumatra, in a car belonging to a two-star TNI general, accompanied by the general himself.

The testimony that Haris published was based on his meeting with Freddy in Nusakambangan in mid-2014. Freddy also admitted to Haris that he had over the years given around Rp 450 billion (US$ 34.42 million) to the BNN and Rp 90 billion to top officials at the National Police.

The National Police will also probe the testimony and plan to contact Haris regarding the article, National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar said. Meanwhile, BNN spokesman Sr. Comr. Slamet Pribadi stressed that the agency would take firm action if there were members proven to be involved in Freddy's drug business.

Freddy was one of four drug convicts executed on Nusakambangan prison island in the early hours of Friday. Having been charged for multiple and major drug offenses, Freddy died by firing squad after his final appeal to the Supreme Court was rejected. (rin)
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Linkedin Jeremy Koh (The Strait Times) Singapore  Sun, July 31, 2016

Two advanced United States spy planes are involved in naval military drills conducted with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and are deployed here until next month.

Defence analysts welcomed the move, saying these P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft are technologically advanced and will provide Singapore's military with valuable experience.

The planes will operate from Paya Lebar Air Base during their third detachment here, which started on July 15 and ends on August 12.

During their time here, they will be involved in exercises relating to search-and-rescue, anti-piracy, and humanitarian assistance, said Lieutenant-Commander Arlo Abrahamson, a spokesman for the US Seventh Fleet. He added that the air force and navy arms of the SAF were involved in the exercises.

In one of the military drills held here, a P-8 first determines the location of a simulated vessel and then communicates this to ships and aircraft that are part of the exercise, he said. Such vessels can represent a ship suspected of smuggling, or a vessel lost at sea, Lieutenant-Commander Abrahamson added.

Defence analysts said there were benefits for the SAF to work with the spy planes.

Training with them will "expose (the SAF) to new technology and help us evaluate our future defence needs", said Dr Collin Koh, a research fellow and maritime security analyst at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).

Singapore's maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft are weaker in surveillance range and capability relative to the P-8, he said. They cannot remain airborne for as long as the P-8 can without refuelling, and have a lower offensive capability.

Also, with Singapore allowing the P-8s temporary use of the SAF's facilities, this can have a stabilising effect on the region, Dr Koh said.

The P-8s can train and share information not just with Singapore's forces but also those of Singapore's neighbours during their time here, he added.

The spy plane deployments also show Singapore wants the US to remain engaged in regional security and regards it as its primary security partner, said Koh.

"What we are doing... is practically facilitating the US (in its) rebalancing to Asia," he said.

Agreeing on the stabilising effect the US military's presence has, RSIS research fellow Wu Shang-su added that the P-8 deployment here is also a "moderate" way for the US to demonstrate its commitment to the region.

The P-8 is not as aggressive as a fighter jet or bomber and is associated more with military surveillance, he said.

Asked whether the training exercises that the P-8s are engaged in here will be influenced by recent developments in the South China Sea, Lieutenant-Commander Abrahamson stressed that they would not be.

Instead, the exercises are meant for the broader purpose of improving the abilities of the US and Singapore navies to work together in a "broad host of contingencies", he said.

"(The P-8's deployment here) is not aimed at the South China Sea or any recent tensions. It's about working with our partners".

China and several South-east Asian countries have competing claims over territory in the South China Sea.

Earlier this month, a United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal invalidated a key component of China's claims in the South China Sea.
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The Texas rancher was rehashing his Capitol Hill meeting over a cold beer and a not-much-warmer steak at a swanky restaurant a block or two from the White House.

It was pretty discouraging, he said as he sliced into the slab of red rib-eye. That guy (his congressman) had no more idea of what he was talking about than a bluebird in a tree but that didnt keep him from talking.

I liked the picture the rancher had painted, an always-warbling bluebird rather than an ever-listening owl, so I complimented him.

Fact is, he said after a long pause, I failed. You dont hear a thing when your mouths open. He didnt hear a word I said.

That 30-year-old picture came to mind after two weeks of non-stop talk from political candidates and pundits in Cleveland and Philadelphia. For anyone other than the most addicted political junkie, it was too many days of too many shouters not listening to too many speeches with too few facts and ideas.

What both party conventions did showcase, however, is a big reason nearly half of all Americans choose not to vote: Todays political arena looks more like a scream-filled asylum to avoid than an marketplace of ideas to enter. Political discussion, debate and decision, hallmarks of a functioning republic, have given way to partisan boasting, bullying and baloney.

And that goes for members of both political parties who are more ready to dig for divisive differences than search for common solutions.

For example, the House Ag Committee, either meeting as a full committee or in separate subcommittees, has held 17 hearings on every aspect of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (the old Food Stamp program) since January 2015. Seventeen.

Why? Because majority Republicans have long held that SNAP is too expensive, too bloated and too infested with fraud to justify its cost. SNAP costs, however, dropped from $80 billion in 2013 to $74 billion in 2015 and, according to government forecasts, will continue to decline well into the 2020s.

Still, the majoritys too-expensive view persists, a holdover from the last Farm Bill debate when dozens of tea party House members fought a hard and, eventually, failing battle to reform the program. That fight was not forgotten; it delivered the current Committees obsession over SNAP where one in five ag hearings in the last two years has been used to x-ray federal food assistance programs.

Meanwhile, back on American farms and ranches, U.S. net farm income over that same period has dropped like a proverbial rock; its cratered from a record high $123.3 billion in 2013 to a forecasted $54.8 billion in 2016.

In almost any other sector of the American economy, a three-year, 65 percent crash in overall net income would be seen as a disaster, a cataclysmic event so devastating that Congress could be counted on to quickly swing into action to examine its underlying causes and develop soon-to-be-needed solutions.

Not so in agriculture today. Neither farming or ranchingor even food, for that mattermerited more than a passing mention at either recent political convention.

At some level, that was to be expected because todays political conventions, like todays politics, are broken. They no longer exist to nominate a candidate, debate a party platform or explain new ideas. They exist to slander an opponent, ridicule an ideology, preempt debate.

Worse, this breakdown of politics is now seen by some as a root cause behind the breakdown of civic behavior. If leaders dont lead, why should anyone follow?

In other words, if politics wont fix growing public problems  crumbling roads, worsening schools, widening income gaps  people will find other ways, often violent, they believe will fix them.

Real fixes, however, arent that simple. Most involve less hard talk and more hard listening, and thats something we didnt hear at all from the bluebirds in either Cleveland or Philadelphia.
Asean tops TripAdvisor for best value

PHUKET: Four cities in Asean have been recognised in TripAdvisors latest top 10 chart for best value city breaks, worldwide.

tourismeconomics

By TTR Weekly

Sunday 31 July 2016, 10:00AM

Tourists in Hanoi. Photo: Nam-ho Park

Hanoi was top for offering the lowest costs, according to TripIndex Cities, an annual TripAdvisor cost comparison study.

Kuala Lumpur was the next best of the Asian destination in fourth place followed by Bangkok (fifth) and Bali (seventh).

When looking at the on-the-ground cost of a three-night city break, the 2016 TripIndex Cities report showed that travellers can find the best value in Asean, with four of the top 10 cheapest destinations located in the region.

However, three of the most expensive destinations are located in Asia; Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong. They were positioned second, sixth and seventh on the most expensive destinations list.

TripIndex Cities, conducted by independent research firm TNS, compares the cost of a three-night break during the summer months, June to September, in 20 key tourist cities worldwide, taking into account typical in-destination costs for two people.

These include; a four-star hotel for three nights, a visit to three attractions, lunch each day, a taxi to and from dinner each day, plus the cost of dinner itself.

The study found that the average price for a short break across the 20 cities is US$986, excluding flights, with prices varying significantly from the least to the most expensive.

Hanoi is the lowest cost destination with a break costing less than US$497, while New York costs the most at almost US$1,826, almost double the average.

Nothing is more important to travellers than ensuring what youve planned for your holiday is worth the spend, said TripAdvisors communications director for Asia Pacific, Janice Lee Fang.

Our booking rates on TripAdvisor show us that the average on-the-ground cost of staying in New York is almost the same as a full trip to Hanoi over the same dates including flights  making Hanoi the best value city for a quick break.

On average, accommodation costs make up around half of the in-destination costs of a break (52 per cent). However, when it comes to the highest price destinations, accommodation makes up more of the total  particularly in New York, Paris and Cancun (61%, 61% and 71%).

In contrast, visitors to the lowest cost destinations can expect to spend less on accommodation with a higher share of their in-destination budget going on eating out. For example, in Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur, 50% of the travel budget goes on eating out, while in Bangkok, its 54%.

Key findings

Accommodation prices are lowest in Hanoi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur (US$236, US$255, US$258 for three nights) while the highest prices are found in New York, Cancun and London (US$1,107, US$988, US$804 for three nights)  around four times greater than in the cheapest cities.

When it comes to eating out, travellers can get the best value for lunch and dinner in Cape Town, Mumbai and Bali (US$173, US$189 and US$225 over three days). At around three times higher, Hong Kong and Tokyo offer the highest prices for lunch and dinner at US$597 and US$473 respectively across a three-night break.

Taxi fares are also vastly different from destination to destination. The cost of a 3 km return taxi journey in the higher priced destinations is around 16 times more expensive than the lowest price destinations. A return taxi journey in Bali will set a traveller back US$7 while in New York, Tokyo and Rome, travellers will fork out US$108 to US$114.

Read original story here.
Roads and refrigerators

When art meets hotel CSR to raise traffic safety awareness

Sunday 31 July 2016, 12:00PM

Sean and Jim, with D.O.A.

Phuket-based artist Jim Newport first displayed his multimedia piece, D.O.A (Dead On Arrival), at the FREEZE exhibition at HOME art gallery and restaurant on April 9. The show featured works of art created from recycled refrigerator doors salvaged from Phuket junkyards. Thirteen local and international artists participated. Mr Newport arranged his doors to resemble the freezer doors in a morgue, which featured newspaper photographs and headlines, overlapped with heavy brushstrokes, and cross stripes of yellow-and-black warning tape. Clearly evocative of the results of road accidents, the piece aims to reflect on the annual carnage that occurs on the streets of Phuket due to reckless driving.

Over 2,500 children die and 75,000 are permanently injured each year in Thailand due to motorcycle accidents. Only seven per cent of children who are taken on motorcycles wear helmets, making Mr Newports art piece very pertinent to the overarching safety issues that millions across the country face due to questionable driving, unsafe roads and a lack of focus on the safety of individuals who are commuting.

Sean Panton, the Director of Corporate Social Responsibility for JW Marriott, saw D.O.A at the exhibition, and asked to use the piece for his Save The Children helmet campaign, and on June 17 at the JW Marriott Mai Khao, Mr Newport officially handed over D.O.A. to the Marriott Thailand. It is being used as a centrepiece with the Save Our Children campaign  providing crash helmets for Phukets children.

I immediately realised that this would automatically give my message a much broader audience. When I went to the Marriott for the handover I was very impressed by the level of corporate responsibility Sean is able to instill into the hearts and minds of the employees. For instance, there is a policy that if an employee shows up for work without a helmet, they are sent home, explained Mr Newport.

The Marriott has been involved with the Save Our Children campaign since October 2014. The campaign aims to raise awareness about road safety through helmet education, fundraising, and other activities at local schools. Seans programme has hosted eleven helmet-centred events and donated over 700 childrens helmets across the country. They have also painted road line markings at five local schools.

In the most recent iteration of this campaign, the Marriott hosted the launch of Save The Childrens 7% Helmet campaign (a clear reference to the helmet-less statistic) in November, and the campaign is expected to continue to grow.

Mr Newports art piece is, in many ways, very representative of how important artistic expression can be to catalysing interest and bringing to focus overarching social issues that make up contexts.

Sean is making a difference and I am very happy to be a part of anything he is behind, says Mr Newport, who adds that artistic support can be an intrinsic part of motivating social change.

Following this, Mr Newport is sketching ideas for a potential piece called WALLS, drawing attention to the blocking of the islands beautiful views by the ugly walls used to conceal construction sites.

For anyone interested in further artistic insight, Home Kitchen on Kalim Beachfront is preparing their next show, Knockoff, for high season, to celebrate the culture that encompasses fake and counterfeit products.
Tourism blow for Lesbos

GREECE: When a sea of humanity landed on their islands rocky shores last year, the people of Lesbos turned out with blankets and hot food to help thousands of refugees emerging from the cold waters of the Aegean.

immigrationtourism

By AFP

Sunday 31 July 2016, 03:00PM

Hotel operators on the island of Lesbos say only one in 10 rooms is occupied and tourism business is down 64 per cent compared to last June. Photo: Louisa Gouliamaki/AFP

In the months that followed, Lesbos citizens were hailed for their compassionate response by everyone from Pope Francis to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Queen Rania of Jordan and Angelina Jolie.

But praise from such global luminaries has not helped restore the islands tourist trade, with many foreign visitors seemingly put off by the migrant influx.

We were bracing for a difficult season after the migrant crisis but its even worse than we could imagine, said Marilena Gourgoutzi, staring at the empty tables in her restaurant in the normally bustling port village of Molyvos.

Hotel operators say that only one in 10 rooms is occupied and tourism business is down 64 per cent compared to last June, according to the local chamber of commerce.

Its unfair, said chamber chairman Vangelis Myrsinias.

All those who thanked the inhabitants of Lesbos for lending a helping hand to the refugees should visit our island, he added.

Over 800,000 refugees and migrants, mainly from war-torn Syria but also Iraq and Afghanistan, passed through Lesbos last year en route to northern Europe.

Hotel owner Theodoros Vathis, 74, remembers days when 400 people would arrive at once, and he would help drive entire families to a registering centre in his van.

At the time there were no aid groups present, we were the ones to give them clothes and food, he said.

A deal between the EU and Turkey in March drastically reduced the flow to a few dozen arrivals daily, but the damage was already done.

Faced with Europes greatest migration challenge since World War II, several EU countries opted to shut their borders to migrants early this year, trapping over 57,000 people in Greece.

Images of beaches littered with discarded life jackets and torn dinghies, though no longer accurate, continue to hurt the islands image, said Gourgoutzi, the restaurant owner.

Foreign clients tell me that certain news outlets are still showing last years footage with drowned migrants, and dirty beaches which have now been cleaned up, she said.

Island mayor Spyros Galinos said that charter arrivals fell from 27 to just nine per week, and that despite crisis-management efforts, summer season arrivals were expected to drop to 80,000 from 120,000 previously on average.

Instead of Germans, Britons and Dutch, Lesbos had hoped at least to fall back on visitors from neighbouring Turkey, even for short three-day trips.

But the failed July 15 coup against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan changed that too.

As Turkish authorities began a purge in search of the plotters, over 10,000 people have been detained, thousands more have had their jobs suspended, a state of emergency has been imposed and annual leave for civil servants has been cancelled.

Two weeks ago we were full of Turks for the end of Ramadan, said Gourgoutzi.

But after the recent events there has been a clear drop, she added.

Jeweller Yiorgos Frangoulis last year offered a cut of his earnings to aid groups helping to bring succour to refugees. This year, he says hell donate the money to organisations helping poor Greeks.

Its the fault of our government which allowed such a great number of migrants to arrive in Greece but at the same time increased taxes, says Vathis, the hotel owner.

And its also the fault of journalists  Greek and foreign  who only broadcast images of misery from Lesbos, he says.
A member of the Legislature's Executive Board said Saturday that if Sen. Bill Kintner doesn't resign his office because of a sexual video scandal, he would call for his impeachment in January.

If that isn't accepted by lawmakers, said Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers, he would move to have Kintner expelled from the Legislature.

"This will give me two opportunities to give a thorough vetting of this entire situation in a public forum," he said. "I am incensed. I am outraged. I am thoroughly disgusted."

Chambers, one of the 10-member board that functions to keep the institution of the Legislature running, and who is up for re-election this year, said senators should have been informed earlier.

He was not aware until Saturday that Kintner had last summer reported that a sexually explicit video of him had been exchanged with a woman via his state computer, and then used in a possible internet scam.

"When something that goes to the very core of the integrity of the body occurs, all of us who are on that board should be notified," he said.

Gov. Pete Ricketts, who was told about the situation last summer, had no greater right to the information than members of the Legislature, he said.

Executive Board Chairman Bob Krist said Saturday that when he learned of the situation last summer he talked to Speaker Galen Hadley and decided it should be handled by Ricketts' office, and not the Legislature, since Kintner's wife, Lauren, works for him as his policy research director.

Ricketts has said he urged Kintner to resign last year if the allegations were true.

If anyone was going to be able to get through to him and stop the embarrassment all the way around, it would be the governor, Krist said, because Kintner appeared to be doing the governor's bidding in almost every area.

"If I had to do it all over again, knowing what I do now, I believe I would have pressed for more of an ability for the Exec Board or a separate function within the Legislature, to be able to deal with these issues," Krist said.

Speaker of the Legislature Galen Hadley said he had first heard about Kintner's situation a year ago, when Krist talked to him about the Legislature's information technology staff being questioned about issues with Kintner's computer. But he didn't know what they were, he said.

Then nothing else happened and he thought the matter had been cleared up, he said. So he was surprised last week when someone told him the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission was going to meet on the issue.

"In hindsight, I probably should have asked more questions. But I didn't," Hadley said.

If the allegations are proven true, he said, it will be the Legislature's task to determine what to do with the senator. It can't force Kintner to resign. But he could be expelled with a two-thirds vote of all members.

Hadley will sit down with Krist and Clerk of the Legislature Patrick O'Donnell next week to talk about the options.

Hadley noted that expelling Kintner might be difficult, if that is what some want to do. He was elected and represents 38,000 constituents.

"What right does the Legislature have to say that he shouldn't represent them no matter what he did?" he said.

His district would get a chance in the next election to decide his fate, he said.

Krist said he believed he and Hadley could potentially get 25 senators to sign a resolution asking Kintner for a public apology and for him to resign.

Using a government computer in an immoral or illegal act and exposing the Legislature's computer system to that activity and opening the door for hackers is embarrassing to the legislative process, he said. It shows a lack of respect for the institution.

After the incident came to light, Krist sent an email to all senators reminding them government-issued equipment -- hardware and software -- are to be used for official business only, with few exceptions such as family emergencies.

Kintner may have thought no one should be able to look at anything on his computer because he is a state senator. But that is not the case, Krist said.

"My intent right now is not to focus on Sen. Kintner," Krist said.

Now the Legislature should take action to prevent this from happening in the future, so the state's money and equipment are safeguarded.

"I don't think this is an anomaly. I think this is something that could happen again," Krist said.

Krist said he would like to initiate discussions on changing the rules to create a committee of senior members of the Legislature, or committee chairs, to hear grievances and make recommendations on ethics violations.

An ethics committee may be more important now than ever because of the frequent turnover of senators due to term limits, Krist said.

In the past, senators built careers in the Legislature.

"They weren't just two-term wonders, or one-term wonders," he said. "(Now) the attitude could be 'I'm term limited, I have nothing to lose. I'm bullet-proof.'"
4 candidates seek two four-year terms on Codington County Commission

Two of the three Codington County Commission seats have challengers this year. Here's what you need to know.
Cindy Lange-Kubick Columnist Cindy Lange-Kubick has loved writing columns about life in her hometown since 1994. She had hoped to become a people person by now, nonetheless she would love to hear your tales of fascinating neighbors and interesting places. Follow Cindy Lange-Kubick Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Judah Alexander Vega was born with a cap of black hair.

The baby boy weighed 6 pounds and 3 ounces, delivered by C-section on Sept. 6, 2014, a week after his due date.

He was beautiful.

Jolie Vega still remembers the feeling when she saw him, so small and still. So precious and perfect.

That same proud mommy moment as moms have with their live babies.

Her pregnancy had been normal -- although her blood pressure had started to rise, and then suddenly spiked the night before Judahs birth.

By the time they arrived at the hospital the babys heart had stopped beating.

Ive never questioned why, his mother says. It happens to some people, it happened to me.

It happened and Judahs parents grief was as bottomless as their love for him, overlaid by a blur of visiting family and sympathetic friends, a memorial service and then, suddenly, the two of them alone to carry on, not knowing how.

The world keeps going and youre stuck where youre at.

The idea for an organization to support other bereaved parents grew from Judahs loss, and a miscarriage that followed.

No Footprint Too Small Birth and Bereavement Services launched in late April, a registered non-profit with a board of directors, a website and Facebook page, and two mental health professionals who provide free counseling to parents.

So far, 13 families have received care packages and support from the group.

The supplies are stored in a basement office at Jolie and Charlies house -- books on grieving, and kits for making molds of a babys feet, gift cards to restaurants, baby powder-scented candles, handmade picture frames, journals, hand-knitted angel wings.

All of it free, each package customized to the family receiving it. Delivered in person, if the parents are willing.

Jillian and Mackenzie Hemje were willing. The couple lost twin girls, Thea and Claire, on May 13, nine days after their premature births.

Jolie mailed them a care package and later came to visit, listening while the couple shared their feelings, a swirl of emotions.

We didnt know anyone else who had a loss like ours, and so it was like she legitimized how we felt, Mackenzie said. It made us feel like we were normal.

Jolie gave them two small bears filled with rice, each the precise weight of Thea and Claire.

The memory bears are custom made, free to any grieving parent.

In those dark weeks after Judah died, Jolie felt a heavy weight on her chest and she woke in pain at night, struggling to breathe. She went to the emergency room once, afraid she was having a heart attack.

The doctor checked her over, ruling out a physical cause for her distress, then he began to ask questions. She told him about Judah.

He looked at her with sympathetic eyes. Im sorry, he told her, but I think its just grief.

A friend gave her a memory bear, 6 pounds and 3 ounces. And one night her grief heavy, Jolie went to Judah's nursery and wrapped the bear in hospital blanket and held it in her arms.

In that moment, for that moment, it eased the pain of her journey.

After a loss, a mothers heart and arms literally ache to hold her baby.

And Charlie ached for his son, too, although he tried to be strong. Its harder for the dad because were not used to showing emotions.

No Footprint Too Small was Jolies passion, he says.

She has like a big heart, and when she has an idea in her head, she does it.

The couple met while both served in the Air National Guard -- Jolie in Nebraska, Charlie back in Rhode Island, father of a young son.

Jolie worked as a civilian for the Nebraska Army National Guard in suicide prevention; this summer she began a new job as the bereavement and volunteer coordinator at HoriSun Hospice.

After losing Judah, shed begun training as a doula, assisting laboring mothers -- specializing in infant loss -- and the idea for No Footprint grew.

One in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage or infant death, she says, 30,000 babies a year are born still in the United States, 90,000 babies die before their first birthday.

And the subject remains so taboo.

Our society is so uncomfortable with death anyway and when its a baby its even more so, because a baby isnt supposed to die.

Often, people dont talk about the loss, not knowing what to say, says Vanessa Neuhaus, a licensed mental health counselor who volunteers her services to the nonprofit. And that means parents are left alone in their sorrow.

The marriage and family therapist had already been offering free bereavement counseling before meeting Jolie and was happy to team up with No Footprint.

And with Jolie.

To have a loss like Judah, to be 41 weeks pregnant and have a stillbirth and to take the isolation and confusion she experienced and say, Im not going to let this happen to anybody else, is amazing.

The need is there, the counselor said.

Ive been praying, please let somebody sponsor the organization -- shes been digging it out of her own pocket.

The groups first fundraiser is Thursday at James Arthur Vineyard with wine and a chocolate fountain, live music and a silent auction.

Jolie has been busy gathering donations, shes been busy working, shes been busy taking care of Aviana Elise, now 9 months old.

A beautiful baby girl born with a cap of black hair, just like her brother Judah, the baby boy her mother loved from the first time she heard his heart beat.

And will love always.
Real or artificial, mustaches could be seen left and right in downtown Lincoln Saturday night.

About 200 bicyclists sported their best mustaches. Some put in the effort of growing their own, some went to the nearest party store to purchase a rainbow stache and some took a sharpie to their faces.

And all were there for the 4th Annual Mustache Ride to raise money for the Food Bank of Lincolns BackPack Program, which sends kids in need home with a backpack full of food on the weekends.

The event started with a bunch of neighbors and friends, Leslie Lipert, the event organizer, said. The first year started with only 20 bicyclists, raising $475 for people affected by the Oklahoma Tornadoes. But for the three years after, Lipert chose to make the event local and focused on youth.

With the biggest number of riders yet, as well as donations from local businesses, Lipert said about $12,700 was raised -- passing their goal of $9,000 and more than doubling last years total of $4,100.

As a mother of two and a grandmother to one, she said she understands the difference the BackPack Program makes.

It makes me sad to think that kids leave school on Fridays and wont eat until the weekend is over, Lipert said. Its our youth who will be directing, growing, in charge of our community. Were giving them the help to sustain themselves -- to grow up and do good things.

For $20, each rider received a red Mustache Riders T-shirt, a koozie and got to put their name in a drawing for a Trek bike. Money left over goes straight to the fundraiser.

The event started at HopCat in the Haymarket area at 4 p.m. and from there the riders did a bar crawl. Stops included The Single Barrel, Dempseys Burger Pub and Gate 25. The riders ended at The Railyard where DJ Romeo performed.

Of course, safety was a priority. Lipert reminded all to act as if they were driving a vehicle.

There is a purpose behind the fun.

Each backpack feeds not just a single child, but a family of four, Lipert said. She estimated the money raised will feed 50 families for the whole school year.

The Feeding America organization's Map the Meal Gap research says there are 13,620 children who live in Lancaster Country who lack access to sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

Angie Aerni, a fourth grade teacher at Campbell Elementary, said she gets to see what events like the Mustache Ride do for kids at school firsthand.

I dont even know how many kids use the BackPack Program, but it makes a huge difference, Aerni said. The kids really look forward to picking up those backpacks.
Dalits who are involved in disposing off dead animals in Gujarat will no longer lift carcasses off the streets, their associations announced in Ahmedabad on Sunday in protest against the public flogging of four Dalit youths earlier this month.

The announcement was made at a rally organised by more than 25 Dalit organisations under the banner of Una Dalit Atyachar Ladat Samiti.

A group of self-professed cow vigilantes stripped, tied and beat up four youths from Una earlier this month, accusing them of killing and then skinning a cow. Balubhai Sarvaiya, in his late 40s, was also beaten up.

The decision to stay away from disposing animal carcasses came at a time when a Dalit youth, who had attempted suicide by consuming acid in protest against the atrocities committed to his community in the state, died at a hospital in Ahmedabad.

Yogesh, hailing from Dhoraji in Saurashtra, was earlier treated at hospitals in Rajkot and Junagadh but was then shifted to Ahmedabad when his condition deteriorated.

The Dalit associations have also decided to take out more rallies in different parts of the state on August 5.

The rally will be led by former IPS officer Rahul Sharma, a Brahmin. Sharma, now a practicing lawyer, had taken on the then Narendra Modi government of Gujarat head on in connection with cases related to the post-Godhra riots.

Several Muslims leaders expressed solidarity with the Dalits and attended the meeting. Muslims and tribals were also seated along with Dalits on the stage.

One of the organisers of the meeting, Jignesh Mevani demanded that the Dalits be provided firearms in view of increasing attacks on them.

The participants were carrying banners of Dr B.R. Ambedkar. The meeting saw slogans of Dalits-Muslims bhai-bhai.
Maharashtra BJP President Raosaheb Danve has said that BJP will divide Maharashtra and carve out a separate state of Vidarbha at an 'appropriate' time.

The comments made by Danve in Shirdi will certainly add fuel to fire as the ongoing monsoon session of the state legislative council has already witnessed huge ruckus on the issue of Vidarbha statehood last week.

Shiv Sena, an ally of the BJP-led Maharashtra government, is firmly opposed to bifurcation of the state.

Last week, when BJP legislators from the Vidarbha region raised slogans in support of the statehood, senior Shiv Sena ministers rushed to counter them. Transport minister Divakar Raote almost came to blows with a couple of BJP legislators from Vidarbha.

Danve's statement on Vidarbha formation assumes significance as it has come on the heels of a stand-off between BJP and Shiv Sena in both Houses of the state legislature.

Rubbing salt into Shiv Sena's wounds, Danve has further stated that BJP's alliance with Sena is purely electoral and will have no effect on his party's firm commitment to creating Vidarbha state.

Danve's remarks in Shirdi are likely to affect the proceedings of the legislature next week.
In a shocking incident, a woman and her teenage daughter were allegedly gang-raped by a group of armed robbers, who waylaid their car on the Delhi-Kanpur highway.

The rape survivors were travelling with four of their family members to Shahjahanpur from Noida on Friday night when their car was ambushed near Dostpur village in Bulandshahr, said news reports.

The family members were dragged out of the car by the bandits, who took them to an isolated area nearby the highway and robbed them of cash, jewellery, mobiles and other valuables. The men of the family were beaten up and tied with ropes, while the woman and her 13-year-old daughter were allegedly gang-raped.

According to reports, the victims were raped at gunpoint for three hours.

One of the family members managed to break free from the ropes and informed the police.

The rape survivors are currently under medical care at a hospital and they are said to be out of danger.

The Uttar Pradesh police have reportedly detained 15 people in connection with the horrific incident.

However, police suspect a nomadic gang from Rajasthan behind this incident and formed special teams to nab the suspects.

Meanwhile, SHO Ramsen of Kotwali Dehat was suspended for 'dereliction of duty'.

Uttar Pradesh DGP Javeed Ahmad said that the police officers are pursuing all useful leads to nab the culprits.

Horrible Bulandshr incident a challenge. going all out to nab the culprits. All resources being deployed. Useful leads being pursued, he tweeted.
The Richardson County Historical Society is hosting a Remembrance Gathering for Flight 250 on the 50th anniversary of Nebraskas worst commercial airline disaster.

* Meet at the museums agriculture building (1401 Chase St., Falls City) at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 6 for coffee and rolls.

* Gather at crash site (714 Road and 655 Avenue) at 10:30 a.m. for memorial service. Buses from museum will be available.

* Return to museum for lunch, including pulled pork sandwiches and beef burgers. Donations accepted. Reservations required. Call 402-245-3372 or 402-245-3481 to RSVP.

* Informal visiting will follow; organizers expect dozens of friends and family members of passengers to attend.

* Organizers also expect authors of two Flight 250-related books to be present: Scott Pollock wrote Deadly Turbulence: The Air Safety Lessons of Braniff Flight 250 and Other Airlines, 1959-1966 and Kit Wilson published Falls City, a novel based on the crash and events leading up to it.

* For more information on the crash, including the NTSB report, go to: nebraskaaircrash.com and click Braniff Flight 250.
Turkey will shut down its military academies and put the armed forces under the command of the defence minister, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday in a move designed to bring the military under tighter government control after a failed coup.

The changes, some of which Erdogan said would likely be announced in the government's official gazette by Sunday, come after more than 1,700 military personnel were dishonourably discharged this week for their role in the abortive July 15-16 putsch.

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 per cent of Turkey's admirals and generals.

Turkey accuses US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen of orchestrating the putsch, in which a faction of the military commandeered tanks, helicopters and fighter jets and attempted to topple the government. Erdogan said 237 people were killed and more than 2,100 wounded in the failed coup attempt.

Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States for years, denies the charge and has condemned the coup. So far, more than 60,000 people in the military, judiciary, civil service and schools have been either detained, removed or suspended over suspected links with Gulen.

Turkey's Western allies condemned the attempted putsch, but have been rattled by the scale of the resulting crackdown.

"Our armed forces will be much stronger with the latest decree we are preparing. Our force commanders will report to the defence minister," Erdogan said in an interview on Saturday with A Haber, a private broadcaster.

"Military schools will be shut down... We will establish a national defence university."

He further said he wanted the national intelligence agency and the chief of general staff, the most senior military officer, to report directly to the presidencymoves that would require a constitutional change and therefore the backing of opposition parties.

Both the general staff and the intelligence agency now report to the prime minister's office. Putting them under the president's overall direction would be in line with Erdogan's push for a new constitution centred on a strong executive presidency.

Erdogan also said a total of 10,137 people have been formally arrested following the coup.

Military stretched

The shake-up comes as Turkey's militarylong seen as the guardians of the secular republicis already stretched by violence in the mainly Kurdish southeast, and Islamic State attacks on its border with Syria.

The army killed 35 Kurdish militants after they attempted to storm a base in the southeastern Hakkari province early on Saturday, military officials said.

Erdogan said he planned to thin the numbers of the gendarmerie security forces widely used in the fight against Kurdish militants in the southeast, although he said they would become more effective with better weaponry and he promised to continue the fight against Kurdish insurgents.

Separately, the head of the pro-Kurdish opposition told Reuters that the government's chance to revive a wrecked peace process with Kurdish rebels has been missed as Erdogan taps nationalist sentiment to consolidate support.

State-run Anadolu Agency reported that 758 soldiers were released on the recommendation of prosecutors after giving testimony, and the move was agreed by a judge.

Another 231 soldiers remain in custody, it said.

'Shameful'

Erdogan, meanwhile, said it was "shameful" that Western countries showed more interest in the fate of the plotters than in standing with a fellow NATO member and has upbraided Western leaders for not visiting after the putsch. US chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford, a top military official, is due to visit Turkey on Sunday.

In an unexpected move, Erdogan said late on Friday that as a one-off gesture, he would drop all lawsuits filed against people for insulting him. He said the decision was triggered by feelings of "unity" against the coup attempt.

It could also be aimed at silencing his Western critics. Prosecutors have opened more than 1,800 cases against people for insulting Erdogan since he became president in 2014, the justice minister said earlier this year. Those targeted include journalists, cartoonists and even children.

It was not immediately clear whether Erdogan would also drop his legal action against German comedian Jan Boehmermann, who earlier this year recited a poem on television suggesting Erdogan engaged in bestiality and watched child pornography, prompting the president to file a complaint with German prosecutors that he had been insulted.

European leaders worry that their differences with Erdogan could prompt him to retaliate and put an end to a historic deal, agreed in March, to stem the wave of migrants to Europe.

"The success of the pact so far is fragile. President Erdogan has several times hinted he wants to terminate the agreement," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told Austria's Kurier newspaper in an interview, when asked if the pact could fall apart.

Erdogan criticised the European Council and the European Union, which Turkey aspires to be a part of, for failing to visit to offer condolences, saying their criticism was "shameful".

Erdogan has called on Washington to extradite Gulen. Turkish officials have suggested the United States could extradite him based on strong suspicion, while President Barack Obama last week insisted Turkey must first present evidence of Gulen's alleged complicity.

Court reports

On Saturday, 56 employees of Turkey's constitutional court were suspended from their jobs as part of the investigation into the alleged coup, private broadcaster Haberturk TV reported.

Among those, more than 20 court reporters were detained, it reported.

The number of public sector workers removed from their posts since the coup attempt is now more than 66,000, including some 43,000 people in education, Anadolu reported on Friday.

Interior Minister Efkan Ala said more than 18,000 people had been detained over the failed coup, and that 50,000 passports had been cancelled. The labour ministry said it was investigating 1,300 staff over their possible involvement.

Erdogan said Gulen harnessed his extensive network of schools, charities and businesses, built up in Turkey and abroad over decades, to create a "parallel state" that aimed to take over the country.

The government is now going after Gulen's network of schools and other institutions abroad. Since the coup, Somalia has shut two schools and a hospital believed to have links to Gulen, and other governments have received similar requests from Ankara, although not all have been willing to comply.
[COMMUNICATED CONTENT]

There are many fascinating stories of the yeshuos of those who were zoche to daven at the kever of the great tzadik and mekubal Reb Amram Ben Diwan in Morocco.

His kever has become a place of pilgrimage for all Moroccan Jews. Each year on Lag BaOmer, thousands of Jews come to Wazan to make the pilgrimage to the tzion of the tzadik. Numerous miracles are said to have occurred there: Incurable illnesses have been healed, the blind have regained their sight,, the mute have found their voice, the paralyzed have returned home on their own, and infertile women have had children after having prayed there.

They tell that a French military sergeant had a son who remained paralyzed after a serious illness. This sergeant had a Jewish friend that advised him to take his son to the tomb of Rabbi Amram Ben Diwan in Wazan. At first, the sergeant was skeptical and refused, but then later promised that if a miracle were to happen and his son would be healed, he would build a road with his own money in order to facilitate access to the tomb of the Tzaddik. The miracle occurred: As soon as his son approached the kever of Rabbi Amram, he was healed. The happy father kept his promise and constructed a road that leads to the tomb of Rabbi Amram.

Yet another story comes from a couple in Monsey, NY who were not zoche to have a child for 15 years. They were told to go and daven by the kever of Reb Amram. After finishing the entire tehillim at the kever, the husband heard the sound of a baby crying. Nobody else in the vicinity heard this wondrous sound. Nine months later this couple had a child.

One anonymous source tells the following stunning story:

I was zoche to hear this story from the father and I actually held this miracle baby in my arms. After hearing this story, I called two friends who were having a challenging time with shidduchim. I told them we need to book tickets and go daven by this great tzadiks tomb.

We booked and headed out to Morocco. En route we decided to spend Shabbos in Gibraltar. We ate our Shabbos meals by the president of the Community Mr. Solomon Levy. He told us about his nephew who was crippled from birth. The parents of the boy decided to go to the tzion of Reb Amram. After praying, .they went for a walk and left the boy in his wheelchair to continue praying by the Tzadik. The boy prayed a little then drifted off into a slumber. In his dream a man with a white beard appeared.

He said, What are you doing in a cemetery? You are a Kohen. You must leave at once. The boy replied, I cant walk. How can I leave?

Reb Amram replied, Just pick yourself up and walk out. The boy awoke and, miraculously, he used his own two feet to wobble out of the kever. He continued with physical therapy and today is walking like a normal person.

After shabbos, we traveled from Gibraltar to Morocco. We prayed and recited the full tehillim by the Kever. We stayed a few days and toured Fez, then returned to the US. The following Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, I made a Lechaim and got engaged. The following two weeks, one after another, my two friends got engaged.

On a recent trip to Israel, after praying by Kever Rochel an Israeli looking man asked me for a ride into Jerusalem. As we were riding in the car, wanting to make light conversation, I asked his name. He said, My name is Amram Biton. Stunned, I asked if he was from Moroccan descent and if he ever had heard of Reb Amram Ben Diwan. He turned to me in awe and said,  I am named after him. My mother was childless for many years and made the journey to his kever. She promised the Tzadik that if she had a baby, she would name him Amram. I am that baby.

These stories are truly beyond the scope of our imagination. Reb Amram of Diwans yartzeit is coming up this Tu BAv and people from all over the world are traveling to his kever to daven.

E & S tours is planning a special journey for those who would like to Daven by this great Tzadik on his Yartziet. The tour is being subsidized to ensure anyone who wants can join this historic journey. Dont miss this opportunity to be poel yeshouas for yourself or your loved ones.

Click here for details.
The hush hush surrounding the cessation of cornflakes production of Telma (Unilever) in Israel has many wondering as the product is a mainstay in many homes and it is now missing from supermarket shelves.

According to a Ynet report, the reason is a mysterious case of contamination that has forced the company to halt production and may lead to a recall. The shortage also applies to the Deli-pecan cereal.

The report states the company tried to hide the problem, not even reporting to the Ministry of Health or the public, but the media has picked up on it nonetheless. An unspecified bacteria has been detected in the factory, compelling shutting down the production line.

Ynet tried on several occasions to contact Telma and Unilever officials for an official response, but mum is the word. No one is talking to the press for now. Ynet health affairs correspondent Rotam Elizera tried to probe the matter via Health Ministry channels, learning Unilever is not keeping the ministry in the loop either.

A company source is quoted saying thousands of boxes of cornflakes are currently being inspected to determine if they are safe and in the hope of determining the cause of the bacteria that halted production.

After the story hit the media, Unilever issued the following statement: Our company regularly preforms rigorous testing of all products before they are sent to the marketplace. Sometimes, these tests result in temporary shortages of a product. However, our company never compromises on the quality and integrity of product. Of course, all the companys products, including Telma breakfast cereals, are safe for use.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
HaGaon HaRav Moshe Maya Shlita, a member of the Shas Moetzas Gedolei Yisrael, announced I went to a school that taught secular subjects as the battle continues against state intervention in the chareidi school system.

Speaking to Kol Chai host Avi Mimron, the rav explains there are different kinds of school in the chareidi system, and in the recognized schools that are not officially part of the public school system, most are taught secular subjects with the rabbonim approving.

The Moetzas Gedolei Hatorah discussed the matter at one time with HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef ZTL, and Maran said they can learn the secular subjects. On the other hand, there are other schools, those that are not recognized and they can do as they please. I dont understand why the discussion is necessary. Parents are wise people and one who wishes can consult with ones rav. Then one can decide which school is appropriate for the children.

Take for example Chinuch Atzmai, where I learned 70 years ago, and I too learned secular subjects in school. On the other hand, my grandchildren learn in a talmid torah and do not learn English or other subjects. Every parent may send his child where he wishes. I do not understand the need for all the discussion Rav Maya added.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
In their struggle for the upper hand on national security, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are emphasizing strikingly different themes  he as the bold and cunningly unpredictable strongman who will eliminate terrorism; she as the calm, conventional commander in chief who will manage all manner of crises.

Terrorism is Trumps national security touchstone, and the Islamic State group is his target. He promises to wipe it out, and quickly.

Clinton accuses him of fearmongering and of denigrating the U.S. military as gutted and worn out. She presents herself as the anti-Trump.

Americas strength doesnt come from lashing out, she said in accepting the Democratic nomination Thursday. Strength relies on smarts, judgment, cool resolve, and the precise and strategic application of power. By implication, Trump is cast as bombastic, scattershot, impulsive and fanciful.

National security has emerged as a key focus of the campaign  more the candidates temperaments than their plans

Trump says he is best suited because he would be a dealmaker and deliberately unpredictable, thus making it more difficult for adversaries to counter his military or diplomatic moves. Clinton pitches her steadiness and depth of experience from eight years in the Senate and four years as President Barack Obamas secretary of state.

Each has zeroed in on what many consider the most worrisome issues: terrorism and an assertive Russia. The next president, however, will face a wider range of problems, to include ending the war in Afghanistan, managing the nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea, coping with a rising China and ending a cycle of bloody instability in Iraq and Syria. There also are challenges in cyberwarfare, nuclear weapons and the modernization of the U.S. military.

Trump calls his approach America first, meaning alliances and coalitions would not pass muster with him unless they produced a net benefit to the U.S. He drew rebukes from much of the national security establishment when he suggested in a recent newspaper interview that as president he might not defend certain NATO member countries against outside attack if they were falling short of the alliances defense spending targets. He also has been accused of being too easy on Vladimir Putin, the Russian president whom Trump has openly admired.

Clinton sees international partnerships as essential tools for using American influence and lessening the chances of war. That is an approach rooted in a U.S. tradition of bipartisan support for institutions such as NATO, whose value and future Trump says should not be taken for granted.

Trump has tried to keep his focus on fear. In his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention he decried war and destruction. He said the long-volatile and often violent Middle East is now worse than it has ever been before, suggesting Americans are increasingly at risk.

He mocks Clintons experience as a member of Obamas war Cabinet, labeling her legacy at the State Department as death, destruction, terrorism and weakness.

She questions Trumps reliability. He loses his cool at the slightest provocation, she said in her acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention. Imagine him in the Oval Office facing a real crisis. A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons.

The commander in chiefs responsibility in the nuclear arena is not traditionally a hot-button issue on the campaign trail. But it has arisen more regularly this time, mainly because the Democrats see Trump as vulnerable to voter doubts about whether he could be trusted to use nuclear restraint. He raised eyebrows during a Republican primary debate when he seemed unaware of the nuclear triad, the bombers, submarines and long-range missiles that have comprised the three basic pieces of the American nuclear arsenal for more than 50 years.

Through her supporters, including retired military officers, Clinton has pushed back on Trumps claim that he alone has the right formula for keeping America secure.

She, as no other, knows how to use all instruments of American power, not just the military, to keep us all safe and free, John Allen, the retired Marine general and former presidential envoy to the international coalition aligned against the Islamic State, told the Democratic National Convention.

Allen presented a counterpoint to Trumps top military supporter, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. In his address to the Republican National Convention, Flynn doubled down on Trumps portrayal of Clinton as unqualified to be president. He blamed her for bumbling indecisiveness, willful ignorance and total incompetence.

(AP)
By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Times

This past Shabbos, many girls were named at the reading of the Torah. One of the most common names that is given to baby girls of late is Shira. The name, however, is not without controversy.

Once, Jewish names used to be relatively easy to identify. Moshe and Dovid, these were Jewish names. Chris, Winston, Thaddeus, and Peter  these were not Jewish names. True, there was one of the Baalei HaTosfos whose name was Rabbeinu Pehter, but by and large this was an aberration.

Having a Jewish name is important. Chazal tell us (BaMidbar Rabba 20:22) that the reasons the Jewish people were redeemed from Egypt was because they did not change their names, their language, and their mode of dress. Indeed, the Maharam Shick (YD responsa 169) and the Darchei Teshuvah (YD 178:14) understand that the prohibition of naming a child a non-Jewish name is a biblical one stemming from the prohibition of UbeChukosaihem lo sailachu.

[As a parenthetic note, it is said of the Maharam Schick that when the temporal authorities decreed that every family must take on a last name, he specifically chose Schick  which is an acronym for Shaim Yisroel Kodesh. ]

Clearly, having a Jewish name is important.

CAREFUL CONSIDERATION

The Sefer Chassidim (244) writes of the tremendous importance for the parents to think carefully as to what to name their child. The name itself can not only cause or remove psychological barriers, it can also become a factor in the spiritual growth of the child too. The Midrash Tanchuma in Parshas HaAzinu explains that a person should look to give a name that would help the child become a Tzaddik  because at times the name can be influential in this. The Gemorah in Brachos 7b cites Rabbi Elazar that there is a verse to this effect that Shma Garim  names do matter.

So what has happened of late?

There are a number of Torah observant Jews that, when visiting Eretz Yisroel, try to get an audience with the Gedolei Torah of Klal Yisroel. Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita is recognized as one of the Gedolei HaDor and receives visitors on a regular basis. When people ask for a bracha for a Shidduch, however, they are sometimes in for a shock. Rav Kanievsky is of the opinion that the names Shira and [perhaps] Rina are actually not Jewish names at all. He advises that they should be changed immediately. Thus Rinas become Raizels or Rachels and Shiras become Saras or Shifras. And we are witnessing these changes by the dozens. The word Shira means joyous song and the word Rina also means a musical joy. [There are conflicting reports about whether Rav Kanievsky advised that Rina should be changed or not].

But is this idea universally held?

RAV MOSHE FEINSTEINS VIEW

Rav Moshe Feinstein ztl in Igros Moshe (OC IV #66) clearly learns that names can become Jewish names by virtue of their use among Jews. He cites as an example the name of Maimon, father of the Rambam as well as Vidal the author of the Maggid Mishna. Originally, these were decidedly not Jewish names. He discusses it further in Orech Chaim Vol. V 9:10. In these responsa he explains that the initial people who named their children with non-Jewish names were in violation of this idea. However, gradually when more Jews began doing it, the names attained a Jewish flavor. The Gedolei Torah that this author has consulted with are of the opinion that Rav Moshe would have ruled that Shira is now indeed a Jewish name.

POSSIBILITY OF IT BEING A NON-NAME

Perhaps one could counter to these Poskim that Rav Kanievskys view is that the problems with the names Shira and Rina are not that they are not Jewish names, but that they are not names at all. In order to address this possibility it may be worthwhile to examine some of the names found in the Mishna and Gemorah. We find in Pirkei Avos that Ben Hay Hay tells us Lefum Tzaara Agra  according to the level of difficulty involved in observing a Mitzvah is the reward. Most people focus on his message, but lets take a moment to focus on the Rabbis name. What kind of name is Ben Hay Hay? The Torah Lishma (Responsa #402) cites this very notion as a proof that one may even name someone after a Hebrew letter. If this is the case, then it would seem plausible that one can also name after a full Hebrew word as well  not just a Hebrew letter. This is especially true when we have so many people doing it  there are thousands of Shiras and Rinas. There are also quite a few Gilas and Ditzas too, but it is not known whether Rav Chaim has expressed an animadversion to these names.

There is a Tosfos in Chagigah 9b that states that Ben Hay Hay was actually a Ger Tzedek and that this name was given to him because it alludes to the fact that he is a descendant of Abraham and Sarah. Both Abraham and Sara received the extra letter Hay from Hashem. But this does not negate the idea that one may name after non-names. The Tosfos merely provide a reason why it was done, but no one is questioning whether it may be done or not.

KIVUD AV VAIM

There may be another issue here as well. Often, when a child is named  it is because the father and mother both agreed upon that particular name. To opt not to use the name which the parents had originated and decided upon may border upon issues of Kivud Av vAim  especially when there are halachic authorities that would have clearly permitted it. There are also a number of Seforim that state that the name given a child by the parents constitutes the will and expression fo Shamayim (See Sefer HaGilgulim chapter 59).

It is this authors understanding that most of the time, it is not the parents or the child who first pose the question. If, however, one had actually asked the question to Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita, then the principle of following the ruling of a Rav when one had posed the question comes into play. Generally speaking, if someone poses a question to one Rav, he should not ask a different Rav for a ruling. In such circumstances, one should weigh all the elements together in consultation with ones Rav or Posaik.

SHIDDUCHIM CHANGES

On the other hand, there have been many situations where young women who have not successfully found their bashert have gone to Rav Chaim Kanievsky and were told that they should change their name to Sara and within a very short time span they have found their bashert. One should not discount such stories and this author is aware of more than one such case. Regardless, we see the power of listening to our Gedolei Torah.

The author can be reached at [email protected]

The seventh volume of Not Your Usual Halacha has just been released. The authors books can be purchased at amazon.com
Speaking with Yediot Achronot, Avi Binayahu, a former director of Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) explained that anyone who opposed the so-called Disengagement Plan, Ariel Sharons expulsion of Jews from Gaza and areas of Northern Shomron, was not given airtime on the IDF-run radio station.

Binayahu, who is also a former IDF spokesman, explains that Members of Knesset who opposed the policy were not given airtime to express their opinion. He explains that he was not opposed but the orders came directly from then-Prime Minister Arik Sharon, who referred to the MKs daring to oppose the expulsion as extremists.

This is the routine in Israel; to discredit opponents and thereby minimizing the opposition to what is done to them. Sharon did it with the Disengagement Plan and similar tactics were used against the Hebron Jewish community to oppose PM Netanyahu giving away large areas of Hebron to the PA (Palestinian Authority). The same was also seen regarding the 2006 evacuation of Amona and with other communities throughout Yehuda and Shomron.

In reality, little has changed in Galei Tzahal, a station that regularly promotes and left-wing anti-religious platform. From time-to-time there are calls to shut down the station, especially now as IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gadi Eizenkott is compelled to implement an austerity plan, but the powers that be seem to prefer permitting the station to continue airing its agenda, which is far from a traditional Jewish one, painfully in-line with the hashkafa of many senior IDF commanders and decision-makers.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Three of four lanes of the Ayalon Highway in the area of Halacha Interchange southbound were shut on Friday night to accommodate maintenance on Israel Railways. Police informed motorists ahead of Shabbos regarding the lane closures, explaining it was compelled to permit the railway to conduct maintenance.

Shas and Yahadut Hatorah officials were furious as they are addressing the growing trend of increased Chilul Shabbos in the public and private sectors. The Sunday morning 25 Tammuz edition of Yated Neeman expressed protest over the growing Chilul Shabbos and the need for Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz to address the matter immediately.

In fact, MK Uri Maklev turned to the ministrys director-general on Thursday in a hope of preventing the Chilul Shabbos. was told that the matter is one of pikuach nefesh and therefore not avoidable. Maklev rejected the contention, insisting the work can be completed on motzei Shabbos as well, or another night during the week if need be.

Yated Neeman adds the public is particularly angry in light of recent public declaration by Transportation Minister (Likud) Yisrael Katz, who gave his word to remain at the forefront in the battle to maintain the Shabbos status quo and his ministry.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
WASHINGTON -- To gauge the opportunism and hypocrisy that define Donald Trump's Republican Party, consider this: Imagine the scalding rhetoric that would have boiled from the likes of Newt Gingrich, that Metternich of many green rooms, if Hillary Clinton had offhandedly undermined the collective security architecture of U.S. foreign policy since NATO was created in 1949.

Vladimir Putin's regime is saturating Europe with anti-Americanism, buying print and broadcast media, pliable journalists and other opinion leaders, and funding fringe political parties, think tanks and cultural institutions. (Putin is again following Hitler's playbook; read Alan Furst's historical novel "Mission to Paris," set in pre-war France.) Putin is etching with acid a picture of America as ignorant, narcissistic and, especially, unreliable. Trump validates every component of this indictment, even saying that the U.S. commitment to NATO's foundational principle -- an attack on one member is an attack on all -- is not categorical.

Gingrich, who is among the supposed savants who will steer Trump toward adulthood, flippantly dismisses Estonia, a NATO member contiguous to Putin's Russia and enduring its pressure, as "some place which is in the suburbs of St. Petersburg." Gingrich thereby echoes Neville Chamberlain's description, three days before Munich, of Hitler's pressure on Czechoslovakia as "a quarrel in a faraway country between people of whom we know nothing."

It would be fanciful to suggest that Trump read a book, but others should read Svetlana Alexievich's "Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets," an oral history of post-Soviet Russia, 1991 to 2012. A recurring theme is Russian nostalgia for the Soviet era: "We had a great empire -- stretching from sea to sea, from beyond the Arctic to the subtropics. Where is it now? It was defeated without a bomb."

Nostalgia coexists with Soviet-era memories like this: Twenty-seven people share an apartment with one kitchen and one bathroom, including a mother of a 5-year-old daughter and a childless woman. The mother is secretly informed against. Before being sent into the gulag for 17 years, she begged the childless woman to take care of her daughter, who comes to call the woman "Mama." After the real mother serves her sentence, under perestroika she sees her police file and recognizes her informant's signature -- her childless friend. The mother went home and hanged herself.

Putin's constituency of nostalgia, writes Alexievich, is in the grip of "the narcosis of old ideas" acquired when "the state had become their entire cosmos, blocking out everything else, even their own lives." She repeatedly records longings for the days before the eruption of ethnic hatreds to fill the void left by the melancholy, long withdrawing roar of socialist faith.

During one ethnic pogrom, "the youngest girl climbed a tree to escape ... so they shot at her like she was a little bird. It's hard to see at night, they couldn't get her for a long time. ... Finally, she fell at their feet."

Putin's supporters include those who, in the words of one of Alexievich's interlocutors, "feel like they were defeated twice over: The communist Idea was crushed," then Russia was looted by a feral crony capitalism. Putinism is bitter nostalgia on the march, and Putin is as interested in the U.S. presidential election as Trump and some of his aides are in Russian wealth. Read Franklin Foer's Slate essay "Putin's Puppet":

"We shouldn't overstate Putin's efforts, which will hardly determine the outcome of the election. Still, we should think of the Trump campaign as the moral equivalent of Henry Wallace's communist-infiltrated campaign for president in 1948. ... A foreign power that wishes ill upon the United States has attached itself to a major presidential campaign."

It is unclear whether any political idea leavens the avarice of Trump and some of his accomplices regarding today's tormented and dangerous Russia. Speculation about the nature and scale of Trump's financial entanglements with Putin and his associates is justified by Trump's refusal to release his personal and business tax information. Obviously he is hiding something, and probably more than merely embarrassing evidence that he has vastly exaggerated his net worth and charitableness.

In Wednesday's news conference, Trump said, "I have nothing to do with Russia." Donald Trump Jr. says, "Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia."

Trump Sr. can end the speculation by providing information. If, however, he continues his tax information stonewall, it will be clear that he finds the speculation less damaging than the truth would be, which itself is important information.
Most households are suffering from broadband blindness  not knowing what speed of internet connection they should be getting  or even how much they are paying for it.

Research for The Mail on Sunday, carried out by broadband provider Hyperoptic, found that three in five households do not know what speed they are meant to be getting from their provider.

Also, a remarkable three quarters of the 3,000 householders questioned do not know how much they are paying for broadband. Half have never swapped provider.

One monthly package: Research found that nearly nine in ten households get broadband as part of a bundle

With the revamped Ofcom code of practice on meeting promised broadband speeds now a year old, consumers are being urged to improve their grasp of broadband  and switch if their provider literally does not come up to speed.

The code of practice, which most broadband companies abide by, allows customers to escape from broadband contracts if they have not got the minimum guaranteed connection speed.

Broadband speed is crucial for many homes  affecting how fast a film can be downloaded or how many people can connect to the internet at once.

Hyperoptics research found that since nearly nine in ten households get broadband as part of a bundle  where they pay for their internet connection, home phone line and television in one monthly package  few know how much the broadband element costs.

Steve Holford, chief customer officer at Hyperoptic, says: As well as being potentially short-changed by opting for a bundle, there is also a risk of wastage  two in five Britons dont use their landline, despite paying for it each month.

Some 59 per cent of households do not know when their broadband contract is up for renewal.

Ewan Taylor-Gibson, broadband expert at comparison website uSwitch, says: Contracts are getting shorter and more are now 12 months in duration rather than the previous 18 to 24-month deals.

Many people will be out of contract and will be able to switch easily if they are not happy with their speed or service. If they are in contract the penalty for switching can sometimes be as much as the monthly cost of the contract. Even so it may well be worth switching.

Fibre diet

Broadband originally used the copper wire that connected a home phone to an exchange  normally a green box in a nearby road  and millions of properties are still connected this way.

Nowadays more than 80 per cent of homes have access to new-style fibre networks that are up to three times faster. But just one in three homes make use of them. This is largely because of the higher monthly bills.

Aiming high: Only Virgin Media has its own fibre optic network - this goes into homes via a coaxial cable, allowing speeds of up to 152 Megabits per second

Sky, Plusnet and TalkTalk provide a fibre connection by piggybacking on Openreachs fibre optic network, as does BT, which owns Openreach.

Of the big players only Virgin Media has its own fibre optic network. This goes into homes via a coaxial cable, allowing speeds of up to 152 Megabits per second. This compares with a speed of 50Mbps from BTs standard service.

But even these higher speeds are outpaced by a new wave of so-called fibre-to-home providers. These are small players  such as Direct Save Telecom, Gigaclear and Hyperoptic itself  but they offer blisteringly fast speeds, such as 1,000Mbps.

Not all areas have access to the fibre optic network that will make this possible, however. Rural areas are least likely to be covered  although even some pockets of London and other cities are overlooked. Taylor-Gibson says: This can be for commercial reasons or because of access  digging up certain roads may make it difficult.

A Government-backed scheme promises to increase fibre optic coverage to 95 per cent of the country by the end of next year.

'I RELIED ON COSTA'S WI-FI TO WORK... AS MY FAMILY PLAYED GAMES' Connected: Lisa Pattenden now enjoys faster broadband Social media consultant Lisa Pattenden was at her wits end with her broadband, which she said felt slower than dial-up. Lisa, 48, lives in the Royal Docks area of East London with her train driver husband Colin, 42, and 18-year-old son, Shane. She says: Colin and Shane both love gaming, which was slowing down the broadband so much I couldnt work online at the same time. Arguments invariably ensued, which often resulted in me being relegated to the local Costa coffee shop to do my work. Thankfully, Lisa spotted a flyer from Hyperoptic offering a faster broadband speed. She says: Since the company installs services based on demand I started rallying my neighbours in the development we live in. I found I wasnt the only person fed up with slow broadband and I got more than 20 to sign up. She says: Family life is now much happier  even though I see less of Colin and Shane because of their gaming.

Speed

The average broadband speed in the UK is 28Mbps  fast enough for normal usage  with superfast broadband defined as over 30Mbps. But buyers need to be aware that most providers advertise up to rather than guaranteed speeds.

To be entitled to promote these headline rates just one in ten customers must be able to achieve the up to speed consistently. Consumer group Which? is pressing for companies to be required to state a more realistic average speed.

Up to speed: Buyers need to be aware that most providers advertise up to rather than guaranteed speeds

As soon as that aggravating buffering icon appears during a programme on internet TV, it signals the connection is under pressure.

This happens at peak periods such as in the evening when more households are sitting down to do online shopping, watch Netflix or play online computing games.

If buffering happens regularly and the speed does not consistently meet the level promised in a contract, the code of practice allows customers to ask for bills to be reduced or to exit the contract early without penalty.

Hindering home sales

Fast broadband speeds are high on many home purchasers wish lists  so patchy performance can hamper a sale. A spokeswoman for website Rightmove, which provides a broadband speed checker alongside each property that it lists, says: Broadband speeds are high on the wishlists of househunters.

How fast is the service?

You can test your broadband speed by logging on to your suppliers website or using a comparison website such as broadband.co.uk, uSwitch and broadbandchoices. The websites also tell you the best broadband provider for your postcode. If the service is not providing its promised speed, contact your supplier.

No broadband

For those without access to residential broadband, one option is mobile broadband. A dongle can connect 3G or 4G phones to your computer or tablet. But in reality if broadband is poor in an area then mobile data may also be limited.

Those ignored by big broadband players can club together to do their own thing.

Bad signal: In reality if broadband is poor in an area then mobile data may also be limited

Broadband for the Rural North was launched in 2011 and now covers areas of Cumbria, Lancashire and North Yorkshire. It has 1,500 customers and is non-profit making. It costs 150 to connect, then 30 a month.

Alternatively, you could try enlisting the support of neighbours and then approach firms such as Hyperoptic and Gigaclear, which will consider your custom.

Best deals

Of the deals available, uSwitch says the best basic option is from TalkTalk. It provides free unlimited broadband for 12 months and then 7.50 a month thereafter. Line rental is 17.70 a month, but speed is a modest 17Mbps.

For faster speeds, uSwitch recommends Plusnets Unlimited Fibre Broadband and Phone Line, with a speed of 38Mbps for those with access to a fibre network. The 18-month contract is free for six months and then 14.99 a month. Monthly line rental is 16.99.
Tea is far more than a refreshing drink for Nirmal Sethia  it is a divine gift of life. Inspired by his late wife Chitra, who died just over five years ago, the owner of Newby Teas has amassed a collection of some 1,700 rare and valuable tea-related items worth up to an astonishing 160 million.

Sethia says: Tea is like a beautiful woman  not to be recognised for its appearance but valued for its character. It should be treated with respect and dignity. Tea is a mark of civilisation.

Among his prized possessions is a silver teapot with a wooden handle engraved N  a bachelor teapot used by Admiral Horatio Nelson. It is now worth up to 200,000.

Delicious: Nirmal Sethia believes that tea is a 'divine gift from mother nature'

Sethia says: Nelson appears to have drunk his tea exactly as one should  he did not have time for milk and sugar. Maybe, the character and power of tea helped him be victorious at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 against the French and Spanish.

The 74-year-old began his love affair with tea at the age of 14 when he quit school in London to become a tea trader.

Within a couple of years his expert nose for discovering the best teas in the world had been recognised and he had bought his own plantation in Assam, India. From a base in Calcutta he started selling top quality tea to Irish importers.

He says: Tea is a divine gift from mother nature  and the second most popular drink after water. It saddens me that in this modern age the quality of tea being sold has gone down rather than up  with tea bags sometimes including stale sweepings and dust.

Unfortunately there is a tendency to focus more on marketing than what is inside the packaging. I run the only company that stores tea in a humidity and temperature controlled environment  this is essential for top quality tea.

Sethia believes tea is such a precious elixir that consumers should be prepared to pay extra for the treat rather than just being lured in by price.

Newby Teas tea bags cost about 40p each compared to other high street brands that can cost as little as 3p.

High tea: From a base in Calcutta, Nirmal Sethia started selling top quality tea to Irish importers

His collection dates back as far as 3,000 BC with pots once used for brews by the Indus Valley civilisation in India.

Tea was first introduced by Chinese emperor Shen Nung after leaves from a camellia sinensis tree blew into his drink of boiled water in around 2,737 BC. It did not become a national drink in China until the Tang Dynasty between 618 and 907AD.

The British had to wait until the 17th Century to enjoy a fresh cup of tea  a treat only the wealthiest could afford. But it was in the Victorian era, when the Chinese tea monopoly was broken by cheaper tea exports from India, that it became the countrys national drink.

Sethia owns priceless Chinese cups  where tea was often sipped from small bowls rather than handled mugs.

A rare 15th Century Ming Dynasty cup similar to one in his private collection sold for a record-breaking 27 million in 2014.

He also owns a silver and enamel Faberge tea caddy from the early 20th Century. It could have been used by the Romanov royal family and is worth up to 800,000.

First brew: Tea was first introduced by Chinese emperor Shen Nung after leaves from a camellia sinensis tree blew into his drink of boiled water in around 2,737 BC

Among the most historic teapots in Sethias Chitra collection is a silver gilt monkey trinkspiel that was made in Germany around 1600, now valued at 750,000.

It was the inspiration for a celebrated porcelain monkey teapot design made by potter Meissen just over a century later that now commands a price of 10,000.

In the collection is also a 19th Century 12-piece tea service made by French porcelain manufacturer Sevres and painted by Antoine Beranger.

It was presented to the Duchess de Berry by King of France Louis XVIII who paid 9,650 francs for the tea set. It is now worth up to 3 million.

Other teapots in the collection that belonged to the rich and famous include a late 18th Century silver teapot and stand given to Lady Churchill on her wedding by Winston Churchills wartime office.

Sethia admits he has a weakness for the modern jewel-encrusted teapots he has designed in honour of his wife. His favourite is a moon teapot, worth 1 million.

He says: It is decorated with a scene of the moon over the ocean that I had made in Italy four years ago in memory of Chitra.

Five gems in Nirmal Sethia's tea chest

Admiral Horatio Nelsons bachelor teapot Made in England between 1799-1802 A small silver teapot engraved with an N for Nelson. A bachelor teapot, it was designed to hold the ideal amount of tea for one person and believed to have been used when on ship and at the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson appears drank his tea exactly as one should, according to Nirmal - with no milk or sugar

Cobra teapot Cobra teapot inspired and designed by Nirmal Cobra teapot Made in Italy 2014 Inspired and designed by Nirmal Sethia in recognition of the mythological story of the Hindu god Shiva. Decorated with a cobra that forms the base and handle. A second cobra rises out of the lid to form a finial. The pot is encrusted with yellow diamonds and it is also made of gold, silver, rubies and lapis lazuli.

Faberge silver and enamel tea caddy Made in Russia, c1910 Made by the famous Russian artist jeweller Faberge who was the official goldsmith of the Russian court. With its floral motifs, it was decorated in the Russian art nouveau Stil Moderne style. Less than a decade after it was made, the Russian Revolution brought an abrupt end to the Romanov dynasty and to the House of Faberge. This Faberge silver and enamel tea caddy could have been used by the Romanov royal family

Sevres porcelain tea service Made in France 1816 A 12-piece service made by the porcelain manufacturer Sevres and hand painted by artist Antoine Beranger. The tea service was purchased by King Louis XVIII for 9,650 francs and presented as a New Years gift to the Duchess de Berry. This tea service was hand painted by artist Antoine Beranger
This is Money rounds up the Sunday newspaper share tips. This week, Asos and Serco come under the spotlight.

MAIL ON SUNDAY

Despite deep concerns over the economic impact of the Brexit vote, the FTSE 100 has soared and may be about to hit a new 12-month high this week.

This is largely because the index consists of many companies whose business is outside the UK and which benefit from the falling value of sterling.

Outside the Footsie there are firms with a similar profile  one is online fashion retailer Asos.

The group has seen a recent increase in its share price, but there should be more rises to come, partly because of that beneficial relationship with a cheaper pound, but also because its fundamental business is well-placed strategically.

The recent rise in its shares is again largely due to what has happened to sterling. Today its shares stand at 4,505p, and there is every reason to believe that over the long term they will continue their recent strong gains.

Brexit may take a toll on Asos, particularly if, as some fear, it prompts a slowdown or recession in the UK. But the growth potential abroad should offset that risk.

Midas verdict: Few companies will be immune if the current worrying economic outlook presages a genuine recession, but Asos is better placed than most with its foreign currency earnings.

In the long run, its position as the UKs pre-eminent online fashion retailer makes it a clear strategic retail winner.

Shares have risen strongly in recent weeks and, to be honest, it would have been really smart to have bought shares a few weeks ago.

But there should still be very good gains to be had, particularly over the long term. At 4,505p, Asos shares are a buy.

>> READ THE FULL MIDAS COLUMN HERE

SUNDAY TIMES

Sercos chief executive Rupert Soames is on a charm offensive. The former Aggreko boss has commissioned a documentary about life on the front line of the support services giant, showing staff working in prisons, with asylum seekers, and in hospital kitchens.

But PR fluff should not divert attention from the mountain that Soames still has to climb to restore Sercos reputation with investors. The shares are down 70% since he started in the job two years ago.

Interim results this week will be pored over for signs that the company, which employs 30,000 people in Britain, is back on track. RBC Capital Markets has pencilled in sales of 1.6bn and trading profit of 47m, both down sharply on the previous year.

Life doesnt get any easier from here and Brexit has made a tough job even tougher for Soames, who campaigned to remain.
Royal Bank of Scotland is on course for a ninth consecutive year of losses amid fresh concerns over the health of lenders across Europe.

The taxpayer-owned bank is this week expected to reveal it remained stuck in the red in the second quarter of the year following a loss of 1billion in the first.

That would put it on course for another full-year loss  the ninth in a row since the financial crisis in 2008.

Still failing: RBS is this week expected to reveal it remained stuck in the red in the second quarter of the year following a loss of 1bn in the first

Banks are also braced for another week of turmoil on the markets after they failed to get a clean bill of health in the latest stress tests.

Lenders from Italy, Ireland, Spain and Austria fared worst in the audit by the European Banking Authority, which examines what the banks have done to prepare for a future financial crisis, including how much capital they keep in reserve.

But the results also raised concerns over the future of RBS, as the tests revealed that it would be the third worst hit major bank in Europe in a new economic crisis.

The results of the tests were published after global markets closed on Friday night  paving the way for a volatile start to trading today.

While we recognise the extensive capital raising done so far, this is not a clean bill of health, said EBA chairman Andrea Enria. There remains work to do.

Banking shares in Britain and across the Continent have been hammered since the UKs vote to leave the European Union.

And results from RBS and HSBC will be pored over by investors this week amid worries about banks across Europe.

HSBC is expected to report a 20 per cent fall in first-half profits on Wednesday as it continues to reduce the size of its sprawling business around the world. The slump has raised questions over the banks dividend.

Taxpayers still hold a 73 per cent stake in RBS following its 46billion bailout in 2008 but the bank is struggling to return to profit as it battles legal issues in the US, huge restructuring costs and bad loans.

But former Tory chancellor Lord Lamont urged people not to be overly concerned about RBSs position and said the real danger came from continental institutions.

I think the focus of attention is more on other banks, he said.

Raising concerns about the health of lenders in Italy, Germany, Portugal and Greece, Lamont said: That is where it is thought there is a lot of weakness in the European banking system.

He warned that the situation in Italy and other countries could create a real political crisis for Europe which would impact on the UK.

'Crisis-torn Italian bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena fared worst in the stress tests.

However, the Bank of England said the stress tests provide evidence that major UK banks have the resilience necessary to maintain lending to the real economy.
Controversial: French Connection's FCUK branding

French Connection has been urged to ditch its infamous FCUK logo by a disgruntled investor.

The High Street fashion retailer has received a letter from activist investor Gatemore Capital Management, criticising its 'disappointing' performance since the financial crisis.

Gatemore also said French Connection had fallen behind rivals such as Ted Baker and SuperGroup, and urged the company to ditch the controversial FCUK branding, used since the 1990s, because it was no longer 'aspirational'.

French Connection shares have fallen 70 per cent in five years and 85 per cent in just under a decade.

American fund Gatemore has built an 8 per cent stake in French Connection.

It called for founder Stephen Marks to split his roles as chairman and chief executive and for the replacement of directors Dean Murray and Claire Kent after nearly nine years on the board.
An opulent French villa on the Cote d'Azur has been valued at 250million - putting it on course to be the most expensive home ever sold.

Villa Les Cedres is in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, a refuge between Nice and Monaco for some of the world's richest people, and known for its spectacular waterfront properties, high prices and private beaches.

Built in 1830, the villa was once the former holiday home of King Leopold II of Belgium. It was sold in 1924 to Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle, owner of the Grand Marnier liquor brand.

Villa Les Cedres is in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, a refuge between Nice and Monaco for the world's richest people

But when Italian spirits company Davide Campari-Milano bought the firm earlier this year, it also acquired the villa.

The property comes with all the amenities expected in - what could be - the world's most expensive home, including a party room, a concierge, a flower garden, and an impressive 25 heated greenhouses.

The astonishing property sits in expansive manicured gardens overlooking the glistening blue waters of the Mediterranean.

Drinks businesses often own prestigious hotels and events spaces as part of their empires, although many have now been forced to sell them to cut costs.

VILLA LES CEDRES Price: 250m

Built in 1830

50 metre pool is dug into the rocks

It has 35 acres of botanic gardens

W inter garden, chapel and stables

Former home of King Leopold II Advertisement

Campari does not want to keep Villa Les Cedres, and a sale at 250million would make it the world's most expensive home - outstripping the 230million paid in December for Chateau Louis XIV, a mansion outside Paris.

Campari chief executive Bob Kunze-Concewitz told Bloomberg he had already received approaches from Middle Eastern and North American buyers.

He added: 'We're not used to dealing with such assets. We just sell bottles.'

British writer William Somerset Maugham, who once had a house in Cap Ferrat, described the area as 'the escape hatch from Monaco for those burdened with taste'.

Opulent: Villa Les Cedres has been valued at 250m  putting it on course to be the most expensive home ever

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat has a popular yachting scene that helps to attract the elite.

Cap Ferrat has some of the world's most expensive homes, attracting US billionaires and Russian oligarchs

Today, the area has some of the most expensive homes in the world and continues to attract the elite, with current famous residents reported to include Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

It's probably one of the most expensive places in the world

However, the Russian oligarchs who have bid up prices in recent years have disappeared amid the Russian economic slump and plunge in oil prices, according to Alexandra Connolly, who runs an estate agent in the area.

'It's without a doubt the most expensive place on the French Riviera and it's probably one of the most expensive places in the world,' she told Bloomberg.

'Now we've had 10 years of people coming in and just paying more and more and more and more and more, and now, if the Russians aren't there, there's no real clientele that will come in and can or want to pay those prices.'

Cap Ferrat was named in 2012 as the second most expensive place to buy a home in the world after Monaco, with residents enjoying a pleasant climate and a popular yachting scene.

Neighbouring Villefranche Sur Mer is also hugely popular with celebrities and the wealthy, with estate agent Savills stating that famous residents today include singer Tina Turner. It was between Villefranche and Cap Ferrat that the Rolling Stones recorded their classic 1972 album Exile on Main Street, during their famous stay at Villa Nellcote, the home rented by Keith Richards.

Cap Ferrat was named as the second most expensive place to buy a home in the world after Monaco in 2012.

Last year Smirnoff vodka maker Diageo sold the luxury Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland as part of its sell-off of non-core assets.

Campari, which makes Wild Turkey bourbon and Skyy vodka alongside its namesake dark red liqueur, acknowledged that the sale may not happen quickly.

'The villa is in one of the most exclusive enclaves in the south of France and sales of this sort of property come only once or twice in a decade,' said Mr Kunze-Concewitz.

From the proceeds of a sale, Campari will keep 80 million euros and the rest will be distributed among Grand Marnier shareholders, he added.

Buying agent Henry Pryor said: 'Properties on the French Riviera often start out with record-beating asking prices, but one usually finds that they sell for more modest amounts.

'Of course there are many challengers around the world to compete with Villa Les Cedres both in quality and price but this will be the trophy sale of the year assuming that someone actually wants to buy it. There will always be new money that wants to show off on the Riviera but the old money has moved on and now favours the Italian Riviera.'
British exporters selling to China will face the longest wait for payment, according to new research.

The findings come as Britain hopes to secure its own independent trade deal with Beijing as part of its plans for a post-Brexit economy.

The tardiness of Chinese companies in paying up was matched only by those in Greece, with firms in Italy also close to the top ranking for slow payment.

Late to the table: Tardiness of Chinese companies in paying up was matched only by those in Greece, with firms in Italy also close to the top ranking for slow payment

The research from the worlds largest trade credit insurance company, Euler Hermes, found that Chinese firms took an average of 88 days to pay bills in 2015, a figure beaten only by Greece and matched by Italy.

However, the groups forecasts predict that Chinese firms will take even longer in 2016, with average bills taking 92 days, while Greek businesses will manage to cut their payment waiting time to 89 days.

Italian firms are expected to take an average of 86 days to pay this year.

The findings emerged from the survey of 27,300 companies around the world, analysing the gap between when a company delivers its goods or services and when it gets paid for them  a measure known as days sales outstanding.

Slow payment by customers is a particular problem for smaller firms, which may lack reserves to cope with late payers. It is a bugbear frequently cited by small firms supplying larger companies.

The global average has remained steady at 64 days, but this varies markedly between countries, with the differences getting more pronounced, according to Euler Hermes.

Quids not in: Research from the worlds largest trade credit insurance company, Euler Hermes, found that Chinese firms took an average of 88 days to pay bills in 2015

Over recent years, it has found the gap widening, with payment delays declining in developed economies, and appearing to get longer in emerging markets.

Ludovic Subran, chief economist at Euler Hermes, said: The global stability in days sales outstanding hides two trends. In 2010 companies in emerging economies took an average four days longer to pay bills than firms in advanced economies.

In 2015 that gap had widened to nine days. In 2016 we expect that gap to extend to 12 days.
County Engineer Pam Dingman is in a no-win situation. So are drivers who use roads and bridges in the rural parts of Lancaster County.

Dingman is doing exactly what she should. She has methodically and comprehensively informed the County Board of what it would take to take care of all the road construction and maintenance needs in the county.

Its a staggering amount -- $106.6 million according to the tally Dingman handed county commissioners earlier this spring.

The county engineer, however, doesnt control the purse strings for road spending. The County Board does.

Theres no doubt that the needs are real. Dingman already has closed several bridges because they were unsafe. Flooding last spring damaged several bridges. As an engineer, will tell you that I do not sleep when it rains, she told county board members.

Dingman wanted to get a good start on those needs next year with a sizable infusion of nearly $7 million.

But the county board apparently has no intention of providing that amount of funding. As Commissioner Todd Wiltgen put it, the work cant be done without a significant property tax increase.

Property tax payers are not going to support this, Wiltgen said.

Hes probably right.

But the County Board owes it to people who use rural county roads to work overtime on other ways to come up with more funding s it works on next year's budget.

For example, rural residents dont pay a wheel tax like the one paid by residents who live inside Lincoln city limits.

Dingman was elected to her first term as engineer last year, but the problem of deteriorating bridges and roads has been building for years as the County Board skimped on road-funding needs in order to balance its budget.

Inevitably the penny-pinching took its toll.

One notable example is Saltillo Road  the most deadly road in the county. Between 1989 and 2014, traffic counts went from 484 cars a day to 5,588 on the stretch between 56th and 68th streets. Eight people have been killed in crashes on Saltillo during the past 11 years.

In recent years the Legislature has stepped up with two significant funding measures for road construction. The state now designates one-quarter of a cent for road work and state senators voted last year to phase in a 6-cent increase in the gas tax over four years.

Now its time for the County Board to do its part. The reluctance of commissioners to raise the property tax rate is understandable. Theres no doubt that property taxes are the most loathed of all types of taxes in Nebraska. But if the County Board doesnt want to use that source of funding it should find another way.
In the first debate for the Republican nomination for president, newspaper editors declared that Donald Trump was unfit to be president and was dead in the waters. However, viewers declared Trump the winner.

In Psychology Today, John Gartner explains that Mr. Trump stated that the world is no longer safe, created fear and then appealed to it.

Campaigners who do this often win but they make for poor presidents. The US presidency requires reasoning and careful judgement.

Therapist Robert Cox states that fear is lodged in the limbic system of the brain. When we become fearful, the cortex, which controls judgement and reasoning, is blocked out and cannot function.

Fear can take over, even in a crowd. It can happen to any of us. Watch out for the appeal to fear.

Don Tilley, Lincoln
1876: A group of women formed what they proudly called the Lincoln Ladies Brass Band and embarked on a concert tour.

1886: S.H. Clark of the Missouri Pacific Railroad was arranging for construction of a Weeping Water-to-Lincoln line.

1896: Because of the activity of Free Silverites, First National Bank of Alliance said it was calling in all of its loans.

1906: Women's Christian Temperance Union officer Mrs. M.E. Patterson of Omaha told a crowd at Epworth Hall: "The liquor traffic has done more to retard the growth of the equal suffrage movement than all other agencies combined."

1916: City commissioners said an ordinance requiring that bread be sold in either 16- or 35-ounce loaves would be enforced. Retailers were expected to set the price of a 16-ounce loaf at 6 cents.

1926: An organized Anti-Chicken Thief Association went into swift action in Nebraska on several occasions, sometimes holding shoot-outs with alleged thieves.

1936: Some northeastern Nebraska counties were reported in worse drought condition than in 1934.

1946: Construction in Lincoln reached $4.4 million for the first seven months of the year.

1956: Consumers Public Power District offered a 20 percent power rate reduction to tax-supported institutions in Lincoln.

1966: Hazel Abel of Lincoln, the only woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate from Nebraska, died.

1976: No Nebraskans were killed in Colorado's Big Thompson flood, but several Lincolnites escaped with little more than their lives.

1986: A certified copy of a Nebraska birth certificate cost $6, a $1 increase enacted by the Legislature to establish the Nebraska Child Abuse Prevention Program.

1996: A new, one-stop motor vehicle licensing and registration center featuring a drive-through lane was set to open at 625 N. 46th St., according to Lancaster County Treasurer Richard Nuernberger.

2006: A Platte County farmer has lost his bid to run a pivot irrigation system through a 125-year old cemetery that contains the grave of a Civil War veteran. In the ruling Friday for the cemetery association, Judge Lindsey Miller-Lerman cited a ruling in a Kansas case that said cemetery property has a public nature and must be given special protection. A cemetery is as public a place as a courthouse or a marketthe place of the dead none may shun.

The Lincoln City Council decided Monday night to allow people with permits to carry concealed weapons in the city, leaving business owners to decide for themselves whether to allow concealed guns on their property The new state law, which goes into effect Jan. 1, allows property owners to ban concealed handguns from their property. But owners must post a conspicuous sign letting the public know. Concealed weapons also likely will be prohibited at Pershing Auditorium and Lancaster Manor -- in fact, at every county and city building in Lincoln.
There is no question that a campfire provides the backdrop for lots of outdoor fun and camaraderie. But if folks are careless, those campfires can ignite a damaging wildfire or cause severe injury.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. Improperly doused or misplaced fires are among the leading causes of wildfires. At Nebraska state parks and recreation areas, open fires on the ground are not allowed. Most parks offer fire rings, grates and grills. Contained units such as small portable charcoal or propane grills that do not cause damage to grass or vegetation are permitted.

After youve enjoyed the campfire youve built in a designated area, its important to take care to properly extinguish it. Research shows that more than 80 percent of campfire injuries among children are from day-old campfires. Statistics also show that most campfire burns are caused by embers rather than flames. The forest service recommends a four-step method to be used when extinguishing a campfire: water, dirt, stir and feel.

Pour some water on the fire to extinguish the flames. Then, take a shovel, reach in with the blade to mix and separate the logs and the burning material. Next, without actually touching the material, use the back of your hand near the fire to feel for any heat. If your hand feels warm, add more water. Mix the water and the soil into whatever area is still hot. The campfire needs to look like a watery, soupy mess.

Here are some other ways to stay safe around campfires while still having a great time:

* Follow all rules and regulations for the public lands where you plan to build your campfire. Note any burn bans or fire restrictions that may be in place. Use existing fire rings where available. Do not cut live trees for firewood.

* Prevent the spread of harmful, invasive pests such as the emerald ash borer beetle by acquiring firewood within 50 miles of your destination and burning all of it rather than transporting it to another location.

* Know the weather forecast. A campfire can spread with a gust of wind or even a small breeze.

* Check the surroundings. Sweep away any litter and flammable material within a 10-foot diameter circle to prevent a campfire from spreading. Make sure there are no overhanging limbs and the campfire is away from grass, brush and tents. Find a level spot. Keep away from the base of a hill. Escaped fires travel uphill fast. If you are camping in an areas where fire pits are allowed, hollow out an area about 6 inches deep and 2 feet across at the center of the cleared circle. Pile the dirt around the fire pit.

* Campfires should be less than 3 feet high and 4 feet in diameter.

* When building a campfire, start with dry twigs and small sticks. Do not use lighter fluid. Add larger sticks as the fire builds up. Put the largest pieces of wood on last, pointing them toward the center of the fire, and gradually push them into the flames.

* Only charcoal or untreated wood should be used as fuel. A bed of coals or a small fire surrounded by rocks provides significant heat.

* Keep plenty of water in a bucket nearby and have a shovel handy for throwing sand or dirt on the fire if it gets out of control.

* Hold a match until it is cold to be sure the flame is out.

* Never leave a campfire unattended and do not allow small children or pets near the fire.

* Only allow a responsible adult to tend the campfire.

* Use long sticks or skewers to roast hot dogs and marshmallows.

* Douse a campfire with water to be sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet. If water is unavailable, use sand or dirt. Never bury coals, because they can smolder and spark a fire. Move rocks to make sure there are no burning embers beneath them. Stir the remains, add more water, and stir them again.

* It is important to make sure that all members of your family know to stop, drop and roll if an article of clothing ever catches on fire. Instead of just talking about it to young children, practice the steps together.
Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams

By Patrick Donachie

The FDNY celebrated the opening of a new EMS station for neighborhoods in eastern Queens last Friday, marking the completion of construction that broke ground in December 2013.

EMS Station 50, located at the Queens Hospital Center at 159-10 Gotheals Ave. in Jamaica Hills, is the largest EMS station in Queens and will be home to the Queens EMS Borough Command. The complex spans 13,000 square feet and cost $22 million, according to the FDNY. Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro was on hand to commemorate the grand opening.

With the opening of a new EMS Station 50, we have more than doubled the number of EMS stations citywide in the 20 years since the merger of New York Citys Emergency Medical Services and the FDNY, Nigro said. Today our members respond to more calls than ever before, including 1.7 million responses in the last year alone. To meet this unprecedented demand, we will continue to invest in our EMS resources and position our highly trained paramedics, EMTs and officers where they can quickly and effectively respond when they are needed most.

In addition to space for the borough command, the complex will include blood-borne pathogen decontamination areas and locker facilities for all personnel. The station will run 30 basic and advanced life support ambulance tours daily, and the new station will include six response cars operated by FDNY EMS officers.

The July 22 event involved a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included Nigro, other FDNY administration officials and New York City Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Dr. Feniosky Pena-Mora.
By Mel Gurtov

Richard Nixon had The Plumbers. Donald Trump, it seems, has the Russianseither the FSB (Federal Security Service, formerly the KGB), the GRU (military intelligence), or some pro-Moscow outside group. Nixon had to resort to a physical break-in of Democratic Party headquarters at the Watergate office complex; the Russians simply hacked their way in. Their act of cyberwarfare is another step in an escalation of US-Russia tensions that has lately included assaults and intimidation of US diplomats in Moscow.

To my mind, the cyber-hacking was ordered at the highest level in the Kremlin (as many cyber experts are saying) with the motive of influencing the US elections. The Russians hope not merely to embarrass the DNC and Hillary Clintons campaign by leaking tens of thousands of private emails, but also to elevate the candidacy of their new friend in the Trump Tower. None of these assessments will probably ever be provable, but the coincidence of the hacking and turnover of materials to Wikileaks just days before the Democratic convention was to begin defy a different interpretation. Unfortunately, whereas Nixons attempt to cover up the covert operation failed and he paid dearly for ordering it, Vladimir Putin probably will be able to hide his role forever.

Some may excuse the Russians by arguing either that US administrations, after all, have a history of meddling in other countries elections, even those of allies (e.g., the Australians long ago); or that the hacking is payback for the US-engineered release of the Panama Papers in part to spotlight corruption at the highest levels of the Russian government. The current situation is different: It amounts to information warfare. Unlike the cyberwarfare now apparently going on between China and the US, which is normal intelligence gathering, Russias venture might be considered a serious breach of US national security.

While the full impact of the hacking incident on US-Russia relations may not be apparent for a while, it will be immediate on the presidential race. The Russians have already scored two successescausing the resignation of the DNC national chair and forcing Hillary Clinton to have to deal again with Bernie Sanders, whose accusations during the campaign of DNC bias against him have now been borne out by the released emails. But their third targethelping Trumps candidacyis bound to fail miserably. For one thing, nobody anywhere likes foreigners to meddle in their politics. The result is usually blowback. And in the present case, Donald Trumps open affection for Putin (along with other autocrats), his belief he can work with Moscow (much like George W. Bushs claim he could look into Putins soul and see good), and his discrediting of the NATO alliance will not go down easily with the electorate.

If these were the Cold War years, Trumps friendliness toward Moscow would guarantee his defeat. But now that the Cold War with the Russians is reviving, the Clinton campaign has a golden opportunity to benefit from the connection between Russian hacking and Trumps campaign. We can count on blowback, and Trump may rue the day he befriended Putin.

The views expressed in this article are the author\s own and do not necessarily reflect The Times Of Earth\s editorial policy.
These real PA creatures could become cryptids if we don't save them

environment
Lauren Roberts/Times Record News File Faith Mission is asking the community to help prepare or purchase meals during a remodeling project that will leave it without its kitchen for up to two weeks.

SHARE

By Sarah Johnson

Calling all cooks! The kitchen at Faith Mission is being renovated the first two weeks in August. The staff is asking the community for help to prepare, cater or purchase meals from local restaurants to serve up to 130 people. (Breakfast serves a smaller number than lunch and dinner.) The water will be off during part of the renovation, so water bottles are appreciated as well. Remodeling includes installation of a double convection oven, countertop griddle, range and commercial fryers. Old tile will be removed, and new nonslip pavers will be installed. If enough money is raised, a commercial mixer and meat slicer will be purchased.

Meals will continue to be served at Faith Mission during the kitchen renovation. Volunteers who bring a meal are asked to prepare it outside the building or purchase it already prepared.

"Faith Mission served 75,194 meals in 2015," said Vicky Payne, chief development officer. "Updating the appliances will allow meals to be prepared quicker and to serve five meals a day, 365 days a year. Meals at Faith Mission are open to the public and serve the homeless population, persons living in poverty or low income, and men in the New Beginnings or Faith Enterprises program."

If you need more information or want to donate to the kitchen project, call Faith Mission at 723-5663 or visit faithmissionwf.org.

Hidden treasures

Do you have a painting or piece of pottery that you think is worth something? Bring your hidden treasures to the Antiques Round Up on Aug. 6 at the Wichita Falls Museum of Art, No. 2 Eureka Circle.

Meet with experts from Heritage Auctions in Dallas from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. An appraisal for one item is $25, two items are $40 and three items are $60. Tickets are sold at the door. Categories include Texas/Western, decorative arts, American/European/contemporary art, jewelry, arms/armor and Native American.

Creative camps

Children ages 8 to 12 are invited to the Kell House Museum next month to explore history and architecture. Two weeklong day camps will encourage an interest in our community and our heritage. Hands-on activities will keep kids engaged and having fun.

LEGO Architecture Camp is from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 1-5. Explore the architecture of Wichita Falls and build awesome structures. American Girl 1909 Camp is from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 8-12. Learn about life in the early 1900s. Campers are encouraged to bring their own American Girl doll or other doll.

The cost for each camp is $50. All camp material is included. Space is limited to 20 children per camp. For more information, call 723-2712.

Gun and knife show

The next Wichita Falls Gun & Knife Show will be Aug. 6-7 at the Multi-Purpose Events Center. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 6 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 7. Admission is $5 for adults. Children 13 and younger are admitted free with an adult.

The Northwest Texas Field & Stream Association will be back with its free BB gun shooting gallery.
USA TODAY network archive photo An office building knocked off its foundation by June flooding in West Virginia. More than 1,200 homes and other structures were destroyed.

SHARE Contributed photo Donations are being gathered at Disaster Helping Hands to help those who lost their homes to June flooding in West Virginia. DHH needs donations of clean, usable furniture, working refrigerators, freezers, laundry pairs and microwaves. Volunteers will convoy the donations to Charleston, W.Va.

By Judith McGinnis of the Times Record News

Many times, volunteers from Disaster Helping Hands in Wichita Falls have traveled to take aid to families who have lost the contents of their homes to tornadoes, fire and flood.

Now DHH is organizing a convoy headed to West Virginia. Torrential rain June 23-29 led to massive flooding, landslides and mudslides, and the loss of 23 lives and 1,200 homes.

"We contacted the West Virginia governor's office to determine how we should initiate an offer of DHH assistance," Leon Green, DHH executive director, said. "We asked if they could use our help and they said yes."

Volunteers are still cleaning up destroyed properties in three West Virginia counties. With more than a month to plan and collect donations of nonperishable food, working appliances, usable, clean furniture and other supplies, Green hopes to fill a convoy of five to 12 26-foot U-Haul trucks.

"We know our help won't solve all their problems but it will let them know they are not alone," Green said. "The people of Texoma feel their pain and are offering support and prayers."

Money donated to the effort is needed to cover the cost of truck rental, gas and lodgings for volunteer drivers

Volunteer drivers are only required to have a regular drivers license. The trip to West Virginia is scheduled to depart Sept. 2 and return Sept. 6-7.

"We are in need of volunteer loaders and drivers. We're asking for individuals, groups and churches to help with loading the trucks before we leave," Green said. "Not everyone can take the trip or load a truck. Their financial assistance and material gifts will make a difference for many families."

All gifts and donations are tax deductible. For information or to schedule of pickup of appliances or furniture, contact Green at 940-704-9258. Donations can be mailed to Disaster Helping Hands, P.O. Box 1891, Wichita Falls, Texas 76307.
STURTEVANT  BRP will host the American Boat and Yacht Council Marine Systems Certification Course at its BRP Training Center at 10101 Science Drive.

The course, from Sept. 13-16, will include key information from different ABYC standards as they apply to boat component selection and installation. Students will receive training in the best industry practices for each section, BRP states.

Topics will include: potable water systems, marine sanitation systems, tankage, hull piping, electrical installations, compressed gas for cooking and heating, pump systems, fuel systems, steering and controls, fire protection and boatyard etiquette, and general knowledge discussions. Upon successfully passing the certification exam and documenting requisite experience, an ABYC Systems Certification will be issued.

The BRP Training Center is a state-of-the-art facility featuring an open concept classroom atmosphere. Students will have access to an on-site cafeteria as well as the BRP company store. Dependent upon the production schedule, plant operation tours may be available to students.

We built this facility to train our own staff, as well as to be a dedicated hub for the education for all those in the marine industry, states Jeff Wasil, BRP engineering manager for emissions testing, certification and regulatory development.

Call (410) 990-4460, extension 100 or 101 to register for the course and request the BRP rate. Discount prices will be given if registration is completed by Aug. 15. After that date, the standard ABYC rates will apply. The BRP discount for early registration is $735 per attendee. Standard ABYC rates are $885 for members and $1170 for nonmembers.
SHARE

Norma Crosby, Alvin

Thanks to Congressman

One benefit of being an active or retired military member is the Space Available program. This no-cost program is facilitated by the Department of Defense (DoD), and allows our brave veterans to fly for free on DoD aircraft if space is available. However, due to a technical oversight by Congress, members of the military who were medically discharged prior to September 23, 1996 are not eligible for this program.

Think about that for a moment. That means all those valiant heroes who were discharged due to injury fighting in the first Gulf War, Vietnam, and even World War II, are unable to participate in this program. Thankfully, someone in Congress is working to correct this unfortunate mistake.

Texas's own congressman Mac Thornberry, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, has included a section in the National Defense Authorization Act for 2017 (NDAA) that would correct the existing law in order to allow veterans who were medically discharged before September 23, 1996 to participate in the Space Available program.

On behalf of all disabled veterans, I would like to thank and commend Rep. Thornberry for including this language in the House version of the NDAA. As this bill is debated and moves through the conference committee, I strongly urge him to continue his fight to ensure that this important language remains in the final NDAA, the same way that all of those disabled veterans fought so bravely to defend our rights and freedoms. Texans aren't known to surrender, congressman Thornberry, and now is not the time to start.
SHARE

Hack Alexander CMSgt. Ret. USAF, Iowa Park

The revolution is here

Members of both houses of Congress should be worried next time they run for re-election. The revolution is here, not with violence, but with the American voter. We are tired of the same old song and dance. They do nothing, their only goal is protecting their position. I hope every member of Congress has a non-politician run against them. We need to clean the rats out of Washington (we need term limitations).

I'm so disappointed in Ted Cruz. He pledged on national TV he would support whomever was the Republican candidate, and he failed to honor his pledge. Sen. Graham, Jeb Bush, Gov. Kasich, Mitt Romney, Sen. McCain and the others made the same pledge. I admire both President Bushes. I understand the elder Bush not going to the convention for health reasons. There was no reason for the last President Bush not to attend. They are spoiled children; if they don't get their way, they won't play.

We will never have answers for Benghazi, IRS, secure borders (if you really want to secure our borders adopt English as our national language, I was stationed in Spain for seven years and all documents were in Spanish). We need to fix the budget, rebuild our wonderful Armed Forces, fix the VA problems, Bergdahl, Hillary Clinton lying to Congress.

Both sides blame each other for the rise of Islamic terrorism. If Congress had any backbone they would declare war on Islamic terrorism and send it to the president.

Instead of doing their elected job, they are taking a seven-week recess. I demand that our congress members and senators return to Washington and do their job.

I have a challenge for our local congressman; hold open town hall meetings and answer every question. No time limit. I challenge everyone to call 940-692-1700 and demand town hall meetings, Get out and vote. If you woke up safe this morning thank law enforcement.

John Rhoads, Wichita Falls

Truth hard to find

The editorial recently calling for the release of Donald Trump's tax returns belies the hypocrisy of "journalism' in this era. All of the pertinent records of Obama are "sealed" and yet the media calls for the release of Trump's tax returns.

Here is an offer: a $250 contribution to the Times Charities if Obama's (or any of his aliases) Occidental College records show that his application did not claim foreign student status for the benefit of favorable funding. And if he did claim foreign student status, what does that tell us about Hussein Obama? Sadly the media does not care about truth anymore.
SHARE

David Reed, Burkburnett

Their bias is showing

It seems as though national commentators are showing their true colors now when writing about conservatives. Consider the column by Ann McFeatters (July 25), who thinks Americans reading the Republican Platform will immediately send all their money to Hillary to save them from such radical rascals. How dare we deny bathrooms to anyone who needs them. Who would turn back illegals just because they are illegal? Limit abortions? Why, every pregnant woman in America must be free to get rid of the baggage if she feels bad that day! And to top it off, Republicans want to go back to the '30s and '40s when that outdated and useless Bible was read and used in public school rooms. Heaven forbid! Look at the useless people who turned out! (Ever heard of the "Greatest Generation?" If not, Google it)

I do have an objection to a statement she made about the "proven theory of man-made climate change." She said, "climate change is ridiculed as a fantasy despite near 100 percent agreement by the world's scientists." For her information, in 2006, 60 scientists wrote the Canadian Prime Minister criticizing the "myth" of man-made global warming. In 2007, some 450 scientists from 24 countries objected to claims made by global warming alarmists including and especially, Al Gore. By 2009, that number had risen to more than 700 scientists, many distinguished in climate research. Now, along comes John Kerry's warning that ACs and refrigerators "pose as big a threat to life as the terrorists." Ann, you and genius John would make a great team! Both of you should turn your AC's off, though!

Editor's Note: While in Vienna, Secretary of State John Kerry said that fighting climate change "is of equal importance (to fighting ISIS) because it has the ability to literally save life on the planet itself." He did not mention air conditioners and refrigerators.
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Eight-year-old Lane Duncan stood next to his mom outside of Blue Willow Bookshop, wearing goggles and a flowing crimson cloak.

He looked ready to play the wizard game of quidditch, but in reality, it was 9 a.m. on a Sunday morning, and Lane was waiting for the lastest installment in the Harry Potter series, a much-anticipated play manuscript that follows Harry's youngest child as he deals with his family legacy.

Duncan was among fans around the world Sunday who lined up in droves to receive their reserved copies of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child." The mania had begun at midnight Saturday when the book was released and continued on Sunday at bookstores like Blue Willow .

"The love for Harry Potter never dies," said Cathy Berner, Blue Willow's event coordinator and kid's specialist. "It still resonates ... the stories connected so much with us and you just want to continue the love."

Nearly 150 people of all ages came to the Memorial bookshop to pick up their play copies on Sunday morning, 19 years after the first Harry Potter book was published. The play's written release also comes on Harry Potter and author J.K. Rowling's birthday.

The play's announcement initially came as a shock to many fans, who thought the series was over at the end of . Rowling's seventh book. The play is split into two parts and also premiered Saturday on London's West End. Rowling collaborated with playwright Jack Thorne and theatre director John Tiffany in the creation of the play.

Samantha Richey, 25, a fan from Houston who came to Blue Willow's Sunday to celebrate the release, said she was so excited when she heard of the play that she almost bought a plane ticket to London so she could see the show.

Her mother, Liz Timmer, 52, of the Memorial area,interrupted her immediately. "Excited, that's the word you're going to choose?" she cut in. "Keeping her in her skin was not only impossible, I had to take her credit card away from her."

Former school librarian Jan Moore, 69, of Katy became instant friends with Timmer and Richey at the event, bonding over their love of Harry Potter. Moore said she's seen that enthusiasm in school kids and adults alike.

"I told my pastor that I would not be at church, and when I told him where I was going, he told me, 'Bring me something,'" she said.

Newer Harry Potter readers, like Lane, were present at the event as well as people who read the original series when they first came out. Lane said he loves the stories' fantasy elements.

"I just like it because it's make-believe and it tells a story that you can get into," he said.

Blue Willow Bookshop has held Harry Potter release parties since the second book came out, owner Valerie Koehler said. And as a bookstore owner, she said she's seen the impact of the Harry Potter franchise on young readers in particular.

"It really transformed children's literature in terms of children and families reading long series, it opened up this great world of fantasy," she said. "It really transformed this age group being readers."

Several who came to the book event stood silently with their hard copies in hand, already immersed in the play. Friends Valerie Lomonte and Hannah Morris, both 18, said they're anticipating a great story from Rowling.

"I'm shaking like a Chihuahua," Lomonte said.

Morris agreed immediately. "I read the first page and I couldn't do it in front of people," she said. "I might actually start crying."
GLOVERSVILLE  Two fires hit homes within two hours of each other Sunday morning.

Both fires are under investigation, the Gloversville Fire Department said.
New York

Milton Glaser still loves New York, but these days, he said, it sometimes worries him. Glaser, 87, created one of the most potent designs of the last century: I (Heart) NY, a rallying symbol for New York when the city and state were in crisis in 1977. On a recent afternoon, he puzzled over what design he would create for the New York of 2016.

This city, he said, is in a different crisis, brought on by its own success.

"That's an enormous problem," he said, seated in the canary-colored conference room of his design studio on East 32nd Street, where he has worked since 1965. Childish shrieks from the schoolyard next door rippled through the office. Scattered around the room were some of his recent designs, including bottles of Trump Vodka and a poster proclaiming, "To Vote Is to Exist."

"You can't have this much development, and the consequential eviction of hundreds of thousands of people who will have no place to live," Glaser said. "There's some fundamental misjudgment about the balance between ordinary people and people who make enormous amounts of money. The idea of apartments for $50 million. What? On what basis?"

If he were to design a successor to the I (Heart) NY logo today, he said, "What you would want is more of a sense of fairness in the city, whatever that means."

"I can't be glib about this," he continued, "because the problem is too enormous and difficult to deal with."

New York is, famously, a town of transience, with newcomers arriving constantly, either making their mark or coming a cropper, then leaving for jobs overseas, or back home, or the sun of California. The human tides are as regular as the cycles of boom and bust and boom.

But there are also the lions who didn't leave, who put their imprint on the battered city of the 1970s and remain part of the metropolis that emerged from it. New York is filled with them: Felix Rohatyn and Gloria Steinem, Charles Rangel and Robert Morgenthau, Diane von Furstenberg and Grandmaster Flash, Harry Belafonte and Larry Kramer. When others left, they kept on keeping on.

Milton Glaser's 87-year love affair with New York is a fable of the city itself, beginning in one era of economic and ethnic division, the 1930s in the South Bronx, and arriving now in another one, with different fault lines and promises. Along the way, his I (Heart) NY logo, first drawn on a scrap of paper in the back of a taxi, has declared that love in a nearly universal language, understood in every corner of the planet.

Glaser has never considered leaving New York City.

"I never separated the city from myself," he said. "I think I am the city. I am what the city is. This is my city, my life, my vision."

The "I Love New York" concept was a reaction to this sense of decline. Many have claimed credit for the line. If New York was an unlovable wreck, a city on fire, a state in a slump, that only made it the kind of place a certain kind of New Yorker could boast about loving. The state tourism office launched a $4 million ad campaign, commissioning a jingle writer named Steve Karmen, a Bronx-born child of Russian Jewish immigrants, to make the slogan sing. The logo came later.
Compiled by Sharon Knox

The Journal Times welcomes news about promotions, appointments, professional organization elections, certifications, and professional honors. There is no charge for this service.

Because of space constraints, we reserve the right to edit for length or clarity. The deadline for Names and Faces items is 3 p.m. Thursday of each week. Photos may accompany notices of new hires and promotions. Send your items to Sharon Knox at: sknox@journaltimes.com or by mail: Names and Faces, The Journal Times, 212 Fourth St., Racine, WI 53403.

Business anniversaries

Is your business celebrating an anniversary? The Journal Times publishes short news items of 10th, 25th, 50th and greater multiples of 25 years of Racine County-based companies.

We ask you to provide us with the basic information: when the business started; the founder; its location then and now; the original name if different than todays; and what the business did in the beginning and now.

We will include these in the Names and Faces column or use them as stand-alone news items in our Sunday Money section.

Send your items to Michael Burke at: mburke@journaltimes.com, or to Sharon Knox at: sknox@journaltimes.com, or fax them to 262-631-1780. Please provide a contact name and phone number in case we have questions.
Lockhart, Texas

A hot-air balloon carrying 16 people caught fire and crashed in Central Texas on Saturday, officials said, and the local authorities said no one had survived.

The balloon crashed into a pasture near Lockhart, about 30 miles south of Austin, said Lynn Lunsford, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration. Initial reports from officials said the balloon had plummeted after catching fire in the air, but at least one witness said the craft might have struck high-tension power lines before hitting the ground and bursting into flames. The accident occurred shortly after 7:40 a.m. local time, Lunsford said.

In a brief telephone interview, Lunsford said that officials were on their way to the site and that the National Transportation Safety Board had been notified. The agency will be in charge of the investigation.

The names of the pilots and passengers and their relations to one another were not released. Lunsford said he did not know what had led to the crash or if there had been a distress call.

The Caldwell County sheriff, Daniel Law, said in a statement, "It does not appear at this time that there were any survivors."

Margaret Wylie, 66, who lives a quarter-mile from the crash site, said she saw the balloon explode into a fireball after it struck the ground on a neighbor's property. She said she had been at her back porch when her dog "really started raising the roof."

"When I looked over toward my neighbor's property," Wylie said, "that's about the time I saw flames shooting out sideways and then just a fireball. At 66, that's not something I want to see again."

The crash occurred in a rural area less than an hour from Austin.

The balloon crashed in a large open field scorched from the summer heat. Several big power lines atop towers ran east and west at the field's southern end. A few farmhouses were visible in the distance.

Throngs of journalists had arrived by late morning, but investigators sealed off the perimeter and kept them from the spot where the balloon had descended.

Wylie said that based on what she had heard, she believed "the balloon hit the wires, and it caused the deflation of the balloon, and then it hit the ground."

She initially heard a pop, she said, and then another that sounded like gunfire.

"I figured that was the balloon hitting the power line," she said. "By the time I looked that direction, it was on the ground, and I heard a whooshing sound and an explosion."

Wylie said the balloon was so engulfed in flames that she did not see any passengers. She immediately called 911, she said.

"It was on the ground by the time I saw it," she said. "It didn't burst into flames until the basket hit the ground."

The power lines belong to the Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corp., the Austin American-Statesman reported. A spokeswoman for the utility told the newspaper that two circuits were down after the crash, although no customers were without power.

But neither the utility spokeswoman nor investigators could confirm whether the power lines had been involved in the crash.

Erik Grosof, an official with the NTSB, said the crash had been classified as a major accident because of its "significant loss of life." An investigative team from the safety board was to arrive Saturday, he said, and the FBI had been asked to help look at the evidence, a normal request after major accidents.

Sixteen deaths would rank the accident as one of the worst hot-air balloon crashes in history, surpassed only by a crash in Luxor, Egypt, that killed 19 people in February 2013.

In that crash the balloon was sailing over archaeological sites at dawn when a fire caused an explosion in a gas canister and the balloon plummeted more than 1,000 feet to the ground. Two people survived the crash  the pilot and a passenger who jumped from the basket from about 30 feet. Nineteen tourists died, including the husband of the surviving passenger.

Before Saturday, the worst balloon accident in the United States occurred in August 1993 in Woody Creek, Colo., near Aspen, when a wind gust blew a balloon into a power line complex. The basket was severed and fell more than 100 feet to the ground, killing all six people aboard.
This year's Terryglass Arts Festival, now in its 18th year, will serve up a feast of comedy, poetry and drama over its five days.

The festival kicks off on Wednesday, August 17, with the hugely successful short plays Arsehammers and Bonfire Night by international award winning writer Claire Dowie.

Directed by John Sheehy and starring Cora Fenton, both plays have characters who are perfectly ordinary and yet completely extraordinary and there is a wicked sense of humour underlying everything.

Arsehammers is an endearing tale of a child who is sure that their grandfathers strange disappearances reveal supernatural powers while Bonfire is a darkly comic gem about a devoted daughter, whose mothers hip operation sets off a chain of events that lead her to become the worlds most unlikely assassin.

Drama continues on Thursday night with Noni Stapletons one woman show Charolais, described by the Irish Times as a fast-paced, witty, and intensely emotional tale filled with laughter, loss and despair. Charolais takes the age old story of female jealousy and gives it a new twist: the other woman is a cow, a literal one, a purebred Charolais heifer. A dark comedy of love and longing: rarely in theatre are the challenges of farming life and the joy of sex expressed so frankly or with such charm.

Poetry takes centre stage on Friday evening when Paddy Moran will give a free reading of his poetry in Paddys Parlour. Winner of the Gerald Manley Hopkins Poetry Prize, Paddy has also been a winner at Listowel Writers Week and the 2008 Eist Poetry Competition. A native of Templetuohy, his poem Bulbs was selected as the Irelands favourite poem dealing with farming/ rural life ahead of Kavanaghs To the Man After the Harrow and Heaneys Digging and Follower.

Festival chair Emma Pearce is encouraging people to book early as demand very often exceeds supply.

Tickets for evening events can be booked online on www.terryglassartsfestival.ie from 25th July or by phone on 087 2181663. For more details check out www.terryglassartsfestival.ie
BURLINGTON  Lisa Cannon never thought of being a pilot until her mom, Peggy Cannon, became a flight attendant.

Id never flown until she got that job, Lisa, 32, said, adding that she would fly with her mom and go on trips with her, especially if there was a long layover.

Peggy said she became a flight attendant because she thought it would be a fun job and one that could involve her family.

Back in the day there were always (open) seats in the back of the plane, said Peggy, who works for Republic Airways. I took advantage of the flight benefits.

With four children and her husband, Peggy said she would take each of them, one-by-one, on trips around the country.

I just wanted them to see places and travel, said Peggy, adding that besides the flight, the airline would also pay for a hotel room.

Scary moment

While the job brought many good memories, there were also a few terrifying moments. On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, Peggy was flying out of Boston to Milwaukee.

I knew she was coming out of Boston; I didnt know what time, said Lisa, adding that she grew more anxious when she learned one of the planes that hit the World Trade Center came from Boston. That was a little bit of a panic day for me.

But the plane landed in Milwaukee before anything happened.

While that moment could have scared Lisa away from aviation, it did not.

As students were applying to colleges, Lisa was interested in aviation and went to her mom for help.

I was asking the pilots I flew with whats the best route to go, Peggy said. They told her that the military would be the best and cheapest route.

Late in her senior year at Burlington High School, Lisa applied to the Air Force Academy and was accepted in May. Just a few weeks later in June, Lisa and her mom flew together for basic training.

It was tough, Peggy said. I was worried a lot about her during basic  but shes not a quitter.

Lisa would graduate from the academy in 2006, and officially got her wings in 2008 after training with the Air Force.

Tours in Iraq, Afghanistan

Not long after getting her wings, Lisa would use her skills in Iraq flying C-17 Globemasters she describes as a giant floating warehouse.

She would transport troops and supplies from base to base but Lisa also performed air drops.

Once I started doing that, the danger ramped up, said Lisa, adding that there were times when the plane was low enough and she saw tracer rounds flying past the plane. Luckily the people that were shooting at us werent very good at leading  for us, we had to focus on the drop zone.

Lisa was deployed several times to Iraq and Afghanistan, not more than four months at a time, between 2008 and 2012, but eventually came back stateside to Columbus, Miss., as a pilot instructor.

There she met Liz Poeppelman, who was married to a fellow Air Force airmen with whom shed served. The two of them became friends and thats when Lisa learned that Poeppelman tried to become a pilot with the Air Force but had to leave because of a medical condition.

Lisa would officially separate from the Air Force in 2014 with the rank of captain and is now a pilot for Delta Air Lines and lives in Atlanta.

Cross-country air race

Poeppelman continued her pilot training and Lisa wanted to help her, so they entered the 2016 Air Race Classic.

We wanted to get the word out there that there are lots of girl pilots, Lisa said, adding that only 6 percent of all pilots are women. Girls can do this and girls are good at it.

The Air Race Classic is a female-only race and in 2016 there were 130 participants from 32 states. The race covered more than 2,700 miles in more than 12 states. It was a timed race and participants had four days to complete the race from June 21-24.

Occasionally during the race, participants needed to perform timed fly-bys at small airports without actually landing, but those airports were also being used by regular pilots.

The fly-bys were the most terrifying part of the race, Lisa said, noting that at times they were flying directly toward other planes. It was like playing a game of chicken.

Despite not placing in the top 10, Lisa was thrilled with the experience.

I loved it. I would definitely do it again, Lisa said. I wouldnt do this years race differently at all.

Peggy said shes proud of her daughter and hopes to fly with her at Delta one day.

I know shes passionate about flying  shes an inspiration to other women and girls, Peggy said. I know Im going to (fly with her) one of these days.

We wanted to get the word out there that there are lots of girl pilots.  Lisa Cannon, pilot
[July 31, 2016] Paisabazaar.com Expands its Investment Advisory Portfolio and Launches Mutual Funds Through its Platform

GURGAON, India, July 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- - Builds Omni-Channel Experience for Customers Through Online Platform, Mobile App and Customer Support Services - Receives Positive Response on its Mobile App. Boasts of Customers From Over 180 Cities Within Few Months of Operation

Online financial marketplace, Paisabazaar.com today announced the launch of its mutual funds platform; further expanding its investment portfolio that so far includes Savings Accounts services. This platform has been on beta phase since the past 3 months and is now fully operational, providing access to real time information and impartial advice to consumers as per their requirement. Paisabazaar.com has tied up with most of the leading fund houses to provide the widest of choices for its users. It also plans to further strengthen the investment product portfolio by launching fixed deposits in the coming weeks. This development comes close on the heels of Paisabazaar.com strengthening its portfolio by venturing into car loans and savings product segment earlier this year; and is in sync with their vision of becoming one stop destination for lending and investment products. Through its mutual funds platform, Paisabazaar.com aims to capitalize on individual investors who seek smaller savings of up to 25 Lakhs, and expand the distribution reach into non-metro and tier-3 towns. In fact, in the brief period that the site and mobile app has been live, the company has received tremendous response from customers from over 180 cities. Paisabazaar.com has invested heavily in product and technology in order to ensure seamless customer experience. The platform offers complete paperless process for customers who are already KYC verified. They merely have to register, open their account and start investing - all within a few minutes. For customers who don't have their KYC verified, the platform also offers Aadhar based e-KYC process, a completely online process keeping in mind consumes' convenience. At the moment, the paperless process is live on the company website http://www.paisabazaar.com and would soon be launched on its mobile app.



Apart from paperless process, the company had also set up instant SIPs on its platform. This allows KYC verified customers to start investing instantaneously, without having to wait for processing of bank mandates, which usually takes around 2-3 weeks. The company aims to develop automated suite of financial management solutions for its customers (popularly known as Robo Advisory). This would help consumers gain perspective on their financial wellbeing and recommend fund options on the basis of their financial goals, current assets and liabilities. Paisabazaar.com has integrated MF platform with its mobile app in an attempt to facilitate omni-channel experience for customers. This allows customers to compare funds, choose and invest in mutual funds on the basis of their financial goal and risk appetite; with minimal paperwork. Paisabazaar mobile app is currently available on Android-enabled platform and will be available on iOS platform by the end of this quarter.

Commenting on the announcement, Naveen Kukreja, CEO and Co-founder,Paisabazaar.com said, "Investments are integral to every individual's financial portfolio irrespective of their income and lifestyle; and mutual funds are one of the most effective way to build corpus, given that it offers the flexibility to make lumpsum investment or pay in smaller amount through SIPs. Our platform aims to simplify the process of investing in mutual fund by minimizing paperwork and documentation procedures, thereby promoting mutual funds investment amongst investors." India has one of the highest savings rate in the world, with tier-2 and tier-3 cities reporting significant increase in accumulation of income over a period of time. However, most of these savings are in the form of fixed deposits and insurance. Mutual funds industry is yet to make headway in terms of penetrating this segment, owing to limited awareness about its potential as an investment instrument and weaker distribution network. Paisabazaar.com aims to address this gap by reaching out to this untapped segment through its investment advisory platform. Paisabazaar.com provides access to ease of investing in mutual funds anywhere and at any given point in time. The website offers capability to conclude KYC procedures online post which, customers can transfer funds through the company's payment gateway and start investing as per their convenience and requirement. About PaisaBazaar.com: Paisabazaar.com is India's largest online financial marketplace for investment and lending products. It currently offers all kinds of retail lending products such as personal loans, home loans, loan against property, auto loan, gold loan, education loan and credit cards. It also offers investment products including mutual funds, savings account and fixed deposits (to go live soon) on its platform. Since its inception in early 2014, the company has marked a staggering growth and now has over 8 million visitors coming to its website each year. Paisabazaar.com currently partners with more than 40+ financial institutions across different categories with 90+ products on offer. It receives 2.5 million enquiries and disbursals of Rs.2000 crore in loans on an annualized basis. The portal has been recently conferred with Economic Times 'Best BFSI Brand Award'. Apart from this, Paisabazaar.com has been recognized as an 'Emerging Brand' at the prestigious CMO Asia Awards, as well as by Indian Brand Convention. Paisabazaar is part of Policybazaar group, India's largest online insurance platform and is an InfoEdge (Naukri.com), Premji Invest, Tiger Global Management, Temasek, Steadview Capital, Ribbit Capital and Inventus Capital Investee Company. The portal specializes in making purchase decisions easy by helping consumers with analysis of insurance products based on price, quality and key features. The portal has been conferred with the 'Best Financial Website' award for two years in a row (2013 and 2014) at the prestigious India Digital Awards presented by the Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). Currently, the website boasts of over 45 million visitors every year and records sale of more than 50,000 transactions a month. For further information, please contact:

Sandeepa Santiago

[email protected]

+91-9599423244

Paisabazaar.com



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
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.
RACINE COUNTY  As Paul Nehlen tries to gain traction in his longshot battle against House Speaker Paul Ryan, he brings two issues consistently to the forefront: trade and immigration.

On trade, Nehlen accuses Ryan of pushing a trade deal Nehlen claims will destroy U.S. sovereignty forever; Ryan is withholding support for the deal and says he wants a level playing field for U.S. workers.

With immigration, Nehlen opposes any change to the current system, while Ryan says doing nothing is not an option.

The two square off in an Aug. 9 primary that has drawn interest nationally.

The winner faces either Tom Breu or Ryan Solen, who are competing in the Democratic primary, in the Nov. 8 general election.

The Wisconsin 1st Congressional District encompasses all of Racine and Kenosha counties, almost all of Walworth County and portions of Rock, Waukesha and Milwaukee counties.

On trade

Nehlen says the U.S. should never do trade deals with more than one country because it dilutes the countrys power over the agreement. The Trans-Pacific Partnership, the proposed deal at the heart of Nehlens anti-trade crusade, involves 12 Pacific Rim countries.

We should only have bilateral trade agreements  one on one, nation on nation, said Nehlen, who calls the TPP a job killer.

Ryan has long been a proponent of free trade and helped push through trade promotion authority, under which the TPP would get an up-or-down vote in Congress, with no amendments possible.

In a statement to The Journal Times, Ryan said he is withholding support for TPP because I think (President) Barack Obama did a poor job negotiating it.

Wisconsin grows and makes things, we need access to markets both domestically and abroad to sell our products, Ryan said.

Immigration

On immigration, at least one major difference stands out. Ryan condemned Republican nominee Donald Trumps call to ban Muslims, saying in December it is not who we are as a country.

Nehlen says Trump doesnt go far enough.

I would make it even broader, and heres why: Shouldnt we know who we are letting into our country? said Nehlen, adding that Ryan hasnt done enough to secure the border. If the CIA and the FBI are saying we cant vet these people, then we absolutely shouldnt let them in the country.

Securing the border is the first step to any immigration reform proposal, Ryan says.

We do need a comprehensive strategy to determine what technologies and methods  whether that be a wall, a fence, increased security personnel, cameras, sensors, drones  that will best get the job done, Ryan said. Most importantly, we need an Administration that will commit to working with Congress to effectively secure the border.

Ryan keeps local backing

Nehlens campaign has drawn national attention, and touts support from the likes of conservative commentators Sarah Palin and Ann Coulter.

But does it translate to support in the district  people who will actually vote in the primary?

Many in the Racine County Republican Party, from activist volunteers to Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, back Ryan, who was first elected in 1998. He has endorsements from the Racine TEA Party, all 16 Republican state lawmakers who represent portions of the district and all four GOP sheriffs, including Racine Countys Christopher Schmaling, in the district.

My goal has always been to provide principled representation and flawless constituent service to my employers in southern Wisconsin, Ryan said. I work for Wisconsinites and I will always be their advocate  fighting for limited government, defending our Constitution and advancing solutions to the challenges our nation faces.

Nehlen admits to running a national campaign but insists hes also running a local one, knocking on thousands of doors a week. Among Nehlen backers, the name Eric Cantor  the former House majority leader unseated in a 2014 Republican primary that shocked much of the political world  frequently surfaces.

Were working from before sun-up to after sundown, Nehlen said. We believe were on the righteous side of this. Were doing this for America, were doing this for Wisconsin.
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MOUNT PLEASANT  After publicly bashing village leadership and alleging she was wrongly fired, internal documents reveal a former salaried Village of Mount Pleasant employee improperly collected more than $1,700 worth of overtime pay.

The documents tell a different story than what Jillian Schumacher said in a June 13 public forum, when she accused then-Village Administrator Kurt Wahlen of firing her for being a whistleblower and alleged a variety of questionable practices.

Schumacher is a former payroll coordinator, employed from April 2015 to the end of May 2016. Because the position is salaried, she is not eligible to receive overtime, according to the villages personnel manual.

But documents released to The Journal Times under the states open records law show Schumacher submitted time cards and counted herself as an hourly employee since early 2016, reporting 57 total overtime hours.

Village officials, including Wahlen, approved her time cards, even though it ran contrary to policy. Wahlen appeared to realize the mistake in a May 20 email when he questioned Schumacher about a lack of any time cards for 2015.

Let me get a clear understanding here. You did not complete any time cards for 2015? he wrote.

Schumacher responded with a question.

Why all of a sudden am I under complete scrutiny and being treated like this? I have heard your conversations about how youd like to be able to terminate me and much more, and it appears as though you are suddenly on the attack to look for a reason, she wrote May 20.

Schumacher was let go shortly thereafter. An exact date isnt clear, but Schumacher has said she was fired at the end of May.

Schumacher declined to comment to The Journal Times. In the June 13 public forum, she said she had every reason to believe I was a competent and valued employee.

She had come to believe I was fired for pointing out payroll inconsistencies, preferential treatment and benefits for certain employees and an incoherent application of rules and procedures which should be uniform and fair, she told the Village Board during a public comment period in the boards regular meeting.

Her statements drew gasps from audience members and prompted a Journal Times story June 15. Village President Jerry Garski said after the meeting he was unaware of the issues Schumacher raised and promised the village would look into it.

Wahlen has denied the allegations, which came at the same time his contract and job status were under scrutiny. The Village Board effectively fired Wahlen on July 11 after approving a separation agreement in special meeting.

Wahlen also declined to comment for this story.

Performance, absences also issues

The documents released are somewhat limited in scope. Specifically, the village did not release any of Schumachers performance reviews, citing a state statute barring the release of documents for staff management planning.

In addition to Schumachers having collecting overtime, emails indicate problems with performance. Multiple village staffers voiced frustration about problems not being addressed, like issues with payroll, a firefighter not receiving his raise and vacation time not added.

Wahlen also took issue with Schumacher having what Wahlen regarded as a high number of absences from work, saying they werent always clearly communicated, and writing in an undated email that: Although everyone needs to meet an appointment that conflicts with work once in a while, this is a consistent pattern for you and you are behind in your work.

Garski declined comment on the documents, saying its a personnel matter.

Its a personnel issue so I cant comment on anything like that, Garski said. Your open records request that you got answered your questions.

Trustee Dave DeGroot, though, said he believes Schumachers appearance before the board was part of a concerted effort to oust Wahlen and said Wahlen was right for firing Schumacher.

I would say they were attempting to justify getting rid of Kurt, DeGroot said.
Greece's Corruption Prosecutor Eleni Raikou on Tuesday ordered the prosecution of 11 individuals for criminal breach of faith in connection with a contract for the refurbishment of six S-type Navy frigates

Greece's Corruption Prosecutor Eleni Raikou on Tuesday ordered the prosecution of 11 individuals for criminal breach of faith in connection with a contract for the refurbishment of six S-type Navy frigates. She also ordered that a copy of the case file be sent to Parliament in order that it consider the possible involvement and liability of former defence minister Yiannos Papantoniou.

The prosecutor said charges should be brought against the defence ministrys former general secretary for financial planning and defence investments, Spyridonas Travlos, and another 10 members of the negotiating committee for estimated damages to the state exceeding 30 million euros.

The contract was signed by Hellenic Shipyards in Skaramangas, with the company Thales Nederland B.V. as subcontractor, and the defence ministry in 2003.

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
Greece's foreign ministry issued an announcement welcoming the EUs adoption of a package of measures for Jordan (Jordan Compact). The measures, among other things, provide 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 announcement said.

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 $10-billion credit line which Japan intends to allocate to various sectors of the Iranian economy will be put into effect sooner; Iran's deputy oil minister for commerce and international affairs was quoted as saying by Iran Daily.



Japan as a 'good partner' for Iran, added Amir-Hossein Zamaninia, saying the Asian country planned "an active presence in Iran's petroleum industry" after the lifting of the sanctions.



"The Japanese intend to invest in various oil industry sectors including petrochemicals and LNG," he was quoted as telling Irna.



Petroleum and other energy sectors are viewed as a key target of Japanese investment, with the debt guarantee permitting its companies to invest without significant risk, the report said.



"Tokyo currently has limits on the use of crude oil, so they are not looking to increase crude oil imports, rather they have been demanding increasing the purchase of gas condensate," Zamaninia said.
Kuwait plans to invest KD4.75 billion ($15.75 billion) in its 2017-2018 development plan, in which KD1.59 billion will be borne by the state budget, the secretary general of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development said on Sunday.



Khaled Mahdi told a news conference in Kuwait that the rest of the funds would come from the public sector, including the Opec member's energy industry, and from private investors.



Mahdi also said that financing of the current five-year development plan was being shared by both the public and private sectors.



He said that the general government sector was providing 49.3 per cent, oil sector was contributing 33.8 per cent while the private sector was contributing 16.9 per cent.  Reuters
Diyar Al Muharraq, one of the leading urban developers in Bahrain, welcomed Bahrain's Housing Minister Basim Al Hamer and an accompanying delegation during a visit to the Deerat Al Oyoun project preview event held recently.



The Deerat Al Oyoun community will comprise 3,100 homes built on a land area of 1.2 million sq m on the north-west side of Diyar Al Muharraq. The project will benefit from the Ministry of Housings Mazaya scheme and will be made available to Bahraini nationals, in line with the governments efforts to meet the kingdoms housing needs through the provision of sustainable residential developments.



The visiting delegation was received at the sales office by Yousif Al Thawadi, chief operating officer, and Paul Gill, chief development officer, at Diyar Al Muharraq. They briefed the officials on Diyar Al Muharraqs efforts in promoting the project to the public as well as the sales processes put in place for the eventual selling of the units.



Al Hamer voiced his satisfaction with the projects advancement and expressed his appreciation for Diyar Al Muharraqs significant contribution to this ambitious development.



We are pleased with the headway achieved so far on Deerat Al Oyoun and we are confident we will be meeting the construction targets as planned. Our collaboration with Diyar Al Muharraq is key to achieving our vision of providing a faster turnaround of housing solutions for the benefit of the Bahraini citizens. Similarly, this partnership reiterates the importance a strategic private-public partnership can have on the countrys progress and development, he said.



Deerat Al Oyoun is considered an ideal residential community with integrated community service centres and green park spaces, and enjoys a strategic position due to its proximity to schools, shopping malls, public beaches, recreational facilities, mosques, medical facilities, and a modern transportation network. The anticipated date for the projects completion is end of 2018.



Dr Maher Al Shaer, chief executive officer of Diyar Al Muharraq, said: On behalf of Diyar Al Muharraq, we are pleased to have welcomed the official delegation to the project preview where we were given the opportunity to showcase the great progress achieved to-date. Diyar is proud to be actively involved in a project of such scope and national impact."



Diyar Al Muharraq is a unique masterplanned city offering a range of housing options and quality lifestyle. It offers a cohesive mix of residential and commercial properties with a strong line-up of projects aimed at creating a long-term and sophisticated township. - TradeArabia News Service


The UAE has been ranked eighth globally, moving up by four ranks in its position in the e-smart services index of the E-Government Development Index (EGDI) issued by the United Nations Department of Economics and Social Affairs (UNDESA).



The EGDI is an important component in the overall index used to determine growth in e-government development.



The current ranking consolidates the UAE's regional leadership in the e-services index--ranking first place in the Gulf, the Arab World and the West Asian region. The UAE is also ranked third in Asia and eighth globally with the Republic of Estonia. For the e-participation index, the UAE and Bahrain are ranked number one in the Arab World and are also tied at the 32nd place globally.



The report shows that the UAE is listed among the world's leading countries in terms of the level of progress in e-governance. The UAE is also among the world's leading countries in terms of e-participation.



The report indicates that the UAE has achieved full marks in the second level of the services provided by the government. The overall index is composed of three indexes; e-services, human capital, and communications infrastructure. The UAE ranked 29th globally, jumping up three positions from 2014, ranking 32nd. The report has listed the UAE and Bahrain as among the global leaders in e-government development index, where the UK came first, followed by Australia and South Korea.



Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, director general, TRA, said: We are coming close to our goal is to be number one in the world. We are aware that when we get closer to the summit, the competition becomes fiercer and accordingly, we promise our wise leadership to exert more efforts in order to continue working tirelessly and not lose direction in our quest no matter how intense the challenges will be. Today, we are ranked 8th place and we look forward to being ranked first place in 2021this is not an option but a commitment for us to achieve and live up to.



On this occasion, I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to all government entities for their efforts. The bright image of the UAE across the whole world can be attributed to the collective efforts of various parties and not just that of an individual or a small team. This achievement shows that we can obtain positive results through perseverance, cooperation and hard work. We, the people of the UAE, have a track record in creating achievements that are still reverberating in the world. Our journey to get the first place in the Smart services index is only one of the tests that seek to demonstrate how worthy we are of belonging to the UAE and its wise leadership, Mansoori added.



The report throws the spotlight on the development of e-government across 193 countries from all over the world, through the measurement of EGDI, which is a composite index. The results are based on calculations of the average of the three sub-indices--online service (OSI), telecommunication infrastructure index (TII) and human capital index (HCI).



The evaluation of the United Nations for e-government 2016 focuses on the ability of countries to employ the programs of the e-government to serve the 17th development goals, including good education, good health and well-being, gender equality, clean energy, decent work and growth of the economy, industry and innovation and main infrastructures, cities and sustainable communities, climate among others.



The UN e-government 2016 evaluation measures how well ICT is used to reform and develop the public sector in the states, by enhancing efficiency, effectiveness, transparency, accountability and accessibility to public services. It also measures the participation of the populations in each member country of the UN, in all developmental levels.



The UAE government placed the e-smart services as one its main indicators within its national agenda. This indicator measures the development of e-government smart services in terms of availability, quality, and number of channels. It also measures how much these services are being used by the general public, as a contribution to the overall happiness and lifestyle of its users.



The smart e-services indicator is made up of four levels. The first level includes developing information services, which entails providing all e-government information on the internet in basic and limited picture.



The second level, enhanced information services, the government provides general policy and more present and saved information, such as policies, laws, listings, reports, news, and up-loadable databases. The third phase which looks into transactional services is a two-way interaction between citizens and the government or vice versa.



The fourth phase is the connected services, the most advanced e-government initiative on the internet. The UAE improved in all four levels, as it retained 100 per cent on developing information services, 100 per cent on enhanced information services, compared to 77 per cent in 2014, and 87 per cent in level of transactional services compared to 67 per cent in 2014. In addition, the UAE achieved 66 per cent in connected services as compared to 71 per cent in 2014.





It is noted that the GCC countries in general, have made higher rates than the overall average, which shows the interest of all Gulf governments to provide their services online, in order to make customers happy and achieve prosperity.



According to the report, the UK held the first position globally when it came to smart e-services, followed by Australia, Singapore, Canada and North Korea.



The e-participation index shows that the UAE and the Kingdom of Bahrain tied in the top spot in the Arab world and also tied at 32nd place globally. The e-participation index is a complementary index of the UNs survey on the e-government.



The index expands the scope of the survey by focusing on the participation of citizens in making public decisions by facilitating the provision of information from governments to citizens, interacting with the beneficiaries, and the cooperation in the electronic decision-making processes.



The report revealed that the UAE advanced 18 places when it came to ICT wired and wireless infrastructure (TII) to hold 25th position worldwide. The index is an average of five sub-indexes. The sub-indexes refer to the number of internet users, number of DSL WIFI Fixed users, number of WIFI wireless users, and the number of fixed line subscribers as well as number of mobile subscribers.



The value of the ICT wireless and wired infrastructure index is a result of the average of all these five sub-indexes and the final country result is tallied in comparison with the value of the most advanced country and the most under-developed country.



As for Human Capital Index, the UAE advanced 10 positions in comparison with 2014 report, the UAE now holds 107th position worldwide. This index is a combination of four sub-indexes. The four sub-indexes are the number of expected school years, average HCI human capital schooling, and percentage of registered students, in addition to percentage of adults who can read and write in the country.



The combined value of HCI for the country is an average of all four sub-indexes with special emphasis on each sub index, and the final result is achieved by comparing the country result with countries with the highest value and countries with lowest value.



The UNDESA periodical index provides a periodical report that sheds light on the status of e-government development for 193 member states. The report is a global reference for e-government sector and is gaining more importance because it is issued by the UN directly. It has continued to be published since its first report in 2003 and is now published every two years since 2008.  TradeArabia News Service
Bahrain's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has held discussions with related government and private entities on the launch of the English (.bh) and the Arabic (.) domain name project.



The meetings, organised at the invitation of the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, aimed at developing the regulatory and operational framework for the registration of Bahrains domain name.



TRA director of technical and operations, Engineer Mohammed Alnoaimi, said: Developing the framework to enable Bahrains domain name to be registered in Arabic and English for consumer use will add value to the nations ICT development. Adopting simplified, safe services for the registration of domain names will support the digital, knowledge-based economy in Bahrain, particularly the e-commerce sector."



Alnoaimi concluded: All members involved are keen to leverage aspects that suit the Kingdoms ICT sector according to international best practices. Our aim is positioning Bahrain as regional ICT hub in accordance with the objectives of the fourth National Telecoms Plan. - TradeArabia News Service


With an already wild and unpredictable 2016 presidential election now in its final 100 days, the role Wisconsin will play in the campaigns of two unpopular nominees is starting to take shape  though the political landscape remains volatile.

There are some signs both campaigns are looking to make a play for Wisconsins 10 electoral votes, which Democrats have won by varying margins for the past seven presidential cycles since 1984. A candidate must secure 270 electoral votes to win the election.

Republican nominee Donald Trump announced Saturday he would hold a rally in Green Bay on Friday. He sent his running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, to Waukesha last week for his first post-nomination speech. The quickly organized event drew 400 attendees in the states GOP stronghold, a figure that conservatives opposing Trump highlighted as a possible sign that enthusiasm for Trumps candidacy among Wisconsin Republicans remains mild.

Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in her nomination speech Thursday mentioned Wisconsin among states where Trump should be manufacturing his line of products, instead of overseas. Clinton, who lost primary campaigns in Wisconsin in 2008 and this year, previously scheduled her first rally with President Barack Obama in Green Bay, but it was canceled in the wake of the Orlando nightclub massacre and has yet to be rescheduled.

Several state and national political observers say they dont expect Wisconsin to factor into the campaigns as prominently as in years past or as much as some of the other traditional battleground states such as Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Still, they say the Badger State will likely continue to draw heavy advertising and several candidate visits as what one expert called a skirmish state.

I would think that if Trump (were to win) Wisconsin he would be well on his way to winning a national victory, but it would seem like other states are more in the firing line this year, said Kyle Kondik, managing editor of Sabatos Crystal Ball at the University of Virginias Center for Politics.

Kondik said he expects Trump to focus primarily on expanding on the electoral map 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney won by turning out white middle class voters in rust belt states such as Ohio and Pennsylvania. If that strategy catches fire, he might be able to expand to even whiter states such as Wisconsin.

If Wisconsin becomes a two- to three-point race or a tie, that might indicate that Trump is really moving the white votes and doing better among that group than Romney did, Kondik said.

Madison-based Democratic strategist Paul Maslin noted that while Clinton has a campaign team in place in Wisconsin, the state was not one of the eight where she began advertising in June. Her state spokeswoman said the campaign has been organizing for months in Wisconsin.

Trump, meanwhile, has hired even fewer staff here and hasnt begun advertising anywhere, so it remains to be seen how Wisconsin will play into his broader strategy. His state campaign director Pete Meachum, former U.S. Rep. Sean Duffys chief of staff, did not respond to a request for comment.

Voting Democratic in presidential elections

Republicans have taken over all branches of state government since 2010, though even in 2012 when Gov. Scott Walker won a historic recall election and Janesville native Paul Ryan was the GOP vice presidential nominee, Obama easily won the state and liberal Democrat Tammy Baldwin was elected to the U.S. Senate.

In the past four presidential elections, Wisconsins role as a battleground state has gradually diminished, Maslin said. Democrats won the state by very narrow margins  less than half a percentage point  in 2000 and 2004, and in 2008 the state initially drew a lot of attention that tapered off toward the end. Obama won that year by almost 14 points and in 2012 by almost seven points.

Clintons lead over Trump in the state diminished from double-digits a year ago, when Trump was leading in national polls but still considered a long-shot for the nomination, to as close as four points in the latest Marquette Law School Poll in mid-July before the conventions.

Its not a safe state. Nobody views it that way, Maslin said. But its clearly not right in the crosshairs either.

Trump came away from the Republican National Convention in Cleveland with a bump in the national polls that some poll watchers said drew the race into a dead heat. Clinton was also widely expected to receive a bump in the polls after accepting her partys nomination in Philadelphia last week.

What effect the conventions had in Wisconsin will become more clear as the Marquette poll releases its next round of results in a week-and-a-half.

Poll director Charles Franklin said in a typical election cycle the post-convention polls would show partisan voters closing ranks behind their respective candidates. As of the last Marquette poll, 95 percent of Wisconsin Democrats were already supporting Clinton while only 80 percent of Republicans were supporting Trump.

Both candidates also have had historically high unfavorable ratings compared with other presidential nominees. The last Marquette poll before the conventions found 63 percent of registered voters held an unfavorable view of Trump and 58 percent held an unfavorable view of Clinton.

Franklin said whether those numbers drop in the post-convention polls comes down to the dissidents on both sides  the supporters of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders among Democrats and the conservatives who have refused to back Trump.

Franklin said the Democrats may have been more effective in courting skeptical voters to their side with a steady stream of big name, highly respected, highly visible speakers, including Sanders himself calling for party unity.

The Republicans, meanwhile, had less star power and observed Trumps archrival Texas Sen. Ted Cruz withhold his endorsement in a speech that received boos.

If the poll finds the race continuing to tighten, that could draw more resources to Wisconsin from the Trump campaign.

If it tightened to 2-3 points, well be more of a battleground, Franklin said. If it widens, then Trump has a wide variety of problems.

Voters paying attention

In traveling around the state this election cycle, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said he has noticed people paying closer attention to the presidential election than in past years, but also expressing dissatisfaction with both candidates.

Vos said Clinton is struggling to win support because theres a level of economic anxiety out there with folks who just feel things arent working for them. But he acknowledged Trump has some of his own issues and in order to win will have to present himself as more diplomatic and presidential.

Thats why I think the race is tied in most places around the country, Vos said. I assume once we get to the debates, that will push the final people who are a little more undecided.

UW-La Crosse political science professor Joe Heim disagreed with other political observers, predicting Wisconsin will be a hard-fought state, especially because there is also a competitive U.S. Senate race rematch between incumbent GOP Sen. Ron Johnson of Oshkosh and former Sen Russ Feingold of Middleton.

The combination of (the Clinton-Trump) race being relatively close and the Feingold-Johnson race being close, youre going to see a lot of campaigning in the state, Heim said. Even if Trump were behind four or five points, given the demographics he appeals to, Wisconsin should be in the crosshairs.

Ken Mayer, a UW-Madison political science professor who studies presidential politics, said this election had defied all expectations so its difficult to make predictions. Typically polls after the second convention set the tone of the race, and the numbers remain stable. However, he noted, a year ago nobody predicted Trump would be the Republican nominee.

By the end of next week there will be enough polling data to give a sense of what the race looks like, Mayer said, referring to national polls. We can forecast this according to the traditional rules, but those traditional rules seem a little bit unstable right now.
Telecom Egypt (TE), the state-owned landline monopoly, said on Sunday its board had tentatively approved plans to buy a fourth-generation mobile licence and a company official said it would offer the services within a year of obtaining frequencies.



Egypt is selling four 4G licences as part of a long-awaited plan to reform the telecoms sector.

The reforms will potentially allow Telecom Egypt, which owns a 45 per cent stake in Vodafone Egypt, to enter the mobile phone market directly. They could also allow Egypt's three mobile operators to offer fixed-line services, ending TE's dominance.



TE said in a statement on the stock exchange website that its board of directors had given its preliminary approval on July 28 and a full study of the 4G licence plan would now be presented to the investment committee.



"Telecom Egypt will provide the service within a year of obtaining the licence due to its need for experts to run mobile services, prepare networks and work on agreements," a TE official, who declined to be named, told Reuters.



Egypt's telecom regulator has directly offered 4G licences to the three companies currently offering mobile services - Orange Egypt, Vodafone Egypt, and Etisalat - as well as to TE. Only Orange Egypt has disclosed the price it has been offered to obtain the licence - about $400 million.



Banking sources told Reuters earlier this month that Telecom Egypt was in talks with banks to secure a loan worth EGP5 billion ($563.07 million) to acquire a 4G licence.



The operators have until the first week of August to submit responses.



The government hopes to collect a total of EGP22.3 billion ($2.5 billion) from licence fees, Communications and Information Technology minister Yasser al-Kadi said last month.



The company's shares were traded on the Egyptian Stock Exchange at EGP9.25 ($1), up by 1.3 per cent. - Reuters
Turkey will shut down its military academies and put the armed forces under the command of the defence minister, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday in a move designed to bring the military under tighter government control after a failed coup.



The changes, some of which Erdogan said would likely be announced in the government's official gazette by Sunday, come after more than 1,700 military personnel were dishonourably discharged this week for their role in the abortive July 15-16 putsch.



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.



Turkey accuses U.S.-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen of orchestrating the putsch, in which a faction of the military commandeered tanks, helicopters and fighter jets and attempted to topple the government. Erdogan has said 237 people were killed and more than 2,100 wounded.



Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States for years, denies the charge and has condemned the coup. So far, more than 60,000 people in the military, judiciary, civil service and schools have been either detained, removed or suspended over suspected links with Gulen.



Turkey's Western allies condemned the attempted putsch, but have been rattled by the scale of the resulting crackdown.



"Our armed forces will be much stronger with the latest decree we are preparing. Our force commanders will report to the defence minister," Erdogan said in an interview on Saturday with A Haber, a private broadcaster.



"Military schools will be shut down... We will establish a national defence university."



He also said he wanted the national intelligence agency and the chief of general staff, the most senior military officer, to report directly to the presidency, moves that would require a constitutional change and therefore the backing of opposition parties.



Both the general staff and the intelligence agency now report to the prime minister's office. Putting them under the president's overall direction would be in line with Erdogan's push for a new constitution centred on a strong executive presidency.



Erdogan also said that a total of 10,137 people have been formally arrested following the coup.



MILITARY STRETCHED



The shake-up comes as Turkey's military - long seen as the guardians of the secular republic - is already stretched by violence in the mainly Kurdish southeast, and Islamic State attacks on its border with Syria.



The army killed 35 Kurdish militants after they attempted to storm a base in the southeastern Hakkari province early on Saturday, military officials said.



Erdogan said he planned to thin the numbers of the gendarmerie security forces widely used in the fight against Kurdish militants in the southeast, although he said they would become more effective with better weaponry and he promised to continue the fight against Kurdish insurgents.



Separately, the head of the pro-Kurdish opposition told Reuters that the government's chance to revive a wrecked peace process with Kurdish rebels has been missed as Erdogan taps nationalist sentiment to consolidate support.



State-run Anadolu Agency reported that 758 soldiers were released on the recommendation of prosecutors after giving testimony, and the move was agreed by a judge.



Another 231 soldiers remain in custody, it said.



'SHAMEFUL'



Erdogan, meanwhile, has said it was "shameful" that Western countries showed more interest in the fate of the plotters than in standing with a fellow NATO member and has upbraided Western leaders for not visiting after the putsch. U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford, a top military official, is due to visit Turkey on Sunday.



In an unexpected move, Erdogan said late on Friday that as a one-off gesture, he would drop all lawsuits filed against people for insulting him. He said the decision was triggered by feelings of "unity" against the coup attempt.



It could also be aimed at silencing his Western critics. Prosecutors have opened more than 1,800 cases against people for insulting Erdogan since he became president in 2014, the justice minister said earlier this year. Those targeted include journalists, cartoonists and even children.



It was not immediately clear whether Erdogan would also drop his legal action against German comedian Jan Boehmermann, who earlier this year recited a poem on television suggesting Erdogan engaged in bestiality and watched child pornography, prompting the president to file a complaint with German prosecutors that he had been insulted.



European leaders worry that their differences with Erdogan could prompt him to retaliate and put an end to a historic deal, agreed in March, to stem the wave of migrants to Europe.



"The success of the pact so far is fragile. President Erdogan has several times hinted he wants to terminate the agreement," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told Austria's Kurier newspaper in an interview, when asked if the pact could fall apart.



Erdogan criticised the European Council and the European Union, which Turkey aspires to be a part of, for failing to visit to offer condolences, saying their criticism was "shameful".



Erdogan has called on Washington to extradite Gulen. Turkish officials have suggested the United States could extradite him based on strong suspicion, while President Barack Obama last week insisted Turkey must first present evidence of Gulen's alleged complicity.



COURT REPORTERS



On Saturday, 56 employees of Turkey's constitutional court were suspended from their jobs as part of the investigation into the alleged coup, private broadcaster Haberturk TV reported.



Among those, more than 20 court reporters were detained, it reported.



The number of public sector workers removed from their posts since the coup attempt is now more than 66,000, including some 43,000 people in education, Anadolu reported on Friday.



Interior Minister Efkan Ala said more than 18,000 people had been detained over the failed coup, and that 50,000 passports had been cancelled. The labour ministry said it was investigating 1,300 staff over their possible involvement.



Erdogan has said that Gulen harnessed his extensive network of schools, charities and businesses, built up in Turkey and abroad over decades, to create a "parallel state" that aimed to take over the country.



The government is now going after Gulen's network of schools and other institutions abroad. Since the coup, Somalia has shut two schools and a hospital believed to have links to Gulen, and other governments have received similar requests from Ankara, although not all have been willing to comply.  Reuters
Many Islamic State leaders have fled Mosul with their families towards Syria ahead of a planned offensive by U.S.-backed Iraqi forces on the city, Iraq's defence minister said on Saturday.



Khaled al-Obeidi said he had intelligence of increasing conflict, especially over financial issues, among ultra-hardline militants of the group known as Daesh in Arabic by its enemies.



"Many Daesh families and leaders in Mosul have sold their property and sneaked out towards Syria, and a segment even tried to sneak out towards (Iraq's Kurdish) region", he said in an interview on state television.



Islamic State has lost at least half the territory it seized in Iraq in 2014. The group has also lost territory in Syria, where it emerged amid a civil war which is now in its sixth year, but U.S.-backed rebel forces there have had less success in beating it back.



Fighters in Mosul, the group's de facto capital in Iraq and the largest city under its control anywhere across its self-proclaimed caliphate, are thought to number in the thousands but probably under 10,000.



Iraq is expected to mobilise up to 30,000 forces to retake the city in coordination with U.S.-led coalition air support.



The campaign has gained momentum in recent weeks after government forces restored Falluja and retook a key air base south of Mosul, though some officials still question whether the military will be ready and what will happen in Mosul after Islamic State is removed.



Obeidi said the biggest challenge will be protecting civilians, who he said number around 2 million.



"We expect when operations begin in the city proper there will be large displacement. The smallest number we are expecting is about half a million people," Obeidi said.



The International Committee for the Red Cross says up to 1 million people could be driven from their homes in Mosul, and the United Nations estimates the number could be even higher.



Ten million Iraqis already require assistance, including more than 3 million who have been internally displaced - about one-tenth of the population.  Reuters
Daimler AG said on Friday it would build a new factory in Hungary to make Mercedes-Benz cars, giving a major boost to the local economy and raising the competitive pressure on the luxury automaker's established plants in Germany.



Daimler will spend 1 billion ($1.12 billion) by 2020 to expand its site at Kecskemet, central Hungary, where it will add 2,500 jobs, it said in a statement.



The new factory will be the first plant capable of producing both compact cars and larger limousines, Mercedes-Benz said, adding flexibility to the carmaker's production network, which has depended mainly on Germany and China to produce limousines.



Mercedes-Benz is running its factories at full capacity and struggling to expand its existing production sites in Germany after a strategy shift to give cars a more upmarket appeal gained traction with customers.



Hungary, which relies on the auto industry for a third of its industrial output, is likely to see a 3 per cent export boost and a 0.4 per cent increase in economic output once the factory is at full capacity, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said.



Szijjarto told a press conference the new plant would almost double the capacity of the current site to 330,000 vehicles compared with the 180,000 manufactured last year. Mercedes-Benz made 1.87 million cars in 2015.



Szijjarto put Daimler's decision to expand in Hungary partly down to the country's economic policy, adding the government had also offered incentives worth 12.9 billion forints (34.9 million).



Other carmakers in Hungary include Mercedes-Benz rival Audi (NSUG.DE), which has invested more than 8 billion ($8.94 billion) since 1993, Japan's Suzuki and General Motors.



So far, Mercedes-Benz has had production lines making either rear-wheel drive models such as the E-Class or C-Class or front-wheel drive models, like the A-Class, B-Class or CLA. Kecskemet has only built smaller vehicles.



A Mercedes-Benz spokesman said it was too early to say which rear-wheel drive models would be built at the new factory.



German labour unions have sought guarantees to retain production of higher-margin models in their home plants.



"The Mercedes-Benz product portfolio currently consists of 32 models," Daimler said. "In the near future, the company will offer 40 models... (and) gradually electrify all Mercedes-Benz passenger car model series."



The company will be able to produce alternative power train systems in Hungary, it added. - Reuters


Indian diversified group Sahara has diregarded a $1.3 billion UK-Saudi bid received for its three hotels in London and New York as 'baseless', stating that it values the assets lower than the market price, said a report.



The Subrata Roy-led group, which owns Grosvenor House Hotel in London along with Plaza and Dream Downtown hotels in New York, had received the proposal from a consortium of London-based family office 3 Associates and a family office each in Saudi Arabia and UAE, said a report in Economic Times.



The new offer may spark a bidding war as Sahara Group is reportedly in talks with Qatari investors over a potential deal.



A Sahara spokesman commented on the situation saying: It is a devious attempt to benchmark the price much lower than the actual market value of the properties in order to ruin the market and disturb the sentiments of the actual bidders who are bidding at market value which is much higher. Please note it is a malicious, and non-serious act of some wrong people."



Jesdev Saggar, managing director of 3 Associates said, "The Roy family are within rights to reject the bid and we will choose to ignore the emotionally charged responses."



Saggar said valuation was arrived at "with independent advice and within guideline set out by Supreme Court based on recent valuations published as guidance."
10-yr plan aims to end all forms of child labour

The government is working on a new master plan, aiming at ending all forms of child labour within a decade.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 31

Finally, the international airport in Chandigarh will get wings on September 26 when the first international flight will take off from here.

Almost a year after the Rs 1,400-crore state-of-the-art terminal was inaugurated, a private carrier, IndiGo, announced here today that it would fly a daily direct non-stop international flight between Chandigarh and Dubai from September 26.

The daily direct and non-stop return flight would be available at an all-inclusive return fare of Rs 9,999. The flight from Chandigarh would take off daily at 4.15 pm and reach Dubai at 6.15 pm while the return flight from Dubai would take off at 6.05 am and land in Chandigarh at 11.10 am. Aditya Ghosh, president, IndiGo, said, We are excited about the new launch from Chandigarh to Dubai. Chandigarh has been a promising market for us. We are excited to provide an international connection from Chandigarh which has been a long-standing request of the people of the city. The new service connecting Chandigarh with Dubai will reinforce our commitment to Punjab and Haryana. This will also provide increased convenience for customers travelling from Himachal Pradesh and other adjoining areas.

Ghosh said, IndiGo is committed to creating an air transportation network across the country and the addition of the new flight is another step in this direction. It is our constant endeavour to provide more flexibility of choice to our customers as we continue to offer them on time, a hassle-free and affordable flying experience.

High Court rap

Once again on July 28, the Punjab and Haryana High Court had grounded the Centre for the delay in launching the Chandigarh international airport. The rap came after the HC was told by IndiGo that the Airports Authority of India was yet to provide it with a slot for launching a flight.
Akash Ghai

Tribune News Service

Mohali, July 31

The new Mohali bus stand is ready for operations, claims the management of C&C Construction Limited, which was entrusted with the task of construction. However, the bus stand is yet to get a permanent power connection.

The bus stand, named Baba Banda Singh Bahadur ISBT, Mohali, has a temporary power connection and the load is much lower than that required. Col CVS Sehgal (retd), chief general manager (CGM) of the company, said they had applied for a permanent power connection to Punjab State Power Corporation Limited. We hope to get the connection within 20 days. We have a temporary power connection. Besides, we have installed three generators for the smooth functioning of the bus stand, said Colonel Sehgal.

The company, which has already been served a notice of termination of contract by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), had set July 31 as the deadline for readying the bus stand for operations.

We have kept our word. The bus stand is ready for plying buses. Now, the ball is in the court of the Punjab Transport Department, said Colonel Sehgal.

He said officials of the Transport Department had visited the site recently.

The state-of-the-art and first-of-its-kind AC ISBT will facilitate more than 1,900 buses daily. It also has the facility of night halt for nearly 95 buses, said the CGM of the company.

He said now it was up to the state authorities to fix the date for the inauguration of the ISBT.

Giving details of the facilities available at the ISBT, the company management claimed that it had all modern amenities and gadgets to ensure passenger safety and comfort. The facilities were akin to those available at international airports.

The facilities included WiFi, online ticketing, air-conditioned waiting areas, ATMs, cyber cafes, medical aid and pharmacy, eateries, parking spaces, pre-paid taxis, autos, tourist information booths, public information display system, facilities for the differently-abled, cloak rooms and air-conditioned dormitories, said Colonel Sehgal.
Lt Gen Kamal Davar (retd)

THE Government of India has announced that Home Minister Rajnath Singh would visit Islamabad on August 3-4, to participate in the SAARC Home/Interior Ministers' Conference. This would certainly have surprised the hosts, Pakistan, besides many geopolitical analysts in India and abroad. Though it might be a biennial, multilateral event of the South-Asian region, yet the presence of the Indian Home Minister in Pakistan does accord respectability to a terrorist state like Pakistan. There hangs a tale. Sending the Home Minister to Pakistan must have troubled the minds of the top Indian leadership, considering Pakistan's continuing mischief and unabashed anti-India activities. However, rightly, since SAARC was an Indian initiative, with the purpose of fostering regional cooperation between the under-developed South-Asian nations, it is a correct decision if one keeps the big picture in mind. For years, South-Asian nations have complained that SAARC has been held ransom to India-Pakistan rivalry in the region.

Since the last one year, in particular, notwithstanding many friendly overtures by India including what could have been a path-breaking visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nawaz Sharif's sprawling farmhouse in Raiwind, Pakistan, on December 25, last year, Pakistan has only re-doubled its machinations to fan unrest in the currently restive Kashmir Valley. Amazingly, even Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has denounced India publicly in a language never heard from him ever before, exclaiming that Kashmir will become Pakistan one day. And look at India's inexplicably muted reaction.

Despite grave provocation as well as renewed and rigorous attempts at increasing infiltration into the Kashmir Valley, UN and US-branded terror chieftains like Hafiz Saeed openly spewing anti-India propaganda in Pakistan should at least make the Indian establishment sit up and ponder over India's continuing weak-kneed, appPakistan policies based on appeasement. That such a policy emerges from a dispensation, namely, a self-pronounced muscular NDA government would have dismayed many of Prime Minister Modi's die-hard supporters, besides many other self-respecting Indians.

That doors for a dialogue, even between warring nations, must always be kept open is a well-accepted, time-honoured diplomatic truism. In the vexed and tumultuous relationship we have shared with Pakistan, since the violent birth of the latter from the womb of Mother India in 1947, has Pakistan ever reconciled to whatever it was given by the then imperial power as its share at the time of Partition? Having waged four wars, (including the Kargil conflict in 1999), and having been defeated by India in each one of these, Pakistan resorted to waging a proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir, fanning terrorism on religious grounds and adopting the weary stratagem of bleeding India by a thousand cuts. Pakistan is itself bleeding profusely, by self-inflicted wounds, all owing to its myopic and grossly fundamentalist policies. It is dividing the various hues of the Islamic faith within, primarily Sunnis and Shias, lending selective support to terror groups inside Pakistan and now it displays all the makings of a failing state. The internal security health of a nuclearised Pakistan, naturally, is a cause of concern for India.

India is fully conversant with Pakistans inimical, short-sighted and terror-driven strategic formulations. Thats why it must adopt a firm and cohesive strategy in its dealings with a neighbour which is not prepared to be rational. It is time for us to make an errant Pakistan read the writing on the wall. Any meddling by Pakistan in our internal affairs must be answered, not merely by any meaningless statements which the Pakistanis are accustomed to, but with tangible action.

To start with, let India downgrade our diplomatic representation in each other's capitals and cut off all contacts with Pakistan, except those between the two NSAs, DGMOs and between our BSF and the Pak Rangers. India must make it clear to Pakistan that we do not need them in any way. As India employs its genius to sort out some of its internal problems, which are primarily attributable to Pakistan's perennial mischief, it must adopt a consistent, long-term and firm approach. This may instill some sense and rationality in Pakistan. The best way to convey that India means business would have been for India to cancel Home Minister Rajnath's visit to Pakistan. However, in the larger interests of the region, the Government of India has acted pragmatically.

In case opportunity manifests, Home Minister Rajnath Singh must convey to the ill-informed Pakistani public, over Pakistan television the realities and nuances of the accession of the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir to the Union of India on October, 1947, India's inclusive nationhood endeavours and how all hues of the Islamic faith flourish in India, unlike in Pakistan. However, knowing the mindsets of the ISI and the Pakistan army, they will not give a chance to our Home Minister to interact with the Pakistani public. So be it. India must charter its own path in the region, keep its head high and punch commensurate to its weight. Pakistan will suffer owing to its own contradictions, we do not have to make any effort any way.

The writer, the first Chief of the Defence Intelligence Agency, is a strategic affairs analyst.
Timothy is a copy editor for The Kathmandu Post. Previously, he was a reporter on the Features desk and deputy editor on the National News desk.
Arun Joshi

INDIAN leaders should have learnt lessons from the past. It is politically and psychologically counter-productive to accord a larger-than-life role to Pakistan whenever trouble erupts in Kashmirs streets.

Let us face it: The street protests of 2016 are different. Blaming Pakistan squarely for the azadi slogan and the stone-littered streets clouds the reality for New Delhi and enables Pakistan to justify its political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris. At the same time, it conveniently absolves itself of exporting terror. There is an argument that anything that kills, causes chaos and promotes anarchy is nothing short of terrorism. Why should Pakistan not be blamed for having created such a situation? The waving of the Pakistani flag and chanting of anti-India slogans are seen as irrefutable evidence. The flaw is that Delhi is conceding that Pakistan enjoys greater influence on the people, undermining its own standing in Kashmir.

In fact, this line is nothing but the continuation of a failed strategy. It should be evident from the way international human rights groups and American media have looked at this crisis. The Indian forces are being held responsible for the crisis and pressure is being mounted on Delhi to resolve the issue to achieve the larger goal of peace in the region, for which dialogue with Pakistan is suggested as mandatory. Despite 26/11 and Pathankot, the global view doesnt ask Pakistan to stop terror. India is on the back foot.

Nowhere it is mentioned that Pakistan has been working to disrupt the peace from the day the PDP and the BJP entered into an alliance in March 2015, and again, staged a sequel in April this year following the death of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. If intercepts are any indication, Mehbooba Mufti, the first woman Chief Minister of J&K, is in real danger. Unprintable words have been used against her, with a call to eliminate her. Thats Pakistans design. Militants and their over-ground sympathisers, who accuse Ms Mufti of having the blood on her hands, are playing that role. All the killings and injuries are placed at her doorstep as an agent of India. Internationally, India is being chastised and the adversaries of India in Kashmir, the rest of the country and abroad use social media to put India in poor light.

India should have known the consequences of retaliation to the street protests and the sentiment behind them. Blaming Pakistan for the Kashmir trouble does not make a smart strategy. It helps Pakistan claim what is not due to it. This only enhances its efficacy as a troublemaker in Kashmir, for the militants to rally behind it and drive the likes of Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan behind Islamabads call for completing the unfinished agenda of Partition (in Islamabads view, Kashmir being a Muslim majority state, automatically becomes its property). Both the Sharifs  Nawaz and Raheel  get a chance to divert the attention from the real problems in their own country.

Interestingly, rather intriguingly, Hafiz Saeed claimed that Burhan Wani had spoken to him days before his death. This he said at a rally two weeks after the July 8 encounter in which the militant leader was killed. When he saw that Pakistans establishment has conferred martyrdom on Burhan, it was strategically logical for him to showcase his links with Burhan. Why did it take two weeks for Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan, or for that matter Syed Ali Shah Geelani in Srinagar, to claim the telephonic conversations with Burhan?

On Delhis part, it may sound to be a good strategy to counter Pakistan at international forums but it is bad for the Indian nations psyche, and particularly for the people of Kashmir. It is as unwise as an excessive use of pellet guns on the stone-throwing protesters.

This excessive blaming also gives a false sense of hope to some sections in Pakistan that Kashmir will become part of Pakistan. A section of the Pakistan media has described it as Nawaz Sharifs wishful thinking that would do more harm than good to Pakistan. And, India lulls itself into a make-believe world that by blaming Pakistan, it has identified the real cause. That is self-defeating.

Kashmiris came out in the streets following the killing of militant commander Burhan Wani. This killing was a trigger  it only demonstrated how the level of anger and hate generated on social media, multiplied by street sentiment, even in the corridors of power, could work against the Indian nation. It had been building up over the years, and it burst out at the spark it needed. Once the protests started, violence expectedly peddled into a cycle mode. Each killing fuelled more protests, more stones, more torching of public property, more retaliation, more killings and injuries; it also trapped the bystanders  residents peeping through windows  in its anger. This overflow of anger is now unrest of an unprecedented nature.

By attributing this unrest to Pakistan, India has validated Islamabads claim that the young lives lost and those who will struggle to regain their vision for the rest of their lives, were part of the campaign for Kashmir Banega Pakistan. It helps Pakistan to justify the infiltration from across the border. Kashmiri Muslims know that they are not doing it at the behest of Pakistan, but when they hear the Indian leadership blame Pakistan, they also start entertaining doubts about the original nature of protests.

The Indian leadership is committing a serious mistake. Reacting to Pakistans claims on Kashmir at international fora may be a political and diplomatic necessity, but to throw the street protests in the lap of Pakistan will have long-term consequences, nationally and internationally. Within the country, the relay and broadcast of the recurring image of stone-throwers fighting pitched battles with security personnel gives the impression as if all protesters are Pakistanis or favour Pakistan. It is not the case. But what it does is that Kashmiri Muslims image as Pakistanis gets reinforced in the minds of people across the country. That leads to the profiling of Kashmiris and each incident of their being beaten up or hackled portrays India as a hostile country.

Within the Valley, hate against the country grows. That is where the problem gets complicated. It becomes easier for Pakistan to exploit the situation. India responds. India-baiters relish this discomfort of Delhi. More dangerously, it is self-defeating because India loses the narrative of our boys in Kashmir.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 30

Just a day after Gurgaon faced heavy traffic jam, the national Capital today came to a standstill due to waterlogged roads at various places.

Though it was drizzling since morning, but it downpoured at 1:30 pm and continued till 3 pm, causing massive traffic jams in several parts of the city.

The rain has also brought the temperature below normal levels. The minimum temperature recorded at 8:30 am was 24 degrees Celsius, three notches below normal, said an official of the Met Department.

Safdarjung observatory recorded 12.9 mm of rainfall while Palam observatory recorded 143.6 mm till 8:30 am.

The downpour triggered traffic snarls at various intersections and busy roundabouts, including ITO and Dhaula Kuan.

Vehicles moved at a snails pace on several roads such as Mahipalpur Chowk, Rangpuri U-turn near Radisson hotel, Vayusenabad, Azad Market Chowk, causing hardship to the commuters.

The Delhi Traffic Police took to micro-blogging site Twitter to caution commuters of congestion due to waterlogging and said the situation was likely to continue till tomorrow.

However, the roads connecting Delhi and Gurgaon on which long tailbacks were witnessed over past two days due to severe waterlogging on NH-8, witnessed better traffic movement today with no chock-a-block situation.

While the mercury has fallen due to rains providing relief from sweltering heat, the humidity levels have shot up to 95 per cent and the weatherman has predicted that the rains will continue.

The skies will be generally cloudy. Heavy rains will continue to occur in some areas of the city and maximum temperature is expected to settle at 29 degrees Celsius, said the official.

Yesterday, the minimum and maximum temperature was recorded at 26.5 degree Celsius and 29.5 degree Celsius, respectively.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 30

Conceding that ill-maintained drainage was the reason behind the waterlogging in Gurgaon, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today held the district administration partially responsible for bringing the Millennium City to a grinding halt.

At a press conference after the all-party meeting to discuss the golden jubilee celebrations of Haryanas formation, Khattar said a clearer picture would emerge after senior officers Keshni Anand Arora and Alok Nigam submit a report.

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He said while the Badshahpur drain had not been desilted, thereby reducing its water-holding capacity and resulting in overflow into the city, that very evening a big group of Kanwariyas passing through the city and the sudden rush after taxi drivers of Delhi called off their strike, led to the traffic build-up.

Also, the administration failed to respond on time. Then, that very day, two gates of the drain taking the water from Haryana to Delhi were closed, Khattar maintained, adding that his government would take all short-term measures on a war-footing to ensure a repeat does not happen. Besides, it is not only in Haryana that the heavy rain disrupted life, Bengaluru and Assam, too, faced similar situations, he said.
Nitish Sharma

Tribune News Service

Ambala, July 31

Cabinet Minister Anil Vij today inspected the work of digging and widening the Tangri river bed and expressed his dissatisfaction with the progress.

Tangri is a seasonal river and over 1,700 families reside in the river bed. They fear floods during monsoon.

Vij said, Following a ban on mining, the level of the river bed has gone up. To save the people from flood fury, the irrigation department was asked to remove the sand and dig and widen in the river bed. The depth looks fine, but the width of the passage is not sufficient. The officials have been asked to double it.

The officials told Vij that the process of notifying the river area had been initiated.

Earlier in the day, while attending a seminar of the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction, the minister assured the private medical practitioners that he would raise the issue of amendments to the PNDT Act with the Union Health Minister, if the need be.

During the seminar, the private practitioners and radiologists from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab expressed their concern over the issues being faced by them in the implementation of the PNDT Act. They said they were pressured and sometimes the officials made a big issue over a minor clerical mistake.

The sex ratio in the state was poor, but due to the efforts made by the government and private organisations, it has improved from 834 to 905. Besides, the infant mortality rate has come down from 41 to 35, which is a big success, he added.
Our Correspondent

KULLU, JULY 31

Kullu MLA Maheshwar Singh, scion of the erstwhile Royal family, said the fate of the Raghunath temple, the chief deity of the Kullu valley, located in the Sultanpur region of Kullu would not be decided by the Chief Minister but by the God and Goddesses of the valley.

Addressing mediapersons during a religious ceremony at the temple today, he dared the Chief Minister to erect a new temple. Then the government would come to know which temple is recognized by the deities of the Kullu valley, he stated, adding that the temple was located on his premises and he had already approached the High Court against the takeover of the temple.

After the notification by the government on the takeover of the temple on July 25, the Kullu Deputy Commissioner on July 27 had given a seven-day time to Maheshwar Singh to hand over the records of the temple.

Maheshwar stated that his younger brother Ayurveda and Cooperative Minister Karan Singh should go through the ancestral documents before making any claims on the Raghunath temple. He said Karan Singh had been given more than his due share as per the Will of their parents.

Recently, Karan Singh had stated that he had no role to play in the decision of the Cabinet on July 25 regarding the takeover of the Raghunath temple by the state government and though he had share in the temple, he was not presently member of any committee of the temple.

He, however, had stated that the temple would be taken over under the Himachal Pradesh Public Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Act, 1984, for better administration, protection and preservation of properties of the temple.

He had also said Maheshwar would remain the chharibardar (chief caretaker) of the temple and all religious activities would be carried out as earlier.

It was following the theft of the antique idols of Lord Raghunath and Goddess Sita along with two other idols in December 2014 that concerns were expressed over the safety and security of the priceless idols and other valuables.

The idols stolen by a Nepalese were later recovered from Bajaura in Kullu on the basis of inputs given by the thief when he was apprehended in Nepal.

Prior to this, thieves had decamped with ornaments from the temple. However, the formation of the temple trust now was also being speculated as a political development as Maheshwar, who is also chief of Himachal Lokhit Party, had been supporting the Congress but had recently shown inclination towards returning to the BJP.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 30

Two soldiers were killed and another was injured as they foiled an infiltration bid near the Line of Control (LoC) in Nowgam sector of north Kashmirs Kupwara district. Two militants were also killed in the gunbattle, the second in the area in the past three days.

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The gunfight erupted when a group of heavily- armed infiltrators was intercepted close to the LoC at Tutmar Gali Nowgam, 120 km northwest of Srinagar, during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday.

When challenged, they resorted to indiscriminate firing. A fierce gunfight followed in which two jawans  Ashish Choudhary and Babloo Singh of 18 Jat Regiment  were killed. One jawan was injured, defence spokesman Col NN Joshi said. He said the operation was underway and the Army was combing the thick forest.

Sources said the Army had pressed choppers into service to hunt for any more militants hiding in the area. Besides ammunition, food items had been recovered.

There have been Intelligence inputs that owing to the civil unrest in Kashmir in the past three weeks, Pakistan and militants handlers are trying to push more men into Kashmir.

Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh, during his recent visit, had asked the soldiers to remain vigilant against infiltration attempts. Official figures show that against the total figure of 35 last year, 54 militants were able to infiltrate into Kashmir in the first half of 2016. And this may be the reason for the increase in violence in the Valley.

Meanwhile, barring parts of Srinagar, Anantnag and Pampore towns, curfew was today lifted in Kashmir even as life remained disrupted because of the strike called by separatists.

Far away, the United States, while expressing concern over the tension in the Valley, called on all sides to make efforts for lasting peace.
Arun Joshi

A lot is being said and written about the current situation in Kashmir. Some of it true, other complete falsehood. This depends on who is telling the 2016 Kashmir story. The whole suffering of the silent majority in the Valley is not being spotlighted. This majority is being taken for granted by those engaged in the current turmoil as supporters of their ways and means. Officially, it is seen as a hostage. The fact is in between these two extreme profiles.

The fact is that this majority is silent because of a rare combination of sentiment, with which the ongoing struggle is being carried on. They are with the sentiment that has driven the youth to the streets, armed with stones and other missiles. At the same time, they are unable to speak of their real longing for a normal life owing to the fear of reprisals. An elderly shopkeeper being slapped for he dared to up the shutter of his shop. New threats that the girls seen riding on Scooty will be burnt alive along with their vehicles. This is horrifying , to say the least.

Where is the way out? There is an added emphasis on what Delhi should do or not do. And, in turn, Delhi is asking Pakistan to desist from interfering in our internal affairs. Pakistan, and its men in Kashmir, seem to be working overtime to attract international attention at any cost, despite knowing what will happen to this campaign at the end of the day.

Kashmir has its own identity. It has its own problems. Let all those working at the behest of others realize that it should be left to the people here to hold their own internal dialogue. Those calling for dialogue and comparing the situation with other conflict areas and the response of the security forces have some valid points which merit attention and serious effort. But, what is more important is that Kashmiris should usher in their own dialogue. The silent majority needs to be given voice as to how to break this cycle of violence. They must get an opportunity to come out of this nowhere-to-nowhere arch.

Kashmiris are determined people. The use of guns and pellet guns has further hardened their attitude. They dont listen to anyone, leave alone Delhi. A few are praising Pakistan and Hafiz Saeed for reasons best known to them. The majority is asking Ban ki Moon to resolve the Korean issue, urging the US to deal with Black lives matter protesters in a fair manner first. They are also aware that China is colonising Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The world knows what it did in the Muslim-dominated Xinjiang province, where even fasting during the holy month of Ramzan was not allowed.

Pakistan has its hands full in creating nurseries of fundamentalism. Its denials notwithstanding, Islamic State is already there. Its track record of the past 69 years is a testimony to its self-centered approach. For it, Kashmir figures as a water-rich resource to feed fields in western Punjab. All those accusing India of eyeing the land and not people in Kashmir need to come out of their squinted view.

I personally believe that things can improve. The real Malalas (on the pattern of Malala Yousafzai of Swat, Pakistan) need to come out. They should be the voices of resistance against the current chaos in Kashmir. The Valley is being killed. It is straight and simple. Should the image of Kashmir resemble that of Palestine? Or should Kashmir run on the track of becoming another Afghanistan or the lawless regions like Somalia? The youth on the streets is angry as he feels betrayed by one and all. It is trying to create gateways through stones and slogans of azadi. Havent we had more than enough of blood splattered on streets? If that is the fate, who will tell our story and

where will we stand in that story?

At this moment, Kashmir needs its inspiration from this Malala Yousafzai, who is a living legend in standing for education. The Valley needs to come out with its own version of Malalas, who can stand against the return of the dark times and lay a pathway to the bright future for Kashmir, unlike those who, despite their high-sounding tag lines, crumble to the street side reactions. Malalas of the Valley should be seen as an asset for Kashmir only, not for anyone else.
Even though the monsoon is at its peak and has claimed three lives in Jammu, the Urban Development Department (UDD) is hardly interested in improving living conditions in the winter capital, which gets choked whenever heavy rain hits the city. During rainy days, major crossroads all over the city witness waterlogging. The Panama Chowk area is the worst hit as it not only witnesses waterlogging, but when water recedes, filth and gravel make life difficult in the area as well. This phenomenon is repeated every year, but the UDD has not made any plan to rid Jammu of this problem. Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh, who is from the Jammu region, holds charge of the UDD, but he has not done anything for the winter capital. The UDDs careless attitude may make people suffer whenever heavy rain lashes the city. Amir Karim Tantray

Road open for traffic, shops shut

Closure of vehicular movement on the Jehangir Chowk-Ram Bagh road in Srinagar earlier this year had triggered protests from the business community. The road, which connects several areas to the city centre, had been closed for traffic in view of construction of a 2.5-km flyover, Srinagars longest. The road closure had especially angered shopkeepers of the Solina and Rambagh areas. The shopkeepers complained that they suffered heavy losses as there was no traffic movement in the area. However, now, after imposition of restrictions and shutdowns for over three weeks, work on the flyover had stopped. There are no restrictions on the movement of traffic on the Jehangir Chowk-Ram Bagh road now since construction work on the flyover remains suspended. The road sees some traffic movement, especially in the wee hours and late evenings, but shops remain shut.  M Aamir Khan

Ensure safety of schoolchildren

Last week, the government took a sudden decision to open all schools in the Valley, first in the four districts of Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal and Budgam, followed by Srinagar and the rest. For the last three weeks, there has been no end to incidents of violence, protests, clashes and shutdowns in the Valley. The governments first attempt to open schools despite unrest has also failed. The government has again asked children to attend school, saying it will make necessary arrangements. However, it has failed to ask itself the question: Who will ensure the safety of these kids?  Rifat Mohidin

Vendors way out amid chaos

Old habits die hard. That is true of footpath vendors in Srinagar even during restrictions and shutdowns. During the past three weeks, footpath vendors, like many other small and big businessmen, are out of sight. But a new crop of vegetable vendors has taken over, who have explored new places, safe from the gaze of police and CRPF jawans imposing restrictions on the movement of public and vehicles in the city. The roads and streets are deserted, but there are new spots where vegetable vendors have been making a quick buck these days by selling fresh vegetables, mostly local produce. Two-wheeler and private car drivers find it difficult at times to negotiate roads as suddenly they come across a vegetable or fruit vendor on a handcart or a three-wheeler. The drivers unexpectedly come across such vendors in blind turns. It is time to give a safe passage to all as vendors take advantage of passersby and drivers.  Ehsan Fazili
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 31

Jammu erupted into massive protests against irresponsible and highly provocative statement of Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh who has termed killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani an accident.

While the opposition Congress was quick to corner the BJP on the Deputy Chief Ministers statement, there was a strong resentment within the party against him for defying the party line.

Within hours after Nirmal Singhs statement, Congress workers came on streets to expose double standard of the self-proclaimed nationalist party for toeing separatists line. At various places, Congress workers held demonstrations and demanded Nirmal Singhs removal from the government for demoralising security forces. A demonstration was held at Satwari Chowk where party leaders shouted slogans against him.

Expressing shock and anguish over Nirmal Singhs statement, Congress leaders said such remarks by the top functionaries of the government were an attempt on their part to control the situation in the Valley by appeasing the terrorists and following the footsteps of the separatists.

The Congress leaders described it as shocking and ridiculous the Deputy Chief Ministers statement that the security forces would have been careful had they known about the presence of Burhan Wani, among the militants at the site of the encounter.

Lambasting Nirmal Singh, Panthers Party leader Harsh Dev Singh said his statement had not only exposed the political opportunism of saffron leaders but also had a demoralising effect on morale of the security forces. He further deplored the highly incongruous and irreconcilable statements being issued by different BJP leaders from different platforms in a vain bid to hood-wink the people. Flaying the BJP for politics of deceit and duplicity, he said no amount of political gimmickry could help it camouflage its real face and character. He said the BJP must realise that during its rule at the Centre and the state the Kashmir valley had plunged into an abyss.

Udhampur: Congress activists led by INTUC general secretary Sumeet Mangotra organised a protest against Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh on Sunday.

He said Nirmal Singhs remark on Burhan Wani killing was an insult to security forces who died fighting against the Hizbul Mujahideen commander.

He criticised those shedding crocodile tears over Burhan Wani, saying his killing was justified. Demanded Nirmal Singhs resignation, party activists asserted that terrorists had no claim on human rights.

JKNPP activists led by Parshotam Singh burnt an effigy of Nirmal Singh and demanded his resignation. They demanded an explanation from Nirmal Singh and asked the government to tell him to explain.
Srinagar, July 31

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had to beat a hasty retreat on Sunday from an examination centre at Womens College here after angry parents protested against her visit.

She went to Womens College on the Moulana Azad Road to check the arrangements for the pre-medical and pre-engineering test being conducted by the Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE) in various centres.

As soon as her cavalcade reached the examination centre, the people, mostly parents who accompanied their wards, protested against her visit.

This is an unnecessary visit. It will only disturb the candidates, a parent said.

Another person said while the candidates were already tenses due to the prevailing situation in Kashmir Valley, the Chief Ministers visit would disturb them more. How will they remain focused? he asked.

As the people protested against her visit and raised slogans, the Chief Minister beat a hasty retreat and left the venue.  PTI
Dr KC, supporters step up pressure

Dr Govinda KC, an orthopaedic surgeon and a crusader of reforms in medical education, may have ended his fast but he isnt done putting pressure on Parliament.
Ludhiana, July 31

As Textiles Minister Smriti Irani settles in to her new job overseeing an industry that is Indias largest source of formal jobs, the governments hope that it will continue to be an employment engine is under growing threat, as job-growth plateaus and exports wilt against Vietnamese and Bangladeshi competition.

The textile and apparels industry employs 105 million people directly and indirectly and is thought to have the potential to create 50 million more jobs by 2025, holding the key to growing unrest over Indias inability to create million jobs it needs every month.

But a rising skills gap, falling exports, low productivity, rising debt and low foreign investment is jeopardising the target set for the textile and apparels sector: additional $30 billion in exports and 10 million additional jobs over the next three years.

Instead, textiles and apparels employment fell 0.11 per cent in April-June 2015, rose 0.18 per cent in July-September 2015 and 0.23 per cent in October-December 2015, according to Labour Bureau estimates; and exports of cotton commodities, which account for 24 per cent of textile and apparel exports, declined 34 per cent in the last three years, according to data from United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database (UN Comtrade).

While exports of some commodities, such as knitted/crocheted and non-knitted/crocheted apparel and clothing, grew 12 per cent and seven per cent, textile and apparel exports from India declined more than 7 per cent between 2013-14 and 2015-16.

Rate of employment in the sector dropping

Cotton, which commands the highest share (24 per cent) of textiles and apparels exports, witnessed an 11 per cent decline in production over the last two financial years.

Crop damages in Punjab and Haryana and low rainfall in Gujarat and Maharashtra may be the reason for the lowest annual cotton output in five years, according to a report. This will potentially increase prices, making Indian textile products uncompetitive, at a time when Indias exports are facing competition from Bang-ladesh, Vietnam and China.

While India still exports more than Vietnam and Bangladesh in absolute terms, over the last three years Vietnams exports grew 34.92 per cent and Bangladeshs 13.52 per cent, as Indias exports declined seven per cent.

From a 43 per cent and 87 per cent lead over Bangladesh and Vietnam in textile and apparel exports in 2013-14, Indias lead has now declined to 16 per cent and 28 per cent in 2015-16.

Vietnam is a part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade bloc, and so enjoys preferential access to the US, the worlds largest importing country with 19 per cent share of global textile and clothing imports. India is not a member of the TPP, meaning it does not get preferential or duty-free access to important markets. IANS

Fact file

105 million people employed directly and indirectly in the textile and apparel industry

50million potential to create more jobs by 2025

Rising skills gap, falling exports, low productivity, rising debt and low foreign investment is jeopardising the target set for the textile and apparels sector: additional $30 billion in exports and 10 million additional jobs over the next 3 years

The employment fell by 0.11% in April-June 2015, rose 0.18% in July-September 2015 and 0.23% in October-December 2015, as per Labour Bureau estimates

Exports of cotton commodities, which account for 24% of textile and apparel exports, declined 34% in the last three years

Lots of schemes, but productivity and skills falter

There is much for Irani to do, such as evaluate, bolster or scrap multiple government schemes that do not appear to have boosted low productivity and skills evident in Indias textile industry. Some of these programmes include the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme and Integrated Skill Development Scheme. One of the major problems with the sector  as in most sectors in India  is the dominance of informal establishments where worker productivity is about 15 times lower than formal establishments.

The lack of skills in the textiles sector pervades levels such as workers (operators, weavers, tailors et al), supervisors, managers, quality control representatives, merchandisers and designers/developers, according to a National Skill Development Corporation report. Foreign direct investment (FDI), a driver of productivity, modernisation and skill development, in textiles more than doubled in 2013-14 over the preceding year, but investment growth stagnated in 2014-15. That year, not more than 0.64 per cent of FDI into India went to textiles.

Why the textile industry is key to Indias job aspirations
Prabhjot Singh

WHILE travelling to North America via London one may land oneself in an awkward situation of spending a night at Heathrow, one of the busiest airports in Europe, as the modern and passenger friendly air terminal goes to sleep at 10.

The shopping arcade lowers shutters, and food courts, including restaurants, too shut down. No flights are permitted before 4.30 am.

Though Heathrow has five terminals, all overnight passengers are required to be in Terminal 3 for the night stay. The inter-terminal bus service brings them to Terminal 3 where they can laze around in the shopping arcade or relax in the central hall with adequate seating till the shutters are lowered.

As employees of airlines, airport authority, shopkeepers and others start leaving at the end of the day, the airport, which handles nearly 70 million passengers a year, begins to wear a deserted look. Passengers in transit, however, get a pleasant surprise when security personnel on duty offer them a place for a nap with toilet facilities.

Please, do not sleep, they advise, with a promise to move you to some other place. They ask for basic details like citizenship and destination before asking you to wait for their return. They come back within 15-20 minutes and ask passengers to follow them to a secure place where they can rest or enjoy a nap before resuming their flight.

While travelling from Chandigarh to Toronto, I experienced a night stay at Heathrow, which turned out to be an absorbing experience. Among the 60-odd passengers who needed to spend the night at the airport were mostly Asians and a few North Americans.

With all operations ending at 10 pm, all passengers, shortly after 11 pm, were escorted to the departure lounge. Attached to the lounge were toilet facilities. As passengers tried to make themselves comfortable on chairs-turned-beds, a couple of security men sat guard at the entrance of the lounge.

While some youngsters continued with their laptops and smartphones, others, especially the elderly, preferred to get some sleep. The lounge was turned into a neat, clean night basera as some slept comfortably, disturbing others with their loud snores.

Around 4.30 am, security men returned to the hall to wake up everyone, cautioning them that the toilets would be locked at 5 am and those wanting to freshen up must hurry.

Shortly before 5 am, the temporary night shelter was cleared for the early morning departures. Those who enjoyed the night at Heathrow were transported to Terminal 2, from where they headed for their destinations in North America.
New Delhi, July 31

The Aam Aadmi Party MLA from Narela, Sharad Chauhan, has been arrested by the police in connection with the suicide of a woman worker of the ruling party, taking the total number of arrested party leaders to 12.

Chauhan and main accused Ramesh Bhardwaj were questioned by the crime branch of Delhi Police for several hours in the past four days in connection with the case.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

Besides Chauhan and Bhardwaj, five others, including the MLAs associates Amit and Rajnikant, were arrested last night, said a senior police officer.

Bhardwaj was arrested by a police team from Sonipat on July 26. He was questioned for several hours in connection with the suicide of the woman, along with the local MLA of Narela.

The woman had consumed poisonous substance at her home in North-West Delhis Narela and died during treatment at LNJP Hospital on July 19.

The woman had filed a complaint against Bhardwaj for allegedly touching her inappropriately and a case of molestation was registered in June. The accused was arrested and later released on bail.

On July 20, Delhi Police had registered a case of abetment to suicide and handed over the entire matter to a Special Investigation Team.

The family members of the woman had claimed that she had gone into depression after her alleged molester Bhardwaj, an AAP colleague, was released on bail.

She had also alleged that the accused was being protected by the local AAP MLA.

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 party and claimed himself to be close to the local party MLA.

AAP targets Modi

The AAP on Sunday came down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi questioning his sanity and accusing of him of acting on pure vengeance against the Delhi government.

Another AAP MLA arrested.Has Modi gone mad?Has he lost his mental balance? If PM acts with such anger/vengeance then is country safe!, AAP leader Ashutosh tweeted.  Agencies
Agartala, July 31

The 67-year-old popular agitation for railway services to Tripura finally culminated in Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday flagging off the Agartala-Delhi passenger train service on the newly-laid broad gauge track.

The weekly passenger train, named Tripura Sundari Express, would run between Agartala and Anand Vihar station of Delhi and Anand Vihar and Agartala, covering a distance of around 2,480 km in 47 hours.

Bangladesh Railway Minister Mazibul Hoque, Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain and top officials of the Indian and Bangladesh government were present at the flagging-off ceremony held at the Agartala railway station.

This railway connectivity is the lifeline for millions in Tripura, western Manipur and Mizoram, besides southern Assam.

With the launch of the passenger train, the mountainous border state of Tripura has now been connected with the national capital via Guwahati, about 600 km from Agartala.

Thousands of cheerful people gathered at the Agartala railway station on Sunday to witness the historic moment, with some women blowing conch shells to wish the formal launch of the train service a successful one.  IANS
Vijay Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 31

The Army is considering setting up a maintenance and overhaul base for helicopters operated by the Army Aviation Corps (AAC) in this region and has sought allocation of land for the purpose from the Haryana government.

The Army has projected a requirement for 40 acres and is keen on acquiring land in Pinjore where Haryana has a flying club and the location is also adjacent to the Western Command headquarters, a state government officer said.

But as land is not available in Pinjore due to other developmental projects, we have suggested Hisar, where an integrated aviation hub is envisioned, as an alternative, he said. The Aviation Corps mandate is battlefield support, reconnaissance and surveillance, search and rescue, communication and liaison and logistic support in varied terrain ranging from high altitude to the deserts. The bulk of its fleet is based in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan.

Unlike the Air Force that operates a large number of Soviet-origin helicopters, AAC fleet comprises Dhruv, Rudra, Chetak and Cheetah helicopters that are manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). These have to be sent to Bangalore for major repairs and overhaul. Though the number of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters is declining, the strength of Dhruvs and Rudras (armed version of Dhruv) is increasing. The AAC is also going in for the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) made by HAL, besides procuring a large number of light utility and attack helicopters. Since most of them would be deployed in the western theatre, it would be operationally and logistically advantageous to have a maintenance and overhaul hub in this region, an officer said.

State government officers said process was on to upgrade the present airstrip at Hisar, about 150 km from Delhi and 340 km from Chandigarh, into an international airport. One of the components of the upgraded airport complex is maintenance, repair and overhaul hub for aircraft. We are also exploring the feasibility of setting up a manufacturing complex for defence and aviation components at Hisar as part of the offset policy, an officer said.
Agartala, July 31

Six years after the finalisation of a new India-Bangladesh railway project, railway ministers of the two countries on Sunday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 968 crore vital rail link scheme.

Indian Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and his Bangladeshi counterpart Mazibul Hoque jointly laid the foundation stone for the 15 km Agartala (India)- Akhaura (Bangladesh) railway project.

The Agartala-Akhaura railway project was finalised in January 2010 when Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina met then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during her visit to New Delhi.

The project, which was sanctioned in the 2012-13 railway budget, would be a part of the Trans Asian Railway network and would provide a much shorter connectivity from northeastern states to Kolkata via Bangladesh.

Prabhu said that on completion, the India-Bangladesh rail link project would be a gateway to the entire northeastern region, comprising eight states.

The Agartala-Akhaura international railway link would boost socio-economic development of the mountainous northeast region, he said at a function organised to lay the foundation stone of the rail project and to flag-off Agartala-Delhi passenger train service.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had discussed the railway project with Hasina during his visit to Dhaka in June 2015. The Indian government would bear the entire expenditure of the railway project.

Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) General Manager H.K.Jaggi said that the Union Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Ministry has already released Rs 97 crore to acquire required land to lay rail line in Tripura.

Following the Tripura governments persistent persuasion and intervention by the Prime Ministers Office, the DoNER Ministry has agreed to provide Rs 580 crore for the Tripura part of the Agartala-Akhaura railway project, Tripura Transport Minister Manik Dey told IANS.

The state government would soon start work for acquisition of required 67 acres land, he said, adding that the Agartala-Akhaura railway project would provide a major boost to development and economy of northeastern India and eastern Bangladesh.

Indias external affairs ministry would provide necessary funds for the Bangladesh portion of the Agartala-Akhaura rail project, he said.

The 1,613-km mountainous route distance between Agartala and Kolkata via Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri-Kishanganj (Bihar)-Malda would be reduced to only 514-km once the new rail track is linked through Bangladesh.

The state-owned Indian Railway Construction Company (IRCON) has been nominated to act as technical advisor for Bangladesh portion and to execute the work in Indian portion.

The NFR General Manager Jaggi said that the Indian government had announced it would bear the entire cost of the 15-km railway project. Of the 15 km, 5 km fall in the Indian territory and the remaining in Bangladesh.

On the Indian side, some portion of the track would be elevated to avoid farm land and habitations.

The NFR is the nodal agency for the project, for which alignment of rail line and other technical details were earlier finalised by officials of both India and Bangladesh.

Currently, India and Bangladesh have four rail links with West Bengal.

The existing railway line from Guwahati passes through Lumding in Nagaon district (in central Assam) and southern Assam connecting Agartala and parts of Manipur and Mizoram with the rest of India.

The Guwahati-Silchar railway line is the lifeline for southern Assam comprising four districts - Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, Dima Hasao district, known as Barak Valley, and the mountainous states of Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram, which are heavily dependent on this line for supply of foodgrain, fertilisers, petroleum products, construction materials and other commodities besides ferrying passengers.

The 437-km Lumding-Silchar and Badarpur-Agartala gauge conversion work was sanctioned in 1996 and had completed earlier this year.

After Indias independence, Agartala was the first state capital to come up on the rail map (metre gauge line) in October 2008.  IANS
New Delhi: Iconic Hindi writer Munshi Premchand has been honoured with a Google doodle on his 136th birth anniversary. The doodle is inspired from Premchand's last and most popular novel Godaan, which he penned in 1936. It shows the Upanyas Samrat bringing his signature working-class characters to life. Born as Dhanpat Rai in a small village near Varanasi in 1880, the renowned author produced more than a dozen novels, 250 short stories, and a number of essays. PTI

Railway staff to get uniforms designed by Beri

New Delhi: Five lakh railway employees comprising front office staff, TTEs, guards, drivers and catering personnel will soon don uniforms created by fashion designer Ritu Beri, woven around the theme of Indian culture. Beri submitted four different sets of uniform, each with a distinct texture, to the Railway Ministry five days back and the public transporter will soon launch an online initiative seeking the views of people to help it select the attire. PTI
SMA Kazmi

After its failed attempt to dislodge the Harish Rawat government in Uttarakhand, the BJP faces another embarrassment  registration of a rape case against former state minister Harak Singh Rawat. The latter had joined the BJP recently.

The case has been registered at the Safdarjung police station in New Delhi. The complainant had made a similar complaint in 2014, but had later taken it back. While state BJP leaders have been defending Harak Singh, claiming he had been framed, state Congress leaders are trying to highlight the issue. It wants to expose the BJP which has always claimed to be espousing moral values.

Harak Singh won the first-ever Assembly elections in 2002 from Pauri Garhwal to become a minister in the ND Tiwari ministry. A controversy soon erupted with an Assamese girl claiming that the minister was the father of her son. Following the scandal, Harak Singh had to resign. Later, after a DNA test and CBI investigation, he was given a clean chit.

He was also involved in a land scandal for acquiring more than 100 bighas of agricultural land in Dehradun district in the name of his wife Deepti Rawat and a woman associate, Luxmi Rana. It was alleged that Harak Singh, being Revenue Minister, had acquired the land fraudulently. However, the matter did not move beyond the initial probe. Interestingly, the Uttarakhand Government resumed the probe into the land deal last month.

Harak Singh won the 2007 elections and was made Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. He again won the 2012 poll from Rudraprayag and was made minister in the Vijay Bahuguna Cabinet. He entered into a feud with state Education Minister Mantri Prasad Naithani who appointed a woman officer from the Education Department in the Agriculture Department, without the consent of the parent department.

Harak Singh, who fell out with Chief Minister Harish Rawat and joined the BJP along with rebel Congress legislators, is believed to be behind the sting operation on the CM in which the latter is heard talking about buying back the loyalty of MLAs.

Kanwar mela

The Kanwar mela in Haridwar has paralysed the New Delhi-Haridwar highway for the past one week. The number of Kanwariyas reaching Haridwar and other parts of Uttarakhand are expected to cross the two crore mark. These Kanwariyas, most of them on foot, fetch water from the holy Ganga to be offered to Lord Shiva temples at their respective destinations during the month of saawan (monsoon). A large number of them also arrive at Garhwal Himalayas to fetch water from the Gangotri in Uttarkashi district, putting the law enforcement agencies under immense pressure. Public transport on the Delhi-Haridwar highway will remain suspended till August 2 when the Kanwariyas return.

This time Kanwar yatris, with Ganga water in pots slung on either side of a wooden pole, are also carrying the Tricolour. Wonder if this is an attempt to connect national sentiments with an essentially religious ritual followed by a select band of Shiva worshippers.

Pilgrims from Pak

It was for the first time that a group of 146 Hindu pilgrims from Pakistan visited the Gangotri temple (from where the Ganga originates) in Uttarkashi district. They seemed to be overwhelmed with the experience which they described as ethereal.
Foreign investment inflow poor despite high commitments

Despite billions of rupees worth of commitments, the actual foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow has remained poor.
Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh will leave for Saudi Arabia soon to assess the severity of the food crisis faced by nearly 10,000 Indians and explore remedial measures, including possible return of some

Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar said Saudi authorities have assured that exit visas of affected Indians, mostly rendered jobless by slowdown, will be processed and their wage claims considered
Singapore, July 31

S.R. Nathan, a former Singapore President of Indian-origin, on Sunday suffered a stroke and is in a critical condition in the ICU.

The 92-year-old Nathan suffered a stroke early this morning and is in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Singapore general hospital, the Prime Ministers Office said in a statement.

Nathan, Singapores sixth and longest-serving President, had earlier suffered a stroke in April last year. Following that his family had said he was recovering and undergoing therapy.

Nathan was in office for two terms from 1999 to 2011 and officially stepped down as President on August 31, 2011, after announcing that he would not seek a third term in office. He was succeeded by President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

After stepping down, Nathan took up appointments as Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies and at the Singapore Management Universitys School of Social Sciences.

Prior to becoming President, he held key positions in the civil service, in security, intelligence and foreign affairs.

He was appointed as Singapores High Commissioner to Malaysia in 1988 and later Singapores Ambassador to the United States of America from 1990 to 1996.

He also served as Singapores Ambassador-at-Large, and later Pro-Chancellor of the National University of Singapore.

He is also a recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest honour accorded to the Indian-origins oversees by the Indian government in 2012.  PTI
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 31

Indias maternal mortality rate has been on a decline in the last decade but is still a worry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday as he announced a new health scheme  the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan  for pregnant women.

Addressing the nation during the 22nd edition of 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday, the Prime Minister  who touched upon various topics such as the forthcoming Rio Olympics 2016, climate change, grim situation of floods in the country announced that the scheme that will offer free medical check-ups on the 9th of every month in government health centres.

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"We have started the Prime Minister's Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, under which a free check-up will be given to pregnant women on the 9th of every month in government health centres," Modi said.

Modi called upon doctors across the country to join in the government's mission."Thousands of doctors have heeded to my request for this, but in a big country like India, lakhs of doctors should join the campaign.

World Banks data shows that Indias maternal mortality rate in 2015 was 174, down from 556 recorded in 1990. He also spoke about the Rio Olympics and asked people to send their best wishes to the Indian contingent to his app Narendra Modi App. Today in Delhi, Run for Rio was organised. We will organise many more programmes to encourage our athletes. We extend out best wishes to the Indian contingents that will represent India at Rio, this year. In this, your PM is ready to become your postman. Share your best wishes to the athletes on the Narendra Modi App, he said. The Prime Minister expressed his sorrow at the lives lost to heavy rain and floods in the country. A few days ago, we were worrying about drought. Now, on the one hand we hear about monsoon, on the other, we hear about floods. State governments and Centre are working closely to help the flood-affected, Modi said. He also spoke of climate change and urged the people to plant as many trees as possible. Citing Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh as examples, he said the former planned to plant 25 lakh trees and the latter had promised to increase its green cover by 50 per cent by 2029.

He also highlighted health issues, saying diseases like dengue were spreading but cautioned people against the overuse of antibiotics. He also urged the people to stick to the prescriptions given by the doctors and to not stop using the antibiotics as soon as one got better.

Modi also asked his listeners to write to him about they would like him to talk about in his Independence Day speech on August 15.
Pune, July 30

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday called Bollywood actor Aamir Khan arrogant for his statement about leaving the country.

"One actor had said that his wife wants to live out of India. It was an arrogant statement. If I am poor and my house is small, I will still love my house and always dream to make a bungalow out of it," he said after releasing the Marathi version journalist-author Nitin Gokhale's book on Siachen. He however did not take Khan.

Parrikar said many people protested actors statement and even uninstalled mobile applications of an online shopping site he endorsed, while the firm had also pulled out the advertisement featuring him.

In an oblique reference to the alleged anti-national sloganeering at JNU earlier this year, Parrikar said those who speak against the nation need to be taught a lesson by people of this country.

"How come people get guts or courage to speak against the country?

"Such people who speak against the country need to be taught a lesson by the people of this country," he said.

In November last year, the PK actor had joined the chorus against growing "intolerance" in the country. He said his wife Kiran Rao was "alarmed" by the rising intolerance and even suggested they leave the country.

"When I sit at home and talk to Kiran, she says 'Should we move out of India?' That's a disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make. She fears for her child. She fears about what the atmosphere around us will be. She feels scared to open the newspapers every day.

That does indicate that there is this sense of growing disquiet, there is growing despondency apart from alarm. You feel why this is happening, you feel low. That sense does exist in me," Khan had said.

Shameful

Congress criticised Parrikar for his statements as it accused the BJP and RSS of "concerted conspiracy" to hound Dalits, minorities, writers, actors and whoever dissents against the Narendra Modi government.

"Shameful that @manoharparrikar threatens 'teaching a lesson' to 'actors', instead of training his guns elsewhere," Congress spokesperson Randeep S Surjewala said.

He said it was a "shocking revelation" by Parrikar and showed that BJP and RSS supporters actively disrupted and sabotaged an online trading company on Aamir Khan issue.

"Scandalous," he tweeted questioning whether Parrikar's job is to protect India from external aggressors like Pakistan or threaten fellow countrymen.

"@manoharparrikar's statement proves a concerted conspiracy to curb all dissent, hound Dalits & Minorities. Can this be the 'Raj Dharma'?," he tweeted.

Later in a statement to the media, he claimed Parrikar has "unknowingly" exposed the conspiracy through which BJP people targeted the online company, booked orders and cancelled in pursuance of a conspiracy to ensure that Khan was removed as its brand ambassador.

He said the incident "now established that there is a concerted conspiracy against poor, the Dalits, the minorities, artists, actors and anybody who dissents against Modi government". PTI
Rio De Janeiro, July 31

If bravery was an Olympic sport, the 10 athletes, who make up the first-ever refugee team in Rio, would be odds-on for a clean sweep of the gold medals.

From Yusra Mardini, a teenage swimmer from Syria who braved a Mediterranean crossing in a leaky dinghy, to Popole Misenga, who spent eight days hiding in a forest as a terrified child to flee bloody fighting, each of the refugee athletes has overcome daunting odds to maintain Olympic dreams.

Mardini, 18, spoke of her delight at the prospect of participating in Rio, where she will compete in the 100 m butterfly and 100 m freestyle.

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Its absolutely an honour for me to be here, Mardini told a press conference. Less than a year ago, she was swimming for her life. During a perilous journey to Lesbos, the engine of their packed dinghy failed. Mardini and her sister jumped, grabbed a rope and spent the next three-and-a-half hours in the choppy water towing the boat to safety.

Mardini, who has now settled in Germany with her family, says she will proudly represent Syria, the Olympic movement and her recently adopted homeland when she competes in Brazil.

Mardini is joined in the refugee ranks by another Syrian swimmer, Rami Anis, who fled Syria in 2011 to avoid being enlisted into the army, relocating to Belgium from Istanbul in October last year.

Im very proud to be here, Rami said. But I feel a bit of sadness that Im not participating as a Syrian. We are representing people who have lost their human rights and are facing injustices.

The 25-year-old butterfly and freestyle swimmer described the refugee team as a group that does not despair. We have iron wills.

Congelese judoka Misenga, 24, broke into tears when asked to comment on what message he hoped to send through his Olympic participation. He was just nine when he fled fighting in Kisangani. He hid in the jungle for eight days before being rescued and taken to a centre for displaced children in Kinshasa. He later settled in Brazil.  AFP
Agartala, July 31

The 67-year-old popular agitation for railway services to Tripura finally culminated in Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday flagging off the Agartala-Delhi passenger train services on the newly-laid broad gauge track.

The foundation stone for the much awaited railway track to link Agartala to Akhoura in Bangladesh was jointly laid at the programme by Prabhu and his Bangladeshi counterpart Md Mujibul Haque.

The much awaited weekly passenger train named "Tripura Sundari Express" would run between Agartala and Anand Vihar station of Delhi and Anand Vihar and Agartala covering a distance of around 2,480 km in 47 hours.

Bangladesh Railway Minister Mazibul Hoque, Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain and top officials of the Indian and Bangladesh government were present at the flagging off ceremony held at the Agartala railway station.

This railway connectivity is the lifeline for millions in Tripura, western Manipur and Mizoram besides southern Assam.

With the launch of the passenger train, the mountainous border state of Tripura has now been connected with the national capital via Guwahati, Assam's main city which is about 600 km from Agartala.

The extension of then-existing metre gauge track up to northeastern state capital of Agartala brought the city on India's rail map for the first time in October 2008 since the advent of the railways in this subcontinent in 1853.

The single-track 227 km metre-gauge link -- Badarpur (south Assam) to Agartala -- was converted into broad-gauge track earlier this year spending Rs 2,016 crore.

"Though a veteran journalist Amiya Deb Roy first wrote a letter to the Central government to extend railway network in Tripura in 1949, the formal agitation for rail had begun in December 1951 through a mass gathering addressed by veteran communist leaders Jyoti Basu, Muzaffar Ahmad and S.A. Dange," said writer and journalist Tapas Debnath.

He told IANS: "Former parliamentarians and top Tripura Left leaders Dasaratha Deb and Biren Datta had first raised the demand in the Lok Sabha for an extension of railway network to Agartala in 1952."

The stir got a new impetus after the CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) led Left Front government headed by former Chief Minister Nripen Chakraborty assumed office first time in 1978. Chakraborty met then railway minister Madhu Dandavate on January 12, 1978, and put up a strong demand to put Agartala on the railway network.

A series of movements had been organised in Tripura, Guwahati and New Delhi for extension of railway network to Tripura. Incumbent Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Revenue and PWD Minister Badal Choudhury among many other leaders were actively involved in these agitations.

"Agartala is the first state capital in independent India connected with rail network in October 2008," said S.S. Narayanan, a senior official of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).

Thousands of cheerful people gathered at the Agartala railway station on Sunday to witness the historic moment, with some women blowing conch shells to wish the formal launch of the train services a successful one.

"It took more than four decades to connect the capital city after northern Tripura's business hub Dharmanagar came on the railway map in 1964," said Choudhury. Dharmanagar is about 200 km from here.

"The NFR has so far spent about Rs 2,016 crore to connect Agartala by rail by making two big tunnels through the Longtharai Valley and Atharamura Hills and constructing a record number of 233 minor and major bridges," said an NFR engineer.

The 1,962-metre Longtharai tunnel is the longest railway tunnel in eastern India.

The NFR is now laying broad-gauge track for the 112-km Agartala-Sabroom line by March 2018 and investing Rs 3,351 crore.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said: "After the Indian Railways extends its line up to Sabroom, it would be very easy to connect with the Chittagong international sea port in southeast Bangladesh, which is just 75 km from the Tripura border town."

Meanwhile, the NFR has already undertaken works to lay 15 km railway track to connect Agartala with Bangladeshi railway station Akhaurah, an important rail junction in adjoining Bangladesh.  IANS
New Delhi, July 31

The flood situation in Assam and Bihar remained grim today even as a rain-triggered building collapse in Maharashtras Bhiwandi claimed at least nine lives while the death toll in lightning strikes in Odisha went up to 32 with three more casualties.

In Bihar, where the flood toll stood at 26, an estimated 27.50 lakh people have been affected in 12 districts, though no fresh casualty was reported.

Rivers Ghaghra, Bagmati, Koshi and Mahananda are flowing above the danger mark at several places. The floods have also damaged crops in 3.39 lakh hectares.

Till yesterday evening, floods in Assam had claimed 29 lives and affected nearly 37 lakh people in 3,300 villages in 28 districts of the state.

On the flood situation, PM Narendra Modi on his monthly Mann ki Baat programme said the state governments and the Centre were working closely, making all efforts to help those affected.

In Bhiwandi, nine persons were killed when a building collapsed due to heavy rains while incessant downpour in Mumbai, Thane and Palghar hit normal life. The weather department has predicted very heavy rainfall in Mumbai and its suburbs.

In Odisha, where at least 32 people have lost lives in lightning strikes in the past two days, heavy rainfall and thundershower coupled with gusty surface wind are likely to lash several parts due to a low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. The meteorological centre in Bhubaneswar said rain or thundershower was likely to occur at most places over north and south Odisha tomorrow. Sea condition would be moderate to rough in south Odisha coast.

While the national capital recorded scant rainfall, neighboruing UP continued to receive heavy rain with many rivers, including the Ganga and the Sharda, flowing near or above the danger mark, creating flood-like situation in several villages. While Baheri recorded 17 cm rain, Palliakalan, Hamirpur and Bareilly registered 14 cm, 13 cm and 12 cm rain, respectively.

In Uttarakhand, five pilgrims were injured following a landslide in Rudraprayag where incessant rain led to blocking of several roads, including the Chardham yatra routes.

Debris falling from hillside has obstructed many routes, including Rishikesh-Gangotri, Rishikesh-Yamunotri, Rishikesh-Badrinath National Highway affecting the ongoing Chardham yatra.

In West Bengal, Darjeeling in the north and the coastal resort town of Digha in the southern tip recorded moderate rains, while the rest of the state received little or no rainfall.  PTI

Trains delayed in Mumbai

Incessant rains lashed Mumbai and suburban areas, causing train delays on Central and Trans-Harbour lines. The weather department has predicted very heavy rainfall in Mumbai and its suburbs during next 24 hours. A Central Railway official said trains on the Central Line were running 5-10 minutes behind schedule. The services on Trans-harbour Vashi-Panvel-Thane line were severely affected, while on the Harbour line, trains were running 15-20 minutes late. PTI

Guidelines issued for safety of fishermen

Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (West), Mumbai, has issued advisory regarding fishing boats, barges and coastal craft to the coastal states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Union territory of Lakshadweep. This is keeping in view of fishing-ban period coming to an end on Sunday and vigour of Southwest monsoon season leading to continuous bad weather at sea, an official release said. The Fisheries Authorities have been requested to complete inspection/survey of the fishing boats prior to venturing into sea from August 1. The focus areas of inspection includes boat colour-coding, seaworthiness, carrying life jackets/lifebuoys, Distress Alert Transmission System, VHF communication set, navigational lights, boat registration papers, fishing permit, fishermen authorised list, biometric/identity cards. PTI

Fuel to Tripura restored

Acute fuel crisis and shortage of essentials in Tripura has eased with supply of diesel, petrol, LPG and food grains to the state returning to normal in the wake of repair of a 20-km portion of an alternative highway on its inter-state border with Assam. Over 100 tankers carrying diesel and petrol had arrived in Tripura through the repaired Kathaltoli-Chankhira stretch recently, while 40 more moved in on Sunday. With this, the stock has improved to normal position. TNS
Bulandshahr, July 31

The Uttar Pradesh police on Sunday claimed to have identified three accused involved in brutal gangrape of a woman and her teenage daughter in Bulandshahr  just over a 100 km from Delhi  on Friday night as the incident sparked nationwide outrage.

The UP Director General of Police Javeed Ahmed said there were three women at the incident spot, adding one among them was an elderly woman.

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It is a punishable offence and case has been filed. And we will also request for transfer of this case to a fast track court, Ahmed told the media here. Three people have been identified by the victims.

Ahmad said, The accused have been identified as Bablu, son of Roop Chand and a resident of Faridabad; Naresh alias Thakur, a resident of Bathinda and the third accused is Raees, a resident of a village nearby Bulandshahr.

Chief Minister Akhilesh Kumar has suspended Bulandshahr SSP Vaibhav Kishan, SP (city) Rammohan Singh, Circle Officer (Sadar) Himanshu Gaurav and SHO Ramsen Singh of Kotwali Dehat, amid allegations of laxity by police.

Ahmed added that the victims themselves gave the confirmation about the three culprits involved in the crime.

The police chief, however, rubbished the charge that police did not act swiftly, saying they reached the spot within 20 minutes of getting information and SSP Vaibhav Krishna also arrived there.

He said police had taken into custody 15 persons, all of them belonging to a nomadic tribe, last evening and interrogated them.

Three of those held who belonged to Bawariya gang have been identified by the victims and all the culprits would be booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), he said.

The victims  a 35-year-old woman and her 14-year-old daughter  were travelling to Shahjahanpur from Noida on NH-91with four others of their family late on Friday night when some robbers hurled a rod at their car.

When the family got off their vehicle to inspect the damage, some people hiding in the bushes surrounded them and forced them to turn their car off the road and into some fields nearby.

They separated the male members of the family from the women and tied them up, then gangraped the latter at gunpoint. They also robbed the family of cash and jewellery.

One of those tied up managed to free himself and reported the incident to police on Saturday.

Earlier, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav directed Principal Secretary, Home, Debashish Panda and DGP Javeed Ahmad to monitor the case, an official spokesman said, adding the Chief Minister has asked officials to initiate "stern action against the guilty so that no one could dare to do such an act in future".

The National Commission for Women said it had sent a member to meet the victims and officials in Uttar Pradesh but claimed it usually had little cooperation from the state administration in such cases.

UP govt under fire

The incident sparked outrage across the country, with opposition parties accusing Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav of misrule.

The Bahujan Samaj Party, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress targeted the Samajwadi Party government in state.

Union Minister Mahesh Sharma said: "When will this end? It shows that the state government has collapsed on every front. They cannot save the honour of a daughter. It is shameful and they should step down".

BSPs national president Mayawati said there was "complete jungleraaj" in the state.

"The SP government and its head must tell the people if they can return the modesty of women in such a painful and henious crime," she said in a statement.

BSP leader Sudhindra Bhadoria also called the state lawless.

"It is shameful that the UP government did not act fast enough to protect the dignity of women and common citizens. The complete lawlessness in UP proves the point that 'goona raj' under Akhilesh Yadav has reached its peak. Mothers, daughters... nobody is safe in UP," he said.  Agencies
Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 31

Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has reportedly assured Brahmbutta Akhara officials to meet them to discuss their alleged dispute over land with the SGPC.

Members of the akhara management will hold a meeting on their premises tomorrow.

Baba Joginder Singh of the akhara said the CM could not meet them due to his ill-health, but his response was positive.

He said they were hopeful of an amicable solution.

Brahmutta Akhara head Rameshwar Shastri said some officials of the SGPC today visited the akhara and assured them of taking interests into consideration during the expansion of the langar hall.

He said the akhara had been functioning for the four centuries and Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh had donated 60 villages for its maintenance.

He said the akhara taught Sanskrit and Gurmukhi to its disciples.
Man hacked to death in Dharan

A group of assailants hacked a man to death at his residence in Dharan-15 on Saturday. Dipak Rai, 32, was assaulted at his house while he was asleep at around 3am.
Sushil Goyal

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, July 30

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator from Delhi Naresh Yadav was today granted bail by Additional Sessions Judge Amarjit Singh Virk in the Malerkotla desecration case. He was released from the Sangrur District Jail in the afternoon on furnishing a bail bond of Rs 40,000.

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Coming out of the jail, Naresh Yadav said AAP was afraid of none. The SAD-BJP government will commit atrocities on AAP leaders and workers for some months more. But the people of Punjab will give a befitting reply to the ruling alliance in the 2017 Assembly elections, he said. He denied links with Vijay Kumar, the main accused in the sacrilege case.

Yadavs counsel Himmat Singh Shergill had filed a bail application in the Sangrur sessions court on July 28 after the court of Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate, Malerkotla, dismissed his bail plea. Yadav was arrested by the Sangrur police from Delhi on July 24 and produced in the Malerkotla court on July 25.

While granting bail to Yadav, Additional Sessions Judge Virk said the applicant could not be kept in custody for an indefinite period as his guilt was yet to be proved. Therefore, without commenting on the merit of the case, the bail plea is allowed.

Talking to mediapersons, Shergill acussed the Badal government of implicating AAP leaders in false cases as part of a political conspiracy. He said the prosecution could not produce any proof against Yadav today.
Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Malout, July 31

Tension prevailed in the town after two persons were nabbed for allegedly slaughtering cows at a vacant plot on the Shekhu road here last night. A pickup vehicle used to transport cows was impounded.

Those arrested are Rakesh Kumar and Ramesh Kumar. Their three accomplices managed to flee. A case under various sections of the Punjab Prohibition of Cow Slaughter Act and Sections 295-A, 278, 429, 148 and 149 of the IPC has been registered against them.

Later, activists of some Hindu organisations and the BJP staged a protest in the town. They also damaged the pickup vehicle used to transport cows.

The protest was resumed at Gandhi Chowk today. The activists took out a march in the town and appealed to the shopkeepers to close their business establishments.

Keemti Lal Bhagat, Chairman, Gau Sewa Commission, Punjab, visited the town today. He formed a five-member committee to probe the matter and directed the district police and the administration to deal with this issue diligently and file a report in seven days.

Bhagat said he had last night tried to speak to the SSP, Muktsar, and IGP, Bathinda zone, but none of them answered his phone call. He said: If the police officers dont answer our phone calls, I can understand the plight of the commoners.

Balraj Singh, SP, Malout, said: A post-mortem of the dead bovines was conducted. The situation is now under control.
Yash Goyal in Jaipur

In a small village Khejarli near Jodhpur (Rajasthan), the invitation to a meal is in a language understood by even deer and chinkaras: avro, avro, avro! The antelopes will come running and gather around to partake in the food. In some cases, a woman may come forward to breastfeed an orphaned or injured fawn.

The village derives its name from Khejari tree. The protection of the tree and that of antelopes is the responsibility of the Vishnois. The legend has it that 363 Vishnois, women and children, sacrificed their lives guarding the Khejari trees from woodcutters working as per a royal decree. Each year, on the day of Dashmi of Shukla Paksha Bhadrapad (in September), the community observes martyrs day and renews its pledge to preserve its conventional, aesthetic and religious beliefs of not cutting a tree and save the wildlife, especially the deer and chinkara.

Elsewhere in Rajasthan, things are not as bright. The State Wild Animal Census between 2012 and 2015 shows a decline in the population of black buck (antelop cervicarpa) and the chinkara outside and inside protected sanctuaries. There are 42,864 Chinkaras and 17,697 black bucks as per the state census.

The media coverage of Salman Khans acquittal in the blackbuck poaching case has set the Vishnois talking: Has poaching in the state been curbed? Recently the carcasses of eight chinkaras were found hanging with ropes on a tree at Gandhialasar of Nagaur district, and the police busted a hunter gang in Churu district, recovering six deer carcasses from the smugglers vehicle.

Dr SM Mohnot, founder director at School of Desert Sciences, Jodhpur, says more animals were becoming poachers victims because of growing human interference in the range-land available for the animals movement. Industrialization, public transportation and tourism near sanctuaries are responsible for the animals dwindling number. Plus, there are fewer convictions in poaching cases. The lack of effective enforcement of existing laws has emboldened animal smugglers, he says.

But Vishnois are determined to protect the animals. Community members say its their sacred duty to follow what their forefathers promised to Shri Jambheshwar, the sects founder. Guru Jamheshwar of Bikaner had announced 29 camps from which the name Bishnoi is derived (bis means twenty, noi means nine). Every Vishnoi is instructed not to cut green trees, save environment and provide a common shelter to animals, specially goat, sheep and deer.

Its the promise that played itself out in the year 1787 as per communitys folklore. Diwan Girdhar Dass, the courtier of the then King Abhaya Singh, had ordered cutting down the Khejari trees for combustible lime in Vishnoi villages where the tree grows richly an easily. As the state workers began chopping down the trees at Khejarli, a woman tied herself to a khejari tree and got her body cut into pieces by axes that struck the tree. Her three daughters, too, sacrificed their lives. The whole village was horrified. The Vishnois of nearby villages also reached there. The mindless violence continued for a second day. When the king heard about the horrible sight, he rushed to Khejarli and withdrew his orders.
Harvinder Khetal

Holy cow! Ours is a country that can still get more outraged by the imagined slaughter of a cow than the death of a human being! Even as cows no more moo in our backyard sheds, specially in cities, we are still finding it impossible to not boo at perceived blasphemy. And, the collective boo takes on a violent turn as we make mincemeat of the beefy offenders. At times, even over rumours and cock and bull stories. We vandalise, humiliate, beat and even lynch them.

We find nothing unholy in taking law unto our hands over the holy cow. We turn vigilantes. A vigilante is a member of a self-appointed group of citizens who undertake law enforcement without authority, typically because legal agencies are thought to be inadequate.

Suddenly, vigilante squads seem to be sprouting senselessly. More and more mob justice maniacs manage to mislead the masses into making a mockery of many maxims. You chew the cud when you talk or think slowly and carefully about something. It comes from this trait of ruminant animals, notably cows. Cud is the part-digested food that cows bring back into their mouths from their first stomach, to chew at leisure.

When I was chewing the cud (also, chew the fat) on cow politics, I was reminded of the political science classes of my undergrad days. We had fun learning certain political terms with reference to the you have two cows satire:

Socialism: You have two cows. The government takes one and gives one to your neighbour.

Communism: You have two cows. The government takes them both and promises you milk but you starve.

Fascism: You have two cows. The government takes them both and sells you the milk. You join the underground.

Bureaucracy: You have two cows. The government takes them both, shoots one, milks the other, pays you for the milk, and then pours it down the drain.

Anarchy: You have two cows. Either you sell the milk at a fair price or your neighbours try to kill you and take the cows.

Political correctness: You are associated with (the concept of "ownership" is a symbol of the phallocentric, war-mongering, intolerant past) two differently-aged (but no less valuable to society) bovines of non-specified gender.

Counterculture: Wow, dude, there's like... these two cows, man. You have *got* to have some of this milk. I mean, totally.

Capitalism: You have two cows. You sell one, buy a bull, and build a herd of cows.

Republic: You have two cows. Your neighbour has none. So what?

Democracy: You have two cows. Your neighbours pick someone to tell you who gets the milk.

American democracy: The government promises to give you two cows if you vote for it. After the election, the president is impeached for speculating in cow futures. The press dubs the affair "Cowgate".

Indian Democracy: You have two cows. You worship them. Interestingly, this two cows satire can be applied to economics or other fields of study. As I was ruminating, I came across this witty stuff regarding photography on petapixel.com:

Photojournalist: You have two cows. Photojournalist will wait till your neighbour kills one of the cows before they take a picture.

Street photographer: You have two cows. Street photographer will wait till the cows mate and produce more cows to layer the frame before they take a picture.

Wedding photographer: You have two cows. Wedding photographer will take a picture just before the cows mate.

Salon photographer: You have two cows. Salon photographer will wait till the sun sets behind the cows before they take a picture.

Conceptual photographer: You have two cows. Conceptual photographer will wait till nature calls and take a picture of the cows dung.

Instagram photographer: You have two cows. Instagram photographer will wait till your neighbour makes steak from the cow he killed before they take a picture.

Commercial photographer: You have two cows. Commercial photographers will wait for the budget before they even look at the cows.

Fashion photographer: You have two cows. Fashion photographer will recommend two horses instead because the cows are too fat.

So, have you chewed the fat? It would be good if we all did that on all matters. Then the world would be a much better place to live in. We would not be cowardly or cowed. By the way, we all love cows, as we do all other animals.

By the way, a little bird tells me that this buffalo was feeling racially discriminated against. I also give milk to people. Why am I not sacred? Because I am black?

 hkhetal@gmail.com
BD Kasniyal

Pithoragarh, July 31

The Tanakpur depot of the Uttarakhand Roadways is registering an increased sale of Rs 2 lakh these days as a large number of Nepalese are coming to the border town of Banbasa to reach the apple orchards of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir as the apple season begins.

We used to get a sale of Rs 11 lakh from our 52 buses on ordinary days while now we are getting Rs 13 to 14 lakh per day these days as a large number of Nepalese are coming to the Banbasa roadways station to catch buses to Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh, said Pawan Mahra, Assistant Regional Manager of the roadways.

He said the transport agency had called for more buses from other depots to meet the rush of passengers.

RP Tamta, immigration check post officer at Banbasa border, said every year an average of 8 lakh Nepalese come to India from Banbasa border in search of livelihood.

An average of 4,000 Nepalese are coming to India from the Banbasa route these days.

These Nepalese labourers are coming from the districts of Baitari, Bazang, Rolpa, Acham, Kanchanpur and Darchula districts of western Nepal, Tamta added.
Washington, July 31

Hillary Clinton on Sunday said her economic plan would create 10 million jobs in the US while that of Donald Trump would cost three and half million jobs as the Democratic presidential nominee underlined her Republican rival is not offering real change but empty promises.

My plans would create millions more jobs than Trumps, Clinton said at an election rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

In fact, under my plans, the economy would create at least 10 million jobs in our first term, she added.

As for Donald Trump? Well, his policies were found that they would actually cost us nearly three and a half million jobs, the 68-year-old former secretary of state said, referring to a study done by a top economist associated with the presidential campaign of Senator John McCain.

In fact, the more you listen to Donald Trump, the more you realise he is not offering real change. Hes offering empty promises, and what little we know about his economic policies, from running up our debt, to starting trade wars, to letting Wall Street run wild, could devastate working families, Clinton said.

She said her vision of America is in sharp contrast to what Trump is laying out, because I dont think were weak.

I dont think were in decline. I think we can pull together because we are stronger together, and if anybody like him spent a day on the factory floor here, theyd see what teamwork looks like. Theyd understand what it means to create and build.

Clinton, who was joined by Senator Tim Kaine, is on a bus tour in Pennsylvania and Ohio with her vice presidential running mate. During the tour, they said in the first 100 days in office, they would announce to make the largest investment in new, good-paying jobs since World War II.

Visiting Johnstown Wire Technologies, a factory with a record of creating jobs and investing in America, Clinton highlighted her plans to invest USD 10 billion to strengthen manufacturing communities like Johnstown.

Clinton and Kaine contrasted their shared vision for an American economy that works for everyone  not just those at the top  with Trumps long record of outsourcing products to be made overseas, instead of here in America.

Donald Trump, you hear him, he talks a big game about putting America first. Well, with all due respect, please explain to me what part of America first leads Trump to make Trump dress shirts in Bangladesh, not Ashland, Pennsylvania.

Or to make Trump furniture in Turkey, not Freeburg, Pennsylvania. Or Trump picture frames in India, not Bristol, Pennsylvania, Clinton said.

The Trump Campaign criticised her for visiting this township in Pennsylvania, saying Clinton visiting Johnstown is like a robber visiting their victim as the state has lost 1 in 3 manufacturing jobs since China was put in the World Trade Organisation.

Kaine said: We are on this tour so that we can talk about the American economy: to talk about manufacturing; to talk about the way to grow jobs and make sure everybody benefits from our economic growth, not just a few.

Stephen Miller, senior policy advisor to the Trump Campaign said the state of Pennsylvania has lost 1 in 3 manufacturing jobs since China was put in the WTO with Hillarys support. The Johnston region lost nearly 1 in 2 manufacturing jobs since Hillary-backed NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) went into effect.

Clintons next assault on Johnstown will be the Trans-Pacific Partnership, he said.

Donald Trump delivered a detailed 7-point plan to restore American manufacturing, including countervailing duties on trade cheaters like China and immediate withdrawal from the TPP. Hillary has no plan because her donors wont let her, he said.  PTI
Singapore, July 31

SR Nathan, a former Singapore President of Indian-origin today suffered a stroke and is in a critical condition in the ICU. Nathan, 92, suffered a stroke early this morning and is in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit at Singapore general hospital, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Nathan was Singapore's sixth and longest-serving president, had earlier suffered a stroke in April last year. Nathan was in office for two terms from 1999 to 2011 and officially stepped down as President on August 31, 2011 after announcing that he would not seek a third term in office.  PTI
Washington, July 31

Donald Trump on Sunday hit out at the father of a fallen Pakistani-origin Muslim American soldier over remarks that he has sacrificed nothing for the country as the Republican presidential nominee mocked the mother for keeping silent, triggering a bipartisan backlash.

The reality TV star said he created thousands of jobs and made a lot of sacrifices in response to an impassioned speech by Army Capt. Humayun Khans father Khizr Khan at last weeks Democratic National Convention.

The 70-year-old real estate tycoon known for making controversial statements, however, drew sharp criticism from different quarters, including from his own party, when he questioned whether Khans wife was even allowed to speak, both for attacking a mourning mother and because many considered them racist and anti-Muslim.

Who wrote that? Did (Democratic rival) Hillary (Clinton)s script writers write it? Trump said in an interview with ABC News. I think Ive made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard.

Khizr Khan, in a moving tribute to his son at the Convention in Philadelphia while posthumously receiving a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart after he was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq in 2004, stunned a national audience with a speech directly confronting Trump, who has called for a ban on Muslims entering the US.

He asked Trump to go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America.

You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one.

Trump said: Ive created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures. Sure those are sacrifices.

I think my popularity with the vets is through the roof.

Responding to a question, Trump alleged that Khans wife Ghazala, who was standing besides him wearing a headscarf during the speech, was not allowed to speak.

His wife, if you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasnt allowed to have anything to say. You tell me, but plenty of people have written that. She was extremely quiet and it looked like she had nothing to say, he said.

His remarks gathered storm as some Republicans also rounded on their candidate, with Ohio Governor John Kasich, a former rival to Mr Trump for the Republican nomination, tweeting: Theres only one way to talk about Gold Star parents: with honour and respect.

Trump later sought to tone down the remarks, issuing a statement in which he called Humayun a hero.

Clinton in a statement said Captain Khan and his family represent the best of America, and we salute them.

This is a time for all Americans to stand with the Khans, and with all the families whose children have died in service to our country. And this is a time to honour the sacrifice of Captain Khan and all the fallen, she said.  PTI
New alliance to form nine-member panel

In an attempt to bring the Madhes-based parties on board the government formation process, the Nepali Congress and the CPN (Maoist Centre) have agreed to form a joint team.
Colorado Springs (US), July 31

The Colorado Springs Fire Department has said that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump had to be rescued from an elevator that was stuck between the first and second floors of a resort.

In a statement released yesterday, the department said that it was called at 1:30 pm (local time) Friday to rescue about 10 people, including Trump, trapped inside the elevator at The Mining Exchange resort.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The department said the firefighters opened the top elevator hatch and lowered a ladder into the elevator. Trump and the others used the ladder to climb out of the elevator to the second floor. No injuries were reported, the department said.

The Trump campaign confirmed that the incident occurred but did not provide details.

During a rally on Friday at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Trump criticised the citys fire marshal for limiting the number of people allowed to attend his speech at the building where the event was held.  AP
Ankara, July 31

Turkey dismissed nearly 1,400 members of its armed forces and stacked the top military council with government ministers on Sunday, moves designed by President Tayyip Erdogan to put him in full control of the military after a failed coup.

The new wave of expulsions and the overhaul of the Supreme Military Council (YAS) were announced in the government's official gazette just hours after Erdogan said late on Saturday he planned to shut down existing military academies and put the armed forces under the command of the Defence Ministry.

According to the gazette, 1,389 military personnel were dismissed for suspected links to the Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, who is accused by Turkey of orchestrating the July 15-16 failed putsch. Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in the United States, has denied the charges and condemned the coup.

It comes after an announcement last week that more than 1,700 military personnel had been dishonourably discharged for their role in the putsch, which saw a faction of the armed forces commandeer tanks, helicopters and warplanes in an attempt to topple the government.

It was not immediately clear whether the dismissals referred to in Sunday's official gazette included any of those dishonourably discharged previously.

Erdogan has said 237 people were killed and more than 2,100 wounded in the coup attempt. The government also said its deputy prime ministers and ministers of justice, the interior and foreign affairs would be appointed to YAS.

The prime minister and defence minister were previously the only government representatives on the council.

They will replace a number of military commanders who have not been reappointed to the YAS, including the heads of the First, Second, and Third Armies, the Aegean Army and the head of the Gendarmerie security forces, which frequently battle Kurdish militants in the southeast. The changes appear to have given the government commanding control of the council.

So far, more than 60,000 people in the military, judiciary, civil service and schools have been either detained, suspended or placed under investigation over suspected links with Gulen.  Reuters
Nine dead in bus accident in Makwanpur, seven identified

Nine people died when two passenger buses collided at Ramantaar in Makwanpur district along the Hetauda  Narayangadh road on Saturday night.
Germany's highest court late Saturday upheld a ruling to ban Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from addressing via video call a planned anti-coup rally in Cologne.

The decision by the Federal Constitutional Court came after Cologne police prevented the rally organizers from inviting the president to give a speech to thousands of supporters expected to gather for Sunday's rally in Deutzer Werft to protest the July 15 coup attempt in Turkey.

Police said the measure was for "security reasons". A local court agreed with the decision, issuing the ruling that scrapped the plan.

Zafer Sirakaya, head of the Union of European Turkish Democrats that organized the rally, criticized the court ruling as politically motivated.

"There is no acceptability to this ruling from a legal perspective. It is extremely clear that this is a political decision," Sirakaya told Anadolu Agency.

He added that the union would nevertheless comply with the decision and plan accordingly.

More than 230 people were killed and nearly 2,200 people injured in the coup attempt, which the Turkish government has said was carried out by Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) led by soi-disant preacher Fetullah Gulen.

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.
In the nearly-40 years since John Howard graduated from NIDA he has just about done it all: All Saints, Seachange, Always Greener, Janet King, Wildside, A Town Like Alice, Changi, The Club, Japanese Story, Last Cab to Darwin and Razorback.

This week he dons a kilt to play Sarge, a disciplinarian teacher in the second season of ABCs Soul Mates by Christiaan & Connor Van Vuuren (Bondi Hipsters).

Theyd probably seen me in Mad Max: Fury Road when I was a lot heavier, with a fat suit. And they wanted someone fat. They havent explained themselves to me. But Im a fat kilted Scotsman, he tells TV Tonight.

I love it. Just imagine theyre doing Monty Python thirty years on. So its out there, but they are also very clever satirists. They take the piss out of the monetary system, out of hipsters, fashion, across-the-ditch rivalry between the Kiwis and the Aussies.

They have stone-age people, a pisstake of Pharaohs and slavery. I find it very droll and theres also shock-horror.

I had a character like (Sarge) in the school I went to.

We had a man who was an ex-Scottish highlander in the regiment, who played the bagpipes brilliantly. But I dont think he did what Sarge does.

Such is breadth of his career that from anarchic comedy he returns to theatre, with Shakespeares Twelfth Night at Belvoir, but he relishes the attributes of three disciplines in Film, TV and Theatre.

I enjoy Film very much partly because of the locations you go to and the people you meet that you wouldnt otherwise meet. And partly because of the whole process of working with the crew. But theres a lot of hurry up and wait in Film, he explains.

TV suits me really well because of the speed of it. And again I enjoy being around crews: cameramen, grips, gaffers, the whole bit. Ive worked in most of those jobs, like a runner in the Art Department because I like to be involved in the whole event.

The payoff with Theatre is you get to do the whole show with living, breathing people there, who have an opinion right in front of you.

But creating characters begins with the script or story, comic book or whatever it is, and you interpret that with the help of directors, writers etc.

Some of Howards best-known roles have been his most abrasive characters, including Frank Campion on All Saints and Bob Jelly on Seachange. Borrowing real-life characteristics is part of his methodology.

I like to find a role that is appropriate for the character, 2 or 3 who I watch, to borrow gestures and attitudes. We all have an inner life and an outer life that we project to other people. But every now and then you see the inner life peeking through with inconsistencies and hypocrisies that we all have. Thats my particular delight. I try to put them in so that the audience can see what the character thinks of themselves and what theyre really like, he explains.

Thats where the interesting bit is, thats the whole bit of acting. Its all about the flaws and the conflicts. Otherwise its not very interesting.

He modelled Seachanges mayor Bob Jelly on a cousin, without telling him until afterwards.

I saw him in a hurry but he didnt want to run, so his bum was out and his legs were going as quick as he could without running. So I thought That epitomises Robert Jelly, always trying to make things happen but never quite having the energy to run.

Seachange was probably my favourite show because it was so well written. You started at a certain point and then you gradually got to know everybody in the village. Some of the ideas were classics like 6 guys all sharing the same suit!

When the show aired on Sunday nights in the late 1990s, its ratings went through the roof, even trumping commercial offerings -unheard of at the time.

It slammed everybody. (Co-creator) Andrew Knight hated me saying this but Seachange was a child of (radio serial) Blue Hills by Gwen Meredith and Bellbird and a whole series of shows that explore a country town where you see the dramatic and comedic side, and the relationships between idiosyncratic people in a feelgood show.

For All Saints boss Frank Campion, Howard studied Gordon Fulde, Director of Emergency at St Vincents Hospital.

I borrowed the way he looked, down to what he had on his belt, his shirt, his pockets, the whole bit, he recalls.

He was kind enough to show me around the Emergency, so I watched and borrowed things from him.

People often say he was very gruff but I got a lot of letters from registered nurses saying that they worked for that man.

It was a long show so I think on the way you got to see a lot of sides to him. He was sick with health, he had a love affair, an autistic daughter, so there was a fair bit to him.

I often got odd characters to play. In theatre it was Nero but in TV my very first character was in Water Under the Bridge and he was very weird. So I am attracted to those kinds of characters because they were always more fun! Or maybe I just come across as being a bit weird.

But one show, Always Greener by writer Bevan Lee, ended in 2003 after just 2 seasons. Observers have long argued it was cut short after ratings were hit by programming changes.

I absolutely agree, Howard insists. The show was designed to be on a Sunday evening, and it started very well. But how Programmers gamble Im not really sure. It got moved around a lot.

For a show like that people wanted to know it was on at such and such a time, such and such a night, because they like that regularity. So moving it around destroyed it.

I liked it a lot because it had little touches of fantasy.

And in the very first episode we blew the arse off a cow!

So it was very disappointing when it got cut. Especially for Bevan because he was going in a different direction to what he had previously.

But as he moves between sketch-snuff comedy to serious Arthur Miller to ludicrous Twelfth Night, Howard remains optimistic about new opportunities that are emerging for storytellers. Soul Mates has spawned from a Bondi Hipsters web-series, and has been sold to NBC-Universals comedy streaming channel Seeso.

Theres an enormous amount of opportunity at the moment because of things like Stan and Netflix, Howard acknowledges.

So the internet has enabled a lot of people to make and sell shows, at all kinds of levels of budgets. They are wonderful toys to use but it still comes down to having a good story.

If you do it right the world is your oyster.

Soul Mates premieres 9:40pm Wednesday on ABC with full season on iview.
Improvements are on the way for the troubled iQ3 set top box.

Foxtel will progressively fix bugs in existing units, following ongoing bugs that have attracted subscriber criticism.

Basically, we have commissioned a new iQ3 version set-top, iQ3.5 if you like, that has all the same functionality of the existing box, but it has a processor speed which is significantly faster just with the advent of new chip sets, its a naturally faster box and its a significantly lower cost, Foxtel chief executive Peter Tonagh told The Australian Financial Review.

Well port the existing middleware, or software, across from the iQ3 to the new box. In doing that, it will perform better, just because of the high-speed processor, but it will be lower cost to us, which is obviously a good benefit.

A roll-out of new software is expected in coming weeks.

What weve been doing is basically working through systematically each of the bugs that weve identified. Weve now got code that addresses a very large number of bugs within the box and providing we go through our early sign-off of that next week itll start rolling out within the next two weeks and progressively across the entire base and should lead to significant improvement for the people who have had bad experiences.

It isnt yet clear if the upgrade will mean a loss of shows stored on the hardware.

Foxtel will begin an aggressive marketing push for the iQ3, which it quietly stopped marketing earlier this year, and push harder on its broadband bundles with Foxtel-NBN connectivity.

Foxtel is also planning to release a puck streaming device as a cheaper entry point for prospective customers, tipped to include Netflix, Stan, Presto and free-to-air catch-up services.
No-mans-land in Saptari under watch

Security personnel from Nepal and India have upped border surveillance at Tilathi in Saptari district in order to prevent a possible clash.
Nuwakot folk uphold tradition while building quake-resistant houses

Locals have agreed to construct earthquake resistant traditional houses in Bidur Municipality 2 and 3, Nuwakot.
Parliament to discuss impeachment of Karki after formation of new govt

Legislature-Parliament will hold discussions on motions of urgent public importance, including impeachment of Chief of Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, Lokman Singh Karki, only after the formation of new government.
PET/CT imaging in men with prostate cancer (PCa) is rapidly growing as clinicians are becoming aware of its possible fundamental role in the diagnostic flow chart of these patients. As this technology becomes more available worldwide, a considerable number of scientific studies are focusing on specific clinical scenarios and novel PET radiopharmaceuticals that might assist improving early diagnosis and shifting to a truly tailored treatment for PCa. This review focuses on the most recent and important publications in PET/CT imaging of PCa.

Choline, radiolabelled with either 11-C or 18-F, is now widely used and has shown good performance in detecting sites of disease compared with conventional imaging, especially in biochemical recurrence. However, its sensitivity and specificity when PSA values are low, and especially below 1.0 ng/ml, is insufficient. More recently, a number of new tracers have been proposed for clinical practice. Among them, 68-Ga Prostate-specific membrane antigen have shown so far the most promising results and is replacing choline PET in centres where it is available. It is particularly useful for detecting PCa relapse at low PSA values but may also be useful for staging of patients with intermediate or high risk prostate cancer. 18-F fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT remains useful for a limited number of patients with PCa and may provide useful prognostic information.

PET/CT is a reliable technique in the diagnostic work-up of patients with PCa, particularly in the setting of biochemical recurrence following previous definitive treatment. The landscape of available radiotracers is changing rapidly and includes fluorodeoxyglucose, sodium fluoride, choline, anti-1-amino-3-18F-fluorocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid, and prostate-specific membrane antigen. Of these, prostate-specific membrane antigen PET/CT appears the most likely to represent a new gold standard with evidence of clinical utility emerging in a variety of scenarios, including staging and biochemical recurrence.

Current opinion in urology. 2016 Sep [Epub]

Joshua J Morigi, S Fanti, D Murphy, Michael S Hofman

aNuclear Medicine Department, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital and Department of Specialized, Experimental, and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, ItalybPeter MacCallum Cancer Centre and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia*Joshua J. Morigi and Michael S. Hofman have contributed equally to the writing of this article.

PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27467137
Rain-induced landslides block Araniko Highway

Several road sections along the Araniko Highway have been obstructed due to landslides triggered by heavy rains over the past four days.
Johnny Johnston

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By Megan Diskin of the Ventura County Star

Former Ventura County Executive Officer Johnny Johnston says he plans to run for mayor of Ojai.

"I am planning to file on Monday," Johnston said Saturday of the paperwork that will put him in the running for the city's first elected mayoral election.

The City Council has historically selected a mayor, but voters in 2014 approved a ballot measure by 67 percent that gave the city's residents the power to directly elect the mayor.

Johnston has been living in Ojai for 45 years. He was hired as city manager in 1971. He previously had held that position in the city of Artesia. He briefly served four years ago as Ventura's interim city manager. Before serving as county executive officer, he ran what is now called the Ventura County General Services Agency.

After he retired, many people in the community would come to him with questions, complaints or problems with the city and county governments, he said. He said they were telling him some not-so-great things, especially about the civic environment in his town.

"People don't feel welcome going into our City Hall," Johnston said.

It was an issue he looked into for himself. Maybe it was because he didn't properly sign in, Johnston said, but not one person in the office looked up from their desk or asked him if he needed help.

"My goal is to try to return respect into the institution," Johnston said.

He said the City Council treated him and other speakers during a public-comment period like "schoolchildren" by issuing reprimands. At the time, he was advocating on behalf of parkland and open space at a meeting about building affordable housing on parkland gifted to the city.

Johnston said he was not against affordable housing, especially as someone who once worked in real estate development, but said it would take away parkland.

Among his government jobs, one of them included running the county's parks division.

Johnston said he encouraged the people coming to him with complaints to run for mayor. He has been an advocate for working in public service and civic duties, most notable when teaching in California Lutheran University's graduate program in public policy.

But those in his community said they don't have the time or experience to launch a campaign.

"So I said I should put my money where my mouth is and try to give it a try," Johnston said.
JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Korean War veteran Rudy Garcia (left) and Sally Lopez prepare to place wreaths in memory of those who served in the Korean War during the annual wreath ceremony at Veterans Park in Santa Paula on Saturday.

SHARE JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Ben Espinoza (front), of Reseda, remembers those who died in the Korean War during a wreath ceremony Saturday at Veterans Park in Santa Paula. Seated next to Espinoza is Jack Calderon from Santa Barbara. JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Korean War veterans Rudy Arellano (left) and Rudy Garcia salute to honor those who served in that conflict during a wreath ceremony Saturday at Veterans Park in Santa Paula. JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Korean War veteran Rudy Arellano salutes to remember those who served in that conflict during Saturday's ceremony at Veterans Park in Santa Paula. JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR People listen to Hong Ki Park, retiring commander of the Korean Veteran Association in the Western Region of the U.S., during Saturday's president Korean Veterans Association, Western Region U.S.A., during Saturday's wreath ceremony at Veterans Park in Santa Paula.

By Anne Kallas, Special to The Star

More than 60 years after Korean War ended, David Lopez, 85, still has vivid memories of his time in battle as part of the 24th Infantry Division of the Army.

"We were in water up to here," Lopez said, gesturing to the middle of his chest. "We could barely move. And the river was about 20 yards wide. They were shooting at us, and we all just hoped we wouldn't be the next one. You could look to the right and left and see the dead. A lot of people got killed, and we couldn't do anything."

Lopez said the Korean War is often referred to as "the forgotten war," even though those memories are etched in his mind.

The sixth annual wreath-laying and funeral ceremony at Santa Paula's Veterans Park, put on by Korean War Veterans Association Chapter No. 56 of Ventura County, is intended to remind people of the sacrifices of those who fought in Korea from 1950 to 1953, Lopez said.

Commemorating the July 27, 1953, armistice that ended that war, the ceremony honors the 27 military personnel from Ventura County who were killed in action during that time.

Jerry Olivas, a Vietnam veteran and commander of Santa Paula's Mercer-Prieto Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2043, said the ceremonies his group holds every year  including Veterans Day and Memorial Day commemorations  reflect the community.

"Growing up in this town, I know there is a lot of patriotism in our community. So we do this for the veterans and their families," said Olivas, noting that the camaraderie fostered by shared combat experiences can be healing. "We all talk among ourselves about the horrific things we saw. That's why we do these ceremonies  for those who didn't come back."

During the ceremony Saturday morning, 43 wreaths were placed at the foot of the granite Korean War memorial  some offered by the VFW, and some put there by family members honoring a relative who served in the war and later died.

Robert Rabago, 81, was at the ceremony to watch as his wife, Mary Freiwald, laid a wreath in honor of Rabago's brother Theodore.

Rabago served in the Navy.

"I was sent to Vietnam and was at the Marshall Islands when they exploded the H-bomb," he said. "I remember a lot of people were killed for our freedom. It's not an easy thing. Those who are fighting today in Iraq and Afghanistan are fighting for the Constitution of the United States so we don't lose our freedom."

The keynote speaker at the ceremony was Sangmin Ryu, deputy consul general of the South Korean Consulate in Los Angeles.

Ryu said he was filled with gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who served in the Korean War.

"It is truly my privilege to be here among these great heroes. Veterans, you are freedom fighters of war," said Ryu, noting that without the support of the U.S., the democratic government of South Korea would not have survived. "Never forget that you changed history, thanks to your unparalleled courage and selflessness."

Hong Ki Park, retiring commander of the Korean Veteran Association in the Western Region of the U.S., reminded the crowd that current statements by political candidates must be carefully evaluated. He said South Korea contributes toward its defense in alliance with the U.S.

Olivas reminded people, "Elections have consequences. Be careful who you elect. Don't elect someone who doesn't understand the treaty alliances and NATO."

After the wreath-laying, VFW members conducted a five-part funeral ceremony, which began with an introduction, followed by a blessing, flag folding ceremony, gun salute and taps.

The ceremony was followed by a barbecue picnic at Steckel Park.

For information about the Korean War Veterans Association Chapter No. 56 of Ventura County, call Lopez at 310-323-8481. For information about Mercer-Prieto VFW Post 2043 in Santa Paula, call Olivas at 525- 3173.
FILE PHOTO

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By Arlene Martinez, amartinez@vcstar.com

New massage establishments can soon open again in Ventura, now that the City Council plans to end its nearly 19-month moratorium.

But the new rules for governing the industry still need to be clarified, and some professionals argue they are overly onerous and hurt business.

The ordinance places an "undue hardship on massage businesses," said Bernita Brazier, who owns Just Being Healthy in midtown. "They are trying to legislate against prostitutes, but they're using massage parlors to do that."

Since Jan. 1, 2015, no new massage establishments have been allowed to open and existing ones couldn't move. The council implemented the ban to give staff time to update the ordinance on massage businesses due to a change at the state in how the industry is governed.

Now, cities can use land-use and zoning rules to better direct where massage businesses are located and how they operate. The goal is to keep illicit operations from opening and have more authority to shut down problematic ones.

On Monday night, City Attorney Gregory Diaz suggested the council approve the ordinance, even with the deficiencies, to end the moratorium and allow cities to shut down businesses where employees have been arrested on suspicion of prostitution. Previously, an employee had to be convicted of prostitution before the city could act.

The moratorium will be lifted 30 days after the second reading, planned for Monday night.

Officials drafted the ordinance after a May meeting with massage professionals. The council directed staff to clarify four items: window coverings; whether to allow extended operating hours at the Player's Club Casino, which offers massages on site; being able to use the floor or mats for massages; and, most significantly, a rule that establishments must be at least 500 feet from one another.

Diaz plans to return the revised ordinance to the council later this year.

Abby Nielsen, who owns the Kali Institute on Main Street, said several massage professionals tend to work together in the same space to share rent and other costs. The 500-foot buffer would make it impossible for some to practice in Ventura, she said.

An operation like the one Nielsen described "isn't the type of problem we were having," Diaz said. The city will better specify to what the distance requirement refers, he said.

Nielsen noted other shortcomings in the ordinance, including the new massage establishment registration fee. The fee, $156 the first year and $117 for renewals, is on top of the normal business permits, she said.

The city's focus on preventing human trafficking has come at the expense of legitimate businesses, she said.

It's also driving prospective students away, Nielsen said. Whereas 20 were enrolling every three months at Kali, now there are four to six, she said.

"People are scared because they're not going to be able to work," Nielsen said. The changes are "jeopardizing huge investments."

Mayor Erik Nasarenko, who made reducing the number of illicit massage parlors part of his 2013 campaign platform, said the ordinance was a good start. He said there was no reason a city the size of Ventura needed 71 massage establishments.

That prompted Brazier to call out: "How many doctor's offices are there?"

After the meeting, Brazier said the city has more attorneys than massage parlors.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with correct information on when the moratorium on massage establishments takes effect.
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To gauge the opportunism and hypocrisy that define Donald Trump's Republican Party, consider this: Imagine the scalding rhetoric that would have boiled from the likes of Newt Gingrich, that Metternich of many green rooms, if Hillary Clinton had offhandedly undermined the collective security architecture of U.S. foreign policy since NATO was created in 1949.

Vladimir Putin's regime is saturating Europe with anti-Americanism, buying print and broadcast media, pliable journalists and other opinion leaders, and funding fringe political parties, think tanks and cultural institutions. (Putin is again following Hitler's playbook; read Alan Furst's historical novel "Mission to Paris," set in prewar France.)

Putin is etching with acid a picture of America as ignorant, narcissistic and, especially, unreliable. Trump validates every component of this indictment, even saying that the U.S. commitment to NATO's foundational principle  an attack on one member is an attack on all  is not categorical.

Gingrich, who is among the supposed savants who will steer Trump toward adulthood, flippantly dismisses Estonia, a NATO member contiguous to Putin's Russia and enduring its pressure, as "some place which is in the suburbs of St. Petersburg." Gingrich thereby echoes Neville Chamberlain's description, three days before Munich, of Hitler's pressure on Czechoslovakia as "a quarrel in a faraway country between people of whom we know nothing."

It would be fanciful to suggest that Trump read a book, but others should read Svetlana Alexievich's "Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets," an oral history of post-Soviet Russia, 1991 to 2012. A recurring theme is Russian nostalgia for the Soviet era: "We had a great empire  stretching from sea to sea, from beyond the Arctic to the subtropics. Where is it now? It was defeated without a bomb."

Nostalgia coexists with Soviet-era memories like this: Twenty-seven people share an apartment with one kitchen and one bathroom, including a mother of a 5-year-old daughter and a childless woman. The mother is secretly informed against. Before being sent into the gulag for 17 years, she begged the childless woman to take care of her daughter, who comes to call the woman "Mama." After the real mother serves her sentence, under perestroika she sees her police file and recognizes her informant's signature  her childless friend. The mother went home and hanged herself.

Putin's constituency of nostalgia, writes Alexievich, is in the grip of "the narcosis of old ideas" acquired when "the state had become their entire cosmos, blocking out everything else, even their own lives." She repeatedly records longings for the days before the eruption of ethnic hatreds to fill the void left by the melancholy, long withdrawing roar of socialist faith.

During one ethnic pogrom, "the youngest girl climbed a tree to escape ... so they shot at her like she was a little bird. It's hard to see at night, they couldn't get her for a long time. ... Finally, she fell at their feet."

Putin's supporters include those who, in the words of one of Alexievich's interlocutors, "feel like they were defeated twice over: The communist Idea was crushed," then Russia was looted by a feral crony capitalism. Putinism is bitter nostalgia on the march, and Putin is as interested in the U.S. presidential election as Trump and some of his aides are in Russian wealth. Read Franklin Foer's Slate essay "Putin's Puppet":

"We shouldn't overstate Putin's efforts, which will hardly determine the outcome of the election. Still, we should think of the Trump campaign as the moral equivalent of Henry Wallace's communist-infiltrated campaign for president in 1948. ... A foreign power that wishes ill upon the United States has attached itself to a major presidential campaign."

It is unclear whether any political idea leavens the avarice of Trump and some of his accomplices regarding today's tormented and dangerous Russia. Speculation about the nature and scale of Trump's financial entanglements with Putin and his associates is justified by Trump's refusal to release his personal and business tax information. Obviously he is hiding something, and probably more than merely embarrassing evidence that he has vastly exaggerated his net worth and charitableness.

In Wednesday's news conference, Trump said, "I have nothing to do with Russia." Donald Trump Jr. says, "Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia."

Trump Sr. can end the speculation by providing information. If, however, he continues his tax information stonewall, it will be clear that he finds the speculation less damaging than the truth would be, which itself is important information.

George Will's email address is georgewillwashpost.com. He writes for The Washington Post Writers Group.
Sadbhawana Chair Mahato blames govt for clash at no-mans land

Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato has remarked that no infrastructure should be built at no-mans land along Nepal-India border without the agreement between the two countries.
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Now this is humorous. The Clintons and the media are accusing Trump of "committing treason" for asking the Russians to turn over Hillary's 33,000 emails if they have them. A brilliant trap by Trump sprung on Clinton and her minions, and they fell for it.

Hasn't Hillary been telling us "these aren't classified emails"? They were about her yoga lessons, Chelsea's wedding and communications with Bill. Don't worry, America's national security and espionage are not involved.

If Hillary is suddenly paranoid about Russia having her emails, they must contain something the Clintons don't want revealed.

Doug Nelsen, Newbury Park
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Passion for justice

I have known Lela Henke-Dobroth for 17 years and was fortunate enough to have worked with her in the District Attorneys Office where she faithfully served as chief deputy. As her volumes of experience have been well publicized in recent letters to the editor, I feel compelled only to mention why I personally believe she is the best person to preside as Superior Court judge.

While working with her behind the scenes, I was able to witness firsthand her passion for the rights of victims, as well as her ability to keep a contemplative, open mind while judiciously weighing all facts from a disciplined and objective point of view. This ardor for justice held fast throughout her 25-year tenure in the prosecutors office and continued during her time as a defense attorney here in Ventura County. In her pervasive career serving our county, she has wielded both flanks of the judicial system with skill and benevolence.

Based on Lelas resume, character and flawless integrity, I firmly believe she is the most enlightened choice and perfect fit for Superior Court judge. This is the person who knows the tug of war between case backlogs and tight resources.

 Eric Allison, Ventura

Wright choice for judge

As a lifelong resident of Ventura County, spending nearly half of that time in local law enforcement, I know that Ryan Wright is the best choice for Superior Court judge.

I have known Ryan both professionally and personally throughout my career. I know he is a dedicated and tireless public servant. He has formed a partnership with law enforcement unlike any deputy district attorney before him. He is always available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I have spent countless hours with Ryan from case inception to developing case strategy to case completion. I cant count how many times I have called him at 2 a.m. to ask him a question or review a search warrant. Ryan has made every deputy, officer or agent he has worked with a better cop.

Even though he is extremely tough on crime and takes pride in locking up violent predators and narcotic traffickers, his first priority has always been defending the Constitution. Ryan always believes in the rights of the victim but never forgets the rights of the accused.

This attitude toward prosecuting cases has transferred to us in law enforcement and because of that, we have stronger cases, usually impenetrable to appeal or defense tricks. Ryan has the respect and support of all Ventura County law enforcement.

 Victor Fazio, Thousand Oaks

The best candidate

I am writing to share my experiences and thoughts about Ryan Wright, the best candidate for Superior Court judge.

I first met Ryan in 2003, when I was a narcotics detective and he was assigned as a prosecutor to the district attorneys narcotics unit. I quickly learned he has a tremendous work ethic and was always available to assist with an investigation, no matter the time of day or the day of the week. Ryan was always eager to observe how we did our job so that he could better do his job and make the right decision based on all of the facts.

Whether he was reviewing a case, preparing for court or trying a case in court, I found Ryan to be fair and impartial. He would not overlook the smallest of details, regardless of whether or not that detail would benefit his case or the defenses case. Ryan is an even-tempered individual who has displayed a passion for justice while vigorously prosecuting narcotics offenders. He stays current with ever-changing case law and shares that knowledge.

As senior prosecutor in the narcotics unit, he has gained the trust and respect of the law enforcement community and developed into the go-to prosecutor in regard to major narcotics cases. I believe he possesses the qualities and experience to be an excellent judge, and I ask you to join me in voting for Ryan Wright.

 Greg Hebert, Simi Valley

Record speaks volumes

I am writing this letter of support for Lela Henke-Dobroth in her quest to become a Superior Court judge. She is the most experienced candidate for this position, with 23 years in the District Attorneys Office, nine of which as a chief deputy.

Dobroth was the lead prosecutor in many complex and high profile cases, the most recent was the prosecution of Vincent Sanchez for multiple counts of rape and the murder of Megan Barroso.

Dobroth had a reputation for being a tough prosecutor but also as a champion for victims rights. She took the lead in many projects and programs dedicated to working with the victims of crimes, including serving as chairwoman of the Ventura County Domestic Violence Task Force, chairwoman of the Ventura County Sexual Assault Task Force, and working to establish the Safe Harbor Multidisciplinary Interview Center, a centralized location for forensic interviews and medical examinations of sexual assault victims and abused children, to name a few.

She has the temperament, experience, and the open mind requisite to serve as a judge of the Superior Court. The fact that Dobroth has been endorsed by former District Attorney Michael Bradbury and 16 Superior Court judges says a lot to her qualifications, and I feel she will make an excellent addition to the bench.

 Charles Hookstra, Oxnard

(The writer is a retired assistant chief with the Oxnard Police Deparment.  Editor)

Evaluation requested

Re: Michael J. Smiths May 25 letter to the editor, Judges campaign:

Could Smith give just one example of why attorney Robert J. Taylor is unqualified to serve as a judge? Other than the fact that he has not been appointed (anointed) by the club.

Taylor has a track record as a competent and fair attorney and is a Ventura County resident, who we need not fetch from lands afar to do the job.

If Smith could just give one example of why Taylor is unqualified and an example of why Ellen Gay Conroy is exceptionally well qualified, his evaluation may earn some merit.

It is very easy to evaluate when you are anonymous and biased.

 Tom Blattel, Camarillo


Following his hugely successful 2012 tour, Country Music Association (CMA) and Academy of Country Music (ACM) Award-winner Brad Paisley returned to Las Vegas with his Beat This Summer Tour presented by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (Photo:  Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com).

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Sunday night, Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman rocked downtown Vegas with a massive concert for thousands of fans in honor of Victoria Day outside the D Las Vegas located on the Fremont Street Experience (FSE).

Currently touring throughout the U.S. to showcase their fourth studio album The Truth Is, the platinum-selling quartet took a break to deliver an electrifying show free and open to the public to kick off FSEs Rock of Vegas Summer Concert Series.

Before the rockers took the stage, Derek Stevens, CEO and Owner of the D Las Vegas, welcomed the screaming crowd to the Victoria Day celebration and introduced Theory of a Deadman. The band had fans singing along to hits So Happy and Not Meant To Be as well as a number of songs from their most recent album.

After exiting the stage, the crowd roared and repeatedly chanted, Encore! prompting the band to reappear to perform their #1 Mainstream Rock Radio hit Bad Girlfriend. Ensuring fans didnt miss a second of the concert, the show streamed live on the larger-than-life plasma video wall on the Ds exterior, in addition to FSEs massive Viva Vision LED canopy.

Following the show, the band members gambled and partied into the early morning hours at the D. At the end of the night, the quartet retreated to their plush suites at the new downtown property.
Sorry about that

Madhesi social activists have started a campaign apologising for past discrimination
The bloody siege on the upscale cafe in Dhaka on Jul 1, 2016 was carried out by suspected Islamist extremists, several of whom were at elite universities in Bangladesh. (Photo: AFP/Roberto Schmidt)

Tamim Chowdhury, whose whereabouts are unknown, returned to Bangladesh from Canada three years ago. He has since led and financed efforts to radicalise young Muslims, officers with knowledge of a probe into recent attacks told AFP.

The dual Canadian-Bangladeshi national, in his early 30s, is thought by counter-terrorism officials to lead a faction of the Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) militant group, blamed for scores of murders of foreigners and religious minorities.

Five assailants stormed an upscale cafe in Dhaka's Gulshan neighbourhood on Jul 1 and killed 20 hostages, including 18 foreigners in Bangladesh's deadliest single militant attack.

A week later, gunmen attacked an Eid prayer gathering of 250,000 people held to mark the end of Ramadan, killing three.

"So far what we learnt is that Tamim Chowdhury is one of the masterminds of the attacks of Gulshan cafe and Sholakia Eid prayer ground," an officer told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"He trained the extremists behind the two attacks and the nine extremists killed at Kalyanpur," the officer said, referring to a shoot-out by police at a flat used as an extremist hideout on Tuesday.

He added that Chowdhury "has been working to radicalise" young Muslims.

Another senior police officer told AFP that Chowdhury's role in fostering extremism was revealed during the interrogation of Rakibul Hasan, 25, who was arrested in the raid on the hideout.

According to a police first information report into the raid, seen by AFP, Chowdhury and others gave him and the nine militants killed in the raid "money, explosives and weapons" and "trained and advised" them.

Hasan told police during the interrogation that Chowdhury "used to visit the extremists' flat and give them necessary funds and encourage them by talking about jihad and religious issues," the report said.

Authorities blame the JMB militant group for the attack on the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka and the assault on the Eid gathering.

However, the Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the cafe attack, releasing photos of the carnage and of extremists posing with the group's flag.

Arrested extremist Hasan told police the group busted in the raid were members of IS, with officers recovering its signature black flags and robes from their hideout.

But the national police chief A.K.M Shahidul Hoque has rejected that claim, asserting that they were members of the banned JMB.

Another senior officer told AFP that foreign intelligence agencies sounded alarm bells on Chowdhury's extremist activities a year ago.

Police are investigating whether the JMB faction allegedly led by Chowdhury has any ties with IS.
Farmers in the Mekong Delta are struggling to resume agricultural production because of the lingering effects of the recent drought and saltwater intrusion and a shortage of funds and seeds. - Photo thoidai.com.vn

Affected farmers in Ca Mau are unable to get financial support from local authorities since the Ministry of Finance requires them to furnish crop records they had submitted to the local government.

However, during the cultivation process, household farmers just do not have the habit of reporting on their crops.

Thus, none of the affected shrimp farmers in the province have managed to get subsidies from the government after the disaster.

Chau Van Ut, a farmer in the provinces Tran Van Thoi District, who has a 1.3 hectare shrimp farm, lost VN200 million (US$9,000) due to the drought.

While he is happy to know that the local administration is helping affected farmers resume production, he is worried because he does not have documents to prove his loss and hopes the authorities will help with funds, seeds and technology.

Duy Quoc Tuan, head of the district Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the biggest problem was that farmers did not declare their crop situation and so could not prove their losses.

Tran Van Thoi District has 15,690ha of aquaculture ponds of which 14,500ha farmed by 10,644 households are thought to be affected.

Nguyen Van Tuoc, a farmer in U Minh Districts Nguyen Phich Commune, said his family suffered severe losses after planting paddy in its shrimp farm, but has not received any support from local authorities.

Not only paddy farmers but also shrimp farmers face the same situation. No household has received compensation though the local government has declared a level-two disaster.

Around 18,000ha out of the 53,000ha of shrimp ponds suffered losses of over 70 per cent and the expected subsidy is VN260 billion ($11.8 million).

In Bac Lieu, the Peoples Committee has decided to add VN24 billion ($1.1 million) drawn from the central and local budgets to support farmers whose paddy and shrimp farms were affected by the drought and salinity.

However, here too the government faces a hurdle in the form of the ministry stipulation on documents.

Without money, seedlings affected by the salinity have caused farmers much distress in the delta.

Nguyen Van Ut, a farmer in Ben Tre Provinces Chau Thanh District, said drought and saltwater intrusion had exhausted farmers, but authorities were insisting they should resume farming.

In Go Cong and Tan Phu ong Islet in Tien Giang Province, hundreds of hectares of paddies could not be sowed and farmers had to try a second time.

Farmers owning more than 5,000ha have decided to skip the summer-autumn crop.

Reviving fruit orchards is not a simple task. In Ben Tre, despite their best efforts, experts and farmers have been unable to save certain kinds of trees from the salinity.

The farmers have had to cut them down and plant new ones.

The Mekong Delta suffered losses of more than VN215 million ($9,700) from the twin disasters, according to the Southwestern Region Steering Committee.

More than 221,000ha of rice, 6,500ha of vegetables, and 26,500ha of fruits and commercial crops have been affected, with 128,205ha of paddy completely destroyed.

The countrys rice exports dropped in the first half of this year.

They were estimated at 2.69 million tonnes worth $1.21 million, down 9.8 per cent in volume and 5.9 per cent in value year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Police cars block access to the site where a hot air balloon crashed on Jul 30, 2016, near Lockhart, Texas. (Photo source : AP/James Vertuno)

The accident took place shortly after 7.40am (1240 GMT), when the balloon crashed outside of Lockhart, around 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Austin, Lynn Lunsford of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement.

"It does not appear at this time that there were any survivors of the crash," the Caldwell County sheriff's office said.

"When the Emergency Responders and the Sheriff's Office arrived on the scene, it was apparent that the reported fire was the basket portion of a hot air balloon," it added in a statement posted on Twitter.

Margaret Wylie, who witnessed the crash, told broadcaster TWC News Austin that she first heard a "woosh" then popping before seeing the flames.

"I didn't see the balloon hit. I just heard the popping. And I heard the popping, and then the next thing I knew is the fireball went up," she said.

FAA investigators were on their way to the site, Lunsford said, with the National Transportation Safety Board taking charge of the probe.

NTSB lead investigator Erik Grosof did not confirm the number of deaths or injuries, telling reporters only that "right now we have a number of fatalities." The FBI's evidence response team in San Antonio has been asked to assist in the investigation of the crash, the cause of which was still undetermined, he said.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott offered condolences to those affected by the crash. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the Lockhart community," he said in a statement.

'BIG BALL OF FLAMES'

A photo posted on social media apparently depicting the accident showed a balloon in the air with huge flames spurting underneath.

"It was a fire, a big ball of flames. You could tell nothing of what it was," Don Schulle told local TV station KYTX from the edge of the field where the balloon crashed.

Police and rescue vehicles could be seen parked along the field through which a large power line runs.

If all 16 fatalities are confirmed, the crash would be the deadliest US hot air balloon accident on record, according to the NTSB. Previously, the highest number of fatalities in a single hot air balloon crash was six.

In 2013, a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Egypt's ancient temple city of Luxor caught fire and crashed, killing 19 tourists. The pilot and one other survived by jumping from the balloon.

Hot air balloon crashes are rare in the United States. The NTSB investigated 760 such accidents between 1964 and 2013. Of those, 67 were fatal.

Three people died in May 2014 during an air balloon festival in Virginia when a balloon hit a power line and burst into flames while landing.

Hot air balloons use propane gas to heat air that keeps them afloat. They are regulated by the FAA, which requires balloon pilots to be certified and for balloons to have air worthiness certificates.

The FAA inspects the balloons used for commercial ventures after 100 hours of flight time or at least once a year.
Talks about alarming issues of Nepali society

TEDx Patan RE:IMAGINE, the fifth event organised by the TEDx community in Kathmandu, was held at the premises of Staff College, Jawalakhel, on Saturday.
Lamia Hanafi has just discovered that her brother Safir is using Tinder, the mobile dating app famous for its swiping functionality. Did you find your wife? she playfully asks.

Not my wife, he replies in French, but dates.

While the search for Mrs. Right continues, all of Safirs swiping ultimately became part of the inspiration for Lok-Iz, a real estate app co-founded by the brother and sister. The endeavor has brought them from Normandy, France to Silicon Valley for a recent visit.

Encouraged by the success of tech startups that have emerged from the region, the siblings are hoping to glean advice and perhaps even funding from investors. For them, the startup environment in Silicon Valley stands in stark contrast to Frances.

We just noticed that things are going really faster here. Its different than in France, you have to send an email, keep waiting for two weeks or one month to get this famous interview with this partner. Here, it was just so informal and things are going quicker, said Lamia.

Lok-Iz matches prospective tenants with property owners, taking real estate brokers and more importantly, their pricey commissions, out of the equation. Users can recommend their friends or family as potential tenants, while homeowners can list their rental or sale properties and add a commission of their choice. The influence of Silicon Valleys startups have clearly struck a chord across the Atlantic.

Just like Uber did with the taxi drivers, [where] everyone around the world is able to be an Uber driver, Lok-Iz will make everyone able to be a real estate broker, said Lamia. We just want to foster this collaborative economy... this sharing economy, she added. Since its launch seven months ago, Lok-Iz has amassed over 2,000 listings and made more than 700 matches in France.

It was their father, an immigrant from Morocco, who gave Lamia and Safir their first taste of the real estate business.

Our dad was in charge of buying and selling real estate properties, said Lamia, When he was coming home, he was often challenging my brother and I, asking us, Okay, guys... whos going to be the first [to] help me find the right buyer or the right tenant?

In the race to defeat his older sister, Safir would offer his services for a lower commission and typically offload properties quicker as a result. He was always cheating! exclaims Lamia, laughing. Thats why I was always losing in that game!

Not unlike their fathers journey to France in search of better opportunities, Lamia and Safir have traveled to Silicon Valley, inspired by the success of American startups famous the world over.

Speaking in French, Safir explains how hed like to change the rules of buying and selling real estate, much in the same way that Facebook, Uber and AirBnb transformed their respective industries.

Only time will tell whether their efforts prove successful. We say it in France, Croise les doigts said Lamia. The phrase means fingers crossed, and in Silicon Valley, where big bets pay off in even bigger ways, its a sentiment thats especially fitting.
The Afghan government has shown its displeasure over reports that a Taliban delegation visited China, saying Beijing should not provide a platform to groups that are involved in the killing of Afghans.

Afghan security forces meanwhile have retaken control of a southern district they briefly lost to Taliban insurgents. American military officials confirmed to VOA they also carried out airstrikes in support of local forces in the overnight counter-offensive.

Taliban negotiators are reported to have visited China on July 18-22 at the invitation of the Chinese government to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan. The delegation was reportedly led by Abbas Stanakzai, the head of Islamist insurgencys so-called political office in Qatar.

Afghanistan and China enjoy strong friendly relations, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmad Shakib Mustaghani told VOA when asked for his reaction. We believe our friends in China will always prefer to maintain state-to-state relations and will not provide a platform to those groups that are responsible of the killing of the people of Afghanistan, Mustaghani noted.

No comment



Beijing has not yet commented on whether it received and entertained the Taliban delegation.

But senior members of the insurgency on condition of anonymity have confirmed and released some details of the meetings in China, saying the Taliban regularly holds such talks with countries it maintains good terms.

The main spokesman for the insurgency, Zabihullah Mujahid, when contacted by VOA on Sunday for comments, said he can neither confirm nor deny the visit to China.

China is part of a four-nation group along with Pakistan, the United States and Afghanistan that tried to restart talks between Kabul and Taliban officials earlier this year. But those efforts could not succeed beyond exploratory talks and critics do not anticipate resumption of the peace process in the foreseeable future.

Chinese concerns



Beijings engagement in Afghan peace efforts stems from concerns that continued instability in Afghanistan could spill over into its far western restive Xinjiang region where separatist violence blamed on indigenous Islamist extremists has killed hundreds of people in recent years.

Meanwhile, the Taliban has stepped up battlefield attacks against Afghan security forces and made territorial gains, particularly in the southern province of Helmand.

On Sunday, provincial authorities confirmed Afghan security forces backed by U.S. military airstrikes have retaken control of the Khanashin district, a day after it fell to insurgents, and inflicted heavy casualties on the retreating Taliban.

Local officials requesting anonymity also confirmed killing of at least 24 Afghan security personal in the fighting.

I can confirm that U.S. forces did conduct multiple air strikes in Helmand yesterday [Saturday] in support of our Afghan partners. The current operations in Helmand are still ongoing, so for operational security reasons I really can't discuss the details at this time, U.S. military spokesman Michael Lawhorn told VOA.

Helmand is Afghanistans largest of the all the 34 provinces and is a key poppy producing and smuggling region bordering Pakistan. United Nations estimates about 90 percent of the worlds heroin is produced from Helmand opium and income from the illegal drugs is funding the Taliban insurgency.

Fighting between Afghan forces and Taliban rebels was also raging in at least two other districts in Helmand and in parts of northern as well as northeastern provinces of Faryab, Balkh and Badakhshan.

A U.S government oversight agency informed the U.S. Congress on Friday that Afghan security forces lost approximately five percent of the countrys territory to the Taliban in the first five months of this year, including several districts in Helmand.
A group of twenty gunmen inside a police station in the Armenian capital of Yerevan have surrendered to authorities, ending a tense, two-week standoff that left two police officers dead and several people wounded.

The gunmen, members of a radical opposition group, surrendered one day after police said they would storm the building.

The standoff sparked huge protests that led to unrest in the city. Several thousand people joined nightly protests in support of the gunmen.

The leader of the anti-government group, Varuzhan Avetisyan, told local Armenian media they decided to end the standoff after police entered the compound with armed vehicles.

Another reason, Avetisyan said, was that police began shooting some of his gunmen who went outside the police station. Most were shot in the leg, but one sustained a bullet wound to the chest.

The armed men seized the compound on July 17 in an attempt to secure the freedom of another leader, who was arrested in June.
The Syrian government says it is ready to resume United Nations-sponsored peace talks with the opposition in Geneva at the end of August, "without preconditions without any external interference."

Sunday's announcement, reported by Syria's state news agency, followed talks in Damascus between U.N. special envoy Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy and Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Fayssal Mikdad.

Mikdad did not offer details, and it remained unclear late Sunday whether the talks yielded progress on the impasse over the future of embattled President Bashar al-Assad -- an impasse that helped scuttle two earlier rounds of talks.

Western governments have insisted that Assad leave the presidency as part of any enduring peace deal, while Assad allies, most notably Russia, are battling alongside Syrian forces to preserve Assad's hold on power.

Two weeks of peace talks in April and an earlier truce crumbled when no deal on Assad's future could be reached, and when fighters on both sides of the country's deadly civil war largely ignored cease-fires.

The failed April talks also led the chief peace negotiator for Syria's mainstream opposition, Mohammed Alloush, to quit his post weeks later. Alloush linked his departure to ongoing violence, which he blamed on the Assad government and Assad's Russian military allies.

Monitors cite gains by U.S.-backed forces near Turkish border

In other developments, the Britain-based London Observatory for Human Rights says U.S.-backed forces have driven Islamic State extremists from 70 percent of the besieged city of Manbij near the Turkish border.

An Observatory statement Sunday said the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces had seized most of the eastern city, and says an estimated 2,300 civilians have been able to flee in the past 24 hours.

U.S. analysts describe Manbij, located about half way between war-ravaged Aleppo and the border town of Kobane, as one of the most important pieces of real estate in the war. U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter has called it a pivotal corridor from the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa to the outside world through Turkey.

The monitor also quotes activists and residents who have reported dozens of civilian deaths from airstrikes linked to the U.S.-backed alliance of Kurdish fighters and Arab allies. The alliance, backed by U.S. Special Forces, launched a campaign in June to drive Islamic State fighters from their last positions on the Syrian-Turkish frontier.

Aid workers report hospital bombing in south

Separately, the International Rescue Committee said airstrikes targeted a hospital in the southern opposition-controlled town of Dara'a, killing at least six people. The reports offered few details, and the identity of the aircraft was not clear late Sunday.

However, the New York-based Physicians for Human Rights says more than 90 percent of attacks on medical facilities in Syria have been carried out by government forces.
Yes, its hard to to tell when one enters the city limits

Yes, they will make the city more inviting

Maybe ... does it really matter?

No, the signs in place are fine

No, it would be a waste of taxpayer dollars

Vote

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Zika-carrying mosquitos are believed to have reached the U.S. mainland, with at least four cases of local transmission reported in Florida.

U.S. health officials sounded the warning on Zika months ago, and confirmation of its arrival prompted a new round of finger pointing between Democratic and Republican lawmakers who have yet to approve funds to fight the virus or the mosquitos that spread it.

I call on GOP Congressional leadership to #doyourjob & interrupt recess to immediately address #Zika public health crisis, tweeted Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.

For most Americans, mosquitos are a summertime annoyance. Florida must now treat them as a public health menace.

Four people in our state likely have the virus as a result of a mosquito bite, said Florida Governor Rick Scott. This means Florida has become the first state in our nation to have local transmission of the Zika virus.

Residents and visitors along Americas Gulf Coast are expressing varying degrees of apprehension.

It does concern me for my children and my grandchildren, said Jimmy Stewart in Galveston, Texas. But I dont know if its going to do you any good to be real worried about it because, if its here, its here.

The Florida cases confirm what health officials predicted earlier this year: that Zika, which can cause abnormalities in newborns, would one day be contracted from mosquitos found in large swaths of the United States.

Congress adjourned in mid-July and will not get back to work until September.

In February, the Obama administration requested $1.9 billion to fight Zika. The Senate initially agreed to $1.1 billion of new spending. But negotiations between the Republican-led House and Senate yielded a bill with stipulations Democrats could not support concerning an abortion provider, the environment, and the display of the Confederate flag.

What did the Republican leadership in Congress produce? Unfortunately, it produced a package that is totally partisan and destined to fail, and they knew it, said Richard Durbin of Illinois after banding together with other Democrats to block the Republican-backed legislation.

Its inexplicable and unacceptable to not be able, on a bipartisan basis, to address this important public health care crisis, lamented Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. Every pregnant woman in America is following this issue. We need to act.

Experts expect Zika-carrying mosquitos Zika to spread beyond Florida.

Miami has a very similar climate as Houston, said Dr. Todd Price, an infectious disease specialist. Miami has the same mosquitos as Houston, and across the Gulf Coast. And so this is of urgency.

Lawmakers will continue the battle over Zika funding when they return to Washington in September. For now, local and state governments must do the best they can to monitor and control mosquito populations with existing resources.
Iraqi officials say militants have launched two attacks on energy facilities in northern Iraq, killing at least five people.

Both assaults Sunday took place in inside Kurdish-controlled areas of Kirkuk province.

Authorities say in the first attack about 15 kilometer northwest of Kirkuk, gunmen shot dead four of the gas facility's employees and planted explosive devices around the building.



In the second attack at the nearby Bai Hassan oil field, the insurgents, wearing suicide vests, killed an engineer and wounded at least six other people. The militants also sparked a major fire.

At least three of the four assailants were killed in the chaos. It was not immediately clear whether they detonated their vests or were killed by security forces.
A shooting early Sunday in a crowded entertainment district in the southern city of Austin, Texas has left one person dead and three others injured.

Austin Police Chief of Staff Brian Manley said an unidentified gunman began shooting into the crowd after an initial disturbance, creating a chaotic scene.

A search is underway for the suspect and the motive for the attack was not immediately clear.

Police are asking the public for information, including videos, in an attempt to find the shooter, who is believed to be in his 20's.

Moments after the shooting, Manley said a man opened fire several blocks away during a confrontation in a parking garage. Bystanders tackled the gunman, who was hospitalized for injuries sustained when he was apprehended. No one was believed to have been shot in that incident.

Police originally thought the two shootings were related and involved an active shooter. But Manley said the initial investigation found they were two unrelated incidents.

The recent targeting and killing of police officers during a peaceful march in Dallas, protesting police brutality, has police forces across the country, especially Texas, on high alert.
Muslims attended a Catholic Mass in places of worship across France and Italy Sunday in a show of solidarity days after the horrendous jihadist murder of a Catholic priest.

Over 100 Muslims joined about 2,000 people in the 11th century Gothic cathedral in the northern French city of Rouen, near the Normandy town where two teenagers slit the throat of 85-year-old Jacques Hamel and took others hostage before they were shot dead by police. The attackers had claimed allegiance to Islamic State, according to video released by the militant group.

Rouen Archbishop Dominique Lebrun thanked the Muslim worshippers "in the name of all Christians," adding, "In this way you are affirming that you reject death and violence in the name of God."

Among the parishioners at the service in Rouen was one of the nuns who was held hostage in the church where the priest was killed. She, along with other Catholics, shook the hands of the Muslim worshippers and embraced them after the service.

The highest ranking imam in southern French city of Nice led a group of Muslims to a Catholic mass. Nice is where a man killed 84 people and injured 435 others, including many Muslims, on Bastille Day when he rammed a truck through crowds of celebrants. "Being united is a response to the act of horror and barbarism," said imam Otaman Aissaoui.

In the southwestern French city of Bordeaux, the Notre Dame church welcomed a Muslim delegation.

Other interfaith gatherings were held elsewhere in France and in neighboring Italy, where the secretary general of the country's Islamic Confederation spoke from the alter in the Treasure of Saint Gennaro chapel in Naples.

Three imams also attended Mass at the Saint Maria Church in Rome.

The Muslims who attended the interfaith services did so in response to a call by the French Council of Muslim Faith to show their "solidarity and compassion" over the murder of the priest on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, prosecutors in Paris said they have requested that the cousin of one of the priest's killers be charged with taking part in "a terrorist association with the aim of harming others." The prosecutors said the cousin, a Frenchman, "knew very well, if not of the exact place or time, of his cousin's impending plans for violence."
A senior Philippines official says the government may reinstate a cease-fire with Maoist -led rebels.

President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the unilateral truce Saturday, six days after is was issued, because the rebels had not responded to a deadline to reciprocate.

The truce was intended as a goodwill gesture ahead of formal peace negotiations in Oslo next month.

Sunday, the Communist Party of the Philippines said in a statement it would be "willing to issue a unilateral cease-fire declaration separately but simultaneously with the Duterte government on August 20."

Jesus Dureza, presidential peace adviser, said the statement from the Communist party is "what we have been waiting for."

Dureza said in a statement that the rebels announcement through the media was "belated, but still strategic' and was an "awaited decision."

The peace talks in Norway resume on August 20.
An international human rights group Sunday demanded authorities in Afghanistan prosecute militia forces linked to a top government official for recent killings and other abuses against civilians in the northern Faryab province.

The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) says that its probe into the late June attack has found members of the Junbish militia loyal to First Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum were behind the violence.

The findings are based on interviews of villagers conducted in the aftermath of the attack, it added.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also documented in its mid-year report on civilian sufferings that Afghan army and Junbish forces jointly conducted a military offensive against Taliban insurgents in Fayryab on June 26, killing at least 13 civilians and wounding 32 others.

After Taliban fighters left the area, Junbish forces entered four villages and assaulted villagers, mainly ethnic Pashtuns, accusing them of supporting the Taliban. The attack left five civilians dead and 12 others injured.

HRW officials say that some villagers told them regular Afghan military forces stood by when the Junbish members entered their villages. Although they did not participate in the assaults, they did nothing to stop them or apprehend militia fighters committing offenses, according to the report.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has reportedly ordered an investigation into the alleged abuses, and some militia members have also been detained for their suspected role.

A spokesman for Dostums Junbish-e-Mili Islami party rejected allegations leveled by HRW. Basher Ahmad Tayani told VOA members of the party had not been part of any operations government forces have undertaken in Faryab.

Local and foreign rights groups have long implicated Dostum, a former Afghan warlord, in war crimes, including the deaths of hundreds of Taliban prisoners in November 2001 in the custody of his militia forces.

The killings in Faryab are the latest in a long record of atrocities by Dostums militia forces, said Patricia Gossman, HRWs senior Afghanistan researcher. The fact that these forces, and Vice President Dostum himself, have never been held accountable, has undermined security in northern Afghanistan, she noted.

In response to Taliban military gains in Faryab and neighboring Sar-e-Pul provinces late last year, Dostum announced he was reactivating the Junjbish militia and has since overseen anti-insurgency military operations in the region, noted HRW in its findings.

Militias like Junbish should have been disbanded long ago, Gossman said. But because such forces have powerful patrons they have continued to commit abuses with impunity.



She again called for President Ghani to fulfill his promise to disarm all such illegal groups and ensure that they play no role in the security forces.
At least 13 people have been killed, including seven attackers, in an assault on a Somali police compound in Mogadishu Sunday.

Somali internal security Minister Abdirizak Omar Mohamed told VOA Somali that the target was the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters.

Two suicide bombers speed toward the main gate of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters, one exploded at the front gate and the other one in the middle of the road and then five heavily armed militants tried to enter the building, three of them were killed outside and two as they passed the main gate. Omar said.

Omar siad at least 10 people were wounded.

Abdikamil Mo'alin Shukri, who is the spokesman of the internal security ministry of Somalia said the 13 killed included: seven attackers, a government soldier, and five civilians.

Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack.
A spokesman for Sudanese opposition leader Riek Machar has called on the international community not to engage or acknowledge Taban Deng Gai, who recently replaced Machar as the deputy to South Sudan President Salva Kiir.



Machar's spokesman James Gadet Dak says the peace accord signed between President Kiir and Machar has collapsed following Kiirs decision to appoint Taban Deng Gai. Deng was the chief negotiator for the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement in opposition (SPLM-IO) in talks with the government in Juba to end the countrys recent conflict.



The peace agreement is collapsing because we are at war now As fighting is going on now around Juba. They have attacked our positions around Juba for the last number of days. So fighting has been continuing and President Salva Kiir has been violating the cease-fire which they declared So there is no peace agreement and implementation, said Dak. We have been calling for a deployment of a third force in Juba so that the situation can be corrected. But if that does not happen, then we would be forced to move on to Juba and take control of the capital, so this is the situation we are in now.



South Sudan has been ripped apart by political and ethnic violence since fighting erupted between pro-Kiir and pro-Machar army factions in December 2013. Tens of thousands of people have died and more than two million have been displaced from their homes, many to neighboring countries.



A peace deal between the government and opposition signed last August led to creation of a transitional government with Machar as first vice president. But the agreement was severely tested this month by several days of fighting in Juba that killed at least 300 people.



Machar has not been seen in public since attending a news conference at the presidential palace on July 8.





South Sudans second Vice President James Wani Igga said Deng would soon lead a delegation to the United Nations in New York to explain the new changes made to the opposition party. He also said President Kiir has encouraged the SPLM-IO members currently In Juba to meet officials of regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to dispel any suspicions that may have arisen from the replacement of Machar.



The United Nations should not give him an audience because he is illegitimate; his nomination was illegal and his appointment was illegal. So he should not be given an audience in New York by the United Nations to try to justify his nomination, said Dak.



Last week, Machar said his forces are ready to march to Juba and take control. This, after accusing Kiir and the national army of attacking the positions of troops loyal to him in various parts of the country. But supporters of President Kiir sharply condemned Machars statement saying it is a call to war, which could create instability and plunge the country into yet another civil war.



Dak disagreed. Not a call for war, it is about a war which has been re-imposed on the people of South Sudan by President Salva KiirBy saying that we can move on to Juba it means that it is in defense of ourselves and of course to take control of Juba where there is lawlessness comes from, said Dak.
The 54th observance of the day honoring the African woman who, in spite of several challenges struggles to take care of her family, was observed Sunday July 31. Ahead of the day of the African woman, reporter Moki Edwin Kindzeka met eight uneducated women in the northern Cameroonian town of Maroua who have specialized in cracking stones in a quarry to raise money and take care of their kids education.

Stone cracking



Thirty-four-year old Jenabou Abbo understands and speaks only Fulfulde, a language widely spoken in northern Cameroon. She says she was the first lady to work in the quarry on the outskirts of Maroua eight years ago, and the men openly protested her participation in what was then a male only activity. Jenabou says she first started working as carrier of gravel but today, she now excavates and crack stones.

Twenty-eight-year old Habbibba Hajara is another of the eight women who have joined the stone cracking business. She said five years after she got married her husband became paralyzed.

She said she started cracking stones one year ago because her unemployed husband was unable to send their children to school, feed them, buy dresses for them and take care of the family. She said she makes up to a dollar each day from the gravel she prepares and sells.

Feeding the family



The oldest female stone cracker here is 43-year-old Doudou Abba. She said stone cracking is the only job she was introduced to after she lost her first husband and all of their properties were seized by his family.

She said she was poor and noticed that she could make money from the excavation of stones just as the other women who were there before her. She said her main preoccupations are feeding and educating of her children.



Doudou Abba's second husband Abdoul Bello said it is thanks to his wife's job that they can successfully take care of their family. He said his fear is that her job has lots of risks.

He said since his wife started working five years ago their children have enough to eat, go to school, and can be treated at the hospital each time they fall sick. He said he is scared because at times his wife returns with injuries and he remembers the day rocks fell on one of the workers in the quarry and her legs were amputated.

Empowerment



Marie Theres Abena Ondou, Cameroon's minister of women's empowerment, encourages efforts that she said make women independent instead of always relying on their husbands.

"They should not give up and we will continue to work so that their conditions improve and they must also make an effort to listen, to learn and to know their rights. And also to concentrate and stabilize their families, raise their children properly, they should send the children to school, they should educate them properly so that they can be good citizens of Cameroon," said Abena Ondou.

Cameroon is using this year's Day of the African Woman to educate women on their rights and mobilize them to tackle challenges such as violence against women and climate change. The Maroua female stone crackers are being used as an example of women who are meeting the challenges they encounter and contributing to development.
The father of U.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan has called on Republican leaders to repudiate Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for comments seen by many as attempts to degrade the sacrifices of his late son and those of Muslim Americans in general.

Speaking Sunday on national television, Khizr Khan described Trump as " totally unfit for the leadership of this beautiful country." He also described the party nominee as possessing a "black soul" and called on Republicans Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan to speak out against their candidate.

The senior Khan and his wife, Ghazala, first came to prominence at last week's Democratic nominating convention when the couple memorialized their son, who was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq, and then strongly endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Khan, a Pakistani immigrant, said in an emotional speech that his family would never have been allowed to immigrate to the United States under Trump's proposed immigration policies.

Lacks empathy



Khan added in a television interview Sunday that Trump lacked empathy and had "sacrificed nothing and no one" during his life, escalating a war of words on social media that soon reached a fevered pitch as Senate Majority leader Mcconnell and House Speaker Ryan sought to distance themselves from the controversy.

In statements, the congressional leaders condemned any criticism of Muslim Americans who serve their country. They also rejected Trump proposals for a ban on Muslims seeking entry to U.S. territories, but did so without mentioning Trump by name.

Earlier, in an interview aired on ABC News, Trump replied to the criticism saying "I think I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard," creating "thousands and thousands of jobs. I think those are sacrifices, I think when I can employ thousands and thousands of people, take care of their education, take care of so many things."



The Republican contender also questioned why Ghazala Khan stood by her husband while he spoke at the convention and said nothing. "Maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say," Trump said on Twitter.

Ghazala Khan reacts

For her part, Ghazala Khan, writing in The Washington Post, said "walking onto the convention stage, with a huge picture of my son behind me, I could hardly control myself. What mother could?" She said her husband asked her if she wanted to speak, "but I told him I could not."

"Donald Trump said he made a lot of sacrifices," she concluded. "He doesn't know what the word means."

Trump's opponent in November polls, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, again accused Trump of trying to inflame divisions in American society. Speaking in Ohio, she said her opponent had a "total misunderstanding" of American values.

Separately, leading U.S. veteran group organizer Paul Rieckoff called Trump's move to equate the "sacrifice" of creating jobs with those of people who had lost a son in combat "insulting, foolish and ignorant."

By midday Sunday, Trump, the real estate tycoon seeking public office for the first time, sought to reframe his comments.

"Captain Khan, killed 12 years ago, was a hero, but this is about Radical Islamic Terror and the weakness of our 'leaders' to eradicate it," Trump said in one tweet.

In another comment, Trump said, "I was viciously attacked by Mr. Khan at the Democratic convention. Am I not allowed to respond? Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me!"

As a U.S. senator, Clinton voted along with other lawmakers in approving the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq that toppled Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. The invasion led to an eight-year war that many Americans came to oppose, including Clinton. The premise for the U.S. invasion, that Saddam Hussein had amassed weapons of mass destruction, turned out to be unfounded.

Candidates head to battleground states

Trump planned to campaign Monday in the industrial states of Ohio and Pennsylvania - key election battleground states where Clinton is also touring.

Speaking at a wire manufacturing plant in Johnstown, Pennsylvania Saturday, Clinton said she was not there to insult her opponent and make "crazy promises," but to tell voters of plans to "make the biggest investment in new, good-paying jobs" since World War II.

Clinton proposed what she calls an infrastructure bank to pay for projects, such as road building and new bridges, instead of having to go to Congress for the money every time.

She said the country cannot go back to what she says were failed economic policies of the past such as tax cuts for the wealthy. She said the rich have to pay their fair share and "support America."

Ohio, Pennsylvania



Ohio and Pennsylvania are likely to be key states in the November election. While most recent polls show Clinton narrowly leading in both states, blue collar voters could swing either state to Clinton or Trump.

Much of Trump's success this year has come from appealing to working class voters who worry that the U.S. is losing jobs to overseas competitors with cheaper labor.

Trump took to Twitter to say the turnout was "small and unenthusiastic" at Clinton's Johnstown event, and suggested it might be due to the fact that her husband, former President Bill Clinton, supported the North American Free Trade Agreement, a pact with Mexico and Canada that Trump claims sent U.S. jobs to Mexico.
In an emotional speech at the Democratic National Convention this week, Khizr Khan, the father of a Muslim-American soldier killed in Iraq, praised his son and criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

Khan said that under Trump's proposed immigration policies, his family would never have been allowed to come to the U.S. and that Trump, during his life, has "sacrificed nothing and no one."

Trump responded to Khan in an interview Saturday with ABC News.

"I think I've made a lot of sacrifices," he said. "I've worked very, very hard, I've created thousands and thousands of jobs."

Trump also said he had raised millions of dollars for U.S. veterans and played a big part in getting a Vietnam War memorial built in New York City.

Khan's wife stood by silently while her husband spoke at the Democratic convention. In comments sure to create more controversy, Trump intimated that because she is a Muslim woman, "maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say."

But Ghazala Khan told MSNBC television on Friday that she was very nervous and emotionally overwhelmed when she saw her dead son's picture displayed at the convention.

"I couldn't take it and I controlled myself at that time," she explained.

Trump plans to campaign in the industrial states of Ohio and Pennsylvania on Monday  states Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton is currently touring.

No 'crazy promises'

Speaking Saturday at a wire manufacturing plant in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Clinton said she was not there to insult her opponent and make "crazy promises," but to tell voters of plans to "make the biggest investment in new, good-paying jobs" since World War II.

Clinton proposed what she called an infrastructure bank that could leverage funds and make loans to pay for projects such as building roads and bridges. This would eliminate the need to seek congressional appropriations for each particular project.

She said the country could not go back to what she said were failed economic policies of the past, such as tax cuts for the wealthy. She said the rich have to pay their fair share and "support America."

Ohio and Pennsylvania are likely to be key states in the November election. While most recent polls show Clinton leading in both states, blue-collar voters could swing either state for Clinton or Trump.

Much of Trump's success this year has come from his appeal to working-class voters who worry that the U.S. is losing jobs to overseas competitors with cheaper labor.

Trump took to Twitter to say turnout was "small and unenthusiastic" at Clinton's Johnstown event, and he suggested it might be due to the fact that her husband, former President Bill Clinton, supported the North American Free Trade Agreement, a pact that that Trump claims sent U.S. jobs to Mexico.

A new survey showed Clinton getting a traditional post-convention bounce in the polls. A RABA Research poll gave her a 15 percentage-point lead over Trump, two days after the Democratic convention ended.

Trump enjoyed a similar bump in the polls just after the Republican convention ended July 21, when the acceptance speeches, balloons and parade of personalities were still fresh in voters' minds.
Yemen's internationally recognized government has conditionally agreed to a U.N. peace plan, the country's minister of foreign affairs said Sunday.

In a series of social media posts, Abdulmalik al-Mekhlafi briefly outlined the plan that would end nearly two years of armed conflict between government forces and the Houthi rebels who overran the capital Sanaa in late 2014.

The agreement in part will require that Houthis hand over weapons and withdraw from Sana'a, Taiz and Hodeida in a first phase, according to the minister.

"The presidents authorized the [government] delegation to sign the agreement on condition that the other party signs it as well before August 7th," al-Mekhlafi wrote. "I sent a letter to the Envoy with the approval of the (government) delegation to the Kuwait agreement presented by the UN to end the armed conflict."

The Houthi political takeover pushed President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi to resign and flee to Riyadh in early 2015. Saudi Arabia then launched an air campaign and naval blockade in March 2015 that have failed to oust the Houthis.

Monitors say at least 6,500 people have been killed during the past two years, including more than 3,200 civilians.

Kuwait, which is hosting peace talks between the government and rebels, indicated Saturday that stalemated negotiations were extended to August 7 at the request of U.N. peace envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed.

The U.N. has struggled since the takeover of Sana'a in September 2014 to broker a deal between warring factions.

Houthi leaders said Thursday they are forming a coalition administration. The unilateral announcement immediately drew sharp criticism from the U.N. secretary general, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and ambassadors from 18 other nations.
Balloon joy Photo: 2016 Getty Images

Last week, New Girl creator Liz Meriwether was in Philadelphia covering the Democratic National Convention for Vulture. The week before that, she went to Cleveland to report on the Republican National Convention.

Your shoes are untied.

I turned around on the sweaty, packed Philadelphia subway and thanked the man whod called this out to me. He was wearing a nice, blue button-down shirt, no tie, and more than one credential around his neck; he also wore a slightly glazed look caused either by cocktails or exhaustion or the heat. My shoe must have come untied in my rush to get out of the arena after Hillary Clintons speech. Before Thursday night, getting out had been a battle against crowds, fences, weather, the Uber app, and my terrible sense of direction. What became clear to me by the end of the week was that I would not do well in a war. If you see me in a war zone, do not follow; instead, as I learned on Thursday, follow someone born in the mid-to-late-1980s. That night, my younger colleague had taken me under her driven, clear-eyed wing, and we had headed out of the arena immediately after the speech. I hadnt had a second to tie my shoe or process that I had just seen the first woman ever accept the nomination to be the Democratic candidate for president.

It had all happened minutes prior: The balloons had fallen, fireworks had gone off, Tim Kaine had walked onstage and reminded us he was also running, and Chelsea Clinton, standing a little too far from the microphone, had introduced her mom from the inside of what sounded like a library made of clouds. After the speech, I saw Hillary catch a large, star-spangled blue balloon with outstretched hands, wearing a smile that spanned her face. Id seen the same face on my 2-year-old nephew as he reached for a plastic truck so he could put it in his mouth. The image grabbed my heart and made me embarrassed and a little uncomfortable, like seeing my parents try to dance to hip-hop.

I thought back to my week in Cleveland, watching the Trump familys faces on the jumbotron as the balloons fell for Donald. That night, after listening for over an hour to the ways that we were all going to kill each other, the balloon drop felt like a natural disaster: Balloons have been reported falling from the sky in Cleveland. Please stay in your house until the danger has passed. From the look on young Barron Trumps face, he had seen the future and knew it was not good. Yes. Play with your balloons now, fools, his face seemed to be saying. Soon my father will pop them all. Hillary, on the other hand, was on acid at Burning Man during her balloon drop, falling in love with all the balloons in the world, and her friends didnt find her until late the next morning.

I didnt enjoy Hillarys speech, because I was so anxious and frustrated by the booing in the arena. Whenever it stopped, I would nervously scan the crowd, trying to see where the boos would pop up next. Regardless of what people thought about what she was saying, I felt that, as the Democratic nominee for president, she deserved to be heard. You could hate the speech after it was done, write about hating it, talk about hating it, and protest in the streets about hating it  but you had to actually let her speak. Was the disrespect, I wondered, on some level sexist? Did the crowd feel empowered to boo because it was just a woman up there? Thats too easy an answer, and there were so many women who were part of the yellow-shirt protest. I had walked behind one of them as we left the arena. She was chanting Mo-th-er Earth! Mo-th-er Earth! I wanted to stop and ask her what specifically about Mother Earth she felt had not been addressed tonight, but luckily my steely-eyed young colleague kept me focused on getting to the subway.

Truth is, it shouldnt have been surprising that people booed Hillarys speech, since Democrats have been booing each other all year. Hillary supporters and the DNC have been booing Bernie supporters in their own way  although its less of a boo and more of a patronizing, smug sort of Shhh. Alexandria Davis, a grad student and Bernie delegate from Ohio, could barely contain her rage as she told me, The Hillary campaign says that were stupid, ignorant millennials who dont do research. And also sexist Bernie bros. Were very angry. A reluctant 20-year-old Hillary supporter told me, The media has made it pretty clear to me that, as a young millennial, I really dont know anything at all. Madeleine Albright had told female Bernie supporters that there was a special place in hell for them, and leaked emails revealed the DNC was filled with staffers speaking to each other like masters of the universe who could change the course of an election. One staffer wished he could respond to a question with fuck-you emoji. Does the Democratic party now communicate in fuck-you emoji? In my mind, thats another way to boo.

The result is that the Democratic Partys message sometimes felt like cacophony. On Monday night, the crowd in the arena sounded like a swarm of bees about to kill young Macaulay Culkin in My Girl. Speakers had to yell to be heard. Cory Booker was hoarse by the end of his speech. Having just come from Cleveland, I was struck by the noise. No one stopped talking long enough to listen, and the result was chaotic. When Hillary and Bernie are chanted at the same time, it comes out sounding something like Burn-ie-rie. America cant vote for Burn-ie-rie. Burn-ie-rie is not an option.

The Trump campaign, on the other hand, enforces silence. Protesters get forcibly thrown out of rallies. Anyone who speaks up against him gets bullied back into silence. His disdain for political correctness means that nothing he says out loud matters. He seems to be telling his supporters, Dont listen to the media  dont even listen to the words Im saying, because theyre just words! Its like he wants his supporters to sit out the rest of the election year with their hands over their ears saying, Blah, blah, blah, like kids on a playground. People at the Citizens For Trump rally I attended in Cleveland booed Fox News. Many of them seemed to get their news from InfoWars, a website that thinks that the radical left is in a cabal with radical Islam, among other things. InfoWars might as well have been a corporate sponsor of the RNC: They paid for an airplane to circle overhead with a sign reading Hillary For Prison, like they were a car dealership and we were all spring-breakers on a crowded beach. The mindset seems to be that everyone and everything is involved in a conspiracy against Trump, and the only solution is to choose a kind of paranoid deafness. I dont trust no one, a woman sitting on a lawn chair at the Citizens For Trump rally said to her friend. Shed just explained that everyone, even the churches, were out to get Trump.

A few Republican delegates I spoke to last week complained that liberals shut conversations down. As one delegate from Lousiana put it, Most of these people have never even bothered to have a conversation. They just take talking points from somebody else that are meant to be divisive, and they are taking them at face value. A delegate from New Jersey described his frustrations talking about the election at work: My friends who are very liberal  if I get in a conversation with them, they call me an idiot and shut down the conversation. He felt like they were saying, Because you disagree with me, you must be stupid. At the RNC, I was surprised by the amount of defensiveness from delegates about being called racist, sexist, or homophobic. They wanted me to know they werent, although sometimes they had to tie themselves in knots to defend their positions. A woman from Ashland, Ohio, explained to me, Being pro something doesnt mean youre anti anything. Oh, youre anti-gay, because you support marriage between a man and woman. No. Im not. I am pro-marriage between one man and one woman. I think thats what works for society. So its not anti anything. Okay.

People said these things to me because I had chosen to spend two weeks as a reporter. All I could do was listen. The past year, Ive been in an almost constant state of rage about the election, and I channeled that rage into doing important things like reading articles and walking around my house muttering to myself. I had never spoken to a Republican about this election. I have Republicans in my family, but I gave up talking to them about politics  choosing, in my old age, to enjoy Thanksgiving turkey with comfortable chitchat about how cute children are. Los Angeles is one of the most liberal cities in America, and I work in one of the most liberal industries. I had not actually met a Trump supporter. But in Cleveland, I stood for hours and listened as they explained themselves to me. People were grateful and proud to get a chance to tell me their story.

Things I heard made me mad. I wanted to interrupt and tell them that they were putting their support behind a man I sincerely felt would lead this country off a cliff. But I could only communicate in questions. For the length of each interview, I had to see the world from that persons point of view, even if it was a point of view I found infuriating. Then, as I turned off the recorder on my phone, I had to say, Thank you. It was a challenge, and I ended my days exhausted. My body actually hurt from too much listening. But I felt less angry. I dont know why. Maybe it was just talking to human beings, instead of reading articles and watching the news. Maybe it was getting a break from the booing, the shushing, and the aggressive silencing that we have used to communicate with each other for months now.

Im not saying that we should all just shut up and listen to each other. I can only imagine what that would sound like, coming from a 34-year-old white woman who makes a living writing dick jokes. This election has been and continues to be painful. Im still going to fight, and I am still going to storm away from dinner tables; Im still going to sit alone in my house fuming. But for the next four months, I want to try to listen more. Listening and fighting arent mutually exclusive. There is a time to listen and a time to fight, and both are necessary and both are powerful. I disagree with the Bernie supporter who told me he was done with electoral politics because the movement is happening in the streets. I still believe in electoral politics. I believe elections are conversations  between the government and the people protesting, between older generations and younger generations, between the powerful and the ignored. After coming back from the insane circus of the past two weeks, I believe in the power of a conversation more than ever.

I was thinking about all of this on the hot Philadelphia subway leaving the arena, when the man called out to me once again: Hey, can I tie your shoe for you? People turned to look. He kept going. Im really good at tying shoes  with the loops and the bows. I dont know why he wanted to tie my shoe. Maybe he was flirting, and he thought I was attracted to men with strong, nimble fingers. Maybe he was just a lonely Democrat who didnt want to face the darkness of a night alone with only his credentials to keep him warm. Maybe he suffered from OCD, and my untied shoe had been quietly driving him crazy since the moment he spotted it. Maybe hed lost someone close to him in a shoelace-related accident. I dont know.

Whatever it was, it felt like a cold splash of water waking me up from the dream of the balloons and the fireworks and the possibility of the first female president and Katy Perry in a sparkling, sort-of-see-through dress, telling me that I could rise. The man called out again: You could cross your legs over each other, so I couldnt see up your dress.

Not tonight. Not tonight, buddy. Let me have this dream a little longer. I turned to face him. No thanks, man, Im going to tie my own shoe. He backed up and threw his hands up in the air. Okay! he said. I waited until he got off the train. An older woman made space for me, and I sat down beside her. We nodded at each other for a moment, then I bent down and started to tie my shoe.
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Norman Lear has created multiple television shows that have taken on racial and societal injustices  but soon he will be in front of the camera instead, as one of the correspondents on the Epix documentary series, America Divided. Each episode of the series  which Lear executive-produces, along with Common and Shonda Rhimes  will feature a celebrity reporting on mass incarceration, drugs, and other issues. Lears episode deals with the gentrification-and-housing crisis in New York, with the TV icon going undercover and using a hidden camera to expose racial discrimination. During the shows Television Critics Association panel on Saturday, Lear said he discovered hes a really great reporter while filming it.

He also told journalists that he had thought wed be past such issues by now, when he was creating and developing series like All in the Family, The Jeffersons, and Maude back in the 1970s and 80s. It amazes me that we havent moved faster, he said. Adjacent to that problem is the LGBTQ issue, which just moved so quickly over the last 30 years and is in a place now where we wish the racial situation existed. Racial harmony wants to be moving as far forward in the next decade or two as the LGBTQ movement did.

Other names who anchor episodes of the series, premiering September 30, include Rosario Dawson, who will look at the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, and Jesse Williams, who will explore the problems in Americas schools. We knew way before [Jesse] made that BET speech that hes a real activist in Black Lives Matter, said executive producer Solly Granatstein. He made that speech at a time when the country was really focused on these issues, and I hope this series has the same impact.

Of the choice to use celebrities as correspondents, Lear explained, We felt it was a formula that really worked, in getting peoples attention  We wanted it to be a cinematic series  even though its unscripted, you feel like youre watching a dramatic series.
About 1,500 Central Texans accepted an invitation from the Space Exploration Technologies Corp., better known as SpaceX, to its community appreciation picnic Saturday afternoon at the Central Texas Youth Rodeo Indoor Arena, a close neighbor to the SpaceX testing facility whose rocket engine tests frequently blanket the prairie with artificial thunder.

In a brief address, human resources vice president Brian Bjelde from the companys headquarters in Hawthorne, California, told diners under a pavilion that SpaceX had conducted 5,000 tests at the McGregor facility since its establishment in 2003.

Some say thats more tests than a person would take showers in 13 years, Bjelde said. Its a long way to come from three employees on 250 acres to our current 500 employees here now.

Bjelde said he has family down the street from the testing facility and has been to McGregor frequently, both on business and on personal visits.

Were well on our way to becoming a multiplanetary species, and SpaceX will be a big player in missions to other planets, he said. We like to say that you can only get to Mars through McGregor.

A performance by the Spazmatics followed Bjeldes talk. The band kicked off its set with a recording of the theme of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Theres a Dragon in orbit above us as we speak, Bjelde said, pointing to a well-worn Dragon spacecraft on display at the entrance to the arena. This one here was the first to deliver cargo to the International Space Station and bring cargo back.

Research is underway to modify Dragons to carry people.

A constant stream of visitors with cameras surrounded the spacecraft on their way into the building, which housed a face-painting table, bounce houses and a petting zoo by Ewepet of Dallas.

Outside, guests dined on offerings from five food trucks in the pavilion and boarded buses for tours of the SpaceX facility.

I was living here when the facility opened, Harris Creek resident Rick Taylor said. I remember when they brought this capsule in with its rocket. They had to block off Highway 317 to move it in.

Sandra Sanders, whose husband works for SpaceX, said, They do everything big.

Its amazing to think a craft like this might go to Mars and then to other planets, Moody resident Rosanna Bounds said. But why not?

The companys first community appreciation event was in 2012, communications representative John Taylor said.

We like to do these things just to thank the community for supporting us, Taylor said.
In 20 years and four months working for the city of Waco, David Harris has patched potholes, ridden garbage trucks and stacked convention center chairs.

Now he works every day cleaning the four floors of City Hall, but he sees it as more than a paycheck.

I take pride in what I do, said Harris, a tall man who towered over his mop in the City Hall basement. This is my building. I tell people if they need something, come to me. If theres a toilet overflowing or they need paper towels, Ill try to take care of it.

But now Harris is worried that this job, and those of two dozen other city janitors, will be swept aside.

City Manager Dale Fisseler is asking Waco City Council to seek bids to outsource janitorial services. He said a private contractor could be in place as early as February if the council agrees.

Fisseler said he thinks the city could cut janitorial costs from $950,000 to $656,000 a year, an annual savings of $294,000.

The change would eliminate 22 full-time positions with health, retirement and vacation benefits, as well as three part-time positions.

Fisseler said he hoped that employees could be absorbed by the for-profit contractor or by the city itself.

This is the time when you have to look at these efficiencies, he said. We have more than 100 positions open right now. If you wait until we have a recession, we wouldnt have those vacancies. When times are good, thats when you look at outsourcing.

Fisseler hasnt included the janitorial cuts in this years budget in case the council decides to keep the status quo. The council hasnt yet had a discussion on the proposal beyond a brief presentation in a finance committee, but reactions appear mixed so far.

Councilman Jim Holmes has said the savings make outsourcing almost a no-brainer, and Councilman Dillon Meek said he supports the move to free up money for other priorities.

But Councilman Wilbert Austin disagrees.

We have these people working for us who have worked all these years and cant find another job, Austin said. Im not for contracting it out. Theres some of these people who cannot qualify for those (other city) jobs. Theyre going to be out of work. Theyve got homes, light, water and gas bills to pay. Ive heard from a lot of them, and they are afraid that theyre going to lose their jobs, going to lose their homes and everything else.

Harris and about 10 other janitors showed up at a recent city council meeting to express their concern about the cuts. Community activist Robert Aguilar also addressed the council, saying the proposal would be a betrayal of the citys Prosper Waco effort to lift people out of poverty.

Why are they balancing the budget on the backs of the lowest-paid people? Aguilar said later.

In an interview, Harris said he is not sure what other job in the city organization he could get, and he wouldnt take a job with a contractor unless he got benefits, such as insurance and paid vacation.

I still have family I want to be able to go on vacation with, he said.

Harris said he already qualifies for city retirement, but he worries more about younger janitors who are breadwinners.

A lot of people come to the city with the expectation of being able to retire, Harris said. They turned down other jobs because they looked at city benefits. . . . There are a lot that have kids and depend on these jobs.

Custodian Lynette Stefka said she and her family depend on her hourly wage of $9.93 for their monthly payment on their Axtell house. Her husband, a state highway worker, has insurance for himself, but Stefka said it would cost $600 a month to put her and their 5-year-old son on his insurance.

Stefka said she doubts she could get by working for a private contractor.

I need the benefits, and I cant take a pay cut, she said.

Stefka said she has scouted other janitorial positions, including one at Midway Independent School District that pays $8.73 an hour, but she is still looking.

I want to better myself, she said. Im not going to wait around. If I can find something between now and then, Im going to go for it.

Stefka has worked for the city for nearly 10 years, and she now is the only full-time custodian at Hillcrest Tower, the new police headquarters.

A private firm does most of the work at the police department, and Stefka said it does a good job. But she said its still important to have city employees in a high-security situation.

Its better to keep your janitorial staff and have reliable people, she said. You never know what a contractor is going to do.

Aguilar and Harris met separately this week with Deputy City Manager Wiley Stem to air their concerns.

Stem said afterward that the city isnt planning to abandon its loyal employees.

I think we have a long history of valuing our employees, he said. There are lots of opportunities to move to another position. The city cares about its employees, and were going to do all we can to help them.
LAST WEEK: West native Robert Zahirniak enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1948 when he was 17. He would go on to serve for 27 years before retiring in 1975.

West native Robert Zahirniak turned 86 on April 29. Looking back on his life, the retired Air Force avionics specialist told of one of the more chilling moments that occurred during his 27-year military career.

It was during his three years providing support in occupied Japan, and later, during the Korean War, where he also supported troops serving in Japan. Zahirniak and eight other men were on a special mission, going to Niigata Air Base to support four F-80s on strip alert. Late at night, Zahirniak laid down by the trains caboose door to sleep while the rest of the crew played cards.

He woke up suddenly, feeling nauseated with an intense headache. Having eaten K-rations, he believed the food didnt agree with him. He pulled open the door to get some fresh air, and as he did, he noticed the other men had passed out; something was terribly wrong.

We were using charcoal burners to keep warm, Zahirniak said. For some reason, I couldnt stand the smell of that smoke, so I laid down by the front door. The only reason Im alive is because I had enough fresh air coming from under that door. When he opened the door, cold air rushed inside and revived the others, who otherwise couldve died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Burning charcoal in a poorly ventilated space can generate toxic carbon monoxide levels.

They finally reached Niigata on New Years eve. You know . . . we were alive. Thats probably the best gift you can get, he said.

Bombing run ends in tragedy

Zahirniak had one other close encounter with danger. Once a shot-up, smoking B-29 was coming in from a night mission and was trying to make it to Johnson Airfield. Zahirniak and others were on alert. When the pilot realized he couldnt land, he veered away rather than crash into planes alongside the runway. The B-29 ended up in a rice paddy. There were no survivors.

Three years after leaving home, Zahirniaks time abroad was up, and he reluctantly returned to the States on Oct. 15, 1951. He was sent to Columbus, Ohio.

In April 1953, he volunteered to return to Korea and was there with the 17th Bomb Wing when the war ended. By this point, he had decided to make a career of the military. When he returned to the U.S., he was stationed at James Connally Air Force Base, where he spent nine years in avionics, taking care of communication and navigation equipment. He also flew during this time to train navigators.

In 1957, he married Mary Katherine Plummer, who died in 2011. A widow, she stayed in touch with him after he left Ohio. He returned to visit and they married 10 days later. She moved to Waco with her three children.

Over his career, Zahirniak was stationed in many places, taking his family whenever he could. They lived in Bermuda for three years. In May 1967, he was transferred to Thailand, where he supported the B-52 bombers flying into Vietnam.

When he returned a year later, he was sent to Carswell AFB in Fort Worth, followed by a posting in Plattsburg, New York. He retired on Aug. 1, 1975, as a senior master sergeant and with the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service for his time from July 1967 to August 68. He then worked at M&M Mars for 17 years.

Serving his local VFW post

Zahirniak moved back to West, where hes a member of VFW Post 4819. He served as junior vice commander of the post from 1985 to 87, followed by quartermaster in 1991, post commander from 2005 to 2009 and chaplain from 2013 to 2015.

He also has served in an honor guard, providing hundreds of military graveside services in the area.

After the 2013 fertilizer plant explosion in West, he was heavily involved in the recovery effort, providing shelter and food, collecting clothing, and assisting with meal preparation. Over the years he and his wife sold Buddy Poppies every Memorial Day. Together, they raised about $20,000 for the VFW.

They were also responsible for establishing a veterans wall of honor in the railroad depot with thousands of photos and an extensive collection of memorabilia.

Zahirniak remarried in 2015 to Cynthia Urbanovsky. Together, they set up a military display in the History of West Museum (www.historyofwestmuseum.com).

Among his many volunteer activities, hes particularly proud of having donated 17 gallons of blood to the Red Cross and Carter Bloodcare. And, of course, hes proud of his military service.

For me, it was a great experience, Zahirniak said.

Voices of Valor, featuring stories about Central Texas veterans, publishes every Sunday in the Waco Trib. To suggest a story about a Central Texas veteran, email voicesofvalor@wacotrib.com. Voices of Valor is proudly sponsored by Johnson Roofing.
Although his going-away party was two weeks ago, today marks Waco Police Chief Brent Stromans final day on the force. And, frankly, the unflappable, straightforward, by-the-book lawmans departure is a little unsettling, coming at a time when so many politicians and activists seek to make the twin concerns of quelling racial strife and improving law enforcement a divisive, either/or issue.

Today also marks the end of a month that should resonate with us all, not only because of two lethal, highly questionable shootings by police officers of black men in other states  partially recorded, complete with death agonies  but also because of vengeful shooting deaths that claimed the lives of eight police officers, five of whom died while managing with great professionalism a Black Lives Matter protest in the streets of downtown Dallas.

With politicians turning these tragic events into self-serving opportunism, were better served by listening to police officials in the trenches. Dallas Police Chief David Brown, who is African-American, gained plaudits nationwide for encouraging black critics to undergo training and join the Dallas police force, patrolling the neighborhoods from where they come. Several hundred applied.

Stroman, 61, who is white, has gained praise for his outreach to Wacos African-American community through participation in such events as a forum last summer mounted by the local NAACP chapter. The event not only stressed rights that all citizens should know but also highlighted efforts by Waco police to improve diversity within the ranks.

Much more of this is needed to calm racial strife involving police and the minority community, the chief told me: You have to be willing to listen. You have to be willing to understand different perspectives and that a lot of what is being dealt with right now are perceptions.

There are some realities, he said, acknowledging obvious missteps by individual police officers here and there across the nation, but there are also perceptions and we have to be willing to work with both of those. We have to work with our community.

The chief doesnt believe a minority community is necessarily better served by only minority police officers. His days as a rookie cop were spent in heavily African-American East Waco and he recalls those times with fondness and insight. However, he believes both the force and community benefit greatly when the department is racially diverse.

At the moment, Waco police have 242 sworn officers, 210 of them men, 32 of them women. Of these, 21 (or 9 percent) are black, 24 (or 10 percent) Hispanic and 196 (or 81 percent) are white. Obviously, that doesnt quite reflect a city where, for instance, 21 percent of residents are black. The department has regularly sought to encourage African-American business advocates, pastors and groups such as the NAACP to help improve these numbers. Cops certainly cant do this alone.

Waco Police Sgt. Patrick Swanton says the diversification strategy is working but, given such factors as high police standards, its obviously a gradual process. And, to a degree, it relies on further, ongoing community engagement: It is a must we remain as open and transparent as possible to those we serve. Our community policing foundations are strong and we believe the relationship we have with Waco citizens is very good.

One of the most encouraging aspects of the Waco Police Department: The figures suggest it readily demands accountability on the force to the degree police supervisors do more questioning of rank-and-file officers than the public does. For instance, last year the department conducted 73 investigations of sworn police officers. Only nine were prompted by public complaints. The rest were initiated by police supervisors who I would guess have exacting standards of behavior and ethics for every officer on the force. Thats another good thing.

Other developments are encouraging. City officials and police are exploring the use of body cameras to provide in the words of Assistant Chief Ryan Holt an unbiased visual document in disputes about officer behavior and in reducing citizen complaints.

Stroman, who recalls the racial discord of the 1970s, says the police departments work even way back then regarding community engagement serves it now as such strife again simmers nationwide.

So I think its going to be easier now for us in policing to transition out of this, he said. Its not a good time [for the nation] and theres a chance its going to get worse before it gets better. But I believe on a local level were well poised to move past this because we have that dialogue.
The system is rigged!

Thats the one thing that The Donald, The Bernie and the me agree on. How else could I have obtained this leaked Sept. 26 transcript of the first presidential debate? From it we learn exactly what Trump (DT), Hillary Clinton (HC) and Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson (GJ) will say. Apparently the only detail to be filled in is which reporters will ask the scripted questions  just as you suspected.

Media: Welcome to Dayton, Ohio, and the first general election debate of the 2016 presidential election.

DT: Im Donald Trump! Spasibo!

HC: And Im not. Not at all.

GJ: Im . . . Im . . . oh my god, Im in a presidential debate . . . I . . .

Media: How will we solve the $20 trillion national debt?

DT: Chapter 13 and I dont mean the Two Corinthians.

HC: I propose we tax bigotry.

GJ: When they go low, well get high. And tax it.

Media: Whats your position on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal?

DT: Trump University is offering a course on trade wars. Get out your credit cards.

HC: Is this microphone working? (tapping mike) I believe Im out of time, I . . .

GJ: Legal pot brownies. Legal pot Dr. Pepper floats. Legal pot Cheetos. Legal

Media: Who would your first Supreme Court nominee be?

DT: Judge Roy Bean? Believe me  a law and order guy. Maybe Judge Reinhold? I loved Beverly Hills Cop. Huge fan.

HC: Someone not named Donald Trump. Michelle Obama?

GJ: Ummm . . . Bob Marley? Timothy Leary? Its great to be invited to this 

Media: Should abortion rights be protected or eliminated?

DT: Id jail the women . . . no, I support the right to . . . wait . . . I mean . . . I am personally committed to never having an abortion. The pigs who 

HC: Im still not Donald Trump. Have we seen Donalds tax returns yet?

GJ: Freedom from government regulation is the cornerstone of our constitutional 

Media: Does money have too much influence in politics?

DT: Why do you hate freedom?

HC: As you saw in the Priorities USA Action Super Pac ad, Im getting money out of politics.

GJ: Did you know Federal Reserve is Latin for Feed the Illuminati?

Media: Whos had the most influence on your life?

DT: The Benjamins. My favorite president.

HC: Certainly not Donald Trump. Never been mistaken for each other, by the way.

GJ: Umm . . . Ross Ulbricht? Okay, maybe not. Satoshi Nakamoto? Okay, Willy Wonka?

Media: Whats your solution for the war in Syria?

DT: Ive got a secret plan. Huge, with the greatest ally ever. Pobeda za nami!

HC: Dictators, whether Bashar al-Assad or Donald Trump, respond only to strength. I . . .

GJ: Is Syria on our mail route? If not, we shouldnt be there. We cant afford endless

Media: How will you deal with climate change?

DT: Its bull****, that whole thing. Ill fire Mother Nature for bleeding out her whatever. Ill teach that pig to 

HC: It will be a cold day in hell before I am mistaken for Donald Trump.

GJ: Only with free markets can we solve a problem as great as 

Media: Any final words for the voters?

DT: Theres something going on. Thats all Ill say. We need to look into it. Dobro pozhalovat.

HC: God Bless America and vote for someone other than Donald Trump. Those emails I sent about Donald being on the DNC payroll, ignore those. Thought they had been deleted.

GJ: Oh no! I wasted my one chance to tell America how 

Media: And so it ends. See you Oct. 4 in Farmville, Virginia!

David Schleicher is an attorney who splits his time between Waco and D.C. and blogs at www.TheContranym.com.
To gauge the opportunism and hypocrisy that define Donald Trumps Republican Party, consider this: Imagine the scalding rhetoric that would have boiled from the likes of Newt Gingrich, that Metternich of many green rooms, if Hillary Clinton had offhandedly undermined the collective security architecture of U.S. foreign policy since NATO was created in 1949.

Vladimir Putins regime is saturating Europe with anti-Americanism, buying print and broadcast media, pliable journalists and other opinion leaders, and funding fringe political parties, think tanks and cultural institutions. (Putin is again following Hitlers playbook; read Alan Fursts historical novel Mission to Paris, set in pre-war France.) Putin is etching with acid a picture of America as ignorant, narcissistic and, especially, unreliable.

Alas, Trump validates every component of this indictment, even saying that the U.S. commitment to NATOs foundational principle  an attack on one member is an attack on all  is not categorical.

Gingrich, who is among the supposed savants who will steer Trump toward adulthood, flippantly dismisses Estonia, a NATO member contiguous to Putins Russia and enduring its pressure, as some place which is in the suburbs of St. Petersburg. Gingrich thereby echoes Neville Chamberlains description, three days before Munich, of Hitlers pressure on Czechoslovakia as a quarrel in a faraway country between people of whom we know nothing.

It would be fanciful to suggest that Trump read a book, but others should read Svetlana Alexievichs Secondhand Time: The Last of the Soviets, an oral history of post-Soviet Russia, 1991 to 2012. A recurring theme is Russian nostalgia for the Soviet era: We had a great empire  stretching from sea to sea, from beyond the Arctic to the subtropics. Where is it now? It was defeated without a bomb.

Nostalgia coexists with Soviet-era memories like this: Twenty-seven people share an apartment with one kitchen and one bathroom, including a mother of a 5-year-old daughter and a childless woman. The mother is secretly informed against. Before being sent into the gulag for 17 years, she begs the childless woman to take care of her daughter, who comes to call the woman Mama. After the real mother serves her sentence, under perestroika she sees her police file and recognizes her informants signature  her childless friend.

The mother went home and hanged herself.

Putins constituency of nostalgia, writes Alexievich, is in the grip of the narcosis of old ideas acquired when the state had become their entire cosmos, blocking out everything else, even their own lives. She repeatedly records longings for the days before the eruption of ethnic hatreds to fill the void left by the melancholy, long withdrawing roar of socialist faith.

During one ethnic pogrom, the youngest girl climbed a tree to escape . . . so they shot at her like she was a little bird. Its hard to see at night, they couldnt get her for a long time. . . . Finally, she fell at their feet.

Putins supporters include those who, in the words of one of Alexievichs interlocutors, feel like they were defeated twice over: The communist Idea was crushed, then Russia was looted by a feral crony capitalism. Putinism is bitter nostalgia on the march, and Putin is as interested in the U.S. presidential election as Trump and some of his aides are in Russian wealth. Read Franklin Foers Slate essay Putins Puppet:

We shouldnt overstate Putins efforts, which will hardly determine the outcome of the election. Still, we should think of the Trump campaign as the moral equivalent of Henry Wallaces communist-infiltrated campaign for president in 1948. . . . A foreign power that wishes ill upon the United States has attached itself to a major presidential campaign.

It is unclear whether any political idea leavens the avarice of Trump and some of his accomplices regarding todays tormented and dangerous Russia. Speculation about the nature and scale of Trumps financial entanglements with Putin and his associates is justified by Trumps refusal to release his personal and business tax information. Obviously he is hiding something  probably more than merely embarrassing evidence that he has vastly exaggerated his net worth and charitableness.

In Wednesdays news conference, Trump said, I have nothing to do with Russia. Donald Trump Jr. says, Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets. We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.

Trump Sr. can end the speculation by providing information. If, however, he continues his tax information stonewall, it will be clear that he finds the speculation less damaging than the truth would be, which itself is important information.

George Will is also a contributor to Fox News daytime and primetime programming. His books include One Mans America: The Pleasures and Provocations of Our Singular Nation and Restoration: Congress, Term Limits and the Recovery of Deliberative Democracy.
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National Bank of Canada provides various financial products and services to retail, commercial, corporate, and institutional clients in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment offers personal banking services, including transaction solutions, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, payment solutions, and savings and investment solutions; various insurance products; and commercial banking services comprise credit, and deposit and investment solutions, as well as international trade, foreign exchange transactions, payroll, cash management, insurance, electronic transactions, and complimentary services. The Wealth Management segment comprises investment solutions, trust services, banking services, lending services, and other wealth management solutions. The Financial Markets segment offers corporate banking, advisory, and capital markets services; and project financing, debt, and equity underwriting; advisory services in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, and financing. The U.S. Specialty Finance and International segment provides specialty finance products; financial products and services to individuals and businesses in Cambodia; and investment solutions, guaranteed investment certificates, mutual funds, notes, structured products, and monetization. It provides its services through a network of 384 branches and 927 banking machines. National Bank of Canada was founded in 1859 and is based in Montreal, Canada.
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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 Minerals for Green Revolution a Massive Investor Opportunity (Ad) Biden zeroes in on economic message as campaign winds down Top 10 Horror Movie Entrepreneurs Elon Musk Claims Solar Will Soon Power the World (Ad) Auto prices finally begin to creep down from inflated highs Zim Integrated Shipping Services Stock: High Yield or High Risk? Elon Musk Claims Solar Will Soon Power the World (Ad) The One Question that Matters for Altria Stock Closing prices for crude oil, gold and other commodities

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A kangaroo and her joey. Mothers share close bonds with their young. Credit:Karleen Minney It may seem paradoxical, but could harvesting kangaroos be the way to safeguard them? George Wilson, Adjunct Professor at the Australian National University's Fenner School of Environment and Society, says kangaroo welfare "is an extremely important part of management". But while some people just consider the welfare of individual animals on a day-to-day basis, others are also concerned about "the long-term survival of the species in the landscapes on which they depend". Professor George Wilson, seen here retrieving GPS collars used to track kangaroos in the ACT, says farmers need to have an interest in safeguarding kangaroos. Credit:Australian Wildlife Services In 1970, Wilson became the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service's first kangaroo officer. He now has a wildlife management consultancy and says co-operatives of landholders, working with the commercial industry and sharing profits, would improve land management, biodiversity and, ultimately, the welfare of kangaroos.

"It would change their status from being a pest on agricultural properties to being a component of the production system," he says. "Landholders would have a vested interest in not only the kangaroos but the habitat the kangaroos prefer ... which then brings a whole lot of other biodiversity benefits. The welfare of both individual kangaroos and the species as a whole would be enhanced." In times of drought, kangaroos can starve to death in their millions. Credit:Dallas Kilponen 'These joeys are seen as collateral damage' If Australia has a brand, it is the kangaroo; its very uniqueness is one reason the iconic marsupial is defended so passionately. But many farmers despair when mobs move onto their land. Sixth-generation farmer Michael Green used to see mobs of 10 or 20 kangaroos on his property near Cooma. After a few good seasons "it's not unusual now to see 100".

Harvested kangaroos are stored in chillers before being processed. Credit:Paul Harris He plants crops to sustain his sheep and cattle through winter but says "the moment you try to shut a paddock up, hundreds of kangaroos will come in and strip your paddock overnight. Overgrazing from these kangaroo populations is putting farms permanently in drought. It just becomes a downward spiral. Farms go broke." As protected native fauna, kangaroos can only legally be killed with government approval, under damage mitigation permits or as part of the commercial harvest. Kangaroos are not farmed, but harvested in the wild. Four species are harvested, in NSW, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, from a sustainable quota set between 15 and 20 per cent of the population. Last year 1.6 million kangaroos  20 per cent of the quota  were taken from a population of 49 million. Orphaned young are meant to be euthanised under methods outlined in the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies. For furless pouch joeys, it's a blow to the base of the skull or stunning, then decapitation. Furred joeys should be killed with a blow to the head, while at-foot joeys  out of the pouch, but dependent on their mothers  should be shot.

"It's a gruesome fate and these joeys are seen as collateral damage," Louise Boronyak says. The manager of THINKK, the think tank for kangaroos at the University of Technology, Sydney, she says people are surprised by what happens to joeys and the scale of the harvest: "It's the largest commercial killing of land-based wildlife anywhere on the planet." As government bodies do not routinely monitor shooters in the field, Boronyak says it is impossible to verify that joeys are killed humanely and all adult kangaroos head-shot as per the code. In 2014 the federal government's Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation released a report on improving the humaneness of the commercial harvest. The researchers saw harvesters stamp on furless joeys and the heads of larger joeys swung against a rock, ute racks and trays or hit with an iron bar. At-foot joeys were let go, leaving them vulnerable to starvation, dehydration and predation. "This is legalised, inherent, government-sanctioned cruelty being inflicted on our national icon every night," the president of the Australian Society for Kangaroos, Nikki Sutterby, says. "[If it happened to] another animal, people would be prosecuted for animal cruelty. But the government says that it's OK to do this night after night to thousands of joeys. Why are there different standards?" Harvesters wanted to minimise suffering and felt pressure from animal protection groups and the public not to kill joeys, the researchers said. But they emphasised that at-foot joeys suffered if left to fend for themselves and that from the animals' perspective, blunt trauma to the head was the most humane way to euthanise smaller joeys.

The report's call to standardise euthanasia methods and train harvesters to use them is backed by the RSPCA, which has pushed since 2014 for a review of the code. Despite being due for review in 2013, it has not been updated to reflect the latest research. National kangaroo managers will discuss a review in September. 'Nothing will change as long as farmers consider kangaroos as a pest' To address the issue of orphaned joeys, the kangaroo industry moved towards a male-only harvest from 2012. But according to data from state governments, more than 250,000 females were still harvested nationally in 2014 and 2015 meaning an estimated 215,000 joeys were killed. The RSPCA wants research into the impacts of a male-only harvest on population dynamics and landholder behaviour. "The jury's still out on whether [it] is actually an improvement in welfare," Dr Bidda Jones says. There are concerns that if landholders don't think enough kangaroos are being removed, more people would shoot them  but without the competency tests and head-shot-only enforcement of commercial shooting. Jones also fears a rise in other inhumane methods of killing, such as barrier fencing and closure or poisoning of water points.

Damage mitigation permits are issued when landholders assert that kangaroos are a problem. Instead, Jones says, they should be based on evidence that kangaroo grazing pressure is damaging the environment and livestock are being managed efficiently, with trials and evaluation to prove culling is justified and effective. "Nothing will change as long as farmers consider kangaroos as a pest," she says. "Better understanding of the actual, rather than perceived, impacts of kangaroos and improved land management all round would go a long way to improving the situation." The ASK's Nikki Sutterby points to scientific research  some going back decades  to argue the impact is overstated. Studies have found kangaroos contribute much less to grazing pressure than assumed and rarely visit crops or compete with sheep except when food is scarce. According to a government research analysis, grazing systems where kangaroos feed alongside livestock, "are more productive and ecologically sound". There was "little convincing evidence of substantial damage by kangaroos to crops, pastoral production or rangelands" and "scant evidence that harvesting (or culling) controls numbers or mitigates alleged damage", except very locally.

Sutterby says government departments should work with landholders, informing them about the research available on kangaroos and farming "because there is no credible evidence ... that kangaroos are the pests they're portrayed to be or that killing them in these massive numbers is actually leading to any benefits". Louise Boronyak says kangaroos are often "the fall guy for a range of mismanagement or different grazing pressures". She also believes government should do more to support farmers in non-lethal management such as using wildlife-friendly fencing and audio-visual deterrents. Kangaroos are more valuable to tourism than for their meat and skins, she says. She wants to see "severe restrictions" on shooting and "more programs that foster co-existence with our wildlife". 'Let's just accept they're a resource' Dr Peter Ampt lectures in natural resource management at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Agriculture and Environment. Like George Wilson, he thinks landholders collaborating with the industry would improve management of kangaroos.

"Nothing's going to stop them being shot," he says. "Let's just accept they're a resource; let's accept there's a market for them. If consumers had the message that farmers were working with the industry, the harvest was humane ...[and it] helped the farmers manage their land better both for profit and for biodiversity, all of that would be a good story for the industry and far better for the welfare of kangaroos and the management of land." In Scotland, the income from hunting gives landholders an incentive to protect iconic wild deer and their habitat. In the same way, Wilson says, Australian farmers whose land supports kangaroos "need to have an active interest in safeguarding kangaroo well-being. That is more likely to happen if the industry thrives and kangaroos are valuable." Wilson says more research is needed to inform investment and development opportunities. The animal rights lobby  which saw kangaroo meat removed from British supermarkets and a reimposed ban on kangaroo products in California  has affected "the decisions of large investors and corporate agriculture who could put money into better management of kangaroos. Many landholders and potential investors don't want to know about the opportunity because it's seen to be high-risk." Compared to beef and lamb production, the kangaroo industry is small. Exports, mainly to Europe, were worth $20 million last year. Ray Borda, the Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia president and founder of processor Macro Meats, says if markets were expanded, kangaroos would be worth more and farmers could share in returns. "They'll be guarding them with their lives," he says.
Until very recently the Bureau of Statistics had next to no idea how long Indigenous Australians lived.

It relied on the data funeral directors produced when they ticked boxes on death certificates. Crudely adjusted for guesses about under-reporting, it showed Indigenous Australians dying an average of 17 years earlier than the rest of the population, the figure quoted by former prime minister Kevin Rudd in his apology to Indigenous Australians in 2008.

But behind the scenes the figure was mocked. It seemed to show Australia performing far worse than other nations with Indigenous populations. So during the 11-month window in which it retained the names on the 2006 census forms, the Bureau tried something better. It linked the names to the names on death certificates.

What it found was shocking, in a good way. Instead of dying 17 years earlier, Indigenous Australians were dying 10 years (women) to 12 years (men) earlier.
Perth's new $428.3 million museum will be almost four times bigger than the old one, which for decades has been considered sub-standard.

The West Australian government has awarded the design and construction contract to Brookfield Multiplex, with early site works to start in coming months and opening scheduled for 2020.

WA's planned new museum will open in 2020.

"This has been a project which has been identified as having been needed for at least the last 20 years and for one reason or another, it has never stayed quite on the top of the list of priorities," Arts Minister John Day told reporters on Sunday.

"It will be a stunning physical construction. It is quite a bold and striking design.
In a blog post published on the Steadyhand Investments website, Portfolio Manager Salman Ahmed admits that while he likes ETFs, he sees changes in the ETF space that are not in investors best interests.Like any growing industry, the Canadian ETF space is changing, but many of the changes will lead to a poor investor experience, he says. ETF providers are increasingly engaging in the same bad behaviors that the mutual fund industry has been guilty of.He first points to the impressive product proliferation: despite the fact that there are only 17 ETF providers in Canada, around 130 new ETFs have been launched since 2015.Next, he observes a flavor of the month attitude in the industry, specifically surrounding actively managed ETFs. Citing marketing labels such as smart beta and low volatility ETFs, Ahmed notes that [a]round 80% of ETFs launched in the last 18 months have an active element to them.This, he says, runs counter to ETF enthusiasts advocacy for low costs, broad market coverage, and passive management.He sees a similar problem in the use of confusing product descriptions, wherein ETF providers attempt to differentiate their offerings through complexity. This prevents investors from understanding the strategies employed and the risks involved.Finally, Ahmed states that while median management fee charges for mutual funds are larger than median values for comparable ETF fees, the gap is trending the wrong way, as active ETFs are causing management fees to increase.Mutual funds and ETFs, he concludes, are simply different investment vehicles that investors can use to implement a strategy and achieve their goals. However, it can be difficult for investors to ferret out the worthwhile mutual funds from the sea of snake oil offerings, and the same may currently be said for ETFs.
Editor's Note: Mrs. Butler-Turner and Dr. Sands withdrew their candidacy and Dr. Minnis and Mr. Turnquest remain as leader and deputy leader of the FNM respectively.

Friday nights vote at the Free National Movements (FNM) convention will likely be a watershed moment in the partys history.

The convention, which began yesterday, concludes tomorrow with a contest for all party posts.

There is a seismic crack within the FNM. There is a deep frost between FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis and Long Island MP Loretta Butler-Turner.

Though the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has abysmally squandered another chance in power, the FNM has had to contend with strife within its parliamentary team. Given that, the PLP - with all its money, machinery and structure - must be conceitedly thinking that next years general election is all wrapped up.

On Friday, one can expect lots of horse trading, political ship jumping and double crossing. In the wake of Hubert Ingrahams announcement this week, there are many who have assessed the political temperature within the FNM and have been secretly negotiating with the Minnis camp or outright bandwagon hopping. As is typical in these situations, there are many who want to be affiliated with a winner and who, for self-serving reasons, view Minnis as a prospective future Prime Minister who could do lil something for them.

If Minnis wins tomorrow, he would have been given a new mandate by the delegates of his party. He would be further empowered and his influence within the party would be far-reaching, all while riding a new wave of political excitement. The same applies to Butler-Turner if she is successful in her candidacy.

But her candidacy can now only be compared to a candle in the wind. Given the impending election, Butler-Turners road to becoming FNM leader is now much steeper than it was in 2014.

Stacks of cash have been spent on this convention. The party itself raised $350,000 but each of the tandems vying for the leadership of the FNM have themselves spent thousands on their individual campaigns. The Butler-Turner/Duane Sands campaign has been accused of having a geyser of special interest dollars, being cast as the preferred choice of the elite whilst Dr Minnis has projected himself as the poor boy from Over-the-Hill who, by sheer will, made something of himself.

This electoral part of this convention can be viewed as a referendum on Minnis leadership over the last four years. Since people can nominate up to Friday, there are others within the FNM - if they so strongly object to the doctors leadership stylings - who could step forward and offer themselves for the top post.

Butler-Turners rhetoric this week and in weeks past was over-the-top, impertinent and seemingly deepens the gap between Minnis and her and their supporters. In so doing, she has caused a deepening of public sympathy for Minnis and politically greased her own skids. Butler-Turner failed to capitalise in her role as the underdog, instead adopting a scorched earth policy whilst Minnis remained quiet and never openly and/or directly responded. He remained rhetorically cautious.

I take no issue with her cataloguing Minnis list of political blunders but the cheap shots and the tone and tenor of her vigorous public pronouncements would not engender public confidence in Minnis if he emerges as leader. Frankly, the PLP could - by using Butler-Turners own words over various appearances on talk shows and campaign advertisements - craft several effective attack ads during the next general election. She has certainly left a gold mine of soundbites, quotes and put downs. It has been a crass public relations display.

There is clearly a disparity in perspectives within the FNM.

Despite speculation that some delegates are disillusioned with Minnis and that his support within the FNM has diminished, I do not believe that much has changed in the minds of the delegates in the nearly 20 months since Butler-Turners crushing three-to-one defeat at the FNMs one-day convention in November, 2014. I am even less convinced that, given her attacks and utterances on various media platforms in recent weeks, the delegates will have faith in her capacity to resolve divisions within the FNM and marshal its forces.

On November 21, 2014, on conceding defeat that night, Butler-Turner said in a statement: The contest for the leadership is over, having demonstrated once again the solid democratic principles upon which our movement was founded and nurtured. Our shared task now is unity. As the Official Opposition the FNM has an essential constitutional role to play and a challenge to prepare for the responsibility of governing. I pledge my full support in these efforts in a spirit of unity and collegiality.

So, where did it go wrong and why didnt Mrs Butler-Turner - in her words and deeds - exemplify the full support she pledged? Frankly, she withdrew from the political spotlight and was not the force she was in the House of Assembly prior to that convention. By her own accounts, she was learning and transforming for what today is her second bite at the cherry.

In 2014, she also pledged to continue to vigorously lend my voice and support as a member of the FNMs parliamentary team and to offer my party and the Bahamian people ideas for a better Bahamas. Her voice was not as vigorous as before and it was clear to many that she had withdrawn herself.

The reality is that when Minnis wins - as I believe he will - Butler-Turner and others could decide to jump the political fence and form a breakaway grouping. However, though Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins was among the six MPs who were signatories to a recent letter that sharply criticised Minnis leadership, I doubt that he would be inclined to follow Butler-Turner and so, even with a breakaway grouping, she would be unable to form a political unit that would become the Official Opposition.

Minnis is not without fault. He is not a silver-tongued orator and, yes, he has shortcomings. However, he has been in the trenches for the past four years. He has demonstrated humility and poise and, despite all the criticism and negativity thrown his way, has marched full steam ahead, committing himself to the task and determining that he would focus on winning supporters. During his tenure, he has been methodical, wisely travelling from island to island. I respect that. Minnis strength is that he has been underestimated, though he has demonstrated time and time again that he is politically savvy and a strategist.

In my opinion, Minnis has toiled in the political vineyard and he deserves the opportunity to lead the FNM into a general election. It is comparable to a farmer who plants peas and corn only for someone else to pop up, on the cusp of a harvest, and reap that which they have not planted nor cared for. If Minnis takes the FNM into the general election and loses, then one could expect that he - like Mr Ingraham and other honourable adherents to the Westminster system - would resign.

I have read his platform. Whilst one can question how a programme or policy would take shape, he is offering an optimistic vision for the future, one of broad prosperity and a shift in the status quo.

This week, former Prime Minister Ingraham demonstrated that he is in a political sphere that no other living local politician - current or former - has attained. His pronouncements caused a stir, generated buzz on every media format and conjured feelings of nostalgia across the archipelago. Unfortunately, folks like my father, who is perhaps the biggest Ingraham fan in The Bahamas, was left disappointed and heartbroken (he actually retreated in silent but noticeable depression) by his decision not to return and his letter to the chairman that instructed that any attempt to nominate him ought not to be recognised as he would decline.

By contrast, the PLP undoubtedly breathed a sigh of relief.

Mr Ingraham is a looming figure, the so-called ghost at the feast.

The fact is that Ingraham has renewed interest in the Free National Movement. He excited a base that was weary of the infighting and instability. Ingrahams mystique - built around his refusal to seek out and indefatigably grab the spotlight and media attention, his strong leadership style and reputation as a straight shooter - has caused the public and the media to crave his input. He continues to be the Bahamas most beloved political figure.

If the FNM wants to win the next general election, just like the PLP prominently features the late Sir Lynden Pindling, Mr Ingraham must be showcased as the partys nuclear weapon.

I have said before that our nation must rightly honour him whilst he walks among us. Honour him! He is the countrys best Prime Minister thus far and yet no real initiative has been taken to honour his many contributions to our national life. Shame!

On Friday, barring an unlikely withdrawal by Mrs Butler-Turner, her campaign for leadership will flame out. After Friday, the FNMs leadership should not continue to be an unresolved drama within the partys hierarchy, with people continuing to refuse to either accept process or engaging in friendly fire on the eve of one of the most important general elections in Bahamian history.

The debate has to be shifted back to the specifics of the FNMs vision for this country. The leaking of FNM party emails, the woeful outpourings of inharmoniousness, the lack of civility and the personalised tirades on media platforms would have to stop.

In Opposition, MPs are given an opportunity to establish themselves by crafting and advancing private members Bills, showcasing their ability to debate supported by research and an understanding of the issues and hold the governing party accountable. No FNM MP would pass with flying colours. However, there have been certain MPs who, in my opinion, have been ineffectual timeservers.

All of the current FNM MPs should not be blindly re-nominated. Unfortunately, during the last election, the FNMs then best and brightest were given unwinnable or marginal seats whilst some of the current MPs were given traditionally FNM-leaning seats and were elected when firebrands like Dion Foulkes, Michael Pintard, Zhivargo Laing, Carl Bethel, Howard Johnson and others all lost their seats. Their losses weakened the parliamentary caucus. As it stands, the FNMs bench is uninspiring and weak and I would impress upon whoever emerges as leader to recognise that and make the decisions that must be made in the interest of the partys future.

This week, Mr Ingraham revealed that late last year he staved off the first threat from five FNM MPs to have Dr Minnis removed as leader through a petition to Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling.

If Minnis wins, those who have expressed no confidence in his leadership should offer not to seek re-nomination or, at the very least, enlighten a questioning public on how they will suddenly find the confidence to march in lockstep behind a leader that they have undermined, defied and/or dissed for four years. I expect that most, if not all, will seek to cling to their seats. I imagine that Minnis impending win will have a perspective-altering effect on many of those who will suddenly switch allegiances and find him politically palatable. Politics is dogmatic religion.

In 2014, Central Grand Bahama MP Neko Grant supported Dr Minnis. However, Im reliably informed that between then and now, Mr Grants constituency association has expressed an interest in a new candidate. I am told that Mr Grant was also of the view that former FNM chairman Michael Pintard was interested in his seat, believing that Pintard or another candidate had attained Dr Minnis blessings. Given that, Mr Grant purportedly switched sides and now supports Mrs Butler-Turner.

Considering the widely publicised email that he wrote chastising Dr Minnis and the fact that he was one of the MPs calling for a convention, Mr Grants statements at the conclusion of the 2014 convention tell the story of a man who had very different sentiments.

At that time, he told The Tribune: The people have spoken. We had an excellent turnout today and the FNMs have elected those persons they feel are capable of leading us to victory in 2017. I think (the issue of infighting) was just a perception. You would appreciate that in any office there would be a difference of opinion. The convention provided an opportunity for those differences of opinion to be aired and dealt with and the people have made their decision; theyve spoken.

There are some questions that must be considered going into this convention:

What happens to candidates ratified by Dr Minnis if, by some phenomenon, Mrs Butler-Turner wins? If Minnis has shored up the party machinery with trusted allies over the years, how would it work if Mrs Butler-Turner wins? Will the FNM completely fracture after Friday night? Are we witnessing the end of the two party (major) system? What will the FNMs corporate backers do if Dr Minnis wins? What will the young voters and voting blocs that Dr Minnis have cultivated do if Mrs Butler-Turner wins?

The FNM cannot become a party of preening, look-at-me individuals. The partys fate at the polls should not be subject to the caprices of self-medicated narcissists - and that applies to both sides. The political wrecking ball must be set aside. The FNM has hardly ever been united but, in order to give the PLP a swift kick, competing sides will have to bond over a common political enemy and exercise discipline. A single leader cannot force these sides to unite. That decision also rests upon them.

The FNM cannot continue to hit the wrong chords going into the next election. The party must rebrand itself; it must immediately find the control-alt-delete buttons, reset and reboot.

Mr Ingraham has embraced a changing of the guard. The party too much reflects that change in its selection of quality, young candidates. Unlike the PLP, the FNM must truly highlight and propel a new generation of leaders and, frankly, new generation leaders are not candidates in their 50s and 60s. Anyone over 40 can hardly consider themselves as young or as a different generation (45 being on the extreme end of the so-called youth spectrum).

The Bahamas has had three Prime Ministers in 43 years of Independence whilst the United Kingdom has had nine in the same time span; Jamaica has had nine in 55 years of Independence; and the United States has had seven Presidents in 43 years.

The party must be peppered with youth, with sprinklings of experienced persons as outgoing MPs to guide newcomers and as advisers to a younger generation. For example, my friend Jamal Moss, the former longstanding President of the Torchbearers Youth Association and current FNM Vice Chairman, is a community leader who has worked in the trenches on behalf of the FNM. I think he could contribute much towards to FNM and represents that partys future and I wholeheartedly endorse his re-election.

Just as Mr Ingraham walked away, there are others within the FNM who must do the same, accepting change and becoming statesmen whose experience and influence could greatly influence good governance, party initiatives and mentorship of new generation FNM parliamentarians.

As it stands, the FNM can only defeat itself. The governing PLP has been a disaster of apocalyptic proportions. This version of the Cabinet of the Bahamas has reached a point of irreparable fault and Prime Minister Christie seems too paralysed to solve it. The governing party has disdainfully demonstrated impenitent arrogance and hubris to the very people that they claim that they want to serve!

Hopefully, we see manifestation of the cliched come to Jesus moment.

_________________________________________________________

First published in the The Tribune under the byline, Young Man's View, here

View Adrian Gibson's archive here

____________________________________________________

The views expressed are those of the author, and not necessarily those of WeblogBahamas.com (which has no corporate view) or its Authors.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Jul. 31, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Jul. 31, 2016 | 11:39 AM | PADUCAH, KY

A Paducah man was taken to the hospital Saturday night after passing out behind the wheel and running his vehicle into a building.



McCracken County Sheriff's deputies responded at around 10:30 pm to a crash at 4025 Clarks River Road. Deputies said 43-year-old Thomas Young of Paducah lost consciousness due to an unknown medical condition. His vehicle ran off the road and accelerated into a business.



Pac-Van is a business that sells storage and shipping containers and mobile buildings for multiple uses. A staff member said they used some of their inventory to secure the contents of their office.



Deputies said Young had already gotten out of his vehicle by the time responders arrived, and continued to go in and out of consciousness. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
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Rita Redmond was a true lady who felt that every pupil had something to gift to the world
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 31/07/2016 (2280 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

After more than a century in business, Winnipeg-based jewelry chain Ben Moss Jewellers is closing its doors.

On July 29, Gordon Brothers Canada announced going-out-of-business sales will begin at all 54 Ben Moss Jewellers Western Canada Ltd. locations across Canada, five of which are in Manitoba.

The business has been Canadian-owned and operated since 1910. In May, the company sought creditor protection to undertake a restructuring, and hired Gordon Brothers Canada to oversee closure of 11 of their underperforming stores.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Winnipeg-based Ben Moss Jewellers is going out of business after more than 100 years.

Court records state that since 2013 sales have declined because of currency exchange issues and the weakened economy in Western Canada.

Sales peaked in the fiscal year ending March 29, 2014 at $86.6 million, declined by $1.2 million the following year and a further $6.7 million of 7.8 per cent in the year ending March 29, 2016.

As of May, the company owed creditors $68.18 million.

In 2013, the Winnipeg Trepel family sold the busines to the JSN Group, a private wholesale business that has a manufacturing and distribution operation in Toronto and interests and operations in the U.K.

The closing sales will offer storewide discounts of up to 40 per cent on all merchandise.
SPRING GROVE  After 7 hours, the all clear was given Friday after a bomb threat resulted in the evacuation of a portion of this Houston County town.

A call was placed to the Houston County Sheriffs Office around 1:25 p.m. about possible explosives inside a vehicle. The downtown area was evacuated by 6 p.m., and Houston County government buildings were placed under lockdown.

Although only part of the downtown area was sectioned off, the entire town was not under a lockdown, said Spring Grove Police Chief Paul Folz, yet movement was limited.

The Spring Grove Police Department made the decision to evacuate the downtown as an extra precaution as the investigation continued throughout the day. Soon, businesses closed and residences near the downtown area were emptied.

Everyone was evacuated, and we had to call in extra assistance since we dont have the equipment to handle a situation like this, Folz said. We did an evacuation that was extended for a little bit.

Ten agencies assisted with the threat, including a bomb squad from St. Paul that brought a small remote control robot.

It was later determined that the owner of the vehicle and the vehicle itself were not related to the threat in any way, Folz said, and no explosives were found. The different agencies cleared out of the area and the signal was given that the area was safe around 9 p.m.

No arrests were made, and there is no ongoing threat toward the towns residents. The person who claimed to be involved in the incident is talking with law enforcement. The investigation is still considered open.

Were continuing to talk to him, Folz said. Thats as much as Im going to talk about it right now.

For hours, residents and drivers who were passing through Spring Grove were stunned to see heavy police presence in the small town of 1,330 people. Many of those attempting to get home or to pass through were redirected away from the area by the Minnesota Department of Transportation workers.

They let me leave, but when I went to go back they werent going to let me in, said Mike Swank of Lyle. I told them I had to take my friend home, so they let me do that. Otherwise, they were turning everyone away.

While visiting his friend in town, Swank noticed that the roads going east and west were blocked off. Main Street from the school to the Corner Cafe were also blocked off. He described seeing SWAT teams along with different vehicles around the area.

Asked if he was surprised that a threat like this was made in a small southeastern Minnesota town, Swank wasnt taken off guard.

Not really much of anything just because usually its just a threat is all, he said. Although, with all the things going on nowadays, you just dont know.
I wish to reach the stakeholders of Winona County with this message, in an effort to persuade them to enact as soon as possible the provisions for a banning of industrial silica sand mining.

First of all, however, I wish to make convincing the argument that banning frac sand mining isnt just a capricious trend among a core of few, radical tree huggers in this area. Its a collective effort, by various segments of citizens in our county (rural and urban), who have been committed to studying and evaluating all pros and cons of this issue for several years.

The economic viability of frac sand mining as professed by the sand industry has been illusory, ruthless and delusional! Prosperity in Winona County cannot derive from the extraction of silica sand while pillaging the landscape and leading to bankruptcy viable, pre-existing businesses like small-scale farming, tourism and a variety of outdoors recreational activities that for decades have been supporting a thriving, local economy. Silica sand mining has been deteriorating our natural resource base (soil, water, air) and supporting this economic venture is simply irresponsible and therefore, unacceptable!

In its rush to harvest the valuable commodity (sand), the mining industry has failed on multiple occasions to operate in transparency and to comply with the provisions in place to insure environmental safety and stewardship. This kind of ethic has been deleterious to many residents and insensitive to the stresses it has caused in the region.

Its rhetoric has always been simplistic and linear, with a futile emphasis on the creation of jobs and an improvement of the economy yet, after many years of pontificating on these and similar principles, a different scenario has emerged. Silica sand mining has been extirpating the serenity of rural living from our countryside and from the many households that have been affected by it.

Lets not follow on the tragic steps of what has been happening in neighboring Wisconsin, where an uncontrolled expansion of the industry has been disastrous for a majority of citizens living near frac sand mines and/or sand processing facilities.

A ban is legal and you, Winona County commissioners, have the authority to prohibit frac sand mining. Therefore, I trust your knowledge and wisdom about this case and urge you to make the right decision. The detrimental effects of frac sand mining in our distinctive bio-region have been much greater than the benefits envisioned by the proponents of this industry.

The fragility of the land (I am referring to its karst topography) requires great attention to avoid soil loss and water contamination. Silica sand mines and sand processing facilities use hundreds of thousands of gallons of fresh water per day from our groundwater reservoirs. This rate of consumption is unsustainable and within a couple of decades could lead to water scarcity in the region, if industrial sand mining is allowed to operate and expand.

Water contamination by acrylamide that may infiltrate into the groundwater when sand is piled up to dry is another tangible concern affecting this much needed, public resource, as we look into the near future. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has zero tolerance for acrylamides in water because these compounds are notorious carcinogens of blood and nervous tissues. To this end, in 2013 the state of Minnesota Legislature passed legal provisions to regulate mining and processing of silica sand (Minnesota statute, section 103G.217). Within this context, the governor himself indicated that if recommended by the Legislature, he would support prohibiting frac sand mining in southeast Minnesota, due to the high vulnerability of water quality in this region of our state.

The time is ready for banning frac sand, and I urge the county commissioners at this time to embrace a similar cautionary planning approach and make the much needed step forward to protect our natural resources. The time is now to ban frac sand mining in Winona County and to move economic development toward a more holistic and pragmatic approach to sustainable development.

This move is necessary now more than ever to address declining resources and increasing human needs. To do this however, it has become imperative to address the properties of living systems and ecosystems first, through an ecologically-informed decision-making.

The public hearing at Tau Center on June 30 has clearly indicated that a majority of citizens do not want silica sand mining in Winona! The remarks in support of banning frac sand mining from our county residents were articulate and often substantiated by many peoples direct experience with the day to day operations of the silica sand industry. From increased traffic of heavy vehicles and the deterioration of roads infrastructure, to the inevitable destruction of the landscape and alteration of soil, water and air quality.

Finally, and most importantly, the devaluation of property and the distress caused by frac sand mining has shown clearly to have potential of dismembering communities and extinguishing long-term, healthy relationships among neighbors. What more evidence needs to be brought forward to make the case that silica sand mining is not feasible for Winona County? Please take action to ban the extraction of industrial, silica sand.
Vacationers to the picturesque resort town of Rehoboth, Delaware, very nearly got a rude surprise from the town government this year, as officials considered banning pools, of all things.

For a town that literally survives by making vacationing tourists happy  Rehoboth has about 130,000 year-round residents but the population more than doubles during the summer months as people escaping Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., pour into rental homes in the Atlantic seaboard town  that decision raised some eyebrows.

Imagine having your pool party, on private property that you paid to rent for the week, interrupted by law enforcement.

Faced with complaints from year-round residents about noise, and apparently not much else in the way of legitimate reasons for imposing such rules, city officials last month nearly pulled the trigger on the ban.

Its not just tourists who would lose out from such a ban. So would the owners of rental properties who paid to install and maintain a pool  presumably so they can make more money by making their rental more appealing than pool-less offerings.

One of those property-owners, Rebecca Howland, told Delaware Online there is clearly a tinge of hysteria based on anecdotal testimony driving the proposed ban.

Explain how rentals with pools are automatically to be blamed for all the noise problems in the city, she said.

How indeed.

The man behind the proposal, Rehoboth Mayor Sam Cooper, took the outrage over his plan in stride. And he wears his I-know-better-than-you badge with pride.

I have a vision of Rehoboth, he told the Washingtonian. If youre outside of that, then were going to have issues.

In the same piece, Cooper described how he had grown up in Rehoboth during the 1950s, when it was like a Norman Rockwell painting. Unlike the ever-changing sea that laps at Rehoboths shores, Cooper is apparently determined that nothing will ever change in his city. His anti-development stance, the Washingtonian reported, has been a key factor in winning reelection nine times in a row over the past quarter century.

But this time, Cooper went a little too far.

City officials ultimately decided against imposing a ban on pools  but only after word of the proposal circulated online and more than 1,000 people showed up to protest the idea. Even Cooper backed down and voted against it.

And who says politicians dont listen to the people, right?

Instead of banning the use of pools by out-of-towners, the board decided to create a licensing system for private pools, requiring locals to pay $50 annually along with passing an inspection. The town gave itself the right to revoke those licenses at any time for any violation without warning, according to Delaware Online.
GOP goes from McCarthy to Cohn to Donald Trump

Hes a ballyhoo artist who has to cover up his shortcomings by wild accusations. Hes the desperate loudmouth and character assassin whose sensational allegations get the biggest headlines. Hes the greatest asset the Kremlin has.

Hes Wisconsins late junior Sen. Joseph McCarthy. Bet you thought it was Donald Trump. Well, actually, it is  now; but back in the 1950s, President Harry Truman applied these characterizations to McCarthy, Trumps demagogic lodestar.

Twenty-something Trump mastered many of McCarthys sleazy techniques and even hired McCarthys, red-baiting consigliere, Roy Cohn, who subsequently served as Trumps mouthpiece and mentor for 13 years.

In What Donald Trump Learned from Joseph McCarthys Right-Hand Man, The New York Times observed: Cohns influence on Trump is unmistakable the gleeful smearing of his opponents, the embracing of bluster straight out of the Cohn playbook.

According to the Times, Cohn was disbarred for unethical, unprofessional and particularly reprehensible conduct. Facing disbarment, Cohn summoned Trump to testify to his character.

McCarthy to Cohn to Trump: We 2016 electors are witnessing the passing of a torch bearing a smutty, smoldering foul flame, which if fanned in this Novembers election could conflagrate this country.

Do the right thing: Extinguish it with your vote.

Robert Reid, Wisconsin Dells
HORICON  Make August a fun, free month at Horicon Marsh Education Center, N7725 Highway 28, and learn what plants are tasty treats, how to shoot arrows, fish or identify birds, do geocaching, make butterfly crafts or walk with a Department of Natural Resources conservation warden to learn about this outdoor career.

Liz Herzmann, DNR wildlife conservation educator, said events are free and do not require advance sign-ups.

These are cool events, great for families. Just show up, she said. And save some time during your visit to check out the Horicon Marsh Education and the Visitor Centers new Explorium (admission fees can be found online).

Aug. 6, 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m., Outdoor Skills Day

Archery, birding, cooking, hunting and fishing are among the fun things to be taught by Department of Natural Resources staff and expert volunteers during the free and family-friendly August Horicon Marsh Outdoor Skills Day.

There will be something for everyone at this hands-on, family-friendly event, Herzmann said. Even if you have a pretty good idea of which activities appeal to you, it can be a great learning experience for anyone with an interest in the outdoors.

New this year is a fishing station that will includes a mock fishing trip. You get to choose the lake and species you want to fish, and then learn how to plan and execute a successful fishing trip. Also new this year is a geocaching course. GPS units will be provided.

Aug. 9, 1011 a.m.- Wild Edibles of the Marsh

Learn about which plants make a tasty treat and which are not so great to eat.

Aug. 11, 10-11 a.m., Stories at the Marsh

Join a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources educator for Butterflies themed storytelling and craft-making at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center. This event is best for children ages 1 to 10 years old.

Aug. 15, 10 -11:30 a.m. , Walk a Mile in a Wardens Shoes

Meet a DNR conservation warden and learn how exactly they keep our natural resources safe. Great for kids of all ages.

Aug. 16, 10-11 a.m., Prairie Blooms Walk

View the prairies around the education center and learn about the different flowers and their benefits to wildlife.
Threat  Saturday at 12:30 p.m., a 23-year-old woman told police that a 33-year-old man came into a bank in 800 block of Park Avenue and threatened her. He said he would be in parking lot waiting for her. Police went to two different locations to ensure the safety of the employees.

Traffic  Saturday at 9:44 p.m., someone reported a vehicle speeding near the North Spring Street and Industrial Drive intersection.

Suspicious  Sunday at 12:19 a.m., a man in the 200 block of Beaver Street told police six people were shinning flashlights.

Intoxicated person  Sunday at 2:04 a.m., a man was cited for speeding and operating a vehicle while intoxicated near the Madison Street and Lake Crest Drive intersection.

Disorderly conduct  Sunday at 2:54 a.m., two women told police that they heard a woman screaming for help in the 100 block of Lake Crest Drive. Police spoke with a man and a woman and both denied that anything happened.
Some of the staunchest supporters of Dane Countys Community Restorative Court for young and generally low-level offenders in South Madison and beyond are members of law enforcement or work for the court system  not usually among those seen as being soft on crime.

Town of Madison Police Chief Scott Gregory said he understands those who question the tenets of restorative justice and said he was initially skeptical, too  but no more.

Im a person of personal consequences, and I wasnt sold when I initially saw the program, Gregory said. But I did some research and as I became involved with it, to me this seemed like the the best way to deal with these young people  to keep them out of the system, and help them become productive members of society.

The initiative requires sitting down with each offender and seeing what is really needed, agreed Madison Police South District Capt. John Patterson. It gives a better wraparound approach for each young person.

Beyond applying sanctions such as community service and restitution, the program matches offenders with services  such as helping them find a home, a job, counseling or a path back to school  and it gives each offender a mentor to help deal with any complications that may arise.

We try to hold (offenders) responsible for their decisions and actions, program coordinator Ron Johnson said. We also try to provide services to help them mend the bumps in their life but also in an effort to prevent them from re-offending.

Dee Dee Watson of the state Public Defenders Office called the program a breath of fresh air and applauded the Dane County District Attorneys office, Madison police and other partners for trying something different.

Theres a lot of justified frustration with the criminal justice system and how it has addressed crime, Watson said. Were very hopeful that the results (of the program) will be a reduction in recidivism and a reconnection (of offenders) with the community.

The CRCs $70,000 annual cost was built into the county human services departments base budget to ensure consistent funding, under a proposal by County Board Superintendent Shelia Stubbs, now on the CRCs advisory panel.

Stubbs and other supporters hope the CRC also can help improve Dane Countys deeply disproportionate arrest and conviction rates for black residents.

A 2014 study found African Americans make up more than 40 percent of the jail population, while making up only 6 percent of the countys population. Young offenders were a subset ripe for intervention, with black juveniles six times more likely to be arrested than white youth.

It is necessary and it is critical, Stubbs said about the program. Were at a tipping point in this community. We cannot continue to just do what were doing.

However, minority youth receive no special preference for participation in the CRCs core South Madison target area, officials said. Cases that fit the crime and offender criteria are automatically routed into the program, producing a racial breakdown among the 30 offenders processed over the past year of 53 percent black, 27 percent Latino, 17 percent white and 3 percent Asian. By gender, 53 percent of offenders were male and 47 percent were female.
Bonnie Walker

By: Tanya Malhotra

(Scroll down for video) Police launched an investigation after an alligator grabbed an elderly woman and killed her as she fell into a pond, according to police in South Carolina.

West Ashley police said that 90-year-old Bonnie Walker, was found dead in the retention pond of the Brookdale Charleston senior citizens living facility.

According to the police investigation, the woman slipped and fell down an embankment and into the pond. The alligator then lunged at the woman and began eating her.

Walker was reported missing, and she was later found in the pond.

Walker died of multiple puncture wounds and blunt force trauma. The alligator that was responsible for the attack was captured and killed.

This was the first reported alligator related death in the history of the state.
The Lakou Mizik group

By: The Lakou Mizik group

(Scroll down for video) Being stuck on an airplane for many hours can be very stressful.

However, people who were stuck on a plane in Illinois, were lucky enough to have a popular band from Haiti, on their airplane.

Members of the Lakou Mizik group, who were on a tour in North America, were also stranded on the flight that was delayed at Chicagos OHare airport.

The group decided to pass some of the time by entertaining the planes passengers and crew, and they did a great job of making it a happy atmosphere and making people less tense.

Members of the band, which is based in Port-au-Prince, took to Facebook to thank their new fans saying: aDear Friends! We were so happy 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.

aIt was a difficult moment for all of us and we were proud to have our Haitian culture lift the spirits of everyone. Stay positive friends. Blessings to you all and to everyone out there.a
Geoffrey David Fortier

By: Wayne Morin

(Scroll down for video) A man was arrested on a charge of voyeurism after allegedly recording a woman taking a shower in his home, according to police in Arkansas.

The Craighead County Sheriffs Office said that they have arrested 23-year-old Geoffrey David Fortier, after being accused of using his iPad to record the woman who was using the shower in his home while his fiancee was present.

Fortier has been charged with one count of video voyeurism. He was booked into jail, and his bail was set at $5,000. If convicted, Fortier could face up to a $10,000 fine and up to six years in prison.

The victim told investigators that she had lived with another woman and Fortier previously, and she felt comfortable being in the home with Fortier.

The woman asked if she could take a shower, and Fortier said that she could, but let him first to go to the bathroom. When Fortier left, she went into the bathroom, undressed and showered.

Once she was out of the shower, the woman realized that the iPad was leaning against the wall. The woman picked up the device and realized that it had been recording her the entire time.

The woman deleted the video. However, the woman believes that Fortier saved the video on the Internet. Fortier denied intentionally recording the woman.

He said that the iPad just started recording automatically, and just happened to record the victim in the nude. Fortier told a detective that he had been recording himself urinating so he could upload it to a porn site.

He told the investigator that he had done this in the past and had been paid for it.
Lying on floor (illustration)

By: Chan Yuan

(Scroll down for video) A heartless thief who did not care that his neighbors was lying dead on the floor, stole bank account information and withdrew money, according to police in the United Kingdom.

Now, 48-year-old Mark Stoneman of Plymouth, has been sentenced to serve 8 months in prison after being convicted of theft, fraud and burglary.

Stoneman was also ordered to pay a fine of 1,500 pounds ($1,983).

According to the police investigation, Stoneman of Meadfoot Terrace, broke into the apartment of Justin Brookman after he had committed suicide, and used his bank details to withdraw 1,500 pounds.

Stoneman also removed Brookmanas stereo system before contacting the police to say that he was concerned about the welfare of his neighbor.

Police officers who arrived at the scene, found Brookman dead on the floor along with a suicide note.

Brookman, who suffered from a high level of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), left all relevant banking data next to the suicide note before taking his own life along with instructions on how to pay for his funeral.

However, police did not find the information. Stoneman contacted Lloyds Bank and posed as Brookman to access the account.

He also visited an ATM at the post office on three consecutive days, using the victimas card to withdraw 1,500 pounds.
Europe News  Strange News Headlines  Local Crime News

Joshua Hare

By: Tanya Malhotra

A naked man was arrested on a charge of possession of cocaine after being accused of hiding cocaine under his foreskin outside a home improvement retailer, according to police in the United Kingdom.

Now, 24-year-old Joshua Hare of Swindon, has been sentenced to serve 12 weeks in prison after being convicted of possession of cocaine.

A previous suspended sentence was activated after failing to meet his probation requirements. Hare was previously accused of taking a vehicle without consent.

According to the police, officers were called to the parking lot of Homebase, after a member of the public saw the suspect naked around 8:00 a.m.

Police officers who arrived at the scene, had to fight to arrest Hare. He was taken to a hospital, where officers saw cocaine slowly emerging from under his foreskin.

Hare was in possession of 7.2 grams of cocaine.
DALLAS (AP) - An Army report says the reservist who killed five Dallas police officers had kept an unauthorized grenade in his room on an Afghanistan base in 2014.

The report released Friday was from Army officials investigating a sexual harassment complaint against Micah Johnson.

It includes new details about an incident that left Johnson stripped of his weapons and removed from his base in disgrace in May 2014.

Johnson's military career ended after a female soldier reported four pairs of panties missing while the two were at a base in eastern Afghanistan. His parents have said he was never the same.

The 25-year-old from Dallas was killed July 8 after targeting police during a rally protesting recent police shootings. Police killed Johnson with a bomb-carrying robot.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
Gov. Jay Inslee and U.S. Sen. Patty Murray spoke to a group of about 30 campaign volunteers in Yakima Sunday, revving them up for the last few
The struggle to ensure Lower Valley residents get clean drinking water has been going on for years now. Here's a timeline of just a few of th
The Range 12 fire east of Moxee has scorched 60,000 acres of desert grassland and shows no signs of stopping, fueled by ongoing winds and high
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - With 100 days left before the fall election, Hillary Clinton's campaign bus wound its way through Donald Trump's America as the Republican nominee picked a new fight with the bereaved father of a Muslim Army captain.

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In a well-received Democratic convention speech, Muslim lawyer Khizr Khan said Trump has "sacrificed nothing and no one" for his country. Trump disputed that Saturday, saying he'd given up a lot for his businesses.

"I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures," he said, in an interview with ABC's "This Week."

He added: "Sure those are sacrifices."





Khizr Khan and wife Ghazala at the DNC (Photo: MCT)

Trump also reiterated his criticism of Khan's wife, Ghazala, who stood silently on stage, wearing a headscarf. "If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me."

Ghazala Khan has said she didn't speak because she's still overwhelmed by her grief and can't even look at photos of her son without crying. Trump's comments sparked immediate outrage on social media, both for attacking a mourning mother and because many considered them racist and anti-Muslim.

Post-convention it has become clear the presidential race will be fought in the struggling manufacturing towns, cities and rural farming communities of the Rust Belt, as Clinton used the days following her convention to try and win back some of the white working class voters that once made up a key piece of the Democratic Party's electoral coalition. Trump's anti-immigrant, anti-diversity, anti-trade message has appealed to those voters, who feel frustrated with an economic recovery that's largely left them behind.

Donald Trump (Photo: Reuters)

On Saturday, Clinton made stops in rural Western Pennsylvania, a largely white part of the swing state that traditionally votes Republican.

Clinton is playing up economic opportunity, diversity and national security. Democrats hammered home those themes this week with an array of politicians, celebrities, gun-violence victims, law enforcement officers and activists of all races and sexual orientation. Their goal is to turn out the coalition of minority, female and young voters that twice elected Obama while blunting some of the expected losses among the white men drawn to Trump's message.

Trump has made plans to visit some of the same areas Clinton is campaigning in during her three-day bus tour through Ohio and Pennsylvania, scheduling Monday stops in Columbus and Cleveland.

Trump's comments about Khan come a day after, while campaigning in Colorado, he attacked retired four-star general John Allen while holding a rally in front of military aircraft, and slammed a Colorado Springs fire marshal for capping attendance at his event. The fire marshal, Brett Lacey, was recently honored by the city as "Civilian of the Year" for his role in helping the wounded at a 2015 mass shooting at a local Planned Parenthood.

The Trump campaign swaggered out of the convention weeks, feeling bullish about the bump the nominee received from his own nominating convention.

Hillary Clinton at the DNC (Photo: AP)

Trump barnstormed in Iowa and Colorado as the Democratic convention wound down. He also seemed poised to take a step toward trying to expand the electoral map by venturing into a pair of traditionally blue states: Maine and his home state of New York, which he has repeatedly vowed to put in play despite polling that has him well behind Clinton there.

While Clinton and her running mate, Tim Kaine, attempted to sell their positive economic message, much of their strategy centers on undermining Trump, particularly the business record that makes up the core of his argument to voters. Joined on the bus tour by her husband, Bill Clinton, Kaine and his wife, Anne Holton, Clinton stopped at a toy and plastics manufacturer in Hatfield, Pennsylvania, where she and Kaine cast Trump as a con artist out for his own gain.

Clinton highlighted Trump's use of outsourcing to manufacture some of his branded products, arguing he's profited from the same foreign labor he now blames for killing U.S. jobs.

"We don't resent success in America but we do resent people who take advantage of others in order to line their own pockets," Clinton said.
BEIRUT  A Lebanese man, Tayseer, got the face of the bespectacled Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, tattooed on his chest, right above his heart.

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He said it's a show of "deep love" for the man he says is protecting Lebanon from the Islamic State group and other Sunni extremists fighting in Syria and Iraq.

"Everyone should get Nasrallah tattooed," said the 30-year-old civil servant, who asked not to be identified further so as not to jeopardize his job.

Nasrallah and '313,' the number of commanders Shiites believe will accompany their last imam, Mahdi, when he returns to save the world from oppression (Photo: AP)

He is one of a growing number of Shiite Muslims in Lebanon who have inked themselves with Shiite religious and political symbols as a show of pride in their community since neighboring Syria's civil war broke out in 2011, fanning hatreds between Shiites, Sunnis and other faiths across the region.

The Syrian conflict, which began with government forces crushing protests against President Bashar Assad, became a fight between predominantly Sunni rebels against Assad's minority Alawite sect, an offshoot of Shiism. The Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah has sent thousands of its fighters to Syria to support Assad, alongside Iranian, Iraqi and other Shiite militias.

Tayseer's Nasrallah tattoo (Photo: AP)

Hamada Bayloun is not particularly religious, but across his entire upper back spreads a large tattoo of the most revered saint in Shiite Islam, Imam Ali.

The 30-year-old Bayloun got his tattoo a few months after the war began, partly as a response to attempts to bomb Shiite shrines in Syria and Iraq.

Photo: AP

"We can't respond with car bombs, but (through tattoos) we can show our strength and love for the prophet and his family," he said, referring to Islam's Prophet Muhammad, who was Ali's cousin and father-in-law.

Tattoos are forbidden by Sunni clerics but are generally accepted in Shiite circles. Among the most popular tattoos is "313," the number of commanders Shiites believe will accompany their last imam, Mahdi, when he returns to save the world from oppression.

Photo: AP

Tattoo artist Hussein Mistrah, 24, says tattoos in general have become fashionable in Lebanon. His small tattoo parlor in Beirut's Shiite district of Dahiyeh is always busy.

Photo: AP

He inks an average of three or four Shiite tattoos per week, and among his clients are Hezbollah supporters fighting in Syria. At least 25 of his clients have been killed. "These are the ones I know about," he said.





Photo: AP

While an Associated Press photographer visited recently, a 21-year-old fighter name Mohammad Talal came in to get Nasrallah's portrait on his chest. He was told the first appointment would be in two months.

"I could be dead in two months!" Talal shot back. Mistrah said he would try to fit him in sooner.

Photo: AP

Mohammad Mehdi al-Ameli, a Lebanese-Australian Shiite cleric who teaches religion in south Lebanon, said tattoos are a visual expression of faith.

Photo: AP

"Shiites are under strain ... and have been alienated, and they use this to belong," he said. "The others do it like sheep that follow the flock."

Photo: AP

Farah Najm has a tattoo of Ali's sword on the back of her neck. The 21-year-old aviation maintenance student said she got it a few years ago when she was "in a religious state, out of love for Ali."

Farah Najm with her tattoo of Ali's sword (Photo: AP)

Although she's no longer observant, she kept the tattoo. She tries to hide it when she's out partying "out of respect."

Photo: AP

For some, tattoos have extra benefits.

Zulfiqar, 30, said his tattoos are a magnet for women, especially at the beach. On one pec he has Ali's face, and on the other the name "Zeinab," Ali's daughter and the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad.

Tattoos for Imam Ali and his daughter Zeinab (Photo: AP)

"Sometimes I get women's phone numbers because of the tattoo. Maybe they like it more than they like me," he laughed.
The government approved several changes to the ministerial line-up on Sunday, among them the appointment of Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Minister Zeev Elkin (Likud) as the environmental protection minister as well.

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MK Yaron Mazuz, who so far served as a deputy minister in the Prime Minister's Office, will be relieved of that position in favor of becoming the deputy environmental protection minister.

Minister Ze'ev Elkin (Photo: Yaron Brener)

Anther one of the approved changes involves the Economy Ministry, which will be emptied of any authorities relating to work and employment that would in turn be transferred to Welfare Minister Haim Katz (Likud). Katz will also be taking over all matters relating to Holocaust survivors.

The then-depleted Economy Ministry will be handed over to Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon (Kulanu).

Kahlon had originally intended to transfer Minister Yoav Gallant (also from Kulanu) from the Construction and Housing Ministry to the Economy Ministry, but due to Gallants refusal the plan was shelved.

From the left: Yoav Gallant and Moshe Kahlon (Photo: George Ginsburg, Ido Erez ad Herzl Yosef)

The failed attempt to remove Gallant from the Construction and Housing Ministry was reportedly due to disagreements between the two over how to best approach Israels current housing crisis.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu still holds the communications, regional cooperations and foreign affairs portfolios.
The family of 13-year-old Hallel Ariel, who was murdered in her bed in Kiryat Arba by a Palestinian terrorist, has begun fundraising for a visitor center in her memory.

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"Hallel, who was always smiling, had an immense love of dance and movement, loved animals and dreamed of being a zoologist," the family wrote in the crowd funding website Headstart. "Hallel loved working in the family vineyard and helped at every opportunity. Hallel was a girl with spiritual depth, who loved to learn and understand the world on different level and had profound insights; a girl who radiated light to everyone around her; who brought with her new strength, love and light to the world."

"Hallel, who was murdered in her sleep, loved the land ... we tried to think of how we could memorialize her," said her mother, Rina. "One of the things we thought about was to build an educational visitors center that people could come to, hear the story of the land, the story of the people, the story of the wine and Hallel's story."

Hallel Ariel

"The murder struck us and threw up into the darkest putit's the biggest nightmare of any parent," Rina said. "I think this enterprise of vineyards in Israel, a potential for something big, really gives us the strength to hold on."

Those who donate NIS 52 will receive a letter of thank you. For NIS 200, donors will receive two tickets to a tour of the Temple Institute, in which Hallel's mother Rina has been active for many years. A NIS 250 donation will reward the benefactor with wine that Hallel bottled herself.

Hallel's parents, Amichai and Rina (Photo: TPS)

The highest sum that can be donated is NIS 10,000, and those who contribute that will be honored as "true friends" of the center and given a wooden plaque at the visitor center's inauguration ceremony.

The goal of the campaign, which was launched on Saturday night (July 30), is to raise NIS 450,000. So far, over NIS 11,000 have been raised.

"After we visited Hallel's grave on the 30th (day after her death), friends came together in an effort to raise money to open a visitor center in her memory. This will be an educational center that will serve as a lively and active place in Kiryat Arba, in line with Hallel's spirit," Rina Ariel explained to Ynet.

According to the family, the center, which will be called "Hallel Vineyard," will offer tours of the vineyard and the Kiryat Arba area, where Hallel grew up.
BERLIN - Thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are expected to demonstrate in the German city of Cologne amid heavy police presence.

Some 30,000 participants are expected at Sunday's demonstration, which comes amid tensions following the failed coup attempt in Turkey and concern in Germany over the extent of the Turkish government's subsequent crackdown.

Four much smaller counter-protests are also planned, including one by a right-wing German group. Police plan to have 2,700 officers in place.

Germany is home to roughly 3 million people with Turkish roots.
The IDF has recently revoked exemptions given to thousands of yeshiva students after learning they were living a secular lifestyle

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Since August 2015, the IDF has increased its enforcement of the Israeli Defense Service Law, which was amended in 2014 by the previous government in an effort to increase the number of ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) men serving in the army.

According to a senior official in the IDF's Manpower Directorate, some 4,000 ultra-Orthodox men aged 17-24, who received an exemption from military service so they could study Torah, have been found to be living a secular lifestyle.

These young men did not meet the quota of 45 hours a week of studying at a yeshiva that is recognized and supervised by the Education Ministry and therefore lost their status as yeshiva students.

Ultra-Orthodox at the IDF's induction center (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

This means those young men will now be drafted to the IDF, with most having already received military orders. Some have even begun their service.

The senior official said hundreds have appealed the decision, with some providing proof they do meet the criteria as yeshiva students and having their exemption reinstated.

In a handful of cases, the IDF's Criminal Investigation Division (CID) arrested ultra-Orthodox men who refused to enlist, leading to protests outside military prisons and courts.

The IDF has been using private investigators to help expose the draft dodgers, as well as applying similar methods to ones used in its campaign against young women who have been easily obtaining exemptions from military service on account of their religious beliefs, even though they too were found to be leading a secular lifestyle.

Soldiers from the Manpower Directorate have been scouring social media pages of ultra-Orthodox youth and discovering photos on Facebook showing thousands at the beach in clothing considered immodest by the Haredi sector, partying over the weekend and socializing with young women. All of this was documented by the young men or their friends and posted to social media.

"Many in the Haredi sector have a Facebook page," the military official explained. "As soon as we realize that the young man does not meet the conditions for exemption, we revoke it after summoning him for a hearing in which we present him with the evidence and allow him to appeal the decision. Going abroad or working instead of studying at the yeshiva are also considered violations of the requirements. We receive the information from different sources. The only thing that has changed is our ability to enforce using technological measures, while also sharing information with the Education Ministry. This is how we 'reach' people."

Ultra-Orthodox protest the arrest of a Haredi man arrested for dodging the draft (Photo: Reuters)

He went on to say that "We give the time to study to whoever needs it. We've discovered a lot are registered to a yeshiva, but don't actually attend. We've always enforcedwhat's new today is the use of social media in ultra-Orthodox society. We can easily reach them on Facebook and can do a lot of detective work using a smartphone."

The Manpower Directorate official stressed that falsely declaring oneself as a yeshiva student is a criminal offense, but that the IDF has decided not to file complaints with the police against these draft dodgers. "We don't want to flood the police (with complaints), and that is not at the top of our priorities. The very fact the yeshiva student status has been revoked and the young man will be drafted is the most significant achievement we have."

According to the official, the yeshivot (over 1,000, both national-religious and ultra-Orthodox) whose students are found to be lying about attending them receive letters from the IDF with demands for clarification.

"In one instance, the handling of a yeshiva was transferred to the Defense Ministry so the minister can decide whether to revoke its status," the official said. "Anyone whose exemption was revoked and fails to enlist on the day he was assigned is arrested by the CID and brought to the induction centerjust like anyone else."

The official said that while he didn't think the enforcement activity could put an end to the ultra-Orthodox draft dodgers phenomenon, the army will still be able to reach most dodgers. "In this way, we allow the ultra-Orthodox society and the ultra-Orthodox youth to integrate better into the general society and the job market."

'The IDF is stricter than Hazal'

One example of the stricter enforcement is A., a young Haredi man whose yeshiva student status was revoked by the Manpower Directorate. Now, he's appealing the decision, claiming he has returned to the straight and narrow and is now a proper yeshiva student.

In a letter sent to the IDF, his lawyer Menachem Shtrauber claimed that his client did not receive a proper hearing as he was denied the right to be heard. In addition, the committee that made the decision to revoke A.'s status did not produce a record of the meeting.

"Only during the hearing itself was he shown the 'incriminating' evidence, without allowing him to prepare for that in advance," Shtrauber claimed.

Regarding the military's claims that it found "secular" photos of A., the lawyer claimed that "my client has gone through a difficult period of his ultra-Orthodox life, something which is not unusual in the intensive religious life that focus on a constant struggle against desires and urges, which in its very nature also includes failures. In the yeshiva, such moments are referred to as submission to desires and urges and even dubbed 'crisis.' The yeshiva considers this 'crisis' as reaching a low point in order to climb back up."

Shtrauber added that "a guy who experiences a 'crisis' will get a period of grace, being treated with forgiveness by the heads of the yeshiva who try to support him, including as he struggles to get out of the 'crisis.' Indeed, my client has sinned, and recognizes that certain times in his life were not lived based on religious demands or even his expectation of himself. He abandoned the road of sins in light of the religious ruling that only 'He who confess and forsakes (sins) will find mercy.' The military is being more strict than the Hazal (the sages of the Mishna and the Talmud), who said 'Even though he has sinned, he is still a Jew.'"
Sky News reported Sunday that 46 armed men in the northern Sinai region were killed by an Egyptian air force Airstrike. The Egyptians' target was, according it Sky, a plant manufacturing explosives.

According to Egyptian security officials, their intelligence indicated that a large number of Islamic State (ISIS) members were concentrated in the area, and so they executed the strikes.
For a few thousand dollars 'The Doctor' opened doors to the world, supplying pristine fake passports to gangsters and rebels, refugees and migrant workers - all from an unassuming, scruffy house in the suburbs of Bangkok.

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But this Iranian master forger now languishes in a Thai jail after a rare slip exposed a criminal enterprise that helped thousands of people to cross into Europe and beyond.

Last week Thai police said they had finally dismantled his network following a five-year probe, dealing a hammer blow to a gang that supplied "Triple A" quality forgeries to global trafficking syndicates.

Abdullah Ghani Bhori, nicknamed "Babu." Clients never met "The Doctor." (Photo: AFP)

Nine men have been arrested, returning the spotlight to Thailand's key role as a global hub for fake passports, a shadowy industry dominated by highly skilled Iranians and Pakistanis serving customers from South Asia, the Middle East and further afield.

For years detectives had hunted The Doctor, a name revered among Bangkok's criminal underworld, for producing the most sophisticated forged travel documents on the market for just $2,000-$3,000.

But Hamid Reza Jafary, 48, evaded arrest, cocooned from the law by a network of five trusted Pakistani lieutenants and a low-key lifestyle that belied the fortune spun from his unique skill.

His luck ran out in February this year when police intelligence officers traced a call by the hyper-vigilant forger to a pizza company.

Police swiftly raided an unassuming address in Muang distirct in Chachoengsao where they found The Doctor - a soubriquet drawn from his past as a nurse in Iran.

Also there, hidden in a secret compartment, were 173 passports from France, Israel, New Zealand, Iran and Syria and a cache of electronic chips, moulds for visa stamps, ribbons, inks and specialist printing equipment.

The bookish, balding Jafary quickly confessed to his crime and explained how made-to-order passports were sent via DHL or FedEX to overseas clients, including Syrian refugees trying to enter Europe.

But he refused to serve up his accomplices or reveal where the money went.

"He told me 'it's a game.... police chase the bad guys, the bad guys run. But this is game over'", Pol Col Voravat Amornvirat, one of Thailand's top immigration detectives, told AFP.

Jafary was jailed in May for 23 years, but his jail time will be halved due to a guilty plea.

The Syrian migrant crisis has brought a deluge of work for Thailand's forgers.

Authorities say Jafary's gang provided bespoke travel documents for trafficking syndicates.

Over the years they had also served fugitive criminals and even wanted rebels, such as Tamil Tiger cadres escaping Sri Lanka.

But punters never met The Doctor.

"It was like a company... they had brokers and customer service people. The Doctor was at the top - but he was very low-key, he hid himself very well in the country," immigration police commander Pol Lt Gen Nathathorn Prousoontorn told AFP.

The colourful cabal of crooks arrested from his group were key facilitators for Bangkok's sprawling underworld.

They include a pony-tailed Pakistani craftsman called Mahammad Ramzan - known by the alias "Jonny Painter" for his sideline as a Bangkok street portrait artist.

His compatriot Abdullah Ghani Bhori, in his late 50s, was paraded in front of the media last week, alongside more than 250 fake Spanish passports and chemicals, visa stamps and laminated sheets for passports.

Officers said he had changed his identity so many times over the years that he is now only really known by the nickname "Babu."

"I learned this skill in Thailand 10 years ago," the diminutive and frail Babu told AFP, before being led away. "Now it is finished for me."

The links to Pakistan and the Middle East have caught the attention of foreign agencies fearing high end passport forgeries will fall into the hands of Islamic State terrorists.

One of Jafary's group is set for extradition to France, where a French embassy security expert in Bangkok said he is wanted for links to unspecified "terrorist groups".

Transient, vast and permissive, Bangkok has for long provided sanctuary for people wanting to disappear or re-invent.

Thailand welcomes visa-free travel to many countries and is Southeast Asia's best connected transport hub, sharing long, ungovernable borders with Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

Some of the seized fake passports. (Photo: AFP)

That draws transnational criminals moving everything from people and rare wildlife to drugs, weapons and gems.

In 2014, two European passports stolen in the kingdom were used by Iranians who boarded Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which disappeared en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.

Four years earlier, two Pakistanis and a Thai woman were arrested on suspicion of making false passports for Al-Qaeda linked groups, including those tied to the 2008 attacks in Mumbai and the Madrid train bombing in 2004.

Police say The Doctor's downfall has winded some criminal networks. But only temporarily whilst gaping holes remain in the detection system.

Thailand does not check passports against Interpol's stolen or lost passport database which registers tens of millions of documents.

If it was, "we would know immediately," when a stolen document was presented at a Thai border, Pol Maj Gen Apichart Suriboonya, head of Thai Interpol told AFP.

After the MH370 discovery Apichart recommended the country fork out the 900,000 baht ($25,000) to access the database.

"It was worth it... but we didn't do it," he added.
Several guards of the Waqf who attacked a group of archeologists on Temple Mount last week are expected to stand trial as the investigation of the incident approaches its conclusion.

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The police have already gathered sufficient evidence to bring the suspects before a criminal court for the alleged unprovoked assault. This looked liked the beginning of a lynch. They punched and they kicked, testified one archeologists who was attacked. Others involved are expected to be investigated to strengthen the testimony prior to the submission of the indictment against the offending guards.

The suspects, Hamza Nabal, Hamza Disi and Riad Zajeer, who are all residents of East Jerusalem, deny the charges leveled against them.

A delicate and tense relationship between the Waqf, the police, the Muslim and Jewish visitors is preserved on the Temple Mount. According to the Jewish worshippers and other officials, Waqf guards responsible for managing religious institutions as part of the status quo agreements often deviate from their assigned tasks.

Temple Mount.

On Wednesday morning last week, a group of six archeologists ascended the Temple Mount. They entered the compound as tourists in order to distinguish themselves from Jewish visitors who are escorted by the police and supervised by Waqf guards.

Tzachi Davira, who lead the group, said, This is a tourist and an investigative project. We sometimes do professional visits as visitors on the Temple Mount, he told Ynet. There was never a problem. In the eastern section, where there are no police, one of the participants picked something up from the ground. It looked like an archeological artifact. But one of the Waqf administrators thought that it was an olive. They came towards us and asked us to leave without any authority.

Davira, whose project has aroused much opposition by extreme Islamic officials, recalled how the attack unfolded: Seven or eight of them came and they wanted us to leave the Mount immediately. They blocked the way so we couldnt call to the police and it got physical. They put Yuval Marcus, one of the members of the group, on the ground and started hitting him, he said.

Marcus, a known tour guide was injured in the attack. I decided to record it on video but they grabbed the phone from me and tried, successfully, to delete what I had recorded, continued Davira.

Shortly after the attack, the archeologists made it to the police station near the Jaffa Gate where they reported the attack that had befallen them.

Shortly thereafter, three Waqf guards were placed under arrest. While it was extended on Thursday they were released on condition at the end of the week. During the investigation of the suspects, contradictory versions of events were offered about how events transpired. They stated however that the skirmish had broken out after the visitors started provoking.

The defendant's attorney said that they had not attacked the visitors but rather that the latter continued to collect items from the mount even after the Waqf guards approached them and asked them to respect the procedures and refrain from breaching them Things which are off limits even to archeologists without permission were stolen, he charged.

At the end of the week, the projects organizers wrote on a blog: We are all still shaken up by this incident. In the 18 years that I have been a tour guide on the Temple Mount I have never come across such hostility or violence. Regrettably, for many of the people in the group this was their first visit to the Temple Mount and this will remain their first experience of the holiest site of the Jewish people.
Brig. Gen. Ofek Buchris, who stands accused of a series of secual assualt allegations including rape, was released on Sunday from the IDF after requesting that he be discharged b Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.

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According to the IDF spokespersons unit, Brig. Gen. Buchris asked Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot to be immediately discharged from the IDF so that he may stand trial as a civilian, and not an active-duty IDF officer."

Brig. Gen. Buchris (Photo: Elad Gershgoren)

Eisenkot accepted his request and Buchris officially concluded his service in the military the same evening.

Buchris released a statement on Sunday evening: Today I conclude 28 years in which I loyally served my people and my home. I am grateful for the tremendous privilege which has been granted upon me, for the meaningful and challenging service, and for the opportunity to meet with people in every layer in Israeli society," he said.

I am grateful to my many subordinates, who followed my leadership in the battlefields, in training fields and on the borders. I enjoyed your company very much. You demonstrated real camaraderie on the battlefield. Your friendship is real."

I am grateful to my commanders for their faith and cooperation in the complicated workings of the military. During my service as a commander, 24 fighters fell and did not return to their homes. I will always cherish them in my heart and as far as I am concerned, I will always remain their commander. At this time, I wish to send a warm hug and my love to their families and I wish them good mental health and good physical health to the wounded, Buchris continued.

I am grateful to the system which answered my request and enabled me to implement this appropriate norm. I turn to the fight of my life. I am innocent and I will fight for my good name and innocence."

Despite the disruption of my lifes path...I am happy with my part, proud of my military service and I hope that I will return to contribute to my country after my acquittal.

Buchris is accused of raping three soldiers who were under his command and is accused of sodomizing one of them several times. The high ranking officer, who was supposed to become the head of the Operations Division, was also accused of indecent acts against a female major under his command. There are 17 pages of indictments against Buchris, two of which deal with him committing sexual offenses between 2010 and 2013.

The acts allegedly occurred at his country home, in his offices on base, in his bureau, and even in his military provided car. One instance occurred in the house of one of the victims.

After the publication of the Military Advocate General's decision on the filing of indictments, Buchris maintained his innocence, claming that "it never happened," when confronted outside of his house.
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Gadi Eisenkot landed in the United States on Sunday for a four-day visit, as the guest of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, US Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford.

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Lt. Gen Eisenkot will meet with security personnel in Utah, Florida, and Washington during his visit. They will discuss joint security challenges, Middle East security, and military cooperation.

One of Eisenkot's main topics of discussion with his American counterparts will be the American military aid package to Israel. It now seems that the two sides are close to bridging the gaps on the deal, which may be agreed upon as early as this week. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has stated on multiple occasions that the multy-year deal will be signed before Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish new year), which this year will take place on October 2.

Lt. Gen. Eisenkot. Finalizing the aid package. (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

The aid deal is a document that is signed once every decade. As party of the latest deal, Israel received some $3.1 billion a year in military aid money. This time however, Israel increased its request to approximately $5 billion in annual aid money.

One of the main disagreements the two sides have relates to several conditions considered unacceptable to Israel. One of these is the demand the Israel not be allowed to use the money to make purchases in Israel. Such a demand could hypothetically bring about the dismissal of thousands of workers in the Israeli security industry, since such an agreement would seriously hinder Israel's security industry's profit capacity. Currently, Israel is allowed to use up to 26.3 percent of aid funds to make purchases from Israeli firms.

A second demand by the US is that Israel refrain from using the aid money for fuel purchases in an effort to maximize Israeli purchases of US military industry products. This would compel Israel to search its coffers for an additional NIS 400 million for its defense budget for fuel purchases which would have an adverse effect on other sectors.
A massive fire broke out on Sunday evening in the Al-Jazzar mosque in the northern city of Acre causing heavy damage to the structure. Police officials said that the fire was likely caused by a technical fault which led to an electrical failure.

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One person was lightly injured from smoke inhalation and firefighters were immediately called to the scene to extinguish the flames which were consuming the holy site. Hundreds of residents in the area arrived at the mosque in an effort to assist the firefighters.

Fire in Acre mosque

X

The second that we saw the fire we left work and quickly ran to the scene, said the residents. We started to help to put out the massive fire. We dont know how it happened. We are all waiting to hear the results of the checks.

Fire in Acre mosque

Residents crowd around the fire

Al-Jazzar mosque is the largest and most important of all in Acre and the most important after the al-Aqsa mosque.

Crowds gather to help

While the cause of the fire was not initially known, residents never really suspected that it could have been an arson attack, according to one resident who celebrated the good relations between Jews and Arabs. There is no way that someone set the mosque on fire in the heart of the city. This is a place in which Arabs and Jews live together and have good relations. We never suspected that any person would want to harm a mosque - Not today or any other day."

The Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Samir Assi, was the victim on an attack in 2014 when a masked individual threw acid at his car. The Sheikh is known for his efforts, along with Jewish clergy and people of the municipality, in acting as a mediator between Muslims and Jews in the mixed city.

He undertook great efforts to prevent friction between the two communities and participated with Israels former chief rabbi, Shlomo Amar, along with other religious muslims, christians and Druze people, in a condolence visit to the synagogue in Har Nof which witnessed an infamous massacre in 2015.
As Nasrallah sits in his bunker (and believe me, Hassan, they know where you are and are aware of your comings and goings), he surely realized how irrelevant he is becoming. His threats toward Israel have lost their effect. He's being warned  by Lieberman now  against trying something with Israel.

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It's no secret that Hezbollah's military maneuverability is limited. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard is holding it tightly, as they're also doing to Syrian President Bashar Assad. The Lebanese terrorist organization is also experiencing internal conflict over how many young people are to be conscripted into the deadly war in Syria.

Nasrallah has become a hated figure in Beirut living rooms. Those who listen to politicians, merchants, media members, and academics can hear a stream of juicy cursed aimed toward the man who's preventing them from electing a president and making their state into a functioning, normal entity.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. A sad outburst.

Something strange is going on along the open border between Syria and Lebanon. Bombarded civilians continue to flee from east to west, while trucks carrying Hezbollah fighters keep going the other way, into Syria, in order to reinforce Assad's military. The eight Syrian refugee camps in Lebanon, filled with 500,000 women, children, and disabled people, are a heavy burden placed on the country's economy.

These days were supposed to be the peak if tourism season for the Jounieh beaches, but Arab tourists have stopped coming all of a sudden. Because of its rivalry with Iran, Saudi Arabia has punished Lebanon collectively, withholding donations worth billions. Six Arab states see Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, and its large stockpiles of rockets mean Nasrallah has to be monitored.

In his recent pathetic outburst aimed at the Suadi royal family , Nasrallah sounded like a mosquito trying to sting an elephant. Following reports of (retired) Saudi General Anwar Eshki's meetings in Jerusalem , the ayatollahs in Iran sent Nasrallah to speak for them. This isn't really a "normalization," but a new trend which Israel and Saudi Arabia aren't really trying to hide. Mostly, it's an alliance of interests that's driving Iran's leaders crazy: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, two Gulf principalities, and Israel.

And to make this picture extra clear, we should notice the rare occurrence of CIA Director John Brennan giving his estimate this weekend that Syria will not remain a single state when (and if) Assad is removed. In the immediate future, this means Assad has neither a prepared heir nor a clearly defined expiration date for his rule. And in the far future, it seems Syria will cause many a headache in it's future forms.

Jabhat al-Nusra leader Mohammad al-Julani. Recently announce. a separation from al-Qaeda.

The sudden announcement by Jabhat al-Nusra that it was separating itself from al-Qaeda is also troubling Nasrallah. The different militias fighting in Syria are starting to make things crowded now. There's ISIS, the Free Syrian Army, the Syrian military with its allies from Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and now Jabhat al-Nusra founder Abu Mohammad al-Julani wants to het his piece of the action, his plans unclear. It may be that this separation is just a smoke screen, and that al-Julani will keep in touch with al-Qaeda in secret. It may also be that Jabhat al-Nusra have received an intelligence analysis from a very certain organization that told it to prepare for the day after Assad leaves power.

The White House has a hard time buying this turnover. They're in a test period with us, said an official spokesperson, not dismissing outright the possibility of local fighters joining the American-led coalition against ISIS.

If they make a show of force in the field, and Jabhat al-Nusra's disassociation leads to al-Qaeda's further weakening in Afghanistan, and if Israel provides its supposed intelligence about al-Julani  Hezbollah and Assad swear he's a Mossad agent  al-Nusra may become another piece of the puzzle that is the new Syria.
Defense Minister Chang Wanquan speaks with foreign military attaches on Sunday at a reception in Beijing ahead of the 89th anniversary of Chinese Army Day on Monday. Xu Jingxing / China Daily

The Chinese military will staunchly protect the country's maritime rights and interests and is "fully confident and capable of addressing various security threats and provocations", a senior military leader said on Sunday.

State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Chang Wanquan did not directly refer to the South China Sea situation, but tension there was heightened this year by increased US patrols and the arbitration case brought by the Philippines against China.

Addressing a reception in Beijing marking the 89th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army, Chang said the PLA will "unswervingly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests including territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests".

"It will always stand ready to be called upon and be able to fight and win," he said.

In July, the PLA conducted two military drills in the South China Sea.

Zhang Junshe, a senior researcher at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, said the increased US military patrols and joint drills with allies "have imposed military intimidation (on China) and fueled regional tension".

However, China's recent drills in the South China Sea are "of a totally different nature," as the PLA drills in Chinese territory, while the US, an outsider to the region, covers thousands of miles to come to China's doorstep, Zhang said.

Chen Qinghong, a researcher of Southeast Asian and Philippine studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said some senior US defense officials had made hard-line comments about the region recently, and Washington "will possibly continue its tough gestures".

Reaffirming China's defense policy, Chang said the PLA will provide additional public security through enhanced participation in United Nations peacekeeping, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

Chang also touched on the cross-Straits situation by reiterating that "both the mainland and Taiwan are part of the one and same China".

He said "adherence to the 1992 Consensus and opposition to Taiwan secession' is the political foundation for cross-Straits relations to develop peacefully".

Taiwan's new leader, Tsai Ing-wen, has not directly reaffirmed commitment to the 1992 Consensus, which states that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one China.

"Secessionist attempts in any form by anyone at any time will never be accepted by the PLA, the 1.3 billion Chinese people or the Chinese nation as a whole," Chang added.

zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn
Arizona News

Phoenix, Arizona - A retired Mesa police sergeant was sentenced earlier this month to 323 years in prison following his conviction on child exploitation charges stemming from a probe by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Mesa Police Department.

Russell Dean Millsaps, 69, was sentenced July 1 by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Joseph P. Mikitish on multiple counts of child molestation, crimes against children, and sexual exploitation of a minor. The case against Millsaps was prosecuted by Rebecca Jones of the Superior Court of Arizona, Maricopa County.

The probe targeting Millsaps began in 2013 after HSI special agents in New Orleans alerted local investigators about a Mesa man who responded to an internet advertisement soliciting images of children being sexually exploited. Further investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant at Millsaps Mesa residence, where authorities seized hundreds of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children that he was sending over the internet.

On March 14, 2013, Millsaps was arrested and held without bond. Over the course of the investigation, authorities identified multiple minor victims.

This investigation was conducted under HSIs Operation Predator, an international initiative to protect children from sexual predators. Since the launch of Operation Predator in 2003, HSI has arrested more than 14,000 individuals for crimes against children, including the production and distribution of online child pornography, traveling overseas for sex with minors, and sex trafficking of children. In fiscal year 2015, nearly 2,400 individuals were arrested by HSI special agents under this initiative and more than 1,000 victims identified or rescued.

HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST.
Border News

Harlingen, Texas - In an attempt to evade Border Patrol agents, a drug smuggler recklessly drove his vehicle into the Rio Grande on Wednesday.

These drug smugglers are not only endangering our communities with narcotics, but also with the tactics they are using to evade law enforcement, said Chief Patrol Agent Manuel Padilla Jr. Fortunately, no innocent bystanders were injured by this smugglers recklessness.

The incident occurred when Harlingen agents observed a marijuana laden minivan driving away from the river. As additional agents approached, the driver of the vehicle made a U-turn and sped back south - plunging his vehicle into the Rio Grande. Agents approached the river bank, assisted the driver out of the water and placed him under arrest. The vehicle was later extracted from the water and found to be loaded with eight bundles of marijuana that weighed approximately 1,000 pounds., valued at over $800,000.

The San Benito Fire Department assisted in efforts and removed the vehicle from the river.

The public is encouraged to take a stand against crime in their communities and to help save lives by reporting suspicious activity at 800-863-9382.

Please visit www.cbp.gov to view additional news releases and other information pertaining to Customs and Border Protection
Health News

Rochester, Minnesota - When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's or a related dementia, we may silently hope that the diagnosis is incorrect or that somehow they will defy the odds and not get any worse. We hope that a drug is available that will fix the problem or that a new drug will come to market at any moment. But, as time goes on, this hope fades.

Hope, though, is central to life. When one hope fades we can choose to put new hope back into our lives. But as you know, not all hope is the same; there's hope for things we can't control and hope for things we can.

Last week, I had a conversation with a palliative care doctor from Duke Medical Center. He sees women with late stage breast cancer who have little to no chance of surviving more than a year. I asked him how he helps these women and he replied, "I ask them, what do you hope for?"

The women respond with things like: I hope to teach my husband to prepare nutritious meals for my kids; I hope to travel next month with my partner with minimal pain; I hope for comfort, dignity, continued friendship and love.

For caregivers supporting a loved one with dementia, I've seen the experience of hope shift from saving their loved one to finding hope in other ways such as discovering creative ways to offer care or to be fully present with their loved one.

Others discover how their situation brings new meaning to their life as qualities about themselves they didn't know they had emerge including patience, resilience and even humor and gratitude in the most challenging of times.

Some caregivers find hope by supporting and mentoring others who are experiencing similar pain or by advocating for laws or research funding.

But there are barriers to hope which include caregiver distress, fatigue, anxiety, social isolation and loneliness. The key then to renewing hope may lie in nourishing relationships that support and energize, engaging in self-care practices and living each day believing that acceptance is not about giving up or liking the circumstances of your life in this moment, but instead, making peace with what is.

Hope is a psychosocial and spiritual resource that offers up the possibility of a positive future alongside the difficult transitions and challenges caregivers face. It can be an inner source of strength.

I for one see hope as dynamic. It is reshaped and redefined throughout our lives. My hope today is that those of you who read this take from it what serves you, and let go, without judgment, what doesn't. Like each of you, I'm doing the best I can, with only good intentions at heart.
Health News

Baltimore, Maryland - When a battlefield explosion injures a soldiers 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 conditionsand 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 & Veterans Health Institute, presented this challenge to a group of biomedical engineering undergraduates in the Center for Bioengineering Innovation & Design Teams Program. Gilman, who rose to the rank of major general during his 35 years of Army service, served as the teams sponsor and medical adviser.

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 groups 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 patients trachea, commonly called the windpipe. Instead, these tools become lodged just under the patients 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.

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 soldiers 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 two recent medical device design competitions.

On July 14, the device was awarded second prize in the student project category at the Innovation Research Lab 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 universitys Center for Bioengineering Innovation & Design. This center is based within the Department of Biomedical Engineering, which is shared by the universitys 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 projects 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 teams faculty sponsor.
Latest News

Paris, France - Secretary Kerry met in Paris today with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

The Secretary and President Abbas discussed regional challenges and constructive ideas for the way forward to support our shared goal of a two state solution. 

Secretary Kerry stressed the United States commitment to this issue, and they agreed on the importance of continuing to work with key partners to advance the prospects for peace while opposing all efforts that would undermine that goal.
Latest News

Washington, DC - The Justice Department announced today that the government has filed suit under the False Claims Act against Derish M. Wolff and Salvatore J. Pepe, respectively the former CEO and CFO of Louis Berger Group Inc. (LBG), for conspiring to overbill the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other government agencies for costs incurred performing reconstruction contracts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other countries, the Justice Department announced today.

LBG is based in East Orange, New Jersey.

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, head of the Justice Departments Civil Division. As this case demonstrates, the government will hold both corporate entities and individuals accountable if they misuse taxpayer funds.

The governments complaint alleges that Wolff and Pepe designed and directed various accounting schemes that resulted in LBG billing the government for indirect overhead costs at inflated rates. According to the complaint, 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.

The United States resolved criminal and civil claims against LBG arising from this conduct on Nov. 5, 2010. At that time, LBG entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement and paid $50.6 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations. Pepe pleaded guilty on that date to a charge of conspiracy to defraud the government and was later sentenced to one year probation. Wolff pleaded guilty to the same charge on Dec. 12, 2014, and was later sentenced to 12 months of home confinement and required to pay a $4.5 million fine for his role in the scheme. The complaint filed today asserts civil claims against Wolff and Pepe.

The United States filed its complaint in a lawsuit originally brought under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act, by Harold Salomon, an LBG accountant from March 2002 to October 2005. Under the Act, a private citizen can sue on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery. The United States is also entitled to intervene in the lawsuit, as it has done in this case.

This matter is being handled by the Civil Divisions Commercial Litigation Branch and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Maryland, with investigative support from the FBI, USAIDs Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and the Defense Contract Audit Agency.

I applaud the dedication of USAID-OIG special agents, along with special agents of the FBI and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, said USAID Inspector General Ann Calvaresi Barr. Their joint investigative work has helped the Justice Department take action against those responsible and signals our continuing commitment to protecting public funds from fraud, waste, and abuse.

The case is United States ex rel. Harold Salomon v. Derish M. Wolff & Salvatore J. Pepe, Civ. No. RWT-06-1970 (D. Md.). The claims asserted against Wolff and Pepe are allegations only to the extent not admitted in their criminal pleas, and there has been no determination of civil liability.
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - This morning, at approximately 2:00 a.m. officers were dispatched to 2350 S, Avenue B in reference to a burglary. Four unknown subjects forcefully entered an apartment and took various items while holding the occupants at gunpoint. The suspects fled eastbound on 24th Street in a dark colored two door coupe. One victim was struck in the head during the incident. The victim received minor injuries and did not seek medical attention.

The suspects fled and are outstanding at this time. The four suspects are described as one white male approximately 25-30 years old 5' 8" 200 lbs., two Hispanic males; both are approximately 25-30 years old 5 7" 185 lbs. and one white female approximately 30-35 years old 5' 8" 100 lbs.

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous. Remember if your information leads to an arrest you may receive up to a $1,000 cash reward.
<i>Guru Brahma, Guru Bhisnu, Guru Dev Maheshwar, Guru Sakshyat Pram Brahma Tasmaysri Gurube namah.</i> <br><br> When we asked a question on Zeenews.com the other day, on whether schools in India are ill-equipped to handle the problems of a 21st century child, an overwhelming 91 percent of the respondents answered in the affirmative. <br><br> The view might have been emotionally influenced by two recent incidents, but they are justified. In the first incident, 17-year-old Aakriti died as the school authorities failed to give her timely treatment after an Asthma attack. <br><br> In another case, school-going kid Shanno died after her MCD school teacher made her squat with seven bricks on her back in the scorching sun in mid-April after she failed to recite the English alphabet correctly. <br><br> Both the events are tragic. Notably, both happened in the national capital, Delhi. Another important point to be noted here is that while one incident happened in a reputed public school for the kids of the super rich, the other took place at a local school where the children of the poor receive an education. Clearly, there is no disparity. <br><br> Can this is be called an one-off incident? Absolutely not. <br><br> The honourable Union Minister for Women and Child Development (WCD), exploiting the incident fully knowing that the elections are underway, tried everything she could do  ordering investigation and providing well-aimed sound bytes to show how deeply she was concerned. But she only found time to visit Aakritis family not Shannos. <br><br> I do not doubt her intentions here at all. <br><br> But does our government really care for the standard of education in India? <br><br> Personally, I am emotional about this topic because I have seen the pathetic standard of education in my own state, Orissa. Though I have come across several inspiring teachers whom I look up to and regard as catalysts in changing my life, I have also seen many who thrashed their students for no reason at all, and regarded their mere presence in the school premises a fulfilment of their duty. <br><br> Teaching is not everyones cup of tea. Merely reciting facts from a pile of books before a fidgeting class of youngsters does not make one a good teacher. Rather, it is the art of simplifying the enormous sea of information and putting it before students interestingly, much like a mother feeds her baby. Without compassion, without realising the requirement of the receivers, and even without realising the nobility of this responsibility, teaching becomes an arduous chore. <br><br> In Hinduism, we are taught that a Gurus (teacher) position in our lives is superior to that even of God. We are taught to respect our teachers from the core of our heart and be grateful to them all our life. <br><br> If one goes through the Puranas and Vedas, he/she would find numerous instances of the same. But, it is always said that one should choose his/her teachers very carefully. <br><br> Coming back to the present from the annals of religion, I would like to present a few realities that offer a glimpse into how serious the government  both at the Centre as well as in the states - is regarding education. <br><br> India needs to increase its expenditure on education to six percent of its GDP, which has been accepted year after year by every government since Independence. The Economic Survey 2007-08 also refers to this elusive goal of revenue allocation. <br><br> Thankfully theres a ray of hope. The Right to Education Bill, a legislation sought to enact the 86th Constitutional amendment, was passed by the Cabinet in November 2008 and may soon become an Act, once the new government at the Centre sworn in. Under the 86th Constitutional amendment the governments at the state and Centre will legally bounded to allocate funds for education besides host of other benefit. <br><br> The government in the year 2008-09 Union Budget earmarked Rs 34,400 crore for the sector, showing an increase of 20% from Rs 28,674 crore allocated in the last Budget, but was significantly less than the 34% increase implemented in the previous year. <br><br> Education, which was originally a state subject, was shifted to the concurrent list by the 42nd amendment. <br><br> So far, so good. <br><br> Under the Tenth Five Year Plan, in a bid to cover maximum children under the education ambit, the Government of India formulated the para-teachers policy. <br><br> Under the policy, simple graduates to even half literate people were employed to fill up the vacant teachers posts in government schools. Despite availability of huge funds, most of these posts were vacant due to the inefficiency and mismanagement of state governments. <br><br> In Orissa, the government appoints simple graduates as teachers for a meagre Rs 1,500-2,000. They are mostly meant to be primary school teachers where there is an acute dearth of teaching staff. The programmes primary aim is to employ more and more literates to fill vacancies to make the illiterate read and write. <br><br> Unavailability of employment opportunities drives people to fill these posts in hordes. This employment opportunity has, as a result, ended up becoming just that - an employment opportunity. This feverish quest for a job has changed the mindset of even trained and qualified teachers, who regard their profession a mere source of employment, rather than the noble profession of imparting knowledge that it actually is. <br><br> During my schooling in Orissa, I came across quite a few such uneducated teachers; leave alone being taught by adequately trained and sensitive individuals, who are supposed to build the future of India. <br><br> The involvement of educated unemployed rural youth in primary education sounded socially and politically correct. To those seeking reform in the system, along the lines of decentralisation, it promised 'community involvement'. To the politician, it promised a new means of tantalising the vast body of frustrated, jobless youth. To policy planners and bureaucrats, it suggested an innovative way to spend less money on primary education. And to everybody concerned about the state of education in a vague, generalised sense, it offered an opportunity to show to the full-time teacher that he or she was not indispensable, said Frontline, a popular magazine, in its November 29, 2001 issue. <br><br> But consider the facts below: <br><br> - In the 1980s, Rajasthan recruited 'shiksha karmis' from among the unemployed village youth to act as teachers in the local primary school under the Swedish International Development Authority (SIDA). <br><br> - Of all para-teachers schemes, most require an intermediate degree as the qualifying education. Rajasthan SKP is the only scheme where minimum qualification for para-teachers has been kept as low as VIII standard and in case of women - 5th standard!! <br><br> True, the government has initiated a number of schemes to spread literacy and to bring about universalisation of elementary education in the country. Notable among these are the Total Literacy Campaign, National Literacy Mission, Operation Blackboard in (1987-88), District Primary Education Programme, National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education, and the omnipresent Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. <br><br> The Indian government had also established Navodaya Vidyalayas in 1985-86 and Kendriya Vidyalayas in 1965 to provide quality education to the talented lot in the country. <br><br> But all these steps have been far from sufficient to provide decent quality education to the average mass, which is still poor. Moreover, in the light of the above facts, it is brazenly inadequate. <br><br> While funds are available, the motivation and sensitivity that drives the fire of education is missing. <br><br> A recent Bollywood hit Tare Zameen Par highlighted this sensitive and insightful quality that helps in understanding the students plight with a sympathetic and skilled mindset. The protagonist, a dyslexic kid, is saved from permanent emotional and personality scarring by such a teacher. The child is tutored by the keen teacher and is discovered to be an excellent performer and a gifted student. <br><br> Conclusion - lets teach the teachers first.
Texas: Separate shooting incidents in the Texas capital of Austin have left multiple victims, police said on Twitter early on Sunday as local media reported one person had been killed.

"Both scenes are secure at this time," the Austin Police Department said in a message on Twitter about the separate shootings. It was not immediately clear how many people had been shot.

An Austin police representative did not immediately return a call or an email seeking comment.

In an earlier post, the department had described an "active shooter incident" in the city`s downtown that had left multiple victims and warned people to stay away from the area.

A woman in her 30s was killed in the violence, the Austin American-Statesman newspaper reported on its website, citing the Austin-Travis County

Emergency Medical Services agency. Reuters could not immediately confirm the report.

The Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services agency confirmed in a message on Twitter that multiple people had been shot.

Austin has a population of more than 900,000.
Patna: The flood situation in Bihar worsened on Sunday, with many rivers breaching their banks and affecting hundreds of thousands of people, officials said.

More than 2.6 million people have been hit by the floods in the state including half a million who have been displaced across 12 districts, the officials said.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav visited the flood affected Supaul district on Sunday and said: "We are fully prepared to provide relief and rescue the affected people."

Senior officials said relief and rescue operations were going on in full swing.

He said the flood situation was grim in some districts following rising water level in rivers.

The government has deployed 587 personnel of the National Disaster Response Force and the state disaster response force in the worst hit areas.

A Water Resources Department official said 2,034 villages had been affected by the floods.

Of the five lakh people displaced till Sunday, nearly 2.50 lakh are living in different shelters.

"Thousands have taken shelter in higher areas, on national highways and in schools and other buildings," an official said.

The government has set up 412 relief camps and deployed 1,019 boats in relief and rescue work.

The worst hit districts are Purnea, Kishanganj, Araria, Darbhanga, Madhepura, Katihar, Supaul and Saharsa.

Unconfirmed reports say at least 28 people, including women and children, have perished in the floods.

The authorities have asked people living in low-lying areas to move to higher ground.

Major rivers in the state including the Koshi, Gandak, Bagmati and Ganga are in spate following heavy rains, officials said.

"With heavy rainfall in the catchment areas in (neighbouring) Nepal, the water level of these rivers has been rising for several days," one officer told IANS.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered officials to survey the damage to houses, crops and other properties.

He has asked the health department to arrange for medicines to check the outbreak of water-borne diseases.

Officials said crops worth crores of rupees had been damaged. Road links have snapped at several places.

Bihar Water Resources Development Minister Lalan Singh said the eastern Kosi embankment, which had breached in 2008, was safe.

In 2008, more than three million people were rendered homeless in Bihar when the Kosi breached its banks upstream in Nepal and changed course.
New Delhi: As many as 12 Aam Admi Party (AAP) MLAs have been booked on different charges since June 2015, the Hindu reported.

Here's a list of MLAs prepared by the newspaper:

1/ Sharad Chauhan

On July 31, 2016, Chauhan was arrested in connection with an AAP activist's suicide case.

2/ Amanatullah Khan

On July 24, 2016, he was arrested and later released on bail for allegedly threatening to rape and kill a woman.

3/ Rajesh RishiRishi

On July 26, 2016, he was booked for abetment to suicide and extortion after a Janakpuri resident accused him of harassing her.abetment to suicide and extortion after a Janakpuri resident accused him of harassing her.

4/ Naresh Yadav

On July 24, 2016, Yadav was arrested in connection with an incident of sacrilege of Koran in Malerkotta town.

5/ Prakash Jarwal

Jarwal was booked for allegedly molesting and assaulting a woman in early June 2016.

6/ Somnath Bharti

He was arrested in September 2015 after his wife filed a complaint of domestic violence against him. He was again booked in July for allegedly instigating his supporters to assault a woman.

7/ Manoj Kumar

DCW had summoned him over a domestic violence complaint filed by his wife in July 2015, he was apprehended in connection with a land fraud case.

8/ Dinesh Mohaniya

He was arrested in June for allegedly misbehaving with a woman and slapping a 60-year-old man. He was later granted bail.

9/ Mahinder Yadav

He was arrested and bailed out in January 2016 on charges of rioting and assaulting a public servant during a protest.

10/ Akhilesh Tripathi

Arrested in November 2015 for a 2013 case of rioting and criminal intimidation.

11/ Surinder Singh

Arrested in August 2015 for allegedly assaulting an NDMC worker.

12/ Jitender Singh Tomar

Arrested in June 2015 for allegedly submitting fake educational degrees. He later got bail.
New Delhi: Art lessons will no longer be a monotonous interaction between teachers and students in classrooms, thanks to the exclusive online platform "Virsa", which was launched recently with an aim to give free digital learning on Indian culture and music to children across India.

Delhi-based NGO Routes2Roots in association with the Ministry of Culture launched India's largest interactive digital learning platform "Virsa" to promote and preserve India's rich cultural heritage and legacy of Performing Arts here on Saturday.

"Virsa will operate through live videos recorded by renowned teachers at our studio in Delhi. That way, kids will have a chance to attend live sessions in various parts of the country. We through 'Virsa' will help them identify their talent by organising workshops," Tina Vachani, Co-founder of Routes2Roots told IANS.

"During our visit to various schools, we found that many schools did not cater to any musical classes at all. We felt that this dying culture of Indian performing arts must reach children in schools across India," she said.

"Now children will be exposed to the cultural legacy in addition to academics thereby completing their outlook as a balanced individual," she added.

Workshops and lectures in different genres will be delivered by renowned artists like Pandit Birju Maharaj, L. Subramaniam, Kavita Krishnamurthy, Shovna Narayan, Shafquat Amanat Ali, Juhi Chawla, Ehsaan Noorani and Surinder Lal Malik.

"There will be a huge responsibility to explain everything nicely to the kids. We hope to connect with children in remote areas," Kathak maestro Birju Maharaj said during the launch.

A total of 21 schools from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Bihar, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat have got their classrooms equipped with monitors, cameras and wifi connectivity.
Chandigarh: Companies will now be encouraged to fund government school projects in Haryana as part of the state government's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities.

A co-ordination committee has been formed as part of the measure aimed at filling the funding gap in the sector and improving quality of education, state Education Minister Ram Bilas Sharma said here today.

He said the state was striving to uplift Education Development Indicators.

"Fortunately, Haryana has a large number of reputed corporate houses and the government is keen to attract Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds direct or indirect apart from the state budget allocated for education so as to inject quality in education system," Sharma said.

The government has framed a state-level CSR Co-ordination Committee in education with an aim to fill funding gaps in the government school projects and to avoid the duplication in ongoing projects, he said in a statement.

The committee would also identify and attend to priority area components, supplementing government activities without replacing them and forming action plans, Sharma said.

"It would co-ordinate and channelise the efforts to achieve goals and facilitate CSR works through implementing agencies like the NGOs and Corporates, monitor and review CSR activities implemented by various agencies, handhold, co- ordinate, 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, Core Committee which would be Sub-Committee of State Level Steering Committee and District Level Steering Committee in Education, Sharma said.

State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) will have Additional Chief Secretary, Secondary Education as its chairperson. Other members include Director Secondary Education, Director Elementary Education, representative of Corporate houses and Industries to be decided by CII and FICCI.

Referring to the core areas of education under CSR, Sharma said corporate or industries and NGOs can be engaged under CSR in infrastructure gap filling, capacity building, in improving quality of education, inclusive education for disabled, motivating and bringing the school dropouts to the schools and strengthening of schools running for out of children.

Establishment and development of Art and Craft or Music Labs among other measures required in the field of education for development of the state.
New York: Technology giant Google has rolled out a feature in Google Search that would notify you whenever your name is mentioned on the web -- anywhere in the world, a media report said.

Google's "Stay in the Loop" feature in Google Search would deliver a report to your registered Gmail ID of where your name was searched.

This features works as long as you are logged in to Google and you have allowed Google to save your web and app activity, technology website Venturebeat.com reported on Sunday.

On the Google homepage, a new widget can be seen at the bottom of the first page of search results that will help a user to easily set up a new Google Alert for new references of your name.

This could prove to be a reasonable move by Google to those who want to find out what is online about them.

A user can adjust settings like email frequency, source types, languages, regions, whether to only send the best results and the email address to send alerts to.

The feature is now live in India.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High around 60F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A clear sky. Low 32F. Winds light and variable.
Ahmedabad: Dalit rights groups will hold a mass gathering in Sabarmati area here on Sunday to register their protest over the brutal thrashing of fellow community members in Una taluka, after organisers agreed to hold the event at a changed venue for which police gave their nod.

Earlier, the organisers had decided to hold the event outside the Collector Office here, to which the police had denied permission stating that it might lead to major traffic snarls.

The gathering will be held at a ground near Acher depot in Sabarmati.

Among the special invitees are family members of Rohith Vemula, a Dalit research scholar from Hyderabad Central University, who had committed suicide early this year.

Family members of victims from Thangadh in Surendranagar district, who were killed in police firing during a protest gathering in 2012 have also been invited, the organisers said, adding leaders from both BJP and Congress have been asked to stay away from the event.

"The state government and police have been trying to prevent Dalits from uniting and coming under one banner, but considering the anger and mood of Dalits, police had to surrender and allow us to hold the event," a Dalit leader and convener of the event, Jignesh Mevani said.

He said the response from community members from across the state has been immense.

"Family members of Rohith Vemula and Thangadh victims have been contacted to participate in the Sunday gathering. Rohith's mother is not well, but his elder brother will participate. They will expose BJP's role in Rohith's suicide. Valjibhai Rathod, a member of the family of Thangadh police firing victims has also been requested to come," Mevani said.

The event is being organised under the banner of "Una Dalit Atyachar Ladat Samiti" to protest against the recent incident of thrashing of Dalit youths in Una taluka of Gir Somnath district, and to highlight cases of atrocities against the community members in the state, organisers said.

Govind Parmar, another member of the organising committee, urged that those participating in the gathering should see that the event passes off in a peaceful manner.
Ahmedabad: Gujarat Dalit leaders on Sunday asked the government to give them firearms in view of atrocities by Hindu activists as thousands of Dalits pledged not to lift carcasses from the streets.

The mass pledge was taken at a rally called by as many as 30 Dalit groups from across Gujarat and backed by the quasi religious body, Jamiat-e-Ulema-Hind.

Three Muslim leaders from Ahmedabad attended the rally and sat on the podium. Many Muslim activists could be seen in the rally.

The State "must provide us licensed firearms to protect ourselves since the government has failed to provide us security", said Jignesh Mevani, the convenor of the joint front of the 30 Dalit organizations.

"We have had enough. We will break their hands and legs if the upper caste exploiters torture us any more," he asserted.

The government should also help Dalits learn martial arts, he felt.

Referring to the controversial 2012 police attack on Dalits that killed three persons in Dhangad area of Surendranagar, speakers at the rally complained that nothing can be expected from a government that has not even filed a chargesheet. Family members of the three were present.

They demanded that the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act should be invoked against the culprits in the July 11 thrashing of Dalit youths by self-proclaimed cow vigilantes for skinning of dead cows.

This is the first time in Gujarat that as many as 30 Dalit groups from across the state have come together to raise a plethora of issues facing the community for decades.

They have rallied under the banner of `Una Dalit Atyachar Ladat Samiti` (Una Dalit Fight against Atrocities Committee), with Mevani as the convenor.

Mevani is a young lawyer who has been single-handedly fighting several court battles for the Dalits.

Although the Acher ST Depot ground here can accommodate only about 5,000 people, the venue was swelling by noon, with thousands taking up every inch of space available in the vicinity.

Organisers said the show of strength was meant to protest against what they said were growing atrocities against the community in Gujarat.

Speakers released a charter of demands for Chief Minister Anandiben Patel including action against everyone who was even tacitly involved in the July 11 incident.

They also sought alternate employment to Dalits who give up the "undignified" job of skinning dead animals and safai karmacharis engaged in the "inhuman" job of manual scavenging.

This is besides providing housing units to Dalits in urban areas because they are even today "socially boycotted, discriminated against and exploited socially, economically and sexually in villages".

The organisers said they kept the political parties at bay at the rally as all of them exploited them for narrow political gains.

One speaker said "bangles and ghaghras" should be couriered to Dalit MLAs and MPs to denounce their apathy towards the community`s cause.
Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday said everyone will have to abide by the decision of the Supreme Court on the SYL issue, whether it is Haryana or Punjab.

"Everyone will have to abide by the Supreme Court's decision on SYL," he told reporters here.

He was asked about the SYL Canal issue which is being used as a major poll plank by various political parties in Punjab ahead of the next year's assembly elections in the neighbouring state.

When asked about Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh's declaration that Congress MLAs in Punjab will resign en masse in case of an adverse verdict for Punjab in the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, Khattar said no one needs to make any sacrifice as the decision of the highest court in the country would have to be accepted by all.

He also informed that the present state government had pursued the issue of Presidential reference on Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004 for early hearing in the Supreme Court which was pending for the last 12 years and now it is on regular hearing in the apex Court.

To a question concerning separate high court for Haryana, he said the government has demanded it at several fora including Union Law Ministry and the Supreme Court.

It's a process which is on, he added.

On allegations by Opposition INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala that his government was wasting crores of rupees in the name of reviving mythical Saraswati river while in reality water from tubewells was being used to fill the river's course, he said the river was an issue of faith and even today it has 150-km-long course in revenue records.

Efforts are being made to make the river functional. Three dams are being erected at Adi Badri, Lohgarh and Haripur to store water and make it flow in this sacred river, Khattar said.

He said that it would not be the first instance to connect the rivers.

Khattar said that it has a budget of only Rs five crore out of which only a few lakh rupees have been spent.

Responding to allegations leveled by the INLD on implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna, Khattar said it has been implemented in the state in a transparent manner.

He said from the time Haryana was carved out as a separate state, the previous governments have given a total compensation of Rs 1100 to Rs 1200 crore whereas the present state government has given a total compensation of Rs 2200 to 2300 crore to farmers during over one-and-a-half years.
Gurgaon: Haryanan government on Saturday dismissed as rumours reports claiming transfer of Gurgaon police commissioner in the wake of water logging and traffic problems in the city.

Pramod Kumar, Reader of Director General of Police (DGP), KP Singh, said, "Navdeep Singh Virk, Gurgaon Police Commissioner, has not been transferred from Gurgaon to Rohtak, He is still Gurgaon Police Commissioner."

There were reports that orders have been issued by the state government to transfer Virk to Rohtak and replace him with Sandeep Khirawar.

District Public Relation Officer (DPRO) Gurgaon, RS Sangwan, also refuted the news and said, "This news of transfer of CP is sheer rumour. There is no such order."

Virk was among the officers seen managing the flood situation in National Highway 8 and other areas.

The problem started on Thursday evening following hours of persistent rain in Gurgaon.

Several parts of the city got choked due to water logging leading to massive jams.

Among the worst-affected areas was the Hero Honda Chowk where water logging triggered jams on the National Highway 8 that connects Gurgaon to Delhi.
Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation through his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat' on Sunday - July 31.

For the programme, which is dear to his heart, the PM called on the nation again to contribute ideas and thoughts.

He urged people to share their ideas for the programme on the MyGov Open Forum and share their voice messages on the toll-free number 1800-3000-7800.

This will be the 22nd edition of the PM Modi's radio programme and as usual will be broadcast on the entire network of All India Radio and Doordarshan.

At the same time, regional language versions of the programme will be aired by AIR stations in respective regions at 8 pm.

Not only this, 'Mann ki Baat' will be live-streamed on the YouTube channels of Prime Ministers Office and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

It will also be live on DD News.

In the last edition of the programme, PM Modi had recalled the 'black night' of Emergency imposed 39 years back in 1975 by the then PM Indira Gandhi and had asserted that democracy was India's strength.

He had added that the 'shining example of democratic powers of a common citizen' was seen during Emergency and that 'it should keep reminding the nation again and again'.

"Sometimes some people mock at my 'Mann Ki Baat' programme and even criticise it. This is possible because we are committed to democracy... Today when I am talking to you on June 26, we should not forget that our strength is democracy, our strength is people's strength and our strength is every citizen. We have to take this commitment further and strengthen it," he had said, as per PTI.

At the same time, PM Modi had asked people to declare their undisclosed income by September 30.

(With Agency inputs)


New Delhi: Days after it was reported that Chinese troops had entered the border district of Chamoli in Uttarakhand, it has now come to the fore that ahead of its transgression the Chinese People's Liberation Army had conducted a reconnaissance mission using high class aircraft armed with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) which provides broad-area imaging at high resolutions.

PTI quoted official sources as saying that 'TupolovTu 153M' aircraft of Chinese PLA had carried out two to three sorties earlier this year in the middle sector falling in the areas of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Piecing together intelligence gathered from various sources in the aftermath of Barahoti transgression, officials in the know said that at least three sorties of the aircraft, which is designed by the Chinese companies on the basis of technology from the erstwhile USSR, was carried out in last three months.

The aircraft flies at an altitude of above 40,000 feet and can go up to 60,000 feet to avoid detection by radars and can click pictures and other cyber and communication signatures at that height.

It has an SAR which can provide high-resolution pictures even in inclement weather or in night time. The systems take advantage of the long-range propagation characteristics of radar signals and the complex information processing capability of modern digital electronics to provide high resolution imagery.

The information about the flight was shared during exchanges with foreign intelligence agencies, the sources said.

China's act in Uttarakhand a transgression not incursion: Parrikar

Meanwhile on July 30, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had said that the act of Chinese troops entering the border district of Chamoli was 'transgression' and not 'incursion'.

Rubbishing media reports, Parrikar had said, "It was actually a transgression and not incursion. Media used the word incursion, but actually it was transgression."

"I am happy that not a single bullet has been fired at the border from either side of India and China in last many years," he had added.

At least 20 to 25 Chinese troops had entered into the demilitarised area in Barahoti pastures in Chamoli district in July, besides flying its helicopters in the Indian air space for over five minutes.

The sources said that an Indian civilian team was sent back by Chinese People's Liberation Army troops, who claimed it to be their land and recognised it as 'Wu-Je'.

A Chinese helicopter hovered over the ground for nearly five minutes before returning to its side. The chopper was identified as Zhiba series of attack helicopter of the PLA.

(With Agency inputs)
Jammu: The annual Amarnath Yatra continued on Sunday as another batch of pilgrims left Jammu on Saturday evening for Kashmir.

"A fresh batch of 311 Yatris left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu city on Saturday evening in a convoy escorted by the security forces for the Valley", a senior police officer told IANS.

Authorities of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) that manages the affairs of the annual Hindu pilgrimage to Himalayan cave shrine, said so far 2,12,822 pilgrims have performed this year's Yatra.

The Yatra started on July 2 and will end on August 17 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.

A total of 21 pilgrims have died during this year's pilgrimage.

The number of pilgrims arriving in Jammu has steadily decreased ever since the ongoing cycle of violence started in the Valley on July 9, a day after Hizbal commander Burhan Wani was killed in a gunfight.

Despite the highly surcharged law and order situation in the Valley, the Amarnath Yatra has been proceeding smoothly.
New Delhi: In yet another setback to Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a party MLA has been arrested by Delhi Police.

AAP MLA Sharad Chauhan was arrested by Delhi Police in connection with AAP worker Soni suicide case.

The arrest has been made by Delhi Police Crime Branch.

Sharad Chauhan is an AAP MLA from Delhi's Narela.

Earlier, on Wednesday, Delhi Police had arrested Ramesh Bhardwaj in connection with Soni suicide case.

AAP worker Soni allegedly committed suicide in Narela area of outer Delhi on July 19.

Her family members had claimed that she had gone into depression after Bhardwaj, her alleged molester and a party colleague, was released on bail.

She had alleged that the accused was being protected by the local MLA.

The woman had filed a complaint against Bhardwaj for allegedly touching her inappropriately and a case of molestation was registered in June.

Soni, the mother of two daughters, had left behind a self-shot WhatsApp video in which she claimed, "I was denied justice".

According to police, the woman in her video clip accused Bhardwaj, Amit Kumar and Rajni Kanth of torturing her to withdraw a sexual harassment complaint she filed against Bhardwaj on June 2.

Wadhwa was arrested on June 3 but granted bail the very next day.

On July 20, the Delhi Police had registered a case of abetment to suicide and handed over the entire matter to a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to be headed by Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch).
Delhi: It's simply heartbreaking.

The daughter of a man who was mowed down by a tanker, when he fell into a flooded pothole in Vasant Kunj, said on Sunday that if the government had taken care then her father would be alive.

"It's government's fault. If there were no potholes, my father would be with me, now," she said, as per ANI.

Praveen was riding a motorcycle, which fell into a big pothole near Square Mall in Vasant Kunj and was ran over by a tanker at around 7.30 pm on July 30.

Meanwhile, AAP government has held Delhi Police 'responsible' for the incident, alleging it had halted the repair work of the road by PWD and has ordered a magisterial probe into the case.

Delhi Traffic Police, however, rubbished the contention that its permission is required in repairing potholes in the roads.

The Delhi government made public two letters written by Public Works Department (PWD) to police in which the department had sought permission for carrying out repair work of Vasant Kunj road but traffic police did not allow for the same.

"PWD wrote three letters to Delhi Traffic Police on July 8, 14 and 21 to not stop repair work on Vasant Kunj Road," PWD Minister Satyendar Jain said.

In a letter dated July 14, PWD had requested DCP (South) not to stop repair works on Nelson Mandela Marg, Baba Gangnath Mehrauli Mahipal road and had also complained that traffic police impounded on its maintenance vans.

"It is pertinently mentioned here that due to non attending of essential works, there may be chances of accidents," the PWD's letter stated, as per PTI.

"Police confiscated PWD maintenance vans also. A magistrate enquiry is ordered in the incident," Jain said in another tweet.

The minister also said that PWD had also written a letter to area MLA Naresh Yadav on 23 July to help in the matter of repairing Vasant Kunj road.

Jain further said the department had also written another letter to Deputy Commissioner (Traffic, South Zone) and taken up the matter of traffic police stopping repair of the Vasant Kunj Road.

PWD written 3 letters to Delhi Traffic Police on 8,14 & 21 July, not to stop repairing of Vasant Kunj Road. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/7sGRTYBgqV  Satyendar Jain (@SatyendarJain) July 31, 2016

A letter was written to MLA Naresh Yadav on 23 July to help in the matter of repairing of Vasant Kunj road 2/3 pic.twitter.com/oEWc3zkxet  Satyendar Jain (@SatyendarJain) July 31, 2016

Police confiscated pwd maintenance vans also. A magistrate enquiry is ordered in the incidence. 3/3  Satyendar Jain (@SatyendarJain) July 31, 2016

Delhi Traffic police clarified that permission is required only for when major repair work is undertaken.

"NOC from Traffic Police is sought only when a major repair work requiring closure of the road or diversion of traffic is required," said Harendra Singh, DCP Traffic (Southern Range).

Traffic Police regularly brings into the knowledge of concerned agencies things like waterlogging points due to rains, damaged road and, potholes, he added.

Delhi Police said it regrets the 'unfortunate' road accident on Mehrauli-Mahipalpur road that claimed the life of 45-year-old man.

"We always facilitate the repair work so that any congestion or accident is avoided," said a statement by Delhi Police PRO Rajan Bhagat.

Restoration work was done on Sunday at the spot in Vasant Kunj where Praveen met with the tragic accident.

(Pic courtesy - ANI)

(With Agency inputs)
London: Describing Hinduism as a way of life, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat said "it is more inclusive and not exclusive".

Addressing the concluding session of the three-day 'Sanskriti MahaShibir' organised by the UK-based charity Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh at Hertfordshire, about 50 km from here, Bhagwat spoke about the positive aspects of Hinduism which believed in the principle of Vasudeva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).

"In a diverse world, every culture has to be respected and when all cultures are respected, the world will flourish," the RSS Chief told over 2,200 delegates from the UK and the Europe who attended the MahaShibir.

Describing Hinduism as a way of life, he said "it is more inclusive and not exclusive.

He also spoke about the conflict between development and environment and said, "Hinduism has answers to the question 'should environment be compromised because of development'."

Emphasising that exercise is essential for a healthy body and mind, Bhagwat said "healthy society depends on leading a disciplined life, with proper eating habits and regular exercise."

During the three-day deliberations there were in-depth discussion among others on 'Sanskaar' (values of life), 'Sewa' (selfless service) and 'Sangathan' (community spirit).

The MahaShibir was addressed among others by Swami Dayatmananda, Head of Ramakrishna Vedanta Centre UK, Swami Nirliptananda, Head of London Sewashram Sangh UK and Acharya Vidya Bhaskar, Omkarananda Ashram Switzerland.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged people to suggest to him issues he can include in his Independence Day speech on August 15.

Addressing the nation in 'Mann ki Baat' programme, Modi said he did not want people to think that only the Prime Minister spoke from the Red Fort.

"Suggest me whatever comes to your mind, I will share it with the country," he said.
Delhi: India is planning 'a direct strategic purchase' of six flight refuelling aircraft (FRA) or tankers, as per a media report.

As per a report in The Times of India, the move is aimed to enhance the reach of its fighter jets, bombers and surveillance aircraft.

This is after the bid to acquire them through global tenders failed twice over the last decade.

The report said that the Defence Ministry has scrapped the proposed Rs 9,000 crore contract for acquisition of six Airbus-330 MRTT (multi-role tanker transport) aircraft.

Due to high costs and issues like CBI cases and change in the manufacturer's name from EADS Cassidian to Airbus Group, this had been in a state of flux for several years.

The Daily quoted a said a top MoD source as saying, "Airbus was told towards end-June that the RFP (request for proposal or tender), under which the A-330 MRTT was selected as L-1 (lowest bidder), has been withdrawn. A decision will now be taken for direct acquisition of FRA, a critical operational necessity for IAF.

The IAF had first asked in 2006 for acquisition of six more tankers after inducting six Ilyushin-78 mid-air refuelling aircraft in 2003-2004, the report said
Jabalpur (MP): Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday said we have put a check on infiltration along the Pakistan border and over 70 terrorists who were trying to enter India from Pakistan have been shot dead so far this year.

"We have put a check on infiltration into India along the Pakistan border. Terrorists trying to sneak into India have either been shot dead or beaten a retreat," Parrikar said.

"More than 70 terrorists who were trying to enter India from Pakistan have been shot dead this year so far", he said.

Parrikar cited a "ratio" of the "martydom" of jawans to slain terrorists while speaking to reporters here.

14 jawans have attained martyrdom this year so far, the Minister said adding the figures reveal that if India lost one jawan, 5 terrorists had been killed against it.

The ratio come to 1:5, Parrikar said adding earlier it was "1:1.5".

Denying that the Chinese Army breaches India's border, the Defence Minister said several points have been made for dialogues along the Indo-China border.

Border of India and China have not been demarked, he said, adding it is because of several historical reasons.

As a result of this, Parrikar said Chinese Army by mistake enters India thinking it was it's areas.

"We stop them and send them back. Sometime they return on their own. Such incidents are being reported since last 20-30 years but their per cent has dropped by 40 per cent," Parrikar claimed.
Muzaffarnagar: Kadhli village of Muzaffarnagar is tense after a mob attacked a house where an alleged cow slaughter took place.

The police has booked four members of the family on the charge.

What actually happened?

The trouble started when irate locals gathered outside Zishan Qureshi's house on Saturday evening accusing him and his family members of cow slaughter.

The mob damaged Qureshi's house and tried to set it on fire.

However, police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

Muslim family escaped from the spot

When the mob gathered outside the house, Qureshi along with his wife Shenaz and two others Saddam and Mota escaped from the spot.

A case has been lodged against the family members for alleged cow slaughter, police said.

Police deployed

Heavy police force has been deployed in the village as tension prevailed there, they added.
Jammu: BJP on Sunday demanded Ashok Chakra, the country's highest peacetime military decoration, for the soldiers who killed Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, saying he was a militant who had to die.

"Burhan Wani was a militant who had to die and the security personnel who killed him need commendation. The personnel should be awarded Ashok Chakra," former state BJP president and Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Ashok Khajuria said here today.

BJP's point of view to deal with militancy is clear that the one who picks up a gun to disintegrate the country has to be dealt with an iron fist, he said.

"Our viewpoint is clear, for us it is the message from Bhagwad Gita, BJP viewpoint is clear and we in no way support the policy of appeasement.

"What I am saying is that Burhan wani was a militant and he met the end of a militant and security forces need to be appreciated for the same," Khajuria said.

BJP is a party of workers which does not work for a government. It is a movement which is led by the workers, he said.

"Our mission is guided by the principles laid down by our senior leaders like Syama Prasad Mookerjee and others," Khajuria said.

Protests broke out across Kashmir Valley on July 9, a day after Wani was killed in the encounter.

In the ensuing clashes between protesters and security forces, 49 persons, including two policemen, have been killed and over 5,500 others injured.
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had to beat a hasty retreat on Sunday from an examination centre at Women's College here after angry parents protested against her visit.

She went to Women's College on Moulana Azad Road to check the arrangements for the pre-medical and pre-engineering test being conducted by the Board of Professional Entrance Examination (BOPEE) in various centres.

As soon as her cavalcade reached the examination centre, the people, mostly parents who accompanied their wards, protested against her visit.

"This is an unnecessary visit. It will only disturb the candidates," a parent said.

Another person said while the candidates were already tenses due to the prevailing situation in Kashmir Valley, the chief minister's visit would disturb them more. "How will they remain focused?" he asked.

As the people protested against her visit and raised slogans, the chief minister beat a hasty retreat and left the venue.
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was on Sunday greeted with anti-India slogans when she visited a common entrance test (CET) centre here.

Parents waiting outside the Government Women's College on M.A. Road in Srinagar raised the slogans. Their children were inside, writing the exam for selection for the MBBS course in the state.

The parents from Kupwara, Baramulla and Shopian districts were waiting for their children to come out when they saw Mehbooba Mufti's motorcade.

The government had made special transport arrangements to bring the candidates to Srinagar from various district headquarters. The candidates would be dropped back in the evening after the exam.

Many people, however, used their own vehicles to bring their children to Srinagar for the exam.
Srinagar: Kashmir High Court Bar Association (KHCBA) has sought an urgent hearing on its petition seeking directions to put an end on use of bullets and pellet guns during law and order problems.

The Bar Association has moved a PIL before the High Court praying therein that the use of pellet guns be totally banned as a means of crowd control, the association said in a statement today.

"The Bar Association expects that the writ petition, being of emergent nature, will be ordered to be listed by the Chief Justice on Monday itself and necessary orders as solicited therein will be passed by the Court," it added.

The lawyers' body demanded that the officers, who took the decision of using the pellet guns after July 8, be prosecuted and punished.

"Those who have suffered injuries due to the use of pellet guns, besides being paid the compensation, be also got treated by competent and well trained doctors in or outside the State at state expenses," it said.

The Bar Association said it expects that the High Court will exercise its plenary power of safeguarding the rights and interests of the people and direct all the functionaries of the government to respect the dignity and the fundamental freedoms of the people".
Srinagar: A poster of hitherto-unknown group of stone-pelters has appeared in Srinagar, threatening girls against riding two-wheelers or they would be set on fire.

"We request all girls, please do not use Scooty (two- wheeler). If we see any girl who rides Scooty, we will burn the Scooty as well as the girl," reads the poster by 'Sangbaaz (stone-pelters) Association Jammu and Kashmir' that was found pasted at the city centre here.

The so-called association has also warned shopkeepers, vendors and banks against opening their establishments "till the end of this fight".

The group warned "for the last time" that they should "shut down or face consequences".

It also asked all private transport to "cooperate with us".

The association also asked mosque management committees to raise slogans and play anthems after every prayer.

A police official said the poster is being examined and those behind it are being traced.
Srinagar: At a protest rally on Sunday organised by the separatists in Pulwama district to pay tributes to militants and civilians killed recently in Kashmir valley, Abu Dujana, a man said to be a top terrorist of Pakistani terror group Lashkar-e-Toiba, was spotted, a media report quoted sources as saying,

As per NDTV, people were seen rallying around him and shouting slogans.

However, the report added that police denied Dujana's presence.

On the other hand, PTI reported that unconfirmed reports did say that some militants were present at the rally.

But the news agency added that the police officials said that they had not come across any evidence to support these claims.

"We are looking into the matter," an official said.

Meanwhile, Pakistani flags were waved and pro-militant slogans were raised at the rally.

Thousands of persons had assembled at Kareemabad graveyard in Pulwama district on a call given jointly by hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, moderate faction head Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik.

At the same time, slogans eulogising militants like Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen supremo Syed Salahuddin and Dujana.

Videos of the rally, posted on social media, have gone viral showing people chanting pro-freedom slogans.

Several top Hizb militants killed in recent anti-militancy operations including Naseer Ahmad Pandit, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Afaq Janbaz and Abdul Rashid Bhat hailed from Kareemabad and adjoining areas.

Normal life remained paralysed in Kashmir for the 23rd consecutive day on Sunday where the toll due to violence rose to 49 with one more youth succumbing to injuries sustained a week back.

17-year-old Ishfaq Ahmad Dar, who was injured during protests in Sopore town of Baramulla district on July 23, succumbed at SKIMS Hospital Soura.

Restriction on assembly of four or more people is on in entire Kashmir which has been witnessing unrest ever since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen 'commander' Burhan Wani on July 8.

(With Agency inputs)
Jammu: Two soldiers were killed during a land mine blast in the Kargil sector along the LoC during a routine patrol duty, the Army said on Sunday.

"The soldiers were martyred on July 29 while patrolling when they were caught in a mine blast," Udhampur based defense spokesman Col S D Goswami said.

He said due to the effect of the blast Subedar Basappa Patil, who was the patrol leader and Sepoy Hasansab Khudavand, the leading scout, suffered injuries which proved to be fatal.

Army today paid homage to the two soldiers, both hailing from Karnataka, in a wreath laying ceremony held at Leh, he said.

"The brave hearts were honoured by all ranks of the 14 Corps. The mortal remains of the two are being flown to their native places where they will be accorded military funerals with full ceremonial honours," Goswami said.

Subedar Patil is survived by his wife a daughter and a son.

"Sepoy Hasansab is survived by his mother, father, a younger sister and brother," he said.
Bengaluru: In a twist to the ongoing controversy over the attacks on Dalit people over beef issue, several Dalit groups have come out against such incidents and are planning to launch a protest over the issue.

Dalit groups in Karnataka are planning to organise a beef festival in the Mysuru city of the state, a media report said.

The report comes in the wake of recent attacks on members of Dalit community on suspicion of carrying beef.

In Gujarat's Una, four Dalit members were publically flogged by cow vigilantes on charges of skinning a dead cow. The incident was captured on a camera and was shared on social media which sparked nation-wide outrage.

The accused, who identified themselves as 'gau rakshaks' (cow vigilantes) assaulted the Dalits with iron pipes, sticks and knife, claiming they were slaughtering cows.

In an another incident, two Muslim women were apparently thrashed by a group of men at a railway station in Madhya Pradesh on suspicion of carrying cow meat. This incident was also caught on camera and was shared online.

In the video, the women are seen getting slapped, kicked and abused by a mob led by cow vigilantes for nearly 30 minutes before one of them collapses.

Cow vigilantism has snatched up headlines and political attention in the past few weeks after national outrage over attacks on Dalit community members.
Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will soon release the first list of its 23 candidates for the upcoming Punjab assembly polls after getting a nod from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Political Affairs Committee (PAC), the party said today.

AAP volunteers have recommended nearly 500 names of the probables for the 23 assembly seats.

The party's screening committee of Punjab has short listed nearly 130 names, on an average five to seven from each constituency, and forwarded it to the PAC, the party said in a statement.

The screening committee included AAP's national spokesperson Sanjay Singh, Faridkot MP Sadhu Singh, Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann, Punjab convener Sucha Singh Chhotepur and national organisation building secretary Durgesh Pathak.

AAP, which won four Lok Sabha seats from Punjab while contesting its maiden general elections in 2014, is eying to wrest power from the SAD-BJP alliance in 2017 assembly polls.
Washington: Gullies on Mars are likely not being formed by flowing liquid water, scientists using data from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have found.

The finding will allow researchers to further narrow theories about how martian gullies form, and unveil more details about Mars' recent geologic processes.

The term "gully" is used for features on Mars that share three characteristics in their shape: an alcove at the top, a channel, and an apron of deposited material at the bottom.

Gullies are distinct from another type of feature on martian slopes, streaks called "recurring slope lineae," or RSL, which are distinguished by seasonal darkening and fading, rather than characteristics of how the ground is shaped.

Water in the form of hydrated salt has been identified at RSL sites. The new study focuses on gullies and their formation process by adding composition information to previously acquired imaging.

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in the US examined high-resolution compositional data from more than 100 gully sites on Mars.

The data, collected by the orbiter's Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM), was then correlated with images from the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera and Context Camera (CTX).

The findings showed no mineralogical evidence for abundant liquid water or its by-products, thus pointing to mechanisms other than the flow of water - such as the freeze and thaw of carbon dioxide frost - as being the major drivers of recent gully evolution.

Gullies are a widespread and common feature on the martian surface, mostly occurring between 30 and 50 degrees latitude in both the northern and southern hemispheres, generally on slopes that face toward the poles.

On Earth, similar gullies are formed by flowing liquid water; however, under current conditions, liquid water is transient on the surface of Mars, and may occur only as small amounts of brine even at RSL streaks.

The lack of sufficient water to carve gullies has resulted in a variety of theories for the gullies' creation, including different mechanisms involving evaporation of water and carbon dioxide frost.

"On Earth and on Mars, we know that the presence of phyllosilicates - clays - or other hydrated minerals indicates formation in liquid water," said Jorge Nunez of APL.

"In our study, we found no evidence for clays or other hydrated minerals in most of the gullies we studied, and when we did see them, they were erosional debris from ancient rocks, exposed and transported downslope, rather than altered in more recent flowing water," he said.

"These gullies are carving into the terrain and exposing clays that likely formed billions of years ago when liquid water was more stable on the Martian surface," Nunez said.
New Delhi/Lucknow: Attacking the Samajwadi Party government over the brutal gangrape of a woman and her teenager daughter in Bulandshahr, opposition parties on Sunday alleged that 'jungleraaj' prevailed in Uttar Pradesh.

"The SP government and its head must tell the people if they can return the modesty of women in such a painful and heinous crime," BSP supremo Mayawati said.

She alleged that there was complete 'jungleraaj' in the state and criminal elements were roaming freely.

Demanding action against culprits, she said action should be taken against policemen for laxity.

Hitting out at the Akhilesh Yadav government, Union Minister Mahesh Sharma said, "When will this end? It shows that the state government has collapsed on every front. They cannot save the honour of a daughter. It is shameful and they should step down."

BJP state unit general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak said the incident proved that law and order has derailed in UP, and police administration was lax.

"It's a slap on the face of police administration, which makes tall claims of ensuring safety of the people," he said.

BJP MP from Bulandshahr Bhola Singh said, "It is a sad, painful incident. My sympathies with the family. I have talked to the police and am in touch with the administration. Those guilty should be held at the earliest and punished."

"When a woman accompanied by her family is not safe, how would those alone be safe? Under Samajwadi Party rule, even the streets are not safe let along the highways. In villages, girls and women cannot go out of homes... It's 'goonda raj'," he said.

Describing the incident as "chilling", "barbaric" and one that has "shocked human conscience", Congress said the state government must take decisive action in the matter.

"The gang rape incident in heart-rending, it's shocking. It has shocked human conscience. The way in presence of male members of family, a mother and daughter are traumatised and raped... It's a chilling story of how barbaric human beings can become," Congress chief spokesman Randeep Surjewala said.

"What is the Samajwadi party and Akhilesh government going to do about it? Please, for heaven's sake, take decisive action and punish the perpetrators of the ghastly crime at the earliest," he said.

A woman and her 14-year-old daughter were travelling from Noida to Shahjahanpur along with their family on Friday night when bandits waylaid them on NH 91 near Dostpur village in Bulandshahr and brutally raped them after dragging them out of their car.

So far 15 people have been arrested in the case and the main accused identified, as police have launched a manhunt to arrest the perpetrators with the Chief Minister giving the police "24 hours' time" to crack the case.
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Police on Sunday morning detained at least 3 people suspected in the Bulandshahr horrific gangrape of mother-daughter duo.

On Saturday, a brutal incident of gangrape was reported from Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district where a gang of 12 robbers sexually assaulted a woman and her 14-year-old daughter for close to three hours.

The rape survivors were headed for Shahjahanpur from Noida and driving down the Delhi-Kanpur National Highway 91 with four of their family when the incident took place.

The car carrying family members was ambushed near Dostpur village after which women were dragged out of the vehicle and raped by the robbers.

Main accused identified

The Uttar Pradesh DGP has assured action in the case and said that 15 special teams have been formed to launch a probe into the rape horror. One of the police officials said that the main accused behind the incident has been identified.

He belongs to 'nomadic criminal tribe,' SSP Bulandshahr Vaibhav Krishna told media.

A massive manhunt is on and ADG Law and order Daljeet Singh Choudhary has been deputed to the ground.

"We have identified the main culprit through photographs. STF teams have been deputed and location of all the accused involved in the incident has been traced," Daljeet Singh Choudhary, ADG Law and Order told News18.

Bulandshahr SHO suspended

After the incident came to light, the government has suspended the SHO for deriliction of duty.

Attacking the Samajwadi Party government over failing law and order situation in the state and blamed the government for not doing anything for the security of the people.

"The law and order has failed completely in the state. The Uttar Pradesh government is not doing anything for the security of people," Bulandshahr BJP MP Bhola Singh said.

According to another media report, UP DGP, UP Principal Secretary Home will visit Bulandshahr to take stock of the probe into the rape incident.
New Delhi: Taking serious note of the gang-rape in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav gave an ultimatum to SSP to crack the case and book offenders.

"SSP, Bulandshahr has been given 24-hour deadline to arrest the culprits. Orders have been issued to initiate the proceedings against the officers of the concerned police stations," the UP CM office said.

"Culprits must be arrested at the earliest and strict lawful action must be taken against them to set an example. DGP has been given strict instruction to dig into the case and arrest the criminals," CM Akhilesh said.

In Bulandshahr case @UPGovt will soon nab the criminals, will ensure they are given a strict lawful punishment:#UPCM pic.twitter.com/kevznwFaxx  CM Office, GoUP (@CMOfficeUP) July 31, 2016

Reacting to the allegations of dereliction of duty by the Bulandshahr police, the Uttar Pradesh administration on Sunday suspended the Station House Officer (SHO) following the shocking rape incident.

Uttar Pradesh DGP Javeed Ahmed addressed a press conference today and said, "Three suspects have been taken into the police custody, who have been identified by one of the victims."

Ahmed further stressed that the family which was on their way to Shahjahanpur from Noida were robbed by a gang of miscreants. However the motive behind the crime remained unclear.

"We have asked the state police to act against erring officers. Also, a massive manhunt has been launched to nab more culprits. They will be arrested soon. We are looking for for other suspects who were involved in the crime," he added further.

The state DGP also requested the government to set up a fast track court for a speedy trial into the matter. "We will demand for a fast track court to expedite justice in the case," Ahmed said.

Meanwhile, the UP DGP denied any laxity or delay on part of police in the aftermath of the gangrape incident and said that 'the police received a call about the incident at 5:30 am after which they soon reached the site of the incident and took the victims to a hospital'.

A three-member team of National Commission for Women (NCW) today reached and inspected the scene of the crime where the 35-year-old woman and her teen daughter were robbed and gangraped on National Highway 91 on Friday night.

Bulandshahar (UP) rape case: Police investigation team visits the spot of the incident pic.twitter.com/plJA3MIDqR  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 31, 2016

Bulandshahr gang rape case: UP Principal Secy (Home) Debasish Panda and DGP Javed Ahmed inspect the spot of incident pic.twitter.com/WbzgKqX7jv  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 31, 2016

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia while addressing the media persons said, "The state police will file chargesheet at the earliest and all the culprits behind the crime will be nabbed."

"We will ensure justice in the case. However, I would like to bring to everybody's notice that more rapes take place in Madhya Pradesh, which is a BJP-ruled state," he said.

He also asked the political parties to not politicize the issue. "Samajwadi Party requests BJP as well as BSP to not play politics over the tragedy."
Bulandshahr: Three accused have been identified by the victims in connection with brutal gangrape of a woman and her daughter in Uttar Pradesh`s Bulandshahr district.

Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Javeed Ahmed said there were three women at the incident spot, adding one among them was an elderly woman.

"It is a punishable offence and case has been filed. And we will also request for transfer of this case to a fast track court," Ahmed told the media here.

"Three people have been identified by the victims," Ahmed said.

Divulging details about the accused, Ahmad said, "The three people, who have been confirmed are Bablu, the son of Roop Chand and a resident of Faridabad; the second accused is Naresh alias Thakur, a resident of Bathinda and the third accused is Raees, a resident of a village nearby Bulandshahr," Ahmed stated.

Ahmed added that the victims themselves gave the confirmation about the three culprits involved in the crime.

"Among these three: one of them has previously also gone to jail. The three will be arrested soon," Ahmed added.

The incident took place on Friday night when a 35-year-old woman and her 14-year-old daughter were allegedly gang-raped by a group of robbers in Bulandshahr district.

The victims were on their way from Noida to Shahjahanpur with the other family members when their vehicle was stopped near a cycle repairing shop in Dostpur village on NH-9, which connects Noida and Bulandshahr.
Lucknow: RLD's Uttar Pradesh unit chief Munna Singh Chauhan, who was suffering from dengue, passed away here this morning.

Chauhan, 55, died at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in the city.

He was a prominent leader of Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), an ex-MLA and former cabinet minister.

UP Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav have expressed grief over the demise of Chauhan.

Chauhan started his political career as a grassroot worker under the leadership of Chaudhary Charan Singh, when he was appointed as Faizabad district president of erstwhile Lok Dal (Youth Wing).

In 2000, Chauhan became the national president of the RLD's youth wing, party sources said.

He also served as Leader of House in Legislative Council, wherein he raised issues of public importance such as ragging and fought the legal battle up to Supreme Court.

He held assignments on several Committees including Petition Committee and Committee on Ragging in the Legislative Council.

He had been made RLD's General Secretary in 2007 and in 2012, RLD President Chaudhary Ajit Singh appointed him as the chief of the state unit.
Beijing: A rare Chinese yew tree, believed to be about 3,000 years old, was discovered in Jilin province, authorities said on Sunday.

The living tree, located in Huanggou Forest, is more than 40 metres tall and has a diameter of 1.68 metres, Xinhua news agency quoted Yang Yongsheng, head of the forest administration, as saying.

The tree was among the more than 30 Chinese yew trees discovered earlier this week in the forest.

Called a "living fossil" of the plant world, the Chinese yew has existed for 2.5 million years.

Since many of the trees have been harvested to extract taxol, used to treat cancer, the species is now under first-grade national protection for endangered plants.
Miller Poultry employees, from left, Kevin Diehl, director of plant operations; Jan Breckenridge, quality assurance; Karen Brenneman, controller; Jolene Knisely, human resources; Sally Durbin, administrative coordinator; Alfred Baas, second processing manager; and Roger Stearns, plant manager, hold some of the products that will be given away to the needy over the holiday season.
Beijing: Border police in south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region seized 399 baby Siamese crocodiles, most probably trafficked from neighbouring Vietnam, state media reported on Sunday.

The crocodiles were found in a rented house in Dongxing City on Friday when police were collecting home registration information, the border police detachment of Fangchenggang, which administers Dongxing said.

The crocodiles, each around 25 centimeters long, were about 15 days old. They were very likely trafficked from Vietnam, the police said.

Siamese crocodiles are a protected species in China.

The police saw three men, who appeared to be nervous, carrying goods in front of the house, so they approached to question them. Two suspects escaped by truck while the other, who tried to flee from the back door of the house, was caught, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

In January, 70 frozen wild Siamese crocodiles were seized from a seafood truck in Fangchenggang.

Siamese crocodiles are a critically endangered species native to Southeast Asia. Their skin is used as a raw material for luxury leather products in the international market. It is illegal in China to raise them without a license or to trade and traffic the species.
Maryland: One woman drowned and over hundred others were rescued after severe thunderstorms and flooding ravaged parts of Maryland, an official said on Sunday.

According to officials, the woman's body was found near Ellicott City, which was swamped by flash floods on Saturday, CNN reported.

The official said it was unclear whether the woman was in a car at the time. "People formed human chains to help out others," the official said.

According to ABC news, Maryland and New Jersey were among the worst-affected by floods, but Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia were also affected by heavy storms.

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has declared a State of Emergency in Howard County.

"The thunderstorms caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure in the central part of the state, including intense flooding in the historic town of Ellicott City," CNN quoted Hogan as saying.

The county also opened a community centre as a shelter for people who were displaced, NBC reported.

Over six inches of rain fell on Saturday night in Ellicott City within a span of three hours or less. More scattered rain and thunderstorms were forecast for the area, according to the National Weather Service.

Courtney Weglein, a victim, told the media that the water got so high in Ellicott City on Saturday night that a man had to be carried to safety. "It was insane," she said.

"It was a flash flood. And I literally came here, I thought we are going to have dinner. Within five minutes, it was panic and my friend was pulling someone out of there, and I have never seen anything like it...all I can say is, I am just happy to be alive," she added.


Rome: The Italian navy on Sunday said it had recovered the bodies of two people in an operation that, along aid agencies, had helped pick up 6,000 people since Thursday.

Navy ships patrolling off Libya intervened to help four rubber dinghies and an overcrowded fishing boat, it said.

In one operation by the vessel Vega, "five migrants were picked up out of the sea, three people were resuscitated and two were already dead," it said on its Twitter account.

According to the latest figures from the UN`s High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) -- issued on July 28 before the latest migratory wave -- 89,217 people, most from sub-Saharan Africa have arrived in Italy by sea since the start of the year.

The tally is comparable to the total of 93,000 recorded for the January-July period last year.

More than 3,000 migrants have died trying to make the crossing, an increase of more than 50 percent compared to the same period in 2015, according to the International Office of Migration (IOM).

On Thursday, Italy launched a campaign on the Internet, TV, radio and social media to warn African migrants of the many dangers they face in trying to reach Europe.

Dubbed "Aware Migrants," the 1.5-million-euro ($1.66-million) campaign is targeting 15 countries in West and North Africa which have been big sources of the migratory wave.

It features migrants recounting their suffering at the hands of ruthless smugglers or enduring the perilous Mediterranean crossing.
Beirut: Jihadist forces allied to rebels attacked regime forces south and southwest of Aleppo Sunday in a bid to ease the siege of Syria`s second city, rebels and a monitor said.

Since July 17, President Bashar al-Assad`s forces have surrounded rebel-held districts of Aleppo city, one of the main front lines in the conflict ravaging the country since 2011.

Loyalists forces cut the Castello Road, the main supply line into rebel-held neighbourhoods in the north of the city.

Now insurgents have attacked from the south, a region divided between loyalists backed by Iranian fighters and Hezbollah on the one hand, and Syrian and foreign jihadists allied with rebel groups on the other.

On Sunday, Islamist groups such as the influential Ahrar al-Sham and jihadists including from the former Al-Nusra Front -- rebranded Jabhat Fateh al-Sham after breaking from al Qaeda -- said they had begun a battle to try to reopen a new supply route.

Fateh al-Sham launched two car bomb attacks against regime positions in suburban Rashidin in southwestern Aleppo and fighting also raged in the early evening, the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights said.

Three children were among 11 civilians killed in rebel rocket attacks launched from Rashidin on the government-controlled district of Hamdaniyeh in western Aleppo, the Observatory said.

Other attacks focused on southern parts of the city towards the regime-controlled suburb of Ramussa, the Britain-based monitor reported.

"It will be a long and difficult battle," said Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman.

"The army is supported by a large number of Iranians and fighters from Hezbollah, not to mention the Russian planes," he said.

Forces from Lebanon`s Shiite group have been fighting alongside Assad`s men in Syria for years, and Russia at the end of September last year began a campaign of air strikes in support of loyalist fighters.

In Aleppo city itself, regime forces bombarded rebel-held districts Sunday despite the announcement by Damascus and Moscow of humanitarian corridors to allow civilians and rebels ready to surrender to leave.

On Saturday, government media reported that dozens of civilians and rebels had left besieged eastern Aleppo through humanitarian corridors, but residents there and rebels dismissed the claims as "lies".

Elsewhere, at least nine civilians were killed Sunday in an air strike that hit a makeshift hospital at Jassem in the southern province of Daraa.

The International Rescue Committee, which supported the facility, called on the UN Security Council "to act in defence of the most basic principles of the UN".

"The bombing of hospitals is never justified. All those involved must be held to account," said IRC chief David Miliband in a statement.
Jerusalem: A Palestinian armed with a knife charged at Israeli soldiers on the outskirts of the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank on Sunday and was shot dead, the Israeli army said.

"An assailant armed with a knife exited his vehicle and charged (at) soldiers at the entrance to Nablus," a statement said.

"Forces thwarted the attempted stabbing attack and shot the assailant, resulting in his death."

An army spokeswoman specified that the assailant was a Palestinian. No injuries among the soldiers were reported.

The Palestinian health ministry identified the person killed as Rami Awartani, 31.

A wave of such incidents began in October, part of violence since that time that has killed at least 219 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an

Eritrean and a Sudanese.

Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities.

Others were shot dead during protests and clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has faced accusations of excessive force in some cases, allegations it denies.
District of Columbia: The father of a slain Muslim American soldier assailed Donald Trump as a "black soul" Sunday in an impassioned exchange with the Republican presidential candidate over the qualities required in a US leader.

Khizr Khan electrified the Democratic convention last week with a tribute to his fallen son that ended with a steely rebuke that Trump had "sacrificed nothing" for his country.

Trump defended himself in an interview with ABC`s "This Week," insisting he had made "a lot of sacrifices" while suggesting that Khan`s wife, who stood silent on the convention stage as her husband spoke, had not been allowed to talk.

But Khan shot back in interviews on US television news shows, while his wife Ghazala explained in a Washington Post op-ed that she had been too grief-stricken to speak.

"Without saying a thing, all the world, all America, felt my pain," she wrote. "Whoever saw me felt me in their heart."

Her son, US Army captain Humayun Khan, was killed in Iraq in 2004 in a roadside explosion at the gates of a military compound.

Khan, speaking on CNN, accused Trump of lacking the moral compass and empathy needed to be the country`s leader.

"He is a black soul. And this is totally unfit for the leadership of this beautiful country," Khan said.

Trump has courted controversy and sparked outrage during his drive for the US presidency with disparaging remarks against immigrants, Muslims and women.

His call to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the United States has drawn criticism even from leaders of his own party.

But despite his high negatives he has attracted a fervent following among working class white males, and he stands near even with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the polls.

In an interview with Fox News Sunday, Clinton took aim at Trump`s positive view of Russian President Vladimir Putin and accused him of "absolute allegiance" to Moscow`s foreign policy objectives.

Trump responded defiantly, saying in the ABC interview that he had "no relationship" with Putin, but that "if our country got along with Russia, that would be a great thing."

The jousting on policy was overshadowed, however, by the emotional back and forth between Trump and Khan.

"I work very, very hard. I`ve created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures. I`ve had tremendous success. I think I`ve done a lot," Trump said.

Trump questioned whether Clinton had been behind Khan`s address, which the naturalized Pakistani immigrant said he wrote with his wife Ghazala.

"Who wrote that? Did Hillary`s script writers write it?" Trump said in the interview.

"If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say," Trump said, adding: "Maybe she wasn`t allowed to have anything to say."

Khan said he had invited his wife to speak, but she declined, knowing that she`d become too emotional.

He said that running for president does not entitle Trump "to disrespect" the relatives of soldiers killed in combat.

"Shame on him! Shame on his family!" he told ABC News. "He is not worthy of our comments. He has no decency. He is void of decency, he has a dark heart."

In a statement late on Saturday, Trump praised Captain Khan as "a hero to our country," adding, "we should honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe."

But Trump took issue with Khan`s convention night speech, including his claim that the billionaire candidate had never read the US constitution.

"While I feel deeply for the loss of his son, Mr. Khan, who has never met me, has no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the constitution" and "say many other inaccurate things," Trump said.

Clinton in turn defended the Khans as "the best of America."

"I was very moved to see Ghazala Khan stand bravely and with dignity in support of her son on Thursday night," Clinton said in a statement.

"This is a time to honor the sacrifice of Captain Khan and all the fallen. Captain Khan and his family represent the best of America, and we salute them."
District of Columbia: The father of a slain Muslim American soldier assailed Donald Trump as a "black soul" Sunday in an impassioned exchange with the Republican presidential candidate over the qualities required in a US leader.

Khizr Khan electrified the Democratic convention last week with a tribute to his fallen son that ended with a steely rebuke that Trump had "sacrificed nothing" for his country.

Trump defended himself in an interview with ABC`s "This Week," insisting he had made "a lot of sacrifices" while suggesting that Khan`s wife, who stood silent on the convention stage as her husband spoke, had not been allowed to talk.

But Khan shot back in interviews on US television news shows, while his wife Ghazala explained in a Washington Post op-ed that she had been too grief-stricken to speak.

"Without saying a thing, all the world, all America, felt my pain," she wrote. "Whoever saw me felt me in their heart."

Her son, US Army captain Humayun Khan, was killed in Iraq in 2004 in a roadside explosion at the gates of a military compound.

Khan, speaking on CNN, accused Trump of lacking the moral compass and empathy needed to be the country`s leader.

"He is a black soul. And this is totally unfit for the leadership of this beautiful country," Khan said.

Trump has courted controversy and sparked outrage during his drive for the US presidency with disparaging remarks against immigrants, Muslims and women.

His call to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the United States has drawn criticism even from leaders of his own party.

But despite his high negatives he has attracted a fervent following among working class white males, and he stands near even with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the polls.

In an interview with Fox News Sunday, Clinton took aim at Trump`s positive view of Russian President Vladimir Putin and accused him of "absolute allegiance" to Moscow`s foreign policy objectives.

Trump responded defiantly, saying in the ABC interview that he had "no relationship" with Putin, but that "if our country got along with Russia, that would be a great thing."

The jousting on policy was overshadowed, however, by the emotional back and forth between Trump and Khan.

"I work very, very hard. I`ve created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures. I`ve had tremendous success. I think I`ve done a lot," Trump said.

Trump questioned whether Clinton had been behind Khan`s address, which the naturalized Pakistani immigrant said he wrote with his wife Ghazala.

"Who wrote that? Did Hillary`s script writers write it?" Trump said in the interview.

"If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say," Trump said, adding: "Maybe she wasn`t allowed to have anything to say."

Khan said he had invited his wife to speak, but she declined, knowing that she`d become too emotional.

He said that running for president does not entitle Trump "to disrespect" the relatives of soldiers killed in combat.

"Shame on him! Shame on his family!" he told ABC News. "He is not worthy of our comments. He has no decency. He is void of decency, he has a dark heart."

In a statement late on Saturday, Trump praised Captain Khan as "a hero to our country," adding, "we should honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe."

But Trump took issue with Khan`s convention night speech, including his claim that the billionaire candidate had never read the US constitution.

"While I feel deeply for the loss of his son, Mr Khan, who has never met me, has no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the constitution" and "say many other inaccurate things," Trump said.

Clinton criticized Trump`s treatment of Khan`s during a campaign stop at a church in Cleveland, Ohio.

"Mr. Khan paid the ultimate sacrifice in his family, didn`t he?" she told the African American congregation. "And what has he heard from Donald Trump? Nothing but insults, degrading comments about Muslims, a total misunderstanding of what made our country great -- religious freedom, religious liberty.

"It`s enshrined in our constitution, as Mr. Khan knows, because he`s actually read it.
Mogadishu: A suicide attacker rammed a car bomb into the gates of the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the capital Mogadishu on Sunday, then fighters stormed in, police said.

"It is too early to tell the number of casualties," Osman Mohamed, a police officer, told Reuters.
Istanbul: Turkey has dismissed 1,389 personnel from the armed forces for suspected links to the U.S.-based cleric it blames for orchestrating a failed coup, state-run Anadolu Agency reported on Sunday.

It gave no other details. The report comes hours after President Tayyip Erdogan said he planned several changes to the armed forces, including shutting military academies, steps designed to bring the military firmly under government control.

Turkey blames followers of Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim cleric who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States for years, for the July 15-16 abortive putsch. Gulen has denied the charges and condemned the coup.
Istanbul: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a new presidential decree today that introduced sweeping changes to Turkey's military in the wake of a July 15 failed coup, bringing the armed forces further under civilian authority.

The decree, the third issued under a three-month state of emergency declared following the attempted coup, gives the president and prime minister the authority to issue direct orders to the commanders of the army, air force and navy.

It also announces the discharge of 1,389 military personnel, including Erdogan's chief military adviser, who had been arrested days after the attempted coup, the Chief of General Staff's charge d'affaires and the defense minister's chief secretary.

It puts the military commands directly under the defense ministry, puts all military hospitals under the authority of the health ministry instead of the military, and also expands the Supreme Military Council, the body that makes decisions on military affairs and appointments, to include Turkey's deputy prime ministers and its justice, foreign and interior ministers.

The document, published in the official gazette today, also shuts down all military schools, academies and non-commissioned officer training institutes and establishes a new national defense university to train officers.

In the wake of the attempted coup, which killed more than 200 people, Erdogan launched a sweeping crackdown on those believed linked to the movement of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom he accuses of instigating the coup.

Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, denies any knowledge of the coup.

More than 10,000 people have been arrested in the crackdown, most of whom are military personnel. Thousands more have been detained and nearly 70,000 people have been suspended or dismissed from their jobs in the education, media, health care, military and judicial sectors.

In an interview yesterday with private A Haber television, Erdogan said he also wanted to put the country's MIT intelligence agency and the chief of general staff's headquarters under the presidency.

"If we can pass this small constitution package with (the opposition parties), then the chief of general staff and MIT will be tied to the president," Erdogan told A Haber.

The package would need to be brought to parliament for a vote. The Turkish government's sweeping crackdown has caused concern among its Western allies, who have urged restraint.

Turkey has demanded the speedy extradition of Gulen from the United States, but Washington has asked for evidence that he was involved in the attempted coup and has said the US extradition process must be allowed to take its course.
Washington: US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Saturday rejected a Muslim lawyer's assertion on the Democratic convention stage that the businessman-turned-politician has "sacrificed nothing and no one" for the country.

In an interview with ABC News' George Stephanopoulos, Trump asked, "Who wrote that? Did Hillary's script writers write it?"

"I think I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard," he added.

On the last night of the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, a bereaved father Khizr Khan, his wife Ghazala by his side, recounted to the crowd how his son was killed in 2004 by a car bomb in Iraq.

Khan also chastised Trump for seeking to ban Muslims from entering the country, saying that his son, US Army Capt. Humayun Khan, would not have been able to serve under a Trump presidency.

"Go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America," Khan said, addressing Trump. "You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one."

Trump also suggested that Khan's wife didn't speak because she was forbidden to as a Muslim.

"If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me," he said in the interview to ABC News.

Trump said: "I think I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard. I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures. I've had tremendous success. I think I've done a lot."

Trump also cited his work on behalf of veterans, including helping to build a Vietnam War memorial in Manhattan, and raising "millions of dollars" for vets.


Kuwait City: The Yemeni government on Sunday said it has accepted a UN-proposed peace agreement to end more than a year of armed conflict, but there has been no word from the rebels.

The announcement by the Saudi-backed government came after a high-level meeting in Riyadh chaired by Yemen's President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

"The meeting approved the draft agreement presented by the United Nations calling for an end to the armed conflict and the withdrawal (of rebels) from Sanaa... And the cities of Taez and Al-Hudaydah," said a statement, cited by the Saba news agency.

Yemen's Foreign Minister Abdulmalek al-Mikhlafi, who is leading negotiating team in Kuwait City, said he has sent a letter to the UN special envoy informing him the government backed the "Kuwait Agreement".

One pre-condition, however, is that the Iran-backed Huthis and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh sign the deal by August 7, Mikhlafi wrote on Twitter.

He said the Yemeni leadership has authorised the delegation to sign the deal, which has received strong international and regional backing.

There has been no official reaction from the rebels.

Huthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam, however, said on Twitter before the government announcement that the rebels insist on a comprehensive and complete solution, and rejected what he called "half solutions".

Under the agreement, all decisions made by the rebels since they occupied the capital in September 2014 will be scrapped, Mikhlafi said.

The deal also abolishes the controversial supreme political council set up jointly by the Huthis and the General People's Congress of former president Saleh on Thursday to run the country, he said.

A political dialogue between various Yemeni factions will start 45 days after the rebels withdraw and hand over heavy weapons to a military committee to be formed by President Hadi.

Prisoners of war will also be freed, as specified by the UN Security Council resolution 2216, the agreement said.

The talks in Kuwait, which began on April 21, have so far made no major breakthrough.

UN special envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed yesterday managed to extend discussions for a week after the government delegation said it was leaving, and submitted the peace deal draft to both sides.
Trump proves yet again how unfit he is to be the next president  and commander in chief  of the United States. In a cringe-worthy ABC interview this morning he tried to educate George Stephanopoulos about a thing or two regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine.

With his mafioso expression, he said about Putin, "He's not going into Ukraine, OK, just so you understand. He's not going to go into Ukraine, all right? You can mark it down. You can put it down. You can take it anywhere you want."

"Well, he's already there, isn't he?" Stephanopoulos countered. Putin took Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

Without missing a beat, Trump tried to cover up. "OK  well, he's there in a certain way. But I'm not there. You have Obama there. And frankly, that whole part of the world is a mess under Obama with all the strength that you're talking about and all of the power of NATO and all of this. In the meantime, he's going away. He takes Crimea."

Stick to talking about the "Wall," Donald. That's what you're good at.
PARIS (Reuters) - Ties between Vivendi and Italy's Mediaset are not "broken" but nor are they essential to the French media group's strategy as it could find other Italian partners, its chief executive told Les Echos newspaper. Relations between Mediaset and Vivendi deteriorated after the French broadcaster had a change of heart on its planned purchase of Mediaset's pay-TV, and their spat 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. Last 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 percent stake. It also said it intended to acquire around 15 percent of Mediaset shares in the next three years. "The ties are not broken," Vivendi Chief Executive Arnaud de Puyfontaine said in an interview with Les Echos to be published on Monday. He reiterated that Vivendi has no plans to take control of Mediaset. "(A deal with Mediaset) is a not a sine qua non condition (for Vivendi to pursue its strategy in Europe). There are other actors in Italy," he said. Vivendi's planned purchase was 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 . (Reporting by Matthias Blamont; Editing by Susan Fenton)
Ice cream and hand-dipped chocolates made on the premises, as well as an expanding variety of nostalgic candy, draw customers to Ranison Ice Cream and Candy at 706 S. 16th St. on the South Side of La Crosse.

Its been 18 years since Dave and Kim Edwards bought the business from Bruce and Bev Ranis, who had served up cones and malts on hot summer days for 39 years.

Dave Edwards had worked for the Ranises for five years before he and his wife bought the business in 1998. Dave works there full time. Kim helps run the business but also works as a literacy specialist at the nearby La Crosse School District Hogan Administrative Center.

There arent too many of these (ice cream and candy) shops left in residential neighborhoods, said Dave Edwards, who is 45. That contributes to his shops popularity, he said.

A lot of kids can walk or ride their bikes here without having to cross busy streets, Edwards said. And this is a place where people can come, enjoy some family time, and it wont break the bank.

Ranison can seat about 16 people at its outdoor tables and chairs. The building isnt large enough to have inside seating.

Edwards makes about 3,000 pounds of candy per year.

In the summer, he makes about 600 gallons of ice cream per week. That slows to about 200 gallons a week in the winter months.

Besides what Edwards and his seven employees sell at the store, he wholesales Ranison ice cream to six retail establishments in La Crosse, Galesville, Trempealeau and Warrens. That includes cranberry ice cream sold at the Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center in Warrens, and at the annual Warrens Cranberry Festival.

Vanilla is still the best-selling ice cream flavor overall, because you can do so much with it  like shakes, malts, sundaes and root beer floats, Edwards said.

Blue moon ice cream  with a taste somewhat similar to Fruit Loops cereal  is popular with children, while adults favor such flavors as maple nut, butter pecan and grape nut.

Ranison Ice Cream and Candy has more than 60 flavors of ice cream, and Edwards plans to continue adding new ones. This year weve done caramel macchiato and salted caramel for the first time, he said. Tiramisu and birthday cake ice cream were introduced last year.

Edwards also sells a large variety of hand-dipped chocolates. And he has been bringing in more and more old-fashioned candy. He added about a dozen kinds after he installed new flooring and rearranged the center of the store about two months ago. Some of the new sweets include Mary Jane, Bit-O-Honey, Slo Pokes and Pixy Stix.

I want to get into more of the nostalgic candies, Edwards said. I think people are looking for that. He frequently gets phone calls from people asking whether he sells a certain old-fashioned candy.

The business is seasonal, with ice cream leading the way in the summer months and candy in the winter months. Christmas is the stores busiest holiday because of people ordering chocolates and other candy, followed by Easter and then Valentines Day.

Ranison Ice Cream and Candy also ships candy to former residents and others who call in orders.

Edwards plans to introduce smoothies next summer; hes already bought the machine he needs for that.

He and his wife have four children, two of whom work at the store. A third child will start there this fall.

One child has mentioned an interest in operating the business after his parents retire. But Im not ready to leave this for quite a while, Edwards said with a smile.

Running an ice cream and candy store can mean long hours, but he doesnt mind.
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ONALASKA  Barry M. Nimtz, 65, of Onalaska began his final road trip home Monday July 25, 2016. He was a patient at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.

He was born in Bloomer, Wis., Sept. 12, 1950, to Walter G. and Genevieve (Hartmann) Nimtz.

As a child, Barry moved with the family from Wisconsin to Bozeman, Mont., San Mateo, Calif., and San Jose, Calif., where he graduated from Blackford High School. At the young age of 19, he started Maple City Furniture with a business partner, which they ran for several years. He married and started his family while in California, having three children, at which time he moved to Blue Springs, Mo., to be closer to his parents. Through several job transfers in the dairy and deli industry, the family moved around the Midwest to places such as Arkansas, Georgia, Texas and finally back to Missouri, for family, where he divorced in 1981.

Barrys knowledge of the cheese industry was impeccable and rivaled by few, and his search for more knowledge landed him in places such as London and Paris. Through his work in the cheese industry, he met and married the love of his life, Lynda C. Maret (Fierling) on Jan. 25, 1982, at Unity Village in Kansas City, Mo.

While in Blue Springs, Barry had three more children, and became father to Lyndas three children. Again due to a job opportunity in Onalaska, he uprooted the family and made the move. After only a few short weeks he made many friends through work and through his childrens sports. He was the plant manager in Whitehall, until it changed ownership in 1993. At this time Lynda persuaded him to open up his own cheese brokerage business, LCN Marketing. Over the years, he has represented dozens of cheese manufacturers and customers, mostly throughout his beloved state of Wisconsin.

Onalaska was a warm, family-oriented community that accepted all of the Nimtz family from the beginning. The scariest undertaking of Barrys life became one of the best and last hed ever make. While maintaining his brokerage business, an incredible opportunity arose in late 2006. Two of his six sons were employed in the restaurant business and thought the opportunity to own their own was a fantastic idea. With the love, guidance and help from Mom and Dad, the deal came to fruition in January 2007, with the purchase of the Blue Moon, formerly Chicken Steak and Chocolate Cake. He helped grow a tremendous business over the years, expanding the restaurant in size, hours of operation and finally into the catering world. Life as he knew it had changed drastically. He now had a brokerage company and partnership in the restaurant, plus his club affiliations and organizations. GM Classics, Coulee Region Mopars, National T-Bucket Alliance and the Onalaska Rotary Club just to name a few. He was a supporter of the Onalaska police and fire departments, and tried to aid them in any way he could to further interaction between them and the community. He was heavily involved in antique and classic cars and shows, often helping to raise funds for such organizations as Childrens Miracle Network, Operation Home-front, the Humane Society and New Horizons Womens Shelter. He loved the microphone at any event, even though it wasnt necessary for him to use it, to encourage more donations.

He had an unending love of classic cars and formed many lasting friendships over the years with fellow enthusiasts. He was extremely thankful and lucky that Lynda loved cars as well, often showing his love and appreciation by surprising her with a new one. Barry also passed his love of cars and his lead foot on to his children. His favorite car remained the Plymouth Roadrunner, as it was his first car, owning 16 of them in his lifetime. His favorite expression was drive it like you stole it, and he lived that motto every time he stepped behind the wheel.

He also had an unparalleled love for his family,friends, and those who he became a second father to over the years. No matter how busy he was, he rarely missed an opportunity to support his children and grandchildren on and off the field in sports, plays, school events or around their homes. He could often be found on the back of the bleachers giving someone a piece of his mind on his cell phone, or letting the referees know what a horrible job they were doing. Any time a problem arose, he was the first to pull out the power tools, even though his knowledge and capabilities with them were limited. It is said that Dad was a larger than life guy with a lot of opinions, which he wasnt scared to make known. Those who knew him knew he truly loved and cared for not only his family, cars and businesses, but also deeply for his community.

This summer he had an amazing trip planned with his loving wife, Lynda. They were to drive to Houston, Texas, then to Florida, and finally up the East Coast to Hilton Head, S.C., before heading back home. He had great plans to build a massive garage to hold all of his beloved cars and memorabilia as well. Unfortunately, none of this was in his future. Instead, he was diagnosed June 1 with multiple myeloma cancer and stage five kidney failure. He underwent dozens of treatments, transfusions, chemotherapy and injections over the following two months. Unfortunately, everything that could go wrong, did. The strongest man this family has ever known was unable to match the strength of the cancer rushing through him. Always remember, when you look up into the sky The Big Cheese is up there drinking a cup of coffee, giving orders, smiling and flipping you the bird.

He is survived by his wife, Lynda, of Onalaska; two daughters, Theresa (Dough Borgman) Niemeyer of Blue Springs and Jennifer (Mike Krueger) Zielke of Holmen; six sons, Thomas J. Wynne of London, England, Walter (Laura Delahoya) Nimtz of Turlock, Calif., Shawn Kottmann of St. Charles, Mo., Patrick (April) Nimtz of Onalaska, Dustin (Kimberly) Nimtz of Onalaska, and Scott (Sam Solare) Nimtz of La Crescent, Minn.; nine grandchildren, Taylor (Zachary) Malone, Jacob Niemeyer, Samantha, Hayden, Alexis Ally Cat, and Carson Zielke, Parker Mr. P Nimtz, Brynna Stuhr and Mason Nimtz; and one great-grandson, Marley Malone. He is further survived by one sister, Patricia (Herman) Boettcher of Bloomer; and one brother, Scott (Marlys) Nimtz of Lenexa, Kan.; one godson, Marc Boettcher; and several nieces and nephews, family and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by one son, Adam Nimtz; two grandsons, Ethan and Evan Zielke; his parents; and one brother, Paul Nimtz.

A visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, at Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. S., La Crosse. Viewing will be from 11 a.m. till the funeral at noon Thursday, Aug. 4, at the OmniCenter in Onalaska. Immediately after the funeral will be a celebration of life at the Blue Moon in Onalaska. The burial will be held at noon Friday, Aug. 5, at the Tilden Cemetery, Tilden, Wis. Immediately following will be a small service and celebration of life at Bloomer Park, Bloomer, Wis.

The Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials are preferred, to go to any of the numerous organizations previously mentioned that Barry helped over the years.

Online condolences may be made to www.blaschkeschneider.com.
TOKYO  Everyones surprised that Pokemon Go is getting people out from behind their screens and out of the house. But Japanese animated creations have a much longer tradition of sending people on real-world adventures, although in a very different way.

The settings of Japanese anime series are often closely based on real locations. Places like shrines and train stations featured in these cartoons are often hunted down by fans on visits called seichijunrei, which translates as holy land pilgrimage. Local governments and businesses sometimes even promote the connections to well-known places, decorating train stations with characters or selling souvenirs at shrines.

But theres a more challenging version of the pursuit: a subculture of hobbyists who hunt for everyday streetscapes, shops and train stations reproduced in these cartoons in exquisite detail. Called butaitanbou, which translates as scene hunting, its not as simple as it might sound.

Town and neighborhood names are often unmentioned or even changed in shows, so thats the first thing to figure out. Then, its not just about identifying a big landmark, but finding specific, often very mundane places.

Imagine that your own local dry cleaner and playground were featured in a cartoon and someone from out of town had to find them.

Butaitanbou implies that the hunter is doing his or her own location identification, says Michael Vito, an American who often visits Japan for anime tourism and who is one of the few English speakers who writes about the hobby. To do butaitanbou is to be a pioneer of sorts.

Photos are taken of sites exactly as they appear in the show. Butaitanbou generally requires composing and cropping photographs to precisely match the way they appear in the art, says Vito. The photos are then displayed next to corresponding screenshots in blog posts.

An easy place to experience seichijunrei is Kanda Shrine. Its a short walk from the fan mecca of Akihabara, where anime fans typically go on their first trip to Tokyo. A central setting for the anime Love Live! School Idol Project, the shrine has capitalized on this connection with various items for sale. Prayer plaques, which youll see at other shrines illustrated with seasonal motifs or religious imagery, here have illustrations of characters. And fans dont settle for just that: Many add their own drawings to the blank side where people write their prayers.

Of course a location like that is so easy to find that it lacks the thrill of discovery. Vito says serious butaitanbou fans of that series visited the Akihabara locations mainly for the sake of completeness. What sparked more enthusiasm was an episode in the second season where characters take a spur-of-the-moment train trip to the shore town of Odawara in Kanagawa prefecture. The trip to Odawara requires a much higher commitment and confers greater bragging rights, he says.

Japans other tourist capital, Kyoto, offers an example of how a very ordinary place can become an attraction. Demachi Masugata Shotengai is a traditional shopping street where locals go to the fishmonger, produce vendor or pharmacy, or eat at a neighborhood restaurant. But its also the model for the shopping street that was the setting for Tamako Market. Three years after the series ended, fans still visit a fish shop there. A notebook is left outside for visitors to sign; theyve filled 11 notebooks already.

These notebooks are commonly installed near some significant location where fans can get a local to take custody of them. The custodian and site are often a commercial business, like a cafe or shop, but shrines and other historic sites and even countryside train stations are known to lend a hand, says Vito. Voice actors and animators sometimes visit and leave an entry, and these pages get marked for visitors to find.

Even fantasy series are often set in precise real locations. Kyoto is also the setting for Uchoten Kazoku (released in English as The Eccentric Family), about a family of mythological shape-shifting animals called tanuki. Their fantastic escapades are set in real Kyoto locations, and fans may visit the shrine where they lived in their animal form and a billiard parlor they frequented when disguised as humans. One episode included a surreal fantasy trip on a car from the Eizan Electric Railway, which in real life regularly does tie-ins with anime series, and at one point used the characters on signs reminding riders to watch the closing doors.

Despite the rise in overseas visitors to Japan and increased access to translated anime online, English-language material about visiting anime locations is scarce. One place to start is Vitos blog, http://likeafishinwater.com/, where he writes about current series and reports on discoveries from butaitanbou pioneers. Another blog, by Mike Hattsu  http://mikehattsu.blogspot.com/  includes maps for locations hes visited, along with screenshots and photos. If you want to try to delve into Japanese language blogs, Vito recommends starting with the Butaitanbou Archive, http://legwork.g.hatena.ne.jp/. You can usually find the Japanese name of a series in its English Wikipedia entry, which you can paste into the search box.

Warning: If youve got the slightest interest in Japan and animation, you may find yourself sucked into hours of looking at photos  even if you arent planning a trip.
An annual La Crosse celebration that sprang from a short conversation into a North Side block party that added another block, then another and another, is expected to attract 650 to 700 people Aug. 15.

This is building community, said Meme Mihalovic, one of the organizers. We want to show that the North Side is just as strong as other neighborhoods, despite its stigma of being low-income.

The free party is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of Trinity Lutheran Church at 1010 Sill St. and the blocked-off street between Kane and Charles streets  shine or rain, in which case the festivities will move under two tents and into Trinity.

The event will include a free meal of brats, hot dogs, potato salad and baked beans, as well as childrens games, face painting, free family photos, a demonstration from Root Down yoga, street-dancing music by Double Take and Zammek and other activities, said Mihalovic, who lives in Onalaska.

I love to see the little kids getting their faces painted, she said. Last year, we had free haircuts, but we dont know yet if we will this year.

Well have a photographer taking family pictures, because we know not everybody can afford them, she said. I think its a great gift.

The invitation list includes city and county officials, North Side resource officers from the citys police department, fire department representatives (hopefully with a firetruck to delight the kids) and state legislators.

Lest it seem odd that a woman who has lived in Onalaska for most of her life is helping organize and market a La Crosse block party, consider her background: Her life began on the South Side, then shifted north when her parents, Charles and Patricia Lukwitz, built a house in Onalaska.

Even though my parents moved to Onalaska, my mother never left that church (Trinity), which the family continued to attend, thereby continuing to mix with their old crowd, she said.

Mihalovics family has a long history with the congregation, and I can see my grandfather in confirmation pictures, the graduate of Onalaska High School said.

I may not be a North Sider, but two of my best friends are Loganites, as I call them, said Mihalovic, the mother of two teenage sons, one of whom is autistic.

The block party came out of a small conversation in the church parking lot in 2011 about how we could build a better community, she said. Thats what I love about it  its not about the church, but about the community.

My personal opinion is that churches should look outside of their walls and figure out how to do better, she said.

The event, which took place for the first time in 2012, is not a vehicle to pressure people into joining Trinity or any other congregation, so people can make up their own minds about their spiritual journey, she said.

North Side churches routinely extend themselves, she said, noting that eight congregations participate in Mondays Meals, rotating preparation of meals for the needy.

When St. Lukes United Methodist Church on the North Side closed in 2013 and merged with Asbury United Methodist Church on the South Side, Trinity continued St. Lukes service by adopting Asbury Uniteds From the Heart Food Pantry.

Another outgrowth from the parking lot parley is Trinitys creation of the Childrens Clothing Closet, stocked with new or gently used clothes from birth to teens.

In the past, the block party has included the give-away of 100 pairs of shoes to children as the start of school approaches. Soles4Souls, an anti-poverty agency in Old Hickory, Tenn., had donated the shoes but wasnt able to do so this year, she said.

We know how important it is for kids to have new shoes to start school, she said.

Yes, the North Side is low-income  with a high percentage on free and reduced (-price) lunches, but pride runs deep regardless of financial status, she said.

I was unemployed for two years, and I know what it is to choose between a meal or a medication, said Milhalovic, who had worked in the insurance industry for 13 years, as well as for several companies.

She now is an IRIS consultant with The Management Group in Madison, which works with adults who have disabilities and older people with long-term needs to overcome obstacles so they can lead richer lives. IRIS stands for Include, Respect, I Self-Direct.

Ive always been more of a servant leader, she said.

More inclined to toot her horn is Tom Thibodeau, servant leadership professor and director of the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership program at Viterbo University in La Crosse.

What is amazing about her is that shes a mother and a citizen, and she has been an advocate in the community for people with special needs, said Thibodeau, who taught Milhalovic as she earned her masters in servant leadership.

Shes very committed to the community, he said. She doesnt have a title, and she doesnt have a position, but she is like Dr. (Martin Luther) King said  she has a heart full of grace and a soul full of love.

Mihalovic credits widespread cooperation and donations from not only individuals but also businesses for the continuing growth of the block party.

It is expensive, she said. It costs $1,800 just for the two tents.

Pogreba Restaurants substantial donation of food, along with Hi-C and water from the Courtesy Corp.s McDonalds network and Kwik Trip are vital elements in being able to provide the free meal, she said.

If we wouldnt have had Pogrebas step up, the food would be a tremendous cost, said Milhalovic, adding that organizers welcome other contributions and increasing numbers of volunteers. My husband (Lance) goes and does what needs to be done.

Other donations are rolling in from the La Crosse Loggers, Lawyers at Work, Carrier Insurance, Blaschke Schneider Funeral Homes and Harters Quick Clean-Up, to name a few.

They help make the block party sustainable, she said.

Its kind of fun to see the growth, with people coming back year after year. I meet somebody new every year, she said.

So many people grew up on the North Side who stayed on the North Side. I love watching my dad  he can talk to almost anybody. He worked 40 years in the brewery, and a lot of people on the North Side worked there, too, and they all like to talk about it, she said.

Were building a community here  not the richest community because of money but a rich community because we know our neighbors.
TOWN OF AZTALAN  Paul Filipowicz has little mercy for his audience.

Whether its at the Badger Bowl in Madison, an American Legion beer tent in Lake Mills or Buddy Guys Legends in Chicago, the blues guitarist, who makes his home just east of the Crawfish River in Jefferson County, goes into each show hoping to knock his fans off their feet and leave them gasping for air.

If theyre still standing at what should have been the end of the set list, its a signal to Filipowicz to crank out another hard-driving tune on one of his worn Fender guitars.

But there is a softer side to the 66-year-old Chicago native who has lived in Wisconsin for the past 50 years and who was inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame last fall. Filipowicz takes a few moments during each show to remember those who have influenced his music, a genre he discovered when he was 14 years old, standing outside a club on the Windy Citys south side.

The names include Walter Lefty Dizz Williams, Jimmy Dawkins, Chester Howlin Wolf Burnett, Magic Sam, B.B. King and Muddy Waters.

I dont take myself seriously, but I take the music seriously, Filipowicz said last week while seated on the front porch of his 1908 farmhouse. I feel that the old guys had a hand in getting me into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame... and when I say their names theyre in the room once again. So I try to do that.

Filipowicz is among the headliners at Atwood Fest today and will hit the Alchemy Cafe Stage at the corner of Atwood Avenue and Winnebago Streets at 2:15 p.m. He will follow the Katie Scullin Band that plays at 12:15 and precedes The Family Business, a rock band out of Monroe (4 p.m.) and Jane Lee Hooker (5:45 p.m.), a female blues band from New York that has been influenced by many of the same artists that have left their mark on Filipowicz.

Christine Johnson, president of the Madison Blues Society, will introduce Filipowicz and has seen the guitarist on several occasions, most recently July 22 at the Knuckle Down Saloon, 2513 Seiferth Road, a prime destination for all things blues. The club, opened by Chris Kalmbach in 2010, is where just over a year ago Filipowicz recorded his latest live album Roughneck Blues for Big Jake Records.

Hes just real high energy and just gives it his all at every performance, said Johnson, who has been with MBS for four years. Hes just one of those guys that from the first note to the last note he just puts it all out there. He has lots of respect for the music and brings his own technique and voice to the blues genre.

Filipowicz is salt-of-the-earth.

Hes been playing the blues for more than 40 years but at the same time has worked full-time in construction and roofing to pay the bills. Bad knees and elbows forced him to retire from the work this year but hes still building a cabin near Tomahawk using timber harvested from his 70-acre property.

When hes back home and not playing his guitars, he likely has a wrench in hand. Hes restoring a 1949 Ford pick-up truck with duel carburetors on a flat-head eight cylinder engine and a 1948 Ford Super Deluxe four-door car with suicide doors  where the hinges are at the rear of the door. Theres also a 1965 Mercury Comet and a 1950 Ford pickup in the yard. He uses a 2002 Toyota Sienna mini-van with more than 140,000 miles on the odometer to haul his gear to shows around the Midwest. It included shows Friday and Saturday at Riverfront Marys in Sturgeon Bay.

Ive been wrenching all my life, Filipowicz said, as he showed off his vehicles and a garage packed with tools, engines and other parts. Im a Ford guy.

His construction and car work stands in contrast to his stage presence where he wears suits from Mitchell Street Mens Wear in Milwaukee, cuff links, Stacy Adams shoes in red, black, white or blue and a fedora. In 2013, he was named best-dressed male by Big City Rhythm & Blues magazine and has Madison Area Music Awards for best blues album in 2005 and best blues song in 2006.

He learned to wrench from his father who worked full-time making sausage for Armour & Co. in Chicago but on the weekends worked on cars. When Filipowicz was a sophomore in high school, his father took a job at Jones Dairy Farm in Fort Atkinson and moved the family to Wisconsin.

His father also played the harmonica and trumpet, his mother taught piano, his two sisters played piano and they all sang in church. Filipowicz gravitated to the guitar when he was about 7 years old. After graduating from Fort Atkinson High School in 1968, he attended UW-Whitewater for five semesters before getting into construction work and moving to Denver. He returned to Wisconsin in 1974 and formed a band. His first paid gig was in 1971 when Filipowicz played harmonica at the Mint Lounge at Humboldt and North avenues in Milwaukee.

He doesnt read music, learned by ear and plays his guitars without a pick.

I knew it was the way to feel the guitar. It gives you a different tone, Filipowicz said. Music is a feeling and I try and transfer the feeling that I felt. When Id go and see Otis Rush or Fenton Robinson or Jimmy Dawkins, I wouldnt sit there and look at their hands. I would just close my eyes and go with them. It would just elevate you to the moon.

His guitars, all Fenders, include a 1973 Stratocaster he purchased in 1981; a 1973 Telecaster and a 1963 Jaguar that he bought in 1973 for $100 after his 1957 Stratocaster was stolen.

Filipowicz has played with Ken Saydek and Mighty Joe Young and opened for Hound-Dog Taylor several times when he came to Madison for shows at the Church Key. He was influenced by and friends with Luther Allison, who died in 1997 in Madison, and was a regular at Luthers Blues, a club on University Avenue near the UW-Madison campus from 2000 to 2005. He counts drummer Clyde Stubblefield as a mentor and friend.

As long as Clyde Stubblefield is still around the worlds a better place, Ill tell you that, Filipowicz said. Hes one of the greatest human beings Ive ever met and he influenced my music tremendously by being in my band and being my friend.

Filipowicz has lived east of Lake Mills about a mile from Aztalan State Park and near the Aztalan Cycle Club motocross track for nearly 30 years with his wife of 34 years, Katherine Herro. They share space with Spike, a 7-year-old white shepherd, and Bammer, a 17-year-old black and white tuxedo cat. They also have three adult sons.

Filipowicz has nine albums under his belt and scores of original songs. His albums have cracked the top 10 on the Living Blues magazine charts while his Chickenwire album, released in 2007, was in the top 100 of Real Blues magazine in Canada for 32 months. Filipowicz grew up in a time when the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and other legendary rockers were getting their start but their popularity never had sway.

Ive always been a blues guitar player, he said. I wasnt put here to play rock gigs and Ive always known that. Ive always known my place. (Induction into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame) reaffirmed my commitment to try and play the music that I was exposed to the way it sounded to me when I was exposed to it.
Teaching dance always attracted Misty Lown  she was leading her own classes when she was 16, having started dancing at 3. But she thought dancing professionally was her true calling, and a dream that was within her grasp.

As a college student at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Lown was accepted into a prestigious year-long training program with the acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York City.

I thought, This is going to be my life, Lown said.

Before going to New York City, though, Lown went to Madison to see a performance by the Alvin Ailey troupe. During their closing number, Revelations, I had what I can only call a God-whisper on my heart that said, What will you remember of this performance a week, a month or a year from now? Lown recalled. Then she thought of the impact she could have on her dance students, imparting both art and life lessons that they might well pass on to more students themselves.

That was it for me, Lown said. I left that theater with tears streaming down my cheeks and knew the classroom would be my stage.

Over time, Lowns classroom grew. In 1998, barely into her 20s, she opened a dance studio, Mistys Dance Unlimited, in a brand new building in Onalaska. Nine years later, she built a bigger home that now has 800 students. Then she launched an organization to help other dance studios that now reaches 60,000 students a week. Now she has an ever-more demanding schedule as an inspirational speaker on leadership and entrepreneurship.

And now Lowns classroom is getting a lot bigger  again. In early July, Lown published a book called One Small Yes: Small Decisions That Lead to Big Results that in its first five days alone had more than 10,000 online e-book downloads on Amazon, hitting No. 5 on the list of most downloaded books during that period.

The book has an uplifting, empowering message, one that draws heavily on Lowns own life in an effort to help people find their own calling  as she did.

The message is centered on my belief that everybody was DNA-wired to do something great that only they can do. So you have a special calling in your life. Its the great privilege and responsibility of life to figure that out and then start making small yes choices in that direction, Lown said. If you can figure out, or at least ask the question  What am I here for?  and then make an earnest yes effort to move in that direction, I think thats where people get a lot of joy out of life.

Beginnings

My parents were doers, they just made things happen, Lown said of her childhood on La Crosses North Side. We didnt always have all the resources we might want ... but they made it happen.

She recalled when she was about 11 and her father, Paul Averill, lost his job as a truck driver. He was the familys sole breadwinner, but he insisted that rather than go on public assistance he was going to dig ditches for the railroad if he had to. And he was 40, so my age, Lown said. And that left an indelible mark on me. It made me realize everything is figure-out-able.

Her mother, Sandy Averill, had the same kind of can-do attitude, and Lown recalled that her parents were always quick to help anybody else who was going through a hard time. I just think compassion is important. When you see somebody has a need, you need to act on that, said Sandy, who has worked at MDU since it opened.

Lown saw her parents as great role models. They were so giving and they just faced each challenge, they just kept saying yes to the challenge of life, the daily grind of life, Lown said. If my dad was willing to go and dig ditches for me so we wouldnt lose our house, by golly, I owe it to him to face the challenges in my life. And I tell that story to my kids.

Her father did go to work on the railroad, but he put himself through railroad signal school and rose to the top of his field, the equivalent, Lown said, of going from the mailroom to a corner office on the top floor.

Starting dance lessons at Lorraines School of Dance when she was 3, Lown faced challenges of her own: asthma and a club foot. But the dancing helped her foot straighten out, Sandy said, and dance gave Misty a growing sense of confidence and helped develop her perseverance.

Lown proved to be a superlative dancer, and Paul Averill said he thought his daughter might end up a professional dancer. She was just a bright kid. I knew that whatever she wanted to do, shed succeed at it, he said.

Misty the teacher

Lown was on track to become a Spanish teacher  her bachelors degree is in Spanish, and she earned a masters degree in education from UW-L. But she knew that teaching dance was a way in which she could have more impact and more satisfaction.

I got into the Spanish classroom, and I thought, I could be turning cartwheels in here, and I dont think the kids would be very interested, Lown said. But when I go to the dance studio ... they cant wait to hear what I have to say.

At first, Lown taught most of the dance classes at Mistys Dance Unlimited. But, as she attracted more students, she taught new teachers to lead classes. Kristina (Smaby) Schoh was one of the many dancers turned teachers, teaching when she was just 15.

Schoh, a Miss Wisconsin Pageant winner, recalled praying at night when she was 9 or 10 to wake up and be Misty.

I so badly wanted to emulate her in every way  from a dancer to a teacher to a person, she said.

But Schoh said Lowns mentorship taught her she didnt need to be someone else, just her best self, and that was a message Schoh and other MDU teachers passed on to their students.

Shes unstoppable, invincible, Schoh said of Lown. Misty could have stopped at Mistys Dance Unlimited and she would have been defined as successful.  Its been really fun for me and empowering to see that you dont ever have to stop.

These days, Mistys Dance Unlimited draws about 800 dancers every week, and MDU reaches another 600 area kids through community outreach, including classes at Boys & Girls Clubs branches, preschools, community events and more.

Five years ago, Lown started More Than Just Great Dancing, a company that provides member dance studios with a template that can help them emulate Mistys Dance Unlimited.

I was out speaking on the national circuits, writing for a national magazine, and people were just really interested in how we built what we did, and how we did it without losing our families, our minds, or compromising kids, because those are pretty common things to happen in the industry, Lown said.

After five years, there are 164 affiliated dance schools in 34 states, Canada, Australia, Aruba and Dubai serving 60,000 young dancers every week. More Than Just Great Dancing has become a very full-time job for Lown, and she has 10 employees in the MTJGD enterprise, eight of them full-timers (including her sister, Alana Hess, nine years her junior).

Lown also has a reach beyond those 60,000 young dancers through an online magazine called More Than Dancers, which started a year ago. Last month, the site had 200,000 visitors (from more than 90 countries) with a million Facebook engagements, and More Than Dancers is among the top 10 most popular dance-related accounts on Twitter.

More Than Dancers is launching a new summer dance festival in the Twin Cities next year. Its expected to draw 500 dancers, mostly from MTJGD-affiliated schools. Unlike most large gatherings of dancers, its not a competition. The emphasis will be on learning and not just about dance. There will be breakout sessions to help participants work out their paths in life after high school.

Nobodys done a dance festival that has this life- and college-planning focus, and I think thats really necessary, Lown said.

More than busy

Lown also regularly speaks on business development, creating wow experiences for clients, marketing, community service, work-life balance and other business and entrepreneurial topics. She recently returned from speaking at a convention of mortgage bankers in the Virgin Islands.

Lown also takes part in four or five Dance Revolution events a year as a performer and teacher  basically 2-day Christian dance conventions.

All but two months this year have her traveling, but April and September on her calendar say no speaking  family time. Those months were strategically chosen, Lown said, for the beginning of school in the fall and for preparation for the annual MDU spring dance recitals, which draw thousands of spectators for multiple performances every year at Viterbo Universitys Fine Arts Center.

Family time is important to Lown. Shes had an extended break from teaching dance classes to make more time for her husband, Mitch (her high school sweetheart at La Crosse Logan), and their daughter and four sons: 15-year-old Isabella, whom Lown says is an even stronger dancer than she was at that age; 13-year-old Mason, an avid water skier; 11-year-old Sam, a talented dancer and member of the MDU competitive hip-hop team; 9-year-old Max, who is into all things sports, all the time; and 7-year-old Benji, who loves music and science and is extremely inquisitive.

As busy as she is between her family and ever-growing enterprises, Lown makes it a point to find time for charitable work. Most notably, she started and led for seven years the annual Dancing With the La Crosse Stars fundraising event that raised $400,000 in those years for the American Red Cross  and she won top honors in the first one with her dance partner, UW-La Crosse Professor Robert Richardson.

She also started a free adaptive dance class for youths with disabilities, launched a dance education program at the Boys & Girls Clubs along with scholarships for 10 BGC members per year to take classes at MDU. And a grant program she helped start in 2011 has given $25,000 to area schools so far, with students writing their own proposals for grants of up to $250. MDU also gave more than $200,000 in cash and in-kind scholarships before starting the Chance to Dance Foundation three years ago.

And these are just the public things. Sandy Averill said her daughter does a lot of things anonymously, something confirmed by Mike Desmond, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater La Crosse.

(The Lowns) as a couple seem to really understand the meaning of what were all called to do, which is to make a difference in other peoples lives, especially the most vulnerable, Desmond said.

Now that all her children are in school full-time, shes going to ease back into teaching at the studio for the first time in five years with an advanced ballet class on Tuesday nights.

Thats my sweet spot, working with teenagers, because they are making those daily choices about who they are and what they stand for and what they want to be when they grow up, she said.

After her early July trip to the book launch in Washington, D.C., coming back home to the chaos of a five-child household helped Lown put life into perspective again after the dizzying success of her book launch.

You come home and theyre like, Hey, welcome home, did you pick up milk? Lown said with a laugh. My real life is very real, so it definitely keeps me grounded.

Writing a book

Last fall, Lown started writing a book called Eight Steps to a Better Dance Studio, with the thought she could help more studio owners and teachers than she can reach through her More Than Just Great Dancing organization. She was an old hand at writing, having written about 50 stories for various publications over the years.

Lown was about halfway through writing it when she sat down with key members of her team. She had some doubts about where the book was going and wanted their advice.

Her core team members  there are about 15 between the dance studio and MTJGD  pressed her on what studio owners ask her when they ask her for advice.

And they always ask, How did you do it, and I always say, Just take it one small yes at a time, Lown recalled. Then we had this a-ha moment as a team where it was like, well clearly Im writing the wrong book.

Lown enrolled in a three-month, online book writing course called Make a Difference through a publisher called Difference Press that focuses on publishing books meant to have an impact for good on readers. The course forced Lown to ask herself hard questions she hadnt considered.

You know, who is your ideal reader? Who is the audience? What is your purpose? Why are you doing this? We worked backwards through the outline, so it was really a reverse engineered process, Lown explained. They say the worst thing you can do when you want to write a book is to start writing. You have to build the structure.

What Lown came up with had implications well beyond how to build a successful dance studio business. This book is about creating a path between where you are and what you feel like you are called to do, she said.

For the launch of the book, Lown and the six other authors in her class gathered at the publishers office in Washington, D.C., for a launch party on July 7, Lowns 41st birthday. Difference Press launches books by offering free downloads on Amazon for five days. By the end of the launch, One Small Yes topped 10,000 downloads, by far the most of any of the 174 books published in the history of Difference Press.

Hitting the 10,000 mark was extra sweet for Lown because the publisher had offered a reward for hitting that: a $1,000 donation to Global Groundwork, the charitable initiative launched by Lowns husband in the wake of the 2010 Haiti earthquake to establish a school in Port-au-Prince.

Shes our superstar, said Angela Lauria, the woman behind Difference Press and The Author Incubator, which put on the class Lown went through to write her book. I think the reason why her message was so appealing is it was so doable. So many people have these big messages about living your dreams.  I think her message is so accessible.

Lown was very happy about her books reception and the quantity of downloads. Weve had 90 five-star reviews, so I think its something people were glad they took the time to read, she said.

As far as Lowns mother is concerned, the book could not have been better. I thought it was very inspiring, she said. She just has a wonderful gift in telling her story in a way that people see themselves in it and they can relate to it.

Lown signed a publishing contract with Morgan James Publishing, which specializes in books on entrepreneurship. Some of my heroes of the entrepreneurial world were published by Morgan James, so for me, that was an especially sweet thing, she said.

For all the success of the book so far, Lown says she has tried to put that in perspective. My real reward is what I learned through the process, another layer of can-do. I can do this, I can discipline myself to get this done, and I can apply that discipline to something else.

Lown is quick to point out that the successful launch of the book, which will have a print edition that will be in Barnes & Noble stores next spring, went far beyond her own efforts. In addition to the editors and designers who helped get the book ready for publication after she had written it, there were also about 150 people on her launch team that read the book in advance and helped spread the word.

Success means many things to many people, but to me it means giving credit where credit is due and never forgetting the people who helped you along the way, Lown added. Ill talk about that as long as I have breath, and I think thats really important to model to kids.

One big yes

Lown certainly will never stop giving credit to Harold Deak Swanson, who gave Lown a big break and a big yes almost 20 years ago. In the fall of 1996, Lown won the Miss La Crosse/Oktoberfest Pageant, which shed entered the year before and finished as second runner-up. Not winning was disappointing, but looking back now it was the best thing that could have happened. It put her on the same path as Swanson, a well-known builder who was named festmaster in 1996.

Spending so much time together at parades and other events, they grew close. Swanson soon learned that Lowns dance students meant the world to her and that she had a big dream of having her own studio.

One day, Lown recalled, he said, I want to have breakfast with you at Marges. I said, What time? And he said 5 oclock. I said, In the morning? He said, Yeah, thats when you have breakfast.

At breakfast, Swanson offered to build Lown a dance studio on Braund Street in Onalaska.

He laid out a plan, and he gave me a job at his construction company, so I could save money for the things that would not be in the building but were still needed, a lot of other startup costs. He got up and shook my hand and said, Im going to build you that dance studio, Lown said. I mean, Im a kid, literally a 20-year-old kid from the North Side, and this guy takes a three-quarter-of-a-million-dollar gamble on me. No bank wouldve taken that chance on me, but Deak built me my first building on a handshake.

It didnt seem like a big gamble to Swanson.

She had a plan. It was a good plan, said Swanson, who after a year of Oktoberfest events saw Lown as family. Her foundation was good, and that was what was important.  I just wanted to help her out because I had a lot of empathy for her.

Swanson said he would have let the rent slide had Lown ever run into financial difficulties, but that never happened. Mistys Dance Unlimited took off in 1998 and grew by leaps and bounds. Lown bought the building from Swanson. Then she bought land from him on 12th Avenue South in Onalaska to build a new studio, an 11,000-square-foot building that opened in 2007.

Shes done extraordinarily well, Swanson said. She is so extremely focused on what she does. I am not amazed at all that she is so successful because she is so disciplined.

At MDU dance recitals, Lown regularly tells the story of how Swanson helped her get started. Swanson had long known about these shout-outs and had avoided going to the recitals. He didnt feel like he needed any kind of public recognition for his part in getting Lown started, especially in front of a full house in the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center, where MDU dance recitals are held these days, with six shows in a weekend.

But finally last year, Lown convinced Swanson to come. She had a plaque made and brought him up for a tribute and a hug.

I was kind of embarrassed. I didnt do it for the recognition, Swanson said.

Embarrassment aside, it was an emotionally touching moment, he said. I knew I had the daughter I never had.

Having Swanson at the recital was emotional for Lown, too. My favorite moment was after the show, Lown recalled. He comes by and he gave me this hug and he looks at me and says, You done good, kid. And then he walked off, and I just started sobbing my eyes out. To hear him say I had done well with what he had entrusted to me  there could be no higher praise.
Editors' pick: Originally published July 28.

The breach of the Democratic National Committee's email by the website Wikileaks published a trove of over 20,000 emails. It reminds us of the urgency of concerns surrounding cyber security.

"No email that you've ever written is ever deleted. There's always a copy out there," says Stephen Ward, a vice president with Pinkerton, an expert in risk management and security who specializes (among other things) in electronic security. "So you should always use that common sense approach: If this is something that's groundbreaking for my company or it could change the world, should I send that in an email? Probably not."

One of the biggest problems with cyber theft, he explained, is the online data can't be destroyed. Once a user's secrets are released, they're gone.

Ask any security expert and he or she tell you email's single biggest point of vulnerability is its open platform.

"Email is the most popular tool for spreading malware, compromising organizations, or stealing personal information," said James Scott, a Senior Fellow with the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology. "A single compromised email account can be used to map the organization through mailing lists, to compile client lists and profiles through established correspondence, to accumulate sensitive information, and to target and compromise other user accounts."

The guts of this system have remained largely unchanged since the 1970s. While clients and interfaces have gotten more complex, the basic email architecture remains swapping plain text files.

According to Amir Husain, CEO if cyber security firm SparkCognition, most people broadcast highly sensitive information across a very public platform.

"Email is based on a text format. There is nothing about email that incorporates security or encryption," he said. "It's basically an open network based on trust. From that there is the huge benefit that anybody on the planet can connect with anybody else on the planet, but the downside is that you can have what many people perceive to be a trusted communication scheme contributed to by people with malicious intent."

User Error

Technical exploits account for only a small portion of a hacker's success. The biggest vulnerability on a network is us.

"Attacks that target the user, such as phishing or social engineering campaigns, have a ridiculously high success rate," Scott said. For example, when "phishing," thought to be how the DNC's server was attacked, hackers send out emails with a link to websites containing malicious software.

As part of his job, Ward often conducts threat analysis for Pinkerton's clients, helping them to determine the vulnerable points in their security and computer networks. He has found one of the biggest challenge is getting end users to appreciate the importance of their role in day-to-day best practices.

"In one case when we did a review of a client, we took dongles branded with the client's name and dropped them all over the parking lot," he said. "We dropped 25 of these and 20 were turned in to security. Five of them were plugged in to devices."

Yet, for all the system's openness, experts say email can be considerably improved. It starts with the users.

Education on best practices such as the importance of encryption, application of unique passwords, and opening links and attachments only from proven sources, is essential, Husain said. Don't use passwords that can be easily deciphered. "A little bit of responsibility and education goes a long way," he said. "It's such a big part of our lives. If anything else was such a big part of our lives, you'd think that we would take some time on it."

Also, an email server's security can be improved, Scott said. Filters can identify the server where an email originated based on its IP address rather than the message's header, sorting them into "whitelists" of trusted origins. Malware detection tools can check the content of attachments, and firewalls can help reduce the risk associated with spam and phishing links.

In the end, "some information will always be too sensitive for electronic communication," Scott said. "Ultimately, email is a useful tool when used correctly; however, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure that the security mechanisms are sufficient to their needs and requirements."
The human gut is a complex and amazing system, and the more we learn about it, the more amazed we are. It turns out
If these shenanigans can happen right under the noses of U.S. senators, where else are they happening?

Well never know until we get more cops on the beat.

Im talking about wage theft. Thats the catch-all term for when employers pay their workers less than they legally owe them  by, for example, forcing them to work off the clock, paying below minimum wage or misclassifying them as independent contractors.

Wage theft is not a sexy crime. It rarely makes front-page news, even as it harms so many Americans living paycheck to paycheck. We dont know how prevalent it is, only how often it is discovered, which is highly dependent on how much the government invests in enforcement.

Last year, Labor Department investigators found $247 million in back wages owed to more than 240,000 workers. Thats more than $1,000 stolen from each worker, on average, or the equivalent of about three weeks pay for a typical maid, janitor or cashier.

Every once in a while, theres a chance to capture the publics imagination on this issue  such as this week, when it turned out that even in the hallowed halls of the U.S. Senate, hundreds of low-wage workers had been shortchanged. For six years.

This case involves Senate cafeteria workers, some of whom were so poorly paid that they were homeless, on public assistance or, in one case, moonlighting as a stripper to make ends meet. For about a year, they staged a series of demonstrations to demand a living wage.

In December, it looked as if theyd finally secured it. These employees work for a private company on a government contract, which was up for renewal. After great public pressure, senators made sure that the new contract included healthy raises.

Victory at last.

But immediately after the contract was signed, though, the company found a loophole.

See, the wages listed in the new contract were tied to specific occupation titles. The employer, Restaurant Associates, began demoting workers into lower-wage titles  from cook to food service worker, for example  which meant workers would be denied the raises they were promised.

Workers titles changed, but their duties didnt. This turned out to be a potential violation of federal law, which narrowly defines job descriptions for service occupations in government contracts.

A complaint was filed by Good Jobs Nation, an organization that has been trying to unionize low-wage federal contract workers. This week, the Labor Department announced the findings of its investigation.

It determined that Restaurant Associates and its subcontractor, Personnel Plus, must pay 674 workers $1,008,302 in back wages.

One funny thing about this finding: The Senate cafeteria workers knew theyd been underpaid. But they hadnt realized just how underpaid they were, and for how long.

Restaurant Associates had been shortchanging workers not only since the new contract was signed in December. According to investigators, it had been improperly classifying employees, not paying them for all the time they worked, and failing to pay required health and welfare benefits since at least 2010.

In a statement, Restaurant Associates attributed the violations to administrative technicalities related to our Associates evolving day-to-day work responsibilities. It said that the company had corrected the classifications. Workers Ive interviewed said that at least nine employees still dispute their classifications.

That hundreds of current and former Senate workers will soon receive back pay is a good thing. But what about other workers who have been victimized  who dont know their rights, who fear retaliation if they pipe up, and who dont have third-party groups and the congressional press corps paying attention?

Most workplaces are not the Senate cafeteria, said David Weil, the administrator of the Labor Department division that ran the investigation. Im worried about workplaces where workers are really alone, where theyre subjected to jaw-dropping violations of basic labor standards.

Today, fewer than 1,000 Labor Department investigators are looking into wage and hour law violations. Thats fewer than there were when Jimmy Carter was president, even though the U.S. workforce has grown more than 50 percent since.

In each of the past three years, the Obama administration has requested funding for more investigators; each time, Congress has denied the request.

Which is peculiar. Enforcement should be a bipartisan issue. If politicians truly care about inequality and fairness, reducing reliance on public assistance, making sure that the system isnt rigged against the little guy, and, for that matter, law and order, they should start by enforcing the laws already on the books  and by making sure hard-working Americans get every cent to which they are entitled.
Rafael Caro Quintero Sinaloa cartel Mexican drug cartel trafficker

In the '70s and '80s, Rafael Caro Quintero was one member of a triumvirate that built a sprawling drug empire in Mexico.

In a wide-ranging interview with Mexican magazine Proceso last week, Caro Quintero  who is still wanted by both the US and Mexican governments  rejected reports that he was up to his old tricks, even denying that he was ever a major trafficker, and disputed rumors that he had gone to war with his old cartel associates.

I know nothing of cocaine. I made my roots in marijuana, nothing more, Caro Quintero said during the interview. I sold it here, among the ranches  I never trafficked [drugs] to the United States, he added.

Caro Quintero's decades-long reign came to an end in 1985, when he was jailed for 40 years for his involvement in the kidnapping and killing of US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Caro Quintero was suddenly released in 2013, after a court overturned his conviction on a technicality. A higher court quickly reversed that decision, and new warrants for his arrest were issued, but he had already slipped away and has lived in hiding until recent weeks, when rumors emerged that he was taking on his old compatriots in an effort to reestablish himself in Mexico's narco scene.

Caro Quintero claimed in the Proceso interview that he exited the drug business in 1984 and has not returned since.

"I was a drug trafficker 31 years ago, and from that moment I am telling you that when I lost the crops from" the Buffalo Ranch in Chihuahua state, where Mexican authorities, tipped off by Camarena, destroyed a multibillion-dollar haul of thousands of pounds of marijuana in 1984, "there I ended that activity," Caro Quintero told Proceso.

"And never have I exercised it [since] and I'm not going to do it. I stopped being a drug trafficker and I say to you again: Please, leave me in peace."

Story continues

mexico drugs marijuana

There are good reasons to doubt Caro Quintero's protestations about his role in the drug trade.

Working in the drug trade since his youth, Caro Quintero likely doesn't know any other way of life. What's more, since both the US and Mexican governments are looking for him, there's probably little to dissuade him from further criminal activity.

"What does he then lose moving some kilos here or there?" Mexican security analyst Alejandro Hope asked in his column in Mexican newspaper El Universal this week.



Caro Quintero may also have a more urgent reason to pick up his old trade. During the interview, he admitted he was "doing bad economically."

Mike Vigil, a former chief of international operations for the DEA who worked in Mexico, told Business Insider that the kingpin was likely destitute, and "not going to settle for living in a shack in the mountains."

"My respect to both families"

Golden Triangle Mexico

Caro Quintero has maintained that he is staying out of Mexico's cartel battles.

He has rejected reports that he turned on his former associates in the Sinaloa cartel and joined with the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO), a former branch of the Sinaloa Cartel that has since become a rival.

In the interview with Proceso, Caro Quintero said that he had met with Sinaloa cartel leaders "El Chapo" Guzman and "El Mayo" Zambada after his release in 2013, greeting them on cordial terms, but saying he had no interest in the drug trade.

"In the first place I have no problems with any cartel. I don't know the Beltran Leyva family and I have no problem with them. Nor with the Guzman family, my respects to both families," Caro Quintero said. He stated further that he had no interest in a "war" with other cartels.

"Imagine, with almost 29 years that I was jailed, I would want more problems?"

On this point, Caro Quintero may be closer to the truth.

Rafael caro quintero

Vigil told Business Insider that Caro Quintero likely had much more modest ambitions than taking on the whole of the Sinaloa network. "He doesn't have the power to take over any of, like, the Sinaloa cartel. He just doesn't have the muscles," Vigil said.

"I think he's just trying to get back into the business and carve out a small piece of geography ... with a good, solid pipeline into the United States."

Reports from Mexico's Center for Investigation and National Security indicate Caro Quintero remained involved with the Sinaloa cartel while jailed, suggesting he could be working within the cartel now, rather than against it.

The fact that Caro Quintero was willing to come out of the shadows to contest these rumors in an interview  a very risky proposition for a fugitive  is telling, Hope wrote in his column.

Running the risks of going public with his denial might be an effort to convince the criminal underworld of his sincerity and to avoid conflict with the cartels.

As Hope has noted, it's one thing to clash with the Mexican government, but quite another to take on both the government and the Sinaloa cartel.

NOW WATCH: Federal agents found one of the longest US-Mexico drug tunnels hidden under a dumpster





More From Business Insider


YEREVAN, JULY 29, ARMENPRESS. Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan issued a statement over the situation created as a result of the armed assault at the Police station by the gunmen.

Armenpress presents the full statement:

1. The events in Yerevan, starting from the early morning of July 17, were accompanied by serious violations of the fundamental human rights. A Police Colonel has been killed, several were wounded as a result of the armed assault at the Police station.

2. The armed assault was followed by an unprecedented campaign of hatred speech and violence propaganda.

3. Both peaceful, as well as violent rallies took place during which the Police made violations of the freedom of peaceful rallies and personal freedom rights, there were also reports of torture and ill treatment.

4. A tense environment has been created among the public as a result of these events. It in its turn led to the increase of violence during the rallies, as well as the new violations by the Police.

5. The dangerous behaviors of the gunmen in recent days in the Police station (torching vehicles, irregular shots and etc) more escalated the situation. The above-mentioned actions create a direct threat to the rights of residents living near the Police station, especially the children and elderly people. This is evidenced by the public concerns of the residents.

6. Unfortunately, as a result of a firefight on July 27, both some of the gunmen and the law enforcement agencies were wounded.

7. The same day it was informed that the gunmen held the paramedics hostage who came to show medical assistance to the wounded in the Police station. This fact is especially unacceptable taking into account the doctors humanitarian high mission.

8. The same day it was reported that some of the gunmen are being kept in the Police station against their own will and cannot leave the Police precinct without engendering their life.

9. All these led to deepening the intolerance among the public. It is also concerning when certain groups of the society publicly encourage hatred and call for violence. The private and family life is being obviously neglected, against whom the hatred is directed.

10. Such situation hinders the competent state institutions to take efficient measures for preventing the human rights violations, as well as for giving proper solutions to these events, and creates distrust towards them. In connection with this, the entire system of guaranteeing human rights in Armenia is being seriously endangered leaving a negative impact on the rule of law.

11. Thus, the respective state bodies and the public figures must make active efforts aimed at eliminating and preventing the further human rights violations. It is necessary to ensure the restoration of tolerance within the public and finally, the peaceful and safe solution of the situation.
YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS. Maja Kocijancic - Spokesperson of the European Union External Action Service, issued a statement regarding the ongoing hostage crisis in Yerevan. The statement reads:

The latest developments in Armenia's capital Yerevan, related to the seized Erebuni police station, are very worrying. We call for an immediate release of the medical staff that is being held hostage. At the same time, we reiterate our call on the Armenian authorities to refrain from excessive use of force by the police in handling public manifestations. Likewise, demonstrators need to refrain from violence in the exercise of their civil rights. Use of force and violence to achieve political change are not acceptable. Conflicts need to be resolved through political dialogue with a respect for democracy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
YEREVAN, JULY 31, ARMENPRESS: The OSCE Yerevan office has issued a statement on recent events in Yerevan.

As "Armenpress" reports, the statement reads as follows: "We are following developments with growing concern. We deplore the death of another police officer this afternoon and wish to express our condolences to his family. With a view to the growing risk of escalation, we call on all sides to show maximum restraint from violence and to refrain from provocations. The situation should be resolved and public order restored in compliance with the rule of law".
The following editorial appeared in Fridays Wisconsin State Journal.

From 2004 to 2014, Wisconsin exports of goods to our free trade agreement partners abroad increased by 86 percent. The states international trade-related employment grew 10 times faster than total employment.

That dramatic expansion occurred during a period that included the worst recession since the Great Depression, triggered by a subprime mortgage collapse at home. Without the growth provided by freer global trade, where would we be now?

That is a question Wisconsin voters should ask as we consider the anti-free trade rhetoric coming from the Republican and Democratic presidential campaigns.

The United States began an era of acceleration for global trade with the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement. The pact reduced trade barriers, including tariffs and regulations, between the United States, Canada and Mexico. The results have been overwhelmingly positive, especially for Wisconsin. Since NAFTA, Wisconsin exports to Canada and Mexico have increased 286 percent.

Today, the United States has more than a dozen free trade agreements with countries ranging from Chile to Singapore to Morocco. In Wisconsin, more than one of every five jobs now depends on foreign trade. And consumers are benefiting from lower prices for televisions, computers, toys and more.

Despite these gains, both Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton have promised to change the U.S. course.

Trump declared he would pull the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a multi-nation agreement negotiated by the Obama administration that needs to be ratified by Congress. He wants to renegotiate NAFTA, and he threatened to put a 45 percent tariff on Chinese imports to the United States.

Clinton, who once supported the Trans-Pacific Partnership, now opposes it. She also touts her opposition to the 2005 Central American Free Trade Agreement. And the Democratic platform says the United States has signed too many trade deals that have not lived up to the hype.

Both parties try to have it both ways, claiming to support freer trade but arguing that so far, our freer trade deals have been unwise, costing us millions of jobs.

They are correct that as global markets have become freer, some U.S. industries have suffered because they cannot compete with lower-cost or better quality goods and services from abroad. That was predicted. The best response is to beef up temporary safety nets and education aid, not to reverse a course that has produced such large net benefits.

We have been down this road before. In 1930, amid a bout of anti-free trade fever, Congress passed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff, which raised taxes on imports. Foreign governments retaliated against U.S. goods, and international trade slowed, prolonging and deepening the Great Depression. Four years later, Congress realized its mistake and passed the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act to promote freer trade, but it was too little, too late.

Trump and Clinton are wrong. To turn our backs on freer trade now would be a costly mistake.

Both parties try to have it both ways, claiming to support freer trade but arguing that so far, our freer trade deals have been unwise, costing us millions of jobs. They are correct that as global markets have become freer, some U.S. industries have suffered because they cannot compete with lower-cost or better quality goods and services from abroad. That was predicted. The best response is to beef up temporary safety nets and education aid, not to reverse a course that has produced such large net benefits.
The Democratic Party has perhaps never been so radical or so conventional.

The Democrats are now to the left of President Barack Obama and are desperately trying to placate the teary-eyed, obstreperous shock troops of the Bernie Sanders Revolution, yet they also are portraying themselves as the party of sobriety and traditional political norms.

This year, Democrats want to fight the man and be the man, and running against Donald Trump, they might manage the feat.

At the Democratic convention, Sanders delegates  by all appearances the kind of people who typically work the giant puppets at street protests  nursed a sense of betrayal despite their undeniable success.

Hillary Clinton, who described herself as a New Democrat at the outset of her 2008 campaign, got pushed left during the course of this campaign on the Trans- Pacific Partnership, the Keystone pipeline, Social Security, the minimum wage, criminal justice and immigration.

The change on immigration is particularly stark. Back in 2008, after some waffling, Clinton opposed giving drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. Now, illegal immigrants address the Democratic convention and hail Obamas executive orders to allow them to stay in the country. The authority to issue those orders was so dubious that President Obama used to say it didnt exist, but now Clinton promises to go even further.

Nonetheless, the leftward march of the Democrats isnt the point of contention one would expect. On the high-profile issues, there is a stark difference between Trump and Clinton on immigration and guns, but not so much on trade, entitlements and the minimum wage, where the distinctions arguably involve only questions of sincerity or degree.

If the overlap in substance masks how the Democrats have changed, so does the way Democrats are selling themselves. They staged, despite some turmoil, a traditional convention with traditional speakers making traditional political pitches. They showcased rising stars, and a sitting and former president.

They wrapped their case for Clinton in anodyne commonplaces that pass for cutting attacks when running against Trump  you shouldnt mock disabled people, openly doubt the religion of your opponents or casually question the utility of decadeslong treaty commitments.

The wildness of Trump makes it possible for Democrats to try to sell a safe socialism, or a politics that is consistently left wing but doesnt scare the horses.

It may not have been his intention, but you could be forgiven for thinking that Bill Clinton in his convention speech sought to situate his wife on the left, while making her sound as boring as someone who has spent the entirety of her adult life attending committee meetings and serving on task forces.

In a campaign against Trump the populist, there was little risk Clinton could go too far left with her vice presidential pick, yet she still opted for the aggressively normal Tim Kaine, a career politician who has maintained the affect of a suburban dad. He comes off like the neighbor you trust to return your borrowed rake.

The self-styled party of normality is even playing the patriotism card. In 2008, Michelle Obama notoriously declared herself proud of her country for the first time. The other day she pronounced us the greatest country on earth (i.e., no need to make it great again). Democrats routinely hit Trump for calling the military a disaster, and President Barack Obama, in a speech invoking Ronald Reagans shining city on a hill, all but called Trump un-American.

The classic Chris Matthews distinction is that Democrats are the Mommy party and Republicans the Daddy party. This has never been more true, except Democrats believe they can convince voters that Daddy is off bragging to tabloid reporters about his romantic exploits under an assumed name  among other disturbingly erratic acts.
Asda has confirmed it will stop selling eggs that come from hens in cages by 2025.

The move comes after mounting pressure for Asda, which is the last major UK supermarket to announce the move, to follow its competitors in selling barn-reared and free-range eggs only.

Asdas parent company, Walmart, announced a company-wide policy to phase out caged eggs by 2025 in April but at the time Asda remained tight-lipped on whether it planned to follow suit.

This year has seen a number of high-profile retailers and supermarkets decide to end the sale of caged eggs.

A schoolgirl who petitioned Tesco to stop the sale of caged hen eggs earlier this year, with success, has now won over Morrisons and Asda.

14-year-old Lucy Gavaghan, the petition creator said: "2016 will be the year that a total ban on caged hen farming will be closer than it has ever been."

'Year of caged hen farming ban'

Last week, Sodexo, the worlds leading Quality of Life services company with operations in 80 countries, has joined the growing number of companies that have also committed to sourcing only cage-free eggs in their global supply chains, including Unilever, Grupo Bimbo and Nestle.

More than 60 food companies - including McDonalds, Lidl, Aldi, Tesco, Morrisons, Burger King and Walmart - have all announced a complete transition to cage-free eggs.
The Green Liberty Party is a fusion party that combines both Green and Libertarian concepts. Primarily the GLP is concerned with ending the rackets called "war on drugs" and "war on terror". GLP candidate Mark Paul Miller will use the Office of President to research, expose and stop these two government rackets that have taken lives and money from U.S. voters. It is possible for a write-in candidate to win the election if they get enough votes.

The Green Liberty Party seeks to win the U.S. Presidential election with Mark Paul Miller running as a write in candidate. The current choices between madman Trump and corrupt Hillary are not representative of a democracy. Then there is Dr. Jill Stein and Gary Johnson who are both "too far" left or right respectively for most moderates to support them. Stein is too socialist for most libertarians while Johnson is too libertarian for most socialists. This leads to the problem of centrists feeling obligated to vote for either status quo "mainstream" candidate despite both of them being hopelessly corrupt.Am using my father's name Paul as there are several other politicians named "Mark Miller" so I don't want to be confused with them. Am also using my father's name because as a veteran he was exposed to Agent Orange against his knowledge and these sort of injustices need to be addressed. His memory is running along with me in this election. Modern veterans returning from Iraq face serious health challenges after dealing with their exposure to depleted uranium. As President I would make sure that ALL veterans had access to medical cannabis despite their states prohibitionist policies. The plant "Cannabis sativa" would be made available to all sick veterans in hospitals free of charge and made legal for all others on the federal level. The GLP would also encourage local universities to further research the study from Spain's Complutense University that discovered THC kills cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact. The GLP sees this discovery by Dr. Christina Sanchez and her team as a medical breakthrough and something that should be shared with everyone in the U.S. and beyond.To be realistic and honest I admit that I've never held office before and have no experience in politics other than historical and current events research. My college training is in science and biology, my jobs were varied. Am well traveled and familiar with many of the local issues people face throughout the U.S., and understand that each region has their own needs and one approach doesn't fit all. I would argue that this lack of political experience also results in a lack of corruption. Basically my "beginners mind" prevents me from being influenced by the "business as usual" corruption that plagues the two mainstream candidates. Though I cannot claim to be "incorruptible", I have my own interest at stake as a citizen and also that of everyone else. By fixing our collective mistakes the U.S. can be free from the rackets discussed below.The only "promises" that I will make are to end the corrupt rackets of the "war on drugs" and the "war on terror". These are monumental goals yet can be accomplished by someone with no ties to the military weapons contractors or the prison guard unions. Other hopeful goals include "repeal and withdraw from NAFTA" and no more government subsidies to the following; tobacco, corn, wheat, beef, poultry, dairy, soy, pork, sugar, etc... These agribusiness corporations have relied on government subsidies for decades and produced less nutritious products over time. Some like tobacco and sugar were never healthy to begin with, yet are made more dangerous by chemical additives. Local small organic farmers would be encouraged, citizens who want to take up small scale farming will receive government support to help them on their feet. Once they become successful they would only need help in times of drought, though most should be self sustaining and not require any government assistance.The GLP drug policy would include legalization of safe plants like cannabis for taxation and regulation. The hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin, meth, crack, etc... would be decriminalized though destroyed if found. If a cop were to pull over someone transporting cocaine the people would be released though the cocaine would be seized and destroyed. Those with addiction problems can choose to enter rehab if they wish voluntarily. If they are in a state of ill health to where their life is in danger rehab can be mandatory for mental health "danger to self" reasons. Another option is to legalize coca leaf and opium poppy in it's unrefined plant state and encourage people with addiction problems to use the natural versions instead. The refining process of coca leaf and poppy into cocaine and heroin is what makes them so addictive, so having a natural plant available would deter many from using the harder refined versions.GLP foreign policy is one of voluntary outreach in the event of natural disasters, not hostile military interventions or meddling in governments. For the last several decades since WW2 the U.S. has played the role of global police force and this cannot continue. The only beneficiaries of the military occupations are military weapons contractors and some corporations like Halliburton. Far from being isolationist, the GLP will encourage the military to help people after natural disasters. Overseas military bases will be shut down and returning soldiers will be trained for defense only. The CIA will no longer meddle in foreign governments by establishing puppet dictators loyal to U.S. corporate interests. We can better ensure peace domestically and abroad by not stepping on the toes of other nations. The war on terror racket will end as ISIS and other terrorist groups are no longer created. The GLP will further investigate how both Al Queda and ISIS were created by U.S. funding them to fight the Soviets and Syria's President Bashar al Assad.Further details on GLP foreign policy are similar to General Smedley Butler's book "War is a Racket";"CHAPTER ONEWar Is A RacketWAR is a racket. It always has been.It is possibly the oldest, easily the most profitable, surely the most vicious. It is the only oneinternational in scope. It is the only one in which the profits are reckoned in dollars and thelosses in lives.A racket is best described, I believe, as something that is not what it seems to the majority ofthe people. Only a small "inside" group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefitof the very few, at the expense of the very many. Out of war a few people make hugefortunes.In the World War [I] a mere handful garnered the profits of the conflict. At least 21,000 newmillionaires and billionaires were made in the United States during the World War. Thatmany admitted their huge blood gains in their income tax returns. How many other warmillionaires falsified their tax returns no one knows.How many of these war millionaires shouldered a rifle? How many of them dug a trench?How many of them knew what it meant to go hungry in a rat-infested dug-out? How many ofthem spent sleepless, frightened nights, ducking shells and shrapnel and machine gunbullets? How many of them parried a bayonet thrust of an enemy? How many of them werewounded or killed in battle?"The GLP campaign is more about what we won't do than what we will do. Using the internet free websites means that we don't rely on campaign contributions from lobbyists. For cynical people who won't vote for Hillary or Trump the GLP is the best option. The GLP is centrist in outlook other than being against corruption, we represent the "militant middle". Just dismantling the war on terror and war on drugs rackets will be accomplishment enough, that doesn't leave room to push either socialist or libertarian policies.Currently there is no GLP vice president candidate though if possible drafting Bernie Sanders or Jesse Ventura would be first choices. In the unlikely event that I were to win, I will try to dismantle these two rackets. That is my present to the people, including myself. Though I cannot promise much else, better to just accomplish those two outlined goals. Other issues will need to be handled on a local level, the federal government will remain intact for general programs like Social Security, food stamps, regulation, etc...
4:31pm: MLB.coms Mark Bowman implies that talks between the two sides arent especially active at the moment, tweeting that if the Braves revisit Kemp discussions with the Padres, then San Diego would seemingly have to be willing to take on the remaining money owed to Hector Oliver in a swap of bad contracts. Currently serving a suspension under MLBs domestic violence policy, Olivera is owed $28.5MM from 2017 through 2020.

3:34pm: The Padres are working to trade Matt Kemp and are willing to eat the vast majority of the money he is owed, reports ESPNs Jim Bowden (via Twitter). The Braves are one of two teams to which San Diego is currently talking he adds. FOXs Ken Rosenthal tweets that he hears similar chatter. The Padres are working to move Kemp, and theyve talked to the Braves, who are looking for ways to add to their offense.

Kemp, 31, is owed $21.5MM in each of the next three seasons, and the Padres are on the hook for $18MM of that sum on an annual basis. (The Dodgers are picking up the other $3.5MM in each of those seasons.) Trading him has long seemed like a difficult feat, as Kemps considerable power is largely negated by his poor defense and his difficulty getting on base. Though hes clubbed 24 homers this season, Kemp is hitting .262/.285/.489 overall, which translates to just a few ticks above the league-average batting line, per park-adjusted metrics like OPS+ and wRC+.

The Braves have, in the past, been said to be willing to take on large contracts in order to acquire meaningful prospects from a trading partner. It seems unlikely, however, that the rebuilding Padres, who have been accumulating as much minor league talent as possible as of late, would give up any of their top-tier talent to shed Kemps deal. From a speculative standpoint, the Braves could look to utilize Nick Markakis contract to balance out some of the salary involved, though taking on Markakis could prove troublesome for the Padres, who undoubtedly would like to give slugging corner outfield prospect Hunter Renfroe a chance to bring his career .323/.351/.594 batting line at Triple-A to the Majors.
- Faisal and Zara got married this July in Abuja

- Saturday was the conclusion of the week-long celebration

- Comedian Bovi and rapper Olamide performed at the wedding

This weekend, #FZ2016 has been flooding Instagram and for good reason. The hashtag is for the couple Faisal Abdullahi and Zara Shagari who had their final marriage celebration this Saturday in Abuja.

READ ALSO: See 10 amazing village couples pre-wedding shoot (photos)

Their Hausa wedding can only be described as a perfect end to the month of July as Zara is trending for being a breathtaking and flawless Hausa bride. All the outfits of the Muslim bride were on point with even her bridesmaids slaying in their outfits by Elie Saab.

Nigerian comedian Bovi and popular rapper Olamide were also part of the wedding.

READ ALSO: Check out 7 Efik brides who can easily steal your man!

The wedding was planned by the wedding guru and photographed by the great George Okoro. See photos from the week-long celebration below:

Source: Legit.ng
Many adverse climate changes already are occurring with increasing frequency: melting glaciers, rising ocean levels, higher average global temperatures and extreme weather events are among them. These occurrences are measurable, and, therefore, beyond debatable.

There is an overwhelming scientific consensus as to the main cause: human activity, particularly the release of CO2 and other fossil fuel emissions into the atmosphere. There also is scientific agreement that within two or three decades earths climate will become exceedingly more challenging to live with  or in some places, impossible. This will occur, scientists report, in many parts of the planet, including in our own country. Why do we not have a national program consistent with the Paris Climate Accord to limit our risk of catastrophe?

One limiting factor includes misleading news accounts that suggest there is a significant controversy among scientists about the effects of greenhouse gases. At this point, there should be no controversy.

The fossil-fuel industry has invested a great deal of money to stir up a false controversy. One example: a scientist with good credentials has argued for years that sun activity and other natural events are driving climate change. A New York Times investigation, however, uncovered the fact that this scientist received more than $1 million from the fossil-fuel industry. They reported that in at least 11 papers that the scientist published, he inexcusably failed to disclose the conflict-of-interest.

How strong is the scientific agreement on the link between human activity and global warming? Seven reviews of this relationship have been conducted, with a median figure of 97 percent scientific agreement that human-produced greenhouse gases are driving global warming.

The public, however, is less sure about this. A 2014 polling review by Yale University indicated that 48 percent of American adults endorse the scientific consensus. Another 35 percent, though, said natural causes lead to global warming. The media have the duty to report the scientific facts, and we as citizens have an obligation to act upon that information in order to protect our future.

In addition to misleading reports, there is a second factor at work: the natural tendency to initially turn away when a severe loss has occurred or is about to occur. Psychologist Mary Pipher, in her book The Green Boat, explores the relevance of this for the issue of climate change. She writes: Psychologists know that delivering too much bad news at once leads to emotional shutdown. But sugarcoating facts doesnt inspire positive change, either. She offers an alternative to denying what we should accept as climate change: we should form groups to advocate for the reduction of carbon emissions and to provide mutual support as we face a very uncertain future.

Many in our U.S. House of Representatives are encouraging denial. This year, for the second time, the House passed a measure that would prevent future Department of Defense planning from including any consideration of climate change. It appears to me that, once again, financial contributions from the fossil-fuel industry have led to efforts to block accurate information, even when that information is needed for national defense. Thankfully, the Senate is not going along with this misguided measure.

With CO2 levels in the atmosphere already too high, and time running out, we are starting to see some movement in the right direction by a few members of the House. Sixteen of its members  eight Democrats and eight Republicans  have put the future of the planet above short-term political gain. They have formed the Climate Solutions Caucus. Founded in February by two Florida representatives, The Caucus will serve as an organization to educate members on economically-viable options to reduce climate risk and protect our nations economy, security, infrastructure, agriculture, water supply and public safety, according to their official statement of purpose. To maintain a partisan balance, membership will maintain an even number of Democrats and Republicans.

What can we do as individuals? Yes, we should find ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and conserve energy. But we also need to be strong advocates for climate change legislation. Currently, no Wisconsin representative has joined the Climate Solutions Caucus. Lets write letters and emails to Rep. Ron Kind to ask him to find a Republican partner on this issue and join this caucus.

We can also take Mary Piphers suggestion: band together to urge reductions in carbon use. I recommend two organizations: Citizens Climate Lobby and 350.org. Information about each easily is accessible on the internet.

Its time that we face the facts about fossil fuels and take constructive action. Denial is not an option.
America's two major political parties presented different angles on their presidential nominees in conventions in the last two weeks, Democratic pollster Paul Maslin of Madison said in a TV interview Sunday.

Republicans framed Donald Trump as a change candidate in a political world of status quo. Democrats' message around Hillary Clinton was that America is a diverse, complicated country that needs to work together, not individually.

When asked by the host what keeps him awake at night with 100 days to go before the November election, Maslin said on "UpFront with Mike Gousha" that it's wondering where the voters are on the two candidates.

"They don't like either one of them, and ultimately they're going to say, who's got something that's going to help me and my future and my family economically?" Maslin said. "Who's going to keep the country safe and secure domestically and abroad, internationally? And then third, maybe even the most important thing, does one of these people have their act together, can actually do this job and make me feel confident in this mess that they're going to handle things? I think that's perhaps where the things started to turn this week toward Hillary Clinton and against Donald Trump, but we've still got three months to go."

Maslin said he sees Florida as a must-win state for Trump, and Ohio and Pennsylvania likely fall into the same category.

"Presumably because of all that's happened here, including what he said about immigrants and Latinos, Colorado, perhaps Nevada may be moving away from him and those have generally been close states," Maslin said. "Tim Kaine's selection as (Democratic vice presidential nominee) I think makes (Trump's) odds tougher now in Virginia, which is also a crucial state.

"The only way for them to get to 270 votes is ultimately they have to win Florida and Ohio and Pennsylvania and probably somewhere else  an Iowa or a New Hampshire or Wisconsin, but somewhere else as well. It's still possible. It's an inside straight, but inside straights sometimes hit."

Wisconsin's importance to the presidential election is yet to be determined, Maslin said. Clinton isn't yet running advertising here, but Democrats would have to combat Republican spending, he said.

In a Marquette Law School Poll earlier this month, Clinton had a six-point lead among registered Wisconsin voters.

"It's not a runaway," Maslin said. "The polling prior to the conventions ... had Hillary Clinton with a single-digit lead but not a double-digit lead. And a lead that's closer to four, five, six points, which is more like (Barack) Obama (in) 2012 than Obama in 2008 when it was a blowout, double digits. Yes, she has an advantage. No, it's not a big margin."
A green polymer derived from bio-waste was applied to the dye-sensitized solar cells. Chitosan obtained from the insects' and crustaceans' chitin was modified to produce the phthaloylchitosan electrolyte for the dye-sensitized solar cells with efficiency of more than 7%.

Chitosan is a natural polymer derived from chitin that can be found in shrimps, lobsters and crabs. Chitosan is odorless, non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible and has high mechanical strength. This biopolymer has a many potential applications such as pharmaceutical and biomedical engineering, food packaging industry, paper production, textile, cements, finer and film formation, and waste water treatment. Chitosan can be applied as polymer host in polymer electrolytes (salt dissolved in high molecular weight polymer solvent). However, chitosan has poor solubility and can only dissolve in dilute acids. Hence, chitosan has been modified via N-phthaloylation in order to improve its solubility. N-Phthaloylchitosan can be dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl-acetamide (DMAc), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and pyridine. In this work, gel polymer electrolyte based on phthaloylchitosan has been prepared and applied in dye-sensitized solar cells.

The dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) have the potential as a low cost greener alternative to the available silicon (Si) semiconductor based solar cells. The Si solar cells have now reached efficiencies of the order of 25% in the laboratory and commercial Si solar panels have efficiencies of the order of 15-16%. These panels are very expensive due to the need of highly pure crystalline materials for making the solar cells. Also, toxic materials used during the production of Si result in environmental pollution. The polycrystalline Si and other thin film based solar cells are comparatively cheaper but low in efficiencies. The less expensive amorphous Si based solar cells have lower life time of around 3-4 years only.

On the other hand, DSSC, which were introduced by Michael Gratzel of Switzerland in 1991, are much cheaper as they do not require single crystal materials for their operation. A DSSC consists of a cheaper wide band semiconductor such as titanium di oxide (TiO2) sensitized with a dye to absorb light and an electrolyte containing a redox couple (usually I-/I3-). The TiO2 is a non-toxic material widely used in cosmetic industry. For DSSC fabrication, the TiO2 is deposited on a conducting glass substrate (indium tin oxide, ITO or Fluorine doped tin oxide, FTO) and form a nanoporous network of particles which leads to the increase of surface area for dye coverage. The counter electrode is another conducting glass coated with a thin layer of platinum. The electrolyte is sandwiched between the working electrode containing the dye sensitized TiO2 and counter electrode.

The operation principle of the DSSC is as follows. The photoanode consists of a transparent conducting glass (TCG) onto which is coated with a titanium dioxide (TiO2) semiconductor and soaked in a ruthenium dye. The gel phthaloylchitosan electrolyte that has been added with mediators is sandwiched between the photoanode and the counter electrode, usually platinum. The dye molecules absorb incident light and become energized. This leads to an electron being released from each dye molecule. The electrons enter and percolate the TiO2 semiconductor and leave the cell to the external circuit through the TCG and finally reach the counter electrode. At the counter electrode, the mediators capture the electrons and transfer them to the dye molecules that have released electrons after absorbing light. The dye is then replenished. The electron flow is completed and current is produced. This process continues until light is switched off. The DSSC employing N-phthaloylchitosan gel polymer electrolyte exhibited high power conversion efficiency of 7 -- 8 %.
Publicis Groupe SA put the chairman of its Saatchi & Saatchi advertising agency on leave after he was quoted dismissing the debate on gender bias as over.

In a wide-ranging interview with Business Insider published Friday, Saatchi & Saatchi Executive Chairman Kevin Roberts said he doesnt spend any time on gender issues at his agency, saying the issue is way worse in sectors such as financial services, where there are problems left, right, and centre.

It is for the gravity of these statements that Kevin Roberts has been asked to take a leave of absence from Publicis Groupe effective immediately, Publicis Chief Executive Officer Maurice Levy said Saturday in a statement. It will ultimately be the Publicis Groupe Supervisory Boards duty to further evaluate his standing.

Robertss remarks dont uphold the no-tolerance policy toward behaviour or commentary in the spirit of Publicis Groupe and its celebration of difference, according to the statement. Promoting gender equality starts at the top, and the Groupe will not tolerate anyone speaking for our organization who does not value the importance of inclusion, Publicis said in the statement, which also was released internally to employees.

Publicis is a multinational advertising and public relations firm based in Paris. It has owned Saatchi & Saatchi since 2000.

Roberts, 66, didnt respond to an email sent to his work address. Prior to becoming chairman, Roberts served as CEO Worldwide of Saatchi & Saatchi from 1997 until 2014. A citizen of New Zealand, he was born in the north of England, according to his biography on Saatchi & Saatchis website.

Roberts views are not mine, and nor are they the position of the agency, Robert Senior, worldwide CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, said in a statement. He said he was proud that 65 per cent of the agencys staff was female, including women in senior leadership roles across the business.

Levy, who is 74 years old, added: Diversity & inclusion are business imperatives on which Publicis Groupe will not negotiate. While fostering a work environment that is inclusive of all talent is a collective responsibility, it is leaderships job to nurture the career aspirations and goals of all our talent.

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OTTAWAWhen Edward Snowden began leaking secrets about mass surveillance in the United States, Canadas electronic spy agency quietly wondered if their security screening was sufficient to stop a copycat.

Newly released documents show some of the behind-the-scenes actions taken by the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) three years ago, when contractor Snowden first pulled back the curtain on the Wests pervasive mass surveillance capabilities.

Whatever changes were contemplated have been blacked out from the heavily censored document, most watermarked secret or top secret. While the documents note that CSE is generally confident in its security clearance process for contractors, officials added that contractors are only assessed for engagement for short, defined periods of time.

Snowden fled the U.S. with a massive cache of documents relating to the National Security Agency, CSEs American counterpart and close partner, while he was working as a contractor for the spy agency. While hiding in Hong Kong in 2013, Snowden passed the documents to reporters from the Washington Post and the Guardian newspapers.

On June 6, 2013, the first stories about U.S. mass surveillance hit the front page  the NSA had a program called PRISM, which gave them direct access to the data mined by massive internet companies including Google and Facebook.

Within a month, CSE officials told then chief John Forster the agency might want to review some of its security practices around external contractors.

Similar to its allies, CSE relies significantly on contractors for expertise in a broad range of activities, the documents, requested by the Star in 2013 and obtained only this month, read.

(But) there are some areas of contractor engagement that may benefit from a review of current practices.

Two weeks later, another memo to Forster complained about a pervasive lack of knowledge and understanding, in the public realm, of CSEs role and mission. The secretive spy agency, who had received less than 40 media calls in 2012, was suddenly thrust into the spotlight.

As CSE has not been able to provide the level of detail about activities that the media requested, academics, so-called experts and commentators have provided their opinions on the subject, the memo reads.

While some commentators have been well-versed on the issues, and have outlined accurate accounts of CSE activities, others, including [name censored] have inaccurately represented CSEs activities and authorities.

CSE has been accused of being too secretive, which has led to misunderstandings of the agencys activities and authorities. This has highlighted the need for outreach to the academic community and to the media.

CSEs communications staff recommended a briefing for academics and journalists, including reporters at the Star, La Presse, the Globe and Mail, the CBC and a number of other outlets both Canadian and international. It does not appear that briefing took place.

CSE did give a briefing earlier this year, when its independent oversight body revealed the agency had inadvertently broken the law by transferring Canadian metadata to international partners. It was touted at the time as the first press conference in CSEs 70 year history.

More of Snowdens documents were reported over the summer in 2013. The U.S. and Britain, two members of the Five Eyes security alliance that includes Canada, spied on foreign diplomats at a G20 summit. The NSA spied on ordinary German citizens as well as high-value targets like Chancellor Angela Merkel. The Americans also kept tabs on foreign media organizations.

As the stories continued to roll out both in North America and abroad, the CSE kept a careful eye on the debate in the United States. An August 14 memo to Forster noted that while a dozen or so important disclosures about U.S. signals intelligence had been revealed, the debate in that country stayed stubbornly on the collection of telephone metadata.

On August 28, Forster briefed the prime ministers national security adviser about Snowden. At the time, documents revealing CSEs powers and actions had not yet been made public  but the agency had figured out just how much Snowden accessed and downloaded.

CSE has focused its efforts on reviewing key Canadian (signals intelligence) access and collection capabilities that are deemed most valuable to determine the potential damage should information on these capabilities be released, Forster wrote.

CSE and its Five Eyes partners are working together to ensure consistent public messaging across all the allies regarding the unauthorized disclosures and their impact.

The Star requested an interview with CSE about their security screening of external contractors, and what changes the agency has put in place after Snowdens disclosures. In a written response, the agency said they could not discuss security issues.

However, I can tell you that CSE constantly reviews its security posture to ensure that security policies and practices remain effective at protecting CSEs capabilities and information, wrote agency spokesperson Ryan Foreman in an email, noting contractors must undergo an extensive screening process that includes an in-depth interview, polygraph testing, and a psychological review.

Foreman added that Snowdens disclosures have been harmful to CSEs operations  a line Five Eyes countries have consistently used since Snowden first revealed their activities.

Snowden remains living in exile in Moscow, but has said repeatedly said that he would return to the United States if he could be guaranteed a fair trial. The 33-year old recently joined the U.S.-based Freedom of the Press organization as a director.

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Whether a book or a movie premiere, each new Harry Potter release drew legions of kids worldwide who lined up wearing pointy hats and wizards cloaks, anxious to find out the newest twists in the fantasy.

Outside Mabels Fables bookshop on Mount Pleasant Rd., the air would be electric with anticipation as Potterheads and Wizkids counted down the seconds to the midnight hour for each new launch. The novels captured the imaginations of children who lived and breathed the adventures of Harry, his friends and foes at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Hype surrounded the release of each book, and later the blockbuster movies. The books were kept under lock and key and available for sale at the stroke of midnight, when sealed boxes were ceremoniously opened for the consumption of ravenous young readers. The scene was to be repeated Saturday at midnight, at Torontos Bad Dog Theatre, when the latest release  Harry Potter and the Cursed Child  went on sale worldwide.

Jeremy King was 9 when he fell under the spell, and he read the books into his teens. Now the inventory manager at Mabels Fables, he was also among the fans who flocked to movie theatres to watch breakout stars Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) and Emma Watson (Hermione). The first movie came out in Toronto in November 2001.

Fast forward and the kids whose noses were buried between the covers of Harry Potter are more likely to be transfixed on whats happening on Twitter. At 25, King says hes curious about the newest book, but not with the same ardour. He wants to know how Harry has transitioned from wild superstar at school to parent.

Unlike the seven earlier tomes, the newest is a play aimed at big kids who grew up with Harry.

(The play is currently on an exclusive run in Londons West End where audiences at advance shows are sworn to secrecy.)

King admits his zeal began to wane in his mid-teens. Book seven (the Deathly Hallows) was like closing a chapter, King says of his changing tastes as he matured. But waiting for the latest story to hit the streets conjures up memories of his early connections to the young wizard.

At 9 or 10 (years old), what kid didnt want to wake up with an owl tapping on the window with a letter, says King, referring to Potters messenger, Hedwig. And I thought it was so cool that Harry lived at school with friends.

King says he was drawn to the series because author J.K. Rowling created characters and locations that were so real. You could imagine being one of those students and getting lost in the magical adventures. King was 13 when he attended the midnight launch for the release of the Order of the Phoenix, and remembers standing outside Mables with other kids and their parents as a television crew documented the scene.

Erin Grittani was working as a camp counsellor outside Montreal when the first Harry Potter book was released in Canada in 1998. I was totally swept up in the hype and dreaded the thought of kids coming to camp whod read the book spoiling it for me, says the education manager at Mabels. It was a legitimate fear.

Grittani, 35, got hooked on the fantasy as a young adult imagining herself part of Slytherin, one of four student houses at Hogwarts. They have a certain cunning I really like, she says. Her favourite character is Prof. Severus Snape, potions master at Hogwarts, and played on screen, just as she imagined him to be, by the late Alan Rickman.

Because the target readership is older  roughly 20 to 35  a different buzz surrounds the latest release, says Grittani, who was fielding many calls and messages on social media from people interested in the launch.

She says of The Curse: Potterheads who grew up with Harry will lose their minds for this.

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In a sign of changing times for the U.S. military, the Navy plans to name a ship after Harvey Milk, the gay rights leader and San Francisco supervisor who was assassinated in 1978.

Ray Mabus, the secretary of the Navy, has notified Congress that he will name a fleet oiler for Milk, the first openly gay elected official in a major American city. The notice was reported by USNI News on Thursday and was confirmed Friday by a Navy official.

The move comes five years after President Barack Obama ended the militarys dont ask, dont tell policy, allowing gays, lesbians and bisexuals to serve openly. Last month, the Pentagon lifted restrictions on transgender peoples serving openly.

Gay rights activists and friends of Milk in San Francisco were already celebrating the long-awaited news. In 2012, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a resolution calling on Mabus to name a ship for Milk, who served in the Navy from 1951 to 1955.

Milks life has been the subject of books, movies, and an opera. He was played by Sean Penn in the 2008 movie Milk, for which Penn won an Oscar for best actor. A 1984 documentary, The Times of Harvey Milk, also won an Academy Award.

Scott Wiener, a member of the Board of Supervisors, praised the decision in a post on Medium, an online publishing platform.

When Harvey Milk served in the military, he couldnt tell anyone who he truly was, he wrote. Now our country is telling the men and women who serve, and the entire world, that we honour and support people for who they are.

Milk joined the Navy in 1951 and was stationed in San Diego as a diving instructor. He left in 1955 with the rank of lieutenant junior grade, according to a biography on the website of the Harvey Milk Foundation, run by his nephew, Stuart Milk.

Both of his parents also served in the Navy; his mother was a yeomanette during World War I, the biography says.

In the years that Milk served, military policy banned gay, lesbian and bisexual service members. Gay sailors were often harassed, courtmartialed and given dishonourable discharges. Those practices were eased somewhat in 1994 with the Clinton administrations dont ask, dont tell policy, which allowed them to serve if they did not disclose their orientations.

Mabus, who has made it a priority to expand the Navys fleet since he was appointed by the president in 2009, has provoked some controversy with his naming decisions. Among his choices have been civil rights activist Cesar Chavez and former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., who survived being shot in the head at a campaign event in 2011.

Some lawmakers have argued that Navy ships should only bear the names of former presidents or of people who have served in the military.

In January, Mabus named a ship after Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., a pivotal leader of the civil rights movement. Mabus said that ship, yet to be built, would be the first of six new fleet replenishment oilers, which bring fuel and supplies to other Navy ships at sea. The Harvey Milk would be the second ship in that fleet.

The notification to Congress listed names for four other ships:

Sojourner Truth, who escaped slavery in 1826 and travelled the country as an evangelist and rights activist.

Earl Warren, the Supreme Court justice who spoke for the court in the 1954 case that struck down legal school segregation.

Robert F. Kennedy, attorney general, senator and brother of President John F. Kennedy who pushed for civil rights before he was assassinated in 1968.

Lucy Stone, womens rights activist and abolitionist.

Milk was born in New York City and worked on Wall Street after his Navy service, then moved to San Francisco, where he opened a camera shop and became a leader in the gay community around Castro Street. He was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1977.

He had been in office for less than a year when he and Mayor George Moscone were gunned down by Dan White, a former city supervisor and political opponent.

Milk had received many death threats, and he recorded messages in case he was killed.

If a bullet should enter my brain, he said in one, let that bullet destroy every closet door.

Milks life continues to be a touchstone. On Thursday, at the Democratic National Convention, Tim Kaine, the vice presidential nominee, mentioned him in his roll call of civil rights leaders.

Harvey gave his life, Kaine said, to cheers from the crowd.

In 2009, Obama posthumously awarded Milk the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his exceptional leadership and dedication to equal rights.

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When it comes to first responders, Donald Trump might play favourites. Its no secret that the Republican presidential nominee likes police officers. A lot. But firefighters  that relationship may be just a bit more complicated.

Since Trumps campaign began, a series of fire officials across the country have become his unwitting nemeses, as Trump publicly grumbles about their enforcement of the capacity restrictions at some of his rally venues.

At a February event in Madison, Alabama, for instance, he complained at least twice that the fire marshal had closed the gates of the stadium where he said some 32,000 had come to hear him speak (local estimates put the figure of actual attendees at closer to 10,000). Let them come in, Mr. Fire Marshal, Trump said.

In a rare shift earlier this month, Trump had the opposite complaint: Phoenix officials, he said, broke the fire code by allowing too many people into the Convention Center room where hed spoken.

Those numbers didnt quite jibe with the count of 4,200 to 4,500 his campaign gave reporters at the event  or with the fire departments own numbers, which fell squarely in the middle of that range.

Once capacity was reached, we closed the doors. No rules or codes were broken, and no one was in danger at anytime, Phoenix Fire Department spokeswoman Shelly Jamison told local station KPNX, adding that the Trump campaign had been offered the use of a larger room, but had declined.

So there have been a few fiery attacks over the past few months. But on Friday in Colorado, Trump had a much less heated encounter with the Colorado Springs Fire Department after he and nine others were trapped in an elevator at The Mining Exchange Hotel.

The firefighters were able to secure the elevator, open the top elevator hatch, lower a ladder into the elevator, which allowed all individuals to self-evacuate, including Mr. Trump, onto the second-floor lobby area, fire department spokesman Steven Wilch told Colorado station KRDO in a Saturday report. Trump was over an hour late to his event at the University of Colorado campus located in solidly conservative Colorado Springs  but he made it.

If you think thats the sort of thing that might prompt him to mention the fire department in his remarks at that event, as you may have heard Friday, youre right! We have a fire marshal that said we cant allow more people, Trump said, as the crowd booed.  ... The reason they cant let them in is because they dont know what theyre doing.

Fire Marshal Brett Lacey, the candidate said, was probably a Democrat, probably a guy that doesnt get it.

Trump went on. Hey, maybe theyre a Hillary person. Could that be possible? Probably, he said, calling the restriction a disgraceful situation.

This is the kind of thing we have in federal government also, by the way, he said, and then you wonder why were going to hell. Thats why were going to hell.

Lacey  who was named Civilian of the Year by the department in February for his role responding to a pair of deadly mass shootings in the city  said later that he didnt mind the dig. He noted that hed allowed a last-minute boost in the number of individuals allowed in the room, after the Trump campaign reportedly distributed too many tickets. But in an interview with Colorados KKTV, the marshal refused to fight fire with fire.

Sometimes there are people that arent very happy with some of the rules and regulations were required to enforce, Lacey said. But it doesnt bother me at all.

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Khizr Khan, whose son died fighting in Iraq, said Sunday that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps temperament and lack of empathy render him unfit to lead the nation and that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan have a moral obligation to speak out against their partys standard-bearer.

Two things are absolutely necessary in any leader or any person that aspires, wishes to be a leader. That is moral compass and, second, is empathy. This candidate is void of both traits that are necessary for the stewardship of this country, Khan said on CNNs State of the Union.

He is a black soul. And this is totally unfit for the leadership of this beautiful country, Khan said

Speaking on NBCs Meet the Press, Khan said the U.S. political process is wonderful and beautiful and urged patriotic people not to vote for Trump.

I implore those patriotic Americans that would probably vote for Donald Trump in November, I appeal to them, not to vote for hatred, not to vote for fear-mongering. Vote for unity. Vote for the goodness of this country. Vote for liberty and freedom. So my appeal now is to the folks that are going to be thinking to vote for Trump, Khan said.

Khan and his wife appeared last week at the Democratic National Convention, where Khan gave an emotional speech in which he questioned whether Trump had ever read the U.S. Constitution and offered to lend him his copy. The Khans son, Army Capt. Humayun Khan, was killed in Iraq in 2004.

Khizr Khans wife, Ghazala, did not speak onstage. The Khans are Muslim, and Trump questioned why Ghazala Khan did not speak. She probably  maybe she wasnt allowed to have anything to say, he said.

In a subsequent interview, Ghazala Khan said she did not speak because she becomes overwhelmed with emotion whenever she sees her sons picture. (A large photo of Humayun Khan was displayed on the video screen onstage during her husbands speech.)

In an opinion piece published Sunday on The Washington Posts website, Ghazala Khan responded directly to Trump.

Donald Trump has asked why I did not speak at the Democratic convention. He said he would like to hear from me. Here is my answer to Donald Trump: Because without saying a thing, all the world, all America, felt my pain. I am a Gold Star mother. Whoever saw me felt me in their heart, she wrote.

She said Trump is ignorant when he talks about Islam. Trump has called for banning Muslims from entering the United States.

If he studied the real Islam and Koran (Quran), all the ideas he gets from terrorists would change, because terrorism is a different religion. she wrote. Donald Trump said he has made a lot of sacrifices. He doesnt know what the word sacrifice means.

On Sunday, Khizr Khan defended his wifes silence at the convention, telling CNN that she is ill, has high blood pressure and cannot keep herself composed when she sees images of her son.

For this candidate for presidency to not be aware of the respect of a Gold Star mother standing there, and he had to take that shot at her, this is height of ignorance, Khan said, referring to parents of troops who are killed serving their country.

This country holds such a person in the highest regard. And he has no knowledge, no awareness. That is the height of his ignorance. She is ill. She had high blood pressure. People that know her looked at her face, and she said, I may fall off the stage,  said Khan, his voice quavering with emotion. And I told her that you have to assemble yourself and stand for the beauty of this tribute that is being paid.

In a tweet Sunday, Trump responded to Khan.

I was viciously attacked by Mr. Khan at the Democratic Convention. Am I not allowed to respond? Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me! Trump wrote.

Khan said McConnell and Ryan must speak out against Trump.

It is their moral, ethical obligation to not worry about the votes but repudiate him, withdraw the support. If they do not, I will continue to speak, and I am speaking, Khan said.

In a statement Sunday, McConnell said Humayun Khan was a hero and reiterated his opposition to Trumps proposed ban on Muslims.

Captain Khan was an American hero, and like all Americans Im grateful for the sacrifices that selfless young men like Capt. Khan and their families have made in the war on terror. All Americans should value the patriotic service of the patriots who volunteer to selflessly defend us in the armed services, the statement said.

And as I have long made clear, I agree with the Kahns and families across the country that a travel ban on all members of a religion is simply contrary to American values, McConnell said.

In a statement released Saturday night, Trump called Humayun Khan a hero and accused Khizr Khan of saying inaccurate things about him at the convention.

In a tweet on Sunday morning, Trump said: Captain Khan, killed 12 years ago, was a hero, but this is about RADICAL ISLAMIC TERROR and the weakness of our leaders to eradicate it!

In his CNN interview, Khizr Khan forcefully denounced Islamist terrorism.

What he cites in the name of Islam and all that, that is not Islam at all. I wish he would have  somebody would have put something in his head that these are terrorists, these are criminals. These folks have nothing to do with Islam, Khan said.

Muslims hate this menace of terrorism as much as any other place. It is our duty to keep this country, our country, beautiful country, safe, he said.

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ROUEN, FRANCEIn a gesture of solidarity following the gruesome killing of a French priest, Muslims on Sunday attended Catholic Mass in churches and cathedrals across France and Italy.

A few dozen Muslims gathered at the towering Gothic cathedral in Rouen, near Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray where the 85-year-old Rev. Jacques Hamel had his throat slit by two teenage Muslim fanatics on Tuesday.

We are very moved by the presence of our Muslim friends and I believe it is a courageous act that they did by coming to us, Dominique Lebrun, the archbishop of Rouen, said after the service.

Some of the Muslims sat in the front row, across from the altar. Among the parishioners was one of the nuns who was briefly taken hostage at Hamels church when he was killed. She joined her fellow Catholics in turning to shake hands or embrace the Muslim churchgoers after the service.

Outside the church, a group of Muslims were applauded when they unfurled a banner: Love for all. Hate for none.

Churchgoer Jacqueline Prevot said the attendance of Muslims was a magnificent gesture.

Look at this whole Muslim community that attended Mass, she said. I find this very heartwarming. I am confident. I say to myself that this assassination wont be lost, that it will maybe relaunch us better than politics can do. Maybe we will react in a better way.

Many of the Muslims who attended the service in Rouen  including those with the banner  were Ahmadiyya Muslims, a minority sect that differs from mainstream Islam in that it doesnt regard Muhammad as the final prophet.

Similar interfaith gatherings were repeated elsewhere in France, as well as in neighbouring Italy.

At Paris iconic Notre Dame cathedral, Dalil Boubakeur, the rector of the Mosque of Paris, said repeatedly that Muslims want to live in peace.

The situation is serious, Boubakeur told BFMTV. Time has come to come together so as not to be divided.

In Italy, the secretary general of the countrys Islamic Confederation, Abdullah Cozzolino, spoke from the altar in the Treasure of St. Gennaro chapel next to Naples Duomo cathedral. Three imams also attended Mass at the St. Maria Church in Romes Trastevere neighbourhood, donning their traditional dress as they entered the sanctuary and sat down in the front row.

Mohammed ben Mohammed, a member of the Union of Islamic Communities in Italy, said he called on the faithful in his sermon Friday to report anyone who may be intent on damaging society. I am sure that there are those among the faithful who are ready to speak up.

Ahmed El Balzai, the imam of the Vobarno mosque in the Lombard province of Brescia, said he did not fear repercussions for speaking out.

I am not afraid. ... These people are tainting our religion and it is terrible to know that many people consider all Muslim terrorists. That is not the case, El Balazi said. Religion is one thing. Another is the behaviour of Muslims who dont represent us.

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni thanked Italian Muslims for their participation, saying they are showing their communities the way of courage against fundamentalism.

Like in France, Italy is increasing its supervision of mosques. Interior Minister Angelino Alfano told the Senate this week that authorities were scrutinizing mosque financing and working with the Islamic community to ensure that imams study in Italy, preach in Italian and are aware of Italys legal structuring.

The Paris prosecutors office, meanwhile, said it has requested that a cousin of one of the two 19-year-olds who slit the priests throat be charged with participating in a terrorist association with the aim of harming others.

In a statement, it said it appeared a 30-year-old Frenchman it identified as Farid K. knew very well, if not of the exact place or time, of his cousins impending plans for violence.

The office added that a Syrian refugee detained in the wake of the attack was released Saturday.

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The bloody and violent death of Abdirahman Abdi at the hands of the Ottawa police last week is emblematic of a Canada-wide crisis surrounding race, mental health and policing. Law enforcement bodies remain a danger to the vulnerable, rife with anti-black racism and a penchant for the escalation of mental health crises. Its unacceptable and time actions are taken to stop this pattern of abuse.

On July 24, Abdi, a 37-year-old black, Somali-Canadian man, with unspecified mental health issues, was beaten by Ottawa police during an intervention.

Video from a bystander, as well as other eyewitness accounts, corroborate that Abdi did not appear threatening, but was beaten, bloodied, and handcuffed, and a witness saw one officer strike him repeatedly with very heavy blows to the head and face and neck. It was further reported that at least 10 minutes went by before Abdi, by then unconscious and bleeding, received any basic medical attention.

He succumbed to his injuries on Monday, when he was pronounced dead on at the Ottawa Hospitals Civic Campus. At the time of the incident he had been holding only a piece of construction foam.

Though the investigation had not yet begun, Matt Skof, president of the Ottawa Police Association, nonetheless called the suggestion that racism played a role in Abdis death both inappropriate and unfortunate. He scolded critics for importing ideas of racism that come from the United States and he dismissed the notion that mental illness could have played a role in Abdis death.

Skofs skepticism is uninformed. It does, however, perfectly exemplify the larger issue at hand: law enforcements continued unwillingness to engage with the realities of how race and mental health affect policing. This is far from solely an American problem. If we look beyond the Ottawa police officers treatment of Abdi, we see a larger pattern of harm committed by law enforcement officers against black people with mental illness.

Sociologists Wendy Chan and Dorothy Chunn found that Canadian police officers are more likely to use force on those who they perceive to be mentally ill; particularly if they are also racialized. Blackness, in particular, is dangerous in-and-of itself. According to a 2006 report by criminologist Scot Wortely, black residents, while just over 3 per cent of the Ontario population, make up around one-third of all of the deaths caused by police force, and are 10 times more likely to be shot by the police than white residents. Due to the double stigmatization at the intersections of blackness and mental health, death is too frequently the polices solution to distress.

Far too many black people with mental health issues have lost their lives to inappropriate police responses across Canada.

OBrien Christopher-Reid was shot eight times and killed in 2004, while in the midst of a mental health crisis. Reyal Jardine-Douglas, known by police to be suffering from mental illness, was killed in 2010. Michael Eligon was shot and killed while leaving a mental health facility in 2012. Ian Pryce, a 30-year-old with schizophrenia, was shot by the police in November 2013 while holding a pellet gun. Alain Magoire, a 41-year-old homeless man in the midst of mental distress, was shot to death by the Montreal police in 2013. In 2015, the police shot and killed Andrew Loku outside of his residence, a building leased by the Canadian Mental Health Association. None of the black men killed were armed with guns.

Race and mental health continue to be a death sentence in moments of distress. Abdi was said to have been a gentle and unthreatening man by members of his community. Given the witnesses accounts, its difficult to believe it was necessary to beat him to death and that other forms of non-violent de-escalation werent possible.

Its clear Ottawas police force is either unable or unwilling to acknowledge the problems within their institution, and therefore will likely continue to needlessly take lives. This problem extends to the rest of the province, and the country.

The police should not be the first responders in mental health crises and the issue of their disproportionate violence toward the black communities can no longer go unaddressed. Its time a higher body of government intervenes to ensure that Abdis tragic and brutal death was, at least, the last of its kind.

Robyn Maynard is a writer and activist based in Montreal and author of the forthcoming book, Policing Black Bodies.

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Donald Trumps fear-mongering GOP-convention-closing rant in Cleveland earlier this month  later described by Hillary Clinton as 70-odd minutes  and I do mean odd  conveyed a mostly inaccurate image of an America besieged by illegal immigration, violent crime and economic panic. In Philadelphia, at their own convention, the Democrats, too, warned of an imminent threat, though theirs was undeniable.

Does Donald Trump have the temperament to be commander-in-chief? asked Hillary Clinton during her closing address. A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons. It was among the pithier of countless pleas over the week urging Americans to fear Trump and to reject him.

But unlike the Republicans, the Democrats did not stop with fear. They also attempted, and in many ways succeeded, to offer a positive vision of a better nation and how to get there.

Clintons nomination itself provides a symbol of hope. During her 2008 presidential run, she shied away from discussing the historic prospect of a woman in the Oval Office. In Philadelphia, she embraced it. Standing here as my mothers daughter, and my daughters mother, Im so happy this day has come, she said. Because when any barrier falls in America, for anyone, it clears the way for everyone. When there are no ceilings, the skys the limit. Indeed, that we may now be on the verge of seeing a black president succeeded by a female one is evidence of progress barely thinkable in the very recent past.

Hopeful, too, was the conventions emphasis on gun safety. Not since 2000 has a Democratic convention dwelled on the issue, which many in the party still see as a political third rail. Clinton has aggressively campaigned on a host of sensible measures to curtail wide and easy access to deadly firearms. What happened in Philadelphia should be a source of optimism for the many Americans who despair that their politicians lack the will and courage to tackle the countrys epidemic of mass shootings and the bloody minded commitment to guns that underlies it.

On broader substantive policy, Bernie Sanders classy Clinton endorsement made a compelling case that theres much for progressives to admire in the Democratic platform. With a significant federal minimum wage hike, Wall Street regulations, climate change policies, college tuition breaks and health-care reform  the Democrats are offering more than simply a sane alternative to a scary demagogue.

Clinton has delivered a double-barrelled appeal: fear of Trump, and hope of progressive, albeit incremental, change. The question is, will that be enough, especially given lingering distrust of Clinton as an establishment candidate, and the apparent desire among many voters, including many in her own party, for something like a political revolution?

In a stirring address, President Barack Obama put Clintons candidacy in the context of Americas long march toward a more perfect union. He said Trump will lose because hes selling the American people short. We are not a fragile . . . people. Our power doesnt come from some self-declared saviour. Rather, it is through incremental, collective action that the U.S. has become the country it is. That's our birthright  the capacity to shape our own destiny.

But what Trump understands  or, more likely, intuits  is that many Americans now feel they have been denied that birthright. That they have been excluded from their politics and their economy. That their destiny is no longer theirs to shape. In their very different ways, Sanders and Trump both spoke to these voters. And for many of them, the prospect of Trump blowing up the status quo might justify the risk that hell blow up something less abstract.

Clintons tricky challenge will be to represent a safe alternative while at the same time speaking to those many voters for whom incremental change will not seem enough. Should she fail, the long march to a more perfect union may take a harrowing and perilous turn.

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Re: From Israel: lessons on living with terror, Insight July 23

From Israel: lessons on living with terror, Insight July 23

This article implies that Palestinians are a constant source of terrorism. Of course, some Palestinians have committed horrific acts. However, Palestinians did not terrorize thousands of Israelis to flee their homes in 1948 and 1967 and then obliterate their villages.

Nor have they systematically bulldozed thousands of Israeli olive groves to clear the land for Palestinian settlements; they have not used Palestinian armed forces to assist in throwing out Israelis from their homes in East Jerusalem and Hebron so that they can be occupied by their own people.

And they have not built a wall through Israeli villages and separated people from their families and fields; they have not made Israeli freedom of movement virtually impossible; they have not killed over a thousand civilians using excessive force in response to home made rockets.

Palestinian terrorism is spasmodic and local. Israeli terrorism is constant and all pervasive. Israel is not calm. It is trigger happy. Fundamentally, Israel is the source of its own fear.

Israel offers no solution, only despair.

Mervyn Russell, Oakville

Too bad the Israelis need so much security. But how about the Palestinians? Too bad they cant hire security guards to keep the Israelis from taking over their homes, shooting up their water tanks, killing their livestock, attacking their children (including kindergarteners) on the way to school.

And all those attacks with construction vehicles! How about the tens of thousands of Palestinian homes that have been demolished with Israeli bulldozers?

But this is government terror, backed by the full might of the state, so its perfectly all right.

And of course Palestinian violence is useful. When things are too quiet, the border police are sent to create friction; this was done last week in East Jerusalem. It keeps the population scared, cowed, obedient, and supporting the government.

Elizabeth Block, Independent Jewish Voices, Toronto

This article neglected several pertinent facts, such as illegal Israeli settlers murders of Palestinian children; the illegal occupation of the West Bank, and the United Nations-endorsed right of an occupied people to fight the occupier; constant Israeli theft of Palestinian lands; night raids; Israelis holding prisoners as young as 11 without charge or access to family or legal representation for months at a time; demolition of Palestinian homes to make room for Israeli-only houses or roads.

Since 2000, an estimated 1,224 Israelis, including 133 children, have been killed by Palestinians, and at least 9,370 Palestinians, including 2,112 children have been killed by Israelis.

As a result of Israels genocidal attack on Gaza in the summer of 2014, UNICEF estimates that 300,000 Palestinian children need emotional and psychological support.

Perhaps you should commission an article entitled, From Palestine: Lessons on Living with Terror.

Robert Fantina, Kitchener

Isabel Kershner and James Glanz, and possibly the Star, may consider Jerusalem part of Israel, but the only nation in the world that regards it as such is Israel itself. No other country, including Canada, recognizes Israels annexation.

UN General Assembly Resolution 181 recommended borders that would create separate Jewish and Arab states in what had been the League of Nations Palestine Mandate. The resolution, however, retained UN sovereignty over Jerusalem as a corpus separatum  separate body. The UN has never surrendered that sovereignty.

Israel may keep its boot on the Arab neck into perpetuity, but it wont bring them genuine peace. For that, they will have to cut a deal that is acceptable to the majority of Palestinian Arabs. Part of that deal will include sharing Jerusalem as a capital.

Robert Elgee, Toronto

I am appalled by the piece in Saturdays Insight section on emulating Israels methods of dealing with terrorism for omitting any mention of causes, disproportionality, and the lethality of Israels policing/military complex.

Its as if innumerable investigative reports and analyses by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UN Special Rapporteurs, Oxfam, Defense for Children International, and others, are not read or understood by people purporting to report the news.

On Jan. 8, 2009, in the midst of Operation Cast Lead, I participated in a press conference that was reported in the Star by Haroon Siddiqui. Holocaust survivor Ursula Franklin, who just passed away at the age of 94 this past week, was one of the speakers. Her words are more meaningful and apropos than ever: she directly linked the horrors of World War II with Israels atrocities in Gaza, which were condoned and needlessly prolonged by the Canadian governments opposition to a ceasefire.

She said that never again means no human beings should ever again be in a position where naked power could determine their lives, nor that there would ever again be people among us who do not matter.

She spoke about the women who want their own children to be safe and everybodys children to be safe, and that making somebody insecure does not make even the most powerful secure.

In the 2014 assault on Gaza, one Israeli child was killed, but 551 Palestinian children were killed and many more disabled, orphaned, and overwhelmingly traumatized.

How ironic that one recommendation in the piece is house demolitions, because Jeff Halper, the founding organizer of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, has just written a book on Israels global pacification trade, Israels lucrative and fascistic technology industry. There is already ample documentation of joint Israeli/U.S./Canadian policing.

And how sad and inhumane that our government keeps trying to criminalize the utterly non-violent Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement. Losing contracts isnt the same as losing lives.

Judith Deutsch, Toronto

The Star has pursued and revealed the realities of so many different issues, opening the minds of their readers to perspectives they may have otherwise never even considered, whether it be matters pertaining to aboriginals, the environment, health, women, gender issues, political corruption and so on.

However, one glaring omission, highlighted by the focus of this article, is the horrific situation that the Palestinians face every day as Israel continues its decades-long oppression. Particularly in Gaza, Palestinians suffer, living amidst the ruins of Israels latest offensive that decimated the area.

Very telling is the fact that Gazans have extremely limited access to clean water, while Jewish settlers water their lawns in the desert and fill their swimming pools.

Why are the incidents targeting Jewish Israelis  which are dramatically fewer than the atrocities committed by the Israeli government, military and police  so much more important, apparently, than are the daily deprivations, abuse, bulldozing of homes, destruction of Palestinian land and crops, imprisonment, and death among the Palestinians?

We need the newspaper to report on all aspects of a situation rather than present only a portion of it, thereby creating ignorance and bias that can only promote the terrible conditions that promote the apartheid of the Israel state.

Vera Szoke, Toronto

This reprinted article from the New York Times provides some very enlightening (and dare I say hopeful) commentary about what we can do to adapt to this generations most frightening and insidious threat  terrorism.

Just after the Paris attacks, I had a heart-wrenching discussion with my 36-year-old son who was genuinely alarmed about the senselessness of it all. He asked me, How can I possibly hope to protect my family and ensure that they are safe from these kinds of seemingly unpredictable acts of mass violence?

My response was that he needed to continue living his life and not give in to fear. I pointed out that every generation has experienced some form of terrorism. We dont have to go back too far in history to see the examples: Families sheltering from bombs falling in London and elsewhere during World War II; the Cold War with an ever-present threat of nuclear war during the pre 1990s. We will find our way through this present danger as well.

I told my son that we need to put our trust in and support the security professionals who are charged with the task of protecting us and keeping us safe. This article from the provides a bourgeoning blueprint as to how this must be done in current times.

New threats need new approaches as to how we must gather intelligence and provide security. The Israelis have been living with terrorism for a long time. Lets learn from their experiences.

Linda Hall, Burlington

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Re: Should voting be mandatory? Opinion July 25

Should voting be mandatory? Opinion July 25

Peter MacLeod and Lyndsay Poaps have done an admiral job of describing the problem as regards the voting malaise that infects some of our population. Unfortunately they have not bothered to provide a solution. With that in mind let me offer one.

Since voting in a parliamentary democracy can be viewed as a right, a duty and/or a privilege, let us acknowledge that perhaps it should be all three. Let us educate our citizens that our forefathers won us the right to vote and that we should consider that our privilege to vote conveys upon us the duty to vote.

Now provide everyone a carrot to ensure that the vast majority of us do in fact cast a ballot in whatever civic election we are eligible to exercise our franchise. Provide a $100 tax refund for every such election in which we cast a ballot. Doing this will help convince people to get out and vote.

Of course this will require one change to the ballots that we are given  a none of the above option must be provided so a voter can register their disapproval of the choices offered.

Perhaps one strong reason that people do not go to the polling stations is that they are inundated with so much negative reinforcement of the candidates that they see choosing someone to represent them as being akin to selecting the least painful way of being executed. In the end you still will not like the result. This needs to be changed.

Modifying the way that we elect our representatives could be a real plus in encouraging people to get out and vote. Let us consider the runoff system. It has two advantages over the other systems.

The first is that in order to garner as many secondary votes as possible a candidate will have no choice but to offer positive reasons to select him or her over the other candidates. Just telling us how bad the opponents are will most likely be insufficient to get elected. It will also tend to discourage supporters of one candidate who has been badly knocked from casting a secondary ballot for the perpetrator. Hopefully this should cut down on the negative hyperbole we now endure.

The second advantage is that as a voter you know your representative must be someone on the ballot. Similarly the representatives from other ridings will have been on a ballot. There will not be anyone from a pool of party hacks who have no business being in a position of power. It is not difficult to come up with such examples.

If we are foolish enough to elect such a person then we deserve what we get; however, it is quite another issue to have someone thrust upon us. If one needs proof of this, consider some of the people that our former prime minister chose to put in the Senate.

David Marks, Collingwood

Compulsory voting is often proposed by pundits as a solution to reverse falling turnout rates. Los Angeles and Philadelphia tried a different approach in 2015. Citizens who made the effort to cast a ballot would have a chance to win a lottery.

In Los Angeles, one random voter drew a $25,000 cash prize as turnout for a school board election rose from 7 per cent to 10 per cent. One lucky Philadelphia voter was awarded a $10,000 cheque after turnout for the municipal election jumped from 20 per cent to 26 per cent.

Critics in both cities dismissed these pilot projects as gimmicks that used the personal greed of voters to fuel turnout increases. The creators of these experiments showed that lottery carrots can raise turnout numbers without the need of resorting to compulsory voting sticks.

Luis Silva, Toronto

The writers have ignored the distinct possibility that voting can be a right, a duty and a privilege and that society might benefit from employing a sensible combination of sticks and carrots in order to foster electoral participation.

Many civic activities are simultaneously and in varying degrees a duty, a privilege, and a right: completing the census, jury duty, voting, paying taxes, serving in the armed forces in times of war, attending elementary school and obeying the rules of conduct implied by the criminal code.

Moreover, the degree to which each of these is a duty, a right and a privilege varies from person to person; hence, the need to employ a variety of inducements, punishments and encouragements to improve participation.

Patrick Cowan, North York

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NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of Baidu (BIDU) are slumping 4.50% to $158.18 this morning as the Chinese Internet search provider posted mixed second quarter results after yesterday's closing bell.

Baidu reported earnings of $1.22 per share, surpassing analysts projections of $1.15 per share. Revenue rose 10.2% year-over-year to $2.75 billion, but missed analysts expected $2.99 billion.

Last year, the company posted earnings of $1.19 per share on revenue of $2.77 billion.

Profit fell 17.4% year-over-year to $431.3 million, its largest decline since Baidu went public 11 years ago, the Wall Street Journal reports. The decline stems from government investigations into the company's search and advertising practices led to more stringent regulations that hurt Baidu's ad business, according to the Wall Street Journal.

"The challenges Baidu faces in the second quarter served as a healthy reminder to stay focused on the key drivers of growth, sustainability and leadership...," said Baidu CEO Robin Li in a statement.

Mobile search monthly active users totaled 667 million in June, a 6% increase year-over-year.

Separately, TheStreet Ratings objectively rated this stock according to its "risk-adjusted" total return prospect over a 12-month investment horizon. Not based on the news in any given day, the rating may differ from Jim Cramer's view or that of this articles's author. TheStreet Ratings has this to say about the recommendation:

We rate BAIDU INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B-. This is driven by some important positives, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth, notable return on equity, reasonable valuation levels, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and expanding profit margins. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: BIDU

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Airbnb is suing the city of San Francisco, battling legislation in New York and fighting widespread allegations that some of its hosts discriminate against renters. Which might explain why it is trying to get ahead of such confrontations here, in a newly opened used bookstore in the gentrifying Washington neighborhood of Parkview.

District resident Liz Furgurson, who uses the home-sharing site to rent out a room in her basement, is leading a group of 14 fellow hosts on a stroll through the neighborhoods small businesses. The hope, she says, is to familiarize shop owners with Airbnb and to encourage hosts to recommend local businesses to visitors.

Whats the best way to send folks here? Furgurson asks shop owner Pablo Sierra on a recent evening.

This event, called a merchant walk and organized by Airbnb, feels like a casual neighborhood meet-and-greet. But its implications could be much larger for the San Francisco-based company, founded in 2008 and now reaching 2 million rental listings worldwide. The company hopes gatherings like these can help shore up support as it faces a number of regulatory measures, including one in the District.

Legislation introduced in September by D.C. Council member Vincent B. Orange (D-At Large) and backed by a hotel workers union would limit hosts to one listing at a time and require hosts to live on-site during guests stays. Rental units would have to be inspected by the city, and hosts would have to notify neighbors of their rental plans.

Airbnb hosts on a July 26 merchant walk visit local businesses along Georgia Avenue NW in Washington. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

Airbnb has stationed six organizers in the District to win over mom-and-pop shops that could rally the council on its behalf. So far, 160 Washington-area small businesses have signed a letter for Airbnb.

The biggest role our hosts can play is to educate lawmakers about the way Airbnb works, said Christopher Nulty, a spokesman for Airbnb. When hosts are out on the streets speaking to merchants and talking to shop owners, thats a great way to make that happen.

At EatsPlace, a restaurant incubator and the next stop on Airbnbs neighborhood walk, chef-owner Katy Chang hands out homemade hot dogs, bottles of water and pamphlets.

Its so great that you guys are here, she tells the group of 15. We get a lot of people from Airbnb. Its just a really special way for people to experience something new.

Chang and her husband, David Hsu, have used Airbnb themselves when traveling, she says. The Parkview resident has not been following the Districts proposed regulations, but she said she likes having a steady stream of visitors in the neighborhood.

Other business owners, however, said they were not quite sure what to make of Airbnbs door-to-door campaign.

To be honest with you, Im not sure what the point was, said Jason Feldman, who co-owns Star & Shamrock Tavern & Deli on H Street NE, a stop on Airbnbs first merchant walk in April. Im honestly not that familiar with Airbnb and have never used it in my personal life.

Feldman said he has yet to see much business from Airbnb guests, save for a group of women who came in a couple of weeks ago and mentioned they were staying in a nearby rental.

These meet-and-greets began three years ago in San Francisco and have since expanded to other cities. They are just one way Airbnb is hoping to change its image; earlier this month, the company announced it had hired former U.S. attorney general Eric Holder to help draft an anti-discrimination policy.

Airbnb is also mired in regulatory battles with a number of municipalities, including the city of San Francisco, which it is suing over a law that would hold the site accountable for listings from unregistered hosts. New York state last month passed a similar measure that makes it illegal to advertise apartments for fewer than 30 days in New York City, and lawmakers have pushed the federal government to take a closer look at Airbnb and other home-sharing sites on accusations of creating housing shortages and driving up rental costs. Recently, the company tapped four former mayors to help lobby city governments.

The District, which last year hosted an estimated 209,000 Airbnb guests, requires local hosts to have business licenses. The company collects and remits taxes on rentals in the city, but hotel workers and housing advocates say the rules do not go far enough.

Donna Colaco, who lives on Georgia Avenue NW and has been renting out rooms on Airbnb for nearly six years, says she agrees with the need for oversight.

I understand why, as a landlord, you have to have regulations and have proper inspections, she said, standing on the back patio of D.C. Reynolds, a Parkview bar and the final stop of the night. But you also dont want to make it too difficult for people who are trying to find a roommate or make some extra income.
The big idea: With more than 7 billion people in the world, millions are working outside their birth countries. Yet our experiences are shaped by our nationality, the geographic location where we spend most of our formative years, the families who raise us, the friends we make and the places we work. Through shared beliefs, values and assumptions, these formative experiences determine the culture in which we feel most comfortable. But what happens when we leave our familiar culture or encounter beliefs and value systems different from our own? Can we still be ourselves and succeed? Where is the balance?

The scenario: Kevin Tsai had recently joined a U.S.-based company in the semiconductor industry. The native of Taiwan had been heavily recruited to head up an engineering team that would play a critical role in the firms highest-priority project. He had proven himself in Silicon Valley after earning his MBA at Stanford, and he had been a top student in the leading science and technology university in Taiwan. In short, he was a rising star.

Still, receiving recognition for his achievements had never come easy. Humility is a quality ingrained in Taiwanese or Chinese culture, where it is customary to politely defer or deflect praise of any sort. Even when individual accomplishments are recognized, praise is shared with everyone involved with the achievement, from mentors to family. Now, at his new companys first project-wide meeting, the senior project manager began by extolling Kevins track record and accomplishments, then setting a high bar of expectations. He turned to Kevin.

Suddenly, with all eyes in the room on him, the young team leader found himself in an uncomfortably familiar spot. He was in cultural waters he had, for all his experience in the West, not yet figured out how to navigate. How should Kevin respond?

The resolution: While a standard answer in U.S. terms would likely have been a simple thank you and perhaps a comment about the work, that reaction did not fit with Kevins cultural norms, which called for him to reply by saying something like I am lucky or My parents and professors have prepared me well. Such an Eastern reply might be considered dishonest by the Westerners. Instead, his two very different experiences, in the East and West, converged. He paused a beat or two, nodded and replied simply, That is very kind of you. His response was a culmination of learning how to balance an appropriate reply in his own culture with the norms of his adopted country. It was a nuanced and subtly profound expression of being ambicultural.

The lesson: Being ourselves in a culture different from our own  adapting and at the same time remaining true to oneself  requires knowing how to respond in situations where our cultural norms make us feel uneasy to do so. This is the key to ambicultural action: the understanding that even seemingly incompatible differences can exist in harmony. In the business context, ambiculturalism involves the ongoing integration of geo-economic cultures such as East and West or global and local. In the bigger picture, it may require integration across a range of perceived opposites. In the ambicultural perspective, any two entities may transcend their differences, first through knowledge and appreciation of anothers culture, then by bridging and blending the two. This way of thinking is more essential in todays global environment than ever before. Applying the ambicultural approach to the tension between opposites, or others, is a powerful way to resolve problems not only in organizations but in our increasingly interconnected, interdependent and even, perhaps, divided societies.

 Ming-Jer Chen and Gerry Yemen

Ming-Jer Chen is the Leslie E. Grayson Professor of Business Administration and Gerry Yemen is a senior researcher at the University of Virginias Darden School of Business.
Ever since she was 30 and used her hand-held camera to make a movie about George W. Bushs 2000 run for president, Alexandra Pelosi has specialized in making cute, slightly sassy, amiably simple documentaries about complicated subjects, whether its the political process, the tech boom or the immigrant experience. At 45, shes still making them, and HBO is still showing them, even though theyve been fairly thin of late. Her 10th and latest film, Meet the Donors: Does Money Talk? (airing Monday), is a lighthearted but characteristically earnest attempt to explain the influence of megadonors on presidential campaigns.

Spoiler alert: Money is important. Pelosi excels at telling you something you already know; her last doc, San Francisco 2.0, explained that only the rich can afford to buy a house in San Francisco these days and asked whether that might be undermining the artsy, bohemian nature of what made the city so cool in the first place. (Ya think?)

On this outing, Captain Obvious looks up and calls on the nations biggest individual campaign donors to see if theyll talk to her camera (it still goes wherever she goes) about their motivations for giving personal millions to 2016s presidential hopefuls. All you have to do is write a big check and you, too, can be part of the endless circuit of mystery appetizers, says Pelosi, who, yes, is the youngest child of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

Few take her up on her offer, but they include media biggie Haim Saban, a reliable Clinton megadonor; energy tycoon T. Boone Pickens; investor J.B. Pritzker of the Chicago Pritzkers; and Manhattan supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis, who has given millions to Republicans and Democrats and has a vanity wall of photographs with presidents and lawmakers a mile long.

I remember my mother-in-law said to me, John, you want to pee with the large dogs, and I laughed, Catsimatidis tells Pelosi. I want to be at a level where if I pick up the phone and want to call somebody, that that phone is going to be answered.

The conversations unfold like this for most of the documentarys hour (which still feels a tad long), with the donors rejecting any suggestion of quid pro quo and instead playing up their generosity as an expression of patriotism. Only in the last 15 minutes or so does Pelosi grapple with corporate donations or the millions now being donated in the name of campaign finance reform. And, like most of her recent films, she exits with a safe shrug: Its just the way things are; maybe they could change, but maybe not.

Still, theres something to be said for Pelosis playful rapport (especially with the GOP donors) that many Beltway journos have tried to imitate but few can pull off. It comes easily for her.

Perhaps too easily. After her first film, Journeys With George, Pelosi made her best and most ambitious works  about children who live in the motels that surround Disneyland; about disgraced evangelical pastor Ted Haggard. Its tempting to keep returning to politics, especially in 2016, but Pelosi is better when shes further afield.

Meet the Donors: Does Money Talk? (one hour) airs Monday at 9 p.m. on HBO, with encores.


Are cage-free chickens happier? Unfortunately, we cant ask them. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

What makes a chicken happy?

Happiness is hard to measure, which makes it easy to ignore.

Our animal agriculture has become progressively more efficient; livestock grows faster on less feed. To accomplish that, most animals have been taken indoors, kept in progressively smaller spaces for their progressively shorter lives.

But are they unhappy?

A lot of people are asking the question, and animal welfare concerns are beginning to get traction, particularly when it comes to chickens. Several recent announcements are grounds for optimism that animals well-being will start playing a bigger role in how large companies raise the ones that give us meat, milk and eggs.

United Egg Producers, a trade association whose members own 95 percent of our countrys egg-laying hens, has announced an agreement to end the culling of male chicks by 2020. Culling is killing, and our current system sends male chicks, useless in the egg business, to a grisly death, either by grinding or gassing.

The grinding is the grisliest. The pictures of hours-old (cute, fluffy) chicks being tossed into high-speed grinders are stomach-churning. We could argue over whether that procedure is consistent with animal welfare  after all, it is a near-instant death  but now we wont have to. Even those who defend the practice have to be happier with the system thats replacing it: determining an embryos gender while its still in the egg, and using the male eggs for something else (pet food, for example).

That is a clear win. For animals, but also for the industry, which now has eggs it can use for constructive purposes, rather than those useless male chicks. And I think we all win when no worker has the grim and heart-hardening job of throwing baby chicks into a grinder.

Not everyone agrees on another trend in the egg world: going cage-free.

Everybodys doing it! Supermarkets (and not just Whole Foods, but also Costco, Albertsons, Kroger, Walmart and others). Restaurants (including McDonalds, IHOP, Applebees, Taco Bell). Manufacturers (Unilever, Hersheys, Nestle, ConAgra). Also food-service companies, hotels and resorts. The timelines differ, but theres no question that demand for cage-free chickens will change industry practices.

Scientists who study the impact of different production practices almost inevitably conclude that each system has advantages and disadvantages. Yes, chickens can perform a greater repertoire of behaviors in a cage-free system, one recent evaluation concludes, but it warns that those behaviors include cannibalism. Taking animals out of cages and giving them litter to scratch around in also provides a greater opportunity for disease and parasites and increases the number of bone fractures.

And what of the downside of confinement? Is being caged stressful? Painful? We dont really know. Of stress, the evaluation says that less is understood. And we dont always know when people are in pain, so how are we supposed to figure out whether a chickens hurting?

Its hard to make the liberty-vs.-security calculation when the costs of liberty (injury, mortality, predation, disease) are measurable but the benefits (well-being, happiness, freedom from pain) often arent. But I dont think the list of potential harms of going cage-free can justify keeping a bird in a cage so small she cant spread her wings, and Im very glad to see the balance shifting.

A similar cost-benefit analysis is happening in the organic world, where new animal-welfare rules are being considered. One of the requirements for chickens  both egg layers and meat birds  would be outdoor access. And quite a bit of it. Regulations proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture call for a maximum of 2.25 pounds of bird per square foot of outdoor space for egg layers, and a 5-pound maximum for meat birds. (A typical laying hen weighs about five pounds, and a meat bird grows from hatching to six or seven pounds in six or seven weeks.)

Many U.S. stores, food producers and restaurants have started using or selling eggs only from cage-free hens. (Julia Ewan/The Washington Post)

According to Nate Lewis, senior crops and livestock specialist with the Organic Trade Association, predators and pathogens are the main concern of the organic producers who are pushing back against the new regulations. He calls those threats real, but he points out that most farms are good at keeping predators out, and that all the flocks that got avian flu last year were confined indoors. Those who favor the new regulations (and Lewiss group does) say that allowing chickens to express natural behaviors  scratching in soil, tracking down insects, dust-bathing in the sun  trumps concerns about disease or predators.

Science cant adjudicate this dispute yet. Although science isnt silent on well-being, and animal scientists can measure cortisol (an indication of stress) and play behavior (an indication of relaxation), some of the issues surrounding conditions in confined animal operations defy scientific rigor.

My husband and I have watched the liberty-vs.-security trade-off play out in our back yard. Weve raised chickens for some six years, and Im ready to say that theyre happier when they have plenty of room, access to sunlight and ground to scratch up. I arrived at that opinion in the same way you figured out what makes your cat, or your dog, or your parakeet happy. Animals  even chickens  have plenty of ways of telling us what they like and dont like.

They like it when you bring them melon seeds. Also corncobs. They dont like strange noises, or when another chicken is in the nest box they want. (They always seem to squabble over the same one, even when several are empty.) And they like to go outside. They pace back and forth next to the door when they see you coming. As soon as the door opens, they bolt.

We live on two wooded acres and, until recently, we let our chickens have the run of the place during the day. At night, they went home to their predator-proof (so far) run, and we locked them away from our local carnivores: raccoons, coyotes and other nocturnal hunters. In the morning, we opened the door and let them range free. Liberty!

We got a firsthand lesson in the perils of outdoor access when a fox (a daytime hunter, which wed never had before) moved into our neighborhood and snatched half of our flock in one afternoon. Now, our birds stay in their run, which has sunshine and deep litter and things to climb and perch on, as well as plenty of elbow room, but no outdoor access. The fox tipped the balance to security.

You cant extrapolate from a backyard flock to a commercial one  if youre raising tens of thousands of birds, you dont bring them cantaloupe innards  but some of the fundamental questions are the same. Does increased risk of disease or predators mean that we should keep birds indoors? Are chickens that dont go outside, chickens that dont even have a concept of outside, unhappy? And if they are less happy, are we willing to sacrifice some well-being to provide inexpensive eggs and meat for people?

These are some of the questions being debated as consumer pressure increasingly shines a light on the practices of industrial animal farming. And Perdue Farms is stepping up. The company has been in the vanguard of changing conventional practices since it became the first big producer to start phasing out antibiotics (less an issue of animal welfare than of human health, since using antibiotics in livestock contributes to antibiotic-resistant bacteria) back in 2002.

Perdue has started installing windows and environmental enrichments in chicken houses and is focused on increasing bird activity. (Exercise benefits chickens, as it does humans.) Perdue Senior Vice President Bruce Stewart-Brown told me that its appropriate to start paying attention to what chickens want. About 10 percent of Perdue birds have outdoor access, and that has allowed us and me to get a better perspective on what it adds and what the challenges are, he said. Not every area is appropriate for outdoor access. There are climates where its way more comfortable in the chicken house. When you can have shading and pasture, we have some really great setups. (Perdue is also instituting new stunning systems at slaughterhouses, an important step.)

Me, Id like to see more liberty, although the inevitable cost is some security. I cant say for sure that an animal with more room to move, access to sunshine and a varied environment is happier, but thats my best guess.

It has been about a decade since I bought conventional chicken or eggs, and Im watching these developments with cautious optimism. It may not be long before a Perdue chicken, raised in a windowed chickenhouse with perches and hiding places, is whats for dinner.
Amelia Wegner, 6, and Daphne Wegner, 10, of Kensington, Maryland, traveled to Canada with their parents and grandparents. They visited Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta, where more than 40 species  and 150 complete skeletons  of dinosaurs have been discovered.

Amelia Wegner, 6, and Daphne Wegner, 10, of Kensington, Maryland, traveled to Canada with their parents and grandparents. They visited Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta, where more than 40 species  and 150 complete skeletons  of dinosaurs have been discovered.

Readers are traveling to the mountains and the beach. You can still submit photos of your own adventures to the Summer of KidsPost.

Readers are traveling to the mountains and the beach. You can still submit photos of your own adventures to the Summer of KidsPost.

Who said the only way to beat the heat is by going for a swim? Some readers have traveled even closer to the sun  up above the clouds, to the tops of mountains in Canada and around the world  seeking cool air and a nice view. One reader even made it to a mountaintop border, where you can put your left foot in one country and your right foot in another.

Even if youre not headed uphill or overseas, we still want to see your summer vacation photos. Its easy to be a part of the Summer of KidsPost, and you might win a prize pack at the end of the summer.

 Harrison Smith

HOW TO ENTER

 Go on a trip: Anywhere you go, we want to go, too.

 Take along a recent copy of KidsPost from any day of the week.

 Get someone to take a picture of you (and siblings or other family members) holding KidsPost. At least one person in the photo must be between the ages of 5 and 13.

 Have a parent or guardian fill out the form at kidspost.com and attach your photo. Or mail it to KidsPost, The Washington Post, 1301 K St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071. One submission per family, and photos must have been taken after May 26, 2016. Entries are due by August 30.

 Your parent should include the full name, age and home town of everyone in the photo. We also need your parents phone number and email address. Include a sentence or two about what made your trip memorable.

 We will publish pictures in the newspaper and at kidspost.com in the coming weeks. At the end of the summer, three randomly selected families that have sent in photos will receive a prize package of books and KidsPost goodies.
As the newly nominated presidential candidates plunge into the last 99 days of the campaign, news organizations might pause before they do the same.

We should think of what the disembodied voice on a GPS repeats  recalculating  when its time to make a course correction.

How should the media recalculate in the months before Nov. 8, especially given the sharp divisions in the country?

We should remind ourselves of the fundamentals: Journalists most important role is giving Americans the information they need to cast their vote. And a lot of potential voters  about 11 percent  still havent decided, many of them not happy with either Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton.

We are supposed to help citizens participate in democracy, said Tom Rosenstiel, executive director of the American Press Institute and the co-author, with Bill Kovach, of The Elements of Journalism and Blur.

What journalists should not be doing, he told me, is being part of the team, on either side.

Whatever one thinks of the concept of journalistic objectivity  some think its dated and counterproductive  whats really important is independence.

Ben Smith, the editor of BuzzFeed, reminded his staff of that last week, after seeing some partisan tweets: Readers are entitled to trust you less if they think youre in the tank  if you are vitriolic about a subject, or if you are celebratory.

But its easy to see where sympathies lie in many news organizations.

I noticed, over the weekend, that the lead story on the MSNBC website  about Khizr and Ghazala Khans appearance at the Democratic National Convention  was nowhere to be found in my search of the Fox News site. Fox had not covered the Thursday night speech by Khizr Khan, whose son died fighting in Iraq, despite its going viral. (Although Khans name couldnt be found in a search of the Fox News site until Saturday afternoon, a spokes- woman for the network told me that Fox followed up on the story Friday.) Meanwhile, Fox paid little attention last week when Trump urged the Russians to find Hillary Clintons missing emails  a huge story for most news organizations.

Meanwhile, the New York Times has been criticized for the frequent presence of a prominent Hillary Clinton ad at the top of its home page. Even if readers recognize it as an ad, its placement proclaims a preference that many see reflected in the news coverage.

Examples like these arent hard to find across the media spectrum. (And sometimes media efforts to find balance are just as bad  its downright painful, for example, to watch CNNs insipid pro-Trump commentators, Jeffrey Lord and Kayleigh McEnany. And as noted here previously, the bullying Corey Lewandowski has no place on CNN.)

Staying impartial and independent doesnt mean news outlets have to be restricted to just the facts. They need to provide context, as much as possible. That includes pointing out bigotry or lies; it includes honest explorations of the candidates backgrounds.

In the months ahead, journalists should also work harder to understand and reflect citizens concerns. They cant do that if theyve already decided that one side or the other is elitist or idiotic or racist, Rosenstiel said.

The journalist Glenn Greenwald made a related point in a recent interview with Slate, pointing out the disconnect between many Americans and the news media: He identified a conversation taking place that isnt being amplified as it should be, among people who are socioeconomically very far removed from the New York/Washington/Los Angeles/San Francisco media circles.

What about the much-discussed idea that fact-checking (such as that done by The Posts Fact Checker Glenn Kessler and his colleagues) is useless because voters dont care who is telling the truth?

Rosenstiel challenges this: Its not the point of fact-checking to sway voters. The point is to allow voters to know and to let them decide for themselves, he said.

In addition, its crucial for journalists to listen to voters respectfully and without preconceptions  to try to understand, for example, why a woman might have no interest in voting for Clinton or why a Muslim might support Trump. Rosenstiel calls this reporting against ones own biases.

I talked with an African American cab driver recently who supports Trump and who laughed off his candidates penchant for misrepresenting reality. Far more important to this native of Cameroon was that Trump would shake things up.

Journalists should indeed be advocates, Rosenstiel said, but not for any candidate  rather for voters who are trying to make their decision. This means distilling information about positions and candidates in ways that work for citizens, not for journalists on the campaign trail.

For example, news organizations might well say, in effect, Weve found that these are the 10 issues voters care about most, but the candidates arent talking about five of them. Or they might boil down the core elements from 30 campaign-trail stories into an easily digestible list or informational graphic. And they need to find these voters where they are  for example, on Facebook or Instagram.

Recalculating also means revisiting the candidates positions and backgrounds for people who are only now tuning in. Its bad news  for everyone  if journalists are out of touch with the people they are supposed to serve.

If, on Election Day, theres a result thats inexplicable, Rosenstiel said, then the press has done a bad job.

For more by Margaret Sullivan visit wapo.st/sullivan
The region

East Falls Church station to reopen

After suspending service because of the Friday morning derailment at the East Falls Church Metro station platform, normal service will resume between West Falls Church/McLean and Ballston starting Monday, a WMATA spokesman said.

Thats what were planning for, the spokesman said.

As of Sunday afternoon, everything was running on schedule for the resumption of services.

 Mary Hui

The district

Third person dies

in Saturday gunfire

A third person died after being shot Saturday during one of the citys most violent days in weeks.

Judonne Stephens, 25, of Northeast, died Sunday after being shot on Interstate-295 at the Firth Sterling Avenue SE overpass, police said. Another man was wounded in that shooting.

Six other people were shot Saturday, two of them fatally. One of those shot and wounded was a small boy who was hit in the leg near a playground in Southeast.

Police said two men were shot Sunday. They were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

 Theresa Vargas and Martin Weil

Vehicles vandalized across five blocks

About 50 cars stretching for five blocks in a District neighborhood were spray-painted over the weekend, said D.C. Council member Charles Allen.

The Ward 6 Democrat took to Twitter to describe the scene near L and 7th streets in Northeast as very frustrating Sunday morning.

Police had received calls Sunday for destruction of property in that area, said Officer Sean Hickman, a police spokesman. But because the investigation is in the preliminary stages, he said he could not release any specific information.

Allen asked through Twitter for neighbors to share any video they might have with the police.

 Theresa Vargas

maryland

Mother, baby rescued

from floodwaters

As floodwaters rose around her Saturday night, a mother held her baby on the roof of a vehicle until Montgomery County fire and rescue could pull them to safety.

Multiple motorists, including the mother and child, were rescued from three stranded vehicles in the area of Sundown Road near Georgia Avenue, Capt. Paul Starks, a Montgomery County police spokesman, said Sunday.

The vehicles became trapped by moving water that reached as high as car hoods, he said.

Among those who assisted in the rescue was an officer with a thermal imager that allowed him to pick up the location of the motorists up to 100 yards away in the dark, remote area near Sunshine, Starks said.

Saturdays flooding ravaged Ellicott City, leaving at least two people dead and causing Gov. Larry Hogan (R) to declare a state of emergency.

 Theresa Vargas
The perils of accelerating a gifted child, even in a stellar school district such as Montgomery County, Md., become astoundingly clear in the case of Caitlyn Singam. Why did teachers and administrators want to hold her back?

Caitlyns father, physicist Kumar Singam, remembered when a kindergarten teacher said a decade ago that his child had to be classified as a special-needs student because she was intellectually backward.

I was stunned by her assessment, Singam said. The girl was already reading. At night, they enjoyed Rudyard Kipling and Robert Louis Stevenson. He asked the teacher for an explanation.

She informed me that my daughter was finishing her reading assignments too fast to have any understanding of the material, he said. I asked her to consider the possibility that my daughter might be an advanced reader. The teacher indicated she did not think it possible the girl could be so far ahead of her peers.

But the teacher agreed to wait for test results. When she saw them, she did a complete turnaround. She began to insist that public schools simply didnt have the means to support my daughter, Singam said. She encouraged him to enrich the childs learning at home, which he did.

Caitlyn loved it. She rushed home each afternoon for extra reading and writing at the dining room table. By second grade, she was begging to be home-schooled. Singam, dubious, told her to write me a persuasive essay and convince me that home-schooling was a viable option. She hit that assignment out of the park. Home-schooling began.

Singam said he and his wife agreed they wouldnt impose our desires on our daughter, but rather support and guide her in the choices she made. She had friends and played sports. Montgomery County Schools was slow in sending her state test results, as the law required, but when they arrived, the scores were high.

Why didnt the school system welcome Caitlyn back when she decided to attend Cabin John Middle School, in Potomac? She had a certificate of fifth-grade completion from the private school that guided her home-schooling. Cabin John accepted her, but her old elementary school protested. She was only 9, school officials said. She should be in fourth grade, not sixth. She just needed some higher-level math and English, they said.

Montgomery Schools spokesman Derek Turner said school system staff members wanted to follow established protocols and simply wanted to ensure all her needs were met.

The community superintendent played it tough. Let me be clear, she said. Caitlyn will not be enrolled at Cabin John Middle School for this year. Singam and his wife wondered whether putting her with older children would stunt her social growth. But Caitlyn insisted, and the middle school let her in.

Her social life went fine. But educators still ignore research showing that acceleration helps highly gifted children. A Cabin John science teacher asserted that her success stemmed from her discovery of a way to decode tests, Singam said. A friendly educator said the best way to quiet such skeptics was to take the SAT. Singam and his wife recommended that she take a prep course first. Caitlyn, then 11, said no. She thought that would be unfair. She scored 1950 out of a possible 2400 on the test.

She next enrolled in Blair Highs science magnet. She loved Jonathan Verocks ceramics class and David Whitacres Native American studies, comparative religion and Advanced Placement World History classes. She compiled more than 1,000 hours volunteering at a cardiac clinic for the disadvantaged. In her junior year, she took second-year biology at the University of Maryland. Her SAT score when she graduated from Blair at age 15 was 2200.

Now she is poised to begin college at U-Md., pursuing her dream of a career in medicine. Like many gifted students, she has had to push to get where she wants to go. That is probably good for her character.

But cant there be a rule that if a child is bright, she should be encouraged rather than doubted? Why cant such students be allowed to learn at a pace that makes sense to them?
Flooding in Ellicott City, Md. caused road closures and home damage, including on Frederick Road. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post)

In 1772, three Quaker brothers from Pennsylvania  Joseph, Andrew and John Ellicott  established a flour mill on the banks of the Patapsco River.

Ellicott City  or Ellicotts Mills, as it was then known  was born.

The Patapsco River that powered the flour mill propelled the town to become one of the largest milling and manufacturing towns on the East Coast.

But over the years, the river has also unleashed its power on the town, wreaking havoc as raging waters overflow the riverbank, causing devastating flash floods to sweep through the streets.

The earliest and most destructive flood recorded came in 1868, when the Patapsco River rose five feet in 10 minutes.

In fact, as Harpers Weekly reported at the time, the river at Ellicott City rose ten feet before a drop of rain had fallen there, and was at one time forty feet high!

That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but what is certain is that the Patapsco rose more than 20 feet and killed 43 people, according to the Baltimore Sun.

The flood of 1868 would go in history as the Great Flood.

More floods came in 1901, 1917, 1923, 1942 and 1952.

But it is the remnants of Hurricane Agnes, and the flood it caused in 1972, that people remember most in Ellicott City.

Agnes was one of the worst natural disasters Maryland has ever suffered. It pelted already soaked areas of the state with 10 to 14 inches of rain, killed seven people along the Patapsco River, forced 900 Howard County residents to evacuate their homes, left 700 temporarily homeless, and damaged close to 200 homes and dozens of businesses, according to the Sun.

In 2011, Tropical Storm Lee heaped another deluge onto Ellicott City. The historic citys drains and channels buckled under relentless droves of rain  about five inches in just over two hours, and about 10 inches in total  and a flash flood was unleashed on the towns streets, wreaking havoc in homes and businesses.

But if Agnes was a once-in-a-lifetime storm, as David Hoff, then a sergeant in the county fire department, described it to the Sun, then this past Saturdays was even more momentous.

According to the National Weather Service, the Patapsco River rose 14 feet in about 90 minutes Saturday evening.

For so much rain to fall so intensely in any given year works out to be a 0.1 of a percent chance, the National Weather Service said.

Saturdays storm, then, was a once-in-a-millennium occurrence.
A family walks down Main Street in Ellicott City, pulling a wet vacuum cleaner as residents clean up after the weekend flood that killed two people and caused millions of dollars in damage.

Aug. 1, 2016 A family walks down Main Street in Ellicott City, pulling a wet vacuum cleaner as residents clean up after the weekend flood that killed two people and caused millions of dollars in damage. Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post

See what the scene looks like after flooding in historic Ellicott City

See what the scene looks like after flooding in historic Ellicott City

She realized something was wrong Saturday night when the creaking sound outside her second-floor Main Street apartment grew louder.

Kelly Secret did not know it yet, but she and her boyfriend were trapped. On one side of their building, a creek had flooded, and on the other, a torrent of raging, brown water was devouring Ellicott Citys historic downtown.

The whole house shook, she said. We thought we were gone.

In two hours, nearly six inches of rain had fallen, an event so extraordinary that the National Weather Service said it should, statistically, occur there just once every 1,000 years.

By Sunday morning, as Gov. Larry Hogan (R) prepared to declare a state of emergency, images and videos of the carnage would spread on social media: bricks torn from sidewalks, streets caved in, cars overturned, foundations obliterated, storefronts gashed, ground floors gutted.





But before the TV cameras arrived, before officials determined that 200 buildings had sustained damage, before the discovery of two bodies that had been swept downriver into Baltimore County, Secret needed to escape.

She had watched the surge push four cars down Main Street, pinning one against a telephone pole. Secret and her boyfriend ran to the front door but discovered that the steps had disappeared. Beneath them, an eight-foot sinkhole had formed in the ground.

Secret, who is in her 40s, could not believe it. Five years ago, she had lost everything when another Main Street flood ravaged her ground-floor apartment, prompting her to move to a second-story home. But now, here she was again, and this time, Secret did not know whether she would survive.

[Capital Weather Gang: More storms possible today, drier midweek]

Helpless, she and her boyfriend retreated to their apartment. Then, suddenly, they heard a cracking noise. Emergency workers armed with axes had climbed onto the roof of a building and kicked in the window of a neighboring antiques store. They then chopped a hole in Secrets wall, allowing her and her boyfriend to climb out.

She works two jobs, one for a local chocolatier and the other for the Ellicott City Partnership. Both are on Main Street.

Im not only homeless; Im unemployed, she said Sunday. Her dark blond hair dishevelled, she carried a backpack that held a set of clothes, and she wore a homemade green T-shirt with the words Historic Ellicott City written on the front.

Amateur video taken during severe flooding in Ellicott City, Md. on Saturday, July 30, shows a group of people forming a human chain in an attempt to save a woman from a water-logged car. One man is nearly swept away by the rushing flood waters. (Facebook.com/Sara Arditti)

I dont think, she said, Ill ever live on Main Street again.

Baltimore County police identified the two victims as Jessica Watsula, 35, of Lebanon, Pa., and Joseph Anthony Blevins, 38, of Windsor Mill in Baltimore County.

Watsula and her family, tourists to the area, were in their car when the flash flood struck, police said. The other occupants escaped and were rescued before being taken to Howard County General Hospital. Watsulas body was later found 200 yards from the Ilchester Bridge.

Blevins and his girlfriend were also driving through town when the gush of water caught their car. She climbed out and found rescue, but he could not break free from the current. His body was found Sunday morning by a hiker who spotted it on the shore of the Patapsco River near the Howard County line.

Among the 200 damaged buildings, police said, five have been classified as destroyed. About 170 cars must be towed from the streets or pulled from the Patapsco.

Weve got a long road ahead of us, said Hogan, who toured the wreckage with U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.) on Sunday morning. We are going to do everything we can to immediately help people, make sure there is housing, get things back on track.

Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman (R), who vowed that Ellicott City would recover, described the 244-year-old towns epicenter as a scene from a disaster movie.

[See more photos and video from the flood]

In another harrowing episode, captured on video and posted to Facebook, three men formed a human chain through the furious current to reach a woman trapped inside her car.

I cant do this, the woman yelled as she crawled halfway out.

You have to, someone shouted back.

The man closest to her was Jason Barnes, whose business, All Time Toys, was being wrecked by floodwaters. He stretched out his arm, but he could not reach the woman. So he let go of the chain and stumbled forward. Just seconds after he had fallen and was nearly submerged, he took the driver in his arms and carried her to safety.

Jason was incredibly brave and a little bit reckless to wade out to that, said David Dempster, co-owner of Main Streets Still Life Gallery. When he went down, I thought that was it for Jason. I thought he would be swept away to his death.

Saturdays disaster was not the first to befall the town.

It seems, the Baltimore Sun wrote in 2012, that Ellicott City has come in for an inordinate amount of disasters from floods, fires and railroad wrecks since its founding in 1772.

The unincorporated town of 68,000 has endured at least four major floods, according to the Maryland Historic Districts web site, including a pair in the 1970s, another in 1923 and one in 1868 that wiped out most of early industry in the valley sparing only the flour mill.

Ellicott Citys geography makes it particularly vulnerable, said Jason Elliott, a National Weather Service hydrologist.

It is bordered by the Patapsco and by areas of higher elevation, which means heavy rain could trigger flooding from two directions, as it did in this case.

[This historic mill town has seen many, many floods]

On Sunday, officials asked residents to remain patient as emergency crews assess the damage and work to ensure structures are safe. Hogan and other elected officials said the county, state and federal governments will work together to make sure the affected area is rebuilt.

This is not going to be cleared up in a day or two, Kittleman said.

Cummings, who has an office on Main Street and knows many of the citys business owners, said the rebuilding effort will take a lot of money and a lot of patience.

Hundreds offered condolences on social media.

Be safe out there #maryland prayers & thoughts with all in #ellicottcity, former Baltimore Ravens star Ray Lewis tweeted.

When the rain began, Karry Brown, 42, was enjoying dinner with his wife at the Phoenix Emporium on Main Street. As the weather worsened, restaurant staff moved the 50 or so guests up to a third floor.

We were just watching in disbelief at how the water was sweeping cars away, said Brown, of Odenton, Md. It was pretty dramatic.

His wifes car was nearly among those washed away. She had parked it on Maryland Avenue, perpendicular to Main Street, which sustained the worst flooding. The water pushed the car out of its parking spot and into the road.

Once they left the restaurant, they managed to start the vehicle and drive slowly out of town. But soon, Brown said, the dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, and the engine died, forcing them to call a tow truck that arrived about two hours later.

Shannon Tolley, 45, of Manheim, Pa., had stopped with a friend in the basement of Ellicott Mills Brewing Co. Soon, she said, a flash flood warning appeared on her phone, and water began to leak into the bar.

Patrons were moved up to the first floor, then the second and the third.

The water was just rushing down the street, she said, like a big river.

By about 9 p.m., the water had receded enough for Tolley, a music teacher, to venture outside. She waded through ankle-deep water to her car, which had been parked high enough on a hill to prevent it from being lost.

Ive never seen anything like this in my life, Tolley said.

One Ellicott City man named Kirk Cummings, who lives outside downtown, was watching a movie with his family when it began to rain.

I knew it was going to be awful, said Cummings, 44.

He got into his Toyota 4Runner and drove toward the flooding. Before he picked up a man and two women who had been stranded, Cummings watched the cars being pushed and pulled down his towns most beloved street.

Some of those cars, he recalled, were still occupied. But he could do nothing to help the people inside.

The looks on their faces, he said as he struggled to stay composed.

Martin Weil, Eddy Palanzo and Theresa Vargas contributed to this report.
Virginias largest jurisdiction is cracking down on local residents and businesses whose cars are registered out of state  a problem that officials attribute to the commonwealths property tax on cars and its refusal to issue drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants.

Since July 2015, Farfax officials have identified 2,300 incorrectly registered vehicles  742 with Maryland plates  and recovered about $600,000 in unpaid vehicle property taxes.

Maryland does not levy property taxes on vehicles, making it cheaper to register a personal vehicle  or a fleet of limousines or taxi cabs  there rather than in Virginia, county officials say.

In addition, Maryland and the District are among the jurisdictions that allow undocumented immigrants to obtain drivers licenses. Virginia has long resisted granting drivers licenses to such individuals, or to anyone who cant prove they legally reside in the state.

[Did D.C. fail in its effort to help undocumented immigrants get licenses?]

The commonwealths strict drivers license law was passed in 2003, after it became known that nearly half of the hijackers involved in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks had obtained drivers licenses in Virginia.

Many of Virginias estimated 275,000 undocumented immigrants get drivers licenses in Maryland or the District, using a false address, advocates say. Having a drivers license from those jurisdiction means they also must register their vehicles there.

State Sen. Scott A. Surovell (D-Fairfax), whose district in eastern Fairfax County and portions of Prince William County has a large immigrant population, said constituents have told him that they go to Maryland to obtain drivers licenses and state identification.

During a recent town hall meeting, the first thing that came up, and it came up repeatedly, was: Wed really like to have a government ID here,  Surovell said. Theyre willing to pay the taxes here.

[The real changes in immigration policy are happening in states]

This year the Republican-controlled General Assembly ordered the Department of Motor Vehicles to study how other states have implemented programs to issue drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants and whether those programs have affected highway safety and the economy. Recommendations are due in October.

Immigrant advocates say local governments in Fairfax County and other jurisdictions should lobby the General Assembly to make drivers licenses available to undocumented immigrants.

No one that Ive spoken to thinks that theyre cheating the system by doing this, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, legal director of the Legal Aid Justice Center in Falls Church, said about the practice. They just have an understanding that you cant drive or own a car without a license, so you have to figure out a way to get a license.

Arlington County has actively looked since 2007 for vehicles that are registered elsewhere but should be on county tax rolls.

My staff goes out three times a week, early in the morning before the owners go to work, said Ingrid Morroy, the commissioner of revenue. We also have access to a number of underground garages in apartment buildings and high-rise buildings.

[Dealing with illegally parked cars on your property]

Fairfax County launched its enforcement effort last summer. Supervisor Jeff C. McKay (D-Lee,) who initiated the crackdown, said that he was prompted by complaints from residents in his district about cars with Maryland tags.

I dont care why theyre doing it so much, but if they are, they need to be on the tax rolls, McKay said. Something is happening out there that encourages people to register their car in Maryland and house it in Virginia. My sense is that what weve found so far is just the tip of the iceberg.

So far, county officials said, there hasnt been any backlash from residents or businesses whose vehicles have been cited. But for some of those affected, the financial impact can be substantial.

Tony Simon, chief operating officer of Reston Limousine, said about a fourth of the companys fleet of about 160 limousines and vans were registered under an office address in Maryland because some of its customers are in that state.

After being contacted by the county, Reston Limo, based near Dulles International Airport, reluctantly agreed to switch registration to Virginia.

With a county property tax rate of $4.57 per $100 of assessed value, the company is facing a payment of about $140,000.

Its a big cost, Simon said. Were talking about over 30 to 40 vehicles and these are worth $100,000 or more each.

Nonetheless, he said, We are here to comply.

Fairfaxs enforcement effort is based mostly on resident reports, although county police will sometimes pull over drivers, officials said. Police run the license plate to determine who owns the vehicle, and then check to see whether that person lives out of state.

Members of the U.S. military or students temporarily living in Fairfax are permitted to have out-of-state plates. But for other vehicle owners, the county Department of Tax Administration will mail out a tax bill.

Residents who think that they were cited incorrectly can appeal to the county and then to Circuit Court, county officials said.

Cyra Doty said she has noticed several cars with Maryland plates on her block in Annandale, and she is certain that some of them belong to her neighbors. Shes called county police about a commercial van parked in front of her house for days at a time that bears Minnesota tags.

Thats just tax dollars walking out the door, said Doty, who has lived in her neighborhood since 2004. It would alleviate some of our budget issues with schools and other things if we were getting money from all these people with Maryland plates.
Luke Black protests Monday outside the Maricopa County Attorneys office in Phoenix. The Justice Department (Matt York/AP)

ARIZONA

Justice to investigate fatal police shooting

The Navajo Nation Council said Saturday it was elated about the Justice Departments decision to investigate the fatal shooting of a Navajo woman by an Arizona police officer.

Navajo Nation Council members unanimously supported a resolution requesting for a federal investigation, so we wholeheartedly support the USDOJs decision, the council said in a statement.

The agency said that it will review the local investigation into the March 27 shooting death of Loreal Tsingine, a Justice spokesman said Friday.

Officer Austin Shipley was responding to a report of shoplifting at a convenience store in Winslow, Ariz., when he shot Tsingine, 27, on a nearby sidewalk. Maricopa County prosecutors said last week that Shipley would not be charged.

 Associated Press

INDIANA

Attempted murder charge for policeman

An Indianapolis police officer was charged with attempted murder after he shot a detective investigating a domestic violence report involving the officer and his estranged wife, police said.

A Marion County judge approved an arrest warrant Saturday charging Adrian Aurs, 42, in Friday nights shooting. Aurs has been suspended without pay.

Indianapolis Police Sgt. Kendale Adams said Aurss estranged wife and two young children were inside their apartment when the detective was shot. Adams said the detective was investigating an earlier domestic-violence incident when Aurs returned to the apartment and fired.

The detective was hospitalized and was listed in good condition.

Aurs allegedly fled to Ohio. Cincinnati police arrested him after an hour-long standoff.

He was being held in a Cincinnati jail.

 Associated Press

CALIFORNIA

Skydiver is rst to jump with no chute

Skydiver Luke Aikins on Saturday became the first person to jump from a plane into a net on the ground without the benefit of a parachute.

Aikins hit the 100-by-100-foot net in Simi Valley, Calif., perfectly. He quickly climbed out and walked over to hug his wife, who had been watching with other family members.

Just before getting into a plane to make the jump, Aikins said he had been ordered to wear a parachute but indicated that he wouldnt open it.

As the plane was climbing to 25,000 feet above the drop zone, Aikins said the requirement had been lifted and took off the chute.

He fell for about two minutes, then flipped onto his back at the last second and landed to cheers from those gathered to watch.

The 42-year-old daredevil has made 18,000 jumps. He has done stunts for Ironman 3 and other films, and trained elite skydivers.

 Associated Press

Mayors gun linked to killing: Prosecutors in Northern California say a gun stolen from the mayor of Stockton was used to kill a 13-year-old boy last year. The Stockton Record reported Saturday that the San Joaquin County district attorneys office said one of two guns stolen from Mayor Anthony Silva was the weapon used in the slaying of Rayshawn Harris. Prosecutors say Harris was killed by bullets fired from a .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol registered to Silva. The boy was fatally shot Feb. 23, 2015, while he stood in his driveway.

3 dead in Seattle-area shooting: A gunman attacked a gathering of adults at a house in suburban Seattle early Saturday, killing two people at a fire pit before firing more shots from the roof, the grandmother of one of the witnesses said. A total of three people were killed and another was injured at the property in Mukilteo, north of Seattle. State troopers arrested the fleeing 19-year-old suspect on an interstate highway, authorities said.

 From news reports
BELGIUM

Man is charged with attempted terrorism

A man in Belgium has been charged with attempting to commit terrorist murders and participation in a terrorist group, the federal prosecutors office announced Saturday.

The prosecutors office said a 33-year-old man, identified only as Nourredine H., and his brother Hamza H. were taken in for questioning on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack after police searches Friday evening of seven houses in the city of Liege and in the Mons region.

Belgian prosecutors said late Saturday that Nourredine H. was charged and that his brother was freed. Officials said no further information would be released.

The police searches were carried out at the request of a magistrate specializing in terrorism investigations.

Brussels was hit March 22 by suicide bombings that killed 32 people at Brussels Airport and in the Brussels subway. That attack was claimed by the Islamic State extremist group and carried out by the same cell that killed 130 people Nov. 13 in Paris.

 Associated Press

Britain

French-Chinese nuclear plant delayed

British Prime Minister Theresa May was concerned about the security implications of a planned Chinese investment in the new Hinkley Point nuclear plant and intervened personally to delay the project, a former colleague and a source said Saturday.

The plan by Frances EDF to build two reactors with financial backing from a Chinese state-owned company was championed by Mays predecessor, David Cameron, as a sign of Britains openness to foreign investment.

But just hours before a signing ceremony was to take place Friday, Mays new government said it would review the project, raising concerns that Britains approach to infrastructure deals, energy supply and foreign investment may be changing.

The decision could prove to be a test for May, with any attempt to renegotiate the terms of the project potentially straining relations with Paris and Beijing.

 Reuters

Tunisian parliament votes to disband government: Tunisias parliament passed a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Habib Essid on Saturday, effectively disbanding the government of the U.S.-trained agricultural economist. Essid said he would do his best to make sure the transition to the new government is a tranquil one. Despite fierce criticism of his government during an extraordinary parliamentary session, Essid said the debate consecrated Tunisias nascent democracy.

Hundreds protest death of man by police in Canada: More than 500 people rallied in Canadas capital on Saturday to protest the death of a mentally ill black man after an arrest, marching against what they see as race-based police brutality in a country that prides itself on being tolerant. Abdirahman Abdi, 37, died Monday; witnesses told local media he was beaten by Ottawa police officers who responded to calls of a disturbance.

Philippine president calls off cease-fire: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte canceled a week-long cease-fire after communist guerrillas killed a government militiaman and failed to declare their own truce by a Saturday deadline he had imposed. After withdrawing his cease-fire order, Duterte issued a statement Saturday evening saying he had ordered all government forces to go on high alert.

Police, crowd clash outside Armenian police station held by gunmen: Clashes between riot police and supporters of gunmen from an opposition group barricaded inside a police station in Armenias capital left 75 people injured and more than 20 in custody on charges related to the unrest, officials said Saturday. The clashes broke out late Friday when several hundred people tried to approach the Yerevan police station, which was seized July 17 by about 30 gunmen, who killed one officer and wounded several others.

 From news services
KENDALL, Wis.  John E. Davey, 62, of Kendall passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at home surrounded by love, his wife, Cindy, and children, Sky, Neil, and Rose by his side.

John was born Dec. 4, 1953, in Woodstock, Ill. As a youth John moved around a lot as his father followed the pathways of his ministry. John E. and his dad, John W. bought the old Herman Menard place in 1971, and it became Silver Moon Farm.

John loved the land, loved the farm, and felt like we are here as stewards of the land and here to take care of it. John started organic farming in 1972, this was a pretty unusual practice back then, but John felt the need for sustainability towards the future, for the life resources of the land itself, and for the children yet to come.

Many of the old timers liked John, as they were unique individual characters themselves, and saw that in him. They took the measure of him. Many of them gave him good advice, whether they were haying or working together putting up fences along the property lines.

John and I always felt blessed in the good neighbors we have had. As a young man John often would call Mike Connors if ever he needed advice on his beloved Jersey milk cows.

Many neighbors will remember John helping get their heifers in, or their cows, helping with an escaped horse or two. John was always helpful and kind, loaning neighbors the use of tractor and farm equipment when they were needed. John was just that way. KEOA (Keep Each Other Alive). He saw we were all in the same boat together.

Some neighbors and locals will remember Johns help in the 80s to get rid of a very bad man in the local school. John saw the great need, and took action. John had the ability to articulate what was needed, yet at the same time allowed room for those in charge to do the right thing, and for it to occur . John was a good man.

Many of us will remember Johns letters to the editor in the local papers. He was always a champion for the vulnerable, the dispossessed, the underdog, for those hurting, for public education, libraries, decent healthcare, for the earth and all her resources. He could see clearly through policy that particularly would bring forth more hurt and harm to the community here and at large, making clear through his articulation what was really behind all the smoke and mirrors of misinformation. He valued life before profit, he valued the common good before special interests.

He was a light in these dark times.

My beloved husband, my dearest friend, my John will be greatly missed, the loss of him is profound, we shared 39 years of enduring love together.

He is survived by his wife Cinthia Cindy; children, Sky (Missy) Davey, Neil (Angela) Davey, and Rose (Dan) Davey; grandson, Ethan Neal Davey; beloved father and mother, John W. and Eleanor Davey; sisters, Carol Davey and Susan Donahoe (Bob, Molly, and Anna); and many more relations.

John is so missed, and so beloved. We will remember him always, forever loved.
ARMENIA

Two-week standoff

at police station ends

All 20 gunmen inside a police compound in Armenias capital surrendered Sunday, ending a two-week standoff that left two police officers dead and several wounded on both sides, the security service said.

The standoff involving armed members of a radical opposition group also set off protests that led to unrest in the capital, Yerevan.

The leader of the gunmen, Varuzhan Avetisyan, said in a telephone interview with local media that they decided to surrender after security forces used armored vehicles to enter the police compound.

Another factor, he said, was that police had started to shoot gunmen who ventured outside.

Thirty-one armed men seized the police compound on July 17 to demand the release of their leader, who was arrested in June. Their group, Founding Parliament, has sharply criticized the government and urged people to take to the streets to force the president and the prime minister to step down.

Several thousand people joined nightly rallies to support the gunmen, occasionally clashing with police. Some of the worst violence occurred Friday, when 75 people were injured.

In the initial attack, the gunmen killed one officer and wounded several others. Police accused them of killing a second officer on Saturday, but Avetisyan denied this.

The gunmen had held four police officers hostage for a week before releasing them unharmed. They later seized four members of an ambulance crew but freed the last two on Saturday.

 Associated Press

SYRIA

Rebels launch push to break Aleppo siege

Syrian rebels on Sunday launched an offensive aimed at breaking the governments siege of eastern Aleppo, where the United Nations estimates about 300,000 people are trapped with dwindling food and medical supplies.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which gathers information from a network of local informants, said rebels and pro-government forces were clashing along several fronts on the outskirts of the divided city, once Syrias largest city.

Presumed Russian or Syrian government jets bombed neighborhoods in the eastern side, the Observatory reported. Earlier in the day, helicopters dropped unguided barrel bombs on the rebel-controlled neighborhood of Bustan al-Basha, it said.

Government forces closed off the last route to the opposition holdout in early July, replicating siege tactics employed with mixed results throughout the war.

Meanwhile, in southern Syria, an airstrike on a hospital in an opposition-controlled town put the facility out of service.

The hospital in Jasem was targeted in one of many airstrikes to hit the town in Daraa province, according to the Local Coordination Committees activist network. The group said six people were killed in the strikes, which it blamed on the government.

 Associated Press

Spain rescues 74 migrants trying to cross Mediterranean: Spains maritime rescue service saved 74 migrants crammed into three small boats trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea. The rescue service said it collected 25 migrants before dawn from one boat, followed hours later by the rescue of 19 from a second craft and then 30 from a third boat.

Yemens government reverses decision on peace talks: Yemens internationally recognized government has agreed to extend peace talks with Shiite rebels for a week, reversing a decision to quit the Kuwait-hosted negotiations, according to Yemeni state television. It said President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi agreed to proposals by U.N. envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed for the rebels to pull out of cities, including the capital, and hand over weapons looted from army depots within 45 days.

Taliban attacks reportedly kill 24 police officers: Taliban attacks on a district in the southern Afghan province of Helmand have killed at least 24 police officers in two days, an Afghan official said. Kareem Atal, director of Helmands provincial council, said battles between government forces and militants have been raging in the Kanashin district since late Friday. The fighting has spread north to other districts, he said.

10 dead in attack on Somali police base: Militants set off two car bombs outside a police base in Somalias capital before gunmen stormed inside, leaving at least 10 people dead, police said. The Islamist group al-Shabab asserted responsibility for the Mogadishu assault. It was the second major operation in the city in a week by the group.

 From news services
Khizr and Ghazala Khan, whose son was killed while serving in Iraq, stood before the Democratic convention on Thursday, July 28 and blasted Donald Trump's rhetoric on Muslims and immigrants. Here's what happened next. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

Khizr and Ghazala Khan, whose son was killed while serving in Iraq, stood before the Democratic convention on Thursday, July 28 and blasted Donald Trump's rhetoric on Muslims and immigrants. Here's what happened next. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

Ghazala Khans son, U.S. Army Capt. Humayun Khan, was killed in Iraq in 2004.

Donald Trump has asked why I did not speak at the Democratic convention. He said he would like to hear from me. Here is my answer to Donald Trump: Because without saying a thing, all the world, all America, felt my pain. I am a Gold Star mother. Whoever saw me felt me in their heart.

Donald Trump said I had nothing to say. I do. My son Humayun Khan, an Army captain, died 12 years ago in Iraq. He loved America, where we moved when he was 2 years old. He had volunteered to help his country, signing up for the ROTC at the University of Virginia. This was before the attack of Sept. 11, 2001. He didnt have to do this, but he wanted to.

When Humayun was sent to Iraq, my husband and I worried about his safety. I had already been through one war, in Pakistan in 1965, when I was just a high school student. So I was very scared. You can sacrifice yourself, but you cannot take it that your kids will do this.

Humayun Khan was an American Muslim Army soldier who died serving the U.S. after 9/11. His father, Khizr Khan, 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)

We asked if there was some way he could not go, because he had already done his service. He said it was his duty. I cannot forget when he was going to the plane, and he looked back at me. He was happy, and giving me strength: Dont worry, Mom. Everything will be all right.

The last time I spoke to my son was on Mothers Day 2004. We had asked him to call us collect whenever he could. I begged him to be safe. I asked him to stay back, and not to go running around trying to become a hero, because I knew he would do something like that.

He said, Mom, these are my soldiers, these are my people. I have to take care of them. He was killed by a car bomber outside the gates of his base. He died trying to save his soldiers and innocent civilians.

That is my son. Humayun was always dependable. If I was vacuuming the house and he was home, he would take the vacuum from my hand and clean the house. He volunteered to teach disabled children in the hospital how to swim. He said, I love when they have a little bit of progress and their faces, they light up. At least they are that much happy. He wanted to be a lawyer, like his father, to help people.

Humayun is my middle son, and the others are doing so well, but every day I feel the pain of his loss. It has been 12 years, but you know hearts of pain can never heal as long as we live. Just talking about it is hard for me all the time. Every day, whenever I pray, I have to pray for him, and I cry. The place that emptied will always be empty.

I cannot walk into a room with pictures of Humayun. For all these years, I havent been able to clean the closet where his things are  I had to ask my daughter-in-law to do it. Walking onto the convention stage, with a huge picture of my son behind me, I could hardly control myself. What mother could? Donald Trump has children whom he loves. Does he really need to wonder why I did not speak?

Donald Trump said that maybe I wasnt allowed to say anything. That is not true. My husband asked me if I wanted to speak, but I told him I could not. My religion teaches me that all human beings are equal in Gods eyes. Husband and wife are part of each other; you should love and respect each other so you can take care of the family.

1 of 14 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  The most memorable moments from the Republican and Democratic conventions View Photos From a tender moment between President Obama and Hillary Clinton to Trumps flashy entrance, heres a look at top moments from the conventions. Caption From a tender moment between President Obama and Hillary Clinton to Trumps flashy entrance, heres a look at top moments from the conventions. Democratic National Convention President Obama embraces presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia after endorsing her and imploring the public to reject fear, to summon whats best in us. Melina Mara/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

When Donald Trump is talking about Islam, he is ignorant. If he studied the real Islam and Koran, all the ideas he gets from terrorists would change, because terrorism is a different religion.

Donald Trump said he has made a lot of sacrifices. He doesnt know what the word sacrifice means.
FLOODING RAVAGED parts of north and east China this month. More than 150 people were killed by landslides and surges of water. In one of the worst-hit provinces, Hebei, people in the town of Xingtai, where at least 25 people died, demonstrated against the government for failing to warn them of the flooding and for ineffective rescue attempts.

Just as the flood news began to spread, Chinas cyber-regulator ordered some of the countrys most popular Internet portals to halt much of their original news reporting. The Cyberspace Administration of China demanded that the portals no longer produce their own journalism and that they simply republish sanitized material from Communist Party mouthpieces, the Peoples Daily and the news agency, Xinhua.

These two events are not unrelated. The profit-making Web portals had in recent years not only aggregated news and run social media and messaging services, but begun to hire good reporters and carry out their own investigations, racing ahead of the state-owned media on topics such as disasters, industrial pollution and tainted milk powder. For years, they operated openly but in a legal gray area, rushing out new information when they could to meet the huge demand for news from Chinas 600 million Internet users. A similar thirst for news helped propel Chinese social media outlets into an important role as news platforms when disasters struck, such as the Wenzhou train wreck in 2011.

But now, under President Xi Jinping, the Chinese party-state is suffocating these outlets. The latest order came July 25, instructing the Web portals to close down four popular news features at sites run by Sina, Sohu, Phoenix and NetEase, implementing a regulation that was published earlier in the month. China has long used news censors to block individual broadcasts and articles, and dictate coverage to reporters and editors, but this new order goes further, wiping out a whole sector in which original news reporting had been thriving. The upbeat information that Chinas leaders want to disseminate was amply displayed by Xinhuas flood dispatch, which emphasized soldiers braving the elements to save lives, the president ordering all-out efforts to control and fight floods and China moving heaven and earth to clean up.

This stale reportage that does not challenge the authorities or embarrass them is what Mr. Xi had in mind in February when he made a series of high-profile visits to party organs and declared they must serve the party with absolute loyalty and must have the party as their family name. Those that dont want to have the Communist Party as their family name were just unplugged. There is no question that Chinas rising middle class and its legions of Internet users want unfettered information and news. They just lost a valuable source of both. But they arent likely to give up; probably they will seek out and find still other channels for uncensored truth about their country and the world.
The military is not a political prize. Politicians should take the advice of senior military leaders but keep them off the stage. The American people should not wonder where their military leaders draw the line between military advice and political preference. And our nations soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines should not wonder about the political leanings and motivations of their leaders.

Retired Marine Gen. John Allen and retired Army Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn werent introduced at the Democratic and Republican conventions, respectively, as John and Mike. They were introduced as generals. As generals, they have an obligation to uphold our apolitical traditions. They have just made the task of their successors  who continue to serve in uniform and are accountable for our security  more complicated. It was a mistake for them to participate as they did. It was a mistake for our presidential candidates to ask them to do so.

Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Raleigh, N.C.

The writer is former chairman of

the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
IN A normal political year, the presidential election might have ended at the electrifying moment that Khizr Khan, addressing the Democratic convention in Philadelphia, pulled a copy of the Constitution from his jacket pocket and challenged the Republican nominee.

Donald Trump, you are asking Americans to trust you with our future, said Mr. Khan, whose son Humayun Khan, a U.S. Army captain and a proud Muslim American, was killed while protecting his men in Iraq in 2004. 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. 

But in this unusual year, it may not be disqualifying that Mr. Trump has disparaged Muslims, Mexicans and so many others. It may not be disqualifying that he has little knowledge of the Constitution or regard for the principles embodied in it. Two-thirds of the electorate, according to polls, believe the nation is headed in the wrong direction, and many of them may find Mr. Trump to be a suitable messenger of their discontent.

In response to Mr. Trumps bombast and his promise of radical but heedless change, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton offered a vision of steady, incremental progress toward goals that matter to most Americans. She chose as running mate a politician, Virginia Sen. Timothy M. Kaine, who embodies that pragmatic promise: His career of public service has combined a commitment to liberal values with an openness to bipartisan compromise. Ms. Clinton acknowledged deep-seated problems troubling many Americans  inequality and slowing social mobility, gridlock in Washington, national security threats  but her answer to them is neither the political revolution touted by her primary opponent, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), nor the nihilism of Mr. Trump.

Her campaign is betting that Americans instead will buy into her alternative offer of competence and dedication to the task of step-by-step, year-by-year change. But what if the wrong-track polls reflect not just anger and frustration but also deep cynicism about the possibility of any change? If thats the case, detailed policy proposals and testimonials to Ms. Clintons experience and doggedness will just bounce off many voters. The more outlandish Mr. Trump becomes  beseeching unfriendly powers to hack into American emails, for example  the more he will appeal. Hearing repeatedly from Mr. Trump and Mr. Sanders alike that the system is rigged, voters may conclude it might as well be blown up.

The risk to the nation and the world can be glimpsed in the damage already done. One political party has been reduced to policy incoherence and moral surrender, as its standard-bearer rejects its longtime tenets and its other leaders  such as House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (Wis.)  try vainly to endorse their candidate without being tainted by his racism and flirtation with anti-American dictators. Both parties have abandoned any pretense of addressing the nations long-term fiscal problems. Both have abandoned the postwar consensus for free and fair trade  a consensus that helped lift hundreds of millions of people around the world out of poverty. And allied leaders and their populations are questioning as never before whether the United States can be relied upon. They have good reason to wonder.
Humayun Khan was an American Muslim Army soldier who died serving the U.S. after 9/11. His father, Khizr Khan, 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)

Humayun Khan was an American Muslim Army soldier who died serving the U.S. after 9/11. His father, Khizr Khan, 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)

Republican politicians face a choice. They can accept Hillary Clintons invitation to abandon Donald Trump and prevent a redefinition of their party as a haven for bigotry. Or they can prop Trump up, try to maximize his vote  and thereby tarnish themselves for a generation.

If there were any doubts about Trumps disqualifying lack of simple decency and empathy, he resolved them on ABCs This Week over the weekend with a characteristically cruel and self-centered attack on Khizr and Ghazala Khan, an American Muslim couple whose son, Army Capt. Humayun Khan, was killed in the line of duty in Iraq.

With his wife by his side, Khizr Khan delivered what was the most devastating attack on Trump during the Democratic National Convention. Khan directly challenged Trumps strongman ignorance: Let me ask you, have you even read the United States Constitution? I will gladly lend you my copy. And he said this of Trump: You have sacrificed nothing and no one.

Most politicians  most human beings  would have humbly declared that no sacrifice is comparable to losing a son or daughter in service to the nation. Instead, Trump said he had made many sacrifices because (Im not making this up) he created thousands and thousands of jobs. He said of Khizr Khans speech: Who wrote that? Did Hillarys script writers write it?

And then he broke new ground, even for him, in heartlessness. His wife, Trump said, if you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasnt allowed to have something to say.

1 of 14 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  The most memorable moments from the Republican and Democratic conventions View Photos From a tender moment between President Obama and Hillary Clinton to Trumps flashy entrance, heres a look at top moments from the conventions. Caption From a tender moment between President Obama and Hillary Clinton to Trumps flashy entrance, heres a look at top moments from the conventions. Democratic National Convention President Obama embraces presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia after endorsing her and imploring the public to reject fear, to summon whats best in us. Melina Mara/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

Every Republican politician and commentator who continues to say that Trump is a superior or even morally equivalent choice to Hillary Clinton will now own their temporary leaders brutality for the rest of their political careers.

Many humane Republicans know this. Ohio Gov. John Kasich spoke for them when he tweeted that theres only one way to talk about Gold Star parents: with honor and respect.

This is a moment of truth for GOP leaders who passively accepted and sometimes encouraged an extremism that trafficked in religious and racial prejudice and painted President Obama as an illegitimate, power-hungry leader.

The partys traditional chieftains assumed they could use these themes to rally an angry, aging base of white voters while keeping the forces of right-wing radicalism under control. They did not anticipate Trump. He spent years courting the far right with his charges that Obama was born abroad and set himself up in contrast to an establishment that cynically exploited its feelings.

Now, in Ronald Reagans revered phrase, comes a time for choosing. House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell look feeble and vacillating when they try to distance themselves from Trump outrages while maintaining their support for his election. They embody a calculating timidity as they worry about Trumps impact on their party while also fearing for the electoral chances of their candidates if they push away Trumps constituency.

Khizr Khan called their bluff in an interview Friday with MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell: This is a moral imperative for both leaders, to say to him, Enough.  Had Trump been watching, he would have known that Ghazala Khan also spoke out. Her reticence at the convention, she explained, arose from grief over her lost son that made it difficult even to talk about him.

She powerfully made her point again in an essay published online Sunday morning by The Post. As the outcry against Trump continued to build, Ryan issued a statement late Sunday afternoon declaring: Many Muslim Americans have served valiantly in our military, and made the ultimate sacrifice, adding that Captain Khan was one such brave example. But he continued practicing the politics of evasion: Ryan could not bring himself to mention Trump by name, let alone condemn him. McConnell issued a similar statement that also failed to name Trump.

Both Republicans and Democrats are publicly responding to the speech that Khizr Khan gave at the Democratic convention. Khan's son was killed while serving in Iraq. Here's what politicians from both parties said. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

Up to now, it has fallen largely to conservative intellectuals and former Republican officials to express their horror over Trumps amoral approach to politics; his incoherent, dictator-friendly foreign policy; and his racist, exclusionary definition of what it means to be an American.

A Democratic convention awash in American flags celebrated American diversity in the name of a very old ideal most conservatives share: that we are a country bound by ideas, not a nation defined by blood, soil or a single religious tradition.

By contrasting Reagans Morning in America with Trumps Midnight in America, Clinton invited such conservatives to tolerate a term of her leadership in order to avoid the damage a self-involved practitioner of a nasty brand of flimflam could do to their cause and their country.

Clinton Republicans and ex-Republicans could thus be this generations Reagan Democrats. In repudiating Trump for Clinton, they will not be abandoning their ideology. They will be making a moral statement that their movement will not tolerate an opportunist so corrupt and so vile that when given a choice, he pandered to religious intolerance rather than honoring the sacrifice of a brave young American.

Read more from E.J. Dionnes archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Hillary Clinton is heading to heavily Republican Nebraska on Monday in search of a single electoral vote.

In a move that suggests the Democratic presidential nominee is taking nothing for granted against Republican Donald Trump, Clinton has scheduled a late afternoon rally in Omaha, a moderate pocket of an otherwise conservative state.

Heres why: Nebraska is one of only two states that awards part of its electoral votes based on outcomes in congressional districts. The other is Maine.

In Nebraskas case, two of the states five electoral votes go to the statewide winner. That is almost certain to be Trump. The other three are distributed on the basis of performance in Nebraskas three congressional districts.

[How Clinton and Sanders avoided a broken convention]

In 2008, then-Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.) edged out GOP nominee John McCain in the 2nd Congressional District, which includes Omaha, picking up exactly one of the 270 electoral votes needed to secure the presidency.

Four years later, Mitt Romney swept the entire state, which has pretty much been the norm for Republicans in recent decades.

Bud Synhorst, executive director of the Nebraska Republican Party, said he considered Obamas 2008 pick-up pretty much of a fluke.

I think Clinton is wasting her time and money, Synhorst said. She thinks she can pull an Obama, but shes not the same candidate, and its eight years later.

Democrats, however, say they are pretty fired up about the visit, scheduled for a high school gym that will not be nearly large enough to fit everyone who has already RSVPd, according to Nebraska Democratic Party Chairman Vincent Powers.

Powers said that after consulting with others on Facebook, he determined that a Democrat hadnt campaigned in Nebraska during the general election since President Franklin D. Roosevelt sought reelection in 1936.

Its been 80 years, Powers said. Were just very happy shes coming. For us in Nebraska, its a huge development to have a future president campaigning here.

Obama came to Nebraska ahead of the 2008 Democratic caucuses but did not return before the general election, Powers said.

Unless you come and ask for our vote, youre not going to get our vote, said Powers, adding that he has been annoyed by those in the national media who consider Nebraska a state that Democrats should just fly over.

Unlike other parts of the state, conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh doesnt dominate the airwaves in Omaha, Powers added. Theres a lot more to listen to on the radio, he said.

Omaha is Nebraskas largest city and home to a handful of Fortune 500 companies as well as the annual College World Series.

It is telling that Clinton considers the Omaha-centered district a battleground. Her campaign has staff on the ground there and is airing television ads in the Omaha market.

Only eight states have been afforded the same status: Florida, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia. (Pennsylvania is relatively new to the list, having replaced Colorado, a state targeted in an earlier Clinton ad buy.)

Republicans have speculated that Clintons stand in Omaha is really more about shoring up support in Iowa, a swing state on Nebraskas eastern border. The Omaha TV market bleeds over into western Iowa, including Council Bluffs, which is just across the river.

The Clinton campaign insists otherwise.

During last weeks Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, a high-ranking Clinton campaign official made a point of visiting a Nebraska delegation breakfast.

We are campaigning in Nebraska for your congressional district, said Marlon Marshall, the campaigns director of states and political engagement, according to an account in the Omaha World-Herald. We feel very strongly that we can win.

The state GOP doesnt plan to be particularly welcoming when Clinton touches down Monday. Synhorst said groups of military veterans opposed to her policies are planning to greet her both at the airport and the event site.

We have a couple other things planned for her that shell find out about when she gets here, he said.
Sen. Bernie Sanders along with the Vermont delegation and his wife, Jane Sanders, cast their roll-call vote during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia last week. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

Late on the night before the Democratic National Convention kicked off, five Hillary Clinton and three Bernie Sanders aides huddled in a windowless room at Wells Fargo Center and began working their way through a series of concerns scrawled on a whiteboard.

Among them: the possibility of disruptions from Sanders delegates at several points in the week  and the chance that Nina Turner, a fiery Sanders advocate, would be placed in nomination for vice president to embarrass Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia.

The meeting, a participant recalled, also included head-butting over speakers requested by Sanders that the Clinton camp did not want on the program, as well as the still-unresolved issue of whether the senator himself would speak during the 10 oclock hour the next day when the networks were broadcasting live.

Like much of the convention that followed, the meeting had its share of turbulence. But it was also remarkable for its ultimate outcome: Two campaigns that had been through a bruising primary season pulled together and orchestrated a week relatively free of public controversy.

This report is based on multiple interviews with senior campaign officials in the Sanders and Clinton camps. All of the individuals requested anonymity to speak candidly about private and delicate proceedings.

1 of 29 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  In photos: The quirk, tension and excitement from the Democratic National Convention View Photos Washington Post photographers coverage of the convention in Philadelphia. Caption Washington Post photographers coverage of the convention in Philadelphia. Hillary Clinton celebrates after accepting the Democratic presidential nomination. Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

The cooperation between the campaigns began even before the primaries ended, with a series of overtures that included a trip to Sanderss home state of Vermont by Robby Mook, Clintons campaign manager. Both sides agreed that without their mutual efforts, what unfolded in Philadelphia could have been a disaster, just as the party was trying to unify in its fight against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

As it was, things did not get off to a good start. Before the opening gavel, Sanders was booed during a meeting with his nearly 1,900 delegates when he urged them to help elect Clinton. That prompted the Clinton people to freak out a little bit, in the estimation of a Sanders aide who described a curse-laden phone call from Mook to Sanderss campaign manager, Jeff Weaver.

[Can a delegate inspired by Sanders come around to Clinton?]

Shortly afterward, Sanders sent an extraordinary text message to his delegates urging them as a personal courtesy to me not to engage in any kind of protest on the floor. That message went unheeded by dozens of delegates, as they booed mentions of Clintons name and sought to disrupt speakers early in the evening.

Many were smarting over the disclosure from days earlier of leaked emails from the Democratic National Committee showing staffers there talking about ways to undermine Sanderss primary campaign.

Although heckling continued through the final night, on Thursday, the atmosphere was far different by then, as both camps worked together to tamp down dissent. During her speech, Clinton made a point of directly addressing Sanders supporters, declaring: Ive heard you. Your cause is our cause. By the time the balloons dropped, Clintons team was ready to declare the week a success.

It could have been very chaotic, said an aide to Sanders, whose delegates included some who were new to party politics and unwilling to allow that Clinton should be the nominee. It could have looked like it did when it started Monday night, only all week long.

A supporter cries as Sen. Bernie Sanders addresses the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia July 25. (Michael Robinson-Chavez/The Washington Post)

Instead, by Thursday night, most Sanders delegates were waving Hillary or USA or Stronger Together banners and American flags, one Clinton adviser said. It was a unifying event.

[For one Sanders delegate, a long journey finally comes to an end in Philadelphia]

The contest between Clinton and Sanders began on a higher plane last year, with both candidates rarely talking about the other. But as Sanderss standing rose, so too did the vitriol between the two candidates, who ultimately questioned each others judgment and qualifications. After Clinton clinched the race in June, it took Sanders a full month to offer his endorsement.

Clintons efforts to make peace began well before then. On most nights during the long primary season, Clinton picked up the phone and called Sanders to offer congratulations when he scored a victory, a senior adviser to Clinton said. He did the same with her.

By the time we got into the convention, a level of trust had developed between the two sides, a senior Clinton adviser said. We werent always happy with each others points of view, but we knew that we could trust each other, and we trusted each others words.

The relationship between the two campaign managers, built over many months, was one of the keys.

Although both were Vermonters, Mook and Weaver had not met before the race. But as far back as October, at the Jefferson Jackson Dinner in Iowa, the two displayed a public friendliness, posing for photos together, with Mook holding a Bern Unit sign and the two wearing identical scuffed shoes.

By the June 7 California primary, which dashed Sanderss last-ditch hopes of wresting the nomination from Clinton, Weaver and Mook were talking almost every day. That led to a pivotal face-to-face meeting between Clinton and Sanders a week later. They, and a few top aides, convened behind closed doors in the Carol Rowan suite at the Capital Hilton in Washington shortly after the polls closed in the District, which held the final Democratic nominating contest, on June 14.

What soon became clear was that Sanders was focused on winning concessions on policy  and that Clinton was willing to accommodate him, to a point. They agreed on two issues, college tuition and access to health care, where they could craft joint initiatives, melding proposals the two had pushed during the primaries.

As soon as the principals departed that night, Weaver and Mook remained for two hours to discuss how to move forward. Mook did two impressions to lighten the mood: one of Bill Clinton and the other of Sanders.

In the weeks that followed, policy staff from both campaigns, as well as Sanderss wife, Jane, worked to craft proposals to advance Sanderss agenda but remain consistent with Clintons principles.

Sanders, for example, had championed making college tuition free for everyone who attends public universities and colleges. Clinton often derided his proposal, saying taxpayers should not foot the bill to send Trumps kids to college. Their compromise calls for free tuition for families making up to $125,000 a year.

Underscoring their progress, Mook traveled to Vermont in late June for dinner with Weaver at the Farmhouse Tap & Grill, in Burlington, where Sanders maintained his presidential campaign headquarters. Weaver had a pork burger; Mook had a salad. They talked until nearly 11 p.m.

In early July, Clinton rolled out her revamped proposals on college tuition and health care, promising to push for a public option that would allow people to buy into government insurance as part of the Affordable Care Act. That was a far cry from Sanderss proposal for a single-payer system but seemed a step in that direction.

Sanders was also determined to advance as many of his ideas as possible through changes to the Democratic platform. His aides had started talking about the strategy back in March, when it became evident that Sanderss odds of winning the nomination were growing longer.

Over a series of many committee meetings in multiple cities, Sanders got about 90 percent of what he wanted, Weaver said, including a call to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour and some aggressive steps to combat climate change.

With a number of victories secured, Sanders was finally ready to endorse Clinton.

The pair emerged together three weeks ago in a crowded Portsmouth, N.H., gym, accompanied by a Bruce Springsteen song that Sanders had used to enter his political rallies. Although Sanders would go on to say the right things, their chemistry was awkward at times.

The endorsement did not sit well with some Sanders supporters, who saw it as a sellout to the Democratic establishment. But his advisers said no one should have been surprised, given that Sanders said from the outset that he planned to support the partys nominee.

I think Bernie feels hes moved the party a long way, and meaningful things could come from it if Clinton is in the White House. a Democrat with close ties to the campaign said. Now that he had pushed the agenda as far as he could possibly push it, it was time to get onboard with her.

Efforts to present a unified front at the convention hit a major speed bump just before it started, with the publication by WikiLeaks of thousands on internal Democratic National Committee emails. Sanders delegates arrived in Philadelphia inflamed, an aide said.

During a Friday night huddle, Weaver told Mook that it was Sanderss long-held position that DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a congresswoman from Florida, needed to resign  something that happened two days later. Still, the Sanders team was determined to work with the Clinton camp to ensure as smooth a convention as possible. Some of that was admittedly due to self-interest, an aide said.

It was always our feeling that booing and outbursts would reflect badly on Bernie, so we worked in concert with them to try to avoid that, the aide said.

In an attempt to foster as much unity as possible, the Clinton team encouraged their delegates in the states to become friends with the Sanders delegates long before the convention started. In some states, delegates organized cookouts together. Some traveled to Philadelphia together.

A top Clinton priority was to avoid messiness on the convention floor whenever possible. That included the prospect of minority reports being filed to contest parts of the party platform, which would have opened up divisive debate of issues, such as trade, for all of the news media to witness. Sanders himself signaled to his delegates that he did not want them to pursue that course on the platform.

Several points of tension remained between the two campaigns, including some that were never amicably resolved. One flash point was over which Sanders supporters would be allowed to address the convention.

Turner, a former Ohio senator and outspoken advocate, said that Sanders had personally asked her to be among those who put his name into nomination. But Sanders later circled back with her and said it would not be possible. Asked why, Turner said, You can read between the lines.

Additionally, the timing of Sanderss speech went unresolved until shortly before the convention began. He was slated for Monday night, but the Clinton camp initially tried to steer him toward the 9 oclock slot, before the broadcast networks picked up coverage.

We said thats insulting to our guy. He should be in prime time, a Sanders aide said.

Clintons team finally yielded and made him the final speaker of the evening, scheduled for 10:40 p.m.

The two camps also worked to orchestrate Sanderss role in Clintons formal nominating process. Clinton wanted Sanders to do something similar to what she did for President Obama in 2008  halting the roll call of states when it reached New York and moving that Obama be nominated by acclamation. Sanders was dead-set on having all the states cast votes so that his people would feel like their efforts over the past seven months had mattered.

A plan was hatched to have Sanders make his symbolic motion at the end of the process and to make clear that all votes would still be reflected in the record of the proceedings. When it happened Tuesday night, it came across as a much-needed gesture of unity.
Humayun Khan was an American Muslim Army soldier who died serving the U.S. after 9/11. His father, Khizr Khan, 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)

Humayun Khan was an American Muslim Army soldier who died serving the U.S. after 9/11. His father, Khizr Khan, 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)

The mash-up of symbols couldnt have been more stark: a Muslim immigrant extolling the virtues of American liberty while holding his pocket copy of the Constitution, and his wife, struggling to contain her emotions, standing silently by his side, wearing a soft-blue hijab.

The moment at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night upstaged the debut speech by the first woman to be a major partys nominee for president and confronted a vast television audience with a riveting and, for some, jarring blend of messages. Here were the parents of a fallen U.S. Army captain, still deep in mourning and palpably proud to be Americans; and here were Muslim immigrants from Pakistan, keenly aware of their uncomfortable place at the center of this years presidential campaign; and here was a pocket Constitution, in recent years a popular giveaway for conservative and evangelical groups; and here was a hijab, the Muslim head covering that has become a shorthand for the debate over Islams place in the Western world.

The overwhelming response to the appearance by Khizr and Ghazala Khan reflected the cultural and political divide that has dominated American discourse since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Many people took Khizr Khans lecture to Donald Trump about liberty and xenophobia as a statement about what patriotism and American identity really mean. Many others took the speech as a partisan blast but nonetheless a powerful plea from parents mourning the death of an American soldier.

Trump took it as a personal affront.

Throughout the weekend, the Republican nominee used Twitter and TV interviews to extend his criticism of the immigrant couple from Charlottesville. Trump accused the father of being a tool of Hillary Clintons campaign, and Trump said of the mother: She probably  maybe she wasnt allowed to have anything to say. . . . It looked like she had nothing to say.

Khizr and Ghazala Khan, whose son was killed while serving in Iraq, stood before the Democratic convention on Thursday, July 28 and blasted Donald Trumps rhetoric on Muslims and immigrants. Heres what happened next. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

[Father of slain U.S. soldier: GOP must repudiate Trump]

The Khans almost instantly joined the ranks of ordinary citizens who have become important emblems of what some voters really think of presidential candidates  people such as Joe the Plumber, the nickname of an Ohio man whose informal exchange with then-Sen. Barack Obama led Sen. John McCains 2008 campaign to argue that Obama favored a socialist-style redistribution of wealth.

Both conventions last month featured a parade of such everyday Americans  including, at the Democratic convention, the mothers of black men killed in police shootings; and at the Republican gathering, Patricia Smith, who blamed the death of her son, a State Department employee who was killed in Benghazi, Libya, on then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The Khans quickly stepped into their new roles as Trump antagonists. Ghazala Khan explained, the day after the convention, that she demurred from public speaking because she gets too emotional when she sees pictures of her late son, Capt. Humayun Khan. In an opinion column published in The Washington Post on Sunday, the mother said that although she didnt speak from the podium, without saying a thing, all the world, all America, felt my pain. I am a Gold Star mother. Whoever saw me felt me in their heart.

[Ghazala Khan: Trump criticized my silence. He knows nothing about true sacrifice.]

Throughout his life, Trump has taken pride in never backing down, always hitting back harder than hes been hit and generally seeking publicity on the theory that all press is good press. But throughout this years rules-smashing campaign, Trump has reserved his most outrageous rhetorical blasts for prominent people.

When Trump rejected the heroism of McCain (R-Ariz.), who as a young Navy officer spent more than five harrowing years as a prisoner of the North Vietnamese, or when Trump characterized Fox News anchor Megyn Kellys aggressive questioning in a debate as blood coming out of her wherever, he took on people who were accustomed to the rough and tumble of the public fray.

1 of 14 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  The most memorable moments from the Republican and Democratic conventions View Photos From a tender moment between President Obama and Hillary Clinton to Trumps flashy entrance, heres a look at top moments from the conventions. Caption From a tender moment between President Obama and Hillary Clinton to Trumps flashy entrance, heres a look at top moments from the conventions. Democratic National Convention President Obama embraces presidential nominee Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia after endorsing her and imploring the public to reject fear, to summon whats best in us. Melina Mara/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

This time, Trump targeted the parents of an Army captain who was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq. Neither the father, a consultant on immigration law, nor his wife had been on the national political stage before. But the Khans didnt shy from the battle. They spent Sunday elaborating on their view of Trump as, in Khizr Khans words on morning talk shows on NBC and CNN, a black soul who is leading a campaign of hatred, of derision, of dividing us.

Trump, for his part, said Saturday that Khan had no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the Constitution. At the convention, Khan had reached into his jacket pocket to pull out his copy of it, which he says he usually keeps with him, and addressed Trump: I will gladly lend you my copy. In this document, look for the words liberty and equal protection of law. 

Khan said the Constitution he waved before the cameras Thursday night came out of the boxes of 99-cent pocket versions that he orders from the American Bar Association to hand out to fourth-year cadets graduating from the University of Virginias ROTC program.

Every year since their sons death, the Khans have invited the cadets to their house for hot dogs and burgers, to honor their son, a graduate of the program, and to give the students their first exposure to a Muslim home, to see how similar it is to their own, Khan said. Theyd feel like this is our aunt or uncles home. And I have cards from them, understanding the gesture of giving them the Constitution, because they were getting ready to take an oath to that Constitution.

Khan, who formerly worked as a technology manager at the Washington law firm then called Hogan & Hartson, called on Trumps most prominent Republican supporters, such as House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (Wis.) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.), to repudiate their presidential nominee. They did not.

Many other Republicans and Democrats alike did say Sunday that they were appalled by Trumps harsh rhetoric about the parents of a fallen soldier, and Trump himself shifted gears slightly, tweeting that Capt. Khan, who was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart after he was killed in 2004, was a hero, but adding that I was viciously attacked by Mr. Khan at the Democratic Convention. Am I not allowed to respond?

For Trump, returning fire on the Khans was by instinct and practice the right thing to do. Beginning in the 1970s, Trump adopted the media strategy of his mentor, the tough New York lawyer Roy Cohn: when attacked, counterattack with overwhelming force. Trump studied and perfected the art of winning headlines in New York Citys tabloid newspapers, trumpeting the twists of his love life and delivering devilish blasts against his business competitors and political opponents to become a mainstay on the gossip pages and the front pages.

The point is that if you are a little different, or a little outrageous, or if you do things that are bold or controversial, the press is going to write about you, Trump wrote in his 1987 book, Trump: The Art of the Deal.

In the campaign he has mounted since last summer, Trump has deployed his media strategy to enormous success, dispatching 16 opponents in the Republican primaries and winning an unprecedented flood of media attention.

Will any of this make a difference in the November election? Its too soon to have any reliable polling data on the impact of the Trump-Khan confrontation, but throughout the primary campaign, reaction to Trumps verbal volleys against people such as McCain, Kelly or then-candidate Carly Fiorina has been shaped largely by partisan loyalties.

Popular attitudes toward Trumps harsh rhetoric about racial and religious minorities have consistently reflected pre-existing political affiliations. In a Washington Post-ABC News poll in July, 56 percent of Americans said Trump is biased against women and minorities, and 39 percent said he is not. Broken down by party preference, 86 percent of Democrats, 56 percent of independents and 26 percent of Republicans said Trump is biased.

If this incident does alter the electoral calculus, prompting a popular response more akin to the widespread condemnation last fall of Trumps mocking imitation of New York Times reporter Serge Kovaleskis disability, that might become evident among voters with close ties to the military. GOP candidate Mitt Romney won military or veteran voters  who tend to vote Republican in presidential elections  by a 20-point margin over Obama in 2012, according to an American National Election Studies survey. Any significant decline in that number would make it difficult for Trump to find a path to victory.

But Trump  who famously said in January that I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldnt lose voters  remains confident that what would be fatal breaches of political etiquette in most elections will only cement his reputation as a fearless truth-teller.

The more outrageous the comments, the more some voters will conclude that Trump is the candidate who would break some china and get things done, said Mark Burnett, who produced The Apprentice, Trumps popular TV reality show. People want to hear the unvarnished, that same style that he showed on The Apprentice,  Burnett said in an interview earlier this year, the ability to speak his mind clearly and not tone down his voice in a politically correct, TV way.

Stephanie McCrummen and polling director Scott Clement contributed to this report.
Khizr and Ghazala Khan, whose son was killed while serving in Iraq, stood before the Democratic convention on Thursday, July 28 and blasted Donald Trump's rhetoric on Muslims and immigrants. Here's what happened next. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

Khizr and Ghazala Khan, whose son was killed while serving in Iraq, stood before the Democratic convention on Thursday, July 28 and blasted Donald Trump's rhetoric on Muslims and immigrants. Here's what happened next. (Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post)

Two days after delivering one of the most memorable speeches of the 2016 campaign season  a moment one commentator described as the fulcrum of the election  Khizr Khan was checking into a D.C. hotel, preparing for television appearances Sunday morning and still trying to come to grips with the sudden spotlight.

I was in line, and a group of people gathered behind me, and one of them said, Sir, can we shake your hand?  Khan said in a phone interview from his hotel room in Washington late Saturday night.

Khan was still overwhelmed by the response to his speech at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday. He had paid tribute to his son Humayun Khan, a 27-year-old Army captain killed in Iraq in 2004, and had asked Donald Trump whether he had ever read the U.S. Constitution or visited Arlington National Cemetery. All of it had amounted to the most direct and personal challenge so far to the Republican presidential nominees rhetoric concerning Muslim immigrants in America.

Khan said it is the massive response to his speech, not the speech itself, that is causing the trouble to Trump.

[Trump stirs outrage after lashing out at Muslim parents of dead U.S. soldier]

Humayun Khan was an American Muslim Army soldier who died serving the U.S. after 9/11. His father, Khizr Khan, 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)

They begin to see this person who can hardly speak correct English, who has an accent  and they are saying, How dare he say something of that profound nature? Not profound in their eyes, but profound in how many people have responded, said Khan, a Harvard-trained lawyer who lives in Charlottesville.

In a series of statements Friday and Saturday, Trump responded to Khans speech, first telling the New York Times that he wondered whether Khans wife, who stood silently by his side as he spoke, was allowed to speak, a response that drew widespread, bipartisan condemnation. In a written statement later Saturday, Trump  who has proposed suspending Muslim immigration to the United States  elaborated that Khans son, who was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, was a hero who should be honored. He went on to say that the real problem here are the radical Islamic terrorists who killed him, and the efforts of these radicals to enter our country to do us further harm.

Responding to Trumps latest statement, Khan said, This is faked empathy.

What he said originally  that defines him . . . people are upset with him. He realizes, and his advisers feel, that [his original statement] was a stupid mistake. That proves that this person is void of empathy. He is unfit for the stewardship of this great country. You think he will empathize with this country, with the suffering of this countrys poor people? He showed his true colors when he disrespected this countrys most honorable mother. . . . The snake oil he is selling, and my patriotic, decent Americans are falling for that. Republicans are falling for that. And I can only appeal to them. Reconsider. Repudiate. Its a moral obligation. A person void of empathy for the people he wishes to lead cannot be trusted with that leadership. To vote is a trust. And it cannot be placed in the wrong hands.

In response to Trumps attack on his wife, Khan said that the Republican nominees words were typical of a person without a soul.

Khan said his wife did not speak because she breaks down when she sees her sons photograph  a huge one of which was projected onto a screen behind the stage at the convention.

Emotionally and physically  she just could not even stand there, and when we left, as soon as we got off camera, she just broke down. And the people inside, the staff, were holding her, consoling her. She was just totally emotionally spent. Only those parents that have lost their son or daughter could imagine the pain that such a memory causes. Especially when a tribute is being paid. I was holding myself together, because one of us had to be strong. Normally, she is the stronger one. But in the matter of Humayun, she just breaks down any time anyone mentions it.

Khan said he asked his wife whether she wanted to address the convention.

I asked her: Do you want to say something? Thank you? We are glad?  Khan said. She said: You know what will happen. I will sob. Would any mother be able to utter a word under those circumstances?

Khan also said that he is now turning his attention to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.), appealing to them to repudiate what he considers to be Trumps divisive rhetoric. He said the matter of Trumps candidacy has become a moral issue beyond policy or political disagreement.

I am saying to them that this is your moral duty  and history will judge you. . . . This will be a burden on their conscience for the rest of their lives, Khan said near midnight Saturday.

Speaking of Trumps proposed suspension of Muslim immigration, Khan said that the candidate is simply pandering for votes.

This is my country, too, he said, adding that Trump lacks understanding, that most Muslims are victims of terrorism, not perpetrators  and they condemn it. He lacks awareness of these issues. He doesnt realize there are patriotic Muslim Americans in this country willing to lay their lives for this country. We are a testament to that.

Khan said since his speech Thursday, he has received an unexpected flood of emails from judges, lawyers and others across the country who he thinks have become emboldened since his appearance.

What has caused this stir is how those words have strengthened the hearts of people, he said. These are scholars, very prominent judges, prominent lawyers  one said very clearly: I have never voted Democrat. I will vote Democrat this year. I want you to know that somehow you have touched my heart.
A 33-year-old man with no permanent address was referred to the Monroe County District Attorney on drug and theft charges.

Police observed James Engh riding a bicycle northbound on North Superior Avenue at 11:15 a.m. July 21 and identified him as a suspect in a case involving stolen property. Police approached James at a convenience store and handcuffed him without incident.

A search of Engh reportedly uncovered a glass pipe with the odor of burned marijuana. Police later determined the bicycle Engh was riding had been stolen.

Engh was referred for possession of stolen property, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In other police news:

Damien Davis Dickman, 18, Warrens, was referred to the district attorney for bail jumping after allegedly giving police misleading information about an alleged June 4 shoplifting incident at Walmart. Dickman has two bonds from Monroe County.

Cole T. Williams, 19, Tomah, was referred to the district attorney for disorderly conduct and bail jumping after a July 22 incident.

According to the report, Williams ripped the shirt off another person and threw him against a chair at a Packard Street residence. Williams has a bond condition that bars him from committing any crimes, which triggered the bail jumping referral.

Brent B. Peterson, 24, Holmen, and Sean A. Ewing, 25, La Crescent, Minnesota, were referred to the district attorney on drug charges in the aftermath of an alleged July 16 shoplifting incident at Walmart.

Ewing was referred a week earlier for shoplifting, criminal damage to property, three counts of bail jumping and possession of drug paraphernalia. He has subsequently been referred for possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia.

Peterson, who accompanied Ewing to Walmart, was under the influence of an intoxicant, according to police. A search of Peterson revealed no contraband, but a search of Ewings vehicle reportedly revealed paraphernalia consistent with intravaneous drug use.

Peterson was referred for possession of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia.

Jacob S. Zimmerman, 34, Tomah, was referred to the district attorney for resisting arrest after police approached him shortly after 9 p.m. July 22 at the Daybreak Motel.

According to the report, police suspected Zimmerman of stealing a political yard sign, writing Kill all Cops and Death to all Pigs on it and placing it at the probation and parole office on Kilbourn Avenue. The report says Zimmerman had made previous threats against officers.

Police went to the Daybreak Motel after discovering the Department of Corrections had a warrant for Zimmermans arrest. The report said Zimmerman failed to comply with 20 to 30 orders to leave the motel room and that chemical agents were used to gain compliance.

The report said Zimmerman admits to placing the sign at the probation and parole office but denied writing on it.

Robert John Austin, 24, was referred to the district attorney for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after a July 25 domestic incident.

Police were called to a Superior Avenue apartment shortly before midnight in reference to a disturbance. According to the report, police determined no arrests were necessary but advised Austin and a woman not to remain at the same residence overnight.

Ninety minutes later, police were called to the same residence. The caller said Austin had returned and was slamming stuff around the bedroom. When police arrived, Austin had reportedly barricaded himself inside a bedroom. Austin later exited the room but allegedly refused repeated orders from an officer to sit on a couch.

Officers handcuffed Austin, who reportedly resisted attempts to take him downstairs. He eventually complied and was taken to the Monroe County Jail without incident.
On July 31, the third day of a bus tour through Pennsylvania and Ohio, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia travel near Cleveland. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post)

Hillary Clintons three-day bus ride across battleground Pennsylvania and Ohio was supposed to celebrate her nomination with running mate Sen. Tim Kaine, showcase her plans to add jobs and ring a bell for the fall election.

It ended up being mostly about Donald Trump.

At nearly every stop through two states Democrats must win in November, Clinton and Kaine talked about the Republican almost as much as they talked about themselves. She invoked him sometimes with red-meat outrage, sometimes with a tone of disbelief and sometimes for laughs.

Donald Trump may think we never win anymore and our country is full of losers, but, boy, is he wrong! Clinton said during a visit to a factory here that she held up as symbolic of Rust Belt revival.

We still do big things, and we can do more big things, she said. Were not going to build a giant wall. Were going to build roads and bridges and tunnels and forts and airports and water systems and a new electric . . . 

On July 30, the second day of the bus tour, Clinton and Kaine speak during a rally in Pittsburgh. (Melina Mara/The Washington Post)

Clinton was not able to finish; the rest of her litany was drowned out by a roar of applause from the mostly union workers gathered on a dusty shop floor.

Clinton and Kaine mentioned Trumps name 36 times in some 45 minutes of remarks here Saturday, and they referenced him without naming him several times more. It was a recognition that the fall election has become a referendum on the businessman and political novice more than on the polarizing woman who has been at the center of American politics for a quarter-century. And that is mostly fine by her.

Many Democrats have concluded that the more the election is framed as a rejection of Trump, the less many voters are likely to focus on the particulars of their discomfort and dislike of Clinton. The cautious, traditional campaign that Clinton has built, designed to reeducate voters about her background and reassure them that she can be trusted, now appears to agree.

The bus tour, which has stopped in cities and towns that have lost manufacturing jobs, served as political theater and a targeted response to Trumps inroads among white working- and middle-class voters.

A main strategy for the Democratic ticket is to undermine Trumps populist support by casting him as a cheat and a phony. Clinton and Kaine told crowds that Trump has stiffed small businesses, busted unions and outsourced jobs. Democrats hope it is a way of introducing questions about who Trump really is and helping to neutralize Clintons challenge holding voters trust.

In Harrisburg, Pa., on Friday night, Kaine asked an enthusiastic crowd whether anyone believed Trumps promises and boasts.

Not one word, the senator from Virginia said, and then led the crowd in chanting the phrase.

That did not stop one man at the back of the crowd from shouting liar! when Clinton spoke.

Even while skewering Trump daily, Clinton initially steered clear during the bus tour of the storm of criticism surrounding Trumps response to the family of a Muslim officer killed in Iraq. She cited the controversy near the close of the tour Sunday, during a visit to a black church in Cleveland.

[Muslim father of slain soldier calls on GOP to repudiate Trump]

The Democratic National Convention last week was choreographed around Trump even as speaker after speaker praised Clinton as an advocate for working people, immigrants, women, children, the disabled and a host of other constituencies.

But it was Clinton herself who cast Trump as an autocrat in the making  and the election as a national test of character.

America is once again at a moment of reckoning, she said in accepting the presidential nomination Thursday. 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.

[How Clinton and Sanders avoided a broken convention]

The patriotic theme continued Friday as the bus tour began. The Democrats first appearance, in Philadelphia, was preceded by the Pledge of Allegiance, and volunteers handed out American flags to the crowd.

Donald Trump painted a picture, a negative, dark, divisive picture of a country in decline at the Republicans nominating convention the week before, Clinton said. He insisted that America is weak, and he told us all, after laying out this very dark picture, that I alone can fix it. 

That goes against the founding idea of America, Clinton said, which is that democracy is erected from the bottom up.

The founders, she said, knew they didnt want one person, one man, to have all the power like a king.

Kaine, with a delighted grin, said the Republican convention wasnt a tour of this country. It was a journey through Donald Trumps mind, and that is a very frightening place.

Clinton got a slight bump in a CBS poll of battleground states, including Pennsylvania and Ohio, released Sunday. After both conventions, she regained a slight lead, 43 percent to 41 percent, in the 11 states where the election is expected to be decided. That is within the polls margin of error.

Jennifer Palmieri, Clintons communications director, said Clinton does not think the election is entirely a referendum on Trump, noting: Were very careful to make sure shes running her own campaign on an economic agenda.

In Hatfield, Pa., and then in Harrisburg on Friday, Clinton and Kaine touted a jobs plan she claims will help restore American manufacturing. Trump, they said, has offered nothing. His campaign refuted that, saying he has a detailed jobs proposal and blaming the persistent economic malaise in places such as western Pennsylvania on nearly eight years of a Democratic presidency.

On Saturday, in a driving rain, the tour moved deep into potential Trump country.

Cambria County, home of the Johnstown Wire Technologies plant Clinton and Kaine toured Saturday, is some 90 percent white with a median household income below $50,000. Mitt Romney won the rural western Pennsylvania county in 2012; President Obama won it in 2008, George W. Bush in 2004 and Al Gore in 2000.

As she approached the old factory, Clintons bright blue bus, which her campaign made sure to tell reporters was made in America, rolled past a small but loud group of Trump supporters. They held official campaign signs and handmade ones and booed her from the roadside.

Im an optimist, and Im confident, Clinton told the crowd inside. And I think if you look at American history, thats how we get things done. Its not the whiners and the complainers and the insulters who move our country forward, she said to applause. Its the workers and the builders; its people who get up every day and try to figure out how its going to be better for them and their families.

In Pittsburgh, Clinton collected the public endorsement of native son and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Like Trump, he is a businessman turned reality television star. Cuban had previously said he might vote for Trump. But during the Democratic convention, he told Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta that he had changed his mind and was ready to go, a Clinton aide said.

That Pennsylvania is considered a battleground this year is testament to the demographic and political shifts that Trump intends to exploit. The state has voted Democratic in each presidential election from 1992 forward, including both terms of President Bill Clinton, based largely on Democratic strength in cities and union households.

Clinton accompanied his wife on the tour, which echoed the heartland one he took with Gore upon winning the Democratic nomination in 1992. Seated to one side of his wife as she spoke in Johnstown, Clinton obligingly opened his jacket to flash his casual shirt when she noted that it, unlike many Trump-branded products, was made in the United States.

You truly are the reason I have so much confidence that Americas best days are still ahead of us, Hillary Clinton said. Its in stark contrast to the vision that Donald Trump is laying out, because I dont think were weak. I dont think were in decline. I think we can pull together because we are stronger together.

Slowed by rain, the 27-vehicle motorcade of buses, vans and police cars rolled into Youngstown, Ohio, after 10 p.m. Saturday night  two hours late. Julie Green, born in the hard-luck city and now living a few miles away in Girard, was waiting and apparently receptive to the argument that Trump represents an ominous turn for American politics.

I understand the allure of the people that follow him, but I think that its also very important to educate people about what the reality is versus what they see on television, Green said.
The two party conventions are over. The first general election debate is in 56 days. The general election is 99 days away. Now seems like a good time to look at what we know about the clash between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Here are five things I think I know.

1. There is no Trump 2.0.

Ive been saying this for a while now. There is no pivot. There is no new and improved version. There is just Donald Trump  take him or leave him. Ask yourself this: What successful 70-year-old man  in the immediate aftermath of one of the greatest victories of his life  decides to do things totally differently? The answer is no 70-year-old man, particularly one with the level of supreme confidence displayed by Trump.

There is no other Donald Trump, Clinton said in her acceptance speech last week in Philadelphia. This is it. Thats right. For Republicans desperately hoping that Trump stops attacking members of his own party or takes a break from Twitter, its just not going to happen. Trump is going to be Trump; Republicans have to decide whether thats who they want to vote for.

1 of 57 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  The Clinton-Kaine ticket hits the campaign trail View Photos Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her running mate, Tim Kaine, are on a three-day bus tour through the Rust Belt battlegrounds of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Caption Hillary Clinton loses to Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. Nov. 9, 2016 Hillary Clinton speaks in New York while her husband, former president Bill Clinton, applauds. Melina Mara/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

2. Hillary Clinton is going to play it safe.

Clintons defining trait as a politician is her cautiousness. She doesnt leap before she looks. Ever. Her selection of Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) as her vice presidential running mate  and reporting that suggests Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack finished second in the veepstakes  makes clear that Clinton isnt going to take any major risks in the coming days of the campaign.

What that caution reflects is a belief  never stated publicly  among Clinton and her senior aides that if she does the basic blocking and tackling in swing states, makes no major mistakes and just keeps letting Trump talk, she wins. Based on the electoral map and Trumps demographic problems with Hispanic voters, that looks like a smart strategy today.

3. Trump has a very narrow electoral path.

If Trump loses this fall, many Republicans will heap blame on him and the campaign he is running. Some of that blame will be fair. Much of it wont be, for this reason: No Republican presidential nominee starts off with a 50-50 shot of beating their Democratic opponent because of the GOPs huge disadvantages in the electoral map.

Consider this: Eighteen states, plus the District of Columbia, have voted for the Democratic presidential nominee in each of the six elections between 1992 and 2012. They yield 242 electoral votes. There are 13 states that have voted for the Republican nominee in every presidential election since 1992. They yield 102 electoral votes. So, if Clinton wins the 18 states in the Blue Wall and wins Florida (and its 29 electoral votes), the election is over. She is president.

4. Clinton and Trump may be the only people each other can beat.

1 of 60 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Photos of Donald Trump on the campaign trail View Photos The Republican presidential candidate is out on the trail ahead of the general election in November. Caption The GOP presidential nominee is pressing his case ahead of Election Day. Nov. 7, 2016 Donald Trump speaks during a campaign event at SNHU Arena in Manchester, N.H. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

We are dealing with two very unpopular nominees  the two least popular major-party picks in modern presidential politics. These are two deeply flawed candidates with problems that almost certainly cant be fixed.

For Trump, the issue is that people simply struggle to see him as someone who could actually be president. His short temper, tendency to overstate and seeming unwillingness to back away from his more divisive rhetoric make Trump less than ideal as a major-party nominee.

Meanwhile, Clinton labors under deep doubt about her honesty and trustworthiness  concerns that were only exacerbated by her mishandling of the email controversy regarding her electronic correspondence at the State Department. Clinton has rhetorically bowed to the idea that she has work to do to convince people  I get it that some people just dont know what to make of me, she said in her acceptance speech at the convention  but its unclear whether anything she could say or do would change minds.

The simple fact is that Trump is the only Republican Clinton can beat and Clinton is the only Democrat Trump can beat.

5. The next three months are going to be incredibly nasty.

When you have two candidates who are as disliked as these two, the path to victory isnt to make yourself more likable  its to make the other person even less well liked. Money spent on ads trying to make either Clinton or Trump more appealing to the electorate is almost certainly a waste.

What that means is that you are going to hear a lot more about Crooked Hillary from Trump and a lot more about Trumps controversial comments about women, Hispanics and, well, almost everyone else from Clinton.

Brace yourself: Its going to be the nastiest 99 days you have ever seen in a political campaign.
Kiyoshi, left, and Mitsuko Serizawa sit in their living room with a portrait of their son, Kiyotaka, who killed himself a year ago after working 90-hour weeks as a supervisor at a building maintenance company (Anna Fifield/The Washington Post)

In the United States, theres no end to stories and listicles and books telling you how to work more productively so you can spend more time with your family or doing the things you love.

In Japan, theres not even a term for work-life balance. What there is, though, is a word for death by overwork. Its karoshi, and its considered such an inevitable result of Japans notoriously grueling work culture that its hardly even discussed.

But every year here, hundreds, maybe thousands, of Japanese people literally work themselves to death.

Kiyotaka Serizawa was one of them.

A year ago in July, the 34-year-old killed himself after working crazy hours  90 hours a week during the last weeks of his life  at a company that does maintenance at apartment buildings.

His colleagues told me that they were amazed how much he worked, his father, Kiyoshi Serizawa, said in an interview in their family home. They said theyd never seen anyone who didnt even own the company work so hard.

Japan has a working culture where spending long hours at the grindstone, or in compulsory socializing with superiors after work, is the norm.

It began in the 1970s, when wages were relatively low and employees wanted to maximize their earnings. It continued through the boom years of the 1980s, when Japan became the worlds second-largest economy and everyone was on the juggernaut.

And it remained after the bubble burst in the late 1990s, when companies began restructuring and employees stayed at work to try to ensure they werent laid off.

Still, irregular workers  who worked without benefits or job security  were brought in, making the regular workers toil even harder.

Now, no one blinks an eyelid at 12-hour-plus days.

[ Its official: Japans population is dramatically shrinking ]

In a Japanese workplace, overtime work is always there. Its almost as if it is part of scheduled working hours, said Koji Morioka, an emeritus professor at Kansai University who is on a committee of experts advising the government on ways to combat karoshi. Its not forced by anyone, but workers feel it like its compulsory.

While the basic workweek is 40 hours, many workers dont put in for extra hours for fear of being given a bad performance evaluation. This has led to the concept of service overtime  service being Japanese for free.

This relentless schedule has led to karoshi  either from a fatal heart attack or stroke, or a suicide triggered by overwork  becoming a recognized cause of death. Labor ministry figures show that 189 deaths were classified this way last year, although experts think the actual number is in the thousands.

Karoshi has long been considered a male problem, but advocates say theyre seeing an increasing number of women dying, almost always by killing themselves.

The striking thing about them is that theyre very young, often in their 20s, said Hiroshi Kawahito, a lawyer and secretary-general of the National Defense Counsel for Victims of Karoshi, which fights for victims families.

Kawahito represented the family of a journalist in her early 30s who died of a heart attack. When a reporter gasped, he added: Its actually not rare in Japan for people in their early 30s to have heart attacks.

Once a death is classified as karoshi, a victims family is automatically entitled to compensation through a kind of workers comp system. The number of claims for karoshi-related cases rose to a record high of 2,310 in the year ending in March, government figures show.

But less than a third of applications are successful , Kawahito said.

Kiyotaka Serizawas death was officially certified last month. He was a supervisor responsible for overseeing building janitors in three separate locations in this town northeast of Tokyo.

Struggling to keep up, Kiyotaka had tried to resign a year before his death, but his boss refused to accept his notice. Apparently concerned about inconveniencing his subordinates, he carried on working.

He would sometimes stop at his parents house to sleep as he drove between offices. He would lie here on this couch and go into such a deep sleep that I would come and check on him to make sure his heart was still beating, said his mother, Mitsuko Serizawa.

[ Why Japan will pay a big price for Britains vote to leave the E.U. ]

The last time his mother saw him was July last year, when he came to collect the laundry hed been too busy to do. He stopped off for 10 minutes and watched some cute cat videos on his phone with his cat-mad mother.

But then, on July 26, he went missing. Three weeks later, his body was found in his car in Nagano Prefecture, not far from a place where hed gone on family camping holidays as a child. Hed burned briquettes in his car and died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Although karoshi has been a problem for several decades, it was only 18 months ago that the government passed legislation to try to tackle the problem.

The act sets specific targets, such as reducing the percentage of employees working for more than 60 hours a week to 5 percent by 2020, from the 8 to 9 percent range recorded in the past few years.

The government is also trying to get employees to actually take their paid vacation leave. Most Japanese workers get 20 days leave a year, but few take even half of that because of a working culture in which taking days off is seen as a sign of slacking or lack of commitment to the job.

The government hopes to entice workers to take at least 70 percent of their leave owed.

If youre conscious of this right, then you can show that theres nothing wrong with taking time off, said Yasukazu Kurio of the ministry of health and labors office for the prevention of karoshi. Kurio is trying to set a good example: Last year he took 17 of his 20 days.

Kawahito, the lawyer, said that the governments efforts could have some impact at the margins but that they dont deal with the fundamental problem.

Theres nothing thats stated under this act to penalize companies that break the rules, said Kawahito, whos not exactly a role model for work-life balance. As a younger lawyer, he used to work long hours, but now that hes reached the age of 66, hes cut back to about 60 hours a week.

Still, he wants to see a law like the European Working Time Directive that stipulates 11 hours off between shifts.

[ Japan is trying to save its economy with a Jedi mind trick ]

The karoshi problem is exacerbated by the relative weakness of labor unions, which have been primarily concerned with raising wages rather than shortening working hours, and the Japanese practice of having a job for life. Most university students go into a company or a ministry after graduation with the expectation theyll be there until they retire.

In a country like the U.S., people have more freedom to move to a company that treats you better, said Kenichi Kuroda, a professor at Meiji University in Tokyo who specializes in labor culture. But in Japan, people tend to stay at one company for life, so its difficult for people to move on.

Some companies, especially in the financial sector, are taking the initiative by allowing employees to come in earlier and leave earlier. So instead of working from nine to nine, theyre now working from seven to seven and can be home in time to see their children.

These companies are finding ways to bring about social change, and it could influence other companies by showing how theyre creating a dream lifestyle, Kuroda said, laughing to show he knew 12-hour days would not be considered revolutionary elsewhere.

Still, the problem is going to be difficult to alleviate.

Japans population is aging rapidly, with the workforce expected to shrink by at least a quarter by 2050. That means even fewer people available to work, increasing the workloads of those who remain.

Morioka, the professor, said that eliminating death by overwork will mean changing the entire working culture of Japan.

Its impossible to get rid of karoshi alone, he said. We need to change the overtime culture and create the time for family and hobbies. Long working hours are the root of all evil in Japan. People are so busy they dont even have the time to complain.

Yuki Oda contributed to this report.

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A 6-year-old girl in rural Afghanistan was reportedly sold in marriage recently to a Muslim cleric in his 50s or 60s. She was later rescued and held in a shelter, while the man was arrested and jailed, Afghan officials said last week.

The incident, which came after several widely publicized cases of young brides being burned or stoned, highlights the enduring tribal practices of child marriage in Afghanistan, often involving abuse. The problem has persisted despite years of public education campaigns, womens activists said, in part because poor parents need the income it brings.

Officials and relatives of the girl have given conflicting versions of the incident in northwestern Ghowr province, a remote and conservative area where Taliban militants have taken over several districts and imposed severe restrictions and punishments on women for moral offenses.

One account from local authorities said the arrested man, whom they identified as Mohammad Karim, told officials the childs parents had given her to him as a religious offering about two weeks ago, while her family claimed she had been kidnapped. His name, age and status as a cleric are all still unconfirmed, however.

The provincial police chief, Mohammad Andarabi, told The Washington Post that the man, whom he named as Sayed Abdul Karim, had married the girl with the parents consent in front of witnesses, after they accepted food and cash in payment. Later the man tried to return her, he said, but was seized by residents and turned over to the police.

The girl is safe . . . she has not been molested, Andarabi said. Both Karim and the girls father have been arrested for questioning, he said. Provincial officials said the girl had been taken to a womens shelter in the provincial capital.

Afghan womens rights leaders said that whatever the nature of the arrangement, it was against both Afghan law and Islam, the national religion. They said they were discouraged that their efforts to curb bride-selling and abuse had not met with more success after 15 years of Western-backed democracy and rights promotion.

Either way, this act is against Islam and our constitution. We want imprisonment of those involved, said Shahla Farid, an official of the nonprofit Afghan Womens Network in Kabul. This shows that despite our public campaign . . . there are some in Afghanistan who still violate routinely the rights of women and children. These are people without culture and religion, and it will take years to reform such people.

The arrest of Karim came less than a week after a pregnant 14-year-old bride in Ghowr was burned to death, arousing nationwide horror. Her parents said she had been tortured and set on fire by her husbands family, while his relatives claimed she had died by self-immolation. Last November, a young bride in Ghowr was stoned to death after being accused of adultery.

In some regions, because of insecurity and poverty, the families marry off their daughters at a very early age to get rid of them, Sima Samar, head of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission, was quoted by Agence France-Presse as telling journalists recently.

Under Afghan law, girls must be 16 to marry. But many are married off while still in their early teens. In a recent report, Save the Children, which is active in Afghanistan, said the practice deprives girls of the right to education, safety and the ability to make choices. . . . This is such a fundamental breach of a childs basic rights.

The struggle to protect women from abuse, and to modernize traditional Afghan practices such as selling brides and using girls as barter to settle disputes, has met with stubborn cultural and political resistance. Arranged marriage is still the norm, and eloping with a lover or fleeing an abusive husband is considered a dishonor to the family. Many girls and women have been sent to prison for committing such moral offenses, and the national legislature has resisted passing laws that criminalize domestic abuse.

Moreover, the retreat of Western troops, aid organizations and influence from the conservative Muslim country has coincided with the spreading influence of Taliban insurgents and their harsh moral code. There have been scattered reports of stonings and other primitive punishments being meted out in areas under their control, sometimes with families and onlookers participating.

Read more:

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Blast kills at least 80 during peaceful protest in Kabul

Keeping troops in Afghanistan sends the right message, generals and diplomats say

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Scientists work in an Oxford University cancer research lab in May. Many researchers in the country worry European collaboration could soon falter, slowing scientific progress. (Peter Nicholls/Reuters)

Britain has been a powerhouse of discovery since the age of science began. Newton, Darwin, Crick? They parted the curtain on gravity, evolution and DNA.

Now comes Brexit, and to use a nonscientific term, the scientists in the country are freaking out.

Since the vote in June to leave the European Union, leaders of Britains scientific academies are making dire predictions about what could happen to research and innovation here.

Damage to British research, the scientists warn, could be among the cascade of unintended  and largely unappreciated  consequences of the vote to exit the bloc.

The researchers worry that Britain will not replace funding it loses when it leaves the E.U., which has supplied about $1.2 billion a year to support British science, approximately 10 percent of the total spent by government-funded research councils.

Some researchers in Britain are also anxious about the possibility of a drop in funding from continental agencies. (Peter Nicholls/Reuters)

There is a whiff of panic in the labs.

Worse than a possible dip in funding is the research communitys fear that collaborators abroad will slink away and the countrys universities will find themselves isolated.

British research today is networked, expensive, competitive and global. Being part of a pan-European consortium has helped put Britain in the top handful of countries, based on the frequency of citations of its scientific papers.

The heads of British academic societies recently posted a public letter reminding everyone that the countrys universities, many of them among the best in the world, are staffed by legions of top-flight researchers from abroad.

Equally, the student bodies, especially graduate students in masters and doctoral programs, are populated by young scholars from the continent.

The community is asking: Will the foreigners continue to be welcome in British laboratories and will British researchers continue be partners with collaborators from abroad?

Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, president of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, said a third of the research staff at leading universities in Scotland are E.U. passport holders.

They are all very twitchy right now, Burnell told a science and technology committee in Parliament last month. . If good opportunities show themselves elsewhere in Europe, they will be off.

The new prime minister, Theresa May, vowed that preserving the countrys innovation was a priority and that British negotiators would focus on scientific collaboration in any future talks in Brussels.

In a letter to Sir Paul Nurse, director of the Francis Crick Institute in London and a former president of the Royal Society, May wrote that Britain is enriched by the best minds from Europe and around the world, according to a copy of the correspondence obtained by the BBC.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that headhunters may already be circling. Analysts with the Conference Board of Canada advised that Canadian universities try to lure talent across the ocean: With Britains wealth of talent facing an uncertain future after Brexit, we can reasonably expect them to consider their international options.

Spains deputy prime minister, Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, told the Financial Times her country would like to see the European Medicines Agency move from London to Madrid.

Some 15 percent of lecturers at British universities hold E.U. passports (and are not British). At the highest-ranked British universities, that number rises to 20 percent. In some academic departments at the London School of Economics and Political Science, half of the teaching staff are from abroad.

Alexander Halliday, a professor of geochemistry at the University of Oxford, testified at the House of Lords. Britain, he said, is considered one of the most entrepreneurial places in the world. It wasnt that way 10 years ago, he said, and pointed to a surge in E.U. science spending compared with flatlined funding by Britain.

As one example of Britains ability to draw talent, Halliday said a staggering one-fourth of the winners of the coveted Marie Curie fellowship, awarded by the E.U. to scientists to study abroad, come to Britain.

Here in Canterbury, the University of Kent bills itself as the U.K.s European university, with outposts in Athens, Brussels, Paris and Rome. The vice chancellor, Dame Julia Goodfellow, said of her location in Kent, Were surrounded by sea on three sides. Its an hour to London but almost as quick to Paris or Brussels. It just makes sense to look outside Britain.

Europeans make up 18 percent of the schools graduate students and 22 percent of the faculty. The university pumps almost $1 billion a year into the local economy.

One of our biggest issues right now is the uncertainty, Goodfellow said. Researchers and students want to know theyll get visas and funding. Kent will push for an open-door policy, she said.

Harmonie Toros, 42, is a senior lecturer at the University of Kent, where her speciality is international conflict resolution. She is French-Turkish, and her husband is an Italian academic also at the university. They have two young children.

She said Brexit has hit her professionally and personally.

Professionally, I would be planning to apply for a European Research Council grant now. It would be the right thing to do in my career. But it is a huge undertaking, 90 pages, will take a month and a half to do. And my chances of getting it are between 5 and 10 percent.

Shes worried those odds may have fallen in the wake of Britains decision to leave the E.U.

I would understand if the European Research Council werent particularly inclined to give us as much money as they used to, Toros said. Do I put a month of my time or more into an application I will have even lesser chance of getting? There are quite a few of us in this kind of position asking, Is it really worth it? 

On the personal side, Toros said that for the first few weeks after Brexit, she would eye people on the streets and wonder how they voted. The county of Kent came out strongly in favor of leaving the union.

You look at neighbors, and you know some of your neighbors voted leave,  she said. My entire work is on dialogue. Im not going to stop talking to people because they voted leave. That would be crazy.

Vid Calovski is president of the Kent Graduate Student Association. He said, Were scared the vote will change what makes the university such an eclectic community.

A friend, Paul Wong, 23, who is from Malaysia and is studying for a masters in actuarial science, said that in his class of 30 students, none are from Britain. Another graduate student, Ben Brown, 22, who is getting a masters in comparative politics, ticked off his roommates in a student apartment: Four French, an American, one German, a Dutch  and me. Hes the lone Brit.

Research in the 21st century is more collaborative than ever, the scientists say.

Anne Rosser is a professor at Cardiff University in Wales and a joint director of the Brain Repair Group there. Her focus is Huntingtons disease, a rare neural disorder. With partners at eight other labs, the consortium is searching for ways to transplant stem cells into damaged brains.

You cant do this kind of research in one country, Rosser said. She is especially worried about what will happen to funding and collaboration for investigating rare diseases.

Asked if Brexit could hurt her research, she said, It could certainly slow down what we are doing.

Rosser said she will apply for European funding this year, but she added that scientists are growing anxious about eligibility.

In science, the last thing you want is isolation, she said.

Chris Husbands, vice chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, said 12 research groups at his institution were preparing to participate in grant applications for the E.U.s Horizon 2020 money, due in August. He said that four of the teams on his campus were told by their E.U. partners that it was unhelpful now to have British collaborators.

The scientific journal Nature pointed out that much of the anxiety in British science is so far based on anecdotal evidence  as well as mere emotions  which are unreliable for proving that British innovation is going to take a whack.

Regardless, Nature reported that Britains science minister, Jo Johnson, has set up a specific email address (research@bis.gsi.gov.uk) for researchers to send him stories of lost opportunities.

Adam reported from London.

Read more:

In first meeting after Brexit vote, Merkel and May insist divorce can be amicable

IMF: Brexit is slowing world economy  and it could be worse

With Britains exit from the European Union, France sees an opening

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
The much-anticipated League of Gods opened in cinemas just a few days ago, and it comes complete with a star-studded cast  Jet Li, Tong Leung, Fan Bing Bing, Angelababy, to name a few  breathing life into ancient Chinese folklore.

Dubbed the Chinese version of X-Men, League of Gods paints a breathtaking picture of epic battles and mystical beasts in the Shang Dynasty.

But beyond Chinese folklore, we are also fascinated by many other intriguing myths and legends that have been swirling around Asia for the longest time.

Here we dive into 5 other widespread regional myths from around Asia, each of which we feel deserves their own blockbuster movie of epic proportions.

1. Naga

Photo Credit: ropen7789; Deviantart



The Story: The story of the great Naga has roots in several cultures and religious tales from around Southeast Asia.

There are many variations, but all tales speak of a giant serpentine creature dwelling in mountainous caverns or at the depths of great rivers and lakes. In Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos, it is common belief that the Naga creatures live within the Mekong River.

As the Naga travels through the river, it breathes balls of fire which travel upwards and out of the water itself - there are even dedicated Naga Fireball Festivals where thousands gather every year, and where many have reported sightings of these fireballs.

Stories of the mythical Naga are also widespread across Malaysia, Philippines, and even Indonesia.

The Movie: The Naga is perhaps the Asian cryptid equivalent of the Loch Ness monster, and is a region-wide myth steeped in mysticism and fantasy.

We envision a silver screen adaptation of this popular myth to feature the Naga as a loveable (but powerful) guardian of the deep, chanced upon and befriended by nerdy researchers who are on an expedition in Southeast Asia - were thinking a cross between The Water Horse: Legend Of The Deep and How To Train Your Dragon.

Hey DC, perhaps you could include the Naga in your upcoming Aquaman blockbuster? Just a thought!

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2. Lac Long Quan



Landscape in Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai, Vietnam. (Photo: Getty Images)



The Story: A long time ago, there lived a god named Lac Long Quan in ancient Vietnam.

Lac Long Quan was a sea god with the body of a dragon, and he had in his arsenal remarkable magical powers and near-infinite health.

He had lived most of his life alone, until one day chancing upon an immortal mountain fairy, Au Co.

Taken by her magnificent beauty, he married her immediately. Au Co laid a sac of a hundred eggs, from which 100 children were born, each bearing one of the 100 traditional Vietnamese names.

They harboured a great love but their separation was inevitable  Lac Long Quan bore dragon blood and needed to live close to the sea, and Au Co was a child of the mountains.

The couple parted ways, with Lac Long Quan taking 50 children to his home by the sea, and Au Co taking the other 50 children to the deep mountains.

This myth gives a beautiful narrative to the beginnings of the Vietnamese people, and how they live off the lands and seas in perfect harmony with nature.

The Movie: Lac Long Quan battled sea monsters and formidable enemies, a in heroic bid to keep his people safe and away from harms way.

The people had to only speak his name or cry out Father, and he would appear to save the day (think of it as an olden day Bat signal).

An adaptation to the silver screen has potential for a wide range of incredible action sequences with mighty beasts, both on land and at sea.

But at the heart of it all, Lac Long Quan is a bittersweet love story of two star-crossed lovers, who despite finding each other against the odds, were not destined to live out their lives with each other.





3. Pontianak



Photo Credit: Mythology Wikia

The Story: This is an age-old tale that has floated around Malay and Indonesian folklore, whispered from parents to their children, and from mothers to their pregnant daughters.

It tells the story of blood-hungry, pale-skinned vampiric creatures that haunt forests and villages in the dead of night.

These pontianaks perch on high tree branches, swooping down onto their unsuspecting prey below.

They are said to be the angry spirits of women who died during labour, who seek revenge on the living - pregnant women - for their wrongful deaths.

These stories even describe the warning signs of a pontianak close by: babies crying softly, dogs whining for no reason, and a sudden floral-based scent in the air, followed by the horrifying stench of death.



The Movie: There have been a host of movies from around the region with the pontianak as the central villain, but we would like to see a Conjuring-esque movie with a tad more backstory behind who this creature is and her motives behind her (horrific) actions.

Perhaps there could even a bittersweet story of love and loss, which long precedes all the chilling hauntings and her thirst for revenge in the present day.





4. Himmapan Forest

Statue of Garuda in Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal. (Photo: Getty Images)

The Story: It is said that there lies a vast forest deep in the snowy mountains of the Himalayas, filled with countless astounding creatures.

This is a story that has roots in the ancient religions of Hinduism and Buddhism, and has been passed down for centuries in Asian countries like Nepal, India, and Thailand.

The Himmapan Forest is said to be invisible to mere mortals, and is the home of mythical animals of every shape and form, and even god-like creatures like Garuda (half human, half bird, and a widely-known Hindu and Buddhist legend).



The Movie: We can totally see how this movie would play out Narnia-style.

Good hearted humans unknowingly crossing over the supposed barrier between our world and that of the Himmapan, forming friendships with magical beings (brought to life by talented visual effects artists, of course), and finding themselves in the middle of a monumental war between good and evil.

Sounds like a wonderful plot for a movie to us!





5. Sang Nila Utama

(Photo: AFP)

The Story: Legend has it that Sang Nila Utama, ruler of the Srivijaya Empire, discovered an island across the sea with immaculately white shores, and decided to journey to this island and explore it.

Sang Nila Utama himself personally made a voyage across the sea, but encountered terrible storms and rough currents along the way.

Fearing death for himself and his crew, he threw his crown into the sea, and immediately all was calm with the sea and weather.

Shortly after the prince and his entourage reached the islands shores, they came across what appeared to be a lion.

In his excitement, Sang Nila Utama decreed a new name for the island (originally named Temasek): Singapura, which literally means Lion City.

It now stands as modern day Singapore.

The Movie: We would like to see elaborated plots on how this Indonesian prince spotted Temasek from afar, and how they plotted their plans for the voyage.

Did they encounter fearsome sea creatures along their voyage across the straits, in true Moby Dick fashion?

Was it a tiger, a lion, or an entirely different mystical beast that Sang Nila Utama saw on the island?

Did the prince and his crew encounter fierce natives during their exploration of the island?

With just a little bit of imagination, we think that this incredible tale of voyage and discovery has nothing but immense potential for the silver screen.

About the author:



Cherylene Renee ponders about the deeper meanings and themes behind movies and television shows, and also spends an unhealthy amount of time on Netflix. In her free time, she also blogs on her travel and lifestyle site, Wandersugar.com. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Theres nothing like curling up in front of the telly during the Summer and watching something thats not too heavy-hitting after a long day coping with the blistering heat (heres hoping it stays for a bit longer!)

Fortunately, with on-demand tv were no longer forced into watching unlimited re-runs of Youve Been Framed because nothing else is on.

Heres a selection of the best American TV comedies on Netflix to watch this Summer. Think Ive missed any? Share them in the comments below for others to see.

The Family-Friendly:

While not always suitable for youngsters, the ruder jokes are subtle and these are certainly more PG than the other shows Netflix has to offer.

Gilmore Girls

Fancy a bit of family drama and teenage angst? Follow the lives of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore as they cope with overbearing family, relationships and living in a town where everyone knows everything about everybody else. Watch the series now before the revival, Gilmore Girls: A Year In the Life is released later this year.

The Big Bang Theory

If youre one of the few who havent watched TBBT yet now could be the time to start. Seasons 1-8 are all ready to watch on Netflix. Introduce yourself to Sheldon and never look back. The series starts incredibly strong as Leonard falls for neighbour Penny, but its their friends Howard, Raj, Amy and Bernadette who provide some of the biggest laughs.

How I Met Your Mother

Another popular US sitcom that you may have already seen but if not, one that you cannot miss. All nine seasons are on Netflix UK and follow Ted Mosby as he searches for love in New York City. Along with his friends, couple Marshall and Lily, on-again off-again crush Robin and Barney, played by the incomparable Neil Patrick Harris, Ted navigates his late twenties and early thirties teasing about meeting his eventual wife whilst Bob Saget narrates his story to his future children.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

With an incredibly strong cast including Terry Crews, Joe Lo Truglio and Chelsea Peretti, Andy Samberg leads the crew in this police sitcom. The Emmy-award-winning show has a little more play than work and has recently been renewed for a forth season. Unfortunately only seasons one and two are on Netflix at the moment, but fingers crossed season 3 will be online soon.

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(Credit: Scott Schafer/FOX)

The Kooky:

If you like your comedies a little more zany, these are for you.

Community

If meta-humour, pop culture reference and film and television cliches are your thing, look no further than Community. The ensemble cast features the incredible acting skills of Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Yvette Nicole Brown, Alison Brie, Donald Glover, Ken Jeong, Chevy Chase and Jim Rash. Community has to go down as one of the smartest sitcoms to grace our screens in the last 10 years.

Master of None

Sometimes a little more of a drama than a comedy, Master of None follows Dev (played by the incredible Aziz Ansari) as he makes his way through life, trying to breakthrough with his acting career following a Go-Gurt commercial while working through a new, very dysfunctional romantic relationship.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Following her escape from a doomsday cult in Indiana, where she was held for 15 years, Kimmy moves to New York City befriending her streetwise landlady, an out of touch socialite and her roommate, struggling actor Titus Andromedon. The Netflix original has had great critical acclaim and benefits from its seriously impressive cast.

The OTT:

Like to watch telly which leaves you thinking did that really just happen? These are the ones for you.

Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia

Just when you think Its Always Sunny has gone as far as it possibly could a new episode comes along and makes you wonder whether whats going on on-screen can actually be aired on television. The Gang, a group of underachievers, are all dishonest, egotistical, selfish, ignorant and lazy and they get themselves into unbelievable scrapes. Things only get better when Danny De Vito joins in season 2.

Arrested Development

Following the fictitious Bluth family, Arrested Development is often cited as the inspiration for some of the most popular single-camera sitcoms airing today. Seasons one to three aired from 2003 onwards before season four debuted on Netflix. Several recurring characters, as well as main characters, returned for the revival. The entire series is available to watch on Netflix UK.
Last week I celebrated my 55th birthday.

I was born July 25, 1961. Since then I have lived through the safest and most comfortable 55 years of human history. It has been a golden age of safety, convenience and comfort, and no reasonable person can argue otherwise.

My birthday began by waking up in a meticulously climate-controlled house. Then I turned on a light. Then I flushed a toilet. Try living without electricity or indoor plumbing for a week. It might alter your opinion of the good old days.

Then I jumped in a car (not on a horse) and went to the store to pick up donuts for the office. There were shelves upon shelves of consumer goods  once either luxuries or non-existent  bearing middle-class price tags. And that was just a convenience store. The grocery store down the street had even more stuff.

Later in the afternoon, my wife, Bobbe, went with me fishing in Montello because, well, it was my birthday, and one of my favorite places to fish is off the Montello dam (my friend, Mr. Pike, lives there). Traveling 65 miles used to be an epic journey. Now its an act of mindless leisure. And thanks to modern technology, the trip was much safer than 55 years ago.

I could go on about this. And on. And on. But lets move on to bigger stuff. What defines my 55 years on earth is world peace. Not absolute world peace, but a remarkable period of peace by the standard of world history. I noted in an editorial last month that worldwide battlefield deaths are near a historic low, which is significant because theres nothing that escalates a body count like a battlefield.

Some perspective: Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson is broadcasting an ad that flashes six cities  Paris, Brussels, Istanbul, San Bernardino, Orlando and Nice  where recent terror attacks have occurred over a seven-month period. Total deaths: 346. Compare that to World War II, which killed at least 50 million, and the figure could be as high as 80 million if starvation and war-related disease are included. If we use the 50 million figure and divide by the roughly 2,200 days of World War II, that comes to more than 23,000 people killed per day. Let that sink in. Twenty-three thousand people killed every single day for almost six straight years.

War is more than just death. People who live through a long, sustained war endure varying levels of economic and personal sacrifice. For Americans, World War II was four years of a command-and-control economy with ration stamps and a 90 percent top income tax rate, but Americans on the homefront still had it good compared to the daily horror show of Europe and East Asia.

The most important task for world leaders isnt to stamp out isolated acts of suicidal terror; its to make sure that mankind never starts World War III. In that respect, world leaders have been remarkably successful, and theyve done it with globalized political and economic arrangements designed, in large part, to keep the peace. The European Union, for example, wasnt established to produce better widgets; it was established to create economic and cultural bonds that make war impossible. It has worked, even if Ron Kind and Barack Obama seem to be the last two politicians in America who still recognize that.

Do we live in a violent society and violent world? I suppose, although the answer would be the same for any day in recorded human history. Ill take the world we have today over the deadlier world of my parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and all my ancestors before them. It has been a pretty good run for mankind since 1961. Im grateful for the ride.

Steve Rundio is the editor of Tomah Newspapers.
Solly Granatstein, executive producer/co-creator of Epix America Divided docu series that uses celebrities as correspondents, was asked to defend that decision by journalists at TCA.

We felt it was a formula that really worked, in getting peoples attention, he said, adding that these folks, every single one of them are just great on camera. We wanted it to be a cinematic series. Even though its unscripted you feel like youre watching a dramatic series. He noted Norman Lear, Common and Jesse Williams who we felt connected with these issues.

Williams made headlines in June when he delivered a powerful speech in accepting the Humanitarian Award at the BET Awards for his efforts to raise awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement, saying, A system built to divide and impoverish and destroy us cannot stand if we do. Its kind of basic mathematics. The more we learn about who we are and how we got here, the more we will mobilize.

Granatstein, whose career includes working in news operations at ABC, CBS and NBC, said he hoped the series has some impact, but insisted he does not believe in advocacy journalism.

For one thing, having people who are actors and entertainers on camera brings a certain amount of attraction for an audience that might not otherwise be attracted to news content. Additionally, using celebs allows you to get more subjective. But he called advocacy journalism an oxymoron.

Norman Lear, who reports on housing inequality in New York City, said as somebody who is fairly sophisticated, I thought I understood the difficulties of housing in New York. But after spending few days working with Solly and his team, I was horrified at how little I knew which, he explained, is that someone making a reasonable living, a doctor or lawyer with two kids he or she would like to sent to college, can no longer afford to live in New York City. Until I got involved with this project I had no idea how true that was.

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Lear said he also learned, Im a really great reporter.

I learned, if I learned anything, that reporting starts with being deeply interested. I think a reporter is probably not doing his or her best if that person isnt highly interested. I was extremely interested in what we were dealing with. Its no surprise to me that my interest showed and I think thats what people react to.

In the run-up to the presidential election, Epixs five-part America Divided (debuting September 30) explores inequality in education, housing, healthcare, labor, criminal justice and the political system. The show follows celebrities as they explore aspects of inequality the creators say are related to their own biographies. In addition to Norman Lear reporting on the housing crisis in New York, Common returns to his hometown of Chicago  ground zero for disparities in the criminal justice system. America Ferrera travels to Texas to witness battles pertaining to voting rights and Peter Sarsgaard explores the addiction crisis ravaging a heartland beset by unemployment and the shuttering of Americas factories. Other celebrity correspondents include Rosario Dawson, Amy Poehher and Jesse Williams.

America Divided, created by Granatstein, Lucian Read and Richard Rowley, is executive produced by Lear, Shonda Rhimes and Common.

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Ankara (AFP) - The United States must extradite Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen to Turkey to remove any suspicion that Washington was involved in the failed July 15 coup, the mayor of Ankara Melih Gokcek said.

Gokcek, mayor for over 22 years and one of the most senior figures in the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, also told AFP in an interview he feared Turkey was entering a period where top officials could be at risk of assassination.

Turkey has squarely blamed Gulen for masterminding the rebellion, saying he assiduously built up a "parallel state" with followers in all institutions. From his secluded compound in Pennsylvania, the preacher has denied the charges.

Turkish authorities have launched a sweeping nationwide purge of suspected Gulen supporters since the coup, dismissing more than 50,000 people from their jobs and detaining more than 18,000.

With some officials now even alleging that Washington could have had a hand in the putsch, Ankara wants the United States to send back Gulen to face trial in the country he left in 1999.

"For America to prove it is not behind the coup, there is only one thing to do, deliver (him) to Turkey," Gokcek told AFP in the capital.

He claimed that the US had already given "signals" it was involved in the coup after a top American general expressed concern that many of Washington's former Turkish military interlocutors were now in jail.

"How will it be known whether America is or is not involved in this business? If they deliver (Gulen) there is no problem. But if they don't the United States will not escape from the dock."

Gokcek, who had previously suggested Gulen was hypnotising people, expressed bewilderment that Washington had tolerated the cleric's presence and allowed his foundations to open up schools in the US.

"For America to tolerate this, it seems there are connections to FETO," he said, referring to what Turkey calls the Fethullah Terror Organisation (FETO).

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The US State Department has rejected suggestions it had any hand in the coup as "ludicrous".

- 'Risk of assassinations' -

Gokcek said Gulen's role in Turkey went back to the premierships of Bulent Ecevit in the 1970s and admitted the AKP had mistakenly formed an alliance with his similarly Islamic-leaning supporters when it first came to power in 2002.

"But their biggest aim was to use us and to get their own people inside the army," he said.

Gokcek, one of the most outspoken senior figures in the AKP who regularly updates 3.4 million followers on Twitter with his views, said there would no longer be a risk of coups in Turkey but rather of assassinations.

"Politicians will be at risk of assassinations... of course I have increased my security," he said.

- 'Don't care about EU' -

The mayor was quick to take to Twitter on the night of the turbulence, describing it as a Gulen-backed coup minutes after the first reports emerged and then calling all supporters out into the streets.

He claims to have been number six on a hit list -- topped by Erdogan -- to be killed by Gulen followers after the power grab.

Gokcek said he was "absolutely in favour" of the death penalty for the coup plotters and brushed off warnings from the European Union that reinstating capital punishment could end Turkey's decades-long bid to join the bloc.

If Turkey is told it can't enter the EU, "well I swear to God, we don't care. Let us not enter," said Gokcek, adding that he had been a champion of EU integration in the past.

"When we were close, you were far away. Europe is not the only place in the world... We will find others."

He said if parliament passed a law reversing the 2004 death penalty abolition, it should then be put to a referendum.

"The world can then see if the people want it or not."
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- For the second straight season, the Milwaukee Brewers hit a snag while trying to trade one of their key players before the deadline.

Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy has blocked his proposed trade to Cleveland after the teams had reached a preliminary agreement on a deal sending the two-time All-Star to the Indians. Lucroy said Sunday he wasn't going to go into the details behind his decision.

''When you are dealing with life-changing, life-altering decisions like this, there are a lot of factors that come into play, mostly family,'' he said before the Brewers' 4-2 win over the Pirates. ''The other half of that is your future in this league and your career. There are a lot of different things to take in. Whenever those things don't line up, decisions have to be made that might be tough, but that's the way it has to be.''

Last year, Milwaukee had a deal fall through with the Mets that would have sent Carlos Gomez to New York. Gomez was traded to Houston instead.

Milwaukee general manager David Stearns said the Brewers would move on after Lucroy refused to waive the no-trade provision in his contract. Stearns said there was no chance of re-working the deal with Cleveland.

''We know this is part of the process,'' Stearns said. ''It is why we engage with multiple teams throughout the entirety of the negotiation. Jonathan elected to invoke the no-trade clause. We were aware that was a possibility.''

Cleveland, which leads the AL Central, has been looking for a catcher since Yan Gomes separated his shoulder.

The 30-year-old Lucroy is batting .299 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs. He has a $4 million salary this year as part of a contract that includes a $5.25 million team option for 2017.

Lucroy said simply that there were ''circumstances that came up'' that caused him to block the deal.

''I'm not going to comment on any specifics, nothing like that, as much as I'd like to,'' he said. ''I'm respecting their process and what the Brewers are trying to do in terms of the trade. If that's going to happen or not, I don't know. As of right now, I'm still a Brewer and I'm going to be until somebody tells me different.''

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Lucroy appeared as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the eighth inning. He received a standing ovation from the Miller Park crowd, then flied out to right field in what could be his final appearance for the Brewers.

The deadline for trades without waivers is Monday.

''I still expect the next 36 hours to be interesting and eventful,'' Milwaukee manager Craig Counsell said. ''Luc has been here for six years, so having him here is business as usual.''
By Hasmik Mkrtchyan YEREVAN (Reuters) - Armed men who seized a police station in the Armenian capital Yerevan surrendered to the authorities on Sunday after a two-week stand-off, the country's National Security Service said. "The anti-terrorist operation is over," the service said in a statement, adding that the authorities had "forced the members of the armed group to lay down their arms". "Twenty terrorists have been taken prisoner," the police said. A group of around 30 gunmen had originally seized the police station on July 17, killing a police officer, wounding two others and taking nine people hostage. A second policeman, outside the building, was killed on Saturday, when the police had given the men an ultimatum to surrender. Several gunmen were also wounded during the 14 days of the stand-off. In a sign of the deep divisions within Armenian society, the gunmen had attracted sympathy from several thousand opposition protestors, leading to street clashes with police. The armed men included veterans of the war in Nagorno-Karabakh with neighboring Azerbaijan, and were seen as national heroes by their supporters, who want the government to pursue a harder line on the issue. Within a week, the group had released all its hostages, including two senior police officers, but they then took four doctors hostage and refused to surrender. The doctors were also eventually released. The hostage-takers' main demand was the release of Jirair Sefilian, an opposition leader accused by the authorities of plotting civil unrest. Sefilian was jailed in June over allegations of illegally possessing weapons. Sefilian, a former military commander, has accused Armenian President Serzh Sarksyan of mishandling the long-running conflict between Armenian-backed separatists and Azeri forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. A Moscow-brokered ceasefire halted four days of violence in the South Caucasus region in April, the worst flare-up in years, but sporadic shooting persists at night and some deaths have been reported. The gunmen were also demanding the resignation of President Sarksyan, and blamed the authorities for economic and social problems in the country of 3.7 million. "Our task is fulfilled," Varuzhan Avetisyan one of the gunmen, told Armenian Internet TV and newspaper 1in.am shortly before surrendering to the police. "Popular protest will continue. We feel that our victory is close and call on Armenian people to continue the fight," he said. (Writing by Jason Bush and Margarita Antidze; Editing by Andrew Bolton)
Yerevan (AFP) - Twenty anti-government gunmen who were holed up in an Armenian police station for two weeks surrendered on Sunday, security services said, ending a tense stand-off that left two police officers dead and triggered mass protests.

The armed men gave themselves up a day after police warned they would storm the building to draw a line under the crisis, which had sparked at times violent demonstrations by opposition supporters in the capital Yerevan.

"The security forces' anti-terrorist operation has ended and led to the members of the armed group laying down their weapons and surrendering to the authorities," the national security service said in a statement.

"Twenty terrorists were arrested," it said.

"The territory of the police station has been liberated."

During the fortnight-long drama the armed men also took hostages, freeing the final two, both medics, late Saturday.

They said they were demanding the release of jailed opposition leader Zhirair Sefilyan and the resignation of President Serzh Sarkisian, a former communist party leader who came to power in 2008.

An Armenian website had earlier Sunday published what it said was a statement from one of the gunmen inside the police station, saying they were ready to surrender.

"We will continue our struggle from prison. We believe that we have achieved our goal: we became the spark that allowed people to rise up and it makes no sense to spill blood," Varuzhan Avetisyan was quoted as saying.

He also said that overnight security forces had "40 shooters lying in wait" for the assault to take back the station and if his group had resisted it would have led to "a bloodbath".

- Thousands join protests -

The gunmen plunged Armenia into turmoil when they stormed the police station in Yerevan on July 17, killing an officer and taking several others hostage.

They let the officers go but then seized four medical workers before gradually freeing them too.

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On Saturday a second officer was killed by a sniper who authorities said was firing from inside the seized police compound, a claim denied by the gunmen.

The crisis also brought thousands of pro-opposition demonstrators to the streets, calling for President Sarkisian to step down.

Violence erupted at a rally on Friday, when police used truncheons, stun grenades and smoke bombs to disperse the crowds. More than 70 people were injured, including journalists, and dozens were arrested.

The United States and the European Union both voiced concern over the unrest.

Despite the violence, several thousand protesters again gathered on the streets of Yerevan late Sunday demanding that the president resign, and chanting the name of the armed group, which calls itself "Sasna Tsrer", and that of its leader, known as Pavlik.

Sasna Tsrer brings together supporters of Sefilian, a fierce government critic who was arrested with six supporters in June accused of preparing to seize government buildings and telecoms facilities.

The hostage crisis and violence has shaken the small landlocked ex-Soviet nation, just months after a surge in the conflict with Azerbaijan over separatist ethnic-Armenian region of Nagorny-Karabakh left 110 people dead in April.
Yerevan (AFP) - Gunmen locked in a lengthy stand-off with police in Armenia have released their last two hostages, an official said Sunday, after a fresh night of protests shook the capital Yerevan.

"Two medics who were the remaining hostages left the seized building yesterday evening," said health ministry spokeswoman Anahit Haytayan.

Armenia has been plunged into turmoil since a group of armed men seized a police compound in Yerevan on July 17, demanding the release of opposition figure Zhirair Sefilyan.

The lengthy siege appeared far from over, with an AFP correspondent reporting explosions from the compound.

The gunmen, who seized a cache of weapons and killed a police officer, initially held four doctors hostage but have gradually freed them.

Authorities on Saturday warned they have the right to use force against the group, which calls itself Sasna Tsrer, but have not yet begun to storm the building.

The hostage crisis has sparked massive protests, with police brutally dispersing thousands demonstrating on Friday evening, injuring scores of people.

Thousands more turned up on Saturday to another protest which ended without violence, although one man set himself on fire after dousing his clothes in gasoline. He was taken to hospital.

On Saturday a police officer was killed by a sniper who authorities said was firing from inside the seized police compound.

One of the gunmen, Varuzhan Avetisyan, on Sunday denied killing the officer.
A two-week-long hostage situation at a police station in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, came to an end on Sunday evening, July 31, with the surrender of 20 gunmen, who had sought the release of opposition leader Jirair Sefilian. The group, identified as the Daredevils of Sassoun, seized the police station on July 17, reportedly killing one policeman and taking several hostages. Another police officer was killed on Saturday during a stand-off.

This footage, released by the Armenian police, shows the gunmen as they leave the police station.

Protesters gathered outside the police station over recent days to show their support for the armed group, leading to heavy clashes on Friday night. Credit: POLICE RA Vostikanutyun
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange wont say whether Russia had any involvement in the emails his organization released on the eve of last weeks Democratic National Convention. But he says there are more leaks coming.

We have more material related to the Hillary Clinton campaign, Assange told CNNs Anderson Cooper on Friday night from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where the 45-year-old Australia native has been living in exile for several years. That is correct to say that.

Assange admitted that last weekends release of the DNC emails  which suggested that members of the partys national committee were plotting against Bernie Sanders in an effort to boost Hillary Clinton during their hard-fought primary  was timed to coincide with the Monday start of the Democratic convention in Philadelphia.

Thats when we knew there would be maximum interest by readers, but also we have a responsibility to, Assange said. If we published after [the convention], you can just imagine how outraged the Democratic voting population would have been.

Bu he is refusing to disclose where he got those emails, which U.S. officials believe were obtained in a hack of the DNCs servers by Russian intelligence. The Republican nominee, Donald Trump, has staked out a relatively soft position against the Kremlin.

The difficulty that WikiLeaks has, of course, is that we cant go around speculating on who our sources are. That would be irresponsible, Assange said in an interview that aired Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press. I do think its an interesting question, of course, as to who our sources are. But as a source protection organization that many sources from across the world of many different types rely on to protect their identity, and their rights, to communicate the truth to the public. And thats what were talking about here, communicating the truth.

What I can say categorically is that we have published proof that the election campaign of Bernie Sanders was sabotaged in a corrupt manner by [former DNC Chair] Debbie Wasserman Schultz and others within the DNC, he added. We can say that categorically. We have published proof. But as for anything else, we can only speculate.

Story continues

In comments that were widely reported in the wake of the leaked DNC emails, Assange told ITV last month that information WikiLeaks had accumulated on Clinton could proceed to an indictment. But those comments appear to refer to material that was published last week  and not the material that WikiLeaks has yet to leak.

Assange said he has no interest in tipping the U.S. election in favor of any candidate, including Trump. But its clear Assange did not appreciate the Clinton campaigns response to the publication of the DNC emails.

In order to divert attention from proof that we published that the Sanders campaign was subverted within the DNC, Assange said on NBC, the Clinton campaign tries to take attention away from a very serious domestic allegation about election interference and try and bring in foreign policy.

And in the same interview with ITV, Assange criticized Clintons foreign policy and what he viewed as her attacks on the press.

We do see her as a bit of a problem for freedom of the press more generally, Assange said. She has a long history of being a liberal war hawk, and we presume she is going to proceed.
Melbourne (AFP) - Spanish giants Atletico Madrid crashed to a 1-0 loss to A-League side Melbourne Victory on their Australian pre-season tour in Geelong on Sunday.

The European Champions League runners-up fell behind to a goal against the run of play shortly before half-time and were kept scoreless in the second half.

Defender Nick Ansell powerfully headed home off a free-kick from Tunisian Fahid Ben Khalfallah to rock Atletico in the 44th minute.

While manager Diego Simeone rung the changes in the second half his side could not find a way through the determined Victory defence.

Despite the defeat, he was pleased with the benefits of the trip to Australia.

"I'm very happy. These matches are very helpful for the guys who have played," said Simeone, who selected seven players from his club's academy in the Atletico starting lineup.

"I take from this many positive things. The youths are learning and this is the way to improve.

"Melbourne Victory is a well-worked team, strong and compact."

It has been a heady 10 days for the twice A-League champions, who beat Italian champions Juventus on penalties in the International Champions Cup last week before claiming another high-profile scalp in Atletico Madrid.

Atletico Madrid, who lost this year's Champions League final on penalties to cross-city rivals Real Madrid, won their first match in Australia against England's Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in Melbourne on Friday.

There were several heavy challenges in Sunday's game with a solid tackle by Uruguayan defender Emiliano Velazquez forcing Victory's Mitch Austin off the field with a knee injury in the first half.

French defender Lucas Hernandez also limped away after a sliding tackle on Victory midfielder Oliver Bozanic in the second half.

Simeone made a triple substitution midway through the second half in an effort to recharge his team.

But Melbourne counterpart Kevin Muscat took off most of his leading players among six substitutions at one stage, leaving Victory with a largely youth side against the Spaniards in the final stages.

Atletico will return home on Tuesday and will next play Galatasaray in Turkey as part of their pre-season on August 6.
Australian athletes had items stolen Friday morning (Getty Images)

Australian athletes had laptops and other items stolen from the Olympic Village in Rio de Janeiro.

The team was forced to evacuate their building in the village early Friday morning because of a fire in a trash bin in a parking lot near where the Australian contingent was staying.

When they returned, three laptops and clothing and other items were gone. From News 9 in Australia:

The Australian Olympics Committee has confirmed the theft of clothing and laptops, and immediately took precaution to have security guards installed on all floors of their building.

The countrys athletes didnt move in to the village when they first arrived in Brazil for the Olympics, which kick off on Friday with the opening ceremonies. When Australian athletes first arrived, a mess of issues plagued the area where they were going to stay.

From the AFP last week:

Team chief Kitty Chiller said problems include blocked toilets, leaking pipes, exposed wiring, darkened stairwells where no lighting has been installed and dirty floors in need of a massive clean. She claimed that water has come through the ceiling resulting in large puddles on the floor around cabling and wiring. Due to a variety of problems in the Village, including gas, electricity and plumbing I have decided that no Australian Team member will move into our allocated building, she said in a statement.

The mayor of Rio responded to the teams initial refusal to stay in the village with an ill-executed joke about a kangaroo.

The team moved into the village Wednesday after the problems were fixed. With proper plumbing and now added security, perhaps their stay will be a lot smoother going forward.

      

Nick Bromberg is the editor of From The Marbles on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
It was the Roaring 20s, and Sydney Thomas Thornton Corke, a confectioner in Sydney, Australia, was visiting a friends shop in search of some good conversation. Hearing shouts and the sound of fighting coming from outside, Corke raced to the door, where he saw Tilly Devine. Their eyes locked, and Devine ran toward him, one arm raised. Corke shielded his face but felt a sting on one hand. And when I looked at it, he later said, the blood squirted in my face.

Corke had been attacked by a woman whose rap sheet would have made Al Capones look tame. Offensive behavior? Check. Assault? Check. Prostitution? Definitely. Devine had accomplished all this by 1925, when she was in her mid-20s. She is a prostitute of the worst type and an associate of the worst type , one police report read. Given Devines history, she received a shockingly light sentence for the violent scene above  two years light labor.

Sparks often flew outside of Devines three-bedroom home, the site of parties  and shoot-outs.

By the 1930s, Devine had moved on to bigger crimes: running a gang, managing a brothel network and dealing drugs. In many ways, the 5-foot-4, 110-pound Devine was the most powerful female gangster in history, and she wore her toughness for all to see: She had a scar over one eye and always carried a razor, her signature weapon of choice in Sydney, where carrying a concealed gun was a punishable offense.

Born in 1900 in London, Matilda Tilly Devine was raised in the slums but dreamed of being rich. She succeeded, by becoming one of the wealthiest self-made women in her adopted country, says Larry Writer, author of Razor: Tilly Devine, Kate Leigh and the Razor Gangs. After meeting and marrying Aussie Jim Devine, the teenage Tilly moved to Australia. Although she began making money in her new home as a prostitute (Jim chauffeured her around), Tilly quickly found a more lucrative, entrepreneurial calling: serving as a madam.

Story continues

During a Christian-piety wave, politicians in Australia cracked down on the sale of cocaine and the operation of brothels, causing owners to retreat further underground. But Devine exploited an ingenuous loophole. The law declared that no man could run a brothel; as a woman she was well-positioned to take advantage of the poor and desperate, skimming off a percentage of their earnings. As in the U.S., there were very few jobs Down Under for soldiers returned from World War I, which drove many to lives of crime. During the Depression, Devines business boomed, and she ended up running more than 30 brothels. She had fortunes in the equivalent of millions of dollars today, Writer says.

Kate leigh 1915

Tilly Devines rival, Kate Leigh.

Source: Public Domain

But she wasnt without competition. Her chief rival, Kate Leigh, was an even smaller woman (5-foot-1), as well as more lethal (Leigh committed murder; Devine didnt). Leigh rose to prominence in Sydney by running sly-grog shops  the Australian equivalent of speakeasies  ensuring people had access to booze. By the late 1920s, tensions were bubbling, and there wasnt enough room for the two women. Sparks often flew outside of Devines three-bedroom home, the site of parties  and shoot-outs. Though attack dogs and hired guns guarded the house, it was still approached by Leighs henchmen one night after they had shot one of Devines men earlier in the day. Jim, Tillys husband, picked up a gun and lay in wait, shooting the would-be intruders dead.

There was also a glamorous side to the crimes: As Devines notoriety grew  the press dubbed her The Worst Woman in Sydney  she began holding expensive parties, often bedecking herself with furs and diamonds. She even dispensed with husband Jim when she no longer needed his help, kicking him to the curb over his reputed abuse.

With so much attention, the good times couldnt roll forever. The taxman came much like [he did for] Al Capone, Writer says  Devines and Leighs possession were confiscated for unpaid taxes. At the same time, younger, more ruthless male hoodlums began to emerge. In the 1940s, after the middle-aged Leigh and Devine had lost their money, they found solace in their mutual poverty. Later, a cancer-ridden Devine even attended Leighs funeral. Not everyone made it into Devines good graces, though. While she didnt personally murder anyone, others did her bidding. Many of the male gangsters thought they could take Tillys empire, Writer says, noting how they were swiftly killed.
AWW: Chrissy Teigens daughter Luna has the most adorable pineapple onesie ever

AWW: Chrissy Teigens daughter Luna has the most adorable pineapple onesie ever

Stop everything: You need to see Chrissy Teigen and John Legends daughter in this super cute tropical onesie.

Yesterday, proud new daddy John posted an Instagram photo of his beautiful three-month-old daughter Luna in the most adorable pineapple print romper, complete with ruffles. John captioned the photo with seven pineapple emojis  because honestly, thats all one really needs to say about this aww moment.

A photo posted by John Legend (@johnlegend) on Jul 30, 2016 at 8:42am PDT

Johns followers seem to be just as smitten with Luna as we are, with phrases like awwww cutie-pa-tootie, shes a doll, and she looks just like her mom flooding the comments section.

This isnt the first time Lunas fashion sense has been impeccable. Lets review some of her other outfits over the past three months.

Theres this adorable floral dress, which Luna rocked during her first vacation to Lake Como, Italy.

Someone is enjoying her first vacation A photo posted by John Legend (@johnlegend) on Jul 21, 2016 at 2:02am PDT

Then theres this angelic number.

Angel wings from @monicarosestyle  so cute! A photo posted by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on May 30, 2016 at 2:08pm PDT

This star-dusted terry outfit is perfect for poolside hangs.

 A photo posted by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on Jun 19, 2016 at 9:38pm PDT

And maybe our personal favorite, this floral print swimsuit. Do they make this in our size??

 A photo posted by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on Jul 27, 2016 at 5:00am PDT

Now, if youll excuse us, were going on a shopping hunt for a pineapple print romper. Stay tuned.

The post AWW: Chrissy Teigens daughter Luna has the most adorable pineapple onesie ever appeared first on HelloGiggles.
EPIXs original espionage intelligence drama Berlin Station follows Daniel Miller (Richard Armitage), who has just arrived at the CIA station in Berlin, Germany with a mission to determine the identity of a now-famous whistleblower masquerading as someone else. During the shows presentation at the TCA conference  which also saw the unveiling of a new trailer which you can watch above  a question arose of whether there were any concerns to being compared to critically acclaimed drama Homeland, the fifth season of which also took place in Berlin.

Creator and EP Olen Steinhauer admitted to some initial concerns, as both shows center on intelligence, but maintained that the two shows were different. A crucial difference , he pointed out, is that in Homeland, youre following Carrie. She is the focus. It is her drive that gets things done. Steinhauer insisted that was not how intelligence works. Intelligence is networking, he contended. Intelligence is multiple people working together. [Berlin Station] was always supposed to show how normal people with an abnormal job function and they have to work together There are no superheroes. Intelligence is an ensemble.

Another difference Steinhauer mentioned is in the portrayal of Berlin. In Berlin Station, Berlin is a character, he said. This story can only happen in Berlin. We were insistent on keeping things real. We want Berliners to be able to watch this show and say oh I know this place. Homelands Berlin could happen in any city. Berlin Station can only happen in one place.

When asked about the concern over espionage content, particularly if there remain any more good stories since the fall of the Berlin Wall, EP/Showrunner Brad Winters was adamant that there still are stories left to tell about the city. Berlin, being a city with such a layer of history just in the 20th Century alone, we found really lends itself to the espionage genre, which of course deals with such existential questions of human identity and the mask that we all wear, not just spies, he said. In Berlin, he added, the creatives were able to find a vast number of places to explore all those themes. Winters continued, When we told people about the show for the first time, everybody assumed it will be a period piece. People were surprised it was about contemporary Berlin. Part of that renewal is right in line with this shows return to very classic form of the spy drama.

Story continues

Joining Steinhauer and Winters on the panel were EP Keith Redmon, and castmembers Richard Armitage (Daniel Miller), Rhys Ifans (Hector DeJean), Richard Jenkins (Steven Frost), Michelle Forbes (Valerie Edwards), Leland Orser (Robert Kirsch), Tamlyn Tomita (Sandra Abe), Mina Tander (Esther Krug).

The 10 hour-long episodes are set to air October 16.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9Gx6I-u-Zw&w=970&h=546]

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Bernie Sanders on Sunday pinned his stoic expression during Hillary Clintons speech at the Democratic National Convention on the fact that hes not always a smiley kind of guy.

The Vermont senator was mocked on social media after Clinton, his former challenger for the Democratic nomination for president, praised him as she delivered her acceptance speech last week.

Sanders was near emotionless as Clinton thanked him early on in her speech, saying his campaign inspired millions of Americans and put economic and social justice issues front and center where they belong.

When he was asked Sunday on CBS Face the Nation whether his facial expression during Clintons speech indicated his displeasure with the races outcome, Sanders replied, I always have that look on my face. Its nothing new. Im not always a smiley kind of guy.

He added the Democratic convention was a very good convention and that Clinton addressed some very, very important points in her speech.

In these stressful times weve got to bring our people together, not divide us up, which is what Trump is trying to do, Sanders said.
By Daria Sito-Sucic SARAJEVO (Reuters) - Bosnia's rival leaders agreed on Sunday on the key conditions set by the European Union for accepting the country's membership application and cleared the way for winning a much needed IMF loan deal, which was delayed three weeks ago. Bosnia, an ethnically divided Balkan nation beset by economic woes, applied to join the 28-nation EU in February and hoped Brussels would consider its membership bid at its ministerial council in mid-July but was scuppered by disputes. Without the prospect of membership, Bosnia would have risked being left behind by its neighbors who also emerged from the break-up of the former Yugoslavia and who either already belong to the bloc or are far further down the road to joining. "We solved today a set of issues which open the way for the acceptance of Bosnia's (EU) application, ... but also open the way towards the IMF arrangement," said Bakir Izetbegovic, the leader of the Muslim Bosniak largest SDA party and chairman of the country's three-man inter-ethnic presidency. The autonomous Serb Republic in Bosnia had opposed two key reforms -- a deal expanding a trade agreement Bosnia had with Croatia to cover all members of the EU and an effective coordination mechanism with Brussels. Meanwhile, Bosniak leaders declined to sign a letter of intent with the IMF, prompting the lender to delay the consideration of the deal that was scheduled for mid-July by its Executive Board. [L8N19T1LH] The trade objections were dropped after Germany intervened and promised help to the country as a whole, and the Serb Republic, in particular to ease the effects of the deal on farmers. [L8N1A12QY] And on Sunday, at an EU-initiated meeting, leaders of the largest Bosniak and Serb political parties agreed to overcome the disputes. The Serbs agreed on the mechanism to deal with the EU and the Bosniaks signed the IMF deal. The Serbs also accepted a country-wide transportation strategy, which they had opposed, and which was a condition of the EU for the approval of more than a billion euros for the construction of a network of highways and roads. Sources close to the IMF have said the next meeting of the Executive Board, which could consider the approval of a three-year 550 million euro ($614.57 million) loan agreement for Bosnia, could be held in September. (Reporting by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Alison Williams)
RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazilian authorities on Saturday arrested a man wanted since 1992 for allegedly committing war crimes during fighting that raged in the former Yugoslavia. Brazil's federal prosecutors office said in a statement that police arrested Nikola Ceranic, 47, in the city of Indaiatuba, about 45 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of Sao Paulo. Interpol had issued a red alert for Ceranic, and according to the international agency's website he is charged with a "war crime against civilian population." Neither Interpol nor Brazilian authorities had any other details about the crimes Ceranic allegedly committed, nor was it clear how long he had resided in Brazil. Brazil's Justice Ministry on June 24 presented the Supreme Court with an extradition request made by Bosnia and Herzegovina authorities for Ceranic, and the search for him began. State and federal Brazilian prosecutors worked with their Bosnian counterparts and Brazilian police in Sao Paulo to locate and arrest Ceranic. Under Brazilian law, the Supreme Court must decide on all extradition requests. It was not clear how long a decision might take. (Reporting by Brad Brooks)
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - Protesters turned out Sunday for lightly attended demonstrations in Rio against embattled President Dilma Rousseff five days before the start of the 2016 Olympic Games.

About 4,000 protesters gathered on the beach at Copacabana in a festive atmosphere with sound trucks blasting out a mix of samba and the national anthem.

Marchers carried an enormous banner that read "Dilma out and prison for Lula," a reference to former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was charged Friday with obstruction of justice in an ongoing corruption probe.

"We want our country back and for these people to go," said Vilma Moniz Portella, a lawyer carrying a small inflatable doll of the judge leading the probe into bribes and kickbacks at state oil giant Petrobras.

The scandal has shaken Brazil's political and business establishment, casting a shadow over the August 5-21 Olympic Games, the first ever held in a South American country.

Marchers said the turnout was smaller in Rio than at past protests calling for Rousseff's impeachment that have attracted hundreds of thousands of people.

Rousseff's impeachment trial for alleged violations of budgeting rules is set to begin August 29. A two-thirds vote by the Senate would remove her from office.

Suspended from office May 12, she was replaced on an interim basis by Vice President Michel Temer. If Rousseff is ousted, he would finish out her mandate, which runs until the end of 2018.

In Brasilia, about 3,000 protesters dressed in the green and yellow colors of the Brazilian flag took part in a demonstration against Rousseff outside the Congress, according to police estimates.

Similar anti-Rousseff protests were called in other cities, including Sao Paulo, Recife, Salvador and Belo Horizonte.

Rousseff's supporters, meanwhile, turned out to rally against Temer in several cities.

Many heeded the call of a leftist umbrella group called the "Fearless People's Front" and demonstrated in cities such as Sao Paulo where thousands clad in red chanted "Temer, get out!"

"Sure, the Workers Party (of Rousseff) is not having its best moment. There is corruption in all the parties. But Temer's government is even worse," said Eunice Mariano, a 61-year-old retiree.
By Stephen Kalin and Ahmed Tolba BAGHDAD/CAIRO (Reuters) - Islamic State, losing territory and on the retreat in Iraq and Syria, has claimed credit for a surge in global attacks this summer, most of them in France and Germany. The wave of attacks followed a call to strike against the West during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in June and July, in an apparent shift in strategy by the jihadist group, which has been hammered by two years of U.S.-led coalition air strikes and ground advances by local forces. Instead of urging supporters to travel to its self-proclaimed caliphate, it encouraged them to act locally using any means available. "If the tyrants close the door of migration in your faces, then open the door of jihad in theirs and turn their actions against them," said an audio clip purportedly from spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, referring to Western governments' efforts to keep foreign fighters from traveling to the join the group. Radicalized followers have responded to that call repeatedly in the past two months, in countries part of the international coalition battling Islamic State, including shooting people at a Florida nightclub, running them over with a truck in the French Riviera, and hacking them with an axe on a train near Munich. The perpetrators had varying degrees of connection to the Middle East-based jihadists. Some had tried to travel to Syria and were on the authorities' radar, while others displayed few outward signs of radicalism until their deadly acts. "There's a growing understanding that the idea of the caliphate is dying and more and more the leadership is calling on foreign fighters not even to come to Iraq and Syria but to go elsewhere or to commit violence locally," said Max Abrahms, a professor at Northeastern University in Boston who studies extremist groups. Looking ahead, security experts and officials in the Middle East and the West predict the military campaign against the group in Iraq and Syria will ultimately end its goal of establishing a caliphate but in doing so may lead to a sustained increase in militant attacks globally. 'LONE WOLF' For more than a month, Islamic State supporters on social media have been encouraging would-be "lone wolf" attackers in the West to choose from methods ranging in sophistication from bombing and shooting to stabbing and assault. "Pledge your allegiance in secret or in public to (Islamic State leader) Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and each one of you will be a soldier of the caliphate, no different from those present in the Islamic State," said one supporter. Claims of credit for recent attacks issued by Islamic State via Amaq news agency, which supports the jihadist group, referenced Adnani's appeal. The attackers "carried out the operation in response to calls to target nationals of countries that are part of the coalition fighting Islamic State" in Iraq and Syria, said statements following four incidents in Europe this month. In France, a Bastille Day truck attack killed 84 people in Nice and a raid on a church killed an elderly Catholic priest in Normandy; In Germany, an axe attack and a suicide bombing in Bavaria injured about 20 people in total. Most of the assailants, in pre-recorded messages pledging allegiance to Islamic State and taking responsibility for the attacks, echoed Adnani's rhetoric and encouraged others to emulate them. "Brothers, go out with a knife, whatever is needed, attack them, kill them en masse," said Abdel Malik Petitjean, one of two men who killed the priest in northern France last week. "If you are unable to travel to the Levant (Syria), then fight the apostate armies in your country," 17-year-old Muhammad Riyad, the Afghan refugee who carried out the axe attack on a train in Bavaria earlier this month, urged other Muslims in a similar video. 'LIKELY TO GET WORSE' As Islamic State is weakened militarily, it is trying to commit violence anywhere in the world, said Abrahms, including by claiming credit for acts even when they have only a tenuous link to the group. "It's indiscriminate about who can be a soldier of the caliphate ... and it's indiscriminate about which attacks the group will claim as its own," he said. In the last 18 months, the group has been pushed off a quarter of the lands it seized in Iraq and Syria in 2014, research firm IHS said this month; other estimates put losses closer to half. Iraqi authorities have pledged to retake Mosul - the largest city still under the group's control - later this year, but the militants will likely maintain safe havens in remote desert areas and revert to more traditional insurgent techniques. Islamic State's defeat is a longer way off in Syria, and it has established footholds in pockets of lawlessness or instability from Libya to Afghanistan to the Philippines. FBI Director James Comey said this week he expected the eventual defeat of Islamic State could lead to an increase in attacks in the United States and Europe by drawing militants out of Syria in much the same way that al Qaeda came about from fighters who had been radicalized in Afghanistan in the 1980s. Analysts including J.M. Berger, a fellow at George Washington University who researches Islamic State, have supported that prediction. "Projecting strength through terrorist attacks is a factor in the recent violence, but down the road, when (Islamic State) supporters have nothing to lose, things are likely to get worse," he said. (Additional reporting by Lin Noueihed, Mostafa Hashem and Omar Fahmy in Cairo; Writing by Stephen Kalin; Editing by Pravin Char)
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.
Charles Koch, the industrialist billionaire, told allies Sunday that rumors that he would support Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton were a blood libel. The patron of a network of political and philanthropic groups, however, added that he could not support Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Koch opened his twice-a-year keynote speech to his political allies with a dire assessment of the White House contenders. In an afternoon address at the grand Broadmoor Resort, to 400 guests who donated at least $100,000 to the Koch network, he said the priority of his groups would be the keep Republican majorities in the Senate and the House to block bad proposals from either White House winner.

The first thing I want to do is to correct a rumor that the media keeps stimulating and that is that I am probably going to support Hillary. That is a blood libel, Koch said to applause. At this point, I cant support either candidate. But Im certainly not going to support Hillary.

A day earlier, in welcoming his guests, Koch mentioned neither Trump nor Clinton. He had previously seemed to hint hed be open to Clinton.

The Koch network, formally known as Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, plans to spend roughly $250 million to shape electoral outcomes this year. Overall spending is expected to be around $750 million. That level of spending makes it one of the biggest players in politics, so its all the more remarkable that the network is staying on the sidelines when it comes to the White House race.

Having soured on the 2016 campaign, Koch told his allies that his groups would focus on shaping the countrys culture by funding efforts on college campuses and with social groups.

This network is accelerating its efforts to move key institutions to support a system that maximizes peace, mutual respect and wellbeing for everyone, Koch said. Unless we make progress here in our culture, we are doomed to lurch from one political crisis to another. Well likely degenerate into socialism or corporatism.

The Koch groups plan to leverage their massive checking accounts to boost other projects as well. Weve got our work cut out for us. But this is the only credible path I see for changing the trajectory of this country, said Koch, one of the richest Americans and the head of the ubiquitous Koch Industries.

The Koch retreats are typically private affairs, but a handful of reporters were invited to some sessions. In exchange, journalists agreed not to identify donors without their permission. Before going into the session, staff asked that any electronic device that could record remarks be handed over.
BEIJING (Reuters) - China protected the rights of a Tibetan monk who died in prison, the country's foreign ministry said, responding to claims by the monk's niece that he was tortured. Tenzin Delek Rinpoche, 65, had been serving a life sentence for "crimes of terror and incitement of separatism" when his family was told on July 12, 2015, that he had died of a heart attack in prison in China's southwestern city of Chengdu. His 26-year-old niece fled to India, where she has questioned the official version of events and is appealing for justice for her uncle. "China is a country ruled by law, during Tenzin Delek Rinponche's sentence his legal rights were protected according to relevant laws," the foreign ministry said in a statement sent to Reuters late on Saturday. The foreign ministry repeated that he died suddenly of heart related problems and that hospital rescue efforts were ineffective. Tenzin Delek was a senior supporter of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet who fled to India after a failed uprising in 1959. China views him as a dangerous separatist. Activists say China has violently tried to suppress religious freedom in Tibet, criticism that Beijing rejects, saying its rule ended serfdom and brought economic development to a backward region. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Jake Spring; Editing by Kim Coghill)
BEIJING (Reuters) - Border police seized 399 baby Siamese crocodiles, a protected endangered species, in southern China, state-owned Xinhua news agency reported on Sunday. The roughly 25-cm long crocodiles were about 15 days old and were likely trafficked from Vietnam, the report said. Police in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region said they saw three nervous-looking men moving goods in front of the house where the crocodiles were found and approached them for questioning. One man was caught, while the two others escaped. Siamese crocodile skin is used to produce handbags and other luxury leather goods, but the reptiles can only be raised in China with a license and trafficking in them is illegal, according to Xinhua. China is a major destination market for many products made using exotic, and often endangered, species. The government has held high-profile events to destroy large caches of illicit animal products in attempt to discourage trafficking in them. (Reporting by Jake Spring; Editing by Kim Coghill)
By Doina Chiacu and Roberta Rampton WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said on Sunday that Russian intelligence services hacked into Democratic National Committee computers and she questioned Republican rival Donald Trump's overtures to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We know that Russian intelligence services hacked into the DNC and we know that they arranged for a lot of those emails to be released and we know that Donald Trump has shown a very troubling willingness to back up Putin, to support Putin," Clinton said in an interview with "Fox News Sunday." The White House has declined to speculate on who was behind the hack of Democratic Party computers, referring to an ongoing investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Cybersecurity experts and U.S. officials, however, said they believed Russia engineered the release of the emails to influence the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election. Reuters reported a computer network used by Clintons campaign was hacked as part of the broad cyber attack on Democratic political organizations. The United States would not tolerate that from any other country, especially one considered an adversary, Clinton said. "For Trump to both encourage that and to praise Putin despite what appears to be a deliberate effort to try to affect the election I think raises national security issues," she said. Asked if she believed Putin wanted Trump in the White House, Clinton said she was not going to jump to that conclusion. "But I think laying out the facts raises serious issues about Russian interference in our elections, in our democracy," Clinton told Fox in the interview, taped on Saturday. The Republican presidential nominee has praised Putin, saying he was a stronger leader than U.S. President Barack Obama, a Democrat. Trump last week invited Russia to dig up tens of thousands of "missing" emails from Clinton's time at the U.S. State Department. "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing," Trump told reporters. He later said he was being "sarcastic" in his comments, which raised concerns among intelligence experts and criticism that Trump was urging a foreign government to spy on Americans. Senator Jeff Sessions, a supporter of Trump, criticized Clinton for leaving her email system vulnerable to Russian penetration and defended Trump's comments. "I have people come up to me all the time and say 'Why dont you, if you want to find out where those 30,000 emails are, why dont you ask the Russians?" Sessions told CNN. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange refused to answer questions on Sunday about whether a foreign government leaked the DNC emails to the group. "It's an interesting speculative question for the press," he told NBC's "Meet the Press." Trump's "absolute allegiance to a lot of Russian wish-list foreign policy positions" is among the reasons he is unfit to be commander in chief, Clinton, a former U.S. senator, secretary of state and first lady, said in the Fox interview. Trump alarmed allies this month when he indicated he might abandon NATO's mutual defense guarantee in the face of potential Russian aggression if members had not paid their bills. He also suggested he would consider easing sanctions on Russia and recognizing its annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region. On Sunday, Trump referred to that annexation again in a way that appeared to justify it. "The people of Crimea, from what I've heard, would rather be with Russia than where they were," he said on ABC's "This Week." He also said Putin was "not going to go into Ukraine," prompting a rebuke from Clinton adviser Jake Sullivan. "Russia is already in Ukraine. Does he not know that?" Sullivan said in a statement. Trump often speaks wistfully about smoother relations between Washington and Moscow. "Having a good relationship with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing," he said on ABC. Such comments often leave his campaign to try to toughen the rhetoric. "I think Mr. Trump has made it very clear he views Russia to be somebody that we need to be firm with," campaign manager Paul Manafort said on CBS' "Face the Nation." (Additional reporting by Susan Cornwell and Alana Wise; Editing by Dan Grebler)
Washington (AFP) - Hillary Clinton has sharply criticized Donald Trump over his "absolute allegiance" to Russian policy aims, saying it raised both "national security issues" and new doubts about his temperament.

Trump, her Republican rival in the race for the White House, responded defiantly, saying he had "no relationship" with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and had never met nor spoken to him by phone, but that "if our country got along with Russia, that would be a great thing."

He said in an ABC interview that he was not about to disavow it if Putin praised him as a "genius" (some Russian speakers say "colorful" was a better translation of the word).

But further fanning controversy, Trump added that as president he would at least consider acknowledging Russian sovereignty over Crimea, the Ukrainian territory that Russia annexed in 2014 in the face of widespread international condemnation.

"The people of Crimea, from what I've heard, would rather be with Russia," Trump said.

The territory was the subject of a head-scratching exchange between Trump and ABC "This Week" host George Stephanopoulos.

"(Putin's) not going into Ukraine, okay, just so you understand," Trump said. "He's not gonna go into Ukraine, all right? You can mark it down. You can put it down."

Stephanopoulos responded: "Well, he's already there, isn't he?"

Trump replied, "Okay -- well, he's there in a certain way. But I'm not there."

Clinton senior policy advisor Jake Sullivan called Trump's statement "scary stuff."

"What is he talking about? ... What else doesn't he know?" Sullivan said in a statement. "While Trump hasn't mastered basic facts about the world, he has mastered Putin's talking points on Crimea."

Trump said he was not involved in Republicans' softening of their platform language to remove a call to provide Ukraine with lethal weaponry.

Story continues

The dispute over Russia is part of a broader disagreement over US engagement abroad, as Trump argues that a weakened America must retrench and demand greater contributions from its allies, while Clinton asserts that decades-old US commitments to foreign partners must be maintained.

- Backlash over emails -

Clinton, in her comments, was responding on "Fox News Sunday" to allegations of Russian involvement in leaks of Democratic Party emails that embarrassed her on the eve of the just-ended Democratic national convention.

As that convention was under way, Trump urged Russia to find and release several thousand emails that disappeared from Clinton's private server while she was secretary of state.

"Russia, if you're listening," Trump said at the time, "I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing. I think you will be mightily rewarded by our press."

That call, of a sort nearly unprecedented in US presidential politics, drew sharp rebukes from Democrats and some Republicans.

US cybersecurity experts said it raised questions about whether Russia had attempted to influence the American campaign in Trump's favor. Leaked emails published by WikiLeaks revealed the distrust of some key Democratic leaders of Bernie Sanders, Clinton's former rival for the Democratic nod.

Trump's seeming encouragement of Russian hacking, Clinton told Fox, "raises issues about Russian influence in our election."

"And for Trump to both encourage that and to praise Putin despite what appears to be a deliberate effort to try to affect the election, I think, raises national security issues."

- 'Not temperamentally fit' -

When an interviewer noted that Trump had claimed he was being sarcastic, Clinton replied: "If you take the encouragement that Russians hack into email accounts, if you take his quite excessive praise for Putin, his absolute allegiance to a lot of Russian wish-list foreign policy issues," it suggests that "he is not temperamentally fit to be president and commander-in-chief."

Trump had earlier unnerved NATO member nations by questioning the long absolute US commitment to defend any member of the Atlantic alliance should it be attacked by Russia.

In an interview, with The New York Times just before the Republican convention, Trump said that if Russia attacked NATO member nations he would decide whether to come to their assistance only if he decided that they had "fulfilled their obligations to us."

Trump has also said he might withdraw US troops from European and Asian countries if they failed to pay more for American protection.

"We are going to take care of this country first," he told The Times, "before we worry about everyone else in the world."
By Amanda Becker PITTSBURGH, Pa. - Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton toured the U.S. Rust Belt on Saturday, promising to reject bad international trade deals during a factory visit and securing the endorsement of investor Mark Cuban at a Pittsburgh rally. The Dallas Mavericks owner, who said as recently as last month that there was a "good chance" he would vote for Donald Trump, instead criticized the Republican nominee's leadership in front of an energetic crowd. "Leadership is not yelling and screaming and intimidating," Cuban said. "You know what we call a person like that in Pittsburgh? A jagoff!" Cuban added, using disparaging Pittsburgh slang. Cuban had spoken with Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta several times in recent weeks and called him on Thursday to say he was ready to endorse Clinton, a campaign aide said. Clinton, along with her running-mate Tim Kaine, a U.S. senator from Virginia, is on a three-day tour of Pennsylvania and Ohio after becoming the first woman to accept a major U.S. party's presidential nomination at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia on Thursday. Pennsylvania and Ohio are two states in the U.S. Rust Belt that are dealing with job losses caused by the decline in U.S. manufacturing. Neither leans heavily in favor of either political party but both voted for Obama in 2008 and 2012. Trump has zeroed in on white, working-class voters in the region as critical to his campaign and plans to visit both states early next week. In a visit earlier on Saturday to Johnstown Wire Technologies in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Clinton told the largely union crowd there that she would create good-paying jobs by investing in infrastructure and reject a pending Asia trade deal that has become a flashpoint in the U.S. presidential campaign. "We are going to say 'no' to unfair trade deals, we're going to stand up to China," Clinton said. "I feel strongly about this and I need your help," she added. The pending Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiated by President Barack Obama has drawn criticism from both Clinton and Trump. Clinton says it does not do enough to protect U.S. workers. Trump has said he would rip it up and questioned whether Clinton would keep her stance if she wins the Nov. 8 presidential election. Leo Gerard, the president of the United Steelworkers, which represents roughly 200 of the 260 workers employed by Johnstown Wire Technologies, assured the crowd in his introduction of Clinton that Republicans have been "telling lies" about Clinton's stance on the deal. Cambria County, where Johnstown Wire Technologies is based, is 94-percent white and has a median household income of $42,000. Clinton and Kaine will continue their jobs-focused tour that began in Philadelphia, continuing on to Youngstown and Columbus. They are trying to contrast their plan to use infrastructure investments to create jobs with that of Trump, whom Clinton said Friday has a "downbeat vision of America." "We are visiting places that prove what Americans can do," Clinton said in Johnstown. "This country and our people have what it takes to get ahead and stay ahead if they have the leadership that gives us that chance." (Reporting by Amanda Becker; Editing by Sandra Maler)
(The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters.)

By Paul Taylor

BRUSSELS, July 31 (Reuters) - After years of dodging bullets and muddling through, the European Union has taken one in the chest with Britain's referendum vote to leave the prosperous continental club.

Worse, the bullet cannot be extracted immediately to enable the body politic to heal swiftly. An open wound will fester for several years of exit negotiations, draining strength the Union needs to recover, and making it more vulnerable to other blows.

Brexit is the most visible sign of a wider decline in the ideal of ever closer European integration around the continent, even if the UK was always the least enthusiastic member.

The EU, which former British European Commissioner Chris Patten once described as "a wonderful experiment in arguing about fish quotas instead of shooting at each other", is as out of fashion as a double-breasted jacket.

National leaders mostly avoid talking about Europe beyond platitudes. Few in Paris, Berlin, Warsaw or The Hague seem willing to contemplate the hard choices that may now be needed to reinvigorate the EU and halt a return of nationalism.

It took visiting U.S. President Barack Obama to remind Europeans just how far their continent had come from the ruins of World War Two and what it stands to lose -- "one of the greatest political and economic achievements of modern times".

"A united Europe -- once the dream of a few -- remains the hope of the many and a necessity for us all," Obama proclaimed in Hanover, Germany, in April.

Yet today's Europeans take peace, open markets and open borders for granted and fret about bureaucracy, immigration, a loss of national identity and remote unaccountable rulers.

Symptoms of a backlash against sharing sovereignty include the rise of populist eurosceptic parties in most EU countries but also the inability of founders Germany and France to agree on ways to strengthen the 19-nation single currency at the centre of the European project.

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UNITED IN FEAR?

The British problem was just one of half a dozen crises that together threaten the survival and success of the EU.

"To the unkind observer, the EU today may look like an overextended empire with a weak centre, ageing population and semi-comatose economy, growing internal fragmentation and a world of trouble on its porous borders," says Loukas Tsoukalis, professor of European Integration at Athens University and a former top policy adviser to the European Commission.

In a new book, "In Defence of Europe", Tsoukalis argues the EU is a victim of its own success. Common institutions and democratic legitimacy have lagged behind an ever expanding number of members and functions.

The euro zone has traversed a painful sovereign debt crisis since 2010 without making monetary union fully sustainable. Most economic literature suggests that requires a common budget and some sort of common safe debt instrument. Germany opposes both.

A Greek exit was narrowly avoided last year but Athens' debt problem remains unsolved. Euro area economies continue to diverge with mass unemployment and austerity gripping the south.

Growing income inequality in most European societies and resentment in some parts of the west at the impact of the bloc's eastward enlargement since 2004 have fuelled public anger.

Surfing on hostility to globalisation and immigration, populists could deal further blows to European unity in Austria's re-run presidential election and Hungary's referendum on migrant quotas on Oct. 2. The same forces may also unseat the Italian government in a constitutional referendum in the autumn and the Dutch one in a general election early next year.

The EU has stemmed for now an influx of more than a million refugees and migrants but failed to share them out across the continent. Moreover, dependence on Turkey as Europe's gatekeeper is increasingly uncomfortable as President Tayyip Erdogan cracks down hard on opponents, the media, judiciary and civil society after a failed July 15 military coup.

Islamist militant attacks in France, Belgium and Germany, coming on top of the migration flows, have undermined citizens' faith that a Europe with open internal borders makes them safer.

"How long can fear keep Europeans together?" Tsoukalis asks.

POST-MODERN BLUES

The EU may be reaching the limits of what British thinker and diplomat Robert Cooper calls the "post-modern state". In a 2002 essay, Cooper described Europe as the most developed body politic that did not emphasise sovereignty or the separation of domestic and foreign affairs.

"The European Union... is a highly developed system for mutual interference in each other's domestic affairs, right down to beer and sausages," he observed.

That model remains a beacon to many statesmen and business leaders around the world. In Asia, Africa and Latin America, groups of countries seek to emulate EU-style integration, though the Asians remain more wedded to national sovereignty.

But on its home turf, post-modern Europe is in deep trouble.

The dominant reflex since the British vote has been to emasculate the European Commission, the unloved "honest broker" at the centre of the EU system, sideline the European Parliament and hand more power back to national governments and lawmakers.

Nostalgic for a smaller, more manageable Europe, France, Italy and Belgium are keen that the euro zone or groups of like-minded countries should move ahead with deeper integration.

By contrast, leaders of four ex-communist central European states, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, warned on July 20: "One of the worst conclusions that Member States may draw from Brexit is dividing the EU in small clubs."

There are some rays of light in this gloomy and confused picture, but they may be just a flash in the pan.

A six-nation opinion poll showed public support for the EU surged to multi-year highs in the bloc's biggest countries in the days after the June 23 UK referendum.

"When people realise the real implications of an exit, there's new-found support for the European project," said Francois Kraus of pollsters IFOP who conducted the survey.

Perhaps, but that does not mean that European governments or their electorates are necessarily willing to sustain even the current level of integration, let alone a deeper monetary union.

Rather, the poll may reflect a dawning awareness of a European paradise lost.

As Joni Mitchell once sang: "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till it's gone?" (Editing by Mark John)
The new Bill will have its second reading on 15 August. (Photo: Reuters)



Its a most noble name: the Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill. Whats not to like? Who doesnt want the administration of justice to be protected?



But is that really whats happening here?

The Bill was introduced by the Lee administration last month and will have its second reading on 15 August. Its meant to provide clarity on offences related to contempt of court, which is currently based on previous rulings and precedents.



Yet, an examination of the Bill shows that clarity is still lacking. Instead, we appear to be codifying contempt of court offences in ways that could have a chilling effect on free speech in Singapore.

First off, it isnt really that much clearer what is or isnt contempt of court. Court proceedings are considered to have commenced once an investigation is launched, and run until the appeal is concluded or the period of limitation for the appeal has expired.



That is a significant amount of time, so what sort of comment or action would be considered contempt of court during such a period?



Grey areas



It depends was the best answer lawyers could give at a forum discussing the Bill on Saturday (30 July).



Experienced lawyer Peter Low said that even legal professionals can find it tough to figure out when the line is crossed. Sui Yi Siong, a young lawyer who has done research on the issue of sub judice, pointed out that the phrase prejudges an issue in a court proceeding in the Bill is very broad.



Low also highlighted that the legal test used to determine whether one has committed the offence of scandalising the judiciary is merely one of a risk that public confidence would be undermined, which sets a very low bar that could potentially apply to a wide range of speech.

On top of this lack of certainty come other concerns. While the reach of a particular comment is currently taken into consideration when deciding whether its in contempt, the Bill specifies publication as the dissemination, distribution, exhibition, provision or communication by oral, visual, written, electronic or other means to the public at large or a member of the public. This effectively means that even speech communicated to one other person in Singapore could be found to be in contempt.

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These restrictions could prevent Singaporeans from discussing issues of public interest at a time when the matter is most relevant.



Take the Benjamin Lim case, for example: the 14-year-olds death raised questions over police procedure when it comes to investigations involving minors. The protection (or lack thereof) of minorsand indeed other vulnerable personsduring police investigations is an important public interest issue, related not just to the safety of Singaporeans but also the integrity of and public confidence in law enforcement.



Even the President of the normally reserved Law Society commented on the need for early access to legal counsel, and wondered if things could have been done differently to prevent the tragedy. He came under fire from the Law Minister, who characterised his comments as deliberate, dishonest attacks.



Veteran lawyer Peter Low speaking about the proposed Bill at a forum on Saturday. (Photo: Kirsten Han)



Slippery slope



If the Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill were to pass, would the Law Society presidents comments have been deemed in contempt of court? Would Singaporeans still have been able to talk about the issues highlighted by this case, while the police investigations into his death were ongoing, and then a Coroners Inquiry launched?

Under this new Bill, the offence of contempt is also deemed arrestable, which means that the police wont need warrants to search, seize, or arrest.



Like what happened with Teo Soh Lung and Roy Ngerng over the alleged breach of Cooling-Off Day rules, if one is accused of contempt under this new Bill, the police will be able to search your home, seize your property and question you for hours without the need for a warrant. And at that point of time, criticising the behaviour of the police or speaking out about the problematic aspects of this Bill (which would be law by then) could potentially also be in contempt of court.

Then we come to the matter of penalties. The Bill stipulates that the maximum penalty for contempt of court is a fine of $100,000, a jail term of three years, or both. This is far higher than any of the current precedents we have, including the case of British journalist Alan Shadrake, whose case was described as the worst case of contempt in Singapore. He was fined $20,000 and given six weeks imprisonment.



Lack of balance



While tensions between the offence of contempt and the principle of free speech will always exist, the broad and wide-ranging language used in the Administration of Justice (Protection) Bill gets the balance wrong. Leaving people confused over what can or cant be said will have a chilling effect, whatever the intention of the law, further entrenching a culture of self-censorship and passive citizenship thats detrimental to Singaporean society in the long run.

The Bill will have its second reading on 15 August. Its possible that it could proceed to its third reading on the same day, and be passed into law, with its broad language and lack of thorough public consultation.

If youre troubled by the Bill, theres no time like the present to make that known. Tell people in your social network about the Bill and your concerns. Contact your Member of Parliament. Keep talking and get the word out; if the Bill were to pass in its current form, our right to talk will be even less certain.

Kirsten Han is a Singaporean blogger and journalist. She is also involved in the We Believe in Second Chances campaign for the abolishment of the death penalty. A social media junkie, she tweets at @kixes. The views expressed are her own.


Kinshasa (AFP) - Congo's opposition leader on Sunday called for elections to be held this year, at a rally of tens of thousands of supporters, and demanded President Joseph Kabila step down as scheduled on December 20.

Tensions have been growing in mineral-rich but troubled Democratic Republic of Congo over fears that Kabila, in power since 2001, may try to extend his rule with a third term, beyond the constitutional maximum of two.

In a fiery speech in Kinshasa, Etienne Tshisekedi warned him not to try, saying it would be "high treason" if the electoral process were not launched on schedule in September.

After a two-year absence due to ill-health, Tshisekedi, 83, returned Wednesday to the Democratic Republic of Congo to a warm welcome from supporters.

He told the rally that September 19 was the "first red line which must not be crossed".

"The electoral body must be convened (by that date) for the presidential election. If it is not, high treason will be proved in the person of Mr Kabila, who will take responsibility for the misery of the Congolese people," Tshisekedi said.

"From that moment, his three-month notice period on the presidential palace begins. On December 19 the notice expires and on the 20th the house must be free," he added, to rousing cheers.

An immensely popular figure who emerged as a leading dissenting voice as far back as the 1980s, when he was a critic of strongman Mobutu Sese Seko, Tshisekedi recently accomplished the rare feat of uniting the Congolese opposition.

DR Congo's opposition has never before managed to forge a common front against Kabila, who beat Tshisekedi in the last presidential election in 2011.

Last month, another leading light of the opposition, Moise Katumbi, was sentenced in absentia to three years in jail for property fraud.

The presiding judge in the case has since claimed she was pressured by the authorities into signing off on a guilty verdict, to ensure Katumbi would be ineligible to run for office, according to a letter seen by AFP.

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- Rare display of unity -

Tshisekedi travelled to the rally in an open jeep escorted by a swarm of motorbikes along a route thronged with supporters and draped with the flags of various opposition parties.

One group of youths carried a coffin daubed with anti-Kabila slogans.

At the rally itself, opposition supporters waved banners reading "Change is now," and "No dialogue without the release of political prisoners."

"We voted for Tshisekedi in 2011 but still the international community imposed Kabila on us," said one supporter who gave his name only as Martin.

Talk of Kabila hanging on beyond the expiry of his second term on December 20 has whipped up fresh tension in the country of 71 million people.

Protests erupted after the Constitutional Court ruled in May that Kabila, who took power after his father's assassination, could remain in office in a caretaker capacity beyond the end of the mandate.

The government has called for a "national dialogue" and former Togo premier Edem Kodjo has been named by the African Union as the talks' "facilitator."

Opposition groups had shunned the talks, seeing them as a trap, but several leaders appearing with Tshisekedi on Sunday gave them the thumbs up, on certain conditions including the release of political prisoners.

Tshisekedi also called for "an end to arbitrary judicial cases against opposition leaders like Moise Katumbi and Martin Fayulu".

He told the crowd the Congolese would bid farewell to Kabila on December 20 and "inaugurate a new era" in a country plagued for decades by poverty, corruption and war.

In Belgium last month, DR Congo's opposition parties rallied behind Tshisekedi in a new alliance named "Rassemblement" (Rally) that aims to ensure Kabila quits.

On Wednesday former Katanga governor Katumbi, who is currently abroad, welcomed Tshisekedi's return, saying in a tweet "Happy to see Pdt #Tshisekedi back in #DRC!"
PARIS (Reuters) - A cousin of Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean, who was formally identified as one of the two men believed to have killed a French priest in a church last week, has been placed in preventive detention, the Paris prosecutor's office said on Sunday. The man, identified as Farid K, 30 - born in Nancy, eastern France - was put under formal investigation on suspicion of terrorist association with a view to perpetrating a crime, the prosecutor's office said. Another man, named as Jean-Philippe Steven J, 20, was also put under formal investigation for attempting to travel to Syria in June with Petitjean. He was also sent to preventive detention. Knife-wielding attackers interrupted a church service in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, western France, on July 26, forced 85-year-old Roman Catholic priest Father Jacques Hamel to his knees and slit his throat. Police identified 19-year-old local man Adel Kermiche as one of the attackers. He had made failed bids to reach Syria to wage jihad, wore an electronic tag and was awaiting trial for alleged membership of a terrorist organization, having been released on bail. They identified the second attacker as Petitjean, also 19. Both were shot dead by the police. Investigators are trying to determine how the two men met. Le Parisien daily newspaper reported on Sunday they had held a conversation on July 22 on the instant messaging service Telegram. Last week, Islamic State's affiliated news agency Amaq released a video purportedly showing Petitjean urging Muslims to destroy France. A Syrian asylum seeker thought to be linked to the church attack, and who had been arrested last week, was released on Sunday, a source close to the investigation told Reuters. (Reporting by Matthias Blamont; Editing by Andrew Bolton)
By Czar Dancel MANILA (Reuters) - When the image of Jennelyn Olaires weeping as she cradled the body of her slain husband went viral in the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte called it melodramatic. There's not much Duterte hasn't said when it comes to his war on drugs, his only real election platform and his big promise to the 16 million Filipinos who swept him to power in May by a massive margin. And "the punisher", as he is known, has been true to his word. Hundreds of suspected drug dealers have been killed since Duterte took office just one month ago. Six were assassinated in a single night in Manila, among them Michael Siaron, Olaires's 29-year-old husband who was shot dead by unknown assailants on motorcycles. "A friend called out that Michael was shot. I ran out to see him," Olaires, 26, said in a rundown part of the capital's Pasay area, with its ubiquitous slums, squatters and thieves. "Thoughts were running in my mind. It can't be you. You don't deserve this. There are others who deserve this more than you," she said, recalling the moment she discovered his body. "If I only have wings, I will quickly fly to his side." For a Wider Image of Jennelyn Olaires, see http://reut.rs/2anBCTt Photographers surrounded her behind a police cordon as she held his body. A piece of cardboard was left next to his corpse with the word "pusher" written on it. Dozens of similar killings have taken place almost daily in the Philippines, but with drugs and crime so deep-rooted, there is barely any public outrage. Some 316 suspected drug dealers were killed from July 1-27, 195 of which were vigilante killings, according to police. Human rights groups estimate the body count to be at least double the official number. 'KILL DRUGS, NOT PEOPLE' Duterte has not condemned vigilante killings. He has previously promoted them. The tough-talking former mayor of Davao City mentioned the image of Olaires holding her husband in his state of the union address on Monday and said media had tried to portray it as being like the Michelangelo's Pieta, the sculpture of Mary holding the body of Jesus. Olaires will bury her husband on Sunday. She concedes he was a drug user but says it is impossible he was a dealer because they were too poor and could barely pay for their next meal. Siaron made money by riding a pedicab - a bicycle with a sidecar - and did odd jobs. He even voted for Duterte in the May 9 election. "They must kill the ones who don't deserve to live anymore, the ones who are a menace to society. Because they cause harm to others. But not the innocent people," she said. "I don't need the public's sympathy. I don't need the president to notice us. "I know that he doesn't like this kind of people. But for me, I just hope that they get the true offenders." Asked if she had a message to tell Duterte, she said: "kill drugs, not people." (Additional reporting by Erik De Castro; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Kim Coghill)
Deadly California wildfire threatens Big Sur coast A firefighter from Cal Fires Fresno-Kings unit sprays water on a backfire while fighting the Soberanes Fire on Palo Colorado Road near Big Sur, California, U.S. July 27, 2016. (REUTERS/Noah Berger)

A blaze that has scorched some 43,000 acres (17,400 hectares) and destroyed dozens of homes near Californias famed Big Sur coast was sparked by an illegal, unattended camp fire in a state park, authorities said on Tuesday.

The so-called Soberanes Fire, which erupted on July 22, began as a small blaze, 2 feet (60 cm) in diameter, ignited by unknown individuals in a section of Garrapata State Park that was closed to camping and campfires, according to U.S. Forest Service spokesman Don Jaques. No arrests have been made, he added.

The more than 5,450 fire personnel battling the blaze have been able to draw containment lines  a measure of how much of its perimeter has been cleared by fire crews of unburned vegetation  around only 18 percent of the wildfire so far.

Steep, mountainous terrain as well as hot, dry conditions have hampered efforts to quell the fire tearing through drought-parched chaparral, grass and timber. (Reuters)

See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr.
DeAndre Hopkins wasnt ready to dig in for the long haul.

The Houston Texans star receiver held out of training camp on Saturday but then relented quickly, saying in a statement on Sunday hed be reporting to camp.

After a brief holdout, DeAndre Hopkins will report to Texans camp (AP)

Hopkins still is not happy with the state of his contract, saying hes disappointed that the Texans organization has elected not to enter into contract negotiation to secure my future as a Texan.

ESPNs Tania Ganguli had Hopkins full statement:

DeAndre Hopkins is returning to the team. Here's his statement. Press conference this afternoon. #Texans pic.twitter.com/D12klQm4GL  Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) July 31, 2016

Between Hopkins (very) brief holdout and J.J. Watts back surgery, it has been a tough couple weeks for the Texans, who are trying to repeat as AFC South champions after making major upgrades this offseason. Hopkins reporting to camp is good in the short term, assuming he doesnt let his contract situation affect his play, but its a concern going forward.

Hopkins deserves a raise after a 1,521-yard season. Hes still stuck on his rookie deal, which pays him a $1 million base salary this year and $7.9 million next year on his fifth-year option. After watching the Texans spend a lot of money this offseason, it makes sense why he wants to be taken care of as well. Hopefully for the Texans, Hopkins doesnt hold a grudge down the line because the Texans apparently refused to even discuss a new contract now.

[Yahoo Fantasy Football is open for the 2016 season. Sign up now]

That problem will be settled down the road. For now, Hopkins thought better of his holdout (and the possible $40,000 daily fines) and reported. Hell be the Texans best offensive weapon, dominating again at the receiver position. For now anyway.

      

Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!


Donald Trump has angered some and given others a chuckle with his response to a slain Muslim soldier's father, who railed against the Republican presidential candidate at the Democratic National Convention last week.

In interviews he gave following the speech by Khizr Khan, whose Army captain son was killed in Iraq in 2004, Trump assured voters that--despite what was said in the speech--he has made sacrifices for America.

"Who wrote that? Did Hillary's scriptwriters write it?" Trump said in an ABC interview. "I think I've made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard."

Read: Dad of Fallen Muslim Soldier Asks Trump: Want to Borrow My Copy of the American Constitution?

When pressed by interviewer George Stephanopoulos, Trump named job creation as his sacrifice. "I've created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures. I've had tremendous success. I think I've done a lot."

#TrumpSacrifices "I had to do my own hair today. No one else. Me! Just think about that for a second ..." https://t.co/hJHhL0yGZp  Don Cheadle (@DonCheadle) July 31, 2016

Following his interview, Trump detractors took to Twitter to mock the candidate with the help of the satirical hastag #TrumpSacrifices.

Among them was actor Don Cheadle, who wrote " # TrumpSacrifices I had to do my own hair today. No one else. Me! Just think about that for a second ..."

There's only one way to talk about Gold Star parents: with honor and respect. Capt. Khan is a hero. Together, we should pray for his family.  John Kasich (@JohnKasich) July 31, 2016

Trump's other response to Khan's tweet was to question why the Harvard-educated attorney's wife did not speak as well in what some saw as ajab at their Muslim faith.

Story continues

Read: Great-Grandmother Brings DNC to Tears as She Discusses Military Son's Sacrifice: 'Tom Made Big Differences'

"If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say," he said to Stephanopoulos . "You tell me."

This comment, too, drew a rapid social media response, including from Trump's former rival John Kasich.

"There's only one way to talk about Gold Star parents: with honor and respect," Kasich tweeted. "Capt. Khan is a hero. Together, we should pray for his family."

The soldier's mother, Ghazala Khan, defended herself in a Washington Post op-ed on Sunday. "Trump criticized my silence," she wrote. "He knows nothing about true sacrifice."

Watch: Obama Slams Trump's View of America in Rousing DNC Speech: 'America Is Already Great'

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Drake's Views stays put at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for a 12th nonconsecutive week, earning another 85,000 equivalent album units (down 5 percent) in the week ending July 28, according to Nielsen Music.

Billboard 200 Chart Moves: Twenty One Pilots' 'Blurryface' Surpasses 1 Million U.S. Sales

As Views surpasses the 11 weeks at No. 1 racked up by Taylor Swift's 1989 in late 2014 and early 2015, the rapper's album now has the most weeks at No. 1 since 2014, when the Frozen soundtrack collected 13 frames at No. 1.

The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption, which includes traditional album sales, track equivalent albums (TEA) and streaming equivalent albums (SEA). The new Aug. 13-dated chart (where Views is No. 1) will be posted in full to Billboard's websites on Tuesday, Aug. 2.

Views has the most weeks at No. 1 for an album by an artist (as opposed to a soundtrack) since Adele's 21 ruled for 24 weeks in 2011 and 2012. The last male artist to spend more than 12 weeks at No. 1 was Billy Ray Cyrus, with his Some Gave All album (17 weeks) back in 1992.

In the past 25 years, only nine albums have spent 12 or more weeks at No. 1:

Artist, Title -- Weeks at No. 1

Adele, 21 -- 24 (2011-2012)

Whitney Houston/Soundtrack, The Bodyguard -- 20 (1992-1993)

Garth Brooks, Ropin' the Wind -- 18 (1991-1992)

Billy Ray Cyrus, Some Gave All -- 17 (1992)

Soundtrack, Titanic -- 16 (1998)

Soundtrack, Frozen -- 13 (2014)

Drake, Views -- 12 (2016)

Alanis Morissette, Jagged Little Pill -- 12 (1995-1996)

Santana, Supernatural -- 12 (1999-2000)

Trailing Drake on the latest Billboard 200 at No. 2 is Gucci Mane's Everybody Looking, which debuts in the runner-up slot with 68,000 units (of which, 43,000 are in traditional album sales). It's the highest rank ever for the rap artist, who previously peaked at No. 4 in 2010 with The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted.

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Gucci Mane 'Looking' to Debut at No. 2 on Billboard 200 Albums Chart

Everybody Looking is Gucci Mane's first studio album in five years (since 2011's The Return of Mr. Zone 6) and was recorded over six days shortly after his release from prison in May.

Everybody Looking is also the seventh album to debut at No. 2 behind Drake's Views. It follows: NeedToBreathe's HARDLOVE, ScHoolboy Q's Blank Face LP, Red Hot Chili Peppers' The Getaway, Nick Jonas' Last Year Was Complicated, Dierks Bentley's Black and Ariana Grande's Dangerous Woman.

Twenty One Pilots' Blurryface is steady at No. 3 on the latest Billboard 200 chart with 36,000 units (down 1 percent), Rihanna's Anti is also a non-mover at No. 4 with 33,000 units (down 6 percent). The Epic AF compilation climbs one rung to a new peak, No. 5, with 31,000 units (up less than 1 percent).

Drake's 'Views' No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart for 11th Week, NeedToBreathe Debuts at No. 2

Sia's This Is Acting vaults back into the top 10 for the first time since its debut week, as it rises 11-6 with 30,000 units (up 11 percent). The album was last higher on the chart in its debut frame, when it bowed at No. 4 on the chart dated Feb. 20. A week later, it slipped out of the top 10.

This Is Acting's climb comes a week after the album's single "Cheap Thrills" reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Sia her first No. 1. During the latest tracking week, Sia performed on ABC's Good Morning America (July 22) and benefits from sale pricing and promotion of the album in the iTunes Store (where it was discounted to $6.99).

Adele's 25 is stationary at No. 7 with 29,000 units (down 5 percent), the original Broadway cast recording of Hamilton descends 5-8 with 27,000 units (down 16 percent) and Beyonce's Lemonade falls 8-9 with 26,000 units (down 13 percent). Meghan Trainor's Thank You closes out the top 10, rising 16-10 with 22,000 units (up 1 percent).
If the San Jose Earthquakes are to make a run at a Western Conference playoff berth, they need to start winning some road fixtures.

A prime opportunity presents itself Sunday night when they visit the Houston Dynamo for each team's first match after Thursday night's All-Star Game.

San Jose (6-6-8) is 0-5-5 as the road team but is facing the conference's worst team. Houston (4-9-7) has just 19 points and is tied for 18th overall in MLS, leading only Chicago and tied with Columbus.

Each team settled for a draw in their last match before the All-Star break. The Earthquakes couldn't make Chris Wondolowski's early goal stand up in a 1-1 tie at Real Salt Lake, and the Dynamo played Vancouver to a standoff at home.

Records aside, there isn't a whole lot of difference between the sides. Houston actually has scored more goals (23-22), although it has allowed more goals (26-23) and has actually tried more shots while creating more corners.

San Jose won the teams' first meeting this season on May 11, dumping the Dynamo 3-1 at home. It has by far the top scorer between the teams, as Wondolowski has eight goals.

Both teams have injury issues. Houston will play without defender DaMarcus Beasley (knee) and goalie Tyler Deric (left abdominal strain), and probably won't have midfielder Rob Lovejoy (sprained ankle). The Earthquakes have five players listed as out, including goalie Bryan Meredith and defender Kofi Sarkodie.

The Dynamo's Alex and San Jose's Anibal Godoy will play under caution accumulation warnings.
Santosh Nair

US-based Genovation has built an electric Corvette that has set a new electric land speed record by reaching 330kmph. This Corvette, called Genovation GXE, did the record setting run at Nasas landing strip at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida.

While accomplishing this feat, theyve beaten their own speed record of hitting 300kmph for a road-legal electric car that was set earlier this year. The main motive behind giving it another shot within such a short span was the fact that considerable improvements were made in the generation of battery power.

The GXE is a heavily modified Z06 Corvette. A 44kWh battery has been installed to squeeze a range of 209km out of a single charge. This is in addition to making more than 600bhp and 772Nm of torque. Despite the product still being in testing stages, Genovation ambitiously plans to introduce the GXE to buyers in a few months. To put things in perspective, the software in the Tesla Model S inhibits it from going past the top speed of 249kmph, only to preserve the battery. Otherwise, the possibility of it reaching the same top speed as the GXE is high.

Andrew Saul, CEO of Genovation, commented on the achievement_ We are thrilled that after setting a record earlier this year, we were able to further enhance the GXEs performance and break our own record. We have managed to create a car that is both exhilarating for drivers and gentle on the environment.

For more news,reviews,videos and information about cars, visit CarWale.com.

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LONDON  The calamities of a people are the gifts of another. So says an Arabic expression common in Sudan that could easily be the countrys motto. Tragic events have a knack for conspiring to extend the longevity of the Sudanese regime  or rather, the Sudanese regime has a knack for leveraging tragic events to stay in power.

The latest calamity to benefit the government of Omar al-Bashir, who became an international pariah when he invited Osama bin Laden and other terrorists to Sudan in the 1990s and later earned the distinction of being the first sitting head of state indicted by the International Criminal Court for crimes committed in Darfur, is the massive refugee crisis gripping Europe. In exchange for cooperating with the European Union to halt the movement of migrants and refugees through Sudanese territory, Bashirs government is being quietly invited in from the cold.

For almost three decades, Khartoum has faced crippling U.S. and EU sanctions. And since his ICC indictment in 2009, Bashir has been a fugitive from justice in much of the world  only able to visit a handful of countries in Africa and the Persian Gulf without fear of arrest. Now Bashirs government is set to receive a generous chunk of the EUs $2 billion Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, which aims to combat migration at its source by promoting development and strengthening border security. For Sudan, the refugee crisis has been a godsend.

For a combination of reasons  its strategic location next to Libya and Egypt, its largely ungoverned hinterland, and its porous borders  Sudan has become a major transit hub for refugees and migrants from Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Syria who are hoping to reach Europe. Historically, the Sudanese government has been rather relaxed about migration through its territory. But presented with the carrot of EU funds, and the possibility of normalization of relations with European nations, it has suddenly become far more disciplined about policing the movement of people within its borders.

Refugees in Sudan say officials who previously accepted bribes from people on the move now appear unwilling to do so, and Khartoums notoriously chaotic police force has suddenly gotten more organized when it comes to apprehending migrants, particularly from Eritrea. In May, close to 1,000 Eritreans were reportedly rounded up in Khartoum and either taken to prisons there or deported back to Eritrea. Then in June, Sudan captured Mered Medhanie, an Eritrean smuggler thought to be responsible for the 2013 drowning deaths of almost 400 migrants near the Italian island of Lampedusa, and extradited him to Italy.

This awakening of good global citizenship was no coincidence. In April, Neven Mimica, the EU commissioner for international cooperation and development, formally announced a roughly $110 million aid package to Sudan through the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa, ostensibly earmarked for reducing poverty, creating jobs, and improving the delivery of basic services in marginalized and conflict-affected areas. Our new support of [$110 million] will essentially focus on improving the living conditions for those who call Sudan home, helping returnees to the country to reintegrate back into society, and improving security at the borders, Mimica said in a statement.

Mimica surely hoped the world would take note of the first two items he highlighted, but it is the last one  border security  that prompted the uneasy rapprochement with Brussels in the first place and has absorbed the bulk of the funds. In May, Der Spiegel and the New Statesman obtained secret documents revealing that the EU had earmarked funds to train Sudanese border police and planned to provide equipment such as cameras, scanners, and servers to the Sudanese government so it can register incoming refugees and build two closed reception centers in the eastern towns of Gadaref and Kassala. Its not clear if these funds were part of the $110 million aid package announced in April or part of a separate $45 million grant, also from the Emergency Trust Fund, that the Sudanese government is set to receive a portion of in exchange for managing migration. Either way, Sudan is effectively being funded to stanch the flow of migrants and refugees to Europe  and to build open-air prisons to house them.

Its an unsavory deal for Europe to say the least. Outsourcing the management of migrant routes to a cash-strapped government with a miserable human rights record will not only mean more suffering for desperate migrants and refugees. It will strengthen a regime whose demise many wish to hasten, including, presumably, European countries whose sanctions have cut Khartoum off from international financial markets. A spokesperson for the EUs Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development was quoted by the news service IRIN as saying the Emergency Trust Fund for Africa was designed to improve migration management and that no funding will be channeled through the beneficiary countries government structures.

This statement is misleading at best and at worst an outright lie. In countries like Sudan, where the line between public and private is often blurred, money does not have to travel through official channels to reach government pockets. Even if funds are only disbursed to nonprofits and other private partner organizations, the Sudanese government will control every aspect of the process, right down to who gets to bid for construction tenders and contracts to install and operate the surveillance equipment. There is little accountability or transparency when it comes to the Sudanese governments fiscal policies, and its hard to imagine the EU looking too closely at the money trail, so long as the migration route via Sudan is effectively patrolled and sealed off.

Moreover, the entities that will enforce the new migration measures designed by the EU  the police, the border control, and the so-called Rapid Support Forces (RSF)  are very much a part of the government. A paramilitary force that supports the beleaguered Sudanese army, the RSF in particular stands accused of horrific human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and mass rape. It was formed in 2013 from elements of the janjaweed, the notorious militias that carried out the governments genocide in Darfur, and answers directly to the National Intelligence and Security Service. The idea was to create a nimble and decisive force to address the countrys regular rebel uprisings and serve as a bodyguard for the central government. RSF troops regularly patrol Khartoum, a city that is increasingly becoming a garrison town, securing it against potential rebel attacks  and now enforcing immigration policies dreamed up in Brussels.

It is troubling that those who perpetrated the Sudanese governments crimes in Darfur now form Europes first line of defense against unwanted refugees. But even more troubling is the fact that the EU is now arming Khartoum with international credibility at a time when its domestic legitimacy is arguably at an all-time low. Cash-strapped because of low oil prices and sullied in the eyes of many of its citizens by its brazen use of extrajudicial killings and detentions, Sudan is facing its largest student protests in recent memory  protests that at times have devolved into bloody clashes with security forces. But instead of amplifying the pressure on Bashir by calling out his abuses, European governments are quietly letting his government escape its previous international isolation. In June, for instance, Marta Ruedas, the U.N. resident and humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, paid Bashir a visit at the presidential guesthouse in Khartoum. She was the highest-ranking U.N. official to meet with the president for several years. Mimica himself visited Sudan and met with the first vice president, as well as Sudanese officials in the ministries of International Cooperation, Foreign Affairs, and Interior. Presumably, a visit with the president was still a bridge too far  optically at least.

This is not the first time that a foreign tragedy has proved a boon to the Sudanese regime. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Bashirs government began quiet but close cooperation with the United States on intelligence. In exchange, Khartoum gained additional leverage over U.S. sponsored peace negotiations with southern Sudanese rebels, as well as promises of sanctions relief once South Sudan achieved independence in 2011. The United States backed away from its promise of sanctions relief after new conflicts erupted in 2011 in Sudans Blue Nile and South Kordofan states, but it continued to work closely with Sudanese intelligence officials. Today, in private, many U.S. officials say theyd like to remove Sudan from the U.S. state sponsors of terrorism list, a move that has proved politically impossible to date.

Now Sudan has a new set of bargaining chips: desperate refugees willing to risk their lives to get to Europe. Its unlikely that all or even most of the sanctions will be lifted anytime soon  the optics are still too bad for most Western powers  but cooperation on the refugee front is a clear first step toward rehabilitation for Bashir. If Sudan is coming in from the cold, however, the Sudanese people will remain stranded on the outside for the foreseeable future, bearing the brunt of international sanctions until they are lifted and the brutality of their government long after that.

EBRAHIM HAMID/AFP/GettyImages
La Paz (AFP) - Five tourists from Belgium, Italy and Peru were killed in a car crash at Bolivia's famous salt flats, the Salar de Uyuni, authorities said Sunday.

"A tour company vehicle was in a crash and flipped over at the salt flat itself, and as a result, five people were killed and another three injured," said Uyuni police chief Rodolfo Salazar.

Four of the deceased were women, he said, but no identities were immediately given.

The injured were taken to a hospital in Potosi, 200 kilometers (125 miles) away.

Early indications were the vehicle was speeding, Salazar said.

Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flats area, and Bolivia's top tourist attraction.
LONDON (Reuters) - High-profile Treasury Minister Jim O'Neill, a former Goldman Sachs chief economist, could quit his post over Prime Minister Theresa May's new approach to Chinese investment, the Financial Times reported, citing a friend of O'Neill.

May intervened personally last week to delay the final decision on a partly-Chinese funded nuclear power project, a source said on Saturday, while a former colleague said May had previously expressed concern about the national security implications of the planned Chinese investment.

O'Neill is a member of the unelected upper house of parliament and works in the finance ministry as Commercial Secretary, with responsibilities including infrastructure policy and promoting Britain as a source of foreign direct investment.

Widely respected and influential in the global investment community, his appointment in 2015 was considered a major coup for the British government. He kept his role despite sweeping changes to the government in July following May's promotion to leader after David Cameron's resigned.

"Hes considering why he has been asked to stay," said one friend according to the Financial Times.

The friend said O'Neill was baffled about the governments change of tack on China, and will quit unless May can explain why she wants him to stay, according to the FT report.

The Treasury declined to comment on the report.

In her previous role as interior minister, May had expressed concerns about the government's approach to Chinese investment, citing national security concerns, according to Britain's former business secretary Vince Cable.

O'Neill had been heavily involved in former finance minister George Osborne's push for a "Golden Era" of relations between the two countries, largely based on courting Chinese investment in British infrastructure.

Osborne left the government earlier this month along with Cameron in the wake of the country's vote to leave the European Union. He was replaced by former foreign minister Philip Hammond.

Story continues

China General Nuclear Power Corp (CGN) was set to invest around 6 billion pounds ($7.93 billion) for a 33 percent stake in the Hinkley Point nuclear project, paving the way for it to lead another project in Britain that would use Chinese nuclear technology.

A decision is now due by the autumn, possibly as early as September.

(Reporting by William James; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
crowley cropped

When Foursquare launched its app in 2009, founder Dennis Crowley wasn't quite sure where he was going with it.

The idea was that people would use the app to "check in" to particular locations, which seemed like a fun and interesting game. But he had no idea how it would evolve, or how it would make money.

Now he knows.

Foursquare's business model is selling its unique location-based data to companies, such as mobile advertisers and app makers, that are eager to use it.

"We can make this work with 50 million monthly active users because we don't need to monetize the audience through advertising. We can monetize it through data licensing, technology licensing, advertising products we have built on top of our location-intelligence platform," Crowley told Business Insider from the company's new San Francisco office, located in the Financial District near Chinatown.

It's taken a long time to figure out, but that knowledge has given Foursquare a new purpose.

Getting beyond social

In January, after almost a decade running the company, Crowley stepped aside as CEO, handing the job over to COO Jeff Glueck, and taking over as executive chairman.

At the same time, the company raised a new $45 million financing round led by Union Square Ventures with the participation of past investors like Andreessen Horowitz, but it reportedly had to take a cut in its valuation to do so. A report in Recode placed the company's value around $250 million, down from $650 million in 2013.

Foursquare Leadership Steven Rosenblatt, Dennis Crowley, Jeff Glueck

Crowley, who is just returning from paternity leave after the birth of his daughter 11 weeks ago, said that the experience gave everyone at the company a clear picture of where they were going.

"We started off as, 'hey, we're this social app. We're this social game.' And then you start getting compared to every other social player in the space," he said.

Story continues

Foursquare has about 50 million unique monthly users across its two apps  the original check-in app, which was rebranded Swarm in 2014, and the revamped Foursquare app, which is now a recommendation app similar to Yelp.

That's a lot fewer than other social networks like Facebook, which announced that it passed an almost inconceivable 1.7 billion monthly users this week, or Facebook subsidiary Instagram, which is over 500 million. Meanwhile, Twitter, at 300 million users, is having trouble with Wall Street because that number has stopped growing.

But Foursquare isn't in the same market as social networks because it's not selling ads against its audience. Instead, it's selling data and the technology used to make sense of that data.

"If we were having this conversation four years ago, we didn't know how those pieces were going to come together. But now we've got a whole bunch of technology companies that are licensing our data," said Crowley. "We have this map of the world, these sensor readings that other people don't, so we can build technology that powers stuff that doesn't exist yet."

One example offered by Crowley: Third-party-ad networks feed Foursquare information from the ads they're serving users, including the latitude and longitude of those users. Foursquare can tell when that location matches a particular business location. It can then build profiles of users based on their activities  "this person's a coffee drinker, and this person's shopping for a car, and this person's a business traveler"  and sell those segments to advertisers.

Foursquare, of course, isn't the only company with big troves of location data, Google being the most obvious.

But Crowley believes Foursquare's data is better because it's not just a map of the world. It can take very specific "fingerprints" of sensor readings, like Bluetooth beacons or the Wi-Fi signal strength from nearby network, and use them to pinpoint your location in or near a particular business. Like a J Crew store. Or a bar.

Crowley calls that Foursquare's "superpower."

new foursquare app

"When a phone walks into a place and this is what the Wi-Fi is, and this is the Bluetooth, and this is the GPS, we can compare it back to this model that we have," Crowley explained.

"The tricky thing is the only way you can make that map, and do that mapping, is by having people say, 'I'm at Red Lobster,' over and over and over again."

And that's what Foursquare's apps have been getting people to do for almost seven years now. It gets more than 8 million of these new "fingerprints" every single day, as people in countries like the US, Brazil, Japan, and Turkey check in.

Sticking around through a down round

One testament to Foursquare's resilience was the fact that employees stuck around through a dramatic slash in the company's value  and the value of employee stock options  a process which one venture capitalist has likened to "brain damage."

How did Foursquare get people to stick around as it figured out where it was going?

The first key, said Crowley, was total transparency.

"The number-one thing we did right was we were super transparent about the decisions that we made, how they would affect employees, what we were going to do to continue to make this an awesome place to work and continue to make sure everyone's stock options would have great upside," he explained.

In fact, Crowley said, the company has always shared business details with the entire company, such as pitch decks and slides from board meetings, and that's helped make sure everybody understood what was happening.

In this case, he said, "When we announced all the changes we made, it was an hour-and-a-half long company meeting in which we walked people through all the financial details and walked them through the fund-raising process and showed them the deck. We don't pitch the company as, 'hey, we have these two apps.' We pitch the company as, 'hey, we have this data and enterprise business that's generating tons of revenue, and the way that it works is we have these two apps at the bottom that generate lots of data for us.' To get everyone on the same page was a great exercise."

The other reason employees have stuck around, Crowley believes, is because people are most satisfied with their work when they see it's having real results.

"There's not a gym and a haircut truck," he jokes. "There's a lot of people [who] don't want the easier job at a big company where their role is to help push something one-tenth of 1% over the next six months. They want the harder job with the longer hours and maybe the org chart that's a little scrappier, but if they do their job right they're moving it 5%, 10%. Big meaty projects that they can own, and that's what we give people here."

Next up: an artificial assistant

marsbot.PNG

Crowley's latest project is Marsbot, an artificial assistant that tracks your location and then sends you suggestions of things to do nearby.

Crowley cautions that it's not a finished product, just an early test, but I downloaded it anyway and immediately appreciated its conversational tone, although I haven't gotten any recommendations yet.

Crowley says he eventually wants to reach the same place that a lot of big companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft seem to be heading: A personal assistant that can help suggest things for you before you even know you want them.

"There's so much stuff going on with chatbots, where I will text the bot and the bot will set up a haircut appointment for me. I think that's interesting and I'm excited to see where it goes, but we wanted to do the future version of that which just barely works right now, where you don't ask it things, it taps you on the shoulder."

He said he's inspired by Microsoft's original digital assistant for Office, the much-maligned Clippy, and by the Scarlett Johannsson movie "Her," in which a man falls in love with a digital assistant that basically runs all aspects of his life.

"Let's make something where you don't have to say 'hey, Siri,'" he continued.

A few seconds later, my iPhone interrupted with Siri's voice asking what we wanted.

It seemed like a good time to end the interview  and a good reminder that there's still a lot of room for improvement when it comes to technology anticipating our needs.

NOW WATCH: We tried NYC's best cookie according to Foursquare  here's the verdict





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Rouen (France) (AFP) - Muslims attended Catholic mass in churches around France on Sunday in solidarity and sorrow following the brutal jihadist murder of a priest, the latest in a string of attacks.

More than 100 Muslims were among the 2,000 faithful who packed the 11th-century Gothic cathedral of Rouen, near the Normandy town where two jihadi teenagers slit the throat of 85-year-old Father Jacques Hamel.

"I thank you in the name of all Christians," Rouen Archbishop Dominique Lebrun told them. "In this way you are affirming that you reject death and violence in the name of God."

A few policemen and soldiers stood guard outside but did not conduct searches, seeking to reassure a jittery population after the second jihadist attack in less than a fortnight.

In the southern city of Nice, where a jihadist carried out a rampage in a truck on July 14, claiming 84 lives, local imam Otaman Aissaoui led a delegation of Muslims to a Catholic mass.

"Being united is a response to the act of horror and barbarism," Aissaoui said.

Notre Dame church in southwestern Bordeaux also welcomed a Muslim delegation, led by the city's top imam, Tareq Oubrou.

"It's an occasion to show (Muslims) that we do not confuse Islam with Islamism, Muslim with jihadist," said Reverend Jean Rouet.

Muslims were responding to a call by the French Muslim council CFCM to show "solidarity and compassion" over the priest's murder on Tuesday.

Said a woman wearing a beige headscarf who sat in a back pew at a church in central Paris: "I'm a practising Muslim and I came to share my sorrow and tell you that we are brothers and sisters."

Giving her name only as Sadia, she added softly: "What happened is beyond comprehension."

At the Saint Leger church in the northern city of Lens, around 30 Muslims attended mass wearing T-shirts emblazoned with messages such as, "Terrorism has no religion or identity".

Story continues

Father Hubert Renard told the congregation: "We are not alone; our Muslim brothers are here too."

Many were moved to tears during the sign of peace, a regular part of the liturgy when the faithful turn to greet each other in the pews, either shaking hands or kissing.

Muslims also attended Catholic masses in Italy, notably at Rome's Santa Maria di Trastevere church, in response to a call by the Sant'Egidio community known for its international mediation efforts. Other joint services were held in Milan, Naples and Palermo, Sicily.

The killing of Father Hamel fanned fears of religious tensions in France and renewed recriminations over perceived security lapses.

Both of the 19-year-old attackers -- Adel Kermiche and Abdel Malik Petitjean -- had been on the intelligence services' radar and had tried to go to Syria.

- Jihadist's cousin charged -

Prime Minister Manuel Valls called Sunday for a new "pact" with the Muslim community in France, Europe's largest with around five million members.

Also Sunday, dozens of prominent Muslims published a joint letter pledging: "We, French and Muslim, are ready to assume our responsibilities."

Meanwhile, Petitjean's 30-year-old cousin was charged with "criminal association in connection with terrorism", the Paris public prosecutor said.

The suspect, named as Farid K., "was fully aware of his cousin's imminent violent action, even if he did not know the precise place or day," the prosecutor said in an earlier statement.

Media reports say Petitjean and Kermiche met through the encrypted messaging app Telegram.

In a separate case Sunday, 20-year-old Jean-Philippe J. was charged with trying to travel to Syria with Petitjean last month.
donald trump

ABC host George Stephanopoulos corrected Donald Trump after the Republican presidential nominee claimed that Russia was "not going to go into Ukraine."

In an interview on ABC's "This Week" that aired Sunday, Trump asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin was not going to invade Ukraine, where pro-Russian rebels  and some Russian special forces  have been operating for several years despite Putin's reluctance to acknowledge any role.

"He's not going into Ukraine, just so you understand. He's not going to go to Ukraine," Trump said.

"Well, he's already there, isn't he?" Stephanopoulos replied.

Trump responded by simultaneously criticizing the US's decision not to intervene to stop the annexation of Crimea, a former Ukrainian territory seized by Russia in 2014, and noting that many citizens of Crimea were allegedly supportive of Russia's decision to invade.

"Well, he's there in a certain way, but I'm not there. You have Obama there," Trump said. "And frankly that part of the world is mess, under Obama. With all the strength that you're talking about, and with all the power of NATO, and all of this, in the mean time, [Putin] takes Crimea."

He added: "You know the people of Crimea, from what I've heard, would rather be with Russia than where they were, and you have to look at that also."

Earlier in the interview, the real-estate magnate shrugged off his campaign's influence in removing a provision of the Republican Party platform that would've advocated providing arms to Ukraine to defend itself from Russian aggression.

"I was not involved in that. I'd have to take a look at it, but I was not involved in that," Trump said of the decision to alter the platform.

Trump's relationship with Russia and favorable statements about Putin have come under scrutiny in recent days following his suggestion for Russian hackers to find emails that Hillary Clinton deleted after serving as secretary of state. The Republican nominee responded to criticism of his comments by claiming he was being sarcastic.

Story continues

NOW WATCH: INSTANT POLL: Americans viewed Clinton's convention speech more favorably than Trump's





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By Amanda Becker CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton accused Donald Trump on Sunday of scapegoating the parents of a Muslim soldier killed in Iraq, after the Republican nominee took issue with remarks the soldier's father made at the Democratic National Convention. Trump, in an ABC interview that aired on Sunday, questioned why Ghazala Khan, mother of U.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan, stood quietly by her husband, Khizr Khan, as he took the stage at last week's Democratic convention in Philadelphia. Trump suggested the mother might not have been "allowed" to speak. Speaking at a church service, Clinton said Trump had been insulting to a family who had sacrificed so much. She also used the episode to contrast her own religious faith with that of Trump, who has spoken of religion on the campaign trail infrequently. "I don't begrudge anyone of any other faith or of no faith at all, but I do tremble before those who would scapegoat other Americans, who would insult people because of their religion, their ethnicity, their disability," Clinton said in remarks at the Imani Temple Ministries, an African-American church in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. "It's just not how I was raised, that's not how I was taught in my church," said Clinton, who grew up as a Methodist. "Tim Kaine and I are people of faith," she said, referring to her vice presidential running mate, who is a Catholic. Top Republican lawmakers Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also condemned Trump's remarks in separate statements, although they did not mention their presidential candidate by name. "Many Muslim Americans have served valiantly in our military, and made the ultimate sacrifice. Captain Khan was one such brave example," Ryan said. "His sacrifice - and that of Khizr and Ghazala Khan - should always be honored. Period." he said. Earlier on Sunday, Ghazala Khan took up her own defense in an opinion piece in the Washington Post, saying her husband had asked her in advance whether she would want to speak at the convention but she had decided she would be unable to do so on stage because of her pain over the 2004 death of her son. "Donald Trump said that maybe I wasn't allowed to say anything. That is not true," she wrote. "When Donald Trump is talking about Islam, he is ignorant." The Republican nominee lashed out after Khizr Khan, a U.S. citizen of Pakistani origin and a Muslim, spoke about his war hero son at the Democratic convention and took issue with Trump's call for a temporary ban on the entry of Muslims into the United States. Khizr Khan invited the Republican nominee to read the U.S. Constitution and visit the graves of American soldiers from many backgrounds at Arlington National Cemetery. In the interview aired on Sunday on ABC's "This Week," Trump cast doubt on why Khan's wife did not speak. "She was standing there, she had nothing to say, she probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say. You tell me," Trump said. Trump on Sunday tweeted that Khan's son had died 12 years ago: "Captain Khan, killed 12 years ago, was a hero, but this is about RADICAL ISLAMIC TERROR and the weakness of our "leaders" to eradicate it!" Trump also tweeted that he had been "viciously attacked" by Khan at the convention. "Am I not allowed to respond?" he asked. The candidate also tried to change the subject to the war itself: "Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me!" On Twitter, Republican strategist Ana Navarro called Trump's comments about the Khans "gross" and labeled him a "jerk." Trump's campaign manager, Paul Manafort, said he sympathizes with the Khan family but that their loss is not the issue at hand. "The issue really is radical Islamic jihad and the risk to the American homeland," he said on CBS, defending Trump's proposal to suspend immigration from some geographic regions. "He (Khan) is not the issue. We all feel sorry for what he went through," Manafort said. (Additional reporting by Susan Cornwell, Alana Wise, Doina Chiacu and Roberta Rampton in Washington; Editing by Caren Bohan and Sandra Maler)
(Reuters) - Fifth seed Simona Halep of Romania took advantage of an error-prone display by American Madison Keys to claim her 14th WTA title with a 7-6(2) 6-3 victory in the Rogers Cup final in Montreal on Sunday. Halep, 24, won an erratic opening set that featured eight breaks of serve after breezing through the tiebreak, and then broke her 10th-seeded opponent again in the second game of the second to tighten her grip. Keys was unable to break the Romanian in the concluding set and Halep served out to seal the win in one hour 16 minutes after the 21-year-old American dumped a forehand into the net. It was an especially sweet victory for Halep, who reached last year's Rogers Cup final in Toronto against rising Swiss talent Belinda Bencic but had to retire in the third set due to a leg injury. "It means a lot, it was really nice to win today," Halep told ESPN in a courtside interview. "I had, I can say, bad memories from last year that I had to finish the match and to stop it, so I am happy that I could win. "I feel tired, I feel that I have no more power but it's a nice feeling and I gave it everything to win this title." Halep improved her career record against Keys to 3-1, having beaten the American over three sets in their most recent meeting at Wimbledon earlier this month, and will rise to third when the world rankings are issued on Monday. The match was effectively decided in the first set tiebreak after both players had produced nervy, erratic tennis over the first 12 games. The big-serving Keys, who is also known for her powerful game from the baseline, made a string of unforced errors to gift Halep a 6-1 lead in the tiebreak before losing the opening set after hitting a backhand wide. Halep never looked back, winning the first six points of the second set on her way to a third WTA title this year. "She hits very strong and it's really tough to return her balls but I knew that I have to be strong on my legs," counter puncher Halep said of her strategy against Keys. "I tried, I just wanted to be a little bit aggressive but I couldn't. In the end, I just wanted to be solid. I did it and it was a great win for me against her." (Reporting by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Andrew Both)
Montreal (AFP) - Simona Halep reasserted herself in the third set to seal a 6-0, 3-6, 6-2 victory over Angelique Kerber and reach the final of the WTA hardcourt tournament in Montreal.

Romania's Halep, the fifth seed, avenged a loss to Germany's Kerber in the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, settling her second-set nerves to secure the win in one hour and 38 minutes.

"I knew it was going to be a tough one," Halep said. "Always when I've played against her it was a difficult match."

In the other semi-final, American 10th seed Madison Keys reached her first WTA Tour hardcourt final by crushing qualifier Kristina Kucova in straight sets 6-2, 6-1.

Halep got off to a roaring start against an out-of-sorts Kerber.

But the second-seeded German responded with a six-game winning streak of her own to claim the second set and open the third with a service break.

"After the first set, I was trying to forget the first 25 or 30 minutes," Kerber said. "I was trying to come back and play again, trying to play my game, thinking about every single point actually, and not thinking that I lost the first set 6-0."

Halep responded with her own six-game winning streak to close out the match.

"In the third set I said that I have to calm down, to be more positive because I was very negative at the changeover," Halep said. "I just tried to be more aggressive, to hit the ball because I started to push it... and she could dominate."

Halep is in the final of the tournament for the second straight year.

In last year's title match she retired in the third set because of illness to hand the title to unseeded Swiss Belinda Bencic.

Besides reaching her third final of 2016, the victory today ensures Halep's rise to number three in the world rankings, moving up two positions to overtake Garbine Muguruza.
Happy Birthday JK Rowling! Heres all the times she gave us #fashioninspo

Happy Birthday JK Rowling! Heres all the times she gave us #fashioninspo

Happy Birthday JK Rowling! The creator of all-things Harry Potter, including the new Broadway play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, is officially 51 years old today and thats not the only birthday in the HP universe its also Harry Potters big day as well!

For all you wizard fans out there, you already know that the Boy Who Lived, would be 36 today, and that hes always shared his special day with the books writer. This post however is all about Rowling and her amazing style. In honor of her bday, heres all the times she gave us major #fashioninspo!

Hello, heels!

Rowling looked sophisticated and sexy when she hit the red carpet for the press preview of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London yesterday. Not only was her blue dress chic, but she wore beautiful jewels to match, including numerous rings and blue-stoned earrings. The best part of her look however, was her heels they had butterfly wings on them!

"Harry Potter & The Cursed Child" - Press Preview - Arrivals

"Harry Potter & The Cursed Child" - Press Preview - Arrivals

Empire state of mind

No British look is complete without a killer coat, and Rowlings grey coat definitely fits that category. While ceremoniously lighting the the Empire State Building in 2015 to mark the launch of her non-profit organization in the US, she sported a grey on grey ensemble and it was SO chic. Plus, we are totally obsessed with her snakeskin-printed heels and chunky statement necklace.

Author J.K. Rowling Visits The Empire State Building

Golden goddess

In November 2013, the Harry Potter genius hosted a charity evening and was glowing in this gorgeous gold dress. She looked both simple and sophisticated in the shimmery frock  complete with gold accessories and red nails for a pop of color.

JK Rowling Hosts Fundraising Event For Charity 'Lumos'

Twinning with the Duchess of Cambridge

Rowling earns major bonus style points  and life points  for actually matching Kate Middletons polka dot dress while attending the inauguration of Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, England in 2013. Twinning with a royal? Not too shabby!

Story continues

The Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge And Prince Harry Attend The Inauguration Of Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden

Floral envy

All eyes were on the author as she hit the red carpet for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in London wearing a show-stopping, full-length gown. Rowling rocked a green dress with pink flower detailing that was to die for and she perfectly matched her accessories (pink earrings and a pink clutch) to her feminine ensemble.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 Premiere - London

Snaked

At the Orange British Film Academy Awards in 2011, Rowling posed with Bonnie Wright, who plays Ginny Weasley in the HP films and proved too much snakeskin in your closet is actually not a bad thing. She looked fierce in this floor-length gown, complete with an oversized clutch and her go-to red nails.

Princess vibes

Back in 2007, JK Rowling was still as fashionable as ever. She donned a mint green frock while attending the Raisa Gorbachev Foundation Party, and paired the elegant gown with diamonds and a silver clutch for a flawless outfit. Plus, her husband Neil Murray was wearing a kilt, so that kid of makes the whole photo a little more badass.

Raisa Gorbachev Foundation Party - Red Carpet

Happy Birthday JK Rowling, we love you and your style, even if its not complete with a Gryffindor scarf like we always imagine!

The post Happy Birthday JK Rowling! Heres all the times she gave us #fashioninspo appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Singapore (AFP) - Harry Potter magic hit Asia on Sunday, as aspiring witches and wizards crowded into bookstores to get their hands on the first copies of a new play that imagines the hero as an adult.

Launch parties for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" were held hours after the play's premiere in London, setting the stage for a return of the series that has captivated readers and movie audiences worldwide.

Nearly 300 fans rushed through the doors of Kinokuniya bookstore on Singapore's Orchard Road at 7:01 am (2301 GMT Saturday) to become one of the first people in the world to see the new script.

Student Samantha Chua, 24, who along with her boyfriend was first in line, said she had been waiting outside the fourth-floor bookstore since 5:00 am.

"We were here so early that the mall wasn't even open yet so we had to come up through the cargo lifts," she told AFP, adding that it was "all worth it".

"I grew up reading the books and I have a special place for them on my shelves but this will be my crowning glory," added Chua, who was wearing a Harry Potter-themed sweater.

Widely seen as the eighth Harry Potter instalment, the play is set 19 years after the end of the last book and features a grown-up Potter working at the Ministry of Magic.

Like many of his fans, Potter has now become an adult and has three children with his wife Ginny Weasley.

He still has his trademark round-rimmed glasses and the scar on his head, a permanent reminder of his nemesis Lord Voldemort, but must now help his youngest son Albus confront the family's dark past.

The script's global kickoff was timed to coincide with its launch at midnight in London, after the play's world premiere at the Palace Theatre earlier in the evening. July 31 is also author J. K. Rowling's birthday.

- Wands, wizards and wonder -

In India, fans began lining up outside shops which had opened early especially for the script's release.

Story continues

"It's been amazing to see 10-year-old fans and 70-year-old grandmothers turn up at our shops," Shilpi Agarwal, a spokeswoman for Om book shops, said in New Delhi.

"We've got an excellent response," she told AFP, adding that the store would be laying on Potter-themed activities throughout the day.

In Bangkok, around 40 fans, many wielding wands and other wizarding paraphernalia, gathered outside a large downtown mall overnight.

Sanpipat Huangsawat, 29, was first in line and had started queuing at 6:30 pm on Saturday evening. He finally got his hand on the book some 11 hours later.

"I feel very excited and it's great to be the first owner of this book in Thailand," he told AFP.

Sheryans, 16, said he was not sure he'd ever get the chance to see another Harry Potter book launch.

"I've been following the Harry Potter series since I was eight years old, and it's unbelievable that after nine years they're keeping it going," he told AFP in Bangkok.

Dozens gathered at a downtown bookstore in Hong Kong to get the new title and try on Harry Potter costumes provided by the store.

Ten-year-old Adele Leung, who came with her mother, was anxious to crack into the latest Potter tome.

"I love Harry Potter and have read all of the last ones. I think I will read it in a few days," she said.
(Reuters) - Heavy rains caused waist-deep flooding on Saturday night in a suburb of Baltimore, damaging homes and businesses and pushing cars through the streets, an official said. The flooding in Ellicott City, Maryland, was the worst seen in the community since 2011, Denise Weist, a spokeswoman for the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, said by phone. There were no reports of any deaths or injuries from the flooding, which also affected some areas just outside of Ellicott City, Weist said. Weather meteorologist John Collins of Baltimore television station WBAL reported that 6 inches (15 cm) of rain fell in Ellicott City within two to three hours. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles)
The Bandit

Theres nothing better for a filmmaker than when they're given the green light to make a movie. But as with everything in Hollywood, theres a catch.

For director Jesse Moss ("The Overnighters"), the only way he could make a documentary about the classic 1970s movie Smokey and the Bandit was to also have its star involved.

But I had never met Burt Reynolds, Moss recently told Business Insider.

This led Moss to Jupiter, Florida, to find the reclusive 80-year-old legend and convince him to be in his movie.

However, Moss didnt just nab Reynolds. He also stumbled upon an archive that turned his film into much more than a documentary about a famous movie.

The Bandit, premiering on CMT Saturday, August 6, does give a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most improbable hit movies of the late 1970s, but thanks to incredible archival footage, it also takes us inside the life of Reynolds, who at the time was the biggest movie star on the planet.

Burt Reynolds Jesse Moss Mike Windle Getty

There was such a rich archive. I thought lets let these guys tell the story in their own words, Moss said. And, as you hope happens with an archive film, live in the period.

Moss treasure trove was located deep inside Reynolds estate in Jupiter. After Reynolds came on board the project, he opened his doors to Moss, including a room dedicated to his achievements over the decades.

Were at his house doing the first interview with him and afterwards I ask him if he has old photos we can use, and he said, Yeah, look in there, Moss recalled. He has an entire room thats a personal archive of things untouched since 1974. Scrapbooks that his mother kept. Copies of television appearances. For a filmmaker it was like that scene in 'Indiana Jones' where you see this vast warehouse of archived boxes.

For a month Moss image researcher and coproducer spent their days in the room, scanning 6,000 images and shipping many of the tapes, which included rarely seen Reynolds appearances and footage of his short-lived talk show, back to New York to be transferred from video to digital for the movie.

Story continues

I was really flattered that they wanted to do it, Reynolds told Business Insider. Smokey and the Bandit "was some kind of strange little miracle in a way, for the fact that it made so much damn money and it was so much fun to do.

But there became a point when Moss was overwhelmed by the material.



The success of the movie (which had a worldwide gross of over $300 million on a $5.3 million budget), the stardom of Reynolds, the movie giving a spotlight to the South, even the popularity of being a trucker  there could be multiple movies dedicated to the Smokey and the Bandit phenomenon.

And early on I was trying to put them all in one movie, Moss said.

But taking a step back, he got to the core of the story: a buddy movie between Reynolds and his good friend Smokey and the Bandit director Hal Needham, who was Reynolds' former stunt double before becoming a director. (Needham passed away in 2013.)

The film is an elegy to [Reynolds] and his career and his relationship with Hal, Moss said. When we started the project, someone who knew Hal really well said he hated documentaries because he thought they were boring, so I set a goal for myself to make a documentary that was fast and funny and had heart.

The Bandit is certainly all those things.

Heres a clip from The Bandit.

NOW WATCH: Business Insiders riveting documentary takes you into the high-pressure, cutthroat world of professional video gamers





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Hillary Clinton

Hillary Clinton claimed Sunday that FBI Director James Comey said statements she made about her use of a private email server as secretary of state "were truthful."

The remarks came in an interview with "Fox News Sunday" host Chris Wallace who challenged her on the claim.

The Fox host led into the question by playing three clips of answers Clinton gave about her use of the server in 2015, where she said she did not use the server to email classified material, that there was no classified email on the server, and that she was "confident" she never sent or received information marked classified at the time.

"After a long investigation, FBI Director James Comey said none of those things that you told the American public were true," Wallace said.

Clinton responded by saying "that's not what I heard" Comey say.

"Director Comey said that my answers were truthful and what I've said is consistent with what I have told the American people, that there were decisions discussed and made to classify retroactively certain of the emails," the Democratic nominee for president said.

She added: "I was communicating with over 300 people in my emailing. They certainly did not believe and had no reason to believe that what they were sending was classified. Now, in retrospect, different agencies come in and say, 'Well, it should have been." But that's not what was happening in real time.'"

Wallace then cited Comey's hearing in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from earlier this month, where he said Clinton's prior statements that there was "nothing marked classified on her emails, either sent or received" and that "there is not classified material" weren't accurate.

"He not only directly contradicted what you said, [he] also said in that hearing that you were extremely careless and negligent," Wallace said.

Clinton replied, acknowledging that she "made a mistake" by "not using two different email addresses."

Story continues

"I have said that, and I repeat it again today. It is certainly not anything that I ever would do again," she said. "I take classification seriously."

NOW WATCH: IAN BREMMER: Hillary Clintons email scandal highlighted one of her biggest flaws





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Charles Koch welcomed his 400 guests to the sprawling Broadmoor Hotel compound Saturday night with nary a word about the presidential race that has dominated American politics.

Just a day after Democrats decamped from Philadelphias nominating convention for Hillary Clinton, the billionaire industrialist made no mention of the White House contest in welcoming remarks in Colorado Springs, Colo. No fans of Republican nominee Donald Trump, either, Charles and David Koch instead are going to keep their focus on keeping Republicans majorities in the Senate as a check on the White House, as well as philanthropic initiatives aimed at foster case, free speech on campus and economic opportunities.

People are looking for answers. And unfortunately, by and large, theyre looking to the wrong places. Theyre looking to politicians. To me, the answers they are getting are frightening, Charles Koch said in one ballroom of the grand, 3,000-acre property. (Rain forced donors indoors, where the mountains and lakes could be seen just out the windows.)

It wasnt much better when Colorado Senator Cory Gardner welcomed guests, either. The closest he came was to note the next President will impact the country for a generation. We have a tremendous amount of work ahead of us. You think about the elections this November, Gardner said. Forty years of Supreme Court Justices are going to be determined this November. The United States Senate majority is going to be determined this November.

The first remarks of this three-day gathering for a network officially known as Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce were telling, in that they completely avoided the dramatic White House race, now down to just 100 days of campaigning. Charles Kochs top lieutenants have been steadfast in refusing to engage on the subject, instead keeping their focus on six Senate races where the network of Koch-backed groups  including Americans for Prosperity, the Libre Initiative and Concerned Veterans for America  is working.

Story continues

Vilified by the left as self-serving billionaires set on perverting democracy, Charles and David Koch in recent years have started allowing select reporters to join the twice-a-year summits. In exchange, reporters must agree not to identify donors against their will and can only attend certain sessions.

The Koch brothers and their allies lead one of the most sophisticated and skilled political networks in America, yet they are parked on the sidelines of the White House race. That stands in sharp contrast to 2012, when the groups under the Koch umbrella bought millions of dollars in ads against President Obamas re-election bid and spent close to $400 million.

These guests, who ponied up at least $100,000 to back the sprawling political and nonprofit network, were unlikely to be Trump fans. Some were even a little reluctantly open to Clinton, a more traditional political figure. Wall Street donors, for example, have repeatedly cited Clintons steady hand as favorable for the economy, while Trump has bragged about being unpredictable. For his part, Charles Koch has said its possible Clinton could be better than Trump.

The Koch network, which has funded right-leaning organizations for years, often uses politics as a means, not a goal. Its backing of conservative and libertarian candidates and causes often overlaps with the donors ideals on smaller government and fewer regulations.

I recognize, reluctantly, that politics needs to be a piece of this strategy, Koch said to knowing chuckles in the ballroom. But we have to keep in mind, just one piece. If we just focus on politics, were going to continue to lose. Were going to continue to deteriorate.

Koch went on, sounding sullen about the landscape before his decades-long crusade. Now, it would be great if politicians were supporting us in these efforts, and a few are, but by and large they arent. The good news is that weve built this network for just such a condition, he said. That puts us in position to make progress, in spite of the current political situation, where, in some cases, we dont have good options.

Such an attitude explains why none of the roughly $250 million that the Koch-backed groups plan on spending this election is going to boost a White House run.
Linda Patricia Thompson told investigators in June she wouldnt fare well after her release from prison, and on Saturday, (July 30) the 59 year old proved how right she was. According to reports, Thompson robbed a bank with the intentions of going back to prison.

When Cheyenne, Wyo., police arrived at the U.S. bank, Thompson was sitting on the curb waiting to be arrested. Patricia went to the bank, handed a teller a cardboard sign that read I have a gun, give me all your money. The teller then handed over thousands of dollars.

According to FBI Special Agent Tony Smith, Thompson walked out of the bank, threw the money in the air and then gave some away to strangers as they walked by. The former Coffee Creek Correctional Facility inmate said she committed the robbery because she couldnt get lodging at a homeless shelter, and was recently beaten up by strangers.

Oregon court records show Thompsons was arrested for second-degree robbery back in 2010. She was also homeless at the time as well.
Spoiler alert: Half of you reading this now are going to love it; the other half  not so much. Proving for the second time in a year that at the shows advanced age, its best incarnations come in bite-sized form instead of full episodes, The Simpsons has dropped another scathing animated take on the 2016 election. This time, however, it settles once and for all that the family will be voting for Hillary Clinton in November, thanks to a particularly scary campaign commercial (and a threat from Marge to withhold sex). See for yourself above.

The short combines what amounts to a mundane take on Aristophanes Lysistrata with some advanced digs at Donald Trump. Depicting the oft-imagined scenario in which the President receives an emergency phone call in the middle of the night, the short conjures up nearly all versions of the prevailing narrative that the GOP presidential candidate isnt temperamentally fit to run the country. Tiny hands? Check. Orange makeup? Check. Distracted by trivia? Check. Too busy to take a call from the red phone because hes tweeting angry things about Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Trump (with a copy of the speeches of Adolf Hitler on his bed) grudgingly agrees to go to the situation room only after his hair and makeup are complete. The process takes so long however that China is already mid-invasion by the time hes ready, prompting him to angrily insist on building another wall. Yes, in the ocean, loser!

Whether you support him or not, I imagine the reveal that his hair is actually a shaggy dog wrapped around his head isnt that beyond the pale. Naturally, given the shows cultural and political bent  including a mention of President Trump in a flash-forward 2000 episode  that the writers are all-in for Hillary shouldnt come as too much of a shock. But even so, its interesting considering the shows placement in popular culture to see them staking out such a clear, if parodic, position on a divisive national question. But what do I know? Feel free to let me know in comments.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLSy8Tl2bjs&w=970&h=546]

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Chris Poole

Before he was old enough to drink, Chris Poole controlled one of the most influential internet communities in history.

At 15, he founded the freewheeling online image board 4chan, which achieved notoriety early on for hatching memes among a stew of not-safe-for-work content, ranging from inventive pornography to stomach-turning gore.

Pooles control of the site caused him to field phone calls from the FBI and appear in court, left him nearly bankrupt, and turned him into a human "punching bag."

For the young New York-born techie, it was a formative experience, one that forced Poole to reconcile his love for community and the benefits of anonymity with his contempt for some of the objectionable content on the site. And when he stepped down in 2015 and later sold the site, most assumed it was to escape into his own anonymity after the stress and the challenges that came with running the controversial forum.

As it turns out, Poole was just preparing for his next act. And in one of the most surprising moves in tech this year, Poole has resurfaced at Google, working on the internet company's fledgling entrepreneurship program. The one-time keeper of the memes is now punching the clock at one of the most respected companies in the world.

To succeed at his new role, Poole will need to shed the reputation that's stubbornly clung to him and his site for years. But if he pulls it off, hell have accomplished a feat as impressive as any Silicon Valley turnaround story: the chance to reclaim his own identity.

An unusual relationship

Poole agreed to answer questions from Business Insider by email and wrote that joining Google is a continuation of an important journey  "a chance to have entirely new and formative experiences, and grow in ways one simply cannot on their own."

After all, he'd been at it alone for a long time. Poole created 4chan in 2003, modeling it after his favorite Japanese anime site and going by the moniker "moot." Poole's parents had no idea it even existed for the first several years. His identity wasnt public until his first press profiles in 2009. At that point, 4chan already had 5 million monthly users, with Poole as the sole admin.

Story continues

Browsers of the site's more controversial boards or anyone aware only of 4chan's headline-grabbing hijinks (like attacking Scientology through Anonymous, the hacktivist group it spawned, or rigging a Time magazine poll), would picture Poole as this maniacal caricature of a human being.

"Once you meet him, Chris is the last guy youd expect to have been the dude that founded 4chan, says Drew Curtis, the founder of another early message board, Fark. Curtis considers himself a friend and adviser to Poole  the two met at a TED conference where Poole spoke in 2010.

Those who know him, including Curtis, describe Poole as kind, funny, incredibly bright, intensely private, and as someone who asks thoughtful questions.

Many 4chan users, on the other hand, would describe Poole a bit more  colorfully. Over the years, the shifting communitys relationship to Poole has bucked and dipped. Theyve sent him artwork, obsessed over his love life (hes even dated a few 4channers), and playfully meme-fied any photo they can get their digital hands on.

But any change to the site would spur insults and death threats, lewd comments on everything from his sexuality to his physical appearance, with a fair number of complex theories on how he was in cahoots with the FBI or, after he banned GamerGate discussions, was in bed with "social justice warriors." Poole has said that their constant assault didn't make him angry (he makes it a point not to get angry at strangers on the internet), but could be draining.

"Sometimes hed get really frustrated with us. It was a love-hate relationship with users, Brett, an early 4channer, says. In the spirit of the site, he asked for his full name to remain anonymous. Hes the same age as Poole and joined the site back in 2004. He still visits it nearly every single day.

The face of 4chan

Chris Poole

Whether 4chan's users appreciated it or not, Poole was a fierce defender of the community he created. And ironically, his protection of the anonymity of his users tied his own identity more closely to their exploits.

Even though he couldnt really control the site beyond banning certain topics and reporting illegal content to authorities, he was the only one with any modicum of authority.

Poole himself describes 4Chan with pride, and a hint of ambivalence.

He can calmly describe some of the sites more NSFW images and antics, adding that hes not easily offended, and can clinically discuss how he fielded countless legal threats from actresses during the massive celebrity leak dubbed on 4chan as The Fappening.

As much as weve had our detractors over the years as a community and as a site, I think 4chan has done far, far, far, far more good than bad, he said during a final, eight-hour Q&A session with his community. Hundreds of millions of people have used 4chan in some capacity, in some fashion, whether its minutes, hours, days, or whatever. There have at least been 100 million dedicated users over the past ten years. For a lot of people it kind of functions as their Place.

Keeping that Place open never made him money  in fact it almost bankrupted him. Its racy content made mainstream advertisers shrink away while servers and the occasional legal fee drained his bank account to the point where he was once $20,000 in debt.

Ultimately, he said in his final Q&A, he sees 4chan's upkeep over the years as a hobby and a labor of love, and that he did truly feel very warmly about the community and everything thats happened despite being a punching bag for millions and millions of people."

Although most associate Poole with 4chan, he's actually taken a stab at another projects.

He founded Canvas in 2011 as a network for remixing images, ultimately raising about $3 million from investors like USV and Andreessen Horowitz. In some ways, Canvas felt like a nicer version of 4chan: It enabled a similar kind of creative piggy-backing, without veering into the obscene.

In search of a business model, the app pivoted and its second iteration, DrawQuest, gave users daily illustration prompts. But Poole still couldnt figure out how to make money. In 2014, Poole wrote a frank blog post declaring that it had to shut down. He describes the next few months as an emotional roller coaster and a burden that took a few months to decompress from.

Going Google

bradley horowitz

After selling the site last year, Poole fell off the map. No blog posts, few tweets.

I spent just over two years away from the tech world. I used the time and distance to catch my bearings and recharge after four years of building Canvas and DrawQuestbut more importantlyto seek out new experiences and learn more about myself and the world, he tells Business Insider.

He traveled, read, wrote. Ultimately, he reconnected with Googles VP of Photos and Streams, Bradley Horowitz, whom he had met several years before.

4chans reputation didnt faze Horowitz  the longtime Google executive, who once headed up Google's Apps business, had never been a frequent 4chan visitor. Impressions of Chris were based on their relationship, not 4chan's history.

I've had the good fortune to work with some of the most creative and talented people in the industry. Yet even against that backdrop Chris stands out as a particularly gifted and astute thinker, he says. He has an uncanny ability to see through apparent complexities and simplify. It's a rare and valuable gift.

When Horowitz started working on a new in-house startup incubator, dubbed Area 120, Poole was top of mind.

Id always hoped to work with Chris, but was waiting for the right circumstances to arise (both for us and for him), took a bit of patience, he says. We stayed in touch, and when Area 120 began to take shape, he was practically the first call I made. And fortunately, I caught him at the perfect moment.

For Poole, joining Google, helping other people form their own businesses inside a huge company instead of launching out again on his own, feels like the right fit.

Its been almost exactly one year since he set his churlish, beloved child free, and the 4chan site seems to be whirling along just fine without him. While hes still best known for 4chan and as moot, the identity he picked at 15, those days are falling farther and farther behind him.

I think 4chan will be a footnote in his biography, Curtis says. One day well say, Oh, of course he did this next thing. Look at what he was doing when he was 15. I think thats what 4chan will be for him: just the beginning.

NOW WATCH: Facebook And Google 'Degrade Our Humanity,' Says 4chan Founder





More From Business Insider


CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians, with potentially a new catcher on their roster, will host the Oakland A's on Sunday in the finale of a three-game series.

The Indians have won the first two games, including a 6-3 victory on Saturday night that was followed by reports from several outlets that the Indians and Milwaukee Brewers have agreed on a trade for Milwaukee catcher Matt Lucroy.

The Indians have been basically playing with two backup catchers, Chris Gimenez and Roberto Perez, since July 18, when starter Yan Gomes was placed on the disabled list with a separated right shoulder.

Gomes isn't expected back until September. Acquiring Lucroy would be like getting two players for the Indians -- an All-Star-caliber catcher and hitter. One of the Indians' priorities has been to add a bat, and Lucroy would fill that need.

Even with Gomes, the Indians struggled offensively at catcher. Gomes was hitting .165 when he got hurt. Gimenez is batting .202 and Perez is hitting .043.

The Indians will be giving up prospects in the deal, but outfielder Tyler Naquin won't be one of them. Naquin has emerged as a strong Rookie of the Year candidate. He leads American League rookies in hitting, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, triples and extra-base hits and is tied for the lead in home runs.

"He can hit the ball out of the park in any direction," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "He's a hard guy to defend because he uses the entire field."

Naquin, a left-handed hitter, only starts against right-handed pitchers, so he will be in the lineup on Sunday with Oakland starting right-hander Sonny Gray.

Gray is making the start that would have gone to Rich Hill, but Hill was placed on the disabled list Saturday with a blister on his left middle finger.

Hill is another player whose name has been mentioned prominently in trade speculation, but any trade for Hill becomes more complicated by him being on the disabled list.

Story continues

The A's did make a trade on Saturday, however, dealing outfielder Billy Burns to Kansas City for outfielder Brett Eibner. "Eibner has some power and some speed. I know for us to make this deal we had to like him a lot," A's manager Bob Melvin said.

Eibner has been assigned to Triple-A Nashville.

Gray (5-9, 5.43 ERA) has struggled this season. In 10 starts since being activated off the disabled list on June 5, he is 2-4 with a 4.83 ERA. His 5.43 ERA is the second highest in the majors and more than two full runs higher than his previous career high.

Corey Kluber will start for the Indians. He is 9-8 with a 3.44 ERA. The 2014 American League Cy Young Award winner was the winning pitcher in this year's All-Star Game.

However, Kluber has never beaten the A's. In five career appearances, four of them starts, Kluber is 0-4 with a 4.03 ERA against Oakland.
Pavel Manukyan, one of the leaders of a rebel group that occupied a police station and took hostages in Yerevan, Armenia, was shot in the leg on July 27, in a shootout with police at the seized police station.

This video shows him being taken to court from Erebuni Medical Center in Yerevan in an ambulance.

Manukyan was reportedly arrested on July 27, and taken to Erebuni Medical Center to receive treatment. On July 31, media reports say he was taken from the medical center to court, where he received an order to remain detained in prison while awaiting trial. In Armenian media reports, the prison order is referred to as a measure of restraint. Manukyan could face as many as 8 years in prison.

The group of gunmen have been quoted as the Daredevils of Sasun, which is a reference to a folkloric Armenian epic poem of the same name. Credit: RFE/RL, Azatutyun Radiokayan
By Jonathan Saul and Parisa Hafezi

LONDON/ANKARA, July 29 (Reuters) - Britains vote to leave the European Union and the rise of U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump have paralysed efforts by Western governments to encourage already highly reluctant international banks to do business with Iran.

Uncertainty is frustrating Tehrans push for foreign investment to revive its struggling economy: over Britains political and economic future, over whether Trump - who wants to scrap a nuclear deal with Iran - will get into the White House, and over whether banks will fall foul of U.S. sanctions if they process transactions with the Islamic Republic.

Irans failure to get full access to the global financial system a year after it signed the nuclear deal with world powers has intensified domestic political infighting. It has also turned up the heat on President Hassan Rouhani, a pragmatist facing re-election next year, who has gambled on attracting foreign investment to help raise voters living standards.

Under the deal, international financial sanctions on Iran were officially lifted in January this year and yet it has secured banking ties with only a limited number of smaller foreign institutions.

One senior Iranian official said Tehran was examining alternatives. Iran will continue to work with small banks, institutions as long as major European banks are reluctant to return to Iran, said the official.



Our estimation is that this uncertainty will continue for a few years. We are in talks with many countries, mainly China, Russia and African countries to widen our banking cooperation aimed at resolving existing banking, financial problems.

U.S. banks are still forbidden to do business with Iran under domestic sanctions that remain in force. European lenders also face major problems, notably rules prohibiting transactions with Iran in dollars - the worlds main business currency - from being processed through the U.S. financial system.

Story continues

Banks remain nervous following a string of heavy U.S. penalties, including a $9 billion fine on Frances BNP Paribas in 2014, largely for violating U.S. financial sanctions.

WATCH AND SEE

Britain says it remains committed to tackling the banks concerns, while the U.S. Treasury says it wont stand in the way of legitimate business with the country.

However, Iranian officials and foreign bankers believe the British political upheaval after last months referendum has distracted governments in London and other European capitals, while the possibility that the shock will send the British economy into recession has deepened banks caution yet further.

Fear over Brexits financial consequences have made Britain and other European countries more careful over their interaction with Iran. Most of them have adopted the policy of watch and see, another senior Iranian official told Reuters.

The British banks and authorities have a very big problem to deal with and since the vote, they have been less eager about Iran and I can even say almost not interested. Of course, we believe we can still work with British banks and have told them so.

European banks have generally cited the U.S. elections as a political risk, while avoiding detailed comment on how a victory for the Republican nominee Trump might affect their business.

However, another Iranian official, who also declined to be identified, said the election and Trumps promise to tear up the Iran nuclear deal if he wins was complicating Tehrans efforts.

Major European banks are worried about its outcome. An official from a German bank told us recently that they could not risk getting involved in Iran especially when Trump was a candidate, the official said.

EXTREME NERVOUSNESS

Many large banks also fear breaking the remaining U.S. restrictions on Iran, including on dealing with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) - a military force that has extensive business interests including through front companies.

Banks appear to be increasingly reluctant to do business now with Iran, said a sanctions manager at a UK-based bank. Its the unidentifiable IRGC links - there is extreme nervousness about that whole issue from a reputational risk perspective.

In June, FATF, a global group of government anti-money-laundering agencies, decided to keep Iran on its blacklist of high-risk countries. FATF did welcome Iranian promises to improve and called for a one-year suspension of some restrictions, but this did little to ease the banks fears.



Its hard to quantify how much financing Iran has received since the sanctions were lifted but the sums are small by international standards.

The first signs of a real economic improvement will not be seen before 2019, assuming everything goes smoothly, another Iranian official said. This issue is crippling the economy, blocks the governments economic plans and that is why the government is pushing hard in many ways to resolve this issue.

Hardliners in Iran are blaming Rouhanis faction for the failure of the deal to deliver a swift improvement in living standards, at a time when prices for oil exports are low and the promised foreign investment has yet to arrive.

The government has to fight on two fronts: at home and abroad. Rivals of the president do their utmost to weaken him, by criticising the shortcomings and the slow pace of economic improvement, a separate official close to Rouhani said.

The search for alternatives is on. The top adviser to Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been to Russia several times since the nuclear deal, while Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has also visited African countries in recent days, with Iran expressing willingness to boost economic cooperation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Iran in January, discussing trade opportunities. That same month a top Iranian central bank official said the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China wanted to open branches in Iran.

FEAR FACTOR

A failure to revive the economy may boost the hardliners who are much more hostile to the West than Rouhanis faction. But any pressure from Western governments on the banks to play ball seems to have achieved little.

The Royal Bank of Scotland declined to comment, but Lloyds Bank said it was mindful that Iran remains a higher risk country with which to do business.

Standard Chartered said it will not undertake any new transactions involving Iran or any party in Iran. HSBC reiterated it had no intention of doing any new business involving the country.

A source close to Barclays said a significant number of U.S. citizens held senior roles at the bank and it also offered banking services through its U.S. operations. Iran also presented a higher money laundering and terrorist financing risk, so the bank continued to restrict business activity with the country, the source said.

Americans at Barclays include chief executive Jes Staley.

A senior manager with a German bank confirmed the lack of interest despite the German governments views.

Berlin is not amused that German banks are so reserved in doing business with Iran, the manager said. If there is no progress in Iran, there is a risk that the Iranian government comes under pressure and that the hardliners get the upper hand. Iranian hardliners have argued for a long time that you cant do a deal with the West.

KEEPING BELOW THE PARAPET

A U.S. Treasury spokeswoman said Treasury officials were not going to stand in the way of permissible business activities with Iran. They had travelled worldwide to provide guidance to governments, companies, and financial institutions, she noted.

On July 12, Britains Foreign Office said a meeting between Irans central bank, the U.S. Treasury, British officials and international banks in London had been postponed.

The resignation of prime minister David Cameron following the Brexit vote and a cabinet reshuffle by his successor Theresa May, who took office on July 13, has complicated matters.

The new government has bigger priorities related to Brexit and the impetus to push the banking issue is likely to take more of a back seat now. Iran relations will also be affected by officials moving to other offices due to Brexit, a Western source said.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said it was in both countries interests that legitimate business was supported. Some challenges remain, but we are committed to working through them with international partners, Iran, and the banking community, she said.

A British trade visit to Iran scheduled for May was postponed. Banking sources said this was partly due to bankers reluctance to join it.

A British official said the new government was keen for the visit to go ahead this year.

But the UK sanctions manager was sceptical: I would be hugely surprised if any of the UK banks would go. I do not think any of the banks want to stick their head above the parapet.

(Additional reporting by Lawrence White, Andrew MacAskill and Sinead Cruise in London, Andreas Kroener in Frankfurt, Ole Mikkelsen in Copenhagen and Johan Ahlander in Stockholm; editing by David Stamp)
DUBAI (Reuters) - Islamic State on Sunday condemned as an "apostate" a U.S. Muslim soldier killed in Iraq whose story has re-ignited debate in the 2016 presidential election on the role of Muslims in American life. Dabiq, the militant group's online magazine, showed a picture of U.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan's tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery with a caption, "Beware of Dying as an apostate." An accompanying article, penned by an unnamed "American convert in the Islamic State," urged Muslims to resist Western influences and to either migrate to Islamic State-controlled lands or carry out lone attacks. "Reject these calls to disunity and come together. Live the life of Islam, for which you have already left the path of falsehood," the militant wrote. "You are behind enemy lines, able to strike them where it hurts them most," the article added. Khan's death in a bomb attack in Iraq in 2004 re-emerged as an election issue when his father gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday in which he paid homage to his son. Khizr Khan, a U.S. citizen of Pakistani origin and a Muslim, also criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for proposing a temporary ban on Muslims entering the United States and asked if the candidate had read the U.S. Constitution. Trump rejected the criticism and questioned whether the soldier's mother was allowed to speak during the couple's appearance at the podium. Ghazala Khan later said the outspoken billionaire was ignorant of Islam and of sacrifice. Trump has stoked outrage during his unorthodox campaign by supporting racial profiling for Muslim Americans in the wake of a deadly shooting by a U.S.-born Muslim man killed 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando in June. Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee, has said the comments and other pointed remarks about American minorities show Trump is unfit to be president. (Reporting By Noah Browning; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
By Steven Scheer JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's cabinet on Sunday approved legislation aimed at loosening the grip of the country's three largest banks on the credit supply market, despite opposition by the IMF and a risk that the reform could flood the economy with excess credit. The draft law, which must be ratified by parliament, "paves the way for the entry of new players in the financial and banking sector to increase competition," the Finance Ministry said. The unanimous cabinet approval was a victory for Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, a political centrist elected last year with a promise of taking on the highly concentrated banking sector. His idea of the new law is to make the cost of credit cheaper for consumers and small and medium-sized business. Banks Hapoalim, Leumi and smaller rival Discount together control about three-quarters of the credit in Israel. The new law will force Hapoalim and Leumi to sell their existing credit card companies, though they will still be allowed issue credit cards. It will also make it easier for new banks to enter the market, affording them government "protection", like more flexible regulations to help them compete with the bigger banks. The reform has been heavily criticized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which said the government committee that provided recommendations for the bill used old data in its analysis and that the basis of the reform was faulty and could harm the system's stability. The IMF also said there was little international precedent to guide some of the measures, they are likely to have adverse consumer impacts in the near term and they explicitly encourage the growth of the 'shadow banking' industry. Bank of Israel Governor Karnit Flug said she supported the reform, telling cabinet ministers before the vote that it was needed -- together with the central bank's own measures such as creating a credit database and to spur innovation -- to make a more advanced, efficient and competitive banking sector But she also warned the government to implement it with caution so as not to undermine the financial sector. Israel weathered the global crisis relatively well, mostly due to the stability of its big banks. "More banks and more small banks and more financial brokers that are not banks mean a higher risk of collapse," she said. She also warned that introducing new lenders could lead to a rapid expansion of credit to households. (Reporting by Steven Scheer; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Rome (AFP) - The Italian coastguard said the bodies of five migrants were recovered from the Mediterranean Sunday, while more than 6,500 people had been rescued off Libya since Thursday.

In one operation by the Italian navy vessel Vega, "five migrants were picked up out of the sea, three people were resuscitated and two were already dead," the coastguard said on its Twitter account.

The German aid group Jugend Rettet added that its ship Iuventa had taken part in the same operation to save 130 people packed onto a rubber dinghy that was taking on water, and had also recovered two bodies.

A fifth body was found aboard a fishing boat from which some 470 migrants were rescued by the Italian navy and the Malta-based aid group MOAS.

Sunday's rescue missions off the Libyan coast brought 1,100 migrants and refugees to safety overall, bringing the total to 6,530 since Thursday, said the Italian coastguard which coordinates the operations.

According to the latest figures from the UN's refugee agency earlier this week, more than 89,000 people, most from sub-Saharan Africa, have arrived in Italy by sea since the start of the year in search of a better life in Europe.

The tally is comparable to the total of 93,000 recorded for the January-July period last year.

More than 3,000 migrants have died trying to make the crossing, an increase of more than 50 percent compared to the same period in 2015, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
On screen, the Bourne thrillers, from The Bourne Identity (2002) to the new Jason Bourne, have always been powered by a cool contradiction. A movie about a brainwashed human-robot ex-CIA assassin  or rather, a movie in which a brainwashed human-robot ex-CIA assassin is the hero  starts off, lets not kid ourselves, as more of a right-wing fantasy than a liberal one. Thats why Matt Damons Jason Bourne, to fit the paradigm of liberal Hollywood, has to be an assassin whos gone rogue. Hes not on the side of the sinister CIA honchos who want to assert their will in the world; hes against them. Hes on our side. Hes up against those who destroyed his identity and turned him into a jujitsu sociopath to serve the U.S. agenda.

Thats why, on the movies own terms, hes someone to root for. But, of course, in taking that life-as-target-practice homicidal mercilessness and turning it against his former bosses, Bourne, the programmed amnesiac assassin, embodies the very qualities of ruthless government control. Thats the contradiction that gives the Paul Greengrass films, especially, their slight amoral edge, and its one of the keys to their excitement. (Its not just about the rapid-fire cut/cut/cut propulsion.) Its that paradox that makes them cool.

Which brings us to Jason Bourne. The movie name-checks Edward Snowden a couple of times, and that tends to be a sign that a thriller is straining for topicality  as if pasting a reference like that onto a high-powered action movie were an automatic guarantee of relevance. But this is the rare instance where the relevance is earned. Not because Jason Bourne is about the Snowden case. But because the very thing that the words Edward Snowden have come to symbolize  the issue of government surveillance, of how much it is justified (or not), of how secret it should be (or not), of whether patriotism now means protecting government secrecy or violating it  quivers through every frame of Jason Bourne. You might assume that the movie, being a product of liberal Hollywood (and it is), would have a straightforward take on the subject. You might assume that it would be pro-Snowden: in favor of divulging secrets, and against the growth of the American surveillance state. And you would not be wrong.

Yet good movies work in mysterious and subversive ways. Just as the Bourne films have always invited us to get in touch with our inner assassin, theres an electrifying contradiction that snakes its way through Jason Bourne. To wit: Is the movie against surveillance, or is it half in awe of surveillance? Id argue that the answer is both. Whats more, that answer mirrors how even some liberals may feel, deep down, about the revelations that the Snowden leaks placed on the map. For even if you think that were heading toward a world of too much secrecy and private-information-gathering (and for the record, thats the view I overwhelmingly side with), the answer to that, in a digitally merged and invasive sci-fi super-world (i.e., our planet today), surely cant be: Eliminate all surveillance! It wouldnt be possible, it wouldnt work, and even if we could somehow do it, other countries and forces would, of course, still be surveilling us. So even if youre a card-carrying liberal on the subject of the NSA, few of us, perhaps, could simply be said to be anti-surveillance.

Thats the ambivalence that makes Jason Bourne such a heady, exciting, and up-to-the-minute movie. More, perhaps, than any previous Bourne installment, its a thriller that invites us to watch the professional watchers as they survey the rogue watchers who are watching them.

Whats evolved? The even more complete way that Greengrass now portrays the surveillance system at work, with a seamless and omnipresent circuit of satellites linked to cameras linked to computers linked to eyeballs. In Jason Bourne, that system has become the air we breathe  a fully operational octopus state with micro-tentacles of infinite reach. Bourne has got a relentless assassin (Vincent Cassel, wonderfully single-minded about killing) on his tail, and hes always on the run, but its not like he can hide; as often as not, and more than ever before, theres a CIA camera eye right on him.

In Jason Bourne, were immersed, in almost every scene, in a globe thats been wired, and that affects the audience kinesthetically. For one thing, its thrilling to behold: The surveillance is so routinely there it collapses our sense of concrete space. Thats why we rarely see people in the movie traveling; theyre already everywhere at once. (If you think back to The Bourne Identity 14 years ago, that movie was so physical it now seems like a thriller set in the land of horse and buggy.) All of this provokes, in us, a moral criss-cross. Surveying the surveillance, our ethical compass says No, no, no but our childlike eyes say Yes, yes, yes. The seduction of seeing and hearing beyond walls carries an existential enticement that pushes the films action forward. Thats what makes the new character, Alicia Vikanders Heather Lee, so intriguing. At first, we suspect that shes your basic sympathetic ingenue cyber-desk jockey  an updated equivalent of the Julia Stiles character. Actually, though, she may be getting ready to take over. For a while, she seems open to Bourne, but whats tensely compelling about Vikanders performance is the calibrated consciousness with which Heather exists inside the new world of surveillance. Its in her (ice) blood.

Theres one more place where Jason Bourne cuts against the grain of liberal cinema (which may be why a number of liberal critics havent liked it). The character of Aaron Kalloor (Riz Ahmed), the superstar CEO of a social-media network called Deep Dream, is presented as a new-tech guru. He gets up in front of a crowd with that slow-talking, non-blinking Tony Robbins-seminar-gone-brave-new-world omnipotence that turned Steve Jobs product announcements into cult events, and hes portrayed as an engaging composite icon of hipster charisma. Hes the kind of generational leader the media tends to fawn over. Except that in this case, his company was secretly funded by the CIA, so that they could have a leg up on abolishing privacy through social media. Its a biting metaphor: The Company meets the (millennial) corporation, a match  the movie says  made in Orwellian heaven. What the character of Kalloor really signifies is the way that we have all, through the rise of social media, acquiesced in the abolition of privacy thats the essence of the Snowden critique. The movie is saying: Maybe the government couldnt be doing it, at least not this efficiently, if the gurus (and even the citizens) hadnt gotten there first.

Jason Bourne wears its themes lightly, and thats the essence of its appeal. Its a propulsive Hollywood thriller, not a seminar. Yet there are certain movies that channel whats going on in a way thats deeper then preaching. The liberal message on the Edward Snowden era comes down to: Less surveillancegood! Thats the message of Jason Bourne as well. But because its not a message movie, it can afford, through the contours of its glidingly hypnotic eye-in-the-sky style, to do more than make a statement. It can question surveillance and take the liberal view of it, but it can also touch the hidden pulse of a society that may be more ambivalent about these things than wed care to admit, since theres a part of every one of us that, deep down, really does like to watch.

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Beirut (AFP) - Jihadist forces allied to rebels attacked regime forces south and southwest of Aleppo Sunday in a bid to ease the siege of Syria's second city, rebels and a monitor said.

Since July 17, President Bashar al-Assad's forces have surrounded rebel-held districts of Aleppo city, one of the main front lines in the conflict ravaging the country since 2011.

Loyalists forces cut the Castello Road, the main supply line into rebel-held neighbourhoods in the north of the city.

Now insurgents have attacked from the south, a region divided between loyalists backed by Iranian fighters and Hezbollah on the one hand, and Syrian and foreign jihadists allied with rebel groups on the other.

On Sunday, Islamist groups such as the influential Ahrar al-Sham and jihadists including from the former Al-Nusra Front -- rebranded Jabhat Fateh al-Sham after breaking from Al-Qaeda -- said they had begun a battle to try to reopen a new supply route.

Fateh al-Sham launched two car bomb attacks against regime positions in suburban Rashidin in southwestern Aleppo and fighting also raged in the early evening, the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights said.

Three children were among 11 civilians killed in rebel rocket attacks launched from Rashidin on the government-controlled district of Hamdaniyeh in western Aleppo, the Observatory said.

Other attacks focused on southern parts of the city towards the regime-controlled suburb of Ramussa, the Britain-based monitor reported.

"It will be a long and difficult battle," said Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman.

"The army is supported by a large number of Iranians and fighters from Hezbollah, not to mention the Russian planes," he said.

Forces from Lebanon's Shiite group have been fighting alongside Assad's men in Syria for years, and Russia at the end of September last year began a campaign of air strikes in support of loyalist fighters.

In Aleppo city itself, regime forces bombarded rebel-held districts Sunday despite the announcement by Damascus and Moscow of humanitarian corridors to allow civilians and rebels ready to surrender to leave.

Story continues

On Saturday, government media reported that dozens of civilians and rebels had left besieged eastern Aleppo through humanitarian corridors, but residents there and rebels dismissed the claims as "lies".

Elsewhere, at least nine civilians were killed Sunday in an air strike that hit a makeshift hospital at Jassem in the southern province of Daraa.

The International Rescue Committee, which supported the facility, called on the UN Security Council "to act in defence of the most basic principles of the UN".

"The bombing of hospitals is never justified. All those involved must be held to account," said IRC chief David Miliband in a statement.
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Harry Potter fans who thought Harry Potter and the Cursed Child might signal J.K. Rowling was not quite finished with the series will be disappointed.

"Harry is done now," the author said Saturday, according to Reuters.

SEE ALSO: 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' stars reveal how they kept the play a secret

Speaking at the opening of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in London's West End theatre district, Rowling said she hoped fans would enjoy the play. The script became available as a book on Sunday, July 31, incidentally the birthday of the infamous Potter.

"He goes on a very big journey during these two plays and then, yeah, I think we're done," she told the outlet. "So, I never wanted to write another novel, but this will give the fans something special."

Rowling's publisher has been contacted for comment.

In an interview on the red carpet, Rowling added she was proud of fans who had kept the secret and not shared the play's plot. "They've done me so proud," she said.

"I think our give back is that we really hope to take this play to as many to places as it's feasible to take it. So I hope a lot of them will get to see it."

The new story opens with Potter grappling not with the forces of evil, but rather, bureaucracy. He is now an employee of the Ministry of Magic and the father of three children.

Fans who couldn't get tickets to the London play, lined up around the world to get their hands on the book.

It looks like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be a boon for book sales, just like the first seven titles in the series. Steve Cox, the managing director of Dymocks in Australia, told the ABC the store had pre-sold 15,000 books before launch.

"It was a strict worldwide embargo that everyone around the world stuck by and it raised the excitement for 9:01 this morning," he said.

"Right around the world at this point in time boxes of books just like the ones we had here are being opened and the magic of Harry Potter is once again upon us."
JK Rowling had a special thank you for fans at the premiere of the Harry Potter play

JK Rowling had a special thank you for fans at the premiere of the Harry Potter play

In the age of Facebook, Twitter and general oversharing, its easy to have your favorite television show, movie, or book spoiled for you within a matter of moments. However, when it comes to the Harry Potter fandom, we like to keep things as secret as the Forbidden Corridor of Hogwarts. Prior to the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child book release, the play took to the stage at the Palace Theatre in London.

JK Rowling, the author of the series, has praised fans for being amazing at not giving anything away.

Its the most extraordinary fandom, she told BBC. Im not surprisedthey didnt want to spoil it for each other.Rowling intends to extend the reach of the play in the future and says, [shed] like as many Potter fans to see it as possible.

via GIPHY

The play, written by Rowling, writer Jack Thorne, and director John Tiffany is set 19 years after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The play, which has been separated into two parts, follows the original trio as they send their own children away to Hogwarts. Previews of the play began in June and was said to have not massively changed since that period. Overall, the production has been given several five star reviews and has been called, game changing.

In part with the play, a script version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was released worldwide at midnight. The date is fitting as its both JK Rowlings and Harry Potters birthdays!

In the United Kingdom, over 140 Waterstones bookshops held a midnight release party, with the largest celebrations occurring in Edinburgh and London. Pre-orders for the books have exceeded six figures in the UK, while Barnes and Noble have also reported that the record set forth by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has been broken. The numbers are staggering, but its no surprise that more than 450 million copies of the books have been sold since 1997.

Story continues

via GIPHY

With Pottermania on the rise once again, fans will be ecstatic for the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them this November.

And, as Rowling says, whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.

The post JK Rowling had a special thank you for fans at the premiere of the Harry Potter play appeared first on HelloGiggles.
J.K. Rowling has made Harry Potter fans both happy and sad when she announced that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will mark the series' final chapter.

During the opening night of the Cursed Child play on London's East End on Saturday -- the same night the screenplay was released in stores at midnight -- the British author told Reuters that HP fans shouldn't expect another book involving the sorcerer.

NEWS: New 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' Photos Show Grown-Up Ron and Hermione With Their Daughter

"[Harry] goes on a very big journey during these two plays and then, yeah, I think we're done," she explained. "This is the next generation, you know. So, I'm thrilled to see it released so beautifully but, no, Harry is done now."

As for the story itself, Rowling couldn't have been happier with how fans reacted to Cursed Child, which is set 19 years after the events of the seventh novel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. In fact, she was impressed that people who have already seen the play did not ruin the story for the rest of her loyal fans.

"It's the most extraordinary fandom, so I'm kind of not surprised, because they didn't want to spoil it for each other," Rowling told BBC. "I'm so happy we got here without ruining everything."

It was a bittersweet announcement for Potterheads, who stood in line around the world to buy Cursed Child. Knowing it was the end of an era didn't damper fans' spirits as they took to social media to share their excitement about the new release.

RELATED: Emma Watson Meets the 'Beautiful' Actress Portraying Hermione Granger in the 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' Play

This weekend was very special for Rowling for another reason -- Sunday marked both Rowling and Harry's birthdays. The HP creator even celebrated turing 51 with a King's Cross cake in honor of her 51 birthday on Sunday.

Story continues

I got a cake in the shape of King's Cross at midnight  pic.twitter.com/46KR0T5vN1  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) July 31, 2016

See what you can expect from Rowling's upcoming spin-off film, the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, in the chilling trailer, below.

Related Articles
A woman was reportedly brought into a Kentucky courtroom with no pants and the presiding judge was not happy about it.

The unidentified inmate was brought into the Jefferson District Court on Friday, where Judge Amber Wolf was prepared to sentence her for failing to complete a diversion program following a shoplifting conviction.

That is, until the attorney informed Wolf that the woman was wearing no pants. The woman told the judge she'd been denied pants as well as feminine hygiene products for her three-day stint behind bars.

Read: 2 Arrested for Allegedly Helping Murder Suspect Escape Courtroom, As Reward for His Capture Is Doubled

Excuse me? Wolf said. This is outrageous. Is this for real?

Wolf stopped proceedings then and there to make a phone call to corrections officials. I am holding her here until she is dressed appropriately to go back to jail. This is outrageous," she said.

The attorney told the judge the woman had been denied a request for a jumpsuit, which spokesman Steve Durham with Metro Corrections told WDRB is typical for inmates in jail for fewer than 72 hours.

Read: Murder Suspect Somehow Escapes Packed Courtroom, Leaves His Shackles and Prison Clothes Behind

"This is pretty standard that when individuals are arrested, they remain in the clothing that theyve been arrested in," Durham said. "Especially for the first 72 hours."

The jail said the inmate was actually in very short shorts that cannot be seen beneath her shirt.

An investigation is underway into whether the woman was denied feminine hygiene products.

Watch: Judge Who Recognized Classmate in Courtroom Is There To Greet Him As He Leaves Jail

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After taking out the No. 3 ranked strawweight contender at UFC 201 on Saturday night, Karolina Kowalkiewicz is taking aim at the champ.

Kowalkiewicz won a split-decision victory over Rose Namajunas in Atlanta. Now she wants to fight fellow Polish fighter and current UFC strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk in her next fight.

I want fight with Joanna. I am ready for her, Kowalkiewicz said at the UFC 201 post-fight press conference. She said that Im not on her level. I think I am good enough to fight with her. I want fight with her. Lets do this. Polish power versus Polish power.

RELATED > UFC 201 Fight Highlights: Karolina Kowalkiewicz Bests Rose Namajunas

UFC president Dana White appears to agree with her.

Its the one that makes sense, but weve got to get back to office and figure out what wed do, White said on the UFC 201 Post-Fight Show. Id love to do that fight in Poland.

And for Kowalkiewicz, its not that she thinks Jedrzejczyk is an easy fight. In fact, its particularly because she has respect for her that she wants the fight.

Joanna is very good fighter. I respect her very much. She is the best in the world. Maybe Im not the best, but I can beat the best.

The interesting thing about the fight likely being the next one for Jedrzejczyk is that she recommended that the UFC sign Kowalkiewicz.

The funny thing is, Joanna Jedrzejczyk wanted us to sign her, and said, I want to prove to everybody in Poland that Im the best,  said White. And now she has worked her way up here to a possible title shot with Joanna Jedrzejczyk, so its very interesting.

Like nearly every other fighter on the roster, Kowalkiewicz wants to fight Jedrzejczyk at UFC 205 in November. Being the promotions first event in New York, UFC 205 is going to be a blockbuster event, which will be accompanied by significant payouts and exposure, so nearly every fighter wants to be on the card.

White, however, was clear that hes leaning toward that fight happening in Poland, but only time will tell which way they go with it.

(Photo courtesy of UFC)

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A Kentucky judge was captured on video last week chiding jail officials after a female defendant arrived in a courtroom for a hearing without pants.

A widely shared video shows District Court Judge Amber Wolf flabbergasted after the womans lawyer told her the inmate had been denied clothing and feminine hygiene products while behind bars for about two or three days, People reports.

Excuse me? This is outrageous. Is this for real? Wolf said. Am I in the Twilight Zone? What is happening?

Wolf then called corrections officials on the phone to demand answers.

Metro Corrections Deputy Director Dwayne Clark later brought the woman clothing, video shows. This is not normal, Wolf said. Ive never seen it happen  This is completely inhumane and unacceptable. Im sorry you had to go through this.

Corrections officials told KDRB that the woman was wearing shorts that werent visible under her long shirt, but that she should have been given different clothing.

The woman was arrested for not completing a diversion program following a 2014 shoplifting charge, according to KDRB. Wolf released her from jail with a $100 fine instead of more jail time.
Dancing With the Stars pro Kym Johnson may be getting married to Robert Herjavec on Sunday, but Friday night, it was all about the bachelorette party!

The 39-year-old dancer and her squad -- including Carson Kressley and fellow DWTS pro Cheryl Burke -- jetted off on a private plane to Las Vegas on Friday to celebrate her last few days as a bachelorette, and documented the whole thing on social media.

WATCH: Newly Engaged Kym Johnson and Robert Herjavec Are 'Still on Cloud Nine' -- and They're Ready to Hurry Down the Aisle!

"Let the fun begin!" Johnson captioned a shot of the whole crew ready to take off.

Once they landed, the group settled in at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, where they posed for tons of fun pics.

Denise Truscello/Wire Image

Denise Truscello/Wire Image

Then it was off to watch J.Lo in action! The crew had a blast at Lopez's All I Have show.

But Johnson wasn't the only Aussie in attendance --Nicole Kidman was also there, and stopped by to say hello!

After the show, the bride and her squad headed backstage for a little meet and greet with J.Lo herself, concluding one epic bachelorette party.

RELATED: 'DWTS' Pro Kym Johnson Is Engaged to Boyfriend Robert Herjavec

See more of Johnson's wild party below:

It's been a whirlwind romance for Johnson and her Shark Tank beau, who got engaged in February.

Hervajec and Johnson met just one year earlier, when they were introduced as partners on season 20 of Dancing With the Stars.

"I'm still on cloud nine, I can't believe that it happened," Johnson told ET the day after Hervajec popped the question. "It's unbelievable!"

WATCH: 'DWTS' Couple Robert Herjavec and Kym Johnson Really Are 'Madly In Love'

See more in the video below.

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Police said as many as 40,000 supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rallied in Cologne on Sunday, July 31, more than two weeks after an attempted coup that led to a widespread crackdown against parts of the military, media, civil servants, teachers and academics in Turkey.

Police initially spoke of 20,000 protesters who rallied under the banner, Yes to democracy, no to a coup, but revised their figures upwards. Organizers said they expected more than 50,000 people. Speakers criticized the German media, accusing it of anti-Erdogan bias in the wake of the coup attempt. Turkish politicians also attacked the German polices refusal to allow Erdogan to address his supporters in Cologne via a live stream.

Hundreds of far-right protesters gathered outside Colognes central train station, facing off with hundreds of anti-fascist protesters, according to German news media. Police blocked a march by the right-wing Pro-NRW group after finding weapons on a number of its supporters. Credit: _.seyma.ozan.erol
(ELLICOTT CITY, Md.)  Historic, low-lying Ellicott City was ravaged by floodwaters Saturday night, killing two people and causing devastating damage to businesses, officials in Maryland said.

Andy Barth, a spokesman for Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman, told The Associated Press that the town received nearly 7 inches of rain, including nearly 6 inches between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The body of a woman was recovered from the Patapsco River early Sunday, Kittleman told WBAL-AM. A mans body was found later, Kittleman said.

Gov. Larry Hogan was touring the damage Sunday and declared a state of emergency, which will allow greater aid coordination and assistance.

Videos posted on social media showed floodwaters rushing down the towns Main Street, which slopes toward the river, and sweeping away cars. Some vehicles came to rest on top of each other. Kittleman said the devastation was the worst hed seen in 50 years living in the county, including Hurricane Agnes in 1972, which caused the river to overflow its banks.

This is by far the worst devastation Ellicott City has seen in decades, Kittleman told WBAL-AM.

Barth said all of the businesses along Main Street sustained extensive damage.

In almost every case catastrophic, just gutted, he said. Everything in it has been swept out. All of the glass is broken, many of the sidewalks are out. Its hard to believe.

Barth said bystanders helped rescue some motorists who were at risk of being swept away while inside their cars, forming a human chain in at least one instance.

Ellicott City was established in 1772 as a mill town along the Patapsco, and many 18th and 19th-Century buildings were still intact before Saturdays floods. Once a home to mill workers, in recent decades it has become known for restaurants, art galleries, antique shops and nightlife. Main Street slopes dramatically toward the river and has long been susceptible to flooding.

The county courthouse and government headquarters are located in Ellicott City but are on higher ground.
Mogadishu (AFP) - Six people were killed Sunday in a gun and car-bomb assault on a police building in the centre of the Somali capital that also left seven assailants dead, Security Minister Abdirasak Omar Mohamed said.

Some of the attackers rammed two cars into the building in central Mogadishu and others tried to storm it, he told reporters.

"All of the seven gunmen have been killed, some of them were shot by the security forces and others detonated themselves," he said.

"Five civilians died in the road and one policeman, so that the overall casualty number of deaths is 13," he added.

Earlier, security official Ibrahim Mohamed told AFP that "terrorist elements" had smashed two cars packed full of explosives into the headquarters of the police's criminal investigations department.

An AFP correspondent heard an exchange of gunfire after the explosions, which took place near a busy junction in the city.

"One of the cars hit the corner of the building and the other hit near the gate. There was smoke and dust and everything was in a mess," said witness Abukar Osman.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The blasts came just days after at least 13 people were killed in twin bombings near Mogadishu airport and UN and African Union buildings.

That attack was claimed by Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab militants fighting to overthrow Somalia's internationally-backed government.

The Shabaab were forced out of the capital five years ago but continue to carry out regular attacks on military, government and civilian targets.

In recent months they have claimed deadly assaults on military bases as well as civilian targets including hotels.

Last month, a junior minister was among 11 people killed in an attack on the Naasa Hablood hotel.

That began when a suicide bomber detonated a car laden with explosives outside the building.

Gunmen then stormed the hotel in an assault lasting for several hours. Special security forces ended the siege after killing three attackers inside the hotel.

Story continues

Earlier in June, the same group claimed an attack on the city's Ambassador hotel, which left 10 dead including two lawmakers when a huge car bomb ripped the front off the six-storey building.

This year is considered critical for the group, which is eager to disrupt an expected change of government due in the coming months.

Somalia was supposed to hold national elections this year but is instead going to hold what diplomats call a "limited franchise election" in which ordinary citizens do not participate.

The UN now hopes a one-person-one-vote election will be possible in 2020.
Bordeaux (AFP) - France international Jeremy Menez is set to join Bordeaux from Italian giants AC Milan, pending a medcial, the Ligue 1 club announced on Sunday.

Menez would be Bordeaux's third signing ahead of the new season following the arrivals of veteran midfielder Jeremy Toulalan and Guinea striker Francois Kamano.

The 29-year-old spent the past two seasons in Italy after joining Milan from Paris Saint-Germain, making an instant impression with 16 league goals in 33 appearances during the 2014-15 campaign.

But the winger struggled with injury last term as Milan limped to a disappointing seventh-place finish in Serie A.

Menez has been capped 24 times at international level but last played for France in 2013.

Bordeaux had been looking to reinforce their attack after losing Mali striker Cheick Diabate, the club's leading scorer last season, to Turkish side Osmanlispor.
MOGADISHU (Reuters) - Militants set off two car bombs outside a police base in Somalia's capital before gunmen stormed inside on Sunday, leaving at least 10 people dead, police said. Islamist group al Shabaab claimed responsibility for the assault on the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Mogadishu. It was the second major operation in the city this week by the group which has kept up a guerilla war on the Western-backed government in the face of U.S. drone strikes and African peacekeeping forces. Heavy gunfire rang out inside for about half an hour after the first blast, said witnesses. The bodies of four civilians lay in the street near the compound which was partially destroyed. A kiosk close to the wall caught fire. "At least 10 people including four militants, five civilians and a soldier died in today's attack," Hussein Ali, a police officer, told Reuters. Another 15 people were injured, some seriously, he added. Al Shabaab's military operations spokesman, Abdiasis Abu Musab, said one of its suicide bombers had started the attack by ramming a car bomb into the building's gate. In al Shabaab's first attack this week, 13 people were killed when two car bombs went off at the gate of the African Union's main AMISOM peacekeeping base on Tuesday. Security analysts have warned that the group could step up its attacks, taking advantage of the distraction caused by campaigning for a presidential election due in August. Al Shabaab, seeking to impose its harsh form of Islam on the Horn of Africa nation, has also launched attacks in Kenya and Uganda which have contributed troops to the 22,000-strong AMISOM force. Somalia plunged into anarchy in the early 1990s following the toppling of military dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. (Reporting by Abdi Sheikh and Feisal Omar; Writing by Duncan Miriri; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
By Mustafa Mahmoud KIRKUK, Iraq (Reuters) - Islamic State militants stormed two energy facilities in northern Iraq on Sunday, killing at least five workers and shutting down a major oil pumping station, security and oil sources said. The first attack, on the AB2 gas compressor station, about 15 km (10 miles) northwest of Kirkuk, started around 0300 (0000 GMT) when four gunmen with hand grenades broke through an external door in an attack that left two guards in critical condition. They then shot dead four employees in a control room inside and planted explosives charges, around five of which went off, the sources said. Forces from the elite counter-terrorism service stormed the facility, regained control and freed 15 other employees who had hidden in a separate room. Security sources believe the attackers escaped to the Bai Hassan oil station, 25 km further northwest, the sources said. There they launched a similar attack, one detonating his explosive vest at an external gate to allow the others to enter. Once inside the facility, two more assailants set off their explosive vests, destroying an oil storage tank. The fourth assailant was later killed in clashes with security forces. An oil engineer was also killed and six policemen were wounded, security sources said. The attack forced the suspension of activity at an oil station which had been pumping 55,000 barrels per day to the northern Kurdish region, oil sources said. It was not clear when operations would return to normal. Kurdish peshmerga forces, which have controlled Kirkuk and surrounding areas for two years, were searching nearby villages for militants suspected of involvement in the attacks. Amaq news agency, which supports Islamic State, said in a message distributed online that Islamic State fighters had stormed the Bai Hassan facility, but made no mention of the earlier attack. The group has previously targeted oil facilities in the area with explosives, repeatedly targeting oil wells at Khabbaz oilfield southwest of Kirkuk. The militants, who seized a third of the OPEC producer's territory in 2014, have lost many areas to an array of Iraqi forces backed by U.S.-led coalition air strikes but still control the northern city of Mosul, their de facto capital in Iraq. (Writing by Stephen Kalin; Editing by Himani Sarkar, Andrew Heavens and Adrian Croft)
mitch mcconnell

Sen. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell distanced himself slightly from Donald Trump's criticism of the father of an American Muslim soldier killed defending his unit in Iraq.

In a statement on Sunday, McConnell praised Khizr Khan's family for its sacrifice despite Khan's brutal critique of Trump's rhetoric about veterans and previous proposal to bar all Muslims from entering the US.

"Captain Khan was an American hero, and like all Americans I'm grateful for the sacrifices selfless young men like Captain Khan and their families have made for the war on terror," McConnell said.

"All Americans should value the patriotic service of the patriots who volunteer to selflessly defend us in the armed services. And as I have long made clear, I agree with the Khan's and families across the country that a travel ban on members of any religion is simply contrary to American values."

Following his speech at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia last week, Khan has repeatedly called on Republican leaders in Congress to denounce Trump.

Speaking to CNN on Sunday, Khan specifically singled out McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan, warning them that history would "not forgive" either if they did not stand up to the real-estate magnate.

"It is their moral obligation. History will not forgive them. This election will pass, but history will not forgive them," Khan said.

For his part, Trump has questioned the legitimacy of Khan's arguments, asking whether the Clinton campaign wrote Khan's speech and wondering why his wife was silent onstage at the DNC.

In a statement released Saturday evening, Trump said that while Capt. Humayun Khan was a "hero," his father had "no right" to question Trump's understanding of the US Constitution.

"While I feel deeply for the loss of his son, Mr. Khan who has never met me, has no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the Constitution, (which is false) and say many other inaccurate things," Trump said.

Story continues

NOW WATCH: Father of deceased Muslim US soldier asks Trump 'Have you even read the US Constitution?'





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The luxembourgish amateur radio callsign is composed of the prefix LX, followed by a one digit number (0-9) and the suffix composed of at least 2 characters (AA-ZZ) and at most 4 characters (AAAA-ZZZZ).

The one digit number is as follows:

0 * automatic stations 1,2,3 HAREC-licence 4,5 ** special stations 6 NOVICE-licence 7,8 ** special stations 9 *** group stations (group licence)

When operating mobile the additional suffix /M must be used, when operating portable that suffix is /P, when being maritime mobile the suffix is /MM.

* Each amateur radio operator can apply for a callsign of an automatic station (e.g. beacon, repeater, hamnet, APRS, ATV, hotspot, ...). Access to that automatic station must the be granted to all amateur radio operators. If the station is operated "strictly locally" then it must be operated under the personal callsign of the amateur radio operator. In that case the operation must be declared to the ILR.

** The callsigns with the numbers 4, 5, 7, 8 are reserved for amateur radio stations who take part in contests or for non-tempoprary special activites, for education or for common public interest. In order to get such a callsign, the operator must possess a HAREC licence.

*** A group of interested people may operate an amateur radio station for educational or experimental reasons. The operation is under the responsibility of the amateur radio operator who applied for the licence of the group station.

Callsigns which do not respect the standard scheme may be attributed for temporary special activities. Those callsigns are attributed for at most 6 months.

Short callsigns with only one character after the number can be obtained by amateur radio operators who have owned a personal callsign for at least 6 years and who have been shining in amateur radio. The amateur radio operator who wants such a callsign has to prove that he merits that callsign..

Each amateur radio operator owning a foreign licence CEPT T/R 61-01 (HAREC) or ECC (05)06 (NOVICE), may operate temporarily in Luxembourg by using the additional prefix LX/ (HAREC) or LX6/ (NOVICE) with his own callsign. Examples: LX/ON1ABC, LX6/DO1ABC. The regulator does not issue a special callsign LX4,5,7,8 to foreign licence owners with no fixed address in Luxembourg.

Additional informations can be found in the regulations F16/02/ILR from March 18th 2016 .
By Silvia Aloisi and Valentina Za

MILAN (Reuters) - With the ink barely dry on its bailout plan, Italian bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena <BMPS.MI> faces a Herculean task convincing investors to back a third recapitalization in as many years and avert a banking crisis that would send shockwaves across Europe.

To stave off the risk of being wound down, the world's oldest bank hastily unveiled the private sector-backed rescue blueprint late on Friday. It came just hours before the lender emerged as the worst performer in European stress tests that showed its capital would be entirely wiped out in a severe economic downturn.

The plan aims to clean up and bolster the bank's balance sheet once and for all, restoring to health a lender whose frailty threatens the wider Italian banking system, the savings of thousands of retail investors and the increasingly weak political standing of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

A financial crisis in the euro zone's third-biggest economy would also risk creating contagion across Europe, a region already reeling from Britain's decision to leave the EU.

The two-pronged rescue scheme hinges on Monte dei Paschi raising 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion) in a cash call to be completed by the end of the year - a tall order for a lender that is worth less than 1 billion on the market and has burned through 8 billion euros from share issues since 2014.

Global investment banks have made a preliminary agreement to underwrite the rights issue by Italy's third biggest bank.

But this is subject to conditions, including that the second prong of the bank's plan is successful: the sale of 9.2 billion euros of bad loans via a mammoth securitization, whose sheer size is unprecedented in Italy.

As the bank's shares - which have lost nearly 80 percent of their value this year - brace for Monday's market reaction to the bailout scheme, senior bankers and fund managers are already questioning the chances of the plan's success.

Story continues

"Both legs of the plan are potentially fragile," said Filippo Alloatti, credit analyst at asset manager Hermes Investments.

"It will be difficult to complete such a big capital increase given their track record with past cash calls, and the securitization is a monster operation, a puzzle full of moving pieces that need to fall into place. The execution risk is significant."

CRISIS MODE

The global coordinators for the cash call, JPMorgan <JPM.N> and Italian investment bank Mediobanca <MDBI.MI>, have secured a pre-underwriting agreement from another six banks - Santander <SAN.MC>, Goldman Sachs <GS.N>, Citi <C.N>, Credit Suisse <CSGN.S>, Deutsche Bank <DBKGn.DE> and Bank of America <BAC.N>.

But at least three banks - Intesa Sanpaolo <ISP.MI>, UniCredit <CRDI.MI> and Morgan Stanley <MS.N> - opted out, highlighting doubts among investment bankers over whether Monte dei Paschi can muster enough investor support for its plan.

Also, the pre-underwriting is not a final commitment by the banks involved to mop up any unsold shares in the rights issue.

Monte dei Paschi has been in crisis mode for years due to a disastrous acquisition of a regional Italian lender on the eve of the financial crisis, accumulated losses and a fraud scandal.

Analysts at broker Equita said in a note it would be "almost impossible" for the lender to raise all the required cash in current choppy markets.

Italian bank shares have tanked this year as the industry is weighed down by 360 billion euros in problematic loans, more than a third of the euro zone's total. Italy's biggest bank by assets, UniCredit, is also expected to soon tap the market in a multi-billion euro rights issue that could lure investors away from Monte dei Paschi's own capital raising.

And market sentiment towards Italy could sour further if a constitutional referendum in the autumn, on which Renzi has wagered his job, does not go the prime minister's way.

Monte dei Paschi's management said on Friday it would also look at other capital-boosting measures, which bankers say could include the conversion of subordinated bonds into shares, to reduce the size of its cash call.

EXPOSURE

The banks' preliminary commitment to underwrite the capital increase is in any case subject to the Tuscan lender moving the worst of its bad loans off its balance sheet and into a special vehicle which will have to sell them.

The loans will be securitized, with a senior tranche of 6 billion euros benefiting from an Italian government guarantee, the 1.6 billion euro mezzanine tranche being bought by Atlante, a private-sector bank-rescue fund, and the riskiest or junior portion left with Monte dei Paschi shareholders.

But it is unclear how much of the senior tranche will fetch the investment grade required for the government guarantee to kick in. Sources close to the deal said the process could take a year as a due diligence of the underlying loans needs to be completed for rating agencies to gauge their worthiness against an uncertain economic backdrop for Europe post-Brexit.

JPMorgan has taken on additional exposure to the deal by committing to grant a syndicated bridge loan of around 6 billion euros to finance the special vehicle and give it breathing space to engineer the securitization of the loans.

JPMorgan did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

"It will be challenging to place the senior tranche as only part of it will potentially be eligible and assisted by GACSs (government guarantees). Part of the 6 billion will not be investment grade and it will be difficult to place," said LC Macro Chief Economist Lorenzo Codogno, a former chief economist at the Italian treasury.

Meanwhile, the Atlante fund is scrambling to beef up its coffers by around 2 billion euros with contributions from the post office, private pension funds and other institutions.

Despite the daunting obstacles, analysts say that if the rescue is successful, it could be replicated to help other Italian banks offload their bad loans and restore confidence in the sector.

"Italy is on a good course to solve its banking issues. However, leaving aside some near-term re-pricing of risk, this is not yet a turning point," said Codogno.

($1 = 0.8944 euros)

(Additional reporting by Pamela Barbaglia in London; Editing by Pravin Char)
By Ahmed Elumami TRIPOLI (Reuters) - More than 120 bodies of migrants who died trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe have washed up around Sabratha in western Libya this month, the city's mayor said on Sunday. Hussein Thwadi said bodies had washed up on a daily basis, with 53 found on a single day last week. Libya is a common departure point for migrants seeking to travel to Europe by boat, many of them fleeing violence, repression or poverty in sub-Saharan Africa. Political turmoil and armed conflict in Libya have given smugglers the space to work with impunity, running trafficking networks that bring migrants across the Sahara desert to the coast. Of more than 3,000 migrants known to have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year, about three out of four perished trying to reach Italy from North Africa, mainly Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Nearly 90,000 migrants had crossed the central Mediterranean to Italy as of this week, the IOM said, a 14 percent increase on the previous year. As the number of attempted crossings from Libya picked up in the spring with the arrival of calmer weather, many of the boats have been leaving from the coastline near Sabratha. "The whole coast of Sabratha is open," Thwadi told Reuters by phone. "There are patrols but they do not have enough capacity to tackle this crisis." "Illegal migration existed before, but with insecurity and the lack of state authorities the crisis has become worse and worse." Thwadi said most of the migrants whose bodies washed up this month were from sub-Saharan African states, though there were also 23 Tunisians. Red Crescent volunteers and local officials have been removing them for burial in a cemetery for unidentified bodies in Sabratha, he said. A U.N.-backed government that has been trying to establish itself in Tripoli since March says tackling migration is among its priorities. But the government is struggling to manage complex security and economic challenges, and still faces political opposition on the ground. Thwadi said he had raised the issue with the new government's leadership but had not yet received any concrete response. (Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Susan Fenton)
If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then Guillermo del Toros new exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is sure to please viewers with an eye for the macabre. Titled Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters, the show runs from August 1 until November 27, and will travel to co-organizing museums in Minneapolis and Ontario next year. Containing almost 600 eerie objects from the filmmakers private collection  including sculptures, paintings, costumes and books  the exhibition reflects his lifelong obsession with monsters.

You can see my movies over and over again, and you will see that I adore monsters. I absolutely love them, del Toro said at Saturdays preview, adding I think humans are pretty repulsive!

Though he doesnt consider himself a horror filmmaker these days, del Toros LACMA exhibit is filled with the type of ghoulish artifacts most often associated with a Fangoria convention. Here are a few of the monstrous sights on display.

1) The Thing at the Door

Upon entering the gallery, visitors come face-to-skull with a towering replica of the Angel of Death from Hellboy II: The Golden Army. The living personification of Hellboys eventual demise, this fearsomely feathered figure is as ghastly as it is gorgeous. Though the creatures skeletal grin and nightmarish wingspan perfectly capture what del Toro refers to as the graveyard poetry of horror, he suggests it pales in comparison to our real-life boogeymen.

The real monsters in our lives are in fancy tailored suits, he said. Theres nothing more scary than people that are profoundly ignorant and profoundly certain. They always go together.

2) An Army of Frankensteins

Del Toro describes Boris Karloffs iconic interpretation of Frankensteins monster as a beautiful, innocent creature in a state of grace, which helps to explain why images and replicas of Mary Shelleys immortal monster are scattered throughout the show. From an enormous square head ominously overlooking the gallery, to a life-size sculpture of makeup artist Jack Pierce applying prosthetics to Karloff himself, the Frankenstein Monster is the patron saint of the entire exhibition.

Story continues

3) One of Us! One of Us!

The exhibition is organized into eight thematic sections, the most compelling of which is titled Freaks and Monsters. Included among the fascinating photos and artifacts are life-size sculptures of the tragically disfigured performers who appeared in director Tod Brownings 1932 horror classic Freaks. Recalling the carnival-like atmosphere of that disturbing masterpiece, viewers to the exhibit will encounter artist Thomas Kueblers hyper-realistic tributes to the cast, including Johnny Eck (the half boy), Schlitzie (the pinhead) and Harry Earles (the razor wielding dwarf).

4) Crimson Labyrinth

Fans of the Oscar-winning fantasy Pans Labyrinth and gothic nightmare Crimson Peak are in for a special treat, since the exhibit features full-size replicas of those films most visually striking monsters. The cloven-hoofed Faun and the grotesque Pale Man look astonishingly lifelike with their intricately detailed bodies, while a black-clad ghost from del Toros most recent film is positively haunting as it gazes silently at visitors who wander the gallery.

5) The Men Who Made Monsters

Amid the frightening heirlooms on display are loving tributes to the writers, artists and filmmakers whose work continues to inspire de Toro. Vividly realistic sculptures of Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Ray Harryhausen and makeup genius Dick Smith share the stage with some of their greatest creations, while gruesome illustrations from acclaimed horror artists like Richard Corben, Basil Gogos and Bernie Wrightson decorate the walls. In recognition of the legendary Forrest Ackerman, of one of del Toros genre heroes, the exhibit includes a sampling of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazines, a publication which every monster fan of a certain age  including Steven Spielberg, Tim Burton and Stephen King  grew up reading.

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A mother and her teenage daughter were allegedly gang-raped in a field after being dragged from their car outside New Delhi, police said on Sunday, India's latest brutal sexual attack.

A gang of robbers allegedly stopped the family's car along a busy highway early on Saturday, said additional director general of police Daljeet Chaudhary.

The mother has told officers that she and her 14-year-old daughter were pulled from the vehicle and raped by six men.

The family's four male members have said they were tied up with ropes and their belongings stolen while the attack took place, Chaudhary told AFP.

Police detained 16 people on Sunday and were still searching for the main suspect in the attack, which took place in Uttar Pradesh state, about 65 kilometres (40 miles) south of the capital.

"The main suspect has been identified. We are trying to arrest him as soon as possible and send him to jail under stringent sections of the law," Chaudhary said.

India toughened punishments for rapists following the fatal gang rape of a student in Delhi in 2012 that shone a global spotlight on frightening levels of violence against women in the country.

But rape and sexual assault occur regularly, with attacks hitting the headlines on an almost daily basis.

The most recent official figures show 36,735 rapes were reported across the country in 2014. But activists say the true number is likely much higher as many women do not speak out because of the social stigma attached to sexual crimes.
Berlin (AFP) - The city of Munich on Sunday paid tribute to nine victims of a shooting rampage, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Joachim Gauck attending the memorials that called on people to resist slipping into fear and hatred.

Christians, Jews and Muslims came together at the city's Gothic landmark church Frauenkirche for a non-denominational service, at which Cardinal Reinhard Marx said mistrust and fear must not have the last word.

Dhari Hajer, who chairs the city's Muslim council, also warned Germany against falling into a "vicious cycle of hatred and violence" as the country seeks to come to terms with a series of assaults over the past two weeks.

The gun rampage at a Munich shopping mall on July 22 by 18-year-old David Ali Sonboly came four days after a 17-year-old Afghan refugee seriously wounded five with an axe attack.

Two days later, Germany was hit by a machete assault that left one dead and a suicide bomb attack that wounded a dozen people.

Addressing the Bavarian parliament in the second of the day's memorial events, Gauck said attackers and terrorists "will not force us to hate as they hate."

"They will not hold us captive through constant fear. We will remain what we are, a humane community that shows solidarity," he said.

At the same time, Gauck said the attacks also called for society to reflect on what drove the perpetrators to the violence.

Noting that the assaults were often planned ahead in time, he said "society must not allow these young people to be left alone nor to tolerate their marginalisation."

Investigators have said that Sonboly was a depressed teen who was obsessed with mass killings and had long struggled with his mental health.

He also appeared to have been a victim of bullying by other pupils at his school, and had filed a complaint against three of his tormentors in 2012.

In an interview with Bild am Sonntag, the teenager's father Masoud Sonboly blamed himself for not noticing how his son had shut himself off and sought refuge in violent computer games.

Story continues

At the same time, he also called into question the teacher's and classmates' actions.

Sonboly said he had spoken to the teacher about the bullies who targeted his son, but said no action was taken.

"Our lives in Munich have been destroyed," he said, adding that "we get death threats, my wife has been crying over the past week."
The Virginia parents of slain U.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan on Saturday denounced Republican presidential candidate Donald Trumps comments about them, telling ABC News that running for president is not an entitlement to disrespect Gold Star families.

In an interview with ABC News George Stephanopoulos that will air on Sundays This Week, Trump refuted the allegations of Khizr Khan in his emotional speech at the Democratic National Convention that the GOP candidate sacrificed nothing for his country and had little understanding of the U.S. Constitution.

I think Ive made a lot of sacrifices. I work very, very hard, Trump told Stephanopoulos, noting that he had created thousands of thousands of jobs.

Also Read: NFL Calls Trump Out-of-Bounds: We Never Wrote Him About Debates

The real estate mogul and reality TV star turned politician also suggested that Khans wife, Ghazala, stood silently beside her husband at the podium on Thursday because she had been forbidden to speak because of the familys Muslim faith.

If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say. She probably, maybe she wasnt allowed to have anything to say. You tell me, Trump said.

But Ghazala Khan told ABC News that her decision not to speak had nothing to do with her faith, but the fact that she was still grieving the 2004 loss of her son to a car bomb in Iraq.

Also Read: Ann Coulter Hammered by Conservatives for Smearing US War Hero's Dad as 'Angry Muslim'

Sacrifice  I dont think he knows the meaning of sacrifice, the meaning of the word, Ghazala Khan told ABC News. Because when I was standing there, all America felt my pain. Without saying a single word. Everybody felt that pain.

Trumps remarks quickly flared on social media, and the hashtag #TrumpSacrifices became the top trending topic on Twitter.

Watch a clip of Trumps video above.
By Susan Cornwell and Alana Wise WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The parents of a Muslim soldier killed in Iraq accused Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump of ignorance for his criticism of them after their appearance at the Democratic National Convention. Ghazala Khan, mother of slain U.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan, took up her own defense on Sunday in an opinion piece in the Washington Post that explained why she stood without speaking on the DNC stage last week as her husband castigated Trump for his comments about Muslims. "Donald Trump said that maybe I wasnt allowed to say anything. That is not true," Mrs. Khan wrote, adding that she decided not to speak at the convention because of her pain over the 2004 death of her son. "When Donald Trump is talking about Islam, he is ignorant," she wrote. Trump stirred bipartisan outrage for his back and forth with the Khans. The Republican nominee lashed out at Khizr Khan, a U.S. citizen of Pakistani origin and a Muslim, when Khan told of his war hero son at the convention and took issue with Trump's call for a temporary ban on the entry of Muslims into the United States. Khizr Khan invited the Republican nominee to read the U.S. Constitution and visit the graves of American soldiers from many backgrounds at Arlington National Cemetery. In an interview aired Sunday on ABC's "This Week," Trump cast doubt on why Khan's wife did not speak. "She was standing there, she had nothing to say, she probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say, you tell me," Trump said. Trump on Sunday tweeted that Khan's son had died twelve years ago: "Captain Khan, killed 12 years ago, was a hero, but this is about RADICAL ISLAMIC TERROR and the weakness of our "leaders" to eradicate it!" Both Democrats and Republicans have criticized Trump's remarks about the Khans. "Just when I think, Trump can't possibly be a bigger jerk, he proves me wrong," Republican strategist Ana Navarro said on Twitter, adding that Trump's comments about the Khans were "gross." Hillary Clinton, Trump's Democratic rival in the Nov. 8 election, said at a campaign rally on Saturday that Trump's comments about the Khans were part of a long history of insulting people. Trump tweeted Sunday that he had been viciously attacked by Khan at the convention. Am I not allowed to respond? he asked. The candidate also tried to change the subject to the war itself: Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me! On CNN on Sunday, Khizr Khan said the couple had received a large outpouring of support after their appearance at the convention. He said people had apparently seen the "blackness" of Trump's character, adding that Trump's family needed to "teach him some empathy." (Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu and Roberta Rampton; Editing by Caren Bohan and Adrian Croft)
PARIS (Reuters) - Muslims in several parts of France and Italy attended Catholic masses on Sunday in a gesture of solidarity after the killing of a French priest in Normandy by Islamist militants. The knife-wielding attackers burst into a Catholic church service in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, western France, on July 26, forced a 85-year-old Roman Catholic priest to his knees and slit his throat. The attack was claimed by Islamic State. The rector of the Great Mosque of Paris, Dalil Boubakeur, who is also the president of the French Council of the Muslim Faith, attended a morning service in Notre-Dame cathedral in central Paris on Sunday. The Basilica of Saint-Denis, outside Paris, also gathered hundreds of Catholics but also a large number of Muslims and people of other confessions who showed up after religious authorities in France called on the population to express sympathy to the Catholic community. "I'm very pleased that we invited Muslims. We also share their pain, the pain of all those who suffer, in every way," Danielle Ludon, a Catholic woman who attended mass, told Reuters. "The sentiments expressed were very, very strong. Some of them were very poignant," she said. Among those who attended the service was a Muslim woman called Hayat, who came with her children and husband. "This was basically a message of unity, aside from peace, it was really about unity," she said. Imams representing their Muslim communities also took part in mass in many Italian cities and towns including Rome's Santa Maria in Trastevere and Milan's Santa Maria in Caravaggio. "Thank you to all those Italians of Islamic religion who direct their communities along the path of courage against fundamentalism," Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Twitter. Italy, like France, is stepping up supervision of mosques after a wave of attacks in France and Germany. (Reporting by Matthias Blamont in Paris and Stephen Jewkes in Milan, Italy; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
(ROUEN, France)  Muslims in France and Italy flocked to Mass on Sunday, a gesture of interfaith solidarity following a drumbeat of jihadi attacks that threatens to deepen religious divisions across Europe.

From the towering Gothic cathedral in Rouen, only a few miles from where 85-year-old Rev. Jacques Hamel was killed Tuesday by two Muslim fanatics, to Paris iconic Notre Dame, where the rector of the Mosque of Paris invoked a papal benediction in Latin, many churchgoers were cheered by the Muslims in their midst.

Interviewed outside the cathedral in Rouen, Jacqueline Prevot called it a magnificent gesture.

Look at this whole Muslim community that attended Mass, she said. I find this very heartwarming.

French television broadcast scenes of interfaith solidarity from all around France, with Muslim women in headscarves and Jewish men in kippot crowding the front rows of Catholic cathedrals in Lille, Calais or the Basilica of St. Denis, the traditional resting place of French royalty.

There were similar scenes in Italy, where the head of Italys Union of Islamic communities  Izzedin Elzir  called on his colleagues to take this historic moment to transform tragedy into a moment of dialogue. The secretary general of the countrys Islamic Confederation, Abdullah Cozzolino spoke at the Treasure of St. Gennaro chapel; three imams also attended Mass at the St. Maria Church in Romes Trastevere neighborhood, donning their traditional dress as they entered the sanctuary and sat down in the front row.

Ahmed El Balazi, the imam of the Vobarno mosque in Italys Lombard province of Brescia, said he did not fear repercussions for speaking out.

These people are tainting our religion and it is terrible to know that many people consider all Muslim terrorists. That is not the case, El Balazi said. Religion is one thing. Another is the behavior of Muslims who dont represent us.

Story continues

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni thanked Italian Muslims for their participation, saying they are showing their communities the way of courage against fundamentalism.

Among the parishioners in Rouen was a nun who survived Tuesdays siege in nearby Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray , which began when two 19-year-old attackers stormed a stone church and killed Hamel as he celebrated morning Mass. She joined her fellow Catholics in turning to shake hands or embrace the Muslim churchgoers after the service.

At Notre Dame cathedral in the French capital, Dalil Boubakeur, the rector of the Mosque of Paris, said repeatedly that Muslims want to live in peace. Boubakeur, in a fraternal nod to the Catholic Church, said he was addressing Urbi et Orbi  a Latin blessing long identified with the pope and meaning to the city and the world.

France and Italy are both increasing their supervision of mosques after the spate of jihadi attacks, including Tuesdays attack in France and the July 14 atrocity in Nice in which a Muslim truck driver plowed through a crowd of revelers, killing 84 people. Both attacks were claimed by the Islamic State group.

Italian Interior Minister Angelino Alfano told the Senate this week that authorities were scrutinizing mosque financing and working with the Islamic community to ensure that imams study in Italy, preach in Italian and are aware of Italys legal structuring.

The Paris prosecutors office, meanwhile, said a cousin of one of the two 19-year-olds who killed the priest faces preliminary charges of participating in a terrorist association with the aim of harming others.

The 30-year-old Frenchman, identified as Farid K., knew very well, if not of the exact place or time, of his cousins impending plans for violence, the office said in a statement.

In a related development, the prosecutors office said a man identified as Jean-Philippe Steven J. faces preliminary charges connected to an attempt to reach Syria last month with one of the two French priests killers.
Sunday, July 31, 2016

Earlier this week, Khizr Kahn, father of a U.S. soldier killed in Iraq in combat, offered a passionate speech at the Democratic National Convention. His son, Humayun Khan, a Muslim American, sacrificed his life to save the lives of soldiers under his command. His parents emphasized their patriotism and loyalty to America and attacked Donald Trump's hateful rhetoric directed toward all Muslims.

Khizr works as a legal consultant in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is married to Ghazala Kahn. Khizr was born in Pakistan. In 1980, the Khan family moved from the United Arab Emirates to Boston, Massachusetts so that Khizr could attend a masters in law program at Harvard. The family then moved to Maryland, where Humayun Khan attended high school.

Khizr Kahn's speech continues to reverberate nationally. Trump lashed out at Khan over his speech at the Democratic Convention, expressing doubt over whether he prepared his own remarks and firing off questions over his wife Ghazala's silence on stage. The Hill reports that Donald Trump is experiencing a backlash for attacking Khan. A spokeswoman for Speaker of the House Paul Ryan yesterday responded to Trump's comments, reaffirming the Speaker's distaste for Trump's rhetoric about Muslims. "The speaker has made clear many times that he rejects this idea, and himself has talked about how Muslim Americans have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country," AshLee Strong said in a statement to CBS News.

KJ

https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2016/07/the-legacy-of-a-fallen-immigrant-soldier-dominates-the-eearly-days-of-campaign-2016.html
NASA's Juno spacecraft is about to start heading toward Jupiter for the first time since its July 4 arrival at the giant planet.

At 3:41 p.m. EDT (1941 GMT) today (July 31), Juno will reach the farthest point in its 53-day orbit around Jupiter  a spot about 5 million miles (8 million kilometers) away from the solar system's largest planet, NASA officials said.

Then, Jupiter's powerful gravity will pull Juno back in, and the spacecraft will begin zooming toward an Aug. 27 close approach that will take it within just 2,600 miles (4,200 km) of the planet's cloud tops. [Photos: NASA's Juno Mission to Jupiter]

The Aug. 27 pass should return the first real scientific bounty of the mission, team members have said. (Juno's instruments were off on July 4, to reduce complications during that day's pivotal orbit-insertion burn, but they will be operating on Aug. 27.)

"We're in an excellent state of health, with the spacecraft and all the instruments fully checked out and ready for our first up-close look at Jupiter," Rick Nybakken, Juno project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, said in a statement.

Juno launched on Aug. 5, 2011, on a $1.1 billion mission to map out Jupiter's magnetic and gravitational fields, and determine the planet's interior structure and composition, among other goals. The spacecraft's observations should shed light on Jupiter's formation and evolution, which, in turn, should help researchers learn about how the solar system itself came together, team members have said.

After a looping deep-space journey that included a speed-boosting flyby of Earth in October 2013, the solar-powered Juno finally arrived at Jupiter on the night of July 4, settling into its initial orbit after a perfectly executed 35-minute-long engine burn.

Juno will conduct another 53-day orbit after the Aug. 27 close approach. Then, in October, the probe will perform one more engine burn to shift into a 14-day orbit.

Story continues

At that point, the probe's science mission will officially begin. Juno will loop around Jupiter more than 30 times, observing the gas giant with its suite of science instruments. The mission is scheduled to end in February 2018 with an intentional death dive into Jupiter's thick atmosphere.

"For five years, we've been focused on getting to Jupiter. Now we're there, and we're concentrating on beginning dozens of flybys of Jupiter to get the science we're after," Juno principal investigator Scott Bolton, of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, said in the same statement.

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.

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Copyright 2016 SPACE.com, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Jerusalem (AFP) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said his government was looking into support from European nations for groups engaged in what he described as anti-Israel activities, specifically mentioning France.

Speaking at the start of a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said an inquiry had "found support from European countries, including France, for several organisations that engage in incitement, call for a boycott of Israel and do not recognise the state of Israel's right to exist."

"We will complete the inquiry and submit the findings to the French government," Netanyahu said, without identifying any organisation.

Israeli officials have regularly condemned support by foreign governments for left-wing NGOs critical of the country's policies towards the Palestinians.

In mid-July, Israel's parliament adopted a law seen as targeting left-wing groups critical of the government by forcing NGOs that receive most of their funding from foreign states to declare it.

Netanyahu also appeared to make reference to France's announcement on Friday that it would consider a temporary ban on foreign financing of mosques following a series of jihadist attacks.

"We are also disturbed by such donations to organisations that deny the state of Israel's right to exist," he said.

Israel has been faced with a boycott movement over its nearly 50-year occupation of the West Bank.

Some, however, accuse the movement of anti-Semitism.

Violence since October 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.

Others were shot dead during clashes and protests, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip.

Many analysts say Palestinian frustration with Israeli occupation and settlement-building in the West Bank, the complete lack of progress in peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have fed the unrest.

Israel says incitement by Palestinian leaders and media is a leading cause of the violence.
By Ian Simpson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Flooding from torrential rain killed two people in Ellicott City, Maryland, with floodwaters that tore through the U.S. town's historic downtown collapsing a street and sweeping away cars. Ellicott City was pounded by almost 6 inches (15 cm) of rain in two hours late on Saturday, sending the Tiber, a tributary of the Patapsco River, out of its banks, officials said. Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman said the flooding in Ellicott City, about 35 miles (56 km) northeast of Washington, was worse than that from Hurricane Agnes in 1972. "I don't believe there's ever been a flood and the devastation that we've had overnight in Ellicott City," he said in an interview with Baltimore's WBAL NewsRadio. County spokesman Andy Barth said a man and a woman were killed. The woman's body was recovered from the river overnight. Barth said every business near the river on the town's historic Main Street had suffered major damage, including building fronts torn off and doors stripped away. Governor Larry Hogan declared a state of emergency, as did Kittleman. The declarations allow aid to be released more quickly for Ellicott City, which has a population of about 65,000. Firefighters rescued about 120 people and emergency workers were also dealing with a water main break, Howard County said in a statement. On a video posted online, men formed a human chain to get a woman trapped by raging waters out of her car. Television footage showed a downtown street collapsed, power poles down, mud-covered roads and cars tossed on one another. The heavy rain was part of a system of thunderstorms that moved through the region. (Reporting by Ian Simpson in Washington and Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Adrian Croft and Marguerita Choy)
Oof, you may want to read this before spending the weekend on a Netflix binge

Oof, you may want to read this before spending the weekend on a Netflix binge

Well, there go my plans to spend the weekend binge-watching Netflix. (Im terribly behind on Orange Is The New Black, guys, its super embarrassing.) According to a new study, people who watch television for five or more hours a day have more than twice the risk of dying of a blood clot in the lung than those who watch less TV.

binge

The study, conducted in Japan, was co-authored by Dr. Hiroyasu Iso, professor of public health at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine. He had long suspected that his countrymens increased sedentary lifestyle was harmful to their health.

We were surprised about the strength of the effect of television watching compared with the effects of advancing age, history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, or body mass index in this study, Iso told Reuters Health by email. We speculated that leg immobility during television watching had increased their risk of fatal pulmonary embolism.

Dr. Iso suspected prolonged television viewing was bad for our health way before the invention of Netflix or binge watching. Between 1988 and 1990, Iso and his colleagues asked over 85,000 adults 40 to 79 years old in Japan how many hours they spent watching television, then followed the participants for the next 19 years watching for deaths from pulmonary embolism. They also collected information on obesity, diabetes, cigarette smoking, and high blood pressure, and tried to rule these factors out in the relationship between TV and blood clots.

Though only 59 of the participants died of pulmonary embolism, when those participants are compared to the participants who watched two and a half hours of TV or less per day, those who watched five or more hours were 2.5 times as likely to die of a clot. Thats a startling increase in likelihood! Is watching every episode of Stranger Things in a row really worth it? (Maybe? I mean, I really love Barb.)

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Dr. Isho and his team then calculated that among people who watched less than two and a half hours of TV, the rate of deaths from pulmonary embolism were 2.8 per 100,000 people per year, compared to a rate of 8.2 deaths per 100,000 per year for those who watched five or more hours daily. Thats quite the difference.

In other words, risk of death by pulmonary embolism increased by 40% for each additional two hours of daily TV watching!!!

Dr. Christopher Karhel, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Harvard Medical School, said this when he learned of the study:

Time spent watching TV is a pretty reliable way to measure how much time people spend sedentary, or inactive. If being sedentary puts you at risk for pulmonary embolism, and I believe it does, then it likely also puts you at risk of death from pulmonary embolism, as this study showed.

In other words: we better get out there and start going for walks, especially when considering the fact that Americans are a great deal more sedentary than the Japanese. As Dr. Karhel warns:

The results do not seem to be country-specific. Being sedentary is bad for you wherever you live.

The post Oof, you may want to read this before spending the weekend on a Netflix binge appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Jerusalem (AFP) - A Palestinian armed with a knife charged at Israeli soldiers on the outskirts of the city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank on Sunday and was shot dead, the Israeli army said.

"An assailant armed with a knife exited his vehicle and charged (at) soldiers at the entrance to Nablus," a statement said.

"Forces thwarted the attempted stabbing attack and shot the assailant, resulting in his death."

An army spokeswoman specified that the assailant was a Palestinian. No injuries among the soldiers were reported.

The Palestinian health ministry identified the person killed as Rami Awartani, 31.

A wave of such incidents began in October, part of violence since that time that has killed at least 219 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese.

Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities.

Others were shot dead during protests and clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has faced accusations of excessive force in some cases, allegations it denies.
Pippa Middleton has conquered the Matterhorn.



The younger sister of Princess Kate reached the summit of the Matterhorn in Switzerland with her brother, James, her partner scaling Mont Blanc in 2008.



The climb was in-character for the adventure-seeker, but it also came with a greater purpose in mind.



Pippa, who became engaged to financier James Matthews earlier this month, did the climb to raise money for the Michael Matthews Foundation in honor of her fiance's brother who died while scaling Mount Everest in 1999. He was 22 and was the youngest Briton ever to have scaled the peak at the time.







"It was humbling to have been able to climb one of the world's most beautiful mountains and raise money for a charity created in memory of an extraordinary young man who lost his life on another peak," Pippa said. "Although I have raised money in the past for the Michael Matthews Foundation, it has now become even more important to me and my family."





Pippa Middleton Climbs the Matterhorn to Honor Her Fiance's Brother Who Died on Mount Everest| The British Royals, The Royals, James Middleton, Pippa Middleton

She added, "Although neither I nor my brother ever met Michael, we both share his spirit and passion for the mountains. We made this climb knowing he would have been there nudging us on, and we are honored to be supporting his memory."



The Michael Matthews Foundation was established by his family and friends following his death and builds schools in remote areas around the world, including Thailand, Nepal and Tanzania.



Although her fiance did not join the ascent, the 32-year-old bride-to-be said he fully backed the endeavor.



"It would have been good if James Matthews had been here to share the experience, something I know he would have loved to have done," she said. "Mountain climbing, though, has disturbing memories and understandably James kept his feet firmly on the ground, whilst giving us his complete support."



 Want to keep up with the latest royals coverage? Click here to subscribe to the Royals Newsletter.



The Middleton siblings arrived in Zermatt a few days before the climb in order to prepare and acclimate. On Thursday they climbed a nearby mountain with their guides as a practice. Both Pippa and James found this climb very difficult and, looking back, more difficult than the Matterhorn itself.





Related Video: 'One of the Hardest Things Iave Done!' Exhausted Pippa Middleton Crosses the Finish Line After 47-Mile Swedish Swim-Run





They woke up 4 a.m. to attempt the last leg of their journey on Saturday morning and reached the summit around 7:30 a.m.



"This morning's climb has taken us a little further from our comfort zone, with lactic acid building in our thighs, a light head from the altitude and a dry mouth resulting from a combination of fear, adrenalin and dehydration," Pippa said. "For all that, though, my brother and I have loved it. Not only do we have the same ethos but we look after each other, each of us pulling our weight and working well as a team."
(Reuters file photo)



Prime Minster Lee Hsien Loong says he is saddened to learn about the former presidents grave condition.

Singapores prime minister is in the US on an official visit from 31 July to 5 August at the invitation of US President Barack Obama. In a Facebook post on Sunday night, Lee said he has been in touch with Nathans family.

Former president S R Nathan suffered a stroke on Sunday (31 July) morning.



He is currently in critical condition and is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a statement on the Prime Ministers Office website said.



Current President Tony Tan Keng Yam, who visited Nathan in hospital, said on his Facebook page: Mary (Tans wife) and I area sad to hear about former President Nathans hospitalisation this morning. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family.

Our thoughts and prayers, including those of PM Lee and Mrs Lee who are currently in the US, are with Mr Nathan, Mrs Nathan and the family, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Facebook. Teo also visited Nathan in hospital on Saturday afternoon.



Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin also posted on his Facebook page, saying: Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr SR Nathan and his family.



The 92-year-old Nathan served for 12 years as Singapores president, from 1999 to 2011. He also suffered a stroke in April 2015.
Brzegi (Poland) (AFP) - Saints dropping disco moves and nuns belting their hearts out rocked the final night of a Catholic youth extravaganza headlined by Pope Francis in Poland on Saturday.

A grinning Francis was cheered on by over one million pilgrims from around the world as he arrived and walked through a special Holy Door with six youngsters he then insisted hitch a lift with him in his pope-mobile.

He used his prayer to urge "dull kids" to swap their sofas and video games for walking boots so life does not pass them by, and got everyone to hold hands, forming a human chain across the vast plain near Krakow.

Youngsters got up and danced as Italy's famous singing nun Sister Cristina rocked a hymn and performers acted out a scene in which Poland's Saint Faustina feels her calling during a night out dancing.

"We came from the other side of the world to hear the pope's message," said Christina Criseina, 30, from Puerto Rico, who said she took four flights to get to the World Youth Day celebrations.

Security was heavy following a series of jihadist attacks in Europe and snipers could be seen near the altar while helicopters flew overhead. Organisers put the number of people attending the gathering at around 1.6 million.

From above, the grasslands resembled a multi-coloured mosaic, with thousands of flags fluttering in the breeze.

"Participating in World Youth Day is like an addiction. I went to the last ones in Rio and Madrid. It's extraordinary," said 23-year-old Colombian Alejandro Giron.

He said he knew someone who had worked as a street vendor selling empanadas (stuffed pastries) at night in order to raise the money for the trip to Poland.

As the sun set, families sitting in front of their tents listened to the stories of three pilgrims from Syria, Paraguay and Poland before candles were lit and held aloft, forming a carpet of light as far as the eye could see.

Francis, 79, said being constantly glued to screens -- where wars and violence around the world become just another story on the evening news -- numbed youngsters to the suffering of others.

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"Our response to a world at war has a name: fraternity," he said, urging the youngsters of today to fight xenophobia and "teach us how to... experience multiculturalism not as a threat, but an opportunity".

"We're here to tell the world that Iraqi Christians aren't all dead," said pilgrim Mirna, 17, referring to the plight of Christians living in areas of Iraq threatened by the Islamic State group.

"We're alive and the Poles have made us feel very welcome," she said.

Brazilian Bishop Pedro Luiz Stringhini told AFP "Francis's WYD message, of war and peace, is for everyone".
Aboard the papal plane (AFP) - Pope Francis said Sunday that Islam could not be equated with terrorism and warned Europe was pushing its young into the hands of extremists.

"It's not true and it's not correct (to say) Islam is terrorism," he told journalists aboard the papal plane during the return journey from a trip to Poland.

"I don't think it is right to equate Islam with violence".

Francis defended his decision not to name Islam when condemning the brutal jihadist murder of a Catholic priest in France in the latest of a string of recent attacks in Europe claimed by the Islamic State (IS) group.

"In almost every religion there is always a small group of fundamentalists. We have them too."

"If I have to talk about Islamic violence I have to talk about Christian violence. Every day in the newspapers I see violence in Italy, someone kills his girlfriend, another kills his mother-in-law, and these are baptised Catholics."

The pontiff was speaking after Muslims attended Catholic mass in churches around France on Sunday in solidarity and sorrow following the murder of the priest, whose throat was slit at the altar of his church.

In an echo of remarks made during his five-day trip to Poland for a Catholic youth festival, Francis said religion was not the driving force behind the violence.

"You can kill with the tongue as well as the knife," he said, in an apparent reference to a rise in populist parties fuelling racism and xenophobia.

He said Europe should look closer to home, saying "terrorism... grows where the God of money is put first" and "where there are no other options".

"How many of our European young have we left empty of ideals, with no work, so they turn to drugs, to alcohol, and sign up with fundamentalist groups?" he asked.
By Philip Pullella ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (Reuters) - Pope Francis said on Sunday that he will wait until Australian justice takes its course before taking a position on Cardinal George Pell, who is under investigation in his homeland over sexual abuse allegations. But the pope, speaking to reporters aboard the plane returning to Rome form Poland, said Pell, now the Vatican's powerful economy minister, should not undergo a trial by the media or by rumor. 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. "It's in the hands of the justice system and one cannot judge before the justice system," the pope said in answer to a question. "Justice has to take its course ...and justice by the media or justice by rumor does not help. After the justice system speaks, I will speak," he said. He said Pell had a right to the benefit of the doubt like all those accused. Victims groups have called on the pope to sack Pell, the highest-ranking Vatican official to be accused of sexual abuse, or for him to resign. Pell is seen as a test case for the pope because he has vowed zero tolerance for sexual abuse in the Church has said he would sack bishops found guilty of committing abuse or covering it up. Ashton confirmed 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. The public prosecutor declined to comment to Reuters on Thursday. 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 on 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 counseling of priests to solve the problem. (Additional reporting by Jane Wardell, Tom Westbrook and Byron Kaye in Sydney; Editing by Dan Grebler)
By Philip Pullella ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (Reuters) - Pope Francis said on Sunday that it was wrong to identify Islam with violence and that social injustice and idolatry of money were among the prime causes of terrorism. "I think it is not right to identity Islam with violence," he told reporters aboard the plane taking him back to Rome after a five-day trip to Poland. "This is not right and this is not true." Francis was responding to a question about the killing on July 26 of an 85-year-old Roman Catholic priest by knife-wielding attackers who burst into a church service in western France, forced the priest to his knees and slit his throat. The attack was claimed by Islamic State. "I think that in nearly all religions there is a always a small fundamentalist group," he said, adding "We have them," referring to Catholicism. "I don't like to talk about Islamic violence because every day when I look at the papers I see violence here in Italy - someone killing his girlfriend, someone killing his mother-in-law. These are baptized Catholics," he said. "If I speak of Islamic violence, I have to speak of Catholic violence. Not all Muslims are violent," he said. He said there were various causes of terrorism. "I know it dangerous to say this but terrorism grows when there is no other option and when money is made a god and it, instead of the person, is put at the center of the world economy," he said. "That is the first form of terrorism. That is a basic terrorism against all humanity. Let's talk about that," he said. When he started the trip on Wednesday, Francis said the killing of the priest and a string of string of other attacks were proof the "world is at war" but that it was not caused by religion. He told reporters on the plane that lack of economic opportunities for young people in Europe was also to blame for terrorism. "I ask myself how many young people that we Europeans have left devoid of ideals, who do not have work. Then they turn to drugs and alcohol or enlist in ISIS," he said, referring to the group also known as Islamic State. (Reporting By Philip Pullella; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
Aug 1 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories in the Financial Times. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

Headlines

* O'Neill threatens to quit Treasury over May's China stance. (http://bit.ly/2aUqBJV)

* Uber to pour $500 mln into global mapping project. (http://bit.ly/2aa2s4R)

* Goldman Sachs faces further questions from MPs. (http://bit.ly/2aa2oCo)

Overview

* High-profile British Treasury Minister Jim O'Neill, a former Goldman Sachs chief economist, could quit his post over Prime Minister Theresa May's new approach to Chinese investment, the Financial Times reported, citing a friend of O'Neill.

* Ride-hailing service Uber will invest $500 million in an ambitious global mapping project to wean itself off dependence on Google Maps and pave the way for driverless cars, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.

* U.S. bank Goldman Sachs was asked to provide details of any paid work it has done for Tina Green, the wife of retail tycoon Philip Green, as British Members of Parliament continue to evaluate the banks involvement in Green's decision to sell BHS for 1 pound.

(Compiled by Parikshit Mishra in Bengaluru)
Vladimir Putin

Donald Trump repeated his suggestion this week that the US should partner with Russia to fight the terrorist group ISIS, but experts say there are problems with this proposal.

"There's nothing I can think of that I'd rather do than have Russia friendly as opposed to the way they are right now so that we can go and knock out ISIS together with other people and with other countries," Trump said at a press conference on Wednesday.

"Wouldn't it be nice if we actually got along with people? Wouldn't it be nice if we actually got along, as an example, with Russia? I'm all for it. And let's go get ISIS."

It wasn't the first time Trump had suggested using Russia to help take out ISIS (also known as the Islamic State, ISIL, or Daesh). He's also been often criticized for his perceived praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who isn't commonly thought to be a friend of the US.

And it's not just Trump. The US and Russia are preparing to announce a military cooperation plan, known as the Joint Implementation Group. The effort was spearheaded by Secretary of State John Kerry and will see the US sharing military intelligence with Russia to target terrorist groups in Syria.

But experts say that relying too much on a military solution to terrorism won't solve the problem in the long run.

"The Islamic State is not only a military problem and it is not essentially a military problem. It's a political problem," Robert Ford, a senior fellow with the Middle East Institute and US ambassador to Syria between 2010 and 2014, told Business Insider.

He explained: "It came out of anger and frustration and chauvinism within Sunni Arab communities from Lebanon to Iraq that feel besieged and aggrieved. Partnering with Russia militarily might help cede territory from the Islamic State, but it won't deal with the underlying grievances. It'll turn [ISIS] into an insurgency instead."

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And already Russia hasn't been reliable on the battlefield against ISIS. Analysts have noted that for months, most Russian airstrikes in Syria targeted moderate rebels that oppose the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

"In the fall of 2015, Russia intervened militarily in Syria on the pretext of fighting ISIS terrorism," Fred Hof, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and a former special adviser for transition in Syria under then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, told Business Insider via email.

"Instead it has focused militarily on Syrian rebel units opposed to both Assad and ISIS, even hitting units equipped by the US to fight the latter. Secretary of State John Kerry is desperately trying to persuade Russia to align its actions with its words."

Another concern is Russia's alliance with the Assad regime. If the US were to fully embrace Russia, it could send a message to Syrians that we're not serious about ousting Assad, a brutal ruler whose forces have been known to massacre civilians.

ISIS uses Assad's violence to recruit people  the Sunni terror group markets itself as a protector of Sunnis, who are often targets of the Assad regime.

"When the Americans say they're trying to find a way to get Assad to step aside, that at least undercuts some of the ISIS narrative," Ford said. "But when you team up with the Russians, that makes the Islamic State narrative look more plausible. It would show Syrians that we don't really care about their suffering.  It would just show that the Americans lack credibility when they say they are unhappy with the shelling of civilians."

The Assad regime could also interpret a US embrace of Russia as a tacit message that the US is OK with him remaining in power.

"That may be not what the Americans' message is intended to be, but that's how it will be understood," Ford said.

Still, Trump may be right to say he wants to mitigate tensions between the US and Russia.

"I think all Americans in general would like to have a relationship that's not confrontational with Russia," Ford said. "No one wants World War III."

Hof made a similar point, noting that President Barack Obama made it a priority to establish friendlier relations with Russia when he took office in 2009.

But Ford said "the real question is how do you deter the Russians from plunging into little adventures, probes that end up going very bad," like the seizure of the Crimean peninsula in Ukraine.

"I think that there are a lot of questions right now about American deterrent capabilities," Ford said. "When you then engage in these kind of questionable efforts to cooperate with the Russians, who have different strategic objectives in Syria, it calls into question your credibility, your willingness to be tough. And there's a cost to failure."

NOW WATCH: IAN BREMMER: Here's why Putin is rooting for a Trump presidency





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The new Harry Potter book is finally here!



When Potter scribe J.K. Rowling revealed that she was working on a play (alongside playwright Jack Thorne and John Tiffany) set 19 years after the book series ended, fans were immediately concerned that not everyone would get the opportunity to attend and see what their favorite characters were up to.



But Rowling, being the ever-generous author that she is, quickly quelled all fears when she announced the script book would be released on July 31. And although Rowling tried to keep spoilers at bay with the #KeepTheSecrets movement, details of the plot have been online ever since early June when the play first went into previews in London.



We round up four of the most shocking spoilers from the play below!









1. Albus Severus is sorted into ... Slytheryn?!



Yup, that's right  there's a Potter in Slytheryn! The fate of Harry's second son is finally revealed 9 years after the epilogue scene in Deathly Hallows left fans wondering where exactly he would land once he got to Hogwarts.



And once he's a Slytheryn, Albus quickly makes unlikely friends with none other than Scorpius Malfoy  Draco's son. The two introverted boys bond over the pressures of living up to their family legacies and the rumor that Voldemort might actually be Scorpius's real father.



2. Hermione is the Minister of Magic!

This one is just cool! Our favorite witch is revealed to be the future Minister of Magic  and Harry's boss.



It really only makes sense that the smartest witch of her age goes on to oversee the wizarding world. Before Cursed Child, we only knew that Hermione was working in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, but this is certainly a cool promotion!



The implications of a Muggle-born holding the highest recognized office also gives us a glimpse at the state of the future wizarding world, almost 20 years after Voldemort was defeated.



3. Not all the Time Turners were destroyed in the Order of the Phoenix battle at the Ministry

When former Slytheryn student Thedore Nott is arrested, an illegal Time Turner is found in his possession. As you can imagine, this leads to lot of time traveling misadventures.



In fact, the bulk of the plot deals with Albus and Scorpius using the Time Turner several times and then having to deal with the consequences.





RELATED VIDEO: Fans Are Going Bananas Over the New J.K. Rowling Stories!



The boys first go back in time at Amos Diggory's request that they save his son Cedric from being killed the night of the final Triwizard Tournament task. When the boys do so, it changes the course of history and creates a world in which Ron and Hermione never got married.



The plot goes on from there, with Albus and Scorpius struggling to fix their mistakes.



4. Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange have a daughter named Delphi

First introduced into the story claiming to be Amos Diggory's niece, Delphi is actually Voldemort and Bellatrix's secret daughter who is deceiving Albus to try and bring her father back from the dead and have him rise to power once again.



Delphi plays a major role in the play as the main antagonist to Albus and Scorpius, although the former might fall for the older witch.



And thanks to Delphi and some crazy Time Turner action, the climax of the play finds the boys and their parents back where the original story began  in Godric's Hollow as Voldemort is about to murder James and Lily and attempt to kill the Boy Who Lived.



You'll have to actually read the book to see how that plays out!
By Suleiman Al-Khalidi BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian rebel fighters launched on Sunday a major assault on government-held southwestern parts of Aleppo in the first major drive to regain ground after major losses last week when the army and its allies tightened its siege of opposition-held parts of the northern city. A rebel military command center that includes the newly formed group Islamist Jabhat Fatah al Sham, the former al-Qaeda linked Nusra Front and Ahrar al Sham said they had taken over army positions in the southwestern government-held parts of the city in the first few hours of launching the battle to break the siege imposed on rebel-held areas. The Syrian army confirmed on state media that rebels had waged an offensive but said its fighters pushed back insurgents from an airforce artillery base and denied insurgents had captured the Hikma school. A quarter of a million civilians still live in Aleppo's opposition-controlled eastern neighborhoods, effectively under siege since the army aided by Iranian backed militias cut off the last road into rebel districts in early July. The army, backed by allied militia forces and air strikes from Syrian and Russian jets, had taken last week significant ground on the northern edge of the city, around the Castello road which leads out of Aleppo and north toward Turkey. The army and pro-government forced took full control of the Bani Zeid district, on the southern side of the Castello road and was amassing troops to make new inroads into the rebel-held areas. The U.K. Observatory for Human Rights said the assault was by far the biggest military campaign waged by the insurgents against government forces assisted by foreign mainly Iranian-backed militias in Aleppo since the escalation in fighting in recent months. The monitor which tracks violence across Syria said the airforce intensified their bombing of rebel positions in Hay al Rashdein, Bustan al Qasr and other quarters in the city. Jets also bombed rebel-held Khan Touman in the southern countryside of 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. Seizing control would be the biggest victory for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in five years of fighting, and demonstrate the dramatic shift of fortunes in his favor since Moscow joined the war on his side last year. Assad's government and its Russian allies declared a joint humanitarian operation for the besieged area on Thursday, bombarding it with leaflets telling fighters to surrender and civilians to leave. But the United Nations has raised misgivings about the plan and U.S. officials have suggested it may be an attempt to depopulate the city - the most important opposition stronghold in the country - so that the army can seize it. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
SAN DIEGO -- Cincinnati Reds right-hander Homer Bailey has waited a long time for Sunday's rubber match of a three-game series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.

"Rehab is not easy. I wouldn't wish it on anyone," Bailey said recently.

Sunday will be Bailey's third start since August 2014. During the past 23 months, he has had two rounds of surgery on his right elbow, including Tommy John reconstruction surgery on May 8, 2015. He earlier had surgery on Sept. 15, 2014, to repair a torn flexor tendon.

"We are certainly happy to see Homer returning," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He's a quality, veteran presence who is going to add stability to a young rotation."

Bailey opened the year on the 60-day disabled list. After two rehab appearances in April, he was again shut down and didn't resume pitching until June 27 when he made the first of six straight rehab starts for Triple-A Louisville (1-2, 5.75 ERA).

He was activated from the 60-day disabled list Friday.

Bailey will be matched against Paul Clemens on Sunday. Clemens was claimed off waivers by the Padres from the Miami Marlins on June 28.

He has since made five appearances for the Padres, including one spot start at St. Louis in the second game of a doubleheader on July 20. He allowed three runs, four hits and two walks with five strikeouts in five innings.

Clemens was moved into the rotation Friday when the Padres traded starting pitchers Andrew Cashner and Colin Rea to the Marlins.

"I like his stuff," Padres manager Andy Green said recently of Clemens, who spent most of this season with the Marlins' Triple-A New Orleans affiliate.

"I like his curve. I think it plays at the major league level. He just needs to find some consistency and gain some confidence. Sometimes, all a player or a pitcher needs is a change of scenery. That might be the case with Paul."

Clemens is a 29-year-old right-hander who was originally a seventh-round pick of the Atlanta Braves in the 2008 draft. He is 6 feet 3 and 215 pounds.

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"This is a great opportunity for Paul and other members of the rotation," Green said.

Meanwhile, the Padres were flying outfielder Jabari Blash in from Triple-A El Paso (the Chihuahuas were actually in Las Vegas) to take Kemp's place on a depleted roster. Even before Kemp was traded to Atlanta during Saturday night's game, the Padres were down two position players.

Because of the inexperienced rotation, the Padres are carrying an eight-man bullpen to cover the extra innings created by shorter outing from the starters. And with the loss of Kemp and the unavailability of outfielder Alex Dickerson (right hip contusion) for a few days, the Padres were down to two healthy reserves.

They were forced to start first baseman Wil Myers in right and infielder Alexi Amarista in left. Blash is scheduled to start in right field on Sunday afternoon against Bailey.

"Naturally, I'm excited," Bailey said. "It's not like another start every fifth day. This is the start of another stage of my career."
Harry Reid

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid blasted Republican leaders for failing to revoke their endorsements of Donald Trump after the GOP nominee criticized the pair of Gold Star parents who slammed him at the Democratic National Convention.

Senator McConnell and Speaker Ryan approvingly spoke at Donald Trumps convention, endorsed Donald Trump for president and believe he is mentally fit to sit in the Oval Office, Reid said.

The Nevada Democrat added: Occasional statements that do nothing to repudiate Donald Trumps words and actions are spineless. Anything short of revoking their endorsements is cowardice.

Both Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan released statements Sunday expressing disapproval of Trumps remarks on the Khan family, but they stopped short of withdrawing their endorsements.

This shouldnt be hard, Reid said. Donald Trump is a sexist and racist man who insults Gold Star parents, stokes fear of Muslims and sows hatred of Latinos. He should not be president and Republican leaders have a moral responsibility to say so.

Trump suggested Sunday morning that he could not understand why he was earning scorn for questioning the Khan family.

I was viciously attacked by Mr. Khan at the Democratic Convention. Am I not allowed to respond? the Republican nominee for president asked in a tweet.

Khizr and wife Ghazala Khan offered a powerful rebuke to Trump on the final night of the DNC. In an eight-minute speech, delivered by Khizr, the family questioned whether the New York businessman had ever read the US Constitution or sacrificed anything for his country.

Trump hit back on Saturday, suggesting Ghazala was not permitted to speak because of her Muslim religion. The billionaire further argued that he had indeed sacrificed for his country, saying he created jobs.

Trumps remarks were immediately condemned and the billionaire eventually began walking them back. In a Saturday night statement, he called the Khans son a hero to our country and tried to shift the issue to the real problem which he argued was the radical Islamic terrorists who killed him.

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Khizr Khan said Sunday that Trump's questions about his wife represent the "height of ignorance."

Ghazala Khan also wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post saying she didnt speak at the DNC because she finds it too painful to think about her son.

Without saying a thing, all the world, all America, felt my pain, she wrote.

NOW WATCH: Watch the RNC audience boo Ted Cruz for not endorsing Trump





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In the digital age, copying someone else's words is easy, but getting caught copying is even easier.

When Melania Trump recently spoke at the Republican convention, she used some of the same words that Michelle Obama had used at the Democratic convention in 2008.

Within hours, news spread around the world with the claim that Melania Trump had plagiarized Michelle Obama's speech.

One of Trumps aides said she unintentionally included sentences from Michelle Obamas speech. But students and teachers at universities in the U.S. and elsewhere were shocked. They learn from their early years in school that copying another writer's words is wrong.

What is plagiarism?

The word "plagiarism" comes from the Latin word plagiarius. It means "kidnapper, seducer, plunderer, one who kidnaps the child or slave of another, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary.

We now use the word "plagiarist" to describe someone who steals another person's written work. That person could also be called a "literary thief."

Why is plagiarism a serious problem?

Virginia Unkefer is Manager of Academic Writing Services at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.

Unkefer says that when students first come to the university, they do not realize how serious the problem is.

"I think they don't realize how serious an offense it is. And until they're made aware that that offense is as serious as it is, they don't take it seriously at all."

She teaches new students the Latin root of the word plagiarism to tell them how serious it is.

"It means kidnapping. It's our own worst fear, to have that thing that we created stolen from us, and it's the same as our words. That thing that we created is essential to who we are, and when other people steal our words, it is as serious as if you were to steal someone's child."

Academics are especially aware of the nature of plagiarism, Unkefer says, because their work is essentially the creation of ideas and putting them into words.

"Maybe outside the university, where your currency is not your idea, maybe it seems silly to care about this so much. But inside the university where your ideas are who you are, we absolutely must protect them. That's why plagiarism is such a serious offense."

Consequences of plagiarism

American and Western European universities have strict rules about writing original work. These rules are often called honor codes.

At Stanford University, the definition of plagiarism shows that it includes more than just words.

Stanford's honor code says plagiarism is "the use, without giving reasonable and appropriate credit to or acknowledging the author or source of another person's original work, whether such work is made up of code, formulas, ideas, language, research, strategies, writing or other form(s)."

Harvard University's plagiarism policy tells students to give credit to the sources of ideas or information they get from discussions with professors and fellow students.

Harvard even warns students about copying themselves. That is, they cannot hand in the same work for more than one course without the permission of their instructors.

One of the possible punishments for plagiarism at U.S. universities is dismissal from the school. Students may fail a course or be given a letter of censure that stays on their school record.

Professors or researchers who plagiarize may damage or end their careers. At one university where Virginia Unkefer worked, a professor sent in a proposal for funding. The agency that gave out money found there was plagiarism in the proposal. As punishment, the professor could not apply for a grant for five years.

"It's incredibly serious, so I've seen a couple of people - their careers - ruined by it. This is why I don't ever want any student to try to do it, because it just becomes terribly serious further and further in your career."

Why do students copy?

The Honor Council of Georgetown University refers to some students who say they are showing respect by using another writer's words.

The students claim that previous teachers did not require that they cite the work of others when they wrote papers.

These comments show that in some cultures, copying written work may sometimes be accepted. But copying the words of another writer (without saying who wrote them) is not accepted in Western academic writing. Students must learn the rules of the universities they attend.

Unkefer agrees, based on her experience with writers in international universities.

"I think it is a culturally bound concept. The university systems in the United States and in Western Europe very much value originality and authenticity, and over the years have developed very stringent polices and attitudes about plagiarism.

She says it is important, to get people to understand how much we value originality, and making sure that we attribute sources."

Another cause of plagiarism is the stress students feel at having to produce written work on a deadline. Unkefer was working with a group of students who were caught plagiarizing. The assignment was difficult, so they copied work in order to finish it.

"I showed each student the report that we got back from the plagiarism detection software and I showed them what the problem was, and how they could remedy each problem. But once they figured out that, 'oh, you can find my plagiarism?' then they realized they couldn't get away with it."

The students did not get into trouble because it was not the final version of the paper. They rewrote the papers before the final draft. It saved them from possibly being expelled from the university.

Plagiarism is easy to find

Before the digital age we live in, plagiarizing was harder. You had to write out the words you copied. But now anything can be copied and pasted. In the past, teachers would have to work hard to prove that work was copied.

"But nowadays, all you have to do is run a paper though a plagiarism detection software, and you can find it like that..." (snap)

The plagiarism checking software programs used by many students and universities include Turnitin, Grammarly, Duplichecker, and iThenticate.

Unkefer confirms, "Nobody is going to get away with it."

How can students avoid plagiarizing?

The first thing students need to do is cite every source of information used in a piece of writing.

The second step is to use the plagiarism checking software. If they worked on a paper with other students, using the software is one way to make sure the other writers did not plagiarize.

What if your writing does not pass the test of the checker? It is possible you did not go through the process of putting what you heard or read into your own words.

Process writing means working on a draft and having someone read it and give feedback. That guides another draft. A good writer makes several drafts and gets more than one person to read an important paper. Unkefer admits that it takes more time than students like to spend on writing.

"It's a slow, slow process. There's no quick way to do it. Writing takes time.  There's no shortcut to good writing. It just takes a lot of time.

Im Jill Robbins.

Dr. Jill Robbins wrote this story for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

Now its your turn. Do the schools where you live teach students how to avoid plagiarism? Write to us in the Comments section about your experiences with plagiarism.

_________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

plagiarize - v. to use the words or ideas of another person as if they were your own words or ideas

unintentional - adj. not done in a way that is planned or intended

detect - v. to discover or notice the presence of (something that is hidden or hard to see, hear, taste, etc.)

currency - n. something that is used as money

attribute - v. to say that words or ideas were created by someone else

censure - n. official strong criticism

cite - v. to quote; to write or say the words of a book, or author

stringent - adj. very strict or severe

shortcut - n. a quicker or easier way to do something

______________________________________________________________

University guidance on avoiding plagiarism:

Georgetown University: https://honorcouncil.georgetown.edu/whatisplagiarism

Stanford University: https://communitystandards.stanford.edu/student-conduct-process/honor-code-and-fundamental-standard/additional-resources/what-plagiarism

Free Software to Detect Plagiarism:

Grammarly  checks for grammar, too

https://www.grammarly.com/

Ithenticate http://www.ithenticate.com/

Duplichecker http://www.duplichecker.com/
Residents of Ellicott City, Maryland, were forced to evacuate to higher ground after extreme flooding inundated the ground floor level of homes lining Main Street. One person died in the flood and two were missing, according to media reports.

Governor Larry Hogan declared an official State of Emergency for Howard County, Maryland, signing it into effect on July 31, to allow state funds to be released for relief efforts. More than six inches of rain fell on the town in a short period of time, causing the nearby Patapsco River to rise more than 13 feet, according to the Weather Channel. Credit: @w.d.to
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi military commanders should prevent militias with records of serious abuses from taking part in a planned offensive on the Islamic State-held city of Mosul, campaign group Human Rights Watch said on Sunday. The battle for Mosul, the ultra-hardline militants' de facto capital in Iraq and the largest city anywhere in their self-proclaimed caliphate, is expected later this year but plans have not been finalised, officials and diplomats in Baghdad say. Army, police and counter-terrorism forces are expected to participate, backed by air support from a U.S.-led coalition. The role of Kurdish peshmerga forces and Shi'ite Muslim militias from the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) is unresolved and remains a point of contention. They will likely join in the larger battle but may be restricted to the city's outskirts, the officials say. "Iraqi commanders shouldn't risk exposing Mosul civilians to serious harm by militias with a record of recent abuse," said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch, echoing the positions of many Western diplomats and aid workers who are mobilising humanitarian aid for the population. Shi'ite militias and peshmerga fighters have been key forces in Iraq's campaign to retake the third of the country seized by Islamic State in 2014 after army and police units collapsed, but they have also been accused of abuses against civilians, allegations they deny or dismiss as isolated cases. Their participation in the battle for Mosul, a predominately Sunni Arab city which also has diverse ethnic and sectarian communities, risks confrontation with the local population. Militia leaders say the security forces have not been rebuilt enough to retake the city by themselves in a battle that could see fierce street fighting. Mosul officials, displaced to other parts of the country, say alleged abuses in Falluja in May, alongside those in previous battles, vindicate their calls to keep the militias out of the northern city. Several militias faced allegations in Falluja from the provincial governor, which they denied, that they executed 49 Sunni men and detained more than 600 others. The authorities opened an investigation and made several arrests at the time. (Reporting By Stephen Kalin; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Human Rights Watch Sunday called for the prosecution of Afghan militias loyal to dreaded former warlord Abdul Rashid Dostum, accusing them of killings and looting during an anti-Taliban operation.

The Junbish militia last month killed at least 13 civilians and wounded 32 in the northern province of Faryab after accusing them of supporting the Taliban, the New York-based rights group said.

It was the latest allegation of human rights abuses facing the militia controlled by Dostum, Afghanistan's first vice president who has a catalogue of war crimes attached to his name.

"The killings in Faryab are the latest in a long record of atrocities by Dostum's militia forces," HRW said in a statement.

"The fact that these forces, and Vice-President Dostum himself, have never been held accountable, has undermined security in northern Afghanistan."

The fearsome Uzbek general has sought to defend his home territory by reactivating private militias to fight Taliban insurgents, who are making steady inroads into northern provinces.

"They were carrying guns like Kalashnikovs and shouting 'Youre Taliban!' and firing as people came out of their houses," said a Faryab villager quoted in the HRW statement, referring to a recent raid by Junbish militiamen.

It also cited residents as complaining that the militiamen forced them to hand over food and money.

The Afghan government is cultivating numerous militias with chequered pasts in the region as a short-term security fix to supplement ground troops suffering record casualties.

But the rise of these groups, a throwback to the devastating civil war in the 1990s that set the stage for a Taliban takeover, risks aggravating factionalism and pushing Afghanistan deeper into conflict.

Civilian casualties, at the hands of both insurgents and of pro-government forces, are a matter of growing concern in Afghanistan.

The UN said civilian casualties soared to a record high in the first half of 2016, with children in particular paying a heavy price for growing insecurity as the conflict escalates.

It reported a 47 percent increase in casualties inflicted by forces loyal to the Afghan government.
Shad Moss (a.k.a., Bow Wow) tweeting about his inability to relate to the civil rights issues due to his fathers mixed heritage is easily the dumbest thing Roland Martin has ever seen.

Martin went on Twitter to share his response to Bows controversial statements and he didnt mince words. These comments by Bow Wow @smoss about being mixed and not understanding civil rights is some of the dumbest ish Ive EVER seen in my life, he tweeted Thursday (July 28).

He also educated Bow on other bi-racial people  like President Obama  who arent disconnected from civil rights issues. Hey Bow Wow @smoss. I met you at the White House. Guess what? @POTUS is mixed. And he sure as hell knows about civil rights! Martin added.

These comments by Bow Wow @smoss about being mixed and not understanding civil rights is some of the dumbest ish Ive EVER seen in my life.  rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) July 28, 2016

Hey Bow Wow @smoss. You do know the federal civil rights of mixed race people can be violated? Bruh, you really need to be educated.  rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) July 28, 2016

Whille Obamas mixed heritage is more direct in that his mother was white and his father was black, Bows mixed roots come from his estranged father  who is apparently bi-racial.

Fly boy right here though dawg! #onlymugshotpics #homieswasaladykiller #illneverbelikehimthoughnoway #seeidontsaypopsordadjusthomie #forgaveyoubrojustcantrockwyoutho A photo posted by Bow wow (@shadmoss) on Jul 27, 2016 at 5:39pm PDT

Though Bow thanked Martin for the enlightening him, hes also retweeted a message implying that his comments shouldnt even matter  given all thats going on in the world.

Story continues

Everybody worried about Pokemon and what @smoss supposedly said. Yet, none of you care what North Korea said?? Wake up people.  Kimberly Dodson (@kim29461) July 30, 2016

Still, Bows potentially overblown words have him on the defense  specifically with the Internet at large, including Just Blaze who questioned why he chose to host BETs 106 & Park instead of a white and native american television hosting job.

I mean, I have African, Israeli Jew, Iraqi Jew, and Native American in my family. Mainstream America dont care. Im still black  Just Blaze (@JustBlaze) July 29, 2016

In response, the Ohio native basically told Blaze that everything is being blown out of proportion. I respect you dawg, he tweeted. Stop paying attn to the media blaze, adding of all folks you should know better bro.
Rose Byrne says she started her production company thanks to this female star

Rose Byrne says she started her production company thanks to this female star

Ah, Rose Byrne, we love thee for so many reasons. One of the biggest ones, of course, is that you are an A+ actress who co-founded a female-driven production company with four other lady filmmakers (aptly named The Dollhouse Pictures) ~and~ you are super-generous and collaborative when talking about your peers.

Byrne recently told The Daily Telegraph that The Dollhouse was inspired by another A+ actress and her lady-centric production company.

Reese is probably my biggest inspiration, Byrne stated.

Byrne is of course talking about Reese Witherspoon and her production company, Pacific Standard. And as far as inspiration goes, you cant do much better than that. Pacific Standard is the company that brought us the film adaptations of both Gone Girl (which got Academy Award nominations) and Wild (which Witherspoon got her own Academy Award nomination for).

When it comes to film production, Byrne is all about utilizing sisterhood.

We started to reach out to one another and say, Were stronger as a team than we are separately, so lets try to come up with a think tank where we can bandy ideas around, Byrne admits about the creation of her company. It was really about gearing roles towards women, and developing projects for and by women.

rose hug

Byrnes also not afraid to admit that its no easy feat jumping behind the camera and running your own production company.

Byrne is all in for the difficult learning process if it means she can make a dent in defeating Hollywood sexism.

[Theres] still a lot of progress to be made, Byrne said, with regard to womens roles in film. I still read most scripts and go, You know, Id really rather play the guy part.

Heres to Rose Byrne inspiring other women in Hollywood the way Reese Witherspoon inspired her and all the progress this powerful sisterhood creating.

The post Rose Byrne says she started her production company thanks to this female star appeared first on HelloGiggles.


Nabaz carefully poured red wine into a glass, then another glass. He set the bottle down and looked at the small group of people he had never met.

Then, he offered them his wine.

This was the first time that Nabaz himself had offered his homemade alcohol to others.

"I was a little anxious to see the reaction," he said later.

"Obviously this to me is a work of art, and all art depends on how people see it and evaluate it."

For Nabaz, the small gathering has special meaning. The wine tasting event was, in some ways, a triumph.

"I felt this was extending a hand of friendship, of offering something unique from Kurdistan, and offering something for the very first time by Iraqi Kurdistan to the outside world," he said.

Nabaz and modern Kurdish history

The Iran-Iraq War lasted from 1980 to 1988. During that period, some Kurdish militants in Iraq sided with Iran. Then-Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein ordered his forces to take steps to punish the Kurds.

In a seven-month offensive, between 50,000 to 100,000 Kurdish villagers died or disappeared.

Nabaz had studied civil engineering while in school. Yet he decided to leave engineering behind and fight against Saddam Hussein forces. He joined the Kurdish fighters in the mountains for eight years.

"It was the most meaningful period of my life," he said.

It was during the time in the mountains that Nabaz noticed Kurdistan's grape crops. Most of the grapes were used to make juice or raisins.

Nabaz loved wine, and decided to explore different ways to produce it. For the past six years, he has experimented with different grapes and different wine-making processes.

Now he has his own wine, which he calls "21 Rays". The name comes from the rays of light on the Kurdish flag -- and the strong sunlight that shines on the area.

Nabaz says wine lovers in London have praised his product. But in Kurdistan, "21 Rays" remains a secret. Stores do not sell his wine. The grape growers do not know that Nabaz uses their fruit for wine. Only Nabaz's close family know about his wine making.

Wine is sold in Kurdistan, but usually only in Christian neighborhoods.

Nabaz's family is Muslim. Observant Muslims do not make, sell, or drink wine. If members of Nabaz's extended family knew that he made wine, they would not approve.

Respect for Islam keeps Nabaz from selling his wine, but fear also plays a role in his decision.

"Daesh is only a few tens of kilometers away," Nabaz said. "One has to be discreet." Daesh is the local name for Islamic State fighters.

Nabaz plans to produce a few hundred bottles of wine after the upcoming harvest. He does not use machines; instead, his close family members take the grapes and crush them. For now, "21 Rays" will remain a secret in Kurdistan, known only to a few.

Im John Russell.

"Nabaz" is not the real name of the Kurdish man in this report. His name has been changed at his request. Sharon Behn wrote this story for VOANews.com. John Russell adapted her story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

evaluate  v. to judge the value or condition of (someone or something) in a careful and thoughtful way

unique  adj. used to say that something or someone is unlike anything or anyone else

grape  n. a green, dark red, or purplish-black berry that is used to make wine or is eaten as a fruit

role  n. a part that someone or something has in a particular activity or situation

triumph  n. a victory or success
Paris (AFP) - French advertising giant Publicis put the chairman of its Saatchi & Saatchi advertising agency on leave on Saturday, after he said the debate on gender bias in the industry was "all over".

Saatchi & Saatchi executive chairman Kevin Roberts told the Business Insider he did not think the lack of women in leadership roles "is a problem" in the advertising industry.

"It is for the gravity of these statements that Kevin Roberts has been asked to take a leave of absence from Publicis Groupe effective immediately," Publicis CEO Maurice Levy said.

"Promoting gender equality starts at the top and the Groupe will not tolerate anyone speaking for our organisation who does not value the importance of inclusion."

Roberts has been put on an immediate leave of absence and Publicis's supervisory board will now decide on his future, the French group said in a statement that was also sent to employees.

In the interview, published on Friday, Roberts said the "debate is all over" about gender diversity in the advertising industry.

"I'm just not worried about it because they (women) are very happy, they're very successful, and doing great work," he said.

"I can't talk about sexual discrimination because we've never had that problem, thank goodness."

Publicis is a multinational company based in Paris which employs some 80,000 people worldwide.
The Simpsons have once again mocked the campaign season. In a new Simpsons short, Homer is convinced to switch from Donald Trump to voting for Hillary Clinton.

When Marge tells Homer she can't make love to him until she picks a presidential candidate to vote for, Homer resorts to the "American way" and turns on the TV where a political commercial prompts the question, "It's 3 a.m. and the phone is ringing in the White House. Who do you want to answer that call?"

The short then shows The Situation Room ringing for Donald Trump, who is in bed reading a book called Great Speeches by Adolph Hiter. Trump puts the call on hold to tweet that he's glad he exiled Elizabeth Warren. He also tells his staff, "put my name on the Lincoln Memorial, make Chris Christie eat a worm just for laughs, disband NATO and make me some scrambled eggs in a gold plate."

By the time Trump has finished prepping his signature spray-tanned look (hair, injections and all), hours have passed and the Republican candidate is too late for handling the crisis.

Meanwhile when Hillary Clinton receives an emergency call in the middle of the night, Bill Clinton answers the phone call, only for the former president to realize the call is for his wife. Hillary takes the phone, telling Bill, "Yes from now on, it's always for me." The commercial ended on the statement, "Paid for by Americans Who Are Really Starting to Miss Obama."

After the commercial, Homer exclaims that he's voting for Trump, which angers Marge Simpson. Homer then proceeds to say "and that's how I became a Democrat."

Watch the funny short below, which also shows how a small dog is the secret behind Trump's signature hair.
A new clip posted by The Simpsons showrunner, Al Jean, has Marge and Homer Simpson deciding who to vote for in the upcoming presidential election.

Spoofing a previous campaign ad by Hillary Clinton, the video plays out both possible scenarios if the White House receives a call at 3 a.m. that proves to be detrimental to the United States homeland security.

First, President Bill Clinton answers and hands the phone over to the Madam President, his wife Hillary.

Also Read: Father of Slain Muslim Soldier Says Donald Trump 'Is a Black Soul'

The next scene plays out a Trump administration scenario, and the pivotal 3 a.m. call becomes a complete fiasco. First, Trump hangs up on the incoming urgent call from Situation Room because Im on Twitter.

Once he finally decides to head down to the ever important room, he takes way too long getting ready: getting a spray tan, topping his bald head off with a toupee thats depicted as a living dog, and attaching a pair of fake, tanned, bigger hands.

Looking closely, other shots animators took at Trumps character can be spotted (above), including his bedside reading, Great Speeches by A. Hitler, as well as a hunting portrait of what looks to be a dead leopard or cheetah (both face threats of extinction).

By the time hes done, its too late. Chinas attack on U.S. soil  as the scene imagines  is imminent. His big plan: to build a wall in the ocean to keep them out.

Also Read: 'Don't Think Twice' Star Gillian Jacobs Predicted Donald Trump's Candidacy (Video)

The faux television spot is paid for by Americans who are really starting to miss Obama.

This isnt the first time the long-running Fox animated series has weighed in on big issues. The Simpsons, known for its social and political commentary, has also taken on gun control, gay marriage and many more hot button topics over the years.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Father of Slain Muslim Soldier Says Donald Trump 'Is a Black Soul'

Story continues

Muslim Soldier's Parents Slam Donald Trump's Diss of DNC Speech: 'Shame on Him' (Video)

NFL Calls Trump Out-of-Bounds: We Never Wrote Him About Debates

Donald Trump Gets His Wish: Hillary Clinton Emails Hacked, Too
The Simpsons have once again mocked the campaign season. In a new Simpsons short, Homer Simpson is convinced to become a Democrat after having a disagreement with his wife Marge.

When Marge tells Homer she can't make love to him until he picks a presidential candidate to vote for, Homer resorts to the "American way" and turns on the TV, where a political commercial prompts the question, "It's 3 a.m. and the phone is ringing in the White House. Who do you want to answer that call?"

The short then shows The Situation Room ringing for Donald Trump, who is in bed reading a book called Great Speeches by Adolph Hitler. Trump puts the call on hold to tweet that he's glad he exiled Elizabeth Warren. He also tells his staff, "put my name on the Lincoln Memorial, make Chris Christie eat a worm just for laughs, disband NATO and make me some scrambled eggs in a gold plate."

Read More: Watch 'The Simpsons' Mock the 2016 Presidential Race

By the time Trump has finished prepping his signature spray-tanned look (hair, injections and all), hours have passed and the Republican candidate is too late for handling the crisis.

Meanwhile when Hillary Clinton receives an emergency call in the middle of the night, Bill Clinton answers the phone call, only for the former president to realize the call is for his wife. Hillary takes the phone, telling Bill, "Yes from now on, it's always for me." The commercial ended on the statement, "Paid for by Americans who are really starting to miss Obama."

After the commercial, Homer exclaims that he's voting for Trump, which angers Marge Simpson. Homer then proceeds to say "and that's how I became a Democrat."

Watch the funny short below, which also shows how a small dog is the secret behind Trump's signature hair.
When it comes to Jason Bourne, audiences accept no substitutes.

They want Matt Damon crushing bones and uncovering government conspiracies. No other tough guys will do. Its also likely that for Damon to agree to put his body through the car crashes, hand-to-hand fight sequences, and Parkour-heavy chase scenes that define the Bourne series, he will continue to demand that Paul Greengrass be orchestrating the on-screen mayhem from behind the camera.

Matt Damon is Jason Bourne, said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at ComScore. This is the role that transformed him from an indie film darling into a bona fide movie star.

That gives Damon a massive amount of clout when and if Universal decides to continue to be in the Bourne game. For Jason Bourne, the latest installment in the amnesiac spy saga, the studio shelled out a reported $26 million for the actors services. Given that the ass-kicking Bourne is a man of few words, that means that Damon received roughly $1 million for every line of dialogue .

But what choice did the studio have? Jason Bourne snaps a nearly decade-long hiatus, bringing Damon and Greengrass triumphantly back into the fold. Audiences were eager to welcome the returning duo; the reunion powered the sequel to a hefty $60 million domestic debut and a $50.1 million overseas launch, the best ever foreign opening for any film in the series.

After nine years of waiting, audiences were ready to find out what happens next, said Nick Carpou, Universals domestic distribution chief. Having the original cast and crew satisfied a lot of people.

The numbers certainly back Carpou up. According to studio surveys, Damons involvement was the second most frequently cited reason that people bought tickets to Jason Bourne. Those finding were mirrored by ComScores Post-Track survey of ticket-buyers, with 28% of respondents citing the actor in the lead role as their motivation for seeing the sequel. Usually, the percentage of people who say the star compelled them to see the movie is in the single digits.

Story continues

It shows the star power of Matt Damon, said Jeff Bock, an analyst with Exhibitor Relations. He is one of the few actors you can say with confidence is on the A-list. Put his face on a poster and people show up. Thats rare.

For awhile though, it looked like Damon and Greengrass were done with the series. Both men believed that the story of Bourne, a man whose memory is wiped clean, masking his involvement in a CIA black ops initiative, had reached a satisfying conclusion with The Bourne Ultimatum. That film ended with Bourne piecing together his backstory.

I thought I was completely at peace with the three movies, and I was so happy with how good they were and what the whole franchise had done for my career and my life, Damon told the New York Times in a recent interview.

That put Universal in an awkward position. In the past, franchises have endured the departures of their leading men or women. James Bond has had six different actors assume 007s license to kill. George Clooney, Val Kilmer, Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, and now Damons old pal Ben Affleck have all labored to put their signature on Batman. And Star Trek has an entirely new and more photogenic crew manning the bridge of the Starship Enterprise.

But there are actors who become so fused with a role that it seems almost sacrilegious to recast the part. Its a rarefied group of indispensables, one that probably includes Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Johnny Depp as Capt. Jack Sparrow, and Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen.

So Universal decided to split the difference, producing a film set in the world of Bourne, but anchored by a different leading man. The Bourne Legacy followed Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross, a lethal assassin also suffering from a spotty memory. But the film only did mediocre business, grossing $276.1 million on a $125 million budget. Though Universal initially announced plans for a sequel, audiences werent exactly clamoring to check in again on Cross.

The relative failure of The Bourne Legacy demonstrates the limitations of so-called universe building. Its a concept thats currently en vogue, one that argues that certain types of intellectual property are so potent they can support sequels and spin-offs following secondary characters. Its a concept that appears to work in the case of Marvel movies, which provides a natural forum for superheroes to square off, ally with one another, and galavant off for a series of independent adventures.

But it doesnt always work in the case of Bourne or, say, Indiana Jones, which at one point was going to inspire a new film series based around Shia LaBeoufs greaser character Mutt Williams. There have been other, half-hearted stabs at mantle passing. When it looked as though Tom Cruise might be getting a little long in the tooth for globe-trotting, the Mission:Impossible  Ghost Protocol producers introduced a government agent played by, you guessed it, Jeremy Renner, who could potentially run point on future missions. Instead, when the next film in the series ,Mission: Impossible  Rogue Nation, Renner was once again playing second banana as Cruise hung off the wing of a plane, saved the global order and got the girl.

Maybe Hollywood is learning its lesson. Last spring, producer Frank Marshall told an audience at an exhibition industry conference that two of the franchises he is most associated with, Indiana Jones and Jason Bourne, would be inconceivable with other actors in the lead roles.

I think both in the Jason Bourne series and on Indiana Jones, we are not going to do the Bond thing, Marshall said. We think those characters are iconic, and those are the only actors who can play that.

Thats very good news for Matt Damon, but very bad news for Jeremy Renner.

Full disclosure: The author moderated the panel with Frank Marshall. He could easily have been replaced by Jeremy Renner.

Related stories

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'Jason Bourne' Has Series' Best Debut at International Box Office

Box Office: 'Jason Bourne' Scores With $60 Million Debut, 'Bad Moms' Hits Big
Washington (AFP) - Washington has warned that those who perpetrate atrocities in South Sudan's civil war will be held responsible for their crimes.

The United States served as a midwife in the creation of the South Sudan, formed in July 2011 by partitioning Sudan.

But South Sudan descended into war in December 2013, and a peace deal signed last year collapsed during heavy fighting in the capital this month.

"Recent weeks have featured well-documented reports of civilian killings and a surge in the number of government soldiers in uniform raping and gang raping women and girls who have taken refuge in UN Protection of Civilian sites," the US State Department said late on Saturday.

The United Nations "has documented at least 120 cases of sexual violence in the last two weeks" in fighting between government forces and those loyal to rebel chief Riek Machar.

"Those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other violations of international humanitarian law -- including those who order or incite violence, or encourage or contribute to the commission of crimes -- will be held accountable," the US statement read.

The statement reminded "all parties" that the peace agreement provides for a special court that "will have jurisdiction over violations of international law committed during the transitional period, including those committed during the ongoing violence."

Washington also called for "an immediate halt to combat operations and full compliance with the ceasefire declared on July 11 and in the peace agreement."

- 'Edge of an abyss' -

Juba was rocked by several days of heavy fighting in early July between government forces and those loyal to Machar, in the latest upsurge in the two-and-half-year war.

Nearly 300 people died in the violence and two Chinese peacekeepers were killed in an attack on a UN base, where thousands of civilians rushed for safety.

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South Sudan is "poised on the brink of an abyss" UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told the Security Council on Thursday.

Ban has called for an arms embargo and sanctions to be imposed on those who fail to observe the peace agreement in South Sudan, but the council has yet to endorse his call.

In 2015, the UN and the US imposed sanctions on the main players in the conflict, with the State Department reiterating its warning that "those taking actions threatening the peace, security, or stability of South Sudan... may be subject to sanctions under UN Security Council Resolution 2206 (2015)."
IFC's forthcoming comedic-horror series Stan Against Evil has more than a few things in common with Starz' comedic-horror series Ash vs. Evil Dead, so it didn't take long for questions to arise about those common threads the two share.

"I think that these things grow off each other and become their own animal," Dana Gould told reporters Sunday at the Television Critics Association summer press tour.

Stan Against Evil centers on Stan (John C. McGinley), a disgruntled former sheriff of a small New England town who is forced into retirement. Although he has trouble relinquishing his power, he forms an unlikely alliance with his tough and beautiful replacement (Janet Varnay) to fight a plague of unleashed demons that have been haunting the town.

"This is a show that I've had in my head for a long time. People know me primarily as a comedian and a comedy writer. I've always been a big horror film junkie," said Gould, who pointed to not only his last name but also his childhood address of 9 Cemetery Street. "I'm sort of predisposed to this."

During his time on The Simpsons, Gould's favorite episodes to write were the Treehouse of Horror specials.

"Can I do a half-hour show that has the density of Simpsons' Halloween show?," Gould recalls thinking. The result is a series that "is informed by those early '70s, drive-in horror movies," he said, citing titles like The Last House on the Left and An American Werewolf in London.

The main character, however, is directly based on Gould's own father. "It was originally based on this premise: What if my dad had to fight monsters? What if my dad had to be Buffy the Vampire Slayer?"

Gould originally thought he would simply fund the project himself and make a three-minute digital project rather than a full-fledged series. That is, until IFC exec Pete Aronson suggested over lunch that Gould write "a funny X-Files."

Story continues

Gould said it was a natural progression from there. "Comedy and horror are cousins," he said. "They each really on separate but equals suspensions of disbelief."

Although Gould stressed that the project went into development before Ash vs. Evil Dead hit the air, he said there is enough room in that comedy-horror genre for everyone.

"I love all of that stuff. Evil Dead 2 is in my dessert island movies and this show is a comedy that is nestled in a horror show like a Russian doll. To that end, I think its its own animal," he continued. "All of those other shows, I love them, and if I have the opportunity to steal something from them you bet I will."

Stan Against Evil premieres Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 10 p.m. on IFC.


Immigration and border security are two major issues in the United States presidential election campaign.

The candidates of the two main parties have voiced different ideas about border security.

The Republican Partys candidate, Donald Trump, has proposed to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.

Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Partys nominee, has taken aim at that proposal.

On July 22, President Barack Obama hosted his Mexican counterpart, President Enrique Pena Nieto, at the White House. The idea was to publicize the good relations between the two countries.

Americans living near the Mexican border have as many different views as those voiced at the recent U.S. political conventions.

Some want to continue good relations with Mexico. They want to keep the boundary area secure. They also want to increase business with their neighbors on the other side of the border.

For example, goods and people cross between Nogales, Mexico, and the U.S. city of Nogales, Arizona, at the new Mariposa inland port.

Many Mexicans with visas pass through the crossing station to buy goods or work on the U.S. side. There is a long wait on both sides of the line, and a large barrier has been built along the border there.

The Reverend Randy Mayer is a migrant rights activist. He says many Mexicans decide to stay in Mexico when they see the crossing.

What happens here along the border is that commerce and business is almost stopped, and what should be a multi-billion dollar industry is actually suffering.

Cross-border commerce continues to help Nogales and also the city of Tucson, Arizona, which is about 100 kilometers to the north.

Mike Varney is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce. He supports a balance between border security and commerce.

We want to keep bad people and bad things out of our country, but at the same time, we dont want to put the brakes on cross-border trade...

Varney points out that Mexicans seem to add a lot to the local economy.

Mexican citizens come to the Tucson area and spend about a billion dollars a year in our stores and our hotels, buying all kinds of services and products here.

However, Varney says companies that do business across the border are even more important. These include companies that open headquarters or special offices in Tucson to direct cross-border manufacturing projects.

Import-export businesses also are important to the areas economy.

Varney is frustrated by the way the border issues is discussed in national news stories.

Economic expansion and job growth just doesnt have the sizzle that a drug bust does, but obviously we cherish the international trade that we enjoy here in Arizona, and we want to do everything we can to expand that...

Many Arizonans blame illegal immigration for suppressing wages in the United States. And they say illegal immigrants increase education and health care costs, and violent crime.

Voters in Arizona have supported proposals to limit immigration. But Varney notes that business leaders have lobbied for less restrictive measures.

Its a mix of politics; its a mix of trade and economy; its a mix of international relations, so it is a complicated recipe and we need to pay attention to all the ingredients that go into that recipe.

He says there are even more possibilities for bilateral trade and commerce once other border crossing stations are completed and fully operational.

Mexico is Americas third largest trade partner. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative says trade between the two countries is valued at more than $580 billion.

Mexico is currently the second largest export market for U.S. goods and services.

Im Mario Ritter.

VOA correspondent Greg Flakus reported this story from Tucson, Arizona. Mario Ritter adapted it for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

counterpart  n. one of two people with the same position or job, but who are from another government, group or business

commerce  n. business, the exchange of goods and services

frustrated  adj. blocked from reaching a goal, discouraged

lobby  v. to make an effort to influence the government to make a decision to support an industry, company, or movement

recipe  n. a set of directions to make something, often food
Kabul (AFP) - A Taliban truck bomb blasted through a hotel for foreigners in Kabul early Monday, killing at least one policeman just days after the deadliest attack in the Afghan capital for 15 years.

The powerful bombing, which rattled windows several kilometres (miles) away, paved the way for armed insurgents to enter the heavily guarded facility, close to Kabul's international airport.

The attack on Northgate, a compound for foreign contractors which was previously attacked in July 2013, underscores the worsening security situation as the Taliban ramp up their annual summer offensive.

"A truck bomb packed with explosives struck the outer wall of the hotel," Kabul police chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi told AFP.

"Afghan special forces subsequently entered the compound, killing two armed attackers. One policeman also lost his life and three others were wounded."

Rahimi did not reveal the exact number of attackers, saying clearance operations were still ongoing more than six hours after the attack started.

Afghan commandos cordoned off all arterial roads leading to Northgate, with erratic grenade explosions and gunfire coming from the scene after daybreak.

The hotel was not immediately reachable by telephone.

But local TV station Tolo cited a source inside the facility as saying that all the staff and guests -- including 11 foreigners -- were unharmed as they hunkered down in safe rooms.

It added that NATO special forces were overseeing the clearance operation at the Northgate, a luxury enclave which had been fortified with blast walls, watchtowers and sniffer dogs.

Tremors from the massive truck bombing, which was preceded by a power outage, were felt across the city.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said insurgents armed with rocket-propelled grenades and other weapons blasted their way into the compound after the truck bomb went off.

He claimed that more than 100 "American invaders" were killed and wounded in the assault. The Taliban are routinely known to exaggerate the toll from their attacks.

Story continues

The assault comes as the Taliban ramp up their annual summer offensive after a brief lull during the holy fasting month of Ramadan, which ended in early July.

- Growing insecurity -

A chillingly similar Taliban attack on the compound in July 2013 -- a truck bomb followed by a gun siege -- killed nine people, including four Nepalese.

Monday's attack comes after twin bombings left 80 people dead in the Afghan capital on July 23, in the deadliest attack in the city since the Taliban were ousted from power in 2001.

The bombings tore through crowds of minority Shiite Hazara protesters as they gathered to demand that a major power line be routed through the central province of Bamiyan, one of the most deprived areas of Afghanistan.

That attack claimed by the Islamic State group, which is less powerful than the Taliban but is making gradual inroads into Afghanistan.

Afghan forces backed by US airstrikes have since intensified an offensive against IS jihadists in their eastern stronghold of Nangarhar.

The latest attacks in Kabul are a grim indicator of growing insecurity in Afghanistan, which has resulted in large civilian casualties.

The UN last week said civilian casualties rose to a record high in the first half of 2016, with children in particular paying a heavy price as the conflict escalates.

Between January and June, 1,601 civilians were killed and 3,565 were wounded -- a four percent increase in casualties compared to the same period last year, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said.

Monday's assault illustrates the report's finding that suicide bombings and complex attacks are now hurting more civilians than roadside bombs.
Ex-New Adventures of Old Christine co-stars Hamish Linklater and Wanda Sykes are joining forces on a new sitcom for TBS, the cabler announced Sunday at the Television Critics Association summer press tour.

RELATEDTNTs Animal Kingdom, TBS Wrecked and Angie Tribeca Get Renewed

The pair will star in Worlds End, a half-hour dark comedy pilot from Bored to Deaths Jonathan Ames about a charismatic high school English teacher (Linklater) who has a breakdown and is committed to a mental institution. There, under the watchful eye of Louise Baldwin (Sykes), he begins to feel sane. Henry starts to question the system and the methods used to contain the inmates, ultimately becoming the leader of an inmate revolt.

TBS other TCA announcements include:

* A series order for Tarantula, a half-hour animated comedy from Silicon Valleys Carson Mell about the residents of the Tierra Chula Resident Hotel (aka The Tarantula). It centers on a respected but uncertified tattoo artist who delivers absurd yet introspective monologues to the other residents, as they partake in party crashing, dumpster diving and other socially dubious acts of mischief.

RELATEDNotorious B.I.G.-Inspired Comedy Series in Development at TBS

* A series order for The Guest Book, a half-hour sitcom from Greg Garcia (My Name is Earl, Raising Hope) thats based on the writer-producers own experience writing fictitious stories in the guest books of various rental cabins in an effort to freak out the next renters.

* A Monday, Oct. 31 premiere date for People of Earth, a new comedy series starring The Daily Shows Wyatt Cenac that centers on members of an alien abductee support group.

* An unorthodox launch plan for new comedy Search Party. TBS will air the entire first season of the series during Thanksgiving week (Nov. 21-25), with two episodes each night beginning at 11/10c.

Related stories

Notorious B.I.G.-Inspired Comedy Series in Development at TBS

Story continues

TNT's Animal Kingdom, TBS' Wrecked and Angie Tribeca Get Renewed

David Tennant Reads NSFW Scottish Tweets About Trump's Brexit Gaffe
By Aaron Ross KINSHASA (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of Congolese demonstrators chanting anti-government slogans and waving opposition flags rallied in the capital on Sunday to demand President Joseph Kabila step down when his mandate ends in December. Kabila, 45, who has been in power since his father was assassinated in 2001, is under pressure at home and from increasingly exasperated world powers to step aside and call an election to choose a successor. The vote is due on Nov. 27 but Kabila's government has said logistical problems are likely to delay it and has not set a new date. The electoral commission started enrolling voters on Sunday, but has said the process would take more than a year. Some Kabila supporters want a referendum scrapping term limits so he can run again, as many African leaders have already done, and opponents accuse him of trying to cling to power. "If the electoral commission does not convene the electorate, that will be high treason," revered opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi, 83, told Sunday's rally during a half-hour speech, drawing loud cheers from the audience. Among the crowd, one protester waved a white cross with the words: "Adieu Kabila, RIP." Tshisekedi, who returned to Congo last week after spending two years in Europe for unspecified medical treatment, was runner-up to Kabila in a 2011 election that observers said was marred by fraud. Tshisekedi formed Congo's first organized opposition platform under long-time autocrat Mobutu Sese Seko in 1982 and his homecoming has energized an opposition that failed to mobilize more than a few thousand supporters in a series of protests over the last two years. CONFLICT FEARS Past opposition rallies have turned violent and authorities have arrested dozens of Kabila critics since last year, but Sunday's protest near parliament was peaceful. Riot police remained several blocks away. Foreign donors fear political tensions could easily lead to armed conflict -- Congo's mix of ethnic strife and foreign interference driven by competition over its fabulous mineral wealth has bloodied it for two decades. Despite growing discontent with the government, the opposition faces long odds. Kabila has used his dominance of state institutions to undercut rivals and he retains powerful allies. Tens of thousands of Kabila supporters joined a demonstration calling for Kabila to stay on in Kinshasa on Friday, two days after Tshisekedi's return. Another prominent opposition figure -- former provincial governor and millionaire businessman Moise Katumbi -- told Reuters on Sunday that aviation authorities had refused his plane authorization to land. A government spokesman denied that. Katumbi left Congo in May and was sentenced the following month in absentia to three years in prison for real estate fraud, charges he denies. At 51, Katumbi is seen by some opposition parties as a more credible candidate than Tshisekedi due to his youth and wealth. (Writing by Tim Cocks; Editing by Helen Popper)
Police said up to 40,000 supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rallied in Cologne on Sunday, July 31, more than two weeks after an attempted coup that led to a widespread crackdown against parts of the military, media, civil servants, teachers and academics in Turkey.

Police initially spoke of 20,000 protesters who rallied under the banner, Yes to democracy, no to a coup, but revised their figures upwards. Organizers said they expected more than 50,000 people. Speakers criticized the German media, accusing it of anti-Erdogan bias in the wake of the coup attempt. Turkish politicians also attacked the German polices refusal to allow Erdogan to address his supporters in Cologne via a live stream.

Hundreds of far-right protesters gathered outside Colognes central train station, facing off with hundreds of anti-fascist protesters, according to German news media. Police blocked a march by the right-wing Pro-NRW group after finding weapons on a number of its supporters. Credit: @ml_2a
Cologne (Germany) (AFP) - Tens of thousands of supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rallied in the German city of Cologne on Sunday as tensions over Turkey's failed coup put authorities on edge.

Waving the Turkish flag and chanting "Turkey", the demonstrators turned the rally site next to the River Rhine into a sea of red as they began the demonstration by singing the Turkish and German national anthems. Some held banners saying "Erdogan, fighting for liberty".

"We are here because our compatriots in Germany are standing up for democracy and against the attempted military coup in Turkey," said Turkey's Sports Minister Akif Cagatay Kilic at the rally, Tagesspiegel daily reported.

"The message to be sent from the event is that in Turkey, all parties and NGOs want to stand together against the coup and to defend democracy," added the minister, who was born in Germany.

Police said the gathering, organised by groups including the pro-Erdogan Union of European-Turkish Democrats (UETD), broke up around 1600 GMT with the crowd estimated at 40,000.

Since the attempted July 15 power grab, Erdogan's government has launched a huge crackdown, detaining almost 19,000 people and sparking international concern.

Ratcheting up its clampdown on the military, Ankara on Sunday dismissed nearly 1,400 military personnel, including a top aide to Erdogan, and confirmed it would close military schools and academies.

Erdogan -- who says a group within the military acted on the orders of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen -- has also said he will bring the country's spy agency and military chief of staff directly under his control.

The drama has spilled over into Germany, home to three million ethnic Turks -- the biggest Turkish diaspora in the world.

Hours before the Cologne rally Germany's constitutional court banned an application to show live speeches from Turkey by politicians including Erdogan, amid fears they could work the crowd up further.

Story continues

The decision sparked anger in Turkey, with presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin calling the ban unacceptable and a "violation of the freedom of expression and the right to free assembly".

- 'Don't bring Turkey tensions here' -

Meanwhile, skirmishes broke out at several smaller counter-demonstrations, with police moving in to separate around 80 right-wing nationalist Turks and 100 Kurds.

Some 250 far-right extremists, including many hooligans, had also come together before being dispersed by police. No injuries were reported.

The tension comes at a time when relations between Germany and Turkey are already strained over the German parliament's decision to brand as genocide the World War I-era Armenian massacre by Ottoman forces.

German politicians led by Chancellor Angela Merkel have also issued strongly-worded statements against Erdogan's crackdown following the failed putsch.

The hardline response "flouts the rule of law", Merkel's spokesman Steffen Seibert has said, also blasting "revolting scenes of caprice and revenge" in the wake of the failed coup.

At the same time, Ankara is demanding that Germany extradite suspects linked to Gulen. The 75-year-old cleric has strongly denied any involvement.

Erdogan enjoys large support among the diaspora in Germany, where around 1.5 million people with Turkish nationality can vote in Turkish elections.

His AKP party won 60 percent of votes cast in Germany in last November's election, a bigger share of the vote than in Turkey.

In the days following the botched coup, pro-Erdogan activists have stormed locations in Germany popular with Gulen's followers.

Critics of the Turkish president have also complained of abuse and threats against them on social media.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Saturday warned in an interview with Sueddeutsche Zeitung daily: "It is not right to bring Turkey's domestic political tensions here... and intimidate people who have other political convictions."

Meanwhile his Turkish counterpart has warnings for the European Union.

Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung to appear Monday that Ankara could withdraw from the EU-Turkey accord on refugees if Europe fails to allow visa-free travel for Turks by October.
The pizza delivery car has long been a source of ridicule for pizza lowers. Nothing like cracking a few jokes on the 17-year-old pizza delivery kid, who cruises around in a beat-up jalopy that looks like it came off a Detroit assembly line in 1985. In June 2014, Domino's Pizza took a step to address the obvious inefficiency of the rickety delivery car by unveiling a concept car called the 'DXP,' a company code name for 'delivery expert.' Among its many external marketing features, including a brightly-lit Domino's logo on the roof, there are actual functional features, such as extra-large cup holders, enough storage to hold 80 pizzas, and a pizza warmer that can be accessed from outside by a push of a button. Last year, 100 DXPs were delivered to various franchisees, and another 50 are planned to hit the road this year. 'I will be using it as a promotional tool around town, I am pretty excited,' Domino's Pizza franchisee John Hall told TheStreet at the grand opening of his latest location in Wyandanch, New York. Hall says he waited about five months to get the DXP, which is based on a Chevy Spark platform. The car is then redesigned and built by an automotive engineering team at Roush in Detroit, a group known for its aftermarket fabrication work on Ford's Mustang. TheStreet took the DXP for a spin around town and then caught up with Hall to discuss his new location, which looks quite different than your typical Domino's.
Another new UFC champion was crowned on Saturday night.

A new UFC champion was crowned at UFC 193 in November and again at UFC 194 in December.

It happened again at UFC 196 in March, UFC 197 in April, UFC 198 in May, UFC 199 in June, at UFC 200 in July and at UFC 201 in Atlanta on Saturday. Title changes havent been limited to pay-per-view cards, though. In January, Dominick Cruz won the bantamweight title at UFC Fight Night in Boston, and earlier this month, Eddie Alvarez captured the lightweight title at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas.

Beginning with Ronda Rouseys defeat at the hands of Holly Holm on Nov. 14 at UFC 193, defending champions are 6-10 (That record doesnt include the two interim title fights, which Jon Jones won at UFC 197 and Jose Aldo won at UFC 200).

Since UFC 193, the only champions to successfully defend the belt have been Joanna Jedrzejczyk over Valerie Letourneau at UFC 193; Rafael dos Anjos over Donald Cerrone at UFC on Fox in December; Demetrious Johnson over Henry Cejudo at UFC 197 in April; Cruz over Urijah Faber at UFC 199 in June and Jedrzejczyk over Claudia Gadelha at The Ultimate Fighter Finale in July.

Put another way, Cruz and Jedrzejczyk are 2-0 in title defenses and all other champions are 4-10.

That cant be just coincidence.

The sport is one with so many ways to win that its hard to reel off a long winning streak. But the turnover in the last nine months, with champions winning at just a 37.5 percent clip, has to speak to something else.

The sport has grown significantly in the last 18 months. In the last year, there have been 13 pay-per-views. Nearly half of them  UFC 189, 190, 193, 194, 196 and 200  have been at or over 1 million sales.

That kind of interest puts a great demand on the biggest stars. And who are the biggest, most in-demand stars? The champions, of course.

Rouseys schedule prior to UFC 193 was insane. She literally was traveling the world prior to her fight. She was selling her book, doing movie appearances, talking to MMA reporters and scores of others.

Story continues

Its not the reason she lost, but it had to have some impact. It would be foolish to think otherwise, and her near-total media blackout since seems to be evidence of that.

When a fighter under the current circumstance becomes a champion, he or she is yanked from the familiar rhythm that led to success in the first place. There are appearances on network television, on ESPN, on radio stations everywhere. Theyre brought to other UFC shows, where theyre worshiped by the fan base and pestered by reporters.

Its all good, until the back slaps and good wishes and personal appearances cut into the preparation they need to stay at the top.

Champions earn a cut of the pay-per-view and in the UFC, thats no small thing. Its why an inordinate amount of the pay goes to the title-holders.

The UFC expects a lot of work for that extra pay, and the huge additional demand takes fighters off schedule. They either dont get the same amount of work in they once did, or its not of the same quality.

Challengers have the luxury of focusing solely on the upcoming bout. For them, the upcoming title fight is their personal Super Bowl. Its the biggest fight of their life.

For champions, even if they say that, its hard to top the day one first captured the title. Theres only one first time and you know that once youve done it, youll be in the history books forever.

So perhaps their intensity isnt quite the same as it was. Many of them do meet and greets with their sponsors and often pick up new sponsors. That adds another level of demand to their schedules.

At the end of the day, of course, its about two people climbing into the cage and fighting. The UFC is signing the best fighters in the world and they compete in a sport in which there are a variety of ways to win, so upsets happen more than in other types of combat sports. As a result, the champions are going to lose their fair share.

Its stunning, though, to see champions losing a bit better than six of every 10 title fights, particularly quality fighters like Rousey, Chris Weidman, Luke Rockhold, Miesha Tate and Robbie Lawler.

Some of them may regain the belt down the line. As weve seen, its the nature of the best.

If they do, dont be surprised if theyre just a little less accessible during their upcoming reigns than they were during the previous ones.

It will be proof theyve identified a major issue in their downfalls.




By Ben Blanchard and Benjamin Kang Lim BEIJING (Reuters) - China's leadership is resisting pressure from elements within the military for a more forceful response to an international court ruling against Beijing's claims in the South China Sea, sources said, wary of provoking a clash with the United States. China refused to participate in the case overseen by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. It denounced the emphatic July 12 ruling in favor of the Philippines as a farce that had no legal basis and part of an anti-China plot cooked up in Washington. The ruling has been followed in China by a wave of nationalist sentiment, scattered protests and strongly worded editorials in state media. So far, Beijing has not shown any sign of wanting to take stronger action. Instead, it has called for a peaceful resolution through talks at the same time as promising to defend Chinese territory. But some elements within China's increasingly confident military are pushing for a stronger - potentially armed - response aimed at the United States and its regional allies, according to interviews with four sources with close military and leadership ties. "The People's Liberation Army is ready," one source with ties to the military told Reuters. "We should go in and give them a bloody nose like Deng Xiaoping did to Vietnam in 1979," the source said, referring to China's brief invasion of Vietnam to punish Hanoi for forcing Beijing's ally the Khmer Rouge from power in Cambodia. The sources requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media. President Xi Jinping has assiduously courted and thoroughly cemented his leadership over the PLA and faces no serious challenges to his command. While he is overseeing sweeping military reforms to improve the PLA's ability to win wars, he has said China needs a stable external environment as it deals with its own development issues, including a slowing economy. And few people expect any significant move ahead of Xi's hosting of a G20 summit in September. But the hardened response to The Hague ruling from some elements of the military increases the risk that any provocative or inadvertent incidents in the South China Sea could escalate into a more serious clash. MILITARY "HARDENED" Another source with ties to the leadership described the mood in the PLA as hawkish. "The United States will do what it has to do. We will do what we have to do," the source said. "The entire military side has been hardened. It was a huge loss of face," he said, declining further comment. Chinese Defence Ministry spokesman Yang Yujun, asked whether the PLA was pushing for a stronger response, repeated that the armed forces would resolutely defend China's territory and maritime rights, and peace and stability, while dealing with any threats or challenges. Retired military officers and army-linked academics have pushed home a strongly martial message. "The Chinese military will step up and fight hard and China will never submit to any country on matters of sovereignty," Liang Fang, a professor at the military-run National Defence University, wrote on his Weibo microblog about the ruling. It is not clear exactly what steps military hardliners are considering. Much attention has been focused around the potential establishment of an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) for the South China Sea, which would require international aircraft to identify themselves to Chinese authorities. Other options floated by those linked to the PLA include putting missiles on bombers patrolling the South China Sea capable of hitting targets in the Philippines or Vietnam. Yue Gang, a retired colonel, said China's announcement promising regular air patrols over the region showed it was seeking to deny the U.S. air superiority afforded by aircraft carriers. China should be confident enough to provoke an incident and drive the U.S. out, he added. "China is not intimidated by U.S. carriers and is brave enough to touch off an inadvertent confrontation," Yue wrote on his Weibo account. China's military build-up in the region looks set to quicken regardless of any action. "We must make preparations for a long-term fight and take this as a turning point in our South China Sea military strategy," Li Jinming of the South China Sea Institute at China's Xiamen University wrote in the Chinese academic journal Southeast Asian Studies. WARY OF CLASH Despite the saber rattling, there have been no firm military moves that could cause an escalation of tensions. Diplomats and sources said the Chinese leadership was well aware of the dangers of a clash. "They're on the back foot. They're very worried by the international reaction," said one senior Beijing-based diplomat, citing conversations with Chinese officials. "They are genuine about wanting to get talks back on track. The leadership will have to think long and hard about where to go next." Within China's armed forces there is a recognition that China would come off worst in a face-off with the United States. "Our navy cannot take on the Americans. We do not have that level of technology yet. The only people who would suffer would be ordinary Chinese," said the source with ties to the military. Those voices appeared to have the upper hand for now, the source said, pointing to a realization that the 1979 border war with Vietnam did not go as well for China as the propaganda machine would like people to believe. Even setting up an ADIZ, like the one Beijing set up over the East China Sea in 2013 to anger from the United States, Japan and others, would be difficult to enforce given the distance from the mainland. China has repeatedly said it has the right to set up an ADIZ but that the decision depends on the level of threat it faces. A second source with leadership ties put it bluntly: "War is unlikely". "But we will continue to conduct military exercises," the source said. "(We) expect U.S. naval vessels to continue to come," and "miscalculation cannot be ruled out". Foreign Minister Wang Yi has stressed the importance of dialogue, saying it now was the time to return things to the "right track" and to "turn the page" on the ruling. The United States has responded positively to these overtures, sending U.S. National Security Adviser Susan Rice to China this week with a call for calm. Washington is also using quiet diplomacy to persuade other regional players not to move aggressively to capitalize on the ruling. China has been angered by U.S. freedom of navigation patrols in the South China Sea, but its forces have responded only by shadowing U.S. vessels and warning them, showing China's unwillingness to goad the U.S. military unnecessarily, according to Western and Asian diplomats. China is also wary of any incident overshadowing the G20 summit in Hangzhou in September, the highlight of this year's diplomatic calendar for Xi when he will be host to the leaders of most of the worlds economically most powerful countries, the sources said. The Beijing-based diplomat said it was more likely China would choose the period between the end of the G20 and the U.S. presidential election in November to make any move. "But that is a misjudgment if China thinks the United States will just sit back and do nothing," the diplomat said. (Editing by Lincoln Feast)
(Photo: Dana Fletcher)

This year, I gave up on myself. My backbone broke under the weight of the intricate and deceptive facade Id spent years perfecting. A series of idealized thoughts and a startling confession later, I found myself in an emergency room on what would have been an otherwise uneventful Wednesday night.

Do you need something to take the edge off? Weve got [insert laundry list of pharmaceuticals here].

Not really? All I wanted was my freedom from these overwhelming feelings of despondency. I was admitted that night and would wake in the morning to review my current emotional state.

Why are you depressed? Did your boyfriend break up with you? Youre too pretty to be depressed.

Just like that, another drop in a bucket filled to its brim, following a lifetime of casual invalidations.

Cheer up. You need to smile more. I just want you to be happy. You worry too much. Stop overthinking things. Calm down. You need to relax. You should try going to sleep earlier. You look skinny. You need to eat more. Just breathe. You need to live your life. Dont let lifes horrors get you down. Just walk into a room and act like you own it. Have you tried exercise?

Related: To the Husband With the Wife Who Has Depression

In other words, Your emotional breakdown is making me uncomfortable. I dont know how to talk to you about it so here is some oversimplified advice on how to fight your demons, whom Id rather not acknowledge directly.

I would have given up following my interactions during that hospital stint. I would have spent the ensuing months convinced this was all in my head. I would have repeated the vicious cycle Ive found myself stuck in for the past decade. You see, if youre told something often enough, you begin to believe it. Maybe I am too moody. Maybe I do need to learn how to be less sensitive. Maybe I really should learn to not let my emotions control my life the way they do. Maybe it really was my own fault I wasnt able to have peace of mind and happiness. Maybe I am crazy.

Story continues

Had it not been for my mothers concern and persistence, I wouldnt know what I know now. After numerous phone calls and mere chance, I met with the person who is now my current psychiatrist and it has made all the difference in my road to recovery.

During our first consultation, she began with a simple statement. Tell me about yourself. With that golden statement, she differentiated herself through sheer compassion and patience. I told her everything.

I told her how Id spent a lifetime intuitively knowing there was something different about me. I told her how Id studied psychology at university to try to figure out what that difference was. I told her how Id completed my studies at age 20 and then decided to ditch my comfort zone and move to Spain to teach English. I told her how Id returned home early to spend time with my dying stepfather before moving back across the pond to do an academically rigorous masters program at the University of Leeds.

I described the major depression I experienced while abroad and my difficulty keeping myself afloat through my intense feelings of grief. I told her how I often had overwhelming, reckless urges, over which I felt I had no control. I mentioned my frighteningly dark lows, characterized by intense desires to self-harm and self-medicate. I described the debilitating panic attacks that left me exhausted for hours following the indescribable feelings of suffocation.

Related: The Most Important Thing Id Tell Every Person With Depression



I told her how often I found myself obsessively worrying over situations and people, all of which I had no control of. I told her how despite struggling with all of this, I consistently positioned myself as a top-performing student with an enviable CV. I told her of the dizzying expansiveness of my dreams. I let her know the only thing I feared in life, besides losing another emotional rock, was myself. I told her I was scared.

No sooner had I finished summarizing my life did she come to her conclusion: It sounds like you have bipolar II depression. I answered a few questions, completed some questionnaires and discussed DSM-5 symptoms. The signs were as plain as day: bipolar II depression, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. My very own medley of cerebral deviations.

Was I shocked by my diagnosis? Not really. I first suspected I had bipolar disorder a few months ago while watching,What Happened, Miss Simone? on Netflix. Throughout the documentation of each career high and personal low, I found myself connecting with her struggle in a way I hadnt previously felt or recognized. The intense bouts of creativity, the impassioned grandiosity and the occasional tendency to go off the deep end, I identified with it all.

Despite the feeling of relief at having found the puzzle piece Id felt Id been missing, I was still incredibly nervous about what my diagnosis meant. While it seems the current climate surrounding mental health has become increasingly beneficial to discussing instances of anxiety and depression, it is significantly less favorable to mood disorders like bipolar disorder. Furthermore, weve grown so accustomed to ascribing a persons emotional well-being to character traits and situational factors that it has become the norm to view any deviations in emotional stability as personal shortcomings. It has resulted is the construction of an unnecessary and formidable barrier against the recognition and adequate treatment of very real and serious illnesses. Recognizing this, Ive decided to reclaim my narrative. Rather than sit back and fade into the background, Ive made the decision to proactively educate any and everyone around me who is willing to learn.

So what exactly is bipolar disorder and how does it feel? Also known as manic-depressive illness, it is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Living with untreated bipolar disorder feels like you are permanently strapped onto the worlds most expansive roller coaster ride. At times, it is exhilarating but most times it is dizzying, exhausting and quite scary. My hypomanic states are defined by this catch-me-if-you-can mentality, in which I am equal parts beauty-queen, intellectual and globe-trotter. It is not uncommon for me to wake up feeling as if there is sunshine radiating from my pores, as I bounce from activity to activity, leaving a sparkle-filled rainbow in my wake. It is an incredible high until its not, until I find myself running ragged after a few weeks of non-stop insomnia and intensive productivity.

What starts off feeling like an inspirational surge of intelligence and creativity, eventually burns itself out into a bottomless crash, wherein I spend the ensuing months in a depressive state so dark, I lose myself completely. During one particularly bad depressive episode in Leeds, I was unable to describe myself beyond my country of origin and program of study. I had to resort to Post-It notes scattered throughout my room to remind myself of my redeeming qualities.

Related: How Psychology Majors Are Responding to Jeb Bushs Diss



I wouldnt wish these all-consuming feelings of dejection upon anyone. When you couple these mood swings with my experiences of anxiety and panic, what you get is a listless zombie who is unable to fulfill simple daily tasks, let alone complete any form of academic or professional work. What most people are unaware of is its not unusual for someone to have more than one co-occurring mental illnesses. In fact, it may be the norm. Nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

So why was it so important for me to share such a personal story? Mainly because there is an alarming mental health crisis that is running rampant on university campuses affecting students at all phases of their educational careers. This is what so many of us face and are struggling with at an age when we are leaving our safety nets for the first times, when were being subjected to the unprecedented social and academic pressures of university and young adult life, when were finding our feet in an unstable job market, when our social support network is most influx and when were generally coming to grips with our young adult identities. Due to the social stigma and hush hushnature of mental health, nearly two-thirds of people with a known mental disorder never seek help from a health professional. What results is widespread and entirely preventable instances of self-medication, self-harm and suicidal ideations. If it wasnt clear to you before, I hope it is now. We need to be talking about this.

In the month following my diagnosis, Ive found myself reflecting upon how my mental health has defined my life until this point. Generally speaking, there is this sense of wonder about how I managed to keep up the facade as long as I did. I have climbed mountains, crossed oceans and wooed large audiences, all while holding my own against the sixth leading cause of disability. I am the strongest person I know. Through my numerous interactions with fellow recovery warriors, Ive recognized this strength is not unique to me but is an inherent trait to the 450 million people around the world living with these invisible illnesses.

If there is one thing I want my readers to take away from this post, it is the pressing need to do away with arbitrary and damaging label systems. It is imperative that we arm ourselves with the knowledge and understanding necessary to dismantle this one-dimensional dialogue that leads people to believe situational factors and well-coiffed external appearances suggest immunity from the throes of mental illness. There is no such thing as being too pretty to be depressed.

If you are reading this and can relate in any way to what Im saying, then I want you to know this: you are not alone. I see you. I hear you. I feel you. If you, like me, are on the path to recovery, I celebrate you. If you suspect you may be grappling with mental health issues, then please dont attempt to fight it on your own!

As is with any other illness, if left untreated for too long it can significantly impact your daily functioning and may eventually become life-threatening. Please, seek help. I want and need you to know that while it is OK not to be OK, it is completely unacceptable to suffer alone in silence. You owe it to yourself to stop living in a nightmare and start living in the reality you deserve.

By Dana Fletcher



More from The Mighty:

To the Strangers in Whole Foods Who Surrounded Me After News of My Fathers Suicide

What Its Like to Have High-Functioning Anxiety



When Youre in the Gray Area of Being Suicidal




No one seems to know what to expect in the 100 days before American voters elect a new president.

Theres never been an election like this, said presidential historian Jeffrey Engel. He directs the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University in Texas.

On one side, there is Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Partys candidate for president of the United States. She is the first woman nominated for the office by a major U.S. party. The former secretary of state has promised to unite Americans to overcome economic problems and the terrorism threat.

On the other side is businessman Donald Trump, the candidate of the Republican Party. Trump competed for the Republican nomination earlier this year as an outsider. He promises to make America great again. He has promised strong action to fight terrorism, illegal immigration and crime.

High Negatives for Both

Both candidates face high negatives from likely voters in the November 8 elections. When asked, many Americans have questioned, disapproved of or rejected their positions.

Only 31 percent of likely voters have a favorable, or good, opinion of Clinton, compared to 34 percent for Trump. Those numbers come from a CBS News poll taken after the Republican national convention, but before the recent Democratic convention.

Joshua Scacco is a political scientist at Purdue University in Indiana. He says many American voters have expressed concern about the Republican nominee. He said they dont see him having the commander-in-chief qualities to deal with complex world problems.

If elected, Trump would be the first president without military or government experience, noted Jeffrey Engel, the presidential historian.

Joshua Scacco said Trumps Democratic opponent faces questions about trust. He noted that the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation said Clinton had been careless handing emails as secretary of state.

Scacco said she must persuade voters she can improve employment and the fight against terrorism after being part of government for so long.

Both candidates played up their opponents negatives at their party conventions.

Trump called Clinton a world class liar, who cannot solve Americas problems. Trump said only he had the skills and toughness needed.

Clinton questioned whether Trump has the temperament to be Commander-in-Chief. She said he used bankruptcy laws to avoid paying debts, leaving working people holding the bag.

Different Views of Americas Status

The two candidates have very different ideas of America.

Our convention occurs at a moment of crisis for our nation, Trump said. The attacks on our police, and the terrorism in our cities, threaten our very way of life. Any politician who does not grasp this danger is not fit to lead our country.

Clinton was more upbeat. So don't let anyone tell you that our country is weak, she said. We're not. Don't let anyone tell you we don't have what it takes. We do. And most of all, don't believe anyone who says, I alone can fix it.

Over the next three months, the candidates will campaign almost daily -- mostly in swing states. These are states that can swing from (the) Democratic to the Republican side, or back the other way, from one election to the next.

There are plans for three presidential debates during the election campaign this fall. There also will be a debate for the vice presidential candidates -- Indiana Governor Mike Pence for the Republicans and Virginia Senator Tim Kaine for the Democrats.

The debates will be broadcast nationwide so voters can watch the candidates defend their positions and question their opponent.

Supporters Confident

Clinton and Trump supporters say they are hopeful about the November elections. Public opinion surveys show a close race.

Bob Livingston, a Republican and former congressional leader, said voters like Trumps strong opinions. They trust Trump to negotiate trade agreements that will produce jobs in America, he said.

Some people are bent out of shape about his comments, Livingston said. That includes a few Republicans. But Donald Trump is speaking to blue-collar people who havent voted Republican in the last 30 years. They feel hell fight for them.

Gary Mauro is leading the Clinton campaign in Texas. He said many speakers at the Democratic convention, notably President (Barack) Obama and his wife Michelle Obama, corrected the false image that Hillary is cold and not trust worthy.

As for Trump, I dont think he can keep telling people that we need change and that only 'I can bring about that change' and not say how hes going to do it, Mauro said. I dont think that can work for the long term.

Past Predictions Were Wrong

But predicting who will win is risky. Many political observers were wrong about the year-long nominating process Democrats and Republicans used to choose their candidates.

Few saw Bernie Sanders, the senator from Vermont, fighting so hard and so long against Clinton for the Democratic nomination. And many experts predicted a Republican with more political experience than Trump would win the partys nomination.

Wayne Steger teaches political science at DePaul University in Illinois. He said the 2016 presidential campaign has been unusual. But this is not the first time two major party candidates faced mostly negative opinions from voters.

Steger noted that, in 1992, Hillary Clintons husband Bill had to answer questions about his trustfulness. The future president was asked about having relationships with women other than his wife while he served as governor of Arkansas.

His opponent, then President George H.W. Bush, also had a trust issue because he agreed to a tax increase after saying at the 1988 Republican convention, Read my lips. No new taxes.

Clinton won the election, helped by Ross Perot, an independent candidate for the presidency. Perot won almost 19 percent of the votes, taking support mostly from Bush.

Smaller parties are also nominating candidates for the presidency. Libertarian Party candidate Gary Johnson received 11 percent in the recent CBS poll, taking equal support from Democrats and Republicans.

Im Bruce Alpert.

Bruce Alpert reported this story for VOA Learning English. His report was based on a VOA story by Chris Hannas and other reporting. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and share your views on our Facebook Page.

______________________________________________________________

Words in this Story

poll -- n. an activity in which several or many people are asked a question or a series of questions in order to get information about what most people think about something

temperament -- n. the usual attitude, mood, or behavior of a person

bankruptcy -- n. a condition of financial failure caused by not having the money that you need to pay your debts

holding the bag -- a phrase that means stuck with the costs of a job or material

grasp -- v. to understand

swing state -- n. a state that has voted for candidates of different parties

bent out of shape -- a phrase meaning angry or annoyed by something

read my lips -- a phrase that means people should pay attention to what you are saying
By Matthias Inverardi COLOGNE, Germany (Reuters) - Thousands of demonstrators from Germany's Turkish community turned out in Cologne on Sunday to show their support for Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at a rally that ratcheted up diplomatic tensions between Ankara and Berlin. Waving the Turkish national flag, demonstrators held aloft pictures of Erdogan and placards reading "For Democracy, Against Putsch" after a failed military coup earlier this month. "We are here because our compatriots in Germany advocate democracy and are against the attempted military coup," Turkey's sport and youth minister, Akif Cagatay Kilic, who attended the rally, told reporters. The demonstration became the focus of increasingly strained ties between Germany and Turkey after a decision by Germany's top court on its eve prevented Erdogan from addressing the meeting via videoconference. "German Constitutional Court's decision on the anti-coup rally in Cologne is an utter backsliding in freedom of speech and democracy," Turkey's minister for EU affairs, Omer Celik, wrote in English on his official Twitter account. Erdogan has said it is shameful that Western countries showed more interest in the fate of the plotters than in standing with a fellow NATO member and has upbraided Western leaders for not visiting after the coup attempt. On Thursday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Turkey should show proportionality in its pursuit of those behind the failed military coup, adding that she was following developments in the country with concern. Germany is home to around 3 million people of Turkish origin. In Turkey's last elections, 60 percent of them voted for Turkey's ruling AKP Party, according to the organization Turkish Communities in Germany. Police sources said about 20,000 demonstrators turned out at the rally, at which protestors held a minute's silence for the victims of militant attacks around the world. About 3,000 police were deployed. German officials are concerned that tensions within Turkey could spill over into Germany, which has seen violence in the past between nationalist Turks and militant Kurds on its soil. (Writing by Paul Carrel; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
The Sterling Spoon Anniversary Tour brought Janes Addiction home to Lollapalooza last night. The festival founded by frontman Perry Farrell celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and the band was joined by two special guests at last nights performance: Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello on Mountain Song, and Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin for closer Jane Says.

Janes Addiction last played the main stage at Lollapaloozas flagship Chicago event in 2009. Earlier this month, Farrell made headlines complaining about the EDM music thats become a staple of the festivals annual lineup.

Red Hot Chili Peppers followed with Saturdays headlining set on the Samsung stage, including a respectful nod in the form of a Janes Addiction cover.

See the full setlist here, and watch Morello and Chamberlin perform with Farrell & Co. below (via JamBase).
Toya Wrights two brothers, Josh and Rudy Johnson, were shot to death in New Orleans early Sunday (July 31). The New Orleans Police Department tweeted out an alert regarding a fatal shooting of two men, and according to NOLA.com, the victims were pronounced dead on the scene and were found in a vehicle just after midnight.

UPDATE: Both victims @ Pauger/N. Miro incident have died from their injuries. Investigation is ongoing. #NOPDAlert  NOPD (@NOPDNews) July 31, 2016

#NOPD investigating shooting at int. of Pauge & North Miro. Initial reports show two male victims shot. #NOPDAlert  NOPD (@NOPDNews) July 31, 2016

The family confirmed the fatalities as of Sunday morning, per NOLA.com.

Wright reportedly received the news while she was in nearby Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Social media has been flooded with condolences for Wright, whose brothers appeared on her BET reality show Tiny & Toya.

In the years since the show went off the air, Wright and her siblings have gone through rough patches, but as Bossip noted, Rudy recently shared a photo of his sister pointing to a family reconciliation.

love A photo posted by CALL ME PAPICHULO!!! (@jacipops) on Jun 18, 2016 at 3:50pm PDT

Rudy also had a young daughter, and was expected a child according to his Instagram account.

K. Michelle also reached out to Wright to send her condolences via Twitter and Instagram.

My prayers are with you @toyawright I come to u with a genuine heart. When someone suffers from a loss like this it truly makes everything else seem trivial A photo posted by K. Michelle (@kmichellemusic) on Jul 31, 2016 at 1:44am PDT

Wright has yet to publicly speak on the tragedy.
Khizr Khan, father of fallen U.S. Army Capt. Humayun Khan, holds up a copy of the Constitution as his wife listens at the Democratic convention. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

The war of words between Donald Trump and the family of a slain Muslim-American soldier continued over the weekend, with the Republican nominee suggesting the mother did not speak on stage at last weeks Democratic National Convention because she was not allowed to, Ghazala Khan responding that she was in too much pain over the loss of her son to do so, and the father, Khizr Khan, calling Trump an ignorant, soulless candidate.

This is the height of ignorance, Khizr Khan said on CNNs State of the Union Sunday. For a candidate for presidency to not be aware of the respect of a Gold Star mother standing there, and he had to take that shot at her?

This person is totally incapable of empathy, Khan continued. He is a black soul. And [he] is totally unfit for the leadership of this beautiful country.

In an interview with ABCs This Week With George Stephanopoulos, Trump floated the idea that Khans wife, Ghazala, had been forcibly silenced.

If you look at his wife, she was standing there. She had nothing to say, Trump said. Maybe she wasnt allowed to have anything to say. You tell me.

Khan told the Washington Post his wife didnt speak because she breaks down when she sees the photograph of her son, Humayun Khan, a 27-year-old U.S. Army captain who was killed by a car bomb in Iraq in 2004. His image was projected onto a screen at the convention while the family was on stage.

Emotionally and physically  she just couldnt even stand there, Khan told the Post. And when we left, as soon as we got off camera, she just broke down. And the people inside, the staff, were holding her, consoling her. She was just totally emotionally spent. Only those parents that have lost their son or daughter could imagine the pain that such a memory causes. Especially when a tribute is being paid. I was holding myself together, because one of us had to be strong. Normally, she is the stronger one. But in the matter of Humayun, she just breaks down any time anyone mentions it.

Story continues

In an op-ed for the Post published Sunday morning, Ghazala Khan wrote that she was in too much pain to speak at the convention.

Donald Trump has asked why I did not speak at the Democratic convention, she wrote. He said he would like to hear from me. Here is my answer to Donald Trump: Because without saying a thing, all the world, all America, felt my pain.

I was in pain, she told ABC News. If you [are] in pain you fight or you dont say anything. Im not a fighter, I cant fight. So the best thing I do was [be] quiet.

Late Saturday, the Trump campaign released a statement clarifying his remarks to Stephanopoulos.

Captain Humayun Khan was a hero to our country and we should honor all who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country safe, Trump said in a statement. The real problem here are the radical Islamic terrorists who killed him, and the efforts of these radicals to enter our country to do us further harm. Given the state of the world today, we have to know everything about those looking to enter our country, and given the state of chaos in some of these countries, that is impossible. While I feel deeply for the loss of his son, Mr. Khan who has never met me, has no right to stand in front of millions of people and claim I have never read the Constitution.

On Sunday, Trump called Humayun Khan a hero again in a tweet.

Captain Khan, killed 12 years ago, was a hero, but this is about RADICAL ISLAMIC TERROR and the weakness of our "leaders" to eradicate it!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 31, 2016

This is faked empathy, Khizr Khan told the Post. What he said originally  that defines him.

I was viciously attacked by Mr. Khan at the Democratic Convention. Am I not allowed to respond? Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 31, 2016

At last weeks convention, Khizr Khan delivered a stinging rebuke of Trump over his call for a ban on Muslims entering the United States  a policy that would have prevented his son from serving in the U.S. military.

Go look at the graves of brave patriots who died defending the United States of America, Khan said. You will see all faiths, genders and ethnicities. You have sacrificed nothing and no one.

In response, the real estate mogul said hes sacrificed plenty.

I think Ive made a lot of sacrifices, Trump told Stephanopoulos. I work very, very hard. Ive created thousands and thousands of jobs, tens of thousands of jobs, built great structures. Ive done, Ive had Ive had tremendous success. I think Ive done a lot.

Those are sacrifices? Stephanopoulos asked.

Oh, sure, Trump replied. I think theyre sacrifices. I think, when I can employ thousands and thousands of people, take care of their education, take care of so many things, even in military. I mean, I was very responsible, along with a group of people, for getting the Vietnam Memorial built in downtown Manhattan, which to this day people thank me for. I raised, and I have raised, millions of dollars for the vets. Im helping the vets a lot. I think my popularity with the vets is through the roof.

Khan said Trumps popularity, especially among Republicans, is what hes concerned about.

All the snake oil he is selling, and my patriotic, decent Americans are falling for that, Khan told the newspaper. Republicans are falling for that. And I can only appeal to them. Reconsider. Repudiate. Its a moral obligation. A person void of empathy for the people he wishes to lead cannot be trusted with that leadership. To vote is a trust. And it cannot be placed in wrong hands.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned Trumps comments too.

As the leader of Americas largest Muslim civil rights organization, I urge Donald Trump to apologize for his shameful remarks disparaging a Muslim Gold Star family and for his repeated use and promotion of anti-Muslim stereotypes, CAIR chairman Roula Allouch said in a statement. Just as Donald Trump must apologize for his un-American remarks, Republican Party leaders must finally repudiate their candidates divisive rhetoric.

At least two GOP leaders appeared to take those calls to heart  distancing themselves from the Republican nominee.

Captain Khan was an American hero, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement, and like all Americans Im grateful for the sacrifices that selfless young men like Capt. Khan and their families have made in the war on terror. All Americans should value the patriotic service of the patriots who volunteer to selflessly defend us in the armed services. And as I long made clear, I agree with the Khans and families across the country that a travel ban on all members of a religion is simply contrary to American values.

House Speaker Paul Ryan issued a similar statement in support of the Khan family.

A religious test for entering our country is not reflective of America's fundamental values. I reject it. pic.twitter.com/DdsYj2XoLS  Paul Ryan (@SpeakerRyan) July 31, 2016

Americas greatness is built on the principles of liberty and preserved by the men and women who wear the uniform to defend it, Ryan said. As I have said on numerous occasions, a religious test for entering our country is not reflective of these fundamental values. I reject it. Many Muslim Americans have served valiantly in our military, and made the ultimate sacrifice. Captain Khan was one such brave example. His sacrifice  and that of Khizr and Ghazala Khan  should always be honored. Period.

Campaigning in Ohio, Hillary Clinton also condemned Trumps comments about the Khans.

I dont begrudge anyone of any other faith or of no faith at all, but I do tremble before those who would scapegoat other Americans, who would insult people because of their religion, their ethnicity, their disability, Clinton said at an African-American church in Cleveland Heights. Its just not how I was raised, thats not how I was taught in my church.
Donald Trump

Donald Trump suggested Sunday morning that he could not understand why he was earning scorn for questioning a pair of Gold Star parents who slammed him during a speech before the Democratic National Convention.

I was viciously attacked by Mr. Khan at the Democratic Convention. Am I not allowed to respond? the Republican nominee for president asked in a tweet.

Khizr and wife Ghazala Khan, the parents of a slain Muslim soldier, offered a powerful rebuke to Trump on the final night of the DNC.

In an eight-minute speech, delivered by Khizr, the family questioned whether the New York businessman had ever read the US Constitution or sacrificed anything for his country.

Trump hit back on Saturday, suggesting Ghazala was not permitted to speak because of her Muslim religion. The billionaire further argued that he had indeed sacrificed for his country, saying he created jobs.

Trumps remarks were widely condemned and the billionaire eventually began walking them back. In a Saturday night statement, he called the Khans son a hero to our country and tried to shift the issue to the real problem which he argued was the radical Islamic terrorists who killed him.

Khizr Khan said Sunday that Trump's questions about his wife represent the "height of ignorance."

Ghazala Khan also wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post saying she didnt speak at the DNC because she finds it too painful to think about her son.

Without saying a thing, all the world, all America, felt my pain, she wrote.

NOW WATCH: Father of deceased Muslim US soldier asks Trump 'Have you even read the US Constitution?'





More From Business Insider


TUNIS (Reuters) - Tunisia's Prime Minister Habib Essid faces a vote of no confidence in parliament on Saturday after resisting the president's proposal to help form a new unity government to push through economic reforms. Essid, a technocrat who came to office less than two years ago, has been under fire for slow progress on a financial reforms package to create growth and jobs, initiatives demanded by Tunisia's multilateral lenders. President Beji Caid Essebsi has called for a new unity government to overcome political divisions in the ruling coalition of four parties and respond more quickly to economic and security challenges. Most lawmakers are expected to vote in favour of sacking Essid. Islamist party Ennahda, the largest party in parliament, and Essebsi's secular Nidaa Tounes party, have said they will vote against the premier. "I never opposed the president's proposal," Essid told lawmakers in parliament. "But it was put forward at a difficult time for the country and has caused the delay in several key projects and laws." Since its 2011 revolution to oust Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Tunisia has emerged as a democracy praised as a model for the region. But militant attacks have tested the government and political infighting has slowed economic progress. Essebsi has said the country needs a more dynamic government ready to take audacious decisions to bring about the liberalisation and cost-cutting required for an overhaul of the North African state's economy. Three Islamist militant attacks last year - including gun attacks on foreign visitors at a museum and a beach resort - have badly damaged the tourism industry, which makes up around 8 percent of the economy and is a major source of jobs. (Reporting by Mohammed Argouby; writing by Patrick Markey; editing by Dale Hudson)


Now, VOA Learning English program, Words and Their Stories.

On this show, we are like word detectives . And like a good detective, we uncover the stories behind common phrases in American English. Today we will investigate phrases and expressions that use the word smoke.

Police officers and detectives often share a problem while investigating a crime. They may catch someone they suspect is guilty. But they cannot send the person to prison unless they can prove guilt to a judge or jury.

That is why police will often say they are searching for a smoking gun. The smoking gun is evidence that proves a persons guilt.

The expression gets its name from the smoke that rises from the gun after it is fired. The person holding the gun may try to deny they fired it. But anyone seeing the smoke knows the weapon was used. And if someone is lying dead across the room with a bullet wound, the smoking gun proves who did the shooting.

The writer Arthur Conan Doyle knew about smoking guns. He used the expression in 1893 in one of his stories about the famous detective Sherlock Holmes.

In the story, a group of sailors rebel against the captain of a ship. Sherlock Holmes and others find the captain lying over a map, dead. Standing across from him is a clergyman with a gun in his hand. And not just any gun: a smoking gun.

The clergyman has just shot the captain! The smoking gun proves he is not a man of God, but a murderer.

However, there does not have to be a murder for there to be a smoking gun. In recent years, the expression smoking gun has come to mean any strong piece of evidence.

In the early 1970s, for example, many Americans suspected President Richard Nixon was covering up illegal activities by his aides. However, the president denied involvement in any crime. And there was no firm evidence tying him to criminal activity.

In the end, the Nixon White House gave Congress tape recordings that proved he had tried to hide information about the illegal activities. The release of the tapes forced him to resign from office.

Both politicians and the press called these Nixons smoking gun. They firmly tied him to a break-in at the Watergate building in Washington. Americans still call them Nixons smoking-gun tapes.

A politician or anyone involved in illegal activities can use a smoke screen to hide behind.

In the military, a smoke screen is a cloud of smoke created to hide military operations.

In conversation, a smoke screen is something that you do or say to take attention from something else or to hide your real purpose or intention.

If a smoke screen doesnt work, you may want to use smoke and mirrors to hide your criminal behavior.

Years ago, magicians would use smoke and mirrors to fool their audiences. These days in conversation "smoke and mirrors" is anything people do to try and fool someone else.

However, if you are trying to hide a crime, your opponents or the police may try to smoke you out. To smoke someone out means to try to get them to come out of hiding. This comes from the practice of actually using smoke to make people leave an area.

"Smoke out" can also mean to bring someone or something into public view. The media is usually quick to smoke out a scandal. In the Watergate scandal, two Washington Post reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, were the primary people responsible for smoking out Nixons role in the cover up.

Even when Woodward and Bernstein did not have the tapes in their possession, they probably knew very early that something was wrong. As we say, where theres smoke, there is fire. This expression means that if unpleasant things are said about someone or something, there is probably good reason for it. You may also hear it said this way: There isnt smoke without fire.

After the public found out about the smoking-gun tapes, all the work Nixon tried to do during his presidency went up in smoke. If something goes up in smoke it is all wasted. When most people think of Nixon, they think of Watergate.

And that brings us to the end of this Words and Their Stories. If you learned even one new expression on this program, your time with us did not go up in smoke. It was not wasted!

Join again next time as we explore more American English on Words and Their Stories.

Im Anna Matteo.

Anna Matteo and David Jarmul wrote this Words and Their Stories. George Grow was the editor. At the end, The Platters presented the song, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes."

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Words in This Story

detective  n. a police officer whose job is to find information about crimes that have occurred and to catch criminals : a person whose job is to find information about something or someone
By Yesim Dikmen and David Dolan ANKARA/ISTANBUL, Turkey (Reuters) - Turkey dismissed nearly 1,400 more members of its armed forces and stacked the top military council with government ministers on Sunday, moves designed by President Tayyip Erdogan to put him in full control of the military after a failed coup. The scale of Erdogan's crackdown - more than 60,000 people in the military, judiciary, civil service and schools have been either detained, suspended or placed under investigation since the July 15-16 coup - has unnerved Turkey's NATO allies, fuelling tension between Ankara and the West. Adding to the acrimony, Turkey's EU Affairs minister hit out at Germany on Sunday after its constitutional court upheld a ban on Erdogan making a televised address to a rally of pro-government Turks in Cologne. The new wave of army expulsions and the overhaul of the Supreme Military Council (YAS) were announced in the official state gazette just hours after Erdogan said late on Saturday he planned to shut down existing military academies and put the armed forces under the command of the Defence Ministry. According to the gazette, 1,389 military personnel were dismissed for suspected links to the Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, who is accused by Turkey of orchestrating the failed putsch. Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in the United States, has denied the charges and condemned the coup. It comes after an announcement last week that more than 1,700 military personnel had been dishonourably discharged for their role in the putsch, which saw a faction of the military commandeer tanks, helicopters and warplanes in an attempt to topple the government. About 40 percent of Turkey's generals and admirals have been dismissed since the coup, in which Erdogan says 237 people excluding the plotters were killed and more than 2,100 wounded. The government also said its deputy prime ministers and ministers of justice, the interior and foreign affairs would be appointed to YAS. The prime minister and defence minister were previously the only government representatives on the council. They will replace a number of military commanders who have not been reappointed to the YAS, including the heads of the First, Second, and Third Armies, the Aegean Army and the head of the Gendarmerie security forces, which frequently battle Kurdish militants in the southeast. The changes appear to have given the government commanding control of the council. Erdogan, who narrowly escaped capture and possible death on the night of the coup, told Reuters in an interview on July 21 that the military, NATO's second-biggest, needed "fresh blood". 'BACKSLIDING' German media said authorities had decided to bar Erdogan from addressing a rally via videoconference in the city of Cologne on Sunday due to concerns over public order, prompting an angry response from Turkey's EU Affairs Minister Omer Celik. "German Constitutional Court's decision on the anti-coup rally in Cologne is an utter backsliding in freedom of speech and democracy," he said in English on Twitter. Germany is home to Europe's largest ethnic Turkish diaspora. The rally in Cologne, in which Turks waved national flags and pictures of Erdogan, was one of several planned on Sunday in European as well as Turkish cities and towns. Erdogan has upbraided Western leaders for not visiting Turkey since the coup. He said it was "shameful" that some in the West seemed more concerned about the fate of the plotters than in standing with a fellow NATO member. The aggressive military purges come at a time when the armed forces is stretched by fighting with Kurdish insurgents in southeast Turkey and threats from Islamic State militants on its border with Syria. Four soldiers were killed by the Kurdish militants on Sunday in two separate incidents, officials said. Turkey's military is taking part in the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Its Incirlik Air Base is used by coalition forces for missions against Islamic State. Security was tight in the immediate area around Incirlik on Sunday, Turkish security sources said, before an expected visit by the U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Joseph Dunford. While there were rumours on social media that security forces were at the ready on worries about another coup attempt, a U.S. military spokesman at the base said they had not seen an increased Turkish police presence. "It's business as usual here," he said, without giving his name. "We are not seeing anything like that." Incirlik has seen some scattered protests in the days since the coup as pro-government supporters have called on the United States to extradite Gulen. Washington says it will only do so if it receives clear evidence of Gulen's involvement in the coup. Dunford's visit comes at a delicate time for Turkey's relations with the United States, given Erdogan's constant demands for Gulen's extradition. CONSPIRACY THEORIES With mass purges of suspected Gulen supporters well underway in all state institutions, the media and some private companies, the Turkish Football Federation said on Sunday all its affiliated boards had resigned for the sake of "security checks". It said it was cooperating fully with the authorities. Erdogan told broadcaster A Haber on Saturday that Gulen was a "pawn" being controlled by a greater power. "There is a mastermind behind him. That mastermind is the one who took him to the United States and who helped him avoid any judicial process," he said. Conspiracy theories have flourished in Turkey since the attempted coup, with one pro-government newspaper saying the putsch was financed by the CIA and directed by a retired U.S. army general using a cell phone in Afghanistan. The United States has denied any involvement and any prior knowledge of the coup attempt. Erdogan has said that Gulen harnessed his extensive network of schools, charities and businesses, built up in Turkey and abroad over decades, to create a "parallel state" that aimed to take over the country. The government is now going after Gulen's network of schools and other institutions abroad. Since the coup, Somalia has shut two schools and a hospital believed to have links to Gulen, and other governments have received similar requests from Ankara, although not all have been willing to comply. In an unexpected move, Erdogan has said that as a one-off gesture, he would drop all lawsuits filed against people for insulting him. He said the decision was triggered by feelings of "unity" against the coup attempt. It could also be aimed at silencing his Western critics. Prosecutors have opened more than 1,800 cases against people for insulting Erdogan since he became president in 2014 after serving as prime minister for 11 years. Those targeted include journalists, cartoonists and even children. (Additional reporting by Gulsen Solaker in Ankara, Humeyra Pamuk, Ayla Jean Yackley and Daren Butler in Istanbul and Seyhmus Cakan in Diyarbakir; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Gareth Jones and Richard Balmforth)
By Yesim Dikmen and Humeyra Pamuk ANKARA/ISTANBUL, Turkey (Reuters) - Turkey has released more than 750 soldiers detained after an abortive coup, state media reported on Saturday, while President Tayyip Erdogan said he would drop lawsuits against people who had insulted him, in a one-time gesture of "unity". More than 60,000 people have been detained, removed or suspended over suspected links with the failed putsch, when a faction of the military commandeered tanks, helicopters and fighter jets and attempted to topple the government. Turkey's Western allies have condemned the coup, in which Erdogan has said 237 people were killed and more than 2,100 were wounded, but have been rattled by the scale of the resulting crackdown which has targeted supporters of Fethullah Gulen. The U.S.-based Muslim cleric, accused by Ankara of masterminding the July 15-16 putsch, denies the charges and Erdogan's critics say the president is using the purges to clamp down on dissent. Erdogan, meanwhile, has said it was "shameful" that Western countries showed more interest in the fate of the plotters than in standing with a fellow NATO member and has upbraided Western leaders for not visiting after the putsch. U.S. chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford, a top military official, is due to visit Turkey on Sunday. State-run Anadolu Agency reported that 758 soldiers were released on the recommendation of prosecutors after giving testimony, and the move was agreed by a judge. Another 231 soldiers remain in custody, it said. Turkey's military, the second-largest in NATO, has been hard hit in the wake of the coup, with about 40 percent of all generals and admirals dismissed. On Thursday, 99 colonels were promoted to the rank of general or admiral, following the dishonourable discharge of nearly 1,700 military personnel. Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Isik told broadcaster NTV on Friday that the shake-up was not yet over, adding that military academies would now be a target of "cleansing". Turkey's military is already stretched, facing violence in the mainly Kurdish southeast, and Islamic State attacks on its border with Syria. The army killed 35 Kurdish militants after they attempted to storm a base in the southeastern Hakkari province early on Saturday, military officials said. The head of the pro-Kurdish opposition told Reuters that the government's chance to revive a wrecked peace process with Kurdish rebels has been missed as Erdogan taps nationalist sentiment to consolidate support. ERDOGAN'S LAWSUITS In an unexpected move, Erdogan said late on Friday he would drop, as a one-off gesture, all lawsuits filed against people for insulting him. He said the decision was triggered by feelings of "unity" against the coup attempt. It could also be aimed at silencing his Western critics. Prosecutors have opened more than 1,800 cases against people for insulting Erdogan since he became president in 2014, the justice minister said earlier this year. Those targeted include journalists, cartoonists and even children. It was not immediately clear whether Erdogan would also drop his legal action against German comedian Jan Boehmermann, who earlier this year recited a poem on television suggesting Erdogan engaged in bestiality and watched child pornography, prompting the president to file a complaint with German prosecutors that he had been insulted. European leaders worry that their differences with Erdogan could prompt him to retaliate and put an end to a historic deal, agreed in March, to stem the wave of migrants to Europe. "The success of the pact so far is fragile. President Erdogan has several times hinted he wants to terminate the agreement," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told Austria's Kurier newspaper in an interview, when asked if the pact could fall apart. [L8N1AG09T] Erdogan criticised the European Council and the European Union, which Turkey aspires to be a part of, for failing to visit to offer condolences, saying their criticism was "shameful". Erdogan has blamed Gulen for masterminding the attempted coup and has called on Washington to extradite him. Turkish officials have suggested the United States could extradite him based on strong suspicion, while President Obama last week insisted Turkey must first present evidence of Gulen's alleged complicity. COURT REPORTERS On Saturday, 56 employees of Turkey's constitutional court were suspended from their jobs as part of the investigation into the alleged coup, private broadcaster Haberturk TV reported. Among those, more than 20 court reporters were detained, it reported. The number of public sector workers removed from their posts since the coup attempt is now more than 66,000, including some 43,000 people in education, Anadolu reported on Friday. Interior Minister Efkan Ala said more than 18,000 people had been detained over the failed coup, and that 50,000 passports had been cancelled. The labour ministry said it was investigating 1,300 staff over their possible involvement. Erdogan has said that Gulen harnessed his extensive network of schools, charities and businesses, built up in Turkey and abroad over decades, to create a "parallel state" that aimed to take over the country. The government is now going after Gulen's network of schools and other institutions abroad. Since the coup, Somalia has shut two schools and a hospital believed to have links to Gulen, and other governments have received similar requests from Ankara, although not all have been willing to comply. (Additional reporting by Seyhmus Cakan in Diyarbakir and Ayla Jean Yackley in Istanbul; Mike Shields in Zurich; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Richard Balmforth and Alexander Smith)
Derrick Middleton remembers the wave of discomfort that washed over him as a child whenever he entered a local barbershop with his father.

I had to perform masculinity in these spaces, Middleton told TakePart. Black barbershops are some of the most hypermasculine spaces in the world; at times they can remind you of a locker room. This was terrifying for me as a young boy who already felt that I was different from other boys.

RELATED: For LGBT High Schoolers, Gay-Straight Alliances Spell Safety

Some gay black men are out and proud in every aspect of their lives, but they go back into the closet whenever they enter a barbershop, said Middleton.

How influential barbershops are in black neighborhoods, as well as the difficulties gay men have with feeling accepted in them, is the subject of the documentary Shape Up: Gay in the Black Barbershop. The film, directed by Middleton, won the grand prize at the March on Washington Film Festival in Washington, D.C., in July.

Barbershops are pillars in the black community that have historically been safe spaces for black men to gather and share ideas and information, Middleton said. I want to work toward ensuring that these sacred spaces are also safe for and inclusive of the LGBTQ community.

RELATED: Haircuts and Harry Potter: Project Sparks Black Boys Love of Reading

The documentary follows black gay men, both clients and barbers, into barbershops in Harlem, New York, as they try to find a place there without sacrificing their identity. The film also addresses misogyny, which I discovered is very closely linked to homophobia in the ways in which it is expressed within these spaces, Middleton said. There are a great number of women who are just as uncomfortable in barbershops as some gay men are.

RELATED: What the Perception of Professional Hair Means for Black Job Seekers

Middleton grew up in New York City and began visiting barbershops with his dad when he was about five. As he got older, his fear of being excluded for being gay became a reality.

Story continues

I have a series of personal experiences that have occurred throughout the years that have motivated me to direct Shape Up. One of the most impactful was when I was kicked out of a barbershop by a homophobic barber who referred to my asking for a specific haircut as sissy shit,  Middleton said.

Scenes filmed in barbershops give the documentary authenticity, but they also presented production hurdles.

The most challenging aspect of filming was trying to get more candid barbershop footage of what Id call men behaving badly. No business wants to be portrayed as a homophobic or misogynist space on film, even if that is the reality, Middleton said.

So far, Middleton said people who have seen the film, both gay and straight men, have been receptive to it, and he hopes viewers will start talking about how to create inclusive spaces.

I truly believe that in order for us to effect change in these spaces, we must make ourselves visible as part of the LGBTQ community, Middleton said. I learned that a vast majority of men in barbershops naturally assume that every guy in the shop is heterosexual unless the person is extremely flamboyant. So what that tells us is that there are a lot of times when gay men are offended unintentionally by men who dont even realize that there may be LGBTQ people in the room that they are offending.

Take the Pledge: Pledge to Be an Ally of the LGBTQ Community

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Original article from TakePart
BEIRUT (Reuters) - U.S.-backed forces now control 40 percent of the Islamic State-held Syrian city of Manbij after advances in the last day that secured them key areas inside the city near the Turkish border, a monitor said on Sunday. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Syria Democratic Forces (SDF), with the support of air strikes, had seized much of the eastern part of the besieged city after slower advances in recent weeks mainly in the western sector. The monitor said the fighters were able to capture a clinic, school and a roundabout in the heart of eastern Manbij after heavy fighting. There were no confirmed reports of casualties. At least 2,300 trapped civilians were also able to leave the city but thousands of residents are still inside, slowing the advances by the U.S.-backed forces. Activists and residents say dozens of civilians have been killed this month in air strikes in the city and to the north, and rights watchdog Amnesty International said the U.S.-led coalition must do more to prevent civilian deaths. The U.S.-backed alliance includes a Kurdish militia and Arab allies that joined it last year. It launched the campaign nearly two months ago with the backing of U.S. special forces to drive Islamic State from its last stretch of the Syrian-Turkish frontier. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Catherine Evans)
By Suleiman Al-Khalidi BEIRUT (Reuters) - U.S.-backed forces have now seized control of almost 70 percent of Manbij in northern Syria from Islamic State after making rapid advances over the past two days, a spokesman said on Sunday. Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) have pushed back the ultra hardline Sunni militants into the old quarter after seizing most of the western, eastern and southern sectors of the city, Sharfan Darwish of the SDF-allied Manbij military council told Reuters in Beirut by telephone. "They are now mainly in the old quarter of the city and parts of the north-eastern part of the city," Darwish added. The SDF, which includes the powerful Kurdish YPG militia and Arab fighters, launched the campaign nearly two months ago with the backing of U.S. special forces to drive Islamic State from its last stretch of the Syrian-Turkish frontier. Though at least 2,300 civilians have been able to escape from Manbij, thousands of residents are still trapped inside. The presence of civilians, who the militants were trying to stop from leaving, was hampering U.S. air attacks, Kurdish sources said. Progress in storming the city had also been slowed by militants using snipers and planting mines, the Kurdish sources said. Manbij's loss would be a huge blow to the militants since it is a vital conduit for the transit of foreign jihadists and provisions from the Turkish border. "The military initiative is in our hands and the campaign is now being undertaken to liberate what is left of the city and progress is continuing until this moment," Darwish said. Earlier the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the SDF, with the support of air strikes, had seized much of the eastern part of the besieged city after slower advances in recent weeks mainly in the western sector. The monitor said they had captured a clinic, school and a roundabout in the heart of eastern Manbij after heavy fighting. There were no confirmed reports of casualties. Darwish estimated at least 40,000 to 50,000 civilian residents have escaped since the campaign began. Activists and residents say dozens of civilians have been killed this month in air strikes in the city and to the north, and rights watchdog Amnesty International said the U.S.-led coalition must do more to prevent civilian deaths. Manbij is in the northern province of Aleppo, which forms a theater for several separate battles between multiple warring sides in Syria's five-year-old conflict. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Richard Balmforth)
Damascus (AFP) - UN deputy Syria envoy Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy on Sunday invited Damascus to new peace talks with the opposition at the end of August, drawing a positive response from the government.

On Tuesday, the world body's special envoy Staffan de Mistura told reporters in Geneva he wanted "to proceed with a third round of intra-Syrian talks towards the end of August" after two previous rounds of talks this year ended in failure.

De Mistura has struggled to keep the peace process alive amid a surge in fighting between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces and rebel groups.

"I informed the minister and his deputy of the intention of the special envoy De Mistura to reconvene the inter-Syrian talks towards the end of August," Ramzy said after meeting Foreign Minister Walid Muallem and his deputy Faisal Muqdad.

"I explained to the minister how we intend to proceed, and we discussed how to render this process of political transition which has already been endorsed by the Security Council to be a credible one, and we exchanged views on that," Ramzy said.

He said Muallem "confirmed the intention of the Syrian government to participate in these talks once they are held".

Muqdad said Syria's government was "ready to resume the talks with no preconditions in an inter-Syrian context with no foreign interference", the official SANA news agency reported him as saying.

De Mistura's announcement comes with the armed opposition facing difficulties, especially in the northern city of Aleppo where government forces are besieging rebel-held districts.

A peace roadmap, endorsed in December by the UN, called for the creation of a transitional body, which should have occurred on August 1, a new constitution and elections by mid-2017.

The UN-brokered talks have so far been deadlocked over Assad's fate.

The government has ruled out negotiations on his possible departure, while the main opposition High Negotiations Committee has said it will not agree to any deal that leaves Assad in power.

Since Syria was plunged into chaos in 2011, more than 280,000 people have been killed and upwards of half the population has been displaced.
(Reuters) - Rejecting a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal was an easy decision for Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy because he has "unfinished business" with the champions. The 29-year-old, who scored 24 league goals to help Leicester win the title last season, spurned the advances of Arsenal, after the north London club had triggered a release clause in his contract, in favour of extending his stay with the Foxes. "It's not been put out there that I have always said the boys, the close-knit brotherhood, is unbelievable and for me, there's a lot of unfinished business here," Vardy told Sky Sports. "I feel that the club is only going one way and that is forward, that's why I want to be a part of it. It wasn't that big (the decision) when I think about it. It was quite easy and this is where I want to be." Claudio Ranieri's men, who lost 4-0 to Paris St Germain in the International Champions Cup in Los Angeles on Saturday, start their title defence with a trip to promoted Hull City on Aug. 13. (Reporting by Shravanth Vijayakumar in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)
LAGOS (Reuters) - United Nations children's agency UNICEF said it is continuing its aid work in northeastern Nigeria, a former stronghold of Islamist militant group Boko Haram, despite an attack on a humanitarian convoy earlier this week. The U.N. agency said late on Friday that it "continues to provide assistance to millions of conflict-affected children" in the region. Its statement followed an announcement on Thursday that UNICEF was temporarily suspending humanitarian assistance missions after a convoy was attacked and two aid workers injured as they returned to the northeastern city of Maiduguri after delivering aid in Bama. A temporary travel ban on U.N. workers travelling to high risk areas remains in place but the agency said it planned to scale-up its response in the northeastern state of Borno. UNICEF's pledge comes amid warnings of a growing humanitarian crisis in the region, where Boko Haram, seeking to create a state adhering to strict sharia law, took control of a swathe of land around the size of Belgium in late 2014. Troops from Nigeria and neighbouring countries forced the militants to retreat a few months later. Nearly 250,000 children suffer from life-threatening malnourishment in Borno and around one in five will die if they do not receive treatment, UNICEF said earlier this month. Boko Haram still carries out bombings in the region and in neighbouring Niger and Cameroon. On Saturday, Niger said it had extended a state of emergency in its southeastern region for three months after a series of attacks by the group. (Reporting by Alexis Akwagyiram; Edited by Nerys Avery)
Beirut (AFP) - Advancing Kurdish and Arab fighters backed by US-led air strikes now control 40 percent of the Islamic State stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria, a monitor said Sunday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had pushed deeper into the town near the border with Turkey, with air cover from the US-led coalition against the jihadists.

Around 2,300 civilians have fled Manbij in the past 24 hours as the SDF fighters advanced, according to the Britain-based monitor.

It said clashes between the joint Kurdish-Arab force and IS fighters were continuing in several parts of the town.

"It's a street battle, and the process of eating away at IS territory is ongoing," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.

He said the SDF had advanced into eastern parts of Manbij, which is located in Aleppo province on IS's main supply route between Syria and Turkey.

The SDF began its offensive to retake Manbij from IS on May 31, but progress slowed after it entered the town because of a fierce counteroffensive by the jihadists.

Thousands of civilians have already fled but thousands more are believed to remain, and there have been concerns about their fate as heavy fighting continues.

Earlier in the month, the SDF gave IS an ultimatum to leave Manbij within 48 hours, offering to allow fighters to flee with light weapons in what it described as a bid to protect civilians.

The initiative came after at least 56 civilians, including children, were reportedly killed in US-led air strikes near Manbij.

The coalition has said it is investigating the deaths, which provoked a sharp backlash, including a call from the Syrian opposition National Coalition for the US-led strikes to be suspended.

The 48-hour ultimatum was ignored by IS and fighting for the town has continued.

More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests.

The conflict has evolved into a complex multi-front war that has displaced over half Syria's population.
Caracas (AFP) - Venezuela's attorney general made a request to nullify the National Assembly's decision to reinstate three lawmakers accused of voting fraud.

The opposition-controlled National Assembly swore in three suspended lawmakers from the southern state Amazonas Thursday, which the attorney general's office said "has generated an absolutely unconstitutional and unlawful situation that cannot be recognized or supported by agencies and entities of public administration."

Venezuela's highest court had suspended the three lawmakers in January after they were accused of buying votes in December's legislative election.

The decision to reinstate the lawmakers comes as the Venezuelan government asked electoral authorities Tuesday to ban the opposition coalition seeking to oust President Nicolas Maduro in a recall vote, accusing them of massive fraud.

A recent poll found 64 percent of Venezuelans would vote to remove Maduro, who has declared a state of emergency and given his military sweeping powers over food production and distribution.

Venezuela's economic tailspin is threatening 17 years of socialist rule under Maduro and his late predecessor, Hugo Chavez.

The opposition's recall referendum push comes after it won legislative elections in December, only to find its power stymied by the Supreme Court.

Maduro's opponents allege he controls both the high court and the electoral authority.
Congratulations to Vin Diesel!

The Fast and the Furious star has hit 100 million likes on Facebook, the first actor to do so.

WATCH: Vin Diesel Says His Kids Don't Get That He's a Movie Star: 'At Home, I'm Just Daddy'

Diesel is the third person to achieve the major milestone -- following Shakira and Christiano Ronaldo -- and Hollywood couldn't help but congratulate him on the accomplishment.

"Congrats Vin Diesel on hitting 100 million followers!" Mark Zuckerberg wrote on Facebook. "Here's one of my favorite photos of us -- trying on your glasses the first time we met."

Diesel's Fast and Furious family also acknowledged his huge achievement.

"Congratulations Vin it seems the world is as captured by your Strength, Loyalty, Kind Heart & leadership as I am. You have good intentions in this business, & that is tough to find in Hollywood," Michelle Rodriguez wrote, along with a little video. "I'll forever treasure our friendship."

RELATED: Vin Diesel Posts Heartwarming Pic of Daughter With Paul Walker Watching Over Them

"Guys seriously???????? Vin Diesel's account just made HISTORY 2 times !!!!!!! 100 MILLION FOLLOWERS ON FACEBOOK!!!!!!!!!!" Tyrese Gibson added.

"Congratulations on hitting 100 Million Fans, Vin!" Jordana Brewster posted, along with a throwback photo. "This was our first trip together for Fast and Furious. From the very beginning, Vin knew how special this film would be. He was and continues to be our fearless leader."

But just how did Diesel reach 100 million? Well, according to statistics, the milestone was achieved with major pushes from the U.S., Brazil, and Mexico -- the top three countries Diesel fans come from.

RELATED: Vin Diesel Enlists Ronda Rousey to Train His 7-Year-Old Daughter to Become a 'Beast'

And as for the 49-year-old actor's most shared post? That would be a tribute to his fallen co-star and friend, Paul Walker, with 7.7 million likes.

Story continues

Diesel, currently on set filming Fast 8, is expected to share a Facebook Live post on Saturday.

While the xXx star celebrates 100 million Facebook likes, the franchise that brought him fame, The Fast and the Furious, recently celebrated its 15th anniversary.

NEWS: Vin Diesel Confirms 3 More 'Fast & Furious' Sequels Are Coming

Check it out in the video below.

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NEW YORK (AP) -- Slipping in the standings and on the cusp of getting wiped out by Colorado again, the New York Mets got a huge swing from Neil Walker in the seventh inning.

Walker hit a go-ahead, three-run homer that rallied the Mets past the Rockies 6-4 on Sunday and prevented a season sweep.

The switch-hitter also had an RBI triple, extending his recent tear at the plate, and Jeurys Familia rebounded from consecutive blown saves. New York sustained another costly injury, this one to shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, but snapped a four-game skid that matched its longest this season.

''It's a huge win for us,'' manager Terry Collins said. ''Hopefully it gets us going a little bit and we kind of lighten up and loosen up a little bit, start swinging the bats better.''

Alejandro De Aza and rookie Brandon Nimmo each contributed a run-scoring single as the third-place Mets finally generated some offense - and a little momentum heading into this week's Subway Series against the retooling Yankees. The first two games are at Citi Field, with the final two across town in the Bronx.

Playing without ailing slugger Yoenis Cespedes, New York won for only the second time in 10 home games and averted a four-game sweep to finish 1-6 against the Rockies (52-53) this year. Before that, the Mets took 11 straight from Colorado - including a 7-0 mark last season.

''You never like to be staring at the barrel of a possible four-game sweep at home under any circumstances,'' Walker said.

Carlos Gonzalez hit a tying double in the fifth and a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the seventh off winner Jerry Blevins (4-1). Daniel Descalso had two RBI singles for the Rockies, who had won five in a row and nine of 10.

''We're playing really well. It's really exciting, where we're at right now,'' second baseman DJ LeMahieu said. ''I see us keeping it rolling, too.

''We believe in ourselves. You can't fake believing in it, and we believe in it.''

Story continues

De Aza walked with one out in the seventh and, one out later, James Loney drew a 10-pitch walk from Boone Logan (1-1). Walker drove his 17th homer to left-center, pumped his fist after crossing the plate and eventually came out for a curtain call.

Logan had not allowed a home run since Peter Bourjos connected for St. Louis on June 9 last year. The left-hander's streak lasted 45 2/3 innings.

Addison Reed struck out three in a one-hit eighth, and Familia fanned two in a perfect ninth for his major league-leading 37th save in 39 attempts.

The right-hander had racked up a franchise-record 52 consecutive saves in the regular season, the third-longest streak in major league history, before failing Wednesday night against St. Louis and Thursday vs. Colorado.

Cabrera was hurt while scoring from first base on Walker's two-out triple in the first. As he looked back to find the ball, Cabrera stumbled immediately after rounding third and hobbled all the way home. He was helped to the dugout by teammates.

A few innings later, the Mets announced that Cabrera had a strained patellar tendon in his left knee - the same injury that sidelined him for a little more than two weeks during spring training.

''We didn't have to carry him off the field in spring training. So I'm really concerned about it,'' Collins said. ''He was in a lot of pain - a lot more than I've ever seen him.''

Cabrera is expected to see a doctor Monday.

Perhaps a slick spot played a role in his injury. The start was delayed 38 minutes by rain that fell much of the morning as the tarp covered the infield. In fact, a potentially wet field was one reason Collins held Cespedes out of the lineup.

Cespedes has been playing through a strained right quadriceps and left Saturday night's rainy game after five innings when the nagging injury tightened up.

WALK THIS WAY

Walker, who surpassed his home run total last season with Pittsburgh, had three hits and is 12 for 19 in his last five games following a 2-for-39 slump and a couple of days off. His sixth home run batting right-handed this season equaled his career total in 758 plate appearances before this year.

PLAY AT THE PLATE

Gonzalez tried to score from third with two outs in the fifth on a pitch that got past Rene Rivera, but plate umpire Jeff Kellogg ruled the Mets catcher made the tag in time as both players dove headlong toward the plate. After a replay review, the call stood. ''I was definitely safe. I don't know what they were looking at,'' Gonzalez said.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Rockies: Rookie SS Trevor Story sat out with a jammed left thumb that he injured Saturday night. Story, who began the day leading the NL with 27 home runs, said his goal is to return Tuesday at home against the Dodgers.

Mets: Wilmer Flores moved from third base to shortstop to replace Cabrera, and Kelly Johnson entered at third.

UP NEXT

Rockies: Following a day off, Colorado begins an eight-game homestand Tuesday night. RHP Jon Gray (7-4, 3.94 ERA) pitches against Los Angeles, looking to improve his 4-0 record at Coors Field.

Mets: RHP Logan Verrett (3-6, 4.12 ERA) starts the Subway Series opener Monday night against Yankees LHP CC Sabathia (6-8, 3.95). Verrett has never faced the Yankees.
Ouagadougou (AFP) - In the small Burkina Faso village of Balole, where farmers struggle to grow tomatoes, cabbages and aubergines, angry youngsters armed with batons and machetes are barring entry to the slaughterhouse.

A sickening stench from dozens of rotting donkey carcasses hangs in the air.

This is the flipside of Burkina's booming trade with Asia in donkey meat and donkey hides.

Fed up with the foul smell and pollution blamed on the slaughter, dozens of villagers earlier this month ransacked the abattoir and have blocked its entrance ever since.

Eating donkey meat is nothing new in parts of the west African country, where some believe the flesh has medicinal virtues and can even cure measles.

But the export of donkey meat and hides, notably to China and Vietnam, has flourished beyond measure in recent years, triggering some controversy.

"More than 45,000 donkeys have been slaughtered in less than six months" out of an estimated total of 1.5 million, says government spokesman Remi Fulgance Dandjinou.

"The subject has come up twice in cabinet meetings and the ministry of animal resources has been told to find ways of regulating the slaughter."

Burkina's customs service, quoted by the Sidwaya daily paper, said 19 tonnes of donkey hides had been flown to Hong Kong alone between October 2015 and January 2016.

Rising demand for hides has driven prices up drastically, from a mere 2,000 CFA francs (three euros) apiece to between 30,000 and 50,000 CFA francs (40 to 76 euros).

"A donkey that cost 50,000 CFA francs a couple of years ago now sells for between 70,000 and 90,000," says Issouf Kombassere, a donkey butcher in Saaba, a rural area in the centre of the country.

Some fear the roaring trade could see donkeys disappear altogether in Burkina Faso, one of the world's poorest nations where the beasts are used for transport.

Females take a year to bear their young and need two years between each birth.

Story continues

- 'No fresh water left' -

In Balole, which is around 25 kilometres (15 miles) west of the capital Ouagadougou, villagers took matters into their own hands when their vegetables wilted in the soil due to toxic runoff from the plant.

As part of their protests, they let hundreds of animals loose.

"More than 400 now are in the bush. Some that were sick or very hungry are dying and infecting the village even more," said Karim Simpore, the villager who says he led the July 11 raid.

The abattoir, built in 2011, was rented out to a French businessman and his Chinese partners by the local owner. The managers of the slaughterhouse declined to comment on developments.

Their company, Best Trade Center, exported exclusively to Asia, with hides mainly for China and meat going to Vietnam, the authorities and several witnesses told AFP.

"Four trucks full of donkeys would arrive every day, from Burkina, Mali and even Mauritania," Simpore said. "They'd slaughter 150 to 200 donkeys a day."

During an inspection more than 85 donkey corpses were found on the premises "decomposing with worms coming out," water and forestry official Christophe Bazie told AFP.

He said the firm was fined one million CFA francs (15,000 euros) for abandoning harmful waste, but that fines could be 10 times higher or even be jail terms.

Local farmer Simpore said that when the business began, there seemed to be no problems.

"But once the first rains fell, water washed the blood and the offal from the abattoir to the wells and streams, so there was no fresh water left to drink."

"Now the vegetable patches are polluted... tomato plants, cabbages, aubergines... they're all dying," said Simpore, surrounded by the group of baton-wielding youngsters.

"There'll never be a single donkey slaughtered here ever again," said one of the protesters, Ali Ouedraogo.
The MPW Insiders Network is an online community where the biggest names in business and beyond answer timely career and leadership questions. Today's answer for: How do you excel in a male-dominated industry? is written by Colleen Smith, vice president and general manager of OpenEdge at Progress.

As I looked into the audience at a tech conference in Australia recently, I can count on one hand the number of women in attendance. While this wasn't surprising, I was once again reminded how male dominated the tech industry is.

While my technical knowledge is what kick-started my career in the tech space three decades ago, it wasn't just those skills that enabled me to work my way through the ranks. In this industry, I have found the tech-savvy often discuss only the nuts and bolts of the technology itself rather than communicating why the technology is important and the business value it can provide. This inability to communicate is a widely accepted perception of those who are technically minded, but it also provides an opportunity for women working in the industry to flex their muscles and let their voices be heard.

I learned early on in my career that to get ahead, I needed to be able to clearly articulate (and in many instances be the one to "translate") the technology behind what makes the business successful. In my opinion, women tend to have an innate ability to communicate and communicate well. We often also have a knack for explaining complex subjects in an open and uncomplicated manner. Research conducted over the past 30 years by the University of Maryland School of Medicine backs up my theory, confirming that women are, in fact, better communicators than men.

Utilizing these natural communication skills provides women with the edge needed to excel in the tech industry. After all, communication is critically important for managers, who have to connect with both employees and executives to explain business goals and how they can be achieved. Women who can perform technical work like coding and also intelligently talk about the impact of that work are perfectly positioned for leadership roles.

Story continues

In many different situations, whether I'm speaking in front of four or 400 people, I often hear from audience members that they understand the situation or topic that's been discussed more clearly thanks to the way I've communicated the content. Young women frequently ask why I look so relaxed standing in front of a group and presenting. My answer is always the same - in addition to being prepared and knowing my subject matter (which is of course critical to success in any field) I know that understanding and relaying the big picture is what is necessary to be successful.

By providing information that is valuable to your business in a way that is easy to comprehend, you can differentiate yourself from those that can't see the forest through the trees. In my own experience, I've learned that communication clearly leads to career advancement, and I would recommend that every woman, no matter the industry, work to develop this skill set. It just might help you establish your value in a space that is filled with those inclined to dismiss it.

See original article on Fortune.com

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I remember the first time I consciously went to Kings Cross, on the northeastern edge of central London, and by consciously, I mean in the first sweaty bloom of swaggering adolescence, up for life and mouth wide open to suck up the big city. My friend John and I had traveled in by Tube from our natal homes in the north London burbs; we had 9 in cash between us and we were wired on amphetamine bluesspeed pills that, at four for 1, were attractively priced for teenaged punk rockers in the late 1970s. We were en route to Jocks Tattoo Parlour, and perhaps this fact alone that we had to journey across town to be inkily inscribedserves to separate that era from this one, when no gentrifying London neighborhood is complete without its own body-modification salon and most of the citys inhabitants resemble Maori warriors going into battle.

Jocks was a malodorous little nook on the scabrous section of the Pentonville Road that runs east from Kings Cross station. I say runs, because whatever the evolutionary end point of the massive redevelopment currently under way in Kings Cross, I doubt the thick miasma of debauchery and desuetude that hangs over this dingy dell will ever be dispelled. In 1977 the road was dominated by the strange Victorian turret of the Lighthouse Building and the Scala Cinemas lone cupolaboth structures that remain in place today. John and I breasted the crowds of office workers, warily eyed skulking prostitutes and drug dealers, then dived into Jocks and stood there, quaking, in the gloomy cigarette-stunk interior.

The eponymous tattooist was a huge, bearded old biker who sat behind a wooden bench, upon which were arranged the electric tools of his trade. So far as I can recall, there wasnt a clean needle or disinfected surface in sight. Blimey, Jock spat, look what the f-ing cat dragged in. Whats up with you twospeeding, or what? We teeth-chatteringly admitted this was indeed the case and Jock, not unkindly, took us to task: I expect you little toerags are paying well over the odds, you should come down ere to get yer gear. And with a flourish he pulled a huge plastic bag full of amphetamines from behind his bench. We quailed, suitably chastened, then bared our scrawny arms to receive 9-worth of his indelible artistry. Mine, the head of a black puma, has since been tattooed over.

Story continues

Just shy of four decades later I decided to cycle across town from Lambeth, the south London neighborhood where I now live, up across the river and northeast to Kings Cross. A friend of mine, the artist Antony Gormley, was throwing his 65th-birthday party in his studio on Vale Royal where for the past 13 years hes constructed vast and steely artworks based on the form of his own body. When Gormley first moved here, the area was still a characterful cocktail: one part scuzz to one part light industry, and two of outright neglect. There is no comparison to the neighborhood today, he told me over tea in his airyyet severely functionalatelier, which was designed by David Chipperfield. Parts of Kings Cross used to be like a bit of the industrial West Midlands transposed to Londonthere were those fantastic charcoal-patinated walls, with big granite copingstones.

Gormleys studio is about half a mile north of Kings Cross station. As in most great Victorian cities, Londons main rail stations were built in the late 19th century in a ring around what was then the citys periphery: property rights in the center were too entrenched (and their owners too powerful) for the iron road to ride roughshod over them. In the immediate purlieu of Waterloo, sort of shady activities associated with mass transit proliferated during the latter part of the 19th century: the liquor and sex trades, gambling establishments, hotels-cum-brothels, pawnbrokers and shebeens.

King's Cross London

Left: St. Pancras International, which now houses the Renaissance Hotel. Right: Students from Central St. Martins, near the art schools new Granary Square campus;

James Merrell

But in this part of town there were no fewer than three mainline railway stationsEuston itself, St. Pancras, and Kings Crossso the shades clustered commensurately, becoming thicker and darker than in any other part of the capital. Gormley and his wife, the painter Vicken Parsons, have mixed memories of the seedy seepage up the Euston Road: There was a period when they flushed all the drug dealers out from around the station, he told me, and all the prostitutes and dealers came up this way. We came home one evening and a prostitute was entertaining her client on our front steps.

Kings Cross has a bogus reputation as the site where Queen Boudicca fought with Londons Roman occupiers a fiction enshrined in the local street name Battle Bridge Road. It actually takes its name from an odd, octagonal brick tower surmounted by a statue of King George IV that was erected at the intersection of Grays Inn Road and Pentonville Road in the 1830s and pulled down a decade or so later. The station itself was built in the early 1850s, and is a huge structure with a sweeping brick faade that, until the recent renovations, was obscured by a jumble of later accretions.

St. Pancras International, right beside Kings Cross, serves the Midlands region and, for the past few years, has been the terminal for Eurostar service to the Continent. St. Pancras is perhaps the most extravagant example of neo-Gothic architecture in a city with more than its fair share: during my childhood, its finials and spires and flying buttresses were coated with a thick, black slather of smog left over from industrial-era Londons countless coal fires.

Now it has been thoroughly cleaned up, and as well as the trains, the building today houses the suitably named Renaissance Hotel. (A new Standard Hotelthe first outside the U.S.is due to open across the street in the old Camden Town Hall building next year.) The Kings Cross rehabilitation project officially began here, radiating out to the north, filling in the disused shunting yards and engine sheds that lay alongside the train tracks with shiny, happy new buildings.

King's Cross London

Left: Kings Cross Pond Club, a naturally filtered swimming pool with views of St. Pancras International and the BT tower. Right: The newly refurbished departures concourse at Kings Cross station.

James Merrell

In fact, the regeneration process began much earlier than we might suppose. The British Library moved to the site abutting St. Pancras station in the late 1990s. I remember visiting with its then director, who took me down into the just-completed underground stacks: eight subterranean, temperature-controlled floors, housing a portion of the librarys 150 million books. Colin St. John Wilsons design was an effective compromise between soft Modernism and angular Gothicism that synced the library with its surrounding environment. Its this harmony that the newer, far more extensive construction to the north needs to sustain if Kings Crosss character is to be modulated rather than nullified.

The signs so far are good. Apart from the cartoonish Paul Day statue of lovers embracing that stands on the platform area, St. Pancras station is now light and modernpleasing as well as functional. Kings Cross, next door, is something of a tour de force, with a huge new vaulted waiting area and a piazza out front where, with a certain inevitability, nice liberals are now selling artisanal produce. The walkway running from the station northeast to the new Kings Place building on York Way is, however, less successful: walking here by day, Im always struck by how the little popup installationsa viewing platform, an espresso stall, food hutsseem to loom larger than the new buildings.

This is partly because of what the philosopher Walter Benjamin termed vertical type: in this case, slogans blazoned all over these temporary structures, exhorting us to buy and walk and observe and inherit in short, instructing us on how to be flaneurs, as if we havent been doing this stuff all our lives. The boxy installations evoke the innumerable railway carriages that clattered northward from the three great stationsas well as the equally myriad narrow boats that oozed through the stygian waters of the Regents Canal. This evocation somehow counts against the brightly futuristic promise of the new building developments, and draws us back again to the areas dark past. Kings Cross has this peculiar air, still, of enormous and surly gravity the filth and effluent from the old gasworks that once operated here compacted to atomic densitiesand an opposing levity: everyone is hurrying, everyone is going somewhere at speed.

The Guardian Media Group has its new offices in Kings Place, which also contains an arts venue and exhibition areas, plus the ubiquitous foodie overkill without which no new public building can pat its glassy, parametrically designed stomach and announce itself to be complete. This publishing company can be seen as the liberal counterweight to the 1 million square feet of office space Google is acquiring in Kings Cross Central (as the redeveloped locale is being styled by its developers). As a contributor, I occasionally go into the Guardians offices, and Ive also taken part in live events at Kings Place, after which Ive eaten in its restaurant, looking out at the great scum of oil and pigeon feathers that swirls over the waters of the canal basina nice contrast to the acres of blond wood and plate glass within.

There are shiny new restaurants everywhere, many of themCaravan, Dishoom, the Grain Storein striking old industrial spaces. Later this year Jamie Oliver is opening a canal-side complex in Goods Yard that will house his company headquarters along with a vast restaurant. Lisa Allardice, editor of the Guardians Review section, told me that when she moved here with the rest of the papers staff from the old Grays Inn Road offices, The most exciting thing to do was a trip to the pharmacy at lunchtime. Now, Allardice is a Kings Cross booster: We cant move for all the incredible buildings and bright young hipsters out on a Thursday evening.

King's Cross London

Left:Indian street snacks at Dishoom Kings Cross; Right:Sculptor Antony Gormleys studio

James Merrell

Antony Gormley was more forthcoming about the downside of the rise of Kings Cross. While acknowledging the vibrancy and eclecticism of the crowds swirling around the new piazzas and along the new pedestrian walkways, he says: The tragedy may be that in the financing of the area the land values have been inflated. Now the annual per-square-foot rental price is 80, whereas in the City of London its 70. The justification is the lie that if you come to Kings Cross youre going to be part of the trendy avant-garde.

One of the iconic British movies of the 1980s was written and directed by Mike Leigh, a filmmaker who continues to summon up Londons genius loci in his socially acute dramas. In High Hopes (1988), Cyril, a Marxist motorcycle courier, and Shirley, his girlfriend, live in an apartment block right next to Kings Cross station. I remember this building well: one of a pair that then stood on Battle Bridge Road, originally part of a group of five. The Stanley Buildings were constructed in the 1860s for railway employees, and were notable for their elegant ironwork balconies and exterior stairways. By the time I jittered down to Jocks, the last two had become squats, mostly occupied by my fellow punks.

Leighs movie charts the rise of the yuppies under Margaret Thatchers government and their gentrification of Londons run-down inner-city areas. The climactic scene has Cyril standing on the roof of one of the Stanley Buildings and inveighing against these changes, while in the middle distance the skeletal silhouette of a gasholder looms. Today, that gasholder is all that remains; the last Stanley Building has been refurbished and pressed into service as a retro-style office block. If Cyril were up there now and could see whats happened, hed probably fall off the roof in surprise. I nearly fell off my bike the other night when the floodlit jets of water laid out in a gridlike formation in front of the new Central St. Martins building burst into life. Pedaling in between their surreal splashes, I marveled at the sheer vastness of the old granary buildings that have now been converted into a campus for Londons University of the Artsand marveled still more at the plastic stacking chairs upturned on the studio workbenches inside. When it comes to life-drawing classes, it seems its a case of plus a change.

King's Cross London

Left: Evening drinks on the roof of a canalboat and new waterside seating off Granary Square; Right:The mirrored panels of Gasholder No. 8, a disused Victorian gas tank now converted into a public art piece.

James Merrell

Kings Cross Central is taking form around a series of 10 public spaces, including three new squares. The fine views of St. Pauls Cathedral and central London from the north side of the site are to be protected, and while some buildings will be as high as 27 stories, theres also a lot of low-to-mediumrise. The area is bounded to the east by York Way, a grim runnel of an arterial route; to the west by the train line out of St. Pancras; and to the northwest by the curving line of the high-speedrail connection to the Continent. Yet the most important transport the developers have at their disposal is none of these. Rather, its the canal towpath linking the new place (which is how contemporary developers bizarrely style their creations, as if all that came before was void and without form) with Camden Lock, a mile or so to the east. Long the epicenter of face-metaland- henna-tattooing-by-appointment for European teenagers, this complex of street markets and eateries will, I predict, eventually merge with Kings Cross Central, so that visitors will be able to complete a great east-west passeggiata, with retail and snacking opportunities every inch of the way.

I may sound a little cynical, but trust me, Im not. The debate about Londons built environment is focused at the moment on the grotesque sight of capital fleeing from unstable regions of the world to take spatial form on the citys skyline. Row upon row of bar-code-faade luxury flats are being built, while the provision of affordable housing in the cityeven for key workerskeeps declining. The optimistic developers view is that no matter how shiny and new the starchitects infill of the roughly triangular 67-acre Kings Cross Central site, the grimy and the old will continue to inform it. The project has had its share of controversies, including the alleged exclusion of tenants with mentalhealth issues from what little affordable housing is on offer. Yet compared with the big new London developments that are exercises in placemaking entirely de novo, I think Kings Cross Central does have a real chance of knitting with the ancient fabric of the city, so that soon enough it will seem lived-inand may even come to possess that most evanescent of urban phenomena, character.

Of course, this will only be a passing phasebefore long, like in a plot of a Stephen King horror novel, that character will begin to grow stronger and mutate, cloning itself into an entire cast of separate characters. And as Kings Cross Central continues to feed off the raw economics and attendant atmospherics of its three rail stations, so all the activities its welltended and monied new spaces are designed to prohibit will slowly, insidiously, begin to reassert themselves.

No, Im not cynical about Kings Cross Central, because I know you cant keep the essential scuzziness of Kings Cross down for long. It may take 10 or even 20 years, but eventually the jittery teenagers will return from the burbs, and theyll find Jocks lineal descendant waiting for them, a crooked grin bisecting his raddled old face.

The Details: What to Do in King's Cross, London

Hotel

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel After more than 30 years of neglect, the old Midland Grand Hotel has returned to its former glory as the Renaissance, sparking a revitalization of the surrounding neighborhood. Doubles from $365.

Restaurants

Caravan A global-small-plates hot spot housed in a Victorian granary behind Kings Cross station. caravanrestaurants.co.uk; small plates $5$13.

Dishoom Another Victorian warehousethis one converted into the Indian-street-food chains most impressive London branch. Entres $9$17.

Grain Store An upscale restaurant on Granary Square that gets glowing reviews for its vegetable-centric menu. Entres $9$32.

Rotunda Bar & Restaurant The modern British menu and terrace overlooking Regents Canal make this a local standout. Entres $17$33.

Activities

British Library The U.K.s national library holds a collection of 150 million volumes, with rare artifacts like the Magna Carta and Beatles manuscripts.

Gasholder Park This old natural-gas repository has been developed into a public park with a lovely lawn and canopy overlooking St. Pancras Lock.

Kings Cross Pond Club A public swimming pool designed as part of the Kings Cross Public Art Program.
By Michael Fiala CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (Reuters) - A deadly wildfire near California's Big Sur coast raged mostly unchecked for a ninth day after gutting nearly 60 dwellings and forcing hundreds from homes and campgrounds, but a wind shift late on Saturday was expected to help firefighters quell the blaze. The so-called Soberanes Fire, which erupted on July 22 just south of the oceanside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, has roared through more than 35,000 acres (14,164 hectares) of drought-parched chaparral, grass and timber in and around the Los Padres National Forest. The fire zone grew by several thousand acres on Saturday, even as firefighters hacked away more vegetation to keep containment lines extended around 15 percent of its expanding perimeter, officials said. Steep, rugged terrain, combined with extremely hot, dry weather has hampered the efforts of some 5,300 firefighters battling to suppress the blaze. But forecasters were calling for a reversal in wind direction late Saturday through Sunday that fire managers hope will drive flames back over areas already burned, thus stunting the fire's growth and giving crews a chance to gain more ground. "That could possibly slow the spread of the fire for the next few days, because with the change in the wind, it would be blowing the fire back into itself," said Elizabeth Marks, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Flames have already destroyed 57 homes and 11 outbuildings, with at least five other structures damaged, according to the latest tally of property losses. Some 2,000 other structures were threatened, with an estimated 350 residents displaced by evacuations, officials said. More than 500 fire trucks along with 14 helicopters and six air tankers have been deployed to fight the blaze. The fire threat has prompted authorities to close a string of popular California campgrounds and recreation areas along the northern end of the Big Sur coastline, including Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park and Point Lobos Natural Reserve. Highway 1, the scenic route that winds along seaside cliffs overlooking the Pacific, remained open, though motorists were advised to allow for traffic delays caused by firefighting equipment entering and exiting the roadway. The blaze took a deadly turn on Tuesday when a bulldozer operator hired by property owners to help battle the flames was killed as his tractor rolled over. It was the second California wildfire death in a week. (Writing and additional reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Dale Hudson and Kim Coghill)
ZURICH (Reuters) - Freedom Party candidate Norbert Hofer has widened his lead in a Gallup poll ahead of October's repeat election for the Austrian presidency. Hofer lost by a whisker in May to former Greens party leader Alexander van der Bellen in an election that Austria's constitutional court this month ordered re-run given vote count irregularities. A series of Islamist attacks in Europe and Britain's decision to leave the EU since the original vote have shuffled the political deck in neutral Austria. The poll published by the Oesterreich paper on Sunday showed the midpoint of the wide range of support for Hofer at 52 percent -- one point higher than a poll in early July found -- versus 48 percent for van der Bellen. Fifty-seven percent of the 600 respondents cited Hofer's personality as the most important factor, followed by "protection from terror" at 56 percent and "more stringent asylum policy" at 55 percent, the paper said. The poll also showed the anti-Islam and eurosceptic Freedom Party (FPO) with record-high 35 percent support, far ahead of the governing coalition partners: the Social Democrats at 25 percent and conservative People's Party at 19 percent. FPO leader Heinz Christian Strache has repeatedly accused d the government of taking too soft a line on Europe's migrant crisis, which the FPO says has exposed Austria to danger. In an interview with Oesterreich, Strache demanded EU sanctions to punish Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan for what Strache called anti-democratic crackdowns on opponents after a failed coup. "What we need are an immediate halt to (EU) membership negotiations and payments worth billions, as well as sanctions finally. If the EU's hypocritical policy sees the introduction of the death penalty announced by Erdogan as a red line, that is pure cynicism. The red line was crossed long ago," he said. Hofer, 45, lost out in May by just 31,000 votes to pro-Europe candidate van der Bellen, 72. But Austria's highest court annulled the vote, finding that sloppiness in the count, while not intended to manipulate any votes, had potentially been serious enough to change the outcome. If successful, he would be the first far-right head of state in a European Union country. (Reporting by Michael Shields)
A woman who visited a hibachi steakhouse in Tennessee says she was sexually assaulted by a toy during her dinner.

Police were called to Hibachi in Murfreesboro this week on a sexual assault complaint, where the Isabelle Lassiter told them she'd been squirted in the face with a toy by a chef.

The toy is meant to look like a little boy that pulls his pants down and "urinates."

Watch: Former Fox News Reporter Arrested on Rape and Forcible Sodomy Charges: Cops

Proprietors of the restaurant admit the incident occurred and said the toy is meant to be funny.

But Lassiter isn't isn't laughing, in part because it happened in front of her children.

"It peed on me, basically. Out of his wee-wee area, Isabelle Lassiter told WTVF.

Lassiter reportedly police said she felt sexually assaulted because the toy had a penis. However, in the police statement, the officer refuted that claim.

Watch: Ex-Playboy Model Could Land Behind Bars For Fat Shaming Nude Woman In Gym

"I observed the toy to have no penis and just a hole for the water to shoot out," the officer wrote.

In reaction to news reports about the incident, Lassiter and her husband released a statement defending the allegations.

"People are missing the point. This was a sexually-oriented toy meant for adults, in front of minor children," the statement read. "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."

Watch: Homeless Man Gets $100,000 Reward for Helping Cops Catch Fugitives

Related Articles:
Kuwait City (AFP) - The Yemeni government said Sunday it has accepted a UN-proposed peace agreement to end more than a year of armed conflict, but there has been no word from the rebels.

The announcement by the Saudi-backed government came after a high-level meeting in Riyadh chaired by Yemen's President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi.

"The meeting approved the draft agreement presented by the United Nations calling for an end to the armed conflict and the withdrawal (of rebels) from Sanaa... and the cities of Taez and Al-Hudaydah," said a statement, cited by the Saba news agency.

Yemen's Foreign Minister Abdulmalek al-Mikhlafi, who is leading negotiating team in Kuwait City, said he has sent a letter to the UN special envoy informing him the government backed the "Kuwait Agreement".

One pre-condition, however, is that the Iran-backed Huthis and forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh sign the deal by August 7, Mikhlafi wrote on Twitter.

He said the Yemeni leadership has authorised the delegation to sign the deal, which has received strong international and regional backing.

There has been no official reaction from the rebels.

Huthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam, however, said on Twitter before the government announcement that the rebels insist on a comprehensive and complete solution, and rejected what he called "half solutions".

Under the agreement, all decisions made by the rebels since they occupied the capital in September 2014 will be scrapped, Mikhlafi said.

The deal also abolishes the controversial supreme political council set up jointly by the Huthis and the General People's Congress of former president Saleh on Thursday to run the country, he said.

A political dialogue between various Yemeni factions will start 45 days after the rebels withdraw and hand over heavy weapons to a military committee to be formed by President Hadi.

Prisoners of war will also be freed, as specified by the UN Security Council resolution 2216, the agreement said.

Story continues

The talks in Kuwait, which began on April 21, have so far made no major breakthrough.

UN special envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed on Saturday managed to extend discussions for a week after the government delegation said it was leaving, and submitted the peace deal draft to both sides.

The government approval also came hours after seven Saudi troops were killed in border clashes with Yemeni rebels.

More than 6,400 people have been killed in the Arabian Peninsula state since the Saudi-led coalition intervened in March last year 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.
When you hear the word entrepreneur, what image comes to mind? A hoodie-clad Stanford grad pitching his new tech app? An ex-investment banker opening his own shop? What about a thirtysomething woman growing vegetables on a rooftop?

Anastasia Cole Plakias, co-founder and vice president of Brooklyn Grange, fell into farming somewhat serendipitously. An aspiring food journalist, she met the founders of ultra-hop pizzeria Robertas in 2009 while reporting on the blossoming Brooklyn food scene. At the time, she recalls, the restauranteurs were working on turning two shipping containers into a small farm for growing herbs and vegetables.

I was completely blown away by their cavalier attitude of just doing it--without having planned and contingency planned, Cole Plakias says. So impressed, in fact, that she abandoned her story to help them build it. In researching the project, she met Ben Flanner, who had built Eagle Street, a pilot farm on a 6,000-square-foot Brooklyn roof.

In talking to Ben, it was pretty clear that for [these projects] to be sustainable, we needed more space, she says. So she, Flanner, and their two partners decided to find it--right there in New York City.

Subscribe to the Broadsheet, Fortune's daily newsletter on the world's most powerful women.

Flanner, the CEO and co-founder of the 2.5-acre enterprise, is considered a pioneer in urban farming circles for his system of growing food using existing green roof technology. An engineer by training and a former consultant, Flanner spends much of his time figuring out how to make the operation as lean as possible.

There are obviously some logistical challenges to farming on a roof, he says. Some forms of mechanization aren't available to us that would save us time and effortand there are little things, like after our harvest, we have to load up a freight elevator.

Despite the hurdles, Brooklyn Grange has managed to be profitable (though the founders declined to share to what extent), largely thanks to the creative ways in which they use their space.

Story continues

As Flanner puts it, we farm during the day, but we're still paying rent at night. So they found ways to use the space after the workday is over, hosting community dinners, weddings, and yoga classes. From the beginning, we realized that if these spaces were beautiful and if they were fun and happy places to be, that they would be valuable in other ways besides just the vegetables.

Theres also a third side to Brooklyn Granges business: the co-founders consult and design for other farms.

Of course, finding the right mix of revenue streams didnt come overnight. The biggest lesson Ive learned from all of this is that as an entrepreneur you are going to fail. Many, many times, says Cole Plakias. There was an experiment in retail that went awry, crops that wouldnt grow, and the endless challenges of having to adapt traditional farming techniques to their unique situation. There was a lot of trial and error, she says.

In the end, says Cole Plakias, running a farm--even if it is on a roof--is not all that different from any other business venture, with one exception: The plants dont care that Im a woman.

See original article on Fortune.com

More from Fortune.com
Whether you're browsing the local paper or using one of the many apartment listing apps out there, finding a decent place to hang your hat that's also in your budget can feel like trying to uncover the the lost city of Atlantis.

Turns out, there's a reason for that, according to a new analysis conducted by Zillow.

The real estate company used information from their database to analyze median rents in 15 major housing markets in the U.S., as well as the number of apartments built in the past 3 years. From this, they discovered the median rent for the least expensive third of apartments outpaced the overall rental market. Also, most new apartment growth is comprised of luxury units for wealthy renters.

In layman's terms, there is growing demand for affordable rentals, but instead of meeting that need developers are focusing on adding to the supply of luxury units, pushing apartment rent prices higher across the board.

"We're simply not building enough at the bottom and middle of the rental market to keep up with demand," Svenja Gudell, Zillow's chief economist, said in a press release. "As a result, these segments are becoming very competitive, as both new renters look to find their first place and existing renters get shut out of homeownership because of extremely limited for-sale inventory. Apartment construction at the low end needs to start ramping up, and soon, in order to see real improvement."

By the Numbers

This is playing a major role in property affordability, according to Zillow, and is especially affecting lower-income Americans who are likely to rent. Below are the findings for the 15 cities Zillow analyzed.

ZillowChart

Before Renting Your Apartment

As you search for your next place to call home, it's important to remember that any potential landlord is probably going to look at a version of your credit report as part of your application. You may want to consider reviewing your credit before you apply so you have an idea of where it currently stands. (You can see your free credit report summary, updated each month, on Credit.com.) This will help you get a better idea of what terms and conditions you may qualify for on a mortgage, as well as if there's any credit repair work you may want to do before applying for a new rental.



More from Credit.com


Jah knowdah week ya deal wid me a way!!  No visa fi mi Canada show (I apologize again to my fans in case you haven't seen the press release)  Zika Virus hol' mi  The same Zika mosquito gi mi dengue.  Blood test, injections, pills. Wi a hol firm still. Selassie a guide I n I right through so once mi have life me a give thanks. #Unstoppable

A photo posted by KingBeenieMan (@kingbeenieman) on Jul 30, 2016 at 12:01pm PDT
This once-banned Woman President shirt is making a comeback

This once-banned Woman President shirt is making a comeback

Hey you guys, remember last Tuesday when Hillary Clinton became the first woman to win the Democratic partys nomination for President of the United States of America? That was so fun and exciting and the possibly the coolest thing to happen to politics since a black man was elected president eight years ago.

Well not everyone thought Clintons nomination was possible. Specifically, one major corporation that let its beliefs be known back in the 90s.

Rutgers University professor Nick Kapur reminded us that during Bill Clintons presidency in 1995, Walmart stores in Arkansas started selling a t-shirt designed by Ann Moliver Ruben  who was the president of Women Are Wonderful Inc., an organization that aimed to empower women.

Someday a woman will be president, the shirt read, along with a depiction of the character Margaret from Dennis the Menace.

Ruben said Sharon Higginbotham, a buyer for womens clothes at Walmarts national office in Bentonville, Arkansas, told her the store would not carry the shirt nationwide because the message goes against Walmarts family values,' according to an Associated Press story.

Customers were uncomfortable with the feminist message being spread on the shirt. It was determined the T-shirt was offensive to some people and so the decision was made to pull it from the sales floor.

Here is what the offending shirt looked like: pic.twitter.com/mdiIi7bEQD  Nick Kapur (@nick_kapur) July 27, 2016

And now, at 91-years-old, Higginbotham is beyond thrilled to see the progress weve made as a country.

When my cousin told me when I was 8 years old that a girl could never be president of anything, I became a feminist  that word wasnt even invented yet, Higginbotham told Slate in a recent interview.

Story continues

Im grateful that I have reached 91 years and this wonderful Hillary Rodham Clinton is going to fulfill my dream, she added. Im excited.

One mom believed in the message, so she bought two of the t-shirts and held onto them for 20 years. She and her daughter were finally able to wear them!

"Someday a woman will be PRESIDENT" - 1995 banned Walmart shirt@RayaSaysHey & mom saved these shirts for 20 years! pic.twitter.com/57EgYq0INl  #YesAllWomen (@yesallwomen) July 29, 2016

Even though Walmart clearly made a huge mistake back then, the company has at least admitted its wrong doing.

Since the story broke, a Walmart spokesperson gave a statement to Jezebel that admits Walmarts major mistake: Wow, it still pains us that we made this mistake 20 years ago. Were proud of the fact that our country  and our company  has made so much progress in advancing women in the workplace, and in society.

Our country has definitely come a long way, and as a result, so has Walmart. And hey  progress is progress.

The post This once-banned Woman President shirt is making a comeback appeared first on HelloGiggles.


People like gamers and video producers might need high-powered laptops that cost upwards of $1,000, but most of us don't. Shop for a budget laptop, and for under $700 you'll find lots of choices that can easily handle your email, watch videos, and work with text documents and spreadsheets. The laptops we've selected here include very inexpensive machines that are fine for most tasks, as well as more upscale laptops that add a lot more power, and even some style, to the mix.



Asus Transformer Book TP200SADH04T

The Streaming Notebook

An inexpensive Windows machine, the $350 Asus Transformer Book Flip TP200SA cuts a few corners but boasts an impressive battery life and a good display.

The Transformer Book is a budget laptop powered by an Intel Celeron processor, has 4GB of RAM, and a small-ish 64GB solid state drive. You probably wont be storing any big files on here, nor will you be playing many games, and if you run multiple applications the computer may stutter. But, then again, this is a true budget laptop.

On the positive side of the ledger, the Transformer does have all the power you need for web browsing, and you can take advantage of Microsofts touch-friendly interface thanks to its 11.6-inch 1366 x 768 touchscreen. The display is very good in terms of color accuracy, and its wide viewing angle is great for friends gathering around a screen. And in our testing, the battery life was around 13 hours, more than enough for a full day on the go.

Dell Chromebook 11

The Web-Based Alternative

Don't want to spend a lot of dough on a laptop? Just need to get online? The $250 Dell Chromebook 11 is designed for just that, getting on the web. Its powered by Chrome, so youll need a Google account to take full advantage of its integration with the companys apps.

The Chromebook 11 has an Intel Celeron processor inside, and 2GB of RAM. During normal use, the Chromebook 11 is pretty snappy, but web browsing will hit a slowdown if you open too many tabs.

Story continues

With this machine, you can browse those tabs all day thanks to a 14-hour battery life. The Dell's 11-inch, 1366 x 768 display is decent, but nothing spectacular. And this is a lightweight option, weighing only 2.8 pounds.

The Surface Alternative

A detachable Windows 10 laptop, the $600 HP Spectre x2 is small and light enough to take anywhere, and its battery will carry you through a whole day without a problem. Inside the 12-inch Spectre x2 is a decently big 128GB solid state drive, and an Intel Core m3 processor that can easily power web browsing and most applications, though you may want to hold off on processor-intensive activities such as gaming. The 1920 x 1280 touchscreen display is prone to glare, but indoors its just fine for watching HD-quality videos.

In the lab, we found the laptop's detachable full-size keyboard and touchpad easy to use, and in dim conditions we appreciated the fact that they were backlit. In addition to WiFi, the Spectre x2 has 4G/LTE SIM card, which allows you to get online with cellular serviceonce you arrange a data plan from Verizon.

Lenovo Flex 4

Media Junkie's Pick

If performance is what you care about, and youre ready to nudge up against our $700 price ceiling, the Lenovo Flex 4 convertible laptop is an excellent choice. It has a mid-range Intel Core i5 processor, suitable for most applications, including photo editing. Inside the 1080p, 14-inch laptop is a roomy 1TB hard drive, 4GB of RAM, and a battery that can keep going for over 11 hours.

Its HD touchscreen display is decent enough, though it doesnt handle bright sunlight well due to glare. Thanks to its convertible feature, you can flip the screen around and use the Flex 4 as a Windows 10 tablet. It has a full-size, backlit keyboard, too. At 4 pounds, this is not a particularly lightweight machine, so tote with caution.





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.
By Mark Hosenball, Joseph Menn and John Walcott WASHINGTON/SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A computer network used by Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clintons campaign was hacked as part of a broad cyber attack on Democratic political organizations, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The latest attack, which was disclosed to Reuters on Friday, follows two other hacks on the Democratic National Committee, or DNC, and the partys fundraising committee for candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives. A Clinton campaign spokesman said in a statement late on Friday that an analytics data program maintained by the DNC and used by the campaign and a number of other entities "was accessed as part of the DNC hack." "Our campaign computer system has been under review by outside cyber security experts. To date, they have found no evidence that our internal systems have been compromised," said Clinton campaign spokesman Nick Merrill. Later, a campaign official said hackers had access to the analytics program's server for approximately five days. The analytics data program is one of many systems the campaign accesses to conduct voter analysis, and does not include social security numbers or credit card numbers, the official said. The U.S. Department of Justice national security division is investigating whether cyber attacks on Democratic political organizations threatened U.S. security, sources familiar with the matter said on Friday. The involvement of the Justice Departments national security division is a sign that the Obama administration has concluded that the hacking was sponsored by a state, people with knowledge of the investigation said. While it is unclear exactly what material the hackers may have gained access to, the third such attack on sensitive Democratic targets disclosed in the last six weeks has caused alarm in the party and beyond, just over three months before the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election. Hackers, whom U.S. intelligence officials have concluded were Russian, gained access to the entire network of the fundraising Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, or DCCC, said people familiar with the matter, detailing the extent of the breach to Reuters for the first time. Cyber security experts and U.S. officials said earlier this week they had concluded, based on analysis of malware and other aspects of the DNC hack, that Russia engineered the release of hacked Democratic Party emails to influence the U.S. presidential election. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation said on Friday it was "aware of media reporting on cyber intrusions involving multiple political entities, and is working to determine the accuracy, nature and scope of these matters." "The FBI takes seriously any allegations of intrusions, and we will continue to hold accountable those who pose a threat in cyberspace," the agency said in an emailed statement. The hack did not involve the private email system Clinton used while she was secretary of state. Yahoo News reported on Thursday night that the FBI had warned the Clinton campaign last March that it was a target of a cyber attack involving spearphishing and had asked the campaign to turn over sensitive data to help in its investigation, but that campaign lawyers rejected this request as too intrusive. A source familiar with the matter confirmed this account to Reuters. RUSSIAN HACKERS The new disclosure to Reuters that hackers gained access to the full DCCC network means they would have had access to everything on the network from emails to strategy memos and opposition research prepared to support Democratic candidates in campaigns for the House. The hack of the DCCC, which is based in Washington, was reported first by Reuters on Thursday, ahead of Clintons speech in Philadelphia accepting the Democratic partys nomination. Russian officials could not be immediately reached for comment. Several U.S. officials said the Obama administration has avoided publicly attributing the attacks to Russia as that might undermine Secretary of State John Kerrys effort to win Russian cooperation in the war on Islamic State in Syria. The officials said the administration fears Russian President Vladimir Putin might respond to a public move by escalating cyber attacks on U.S. targets, increasing military harassment of U.S. and allied aircraft and warships in the Baltic and Black Seas, and making more aggressive moves in Eastern Europe. Some officials question the approach, arguing that responding more forcefully to Russia would be more effective than remaining silent. The Obama administration announced in an April 2015 executive order that it could apply economic sanctions in response to cyber attacks. TRUMP ON EMAILS The hack on the DNC, made public in June, led to WikiLeaks publishing more than 19,000 emails last weekend, some of them showing favoritism within the DNC for Clinton over U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont. DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned on Sunday as a result, creating a rocky start for the party's convention in Philadelphia this week. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Wednesday invited Russia to dig up thousands of "missing" emails from Clinton's time at the State Department, prompting Democrats to accuse him of urging foreigners to spy on Americans. On Thursday, Trump said his remarks were meant as sarcasm. Earlier in the week, Clinton campaign senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan had criticized Trump and called the hacking "a national security issue." Trump campaign spokesman Jason Miller said on Friday the reported breach showed cyber security is "a problem wherever Hillary Clinton goes. Hopefully this time there wasn't classified or top secret information that puts American lives at risk." In Washington, the DCCC said early on Friday it had hired cyber security firm CrowdStrike to investigate. "We have taken and are continuing to take steps to enhance the security of our network," the DCCC said. "We are cooperating with federal law enforcement with respect to their ongoing investigation." The DCCC had no additional comment late on Friday. Officials at the DNC did not respond to requests for comment. Senator Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat and the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, told CNN on Friday she had not heard about the hack of the Clinton campaign. But she said: "It wouldn't surprise me. I think it should be pretty clear that both campaigns should be aware that there's a problem out there. Everybody should be cautious." (Additional reporting by Dustin Volz, Susan Cornwell and Emily Stephenson in Washington, Grant Smith in New York and Amanda Becker in Hatfield, Pennsylvania; Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh, Bill Rigby and Mary Milliken)
Welcome to TCA, Casey Bloys. The new HBO Programming president suffered a tough start to Saturdays Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour, when his executive session was filled with questions about rape and sexual violence towards women on his programs.

Midway through the pay-TV channels general Q&A, Bloys was asked the following: Having seen how The Night Of starts and how Westworld also starts, do you worry that HBO in-particular or premium cable in general is relying a little heavily on sexual and sexualized violence as a way of scene-setting and stakes-creation?

Id like to not think so, Bloys replied, citing Game of Thrones as an example of an equal-opportunity murder vehicle: Its not just specific to women  plenty of men are killed as well.

That got an Alllright! response from the critic, who seemed dissatisfied with the reply.

Also Read: 'Game of Thrones' Season 8 Will Be the Last, HBO Confirms

Her colleague followed up a few questions later: Its not about indiscriminate killing, its that there seems to be specifically directed sexualized violence as a story tool towards women in these series, she posed.

Again, I dont necessarily see it as specific to women, Bloys replied.

That second television critic then asked, So what youre saying is that eventually were going to see the same kind of violence  specifically rape  [towards males]?

Were going to kill everybody, the top executive quipped.

Also Read: Jon Stewart's HBO Project Is an Animated Parody of a Cable News Network

A few questions later, Eric Deggans tried it out another way.

I think what theyre getting at is this idea of rape directed towards women  we dont see that happen to men, the NPR critic said.

No, you havent seen men being raped. But I guess the point I would make  Game of Thrones, for example  men are castrated, Bloys said. The violence is pretty extreme on all fronts. I take your point that so far there have not been any male rapes.

Story continues

I think the criticism is valid, Bloys offered a little bit later, when Deggans again attempted clarification.

Also Read: Bill Maher's 'Real Time' Renewed by HBO Through 2018

That wasnt the end of the difficult line of questioning.

A fourth member of the media asked Bloys if the reason a beautiful woman and not a hot guy was so brutally killed on The Night Of was because women are creatively underrepresented and the writers room is filled with men stuck in a different time.

Bloys defended that one by pointing out that executive producer Jane Tranter is a woman. So, theyre not unrepresented, the HBO boss said.

OK, something to think about, that critic suggested.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Zendaya Rips Twitter Troll for Rape Joke: 'You Should Be Ashamed of Yourself'

Lena Dunham Blasts Kanye West Video as 'Sickening' in Light of Stanford Rape Case

'Game of Thrones' Accused of Promoting Rape Culture, 'Torture Pornography'

'Game of Thrones' Star Sophie Turner Addresses That Controversial Rape Scene at Comic-Con (Video)
Its been three weeks since officers were targeted and shot in Dallas and support for local law enforcement continues to pour in.

More than 3,200 cokes collected for Cokes for Cops

Started by retired Lakeland police officer Rosaland Lewis



Though she has stopped collecting, Lewis says donations keep coming



In Lakeland, retired Lakeland police officer Rosaland Lewis started the Cokes for Cops initiative. In less than a week, she collected more than 3,200 cokes from people in the community.

"We have a good community. We have good officers in Lakeland and at the sheriffs office. And I thought that maybe doing something to show that the community does back them will make them feel better, said Rosaland Lewis.

Now, shes taking the cokes to local police departments and handing them out, hoping to put a smile on officers faces. Her first stop was the Lakeland Police Department. She woke up early Thursday morning for roll call. As she handed out the cokes, she hugged officers, and told one, Good to see you too. Love you. Be careful.



Meanwhile, the officers took selfies, as they guzzled down a swig of coke.



"It's good to know that people out there appreciate what we do, said Sgt. Thomas Collins. Some of the stuff going on in the news lately, I think kind of gives folks the impression that we're not appreciated and so events like these and efforts like this kind of shows us that's not true."



Rosaland Lewis also stopped by the Polk County Sheriff's Office Thursday to drop off cokes.

The Cokes for Cops initiative started when Lewis put a request on Facebook, asking for coke donations. The post went viral and led to thousands of cokes being dropped off at her house days later.



"I almost cried when the first 500 came, recalled Lewis. It's still coming every day and I even put a stop on my Facebook page. But people are still coming."



Lewis hopes Cokes for Cops cheers up officers. With the national focus on police brutality and attacks on police officers, she said it makes it more difficult for her friends in law enforcement to come to work every day.



"They feel like the community doesn't trust them and just because of the things that they see in the media. Bad things do happen. If one bad thing happens, it makes the whole career field look bad, said Lewis. "The bad ones that go out and do stupid stuff, yea they need to be dealt with. But I just think that police officers are generally good. But this is a thankless job.



Lewis also stopped by the Polk County Sheriff's Office Thursday to drop off cokes. Shell also drop off the cokes at the other police departments around the county. She believes she has enough for Tampa police officers and Hillsborough County Sheriffs deputies as well.


St. Petersburg is one step closer this weekend to becoming home to a Cuban consulate.

Cuban Embassy delegates touring St. Pete this weekend

Delegation visited Rays game Saturday

No word on how many other cities are being considered

Diplomats from the Cuban Embassy in Washington are in town this weekend to tour the city as they consider where to place the consulate.



Its a step in the right direction, said St. Pete Deputy Mayor Kanika Tomalin. Theyre really trying to understand the culture of the city and see some of our assets and get a first hand look for themselves about what makes St. Petersburg special.



On Saturday, the delegation took in a Rays game. On Sunday theyre scheduled to tour the Dali Museum.



St. Petersburg has been courting Cuba for the last year in hopes of being selected, according to Tomlin.



[Mayor Rick Kriseman] is so progressive in his thoughts about the connections that could be built, not only diplomatically, but culturally as well," said Tomlin. "Connections through arts and all sorts of things. And we think because of that openness, that we can really maximize the relationship between the two countries."



Theres no word on how many other cities are being considered. City officials have also not been told when a decision will be made.
Panaji: Shiv Sena's Goa unit today ruled out joining hands with BJP or Congress for the state Legislative Assembly polls, due before March 2017, and expressed willingness to have alliance with "parties like Goa Forward".

"Our priority is to have pre-poll alliance with parties like Goa Forward. The independent MLAs mentoring the party are taking up genuine issues of the people," Shiv Sena Goa unit chief Sudip Tamankar told reporters.

"Sena will not have any alliance with BJP or Congress in the Assembly election as both the parties were responsible for ruining the coastal state," he added.

According to Tamankar, BJP rode to victory in 2012 Goa polls on various promises which it has failed to fulfil.

"They cheated on the issue of casino shifting from (the Mandovi) river. They (BJP) are not different from the Congress which failed to keep up the promises and on the other hand went on looting people," he alleged.

He accused the BJP-led government in Goa for being in contempt with the National Green Tribunal, which had asked theState Pollution Control Board to monitor the water quality of Mandovi river due to presence of off-shore casino vessels in it after every four months.

"The then Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar responding to a question tabled on the floor of the House by Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco had said that the state will adhere to NGT guidelines of checking the water quality after every four months. But they have failed to fulfil the assurance," the Sena leader claimed.

Tamankar warned that Sena will have to move to NGT with a contempt petition, if Pollution Control Board continues to ignore the order (of checking the water quality).
Ahmedabad: Thousands of Dalits on Sunday took out a rally in Ahmedabad where community leaders asked them to give up disposing dead cattle to "send a strong message" to the BJP-led Gujarat government ahead of the 2017 Assembly polls and demanded firm steps to curb the atrocities on them.

The Dalit leaders also announced a plan to organise a foot march from Ahmedabad to Una town in Gir-Somnath District, where four Dalits were brutally thrashed by cow vigilantes for skinning a dead cow. They said the march will be organised from 5 August as a mark of protest against the 11 July incident which caused an outrage.

As part of their continuing protests over the assault on their community members, thousands of Dailts attended a mass gathering organised in Ahmedabad in Sabarmati area.

Speaking at the gathering, Dalit leader and Convener of the event Jignesh Mevani put forward a slew of demands before the state government and asked his community to take a pledge to stay away from their traditional work of disposing the dead cattle.

"To give a strong message to the government, I urge all Dalits to discontinue the work of disposing dead animals. I also want you to take a pledge of discontinuing the work of cleaning sewer lines. We no longer wish to do this work and want the government to allot agriculture land to us, so that we can live a respectable life," he said.

"If atrocities on Dalits do not stop, we will show our strength in the 2017 Assembly polls," Mevani asserted.

Putting forward a series of demands, he asked the government to come to the table for talks, just like it did with the Patel quota leaders.

"We want everyone who thrashed Dalits in Una to be arrested under Prevention of Anti-Social Activity Act (PASA). If they come out on bail, the government must extern them from five districts," he said.

"We also want government to make all safai kamdars (sanitation workers) permanent in their posts and pay them as per the 6th Pay Commission," the Dalit leader said.

Other demands voiced by the community leaders included withdrawal of cases filed against Dalits during recent protests, speedy probe in the 2012 Thangadh police firing (in which 3 Dalits were killed), allotment of five acres of land for community members who want to discontinue their traditional work and martial arts training to SC members for self-defence.

"This agitation will continue till the government accepts our demands. If the government can sit with Patels and accept their demands, it should do the same with Dalits and call them for a meeting," Mevani said.

Former IPS officer Rahul Sharma, who took on the Narendra Modi-led Gujarat government during the post-Godhra riots, also addressed the gathering. A suggestion by Sharma to hold a foot march was accepted by Dalit leaders.

"This fight is against a particular ideology, which believes in creating rifts between different communities and religions. To bring this movement ahead, I suggest to hold a foot march from here in coming days and reach Una on August 15. We will celebrate our independence by hoisting flag in Una on August 15," Sharma said.

The suggestion was quickly accepted by the audience as well as leaders, who announced a "pad yatra" from Sarangpura area in Ahmedabad from 5 August that will culminate in Una on 15 August after covering a distance of almost 380 km.

Among others, several Muslim leaders of Jamiat-E-Ulema also attended the rally to express solidarity with Dalits.

"This incident (in Una) has brought together Dalits and Muslims. We both have to fight a new war for our rights and independence. Some elements are tormenting us in the name of gau-raksha (cow protection).

"Jamiat is with the Dalits and our leaders and supporters will join you in the foot march to Una," said General Secretary of Jamiat's Gujarat wing, Abdul Quiyum Haque.

Those who attended the gathering included relatives of Una Dalit victims as well as family members of three youths who allegedly died in the police firing in Thangadh, Surendrangar district four years back.

Valjibhai Rathod, whose son was among those killed in the police firing on a Dalit mob in Thangadh, announced his plan to launch an indefinite fast in Gandhinagar from tomorrow to seek a CBI probe into the episode.

"Even after four years, there is no progress in the probe which is being handled by CID-Crime. In the past, I had demanded a CBI inquiry, but the state government refused to accept it. To raise this demand once again, I will sit on an indefinite hunger strike in Gandhinagar from tomorrow," Rathod said.
Ahmedabad: Thousands of Dalits took a pledge on Sunday not to lift carcasses in protest against the attacks on Dalits by upper caste Hindu activists.

The collective pledge was taken at a Dalit rally called by as many as 30 Dalit groups from across Gujarat and backed by the quasi religious body Jamiat-e-Ulema-Hind.

Although the Acher ST Depot ground can accommodate only about 5,000 people, witnesses said the venue was swelling, with thousands taking up every inch of space available in the vicinity.

Organisers said the Dalit show of strength was meant to protest against what they said were atrocities against the community, in particular the brutal thrashing of four Dalit youths in Una.

This is the first time in Gujarat that as many as 30 Dalit groups from across the state have come together to raise a plethora of issues facing the community for decades.

They have rallied under the banner of 'Una Dalit Atyachar Ladat Samiti' (Una Dalit Fight against Atrocities Committee), with Jignesh Mevani as their convenor.

Mevani is a young low-profile lawyer who has been single-handedly fighting several court battles for the Dalits.
New Delhi: The delay in delivering an indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) will adversely impact the Indian Navy, with one of its two carriers in the process of being decommissioned, the government auditor has pointed out.

The Comptroller and Auditor General, in a report tabled in Parliament this week, also pointed out that there was "continuing disagreement over project timelines between the Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard Limited (where the IAC is being fitted out), with realistic dates for delivery yet to be worked out".

The delay has also resulted in the cost escalating beyond the originally sanctioned Rs 19,341 crore, the report said, adding that the overall physical progress of the carrier was not assessable.

The shipyard says the carrier will be delivered in 2023, five years behind schedule. With INS Viraat in the process of being decommissioned  she set out on her farewell voyage from Mumbai to Kochi earlier this week  India will be left with only one aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, against its requirement of at least two to be deployed on the western and eastern seaboards.

"While the Indian Navy envisions ready combat availability of two aircraft carriers at any given time, with INS Vikramaditya in service and INS Viraat likely to be decommissioned in 2016-17, continuous shifting of timelines of delivery of the indigenous aircraft carrier will adversely impact naval capabilities," the CAG report said.

The auditor has said that the Cochin Shipyard Limited and the Indian Navy were not operating in sync.

"The shipyard projected that delivery schedule of the aircraft carrier would be in 2023, against December 2018 as per approval of the Cabinet committee on security. The Indian Navy and the shipyard were not operating in sync, which was reflected in lack of agreement on project timelines as well as lack of review of project timelines, for arriving at a realistic delivery date," the CAG said.

Factors like shortage of requisite steel delayed the commencement of fabricating the hull, while late receipt of critical equipment like diesel alternators and gearboxes delayed the launching of the ship.

The report also said delayed constitution of the Empowered Apex Committee meant the project was not being monitored at the apex level and the steering committee remained dysfunctional between October 2007 to August 2013, which was almost the entire duration of Phase-I of the project.

There was also a shortfall in the meetings of the Project Management Board and other project monitoring mechanisms. "Neither the ministry nor the shipyard could assess the physical state of construction of the ship as the ministry failed to incorporate essential formats for progress reporting in the contracts," the CAG said.

The report also said that the MiG-29K aircraft that will operate from the IAC continues to face operational deficiencies due to defects in engines, airframe and fly-by-wire system. The compatibility of the aircraft for deck operations is also still to be fully proved.

The report said as a result of issues facing the MiG-29K, the delayed delivery of the IAC would reduce the service life of the jets.
New Delhi: India will make all out efforts to get back the famed 106-carat Kohinoor, currently set in a royal crown on display in the Tower of London, despite British government's recent statement that there is no legal ground for restitution of the diamond.

With an estimated value of over USD 200 million, Kohinoor was transferred to the treasury of the British East India Company in Lahore after the subjugation of Punjab in 1849 by the British forces, which had confiscated the properties of the Sikh Empire.

"The government is considering both diplomatic as well as legal channels to get back the diamond. If India is able to get back the diamond through diplomatic efforts, then it would not go for the legal channel. But if that does not fructify, then the government will explore legal option," a senior government source said.

The move comes against the backdrop of the UK Minister of Asia and Pacific Affairs Alok Sharma indicating that Kohinoor could probably never find its way to India. "As far as this issue is concerned, there is no legal ground for restitution," he had said during his visit here last week.

Shiromani Gurdwara Prabankdhak Committee (SGPC), which represents the Sikh community, has also jumped into the fray to stake claim over the precious gem.

SGPC Chief Secretary Harcharan Singh has urged the Centre to take up the matter with British government and demand its return to the Sikh community.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Daljit Singh Cheema has also said the state has the "legitimate right" over the diamond and claimed that it was taken away in a "deceitful" manner by the British from Maharaja Duleep Singh who was last Sikh ruler of Punjab.

As political pressure mounts on government to bring back the diamond, which also is an emotive issue, Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma had a meeting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj recently where it was reportedly decided that India would approach Britain next month on the issue of bringing it back.

The Supreme Court is hearing a case seeking Kohinoor's return and the meeting had also deliberated on stand to be taken by the government before the apex court. The court had asked the government whether it was willing to stake a claim on the diamond.

The Kohinoor issue snowballed into a major controversy after the government made a submission in the Supreme Court in April that it was neither "forcibly taken nor stolen" by the British but given as a "gift" to the East India Company by the rulers of Punjab, indicating it cannot be claimed by India now.

The gem is the subject of a historical ownership dispute and has been claimed by at least four countries, including India.
Kolkata: In the wake of 17-year-old Aabesh Dasgupta's death, West Bengal governor KN Tripathi on Sunday cautioned people against allowing their children to become too influenced by "western concepts".

"Aabesh's death is painful. The police are investigating the matter. But I think the lifestyle of today's youth, being impressed by western concepts, which are not congenial for a good atmosphere," said Tripathi, commenting on the mysterious death of the teenager, that has sparked a debate on parenting. "I think the family members should keep a watch on their children," he said.

Aabesh was found lying in a pool of blood on the ground floor car park of well-known writer Amit Chaudhuri's apartment complex in Ballygunge, where he had gone to attend a birthday party on 23 July.

The injuries on his body seemed to have been caused by a broken liquor bottle which was recovered from the spot. The police also found evidence showing that Aabesh and other teenagers had consumed liquor.

The police have yet to conclude if Aabesh's death was accidental or a "murder", as claimed by the Dasgupta family. Three people have been arrested for selling liquor to minors.

Senior Trinamool Congress leader and state panchayat minister Subrata Mukherjee also stressed on the need for the parents to be cautious. "The administration is doing whatever it can to prevent such incidents. But the parents also need to be little more aware about where their children are going and what they are doing," Mukherjee said. "Parents should teach their children the proper use of money."

The Dasgupta family has been dissatisfied with the police investigation into Aabesh's death and has approached chief minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking justice.
Srinagar: The death toll in the ongoing unrest in Kashmir today rose to 49 as one of the injured persons succumbed at a hospital in Srinagar even as curfew in some parts and restrictions in rest of the Valley continued as a precautionary measure.

Ishfaq Ahmad Dar (17), who was injured during clashes in Sopore town of north Kashmir's Baramulla district on 23 July, succumbed at SKIMS Hospital Soura this morning, a police official said.

Dar had suffered critical injuries during clashes that erupted a day after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on 8 July.

Curfew remained in force in five police station areas of the summer capital, Anantnag town, Pulwama town, parts of Baramulla town and Shopian town as restrictions on assembly of four or more people continued in entire Kashmir.

"Curfew is in place only in five police station areas of Srinagar city  Nowhatta, Khanyar, Batamaloo, Safakadal and Maharajgunj," he said.

Mobile Internet services continued to remain snapped in the Valley where the postpaid mobile telephony services have been restored across all networks.

The incoming facility on prepaid connections has also been restored, but the outgoing calls are barred on such numbers.

Meanwhile, normal life remained paralysed elsewhere in the Valley for the 23rd consecutive day on Sunday in view of the strike call given by the separatist camp.

The separatist camp has extended the shutdown call in Kashmir till 5 August, calling for march to Hazratbal shrine on Friday.
Pune: Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Saturday took a jibe at Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan as he raked up his remark in 2015 about leaving the country and described it as "arrogant".

"One actor had said that his wife wants to live out of India. It was an arrogant statement. If I am poor and my house is small, I will still love my house and always dream to make a bungalow out of it," he said, without naming Khan. Parrikar was speaking in Pune after releasing the Marathi version journalist-author Nitin Gokhale's book on Siachen.

In November last year, the "PK" actor had joined the chorus against growing atmosphere of "intolerance", saying he was "alarmed" by the number of incidents with his wife Kiran Rao even suggesting that they leave the country.

"When I sit at home and talk to Kiran, she says 'Should we move out of India?' That's a disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make. She fears for her child. She fears about what the atmosphere around us will be. She feels scared to open the newspapers every day.

"That does indicate that there is this sense of growing disquiet, there is growing despondency apart from alarm. You feel why this is happening, you feel low. That sense does exist in me," Khan had said. According to Parrikar, when the actor made the statement last year, many people had protested against his remark and even uninstalled the mobile application of an online shopping site he was associated with, while the firm had also pulled out the advertisement featuring him.

In an oblique reference to the alleged anti-national sloganeering at JNU earlier this year, Parrikar said those who speak against the nation need to be taught a lesson by people of this country.

"How come people get guts or courage to speak against the country?

"Such people who speak against the country need to be taught a lesson by the people of this country," he added.
Jabalpur (MP): A day after his apparent jibe at Bollywood actor Aamir Khan in the context of the intolerance debate that caused a flutter, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said on Sunday that he did not target any specific person, but is against overall "unrest".

Parrikar also said that he was not opposed to "freedom of expression, but feels that country is supreme". While addressing reporters in Pune on Saturday, the senior BJP leader had taken a veiled jibe at Khan who had earlier expressed a "sense of alarm" over "growing intolerance in country".

"One actor had said that his wife wants to live out of India. It was an arrogant statement. If I am poor and my house is small, but I have to love my house and always dream to make a bungalow out of it," Parrikar had said.

Addressing reporters a day later, the minister said, "I have not taken anybody's name. I had said that people who

don't respect the country should be opposed. I am opposed to 'upadrav' (unrest). Such people should be opposed in a democratic manner. To oppose, seminars should be held."

Parrikar had said, "When the actor made the statement last year, people, while protesting his views, started uninstalling the online trading app, he was advertising for and the firm too pulled out the advertisement (involving the actor)."

Also launching an oblique attack on JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar against the backdrop of alleged raising of anti-national slogans at Jawaharlal Nehru University earlier this year, Parrikar had said, "Such people who speak against the country need to be taught a lesson by the people of this country."

Meanwhile, responding to a query, Parrikar said, "I don't say that nationalists are only in BJP. Non-political people and persons of different political parties could also be nationalists. Citizen of any other nation cannot comment against his country. So, people (speaking against the country) in India too should be opposed."

"Citizen of any other nation cannot comment against his country. So, people (speaking against the country) in India too should be opposed."

In November last year, the "PK" actor had joined the chorus of intelligentsia against growing intolerance, saying he has been "alarmed" by a number of incidences and his wife Kiran Rao even suggested that they should probably leave the country.
Malda (WB): Around 100 houses were washed away on Sunday due to erosion in river Ganga near Farakka barrage while 31 villages were submerged in flood waters of Fullara river affecting 22,000 people in Malda district, officials said.

Additional District Magistrate (Land Reforms) Kanchan Chowdhury said 100 odd houses of Birnagar locality in Kaliachak III block were lost in the Ganga in a sudden erosion on Sunday morning.

The river breached a two km stretch of an embankment and took just an hour to destroy the area in which those houses were standing.

However, there is no report of any casualty or injury and the affected people were given relief.

Around 1000 families of Sarkartola, Meinatola and Chinabazar villages are now in distress as the Ganga is almost at their doors, Chowdhury said.

BJP MLA Swadhin Kumar Sarkar has to shift elsewhere as his house is located only five metre away from where the edge of the Ganga now lies after the erosion at Birnagar.

Sarkar, who had demolished his house to retrieve building materials for re-use, said he turned ill after finding the river so close in the morning.

The present condition is due to late starting of anti-erosion work in the area, he said.

North Bengal Development Minister Rabindranath Ghosh who visited the spot, however, claimed the Farakka Barrage authorities had locked gate no. 1 on Saturday leading to this incident.

He said he will inform the Centre about this through the state government.

Repair work of the damaged portion of the embankment has started on on war footing, Chowdhury said.

Harishchandrapur II, Ratua I and Kaliachak I are other blocks hit by floods and erosion.

Three flood shelters have been opened and food items are being distributed to the affected people, Chowdhury said.
Jammu: A terrorist like Burhan Wani did not deserve a second chance, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh on Saturday said as he seconded the statement of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti that security forces were not aware about the identity of the militants engaged in the encounter on 8 July.

"A terrorist is a terrorist. There is no good terrorist or bad terrorist. A terrorist has to be dealt the same way as has been done by the security forces," he told reporters. "No second chance is given to any terrorist. Any person who holds a gun and is killing the people has to be dealt like this," he added.

When asked to comment on Mehbooba's statement that had the security forces known about the presence of Wani he would have been given a second chance, Singh said that a terrorist does not deserve a second chance.

"I don't see that such a statement has been issued (by the chief minister) I think she was also referring to the situation that emerged afterwards, that suppose the security personal would have known this they would have taken precautionary measures to avert violence which took place after the encounter," he said.

Singh said the security forces had informed the government about the encounter but they had no information who the hiding terrorists were. "We were told by the security forces but they did not know who was there.

"Suppose they would have known it, precautions would have been taken so that there was no situation where people would have gathered to protest," he said. "I have no information that at any point in time anybody had claimed they knew who the hiding terrorist were. I am talking about the information the government was having and that is our information. They (security forces) did not know who was hiding there, it was a routine anti-terror operation and ultimately three terrorists were killed in it," Singh .

He said the coalition partners were on the same page on dealing with terrorism in the state. "That is very clear that is the policy of the government. I have not heard it (CM's statement); government is on the same page as far as dealing with the terrorists are concerned," he said.

Singh said it was a routine anti-terror action and such operations take place daily, even today search operations are going on and they will continue. "There was a large number of people who gathered there and activated the violence. Suppose the security forces had known then precautions would have been taken," he said.
Srinagar: Hitting out at the PDP-BJP government, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Sunday said "confusion abounds" in it over the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani while people are suffering.

"The #BJP-PDP Deputy CM (Nirmal Singh) calls the Burhan Wani encounter and death an accident. 50 people have died and countless injured after this accident," Omar tweeted.

"The CM (Mehbooba Mufti) rewards the personnel involved in this encounter and the Deputy CM calls it an accident. Confusion abounds and people suffer," the former Chief Minister added in another tweet.

The CM rewards the personnel involved in this encounter & the Deputy CM calls it an "accident". Confusion abounds & people suffer.  Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) July 30, 2016

On Saturday, Singh had said that police and security forces had told the government that they didn't know the identity of the terrorist and that due to the "accident" the repercussions could not be anticipated.

"Police and security forces told us that they don't know who the terrorist is. It was an accident. Because when an operation takes place, precautions are taken but we didn't know it would be of such kind. Had we known about it, preparations would have been made," the Deputy Chief Minister had told reporters.

After a row erupted over his "accident" remark, Singh said, "I never said that. A correspondent said the government has failed after the killing of Burhan Wani. I was explaining that since it was a routine anti-terror operation, suppose the security forces had been knowing that, precautions would have been taken. They were not knowing it as they told us. I was just explaining this thing."

After Singh's clarification, Omar tweeted, "Oh! so now Burhan's killing was deliberate? Unbelievable how many different versions of these events have been given!"

Oh so now Burhan's killing was deliberate? Unbelievable how many different versions of these events have been given! https://t.co/7bG8JWV2BL  Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) July 30, 2016

The CM had said that Burhan Wani would have been spared. Can we please have the J&K state government on same page? https://t.co/xk6Do0y8Ep  Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) July 30, 2016

"The CM had said that Burhan Wani would have been spared. Can we please have the J&K state government on same page," he asked.
MOSCOW Armed men who had seized a police station in the Armenian capital Yerevan have surrendered to the authorities, the Interfax news agency reported on Sunday evening citing the Armenian police.

Twenty "terrorists" have been taken prisoner, Interfax reported the police as saying





(Reporting by Jason Bush; Editing by Alison Williams)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Chicago: Chicago police superintendent Eddie Johnson relieved a third officer of his police powers on Saturday, following the death of a suspect after autopsy results showed the 18-year-old died of a gunshot wound to the back. Johnson's move came hours after the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Paul O'Neal's death a homicide.

In a statement, police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said superintendent Johnson spent hours reviewing video evidence with other officials following the release of the autopsy report. Although a formal investigation is still ongoing, "Johnson has pledged that CPD will conduct a thorough and fact based administrative review", Guglielmi said.

Two other officers were relieved of their powers on Friday. O'Neal, from Chicago, was shot on Thursday night during a stolen vehicle investigation in the city's South Shore neighborhood.

Authorities have said officers stopped a Jaguar convertible that was reported stolen. Police said officers opened fire after the driver, identified as O'Neal, put the car in drive and sideswiped a squad car and a parked vehicle. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital. O'Neal was black; police have not provided any identifying the officers who were involved.

The handling of officer-involved shootings in Chicago has come under intense scrutiny since the release last November of a video that shows a white officer fatally shooting black teenager Laquan McDonald 16 times. That shooting, and the initial statements by a union spokesman about McDonald lunging at police that turned out to contradict what was on the video, raised serious questions about what the public was being told about police shootings.

Investigators from Chicago's Independent Police Review Authority, which investigates police misconduct cases and officer-involved shootings, arrived at the scene on Thursday and obtained footage from cameras that the officers were wearing or were mounted on their squad cars. IPRA spokeswoman Mia Sissac said the footage would be posted online within 60 days, per city policy.
PARIS A cousin of Abdel-Malik Nabil Petitjean, who was formally identified as one of the two men believed to have killed a French priest in a church last week, has been placed in preventive detention, the Paris prosecutor's office said on Sunday.

The man, identified as Farid K, 30 - born in Nancy, eastern France - was put under formal investigation on suspicion of terrorist association with a view to perpetrating a crime, the prosecutor's office said.

Another man, named as Jean-Philippe Steven J, 20, was also put under formal investigation for attempting to travel to Syria in June with Petitjean. He was also sent to preventive detention.

Knife-wielding attackers interrupted a church service in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, western France, on July 26, forced 85-year-old Roman Catholic priest Father Jacques Hamel to his knees and slit his throat.

Police identified 19-year-old local man Adel Kermiche as one of the attackers. He had made failed bids to reach Syria to wage jihad, wore an electronic tag and was awaiting trial for alleged membership of a terrorist organisation, having been released on bail.

They identified the second attacker as Petitjean, also 19.

Both were shot dead by the police.

Investigators are trying to determine how the two men met.

Le Parisien daily newspaper reported on Sunday they had held a conversation on July 22 on the instant messaging service Telegram.

Last week, Islamic State's affiliated news agency Amaq released a video purportedly showing Petitjean urging Muslims to destroy France. |nE6N19000Z]

A Syrian asylum seeker thought to be linked to the church attack, and who had been arrested last week, was released on Sunday, a source close to the investigation told Reuters.

(Reporting by Matthias Blamont; Editing by Andrew Bolton)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Washington: Hillary Clinton on Sunday said her economic plan would create 10 million jobs in the US while that of Donald Trump would cost three and half million jobs as the Democratic presidential nominee underlined her Republican rival is not offering "real change" but "empty promises".

"My plans would create millions more jobs than Trump's," Clinton said at an election rally in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

"In fact, under my plans, the economy would create at least 10 million jobs in our first term," she added.

"As for Donald Trump? Well, his policies were found that they would actually cost us nearly three and a half million jobs," the 68-year-old former secretary of state said, referring to a study done by a top economist associated with the presidential campaign of Senator John McCain.

"In fact, the more you listen to Donald Trump, the more you realise he is not offering real change. He's offering empty promises, and what little we know about his economic policies, from running up our debt, to starting trade wars, to letting Wall Street run wild, could devastate working families," Clinton said.

She said her vision of America is in "sharp contrast" to what Trump is "laying out, because I don't think we're weak".

"I don't think we're in decline. I think we can pull together because we are stronger together, and if anybody like him spent a day on the factory floor here, they'd see what teamwork looks like. They'd understand what it means to create and build."

Clinton, who was joined by Senator Tim Kaine, is on a bus tour in Pennsylvania and Ohio with her vice presidential running mate. During the tour, they said in the first 100 days in office, they would announce to make the largest investment in new, good-paying jobs since World War II.

Visiting Johnstown Wire Technologies, a factory with a record of creating jobs and investing in America, Clinton highlighted her plans to invest USD 10 billion to strengthen manufacturing communities like Johnstown.

Clinton and Kaine contrasted their shared vision for an American economy that works for everyone  not just those at the top  with Trump's long record of outsourcing products to be made overseas, instead of here in America.

"Donald Trump, you hear him, he talks a big game about putting America first. Well, with all due respect, please explain to me what part of America first leads Trump to make Trump dress shirts in Bangladesh, not Ashland, Pennsylvania.

"Or to make Trump furniture in Turkey, not Freeburg, Pennsylvania. Or Trump picture frames in India, not Bristol, Pennsylvania," Clinton said.

The Trump Campaign criticised her for visiting this township in Pennsylvania, saying Clinton visiting Johnstown is like a "robber visiting their victim" as the state has lost 1 in 3 manufacturing jobs since China was put in the World Trade Organisation.

Kaine said, "We are on this tour so that we can talk about the American economy: to talk about manufacturing; to talk about the way to grow jobs and make sure everybody benefits from our economic growth, not just a few."

Stephen Miller, senior policy advisor to the Trump Campaign said "the state of Pennsylvania has lost 1 in 3 manufacturing jobs since China was put in the WTO with Hillary's support. The Johnston region lost nearly 1 in 2 manufacturing jobs since Hillary-backed NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) went into effect".

Clinton's next assault on Johnstown will be the Trans-Pacific Partnership, he said.

"Donald Trump delivered a detailed 7-point plan to restore American manufacturing, including countervailing duties on trade cheaters like China and immediate withdrawal from the TPP. Hillary has no plan because her donors won't let her," he said.
The Islamic State on Sunday condemned a US Muslim soldier killed in Iraq, whose story has re-ignited debate in the 2016 presidential election on the role of Muslims in American life, as an "apostate".

Dabiq, the militant group's online magazine, showed a picture of US Army Captain Humayun Khan's tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery with a caption, "Beware of Dying as an apostate".

An accompanying article, penned by an unnamed "American convert in the Islamic State", urged Muslims to resist Western influences and to either migrate to IS-controlled lands or carry out lone attacks.

"Reject these calls to disunity and come together. Live the life of Islam, for which you have already left the path of falsehood," the militant wrote. "You are behind enemy lines, able to strike them where it hurts them most," the article added.

Khan's death in a bomb attack in Iraq in 2004 re-emerged as an election issue when his father gave a speech at the Democratic National Convention on Thursday in which he paid homage to his son.

Khizr Khan, a US citizen of Pakistani origin and a Muslim, also criticised Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for proposing a temporary ban on Muslims entering the US and asked if the candidate had read the US Constitution.

Trump rejected the criticism and questioned whether the soldier's mother was allowed to speak during the couple's appearance at the podium.

Ghazala Khan later said the outspoken billionaire was ignorant of Islam and of sacrifice. Trump has stoked outrage during his unorthodox campaign by supporting racial profiling for Muslim Americans in the wake of a deadly shooting by a US-born Muslim man killed 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando in June.

Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee, has said the comments and other pointed remarks about American minorities show Trump is unfit to be president.
Brzegi (Poland): Pope Francis challenged hundreds of thousands of young people who gathered in a sprawling Polish meadow to reject being a "couch potato" who retreats into video games and computer screens and instead engage in social activism and politics to create a more just world.

Peppering his speech with contemporary lingo, the 79-year-old pope, despite a long day of public appearances, addressed his eager audience with enthusiasm yesterday on a warm summer night.

Francis spoke of a paralysis that comes from merely seeking convenience, from confusing happiness with a complacent way of life that could end up depriving people of the ability to determine their own fates.

"Dear young people, we didn't come into this world to 'vegetate," to take it easy, to make our lives a comfortable sofa to fall asleep on. No, we came for another reason: To leave a mark," Francis told a crowd that Polish media estimated at over 1 million in a huge field in Brzegi, a village outside the southern city of Krakow.

Organizers said 1.6 million people came to hear the pope last night, but police did not give a crowd estimate.

Francis decried a modern escapism into consumerism and computers that isolates people. The same message ran through a ballet performance at the site before his speech: a lonely woman seeks human connections but is rebuffed by people on computer tablets and cellphones until one man emerges from behind a see-through barrier to connect.

For Francis, Jesus is the "Lord of risk ... not the Lord of comfort, security and ease."

"Following Jesus demands a good dose of courage, a readiness to trade in the sofa for a pair of walking shoes and to set out on new and uncharted paths," Francis said.

He challenged his sea of listeners, spread out on blankets, to make their mark on the world by becoming engaged as politicians, thinkers, social activists" and to help build a world economy that is "inspired by solidarity."

"The times we live in do not call for young 'couch potatoes,'" he said to applause, "but for young people with shoes, or better, boots laced."

Like a politician working a crowd, Francis yelled out to his audience: "You want others to decide your future?" When he didn't get the rousing "No!" he was going for, he tried for a "Yes."

"You want to fight for your future?" he asked. "Yes!" they roared.
Lockhart: Sixteen people were killed when a hot air balloon crashed in a fiery blaze on a rural field in central Texas, authorities told local media Saturday, one of the deadliest such accidents in history.

The balloon bursts into flames and plummeted to earth soon after dawn outside the town of Lockhart, some 30 miles (50 kilometers) south of Austin, Lynn Lunsford of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement.

"When the Emergency Responders and the Sheriff's Office arrived on the scene, it was apparent that the reported fire was the basket portion of a hot air balloon," the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office said in a statement posted to Twitter.

The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that the 16 people onboard had died, according to the Austin American-Statesman and other US media.

Reporters at the scene, who gathered on a country road where passersby stopped to gawk in the searing Texas heat, were kept at arm's length from the actual crash.

Local residents speculated that the balloon had struck a power line that runs prominently across the field.

"I didn't see the balloon hit. I just heard the popping. And I heard the popping, and then the next thing I knew is the fireball went up," Margaret Wylie, a 66-year-old who lives nearby and witnessed the crash, told broadcaster TWC News Austin.

FAA investigators were traveling to the site, Lunsford said, with the National Transportation Safety Board was taking charge of the probe.

The FBI's evidence response team in the city of San Antonio was asked to assist in the investigation, NTSB lead investigator Erik Grosof said.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott offered condolences to those affected by the crash.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, as well as the Lockhart community," he said in a statement.

Big ball of flames

A photo posted on social media apparently depicting the accident showed a balloon in the air with huge flames spurting underneath.

"It was a fire, a big ball of flames. You could tell nothing of what it was," Don Schulle told local TV station KYTX, standing on the edge of the field where the balloon crashed.

The 16 deaths make the balloon accident the deadliest on record in the United States. Previously, the highest number of fatalities in a single US hot air balloon crash was six.

In 2013, a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Egypt's ancient temple city of Luxor caught fire and crashed, killing 19 tourists. The pilot and one other tourist survived by jumping from the balloon.

However hot air balloon crashes are rare in the United States. The NTSB investigated 760 such accidents between 1964 and 2013. Of those, 67 were fatal.

Three people died in May 2014 during an air balloon festival in Virginia when a balloon hit a power line and burst into flames while landing.

Hot air balloons use propane gas to heat air that keeps them afloat. They are regulated by the FAA, which requires balloon pilots to be certified and for balloons to have air worthiness certificates.

The FAA inspects the balloons used for commercial ventures after 100 hours of flight time or at least once a year.
Beirut: Advancing Kurdish and Arab fighters backed by US-led air strikes now control 40 percent of the Islamic State stronghold of Manbij in northern Syria, a monitor said on Sunday.`

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had pushed deeper into the town near the border with Turkey, with air cover from the US-led coalition against the jihadists.

Around 2,300 civilians have fled Manbij in the past 24 hours as the SDF fighters advanced, according to the

Britain-based monitor.

It said clashes between the joint Kurdish-Arab force and IS fighters were continuing in several parts of the town.

"It's a street battle, and the process of eating away at IS territory is ongoing," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP.

He said the SDF had advanced into eastern parts of Manbij, which is located in Aleppo province on IS's main

supply route between Syria and Turkey.

The SDF began its offensive to retake Manbij from IS on 31 May, but progress slowed after it entered the town because of a fierce counteroffensive by the jihadists.

Thousands of civilians have already fled but thousands more are believed to remain, and there have been concerns about their fate as heavy fighting continues.

Earlier in the month, the SDF gave IS an ultimatum to leave Manbij within 48 hours, offering to allow fighters to flee with light weapons in what it described as a bid to protect civilians.

The initiative came after at least 56 civilians, including children, were reportedly killed in US-led air

strikes near Manbij.

The coalition has said it is investigating the deaths, which provoked a sharp backlash, including a call from the Syrian opposition National Coalition for the US-led strikes to be suspended.

The 48-hour ultimatum was ignored by IS and fighting for the town has continued.

More than 280,000 people have been killed in Syria since the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government protests.

The conflict has evolved into a complex multi-front war that has displaced over half Syria's population.
Los Angeles: A 42-year-old skydiver with more than 18,000 jumps made history Saturday when he became the first person to leap without a parachute and land in a net instead. After a two-minute freefall, Luke Aikins landed dead center in the 100-by-100-foot net at the Big Sky movie ranch on the outskirts of Simi Valley. As cheers erupted, Aikins quickly climbed out, walked over and hugged his wife, Monica, who had been watching from the ground with their 4-year-old son, Logan, and other family members.

"I'm almost levitating, it's incredible," the jubilant skydiver said, raising his hands over his head as his wife held their son, who dozed in her arms.

"This thing just happened! I can't even get the words out of my mouth," he added as he thanked the dozens of crew members who spent two years helping him prepare for the jump, including those who assembled the fishing trawler-like net and made sure it really worked.

The stunt, broadcast live on the Fox network for the TV special "Stride Gum Presents Heaven Sent," nearly didn't come off as planned when Aikins revealed just before climbing into his plane that the Screen Actors Guild had ordered him to wear a parachute to ensure his safety.

Aikins didn't say what prompted the original restriction, and representatives for the show and the Screen Actors Guild did not immediately respond to phone and email messages.

Aikins said he considered pulling out at that point because having the parachute canister on his back would make his landing in the net far more dangerous. If he had to wear it he said he wouldn't bother to pull the ripcord anyway.

"I'm going all the way to the net, no question about it," he said from the plane. "I'll just have to deal with the consequences when I land of wearing the parachute on my back and what it's going to do to my body."

A few minutes before the jump one of the show's hosts said the requirement had been lifted. Aikins left the plane without the chute.

He jumped with three other skydivers, each wearing parachutes. One had a camera, another trailed smoke so people on the ground could follow his descent and the third took an oxygen canister he handed off after they got to an altitude where it was no longer needed.

Then the others opened their parachutes and left him on his own.

Aikins admitted before the jump he was nervous and his mother said she was one family member who wouldn't watch.

When his friend Chris Talley came up with the idea two years ago, Aikins acknowledged he turned it down cold.

"I kind of laugh and I say, 'Ok, that's great. I'll help you find somebody to do it,'" he told The Associated Press as he trained for the jump last week.

A couple of weeks after Talley made his proposal Aikins called back and said he would do it. He'd been the backup jumper in 2012 when Felix Baumgartner became the first skydiver to break the speed of sound during a jump from 24 miles above Earth.

The 42-year-old daredevil 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 several hundred a year ever since.

His father and grandfather were skydivers, and his wife has made 2,000 jumps. His family owns Skydive Kapowsin near Tacoma, Washington.

Aikins is also a safety and training adviser for the United States Parachute Association and is certified to teach both students and skydiving instructors. His business Para Tactics provides skydiving training to Navy Seals and other members of elite fighting forces.

Watch Luke Aikins freefall here:
Brzegi (Poland): Prayer was not the only thing on the minds of hundreds of thousands of young Catholics at the World Youth Day extravaganza in Poland this week; some were also looking for love.

And headlining the event in a village near Krakow, Pope Francis, 79, was an enthusiastic matchmaker, offering his top tips for happy relationships.

"World Youth Day (WYD) can be a bit of a marriage agency," Sophie Jubin, a 20-year-old Swiss, told AFP, as she spent a hot summer night under the stars.

Some 400,000 young Catholics from 187 countries around the world attended the event and at least a million more people, many of them Poles, attended a lively papal mass on Sunday.

"You want to find someone with the same values as you," said Jubin, lamenting that "in our group, it's funny, there are 250 girls and 50 boys, so lots of girls are disappointed!"

"Finding love isn't the main topic of World Youth Day, it's just a little extra, but I'm very happy Aleksandra is here," Ignacio, a smiling 18-year-old Spaniard, told AFP of his new Polish friend, a 22-year-old student.

"We're nearly a couple!" he chuckled as Aleksandra chimed in, saying it was "easier to meet someone at World Youth Day because the atmosphere makes you more open. We don't notice other people's faults as much because we're focused on the positive. And we open up to other cultures too!"

They plan to see each other again, this time in Madrid.

The heart of the medieval centre of Krakow was overrun all week by flag-waving groups from China to Samoa and Mexico  among them, smiling pilgrims strolling hand in hand.

Pope Francis cracked jokes and offered advice for a happy love life earlier in the week to youngsters gathered nightly beneath his window, cranking up the party spirit at an event dubbed "the Catholic Woodstock".

"Young people often ask me how to create a happy family. I propose three words: Please, sorry and thank you," the folksy Argentine pontiff said to rapturous applause from a window at the Archbishop's palace in the old town centre.

"It's normal for a husband and wife to fight, sometime plates fly...don't be afraid of these situations," warned the head of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics. "But never to sleep without making peace, because a 'cold war' the next day is very dangerous," he said. "You always have to ask your wife or husband their opinion, and never to impose yours."
In response to media reports claiming problems in relation to Macau-focused exhibitions held outside the MSAR, particularly involving some of the companies that represented the city in the Dynamic Macau event held in Kunming, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong, said that the government has to be very careful about how public funds are spent, even if it is just 10 cents.

A report from All About Macau described how, after the opening ceremony of the Kunming event, many of the Macau exhibitors left the venue, leaving behind only temporary workers to manage the exhibiting booths.

The media outlet reportedly interviewed one exhibitor participant at the Kunming Dynamic Macau Fair, who admitted that some people took advantage of the governments subsidy and used the event as a free package tour [to visit the city].

Other problems were also reported about the so-called ghost exhibitors, namely the presence of low-quality products and other products that are sold as Made in Macau when they are not.

The local participation in the Kunming event, that has been held since 2009, is subsidized by the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) with more than MOP20 million in funding.

Secretary Lionel Leong said that the government is paying attention to the accusations and will review each case together with the event organizer in order to improve the mechanism or the relevant laws and regulations to correct mistakes.

IPIMs president Jackson Chang also referred his assessment to the joint investigation with the organizer. Once this is found, it will be included in our [black] list, to help IPIM to properly review and reconsider other applications from the same exhibitors, he said. RM
The Immigration Department of the Public Security Police Force (PSP) has investigated and solved a false employment case. The investigation exposed an individual who profited illegally, by making use of the quota of non-resident workers to assist foreigners in obtaining a Macau visa.

The case happened last month. The Investigation Subdivision of the Immigration Department was handling a forged document case when an abnormal employment record of a local woman was detected. The record showed that she applied for the employment of non-resident workers several times but then quickly proceeded to cancel the applications soon after.

According to PSP, it was suspected that somebody was providing assistance to non-

resident workers in order to profit illegally.

Upon investigation, a Vietnamese woman admitted that she had benefited by cooperating with a local woman in assisting others to more easily obtain a local visa by submitting an application for the non-resident worker quota. PSP then sent the two suspects to the Public Prosecutions Office for their involvement in several forged document cases.

In a statement, PSP said that it has strengthened its cooperation with Chinese consulates in various countries by adopting the appropriate measures to together stop the occurrence of illegal activity in obtaining a visa in Macau. The PSP informed that it has established a sustainable routine reporting mechanism with the Labor Affairs Bureau to follow up the situation of illegal use and cancellation of Authorization to Employment for Non-Resident Workers.

Among the cases that were sent to the Public Prosecutions Office, it was found that staff of employment agencies were using their employers quota illegally and assisting foreigners to apply for a Macau visa and Authorization to Stay for Non-Resident Workers.


Over the first six months of 2016, the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) has registered fewer complaints and issued less fines regarding dripping air conditioning equipment, according to Lau Iu Kun, chief of the Division of Inspection of IACMs Department of Environment, Hygiene and Licensing.

At a press conference on Friday and after the Times sent questions to IACM, Lau presented data indicating that the number of complaints and notices had decreased from 702 in 2014 to 559 this year.

Overall, the number of complaints decreased by about 19 percent compared to 2015.

Regarding the departments fines and subsequent legal action taken against owners of faulty A/C equipment, the figures dipped slightly from 108 registered fines in 2015 to 102 in 2016, compared to 74 fines in 2014.

According to Lau Iu Kun, the decrease is due to the IACMs awareness work that has been ongoing [] in the buildings and condominiums and the rising civic awareness of the population, he said, adding that the IACM did several awareness campaigns on the radio, TV and with the distribution of leaflets.

Lau added that as of March 2016, the IACM had issued a total of 1,345 notices to buildings to gain the attention of residents with faulty A/C equipment. He said most of the problems had to do with the installation of the air conditioning equipment. When we install an air conditioning unit, we must connect a pipe so the water doesnt run [down] to the street, Lau said.

It is also important to do proper maintenance after a few years of use in order to verify if everything is running well, because sometimes we dont know that a problem is happening and as the machines get old, water drips [and] problems might arise, Lau said, adding that when a complaint is filed and the problem verified, the IACM will notify the owner and give them a deadline to fix the equipment.

It is the duty of the owners to verify and fix these situations [of water falling in public areas], he said. It disturbs the passers-by, wets the public space and affects public hygiene.

Lau reaffirmed that IACM will continue to follow its usual process: The acknowledgement of the owner [that he has a problem], the civic education and, only after those do not produce the desired effects, we have to resort to fines.

No action in Hong Kong to punish negligent owners

Cases of dripping air conditioners are very common in Hong Kong and the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported last month that there had been 10,000 complaints this year alone. However, the neighboring regions Food and Environmental Hygiene Department served only 416 notices and prosecuted 0.02 percent of those responsible for the faulty machines.

SCMP interviewed concerned residents and public health experts who claimd that the puddles caused by the dripping air conditioning equipment are breeding grounds for legionnaires disease and mosquito larvae.

Over the last decade, 170,407 complaints were made in Hong Kong about the dripping machines. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department served 5,256 notices and issued 12 prosecutions between 2004 and 2014.
Chinas ambitions to become a pioneer in nuclear energy are sailing into troubled waters.

Two state-owned companies plan to develop floating nuclear reactors, a technology engineers have been considering since the 1970s for use by oil rigs or island communities. Beijing is racing Russia, which started developing its own in 2007, to get a unit into commercial operation.

In Chinas case, the achievement would be tempered by concern its reactors might be sent into harms way to support oil exploration in the South China Sea, where Beijing faces conflicting territorial claims by neighbors including Vietnam and the Philippines. Chinese news reports say plans call for deploying 20 reactors there, though neither developer has mentioned the area.

Tensions ratcheted up after a U.N. arbitration panel ruled July 12 that Beijings claim to most of the sea has no legal basis. Beijing rejected the decision in a case brought by the Philippines and announced it would hold war games in the area, where its military has built artificial islands.

The floating reactor plans reflect Beijings determination to create profitable technologies in fields from energy to mobile phones and to curb growing reliance on imported oil and gas, which communist leaders see as a security risk.

China is the most active builder of nuclear power plants, with 32 reactors in operation, 22 under construction and more planned. It relies heavily on U.S., French and Russian technology but is developing its own.

The latest initiatives are led by China General Nuclear Power Group and ChinaNational Nuclear Corp. Both have research or consulting agreements with Westinghouse Electric Co. and Frances EDF and Areva, but say their floating plants will use homegrown technology.

They are keen to develop that because they have a lot of oil drilling everywhere in the South China Sea and overseas as well, said Luk Bing-lam, an engineering professor at the City University of Hong Kong who has worked with a CGN subsidiary on unrelated projects.

The Chinese strategy is to ensure the energy supply for the country, said Luk. Oil drilling needs energy, and with that supply, they could speed up operations.

Russias first floating commercial reactor, the Academician Lomonosov, is due to be delivered in 2018, but the project has suffered repeated delays. The Russians have yet to announce a commercial customer.

Russia has been aiming to launch this idea for over two decades by pitching the reactor as a plug-and-play option for fairly remote communities, said Mark Hibbs, an expert on nuclear policy for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, in an email.

Russias target market was Indonesia and its far-flung islands, Hibbs said. That prompted concern about control over nuclear materials, leading to a recommendation Russia operate the reactor and take back used fuel.

The Chinese nuclear agency signed a deal with Moscow in 2014 to build floating power stations using Russian technology. It is unclear whether that will go ahead given the plans by CNG and CNNC to develop their own vessels.

Chinese developers can count on sales to the state-owned oil industry without going abroad.

CGN has signed a contract with China National Offshore Oil Corp. to support oil and gas exploration at sea. The company says it will launch its first vessel by 2020, with plans for 20 more. It declined an interview request and did not respond to written questions.

CNNC plans a demonstration unit by 2019.

A floating nuclear plant probably would be too costly just to supply power but could be useful in oil and gas exploration by also providing heat and fresh water, Luk said. He said CGN engineers told him their design is meant for islands or other remote sites.

Tensions with Vietnam have flared over Chinese oil and gas exploration near the Vietnamese coast. In January, Vietnam complained a Chinese oil company had towed a drilling rig into disputed waters. In 2014, the same rig was parked off Vietnams central coast for two months, leading to violent anti-Chinese demonstrations and confrontations at sea as Chinese vessels rammed Vietnamese boats to prevent them from approaching the rig.

Reactors have been used on warships since the 1950s. But those vessels regularly visit port for maintenance and face little security risk because they are heavily armed.

The security concerns are clear: such reactors would be tempting targets for military or terrorist attacks, Edwin Lyman, a nuclear specialist for the Union of Concerned Scientists in Washington, said in an email. Maintaining the full contingent of security officers necessary to effectively deter attack would not be feasible.

Other perils include stormy seas  the South China Sea is buffeted by powerful seasonal typhoons  and the need to exchange radioactive fuel at distant sites.

CGN says its seaborne unit will have passive safety, or features that function without moving parts or outside power, such as control rods that drop by gravity in an emergency. No commercial reactor operates with such features.

There are questions about how reliable passive safety systems will be in extreme conditions, Lyman said.

CGN wants to simplify operations by requiring refueling only once every three years instead of the industry standard of 18 months, Luk said. That would require more highly enriched fuel, with the amount of the U-235 isotope raised to as much as 10 percent from the typical 4.5 percent.

If it were seized by terrorists or someone else, that would be a big problem, he said.

Chinas aggressive pursuit of nuclear technology has run afoul of U.S. law enforcement.

In April, a Chinese-born American engineer employed by CGN was charged with recruiting experts in the United States to help the company with reactor construction without applying for required government permission. Allen Ho, also known as Szuhsiung Ho, also was charged in federal court in Tennessee with acting illegally as an agent of a foreign government.

Under a 2007 agreement, Westinghouse transferred to another government company, the State Nuclear Power Technology Corp., technology for its latest model, the AP1000. It was to become the basis for future Chinese reactors that could be sold abroad, but CGN and CNNC pressed ahead with development of their own models.

CGN says its 60-megawatt floating reactor, the ACPR50, is a version of the land-based ACPR100 reactor. CNNC says its seaborne unit will be based on another reactor, the ACP100, but has released no other details.

Westinghouse has no role in the ACPR50s development, according to a company spokeswoman, Courtney Boone. EDF and Areva did not respond to requests for information about their possible role. Joe McDonald, Beijing, AP
A Pakistani official said the death toll from a bus that was swept away by flash floods has risen to 27. Government official Iqbal Khan said yesterday that the bodies of 18 women, six children and three men have been handed over to relatives in the village of Sara Shega in the Khyber tribal region. He said three children were rescued and are being treated for severe injuries. Flash floods triggered by monsoon rains swept away the bus carrying a wedding party Saturday. Flash floods commonly occur during South Asias summer monsoon season, which ends in September.
Portuguese meat products company Sicasal is preparing to transfer some of its production to Angola following a 50 percent drop in exports to the West African country, the companys chairman said last week in Luanda.

Alvaro Santos Silva, who is in Angola as part of a Portuguese business delegation that, together with the Minister of Agriculture, Luis Capoulas Santos, is visiting the country to strengthen institutional bilateral and business cooperation, also said that in 2015 the company exported 40 million euros worth of products to the Angolan market.

The chairman of Sicasal told Portuguese news agency Lusa the company had already invested USD10 million buying equipment and an area of 10,000 square metres in Viana, on the outskirts of Luanda, where it already employs about 60 people.

The company is initially considering importing raw materials from Portugal and later move on to raising livestock depending on availability of foreign currency in the market.

Sicasal mainly exports canned goods and frozen pork to Angola. MDT/Macauhub
Its always interesting to hear from visitors about their perspectives on Twin Falls. They marvel at the beauty of the canyon. They remark about all the new construction. Sometimes theyll tell you about a favorite restaurant they tried. And almost all of them will say how welcoming, friendly and hospitable our community is.

I agree. Twin Falls is pretty cool.

But go online recently and youll hear a much different story. Especially if youve been reading the yarns high-profile political activist Pamela Geller has been spinning about Twin Falls, fed to her mostly by local gadfly Julie Ruf and her ilk.

Thanks to Geller, tens of thousands of her readers now think Twin Falls is a hellhole.

Since earlier this summer, when a 5-year-old was allegedly assaulted at the Fawnbrook Apartments, Ruf has been dishing dirt to Geller, a commentator and blogger with a large following, about how refugees are ruining our city. By now weve all heard the story: A handful of twisted folks somehow believe the girls assault is clear proof that Muslims are destroying Twin Falls because the boys accused of committing the assault are Muslims or refugees or maybe both. And, oh, yeah, the mainstream media, the entire city council, city staff, the police, the county prosecutors office, the citys major employers, the local community college, several state Republican lawmakers and a federal prosecutor are complicit in a conspiracy to either cover up the details of the assault, asperse the girls family or mislead you in an effort to promote a liberal agenda that will allow Muslims to take over our community, commit terrorism, molest our children and institute sharia law.

Or something like that. The accusations grow a little each day, and its hard to keep up.

Itd be almost comical if this werent also true: Geller and others in the anti-Muslim movement have happily typed up these scary fairy tales, which are being read by thousands of people around the world who believe Twin Falls is no longer in Idaho but sandwiched somewhere in one of Dantes circles of hell.

Abandon all hope, ye who enter here isnt exactly the phrase our economic development leaders and tourism promoters want associated with Twin Falls.

And neither do I.

So I believe its important to offer an alternative perspective on our fine city and look at one of Gellers most recent columns, published last week on the Breitbart website, and see if we cant set the record straight about our city.

Geller writes: Ruf also recounted that one Sunday afternoon, she was with a group of Twin Falls residents that encountered a repellent prostitute soliciting outside of the local public library in broad daylight, three blocks from the police station. She was an older harlot who had already attracted a line of Muslim immigrant males waiting in their cars for their turn.

Who knows what Ruf and her friends saw outside the library, but I checked with police who said they arent aware of any situation even remotely like the one Geller describes. There was one case of woman from California and a man from Mexico in a car near the library recently in the middle of the night, but it certainly wasnt an old hooker and a parade of Muslim johns. In fact, police have investigated prostitution at four Twin Falls motels in the past 80 days, and none of the stings appeared to involve refugees.

Geller writes of the troubles the Fawnbrook girls family is having finding new housing in Twin and says: It is almost impossible to find a place to rent because of the housing shortage due to the sudden crush of refugees.

Sure, rentals are getting harder to find in Twin Falls, but its not because of a sudden crush of refugees. The College of Southern Idahos refugee resettlement center has been relocating about 300 people a year like clockwork for three decades  theres nothing sudden about that. The rental problem has little to do with refugees and everything to do with our booming economy and the fact weve added 5,000 new jobs in the food-manufacturing sector alone and thousands of new residents whove moved to the area to fill them.

Geller writes: Ruf told me: In the last four months the demographics of our area have dramatically shifted and weve been profoundly affected by what we suspect is secondary migration. We locals intend to survey the population to discover the source of this massive influx.

This should sound pretty bizarre to anyone who actually lives in Twin Falls. Does the city seem dramatically different than it did in March? And who, exactly, is being profoundly affected by this phantom influx?

Something terrible happened to that poor girl at the Fawnbrook Apartments. Scores of children in southern Idaho are molested or abused every year, and thats heartbreaking. But Geller is using this one case to drive a sickening political agenda.

See, Geller wants the world to think Twin Falls is being overrun by Muslim perverts who are destroying our city. Shes made a career spreading such nonsense on the backs of communities like ours.

But her vision of an American apocalypse isnt what I see happening in Twin Falls  at all. The Twin Falls I know is a welcoming community, where my wife and I feel perfectly safe raising our two girls.

Weve never had to push through a line of Muslims waiting for their turn with a hooker when we visit the library. We live in a growing and prosperous city, where new houses and apartments are springing up every day. Its a place where its easy to find a job, where people work hard. Its a beautiful city, and Im incredibly proud and lucky to live here.

I think most of us also feel this way. Do we have problems? Yeah, every community does. But theyre nothing close to the horrors Geller paints.

Geller had planned to visit Twin Falls this week and hold a rally on the courthouse steps, but she canceled. I guess its just easier to spread second-hand garbage on the internet instead of taking time to come see for herself.

Too bad. I wish she could have seen the Twin Falls I know.




CLARK FORK  To prevent a repeat of last years trail closure, northern Idaho volunteers are trying to help hikers understand the dangers and ethics of hanging out with the mountain goats on Scotchman Peak.

Trail ambassadors trained by the Friends of the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness are going beyond the trailhead signs to educate visitors to the popular hiking trail overlooking the town of Clark Fork and Lake Pend Oreille. At least two hikers were injured last year by aggressive mountain goats near the top of Trail 65 and the peaks rocky 7,009-foot summit. The hike involves a 7-mile round trip and significant ascent to the top.

Presented with the possibility of having to kill some of the goats, the Idaho Panhandle National Forests chose to close the trail for hiker safety. Idaho Department of Fish and Game officials said the goats had been conditioned to approach people by hikers who let the spike-horned goats lick the salty sweat off their skin or offered them food. Some of the mountain goats were biting hikers when the animals didnt get what they wanted, officials said.

In one reported case, a hiker was gored and suffered a minor wound. State and federal officials took that seriously. In 2010, a mountain goat fatally gored a visitor who was hiking in the Hurricane Ridge area of Olympic National Park. A $10 million lawsuit was filed claiming the park was negligent for not acting on previously reported aggressive goat behavior. A judge later dismissed the suit.

For the sake of the mountain goats, the friends group has posted signs and recruited volunteers to spread the word about giving the goats lots of space.

Although a few goats have been a little stubborn when it comes to getting off the trail, overall, it seems that people have started to realize the potential dangers of interacting with them, said Jay Sicilia, the groups ambassador program coordinator.

Mountain goat experts recommend that people stay more than 100 feet away from the animals even though they look tame and docile.

Citing increasing goat numbers, Olympic National Park officials are warning visitors to keep at least 150 feet from all park wildlife.

Mountain goats are unpredictable, park officials said in a release. They have sharp horns and powerful bodies that can inflict significant or lethal injuries.

In late June, Sicilia encountered nine mountain goats on the rocks near the top of Scotchman Peak, including three nannies, three kids and three 2-year-olds.

Of those, only one momma was reluctant to move away as she was approached, he said. After a series of attempts to shoo it away and a couple rocks thrown at her feet, she retreated to higher ground, showing natural mountain goat behavior.

Goat ambassador Mary Franzel of Clark Fork cleaned up canned corn that had been dumped on the peak last month, apparently to lure goats for a photo. Thats one of the visitor behaviors theyre trying to change, she said, noting that any dose of human food could make a goat aggressive to the next hikers on the peak.

People really seem to care and want to help the mountain goats, as well as learn more about them, Sicilia said, noting the ambassadors have received positive feedback. Most everyone understands that they are wild animals and should be left alone, even if that means shooing the goats away from them.

On the other hand, having a regular presence on the peak has revealed to ambassadors that education about mountain goats is regularly needed.
According to the Idaho State Police, Brittany Bewley, 25, of Filer was driving a 2003 Dodge Neon at about 11:40 p.m. when the car ran into the back of a semi truck at milepost 214. The driver of the semi, Joe Wilcox, 57, of Antlers, Okla., was pulling out of a driveway onto the highway at the time of the crash.
The last person arrested in Idaho for putting religion ahead of medicine for a sick child might have been Lewis Anis of Kimberly, near Twin Falls, who was charged with refusing to provide medical attention when his 13-year-old daughter died.

The year was 1915.

Girl dies from neglect the Idaho Statesman reported at the time. The story said authorities called to the familys two-room home found the child in bed, fully dressed and dying.

No medical aid had been summoned and strenuous objections were made by the father and mother of the family to the removal of the child to the hospital or to any medical aid being given to her, the paper reported.

The girl did go to the hospital, but died there. Her father was arrested after an autopsy. Her death certificate said Pearl Anis died of sepsis. The story ended by noting that her father was a member of a religious cult known as the Followers of Christ, which disapproves of medical attention to the sick. The paper reported another child death two years later under similar circumstances.

What happened after in the Anis case is likely lost to history. But bear the story in mind next week, more than a century later, when a committee of Idaho lawmakers takes up the question of whether First Amendment religious freedoms are a proper and permissible legal defense to withholding treatment in such cases, even if a child dies.

Now, as then, the practices and beliefs of the Followers of Christ group are central to the debate. The literalist, Pentecostal sect has congregations in areas of Owyhee, Canyon, Ada and Twin Falls counties. Some say that more members have moved to Idaho from neighboring Oregon in the years since Idahos neighbor to the west eliminated faith-healing exemptions from its criminal statutes.

As with many debates involving faith, the issue gouges sharp societal battle lines here. Idaho, with a large population of Mormons whose beliefs were long held in contempt or ridicule by majority religions, is particularly sensitive to religious freedom concerns.

But child advocates, prosecutors, medical professionals and former members of faith-healing sects with stories to tell have been pressing the case for change. Thats whats brought Idaho to the current moment.

How did this all start? And will this committee be able to sort it out.

Im looking for guidance on this, said Sen. Dan Schmidt, D-Moscow, a committee member who is a family physician and former Latah County coroner. I do think the state has a responsibility to protect children, but protect them from what? Can you look at how a parent is treating a child and know that its abuse or not?

Followers of Christ members are typically media-shy and do not make themselves available to discuss their concerns or beliefs in opposition to seeking medical care. Sen. Dan Johnson, R-Lewiston, one of the legislative committee co-chairs, met with members July 6 so we could both get comfortable with each other. He said they had agreed to participate in the committees work.

Johnson declined to predict what the committee will end up doing.

What Im looking for is the needle in the haystack that is going to meet the states interests and at the same time protect the rights of individuals, Johnson said. I know that its going to be a tough issue, and that there are those who think we should just leave everything alone. I respect that. But this working group, weve been tasked with looking at this so I want to make sure we give it a hard look and do the job that weve been asked to do.

State standard not new  or old

Idahos faith-healing exemption dates to 1972. The year before, the Legislature approved a top-to-bottom rewrite of state penal code, adopting changes recommended under a model advocated by a national legal group seeking to standardize and modernize American laws.

Among other changes, the new code that took effect in January 1972 decriminalized consensual gay sex. That produced an immediate citizen backlash. In the 1972 session legislators quickly moved to amend parts of the new code. But so many amendments were proposed that lawmakers opted instead for full-scale repeal, driven mostly by the uproar over the gay sex issue. They dumped the new code and reinstated the old one, with immediate effect.

In that same session, after the old code was reinstated, an amendment to laws on family abandonment and nonsupport passed through the House and Senate without debate.The change removed penalties for withholding medical assistance in cases where a parent or guardian chooses for his child treatment by prayer or spiritual means alone.

That specific language is boilerplate Christian Science terminology, as the advocacy group Idaho Children notes. In fact, the state Bar Association referred to it as the Christian Science amendment. Two years later, Christian Scientists were involved in creating similar exempting language in federal child abuse protection statute. The 1974 Child Abuse and Prevention and Treatment Act included a provision, reportedly added by Nixon White House aides H.R. Haldeman and John Ehrlichman, both Christian Scientists, requiring states to enact faith-healing or spiritual treatment exemptions to receive federal funds for anti-child abuse programs. Founded in 1879, the church has moderated from its onetime outright rejection of modern medicine and now is said to let members choose for themselves.

In response to the federal law, Idaho enacted three additional changes in 1976 and 1977. State code thus has four provisions involving the exemption: in civil code regarding neglect and emergency treatment in child protection cases; and in criminal code regarding family abandonment and injury to children.

After lobbying, the federal government eliminated the requirement in 1983. Several states have followed suit. Oregon did so in 2011. Idaho has not and remains one of six states with what amounts to a religious defense for child manslaughter, even capital murder, in its code.

Rep. John Gannon, a Boise Democrat, has twice sponsored bills that address one of the criminal code exemptions, in 2014 and again this year. Advocates say this years effort was slated for a Senate hearing, although the committee chairman, Lee Heider of Twin Falls, later disputed that. The facts are in question, and Heider came under fire for his handling of the issue and his defense of the exemption on First Amendment grounds.

So how and why was this interim committee formed?

Gov. Butch Otter wrote to legislative leaders in February asking that they study the issue. The request was based on work and findings by governor-appointed Task Force on Children at Risk, whose chairman outlined concerns in a July 2015 letter to the governor. Among them were the number Idaho children who apparently died after live-saving care was withheld. The task forces Child Fatality Review Team, in its 2016 report, documents 10 such deaths between 2011 and 2013. Child advocates think there may be more that just havent been documented yet.

What is the legal issue and has any court ruled on it?

The Followers of Christ and their supporters, who include prominent Idaho legislators, argue that withholding medical care in favor of prayer is a religious belief protected by the First Amendment. Heider has expressed that view, and Rep. Christy Perry, R-Nampa, also has been outspoken, seeing it as an issue of religious freedom and parent rights.

But child safety advocates cite weaknesses with the religious freedom argument. For one, children of church members are not making their own decisions about their medical care. For another, numerous laws already regulate or outlaw religious practices.

An adults religious freedom crosses the line when it causes death to a child, says Linda Martin, a native Boisean who left the Followers of Christ church decades ago at 16 and now leads citizen efforts to change Idahos laws. She maintains connections within the church and is related to many members.

As for the courts, Prince v. Massachusetts is a 1944 U.S. Supreme Court case that dealt with a Jehovahs Witness couple accused of violating that states child labor laws by making a nine-year-old girl proselytize in public. The 5-4 ruling said government has wide authority to regulate the treatment of children.

Parents may be free to become martyrs themselves, Justice Wiley Rutledge wrote for the majority. But it does not follow they are free, in identical circumstances, to make martyrs of their children before they have reached the age of full and legal discretion when they can make that choice for themselves.

That decision cited a 1903 New York court ruling in a case where a father had refused medical treatment for his daughter on religious grounds. The girl died. The earlier case said that freedom of religion did not include the freedom to expose a child to ill health or death.

In 2011, Oregon removed the last of its faith-healing legal protections. A county prosecutor lauded the move for making all parents subject to the same rules. One couple was convicted of withholding medical care the same month the new law went into effect, another couple three months later. Oregons last prosecution ended in November 2014 with manslaughter convictions for a couple in the death of their 12-year-old daughter from treatable diabetes.

So how will changing the law change things?

Beyond the obvious legal deterrent, proponents say changing the law would end what amounts to a special legal privilege now extended to people of certain religious faiths. It also would likely promote closer monitoring and better tracking of childhood deaths.

It might help anguished parents in faith-healing church navigate between obligations to faith and family, giving them legal cause to resist pressure, shunning and threats that ex-church members say they face.

Joshua Durham, a doctor in family medicine with Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, has spoken to former Followers of Christ members and has personal experience having left a strict church in Twin Falls in his 20s. When a child comes down with a life-threatening illness, members end up in a double-bind.

Theyll tell them, If your kid doesnt get better, its because you dont have enough faith. And if they take their kid to the doctor, they dont have enough faith. Youre going to get punished for that, Durham said. It puts them in these bad situations where they cant win.

With a change in the law to remove the exemption, They would be able to just tell their leader, Well, I dont want to go to jail. 
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Clive Crook

If nothing else, the past two weeks bear witness to the amazing resilience of Americas political parties  not as political or intellectual movements, but as tribes. Ideas come and go  but what do ideas matter, really? The parties, God help us, endure.

Donald Trump is neither a conservative nor a Republican, as President Barack Obama told the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday. The Republican nominees program, such as it is, rejects mainstream conservatism in almost every particular. In taking over the party, he ran against it. Yet see how the party accommodated itself to the invader. The Republican National Convention in Cleveland last week celebrated his coronation. Expressions of discontent werent tolerated, as Texas Sen. Ted Cruz found out: Republicans ditched everything except the imperative to unite against the enemy.

The remolding of the Democratic Party has been less dramatic, but there are similarities. Senator Bernie Sanders stands for a tendency within liberalism, not something entirely outside it, so he isnt the Democratic equivalent of Trump. Even so, the demands of tribal politics have yielded a notable reordering of ideas.

To accommodate the Sandernsitas, the Democrats are now offering full-spectrum economic populism  an essentially anti-globalist, anti-corporate vision that has more than a little in common with Trumps. (Bill Clinton and the New Democrats might never have happened.) On foreign policy, the party, despite the Sanders no-more-war faction, is moving to the right, into space traditionally occupied by Republicans, heavy on great-power rivalry and the duties of global leadership. Most striking of all, the encompassing Democratic theme is American values, American optimism, American exceptionalism  notions that the college-educated high-information types in the Democratic coalition would normally greet with a rolling of the eyes.

Im hoping this vision serves its purpose  defeating Trump  but it sure makes demands on ones capacity for cognitive dissonance. In her speech on Thursday night, Hillary Clinton talked about places ravaged by addiction, regions hollowed out by greedy unpatriotic companies, systemic racism, an economy thats broken because Americas democracy is broken, banks that are killing peoples dreams, and a one percent thats grabbing everything. Without irony, she also criticized Trump for his dark vision, adding (to cheers), America is great because America is good.

Whatever. Such are the requirements of tribal solidarity  not to mention beating Trump. And by that crucial test, Clintons speech was effective. As well as bringing the party together, she associated the Democrats steady and admirable faith in diversity with American patriotism, a connection thats capable of appealing to wavering Trump supporters. And her attacks on Trumps character and temperament hit home. The most memorable line  A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons  makes a sufficient case against Trump all by itself.

In speaking to the country as opposed to the Democratic coalition, she especially needed to avoid the trap of attacking Trump in ways that insulted his supporters. You dont win people over by disrespecting them. Few progressives seem to grasp this. They express their contempt for Trump in ways that convey equal if not greater contempt for anybody whod think of voting for him: The best they can do is express pity for anybody so stupid. This relentless condescension is one of Trumps most valuable assets.

Clinton mostly avoided the trap. At one point she said: But right now, an awful lot of people feel there is less and less respect for the work they do. And less respect for them, period. Democrats are the party of working people. But we havent done a good enough job showing that we get what youre going through, and that were going to do something about it.

That struck the right tone, and suggests she understands the issue. She slightly undermined this conciliatory note soon after when she turned to climate change and said, with a smirk, I believe in science. Thats a classic instance of the error Im talking about. If you want to change peoples minds, dont laugh at them or dismiss their opinions as markers of inferiority. But that was a rare lapse in a speech that managed to hit Trump repeatedly and hard, without sneering at his supporters.

Its too soon, perhaps, to worry about what becomes of the program Clinton set out if she wins in November. Sanders supporters will suspect that shell abandon the economic populism she promised in her speech and revert to cautious market-friendly centrism. Lets hope so. Its another reason to want Clinton to win. Theres always a chance that, unlike her, Trump means what he says.
The Democratic line on Donald Trump is beginning to soundbear with me on thisa little like arguments made for continued government funding of public broadcasting. One the one hand, were told, public money makes up only a small part of the Public Broadcasting Services budget. On the other, cutting that allegedly small amount would do irreparable harm to American civilization. You understand whats meant by these arguments, but you want to say, Well, which is it?

Hillary Clintons general-election campaign hasnt begun in earnest, but I wonder if Im wrong in seeing a similar sort of contradiction at its heart. On the one hand, Trump is fundamentally a liar; he doesnt take his own words seriously, and neither should you. On the other, Trump is exactly the bully and churl he presents himself to be; what you see in Trump is what youll get.

So for instance, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine, Clintons vice-presidential running mate, based his convention address largely on Trumps untrustworthiness, holding up for special derision (by means of an impersonation universally regarded as badly done) Trumps tendency to accompany his most preposterous claims with the words believe meIts going to be great, believe me. We are going to build a wall and make Mexico pay for it, believe me, and so on. 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. Whereupon his audience took up the chant, Not one word!

That Trump cant be trusted or that he doesnt mean anything he says was a theme dwelt on by, I estimate, every third speaker at the Democratic convention. The allegation didnt work on Bill Clinton in 1992, not so much because it wasnt credible but because the circumstances werent right for it. But perhaps Democrats are sufficiently confident in the shape of todays economy to make the argument about their opponents character.

Is it wise, though, for his foes to suggest that Trump doesnt quite mean some of his most improbable claims? An uncommitted voter might reasonably claim that, well, maybe he wont actually build a wall, but hell do something about illegal immigration, whereas there is little reason to suspect Clinton feels strongly about the issue at all. Or maybe he wont actually crush the Islamic State just like thatsnapbut at least one discerns a hardened and aggressive disposition.

Trump isnt just untrustworthy, though, according to Democratic portrayals. Hes also utterly reala bona fide scoundrel, but bona fide all the same. Hillary Clinton herself took this line during her acceptance speech Thursday night. For the past year, she said, many people made the mistake of laughing off Donald Trumps commentsexcusing him as an entertainer just putting on a show. They think he couldnt possibly mean all the horrible things he says. She gave as instances some of Trumps most egregious remarkscalling women pigs, decrying a judge as unfair because of his Mexican ancestry and so on. At first, Clinton claimed, she couldnt believe Trump meant these things either. But heres the sad truth, she said. There is no other Donald Trump. This is it.

Certainly both these lines of attack are legitimate in their way. But the contention that Trump is a dishonest huckster, a fraud pretending to be something he isnt, fits badly with the insistence that hes brutally honest about his regressive opinions. You could certainly merge the two lines of attack into oneTrump is an authentic bigot who wont keep his promisesbut it doesnt have much of a pop. Electoral politics isnt and never has been the place for complexity and nuance.

You begin to suspect this to be yet another manifestation of Trumps strange genius: embodying opposite forms of turpitude in such a way that accusing him of either doesnt work. Like a composite artist listening to incompatible descriptions of the suspect and drawing a face that looks like nobody, Trumps adversaries, if theyre not careful, may wind up sounding as opportunistic as the guy they mean to discredit.

Why, though, do Clinton and her allies and surrogates feel they need to say anything about Trump at all? Every campaign begins, disingenuously, by expressing the intention to stay positive and avoid personal attacks, and every campaign instantly and wisely reneges that pledge. But maybe this is the one instance in modern political history when keeping it would be an excellent idea. There is, after all, very little the Hillary for America campaign can tell the voting public about Trump that it doesnt already know and have a semi-coherent opinion on.

For at least a year, Trump has dominated media coveragedominated all forms of American political discourse, actuallyby the simple expedient of being his outrageous self. Indeed, he has openly admitted that this is his aim, most famously in his 1987 book Trump: The Art of the Deal. One thing Ive learned about the press is theyre always hungry for a good story, and the more sensational, the better, he writes. Its in the nature of the job, and I understand that. The point is that if you are a little different, or a little outrageous, or if you do things that are bold or controversial, the press is going to write about you. . . . I dont mind controversy, and my deals tend to be somewhat ambitious. . . . The result is that the press has always wanted to write about me.

Why assist Trump in his maniacal pursuit of ubiquity by calling attention to his outrageousness? Political campaigns criticisms of their antagonists inevitably sound hollow and disingenuous anyway, since they would benefit from those criticisms being taken seriously; so why not let others do the job? Of course, the Democratic Party is already heavily invested in the effort to ridicule and discredit Trump, so I have no hope of being heeded on this score. Prepare, then, to spend the next four months hearing that the Republican nominee is a forthright fraud. Or is it a duplicitous straight-shooter?
This appeared in Saturdays Washington Post.

When children steal cookies from the cookie jar, they usually suffer little more than a scolding. When those cookies contain cannabis, its a different story: According to a study published Monday, exposure to marijuana among children in Colorado has increased in the two years since the state began selling the drug legallyand so have the emergency-room visits that follow.

Colorado gave the green light to medical marijuana in 2000. In 2012, the state sanctioned recreational use, and by January 2014, dispensary store shelves were stocked with potent products of all shapes and sizes. Since then, marijuana-related trips to childrens care centers have almost doubled, though incidence overall remains low. Edibles in particular seem to entice unsuspecting children who think they are sneaking everyday snacks, though secondhand smoke is also a culprit. After accidental marijuana consumption, most children simply become sleepy. In the worst of cases, they can end up with a breathing tube.

Its possible that reports have risen in Colorado in part because doctors are more aware of the problem and parents less reluctant to admit to having marijuana in their homes. But the trend, which holds true in states with similar laws, deserves attentionnot least because it could teach legislators considering decriminalization in other localities to exercise caution.

The District of Columbia is one of those places. In 2014, voters approved an initiative to let residents and visitors 21 and older keep and carry a limited amount of the drug, as well as grow it at home. But Congressin a display of blatant disregard for self-determinationhas quashed the citys attempts to move toward a tax-and-regulate regime that would allow for the drugs legal purchase and sale. In response, some D.C. Council members have displayed a desire to loosen restrictions on marijuana even without the ability to control its use. A task force is scheduled to release recommendations on allowing smoking in private clubs at the end of the summer.

Colorados case gives the District one more reason to tread carefully until it can regulate marijuana in a responsible way. Stores in Colorado, for example, adopted child-resistant packaging in 2015. This month, a law went into effect barring marijuana-laced look-alikes to common childrens treats such as gummy bears and other sweets in human, animal and fruit shapes. The state has also tried to encourage manufacturers to limit product potency, and some local lawmakers have proposed a mandatory cap.

Those rules address just one problem associated with legalization. But this weeks study stresses the need for more research on marijuanas effects to know what other issues might ariseand for states to sit tight until they understand how to solve them.
How many Talkingtons does it take to run against Stephen Hartgen, incumbent Republican legislator representing Twin Falls in the House? At least two, it would appear. Sometimes I wonder whom Im running against this fall, longtime retired teachers union candidate Cathy Talkington, or her Democrat husband, Chris, who serves as a member of the non-partisan Twin Falls City Council, but who takes frequent pot shots at me and other Republicans.

Chris most recent cheap shot warrants a correction and a comment. Its about having served in the military during the Vietnam Era. Hed like to see a memorial to veterans of that time in Twin Falls, (not a bad idea in itself) but says he would restrict speakers to people who actually served in the military in those years, not just politicians who didnt serve.

Here, I presume hes referring to me. In an earlier Facebook post, he calls me a draft dodger, a local legislators, (who) hid in college classes during Nam, while 58,000 died for their country, but now want to preach about patriotism. You know whos served and who has not.

First, Talkington didnt serve in Vietnam either. He says he was in the Air Force (1966-1970), serving in North Dakota and then in Puerto Rico with the Strategic Air Command. In his own words, as he told the Times-News last fall, he says that while there, he got a job at a bar and spent his time drinking on the beaches of Puerto Rico. He never came near Vietnam.

I have no quarrel with Talkingtons personal military service, nor with his later dedication to veterans causes as a local American Legion post commander. I respect him for his service, as I do all others. Nor do I have any issue with him wanting to see Vietnam Era vets get more honors than they received coming home.

But its hard to see why hes lashing out on behalf of his wifes campaign in this way. After all, he isnt running against me; she is. Wait. Maybe they both are. Why would he want to call me a draft dodger and question my patriotism?

Yes, I was in college in those late 60s years and yes, I had a deferment, as did many, many other young men. By the time the deferment lapsed, the draft was over and I was never called to military service. Many young men in the Magic Valley were in similar situations, needed at home to run and manage farms and other businesses, in college working to better themselves and their country, or parents of young children. That was the case all over the nation. Are all of these young men draft dodgers whose patriotism today can be sneered at?

Second, my connection to the Vietnam Era was, and remains, a deeply personal one. Heres the story: I did have a cousin, William Clayton Hartgen of Reading, Pa., who served in Vietnam. He was killed there in a combat operations fire in 1967 in the Gulf of Tonkin. His name is on the wall at the Vietnam War Memorial (Panel 24E, Line 27) in Washington, D.C. He was just 24. I write about him in my own memoir, Journey West.

In all the years since, I have pondered whether I should have gone to Vietnam, like Cousin Billy, and others I knew. Over the years I have attended many veterans events and patriotic celebrations and I am always amazed at the resilience and courage of foreign war veterans. Many have an air of quiet dignity about them, as if they share a special bond, which they do.

In places like Twin Falls, I am proud to say, love of country is alive and well today. Our civic events often begin with a patriotic song, the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation. Flags fly proudly in front of homes and on porches, including my own, as reminders of the freedoms we all share.

Every legislative day in Boise, the House chaplain opens the floor session with a prayer to do our best as the representatives of our communities, state and nation. He often alludes to the fact that our nation and civil government cannot endure without the Gods grace and providence. We say the Pledge, veterans and non-veterans alike.

I think we are entering a period in which national pride and patriotism will once again be resurgent, not just in the communities like Twin Falls, but from sea to shining sea. It only takes a love of country to be part of this, of citizens from every walk of life, some whom have served in the military and some who did not. It requires a love of country spread across our nation, though we all know it can never match the ultimate sacrifices of some.

Like many in Southern Idaho, veterans and non-veterans alike, many of us have given a good deal of our lives to public service and public office. Ive served in the Legislature for some eight-plus years now and am occasionally asked to speak at various patriotic events. I go whenever I am asked, both to honor our country and privately to remember my own cousins service and sacrifice. If Talkington doesnt want me to be a speaker on patriotism, hes entitled to think that. No matter. Others will ask me from time to time, and I will do so as I can.

One final point: It doesnt seem to me that our nation, state and community are well served by carping about a war long past in which many served, if in different ways. No one has a monopoly on love of country or patriotism. It is widely shared by millions of Americans. In short, my record as a legislator and public servant is fair game. Have at it. But I will not sit silently by and have my patriotism questioned.
@PatriciaMazzei

Donald Trump will be back in Florida on Wednesday, campaigning again in one of the top swing states of the presidential race.

Trump will hold a "town hall" In Daytona Beach at 3 p.m., followed by a rally in Jacksonville at 7 p.m., according to a schedule released Saturday. His campaign has not provided any further details.

Tim Kaine, the running mate of Trump's rival, Hillary Clinton, will campaign in Daytona Beach a day earlier. He's scheduled a "jobs tour" at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Mori Hosseini College of Hospitality Management at Daytona State College.
There are dozens of folk tales in which someone is sent on an errand and it gets derailed in one way or another. Here Alberto Rios, who lives in Arizona, gives us a fresh one from Sonora, from his book from Copper Canyon Press, "A Small Story About the Sky."

One Thursday Afternoon: Magdalena, Sonora, 1939

Baltazar went to the market and came home with a parrot.

Thursdays in this town were always just so:

***

What should have been four big potatoes and some white cheese

Came home in a cage filled with green feathers and two wings.

The mathematics of exchange in this world, the stomach or the heart 

Which of these, how much of one for the other,

***

Friday would have to sort out. On a Thursday afternoon

The world sang, a full dinner this way coming through the air.

***

We do not accept unsolicited submissions. American Life in Poetry is made possible by The Poetry Foundation (poetryfoundation.org), publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Poem copyright 2015 by Alberto Rios, One Thursday Afternoon: Magdalena, Sonora, 1939, (A Small Story About the Sky, Copper Canyon Press, 2015). Poem reprinted by permission of Alberto Rios and the publisher. Introduction copyright 2016 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction's author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006.
FRENCHTOWN  A trip to the Deschamps Ranch west of Missoula is like time-traveling back to an era when agriculture was the bedrock of the county, as it was when Gaspard Deschamps first settled here from Canada in 1877.

Compared to the rest of the Missoula Valley, not much has changed here since that time. Its an oasis of rural greenery in a part of the county rapidly becoming urban asphalt. Gaspards great-grandson Charlie still works the land and grows 1,000 tons of hay every year.

A mysterious geological feature on the ranch brings clean water from deep underground at a constant 52 degrees year-round. The spring is a critical habitat for all kinds of mammals and birds, from voles to curlews. Although the ranch has remained intact through two World Wars, a Great Depression and a Great Recession, the threat most likely to destroy it is much more benign but nearly unstoppable: development.

Thats why Charlie and his wife Nancy are working with the Montana Land Reliance, a nonprofit land trust, to place the 545 acres under a permanent conservation easement that would guarantee it could be used only for agriculture forever.

To accomplish this, theyll need $524,500 from the $10 million Open Space Bond passed by Missoula voters in 2006. The funding would be split between the city and county allocation  each got $5 million originally. The money would be matched by a federal initiative, the Agricultural Land Easement Program. It would be one of the largest and most important open space easements protected in the county since the measure was passed.

Charlie Deschamps, who has to drive past an upper-class subdivision to get to his alfalfa field from Missoula, said his reasoning is simple.

I want to protect it, he said. Were losing our ag base in Missoula County, and I want to protect it forever. We have enough houses around us. So basically, just to keep it in ag.

Nancy Deschamps said they are continuing the legacy built by the three generations before them.

Charlies family has owned the property for four generations, she said. They have worked hard all these years to keep it in ag. During the Depression, they almost lost it. The banker brought a prospective buyer to the house and Grandma Deschamps wouldnt let them in. They were determined people and industrious and good people, and keeping the land in ag meant everything to them. And they wanted to preserve it for their heirs, as we have tried to do to.

The City Open Space Advisory Committee and the County Open Lands Committee are jointly vetting the potential to fund the project. This past Monday, they took a field trip to see just why the property is so crucial to the mission of the Open Space Bond.

Within the citys urban area there arent a lot of these larger tracts of land that are still intact, said Elizabeth Erickson, the citys open space acquisitions attorney. This provides a unique opportunity to protect one of those larger agricultural properties, an active working farm. It is in one of the citys open space cornerstones so it is in, geographically, one of the most important areas for conservation according to the open space plan. Its a key conservation area.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has identified the property as falling within the Bitterroot/Clark Fork Riparian Corridor Focal Area, which is a high-priority landscape area, according to the 2015 State Wildlife Action Plan.

Jim Brown of Five Valleys Audubon said its one of the only places in the entire Missoula Valley where bobolinks  a strikingly colored songbird  have been found nesting.

At one time in the Missoula Valley we used to have a lot more wet grasslands, Brown explained. But with this development, it has pretty much disappeared. So this is the only area I know where theres really bobolinks in the Missoula Valley. Theres a number of real key bird assets here. This property is really to live for, and the surrounding area. Theres a lot of significant habitat niches on this property that makes it so special.

Brown called the spring the mother lode of lower Lavelle Creek, which flows into the nearby Clark Fork River. The water draws great blue herons, eagles, turkey vultures and all kinds of other waterfowl, especially since it doesnt freeze in the winter.

Youve got a lot of native grassland here, Brown said. These brushy draws are really important bird nesting areas. Theres a lot of hawthorn, chokecherry and serviceberry. And thats a special feature in the Missoula Valley as far as wildlife. The grasslands and the pastures are important because they support a real high vole population. So do the wetlands. So this area is very popular with raptors, and one of the special things is wintering raptors. We get the red-tailed hawk and the rough-legged hawk, the golden eagle, the bald eagle, the northern harrier.

Long-eared owls nest in the grasslands and hunt at night for voles, so the ranch is attractive to them, Brown said. Short-eared owls are declining nationally, but theres at least 32 of them in the Grass Valley area.

Thats really unusual, Brown said. The other thing is theres a lot of migrating songbirds that come up here to nest and breed, and then they go to Mexico and Central America to winter.

The area has been identified as the Clark Fork-Grass Valley Important Bird Area because so many species call it home.

Its a location that provides a lot of conservation benefits to city and county residents, Erickson said. Its a significant wildlife habitat. And its an area where theres been quite a bit of residential development in the vicinity.

The easement means that even if the property falls out of the Deschamps familys hands years down the road, there can be only two houses built on the property and nothing else can be developed. Agriculture will be allowed, however. Because the resale value of the property will be lower due to the restrictions, Charlie Deschamps said it means a farmer will have an easier time purchasing the land. The ranch includes a historic farmhouse that had the first shingled roof in the region.

Mark Schlitz, the western manager for the Montana Land Reliance, said the Deschamps family chose to work with them because they specialize in agriculture easements. In fact, MLR has protected more property in the state than any other land trust, primarily because they work with huge ranches.

He said agricultural lands are extremely critical to wildlife, despite some misperceptions. Crops may not be as ideal for animals as a pristine native plant landscape, but many ranches contain a mix of both.

Thats whats so unique about this property, is its so varied, he said. The propertys got 59 percent soils that are (listed by the Department of Natural Resources Conservation) statewide or local importance, prime soils. Its one of the top easements in the state.

According to Erickson, theres only $1.74 million left of the citys original Open Space Bond money. Some $1.15 million remains in the countys portion, according to Kali Becher, a rural landscape scientist with the countys Parks, Trails and Open Lands program.

The city has completed 18 projects for a total of 3,049 acres protected with the 2006 bond money. Four projects are under consideration. Additionally, the city has completed four projects with a smaller bond passed in 1995, just within the city limits, for a total of 421 acres protected.

The county has completed more than 20 projects, ranging from less than 50 acres to more than 3,000 for a total of more than 26,000 acres conserved. Becher said that every dollar of open space bond funding has been matched by an average of $4.90 from other sources.

If county and city taxpayers have been pleased with all the open space projects that theyve paid for since 2006, including land in the South Hills, the North Hills, Marshall Canyon and Grant Creek, they may have to fund another bond in the near future.

The message is the money for open space is dwindling, Erickson said. There have been a lot of projects that have used those funds according to the original purpose. And they have provided a significant amount of conservation in our valley. There are a lot of projects being vetted so after the end of 2016 theres going to be quite a bit less. If we want this program to continue were going to have to seek additional funding.

For more information visit ci.missoula.mt.us/185/Open-Space.
Chloe Autio sang the final lines of "At Last" with tears in her eyes, and blew two kisses skyward.

"And here we are in heaven, for you are mine ... at last."

Chloe is the granddaughter of Lela Autio, a renowned sculptural artist and painter. Lela died in January at 88 years old. Last summer, Chloe sang that song at a party.

"When she was in the hospital in January, she asked me to sing it here for you all in case we decided to have a celebration, which she didn't want anyway," Chloe said, mimicking Lela's voice and causing a wave of laughter in the standing-room-only crowd at the Missoula Art Museum on Saturday.

Family and friends squeezed into the Lee Morrison Gallery to celebrate Lela Autio's life and share memories and songs.

It was as if she hadn't left, each story and imitation of her laugh and voice ricocheting off the museum walls and causing everyone to laugh amid the tears.

"Welcome to the art house that Lela built," MAM Executive Director Laura Millin said, opening the celebration.

Millin recognized that "it took a village" to launch the museum, but Lela was the "art mother" who took charge and advocated for art, women, the disenfranchised and so much more.

She never backed down and always spoke her mind.

Tom DeWeese put it simply: "She was a no bullsh-- gal."

'Hustling'

Steve Glueckert, MAM's retired curator, worked with Lela Autio for years. What was distinctive about Lela, he said, was that she wasn't the stereotypical "starving artist" waiting to be discovered.

She was always busy, always "hustling," as former Montana Congressman Pat Williams put it. And she did the same for her husband Rudy, an influential ceramic artist, essentially acting as his publicist.

"Life didn't happen to Lela," said Susan Ridgeway, wife of Lar Autio, Lela's son. "Lela took charge of life."

One of Lela's four children, Lisa, unveiled something her brother Arne found in Lela's house. It was an anniversary gift from Rudy to Lela, written after more than 30 years of marriage. It begins: "Isn't it amazing after all these years I still love you. There is no one in the world who complains about everything as well as you do ..."

Artists wrote letters to be read at the celebration, everyone saying that Lela was their inspiration. That includes New York City mime and actor  and Missoula native  Bill Bowers, whose play "All Over the Map" premiered Off-Broadway this spring. The play is dedicated to Lela, who was his high school art teacher and longtime friend.

"I always thought of Lela and Rudy as my art mom and dad," Bowers wrote. "Lela always signed her emails and letters to me, 'Love, your fake mom.'"

Williams said he's unable to think of Rudy without Lela.

"To us, they're a great flowering tree, you know, one of those trees with two trunks," he said. "I always had the feeling ... that Lela was the root system."

Dancing on clouds

Chloe told one last story before singing, a story about a conversation Lela had with Rudy before he died in 2007.

"You know what one of the last things Rudy said to me (was)? He said, 'Well, Lela, I'll paint some clouds and we'll dance on them,' " Lela told Chloe.

"So, I hope that they are dancing on those clouds," Chloe said.

Rudy and Lela, at last.
President Royce Engstrom has said he didn't have a hand in a series of Cabinet-level retirements last school year at the University of Montana.

However, a letter he signed  although never sent  shows Engstrom wanted change in at least one area.

The letter dated Jan. 29 to former vice president for integrated communications Peggy Kuhr noted the president sought a new direction in communications for UM.

"I am writing to inform you that I intend to eliminate the position of Vice President for Integrated Communications before the end of the fiscal year," Engstrom wrote.

"The office and you have served me so well during these past years, but I feel that I want to move in a different, as yet undefined, direction."

Engstrom recently confirmed the letter with his signature came from his office, but he said he never sent it. Kuhr also said she never received the correspondence.

Last school year, four top UM officials announced their retirements at a time when the university faced a $12 million budget crisis, as well as an enrollment decline of some 20 percent since 2010 on the main campus.

The ongoing drop in enrollment and ensuing budget difficulties affected at least one vice president's decision to leave. "I decided to go ahead and retire," said vice president for student affairs Teresa Branch, who made a public announcement last fall. "And that's in part because things didn't seem to be turning around, and I was trying to hang in there."

Engstrom has continued to maintain he did not direct the retirement of Cabinet members who announced their departures last school year, and that he was not seeking wholesale leadership change.

"These have all been just one-on-one conversations with each of these folks who have reached a certain point in their life and their career where they wanted to make that decision," he said in February, when he announced Kuhr's departure.

At the same time, the letter shows he wanted some adjustments, and he said this week his job includes selecting the people who set the course for UM.

"I have the responsibility as the president to constantly evaluate my leadership team in terms of where we're going as a university. Period," Engstrom said.

He said he did not pen similar letters to any other staff members.

Discussions with Engstrom

In the letter, the president praised Kuhr even as he said he would not renew her contract for July 2016:

"I want to have discussions with you regarding your role at the University, as I believe you have a tremendous amount to offer, and I want you to have an engaging opportunity. I have some ideas about that.

"I am sorry to give you this news, and I look forward to talking further with you."

Kuhr is currently working on special projects for UM, and plans to retire at the end of December.

She said she believes she was in California discussing her retirement plans with her husband at the end of January, at the time the letter from Engstrom is dated. However, she said she and the president never discussed its contents.

"My discussions with Royce were about my decision wanting to retire," Kuhr said.

Bill Johnston, longtime head of the Alumni Association and the face of UM for many in Griz Nation, leaves his post in September. The lobbying part of his job is now included in the role of the president's new communications director.

"I would like to have worked a little longer, but it was my decision," Johnston said.

He said he has realized how quickly the years pass, and he is interested in other opportunities. He just turned 59, has worked for only one employer, and he said it was time for change.

"My personal goal was to be a little older, but I made a decision it was right for me to leave," Johnston said.

Johnston said he informed Kuhr, his supervisor, about his plans on Feb. 2, and one week later, he told the president directly because the president oversees his lobbying responsibilities.

He declined to share his opinion on the decision to combine lobbying and communications.

"That's the decision of the president," Johnston said.

On Feb. 12, Engstrom publicly announced Kuhr's plan to retire, and on March 2, he shared news of Johnston's pending departure.

'Something needed to change'

Last school year, Provost Perry Brown and vice president for student affairs Branch also announced their retirements, and both said last week the president did not request their resignations.

In part, concerns about UM led Branch to retire, and she said she wanted to get her team in a stable place financially before she left.

"My sector was being decreased every year as a result of the budget cuts, and in many ways, it's hard to see how that was going to serve the student body effectively," she said.

Last year, Main Hall requested some $3.2 million from student affairs, money originally set aside for maintenance and capital improvement. Branch said she warned the president the funds are "one-time-only money"  in other words, not available again this school year.

She feared the continued decrease "in the institutional employee base" would harm the university and its students, independent of leadership at UM.

The past three years, enrollment was under the auspices of the provost, but it continued to slip, she said. So the president opted to move enrollment back to student affairs and seek a professional with expertise in that area, and Branch said she supports the decision.

"He (Engstrom) gave it several years to see if it was going to turn around, but it didn't," Branch said. "So it didn't make any sense to continue with the arrangement and the location of enrollment under the circumstances. Just logically, something needed to change."
Is Democracy failing in the United States?

Is a government repeatedly elected by less than 50 percent of eligible voters a success? If we knew this to be true of another country, we would decry the state of their democracy. When this is true of our own government, what should we do about it? Complain, or take responsibility to improve it?

For at least the last 50 years, voter turnout for mid-term elections in the United States has been below 50 percent, sinking to a low of 36 percent in 2014. Yet our Constitution declares that we are a government of the people, by the people, for the people. We have struggled to ensure that all citizens have the right to vote, so that the full range of voices can be heard. Electing our representatives at all levels of government is the mechanism designed to translate our diverse opinions and needs into policy and laws. Is this mechanism failing? Or are we failing the mechanism?

The League of Women Voters Montana is launching a new project, Revitalizing Democracy, to encourage more understanding and discussion of the basic tenets of our democracy. Why We Vote: Getting from Votes to Seats is the initial event in this new series. The free public forum at the Missoula library on Aug. 3 features a presentation from Peter Miller, John Templeton Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Philosophy, Politics and Economics Program at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Miller is a native of Billings and specializes in the study of democracy.

Here in Montana we have traditionally had a higher voter turnout than the national average. With just over 1 million residents, it is easier to see that voting in Montana makes a difference. It is not uncommon that elections for state legislators are won by margins in the hundreds of votes. But even we are slipping. While Montana voter percentage turnout in 1960s was in the high 70s to mid 80s depending on whether it was a mid-term or presidential election, by 2014 it had fallen to 47 percent.

Steps can be taken to address voter participation. Some states have adopted automatic voter registration laws that ensure that eligible voters are registered when they transact business with the state, such as obtaining drivers licenses or state ID cards or registering a motor vehicle. Other states, like Montana, have supported same-day voter registration. Eliminating barriers to voter registration goes a long way to ensure that all who wish to vote can register to do so.

Yet even with these measures, voter participation is declining. Some attribute the decline in voter participation to a lack of interest among young people. Others attribute it to apathy. But what is apathy? If you believe it is true that your vote doesnt matter, is it apathy to decline to vote?

Millers presentation brings up some hard truths about the system we use to elect representatives and presidents in the United States. How well does our system for counting votes translate into seats? One such measure is the discrepancy between the percentage of votes a party wins compared to the percentage of seats that party wins. In 2012, this discrepancy in the U.S. Congress was 4.79 percent. Similarly, our system for electing presidents also falls short of ensuring that the most popular candidate wins, in part because the electoral college mechanism does not always align with the popular vote.

This year in particular, our method for nominating and electing our president is coming under intense scrutiny. Our system of presidential election does not guarantee that the most popular candidate will win the election, for a variety of reasons. If our election mechanisms fail to reflect the popular vote, what effect does that have on peoples willingness to vote? Is this undermining our democracy?

Millers presentation considers the theory behind voting, why we vote, trends in voting behavior in recent years, and suggests an alternative way to rank and count ballots that comes closer to ensuring that the most popular candidate wins the race.

What will it take to revitalize our democracy? I invite you to join the League of Women Voters Missoula Aug. 3 in the first of many conversations about democracy and issues facing our country and our state.
Technological innovation thrives in the bootstrapped startups and high-tech manufacturers of Montana.

One example is the Universal Technical Resource Services, INC (UTRS), an engineering service provider and consultancy. In 2010, UTRS opened a new research and development facility in Butte to explore alternative methods of titanium production. Over the past 6 years, these engineers have refined and patented a chemical process that economically surpasses the Kroll Process, the current standard for titanium refinement.

After capital expenditures, their new process cuts refinement costs from $9 a kilogram to $4-6, said Jim Cox, senior scientist at UTRS. This 50-percent decrease in costs result from energy efficiencies and  fewer processing steps.

Some compared this innovation to the Bayer Process, the common method for aluminum refinement. In the mid-1880s pure aluminum was more valuable than gold due to its rarity. As refinement costs decreased, aluminums uses thrived and varied from aircraft fuselage to Coca-Cola cans.

This spirit of technological innovation, well instilled in Buttes mining past, flourishes across Montana: from industrial manufacturers like Moore Lift Gates in Anaconda, to high-tech startups like Geofli in Missoula.

Though technology innovation is widespread, entrepreneurship isnt always the norm. When Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte asked a high school audience at Butte Central, How many of you want to be an entrepreneur? Only a few hands rose, said Gianforte.

Montanans are known for a strong work ethic, but many dont realize the opportunities and resources available to start a business. In worst cases, our would-be entrepreneurs move to the coast to pursue their dreams.

Our greatest export is our kids, said Gianforte jestingly during our chat last Monday.

Despite this sentiment, Montanas growth in technological entrepreneurship is enduring.

Two weeks ago, Gov. Steve Bullock's Innovate Montana Summit brought together over 400 businesses and entrepreneurs in Billings, said Ronja Abel of the governors office.

Bozeman now boasts 80 technology startups and the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, founded in 2014, stands at 275-plus member businesses, according to Gianforte.

Despite technologys impacts on our lives, its only a tool to be utilized by talented Montanans. Montana is known as the Treasure State, but our treasures arent underground. It lies in the people that inhabit this great land. Its our work ethic, our technological innovation, and our entrepreneurship that will define us.
MISSOULA  As the story goes, a harried newsman at the Daily Missoulian took a phone call on election night 1916.

The woman at the other end was wondering how the presidential race between Woodrow Wilson and Charles Hughes was going. How about the U.S. Senate race in Montana? At length she got around to the real reason she called. What, she asked, were the prospects for Miss Rankin in her race for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives?

"Oh, she lost," came the reply, from a man who really had no idea.

Thus Jeannette Rankin went to bed that Tuesday night at the family home on Madison Street  today the site of a hotel parking lot and a Jiffy Lube  thinking shed failed in her bid to become the first woman in the world to be elected to a national legislative body.

She and the newsman were wrong, of course. As results trickled in over the next two days it became probable, then certain that the 36-year-old Rankin, born, raised and primarily schooled in Missoula, was on her way to Washington.

She read a prepared statement on Friday, promising to represent not only the women of Montana but all American women and children.

A leader in the fight that culminated in 1914 and gave the women of Montana the right to vote, Rankin said she planned to introduce legislation seeking a federal suffrage amendment, an eight-hour work day and equal wages for women.

Her statement didnt address the war in Europe and the very real possibility of the U.S. getting involved, an issue that shed face her first day on the job the following April. Her no vote then was one of 49. When Rankin returned to Congress a quarter of a century later, she cast the lone dissenting vote to joining World War II on the day following Japans attack on Pearl Harbor. The wildly unpopular vote sealed her political doom, as well as her legacy as one of the 20th centurys foremost peacemongers.

In 1985, a dozen years after Rankins death at age 92, a statue in her honor was dedicated in the U.S. Capitol. Its inscribed: I Cannot Vote For War. Theres a replica in the state capitol in Helena.

All that was ahead of Jeannette Rankin in 1916.

By todays standards, her history-making campaign had been blessedly short  just four months from the July day she declared her candidacy at a meeting of the Missoula County Good Government League in the Florence Hotel.

No scathing TV ads, no social media battles, no political debates. What outside money there was came primarily from the pockets of little brother Wellington Rankin, a well-placed Helena attorney who went on to become attorney general, a state Supreme Court justice and the leader of the Republican Party in Montana.

The younger Rankin, who had lost his own race for the state Legislature in 1914, orchestrated his sisters campaign from his Helena law office  but not until exercising some legacy-saving muscle with a hurried drive over the Continental Divide.

Jeannette was having a meeting with the women in Missoula, Kevin Giles, one of Rankins biographers, told the Missoulian last week. Shed called all these women together who had helped her in the suffrage movement.

Those close friends all but convinced Rankin that a run for the U.S. House was a waste of time, Giles said. Worse, they maintained, her all-but-certain defeat would be an embarrassment to women and set national suffrage back.

That was the mentality of that time, said Giles, a reporter and former editor for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis whos putting final touches on a revision of his 1980 biography Flight of the Dove: The Story of Jeannette Rankin.

Torn, Jeannette gave her brother a call that July day a century ago.

Wellington said, Hold on. Ill drive over to Missoula,  Giles said. By all accounts he was livid. When he got there he told Jeannette, Youre going to run and youre going to win. 

And run she did, mostly behind the wheel of a Ford automobile and, at Wellingtons direction, mostly in the foothills and on the prairies of central and eastern Montana. The homestead boom was a boon for Jeannette Rankin. Montana had been allotted a second seat in the U.S. House, and for this election only, the state didnt divide itself into two congressional districts.

Though her brother rarely appeared with her, Wellington Rankin directed and financed the campaign from his Helena office.

By many accounts Ive seen about Wellington, the guy was just headstrong, Giles said. He was never intimidated by anybody, and he was always the one who stepped in and made Jeannette go. She had all the talent in the world to make a run for Congress, but he was the energizer.

Wellington served as her shield and sword, biographers James Lopach and Jean Luckowski wrote in Jeannette Rankin: A Political Woman.

Her part was doing what she loved most and did best, campaigning relentlessly.

Attracting national attention

Within days of filing, Rankin was honored with a banquet in Butte and given the unanimous endorsement of the Stevensville womens club  at the home of Mrs. Frank Nickols, the Missoulian reported.

A brass band greeted her in Fort Benton, and Rankin addressed 50 ladies at the Idaho Street home of Miss Jean Bishop in Dillon after giving talks to the Baptist Aid Society and the Manse Society. In Billings, as the primary election drew near, Rankin drew more than 500 people to an open-air meeting and found sentiment unusually strong for her, a special dispatch said.

Dynamic, determined, hard-headed and thick-skinned, Rankin soared to victory over seven men in the Republican primary. Her 22,500 votes were 7,000 more than runner-up George Farr of Miles City, who became her running mate in the general election against two Democrats, including incumbent and former Missoula mayor John Evans, and a pair of long shots from the Socialist party.

Third place went to a man better known for his writings on the ethnography of American Indians and the West  Frank Bird Linderman. (Linderman got a measure of revenge in 1924 when he outpolled Wellington Rankin for the Republican nomination to the U.S. Senate, only to be trounced in the general election by Thomas Walsh).

People started paying closer attention.

Towns and cities all over Montana are clamoring to secure the little lady for a speaking engagement, besieging the state committee. So Cut Bank is rather fortunate in being favored by a dating so early in the campaign, opined the Cut Bank Pioneer Press in mid-September, in advance of Rankins appearance there.

Soon the national press was tuning in. The Seattle Times and Spokesman-Review in Spokane, the Salt Lake Herald-Republican and Oregon Register all remarked on this Montana peculiarity.

Miss Rankin has a rare personality, a fine intellect and an unusual perspective, and her candidacy has aroused national interest, said the New York Sun.

She is tall, straight as a mountain pine, an entertaining speaker and has a wealth of red hair, chimed a paper in Keokuk, Iowa.

In October the New York Times picked up on the themes, in condescending terms that Rankin had come to expect. The writer made no mention of Rankins political stances but gushed over a report that Rankin had red hair.

There is no shade of red hair that is not prettier than the mud-brown which has become the American type, he pronounced. If she is elected to Congress she will improve that body aesthetically. Even when good, Congress is not beautiful, and needs adornment.

Confident of victory

If the newspapers from across Montana are to be believed, the crowds for Rankin grew larger as Nov. 7 approached.

In Great Falls the opera house was packed to the highest balcony and when Miss Rankin arose to speak, the demonstration was so prolonged and so deafening that it was several minutes before she was allowed to talk, one widely distributed report said.

Several hundred people were turned away from a Rankin appearance in Anaconda, and in Butte two halls were packed. When Miss Rankin finished speaking in one, she was hurried to the next one.

Rankin spoke on an unfair tariff, the farm loan law, patents and appropriations. A marginal Republican at best  I was never a Republican. I ran on the Republican ticket, she later said  she nonetheless urged her supporters to vote straight Republican.

Jeannette is the best stump speaker in Montana, can dance like a boarding school girl, and, believe me, she will lead those Congressmen a merry little two-step when she comes to Washington, a national suffrage leader told J.R. Hildebrand of the Washington Times after the election.

Her hometown paper, confident of a victory on Election Day eve if not the next night, put the Rankin phenomenon in perspective.

Her appearance in the national house of representatives, the Missoulian opinion editor wrote, will serve notice on the eastern conservatives that a new day has dawned in American democracy.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  Ten-year-old Tony Green, was looking to score a big prize at the Great River Days Ping Pong Ball Drop Saturday afternoon.

The 10-year-old took home an iPad last year.

Green was all set and ready to go Saturday, hoping to catch the lucky ball that would win him a TV.

I want to win the TV so I can put it in my basement and drink Dr. Pepper while watching Dr. Phil and Ellen, Green said.

The Ping Pong Drop was sponsored by the Muscatine Journal and RE/MAX Professionals.

Green was one of the kids in the 9-12 age group standing underneath a crane at Riverside Park. Small plastic balls with numbers on them were dropped from the crane and into a small ring adorned with flags. The numbers corresponded to prizes ranging from markers and Styrofoam gliders to transportable speakers and a 32-inch LED TV.

There were also ball drops for children ages 1-4 and 5-8 besides children ages 9-12.

Josh Boisen, 7, came with his mom, Kearston Boisen and her fiance Lucas Wheeler. Lucas and Kearston said they have been coming to the ball drop for many years.

Josh said the circle was a bit intimidating.

Its scary because you can get hit, Josh said. But, its also fun.

Ten-year-old Zach DeLong was the winner of the television set. DeLong said he came in hoping to win the TV. His mom, Angie DeLong, wasnt sure what they would do with the TV, but had an idea.

We just moved to a new apartment so itll probably go into their room, Angie said.
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 []
Vodacom has lodged a successful complaint against Telkoms SAs most connected network claim at the Advertising Standards Authority of South Africa (ASA).

Telkoms advertising carried the headline Connect your home or business instantly with Telkom LTE. Enjoy loads of wireless data, anytime on SAs most connected network.

Vodacom was not impressed, arguing in its ASA complaint that Telkoms most connected network claim was unsubstantiated and misleading.

Vodacom stated that Telkom only has 1 million ADSL and 2.1 million mobile customers  significantly less that Vodacoms 34.2 million total active customers.

Vodacom also submitted that OpenSignal ranked Telkoms coverage and speed as fourth in South Africa.

Telkom responded, saying the most connected network refers to its broadband infrastructure network, and not merely the provision of broadband services.

The intention of the advertisements was to extend the use of network to more than one means of connectivity, and was certainly not confined to broadband connectivity, said Telkom.

The ASA was not convinced, and said the advertisement implies that Telkom is the most connected network in South Africa in terms of broadband or wireless data.

The ASA ruled that Telkoms SAs most connected network claim was unqualified, and therefore in breach of the advertising code.

Telkom was ordered to withdraw the claim with immediate effect.

More on Telkom

Telkom will let you switch to its insane new packages mid-contract

Telkoms new contracts kill Vodacom and MTNs
The South African Screen Federation and the Save our SABC Coalition have declared war on the SABC, demanding that COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng and board chairman Mbulaheni Maguvhe be removed.

The groups are also calling for Communications Minister Faith Muthambi to be axed, according to a report by the Sunday Times.

The Federation has eight member organisations and represents South Africas independent film and TV industry.

We have declared war on the iniquity and abuse of power and public resources by Motsoeneng and his cohorts, said the Coalitions Sekoetlane Phamodi.

He has been found unfit to hold office by the public protector [and] the courts have found him to have acted illegally and unconstitutionally.

The groups have promised more demonstrations outside the SABC until their demands are met.

Stop advertising with the SABC

The Coalition has also called on advertisers to take their business away from the SABC until a new qualified and transparent management is in place.

Right2Know has previously called for companies which do business with the SABC to be publicly shamed.

The calls come after Motsoeneng was accused of illegally terminating the contracts of long-serving executives because they stood up to him.

Standardised and tested processes and procedures are being ignored, overturned, changed overnight without any consultation with the independent production sector. Due process and integrity are out of the window. It is chaos, said the Federations chairwoman Harriet Meier.

They have fired so many good people that the corporation has lost the institutional memory needed to operate proficiently.

The full report is in the Sunday Times of 31 July 2016.

More on the SABC

SABC journalists expected back at work

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The acting chairperson of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has allegedly lost her permanent chairperson position because she did not approve a Gupta bid.

In March, the telecoms regulator refused Infinity Media Network an individual commercial free-to-air broadcasting licence due to non-compliance with the ITA and provisions of the ECA.

Infinity Media Network, which owns ANN7, has many high-profile shareholders, including Oakbay Investments (the Gupta familys investment vehicle) and Mabengela Investments (of which Duduzane Zuma holds a 45% stake).

The Sunday Times reported that former Icasa acting chairwoman Vuyo Batyi lost her promised job as Icasa chairperson because she would not bend to pressure from Communications Minister Faith Muthambi to approve a Gupta bid for a free-to-air 24-hour news channel.

According to the report, Muthambi backtracked on her decision to appoint Batyi as chairwoman because of the Infinity Media Network licence decision.

Batyi confirmed this week she was taking legal action against Muthambi for failing to appoint her as chairwoman of Icasa, despite having given her a letter of appointment, the Sunday Times reported.

The full report is available in the Sunday Times of 31 July 2016.

More on Icasa

Guptas ambitious TV plans in South Africa take a hit

Icasa rejects five TV broadcasting licence applications
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has predicted that the country will not see any economic growth this year.

The SARBs 0% growth forecast followed a contraction in the gross domestic product (GDP) during the first quarter of 2016.

In a country with a growing population, this means that the GDP per capita is shrinking. GDP per capita is a useful measure for assessing the economic growth and productivity of a country.

This is, however, not where the bad news stops. When South Africas GDP is measured in a hard currency, like the US dollar, its performance looks atrocious.

The latest Trading Economics figures show that the South African economy has experienced a huge decline in US dollar terms over the last five years.

In fact, the last financial year saw the biggest single decline in South Africas GDP when measured in US dollars.

The graph below shows how the South African economy has shrunk in US dollar terms.

More on the economy

South Africas economy is heading to zero

South Africas economy is our top priority: Zuma

Load shedding was ended by South Africas weak economy, not Eskom
Numerous filling stations in Gauteng have run dry, caused by a strike affecting refinery workers fuel truck drivers, and depot workers.

Around 15000 workers in the petrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors belonging to the Chemical Energy Paper Printing Wood and Allied Workers Union (Ceppwawu) began to strike on Thursday.

Clement Chitja, head of collective bargaining at Ceppwawu, said workers wanted a 9% increase, but employers were offering 7% for 2016.

Chitja said last week it could take about three days for petrol stations to run dry, and his prediction was accurate.

MyBroadband visited numerous filling stations in the Centurion and Pretoria area, which said they started to run dry over the weekend.

According to these filling stations, they hope to receive fuel this evening when it is safe for stand-in drivers to operate.

The photos below were a familiar site to motorists in Gauteng today.

More on petrol shortages

Fill your tank  South African petrol shortage coming

Petrol shortage crisis looming in South Africa: report
A probe into a degrees-for-sale scam is underway at the University of Zululand, following findings that over 4,000 people may have paid for fake degrees at the institution over the past 20 years.

According to a report by the Sunday Times, the university held a senate meeting this week to look into investigating all degrees in law, business management, public administration, and education.

Current and former students have threatened on social media to name and shame those who are believed to have bought fake degrees on the universitys two campuses, stated the report.

Police believe the latest batch of false degrees could number up to 500, many of which were teaching qualifications, and are investigating cases of fraud, corruption, defeating the ends of justice, and extortion.

Two university employees have already been suspended in connection with the latest scam.

Graduate could not speak English

According to the report, the investigation into the sale of degrees was sparked after a University of Zululand graduate who applied for a job could not speak English.

This is not the first time the university has been involved in a degree scandal: in 1997, five staff members were suspended for accepting money to alter student records.

They allegedly made R260,000 selling 15 fake degrees, stated the report.

In 2007, around 80 students were deregistered after they were found not have matric certificates.

They allegedly bribed university officials to get entrance exams to the university.

The full report is available in the Sunday Times of 31 July 2016.

More on universities

South African university website hacked

Top universities to offer full degrees online: Expert
Throughout my 20s, when I was in a bad place emotionally, I often blamed it on being in the wrong place physically.

I could set up camp anywhere and disburse just as quickly. I spent the decade in dorms, in hostels, in rented rooms and once in a former vicarage. My friends and I partied at our parents places, in badly run basement bars, in cramped one-bedrooms and at state parks. I worked in library carrels, cramped cubicles and at any available seat I could find in a coffeehouse. I conducted a few relationships that began at happy hours, gallery hops and concert halls, and eventually moved on to couches, cars and hotel rooms. I also spent a lot of time alone in my dingy apartment. I traveled at least once a year, but I never moved out of my small Southern home town.

I often wondered where I belonged.

I kept telling myself I would move to a better, more exciting, more compatible city as soon as my lease was up. When the time came there was always some reasona job, a man, an empty bank accountto simultaneously stay put and stay unrooted. I expanded my online dating profile, first to statewide, then regional and eventually to encompass the whole country. I imagined what life would be like in a blue state with good bands and someone to see them withperhaps living in the soft woods of Vermont or the funky dampness of the Pacific Northwest.

At 26, I met someone new. He didnt like to spend time at my apartment, or even in the city where I lived and we worked. Instead, I often drove 40 minutes to spend nights and weekends at the house where he rented an attic from friends. These friends, who were engaged to be married, were slowly fixing up the place. The renovations mapped on the joists and studs of the house anticipated the trajectory of their lives, setting intentions for a life they would share.

That year, they tore out the kitchen tile and paved the back driveway in heavy stones. Two more old friends moved in, finding their feet after several years abroad. There was always enough room. The house held large potluck dinners, holiday fetes and, on one memorable occasion, a basement dance party. By the end of the year, it contained a new baby.

It was the first time Id known anyone who had that kind of space to offer. I also knew there wasnt remotely the same square footage in my relationship. He made a point of not sharing the key code to the house, despite how often I was there. He disappeared on holidays to attend other parties a few blocks away. Once, at a concert we planned to see together, he sat a couple rows ahead, having purchased a ticket in a more expensive section.

The weekend after we broke up, I flew to my grandfathers house. Its the one place Ive always been able to go back to; the houses of my childhood and high school years, by contrast, have long since been sold. I felt a pang knowing I wouldnt be spending much time at that big old house where Id spent the better part of a year. And in those pangs, I knew for the first time what I really wanted. It wasnt the men that I missed. It was a place to call my own.

A month later, I bought a house.

I was lucky to have money left over from my college fund. My parents had turned it over to me a few years earlier with instructions that it was for graduate school, a down payment or a wedding. Dont pick the wedding, my mother advised. Its just one day.

Instead, I bought a small century-old bungalow with a monthly payment I could manage on my modest salary. I painted the walls and invited friends over for dinner. I repaired the plumbing myself, arranged my furniture and removed hair from the drain. I pulled up the bushes in the front yard, putting flowers in their place. When friends needed somewhere to land, there was a room to offer. I slowly stopped looking toward the future, wondering who I would be if I were only somewhere else. I chose the person I am over the men I might meet. Instead of haunting borrowed places, waiting for an invitation, I made space for the friends and family I loved.

In the years that followed, I often felt lonely but never entirely alone. There were pets, a roommate and constant visitors. But there was also the house itself, which gave my life a new sense of certainty. Of course calamity could strike. Boyfriends or husbands could walk out; companies can fold; buildings can burn to the ground.

But for the first time, I became confident that I could care for myself. That I could create my own place instead of searching for it in others. That for once, I was exactly where I needed to be.
A Napa City Council decision may help the city gather millions of dollars from developers to build up parking supplies in its increasingly busy downtown area.

Parking impact fees paid by downtown builders are set to more than triple with the passage of an ordinance that goes before councilmembers Tuesday night, following an endorsement by the Planning Commission at its July 7 meeting. Under the new terms, projects that currently pay Napa $7,500 for each required vehicle slot will instead pay $23,000, bringing the city closer to the expected cost per space for a future downtown garage with 350 to 400 spaces, which is projected to require $12 million or more.

By raising its parking surcharge, Napa could pull in an extra $3.1 million from downtown buildings that are under construction, have won city approval or are being designed, according to Economic Development Manager Jennifer LaLiberte. The current developer fee has gained Napa $1.15 million since it took effect in 2005.

Such an infusion would cut into much of Napas funding gap for a parking structure, adding to the $8 million of parking funds the city expects to have on hand by mid-2017  including payouts from the developers of the Archer Hotel and the First Street Napa (formerly Napa Town Center) shopping arcade upon their expected openings next spring.

The move to boost parking payments is Napas response to the growth of hotels, restaurants and shops in its central business district, which is expected to create a shortage of more than 950 parking spaces within 15 years.

City officials have looked into adding garage space since the 2012 passage of the Downtown Specific Plan, which recommended steps to manage the existing supply and create new ones. In March, the council asked city staff to prepare a fee hike for developers, suggesting rates from $20,000 to $25,000 for each extra space needed to serve a new downtown building.

A city-commissioned study showed an apparent 443-space surplus at peak afternoon hours in July 2014, but commitments of garage and lot space to the Archer Hotel and other businesses effectively left central Napa 79 spaces short, the study indicated. Continued downtown growth is forecast to widen that shortfall to 955 by 2030.

In the meantime, Napa has opened a temporary 147-vehicle lot on the site of the demolished Cinedome movie theater, and is considering carving out 70 more interim parking spaces off Third Street near the Napa Valley Wine Train line. City staff members also are working on a conversion of some three-hour garage spaces to all-day use, as well as possibly installing a paid-parking system in the busiest downtown zones.

Also on Tuesday, the council will decide whether to expand northward a downtown zone where builders can pay into the city parking fund rather than provide on-site vehicle spaces.

Six properties on Main Street around the Clinton Street crossing would be added to the district, including a parcel at 1300 Main St. where the Wiseman Co. already has won a parking exemption for a three-story office and retail building the city approved last month. (Wiseman also agreed to pay whatever parking surcharge is in effect on the buildings expected April 2017 opening, a sum the company expects will exceed $1 million.)

Vacant buildings that once housed a Salvation Army thrift shop and the Nor-Mar fabrics dealer also would be released from the on-site parking rule. Redeveloping those sites would create demand for as many as 129 more parking slots, LaLiberte wrote the council last week.

The remaining sites already are occupied and are home to Shackfords Kitchen Store, the 1313 Main wine bar and Toy B Ville.

In other business, the council is scheduled to vote on approving $5 million in bonds sought by the Culinary Institute of America to help renovate and equip the former Copia wine and food center, where the cooking academy will open a branch of its Greystone campus in St. Helena.

The funds would be part of a $40 million bond issue CIA is seeking from the California Statewide Communities Development Authority, which counts Napa among more than 500 member cities and counties. The portion of the funds that CIA would apply to its main Greystone center requires support from the St. Helena City Council.

Any bonds would be obligations of the authority, not the individual cities, according to Community Development Director Rick Tooker.

The culinary school will refit the Copia property with demonstration kitchens for cooking classes, as well as offices, a refurbished outdoor amphitheater and a restaurant occupying the old Julias Kitchen. Plans also include a new home for the Greystone-based Vintners Hall of Fame and its art collection, as well as a museum to showcase the vintage cookware and tableware collection of the late Chuck Williams, founder of the Williams-Sonoma kitchenware firm.

The renamed CIA at Copia is expected to open in September starting with the restaurant, cooking equipment store and demonstration theaters, with construction to be finished by the end of 2017, according to the institute.

CIA purchased the property at 500 First St. for $12.5 million in November 2015, seven years after Copia shut down amid crumbling attendance figures and $78 million in debt. The academys renovation of the building and grounds won Planning Commission approval on July 21.
PHILADELPHIA -- If James Murdoch and Lachlan Murdoch are looking for a moment in which to make a statement about their vision for Fox News, now is it. These two brothers -- sons of mogul Rupert Murdoch and two-thirds of the triumvirate at Fox News parent company 21st Century Fox -- are widely known to have resented the way that recently resigned Fox News chief Roger Ailes ran the network.

Well, it's been a week since Ailes left, and his offensive style of broadcasting lives on. On Wednesday night, host Bill O'Reilly took to the network's airwaves to attempt a defense of his comments regarding first lady Michelle Obama's Monday night speech here at the Democratic National Convention. She said, in part, "I wake up every morning in a house that was built by slaves, and I watch my daughters - two beautiful, intelligent, black young women - playing with their dogs on the White House lawn."

Reviewing that moment, O'Reilly found that, yes, slaves did assist in the construction of the White House, alongside free black and white laborers. For some reason, he felt compelled to add that slaves were "well fed and had decent lodgings provided by the government." For that, he got hammered by this blog, among many others.

This week he called these critics "smear merchants," something of a promotion above the term "far left loons" that he deployed earlier in a tweet. "The rank tabloid New York Daily News wrote, quote, 'O'Reilly defends use of White House slaves.' That is a lie. I defended nothing. The publisher of the Daily News Mort Zuckerman allows that kind of stuff on a daily basis. It is despicable. USA Today did the same thing. 'Bill O'Reilly defended the working conditions slaves faced while building the White House.' Another lie."

To do justice to O'Reilly's defense, he says that the horror of slavery is a "given." "As any honest historian knows in order to keep slaves and free laborers strong, the Washington administration provided meat, bread and other staples, also decent lodging on the grounds of the new presidential building," said O'Reilly. "That is a fact. Not a justification, not a defense of slavery. Just a fact."

As the Erik Wemple Blog pointed out this week, Jesse J. Holland, who wrote the book on slaves and the White House, noted that the slaves were housed in a barn and were provided with food. Yet there's a gap between that historical fact and what O'Reilly alleged, which, again, is that they were "well fed" and resided in "decent lodgings." Those aren't really facts; they're judgments. Though Holland researched this matter extensively, he found limitations. "Writing about slavery is difficult because there is so little that we know for a fact because so little was written about their lives during their lives." If it weren't for the records of payments to slave owners, says Holland, historians might still be arguing about whether slaves actually worked on the White House. The author emails the Erik Wemple Blog these thoughts:

"There is no doubt that slaves were provided food and shelter while they were working to build the White House. That is a fact. However, we don't know the quality of either because there are no historical records that support that judgment. What is undeniable is that slaves were not given a choice on what they ate or where they lived. They were at the mercy of their masters, and dependent on the whims of people who considered them property, not human beings. But I am glad there is an ongoing dialogue about this issue, because it's helping to bring attention to a long ignored portion of America's past that proves all of our citizens have a historical stake in our government and our nation's capital."

Information scarcity notwithstanding, O'Reilly stands by his conclusions about well-fed-decent-lodgings. At this point, it's incumbent on him to substantiate these judgments or concede that he's making them without supporting documentation -- a common malaise on certain Fox News programs. A smaller point pertains to O'Reilly's sudden and complete faith in the ability of government to provide sustenance and accommodations for its people. Why does this guy, a small government proponent, all of a sudden think that the public sector can perform such programs with such efficiency?

"He does not understand the nature of servitude," said Ralph Dawson, a 67-year-old delegate for Hillary Clinton, on the convention floor on Wednesday. Duni Hebron, a Clinton delegate from Houston, said of O'Reilly's comments: "It hurts deep down."

After asserting his rightness, he invited Fox Newsers Geraldo Rivera and Eric Bolling to discuss his rightness. Citing a run-in on the floor of the Democratic convention, O'Reilly told Bolling, "Our reporters can't go out on the floor? Jesse Watters goes on the floor of the Democratic Convention, and some photographer comes up and starts swearing at him and cursing at him right in his face? This is provocation. These people are doing this. They want me dead, Bolling, literally dead."

We have asked Fox News whether there's any evidence that anyone wants O'Reilly dead. We are awaiting an answer.

Further evidence that O'Reilly has reached new extremes emerged in this comment: "I think the time has come now where this whole network is going to have to band together -- all of us -- and we are going to have to call out the people who are actively trying to destroy this network by using lies and deception and propaganda. We're going to have to start to call them out by name because that's how bad it's become." What O'Reilly failed to mention is that the sexual harassment scandal of his former boss -- Ailes -- is doing far more to destroy Fox News than could any outside critic.

Wemple writes the Erik Wemple blog, where he reports and opines on media organizations of all sorts.
Only Donald Trump knows whether he was serious about asking Russia to hack into Hillary Clintons email server, now in government hands, to find 30,000 emails that were erased as private. But lets assume Vladimir Putin was listening. Did Trump commit a crime by inciting lawless action? Or are his words protected by the First Amendment?

Trump was probably making a political statement, trying to change the subject from a possible pro-Trump Russian hack of Democratic National Committee emails to Clintons own email scandal. Political statements are ordinarily at the core of free-speech protection.

But even the protection of political speech has constitutional limits. According to the Supreme Courts interpretation of the First Amendment, incitement of imminent lawless action isnt protected if the speaker intends to produce the criminal act and is reasonably likely to do so.

A plausible case could be made that the Republican presidential nominee intends Russia or someone else to hack into the server, which would be a federal crime. He wants it to happen now, which is to say imminently.

And it seems more probable still that Trumps words might find an eager audience in Putins Russia or elsewhere. In other words, its not absurd to suggest that his comments were intended to incite lawless action and might actually incite it.

Nevertheless, trying to prosecute Trump would probably still violate the First Amendment. The reason has to do with the definition of imminence  and the context in which the Supreme Court framed the imminence standard.

The rule comes from a 1969 case, Brandenburg v. Ohio. The case involved prosecution of a Ku Klux Klan speaker under an Ohio law that made it a crime to advocate the duty, necessity, or propriety of crime, sabotage, violence, or unlawful methods of terrorism as a means of accomplishing industrial or political reform.

Before the Brandenburg decision, the prevailing constitutional rule regarding protection of criminal advocacy was the famous clear and present danger test articulated by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes. In the Brandenburg case, the court made the test stricter. It no longer required only that speech created a clear and present danger of crime; it also required the presence of actual, identifiable people who were about to commit an unlawful act and were likely to do so as a result of the incitement.

The clear-and-present-danger test hadnt required identifiable potential criminals ready to act. In the 1951 case of Dennis v. U.S., the court upheld the conviction of senior members of the Communist Party USA for advocating the violent overthrow of the government.

Under that old standard, Trumps words might arguably have been punishable if a court found that they created a clear and present danger of lawbreaking.

That sort of imminence is lacking now. The Russian hackers are certainly out there  but we dont know who they are, so it wouldnt be possible to prove that his words were likely to incite them to crime.

In an era of instant communications, the question of imminence is more complicated than it once was. Could someone be found guilty of inciting a flash mob by text message, even if he or she wasnt present? The logical answer would seem to be yes, but theres no case so holding.

In 2010, in the wake of Koran burnings in the U.S. that sparked outrage in the Muslim world, Justice Stephen Breyer drew public attention when he speculated that the global audience for speech might have changed the question of imminence.

Trumps provocation shows why Breyers speculation might prove too much. The candidates comments might be as likely to produce an imminent lawless result as a Koran burning. But in both cases it would be difficult to prove the intimacy of the connection in a way that would qualify as imminence.

For the moment, Trump is safe. Thats a good thing for the First Amendment. Whether its good for the country is another question.

Noah Feldman, a Bloomberg View columnist, is a professor of constitutional and international law at Harvard.
Iran prevents bomb explosion in Shiraz crowded street

Iraqi parliament expresses vote of confidence in new cabinet

France lawmakers visit Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan

Putin: Moscow is doing everything possible to normalize relations between Yerevan and Baku

Annual shopping festival kicks off in Dubai on December 15

At Lazarev Club meeting, minute of silence held in memory of fallen Russian and Armenian soldiers

Bayramov and US Assistant Secretary of State discuss Yerevan-Baku relations

Expansion of cooperation with Interpol is important, Armenia PM says

Armenia defense minister briefs Austria envoy on situation due to recent Azerbaijan military aggression (PHOTOS)

Australia can't rule out energy price caps

Barack Obama tries to help Democrats win midterm elections

Azerbaijan president, Russia first deputy PM discuss North-South transport corridor project

PM Pashinyan receives France-Armenia friendship group delegation from French parliament

Taiwan urges China to start talking

Armen Grigoryan and Toivo Klaar discuss Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiation process

Matviyenko: Russia will continue mediation for signing Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty

Politico: Scholz and Macron threaten U.S. trade retaliation

CIS premiers sign several agreements at Kazakhstan meeting

Konstantin Zatulin: Nagorno-Karabakh peoples right to self-determination must be respected

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

Newspaper: Karabakh people to make appeal to Armenia authorities

Residents of Moldova asked not to go out into street in dark

Bloomberg reports fuel shortages in some parts of Europe

Lebanon, Israel sign deal on maritime border demarcation

Spanish prime minister twice mistakes Kenya for Senegal during his speech

Peskov: CSTO meeting to be held before Armenia-Azerbaijan-Russia summit

Putin says he is ready to negotiate with Ukraine

Putin compares Indian Prime Minister Modi to icebreaker

Putin warns Seoul about risk of ruining relations with Russia by supplying weapons to Ukraine

Interpol Secretary General visits Armenia

Putin: Russia will not abandon the historical legacy of the USSR and the Russian Tsarist Empire

Putin sees no point in nuclear strike on Ukraine

Olaf Scholz says solution can be found to curb speculative spikes in gas prices

Putin calls Russians and Ukrainians one people who find themselves in different states

Putin: We proposed Armenia give 5 districts

Putin: Washington version provides for recognition of Azerbaijan's sovereignty over whole Karabakh

Putin calls Erdogan consistent and reliable partner, although not easy one

Italy plans to double national gas production to 6 billion cubic meters a year

Putin: The West, as a minority, has no right to impose values on the world

Putin: As long as nuclear weapons exist, there is always a danger of their use

Putin outraged by US assassination of General Soleimani: What is this all about?

FM Abdollahian: Iran will not allow its interests to become plaything of terrorists

Mirzoyan and Lavrov discuss preparations for CSTO Collective Security Council

Putin proposes to discuss changing structure of UN and UN Security Council

Pashinyan's wife accompanied in Tavush by mothers of servicemen who died in first and last days of war

Shell reports almost $9.5 billion in profits

Putin calls on West not to shift blame on intrigues of Kremlin

Hungarian PM expresses readiness to buy electricity from Azerbaijan via Georgia

Newsweek: The biggest foreign threat to the U.S. is not Russia or China. It's the EU

Putin: In recent years, West has taken steps to exacerbate situation in world

Armenian Defense Minister and French delegation discuss possibilities of developing defense cooperation

Australia to send 70 soldiers to UK to help train Ukrainian troops

Scholz condemns Turkey's stance questioning Greek sovereignty

Armenian Defense Ministry: Azerbaijan hands over 10 bodies of killed servicemen to Armenian side

Dollar, euro lose value in Armenia

Turkish Central Bank raises inflation forecast for the end of 2022 to 65.2%

U.S. State Department official visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex in Yerevan

Prime Minister Pashinyan sends letter of condolence to Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi

Secretary of Armenian Security Council and representatives of French Ministry of Defense discuss cooperation prospects

Israel and Turkey to resume defense cooperation

Scholz says solidarity is the only way to deal with the energy crisis

Israeli and Turkish defense ministers meet in Ankara

Turkey to rewrite inflation forecasts again after rate cut

Azerbaijan does not want checkpoint on border with Armenia, it wants only 'corridor'

Putin plans to attend meeting of CSTO leaders

CSTO special session to be held Friday, assistance to Armenia to be discussed

Estonia urges Rishi Sunak to increase UK defense spending

Moscow perplexed by information about ban to enter Armenia for Konstantin Zatulin and Margarita Simonyan

Armenia PM honors October 27, 1999 parliament tragedy victims

U.S. and Western officials finalize plans to limit Russian oil prices

EU seeks Armenia-Azerbaijan peace for its own energy interests?

World economy is approaching recession

US Armenians demand Senate member candidate Mehmet Oz to stop his Armenian Genocide denial

Azerbaijan president, Russia deputy PM discuss prospects for unblocking South Caucasus communications

Armenia opposition MP: Azerbaijan attempting to fulfill much bigger task with its attacks of aggression

Armenia opposition pledges to become active again

Syria MFA: Terrorist attack in Shiraz shows that terrorism has become U.S. policy main tool

Lebanon and Israel approve maritime border agreement

Pashinyan to Sunak: Armenia attaches great importance to further development of cooperation with UK

U.S. accelerates deployment of modernized version of nuclear bomb at NATO bases in Europe

Armenian Foreign Ministry expresses condolences to Iran over Shiraz terrorist act

Premier: Armenia set new absolute record in income-salary jobs

Armenia premier: We need to ensure 7% economic growth in 2023 also

Gazprom: Creating gas hub will benefit Russia, Turkey, Europe and Azerbaijan

Ruling force MP: Azerbaijan must withdraw its troops from sovereign territory of Armenia

Armenia parliament speaker: We hope Uzbekistan will also remain part of building peace in our region

CNN: CIA Director visits Ukraine

OSCE needs assessment mission briefs deputy FM on their work in Armenia

European Parliament report amendment condemns Azerbaijan policy of erasing Armenian cultural heritage in Artsakh

Armenia to provide around $50M loan to Artsakh

EU monitors in Armenia set off on first patrol on Azerbaijan border

Armenia to introduce system of transition from compulsory to contractual military service
Along with the presidential primary (see Inside Ann Arbor, p. 13), the March 10 ballot includes Washtenaw Community Colleges request to renew and restore a 1 mill operating millage. That translates to $150 annually on a $300,000 home with a taxable value of $150,000. Local taxpayers pay half of the schools $113 million annual budget; this millage provides a little more than $17 million.

The colleges last operating millage request in 2016 sailed to victory unopposed with 70 percent of the vote. But while this one also has no organized opposition, it does have one very determined critic.

Eileen Pecks website, wccwatch.org, features headlines like WCC master plan hides an awful truth and WCCs Health and Fitness Center Fraud. But the key to understanding it is the post What is the real cost of outsourcing WCCs IT department?

Pecks husband was one of the thirty-one full-time employees who lost their jobs when WCC eliminated its in-house IT department last year. So while Peck says shes voted for every millage that the college has asked for in the past, I dont intend to vote for this millage.

Dave Fitzpatrick, who stepped down in February as president of the colleges faculty union, believes voters absolutely should support the millage. If it fails, he says the only people who will be harmed are students. The college will either have to raise tuition or end programs or both.

People who are concerned about the issues raised by WCC Watch need to address those issues through the board of trustees, Fitzpatrick adds.

Peck hopes to do that, too: she says shes actively seeking candidates to run in the November trustee election.
YEREVAN.  The entire leadership of police must be removed, and the negotiations with the authorities must advance based on a series of demands, says the letter of imprisoned member of the Founding Parliament Zhirayr Sefilian.

The letter says:

"Since I am not permitted to directly meet with Sasna Tsrer [an armed group  ed.] to clarify the position on their demands and I already know that the authorities do not make any reasonable steps to prevent bloodshed, while people should be aware of the content of negotiations, which I propose as a golden mean, here are the issues which, I think, can convince the guys to lay down arms.

To do this, I need to meet with them directly, and if the authorities have some concerns that I may not leave the territory of the regiment and will take the weapon, then I am ready to accept any demands of providing guarantees. I have repeatedly said that I am ready to do everything for a peaceful and bloodless settlement of the conflict.

 to meet the following requirements, or the steps aimed at fulfilling them, will need a government of national trust  the process which is necessary to start as soon as possible. It will be mainly engaged in the implementation of the following issues.

Karabakh

- The overarching objective of this issues is to declare Artsakh within the borders prior to April 1, 2016, as an integral part of the Republic of Armenia and legally fix this reality. This is the acceptable threshold, which cannot be lower.

- Details on the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, strategic and tactical ones, will be introduced if necessary.

Defence and security

Army

- Radically change the tactics of combat duty, with the main goal being to keep the defense of the borders of Armenia and Artsakh by less personnel.

- Exclude duty by conscripts. This service should be held solely by contractual military on a voluntary basis. Contract servicemen who do not have children should be prohibited from carrying on combat duty.

Police

- Changes in the entire police command. Chief of Police and all his deputies should be removed from the law enforcement system permanently, and have to be held accountable for their actions. New Chief of Police should be a person outside the police system.

- The composition of the police should be significantly changed: instead of feeding units of mercenaries against the people, the personnel of these units must be allowed to join the contract service with higher salary in order to protect their homeland from external threats.

- New Chief of Police and his deputies should not have any relation to the events of March 1, 2008, as a reminder to everyone that it is impossible to warm hands on people's blood, and everyone should be punished for it.

Defense and sovereignty

- It is necessary to immediately start negotiations to put an end to the control of Armenias borders by the Russian border units, posing a question about the rest of the contingent of the Russian Armed Forces in the future. External borders of Armenia have to be controlled solely by the armed forces and special services of Armenia.

- Russian border guards have to hand over to Armenia the resources for border control, including network intelligence and counterintelligence, because this would be possible.

 The release of all political prisoners. In particular:

 Hayk Kyureghyan, Shant Harutyunyan and others, Vladimir Avetisyan, Gevorg Safaryan. This list is not exhaustive. At the moment, I cannot remember all the names.

 In connection with the events of the last days (rallies in support of Sasna Tsrer group) - a measure of restraint of detainees needs to be changed, the trial on all the demands of justice must be ensured.

 It is necessary to stop all persecutions related to the latest developments.

 In addition to the issue of political prisoners, the government should seriously discuss and address the unprecedented and broad amnesty, given the limitations provided for by the constitution. Parole for life-termers must become a real possibility under the law.

 The power should be returned to the people

- The reform of the election law, in particular, an absolute availability of the lists signed by voters. These lists are a sign of the legitimacy of any government - the rule of law which did not exist under any regime since 1996. Without this evidence coming to power is an usurpation, and this is what we have been witnessing for twenty years.

Justice

 The government, judiciary and the legal system must remove all those having links to a) use of force on March 1 against the people and political imprisonments in the future. If they did so under the influence of any threat or coercion, they now must publicly explain in detail the circumstances, calling names and other data and publicly apologize; b) all those government officials who were involved in the violence in recent days must be brought to justice.

 Creation of a commission that will examine all cases on deprivation of property of citizens in the last decade, and will submit proposals for the restoration of justice.

I call on our people and the political parties to take these demands and to express them without leaving the burden on Sasna Tsrer only. The people will form the possibility of a legitimate extension of these requirements so that no one could try to put forward demands by force. "
The requested page is currently unavailable on this server.

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BY MAXWELL HAYES

SHORTLY AFTER arriving in Rabaul in 1959, I was given a course in firing a .303 bren gun and other weapons.

We had two bren guns in the police armoury, along with several Owen guns and about 200 .303 standard Lee Enfield service rifles.

At that time rifles were on individual issue to native police, who took their guns with them when proceeding on home leave.





The native police barracks was located a short distance south of Namanula Hill Road in the area known as Matupi Farm.

At the rear of the barracks was a weapons range and it was there I noticed the skeletal remains of twin gallows: one a wooden structure and the other of wood and steel.

During the 1942-45 war, when Japanese forces captured the New Guinea Islands and much of the mainland, innumerable war crimes were committed against servicemen and civilians.

After the war, the Australian War Crimes Commission sat at Rabaul from December 1945 to August 1947 and on Manus from June 1950 to April 1951 and there were two trials at Wewak in late 1945.

In all, 503 Japanese were tried and 92 were convicted, sentenced to death and, after appeals, executed.

With the war crimes trials impending in Rabaul, two gallows were erected by an Australian Army construction unit, probably on the site of the pre-war native police barracks and gallows which had been destroyed during the war.

There were two means of execution: shooting, which was regarded as being an honourable death; and hanging, a dishonourable death reserved for the very worst the crimes. Many high ranking Japanese officers came into this latter category.

Most executions were carried out by hanging. For these executions, several experienced pre-war New Guinea police officers and a civilian either volunteered or were required to hang those condemned.

The first execution by hanging was on 20 March 1946 when a warrant officer of the infamous Kempei Tai was executed. In total, 84 men were hanged on the Rabaul gallows and five in Manus.

On one occasion, as a Japanese about to be hanged, on being asked if he had anything to say, he screamed Banzai in an apparent attempt to cause a large number of assembled captive Japanese witnesses to riot. His words were quickly cut short.

It seems likely that the last time one of the gallows was used was for the execution of a native policeman in Rabaul in April 1947 for the bayonet murder of a local woman. There were two subsequent executions by hanging in Lae at the police barracks in December 1954 and November 1957, the last in PNG.

Over the years the corrugated galvanized iron that shielded the gallows was pillaged by nearby shanty town dwellers.

The end of the gallows came in April 1960, when Malaguna Technical College principal George Harrington required building materials for his school and removed what remained of these structures.

Photos: Top left  Rabaul gallows 1946 (Captain Joseph Backhouse). Top right  Rabaul gallows 1960 (Inspector Maxwell Hayes)
New Delhi, July 31 (ANI-BusinessWireIndia): SHEROES, an online career destination, India's largest forum for women professionals announces its fourth edition of the SHEROES Summit 2016 'Re-imagining the blueprint' with Lloyd Electric and Engineering Ltd. The Summit will be held in New Delhi on August 10th, 2016 (Wednesday) with the primary aim to enable greater economic independence among women. With the theme - Work Life Bank Balance the objective of the LLOYD-SHEROES Summit is to stay with the core belief of connecting women with economic opportunities and work-life redesign. The idea is to meet one's individual needs and tapping into the #FutureOfWork. It will include talks and panel sessions on how to facilitate such changes in the professional ecosystem through impactful access to information via the Internet. Additionally, the event will bring together people willing to lend their support to fulfill aspirations of enterprising women - making gender parity a norm in every sphere of life. After Delhi, the tri-city LLOYD-SHEROES Summit will subsequently go to Bengaluru and Mumbai in the latter half of the month. "The SHEROES Summit has become an instrument to bring key trends around changing workplace and opportunities for women to the fore. We are proud and happy to be supported by very relevant progressive businesses such as Lloyd Electric and Engineering Ltd. The Summit is fodder for action as we build SHEROES as the largest and most relevant destination for women professionals," said Founder and CEO SHEROES, Sairee Chahal. The day-long event will include activities such as Live Opportunity Centers for participants to register immediately and find suitable opportunities for themselves. Apart from the CXO Speak, Future of Work opportunities, Dare to Be Stories of Stellar Women, the Delhi chapter of the fourth edition of SHEROES Summit will feature The Good Girls show- an eclectic take on changing gender norms. "Lloyd is a progressive brand, which has always believed in values of diversity and change. SHEROES is a perfect partner as their efforts for women at work align with our values and goals in this space. Lloyd is not only committed to enhancing the experience for its user but also engaging beyond. As a gender sensitive organization and a consumer brand, Lloyd is very proud of this association. It is a commitment to engage in relevant issues and also be a catalyst of change," said Director Lloyd Electric and Engineering Ltd., Nipun Singhal. (ANI-BusinessWireIndia)
The film festival will take place from September 8 to 18.

Kher, honoured with Padma Bhushan, shared the news on his Twitter handle and even posted a video.

My film 'The Headhunter's Calling' with Gerard Butler is premiering at Toronto Int Film Festival, Anupam wrote.

In the accompanying video, the actor says: I came to the city of Mumbai on June 3, 1981, with Rs 37 in my pocket, which is half a dollar and I can say that I have done fairly well."

"I want to share a great news with you that my film 'The Headhunter's Calling' which also stars Gerard Butler and William Dafoe, has been selected at International film festival at Toronto.

By citing the example of how a "Rs 37 guy from Mumbai will be attending a film festival", he wanted to convey: "If that can happen, then anything can happen. Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai. Jai Ho.

The 61-year-old, who essays an Indian-American pediatric oncologist in the film, attended the TIFF in 2012 for the premiere of his Hollywood film Silver Linings Playbook, which also starred American actors Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.

"The Headhunter's Calling" is directed by Mark Williams and written by Bill Dubuque.

--IANS ks/rb

( 244 Words)

2016-07-31-13:56:01 (IANS)
Party sources here said that he was first admitted to Civil Hospital in Lucknow three days back and later shifted to a private nursing home.

The former minister was rushed to SGPGI last night when his health deteriorated.

He is survived by wife and a son.

A native of Maholi village in Ronahi area of Faizabad district, Chauhan was twice the member of the state legislative council and was minister during the previous Mulayam Singh Yadav government . The cremation would be held at his native village this afternoon . The body was on the way to Faizabad after being kept for some time at the state RLD office here .

Meanwhile, UP Governor Ram Naik, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, Samajwadi Party (SP) president Mulayam Singh Yadav have condoled the death of RLD chief.

RLD president Ajit Singh and party general secretary Jayant Choudhury, have expressed their grief over the sudden demise of Chauhan.UNI MB DS ADG 0930

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0177-864146.Xml
The Prime Minister hoped that the players will deliver their best at the upcoming Rio Olympics saying, "Every player has worked hard to get here. They will surely give their best."

"Earlier they got very less time to prepare themselves. However, now the athletes who will participate in the Olympics will get 15 days for themselves to prepare and familiarise themselves with the environment," Modi said.

He said that the government has formed a team to provide Indian food to athletes if they don't adjust with the foreign food.

The Prime Minister further claimed that the players will bring laurels to the country. "Our athletes will win hearts of the world and will show the world what India is about, I am sure about it," Modi said.UNI KU DS ADG 1105

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Police sources said as part of the operation, police intensified patrolling and conducted vehicle checks and searches in hotels and lodges in a bid to arrest history sheeters, who were on the run, and execute the non-bailable warrants issued against them by the courts.

During the night-long operation, 480 people were detained on suspicious grounds.

The sources said one criminal against whom non-bailable warrants were pending, was also arrested, besides 17 others under Sec 109 and 110 of CrPc.

A total of 82 people were held on charges of drunken driving, the sources said.UNI GV CS 1226

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Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao expressed his condolences on the demise of Rakesh Siddaramaiah, eldest son of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. In a message to Mr Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister expressed his sympathy and said 'May God give strength to bear the loss'.UNI VV CS 1425 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-864483.Xml
Have you ever looked at your family history when it comes to afflictions such as cancer, dementia or some other affliction that can either severely affect or shorten your life? As our lifespans increase, more families are dealing with the problems brought about by these illnesses.

If you have a family history of one of these afflictions, and you discovered that your child was significantly at risk for developing one of these problems, would you be willing to alter their genetic code so that they could avoid suffering these debilitating and tragic effects?

How you answer this question probably says a lot about your religious perspective, according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center. A July 26 article in The New York Times by Gina Kolata (Building a Better Human Being by Science, the Public Says No Thanks") points to the disparity in responses by religious belief. According to the Pew researchers, atheists and agnostics view these possibilities favorably about 80 percent of the time. On the other hand, 63 percent of white Evangelical Protestants view these interventions as meddling with nature. I cite these two groups because the differences between them represented the largest disparity between religious perspectives.

I have no intention of disparaging white Evangelical Protestants. I know that many people believe adages such as, The Lord doesnt give us any more to deal with than we are capable of dealing with. For some, suffering tragic illnesses are seen as tests of our religious faith. I have also known people who have described having a child with a serious illness or debilitating condition as a gift from God. However, having witnessed the effects of both cancer and dementia as a parish minister, as well as in both my immediate and extended families, I have never known anyone who celebrated a cancer diagnosis, or rejoiced when their humanity was taken away by dementia. I also question the fairness of not treating a child, knowing that by editing her or his gene sequence, you could be saving them from cancer, dementia or some other condition that will eventually cause great suffering.

Coming the week before the Olympics, which have already been poisoned by the use of pharmacological cheating, it is important that we distinguish between editing genes for preventative purposes versus editing them to custom-design a superior athlete. While the process may be similar, the purposes are not. Furthermore, my purpose in this article entails exploring the ramifications of gene splicing and editing through a religious lens.

I would begin by asking: Does God want us to suffer? If so, how much should we suffer, knowing that we can alleviate it?

I believe that the same God who gave us the powers to endure severe illnesses such as cancer also gave us the sense of wonder and the power of persistence to try and find cures for our afflictions. In other words, while God may have given us the strength to endure our sufferings, God has also factored in the possibility that we will improve upon the original design. In theological parlance, God calls upon us to not only affirm creation, but to be co-creators in this continuously unfolding process.

There is a wonderful story about two farmers. One farmer looks admiringly upon his friends resplendent fields, presaging an abundant harvest, and says, the Lord sure has blessed you with these lands. The second farmer responds, Ha, you should have seen what it was like when the Lord had them to himself.

As human beings, empathic and compassionate creatures that we are, we look upon ways of improving the quality of life for all people. This is why, on this point, I side with the atheists and agnostics. It is not out of a desire to reject or mess with the natural order. In theological parlance, God does not demand that we be innocent bystanders in the face of suffering, knowing that we can make a difference and improve peoples lives. The same God who gave us life also gave us minds, a spirit of inquiry and the ability to improve upon the world we have been given. In the best, and most inclusive use of the term, using scientific tools such as gene splicing to proactively prevent suffering due to genetic mutations and abnormalities is pro-life because it calls upon us to affirm the lives of others by ameliorating suffering. Let us have the courage to embrace these tools, and to embrace our role as co-creators of this magnificent and ongoing process.
Indian Journalists Union (IJU) strongly condemned the arrest of two journalists of Asianet TV and seizing their OB van by the police at the City Court premises in Kozhikode, Kerala when they went there to cover the outcome of the trial in a politically sensitive case yesterday. In a statement here today, IJU President S N Sinha, Secretary-General Amar Devulapalli and Kerala Journalists Union (KJU) President V B Rajan said action of the police was a direct attack on the freedom of the press. The claim of the police that the journalists were arrested on the orders of the Court were immediately denied by the Judge, exposing the high-handed behaviour of the police. The IJU and KJU leaders said "It is an extension of the ban on media to enter the premise of all the courts, including the High Court in the state. It is unfortunate that the police again raked up the case when the controversy raging for the last few weeks between the lawyers and journalists is subsiding after the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court appointed a committee to revise guidelines for reporting court trials and verdicts in the state. We demand the Chief Minister of Kerala to immediately take stringent action against the police officers responsible for the arrest of journalists and confiscation of their equipment including OB van immediately. "Immediate steps should be taken to resolve the issue so that the media can discharge its function of informing the people on the outcome of sensitive cases being heard in Courts without any hindrance." They requested the Press Council of India (PCI) Chairman Justice C K Prasad to intervene and resolve the issue in the interest of free function of the media.UNI VV CS 1504 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-864531.Xml
China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has heightened its activities in the middle sector alongside the disputed border with India in the hill state of Uttarakhand. There are reports which suggest that the Chinese army had carried out reconnaissance sorties in the Bara Hoti area before actually violating the Indian airspace on July 25. According to record accessed by UNI, at least six incidents of airspace violation has taken place in this region, with only one recorded this year. There have been reports of over 30 transgressions by the Chinese PLA, including six airspace violations in last three years. This year, five transgressions were recorded which include one air transgression. The number have come down since last year as total nine transgressions were recorded in 2015. The number was as high as 11 transgressions in 2014 in this sector, which had been largely quiet.After the Opposition Congress raised the heat on the issue, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has clarified in Parliament that an incident of transgression was reported on July 19 which was settled according to well-defined mechanism to settle such transgressions."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," Mr Parrikar has told the Lok Sabha.UNI MK RSA 1558 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0090-864594.Xml
In a statement here, Ms Mayawati demanded immediate arrest of the culprits and action against the erring policemen. She said, "The entire police system in the state has been involved in casteism, leading to demoralising of the security forces."

The BSP president also questioned the the SP government whether it will try to give compensation to the rape victim.

"We want immediate action against the culprits, " she said while blaming the SP government for the laxity.

BJP state general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak has also criticised the UP government for its alleged callousness, leading to the crime.

"The criminals are ruling the roost in the state and even the police are now afraid of taking action against them. The criminals are running a parallel government in the state, " he alleged in a statement.UNI MB PR RSA 1634

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0105-864678.Xml
Dalit leaders today sought from the government firearms as protection against militant Hindu activists even as they decided not to lift cattle carcasses in Gujarat.Thousands of dalits took a pledge at a massive rally organised by over 30 dalit groups and joined by members of Jamiat-e-Ulema-Hind, not to dispose off dead cattle left on streets and fields as protest against recent incidents of lynching of those engaged in skinning of dead cows.The dalit groups have decided to take out a padyatra across the state from August 5. The yatra is expected to be led by former IPS official Rahul Sharma, a Brahmin. Three Muslim leaders from Ahmedabad shared the podium with dalit leaders even as scores of Muslims attended the rally to express solidarity with the dalits. Former IPS official turned lawyer Rahul Sharma also attended the rally.The State "must provide us licensed firearms to protect ourselves since the government has failed to provide us security", said Jignesh Mevani, the convener of the joint front of the 30 Dalit organizations."We have had enough. We will break their hands and legs if the upper caste exploiters torture us anymore," he asserted. The government should also help dalits learn martial arts, he said.Referring to the controversial 2012 police attack on Dalits that killed three persons in Dhangad area of Surendranagar, speakers at the rally complained that nothing can be expected from a government that has not even filed a chargesheet. Speakers demanded invocation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against the culprits of the July 11 lynching of dalit youth by self-proclaimed cow vigilantes for skinning of dead cows.This is the first time in Gujarat that as many as 30 dalit groups from across the state have come together to highlight serious problems being faced by the community. The dalit groups have formed a front under the banner of 'Una Dalit Atyachar Ladat Samiti' (Una Dalit Fight against Atrocities Committee), with Mevani as the convener.Mevani is a young lawyer who has been single-handedly fighting several court battles for the dalits.The front announced that dalits would take out a 'padyatra' from August 5 across the state to highlight their issues. Former IPS officer Rahul Sharma, said, "I will participate in the padyatra and lead the procession." The Acher ST Depot ground, where the rally was held was packed with an estimated 10,000 people. The organisers said they did not allow leaders of all political parties in the rally as all of them had exploited them for narrow political gains. UNI ND PR RSA 1944 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0105-865067.Xml
A Dalit youth, who had attempted suicide to protest against lynching of four boys for skinning of carcasses by cow vigilantes, in Saurashtra region, passed away here today. Yogesh from Parbadi village in Dhoraji taluka of Rajkot had consumed acid on July 21 over the incident. He was first taken to Rajkot and then to Junagadh hospital. He was rushed to the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital after his condition deteriorated. Hospital officials said the doctors could not save Yogesh. He was among two dozen Dalit youth who had tried to commit suicide ever since the July 11 incident of attack on the four tannery workers in Una. The maximum persons to take the extreme step were from the Saurashtra region, where the Mota Samadhiya village of Una taluka is located. UNI ND PR RSA 2002 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0105-865120.Xml
More than 500 people rallied in Canada's capital to protest the death of a mentally ill black man following an arrest, marching against what they see as race-based police brutality in a country that prides itself for being tolerant.Abdirahman Abdi, 37, died on Monday after witnesses told local media he was beaten by Ottawa police officers who responded to calls of a disturbance.His death echoed events in the United States, where a string of police killings of black men and allegations of police brutality and racial bias have sparked protests."Justice for Abdirahman! Justice!" an attendee shouted to cheers and applause before the march went under way.The march is expected to end at a police station, though organizers have said they would respect the wishes of Abdi's family for the event to be peaceful."Ensure there isn't any antagonization to the police at all," an organizer said before the march.Abdi's family held his funeral on Friday, which was attended by at least 600 people, including Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson and other local politicians.The province of Ontario's police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit, is investigating the circumstances surrounding Abdi's arrest. Some advocates have called for criminal charges to be filed.There have also been calls for a probe into whether race was a factor as advocacy groups voiced concerns over police violence against minorities.REUTERS JW0402 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-864069.Xml
At least seven people, including two attackers, were killed in a bombing and shooting attack by the Islamist al Shabaab group on Somalia's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters today, police said."We have confirmed seven dead including civilians and two militants," Ali Mohamed, a police officer, told Reuters. He said police had killed two gunmen who stormed into the building in the capital after two car bombs exploded outside. REUTERS SDR PR1345 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-864442.Xml
President Pranab Mukherjee has extended greetings to the government and the people of the Swiss Confederation on the eve of their National Day. "On behalf of the government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it is with great pleasure that I extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency and to the people of the Swiss Confederation on the occasion of your National Day," Mukherjee said in a message to Swiss Confederation President Johann N. Schneider-Ammann. "Historically India and Switzerland have shared warm and cordial relations, and the recent visit to Switzerland of India's Prime Minister underlines that friendship. I am confident that our governments will strive to work together to advance our friendly ties to the mutual benefit of our two peoples," Mukherjee said. --IANS sk/kb/vt ( 142 Words) 2016-07-31-16:28:00 (IANS)
Islamic State militants stormed two energy facilities in northern Iraq today, killing at least five workers and shutting down a major oil pumping station, security and oil sources said.The first attack, on the AB2 gas compressor station, about 15 km northwest of Kirkuk, started around 0300 (0530 IST) when four gunmen with hand grenades broke through an external door in an attack that left two guards in critical condition.They then shot dead four employees in a control room inside and planted explosives charges, around five of which went off, the sources said.Forces from the elite counter-terrorism service stormed the facility, regained control and freed 15 other employees who had hidden in a separate room.Security sources believe the attackers escaped to the Bai Hassan oil station, 25 km further northwest, the sources said.There they launched a similar attack, one detonating his explosive vest at an external gate to allow the others to enter. Once inside the facility, two more assailants set off their explosive vests, destroying an oil storage tank.The fourth assailant was later killed in clashes with security forces. An oil engineer was also killed and six policemen were wounded, security sources said.The attack forced the suspension of activity at an oil station which had been pumping 55,000 barrels per day to the northern Kurdish region, oil sources said.It was not clear when operations would return to normal. Kurdish peshmerga forces, which have controlled Kirkuk and surrounding areas for two years, were searching nearby villages for militants suspected of involvement in the attacks.Amaq news agency, which supports Islamic State, said in a message distributed online that Islamic State fighters had stormed the Bai Hassan facility, but made no mention of the earlier attack.The group has previously targeted oil facilities in the area with explosives, repeatedly targeting oil wells at Khabbaz oilfield southwest of Kirkuk.The militants, who seized a third of the OPEC producer's territory in 2014, have lost many areas to an array of Iraqi forces backed by US-led coalition air strikes but still control the northern city of Mosul, their de facto capital in Iraq.REUTERS AKC GC1550 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-864600.Xml
A Palestinian tried to stab Israeli soldiers at a military checkpoint in the occupied West Bank today and was shot dead, the army said.Since October, Palestinians, many of them acting alone and with rudimentary weapons, have killed at least 33 Israelis and two visiting Americans. At least 206 Palestinians have been killed, 140 of whom Israel said were assailants. Others died during clashes and protests.In a statement, the military spokesman's office said the knife-wielding man was shot at a checkpoint outside the Palestinian city of Nablus after he got out of a car and charged towards the troops.REUTERS AKC VN1839 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-864930.Xml
SEMPRONIUS  Dog control officer Suzie Nalley still remembers the moment she came across two dead puppies in the town of Sempronius.

It was Apr. 7, 2015, and Nalley had received a Facebook post for help after someone spotted a small crate near a creek off of Dresserville Road.

She found the crate by the intersection of Franklin and Big Hill. Leaning on its side in the snow, its door swung open, the crate was full of feces. And inside, along with a dirty white and blue striped sweatshirt and a red bowl, were two emaciated puppies.

One male and one female, the dogs were sent to Cornell University to find out the cause of death.

"They said the dogs died from dehydration and starvation, so they believe that the dogs were starved," Lieutenant Brian Schenck said, noting that a necropsy determined the dogs had died within the past week.

"I think they were already dead or close to death when they were tossed out like that," Nalley added. "With the crate door open, if they were healthy puppies that someone dumped they would have wandered up to the road or to the creek to drink."

The dogs were estimated to be between 5 and 6 months old and may have been part of a larger litter. At first, officials thought the tan pups with black muzzles were German Shepard mixes but, according to SPCA cruelty investigator Bill Merritt, experts now believe the dogs were actually Belgian Malinois.

Both the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office and the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York continue to investigate the case. In addition, there is a $6,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person responsible.

"The blatant abuse and disregard shown to these two helpless puppies degrades the very core of our society," said Brian Shapiro, the New York State director for the Humane Society of the United States. "We sincerely hope this reward helps uncover the perpetrator or perpetrators of this unnecessary cruelty."

Anyone with information is asked to call the SPCA's Humane Law Enforcement at (315) 294-0397 or the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office at (315) 253-3902. Anonymous tips may also be left at www.cayugacrime.com.
Islamic State, losing territory and on the retreat in Iraq and Syria, has claimed credit for a surge in global attacks this summer, most of them in France and Germany.The wave of attacks followed a call to strike against the West during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in June and July, in an apparent shift in strategy by the jihadist group, which has been hammered by two years of US-led coalition air strikes and ground advances by local forces.Instead of urging supporters to travel to its self-proclaimed caliphate, it encouraged them to act locally using any means available."If the tyrants close the door of migration in your faces, then open the door of jihad in theirs and turn their actions against them," said an audio clip purportedly from spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, referring to Western governments' efforts to keep foreign fighters from travelling to the join the group.Radicalised followers have responded to that call repeatedly in the past two months, in countries part of the international coalition battling Islamic State, including shooting people at a Florida nightclub, running them over with a truck in the French Riviera, and hacking them with an axe on a train near Munich.The perpetrators had varying degrees of connection to the Middle East-based jihadists. Some had tried to travel to Syria and were on the authorities' radar, while others displayed few outward signs of radicalism until their deadly acts."There's a growing understanding that the idea of the caliphate is dying and more and more the leadership is calling on foreign fighters not even to come to Iraq and Syria but to go elsewhere or to commit violence locally," said Max Abrahms, a professor at Northeastern University in Boston who studies extremist groups.Looking ahead, security experts and officials in the Middle East and the West predict the military campaign against the group in Iraq and Syria will ultimately end its goal of establishing a caliphate but in doing so may lead to a sustained increase in militant attacks globally.'LONE WOLF'For more than a month, Islamic State supporters on social media have been encouraging would-be "lone wolf" attackers in the West to choose from methods ranging in sophistication from bombing and shooting to stabbing and assault."Pledge your allegiance in secret or in public to (Islamic State leader) Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and each one of you will be a soldier of the caliphate, no different from those present in the Islamic State," said one supporter.Claims of credit for recent attacks issued by Islamic State via Amaq news agency, which supports the jihadist group, referenced Adnani's appeal.The attackers "carried out the operation in response to calls to target nationals of countries that are part of the coalition fighting Islamic State" in Iraq and Syria, said statements following four incidents in Europe this month.In France, a Bastille Day truck attack killed 84 people in Nice and a raid on a church killed an elderly Catholic priest in Normandy; In Germany, an axe attack and a suicide bombing in Bavaria injured about 20 people in total.Most of the assailants, in pre-recorded messages pledging allegiance to Islamic State and taking responsibility for the attacks, echoed Adnani's rhetoric and encouraged others to emulate them."Brothers, go out with a knife, whatever is needed, attack them, kill them en masse," said Abdel Malik Petitjean, one of two men who killed the priest in northern France last week."If you are unable to travel to the Levant (Syria), then fight the apostate armies in your country," 17-year-old Muhammad Riyad, the Afghan refugee who carried out the axe attack on a train in Bavaria earlier this month, urged other Muslims in a similar video.'LIKELY TO GET WORSE'As Islamic State is weakened militarily, it is trying to commit violence anywhere in the world, said Abrahms, including by claiming credit for acts even when they have only a tenuous link to the group."It's indiscriminate about who can be a soldier of the caliphate ... and it's indiscriminate about which attacks the group will claim as its own," he said.In the last 18 months, the group has been pushed off a quarter of the lands it seized in Iraq and Syria in 2014, research firm IHS said this month; other estimates put losses closer to half.Iraqi authorities have pledged to retake Mosul - the largest city still under the group's control - later this year, but the militants will likely maintain safe havens in remote desert areas and revert to more traditional insurgent techniques.Islamic State's defeat is a longer way off in Syria, and it has established footholds in pockets of lawlessness or instability from Libya to Afghanistan to the Philippines.FBI Director James Comey said this week he expected the eventual defeat of Islamic State could lead to an increase in attacks in the United States and Europe by drawing militants out of Syria in much the same way that al Qaeda came about from fighters who had been radicalised in Afghanistan in the 1980s.Analysts including JM Berger, a fellow at George Washington University who researches Islamic State, have supported that prediction."Projecting strength through terrorist attacks is a factor in the recent violence, but down the road, when (Islamic State) supporters have nothing to lose, things are likely to get worse," he said.REUTERS AKC VN1850 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-864953.Xml
More than 120 bodies of migrants who died trying to cross the Mediterranean to Europe have washed up around Sabratha in western Libya this month, the city's mayor said today.Hussein Thwadi said bodies had washed up on a daily basis, with 53 found on a single day last week.Libya is a common departure point for migrants seeking to travel to Europe by boat, many of them fleeing violence, repression or poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.Political turmoil and armed conflict in Libya have given smugglers the space to work with impunity, running trafficking networks that bring migrants across the Sahara desert to the coast.Of more than 3,000 migrants known to have died trying to cross the Mediterranean this year, about three out of four perished trying to reach Italy from North Africa, mainly Libya, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).Nearly 90,000 migrants had crossed the central Mediterranean to Italy as of this week, the IOM said, a 14 per cent increase on the previous year.As the number of attempted crossings from Libya picked up in the spring with the arrival of calmer weather, many of the boats have been leaving from the coastline near Sabratha."The whole coast of Sabratha is open," Thwadi told Reuters by phone. "There are patrols but they do not have enough capacity to tackle this crisis.""Illegal migration existed before, but with insecurity and the lack of state authorities the crisis has become worse and worse."Thwadi said most of the migrants whose bodies washed up this month were from sub-Saharan African states, though there were also 23 Tunisians. Red Crescent volunteers and local officials have been removing them for burial in a cemetery for unidentified bodies in Sabratha, he said.A UN-backed government that has been trying to establish itself in Tripoli since March says tackling migration is among its priorities.But the government is struggling to manage complex security and economic challenges, and still faces political opposition on the ground.Thwadi said he had raised the issue with the new government's leadership but had not yet received any concrete response. REUTERS AKC BL1900 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-864977.Xml
Four Turkish soldiers were killed today in two separate clashes with militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), officials said.In the first incident, the militants opened fire on soldiers in a forested area of Ordu province in northeast Turkey, killing three and injuring two others, the provincial governor, Irfan Balkanlioglu, said in a statement.Large numbers of reinforcements were sent to the area and operations are continuing, he added.In a separate incident, PKK fighters killed one soldier and injured six others during a security operation in a remote corner of Hakkari province in southeast Turkey near the borders with Iran and Iraq, security sources said.The latest deaths came one day after the Turkish army killed 35 militants when they tried to storm a base in Hakkari province.Thousands of militants and hundreds of civilians and soldiers have been killed since a 2-1/2-year ceasefire and peace process between the government and the PKK broke down last July.More than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict since the PKK - designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union - began its insurgency in 1984.Turkey's military, NATO's second largest, is currently undergoing a major shake-up following a July 15-16 coup attempt, but has played down concerns that the wide-reaching changes will undermine its struggle against the PKK. REUTERS AKC VN1953 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-865091.Xml
The parents of a Muslim soldier killed in Iraq accused Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump of ignorance for his criticism of them after their appearance at the Democratic National Convention.Ghazala Khan, mother of slain US Army Captain Humayun Khan, took up her own defense today in an opinion piece in the Washington Post that explained why she stood without speaking on the DNC stage last week as her husband castigated Trump for his comments about Muslims."Donald Trump said that maybe I wasn't allowed to say anything. That is not true," Mrs Khan wrote, adding that she decided not to speak at the convention because of her pain over the 2004 death of her son."When Donald Trump is talking about Islam, he is ignorant," she wrote.Trump stirred bipartisan outrage for his back and forth with the Khans.The Republican nominee lashed out at Khizr Khan, a US citizen of Pakistani origin and a Muslim, when Khan told of his war hero son at the convention and took issue with Trump's call for a temporary ban on the entry of Muslims into the United States.Khizr Khan invited the Republican nominee to read the US Constitution and visit the graves of American soldiers from many backgrounds at Arlington National Cemetery.In an interview aired Sunday on ABC's "This Week," Trump cast doubt on why Khan's wife did not speak."She was standing there, she had nothing to say, she probably, maybe she wasn't allowed to have anything to say, you tell me," Trump said.Trump on Sunday tweeted that Khan's son had died twelve years ago: "Captain Khan, killed 12 years ago, was a hero, but this is about RADICAL ISLAMIC TERROR and the weakness of our "leaders" to eradicate it!"Both Democrats and Republicans have criticized Trump's remarks about the Khans."Just when I think, Trump can't possibly be a bigger jerk, he proves me wrong," Republican strategist Ana Navarro said on Twitter, adding that Trump's comments about the Khans were "gross."Hillary Clinton, Trump's Democratic rival in the November 8 election, said at a campaign rally on Saturday that Trump's comments about the Khans were part of a long history of insulting people.Trump tweeted Sunday that he had been "viciously attacked" by Khan at the convention. "Am I not allowed to respond?" he asked. The candidate also tried to change the subject to the war itself: "Hillary voted for the Iraq war, not me!"On CNN on Sunday, Khizr Khan said the couple had received a large outpouring of support after their appearance at the convention. He said people had apparently seen the "blackness" of Trump's character, adding that Trump's family needed to "teach him some empathy."REUTERS PY VN2101 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0298-865180.Xml
BRUSSELS, July 30 (Xinhua) -- One of the two suspects arrested Friday night in Belgium is indicted for terrorist activities Saturday afternoon, while the other has been released, according to local media reports.

The prosecution announced that Nourredine H, 33, was indicted and placed under arrest for attempted terrorist murder and participation in a terrorist group. His brother Hamza H, meanwhile, was released after the hearing, according to Belgian newspaper Le Soir.

The two brothers were arrested during a major anti-terrorist operation in Belgium's Mons region and the city of Liege on Friday.

No weapon or any explosives were found during the operation.

According to Belgian broadcaster RTBF, Nourredine had recently traveled extensively in Europe and had had numerous contacts with France. RTBF said it appeared that he was seeking "material," including weapons.

Belgium is still on level 3, the second highest, security alert since the city was rocked by bombings on March 22 that killed 32 people.
NEW DELHI, July 30 (Xinhua) -- At least 70 people have been killed in rain-related incidents such as lightning, flooding and drowning in India over the past few days, as heavy rains lashed northern and eastern parts of the country, said officials and police Saturday.

In the northeastern state Assam, at least 29 died in the current deluge, while 27 people were killed in lightning incident in the eastern state of Orissa and three died in flood in the northeast state of Meghalaya.

In the eastern state of Bihar, two minor girls were swept away by waters of Burhidangi river which is flooding villages after heavy rains, said police.

In the capital Delhi, traffic jams became the norm as many roads were waterlogged after receiving the highest rainfalls in 10 years.

Incessant rains continued in Mumbai and neighboring districts whike heavy rainfall lashed parts of Rajasthan in western India since Friday, said meteorological officials. Enditem
NEW DELHI, July 30 (Xinhua) -- At least 40 people were killed and 35 others injured, some of them critically Saturday due to lightning across India's eastern state of Odisha, India's state-run broadcaster - All India Radio (AIR) said.

The lightening struck during the day in Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Khurda, Cuttack Keonjhar, Nayagarh, Jajpur, Kendrapara and Puri districts.

"Eight deaths were reported each from Bhadrak and Balasore districts, while five from Mayurbhanj and Khurda districts and four from Cuttack district," the broadcaster said. "The rest of the fatalities were reported from other affected districts."

Officials said most of casualties were reported from agricultural fields as people were busy sowing paddy seedlings, when the lightning hit them.

The injured according to officials were immediately removed to the nearest medical facilities, where condition of some of them was stated to be critical.

The state's Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed solidarity with the victim families and directed his officials to provide compensation to the families.

According to AIR, lightning claims more human lives than any other natural disaster in Odisha. More than 1500 people have died due to lightning strikes across Odisha in last five years, the broadcaster said.

As per India's National Crime Records Bureau at least 2,000 people have died in lightning strikes in India every year since 2005.
YEREVAN, July 30 (Xinhua)-- Armenia's National Security Service on Sunday sent an ultimatum to the armed group who seized the police station in Yerevan on July 17, demanding them to lay down weapon and surrender to the police before 5:00 pm (GMT+4),July 30.

The National Security Service said that the special forces of law enforcement agencies are otherwise authorized to open fire with no warning and neutralize the gunmen inside the occupied patrol regiment.

"Following the incidents of late July 29, all the possibilities of reaching a peaceful settlement of the situation have been exhausted," the Service warned.

Armenian police exchanged gunfire with the armed pro-opposition group since Friday night, during which 3 members of the group were wounded and one police officer was killed, according to Ashot Aharonyan, police spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the police clashed with thousands of protesters supporting the gunmen when they tried to approach the police station seized by the gunmen. 165 people were reportedly detained and dozens were wounded.

The group, consisting of dozens of gunmen, stormed a police station in Khorenatsi Street inYerevan on July 17, during which one policeman was killed, while several others were wounded.

The gunmen took several hostages but released them over the weekend.

Currently, the gunmen remain in a standoff with police and they reportedly still took three medics as hostages.
RIO DE JANEIRO, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Rio de Janeiro have stepped up security for Friday's Olympic opening ceremony to further combat the threat of terrorism, officials said on Saturday.

Some 38 streets around the Maracana stadium will be closed for up to 20 hours before the ceremony starts while additional police officers and soldiers will be deployed, according to Rio's city government.

The new plan follows a recommendation by local security chiefs to "further restrict the movement of people and close loopholes for possible terrorist attacks", the Globo newspaper reported.

"The planning was altered and it will be changed again, if necessary," city government spokesman Leonardo Maciel said.

An opening ceremony simulation drill will be conducted by security personnel at the Maracana on Sunday, he added.

Authorities have also been discussing procedures for the 45 foreign leaders attending the ceremony.

The heads of state will meet at the Itamaraty palace in the centre of Rio before travelling in a motorcade to the Maracana, in the city's north.

Officials said more than one route has been planned to avoid any unforeseen events.

Brazil will deploy 88,000 soldiers and police during the August 5-21 Games, more than double the number used at the London 2012 Olympics.

Local media has reported that there will be a special security plan in place for French President Francois Hollande during the opening ceremony.

France has been the target of three major terror atrocities in the past 18 months, including an attack in Nice this month when 84 people were mown down by a truck while celebrating Bastille Day fireworks.

Intelligence agencies from more than 100 countries are working alongside Brazil's federal police and armed forces to combat terror plots in Rio, according to the government.
KHARTOUM, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Saturday vowed to destroy the institutions of injustice and liberate Africa from "modern colonialism," whether politically or economically.

Al-Bashir made the remarks when addressing a mass rally at Khartoum airport upon his arrival from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

"The Western countries do not know that I represent the Sudanese people. We are bigger than the oppressors and arrogant circles," said al-Bashir.

He added that "we will break all institutions of injustice and liberate Africa from the modern colonialism, whether politically or economically. We stand firm like mountains and we will not be broken."

On March 2009, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against al-Bashir for allegedly committing war crimes in Sudan's Darfur region.

However, Sudan refuses to deal with the warrant, saying it is not a signatory of the Rome Statute.
Today's article was written by Jaclyn Kolb, the community services coordinator for Seymour Library:

Seymour Library is excited to announce the re-opening of their local history collection  in a new space! The new Local History Discovery Center is located on the basement level, next to the Children's Room and can be reached by stairs or elevator. The project has been more than a year in the making and has transformed the library's local history collection into a technologically up-to-date, accessible place of discovery.

Auburn is a community with deep ties to the past. Every day we walk in the footsteps of historic figures such as William Seward, Harriet Tubman, Martha Coffin Wright and Theodore Case. History lives in Auburn, permeating all aspects of our city. Through its collection, exhibits and programming, the History Discovery Center gives historians, history buffs, students, genealogists and everyone else tools to discover and enjoy our rich local history.

Seymour Library not only holds historical treasures, it is a historic landmark itself. In 1980, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded in 1876 and housed on the second floor of the Auburn Savings Bank (now known as the Phoenix building), the Seymour Library Association was originally a subscription library with an annual fee of $10. To join, a member had to be at least 21 years old and had to be voted in with no more than five existing members voting against their membership.

In 1896, Willard Case sent a letter stating that if the library would become a free library, he would purchase a site and erect a building to house Seymour Library. He requested the building be named the Case Memorial Building, in honor of his parents. His cousin, Dr. Sefton, was charged with heading up a committee, and a competition for design of the building was held. The winning design was by the architecture firm of Carrere and Hastings, who went on to design the New York City Public Library on 44th Street. The Seymour Library Association moved into its new home and opened for business on Jan. 1, 1903.

The building underwent several renovations, with significant changes to the footprint made in 1972. The Mary Van Sickle Wait History Room was part of the 1972 addition, with the Wait family contributing a generous donation in memory of Mary Van Sickle Wait. Mary, who was born in Auburn, was an artist and author of local history. This new History Room allowed for the physical space and consolidation of the library's already-existing collection.

In addition to Mrs. Wait, another historian, Ellen Jean Mahoney, left an extensive collection of Auburn Correctional Facility and Harriet Tubman memorabilia. Mrs. Mahoney was an employee at Seymour Library and a local history enthusiast. She had a passion for history and her work insured the preservation of photographs and articles that might otherwise have been lost.

The library's collection, which includes early to mid-19th century almanacs, 19th century playbills and theater ads, Auburn high school yearbooks (East, Central, West and Auburn High), and bound editions of the Auburn Bulletin, Auburn Daily Advertiser (1903-1915) and Auburn Citizen (1918-1963), makes history accessible to the public.

The History Discovery Center will also house the library's new microfilm machine and microfilm collection (1830-present). The new microfilm machine is more user friendly and allows images to be copied digitally, as well as saved to a USB drive. A new computer will be open to the public for research.

The increased space that the new History Discovery Center provides will allow center coordinator Don Gottschalk-Fielding to develop engaging exhibits, tying the collection to people today.

Upcoming exhibits will feature the Class of '17 and Double Vision: Exploring 3D Images. The Class of '17 exhibit will illustrate the lives of the Auburn High School class of 1917 through their senior year, focusing on the local and national cultural and political landscapes of the time. Double Vision: Exploring 3D Images will allow patrons to get more hands-on as they explore devices like stereoscopes, view masters and google cardboard. The library now has Google cardboard available for circulation.

Not only will the new space provide for exciting new exhibits, but it will aid in the preservation of the library's materials. The new space is climate controlled, allowing for such items as atlases from the 1800s and Auburn city directories dating back to 1857, to remain intact. A new contactless scanner will allow more fragile items to be digitized, not only making them available to the public, but insuring their longevity.

This fall, the History Discovery Center will offer exciting programs on local history and the approaching World War I anniversary:

 Learn about the history of elections and discuss the upcoming election with historian Thomas Henry in this two-part series starting in September.

 Celebrate the anniversary of the Schine Theater with James Loperfido and explore "Auburn's Red Hot Theatre District 1820-1920" with local historian Karen Bove.

 Get the scoop on the silent film industry, the well-known actors who worked with Wharton Inc., and the WWI propaganda films they made. Diana Riesman, executive director and co-founder of the Wharton Studio Museum, will talk about the Whartons' Ithaca Studio and the films they produced from 1914 to 1919.

 Discover your roots. Join us at the library for a genealogy workshop.

Times and dates for all programs will be available this fall. Check out the library's website, www.seymourlibrary.org, for more information about upcoming programs and library news, or visit at Facebook.com/Seymour Library.

The History Discovery Center's new extended hours are Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and first and third Saturdays 1 to 4 p.m.

A special thanks to state Sens. John DeFrancisco and Michael Nozzolio, the Fred M. Everett and Ora H. Everett Charitable Trust, and the Friends of the Library for grants that made the History Discovery Center possible. Additional thanks to the Seymour Library Foundation for matching the state Public Library Construction Program grant.
ROME, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Italy's third largest bank and the world's oldest bank, Monte dei Paschi di Siena, performed poorly in the adverse scenario included in the stress test by the European Banking Authority (EBA),according to local media reports on Saturday.

According to EBA's test result, Monte dei Paschi di Siena was revealed as the weakest in Europe under adverse conditions, but the other four Italian banks showed a good performance, the Bank of Italy, the country's central bank, said in a statement.

The EBA published the results of the 2016 EU-wide stress test late on Friday. The report concerns 51 banks.

EBA said that the objective of the stress test is to provide supervisors, banks and other market participants with a common analytical framework to consistently compare and assess the resilience of large EU banks to adverse economic developments.

The results was widely awaited, as the Italian banking system has been at the center of focus.

Many international media in the past months warned about the risk of a banking crisis, but the Italian government has reiterated that the national banking system is solid.

Despite the stringent nature of the exercise and the heavy tensions of recent years, four of the five Italian banks featured in the EBA sample has showed good resilience, Bank of Italy commented after publication of the results.

For the four Italian banks -- UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, People's Bank and Bank of UBI, the weighted impact on the concerned ratio of the adverse scenario is 3.2 percentage points, against an EBA sample average of 3.8 percentage points. With the inclusion of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the weighted impact for the Italian banks comes of 4.1 percentage points, according to the EBA.

Monte dei Paschi di Siena passes the test in the baseline scenario but obtains a negative result in the adverse scenario, the EBA said in its statement.

"The EBA's 2016 stress test shows the benefits of the capital strengthening done so far are reflected in the resilience of the EU banking sector to a severe shock,"said Andrea Enria, EBA chairman.

"This stress test is a vital tool to assist supervisors in accelerating the process of repair of banks' balance sheets, which is so important for restoring lending to households and businesses," he added.

Enria said that the EBA's stress test is not a pass-fail exercise. "Whilst we recognize the extensive capital raising done so far, this is not a clean bill of health. There remains work to do," he said.

"Our stress test has methodological constraints to ensure comparability and consistency. That means our results are key pieces of information that should be considered in the context of each bank's specific situation,"the EBA chairman said.

According to the Bank of Italy, the Monte dei Paschi di Siena's Board of Directors has approved a plan to sell its entire portfolio of bad loans and carry out a capital increase of up to 5 billion euros (5.5 billion U.S. dollars). "This will make it possible to significantly increase provisioning for the remaining non-performing loans," the central bank said in its statement.

"As a result of this undertaking, Monte dei Paschi di Siena will have a stock on non-performing loans -- but not bad loans -- in line with the Italian banking system average. Its supervisory capital will remain at the current levels and profitability will improve both looking at funding and lending costs and at the return on assets and liquidity,"the Bank of Italy said.
RABAT, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Moroccan King Mohammed VI called on Saturday for more mobilization and vigilance to face mounting security challenges and increasing conspiracies hatched against his country.

The king made the remarks in a speech to the nation on the occasion of the 17th anniversary of his accession to the throne.

"Maintaining order is a major responsibility, which is not limited in time or space, and a great mission incumbent upon all of us," he said, stressing the need for coordination between security departments with citizens.

"The security of Morocco is a national duty that leaves no room for exceptions. It should not be the subject of any trivial disputes, complacency or leniency," he said.

He also expressed to the various security services his appreciation for their tireless efforts and sacrifices when fulfilling their duty.

On the foreign policy, the king said in addition to being open to major economic and political powers, Morocco remains committed to consolidating its strategic partnership with its long-time allies.

"We also work with the European Union to develop our traditional partnership on solid bases," he added. Enditem
LIMA, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Peru's newly-instated President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski said on Saturday his first measure as head of state will aim to cut crime in the short term.

"The first step we are going to take is to see how we can, in the short term, improve the situation of citizen security," Kuczynski told reporters, following a religious ceremony in the capital Lima.

Accompanied by members of his cabinet, Kuczynski, who took office on Friday, spoke to reporters outside a religious service organized by Peru's evangelical churches, according to the state news agency Andina.

Kuczynski also made the decision to extend a state of emergency in one of the country's most crime-ridden districts, the commercial port of Callao, part of the Lima-Callao metropolitan area, by another 30 days.

For the duration of the emergency, the state suspends certain rights to carry out, for example, search and seizures of homes and weapons.

The densely populated port district has high rates of homicide, as well as assaults, drug trafficking, extortion and other crimes.

Kuczynski indicated the measure was preventative and not meant to last for an extended period of time, since "it takes more police to Callao and reduces the number of police at another site. It's not a sustainable situation."

For a more long-term solution, the president said he will meet with his Interior Minister to map out a strategy to curb the rise in crime.
Pro-Erdogan supporters hold Turkish national flags and a portrait of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a rally against the military coup on Taksim square in Istanbul on July 23, 2016. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

ANKARA, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Saturday that intelligence agency will be under his control and military commanders will report to the defense minister, local ATV reported.

Speaking in an interview with ATV and A Haber channels, Erdogan said the moves aim to bring the Turkish military under civilian control after the failed coup attempt.

Meanwhile, Turkish military academies would be shut down and replaced by national defense universities, the president said, adding that students from all schools will be able to enter cadet schools.

Erdogan noted that the country's military chief of staff and the intelligence agency will be under control of the president if parliament passes a constitutional package.

Additionally, all military hospitals will go under the Ministry of Health.

He said Turkey will also reduce the size of gendarmerie by number of personnel, but will be stronger in terms of weaponry.

The president criticized the indifference of world powers to Turkish people's commitment to protecting democracy, saying countries have not sent any official to see the situation in Turkey, but chosen to express "concern" after the coup attempt.

Erdogan said Turkey has demanded the extradition of Fethullah Gulen, accused of conducting the July 15 coup attempt, but the U.S. refused the request.

Turkey will continue to identify Gulenists within the military, police and judiciary, he added, saying a total of 10,137 suspects involved in the coup attempt have been arrested so far.

Related:

Spotlight: Turkey says 18,044 detained so far in post-coup crackdowns

ANKARA, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Interior Minister Efkar Ala on Friday told media that 18,044 people have been detained after a failed coup attempt.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan makes a speech during his meeting with mukhtars at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey May 4, 2016. (Reuters photo)

ANKARA, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Saturday that intelligence agency will be under his control and military commanders will report to the defense minister, local ATV reported.

Speaking in an interview with ATV and A Haber channels, Erdogan said the moves aim to bring the Turkish military under civilian control after the failed coup attempt.

Meanwhile, Turkish military academies would be shut down and replaced by national defense universities, the president said, adding that students from all schools will be able to enter cadet schools.

Erdogan noted that the country's military chief of staff and the intelligence agency will be under control of the president if parliament passes a constitutional package.

Additionally, all military hospitals will go under the Ministry of Health.

He said Turkey will also reduce the size of gendarmerie by number of personnel, but will be stronger in terms of weaponry.

The president criticized the indifference of world powers to Turkish people's commitment to protecting democracy, saying countries have not sent any official to see the situation in Turkey, but chosen to express "concern" after the coup attempt.

Erdogan said Turkey has demanded the extradition of Fethullah Gulen, accused of conducting the July 15 coup attempt, but the U.S. refused the request.

Turkey will continue to identify Gulenists within the military, police and judiciary, he added, saying a total of 10,137 suspects involved in the coup attempt have been arrested so far.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (front L) and Slovenian President Borut Pahor (front R) attend the 100th anniversary of the Russian Chapel in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia, July 30, 2016. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Slovenian President Borut Pahor highlighted the Russian Chapel as a symbol of peace as they addressed the one-hour ceremony on Saturday marking the centenary of the memorial to Russian WWI prisoner-of-wars who perished in Slovenia, Slovenian Press Agency reported. (Xinhua/Luka Dakskobler)

LJUBLJANA, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Both Slovenian President Borut Pahor and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Saturday evening expressed the wish to find ways to overcome hurdles to cooperation.

Speaking to reporters ahead of a working meeting, Pahor said the distance between Slovenia which is an EU and NATO member, and Russia, had widened in recent years.

"My wish is to try in a peaceful manner to remove the reasons for divergences...The freedom-loving world needs the cooperation of everyone," Pahor was quoted by the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) as saying.

Pahor highlighted the commemorative nature of the visit, whose centrepiece was the ceremony at the Russian Chapel below the Vrsic mountain pass.

He said that "in these controversial times", the ceremony helped "preserve Slovenian-Russian friendship to the extent possible".

"Slovenia needs friends and would like to have as many as possible. Slovenia needs peace and would like to have the opportunity to develop all of its talents," Pahor said.

Putin also said the visit had been initiated for historical and commemorative reasons.

He noted it offered an opportunity to "discuss the entire spectrum of Slovenian-Russian relations" as well as Russia's relations with the EU and NATO as Slovenia is a member of both.

He turned to their trade relations, saying that trade had unfortunately declined with the EU as well as with the United States.

"Today's visit was therefore an opportunity to discuss new paths and new projects for the development of economic cooperation," Putin was quoted by the STA as saying.

The two leaders spoke to the press before a scheduled working meeting and dinner. Putin said, however, they had already had talks for accumulatively an hour during his itinerary which allowed him to tell Pahor various global security issues in an in-depth way.

Putin arrived in Slovenia accompanied by the ministers for communication, energy, culture and economy. He said he was glad that members of the government delegation would have the opportunity to engage in talks.

Earlier on Saturday afternoon, Putin and Pahor officially inaugurated a monument to Russian and Soviet soldiers who perished in Slovenia during WWI and WWII.

The monument, located at Ljubljana's main cemetery Zale, was initiatively put forward by Putin and Pahor in 2011, the STA reported.

Putin would attend a dinner hosted by Pahor featuring top Slovenian officials before he winds up his visit.

Related:

Slovenian press sees business opportunity in Putin's visit

LJUBLJANA, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Even though some believed that Slovenia's reputation suffered "international" damage after President Borut Pahor invited Vladimir Putin to Slovenia, prominent Slovenian Daily Delo sees a business opportunity in the Russian president's visit.

Slovenia is, besides Greece and Finland, the third EU member state that Putin has visited this year, the paper notes. Meanwhile, other European leaders, such as Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, see nothing wrong in accepting Putin's invitation in the interest of domestic economy. Full story
SAN FRANCISCO, Jul 30 (Xinhua) -- Researchers with Stanford university and Research Labs at International Business Machine Corporation (IBM) have developed new chemical approaches to generating biodegradable plastics efficiently and inexpensively.

As creating biodegradable polyesters requires the assistance of a catalyst, namely a special class of chemical that increases the rate of a reaction or pushes it over an energetic hurdle, the standard catalysts used are metal-based, which are difficult or expensive to remove from the final material, and do not degrade in the environment.

In their study, published in the current issue of Nature Chemistry, the research group headed by Robert Waymouth of Stanford and James Hedrick of IBM Research presents an alternative catalyst that is both fast and selective, exceling at accelerating and facilitating reactions and that it does not alter the resulting polymer' s shape or properties once it is formed.

The catalyst is crafted by reacting common chemical ingredients - thiourea with a metal alkoxide.

"While many catalysts are either fast or selective, these catalysts are both," Waymouth was quoted as saying by a news release from Stanford. "They are simple to prepare, easy to use and can be readily adopted by anyone with a basic knowledge of chemistry."

In addition to lowering the cost and environmental impact, the new catalyst design is highly tunable, said Waymouth, a professor in chemistry at Stanford. The work can produce polylactic acid, a commercial compostable biodegradable polyester utilized in disposable plasticware, such as tableware, cups, plates and forks. It has medical applications for resorbable sutures, implants and stents, as well as biomedical implants and drug-delivery materials. Everyday items such as food packaging and non-woven fabrics are also a possibility.

The results, based on a decade of research, are just the first steps, the researchers said.

Because the technique is relatively simple and the catalysts are readily modified, these advances could lead to new and broadly useful class of catalysts - and likewise, new and useful biodegradable plastics. "Our catalyst design is simple and general and could prove useful not only for polymerization but for a wide range of organic reactions," said Xiangyi Zhang, the Stanford graduate student who conducted the experimental work. Enditem
A boy stand by some cloth bags at a shopping center in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Sept. 25, 2014. The Scottish government on Thursday launched a seven-week public awareness campaign on single use carrier bags charge to protect the natural environment. From Oct. 20, all retailers in Scotland will charge a mandatory fee of at least 5 pence (about 0.084 U.S. dollar) for each new carrier bag they give to shoppers, whether it is made of plastic, paper, biodegradable material, or "bioplastic". (Xinhua File Photo)

SAN FRANCISCO, Jul 30 (Xinhua) -- Researchers with Stanford university and Research Labs at International Business Machine Corporation (IBM) have developed new chemical approaches to generating biodegradable plastics efficiently and inexpensively.

As creating biodegradable polyesters requires the assistance of a catalyst, namely a special class of chemical that increases the rate of a reaction or pushes it over an energetic hurdle, the standard catalysts used are metal-based, which are difficult or expensive to remove from the final material, and do not degrade in the environment.

In their study, published in the current issue of Nature Chemistry, the research group headed by Robert Waymouth of Stanford and James Hedrick of IBM Research presents an alternative catalyst that is both fast and selective, exceling at accelerating and facilitating reactions and that it does not alter the resulting polymer' s shape or properties once it is formed.

The catalyst is crafted by reacting common chemical ingredients - thiourea with a metal alkoxide.

"While many catalysts are either fast or selective, these catalysts are both," Waymouth was quoted as saying by a news release from Stanford. "They are simple to prepare, easy to use and can be readily adopted by anyone with a basic knowledge of chemistry."

In addition to lowering the cost and environmental impact, the new catalyst design is highly tunable, said Waymouth, a professor in chemistry at Stanford. The work can produce polylactic acid, a commercial compostable biodegradable polyester utilized in disposable plasticware, such as tableware, cups, plates and forks. It has medical applications for resorbable sutures, implants and stents, as well as biomedical implants and drug-delivery materials. Everyday items such as food packaging and non-woven fabrics are also a possibility.

The results, based on a decade of research, are just the first steps, the researchers said.

Because the technique is relatively simple and the catalysts are readily modified, these advances could lead to new and broadly useful class of catalysts - and likewise, new and useful biodegradable plastics. "Our catalyst design is simple and general and could prove useful not only for polymerization but for a wide range of organic reactions," said Xiangyi Zhang, the Stanford graduate student who conducted the experimental work.
SAN FRANCISCO, July 30 (Xinhua) -- A gunman attacked a gathering of young adults early Saturday at a suburban home of Seattle, a city in northwestern United States, killing three people and wounding another.

The shooting happened around midnight in the upscale neighborhood of Mukilteo, a waterfront town of about 20,000 people, 40 kilometers north of Seattle.

The gunman came to the home with a rifle, walked through the house to the fire pit out back, where he shot two people, Susan Gemmer, the grandmother of 18-year-old Alexis Gemmer, who was at the gathering during the incident, was quoted as saying by reports reaching here. He then went onto the roof, where some of the friends were hanging out, and fired more shots.

About 15 to 20 friends from Kamiak High School, mostly recent graduates aged 18 to 20, were at the party. And they reportedly knew the gunman, who had broken up last week with one of the victims.

Police were withholding the identities of all victims.

Less than 90 minutes later, Washington state troopers pulled over and arrested a 19-year-old man on an interstate highway. Allen Christopher Ivanov was booked into Snohomish County Jail in the afternoon for investigation on three counts of murder.
HEFEI, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The mayor of Hefei City, capital of east China's Anhui Province, has been put under investigation for suspected serious violation of discipline, according to provincial disciplinary authorities.

Zhang Qingjun, 52, started to serve as Hefei mayor in 2012 after working as director of the provincial land and resources department for nearly five years.
Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid speaks in the plenary session of the Assembly of People's Representatives, in Tunis, Tunisia, July 30, 2016. Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid on Saturday lost a confidence vote in parliament. (Xinhua/Adel Ezzine)

TUNIS, July 30 (Xinhua) -- With a stagnant growth rate of 0.4 percent in the first quarter of 2016, Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi proposed a national unity government to replace the one of Prime Minister Habib Essid.

Essid lost a confidence vote in parliament on Saturday, and President Essebsi's proposal for a new national unity government was seen by some observers as an indication for Essid to resign.

In a plenary session of the Assembly of People's Representatives, the Tunisian parliament, 118 deputies voted to dismiss the prime minister from office, while only three voted for him and 27 abstained.

The vote was demanded by the prime minister himself on July 20, as he initially refused to step down voluntarily, citing Article 98 of the Constitution, which gives the head of government the power to request a confidence vote in parliament. The government may continue its work if it win an absolute majority of 109 votes.

After the no-confidence vote, President Essebsi will nominate in 10 days a person to form the new national unity government, and the candidate will have one month to form a new Cabinet for parliamentary approval.

Some deputies told Xinhua that there is "thick fog" around the name of the potential candidate for prime minister.

MOST CONSTITUTIONAL CHOICE BY ESSID

Essid, a technocrat without any party background and used to be a close ally to Essebsi, has defended his government and expressed his shock about the timing chosen by the president to make the initiative of the new national unity government.

In an interview last week, Essid said the timing was "inappropriate" and admitted he was not informed by the president before the announcement of the initiative.

Nizar Makni, a political analyst, told Xinhua that Essid chose the "most constitutional process" to call for a vote of confidence in parliament which is dominated by Nidaa Tounes, a party founded by Essebsi in 2012, and the Islamic Ennahda party, a main ally to Nidaa Tounes.

"The prime minister has chosen the way the most politically sure, with less possible damage by avoiding the moral confrontation with the alliance in power and also with the presidency," he said.

In fact, the chance was quite "slim" for Essid to keep his position even before the vote, said Makni.

CALL FOR REFORM AMID SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES

"The choice for the proposal of a national unity government ... is related to the country's general situation. The relation is quite obvious," said Kais Arguoubi, another political analyst.

Arguoubi told Xinhua that the proposal is related to negative socio-economic situations in Tunisia, especially its worsening investment environment, persistently high unemployment rates and deadly terrorist attacks.

Since March 2015, Tunisia has witnessed a series of terrorist attacks that killed more than 80 people, most of them were foreign tourists and Tunisian security forces.

Some economic experts have warned Tunisia of a socio-economic disaster.

The Tunisian dinar has fallen to its record lows against the euro and the U.S. dollar.

Meanwhile, the production of phosphate, a main industry of Tunisia, is almost paralyzed and some big foreign industrial companies instead chose Morocco, a major regional competitor of Tunisia, as a better substitute to conduct business.

Makni said President Essebsi tried to make a certain "artificial stability" in both fields of politics and the economics.

He explained that the president's initiative of the unity government involves two influential and powerful trade unions, namely the Tunisian General Labour Union and the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts.

"In the eyes of Essebsi, Essid is no longer the man of situation because of his incapacity to solve the social and economic problems, which also explains why Essebsi called on the two trade unions," Makni said.

"Personally, I think Essebsi wanted to redistribute his playing cards on the political chessboard of the country ... to ensure the disguised control over the executive power," he added.


BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- A China-U.S. co-production called "China's Challenges" has garnered an Emmy Award in Los Angeles, making history for such bilateral collaboration, said the show's producer on Sunday.

U.S. expert on China Robert Kuhn, also known for his book "How China's Leaders Think," said he and his team were delighted that the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in Los Angeles has awarded an Emmy to their TV series for "pioneering presentation of China's historic transformation and today's challenges."

"It is good for the world to understand what is really happening in China," he told Xinhua in Beijing, where he is working on another show with China Central Television.

"China's Challenges" explores with unique access and in cinematic detail how China is addressing critical issues, including wealth and education distribution, social problems, environmental protection, competing priorities, and relations between China's rich traditional culture and its rapidly modernizing society.

The series was co-produced by The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), an American public broadcaster and television program distributor and The Kuhn Foundation in association with Shanghai Media Group. It was created, written and hosted by Kuhn.

"To our knowledge, 'China's Challenges' is the first international television production in association with a major China-based media organization that has won this prestigious Emmy award, re-affirming the special benefits of our unique U.S.-China collaboration to tell the true story of China to the world," Kuhn said.

"China's Challenges" has been broadcast on over 210 PBS stations in the United States, reaching 24 of the top 25 U.S. markets and over 120 markets in total. There have been about 4,000 broadcasts of "China's Challenges" in the United States alone. Other countries that broadcast the series include Canada, Germany and Australia.
ISLAMABAD, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Death toll of wedding party vehicle accident that was swept away by flash floods in Pakistan's northwest tribal region of Khyber Agency on Saturday has risen to 26 as 11 more bodies were recovered from ravine, officials and local media said.

A local government official of Landi Kotal area of Khyber Agency, Hikmat Khan Afridi, said that at least 26 bodies and three injured have been retrieved so far from the ravine, while one person is still missing.

"The deceased include 18 children, six women and two men, while all the injured are men," said the official.

The incident took place on Saturday morning when a vehicle carrying 30 wedding guests was washed off a mountainous road and plunged into a gorge in remote Tabai area of the Khyber Agency, Pakistan's northwest tribal region bordering Afghanistan.

The vehicle, carrying the groom's party, was travelling from Bara area to Bazaar Zakha Khel area of the region when it encountered the accident.

The injured people had been shifted to a hospital in Landi Kotal.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed his immense grief and sorrow over the loss of precious human lives in the accident.

The PM also directed the officials of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and other authorities concerned for effective relief and medical treatment to the survivors.

According to the NDMA, at least 55 people have been killed and 35 others injured due to heavy rains in different parts of the country in July.

Earlier in April, more than 120 people were killed in different incidents of rains and landslides in the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, according to the NDMA.
PHNOM PENH, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen on Sunday pinned the blame on the United States for bloody conflicts in Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries.

Addressing to a group of youth at the Peace Palace here, he said that under the excuse of promoting democracy and human rights, the U.S. has inflamed conflicts in Middle Eastern countries that left hundreds or thousands of people dead every day and forced millions to flee their countries to Europe.

"This is the result of doing politics wrongly, and the wrongdoer is the United States," Hun Sen said.

He added that the U.S.-led invasion in Iraq, which had led to Saddam Hussein's death, has dragged the oil-rich nation into chronic conflict.
LOS ANGELES, July 31 (Xinhua) -- A veteran skydiver made history Saturday when he jumped out a plane without a parachute or wingsuit and successfully landed in a net in the middle of a desert in California.

In a stunt called, "Heaven Sent," 42-year-old Luke Aikins jumped from the plane from a height of 7,620 meters to the ground, setting the world record for the highest jump without a parachute or a wingsuit.

The jump was aired live on television via the Fox network. "Luke Skydiver" fell for about two minutes, during which he had to adjust his body using only the air currents around him.

Throughout the entire free fall, Aikins appeared to be able to control his body effortlessly, with his arms and legs extended, face downward. And he managed to flipped onto his back and landed in a 900-square-meter high-tech net laid to catch him.

As the crowd erupted into cheers, Aikins quickly climbed out the net and hugged his wife and their 4-year-old son.

"I'm almost levitating, it's incredible," Aikins said.

Aikins had previously done more than 18,000 parachute jumps and performed a variety of stunts, including from "Ironman 3."
NEW DELHI, July 31 (Xinhua) -- At least 40 people were killed and 35 others were injured on Saturday, with some critically, due to lightning across India's eastern state of Odisha.

This is the highest number of deaths due to lightning strikes in one day in the state, according to India's state-run broadcaster, All India Radio (AIR).

Officials said some of the victims were working in the paddyfield, as people were busy sowing paddy seedlings when the lightning hit them.

Lightning claims more human lives than any other natural disasters in Odisha, the AIR reported, adding that more than 1,500 people died due to lightning strikes across the state of Odisha in last five years.

During the past two months, India has seen an unusually high number of deaths from lightning across the country, particularly in the northern part.

On June 22, at least 100 people were killed and scores of others were injured due to overnight lightning in three Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.

According to India's National Crime Records Bureau, at least 2,000 people die in lightning strikes in India every year since 2005.

In comparison, lightning kills an average of 40 people in the United States each year and around three in Britain.

India receives 80 percent of its annual rainfall during the monsoon season, namely the rainy season, which runs between June and September. Lightning strikes are common in the country during heavy monsoon rains.
KIRKUK, Iraq, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Unidentified militants on Sunday stormed gas facility in northern Iraq and killed four workers after planting bombs, a security source told Xinhua.

The attack occurred in the early morning when gunmen broke into a gas facility in the oil-rich province of Kirkuk and planted bombs in the facility after they shot dead four workers, the source said on condition of anonymity.

The attackers fled the scene before the security forces retook control of the facility and defused the bombs, the source said.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack in the gas facility, but Islamic State (IS) militant group has previously targeted oil facilities in the province with explosives, repeatedly targeting oil wells at Khubbaz oilfield southwest of Kirkuk.

Iraq has been hit by a new wave of violence since the IS terrorist group took control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions in June 2014.
JALALABAD, Afghanistan, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Security forces in the continuation of crackdown against Islamic State (IS) group have killed 20 militants in Kot and Achid districts of the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar over the past two days, spokesman for provincial government Attaullah Khogiani said Sunday.

According to the official, the government forces backed by war planes targeted IS hideouts in Auch Tangi and Alyas Baba localities of Kot district and Karkani Tangi village in Achin district since Saturday leaving at least 20 rebels dead and injured two others.

The official, however, didn't comment on the possible casualties of security forces in the operations.

IS fighters who are active in the said districts, haven't commented on the situation in the districts.

Nangarhar province with Jalalabad as its capital 120 km east of Kabul has been the scene of increasing IS activities since early last year.
KIRKUK, Iraq, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Gunmen attacked two energy facilities in Iraq's northern province of Kikuk on Sunday, killing at least four workers in one facility and detonated explosives in the other, a provincial security source said.
Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi (C) delivers a speech to army commanders and local officials during a surprise visit to inspect troops in Yemen's loyalist-held eastern city of Marib, on July 10, 2016. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

by Murad Abdu

ADEN, Yemen, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Yemeni government announced Sunday that its delegation to the Kuwait-based talks is ready to sign a UN-proposed agreement in a bid to bring security and stability to the war-torn Middle East country.

The Houthi delegates demanded the formation of a national government as a pre-condition to pursue the talks with the Yemeni government and refused to sign the UN deal, according to sources based in Kuwait.

The exiled government official news agency Saba said that "President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi chaired a high-ranking meeting and announced his full acceptance of the UN-proposed roadmap."

A source close to Yemen's Presidency confirmed to Xinhua that "the country's legitimate political leadership officially approved the draft agreement presented by the United Nations that called for withdrawal of Houthi militias from Sanaa and other provinces."

The UN-proposed deal also demanded the Shiite Houthi group to release the political detainees and lift siege imposed on Yemeni cites within 45 days, the source said.

According to the Yemeni presidential official, the UN-proposed roadmap didn't address any political topics before completing its implementation and ending the ongoing military conflict in the country.

Yemen's Foreign Minister Abdul-Malik Mekhlafi, who heads the government delegation to the Kuwait-based talks, said on Twitter that he sent a letter to the UN envoy regarding his government's approval to the UN-proposed deal.

The Yemeni minister said that the UN-proposed deal suggested the canceling of the Revolutionary Committee and the Political Council established by Houthis and their allies in Sanaa.

He added that "We laid down only one pre-condition that Houthi militias and their allied forces sign the UN-proposed deal by August 7."

Sources based in Kuwait told Xinhua that there are huge differences in the visions of Houthis and the government regarding the draft resolution submitted by the United Nations.

According to the Kuwait-based sources, there are high expectations that Houthi delegates may withdraw from the peace consultations in protest against the UN-proposed deal.

A journalist close to the Houthi told Xinhua that "the United Nations submitted a paper just for discussions between the two delegations not for signing on it. The Saudi-backed delegation declare untrue claims."

The UN-proposed roadmap, agreed by the Yemeni government, was held up to ridicule by several pro-Houthi activists and politicians and described it as a "silly dream."

The Foreign Ministry of Kuwait announced Saturday that the UN-facilitated peace talks, aimed at ending nearly 16 months of civil war between Yemen's warring parties, have been extended for one week following a request by the UN special envoy.

According to a statement released by Kuwait official KUNA news agency "Kuwait, acting upon a UN request, extended the hosting of the Yemeni talks for another week to end on August 7."

The previous UN-facilitated negotiations aimed at ending a 16-month conflict ended without any results when the Saudi-backed government delegation decided to pull out.

On Friday, the Yemeni government said its participation in the UN-sponsored peace talks in Kuwait was over after Houthi rebels and political allies of ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh signed a deal to set up a power-sharing council to govern war-shattered Yemen.

The UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh said Saturday after he managed to extend the faltering talks that he is "grateful for the hospitality of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait and approving talks extension for another week."

He added that "We hope that the delegations can utilize this remaining week to achieve progress on the path toward peace."

Kuwait, which has been hosting the Yemeni talks for more than 90 days, has previously given the Yemeni warring parties two weeks to reach a deal or leave its land.

The UN-brokered peace talks that started in Kuwait City on April 11 failed to stop the daily fierce fighting inside the Yemeni territories.

Delegates of the government strongly insist that they represent Yemen's sole legitimate governing authority, and call for the full implementation of last year's UN Security Council Resolution 2216.

The resolution orders Houthi militias to withdraw from Sanaa and all other cities occupied earlier, hand back weapons and release political prisoners before forming a new sharing transitional government.

However, the Houthis and their allies, for their part, say that they represent the country's de facto rulers and urged to form a new transitional government before discussing withdrawal from cities and the other topics.

The Houthi top leaders have also reaffirmed their demand for a consensus president to lead the transition in any peace deal, but government delegates have firmly rejected and insisted on implementation of the UN resolution first.

Houthis and Saleh's forces hold most of Yemen's northern regions while government forces backed by Saudi-led military coalition share control of the rest of the country, including seven southern provinces.

The civil war, ground battles and airstrikes have already killed more than 6,400 people, half of them civilians, injured more than 35,000 others and displaced over two millions, according to humanitarian agencies.

Related:

Spotlight: Unilateral bid pushes Yemen peace talks on brink of collapse
SKANEATELES  FANY  pronounced "fanny"  stands for Five hundred Across New York.

In its 16th year, FANY riders started in Niagara on July 24 and ended up in Saratoga on the 30th. It's a six-day, 500-mile trip organized each summer, with attention to a scenic, back roads ride and fun, too.

"We modify the route every year," organizer Karen Empie said.

After spending the night in Auburn July 26, some of the 105 riders were already making a pit stop at the Skaneateles Bakery with members of SAG. SAG stands for Support And Gear.

Susie Pesce supports her husband, Joe, by driving along with extra gear.

"It's been a lifelong dream of his, so I love supporting that," she said.

Empie said FANY automatically donates 5 percent of the registration fee from each rider to The Double H Ranch, a Hole in the Wall camp in the Adirondacks. The Double H was founded by the late actor Paul Newman for chronically ill children to experience a wilderness camp.

Philanthropist Charles R. Wood assisted Newman in this venture. He is upstate New York's answer to Walt Disney, being named by the Washington Post as the Father of American Amusement Parks because he opened Storytown in the Lake George area one year before Disney opened Disneyland.

Wood was a big proponent of fun, and this was also evident in the FANY riders who appeared to be a fun-loving bunch. The ride's tag line is, "The great big FANY ride," and there is what appears to be a photoshopped picture of several of its riders mooning on the FANY website.

Mark Whitcomb, a rider from Buffalo, said the ride is really well organized, which makes it extra fun.

Empie said the fee for the ride starts at $350 and can be modified depending on each rider's desires. For more information, visit fanyride.com.
Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi (C) delivers a speech to army commanders and local officials during a surprise visit to inspect troops in Yemen's loyalist-held eastern city of Marib, on July 10, 2016. Hadi threatened to boycott peace talks with Iran-backed rebels if the UN envoy insists on a roadmap stipulating a unity government that includes the insurgents. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

ADEN, Yemen, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Yemeni government announced Sunday that its delegation to the Kuwait-based talks is ready to sign a UN-proposed agreement in a bid to bring security and stability to the war-torn Middle East country.

The Houthi delegates demanded the formation of a national government as a pre-condition to pursue the talks with the Yemeni government and refused to sign the UN deal, according to sources based in Kuwait.

The exiled government official news agency Saba said that "President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi chaired a high-ranking meeting and announced his full acceptance of the UN-proposed roadmap."

A source close to Yemen's Presidency confirmed to Xinhua that "the country's legitimate political leadership officially approved the draft agreement presented by the United Nations that called for withdrawal of Houthi militias from Sanaa and other provinces."

The UN-proposed deal also demanded the Shiite Houthi group to release the political detainees and lift siege imposed on Yemeni cites within 45 days, the source said.

According to the Yemeni presidential official, the UN-proposed roadmap didn't address any political topics before completing its implementation and ending the ongoing military conflict in the country.

Yemen's Foreign Minister Abdul-Malik Mekhlafi, who heads the government delegation to the Kuwait-based talks, said on Twitter that he sent a letter to the UN envoy regarding his government's approval to the UN-proposed deal.

The Yemeni minister said that the UN-proposed deal suggested the canceling of the Revolutionary Committee and the Political Council established by Houthis and their allies in Sanaa.

He added that "We laid down only one pre-condition that Houthi militias and their allied forces sign the UN-proposed deal by August 7."

Sources based in Kuwait told Xinhua that there are huge differences in the visions of Houthis and the government regarding the draft resolution submitted by the United Nations.

According to the Kuwait-based sources, there are high expectations that Houthi delegates may withdraw from the peace consultations in protest against the UN-proposed deal.

A journalist close to the Houthi told Xinhua that "the United Nations submitted a paper just for discussions between the two delegations not for signing on it. The Saudi-backed delegation declare untrue claims."

The UN-proposed roadmap, agreed by the Yemeni government, was held up to ridicule by several pro-Houthi activists and politicians and described it as a "silly dream."

The Foreign Ministry of Kuwait announced Saturday that the UN-facilitated peace talks, aimed at ending nearly 16 months of civil war between Yemen's warring parties, have been extended for one week following a request by the UN special envoy.

According to a statement released by Kuwait official KUNA news agency "Kuwait, acting upon a UN request, extended the hosting of the Yemeni talks for another week to end on August 7."

The previous UN-facilitated negotiations aimed at ending a 16-month conflict ended without any results when the Saudi-backed government delegation decided to pull out.

On Friday, the Yemeni government said its participation in the UN-sponsored peace talks in Kuwait was over after Houthi rebels and political allies of ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh signed a deal to set up a power-sharing council to govern war-shattered Yemen.

The UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh said Saturday after he managed to extend the faltering talks that he is "grateful for the hospitality of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait and approving talks extension for another week."

He added that "We hope that the delegations can utilize this remaining week to achieve progress on the path toward peace."

Kuwait, which has been hosting the Yemeni talks for more than 90 days, has previously given the Yemeni warring parties two weeks to reach a deal or leave its land.

The UN-brokered peace talks that started in Kuwait City on April 11 failed to stop the daily fierce fighting inside the Yemeni territories.

Delegates of the government strongly insist that they represent Yemen's sole legitimate governing authority, and call for the full implementation of last year's UN Security Council Resolution 2216.

The resolution orders Houthi militias to withdraw from Sanaa and all other cities occupied earlier, hand back weapons and release political prisoners before forming a new sharing transitional government.

However, the Houthis and their allies, for their part, say that they represent the country's de facto rulers and urged to form a new transitional government before discussing withdrawal from cities and the other topics.

The Houthi top leaders have also reaffirmed their demand for a consensus president to lead the transition in any peace deal, but government delegates have firmly rejected and insisted on implementation of the UN resolution first.

Houthis and Saleh's forces hold most of Yemen's northern regions while government forces backed by Saudi-led military coalition share control of the rest of the country, including seven southern provinces.

The civil war, ground battles and airstrikes have already killed more than 6,400 people, half of them civilians, injured more than 35,000 others and displaced over two millions, according to humanitarian agencies.
BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- All 25 listed securities firms posted sharp falls in net profits for the January-June period, according to their half-year financial reports or preliminary earnings estimate filed with stock exchanges.

Guotai Junan Securities, an industry leader, saw its profits shrink 47.91 percent from a year ago, while Shanxi Securities registered the biggest drop of 84.93 percent.

Weighed on by a market downturn, brokerage incomes from submission fees and leverage financing fell substantially.

Chinese stocks remained bearish in the first half of the year with the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index slumping more than 17 percent as market sentiment has yet to recover from a market crash last summer.

However, analysts said that the performance of brokerages started to improve in the second quarter and a mild recovery could be expected during the rest of the year.
Huge fire rises from a fuel tank after gunmen stormed the oil field of Bai Hassan in northwest of the city of Kirkuk, Iraq, on July 31, 2016. Gunmen attacked two energy facilities in Iraq's northern province of Kirkuk on Sunday, killing at least four workers in one facility and detonated explosives in the other, a provincial security source said. (Xinhua/Ako Zhangna)



KIRKUK, Iraq, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Gunmen attacked two energy facilities in Iraq's northern province of Kirkuk on Sunday, killing at least four workers in one facility and detonated explosives in the other, a provincial security source said.

At least five gunmen wearing explosive vests stormed the oil field of Bai Hassan in northwest of the city of Kirkuk, some 250 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, the source said on condition of anonymity. The security forces shot dead one of them while the four others blew themselves up later after clashes with the troops, the source added.

The attackers managed to blow up two oil storage tanks inside, setting huge fire and sending column of black smoke above the area, the source said.

There is no immediate report about casualties among the oilfield workers and the security forces.

The security forces are in full control of the oil field after killing the last suicide bombers, and a search operation is underway inside the facility looking for any more attackers, the source added.

The attack in Bai Hassan is the second for the gunmen on Sunday morning, as militants broke into a gas facility in western the oil-rich province of Kirkuk and planted bombs in the facility after they shot dead four workers, the source said in earlier report.

The attackers fled the scene before the security forces retook control of the facility and defused the bombs, according to the source.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack in the gas facility, but Islamic State (IS) militant group has previously targeted oil facilities in the province with explosives, repeatedly targeting oil wells at Khubbaz oilfield southwest of Kirkuk.

Iraq has been hit by a new wave of violence since the IS terrorist group took control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions in June 2014.
A man from Seongju county holds a banner to protest against the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), during a rally in Seoul, capital of South Korea, on July 21, 2016. More than 2,000 people from Seongju county, where one THAAD battery will be deployed, gathered at a square in Seoul for a rally on Thursday, to protest against the deployment of THAAD. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

by Xinhua Writer Tian Dongdong

BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- With the installation of an anti-missile missile system that can hardly cover Seoul but is able to spy on China and Russia's Far East, the United States aims to defend nobody in East Asia, but its insatiable appetite for hegemony and military advantage.

The hidden agenda of Uncle Sam in deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) on the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula is perfectly based on its excuse of a so-called "missile threat" from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), which is deemed as "rogue state" and "axis of evil" by Washington.

Defending allies from bullying by missiles of a "rogue state" naturally strengthens Washington's moral high ground. Nevertheless, the reality is far less noble than what Uncle Sam portraits.

The fact that THAAD shields all U.S. barracks on the peninsula while leaving Seoul and its surrounding cities housing almost half of the country's population unprotected completely unmasks Uncle Sam's hidden agenda.

For starters, deploying THAAD in South Korea is a crucial step to heal the Achilles heel of Washington's anti-missile missile system in the Asia Pacific, which has long been nagged by its inadequate recognition ability.

With the help of THAAD's X band radar commanding surveillance of an area that extends over 1,200 miles (1,900 kilometers) from the peninsula, i.e. almost half of China's territory and the southern part of Russia's Far East, the United States can effectively and immediately raise the recognition accuracy.

The second part of Washington's hidden agenda also concerns with the X band radar: If deployed, THAAD could help the U.S. army to collect radar data of warheads and decoys of China and Russia's strategic missiles by monitoring their experiments, thus enable the United States to neutralize their nuclear deterrence.

For all that, deploying THAAD in South Korea to encounter the so-called "missile threat" from a "rogue state" is yet another self-directed and self-acted Hollywood-style drama of Uncle Sam. What lies under the savior's costume is clear and simple -- his strategic anxiety and sateless appetite for supremacy and upper hand.

Related:

Commentary: New Cold War looms large in North East Asia as Seoul accepts THAAD

by Xinhua writer Liu Chang

BEIJING, July 29 (Xinhua) -- A new Cold War is looming large in Northeast Asia as Washington insists on installing an anti-missile shield in South Korea, a provocative move that could further split the region, trigger a fresh arms race and crush hopes of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.
TOKYO, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Japanese electronics maker Panasonic announced on Friday a slump of 63.5 percent in its April-June group net profit, which once again shows that Japan's traditional electronics firms are facing a difficult time.

Panasonic Corp. reported a group net profit of 21.74 billion yen (213 million U.S. dollars) for the three months ending in June, down from 59.56 billion yen (584 million U.S. dollars) a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the company said its operating profit tumbled 12.6 percent to 66.93 billion yen (656 million U.S. dollars) in the first quarter of 2016 as sales dropped 5.9 percent to 1.75 trillion yen (17.15 billion U.S. dollars).

The serious losses Panasonic experienced are not an isolated case. Early this month, Chinese electronics giant Lenovo acquired 44 percent of NEC Lenovo Japan Group's stocks, according to media reports.

Nippon Electric Company (NEC), once the biggest PC supplier in Japan, declared a plan to build up a joint venture with Lenovo in 2011. However, the new group failed to rid NEC of the successive losses for years, and now 95 percent of its stocks have been in Lenovo's hand.

Another former Japanese electronics giant, Sharp Corp., revealed recently its group net loss of 27.5 billion yen (269.5 million U.S. dollars) in the first half of 2016, including an operating loss of 2.5 billion yen (24.5 million U.S. dollars).

Its turnover fell 32 percent to 510.2 billion yen (5 billion U.S. dollars) year on year in the January-June period, the company said.

Founded in 1912, the Japanese multinational firm of electronics and household appliance launched several products labeled as "the first one in Japan" and even "the first one in the world."

However, it cannot escape the fate of being annexed. Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., a Taiwan-based electronics giant, bought 66 percent of Sharp's stocks for 388.8 billion yen (3.8 billion U.S. dollars) in March 30, according to Japanese media.

What's more, Toshiba Corp., Sharp's fellow sufferer, also sold off its 80.1 percent of stocks at a price of 51.4 billion yen (504 million U.S. dollars) on June 30 to Midea Group, a Chinese electrical appliance manufacturer, Beijing Times reported.

Toshiba, a 140-year-old brand, which made Japan's first television, refrigerator and washing machine, has reported design flaws at least three times since 2008.

The company suffered from a widening loss after a net loss of nearly 37.8 billion yen (370 million U.S. dollars) in 2014, due to ineffective operation, unsatisfactory after-sales service and current fiscal scandal.

All in all, these renowned electronics firms, once being the engines of Japan's economic growth, have witnessed declining sales, huge losses and even annexation, as a result of the yen's appreciation, lack of innovation, insufficient service and mismanagement.
WASHINGTON, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Separate shooting incidents occurred in the Texas capital of Austin, causing "multiple victims," local police said on Twitter early Sunday.

Local media reported that one people has been killed.
JERUSALEM, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday criticized France for donating money to "anti-Israel" groups.

At the start of his weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu addressed recent media reports, according to which the French government is mulling to ban foreign financing of French mosques in the wake of the recent terror attacks.

"This sounds familiar to us. We are also disturbed by such donations to organizations that deny the State of Israel's right to exist," he said.

Netanyahu said he had requested a preliminary check into this matter. The inquiry found financial support from France and other unnamed European countries for several organizations that engage in "incitement, call for a boycott of Israel and do not recognize the State of Israel's right to exist," he said.

Netanyahu said he intends to order a full investigation and submit the findings to the French government. "We will discuss this with them because terror is terror everywhere and incitement is incitement," he said.

Several anti-occupation organizations in Israel support a boycott of produce from the Jewish settlements in the West Bank, a territory occupied by Israel in 1967 and considered by the Palestinians as part of their future independent state.

Over the past years, the Israeli government passed several laws against rights groups and organizations that struggle against the occupation.

On July 12, the parliament approved a controversial bill that targets groups that receive more than half of their funding from overseas governments or bodies like the European Union.

Under the new legislation, these organizations will be required to state foreign funding they received in their annual financial reports.

In practice, it will affect almost only left-wing and human rights organizations because right-wing groups almost always rely on local donations.

Netanyahu's words also came amidst efforts by France to hold a peace conference by the end of this year to start the stalled Israel-Palestinian negotiations, which reached an impasse in 2014.
MANILA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Philippine military and police have ordered their respective troops to be on high alert and work to neutralize all threats to national security after President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the unilateral declaration of ceasefire with the leftist rebels.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Ricardo Visaya said Sunday the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) has missed "a golden opportunity" to manifest its commitment to the attainment of peace.

He said Duterte's earlier declaration of unilateral truce could have silenced the guns and hastened development, especially in the countryside.

The leftist rebel leadership did not meet the ultimatum issued by Duterte that it declared its own truce until 5:00 p.m. local time on Saturday.

The president made the ultimatum after the NPA rebels attacked a group of militiamen on July 27 in northern province of Davao del Norte, killing one and wounding four others.

He became irked that the ambush took place even if he already declared a truce on July 25 during his first State of the Nation Address.

He said the rebels failed to show good faith.

"I am ordering all our forces to resume their normal mandated tasks and work to neutralize all threats to national security, protect the citizenry, enforce the laws and maintain peace in the land," Visaya said.

PNP Director General Ronald Dela Rosa also issued a separate memorandum to the policemen nationwide withdrawing the suspension of offensive police operation against the rebels.

He directed the law enforcers to be on high alert.

Peace adviser Jesus Dureza, meanwhile, said that with what transpired from July 25 until July 30 when the CPP-NPA-NDF leaders failed to reciprocate the truce, "it is very clear that the president walked the extra mile for peace."

"And no doubt, he will still continue to do so at any given opportunity," he said.

Dureza said that during the cabinet meeting on Monday, he would make "corresponding recommendations" regarding the peace process with the CPP-NPA-NDF.

The leftist rebels have been waging war against the government for over four decades.
Turkish army soldiers take part in a parade in the northern part of Nicosia, the capital of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), on July 20, 2016 to mark the anniversary of of the Turkish invasion of northern Cyprus. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

ANKARA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1,389 pro-coup soldiers including President Erdogan's military aide were discharged from Turkish Armed Forces, the state Official Gazette announced on Sunday.

According to state-run Anadolu Agency, the discharged personnel include Col. Ali Yazici, former aide to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan; Lt. Col. Levent Turkkan, former aide to Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar.

Out of the total 1,389 names dismissed, 1,196 serve in Turkey's gendarmerie forces.

Under the statutory decree, Turkey's land, naval and air forces are now directly answerable to the Defense Ministry.

In addition, Deputy Prime Ministers and justice, foreign and interior ministers will also be included to the Supreme Military Council (YAS).

The decree also closes all of Turkey's war academies, military high schools that train non-commissioned officers, which will be replaced by a new university called the National Defense University under the Defense Ministry.

Meanwhile, the decree assigns Ankara's Gulhane Military Medical Academy and military hospitals across Turkey under the Health Ministry.

The new dismissals follow a previous post-coup expulsion of 1,684 military personnel, including 149 generals and admirals.

A total of 8,651 soldiers took part in the failed coup attempt of July 15, making up 1.5 percent of the military's total personnel, the Turkish General Staff announced.

Related:

Spotlight: Turkey brushes off U.S. playing down coup purge as damage to IS fight
Two suicide attacks hit Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in the capital city of Mogadishu on July 31, 2016. (Xinhua/Faisal Isse)

MOGADISHU, July 31 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and several others were injured on Sunday in twin car bomb blasts at the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in the capital city of Mogadishu.

Police said the blasts hit the gate of the CID headquarters before militants stormed the building. Spontaneous gunfire could be heard.

Two suicide attacks hit Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in the capital city of Mogadishu on July 31, 2016. (Xinhua/Faisal Isse)

The militant group Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group, fighting against the Somali government, frequently stages attacks in Mogadishu.

"There were two huge bombings near Somali's Criminal Investigations Department. I have seen black smoke rising from the place," Jamal Omar, an eye witness, told Xinhua.

Two suicide attacks hit Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in the capital city of Mogadishu on July 31, 2016. (Xinhua/Faisal Isse)

The death toll could rise, Abdirashid Hamud, a police officer at the scene told Xinhua by phone. The CID headquarters is located alongside on a busy road.

Al-Shabaab, which literally means "The Youth" or "The Youngsters" in Arabic, is a terrorist group based in East Africa. The militant group battles with the U.N.-backed government in Somalia, and has carried out a string of attacks in neighboring Kenya.

Two suicide attacks hit Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in the capital city of Mogadishu on July 31, 2016. (Xinhua/Faisal Isse)

Allied to al-Qaeda, the group has been pushed out of most of the main towns it once controlled, but it remains a potent threat to peace and stability in the region.
SACRAMENTO, Calif.Former adult performer Derrick Burts, who has close ties to AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and frequently appears with AHF president Michael Weinstein on the rostrum at their press conferences, has today filed a petition seeking to force Acting State Printer Kevin Hannah to delete several of the arguments against Prop 60 made by Californians Against Worker Harassment and other adult personalities from the official California state informational ballot booklet which is sent to voters.

Burts claims that at least three statements scheduled to be included in the official documents are false and/or misleading. But as someone who has reported on and closely followed the development of this proposition over the past months, I offer an informed view that the statements are in fact nothing of the sort.

Specifically, Burts claims that the statement "Prop 60 allow ANYONE in California to sue adult film producers, violate their privacy and weaken safety standards" should be removed from the official Ballot Measure Summary. However, Prop 60 is clear that if the California Division of Occupational Safety & Health (Cal/OSHA) declines to press charges within 21 days against an adult producer (including producer/performers) who produces a sexually explicit feature or scene shot in California, then indeed ANYONE in the state can sue that producer under what has been termed the "Private Attorney General" statute.

Further, if such lawsuits are filed by private citizens, those actions would force the performers involved to reveal their legal names in order to challenge the suits, thus opening them to violence by anti-porn activists and stalkers. Moreover, since the Proposition contains no specific requirements regarding testing of performers for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but merely mandates the use of condoms and other "Engineering controls and work practice controls" which, according to definitions in the California Health Code include rubber gloves, goggles and face shields, the Proposition provides significantly less safety for performers than the currently mandated 14-day testing procedure and the PASS system.

Burts is also suing State Sen. Mark Leno, Dr. Mark Gladstein and Valley Industry & Commerce Assn. VP Jessica Yasukochi for their statements against the Proposition, claiming that the entirely factual statments that the Proposition "will cost taxpayers 'tens of millions of dollars'" (even though the state's Legislative Analyst recentlyand incorrectlydeleted the "tens of" from his own statement), and that their statement that the above-mentioned "citizen lawsuits" allow citizens to file suit "directly against adult film performers; on-set crew and even cable and satellite television companies who distribute the films. Even injured performers can be sued directly by anyone. No other worker in California can be sued this way" are somehow inaccurate. Simply put, that is horseshit. One need only read the Proposition to see that.

Burts asserts that it isn't the case that the "named proponent"aka AHF president Michael Weinstein"cannot be fired" except by a vote of both Houses of the California Legislature. Then what does he think the Proposition's clause, which reads in part, "the proponent shall not be considered an 'at-will' employee of the State of California, but the Legislature shall have the authority to remove the proponent from his agency role by a majority vote of each house of the Legislature when 'good cause' exists to do so, as that term is defined by California case law" means?

Burts also claims that the statement "Married couples who film in their own homes can be sued" is false, but again, Burts has willfuly misread the Proposition; they absolutely can be sued if the married couple releases their footage commercially.

Finally, Burts' Petition goes after adult performers Chanel Preston and Nina Hartleyperhaps not coincidentally, revealing those performers real names (Ed Note: Preston and Hartley's legal names are included in their letter for the voter guide,which will be sent to all voting households in the state),as would also be the case if citizens sued them for lack of condom useand former Cal/OSHA Standards Board Chair Jere Ingram as signatories to the statement "Is it a surprise that this special interest group [AHF] will also profit from the proposition? They will be given authority to file countless lawsuits against workers in adult films and can pocket the special fines. Every on-set worker could be sued."

Considering AHF's track record in lending its own legal staff, free of charge, to the lawsuit against the Adult Industry Medical (AIM) Healthcare Foundation by two former performers regarding alleged violation of their medical privacy rights, no one in his/her right mind would doubt that if Prop 60 passes, AHF would make those same legal services available to citizens who sue adult producers over the Prop 60 requirements.

The entire Petition can be read here.

Although Burts is the technical Petitioner here, there can be little doubt who is actually behind the lawsuit, what with AIDS Healthcare having put out a press release championing the action.

"The California Voter Guide is an official state document that millions of California voters rely on for accurate information about ballot measures," said Rick Taylor, identified in the AHF press release as Yes on Prop 60's lead campaign consultant. "As such, it is incumbent upon state officials to ensure that the materials provided by both supporters and opponents of ballot measures are truthful, fair and accurate. The language in question submitted to the Secretary of State by the adult film industry and the Free Speech Coalition misrepresents several significant parts of Proposition 60that it will potentially cost the state 'tens of millions in state and local tax revenue,' and that it will allow every Californian to sue any adult film performer and obtain and expose their true identities and personal information. Interestingly, the language submitted by opponents in their three opposition arguments regarding Proposition 60 never once mention the word 'condom.'"

Well, Rick, perhaps that's because the signatories believe the main purposes of Prop 60, aside from harassing the adult industry, is to set Michael Weinstein up with a California state job for life.

For more on this controversy, see AHF's fraudulent attempt to claim that adult performers support Prop 60 here.

UPDATE: Eric Paul Leue, executive director of Free Speech Coalition, issued the following statement on the lawsuit:

"The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, proponent of Prop. 60, has filed a lawsuit in Sacramento Superior Court in an attempt to intimidate the Coalition for Worker Harassment, the adult film performers who oppose Prop. 60, and the growing coalition against the measure. The lawsuit asks the court to delete any reference to the lawsuit provisions in Prop. 60 that we have described in our argument that will be included in the Official Voter Guide. Voters deserve to know the truth about Prop. 60. This lawsuit is a desperate political tactic to prevent voters from finding out that Prop. 60 allows any resident of California to sue adult film performers, even when the State of California does not find a violation of law. It is ironic that AHF has resorted to filing a lawsuit to prevent voters from finding out what's in the initiative. A lawsuit to conceal that the initiative will result in a lawsuit bonanza. Clever."

UPDATE 2: AVN's thanks to L.A. Weekly's Dennis Romero for confirming that although it only lists his namer as the Petitioner, the Mandamus petition was filed not only by Burts, but also "other backers of Proposition 60"; i.e., AIDS Healthcare Foundationyet another nail in the coffin of their illegal overspending on politics for a non-profit.
By Sportswriter Lin Deren and Yao Youming

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Few people has more Olympic experience than Ross Baxter, a Canadian pin-collector starting his new Olympic tour in Rio.

The 78-year-old Canadian looks young for his age. With his collections by foot, he smiles to everyone passing by, expecting any possible precious.

He has been doing that for almost 30 years.

"I was a volunteer in Calgary Winter Games," said Baxter. "I started collecting pins in 1988, and I can't stop doing that."

There is still one week before the opening of the Rio Games, so there are only a limited number of collectors appearing by the exit of MPC.

"Pin collectors, there wasn't many in Calgary, London bigger, Beijing, huge!" said Baxter, who aims to get one pin from each media and each NOC.

The Beijing Olympics is the most impressive one to Baxter. He stayed five weeks in Beijing. Two weeks for pin trading, three for walking around the city.

"The Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, marvelous," Baxter said.

He expanded his collection in Beijing, and the view and food there left a great mark in his memory.

"There are many Chinese living in Canada, and there are many Chinese restaurants, but the food is not as good as that in Beijing," Baxter said.

Baxter can speak a little Chinese, but not quite enough for ordering food in Beijing.

"Many of restaurants have English menus, but more often we look at the pictures," said Baxter. "As long as we know it's beef, chicken or pork, we are OK with them."

Besides food, Baxter is a big fan of Chinese beer. "After one day of trading pins, we go for beers. Very very good Chinese beer, and not very expensive," he said.

Baxter is looking forward to more Games. Pin-collecting can bring people to many places, and he is just enjoying it.

In 2022, the Winter Olympics will be staged in Beijing, and Baxter will be 84.

"I will go to Beijing in 2022, as long as I'm alive," he said.
A file photo of Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Sun Baohong (2nd Row, 1st R) visiting a Huawei ICT center in Accra, capital of Ghana, Dec. 17, 2014. (Xinhua/Lin Xiaowei)

ACCRA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Sun Baohong, on Tuesday called on young Ghanaian graduates to help strengthen the already existing friendship between Ghana and China.

She said Ghanaian graduates who studied in China were a group of elites in the country who have wide knowledge and deep understanding of China and must shoulder the responsibility to let Ghanaians understand the real China.

The ambassador was speaking to young Ghanaians at a ceremony to officially inaugurate the China-Ghana Graduates Association (CGGA) in Accra.

The CGGA is a society of dynamic and forward-thinking Ghanaians who have had the opportunity to study in China or are planning to pursue an education in China or interested in learning and gaining insights into the Chinese society, culture and socio-economic development.

"CGGA is a fledgling now, but looking into the future, it will become a mainstay of advancing the traditional friendship and cooperation in various fields between China and Ghana," Sun said, while stressing on the need for both governments to support the group.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, said it was incumbent on the current generation to build on the relationship between Ghana and China.

"And I am happy that today we have a wonderful young men and women deciding to even bridge the gap further, make it closer, tighter and stronger than before," he said.

The president of the association, Charles Mawuenyega, said the group's vision "is to create, connect and promote a network of Ghanaian and Chinese graduates who are committed to promoting a mutually beneficial relationship between both countries and Africa in general."
Turkish army soldiers take part in a parade in the northern part of Nicosia, the capital of the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), on July 20, 2016 to mark the anniversary of of the Turkish invasion of northern Cyprus. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

ANKARA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1,389 pro-coup soldiers including President Erdogan's military aide were discharged from Turkish Armed Forces, the state Official Gazette announced on Sunday.

According to state-run Anadolu Agency, the discharged personnel include Col. Ali Yazici, former aide to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan; Lt. Col. Levent Turkkan, former aide to Chief of General Staff Gen. Hulusi Akar.

Out of the total 1,389 names dismissed, 1,196 serve in Turkey's gendarmerie forces.

Under the statutory decree, Turkey's land, naval and air forces are now directly answerable to the Defense Ministry.

In addition, Deputy Prime Ministers and justice, foreign and interior ministers will also be included to the Supreme Military Council (YAS).

The decree also closes all of Turkey's war academies, military high schools that train non-commissioned officers, which will be replaced by a new university called the National Defense University under the Defense Ministry.

Meanwhile, the decree assigns Ankara's Gulhane Military Medical Academy and military hospitals across Turkey under the Health Ministry.

The new dismissals follow a previous post-coup expulsion of 1,684 military personnel, including 149 generals and admirals.

A total of 8,651 soldiers took part in the failed coup attempt of July 15, making up 1.5 percent of the military's total personnel, the Turkish General Staff announced.
MANILA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is still determined to pursue peace talks with the communist rebels despite the lifting of the unilateral ceasefire, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said on Sunday.

"It is very clear that the the president walked the extra mile for peace. And no doubt, he will still continue to do so at any given opportunity,"Dureza said in a statement.

He said that he would make recommendations during the cabinet meeting on Monday on how to move the talks forward.

The Communist Party of the Philippines announced Sunday its plan to declare a unilateral ceasefire next month as it urged the government to push through with the scheduled peace talks in Oslo, Norway on Aug. 20.

"To further support peace negotiations, the CPP is willing to issue a unilateral ceasefire declaration separately but simultaneously with the Duterte government on Aug. 20. The time-frame can be determined through negotiations,"the CPP said in a statement.

Dureza said in a statement Sunday that the CPP move, albeit delayed,"is a welcome development."

"It affirms the value of the (Duterte's) firm actions for peace. This is what we have been waiting for,"Dureza said. The negotiating panels of both the government and the rebels are scheduled to resume formal talks in Oslo during August 20 to 27.

The CPP statement came almost a day after President Rodrigo Duterte revoked Saturday night a week-old truce with the communist rebels after the insurgents attacked militiamen in Davao del Norte that resulted in the death of a militia man.

Duterte demanded that the rebels also declare a truce as a result of the incident but the rebels failed to meet the 5 p.m. final deadline Duterte imposed Saturday.

In the wake of his order to lift the unilateral ceasefire, Duterte also ordered"all security forces to be on heightened alert" and resumed their mandate"to neutralize all threats to national security."

The CPP added"At this point, the CPP reiterates its full support for the resumption of the NDFP-GRP (National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines) peace negotiations as a means of discussing the roots of the armed conflict."

The CPP said "it expects the Duterte government to make good its promise to release all peace consultants of NDFP as well as all political prisoners arrested and detained" under the administrations of former Presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno Aquino.

"As earlier planned, the negotiations panels of the NDFP and the (government) can thereafter exchange these defalcations in order to discuss points for cooperation and coordination and determine ways of preventing armed skirmishes, misunderstandings and miscommunications during the course of the peace talks,"the CPP said.

Both the government and the communist rebels have expressed optimism that formal peace talks to end the decades-old communist insurgency will push trough in spite of President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to trash a week-old truce, saying they are looking forward to the Aug. 20 Oslo meeting.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the CPP's armed wing, the New Peoples'Army, has an estimated 4,000 members. They have been fighting the government since 1969 in one of Asia's longest-running insurgencies.

The government has been attempting to forge peace with with the rebels since 1986 but the on-and-off talks have faltered many times since.
DUBAI, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been listed as top Arab country in the e-smart services index of the E-Government Development Index ( EGDI), issued by the United Nations Department of Economics and Social Affairs, state news agency WAM said Sunday.

The current ranking consolidates the UAE's regional leadership in the e-services index, ranking first place in the Gulf Arab region, the Arab World and the West Asian region.

The UAE ranks in joint eighth place globally with the Republic of Estonia. The EGDI is used to determine growth in e-government development.

The report also showed that the UAE is listed among the world's leading countries in terms of the level of progress in e-governance, said WAM.

The UAE is also among the world's leading countries in terms of e-participation. Residents and tourists in the UAE can pay public services like parking tickets or visa renewals with their smart phones and they can leave and re-enter the country through airports.

Hamad Obaid Al-Mansoori, Director-General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, TRA, said the UAE was coming close to its goal of being number one in the world. "Today, we are ranked in eighth place and we look forward to being ranked first place in 2021. This is not an option, but a commitment for us to achieve and live up to."

Al-Mansoori added "Our journey to get to first place in the Smart Services Index is only one of the tests that seeks to demonstrate how worthy we are of belonging to the UAE."
ANKARA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Three Turkish soldiers were killed and two others injured in an attack by the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) in northeastern Turkish province of Ordu on Sunday, Dogan News Agency reported.

According to a report from the army, the gendarmerie squad in Mesudiye District Ordu was attacked by PKK militants at noon time on Sunday, leaving three soldiers killed and two others injured.

Over 500 members of Turkish security forces and thousands of PKK members have been killed in confrontations inside Turkey and in northern Iraq since last July.

More than 40,000 people have lost their lives in clashes with the PKK since 1984, when the group first started anti-government attacks.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union and Turkey.
By Ray Ankomah

ACCRA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Until quite recently in Ghana, women make up less than 11 percent of Ghana's 275-memeber parliament and hold only about 23 percent of ministerial positions.

The Northern Regional Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has expressed fears that women's representation in the Tamale Metropolis and Sagnarigu District will continue to remain poor as a result of negative practices and perceptions against women.

It said some cultural practices, inferiority complex, and religious impediments were some problems that affected women's participation in the District Level Elections in the Sagnarigu District and the Tamale Metropolis.

Alhaji Abdul-Razak Saani, Northern Regional Director of the NCCE, expressed the fears in Tamale early this year when he disseminated findings of a research conducted by the Northern Regional Office of the NCCE on the "District Assembly System and Gender in the Tamale Township: Implications for the Local Elections."

Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minster Hannah Tetteh has described women in parliament as an "endangered species" because their voices hardly affect discourse in the legislature, thereby compromising the quality of legislation passed.

The minister, who was speaking at a forum organized by ABANTU for Development, an NGO, at Dodowa in Greater Accra, cited the delay in the passage of women-related bills as a sign that male parliamentarians were not interested in the welfare of women.

Consequently, many gender advocates of her ilk are pushing for more women to be elected into parliament this year hence their determination to build the capacities of women contesting in the December 7 general election.

This, they claim, remains the best alternative to increasing women's presence in political decision-making positions at both the local and national levels to strengthen the country's democratic dispensation.

The Women's Organizer of the opposition New Patriotic Party, Otiko Afisah Djaba, has similarly called for increased support for women's representation in local assembly elections.

Djaba, in a statement copied local media recently, said women leaders in Ghanaian politics "are endangered species", pointing out that there was "abysmally low" representation in Parliament.

To change this situation, a capacity-building workshop was organized by ABANTU for Development, a non-governmental organization, in collaboration with ActionAid Ghana, in Accra, for 30 female parliamentary aspirants from the Greater Accra, Central, Brong-Ahafo and Western Regions.

A Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Paulina Adobea Dadzawa, who walked the female aspirants through "Ghana's Electoral System and Women's Participation in Elections", called on them to be abreast of the country's electoral laws.

She pointed out that the concerns of women on the need to increase their participation could only be addressed at the party level.

She therefore called on the aspirants to work at ensuring that their political parties created favorable and enabling environment where more women would be at the helm of affairs.

However, Ghana's politics is just too demanding as revealed by previous elections at both party and national levels where delegates make excessive demands of both cash and material things from candidates to influence their voting pattern.

In spite of these factors, some women are making their presence strongly felt in national politics.

It is the expectation of many political observers that this year's general election will see more women elected as members of parliament in their constituencies and grow their numbers with the years.
MANILA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Sunday said it is open to declaring a unilateral truce with the administration of President Duterte who lifted a government ceasefire with the communists on Saturday.

In a statement, the CPP Central Committee said it was willing to declare the ceasefire in support of the peace negations with the government which is due to resume in Oslo, Norte for Aug. 20 to 27.

The CPP said it supports the resumption of the peace talks with the government "as a means of discussing the roots of the armed conflict." Also, it expects the Duterte government to make good its promise to release all their peace consultants and all political prisoners.

"To further support peace negotiations, the CPP is willing to issue a unilateral ceasefire declaration separately but simultaneously with the Duterte government on Aug. 20. The time-frame can be determined through negotiations,"it said.

It said the two sides"can thereafter exchange these declarations in order to discuss points for cooperation and coordination and determine ways of preventing armed skirmishes, misunderstandings and miscommunications during the course of the peace talks."

It said it welcomed the government ceasefire when it was declared by Duterte on July 25."It is too bad that he has withdrawn such an order,"said the CPP, referring to Duterte's lifting of the truce for the failure of the communists to reciprocate it last Saturday.

"We trust, however, that this (lifting) will not affect preparations for formal resumption of peace negotiations scheduled for Aug. 20-27 in Oslo, Norway, nor will it preclude the GRP president from reissuing such a declaration simultaneously with a similar unilateral declaration by the CPP and NPA (New People's Army) on Aug. 20,"the CPP said.

The CPP said the Central Committee had been drafting its interim ceasefire declaration since July 25 to promote the peace negotiations. The statement said it was supposed to announce its reciprocal ceasefire declaration around 8 p.m. but Duterte announced the lifting of the government truce about an hour earlier.

Duterte demanded the communists to reciprocate the government truce on Saturday afternoon. Days earlier, he lashed at the communist movement for ambushing militiamen, who were returning to their base in compliance with the government truce last Wednesday in Davao del Norte. One of the militiamen died and four others were injured.

"It was quite capricious for the GRP(Government of the Republic of the Philippines) president to have imposed such ultimatums of a few hours or several days for the CPP to act in accordance with his whims. It was quite disconcerting that the GRP president would impose such an inflexible ultimatum on the CPP. Despite his anti-crime bravado, it would seem he has shown the drug lords and protectors of criminal syndicates more flexibility and accommodation,"the CPP said.

"It is advisable for the GRP president to exercise a little more prudence and display more measured temperament as a way of appreciating the situation from a broader historical perspective in order to avoid such impulsive acts as imposing ultimatums by the hour on a conflict that has spanned nearly fifty years,"it also said.

The CPP added that there was actually"zero compliance"to the ceasefire on the part of the AFP.

"Its (AFP) public expression of support for the ceasefire declaration was not reflected on the ground. Not a single AFP command ordered its troops withdrawn back to their barracks,"the CPP said.

Citing a report from the NPA unit involved in the Davao del Norte ambush, the CPP said NPA fighters were" provoked to carry out the ambush as part of its active defense in the face of an imminent armed encounter with the operating armed troops and auxiliary forces of the 72nd IB (infantry battalion) of the AFP."

The NPA, the armed front of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front, has been waging war against the government for over four decades.

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.
HARARE, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has refuted allegations that he wants to topple President Robert Mugabe who has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from Britain in 1980.

In his first public comment since the accusations started some few years ago, the VP who has been in Mugabe's government since 1980, said he would always be loyal and stand by Mugabe.

"I re-affirm and pledge as in the past, to defend and stand by the person and legacy of His Excellency, the President and First Secretary of our tried and tested revolutionary party," Mnangagwa said in a speech published by the state-run Sunday Mail newspaper on Sunday.

He continued: "I have in no way, either by acts of commission or omission, sought to arrogate power and authority to myself, away from His Excellency the President and First Secretary, Cde R.G Mugabe."

Mnangagwa's comment comes after Mugabe last week challenged him to rebut the allegations if they are untrue.

Mugabe made the challenge at a meeting with party supporters and after one of his ministers openly accused Mnangagwa of fanning factionalism and trying to usurp power from Mugabe.

In his speech, Mnangagwa rubbished the accusations as "unfounded, unproven and blatant lies" and said those propagating the lies were bent on tarnishing his image.

He also denied accusations that he formed and leads a faction called "Lacoste" that is fighting it out with another faction known as G40 to succeed Mugabe.

Mugabe's party has been rocked by intense infighting in recent years as senior members try to position themselves to succeed him when he eventually leaves power.

Mugabe, who has said he will seek re-election in the 2018 elections when he will be 94, fired his deputy of 10 years Joice Mujuru in 2015 over allegations that she also wanted to topple him from power.

Some former freedom fighters recently attacked Mugabe for poor leadership and urged him to step down.

However, Mugabe has said he will not resign unless if asked to so by his Zanu-PF party.
by Justice Lee Adoboe

ACCRA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Speakers at the just ended Ghana-China Investment Forum have called for the creation of an enabling environment for Chinese industrial concerns to relocate manufacturing plants to Ghana and the West African sub-region.

China's Ambassador to Ghana Sun Baohong pointed out that Ghana and China needed first to strengthen exchanges of ideas, especially since China had, after years of exploration and practice, found a development path that conformed to its national conditions.

"While creating world-renowned development miracle, China has also formed and accumulated abundant advanced ideas on development. China is ready to enhance exchanges of experiences on governance with Ghana to learn from each other, jointly build up our capacity," she noted.

She said as Ghana strived for industrialization and agricultural modernization to transform the economy to add value to its products, China was willing under the framework of FOCAC to support the West African country to reach those goals.

"China is willing to, under the framework of FOCAC, focus more on the requirements of Ghana, explore multiple ways of cooperation, make full use of the tool of investment, vigorously participate in Ghana's industrialization, agricultural modernization," she added.

President John Dramani Mahama and his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, held a bilateral meeting at the Johannesburg Summit of FOCAC in December 2015, pledging to consolidate bilateral traditional friendship.

Bilateral trade between Ghana and China in 2015 grew to 6.6 billion U.S. dollars, up 18.2 percent on year-on-year basis and ranked sixth in that part of Africa. China's non-financial direct investment inflows into Ghana hit 174 million U.S. dollars.

Commending China for locating the West African office of the China Africa Development Fund (CADFUND) in Ghana, Vice-President of Ghana, Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, noted that after receiving investments into the extractive sector over the decades, Ghana was now looking to attracting investments into the agro-industrial sector.

"We have introduced an industrial policy to encourage the growth, diversification, upgrading and competitiveness of the manufacturing sector."

He argued that Ghana could do better than placing sixth among African countries in their trade with China while placing fourth in investment from China.
BARCELONAThe newest brainchild from Blacked.com and Tushy.com creator Greg Lansky officially launches today with the inaugural offering of "Library Girl" Kendra Sunderland's first-ever boy/girl scene.

Vixen.com, as the new site is dubbed, provided an invitation-only preview of its fare beginning Tuesday, in the form of a three-way scene between 2016 AVN Best New Starlet nominee Megan Rain and Male and Female Performer of the Year winners Mick Blue and Riley Reid.

Blue also serves as the male talent in the scene debuting today with Sunderland, who shot to fame after a webcam video of her pleasuring herself in the Oregon State University library went viral. Sunderland garnered worldwide media attention for the stunt, and has since become one of the world's most popular webcam models.

"Greg and his team's professionalism and hospitality far exceeded any expectation I could've possibly had," Sunderland said of shooting for Vixen. "I was treated like a princess the entire time and had such an incredible experiencethis was my first time on camera with a partner! I'm honored Greg chose my first scene to be the debut of Vixen.com and I'm also excited to see it."

Offered Lanksy, "I am thrilled that Kendra is inaugurating the public launch of Vixen.com. In very little time, her fearless personality has made her one of the most popular names in the adult industry. Kendra is committed, genuine and so inspiring to work with. Her beauty inside and out completely resonates with our brand. I was very impressed by her performance and I know our members will be as well. There will definitely be a lot more collaborations between us in the future."

Speaking on the success of his brands and his team over the past year, Lansky added, "The brands have truly attracted a fantastic and talented group of people who refused to create cheap, boring adult films. Without the belief of our team that we could create a successful studio, the adult industry might not be where it is today. I am so proud of our little company and that our unique films and brands have won every major adult award, 16 alone this year. It's humbling. We also did something almost unimaginable in times of free porn and rampant piracy: Our studios won the hearts and fierce loyalty of fans around the worldpeople love Blacked and Tushy. We are still in the very early stages but through transparency and constant communication with our audience we intend to do the exact same with Vixen."

See the trailer for Kendra Sunderland's Vixen.com scene here.
Turkish army soldiers standing guard as Kurdish people wait in a hope to enter Cizre, a town subject to a curfew as part of a controversial operation against Kurdish rebels, in Mardin, for Newroz celebration. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

ANKARA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Three Turkish soldiers were killed and two others injured in an attack by the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) in northeastern Turkish province of Ordu on Sunday, Dogan News Agency reported.

According to a report from the army, the gendarmerie squad in Mesudiye District Ordu was attacked by PKK militants at noon time on Sunday, leaving three soldiers killed and two others injured.

Over 500 members of Turkish security forces and thousands of PKK members have been killed in confrontations inside Turkey and in northern Iraq since last July.

More than 40,000 people have lost their lives in clashes with the PKK since 1984, when the group first started anti-government attacks.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union and Turkey.
NEW DELHI, July 31 (Xinhua) -- A local court in India's capital city New Delhi has convicted film director Mahmood Farooqui of raping a 30-year-old researcher from U.S., officials said Sunday.

Farooqui, who was out on bail, was arrested on Saturday immediately after the court verdict.

"The judge held Farooqui guilty of rape under Indian law," an official said. "The judge said decision on the sentence would be announced on Aug. 2."

The researcher from Columbia University last year filed a rape case against filmmaker saying he sexually assaulted her at his house in south Delhi last year, when she had gone to get his help for her research work. Farooqui was immediately arrested but later on granted bail in the case after a seven-month imprisonment.

Farooqui co-directed a known film "Peepli Live" along with his wife Anusha Rizvi. The film depicted problems of farmers in India and was centred around the theme of farmer suicides and the subsequent media and political response. The film was acclaimed internationally.

Farooqui had denied the allegations, saying he was falsely implicated.

India introduced tough new anti-rape laws after Dec. 2002 fatal gang-rape of a medical student in New Delhi, which brought spotlight on crimes against women in India.

As per new law, the punishment for rape is a minimum jail term for seven years and in extreme cases may extend to imprisonment for life, and shall also be liable to fine.
LAGOS, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria is at war with hunger, poverty and malnutrition in restive northeastern states following the activities of Boko Haram in the area, an official has said.

Senator Ali Ndume, who is representing Borno South Senatorial zone, disclosed this on Saturday after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, the nation's capital city.

"We are crying out, we are looking up to you to help us in the northeast particularly, in Borno, the aftermath of the insurgency, which is almost over, is the issue of hunger, poverty and malnutrition," he added.

"For three years our people who mostly depended on subsistence farming, did not go to their farms, and government alone cannot feed the whole North East or Borno state alone, and that is our greatest challenge," the Senator said.

He appealed to well-meaning individuals, non-governmental agencies and the international community to help address the situation in the North East.

According to him, current efforts by the government to tackle insurgency had been yielding positive results, adding that immediate measures should be taken by stakeholders to ameliorate the suffering of the people in the zone.

The senator told reporters that the fight against Boko Haram, with the determination and seriousness from this government, is almost over.

The Borno State has been a stronghold of the extremist group Boko Haram and has been frequently raided in the past six years. In past months, The Nigerian government has launched several military operations to eliminate the terrorist threat.

Boko Haram, which seeks to impose strict Islamic law in northern Nigeria, has been blamed for some 20,000 deaths and displacing of more than 2.6 million people since 2009.
LAGOS, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's northeast Borno state will mobilize additional security for aid workers in the state following Thursday's suspected terrorists attack on a convoy of a UN Humanitarian mission near Maiduguri, an official said Sunday.

Addressing a news conference in Maiduguri, the restive northeast Borno capital, the state deputy governor, Mamman Durkwa, said government was disturbed about the incident.

"We are going to collaborate with all security agencies to mobilize additional security for aid workers in the state to prevent recurrence of what happened on Thursday," he added.

Durkwa said he had held meetings with officials of the UN Sub-Office in Maiduguri on the issue.

The deputy governor condemned media reports on suspension of aid work by the UN office in the state over the incident.

"I met the UN officials and they told me that the attack would not deter them from doing their humanitarian work," Dukwa said.

He said the officials never contemplated leaving the state as reported in the media.
JERUSALEM, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Israeli security forces said they shot and killed a Palestinian knifeman who attempted to stab soldiers at a West Bank checkpoint on Sunday.

"An assailant armed with a knife exited his vehicle and charged soldiers at the entrance to Nablus," a military spokesperson said in a statement sent to Xinhua.

According to the spokesperson, the troops responded with live fire, killing the suspect at the site.

The incident was the latest in a wave of violence which started in mid-September and has claimed the lives of at least 219 Palestinians and 34 Israelis.

Israel accuses the Palestinian National Authority of "inciting" attacks against Israelis. The Palestinians say the violence is the result of more than 49 years of occupation of their lands and accuse Israel of excessive use of force, resulting in the killing of Palestinians who posed no danger to the Israeli forces.
KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Six Taliban militants were killed and three others injured as war planes targeted a convoy of Taliban fighters in the northern Kunduz province on Sunday, a provincial police official said.

"Acting upon intelligence report, the aircraft raided Taliban convoy in Qala-e-Zal district today around noon killing six rebels on the spot and injured three others," police chief Mohammad Qasim Jangalbagh told Xinhua.

Two Taliban vehicles were also destroyed in the strikes, the official said.

Taliban militants are yet to make comment on the report.

The strategically important Qala-e-Zal district along the border with Tajikistan has been the scene of fierce fighting between government forces and Taliban militants over the past couple of weeks.
LAGOS, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government is establishing rehabilitation centers in the six geopolitical zones of the country for women affected by violence of all kinds, an official said Sunday.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Aisha Alhassan, disclosed this in Jalingo, the northeast Taraba state while highlighting the achievements of the Buhari Administration in the last one year.

She said the move was aimed at checking the increasing cases of abuse of women's rights in the country and catering for those already affected.

She said the ministry was also pushing for the enactment of relevant acts that criminalized violence against women and children in all the 36 states of the federation.

Alhassan said she was in Taraba on an official assignment to donate to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the less privileged as part of her ministry's mandate to enhance social development.

She called on the people of the state to be patient with, support and pray for the government to enable it to fix the country for a brighter future.
TIRANA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- One was killed and four wounded as the prison of Shenkoll in the city of Lezha, north of Albania, was engulfed by a fire on Saturday, police sources reported.

The police said that the fire broke up inside one of the prisoners cells and then it spread even to the second floor.

The police sources said one person was reported dead while four others were seriously wounded although the prison guards moved the prisoners to other premises.

The four wounded prisoners were sent to the hospital for more treatment.

Police said the investigations are underway to find who set the fire. Enditem
Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan addresses a reception held by the Ministry of National Defense to celebrate the 89th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Beijing, capital of China, July 31, 2016. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- China firmly adheres to peaceful development and a defensive defense policy, Defense Minister Chang Wanquan said at a reception celebrating the 89th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Sunday, a day ahead of China's Army Day.

The reception, presided over by Chang, hosted guests from all branches of the Chinese army, government bodies and foreign embassies, as well as representatives of veterans, retired army officials and relatives of heroes.

Stressing that the Chinese military will firmly safeguard state sovereignty, national security and development interests, Chang said in his opening remarks that territorial integrity and maritime rights and interests will be defended.

"We are confident in addressing security threats and provocations," said Chang, adding that the Chinese military will "always stand ready to be called upon and be able to fight and win at request of the nation and its people."

Chang said the PLA has emerged from grueling years of war and is "destined not to fear war, but will definitely cherish peace."

"We want peace, not war; cooperation, not confrontation. This is the common aspiration of people around the world," he said.

He also pledged to stay committed to a national defense policy that is defensive in nature and strengthen participation in global and regional affairs.

"China is willing to provide more public security goods to the international community in areas including the United Nations peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, overseas escort and international disaster relief," he added.

In August 1927, armed forces led by the Communist Party of China held an uprising against warlords. The first day of August was later designated as the PLA's founding day.
TIRANA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Albanian Finance Minister Arben Ahmetaj, in an open letter to the tax administration and inspectors, asked them to be more collaborative with businesses.

The main objective of the awareness raising campaign the ministry is about to launch on Aug. 1 for the vouchers doesn't aim at placing fines and penalizing business but held the taxpayers with modesty and professionalism, the minister said Saturday.

He also urged them that despite the problems they might find during the inspections on the ground, they should bear in mind that business has to be supported and helped.

On the other hand, Ahmetaj announced a very intense campaign for simplifying the tax procedures as a way to facilitate business work and improve the business climate.

The campaign was announced a few weeks ago. It will start from Aug. 1 and it aims at making people aware of the importance of taking the receipt for each product or service they pay.

The campaign will be extended throughout the country with a special focus on tourism areas due to the greater seasonal concentration of businesses and tourists. Enditem
Some people need to pump iron to loosen up; these hot babes nearly work up a sweat in similar fashion as foreplay. Starting with Kendra Lust, who takes advantage of some exercise equipment for sexy stretching, things rapidly heat up. Manuel Ferrara joins her on the mat and they swiftly make their way inside to the couch where, with nary a pause, he dives right in and commences to pound away doggie-style. Following a variety of positions, he gets his across her face, and then returns the favor by fingering her to climax.

Abella Danger, dripping wet from head to toe, discovers that her ass is the path to Jordan Ashs lust; he tongues it and lubes it up and cant wait to make it the only anal scene in this release. Also seen is James Deen, who finds it stimulating to wrap his hands around Lily Loves neck when filling her void from behind, and Staci Carr, who tickles Erik Everhards ... fancy.

Again, the connecting factor is the high-quality and creative beginning of each scene featuring the girls in sexy and erotic exercise attire. BYO towel to dry off afterwards.
JERUSALEM, July 31 -- The Israeli cabinet on Sunday authorized a reshuffle in its line-up of ministers, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.

The ministers authorized the reshuffle of portfolios between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party and the center-right Kulanu party, led by Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, a spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office said.

As part of the reshuffle, Kahlon will receive the Economy Ministry in addition to the Finance Ministry, and the Environmental Protection portfolio, held up until now by Kulanu, will move to the Likud party.

Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Ze'ev Elkin from the Likud will take over as the environmental protection minister. The post was filled in the past by Avi Gabbay from Kulanu, who resigned from the government in May after hawkish Avigdor Lieberman was appointed as defense minister.

Some of the major responsibilities of the Economy Ministry in the field of employment were stripped off from it during negotiations between Netanyahu and Kahlon, and those would transfer to the Welfare Ministry, led by Likud minister Haim Katz.

The reshuffle is a result of an agreement between Netanyahu and Kahlon from May, following Gabbay's resignation from the government, as Kahlon asked for an upgrade in his party's ministries. Enditem
File photo taken on June 27, 2016 shows British Home Secretary Theresa May arriving for a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain. (Xinhua/Han Yan)

LONDON, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The first ever government task force on modern slavery is to be established in Britain, Prime Minister Theresa May announced Sunday.

The move comes on the first anniversary of a Modern Slavery law that May introduced when she was Home Secretary.

May also announced Sunday a 44 million U.S. dollar package from Britain's aid budget to create a five-year international modern slavery and focused on high-risk countries, from where victims are regularly trafficked into Britain.

"It is hard to comprehend that such sickening and inhuman crimes are lurking in the shadows of our country. But the most recent estimates suggest that there are between 10,000 and 13,000 victims in the UK alone and over 45 million across the world," said May.

"From nail bars and car washes to sheds and rundown caravans, people are enduring experiences that are simply horrifying in their inhumanity," she added.

May spoke of one young modern female slave she had met in London, saying: "She had come to England as a student but was forced into prostitution, imprisoned in a house in south London and regularly abused, including being threatened at gunpoint. When she finally escaped to north London, she was picked up by another gang that systematically exploited her and raped many others in a squalid high-street brothel."

She described how vulnerable people travelled long distances believing they were heading for legitimate jobs to find they have been duped, forced into hard labour, and then locked up and abused.

"Innocent individuals are being tricked into prostitution, often by people they thought they could trust. Children are being made to pick-pocket on the streets and steal from cash machines. Others, like a seven-year-old who was found and rescued in London, are held as domestic slaves, while some children are raped, beaten and passed from abuser to abuser for profit," said May.

She said she and her successor as Home Secretary Amber Rudd will hold regular meetings at 10 Downing Street with every relevant government department "to get a real grip of this issue right across Whitehall and to co-ordinate and drive further progress in the battle against this cruel exploitation".

May's Modern Slavery act was the first of its kind in Europe, creating tough new penalties to put slave masters in prison, with life sentences for the worst offenders.

"It has created a vital policing tool to stop anyone convicted of trafficking from travelling to a country where they are known to have exploited vulnerable people in the past," said May.

It has also delivered enhanced protection and support for victims of slavery and a world-leading transparency requirement on businesses to show modern slavery is not taking place in their companies or their supply chains.

These crimes must be stopped and the victims of modern slavery must go free.

"Just because we have some legislation does not mean the problem is solved. So as Prime Minister, I am setting up the first ever government task force on modern slavery," said May.

She commissioned an independent review from slavery-law expert Caroline Haughey, which found that in the first year of the new law there have been 289 modern slavery offences prosecuted and a 40 percent rise in the number of slavery victims identified by the state.

May said Britain's new Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland, the only such commissioner in the world, is critical in Britain's fight to stop criminal gangs exploiting innocent men, women and children.

She said his work has helped uncover criminal gangs creating twinned towns of modern slavery between Britain and other nations.
U.S. Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton (L) watches balloons drop at the end of the 2016 U.S. Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States on July 28, 2016. Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday formally accepted the Democratic Party's nomination for president and pledged more economic opportunities for Americans and "steady leadership." (Xinhua/Li Muzi)

by Matthew Rusling

WASHINGTON, July 31 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is likely to get a bump in the polls as result of the Democratic National Convention, after her Republican rival Donald Trump got ahead of her slightly a week before.

The bounce in the polls is much needed for Clinton team, as the candidate has in recent weeks been dogged by controversy, and the just-concluded convention could put her back on track, experts said.

"I expect her to get a sizable polling bump out of the convention," Darrell West, vice president and director of governance studies of the Brookings Institution, told Xinhua.

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 in the past week outside the convention's venue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Before that, Clinton was already criticized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for being "extremely careless" in handling U.S. intelligence secrets.

The FBI was referring to Clinton's use of a personal email account and a private server located in her home -- instead of a secure government email -- to conduct business as former Secretary of State.

But the convention may have helped take some Americans' eyes off those stumbling blocks. The Clinton campaign made an effort to humanize Clinton and make her seem approachable, as Clinton has always struggled with her public image of appearing to be stiff and robotic in speeches or in debates.

One of her secret weapons in this was husband and former President Bill Clinton, who spoke on her behalf this week, waxing nostalgic about how the couple first met while attending Yale Law School around 40 years ago.

"Clinton made great progress in humanizing herself and presenting herself as a change agent. Both were things she needed to do in order to overcome negative perceptions about her candidacy," West said.

Americans in this election are looking for a candidate who can turn around the lackluster economy, which has not fully recovered from the worst recession since the Great Depression.

Clinton was able to unify the party and contrast her vision for the future against that of Trump by presenting "a positive and optimistic view of America's future" that was very different from Trump's speech about American despair and decline, West said.

Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University, told Xinhua that Clinton is likely to see a bump in the polls after this week' s Democratic convention.

He said that Thursday night's acceptance speech by Clinton confirmed the impression that she has the experience and temperament to handle this job.

This is likely to help her against Trump, who is viewed by critics as hot-headed and not having the right temperament to lead the country.

Clinton's predicted bounce in the polls is expected to help her overcome the uptick for Trump after the July 18-21 Republican National Convention in Ohio, which put him ahead of Clinton by a hair, experts said.
by Naim-Ul-Karim

DHAKA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- More than a week of flooding has claimed at least 14 lives and drove hundreds of thousands of people from their homes in parts of Bangladesh.

An official of the control room under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief in capital Dhaka told Xinhua Sunday that "all the 14 deaths occurred in three northern Bangladesh districts - Jamalpur, Kurigram and Gaibandha."

The official, who declined to be named, said flooding triggered by heavy seasonal rains and onrush of water from hills across the Indian borders has left up to half a million homeless in the northern region of the country that are prone to torrential rains between June and September.

Flood monitoring center in Dhaka said thousands of people were still living in schools, community halls and other relief centers on Sunday.

Floods have caused widespread damage to habitation, crops, roads and highways across vast areas of the country.

Exact damage is yet to be estimated, said the control room official, adding that it would be no less than several billions taka (1 U.S. dollar equals to 79 taka).

TV reports showed villages in the country's north and northeast have gone under up-to-waist-high water. The residents were seen leaving their houses wading through flooded roads or on boats in search for shelter or a dry ground to live temporarily.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday called on individuals and organizations to help the country's flood-hit people with relief materials.

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya Saturday told a press briefing that ample measures have been taken to evacuate people affected by floods along with relief operation on a massive scale.

He said they have taken early precautionary measures amid apprehension that flood water may enter and inundate more new areas.

Officials, however, said on Sunday that water levels could subside in the next few days.

"The overall flood situation in north, north central and north eastern part of the country may likely to improve in next 72 hours," said Sajjad Hossain, executive engineer at Flood Forecasting & Warning Centre of Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB).

Among the 90 monitored water level stations, he said water levels at 46 monitored river stations were found rising while water levels at 39 stations seen falling.

"Water levels at 18 monitored river stations are still flowing above their respective danger marks."

Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman, an official of the control room under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, told Xinhua that flood situation in 16 districts including Bogra, Gaibandha, Rangpur, Kurigram, Kushtia, Sirajganj and Jamalpur in the northern part have been deteriorated, affecting a large number of people.

Plight of millions of people in Bangladesh, criss-crossed by more than 230 rivers, mounts every year as the low-lying South Asian country experiences almost every year seasonal floods whether small or big.

Three months of sustained floods in 1988 left several hundred people dead and caused millions of U.S. dollars in damage.

The country was again ravaged by major flooding in 1998 that left millions homeless and caused huge damage.

Experts said Bangladesh, bordering the Bay of Bengal, has become more vulnerable to climate change-related problems like cyclones, flooding, as its capacity to protect its people and land is feeble.

In 2007, two rounds of floods in Bangladesh killed more than 1,000 people. Enditem
ISLAMABAD, July 31 (Xinhua) -- With an investment of 46 billion U.S. dollars and scores of infrastructure projects, the ongoing construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is undoubtedly one of the largest endeavors now taking place on the planet.

Roads, energy projects, industrial parks and the Gwadar port are all included in the basket, satisfying Pakistan's immediate needs as well as helping the south Asian country get back on its feet after years of anti-terror campaigns wrecked its economy.

Three years after the initiative on the construction of CPEC was jointly announced by China and Pakistan, Xinhua has learned that the project is yielding its early fruits as new roads and power plants have put Pakistan's growth in the first gear.

ELECTRIC POWER

Located 20 km east of Pakistan's largest city of Karachi, the Bin Qasim power plant is one of the pioneer and flagship projects of CPEC planned to begin operating at the end of next year.

The Pakistani government hopes the plant would significantly cut power shortage as both population and economy boom.

In the capital city of Islamabad, there is virtually no supply of electricity for almost half a day, with the rural areas in even worth conditions, supplied by electricity only six hours a day.

The lack of electricity has made the poor vulnerable to extreme heat which smothers the country every summer, and has the manufacturing industry on a leash.

For the coal-fired plant built by PowerChina, the Chinese construction company commissioned to undertake the construction of the project, two 660-megawatt generator units will be installed, which would generate 1,320 megawatts of electricity per year, more than a quarter of the 4,500-5,000 megawatts of power shortage estimated for the year 2012.

"With three more plants like this one, Pakistan would have no more energy woes," said Chen Enping, a manager at PowerChina.

A little further away from Karachi, the operation of the first phase of a Chinese wind farm is already in full swing. Thirty-three windmills erected by China Three Gorges Corporation churned out 140 million kwh of electricity last year, powering 60,000 families in the region.

"Before this, we had blackout most of the time. Now we can enjoy three or four more hours of power each day, which means a running fan can help us get through the night," Hassan, a local resident, told Xinhua, adding that he hopes the second phase of the wind farm, under construction in January, will make the next summer more comfortable.

LIFELINES

For Sher Afzart, a shop owner in northern Pakistan's Hunza Valley, the Karakorum Highway is what he owes his livelihood to.

The two-lane highway, originally built by the Chinese in the 1970s and recently renovated by China Road and Bridge Corporation, connects Kashgar, a commercial hub in northwest China's Xinjiang Uigur Autonomous Region, and Pakistan.

Afzart can save days on trips to Kashgar to buy goods as the road cuts through the Karakorum mountains. There is a steady flow of business as thousands of Chinese workers labor around Hunza.

Following the completion of the Karakorum Highway renovation project, more business opportunities are created, Afzart said.

"With the convenience of road traffic, I'm thinking of opening branches in Islamabad and even in cities farther south," he said.

The Karakorum Highway is just one of the roads that falls under CPEC. The M-4 National Motorway, a strategic artery in central Pakistan, is also being paved by the Chinese.

Wang Feng, chief engineer of China Railway First Group Co., Ltd., which was commissioned to construct a segment of the motorway, said despite the temperature at the site often running up to more than 50 degrees Celsius during summer, his team is beating the odds to complete the project on time.

"We were touched by the generous local people, who offered us fruits and tea when we first arrived. To repay their kindness we built two bridges and water ducts at our own cost to help local farming," Wang said.

Aside from highways, railways and light rails are also part of the grand plan to upgrade Pakistan's road network, as the current one, constructed in the British colonial era, is putting a strain on the economy.

GWADAR PORT

The Gwadar port, located in the southern coast of Pakistan, is where CPEC meets the Indian ocean. From here resources can commence their journey onto the hinterlands of Pakistan and western China, and Chinese and Pakistani products can be shipped out to every corner of the world.

Viewed from above, the port is like an anchor protruding into the emerald waters, forming two natural bays that are as deep as 14.5 m, making them perfect harbors.

After the CPEC cooperation program was launched in 2013, a plan was developed in the following years to comprehensively transform the fishing town into a modern metropolis complete with industrial zones, a harbor and recreational zones.

Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Dostain Jamaldini has big ambitions for the port, eyeing Dubai, which is just across the Arabian Sea, as a model.

Near future plans for the port area include the construction of a Free Trade Zone, a Special Economic Zone, a coastal expressway, an international airport and a pipeline linking Iran, which are all part of the CPEC plan remodelling the town which will be the hinge of the corridor.

"Pakistan is ready to offer the most generous terms for companies investing in the port," Jamaldini said, "We believe the favorable policies and the superb location of the port will soon attract the interest of investors worldwide."
Photo taken on July 31, 2016 shows the site of a car bomb explosion in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia. At least five people were killed and several others were injured on Sunday in twin car bomb blasts at the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in the capital city of Mogadishu. (Xinhua/Faisal Isse)

MOGADISHU, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Al-Shabaab militants attacked the headquarters of Somalia's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in the capital Mogadishu on Sunday, killing at least six people, and seven attackers were killed, a senior official said.

Security Minister Abdirizak Mohamed told the media that the militants tried to force their way into the CID headquarters but were repulsed by police.

"We have established that five civilians, one police officer and seven Al-Shabaab militants were killed," said Mohamed.

Police earlier said twin car bomb blasts hit the gate of the CID headquarters, followed by a shootout.

At least 16 people were injured and have been hospitalized, according to medical officers.

Al-Shabaab has claimed responsibility for the attack. It came barely days after a similar Al-Shabaab attack last week rocked the gates of the UN and African Union mission bases in Mogadishu, killing 13 and injuring 17 others.

The Al-Shabaab Islamist group frequently carries out attacks on civilian and military targets in Somalia in a bid to topple the government.
LILONGWE, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Malawi President Peter Mutharika Saturday sacked army chief, General Ignacio Maulana, replacing him with his deputy, Lieutenant Griffin Supuni-Phiri, who has since been promoted to the rank of General.

Maulana has since been redeployed to head the country's food reserve agency.

Malawi Secretary to the State and Government, George Mkondiwa, told the local media that Maulana would be responsible for the overall security of food reserves across the country.

Mkondiwa said the redeployment of Maulana was aimed at ensuring maximum security of the food reserves which are currently being restocked to abate the hunger experienced in the country due to poor rain pattern during the past growing season.

Maulana replaced General Henry Odillo whom President Mutharika fired in 2014 upon assuming power.

Meanwhile, commentators have faulted Maulana's redeployment saying security of food reserves could best be handled by any high ranking officer from the Malawi Police Service and not the whole army general.

The new General of the Malawi Defense Force, General Supuni-Phiri takes command of the country's army with immediate effect, according to State and Government Secretary's statement. Enditem
KHARTOUM, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The third meeting of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), tasked with overseeing implementation of South Sudan peace deal, began on Sunday in the Sudanese capital Khartoum.

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour addressed the opening session, saying that the peace deal should be implemented soon to help the warring factions in South Sudan to "avoid the return to conflict and war."

The meeting is under chairmanship of the JMEC Chairman Festus Mogae in the presence of envoys of China, Norway, the U.S. and the EU as well as partners of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

The foreign minister said the meeting would discuss recent developments in South Sudan and the implementation of the agreement on the resolution of the conflict brokered by IGAD.

Special representative of the Chinese government on African affairs, Zhong Jianhua, said that "we came here because South Sudan is now in a very critical situation."

The meetings came following the outbreak of fighting between the South Sudanese army and troops of the opposition leader and First Vice President Riek Machar on July 8.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir appointed former opposition chief negotiator Taban Deng Gai to replace Machar who disappeared following the bloody events in the capital Juba.

The opposition described president's move as a "conspiracy" to remove Machar, vowing to escalate the war against the government of President Kiir. Enditem
Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong (3rd R) meets with Combodian Deputy Prime Minister Sok An (3rd L), who is here to attend the 9th China-ASEAN Education Cooperation Week, in Guiyang, capital of southwest China's Guizhou Province, July 31, 2016. (Xinhua/Tao Liang)

GUIYANG, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- China highly appreciates Cambodia's firm support on the South China Sea and Taiwan issues, vice Premier Liu Yandong said while meeting with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Kheng Sunday.

Hailing that China and Cambodia have developed a good relationship, Liu said the two sides need to strengthen pragmatic cooperation in all areas and deepen cultural exchanges.

Liu made the remarks on the sidelines of the 9th China-ASEAN Education Exchanges Week held in the southwestern city Guiyang.



Liu also met with Thai vice Premier Prajin Juntong.

"China is willing to enhance cooperation of railway projects with Thailand and push forward comprehensive cooperation in areas including trade, education, culture and tourism," Liu added.

Liu said this year marks the 25th anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue and China hopes to deepen cooperation with all ASEAN states.

The Cambodian and Thai sides thanked China's preparations for the 9th China-ASEAN Education Exchanges Week.

The two ASEAN states look forward to advancing comprehensive strategic partnership with China.
YEREVAN, Armenia, July 31(Xinhua) -- Armenia's security service said Sunday that gunmen holed up in a police building in Yerevan just announced their surrender, ending the two-week standoff.

"After consistent and coordinated measures, the special forces of the law-enforcement agencies of Armenia have made the members of the armed group to lay their arms and surrender," the security service said in a statement.

All the 20 members have been detained, it added.

The gunmen seized the police station on July 17 in a bid to pressure the government to release Jirair Sefilian, leader of the opposition group Founding Parliament.

They killed one police officer and wounded several others during the attack.
The first movie released under the new Pretty Dirty imprintthe boy/girl sibling to girl/girl studio GirlswaySugarbabies comes out of the gate strong. The team who made the top-notch all-girl movies The Turning and The Business of Womendirector Stills By Alan and producer Bree Millsagain prove that they have a fresh approach to erotic storytelling and the technical skills to capture stunning imagery.

Sugarbabies is one chatty erotic movieand thats totally OK in this corner, especially given the fine job the actors do with their dialogue. The movie is a meditation on so-called sugar dating, where young women with rock-bottom credit ratings and high expectations fuel their lifestyle by serving as arm candy for the wealthy and powerful.

Sure, it sounds goodbut note that subtitle. Indeed, these women learn its best to proceed with caution.

Penny Pax, bemoaning the state of her bank account, gets introduced to sugar dating by Jade Nile, whos counting the trips shes taken instead of her unpaid bills. Pax takes a little hike with Nile, who shows her photos from her trip to Tokyo and talks about her relationship with rock star Xander Corvus: I take care of his needs, and he takes care of mine. Pax decides shes game ... even though boyfriend Jessy Jones blows up at her. Im making a sacrifice for us, she pleads.

But what Pax doesnt know yet is that when you sell yourself, the buyer is under no obligation to treat you like a human being. Client James Deen dispenses with the social niceties, bringing in strap-on-wearing wife Chanel Preston to help him heap hardcore indignities on poor Penny, whose pale skin shows every pinch and slap. At the end, when she gets her allowance, relief floods across her face, followed by a stricken look at the threshold shes just crossed.

Once shes home, boyfriend Jessy is there to rub her face in the emotional distress with the help of real prostitute Jaclyn Taylor, who tells her, Youre a dirty little whore just like me, before fucking her man.

Nile, the carefree millennial who put all this in motion, seems to be a winner in this skeevy world. But looks can be deceiving. We wont spoil the surprise here, but suffice to say that once she inveigles stepsister Rebel Lynn into her web, things dont turn out well.

If this movie sounds dark, fear not. The sex may be twisted, but its totally hot. Pax, Preston and Deen may take top honors when it comes to both hot and twisted, but the other scenes are close behind.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach addresses a press conference at the Main Press Center (MPC) of Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 31, 2016. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)

RIO DE JANEIRO, July 31 (Xinhua) -- International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach defended the decision not to ban Russia from the Olympic Games on Sunday.

In a news conference following IOC's executive board meeting here, Bach said a blanket ban on Russia "would not be justifiable" on both legal and moral sides.

"You can not deprive any human being, in particular athletes we are responsible for, of at least the opportunity to prove his or her innocence," said Bach.

"Every human being is entitled to certain rights of natural justice," he said.

An independent report from Canadian lawyer Richard McLaren earlier this month said Russia conducted a state-sponsored doping system, which prompted calls for the IOC to ban Russia from Rio, but the Olympic body instead opted to leave it up to individual sports governing bodies to allow or bar Russian athletes.

Bach said McLaren report was to "reveal a system" and the IOC faced a much more difficult situation on how far they could go to punish an individual athlete for "the failures and munipulation of the government".

Until now, 67 track and field athletes have been banned from the Games by the IAAF and more than 30 others, including weightlifters and swimmers, failed to meet the IOC's new eligibility criteria.

Bach said the IOC should not be blamed for chaos before the Games which will open on Friday.

"The IOC is not responsible for the timing of the McLaren report," Bach said. "The IOC is not responsible for the fact that different information which was offered to WADA already a couple of years ago was not followed up. The IOC is not responsible for the accreditation or supervision of anti-doping laboratories."

"Therefore the IOC can not be made responsible neither for the timing nor for the reasons of these incidents we have to face now," he added.

Bach also said the IOC decision to ban whistleblower 800-meter runner Yulia Stepanova is in line with the Olympic Charter.

"The executive board had to take a difficult decision. We have taken all arguments into consideration, in particular the advice from the athletes' commission. We had to respect the Olympic Charter," he said. "It was not easy."

Bach said the IOC "appreciates the contribution of Yulia Stepanova in the fight against doping'' and offered her "assistance and support" so that she can continue her career as an athlete.
JERUSALEM, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he is interested in expanding his government with the center-left Zionist Union party in order to promote diplomatic opportunities, the Ha'aretz daily reported.

Netanyahu told Israeli diplomatic reporters in a background talk that he is keeping the foreign ministry portfolio for himself for the time being, hoping that the Zionist Union party would join his government and receive the portfolio.

"At this point there are no contacts but I do wish to expand the government," Netanyahu said on Sunday, the Ha'aretz daily reported.

The Israeli prime minister said he has "very good reasons" to expand the government, as the challenges ahead are immense in a changing world, in which "diplomatic opportunities" arise.

The Israeli prime minister is serving as the foreign minister since the March 2015 elections.

In May, negotiations were underway between Netanyahu and his right-wing Likud party and the center-left Zionist Union party, led by Isaac Herzog, for the latter party to join the ruling coalition.

The contacts ended abruptly in late May, with Netanyahu announcing instead of striking a deal with hawkish lawmaker Avigdor Lieberman, who was appointed as defense minister instead of former Likud minister Moshe Ya'alon.

Also on Sunday, Herzog retained his post as the Labor party chief (part of the Zionist Union list), despite growing criticism about his conduct and his past efforts to join Netanyahu's government.

As many as 750 delegates of the Labor party voted to keep Herzog as the chairman of the party until July 2017, while 402 delegates voted to hold elections by the end of 2016 for the position.

Herzog canceled his speech at the party's convention on Sunday, after audience members booed him and called for his resignation.

The Labor party is associated with supporting the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, pragmatic foreign affairs policies and social democratic economic policies.

Israel is facing increasing international pressure to resume peace talks with the Palestinians, after a 10-month wave of violence claimed the lives of 34 Israelis and 220 Palestinians.

The last round of talks between the parties ended abruptly in April 2014 without results. Enditem
AMMAN, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Jordan on Sunday urged Israel to stop its violations against the employees and staff at Al-Aqsa Mosque, the state-run Petra news agency reported.

Israel should stop its measures in Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jordan's Minister of State Wael Arabyat said, condemning Israeli interference in the work of the guards and employees there.

He also condemned Israeli violations against the worshipers at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The minister called for stopping all Israeli escalations and preventing Jewish radicals from storming the yards of the holy mosque.

Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, is the third holiest site in Islam.

Jordan, which signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994, oversees all the holy Islamic and Christian sites in East Jerusalem. Enditem
KIGALI, July 31 (Xinhua) -- African spymasters are expected in the Rwandan capital Kigali Sunday for the 13th Conference for the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services in Africa (CISSA).

Under the auspices of Rwanda's National Intelligence and Security Service, the meeting will run from August 1 to August 6 at the Kigali Convention Center.

The conference will be held under the theme: "Countering the growing threat of Abuse of Universal Jurisdiction against Africa."

According to a release ahead of the meeting, the theme will offer an opportunity to "underscore how Rwanda has fallen victim of this abuse by some Western powers that instead of bringing to justice genocide perpetrators and deniers living in their countries, target those who stopped the genocide against the Tutsis."

France in 2007 and Spain in the following year, indicted a number of Rwandans, alleging that they committed crimes against humanity which was viewed as government allowing their judges to abuse the Universal Jurisdiction provision in their national laws.

Rwanda then argued that the indictments were politically motivated for the various legal international standards they flouted.

For example, it was argued, the indicted were not served with any notices, and no known prior investigations were carried out in Rwanda where the crimes were allegedly committed.

Besides, cooperation from Rwandan judicial authorities was not sought, while the affected people's side of the story was never heard, legal experts argued.

Spain's Supreme Court last year dismissed the high profile case against 40 Rwandan military officials who had been indicted on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and other offenses committed in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo during the 1990s.

Meanwhile the spymasters meeting would equally come up with strategies on how to reverse the trend of targeting only Africans, the release said.

In addition, hosting the Conference will be an occasion to brand Rwanda's achievements and development policies, 22 years after the genocide against the Tutsi, as well as branding Rwanda as a destination country for conferences and events, according to organizers.

CISSA regroups 51 African intelligence organizations that have so far assented to the CISSA MoU.

It was established in 2004 in Abuja, Nigeria, to assist the African Union and all its institutions to effectively address the seemingly intractable security challenges confronting Africa.

It was also conceived as mechanism of dialogue, study, analysis, consulting, concerting, and adopting common strategies towards common security challenges among Intelligence and Security organizations of Africa.

The Conference is the supreme organ of the organization that convenes once a year in a member state, normally on rotational basis according to regions as mapped out by the AU. Enditem
KIGALI, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Amid hope and enthusiasm, delegates signed what is known as the Kigali Declaration on Forest Landscape Restoration in Africa in the Rwandan capital Kigali.

The Ministers of African countries and representatives who gathered in Kigali last week for the Africa High Level Bonn Challenge Roundtable, inked the deal.

It was hosted by the Government of Rwanda, in collaboration with the East Africa Community and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

African countries are among the most affected regions in the world by climate change even though the continent bears a minimal responsibility with regards to the causes of this global phenomenon.

"We are committed to reaffirm our commitment to the Bonn Challenge target to restore 150 million hectares of deforested and degraded lands by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030," the delegates said in a final declaration.

The Kigali Declaration on Forest Landscape Restoration in Africa remains open for further signatures through September 1, 2016 when the Declaration will be celebrated at the World Conservation Congress in Hawaii.

So far representatives from more than ten African countries including Rwanda, Guinea and Ghana have signed the pact.

Forest landscape restoration is vital in the pursuit of sustainable development in African countries, by maintaining and rebuilding countries' natural capital in order to deliver essential societal and economic benefits to rural and urban communities.

It is also an effective mechanism to enforcement of key elements of global processes, including the Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification.

"We maintain this commitment in support of collective climate change action that will mitigate the emissions of greenhouse gases and support our communities to adapt and build resilience to climate impacts, as well as use ecosystem-based approaches to reduce risk to extreme weather and disasters," the declaration read.

The declaration reminded governments that forest restoration presents multiple benefits that align directly with African Nations' economic growth and poverty reduction plans.

These include the aspiration of the African's Union Agenda 2063 and its first ten-year implementation plan, bolstering economic growth and diversifying livelihoods, creating green jobs, improving agriculture practices, and enhancing food security.

Others cited include improving the availability and quality of water resources, contributing to climate change mitigation, combating desertification, protecting biodiversity, and reducing the impact of natural disasters.

The leaders also committed to undertake national action to champion innovative financial schemes that enable domestic investment in forest landscape, for example through the strengthening and development of national climate and land management fund mechanisms, tax incentives and other fiscal policies to encourage all stakeholders to participate and invest in the implementation of restoration at scale.

More than 50 environment leaders and experts attended the meeting to boost forest landscape restoration across the region through two parallel events: the Africa High Level Bonn Challenge Roundtable, and the International Knowledge Sharing Workshop.

Rwanda offered to host these two meetings as part of its continued commitment and strong leadership on the protection and rehabilitation of its forests and restoration of degraded lands, according to officials.

Rwanda has committed to restore two million hectares of deforested and degraded land by 2020. This commitment was made as part of the Bonn Challenge.

"Landscape restoration is about more than simply planting forests. With the restoration of forests and land, we can overcome climate challenges and food security issues and help improve the wellbeing of our people," said Vincent Biruta, Rwanda's Minster of Natural Resources.

"Rwanda has taken a proactive approach to conservation and green growth, created robust policy and institutional frameworks and strengthened national capacity to ensure the environment is at the heart of everything we do. These efforts are helping us to tackle the many environmental challenges we face," he said. Enditem
by Mahmoud Fouly

HURGHADA, Egypt, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Splitting the Red Sea water leaving behind a wide foamy white line, speedy La Pespes 300-passenger ferry is inaugurated in a ceremonial voyage with the Egyptian tourism minister and the Red Sea governor on board to be the first in five years to connect the Red Sea resort cities of Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh.

The first cruise of the air-conditioned ferry on Saturday carried over 200 people who enjoyed the view of the calm sea while the ferry is leaving Hurghada and heading northeast to Sharm El-Sheikh, covering a distance of 52 nautical miles (over 96 km) only in two hours.

"The voyage is very nice, especially that it cuts short a long time compared to land transport, which I think promotes tourism as it saves visitors' time who could go from Hurghada to spend a night in Sharm El-Sheikh and come back in a few hours," Marwa Kasim, a 40-year-old Egyptian physician who works in Kuwait and came to Hurghada with her family for vacation, told Xinhua onboard La Pespes.

The lady continued that the trip is so attractive for her children and expected the ferryboat to be a luring means of transport for internal tourists as well as foreign visitors.

Egypt has been struggling to survive a sharp tourism recession over the past few years due to political turmoil. The situation further deteriorated due to the Russian plane crash in Sinai that killed over 200 in October last year, an Italian student's death from torture in Cairo in early February and a tragic fall of an EgyptAir flight in May that killed all 66 people on board.

Marecella Zunini, an Italian woman working for an Italian travel agency, was on board the ferry when she said that such voyages appeal much to foreigners and that facilitating means of transport and communication for visitors is vital for promoting tourism in Egypt.

"It is easier and cheaper than flights and other means of transport and Westerners in general like sea trips, so I think such ferries will be popular and successful," the Italian lady told Xinhua, hoping for the return of bigger ferries where passengers could take their vehicles aboard.

Tourism recession represented a blow to the Egyptian economy as it is one of the main sources of national income and foreign currency reserves in Egypt, with about 4 million Egyptians used to be working in the industry.

In 2010 alone, it brought Egypt about 13 billion U.S. dollars as over 14.7 million tourists visited the country. The number of visitors kept falling until it reached 9.3 million in 2015 with 6.1 billion dollars in revenues.

The last ferry that moved between Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh stopped mostly due to recession over security issues following the 2011 uprising the toppled former long-time president Hosni Mubarak.

Passengers of all ages, including high school and fresh university students, liked to move sometimes from the 250-seat first floor to the 54-seat shady roof to enjoy the fresh air while seeing slight waves playing with the sides of the boat.

"It's a nice trip to tell you the truth. It's faster than the bus. At the same time, you can watch the sea, the mountains and other beautiful views on the way. It's a kind of change," Mohamed Turki, a 20-year-old student at an engineering college, told Xinhua as the ferry was close to Shadwan rocky island southwest of Sharm El-Sheikh.

"Instead of choosing between Hurghada and Sharm El-Shiekh for a vacation, people can move between both through such ferries, and I know a lot of people who will be so interested to do that," the young man added.

La Pespes is provided with various means to ensure passengers' safety including lifejackets, life-rafts, lifebuoy with light and smoke, etc, with a safety inspector on board to make sure everything runs smoothly. Its voyages start with a video clip on safety instructions displayed on the ferry monitors.

"In case of any serious problem, a distress signal can be sent to the naval authorities and they can show up in no time, as we're cutting the sea width and the distance is not so big," ferry safety inspector Mahfouz Mohamed told Xinhua, noting another ferry is currently being tried and will be added to service so soon.

Red Sea Governor Ahmed Abdullah said that there are tourists who come to Hurghada and may like to go to Sharm El-Sheikh or Saint Catherine in South Sinai or vice versa. "The land transport takes long, so we thought about this two-hour trip that enables them to back and forth on the same day."

"Providing suitable land, air or sea means of transport is a basic factor for promoting and stabilizing tourism," the governor told Xinhua on board La Pespes. Endtiem
La Pespes 300-passenger ferry is inaugurated in a ceremonial voyage to be the first in five years to connect the Red Sea resort cities of Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh. (Xinhua/Mahmoud Fouly)

by Mahmoud Fouly

HURGHADA, Egypt, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Splitting the Red Sea water leaving behind a wide foamy white line, speedy La Pespes 300-passenger ferry is inaugurated in a ceremonial voyage with the Egyptian tourism minister and the Red Sea governor on board to be the first in five years to connect the Red Sea resort cities of Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh.

The first cruise of the air-conditioned ferry on Saturday carried over 200 people who enjoyed the view of the calm sea while the ferry is leaving Hurghada and heading northeast to Sharm El-Sheikh, covering a distance of 52 nautical miles (over 96 km) only in two hours.

"The voyage is very nice, especially that it cuts short a long time compared to land transport, which I think promotes tourism as it saves visitors' time who could go from Hurghada to spend a night in Sharm El-Sheikh and come back in a few hours," Marwa Kasim, a 40-year-old Egyptian physician who works in Kuwait and came to Hurghada with her family for vacation, told Xinhua onboard La Pespes.

The lady continued that the trip is so attractive for her children and expected the ferryboat to be a luring means of transport for internal tourists as well as foreign visitors.

Egypt has been struggling to survive a sharp tourism recession over the past few years due to political turmoil. The situation further deteriorated due to the Russian plane crash in Sinai that killed over 200 in October last year, an Italian student's death from torture in Cairo in early February and a tragic fall of an EgyptAir flight in May that killed all 66 people on board.

Marecella Zunini, an Italian woman working for an Italian travel agency, was on board the ferry when she said that such voyages appeal much to foreigners and that facilitating means of transport and communication for visitors is vital for promoting tourism in Egypt.

"It is easier and cheaper than flights and other means of transport and Westerners in general like sea trips, so I think such ferries will be popular and successful," the Italian lady told Xinhua, hoping for the return of bigger ferries where passengers could take their vehicles aboard.

Tourism recession represented a blow to the Egyptian economy as it is one of the main sources of national income and foreign currency reserves in Egypt, with about 4 million Egyptians used to be working in the industry.

In 2010 alone, it brought Egypt about 13 billion U.S. dollars as over 14.7 million tourists visited the country. The number of visitors kept falling until it reached 9.3 million in 2015 with 6.1 billion dollars in revenues.

The last ferry that moved between Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh stopped mostly due to recession over security issues following the 2011 uprising the toppled former long-time president Hosni Mubarak.

Passengers of all ages, including high school and fresh university students, liked to move sometimes from the 250-seat first floor to the 54-seat shady roof to enjoy the fresh air while seeing slight waves playing with the sides of the boat.

"It's a nice trip to tell you the truth. It's faster than the bus. At the same time, you can watch the sea, the mountains and other beautiful views on the way. It's a kind of change," Mohamed Turki, a 20-year-old student at an engineering college, told Xinhua as the ferry was close to Shadwan rocky island southwest of Sharm El-Sheikh.

"Instead of choosing between Hurghada and Sharm El-Shiekh for a vacation, people can move between both through such ferries, and I know a lot of people who will be so interested to do that," the young man added.

La Pespes is provided with various means to ensure passengers' safety including lifejackets, life-rafts, lifebuoy with light and smoke, etc, with a safety inspector on board to make sure everything runs smoothly. Its voyages start with a video clip on safety instructions displayed on the ferry monitors.

"In case of any serious problem, a distress signal can be sent to the naval authorities and they can show up in no time, as we're cutting the sea width and the distance is not so big," ferry safety inspector Mahfouz Mohamed told Xinhua, noting another ferry is currently being tried and will be added to service so soon.

Red Sea Governor Ahmed Abdullah said that there are tourists who come to Hurghada and may like to go to Sharm El-Sheikh or Saint Catherine in South Sinai or vice versa. "The land transport takes long, so we thought about this two-hour trip that enables them to back and forth on the same day."

"Providing suitable land, air or sea means of transport is a basic factor for promoting and stabilizing tourism," the governor told Xinhua on board La Pespes.
A picture taken on July 3, 2016 from the UNESCO-listed citadel shows the partially collapsed building of the famed Carlton Citadel Hotel (L), in the government-controlled side of the divided northern Syrian city of Aleppo. (Xinhua/AFP)

DAMASCUS, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Intense battles raged on Sunday in the northern province of Aleppo in Syria, following a broad offensive the rebels unleashed in a bid to break government-imposed siege on rebel-held areas, a monitor group reported.

The Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, which was previously known as the Nusra Front before breaking ties with al-Qaida and changing its name, as well as other jihadi groups unleashed Sunday a wide-scale offensive in the hope of breaking a siege imposed recently by the Syrian army on rebel-held areas in the eastern part of Aleppo, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

The London-based watchdog said the rebels attacked from several directions, coupled with explosions that were heard in the southern countryside of Aleppo.

It said at least two car bombs were detonated in southern Aleppo, with the launch of the rebel attack.

The ground battles were also coupled with airstrikes on rebel-held areas in the western countryside of Aleppo.

Earlier in the day, the al-Fateh Army, or the Conquer Army, which is an ally to the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, announced in a video message the beginning of a big offensive to break the Syrian army's recent advance in Aleppo.

Late last week, the Syrian army stormed the Bani Zaid area, a main rebel stronghold in the eastern part of Aleppo.

The progress came a week after the army severed the last rebel supply route connecting rebel-held areas in the northern countryside of Aleppo, with rebel-controlled parts in the eastern part of the city.

Severing the Castello road has dealt a strong blow to the rebels inside Aleppo.

With the progress made, the Syrian army has fully besieged eastern Aleppo, urging the rebels to surrender themselves and the civilians to cooperate.

Moreover, President Bashar al-Assad announced an amnesty for the rebels who surrender themselves and their weapons to the authorities.

The Syrian authorities in cooperation with the Russians also opened three safe passages for civilians wishing to leave eastern Aleppo. They also opened a fourth one for the rebels who would want to surrender themselves.

On Saturday, state news agency SANA said dozens of families evacuated eastern districts in Aleppo, amid reports that the rebels prevented many civilians from leaving.

The evacuation of the civilians was also coupled with official reports talking about rebel fighters surrendering themselves to the authorities.

Video clips of rebels surrendering were aired on several Syrian TVs.

Still, the process, which was apparently going on smoothly, was undermined Sunday by the rebels' offensive.

Well-informed sources from Aleppo told Xinhua that the army units managed to foil the rebels' offensive so far amid intense battles.

A military source told Xinhua on Sunday evening that very intense battles are taking place south of Aleppo on several fronts, adding that medium and heavy weapons are being used, as well as airstrikes on the rebel positions.

"The intense battles are still raging till now," he said on condition of anonymity.

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.

Related:

Assad says Syrian army sole capable of fighting terrorism

DAMASCUS, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Sunday that the Syrian army is the most capable of confronting terrorism, according to state news agency SANA.
DAMASCUS, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said Sunday that the Syrian army is the most capable of confronting terrorism, according to state news agency SANA.

In a statement on the occasion of the 71st anniversary of establishing the Syrian army, the president said Syrian army "will always remain the pillar of security and stability in Syria and the region."

"Today we stand at the threshold to a pivotal stage in the homeland's history, which requires that we all be more vigilant and prepared and that we double efforts and work with determination until victory is achieved," he said.

The army marks its 71st anniversary on the first of August, while its troops have been stretched out in the battles across the Syrian territory for over five years.

The Syrian army engaged in intense battles on Monday, as the rebels unleashed a wide-scale offensive in the northern province of Aleppo.

Several jihadi groups, including the Jaish al-Fateh, or the Conquer Army, and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, which was previously known as the Nusra Front before breaking ties with al-Qaida and changing its name, unleashed a broad offensive in the southern countryside of Aleppo on several fronts to break a siege imposed recently by the Syrian army.

The battles were coupled with airstrikes on rebel-held areas and rocket fire by the rebels on the government-controlled parts of Aleppo.

SANA said at least 11 people were killed and 52 others wounded on Sunday, when rebels fired improvised rockets on government-controlled districts in Aleppo.

Earlier in the day, the al-Fateh Army, or the Conquer Army, which is an ally to the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, announced in a video message the beginning of a big offensive to break the Syrian army's recent advance in Aleppo.

Late last week, the Syrian army stormed the Bani Zaid area, a main rebel stronghold in the eastern part of Aleppo.

The progress came a week after the army severed the last rebel supply route connecting rebel-held areas in the northern countryside of Aleppo, with rebel-controlled parts in the eastern part of the city.

Severing the Castello road has dealt a strong blow to the rebels inside Aleppo.

Well-informed sources from Aleppo told Xinhua that the army units managed to foil the rebels' offensive that was launched on Sunday amid intense battles.

A military source told Xinhua on Sunday that very intense battles are taking place south of Aleppo on several fronts, adding that medium and heavy weapons are being used, as well as airstrikes on the rebel positions.

"The intense battles are still raging till now," he said.

Politically, the Syrian authorities, once again, stressed readiness to take part in the upcoming round of the Geneva talks on the Syrian crisis.

Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad reaffirmed the Syrian government's readiness to embark on a new round of Syrian talks in Geneva without preconditions.

He made the remarks during his meeting with the visiting Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy, who arrived in Syria earlier on Monday for talks with Syrian officials about the political process for Syria.

Mekdad pointed out that all concerned parties need to focus on fighting terrorism as a prelude to any political process.

He also explained to Ramzy the latest developments in the city of Aleppo and the initiative of President Bashar al-Assad in granting amnesty for militants and settling their status if they surrendered themselves to the authorities.

For his part, Ramzy told reporters following his meetings with Syrian Foreign Ministry officials that "During the meeting, I talked about some issues related to the political process, including the political transition and how to make it credible."

Previous talks in Geneva between the Syrian army and the opposition ended with no tangible results.

Observers believe each party is trying to empower their stance on ground ahead of the talks, and the Aleppo battles are a sign of that.
ROME, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Muslims in Italy joined Catholics to Mass on Sunday in bid to show solidarity in the face of terrorism threat across Europe after the killing of a priest in France.

Izzedin Elzir, the head of Italy's Union of Islamic communities called on his colleagues to "take this historic moment to transform tragedy into a moment of dialogue."

According to local media reports, the secretary general of Italy's Islamic Confederation, Abdullah Cozzolino spoke at the Treasure of St. Gennaro chapel while three imams attended Mass at the St. Maria Church in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood. The Imams in traditional dress entered the sanctuary and sat down in the front row.

Ahmed El Balzai, the imam of the Vobarno mosque in Brescia, a northern Italian city near Milan, said he did not fear repercussions for speaking out.

"These people are tainting our religion and it is terrible to know that many people consider all Muslims terrorists. That is not the case," El Balazi said. "Religion is one thing. Another is the behavior of Muslims who don't represent us."

In response to the meeting of Muslims and Catholics, Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni said the Italian Muslims "are showing their communities the way of courage against fundamentalism."

Italian Interior Minister Angelino Alfano told the Senate earlier this week that authorities were scrutinizing mosque financing and working with the Islamic community to ensure that imams study in Italy, preach in Italian and are aware of Italy's legal structuring. He also mentioned the 35 Jihadists expelled by the government since January this year. Enditem
Turkey's Tradition of Murdering Christians

Such Islamist attacks might be new to EU member countries but not to Turkey. For decades, so many innocent, defenseless Christians in Turkey have been slaughtered by Muslim assailants. Christians in Turkey are still attacked, murdered or threatened daily; the assailants usually get away with their crimes. In Malatya, in 2007, during the Zirve Bible Publishing House massacre, three Christian employees were attacked, severely tortured, then had their hands and feet tied and their throats cut by five Muslims on April 18, 2007. Nine years have passed, but there still has been no justice for the families of the three men who were murdered so savagely. First, the five suspects who were still in detention were released from their high-security prison by a Turkish court, which ruled that their detention exceeded newly-adopted legal limits. The trial is still ongoing. The prosecutor claims that the act "was not a terrorist act because the perpetrators did not have a hierarchic bond, their act was not continuous and the knives they used in the massacre did not technically suffice to make the act be regarded as a terrorist act." If the court accepts this legal opinion of the prosecutor, it could pave the way for an acquittal. However, given the many "mysterious" rulings of the Turkish judiciary system to acquit criminals, these killers could also be acquitted by a "surprise" ruling any time. Ironically, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in March that it is necessary to redefine terrorism to include those who support such acts, adding that they could be journalists, lawmakers or activists. There was no difference, he said, between "a terrorist holding a gun or a bomb and those who use their position and pen to serve the aims" of terrorists. In a country where state authorities are outspokenly so "sensitive" about "terrorism" and "people holding guns," why are the murderers of Christians not in jail, and why is the prosecutor trying to portray the murders of Christians as "non-terroristic acts"? Sadly, the three Christians in Malatya were neither the first nor the last Christians to be murdered in Turkey. On February 5, 2006, Father Andrea Santoro, a 61-year-old Roman Catholic priest, was murdered in the Santa Maria Church in the province of Trabzon. He was shot while kneeling in prayer at his church. Witnesses heard the 16-year-old murderer shout "Allahu Akbar" ("Allah is the Greatest") during the murder. After the murder, a 74-year-old priest, Father Pierre Fran
2016 AVN Most Epic Ass Fan Award Winner

Alexis Texas, born at a military base in Panama, was raised in a small town near San Antonio and moved to California in 2007, where she began her career in adult. Of Puerto Rican, German and Norweigan descent, her performances for companies such as Bang Bros, Brazzers, Wicked Pictures and Elegant Angel earned her a nomination for AVN Female Performer of the Year in 2009.

Alexis was the cover girl for Hustler magazine's 35th anniversary issue, and in 2008 inherited the title of Elegant Angel's "Buttwoman," performing her very first anal scene in her debut release as such, Alexis Texas Is Buttwoman, which went on to win the 2009 AVN Award for Best All-Sex Release.

She has also served as the centerpiece of her own highly-acclaimed Zero Tolerance interactive release (Interactive Sex With Alexis Texas), as well as that of none other than XXX icon Belladonna's ode Discovering Alexis Texasanother 2009 contender for AVN's Best All-Sex Release.

Said Belladonna at the time of Discovering Alexis Texas' release, "I think she has a woman's body, and it's fucking beautiful, and it's very rare that you see a woman's body like that these days. When I watch people perform, I pay attention to things like where their hands are and what their feet are doing and what their eyes are doing ... and while I was watching her, I noticed a lot of things that I would see in myself, and so those things really made me like her."

Alexis' enduring popularity as one of the most consistently sought after stars in the industry led to her being chosen to co-host the 2015 AVN Awards alongside Tommy Pistol and comedienne Danielle Stewart.

Find more Alexis Texas at:

www.alexistexas.com

twitter.com/alexis_texas

myspace.com/therealalexistexass

Photo above from The Real Buttwoman Returns (Elegant Angel Productions)
Fireworks light up the sky during the preview of Singapore's National Day Parade held at Singapore National Stadium, July 30, 2016. Singapore will celebrate the 51st anniversary of its independence on Aug. 9. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)
The 2013 AVN Female Performer of the Year made her adult film debut in 2006, becoming one of the winningest Asian stars of all time. The popular native New Yorker, whose Twitter bio accurately states I have an award-winning asshole, has performed in more than 700 adult films and has won more than 20 AVN Awards during her glittering career. The former Wicked Pictures contract girl became Pornhubs Brand Ambassador in 2018; she has amassed more than 460 million video views on porns biggest online platform.

The daughter of Japanese immigrants, Akira was only 19 when she was approached on the street in New York and asked whether she wanted to be a dominatrix. She then had a stint performing at a now-defunct sadomasochism club called the Nutcracker Suite before becoming a stripper at Manhattan's Hustler Club. When she later moved to Tampa, Fla., she became a regular on Sirius XM's Bubba the Love Sponge Show, where she performed light masturbation scenes on camera for a website set up by the radio program and become known as the Show Whore.

It was on the show that she met fellow Hall of Famer Gina Lynn, who helped her get her start in porn. Thanks to her stunning looks, athletic body and uninhibited performances, Akira made a steady ascent before reaching new levels of stardom in January 2011, when she crushed the 28th annual AVN Awards, taking home trophies for Best Anal Sex Scene, Best Three-Way Sex Scene (G/B/B) and Best Douple Penetration Sex Scene, all from Elegant Angel's "Asa Akira Is Insatiable," as well as Best All-Girl Three-Way Sex Scene from Elegant's "Buttwoman vs. Slutwoman." In addition, "Asa Akira Is Insatiable" won the Fan Award for Favorite Movie.

In, 2012 she upped the ante, winning seven awards from AVN, including Best Anal Scene, Best All Sex Release, Best DP Scene, Best Group Scene, Best Solo Sex Scene, Best Tease Performance and Best Three-way Sex Scene.

Then at the 2013 AVNs she did even better, not only serving as one the show's co-hosts, but capturing the Female Performer of the Year crown along with five other awards: Best Showcase Movie, Best DP Scene, Best Group Sex Scene, Best POV Scene, and Three-way Sex Scene.

After co-starring in Brad Armstrong's "Underworld," which was later named Movie of the Year at the 2014 AVN Awards, Asa Akira formally joined the Wicked family.

A Fleshlight Girl since 2011, Asa is the author of two best-selling books"Insatiable" and "Dirty Thirty." She also was a prominent part of Pornhubs collaboration with streetwear brand Richardson, modeling on one of the pieces from the capsule collection. With two successful podcasts under her belt, Asa has also made an appearance in the sitcom, Family Guy and hosted "The Sex Factor," a reality show where eight men and eight women compete for a $1 million prize and a three-year porn contract.

Asa Akira can be found online:

www.asaakira.com

twitter.com/asaakira
2016 AVN Best Supporting Actress Nominee

Jessica Drake has a beauty and provocative personality thats helped her develop one of the most robust and acclaimed careers in adult. Its a career thats rising to a new level this year, as she continues creating big budget features with Wickeds Brad Armstrongshe received AVNs 2009 Best Actress and Best DP Sex Scene awards for Fallenwhile branching out on her own as a filmmaker.

But even before she was an official member of Wickeds creative team, jessica had appeared in some of the companys best-known productions, including Armstrongs Dream Quest and Falling From Grace, and Jonathan Morgans About a Woman, for which she received an AVN nomination for Best Supporting Actress. It was obvious to Wicked from these performances that jessica was a unique find, and since inking her deal in 2003, she has appeared in such heralded titles as Morgans Space Nuts, Armstrong's The Collector and Sold, and Michael Ravens Perfect Life. Jessica also starred in Armstrong's Fluff & Fold, an AVN Editor's Choice which earned her a much deserved award for Best Actress.

During the 2006 AVN Awards season, she received a wealth of noms, including Best Actress for One Man's Obsession and Best Supporting Actress for both Armstrong's Eternity and Morgan's Camp Cuddly Pines Power Tool Massacre. On Jan. 13, 2007, her career reached yet another pinnacle of success, as she supplemented her duties as the host of the 2007 AVN Awards by taking home trophies for Best Actress  Film (for Armstrong's Manhunters) and Best All-Girl Sex Scene (for FUCK). Her 2008 AVN Nominations included Best Actress for Ravens Delilah, Best Supporting Actress for Love Always (for which she also penned the screenplay), and three sex scene noms for her work in The Craving.

Even a glance at her track record reveals this actress to be one of adult's most precious assets. After all, this is a woman who has spent time in Sacramento meeting with state legislators on behalf of the Free Speech Coalition, and it's the same woman who graced a photo essay commissioned by the U.N. in 2005. She has appeared in Premiere, Chord and Stuff magazines, been profiled on HBOs Pornucopia, done radio with metal legends Anthrax, danced on-stage with Kid Rock, worked on the FOX TV series Skin, appeared on Maxim Radio and G4's Attack of the Show, walked the red carpet at the Grammy Awards, and been featured on Late Night With David Letterman. Other TV appearances include pieces on AMC's Sunday Morning Shootout, The Tyra Banks Show and Criss Angels Mind Freak.

As a director, jessica is developing a host of projects that continue the tradition of her filmmaking debut, What Girls Like. Its a path she prepared for by assistant directing such Armstrong shows as Coming Home and writing the screenplays for Love Always, Just Between Us and Dating 101. As a performer, she continues to thrill fans in titles like Hush, 2040 and, of course, Speed. For the 2011 AVN Awards, drake's 3 Days in June garnered Best Feature and Best Screenplay nominations, as well as acting nods for drake and Dane Cross.

Bio provided by Wicked Pictures

Keep up with jessica drake online at:

jessicadrake.com

twitter.com/thejessicadrake
100 YEARS AGO

The moon got a black eye in a clear sky last Friday night when a total eclipse occurred. Although this is a regular and anticipated celestial event, there were some who thought a mill was burning green wood. All is well. The sun came up Saturday morning.

A Santa Fe Flagman arrived from California on Tuesday to take up duties at the Beaver Street crossing. His purpose is to prevent autos and teams from running into moving trains thus wrecking perfectly good people and horses as well as the box cars on the rails. If his flag is red and you cross anyway it means that you think you know more than he does. The rest of the story is between you and the train.

On Wednesday night in Riordan in a quarrel over a hand car on the track, Marcino Perez stabbed Alfonso Fiverno over the heart with a railroad spike, inflicting a serious wound.

Dry weather continues in the High Country. Rain is badly needed.

75 YEARS AGO

The 865-foot Lake Mary water project dam is complete. It is a huge rock and dirt dam at the upper end of Lower Lake Mary. The 8  mile, 12 pipe with 2 electric pumps will provide 113 million gallons daily for our community. Hays Weidner, Superintendent of the City Water System.

Sponsored by the American Legion and assisted by the Boy Scouts, the drive for aluminum for the war effort got underway on Friday with the planned house to house canvass. City trucks will collect all that is found.

For sale: 2 Jalopy cars. No. 14 - 1928 Buick & No. 30 - 1931 Cheverolet. Both contest winners in 1939 and 1940. Both overhauled and ready to go. See at Arrowhead Station in Flagstaff.

With increased moisture, there have been few forest fires this week. The neophyte CCC crew extinguished 2 small fires north of the Peaks in the Kaibab Forest.

50 YEARS AGO

The Orphan Mine at the Grand Canyon, which in recent years has been producing uranium oxide, has shipped its last shipment of ore. The Atomic Energy Commission has failed to grant an extension of permit to Western Equities. Title will pass to the National Park System in 1986.

A controlled burn of dead juniper and pinyon pine is going on at Anderson Mesa. The area is to be re-seeded with grasses and wildlife food plants to stimulate natural vegetation, with the expectation that this will improve forage for both wildlife and livestock as well as stabilize currently barren areas.

H. 84 Sun. L. 51 Tues. Rain 0.01

25 YEARS AGO

The Woody Mt. Bridge over I-40 has been closed by ADOT following an accident last week when an 18-wheeler traveling in the eastbound outside lane with a back hoe sticking up struck the bridge. It is expected to take several months for repair. In the meantime, travel is being re-routed awkwardly since the side roads are poorly arranged for this.

A fearsome storm on the summit of the San Francisco Peaks killed a hiker on Thursday. His companion, who had taken shelter under a large rock, was thrown out from under but lived to tell the tale.

H. 87 Tues. L. 56 Wed. Rain 0.01 Sat.
DPC: Deal with drug menace in Mazan

Deputy Police Commissioner, Operations, Deodat Dulalchan, speaking at a town meeting at Manzanilla Secondary School, last Monday, said he was not pleased with the current efforts of the police in stemming the problem.

And he has given them a time frame of three months to get a handle on the situation which, some residents said, was threatening the social fabric of the community.

I cant sit here and be comfortable with the efforts of the police....

Deal with the drug menace in Manzanilla, Dulalchan urged.

During the open forum of the event, a female community activist claimed the illegal drug trade was affecting many young people and that the police, in many instances, were aware of the drug pushers.

Our children are being lost in drugs, she said.

She said although some youths were involved in sporting activities at the Manzanilla Recreation Ground, others were involved in illegal drug use, much to the dismay of their parents.

The activist said the area no longer had frequent police patrols.

There used to be police patrols, morning and evening over the years but that has changed police. We need to have more patrols to see what is happening with the drugs, she said.

Another male resident, a businessman, also urged the police to do something urgently about the issue.

In response, Dulalchan told the officers of the Manzanilla Police Post, several of whom were present at the meeting, that police patrols were not enough to put a dent in the problem.

This is a serious crime and we need to find out what officers are doing on patrol, he said, adding that covert operations must also be a part of the strategy.

It cannot be business as usual, Dulalchan said. Dulalchan also urged young people to become involved in the areas Police Youth Club.

The senior officer revealed the Eastern Division had a 70 percent narcotic detection rate (for the purposes of trafficking) in 2015, the highest among the countrys nine police divisions.

This more than doubles the one that is second...We are always way ahead in detection, he said.

Although the meeting attracted a small turnout, residents spoke freely about issues plaguing the community, with most offering kudos to the police for outstanding work. Some fel that police officers needed to be more customer-friendly while carrying out patrols within the community as well as in the charge rooms at the Manzanilla Police Post and Sangre Grande Police Staion
Crusade to save runaways

The self-employed mother of four feels it is something she must do to help persons like Akheiffa and her 14-year-old friend, Tia Toussaint, who both sent relatives and friends into a state of panic when they failed to return home after attending a Brain Cooler fete on July 9 at a popular spot in Gulf City, La Romaine. On July 17, the schoolgirls were found safe and sound by police officers in Rio Claro, many many miles away from their homes in Gasparillo and Tarodale, Ste Madeleine. After medical check-ups and interviews with police officers, the teens were sent back into the care of their parents.

With her daughter in mind, Bartlett explained she has started a group, Outcast, for girls, who instead of running away, can now go to a place where they can express themselves and talk their troubles out.

Sometimes all the teenagers need is support, someone to listen, someone to say I love you or a hug, Bartlett said in an interview with Sunday Newsday.

She recalled the days her daughter was missing as the most difficult days of her life but said what happened was a clear signal from God that she had work to do and it had to be done quickly.

She said her daughters action caused hurt and pain not only to loved ones but to an entire nation. She however noted that the problem of runaway teens was a growing one in Trinidad and Tobago and said even while the search was on for Akheiffa and her friend, reports kept coming in to the police about other missing girls. God has a way of getting you to do what he wants you to do, she further told Sunday Newsday. Is only when it hits home you really know you have to do it and I really want to use my experience to reach out to even parents who have found themselves in a similar situation. She is calling on parents who had her experience to join in her crusade.

Just like me, she added, they may have tried everything possible, but not the right thing.

As parents we like to force things down our childrens throats and that is where I too may have gone wrong. Not because it worked for one child, it will work for the other child and we need to understand that. Mistakes, Bartlett said, will be made as parents never got a manual on parenting. Bartlett said she has since forgiven her daughter whom, she said, expressed remorse for what she had done.

Her daughter is a work in progress and that is why she will not give up on her.

Teenagers are vulnerable, they bend easily to peer pressure and can easily get caught up in the scourge of sex and drugs, she went on to say. Bartlett identified low self-esteem, poor communication with parents and lack of love as contributing to girls running away from home.

She added, The public might want to criticise me saying that I am not qualified to do counselling but I can tell you experience is the best teacher but with God all things are possible. Akheiffa was not part of the interview as her mother said she was trying to heal from the experience.

Last Wednesday, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service Public Affairs Unit disclosed that between May 2015 and July 2016, a total of 48 children were reported missing but the Child Protection Unit (CPU) has indicated that all of the children have returned.

Since the incident, Bartlett, a Spiritual Baptist, said she has done a thorough introspection, questioning where she may have gone wrong in single-handedly raising her three girls and a boy and instilling in each of them the same moral and spiritual values. She hates the runaway label affixed to troubled teens as she believes their problems go much deeper.

All they want is someone to listen and understand them and because they are so vulnerable they bend easily to peer pressure and the lurking adult males take advantage of their weakness,she went on to say. When they runaway from home, they are exposed to sex and drugs by the older males who lure them in their company. All these boys and girls are looking for, is support you know, someone to confide in. If I am home and not getting support, I will leave home and find that support wherever it is. Wherever I find that comfort, although I know it might not be right, I will still go. They are really searching and what are they searching for? These are the questions we need to ask. If you not feeding a dog, he will go elsewhere to find food. Parents, she said, often complain about being stressed out yet parents never believe when children express similar feelings. While adults find ways to relieve stress the young ones are not allowed to.

She said, Coming out of my experience I know what they are going through. It was the first time Akheiffa had ever left home and Bartlett told Sunday Newsday she wanted to know why, When a girl runs away, people say she gone to look for she man and all that but it is not necessarily that. But if it really is a man, it is the man who she has the confidence in and parents should learn something from that. According to Bartlett, by nature men are hunters with one aim and they use the girls. She continued, They know very well that the child is lost and in a vulnerable state and they use their vulnerability to get at them to do what they want them to do and that is wrong. Among the problems she believes contribute to teenagers running away are low self esteem, poor communication with parents and lack of love.

As a child I remember my father saying that I wasnt in need of anything as I had all that a child needs, but material things are not all that a child needs.

A child needs to hear a parent say I love you, needs comfort when they are in pain. Do we know when they suffered their first heartbreak? Bartlett said men often fool the teens with talk of a better life and they fall for it. Some children who see their parents struggling real hard and still cannot provide them with three square meals feel that they should help the situation and honestly go with these big men who chain them up. They know it is wrong but he will convince them that it is right and that they could take a little change home for mummy. Believing she is the best person to become an advocate on behalf of runaway girls, Bartlett said all she wants is support from parents in a similar situation to partner with her to help save the children.
Rowleys second son makes family appearance

His name is Christopher Berthol.

This information was confirmed to Sunday Newsday by the Prime Ministers wife, Mrs Sharon Rowley, at an event in Laventille yesterday.

Mrs Rowley identified the young man as her step-son and provided his name.

The caption issued by the OPM did not name the members of Dr Rowleys family, although from prior public knowledge those recognisable in the photograph were Dr Rowleys wife, Sharon and their daughters, Tonya and Sonel.

Dr Rowley also has an older son Garth Alleyne, whose identity was publicly disclosed in March last year, after former Tobago East MP Vernella Alleyne-Toppin questioned in Parliament the circumstances of the birth of Alleyne, suggesting his mother had been a minor.

Garth Alleyne and his mother, Roselyn Alleyne, who reside abroad, released a video denying Alleyne-Toppins allegations.

Roselyn Alleyne had countered with claims that her family had been offered $25,000 to make false allegations against Dr Rowley.

She denied she was raped, admitting she was just shy of 18 when she had their son. Garth Alleyne has made several appearances with his father, attending his swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister last September.

Prior to the release of yesterdays photograph it was not previously known that Rowley had another son.

Berthols first appearance with the Rowleys and his sisters took place on Thursday night when the family were photographed shopping at the Lidj Yasu Omowale Village at Queens Park Savannah.

Rowley was seen helping measure an African shirt against the young man, whom some had said was his son but a name was not given.
Grady Friedman is 5 and likes to play ball. When his father Doug asks Grady to say hi, and shake hands Grady will say hi, and shake hands and then go back to trying to hit a ball with a bat.

Very much like a little boy.

But Grady has Fragile X syndrome, and that makes his life and the life of his family very different from many other 5-year-old boys, and the Friedman family would like to raise awareness about the condition while Fragile X Awareness Month is underway.

I would like Grady to be happy and as independent as he can be and the best Grady he can be, said mom Christie Friedman. We want to give him every opportunity and expose him to as much as we can to help him to adapt to the world.

According to information from the National Institutes of Health, Fragile X syndrome, or FXS, is a genetic condition that causes a range of developmental problems, including learning disabilities and cognitive impairment. Usually, males are more severely affected by this disorder than females.

Fragile X syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females, according to the NIH.

WARNING SIGNS

Doug said that he and Christie became concerned that something might be happening with Grady when he was 6 to 8 months old and was not yet trying to sit up on his own, a time when most children start trying to do so. They told their pediatrician.

Initially, it was a wait and see, Doug said, adding that Grady began to sit up eventually, but at 12 months, he continued to lag developmentally. He had loose joints, wasnt sleeping well and screaming beyond what could be considered normal for children.

Our pediatrician was genuinely concerned, Doug said.

That began a process of ruling things out, Doug added. Their pediatrician was familiar with Fragile X Syndrome and the symptoms and recommended genetic testing. At the same time, he and Christie took Grady to a neurologist.

The results came back confusing and mixed before a definitive diagnosis of Fragile X Syndrome.

It was crushing, Doug said.

But it was also a relief, Christie said.

Now we knew what we were dealing with, Doug said.

Grady was 18 months old. Doug, a biology instructor at Coconino Community College, and Christie, a geneticist by training, researched FXS and came up with a game plan to help their son.

According to the NIH, Fragile X Syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation in a DNA segment that creates a deficiency in a protein that leads to a disruption in nervous system functions and leads to the signs and symptoms of the syndrome. FXS is more common and pronounced in males, and people with the premutation in their genes may not show signs of the syndrome but will be carriers.

According to the NIH, boys with the genetic mutation will have moderate intellectual disability and will have a particular facial appearance characterized by a large head, long face, prominent forehead and chin and protruding ears. Boys often will not begin talking until the age of 5, something that Grady, luckily, is already doing. Behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, hand flapping, meltdowns, sensory integration problems, and autism may be present. Girls with the mutation typically have mild intellectual ability and often do not show physical signs.

DIGGING IN

Doug and Christie said that after the diagnosis, they dug into getting Grady what he needs. Early intervention with special education and supportive therapies were crucial to help with Gradys development.

Grady has good speech, but he has challenges in gross motor skills and suffers from an anxiety from hyperarousal of the brain, similar to autism, that can be strong and debilitating.

And they had to take care of themselves, too. The diagnosis is a relatively rare one  although some estimates put the number of people who have the genetic mutation in the United States at around 1 million, Doug said. Doug and Christie are aware of no other families in Flagstaff who have a child with FXS.

Its a hard thing to go through, Doug said. The most important thing we did was connecting to the Fragile X community. To connect with other people who went or were going through what we were going through was absolutely invaluable.

Grady will start kindergarten next month, Doug said. It will be a transitional setting with therapies and a smaller class size. With luck, at the end of the year, he might make a mainstream first-grade class, or go through a regular year of kindergarten.

We would like him to be mainstreamed as much as possible, Doug said, adding that FXS children learn well by watching their peers. The socialization aspect will be important not only for the FXS children but also the other children, who will learn not to be fearful.

Doug and Christie believe it is important to get the word out about FXS for two reasons. First, to give parents the knowledge about the syndrome and that they are not alone. Second, public awareness helps with raising funds for research.

Christie said she believes that all people should be tested so they know their status on whether they carry the genetic mutation. It will help with making decisions when planning a family, to know the risks and the options.

Meanwhile, Doug and Christie do their best for Grady. Christie is the primary caregiver.

Some days are awesome and I almost forget he has Fragile X Syndrome, Christie said.

Other days are hard, and it is easy to beat up on yourself, she said. There is a sadness that she isnt doing enough for her son.

I try not to focus on the negative, she added.

She watched her son sitting with his father and studying a group of people.

You have a choice, she said. Dwell on it and let it destroy you, or keep moving forward and take each day as it comes. Nobody knows the future and how things will turn out, so we do the best we can. Were not going to sit down and let Fragile X win.
Hinds knocks contractors $2.4B claim

Speaking to reporters, yesterday, at the site of a culvert replacement exercise along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, Beetham, Hinds also underscored the Governments commitment of clearing up all outstanding debts to contractors but said they were in the process of verifying several of the claims.

Not all bills are being verified. Some have already been paid, he claimed.

Hinds added that a lot went wrong within recent times but we are standing stoutly at the door and guarding your interest. He did not elaborate.

During a news conference on Friday at the Professional Centre Building, Woodbrook, members of the Joint Consultative Council (JCC) called for an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley to seek payment for some $2.4 billion which they claimed, was owed to them for various projects.

At the briefing, JCC founder Emile Elias poured cold water on the view that the Government did not have the money to pay, insisting that the debt could be paid from the US$1 billion being sought by Finance Minister Colm Imbert from the Road show as well as a US$1 billion drawdown from the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF).

Hinds said yesterday it was no secret that the Government had a serious cash flow issue, adding that it was for this very reason they were seeking to gain more cash from the Road show and the HSF. The minister, who was accompanied by Acting Director of Highways Navin Ramsingh and Managing Director, Programme for Upgrading Roads Efficiency (PURE) Hayden Phillips, assured that the contractors will be paid once the funds were available.

Yesterday, Hinds toured the site of a culvert replacement exercise in the Beetham, which is being undertaken by Junior Sammy Contractors Limited.

The exercise caused a huge traffic pile-up along the east-bound lane of the Churchill Roosevelt Highway for much of yesterday as the roadway was seperated into two lanes on the east-bound lane to accomodate both east and west-bound commuters.

Hinds said some traffic also was diverted to the Priority Bus Route He said the culvert, which extends from one side of highway to the other, within the Beetham community had become worn-out and needed to be replaced.

The minister said the culvert, originally built in 1895, was later refurbished in 1953 with galvanised sheeting, which also became worn and rusted.

The situation, he told reporters, prevented the free flow of water, over the years - a situation which affected the health and living conditions of the people in the area. The project is expected to last for three weekends.

Hinds said a total of five culverts are set to be refurbished with fresh concrete cylinders during the exercise.

Hinds could not give a cost for the first culvert replacement project but claimed that the contractors were already paid a portion of the money He claimed the contractors were here and happy to work for the benefit of the country, despite concerns about non-payment of outstanding bills.

Hinds said many young people from his constituency were also employed on the project. I have told them (constituents) to work hard, give an account and impression of themselves so that they can be retained in future efforts, he said.
The grant money was made possible through the Arizona State Library with federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The goal of this project is to initiate public programming for all age groups in response to customer requests. Funds will be used to purchase supplies and to pay for instructors and presenters to implement an arts and crafts programming model.
The Daily News publishes death notices and obituaries on a daily basis for Norfolkans, area residents and former residents.

Death notices, which include information about when and where a person died, funeral services, burial and visitation for the deceased and memorial information, are published free of charge.

If families of the deceased desire to have an obituary printed, there is a fee charged for doing so. Because of that, families of the deceased can decide what information they want included in the obituary, as well as if they desire to have a photograph of the deceased published along with it. The Daily News reserves the right to edit.

Norfolk and area funeral homes have detailed information about placing an obituary in the Daily News. If individuals want to submit obituary information themselves, it can be emailed to funerals@norfolkdailynews.com or faxed to (402) 644-2080.

People needing additional information about death notices and obituaries can call the Daily News at 371-1020 or (877) 371-1020 and ask for the newsroom.
King Mohammed VI has urged all political actors, candidates and parties not to involve the King in any electoral or party disputes, as the King has a special status in the countrys political system.

The King has a special status in our political system. All actors, candidates and parties should therefore avoid involving the King in any electoral or party rows, said the monarch in the Throne day speech he delivered on Saturday.

As the guarantor of respect for the Constitution, the smooth running of institutions and the safeguard of the democratic choice, I do not take part in polls, nor do I belong to any political party. I am the King of all Moroccans  candidates and voters  and also of those who do not vote, he pointed out.

Furthermore, I am the King of all political organizations, without any discrimination or exception. As I said previously: the only party I am proud to belong to is Morocco, the monarch insisted.

The Sovereign who recalled the thorough political reforms and major economic and human development projects, which have reshaped the country over the past 17 years, conceded that there is still much more to do, particularly as we are entering a new era, starting with the upcoming parliamentary elections.

It is a watershed moment when we put things back on track: turn the page of an era when political parties used elections to gain access to power and inaugurate an era when this power lies with citizens, who have the duty to choose their representatives and hold them to account, he said

He insisted in this vein that citizens are the core element in the electoral process, not the parties, nor the candidates.

Citizens are the source of power, which they delegate to their representatives. They have the power to hold them to account and replace them, on the basis of what they have achieved during their mandate, the monarch said, urging voters to act in good conscience and to have in mind the citizens and nations interest during the poll, regardless of considerations of any kind.

I also call on political parties to endorse representatives who meet the requirements of competence, integrity, responsibility and keenness to serve citizens, he went on to say, urging political parties, whether in the Government or in the opposition, to engage in fair competition, the ultimate goal being to find tangible solutions to citizens real issues and problems and calling on the institutions overseeing the electoral process to make sure this process is fair and transparent.

The King further deplored that some parties indulge in practices that are contrary to the ethics and ideals of political action, making statements and using expressions that tarnish the reputation of the nation and the credibility and sanctity of institutions, in their attempt to gain voters support.

As soon as election dates draw near, confusion reigns, people turn their backs on each other and everyone, government and parties, candidates and voters, lose their minds and create chaos and conflicts that have nothing to do with the process of free choice, which is incarnated by elections, he stated urging ruling parties and the opposition to stop using the nation to settle personal accounts or achieve strictly party-related purposes.
Moroccans of all walks of life can look back with pride at what has been achieved in their country in all sectors under the reign of King Mohammed VI.

All Moroccans should be proud of what has been accomplished by a country which has no gas or oil resources. The North African Kingdom is changing with confidence and at a rapid pace. Everywhere you look, housing complexes, corporate buildings, factories or private residences are rising from the ground.

Big investors in car industry, aeronautics, manufacturing, information technology (IT), services, renewable energies are queuing and bidding to open plants or industrial units in the country, a beacon of peace and stability in a region beset with strife and turmoil.

This July 30th, Moroccans celebrated the 17th anniversary of the enthronement of King Mohammed VI. Since ascending the throne in 1999, the King has consolidated and accelerated a broad range of democratic, social, and economic reforms to improve the lives of citizens.

King Mohammed VI has not only strengthened Moroccos relations with longstanding allies (France, Spain) but also reached out to other superpowers like India, China and Russia in a bid to diversify partnership in a multi-polar world.

The Moroccan Sovereign has at the same time deepened Moroccos ties with African and Arab Gulf countries to promote security, stability, economic development, and religious tolerance in the region.

In his speech Saturday on the occasion of the Throne Day, King Mohammed VI said today, we are proud of our development achievements, and urged the public and private sectors to make more efforts to enable Morocco to rise to a higher rank, among emerging nations.

This requires serious work to boost the competitiveness of our national economy, as well as an objective assessment of our public policies, together with continued updating of our sectorial and social strategies, stressed the Sovereign.

Despite the constraints linked either to the international context or to its national economy, Morocco is achieving constant progress, thanks be to God, with no gas or oil resources, but by the work of its citizens, added the Sovereign.

This is best illustrated by an increase in the number of international companies which have decided to invest in Morocco and launch projects worth millions, said the Monarch, citing in this regard the example of French car maker Renault, the Chinese companies involved in the Tangier strategic industrial zone project  which will cover 1000 to 2000 hectares  Russian companies, etc.

These companies would not take the risk of spending all this money, if they were not sure they were investing in the right place. They are aware of and appreciate the security and stability Morocco enjoys, as well as the prospects for their investments, underlined King Mohammed VI, noting that a number of international companies have also shown interest in the Noor-Ouarzazate project, the largest solar energy farm in the world.

According to the Moroccan Monarch, maintaining order is a major responsibility, which is not limited in time or space, and a great mission incumbent upon all of us.

He also commended the security services for their effective response in anticipating and foiling all desperate terrorist attempts to target our citizens, security and public order.

To face mounting security challenges and increasing conspiracies hatched against Morocco, King Mohammed VI called for more mobilization and vigilance to combat extremism and terrorism within the framework of the law and in respect of Human rights and liberties.
;; Peter Norvig - Programming Challange from Erann Gat: ;; http://www.flownet.com/ron/papers/lisp-java/ ;; Given a list of words and a list of phone numbers, find all the ways that ;; each phone number can be expressed as a list of words. ;; Run: (main "word-list-file-name" "phone-number-file-name") (defvar *dict* nil "A hash table mapping a phone number (integer) to a list of words from the input dictionary that produce that number.") (defun main (&optional (dict "dict") (nums "nums") (dict-size 100)) "Read the input file DICT and load it into *dict*. Then for each line in NUMS, print all the translations of the number into a sequence of words, according to the rules of translation." (setf *dict* (load-dictionary dict dict-size)) (with-open-file (in nums) (loop for num = (read-line in nil) while num do (print-translations num (remove-if-not #'digit-char-p num))))) (defun print-translations (num digits &optional (start 0) (words nil)) "Print each possible translation of NUM into a string of words. DIGITS must be WORD with non-digits removed. On recursive calls, START is the position in DIGITS at which to look for the next word, and WORDS is the list of words found for (subseq DIGITS 0 START). So if START gets to the end of DIGITS, then we have a solution in WORDS. Otherwise, for every prefix of DIGITS, look in the dictionary for word(s) that map to the value of the prefix (computed incrementally as N), and for each such word try to extend the solution with a recursive call. There are two complications: (1) the rules say that in addition to dictionary words, you can use a single digit in the output, but not two digits in a row. Also (and this seems silly) you can't have a digit in a place where any word could appear. I handle this with the variable FOUND-WORD; if it is false after the loop, and the most recent word is not a digit, try a recursive call that pushes a digit. (2) The other complication is that the obvious way of mapping strings to integers would map R to 2 and ER to 02, which of course is the same integer as 2. Therefore we prepend a 1 to every number, and R becomes 12 and ER becomes 102." (if (>= start (length digits)) (format t "~a:~{ ~a~}~%" num (reverse words)) (let ((found-word nil) (n 1)) ; leading zero problem (loop for i from start below (length digits) do (setf n (+ (* 10 n) (nth-digit digits i))) (loop for word in (gethash n *dict*) do (setf found-word t) (print-translations num digits (+ 1 i) (cons word words)))) (when (and (not found-word) (not (numberp (first words)))) (print-translations num digits (+ start 1) (cons (nth-digit digits start) words)))))) (defun load-dictionary (file size) "Create a hashtable from the file of words (one per line). Takes a hint for the initial hashtable size. Each key is the phone number for a word; each value is a list of words with that phone number." (let ((table (make-hash-table :test #'eql :size size))) (with-open-file (in file) (loop for word = (read-line in nil) while word do (push word (gethash (word->number word) table)))) table)) (defun word->number (word) "Translate a word (string) into a phone number, according to the rules." (let ((n 1)) ; leading zero problem (loop for i from 0 below (length word) for ch = (char word i) do (when (alpha-char-p ch) (setf n (+ (* 10 n) (char->digit ch))))) n)) (defun nth-digit (digits i) "The i-th element of a character string of digits, as an integer 0 to 9." (- (char-code (char digits i)) #.(char-code #\0))) (defun char->digit (ch) "Convert a character to a digit according to the phone number rules." (ecase (char-downcase ch) ((#\e) 0) ((#\j #

#\q) 1) ((#\r #\w #\x) 2) ((#\d #\s #\y) 3) ((#\f #\t) 4) ((#\a #\m) 5) ((#\c #\i #\v) 6) ((#\b #\k #\u) 7) ((#\l #\o #\p) 8) ((#\g #\h #\z) 9)))
Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Colorado. Photo: JASON CONNOLLY/AFP/Getty Images

Donald Trump might be a fan of Vladimir Putin, but it seems hes been paying closer attention to the nice things the Russian president has said about him than to Putins geopolitical agenda. During an interview with ABCs This Week on Sunday, Trump was asked about his partys choice to soften its stance toward Russia in its official platform.

Trump replied that he was unaware of the platform change, before reassuring George Stephanopoulos that Putin wouldnt interfere in Ukraine. (To be clear, Russia invaded and annexed Crimea, a Ukrainian territory, in 2014. The United Nations Security Council has refused to recognize the annexation.)

TRUMP : Its  look, you know, I have my own ideas. Hes not going into Ukraine, okay, just so you understand. Hes not gonna go into Ukraine, all right? You can mark it down. You can put it down. You can take it anywhere you want 

STEPHANOPOULOS : Well, hes already there, isnt he?

TRUMP : Okay, well, hes there in a certain way. But Im not there. You have Obama there. And frankly, that whole part of the world is a mess under Obama, with all the strength that youre talking about and all of the power of NATO and all of this. In the meantime, hes going away. He take  takes Crimea. Hes sort of, I mean 

STEPHANOPOULOS : But you said you might recognize that.

TRUMP : Im gonna take a look at it. But you know, the people of Crimea, from what Ive heard, would rather be with Russia than where they were. And you have to look at that, also. Now, that was under  just so you understand, that was done under Obamas administration.

Trumps relationship to Putin has been closely scrutinized in recent weeks, particularly after he appeared to directly ask Russian hackers to dig up the remainder of the emails Hillary Clinton sent over her private server while she was Secretary of State. But when Stephanopoulos asked Trump to define his ties to Putin, Trump claimed to have no relationship with him. Stephanopoulos pressed him:

STEPHANOPOULOS : But if you have no relationship with Putin, then why did you say in 2013, I do have a relationship. In 2014, I spoke 

TRUMP : Because he has said nice things about me over the years. I remember years ago, he said something  many years ago, he said something very nice about me. I said something good about him when Larry King was on. This was a long time ago. And I said he is a tough cookie, or something to that effect.

He said something nice about me. This has been going on. We did 60 Minutes together. By the way, not together-together, meaning he was probably shot in Moscow 

STEPHANOPOULOS : Well, he was in Moscow.

TRUMP :  and I was shot in New York.

STEPHANOPOULOS : You were in New York. But thats the thing.

TRUMP : No, just so you understand, he said very nice things about me, but I have no relationship with him. I dont  Ive never met him.

STEPHANOPOULOS : Yet you said for three years, 13, 14, and 15, that you did have a relationship with him.

TRUMP : No, look, what  what do you call a relationship? I mean, he treats me 

STEPHANOPOULOS : Im asking you.

TRUMP :  with great respect. I have no relationship with Putin. I dont think Ive ever met him. I never met him. I dont think Ive ever met him.

STEPHANOPOULOS : You would know if you did.

TRUMP : I think so.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton was quick to attack Trumps questionable ties to Russia, saying in an interview with Fox News Sunday, For Trump to both encourage that and to praise Putin, despite what appears to be a deliberate effort to try to affect the election, I think raises national-security issues.

She went on to suggest that the email hack of the DNC, which came just as the convention kicked off in Philadelphia, was directly related to her opponent. We know that Russian intelligence services hacked into the DNC, and we know that they arranged for a lot of those emails to be released, she said. And we know that Donald Trump has shown a very troubling willingness to support Putin.
Meagan Good and Tamara Bass launch Indiegogo Campaign for their upcoming feature film. https://t.co/CMrC60ppB6 pic.twitter.com/vRxfsKA8eJ

Krazy Actress Productions (founded by Meagan Good and Tamara Bass) - not sure why they chose a silly-arse name, but thats what the are called.They are seeking funding via indigogo for their feature film - 'If Not Now, When?'. The film is written by Tamara Bass. Both Tamara and Megan will star in the film. Both ladies are trying to play on our sense of nostalgia by saying the film is in the sam vein as female bonding movies from the 80s and 90s - such as Women of Brewester Place, Set It off and Waiting to Exhale.



The synopsis from their website - If Not Now, When? introduces us to SUZANNE (Meagan Good), PATRICE (Tamara Bass), TYRA (TBA) and DEIDRE (TBA), who have been friends since meeting at 14. Over the course of their lives, fights, disagreements and love have caused friction and distance to manifest between some of them, particularly Suzanne and Patrice, who havent spoken in almost 15 years. When Tyra, who is mother to 14 year old JILLIAN (TBA), suffers a crisis, all four women are drawn back together to make it through, and soon discover that they also need each other, and that sisterhood, to make it through what is currently happening in their individual lives.



Tears, laughter and most importantly heart are at the center of this poignant drama. If Not Now, When? captures the essence of those female bonding movies that were prevalent in the 90s, while telling a story that is stirring and will most certainly tug at your emotions.





But, I can't help but feel like they have other ways to get this film funded and this is just about Megan's thrifty nature. Between a menagerie of rich friends, Megan and her husband also have a bestselling book, Megan's long running career in Hollywood (which includes starting in predominately black films), and Meagan's husband (Devon Franklin) has a long career behind the scenes before he broke out on his own and has a hit film 'miracles from heaven' under his belt. One would think that with a wealth of resources between them they could get this film funded/made.



But as they say 'don't lend money to friends' and 'the best way to say rich is to not spend your own money'. Maybe that's why Meagan who previously asked guests to contribute to her honeymoon fund is now doing this. Clearly, I'm not the only person sideye-ing, the fundraiser was launched days ago, and the ladies still haven't broken a thousand. The ladies have said they are going down the crowd funding route so they can maintain creative control of the film. Which is fair enough, after all we have all heard of stories of POC filmmakers, show runners etc being told to whiten and lighten characters.Between a menagerie of rich friends, Megan and her husband also have a bestselling book, Megan's long running career in Hollywood (which includes starting in predominately black films), and Meagan's husband (Devon Franklin) has a long career behind the scenes before he broke out on his own and has a hit film 'miracles from heaven' under his belt. One would think that with a wealth of resources between them they could get this film funded/made.

source source 2 , indiegogo incase I'm just a hater and you all would like to donate.

ynopis from the production company website

 JONES Magazine (@Jonesmag) July 28, 2016
Disclaimer: These lists are based on U.S. Billboard Hot 100 only. Sorry to those who disagree with certain choices! It is what it is

Divine - Lately

Jennifer Paige - Crush

Nicole Wray - Make It Hot

K.P. & Envyi - Swing My Way

Tatyana Ali - Daydreamin'

Marcy Playground - Sex and Candy

Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz - Deja Vu (Uptown Baby)

Five - When The Lights Go Out

Semisonic - Closing Time

Pras - Ghetto Supastar (That Is What You Are)

H O N O R A B L E | M E N T I O N S

- Uncle Sam, "I Don't Ever Wanna See You Again"

- TQ, "Westside"

- Jimmy Ray, "Are You Jimmy Ray?"

- Billie Myers, "Kiss The Rain"

- Nu Flavor, "Heaven

- Queen Pen, "All My Love"

- Alana Davis, "32 Flavors"

The music that really makes me miss the '90s most are the forgotten artists and songs - the ones that really made an impression for a short time and then disappeared from the charts. 18 years ago, artists like Jennifer Paige, Tatyana Ali and Five were topping the charts. These artists who created their 1998 smash hits were never able to replicate the success. Let's take a look at some of the best one hit wonders of 1998!The gospel-inspired song was released as the group's debut single in 1998 and peaked at no. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song was eventually released to international markets, but it failed to make as big of an impact as it did in North America. The group disbanded in 2000 and the song was rerecorded by Samantha Mumba for the European market.If you were alive and had a radio in 1998, chances are you heard Jennifer Paige's one and only hit "Crush." Almost immediately after Paige recorded the song, her producer gave a copy to KIIS-FM. "Crush" eventually became the station's most requested song, and it wasn't too long before everyone caught on. The song peaked at no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Unfortunately, none of her album's singles gained much tractionat least not in the United States, where she never charted again.When Nicole Wray dropped that Timbaland produced-Missy laced track on us in '98, we were jamming. She was a decent alternative to Aaliyah's at the time, but for some reason, after "Make It Hot" peaked at no. 5 on the Hot 100 and went gold, Wrays career started to slow down. Shes done some features, but "Make it Hot" was the last time weve successfully heard her shine on her own.This rap duo collaborated in 1998 to produce the hit single Swing My Way. It peaked at #6 on Billboards Hot 100 and remained in the top 40 for an additional 6 weeks. Their collaboration was short lived and only resulted in this one hit. As individual artists they were part of their own projects prior to producing Swing my Way and theyve since been featured on singles of many other rap artists.Best known as Ashley Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, it wasnt until 1998 that Tatyana turned her attention to focus on her musical talents and released "Daydreamin'" from her debut album. The single peaked at no. 6 on the Hot 100 and stayed on the US chart for 17 weeks. Tatyana recently released an album in 2014."Sex And Candy" is by far one of the greatest and weirdest songs of the '90s, so it's easy to understand why the song became huge. The band was also curiously unique, with songs like "Comin' Up From Behind" and "Poppies." None of their songs made the impact that "Sex and Candy" did, which peaked at no. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1998.Peter Gunz linked with fellow Bronx MC Lord Tariq to create this New York City anthem. The song's main groove was lifted from Steely Dan's "Black Cow," and with its popular refrain ("Uptown baby, Uptown baby!"), it became the group's only hit. The song peaked at no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Peter is currently being a fuckboy on VH1's Love & Hip-Hop.Released in 1998, "When the Lights Go Out" was the second single released from the British boy band Fives debut album, 5ive. The song peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. While Five continued to have commercial success in Europe, the song remains their only U.S. hit."Closing Time" remains a pop-cultural touchstone, but it also remains the groups only top 40 hit. Some may say this band is not a one hit wonder, but the group peaked at no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and never saw the same success again. Hole-in-the-wall bars are still kicking people out w/ this song to this day.Pras from the Fugees, Ol Dirty Bastard, and Mya aren't even close to being one-hit wonders, but they all came together in 1998 to create a one-off smash HIT for the film, Bulworth, starring Warren Beatty as a fading politician who becomes inspired by hip-hop culture. Thanks to the coming together of this elite group, this became Pras' one and only solo hit. But that's not to take away all of the success he has had with the Fugees!What were you doing in 1998, ONTD?
Editor's note: This year's race for Coconino County Attorney has only two candidates on the ballot, and both are squaring off in the Aug. 30 Democratic primary.

Bill Ring: Experience and growth

Democratic Coconino County attorney candidate Bill Ring sees growth as the largest civil issue facing the county.

In the next 10 years critical decisions will need to be made about water, roads, density, architecture, character, scale and even location, Ring said. Should the county take on a share of the growth density, and if so, how? Growth is the civil question of our times.

Ring has never run for public office but said he decided to run for County Attorney because of his past work with that office. He has been an attorney in Coconino County for about 28 years. He said experience is what distinguishes him from his opponent.

He spent a short time as a criminal prosecutor but is better known for his work as the senior civil attorney for the Coconino County Attorneys Office, where he has worked for 15 years.

I lead an entire division of the County Attorneys Office, he said. I have seen it all up close and personal.

As civil attorney to all of Coconino County governments boards, commissions, departments and special districts, Ring has overseen many cooperative planning agreements for development projects on the Navajo Nation, flood control district work in the Schultz fire burn area and the use of Rogers Lake, among others.

He has also been representing a Southside property owner in the local fight against the proposed Hub student housing complex in Flagstaff while he has been on leave to run for office.

Ring sees the role of Coconino County attorney as the communitys advocate for justice. He is complimentary about the current County Attorneys Office, calling it a talent developer. He said he would like to build on that reputation.

He said the offices big challenge is to keep pace with the countys growth.

When I started 28 years ago, we were half the size we are today, Ring said. We were located in the old courthouse. Our organizational structure and procedures were different.

But, he said, the County Attorneys Office is evolving.

Today, we have more instances of specialization, Ring said. We create more practice groups. We must be ready for a future that demands more of the county attorney in terms of total volume, specialization of practice areas and overall responsiveness.

Ring wants to create 5- and 10-year strategic plans to accommodate the projected increased demands on the County Attorneys Office.

If he had more resources, Ring said, he would like to create an investigator position within the Coconino County Attorneys Office to dig into issues important to the community and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. He said adding an investigator to the Coconino County team could improve community welfare and add a skill set the County Attorneys Office does not have yet.

Ring led the 2011 SEDI Community Indicators Project, which identified dozens of data points attempting to quantify the relatedness of community issues, like links between educational attainment and rising jail populations. He is interested in claims that a disproportionate number of minority arrestees end up stuck in jail because they cannot afford bail.

(T)his pressure speaks to potential Bordertown issues and relations with our citizenry from our several (Native American) nations, Ring said. And if you take it out far enough, the issues may relate to the availability of equal educational and employment opportunities, and the economic and social vitality of our total county community: how we care and provide for each other.

Ring said he would like to use the contacts he has made as an attorney in Coconino County to create a task force that would tackle the countys biggest problems, including Bordertown concerns.

The community already expects that you have true experience, knowledge and skill. They expect you will apply these traits to crimes and courts and your civil advice, Ring said. But what they seek in a good County Attorney -- the secret sauce -- is that you understand the landscape, you see and connect with all the people and you reflect their values.

Gary Pearlmutter: Leadership and reform

As director of the Coconino County Legal Defenders Office, Gary Pearlmutter is usually on the team opposing the Coconino County Attorneys Office in the courtroom.

His plan for the office, however, contains a combination of proposals to both enhance charging for violent crimes and reduce incarceration of low-risk offenders by directing them to treatment and highly structured rehabilitation programs rather than prison. His priority is making decisions based on data.

(W)e as lawyers in the criminal justice system need to do a better job of educating the public about what works to reduce crime and what the science is telling us, Pearlmutter said. We have done things in the past that actually do not ensure just and safe communities.

Pearlmutter said he would like to redistribute funding in the criminal justice system to strengthen community-based programs for nonviolent offenders. A good county attorney, he said, should try to make sure the criminal justice system works for everyone.

I think many would agree that imprisoning a repeat shoplifting offender for 4.5 years in prison for stealing a $4.50 bottle of malt liquor (an actual case) is unfair and costly to the taxpayer, Pearlmutter said. A cheaper and more effective option would be to provide highly structured life skill programming and housing, where the offender is closely supervised and working.

At the same time, Pearlmutter said, he wants to improve the charging unit of the Coconino County Attorneys Office, which he said releases too many defendants arrested for felonies, without supervision, within days of the arrest because either the County Attorney's Office or law enforcement fails to file formal complaints against them.

The release of violent offenders is of particular concern, especially if they committed a domestic violence offense, he said.

One of the county's biggest criminal justice problems, he said, is child abuse and neglect cases. In addition to providing legal services to indigent criminal defendants, legal defenders are appointed by the courts to act in the best interest of a child in abuse and dependency cases. Pearlmutter would like to get the County Attorneys Office more involved, as well.

To begin to resolve the problems with child abuse cases, behavioral health providers would like to see the County Attorneys Office participate in case reviews of open cases in the criminal court system, he said. Such participation would strengthen the offices ability to prosecute them and further build a relationship with the victims, which would ensure more convictions.

At the civil level, Pearlmutter said one of the biggest problems facing Coconino County is access to mental health care. He would like the County Attorneys Office to work more closely with doctors early in the mental health civil commitment process to make sure they comply with statutes and improving the process overall.

Although he was mostly complimentary of the current Coconino County attorney, he would like the office to have a seat on the Flagstaff Police Department Citizen Liaison Committee and explore similar ideas in other communities. He also said he would create a mentorship program for young prosecutors.

Pearlmutter said what distinguishes him from his opponent is his criminal justice background, both as a law enforcement officer for the National Park Service and as an attorney with trial experience in the countys public defender and legal defender offices for 23 years, plus 11 total years as director of one of those offices and on the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. He also touted his experience crafting legislation, including a successful rewrite of the Arizona Public Defender Statute.

There is a saying that to lead an army, you need to walk in the shoes of the soldier, he said. So, to lead our county attorneys office, you should enjoy being in a courtroom and have criminal trial experience. You should also have a proven record of leading efforts to bring change to our criminal justice system.
A deeply troubled global oil industry is cutting production but Russians are defying the trend. Goldman Sachs has forecast Russian crude production to rise to 11.7 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2018, which is an increase of almost 600,000 b/d from 2015.

We remain positive on Russian oil industry production, Goldman analysts led by Geydar Mamedov said. At current oil prices, Russian oils are among the few global majors that can maintain their growth plans and dividends, reports World Oil.

Goldman believes that the largest Russian producer Rosneft, which produces more than a third of the nations output, will be a major contributor to the increase in production. However, Rosnefts output has been declining steadily and its current production is 3 percent below the peak achieved in late 2013. The giant Vankor field, which had boosted Rosnefts production, has also declined by around 5 percent, from the highs of 447,000 b/d in the third quarter of 2015.

Goldman believes that new projects in Suzun, Tagul, Yurubcheno-Tokhomskoye and Messoyakha will be the major driver of growth. It expects oil from these new projects to push up overall output from 470,000 b/d in 2015 to 850,000 b/d in 2018, reports Bloomberg. However, the current available pipeline capacity is not adequate to transport the oil from the producers to the export network. So, new projects need to be matched by an expansion in the pipeline network.

Considering these challenges, the International Energy Agency expects Russian production to decline to 10.94 million b/d from 11.06 million b/d in 2016. Related: Exxon Misses Estimates By A Mile, Plunges To Two-Month Lows

As most of the news coming out of Russia is difficult to verify, its hard to confidently say which one of the two scenarios will play out, however, the existing challenges faced by Russia point to a drop in production, rather than an uptick. Still, thanks to the low cost of production, Russian oil producers will produce free cash flow as long as oil prices remain above $10 a barrel, says Goldman.

Its worth noting, at the same time, that Russian ministers have been quoted on various occasions saying that continued low oil prices will lead to a drop in Russian oil production. Back in February, Energy Minister Alexander Novak presented a scenario of low oil prices, where Russian oil production was likely to drop by 14 percent by 2020. Similarly, Maxim Oreshkin, deputy Finance Minister of Russia said back in January that low oil prices may lead to faster closures of a few oil production facilities.

As Russia depends mainly on oil revenues, prices will have to remain supportive if it is to achieve any uptick in oil production. The country is taking steps to ensure this by introducing a profit-based tax system for the oil companies, which is expected to increase both government revenues and oil output by 2018, according to documents seen by Reuters and industry sources. Only time will tell how much this helps in actual production. Related: Forget Inventories  Drilling Cutbacks Will Lead To Much Higher Oil Prices

Nevertheless, Russias energy ministry is not as positive as Goldman on increasing production. Their estimates of an increase of 120,000 b/d in 2016 and 100,000 b/d in 2017 are lower than Goldmans.

For the first half of the year, Russias oil production was up 180,000 b/d compared to last year, during the same period, however, the trend is downward, with output in June down by 80,000 b/d compared to January.

Only time will tell if Russia will manage to achieve a new production record in the next three years, especially if the global glut persists.

By Rakesh Upadhyay for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Signs reading "Keep the Change" have been appearing in the windows of businesses throughout Milwaukee, advising patrons not to give money to panhandlers. The fliers are a result of the Keep the Change initiative adopted by the Milwaukee Common Council on March 1.

The program encourages donations to nonprofits that serve the homeless and other people in need. "When you Keep the Change, you can help that person make a real change in his or her life," according to the councils website.

Tim Schwab, who has been homeless for six months, is not happy about the program. He said he was able to feed himself with the spare change given to him on the streets. "If you have extra change thats going to fall between your car seats anyways, why not help somebody?" Schwab said. "Fifty cents can go a long way."

Although the initiative discourages it, panhandling is within the law. Aggressive panhandling, defined as following someone and demanding money, is illegal, but asking for money verbally or silently with a sign or a container is within an individuals First Amendment rights.

Schwab said it is a common misconception that homelessness is a result of addiction and that panhandlers will use the money for drugs.

"(The city) cant just assume where the money is going to," Schwab said. "Some people are without a job and trying to get work. I dont think its (the citys) right to say who someone can give money to. Its a persons choice."

Alderman Terry Witkowski, who sponsored the initiative, encourages residents to donate to charity instead of giving the money to a panhandler.

"Seventy percent of panhandlers are not homeless, according to the Milwaukee Police Department and the District Attorneys Office," Witkowski said.

Witkowski also noted there is no guarantee how panhandlers would spend the money. "Your money isnt going where you think," he said.

The initiatives website recommends making contributions to 18 organizations that provide food, shelter or other services to people in need.

Milagro Jones, a South Side resident who was formerly homeless, said he has benefited from some of those organizations, including Cathedral Center, Inc., Guest House of Milwaukee and the Salvation Army.

Jones attended meetings about the initiative and said he was taken aback when he first heard about it.

"Its my natural inclination to help someone out," Jones said. "I thought my direct donation would be helpful."

Although Jones said he sees why business owners do not want panhandlers near their stores, he also remembers a time when he was the one asking for a dollar.

"I understand where the program is coming from and this issue needs to be addressed," Jones said. "If people dont like the solution the city came up with, be creative and make a better one."

Guest House of Milwaukee Executive Director Cindy Krahenbuhl said the initiatives message can sometimes be misconstrued.

"The message isnt dont help people, but simply handing them money is not the means to do that." Krahenbul recommends offering a sandwich or water rather than money.

Carol McLain, director of resource development at Cathedral Center, said organizations such as hers  which provides emergency housing, workforce development and case management services  can better serve the homeless in the long run than giving people spare change.

"We end homelessness one life at a time; thats our mission," McLain said. "Giving money (to panhandlers) isnt going to solve the problem."

She added, "We can do more than someone giving five dollars on a street corner."

Sarah Pollack, partnerships and communications manager at Meta House, said some donors have mentioned the initiative and they seemed informed.

Also, business owners and customers said they have noticed a recent decline in panhandling. Vijay Swearingen, owner of Pita Brothers at 1616 W. Wisconsin Ave., attributes that to the Keep the Change sign he displays at his restaurant.

Police Officer Gary Bray, a Pita Brothers customer, agreed that there have been fewer panhandlers on Wisconsin Avenue in the past year.

Bray keeps an eye out for aggressive panhandling, but he noted that its important that panhandlers have access to resources they need. "Were not there to ticket someone," Bray said. "We try to give them information (about) resources that can help them."

Alex Deets, a rising junior at Marquette University, said he has been asked for money up to three times during one walk on campus.

"I can tell on their faces that they are not using the money for food," Deets said. "Its frustrating because you want to help somebody, but thats not the way to do it."

He added that panhandlers do not discourage him from patronizing certain businesses. "Its just a reality you have to deal with," Deets said.

Deets often eats at Ruby Gs Espresso Bar and Cafe, at 2043 W. Wells St., which also decided to hang the flier.

Craig Braaten, the cafes owner, said the fliers may be influencing his customers.

"I dont think fliers will stop panhandling, but maybe it will stop people from giving them money," Braaten said.
Reprinted from Reader Supported News

The glitz, the glamour, and all the lofty speeches did not tell the true story of what happened in Philadelphia. Bernie tried to bring his supporters into the fold, but as I wrote in the past, they are not sheep. The Democratic Party is divided. Filmmaker Josh Fox talked about the cultural differences between the supporters of the campaigns. He nailed it: the Clinton delegates were dressed in suits and expensive dresses, while the Sanders delegates were in shorts and t-shirts.

Ding, ding, ding ... That's it; that explains everything. Let's test Fox's theory with the differences on the issues.

Minimum Wage

Sanders delegates want $15 an hour now. Clinton delegates have no issue with getting there eventually, but they think it would be better to work our way up to $15. Let's face it, they make more than $15 an hour already. The Sanders supporters know what it's like to try to raise their families on less than a livable wage. They are not willing to wait.

Single Payer Health Care

Most Clinton delegates have good jobs that include health care benefits. Many of Bernie's delegates know what it's like to have no health care. Many know what it's like to be underinsured and not go to the doctor because they can't afford the co-pay or premium.

Free College Tuition

There is more common ground here. The middle class is also struggling with college debt. That is what led to the compromise on the platform plank. Sanders supporters still believe a public education should be free, from kindergarten through college. I think Clinton supporters agree, but don't think we can afford it for everyone. The compromise was free college education for everyone whose family makes less than $150,000. I hope a family with more than one child isn't punished and forced to pay the full ride for all of the kids.

I think it's the economic issues that separate the delegates, so we will move on. The new Democratic Party leadership had better fix the class divide that is developing in the party or they'll risk losing this November.

Click Here to Read Whole Article
Reprinted from Counterpunch

The 2016 Democratic Convention in Philadelphia was a multi-layered, raucous display of political theater. A host of delegates loyal to Senator Bernie Sanders were inside in large numbers exclaiming "No more war" during former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta's speech and raising all kinds of progressive, rebellious signs and banners against the Hillary crowd. Although Hillary addressed them directly in her acceptance speech, "Your cause is my cause," those dissatisfied delegates in the hall saw her rhetoric for what it was: insincere and opportunistic.

She said she'd tax the wealthy for public necessities, but declined to mention a sales tax on Wall Street speculation that could bring in as much as $300 billion a year to support such initiatives. She opposed "unfair trade agreements," but remarkably omitted saying she was against the TPP (the notorious pending Trans Pacific Trade Agreement backed by Obama that is receiving wide left/right opposition).

She paid lip service to a "living wage" but avoided endorsing a $15 an hour minimum wage, which would help single moms and their children -- people she wants us to believe have been her enduring cause. Few people know that it took until the spring of 2014 before candidate Clinton would come out for even a $10.10 minimum wage. News reports noted that Clinton, a former member of Walmart's board of directors and Arkansas corporate lawyer, was wrestling with how to support $10.10 per hour without alienating her Wall Street friends.

"Caring for kids" doesn't extend to encircled Gaza's defenseless children, hundreds of whom were killed by American-made weapons wielded by the all powerful Israeli military. Gaza is the the world's largest open-air prison and under illegal blockade. Remember, as Secretary of State, Hillary fully backed war crimes, condemned by almost all countries in the world. On the stage in Philadelphia, she spoke of backing Israel's security without any mention of Palestinian rights or the need to end Israel's illegal occupation of the territories.

It is true, as numerous speakers repeated, Clinton is "most qualified and experienced," but her record shows those qualities have led to belligerent, unlawful military actions that are now boomeranging against U.S. interests. The intervention she insistently called for in Libya, with Obama's foolish consent, over-rode the wiser counsel of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (and his generals), who warned of the chaos that would follow. He was proven right, with chaotic violence now all over Libya spilling into other African countries. This is but one example of what Bernie Sanders meant during the debates when he referenced her "poor judgement."

The media coverage of political conventions tends to sink to the level of the circus. The PBS/NPR coverage with some half dozen reporters and two commentators proved to be thin, light, soft and superficial. Otherwise smart media communicators were reduced to very heavy focus on exactly what the Party's manipulators wanted. "What is Hillary really like?" Of course the stage was filled with frothy admiration, awe and acclamation. But why didn't the media point out some of the factual omissions, the contradictions to the endless sugarcoating of the nominee?

To her credit, NPR/PBS reporter, Susan Davis, did blurt out that the Convention program was mostly about personality and character with little policy. Reporters did, however, point out that unlike all other candidates, Hillary Clinton has not had a news conference since last December to showcase her supposed experience, qualifications and knowledge!

Why wouldn't Hillary Clinton, in her attack on Donald Trump, demand the release of his tax returns? Hillary and Bill have regularly released their tax returns. Maybe because Trump would demand Hillary release her secret Wall Street transcripts of her $5,000-a-minute paid speeches to big bankers and other businesses.

To her verbal credit, Hillary Clinton raised the "unpatriotic" charge against too many U.S. corporations (not all she added) when it comes to our country. Born in the U.S.A, grown to profit on the backs of American workers, bailed out by American taxpayers and occasionally by the U.S. Marines overseas, these giant companies have no allegiance to country or community. They are, with trade agreements and other inducements, abandoning America's workers and escaping America's laws and taxes.

Hearing the word "unpatriotic" applied to those companies I could imagine these firms' executives and P.R. flacks shuddering for the only time during her 55-minute address. The stigma of being "unpatriotic" to their enabling native country can have consequential legs for turning public opinion even more deeply against these monetized corporate Goliaths.

Stung by the consistently high "untrustworthy" ratings since polling started asking that question (only Trump exceeds her in most polls), she declared again that no one achieves greatness alone, that it takes us working together, that it "Takes a Village," alluding to her earlier book. If that is true, then Together must have more power than the Few. "Together" should include workers, consumers, small taxpayers, voters and communities who are excluded from power, from the tools of democracy -- electoral reforms and clean elections, more unions and cooperatives, access to justice for wrongful injuries and against crony capitalism and corporate crime and greater citizen empowerment. Does she have an agenda for a devolution of power from the few to the many so that we can be "stronger together," (her slogan for 2016)? No way. Mum's the word!

This immense gap has been the Clinton duo's con job on America for many years. Sugarcoating phrases, populist flattery, getting the election over with and jumping back into the fold of the plutocracy is their customary M.O.

An anti-Hillary campaign button sums it up. Imagine a nice picture of Hillary with the words "More Wall Street" above her head and the words "More War" below her head.

Alert voters could see it coming at the Convention: the militarism for Hillary the Hawk on day four in Philadelphia and the arrival of the corporate fat cats. Or, as the New York Times headlined: "Top Donors Leave Sidelines, Checkbooks in Hand."

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Reprinted from Reader Supported News

With *Greg Palast

Mike Pence is the poster boy for Voter ID laws. No one has benefited more from this legalized form of vote theft than the Republican nominee for VP. In his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland last Wednesday, Pence said he "wants every American to succeed and prosper." However, he certainly doesn't want every American to vote. Indeed it was thanks to Indiana's Voter ID laws -- the first of their kind in the nation -- that he squeaked into the governor's office. These seemingly benign laws, requiring voters to show approved photo ID, have a sinister and very deliberate effect: they suppress black, brown, young, old, poor -- and, above all, blue votes. In this week's Best Democracy Money Can Buy, Election Crimes Bulletin, Flashpoint's Dennis J Bernstein gets the lowdown on the sleazy practice of vote-rigging-by-ID-law from political hanky-panky expert Greg Palast. They also discuss how these racist-by-design laws tap dance around voting rights and discrimination protections, and could ultimately help Pence and Trump waltz into the White House.

TRANSCRIPT (Originally broadcast on July 20, 2016)

Dennis J Bernstein: Today Mike Pence is front and center. He's out there on his proverbial knees to greet the Trump helicopter. He's getting ready to accept his party's nomination. But also, as you point out, he's a vote bandit. Tell us the joke about the nuns trying to vote.

Greg Palast: Ten nuns walk into a voting booth. I know that Mike Pence says he's a Christian, but he also stopped 10 nuns from voting -- and that's very important. Mike Pence would not be governor of Indiana if he hadn't figured out a way to knock out black voters, nun voters, student voters, and poor voters.

DB: You are serious about the nuns?

Palast: Yes. Here's the story: In 2008, 10 nuns walked into a voting station, a place where they had been voting for decades, and they were told "Scram sisters!" because Indiana had just passed its Voter ID law. It was the first state in the nation that said you had to have a photo Voter ID. So the nuns proudly showed their driver's licenses, except that the licenses had expired because they were all in their eighties and nineties. But they hadn't expired. Nevertheless, they were told they couldn't vote because they needed a current state ID, even though there's no reason why. There's no logic for any Voter ID because in the 100 years in which records have been kept, not one single person in a 100-year history of voting in Indiana -- not one -- was found to have used someone else's identity. In other words, using identify theft to cast a vote. Because you are going to the hoosegow for a very long time, at least five years under federal law and more under state law. But, nevertheless, this was the first Voter ID law. This is the Voter ID law that Justice Scalia provided the fifth and deadly vote in favor of, saying that it was constitutional and okay under the Voting Rights Act. Now, the Voting Rights Act itself has been killed by the former Scalia court. (Get my FREE COMIC BOOK DOWNLOAD, which includes the NUNS' TALE.)

But here's where Mike Pence comes into the story: we wouldn't have a Governor Pence except for this. The NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the ACLU hired Matt Barreto, who's a great statistician. He calculated that about 72,000 black people in Indiana would be barred from voting by this ID law. Furthermore, students would be barred from voting. You can't use a student ID. You can use a gun ID, but not a University of Indiana ID. Students would be barred, and obviously people who don't drive tend to be poor people, whether they are white or black. Poor people tend to vote Democratic. Black people vote Democratic. Hispanic people vote Democratic -- we're not even counting those yet. Students vote Democratic. So if you add a few more of the blocked voters to the 72,000 African-Americans who are blocked from voting in Indiana, that more than accounts for Mike Pence's very, very slim 80,000 vote margin when he ran for governor of Indiana. So Pence just sneaked by the Democrat, congressman John Gregg, and he sneaked by simply by blocking voters through this racist ID law.

DB: And the lower courts found it to be a real problem. Justice Terence Evans was not all that impressed, was he?

Palast: No. His ruling was that this was just a clear, bold attempt at partisan manipulation of voter rolls by the Republican Party, knowing that they are knocking out their adversaries. But Scalia, being the 5th vote, said, "I don't care." Scalia famously said, "You can always get a non-voter ID." Well, it's kind of a catch 22 -- you need ID to get a non-voter ID. But even if you do, it's an average three bus, all day trip back and forth from a county office -- on average a 17-mile trip. And, as Scalia infamously said, "Seventeen miles is 17 miles, whether you are black or white."

But, of course, he had a black Beemer, for which he got a speeding ticket. But whether it's a black Beemer or a white Beemer, 17 miles is nothing for him. But if you actually have to take a bus, and most people who don't have licenses have to take a bus, it's a major hardship. He knew that.

And while it's racist, that's only secondary to their plan. It's partisan, and the interesting thing is that the Republicans in the court say a plan which knocks out your opponents, that's perfectly fine. It just can't be clearly and overtly intended to be racist. Now there was a glimmer of hope, because the devil needed his advocate early and took Scalia from us. And the Texas court of appeals is changing and the Texas ID law, which is also a nasty piece of work. That ruling just came out yesterday.

DB: That was not thrown out. It's thrown back to the lower court, so that could show its ugly face again. Now, Karl Rove thinks it's a good idea. He thinks, if you gotta go get groceries, they check your ID, so if you gotta go to vote, they check your ID too.

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Reprinted from WSWS



New York Times Building, NYC

(Image by alextorrenegra) Details DMCA



The Republican convention sought to present the billionaire racist Donald Trump as the champion of working-class Americans, an exercise in falsification that the Democrats attempted to match by presenting Hillary Clinton, the consensus candidate of the Wall Street elite and the military-intelligence apparatus, as a combination of Mother Teresa and Mother Jones.

In the aftermath of the Democratic convention, the issue that columnists of various stripes focused on was that the Democrats had captured the themes of "patriotism" and national security that once were the focus of Republican electioneering, with the Democratic Party convention awash in flags, tributes to the military and police, and chants of "USA, USA." In their view, this made Clinton a more credible "commander-in-chief" for US imperialism than Trump.

Conservative David Brooks, in the Times, declared that Trump has "abandoned the great patriotic themes that used to fire up the G.O.P. and he's allowed the Democrats to seize that ground. If you visited the two conventions this year you would have come away thinking that the Democrats are the more patriotic of the two parties..."

Pro-Clinton columnist Paul Krugman, also in the Times, hailed the same trend, in a column headlined, "Who Loves America?" which directly linked the Democratic convention's embrace of identity politics and its espousal of militarism and patriotism. He branded opponents of Clinton as "tribalists, not patriots," people who didn't love America, but rather only their "tribe," as defined by race and gender.

The implication, peddled previously by Krugman in numerous columns, is that "white men" are offended by the prospect of the first African-American president being succeeded by the first female president. He smears the widespread working-class hostility to the Democratic Party, a right-wing, corporate-controlled party that bailed out Wall Street at the expense of working people, as nothing more than white racism.

Krugman referred in passing to the WikiLeaks revelations about corrupt support for Clinton by the Democratic National Committee, at the expense of Bernie Sanders, in order to raise again the unsubstantiated allegations -- heavily promoted by the Times -- that DNC emails were hacked by the Russian intelligence services to help the Trump campaign, in return for Trump's support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. He wrote: "What strikes me most is the silence of so many leading Republicans in the face of behavior they would have denounced as treason coming from a Democrat."

Times online columnist Timothy Egan chimed in with a filthy McCarthyite diatribe slandering WikiLeaks for allegedly working with Russia to "hijack a great democracy." In "The Real Plot Against America," Egan wrote that the "plot" started "with a stooge, a fugitive holed up in London [WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange], releasing stolen emails on the eve the Democratic National Convention, in the name of 'transparency.' Cyberburglars rely on a partner in crime to pick up stolen goods. And WikiLeaks has always been there for Russia, a nation with no transparency." Never mind that Assange has been hounded by the Obama administration for exposing the crimes of American imperialism.

Egan did not bother to provide an ounce of substantiation for his allegations. He went on to dismiss the content of the leaked emails -- which show the efforts of the DNC to undermine the campaign of Sanders, among other underhanded and possibly criminal dealings -- as "ho-hum." He denounced "lefty extremists" for booing Clinton and for booing the call by Bernie Sanders to "unite to save their country from a monster."

According to Egan, opposition to Clinton from the left is the equivalent of treason in support of Russia and Putin. "If enough angered lefties won't go for the Democratic nominee, a longtime foe of Vladimir Putin, it will be just enough to put a Putin puppet in the White House."

Two conservative columnists for the Washington Post gave similar post-convention appraisals backing Clinton over Trump as the more effective advocate of the global interests of American imperialism.

Charles Lane, a regular panelist on Fox News, defended the US alliance structures in Europe and the Far East against Trump's criticism that US allies were not paying their fair share of the military cost. He warned that popular support for US military commitments overseas was waning, "to the point where a major-party candidate for president finds it advantageous not to assuage public ambivalence about collective security, but to weaponize it, politically."

While expressing concern over the "radicalism, or the destabilizing potential, of Trump's attacks on long-standing U.S. security doctrine," he expressed relief that: "To be sure, the 2016 Democratic nominee is an internationalist former secretary of state whose husband, as president, began NATO's eastward expansion. Hillary Clinton undoubtedly subscribes to the 2016 Democratic platform's unequivocal pledges to stand by NATO and 'deepen' alliances in Asia."

Even more explicit is the endorsement penned by neo-conservative columnist Anne Applebaum, a longtime apologist for US war moves in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Under the headline, "Why we need a President Clinton," she wrote: "[W]e do need to elect Hillary Clinton for president. If we don't, as we learned in recent days, we'll be led by a man who appears bent on destroying the alliances that preserve international peace and American power, a man who cheerfully approves of hostile foreign intervention in a U.S. election campaign. And please remember: If that's how he feels about Russia, there's no guarantee that he'll feel any different about China or Iran."

Applebaum is linked both personally and politically to the ultra-right factions in Eastern Europe who have been agitating for a warlike posture by the US and NATO against Russia: her husband, Radoslaw Sikorski, has been foreign minister and defense minister of Poland, and now is a Senior Fellow at Harvard University's Center for European Studies.

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Bernie woke up millions, now we need to plan the next steps

(Image by Rob Kall) Details DMCA



What Do We Do Now That the DNC Rigged & Stole the Primary. That's the big question. I comment on this then include video's from Glen Ford, Kshama Sawant, Jill Stein and Nina Turner.

I think all of them and I agree that the corporations have two parties and we, the 99%, the middle class, the workers in America need one-- a party for the 99%.

Here are some of the questions and considerations:

There are 14 million Bernie supporters, yuuge mailing and donor lists that Bernie has not yet and may not ever share with Hillary or the DNC-- I hope he doesn't. What happens next.

The purportedly progressive organizations are all clamoring for your support and money. Some are supporting Hillary. Some Bernie supporters are saying we have to vote Hillary to prevent the boogeyman-- I mean Trump.

During the four days I spent in Philly, of the six days of the DNC conventions and its pre-convention events, 99% of the Bernie supporters said they'd be voting Green, for Jill Stein, or writing in Bernie's name, or staying home.



Occupy 2.0?

Bernie's revolution has given us incredible momentum. While I was covering the protests at the DNC and in Center City Philly, at Occupy DNC, it felt a real lot like Occupy (I covered six different Occupy locales.) It is very possible that we can turn Bernie's revolution into the next metamorphic stage after Occupy. Call it Occupy 2.0? Some are calling it Democracy Spring. We have built something. We must hold on to and maintain the momentum. Bernie ALWAYS said, at every event, that change happens from the bottom up. We should not expect Bernie to do the work for the next stage. He did an incredible, amazing, yuuuge job getting us this far. We must continue his historic project and build upon it. That means starting now and also planning to continue after the November vote, no matter what happens.

What's Bernie Doing:

There's talk about him starting Our Revolution, at OurRevolution.com, but so far it simply asks for your email and zipcode and then offers you an option to donate. I made a small donation and it does not take you to anywhere else. I'll wait to see if I get anything in the email. There's also talk of a Bernie Sanders Institute which will train activists. We'll see. Meanwhile, word is that he will return to the senate as an independent.

What Bernie Accomplished

I wrote this article describing why I think his changes to the DNC platform made a difference:

The Dem Platform Fulfills Bernie's Bottom Up Vision of Change





Do you Write in Bernie or Stay Home?

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After a month of national party conventions and the first Flagstaff City Council candidate forum, we propose a thought experiment: What if the hyperpartisanship of the conventions were to be applied to local politics, while the nuts-and-bolts approach to dealing with municipal issues was injected into the race for president?

At first, it might be encouraging to think the best of both approaches could improve national and city governance. But on balance, what we witnessed at the conventions holds little promise for constructive problem-solving at either level, while the roundtable forum Thursday at Flagstaff High School showcased the kind of grassroots engagement that Congress and the White House would do well to emulate.

ROUNDTABLE ENGAGEMENT

Well start with the latter first. All eight candidates attended, and rather than crowd a stage to offer two-minute soundbites in answer to a question, they rotated among eight groups of citizens who developed their own initial questions, then engaged the candidate in follow-ups. It is a format that has become popular even at non-candidate gatherings, the better to drill down in face-to-face conversation from principle to policy to field-level practice. Another, similar approach is a highly moderated conversation with two or three candidates at a time.

Granted, the quality of the forum can depend on the compatibility of the group you draw and how up-to-speed its members are on the issues. In this case, Friends of Flagstaff Future, the sponsor, attracted citizens interested in growth management and natural resource protection. The next event sponsored by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, will likely focus on taxes, job creation and government red tape.

But thats OK because, taken together over the course of a campaign, voters, either in person or through press coverage, will get a sense of not only where candidates stand on issues but what specifically they have in mind to solve problems.

It was instructive, for example, to learn that while all candidates acknowledged that traffic congestion was getting worse, some had looked at big-ticket fixes like extra lanes on Milton or a bypass and concluded the cost would not be worth the marginal improvement. That shifted the conversation to alternatives to private vehicles, such as buses, vanpools and even bicycle lanes. Instead of leaving the audience with big promises about future but unspecified grand fixes, candidates were already letting voters know there would be no instant or easy solutions.

The same approach held for questions about high-occupancy housing in a town where costs are already high and sustainable water use amid looming global warming and drought in the Southwest. The supply of both housing and water is intertwined with future growth, jobs and a quality environment, so the candidates could not get away with a single approach that might be prescribed in a party platform.

GETTING THINGS DONE

That last point speaks to the nonpartisan politics in Flagstaff campaigns that mirrors the trend in local and state voter registration. Voters are seeing the divisiveness and gridlock in elected bodies dominated by party affiliation and have opted out. Independents are now the single biggest voting bloc in Flagstaff as well as Arizona, and surveys show they consistently vote for candidates who can cross party lines and get things done.

We dont say everything is perfect in nonpartisan Flagstaff. But at least elected officials acknowledge doubt and complexity, and when they have an opportunity to listen to other points of view, such as the F3 forum, they show up and engage. Thats important for sustaining trust in government -- we have to believe that, even though some might disagree with how a councilmember votes, citizens at least feel they were heard and that most options were weighed.

COMPROMISE IS FUTILE

Contrast that process to what goes on in the hyperpartisan world of state and national politics. Voters are led to believe by party leaders that there is no overlap in core beliefs and thus compromise is futile. When that strategy produces gridlock in Congress or, in Phoenix, a narrow, doctrinaire governing strategy that excludes moderates and liberals, voters react with the kind of anger that can be exploited by appeals to simplistic and narrow-minded solutions.

For the Republican Party in particular, their no-compromise approach has paved the way for a Trump candidacy that attacks all government as a failure and retreats to fear-mongering and name-calling over fact-finding and dialogue. The fact that America is more peaceful, prosperous and racially integrated than eight years ago is almost in spite of this countrys dysfunctional national politics and the Trumpism it spawed.

The Democratic convention, on the other hand, made broader appeals, but to a fault. Identify politics eventually has to get beyond the grievances and aspirations of particular interest groups to work out how new programs will be paid for and even whether government should play a role in them at all. Independents who are socially liberal but fiscally conservative rightly question whether either party can meld those two positions into a workable coalition, given the stridency and detail-free rhetoric of both conventions.

THINKING MUNICIPALLY

So call us parochial, but the parties could do worse than rethink their platforms in terms of what it takes to make a demographically diverse city with a balanced-budget mandate work. The answer would inevitably be to drop the dpgmatic policy litmus tests and cast as wide a net as possible for constructive solutions.

Cities are called the laboratories of democracy for a reason  they are not afraid to experiment, then use the best results, regardless of who gets the credit. And when nonpartisan municipal leaders disagree, they dont shut down the government or ram through ordinances regardless of citizen input. They go back to the public, then to the bargaining table. It is messy and time-consuming, but theres really no choice -- imagine a Flagstaff run like Congress and you soon wouldnt have a Flagstaff as we know it at all.
EDINBURG -- Police and local fire departments were searching Great Sacandaga Lake for a missing boater late Saturday.

The search began after a boat was spotted going in circles with no one aboard off South Shore Road shortly before 8 p.m.

The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office said the operator was believed to have been an 18-year-old man who fell out of the boat, but police did not release any other details about his identity. State Police divers and searchers on boats searched into late Saturday night, to no avail.

The search was suspended late Saturday but was scheduled to resume Sunday morning.

State Police, Fulton County sheriff's officers and firefighters from South Glens Falls, Corinth, Greenfield, Porter Corners and Galway were assisting with the search.
Editors note: This is part of a continuing series about local veterans and their experiences.

LAKE GEORGE  Whitehall High School senior Dennis Downs was in third period study hall when a secretary came in to speak with their teacher, Mr. Smith.

His face just completely changed, Downs said.

After the teacher was alerted, a TV was brought in and they began watching coverage of the events that were unfolding in New York, the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania. Like all Americans that day, he said they watched in shock and disbelief.

When 9/11 happened, that was my call, Downs said.

Downs enlisted in the U.S. Army after his graduation in June 2002.

After basic training, he trained as a construction engineer and was deployed to Korea for 15 months. In 2004, Downs volunteered for deployment to Iraq.

We got a call for our company of engineers for a platoon to deploy and I was ready, I was ready for something else.

Downs arrived in Iraq on Aug. 8, 2004. His unit was stationed near Ramadi, not far from Fallujah.

While in Iraq on what would be his first of two deployments to the country, Downs unit was tasked with building roads, sweeping for improvised explosive devices, and setting up checkpoints and roadblocks.

While manning a roadblock, a vehicle-borne IED was driven into the checkpoint, killing three combat engineers from his unit.

It was a nasty scene, he said. The investigators came out and plotted everything down and picked up all the different body parts.

Downs said losing men was always difficult on the unit, but said it was something they could not fully comprehend until the military funeral back at base.

It just rocks you right down to the soul, and just grown men standing at the position of attention crying, in tears just honoring and just remembering and owning it.

Downs said they worked together to get everyone through it, and as time went by, it got easier. He said when a unit took a casualty in one of its vehicles, other units would step in.

Another unit or different people would clean out all the remnants of their bodies so their own people wouldnt have to deal with that, he said.

As an engineer who also served one tour in Afghanistan, Downs worked with both Iraqi and Afghan civilians. He said he always worked to treat them with respect.

Downs said many of them said they were worried the enemy would learn they were working with the Americans and would kidnap their families. He said they told the civilians they would do everything to protect them, and in Iraq even told them they might be able to receive visas to the U.S.

Downs said he and his unit learned this was not to be the case.

Not too much of that actually happened. It was just false hope and empty promises.

It was around 1 a.m. April 8, 2010, when a mortar attack hit Downs base in Afghanistan. Running out of his shelter, Downs began to direct men into bunkers.

An 82 mm mortar came in off to my 11 oclock around 3 to 5 feet away is what I heard after the fact. It tossed me a good 10 feet and I landed right in front of the aid station door, he said.

Downs was left with wounds to his left leg and testicles. He was evacuated by helicopter along with two others who had been wounded in the attack.

Over the next two years, doctors tried a variety of techniques to reconstruct Downs leg. Finally, Downs said he had enough.

I just went up to (the doctor) and said, Its time to amputate.

On April 10, 2012, Downs had his leg removed. He said within a month he was running with a prosthetic. He was discharged in February 2013.

While in the hospital, Downs said he became dependent on morphine. He said when he returned home, he found a rental property in Dresden to stay at while he detoxed.

It was while at this rental property with his then-girlfriend that the Warren County Sherriffs Office responded to a domestic disturbance. Downs allegedly tried to strike one of the officers, and was arrested.

According to court records, Downs pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault with the understanding that if he did well with counseling and day reporting monitoring, all charges would be dismissed, which they eventually were.

Downs said even after kicking the morphine addiction, he still struggled with alcohol and marijuana. He said he began smoking marijuana to relieve pain, but over time he began keeping himself in an almost catatonic state.

Downs said he still drinks, but only socially.

Initially, when he returned home, Downs said he was sensitive to loud noises. He said the smell of diesel fuel would also remind him of his time in the military because of all the diesel vehicles his unit used.

According to Downs, this sensitivity has lessened in the past two or three years. He said he has largely accepted everything that happened to him and tries to live on positive side of life, but this has not always been easy.

When he came home, he struggled with survivors guilt and depression to the point where he contemplated suicide.

It felt like a quitting cop-out, but there were definitely times where I was there and I was ready, and if I had the testicles enough to do it I would have, and I wanted to so severely bad, he said.

Downs said what stopped him was the knowledge of what he had devoted his life to in the military. He said he felt it was not his decision to make.

It wasnt my life anymore, so much that it wasnt mine to take away from myself, he said.

Downs lives in Lake George, but he is hoping to move back to Whitehall in August with his girlfriend, Shawna Hart, and his daughter, Jazmyn. He is divorced, but said he and his ex-wife, who is still in the Army, are still on good terms.

After moving around so much, Downs said he is ready to settle down in one place.

Its time to get a piece of the earth that I have done so much for, in my opinion.
QUEENSBURY  If you are behind on your property taxes in Warren County, be forewarned that the countys procedure for sending properties to the annual auction have changed.

The county will hold its annual last chance meeting for tax-delinquent property owners three weeks later than usual this year. Those who attend the meeting with the Board of Supervisors get a chance to negotiate a payment plan to keep their properties from being sold. The meeting at Warren County Municipal Center is now scheduled for Aug. 29, with the annual auction set for Oct. 15.

Changes in the county attorneys office resulted in a scheduling switch this year, said Lexie Delurey, the countys director of real property and tax services. The county has a new attorney and staff who had not undertaken the legal paperwork for the sale, which resulted in a delay.

However, she said property owners will still have as much time to work out payment plans as they have had in past years, even with the move of the last chance meeting.

The number of properties eligible for auction is up this summer compared to last summer. Delurey said there were 229 parcels on the list as of Friday, the end of July, compared to 221 last year at the end of June. The figure declines through the summer as delinquent property owners pay up as they get closer to losing their property.

Delurey said her office had worked with a number of people in recent weeks who were making payments to stave off foreclosure, and the auction number will drop substantially.

We understand it is peoples homes and we dont want to take them, said Glens Falls 3rd Ward Supervisor Claudia Braymer.

Warrensburg Supervisor Kevin Geraghty, the county Board of Supervisors chairman and acting county administrator, pointed out that the board has, in the past, allowed property owners to have extensions to pay at the last minute.

Weve always been a county that works with people, Geraghty said.

The Board of Supervisors two years ago pulled a property from the auction hours before the auction was scheduled after the owner promised to pay off all that he owed. He did pay up hours before a deadline, months later.

Sept. 9 will be the last day to request an extension for tax payment.

The county sold 23 properties at the annual auction last year, bringing in $307,525 and paying off $139,705 that was owned in property taxes.